Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 46 in total

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  1. Soo CI, Ng BH, Tan EL, Abdul Hamid F
    SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2016;4:2050313X16650323.
    PMID: 27489719 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X16650323
    Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon lung malignancy of endothelial origin. Besides demonstrating unpredictable presentation features and prognosis, the paucity of established treatment guidelines remains a challenge in managing these patients. We present two patients. The first patient presented with chronic productive cough over 1-year duration. He was initially diagnosed and showed partial response to treatment for cardiac failure. A persistent right upper zone consolidation on chest radiograph prompted further investigations which revealed the diagnosis of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The second patient presented with right-sided hemiparesis for 1-month duration. Initial computer tomography scan of the brain showed findings of distant metastatic foci. Subsequent investigations revealed pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma as the primary lesion. Both patients succumbed without any treatment due to rapid progression of the disease. We believe that pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is undoubtedly rarely reported in south-east Asia region. In these two case reports, the patients were diagnosed in west and east Malaysia, respectively, in the same year (2015). Both cases highlight the increasing prevalence of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. We postulate that this could possibly be secondary to the advancement in diagnostic capabilities and improved healthcare facilities available in this region. Late presentation of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma generally results in grave prognosis. Further investigations are required to elucidate the nature of progression and therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
  2. Sooriyaghandan IV, Mohamad Jailaini MF, Nik Abeed NN, Ng BH, Yu-Lin AB, Shah SA, et al.
    BMC Pulm Med, 2023 Jan 10;23(1):10.
    PMID: 36627598 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02304-y
    BACKGROUND: Patient comfort during invasive and therapeutic procedures is important. The use of virtual reality (VR) devices during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) as a method of distraction to increase patient tolerability and improve satisfaction has not been investigated. We aim to assess the satisfaction and tolerability of participants undergoing FB with or without VR.

    METHODS: This was a single-center, open-label study on patients undergoing bronchoscopy, randomized into the control and interventional (VR) groups. The control group received standard care during FB. The interventional group was given a VR device during FB showing nature videos with soothing instrumental music. Pain, breathlessness, and cough were evaluated using a 10 cm visual analogue scale administered before and after FB. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Satisfaction questionnaire (5-point Likert scale) was given to participants post FB.

    RESULTS: Eighty participants enrolled, 40 in each arm. Median (IQR) satisfaction score in the VR group was 5.0 (3.0-5.0), and in the control group was 4.0 (3.0-5.0); (p 

  3. Ng BH, Nik Abeed NN, Ban AY, Abdul Hamid MF
    BMJ Case Rep, 2023 Aug 17;16(8).
    PMID: 37591627 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249927
    Managing a complicated pleural infection related to postsurgery can pose a clinical challenge, especially when initial interventions such as intercostal chest drain and antibiotics prove ineffective. We describe a man in his mid-60s who developed a recurrence of exudative pleural effusion caused by an oesophageal leak following laparoscopic total gastrectomy with Roux-y oesophagojejunostomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Surgical repairs and oesophageal stenting were performed to address the oesophageal leak. Despite attempts at intercostal chest tube drainage, ultrasonography-guided targeted drainage of the locule and antibiotics, he did not show any improvement. He was unfit for surgical decortication. Due to the risk of bleeding, we chose a modified dose of intrapleural alteplase 5 mg and DNase 5 mg at 12-hour intervals for a total of three doses. This led to the complete resolution of the effusion. This case highlights that intrapleural tPA/DNase can be an adjunctive therapy in postsurgery-related complicated pleural effusion.
  4. Ng BH, Ban AY, Nik Abeed NN, Abdul Hamid MF
    BMJ Case Rep, 2023 Dec 16;16(12).
    PMID: 38103910 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258049
    Chylothorax is a rare condition caused by pleural effusion resulting from thoracic duct injury. Recurrent chylothorax is often resistant to conservative treatment and presents a clinical conundrum in its management. Here, we report a compelling case of recurrent chylothorax that persisted despite the administration of total parenteral nutrition, octreotide and thoracic duct embolisation. The patient eventually required thoracic duct ligation and talc pleurodesis, which resulted in the resolution of the effusion. Our case is an illustrative example of the effective multidisciplinary management of recurrent bilateral idiopathic chylothorax.
  5. Ng BH, Mohd Aminudin NH, Nasaruddin MZ, Abdul Rahaman JA
    BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Feb 05;14(2).
    PMID: 33547099 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239702
    Patients with symptomatic complex malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are frequently unfit for decortication and have a poorer prognosis. Septations can develop in MPE, which may lead to failure of complete drainage and pleural infection. Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) is an alternative treatment. The use of IPFT in patients with anaemia and high risk for intrapleural bleeding is not well established. We report a successful drainage of complex haemoserous MPE with a single modified low-dose of intrapleural 5 mg of alteplase and 5 mg of dornase alfa in a patient with pre-existing anaemia with no significant risk of intrapleural bleeding.
  6. Tang IP, Kevin Ng BH, Prepageran N, Donald Ngian SL, Albert Sii HW
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 10;73(5):347-348.
    PMID: 30350824 MyJurnal
    Auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) is the only solution to restore hearing when cochlear nerves are disrupted together with the pathologies where bilateral cochleae do not provide a suitable location for cochlear implantation. We reported first two successful auditory brainstem implantation cases in patients with neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2) with bilateral acoustic neuroma causing bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss in Malaysia. A good candidate selection, dedicated surgeons and rehabilitation team as well as strong family support are the crucial factors in achieving the best possible surgical, audiological and speech outcomes.
  7. Ng BH, Low HJ, Nuratiqah NA, Soo CI, Imree A, Mas FMJ, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):897-900.
    PMID: 38159925
    INTRODUCTION: Fluoroscopic-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (FG-TBLB) is routinely performed via bronchoscopy to diagnose focal peripheral lesions and diffuse lung disease. Identifying the risk factors of FG-TBLB-related pneumothorax can assist the operator in taking pre-emptive measures to prepare for this potential complication.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 157 patients who underwent FG-TBLB, with the primary outcome being procedure-related pneumothorax. We assessed several risk factors for pneumothorax following FG-TBLB: patient characteristics, location of biopsy, number of biopsies and computed tomography pattern. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: One-hundred fifty-seven patients were included [mean (SD) age 57.9 (16.2) years; 60.5% male]. The most common location for FG-TBLB was the right upper lobe (n=45, 28.7%). The mean (SD) number of biopsy samples was 6.7 (2.1). Radiographic evidence of pneumothorax was reported in 12 (7.6%) patients, with 11 of those requiring intercostal chest tube intervention (mean air leak time: 5.7 days and 1 had persistent air leak requiring autologous blood patch pleurodesis. None experienced pneumothorax recurrence. Female gender and upper lobe location of the biopsy were identified as predisposing factors for pneumothorax. In the multivariable analysis, upper lobe biopsies were associated with a higher risk of pneumothorax (OR 0.120; 95% CI 0.015-0.963; p = 0.046).

    CONCLUSION: The overall rate of pneumothorax is low. We recognise the increased risk of pneumothorax associated with upper lobe biopsy. These findings suggest that clinicians should exercise caution when performing FGTBLB in this region and consider alternative biopsy locations whenever feasible. We suggest adequate planning and preparation should be implemented to minimise the risk of pneumothorax following FG-TBLB.

  8. Faisal M, Fazlin M, Ng BH, Nuratiqah N, Andrea YB
    Respir Med Case Rep, 2020;30:101111.
    PMID: 32518748 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101111
    Alteplase and pulmozyme (DNase) administered intrapleurally have revolutionised the management of pleural infection in the last decade. However, the use of intrapleural fibrinolytic has not been well established in high risks patients. Here, we describe 2 patients with high risk of bleeding due to recent surgery who developed empyema; successfully treated with these medications. The first patient was a 36-year-old female post oesophagectomy for oesophageal carcinoma, complicated with anastomotic leak and empyema; and the second patient was a 56-year-old female post percutaneous nephrolithotomy for right obstructive uropathy who developed right-sided empyema. Both patients were treated successfully with 3 doses of intrapleural alteplase 2.5 mg and DNase 5 mg without any major adverse effects. This case report adds to the current literature on the safety of intrapleural fibrinolytics and highlights that lower doses of alteplase in combination with pulmozyme is efficacious and may be considered in high-risk patients.
  9. Ng BH, Nuratiqah NA, Faisal AH, Soo CI, Low HJ, Najma K, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 09;75(5):485-489.
    PMID: 32918414
    BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has the potential to affect the mental health of health care workers (HCWs). It is known that HCWs who serve as front-liners during the COVID-19 pandemic experience stress and have the fear of contracting the infection. Little is known of how being a positive contact affects HCWs.

    OBJECTIVE: We examined the experience of HCWs who were quarantined following a close unprotected contact with a COVID-19 positive colleague and explore the psychological impact especially as the timing of the quarantine coincided with the Eid (annual Muslim festival) celebration in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional on-line questionnaire study, involving HCWs exposed to a COVID-19 positive colleague in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, a teaching hospital. Data on demographics, levels of depression, anxiety and stress using a validated depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) questionnaire, aspects of quarantine, wearing of masks, hand hygiene practice and swab experience were collected.

    RESULTS: Twenty-two HCWs participated. Eighteen (81.8%) were between 30-39 years and 17 (77.3%) were women. Majority 19 (86.3%) were Malays. There were twelve (54.5%) medical officers, 5 (22.7%) specialists and 5(22.7%) allied health staff. Eighteen out of 22 (81.8%) felt they were able to do home quarantine adequately. All tested negative with a mean (Standard Deviation) hour of contact of 2.56±2.38 hours. Eighteen reported their biggest concern was infecting their families.

    CONCLUSION: HCWs undergoing contact swabbing and quarantine are vulnerable to depression, anxiety and stress. The ability of the HCW to adequately home quarantine should not be taken for granted. Psychological support should be offered to HCWs who are positive contacts.
  10. Faisal M, Farhan R, Cheong XK, Ng BH, Nuratiqah N, Andrea Yl B
    Respir Med Case Rep, 2020;31:101168.
    PMID: 32714827 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101168
    Pleural infection is a common clinical condition leading to hospitalisation. In the last decade, advances in pleural research have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of complex effusion from a surgical approach to a less invasive non-surgical approach using a combination of intrapleural fibrinolytics and pulmozyme (DNase). We report 3 patients with pleural infection. Intercostal chest catheter failed to drain the complex effusion. They were subsequently treated with a modified short-course regimen of alteplase and DNase. They received 3 cycles of 16 mg alteplase with 5 mg DNase each within 24 hours and all three had a favourable outcome with no adverse effects. This modified regimen appears effective with good safety profile and adds to the current literature on the safety and effectiveness of different dose combinations of alteplase and DNase.
  11. Ng BH, Nik Abeed NN, Abdul Hamid MF, Soo CI, Low HJ, Ban AY
    Respirol Case Rep, 2020 Oct;8(7):e00624.
    PMID: 32685169 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.624
    Chylothorax is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and many need surgical intervention. We report a 69-year-old woman with refractory idiopathic chylothorax resistant to medium-chain triglyceride diet and intermittent thoracentesis. Lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy failed to identify the site of leakage. We initiated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 12 h before and 48 hours after talc pleurodesis. Chest drain was removed at day 3 and she was discharged at day 5. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful resolution of idiopathic refractory chylothorax with CPAP ventilation used in tandem with talc pleurodesis.
  12. Ng BH, Nik Abeed NN, Abdul Hamid MF, Soo CI, Low HJ, Ban AY
    Respirol Case Rep, 2020 Oct;8(7):e00621.
    PMID: 32685166 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.621
    Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a useful tool for refractory malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). It allows palliation by intermittent symptomatic relief of the effusion and improves quality of life. Its use in benign pleural effusions comes mainly from retrospective studies, case series, and case reports. Lupus effusion is common, causes minimal symptoms, and usually responds to either steroid therapy or immunosuppressants. Refractory lupus effusion is less common and treatment may require invasive surgical pleurectomy. We describe a 52-year-old woman whose first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was a pleural effusion refractory to steroids and immunosuppressants. She successfully achieved spontaneous pleurodesis with intermittent IPC drainage at three months.
  13. Abdul Hamid MF, Hasbullah AHH, Mohamad Jailaini MF, Nik Abeed NN, Ng BH, Haron H, et al.
    BMC Pulm Med, 2022 Nov 23;22(1):439.
    PMID: 36419155 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02239-w
    BACKGROUND: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) is one of the treatment options for complex pleural effusion. In this study, the IPFT agent used was alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). This study aims to determine the difference in the outcome of patients with complex pleural effusion between IPFT and surgery in terms of radiological improvement, inflammatory parameters, length of stay, and post-intervention complications.

    METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with complex pleural effusion treated at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center from January 2012 to August 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, chest imaging, drainage chart, inflammatory parameters, length of hospital stay, and post-intervention and outcome were analyzed.

    RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were identified (surgical intervention, n = 18; 31% and IPFT, n = 40, 69%). The mean age was 51.7 ± 18.2 years. Indication for surgical intervention was pleural infection (n = 18; 100%), and MPE (n = 0). Indications for IPFT was pleural infection (n = 30; 75%) and MPE (n = 10; 25%). The dosages of t-PA were one to five doses of 2-50 mg. The baseline chest radiograph in the IPFT group was worse than in the surgical intervention group. (119.96 ± 56.05 vs. 78.19 ± 55.6; p = 0.029) At week 1, the radiological success rate for IPFT and surgical intervention were 27% and 20%, respectively, and at weeks 4-8, the success rate was 56% and 80% respectively. IPFT was associated with lesser complications; fever (17.5%), chest pain (10%), and non-life-threatening bleeding (5%).

    CONCLUSION: IPFT was comparable to surgery in radiological outcome, inflammatory parameters, and length of stay with lesser reported complications.

  14. Faisal M, Nurhanis S, Nik Abeed NN, Ng BH, Ban AY
    Respirol Case Rep, 2020 Oct;8(7):e00639.
    PMID: 32774860 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.639
    Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) has revolutionized the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). IPC is relatively safe, although complications can occur. We report a 53-year-old woman with stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma and recurrent MPE. Two months post insertion, the IPC was blocked with residual effusion and presence of new loculations. Attempts to restore patency with six doses of intrapleural (IP) streptokinase failed. She was referred to our centre for further management. We used a single dose of 2.5 mg IP alteplase which was successful in establishing patency of the IPC and draining the effusion. This case highlights the safety and efficacy of IP alteplase via IPC following a failed instillation of streptokinase.
  15. Ng BH, Low HJ, Nik Nuratiqah NA, Faisal AH, Soo CI, Periyasamy P, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 07;76(4):454-460.
    PMID: 34305104
    INTRODUCTION: Knowledge and adequate practice of preventive measures among health care workers (HCWs) are important to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among doctors and nurses in the medical department in Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia between November 18, 2020 and December 18, 2020 during the third wave of COVID-19 epidemic in Malaysia. We studied the knowledge and practice of preventive measures of COVID-19 among doctors and nurses in the COVID-19 or sudden acute respiratory infection (SARI) wards and general medical wards. Data was collected using a validated self-designed google form online-questionnaire.

    RESULTS: A total of 407 subjects completed the study and 80.8% were females; 55.8% were aged between 30-39 years; 46.4% were medical doctors. The main source of COVID-19 knowledge was the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) website (35.1%). Majority (97%) had sufficient knowledge and 82% practiced proper preventive measures. Doctors had a higher mean knowledge score compared to nurses (p < 0.001). HCWs working in COVID-19 or SARI wards scored higher in knowledge questions compared to those in the general medical wards (p = 0.020). Nurses practiced better preventive measures (p < 0.001). Good knowledge could not be predicted based on professions (OR: 0.222, 95% CI: 0.048 - 1.028, p = 0.054). Majority were unable to recall the proper steps of donning (85.8%) and doffing (98.5%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Although majority had good knowledge and practiced proper preventive measures, there was a poor recall in donning and doffing steps regardless of place of practice. The MOH website is a useful platform for tailored continuous medical education and regular updates on COVID-19. Regular training and retraining on donning and doffing of PPE is needed to bridge this gap.

  16. Ng BH, Nik Abeed NN, Abdul Hamid MF, Soo CI, Low HJ, Ban YA
    Respirol Case Rep, 2020 Aug;8(6):e00604.
    PMID: 32607242 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.604
    Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020. We have since seen its fast spread worldwide. A likely contributing factor was the lack of symptoms of some of the carriers, making them unaware of their risk of spreading to other more vulnerable individuals. The other important finding has been the reported cases of infectivity despite lack of symptoms. We describe the SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patterns in asymptomatic individuals. The common computed tomography (CT) thorax patterns found are peripheral ground-glass opacification (GGO) with upper or lower lobe predominance. We believe screening for 2019-novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in high-risk individuals may help identify the patients needing longer follow-up.
  17. Nik Abeed NN, Faisal M, Ng BH, Ban Yu-Lin A
    BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Feb 19;14(2).
    PMID: 33608330 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-236116
    Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is the treatment of choice in managing symptomatic recurrent malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Loculated effusions following insertion may occur due to infection, catheter malfunction or the inflammatory nature of MPE. Loculations may lead to ineffective drainage and make the IPC non-functional. We report a 56-year-old man with symptomatic loculated malignant pleural effusion with an IPC, successfully drained with a single dose of 1 mg recombinant tissue plasminogen activator alteplase. This is the lowest dose currently applied in our centre for efficient drainage and improvement of dyspnoea.
  18. Ng BH, Low HJ, Nik Abeed NN, Jailaini MFM, Abdul Hamid MF, Ban Yu-Lin A
    Respirol Case Rep, 2023 May;11(5):e01143.
    PMID: 37065172 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1143
    We report a 35-year-old woman who presented with dyspnoea and chest pain for 1 week. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax revealed bilateral pneumothoraces with diffuse lung cysts. Bilateral intercostal chest tubes were inserted, and there was a persistent air leak (PAL) bilaterally. We performed an autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) for the left PAL. For the right PAL, she underwent a successful right video-assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery, wedge biopsy, and surgical pleurodesis. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The left pneumothorax recurred. An indwelling pleural catheter (Rocket® IPC™; Rocket Medical plc; WASHINGTON) was inserted and the patient was discharged after 1 day with an atrium pneumostat (Pneumostat™; Atrium Medical Corporation, Hudson, NH, USA) chest drain valve. The patient was initiated on Sirolimus 2 mg daily. The left PAL resolved at 6 weeks. This case highlights the benefit of IPC with an ambulatory pneumothorax device in a patient with LAM with PAL.
  19. Low BS, Ng BH, Choy WP, Yuen KH, Chan KL
    Planta Med, 2005 Sep;71(9):803-7.
    PMID: 16206032
    A validated HPLC analysis of eurycomanone (1), a bioactive quassinoid, in rat plasma following oral and intravenous administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack extract was developed for pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies. Relatively high plasma eurycomanone concentrations were detected after an intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg extract F2 containing 1.96 mg/kg of the quassinoid. However, it declined rapidly to zero after 8 h. Its mean elimination rate constant (k(e)), biological half-life (t(1/2)), volume of distribution (V(d)) and clearance (CL) were 0.88 +/- 0.19 h (-1), 1.00 +/- 0.26 h, 0.68 +/- 0.30 L/kg and 0.39 +/- 0.08 L/h/kg, respectively. Following oral administration of eurycomanone, its Cmax and Tmax values were detected as 0.33 +/- 0.03 microg/mL and 4.40 +/- 0.98 h, respectively. The plasma concentration of the quassinoid after oral administration was much lower than after intravenous application in spite of the oral dose being 5 times higher. The results indicate that eurycomanone is poorly bioavailable when given orally. A comparison of the AUC (0-->infinity) obtained orally to that obtained after an intravenous administration (normalized for dose differences) revealed that the absolute bioavailability of the compound was low with 10.5 %. Furthermore, the compound appeared to be well distributed in the extravascular fluids because of its relatively high V(d) value. The poor oral bioavailability was not attributed to instability problems because eurycomanone has been shown to be stable under different pH conditions. Thus, its poor oral bioavailability may be due to poor membrane permeability in view of its low P value and/or high first-pass metabolism.
  20. Ng BH, Tan JK, Andrea Ban YL, Faisal AH
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):181-183.
    PMID: 32281606
    In the past, many case series have reported the effectiveness of autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) in recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP), particularly in those who were unfit for surgery. We describe two cases of persistent air leak in pneumoconiosis and pulmonary fibrosis with bronchiectasis, whereby the techniques employed had improved the success rate of ABPP. The determining factors that lead to the success of ABPP were determined by the volume of autologous blood instilled, Trendelenburg position post instillation, and early chest physiotherapy with mobilisation by application of pneumostat.
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