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Fulltext Extrapulmonary sarcoidosis: unusual cause of epiphora

Ramlee N, Ramli N, Liza-Sharmini AT

Singapore Med J, 2007 Jun;48(6):e168-70.
PMID: 17538739

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology mainly affecting African-Americans, Scandinavians, and the Irish. However, individuals of other races and ethnicities are still not immune. The clinical presentations vary widely with most patients having some respiratory problems. Though extrapulmonary sarcoidosis is no longer rare, sarcoidosis involving the lacrimal sac is an infrequently-reported problem. We present a case of sarcoidosis involving the lacrimal sac in a 42-year-old Malay woman who presented with epiphora. She was successfully treated with steroids and dacryocystorhinostomy. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. It is suggested that in an unusual presentation of sarcoidosis, a thorough search should be made for localisation of other sites, lungs in particular, even in the absence of respiratory complaints.
rTES-30USM: cloning via assembly PCR, expression, and evaluation of usefulness in the detection of toxocariasis

Norhaida A, Suharni M, Liza Sharmini AT, Tuda J, Rahmah N

Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 2008 Mar;102(2):151-60.
PMID: 18318937 DOI: 10.1179/136485908X252250

Currently, the laboratory diagnosis of toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara canis or T. cati, mainly relies on serological tests. Unfortunately, however, the specificities of most of the commercial tests that are available for the serodiagnosis of this disease are not very high and this may cause problems, especially in tropical countries where co-infections with other helminths are common. In an effort to develop a serological assay with improved specificity for the detection of Toxocara infection, an IgG(4)-ELISA based on a recombinant version (rTES-30USM) of the 30-kDa Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen (TES-30) has recently been developed. To produce the antigen, the TES-30 gene was cloned via assembly PCR, subcloned into a His-tagged prokaryotic expression vector, and purified by affinity chromatography using Ni(2+)-nitrilotriacetic-acid (Ni-NTA) resin. The performance of the ELISA based on the recombinant antigen was then compared with that of commercial kit, based on an IgG-ELISA, for the serodiagnosis of toxocariasis (Toxocara IgG-ELISA; Cypress Diagnostics, Langdorp, Belgium). Both assays were used to test 338 serum samples, including 26 samples from probable cases of toxocariasis. Assuming that all the probable cases were true cases, the assay based on rTES-30USM demonstrated a sensitivity of 92.3% (24/26) and a specificity of 89.6% (103/115) whereas the commercial kit exhibited a sensitivity of 100% (26/26) but a specificity of only 55.7% (64/115). The high sensitivity and specificity exhibited by the new IgG(4)-ELISA should make the assay a good choice for use in tropical countries and any other area where potentially cross-reactive helminthic infections are common.
Fulltext Sequelae of neglected senile cataract

Azhany Y, Hemalatha C, Nani D, Rosediani M, Liza-Sharmini A

Malays Fam Physician, 2013;8(1):33-7.
PMID: 25606266 MyJurnal

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. An attack of phacolytic and phacomorphic glaucoma as a result of neglected cataract constitutes a medical emergency that must be addressed immediately. Ocular emergencies such as these is challenging for the surgeon with guarded or poor prognosis. We describe the presentation, management and prognosis of three cases of phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma. All three patients underwent aggressive management of intraocular pressure. Despite successful cataract operation with implantation of intraocular lens, there was only mild improvement of the vision. Optic nerve and pupil functions were permanently affected following the insult. Phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma present a very challenging problem to the surgeon with poor visual outcome. Public health education and awareness are important and health workers should encourage patients with cataract to seek early treatment for better prognosis.
Fulltext Leucocoria in a boy with Kawasaki disease: a diagnostic challenge

Che Mahiran CD, Alagaratnam J, Liza-Sharmini AT

Singapore Med J, 2009 Jul;50(7):e232-4.
PMID: 19644606

Retinoblastoma, the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood, usually presents in the first three years of life. Atypical presentation of retinoblastoma can masquerade as virtually any ocular or orbital pathology, which may lead to diagnostic dilemmas especially in the presence of other systemic diseases. We report a 20-month-old boy who was diagnosed with coronary aneurysm as a complication of Kawasaki disease, and presented with sudden left eye redness. His mother noticed the presence of white pupillary reflex three months earlier. Atypical acute ocular presentation secondary to Kawasaki disease was initially suspected, but the presence of multiple calcification and mild proptosis on imaging suggested characteristics of advanced retinoblastoma. Histopathological examination of the enucleated eye, which revealed a classical rosette pattern appearance, confirmed the diagnosis. Atypical presentations of retinoblastoma are usually associated with advanced disease. The presence of other systemic conditions further complicates the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important to reduce the mortality and morbidity.
Fulltext Identification of MYOC gene mutation and polymorphism in a large Malay family with juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma

Mimivati Z, Nurliza K, Marini M, Liza-Sharmini A

Mol Vis, 2014;20:714-23.
PMID: 24883016

PURPOSE:
To screen for mutations in the coding region of the myocilin (MYOC) gene in a large Malay family with juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma (JOAG).

METHODS:
A total of 122 family members were thoroughly examined and screened for JOAG. Venipuncture was conducted. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. The presence of a mutation and a polymorphism was ascertained with PCR amplification followed by the direct sequencing technique.

RESULTS:
Thirty-two of the 122 screened family members were identified to have JOAG (11 new cases and 21 known cases). An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance was observed. A C→A substitution at position 1440 in exon 3 that changes asparagine (AAC) to lysine (AAA) was identified in affected family members except two probands (III:5 and IV:6). Six probands were identified as having the Asn480Lys mutation but have not developed the disease yet. An intronic polymorphism IVS2 730 +35 G>A was also identified. There was a significant association between Asn480Lys (p<0.001) and IVS2 730+35G>A (p<0.001) in the affected and unaffected probands in this family.

CONCLUSIONS:
The Asn480Lys mutation and the IVS2 730+35 G>A polymorphism increased susceptibility to JOAG in this large Malay pedigree. Identifying the MYOC mutations and polymorphisms is important for providing presymptomatic molecular diagnosis.
Fulltext Lens-induced glaucoma in a tertiary centre in northeast of Malaysia

Azhany Y, Norhayati A, Siti Raihan I, Liza Sharmini AT

Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(2):48-52.
PMID: 25883765 MyJurnal

To determine the clinical presentations, management and outcome of lens-induced glaucoma (LIG) in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Fulltext Dengue related maculopathy and foveolitis

Juanarita J, Azmi MN, Azhany Y, Liza-Sharmini AT

Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2012 Sep;2(9):755-6.
PMID: 23570008 DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60223-8

A 24 year-old Malay lady presented with high grade fever, myalgia, generalized rashes, severe headache and was positive for dengue serology test. Her lowest platelet count was 45 × 10(9) cells/L. She complained of sudden onset of painlessness, profound loss of vision bilaterally 7 days after the onset of fever. On examination, her right eye best corrected vision was 6/30 and left eye was 6/120. Her anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Funduscopy revealed there were multiple retinal haemorrhages found at posterior pole of both fundi and elevation at fovea area with subretinal fluid. Systemic examination revealed normal findings except for residual petechial rashes. She was managed conservatively. Her vision improved tremendously after 2 months. The retinal hemorrhages and foveal elevation showed sign of resolving. Ocular manifestations following dengue fever is rare. However, bilateral visual loss can occur if both fovea are involved.
Fulltext Ocular findings in Malaysian children with Down syndrome

Liza-Sharmini AT, Azlan ZN, Zilfalil BA

Singapore Med J, 2006 Jan;47(1):14-9.
PMID: 16397715

Down syndrome was first described as Mongoloid children with European parentage. Although their facial features resemble Orientals or Asians, ocular findings have not been well-documented in Asians, especially Malaysians. Our aim was to identify the ocular findings of Malaysian children with Down syndrome.
Fulltext Anterior Segment Biometry in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Patients with Visual Field Progression: Comparison between Malays and Chinese

Neoh FP, Y A, Siti AA, Liza-Sharmini AT

J Curr Glaucoma Pract, 2023;17(1):3-8.
PMID: 37228307 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10078-1391

OBJECTIVE: To compare anterior segment biometry parameters in progress and non-progress primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) among Malay and Chinese patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2015 and December 2016 involving 75 patients with PACG (43 Malays and 32 Chinese) who were recruited from a single glaucoma center in Malaysia. Ocular examination included anterior segment biometry measurements on the selected eye. Axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurement was done using a noncontact partial coherence interferometer (IOL Master, Carl Zeiss, Germany). Anterior chamber angle (ACA) was measured by Anterior Segment-OCT (Spectralis Heidelberg, Germany). Humphrey visual field (HVF) 24-2 analysis of the same eye was conducted and compared with the HVF when diagnosis was made. Progression of PACG patients was assessed according to the Hodapp, Parrish and Anderson's (HPA) classification, they were then divided into progress and non-progress groups. Comparison of anterior segment biometry parameters between Malay and Chinese PACG patients with and without progression was analyzed using independent T test. Multivariate ANOVA analysis was used to compare the anterior segment parameters between progress and non-progress PACG patients, with adjustment for age, gender, lens status, family history and presence of diabetes mellitus.
RESULTS: Chinese PACG patients have significant shorter AL (22.18 mm ± 0.76) and narrower ACA (11.96° ± 6.00) compared to Malay PACG patients. Among the progress group, Chinese PACG patients have significant shorter AL, shallower ACD and narrower ACA compared to Malays. However, after controlling for confounding factors, there was significant difference in ACA between Malay and Chinese PACG. There was also no significant difference of ocular biometry measurement between Chinese and Malay patients in progress and non-progress group.
CONCLUSION: There was racial influence in ocular biometry measurement in PACG patients. Chinese have significant narrower ACA compared to Malays. Serial AS-OCT monitoring is important in management of PACG.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Neoh FP, Azhany Y, Siti-Azrin AH, et al. Anterior Segment Biometry in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Patients with Visual Field Progression: Comparison between Malays and Chinese. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(1):3-8.
Fulltext Kingella kingae Keratitis in a Child with Underlying Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Nurul-Laila S, Chai KS, Liza-Sharmini AT, Shatriah I

Case Rep Ophthalmol Med, 2017;2017:1087821.
PMID: 28546880 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1087821

Kingella kingae had rarely been reported as a causative organism for corneal ulcer and had not been described before in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Generally regarded as commensals of respiratory tract particularly in young children, it had however been isolated from the corneal ulcer scraping of both adult and children. We report a case of bacterial ulcer with isolation of Kingella kingae from the corneal scraping in a young child with underlying VKC.
Fulltext Recurrent bilateral occipital infarct with cortical blindness and anton syndrome

Kwong Yew K, Abdul Halim S, Liza-Sharmini AT, Tharakan J

Case Rep Ophthalmol Med, 2014;2014:795837.
PMID: 24744933 DOI: 10.1155/2014/795837

Bilateral cortical blindness and Anton syndrome, are most commonly caused by ischaemic stroke. In this condition, patients have loss of vision but deny their blindness despite objective evidence of visual loss. We report a case of a patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who developed recurrent bilateral occipital lobe infarct with Anton syndrome. A suspicion of this condition should be raised when the patient has denial of blindness in the presence of clinical and radiological evidence of occipital lobe injury. Management of this condition should focus on the underlying cause, in which our patient requires secondary stroke prevention and rehabilitation.
Fulltext Clinical presentation, severity and progression of primary angle closure in malays

Liza-Sharmini AT, Sharina YN, Dolaboladi AJ, Zaid NA, Azhany Y, Zunaina E

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Feb;69(1):21-6.
PMID: 24814624 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: There is limited knowledge on primary angle closure (PAC) in Malays. Understanding the clinical presentation and progression of PAC in Malays is important for prevention of blindness in Southeast Asia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective record review study was conducted on Malay patients seen in the eye clinic of two tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. Based on the available data, Malay patients re-diagnosed as primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) based on the International Society Geographical Epidemiological classification. Clinical data was collected from initial presentation including the presence of acute primary angle closure until at least 5 years follow up. Progression was defined based on gonioscopic changes, vertical cup to disc ratio (VCDR), intraocular pressure (IOP) and Humphrey visual field (HVF) analysis. Progression and severity of PACG was defined based Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson classification on reliable HVF central 24-2 or 30-2 analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (200 eyes) with at least 5 years follow up were included. 94 eyes (47%) presented with APAC. During initial presentation, 135 eyes (67.5%) were diagnosed with glaucomatous changes with 91 eyes already blind. After 5 years of follow up, 155 eyes (77.5%) progressed. There was 4 times risk of progression in eyes with PAC (p=0.071) and 16 times risk of progression in PACG (p=0.001). Absence of laser peripheral iridotomy was associated with 10 times the risk of progression.

CONCLUSION: Angle closure is common in Malays. Majority presented with optic neuropathy at the initial presentation and progressed further. Preventive measures including promoting public awareness among Malay population is important to prevent blindness.

Study site: Eye clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital
Raja Perempuan Zainab II
Fulltext Monsoon and primary acute angle closure in Malaysia

Ch'ng TW, Mosavi SA, Noor Azimah AA, Azlan NZ, Azhany Y, Liza-Sharmini AT

Med J Malaysia, 2013 Oct;68(5):410-4.
PMID: 24632871 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Acute angle closure (AAC) without prompt treatment may lead to optic neuropathy. Environmental factor such as climate change may precipitate pupillary block, the possible mechanism of AAC.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of northeast monsoon and incidence of AAC in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on AAC patients admitted to two main tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia between January 2001 and December 2011. The cumulative number of rainy day, amount of rain, mean cloud cover and 24 hours mean humidity at the estimated day of attack were obtained from the Department of Meteorology, Malaysia.

RESULTS: A total 73 cases of AAC were admitted with mean duration of 4.1SD 2.0 days. More than half have previous history of possibility of AAC. There was higher incidence of AAC during the northeast monsoon (October to March). There was also significant correlation of number of rainy day (r=0.718, p<0.001), amount of rain (r=0.587, p<0.001), cloud cover (r=0.637, p<0.001), mean daily global radiation (r=- 0.596, P<0.001), 24 hours mean temperature (r=-0.298, p=0.015) and 24 hours mean humidity (r=0.508, p<0.001) with cumulative number of admission for AAC for 12 calendar months.

CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of AAC during northeast monsoon suggested the effect of climate as the potential risk factor. Prompt treatment to arrest pupillary block and reduction of the intraocular pressure is important to prevent potential glaucomatous damage. Public awareness of AAC and accessibility to treatment should be part of preparation to face the effect of northeast monsoon.
Mean target intraocular pressure and progression rates in chronic angle-closure glaucoma

Sharmini AT, Yin NY, Lee SS, Jackson AL, Stewart WC

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, 2009 Feb;25(1):71-5.
PMID: 19232007 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2008.0061

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for progression in chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) patients.
An improved rapid genotyping method for the study of beta-2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms using single tube allele specific multiplex PCR

Zilfalil BA, Hoh BP, Nizam MZ, Liza-Sharmini AT, Teh LK, Ismail R

J Clin Pharm Ther, 2006 Dec;31(6):637-40.
PMID: 17176369

Seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified so far, within the beta-2 receptor (beta(2) AR) gene. The presence of so many SNPs within the beta(2) AR gene causes a problem, for those studying beta(2) AR pharmacogenetics, in relation to which SNPs to choose. Most of the work has focused on the three common SNPs within the coding block (alleles 16, 27 and 164) and the techniques developed have been for these three functionally important alleles.
The efficacy of timolol in gel-forming solution after morning or evening dosing in Asian glaucomatous patients

Ong LB, Liza-Sharmini AT, Chieng LL, Cheong MT, Vengadasalam SR, Shin HC, et al.

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, 2005 Oct;21(5):388-94.
PMID: 16245965

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of timolol gel-forming solution as a monotherapy and to compare the efficacy of timolol gel-forming solution morning instillation versus at night application in Asians with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma.
Fulltext Cyanoacrylate tissue glue for wound repair in early posttrabeculectomy conjunctival bleb leak: a case series

Haslinda AR, Azhany Y, Noor-Khairul R, Zunaina E, Liza-Sharmini AT

Int Med Case Rep J, 2015;8:145-50.
PMID: 26229511 DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S83821

We demonstrated a noninvasive management of early bleb leak following trabeculectomy using cyanoacrylate tissue glue (CATG). Three patients who underwent augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin C with early bleb leak between January 2009 and June 2010 were reviewed. Case 1 and Case 2 exhibited bleb leak on postoperative Day 1 and Case 3 showed leak on follow-up at postoperative Day 7. Case 1 was successfully sealed with CATG at postoperative Day 3, after failed pressure padding and bandage contact lens. Case 2 was successfully sealed with CATG at postoperative Day 3, after failed pressure padding and conjunctiva flap resuturing. In Case 3, the leaking conjunctival flap was managed with combined techniques of resuturing and applying CATG at postoperative Day 9, after failed pressure padding. During leakage, the intraocular pressure was low (6-8 mmHg) in all three cases, with shallow anterior chamber depth and absence of other complications such as choroidal detachment, hypotony maculopathy, or endophthalmitis. Foreign body sensation was the main complaint following the procedure. No clinical allergy reaction was documented. CATG may serve as a potential adjunctive and effective method in the management of posttrabeculectomy early bleb leak.
Fulltext Clinical presentation, severity and progression of primary angle closure in malay and chinese patients

Liza-Sharmini AT, Ng GF, Nor-Sharina Y, Khairil Anuar MI, Nik Azlan Z, Azhany Y

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):245-51.
PMID: 25934953 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical presentation, severity and progression of primary angle closure between Chinese and Malays residing in Malaysia.

METHODS: A comparative retrospective record review study was conducted involving one hundred (200 eyes) Malay and fifty eight (116 eyes) Chinese patients. They were selected from medical records of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan and Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia. The selected patients were re-diagnosed based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological classification. The clinical data on presentation including the presence of systemic diseases were documented. Progression of the disease was based on available reliable visual fields and optic disc changes of patients who have been on follow-up for at least five years.

RESULTS: Malay patients presented at older age (61.4 years SD 8.4) compared to Chinese (60.6 years SD 8.3). There was significant higher baseline Intraocular Pressure (IOP) among Malays (34.7 SD 18.5mmHg) compared to Chinese (30.3 SD 16.7mmHg) (p=0.032). The Chinese patients presented with significantly better visual acuity (p<0.001) and less advanced cup to disc changes (p=0.001) compared to Malays. Malay patients progressed faster than the Chinese. Majority progressed within 1 year of diagnosis. Malays without laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) have a 4 fold (95% CI 1.4, 10.9) risk of progression. Higher baseline IOP, more advanced visual field defect and absence of LPI was identified as significant predictors associated with progression.

CONCLUSION: The Malays presented with more advanced angle closure glaucoma as compared to the Chinese in Malaysia. Aggressive disease progression was observed in Malays with the onset of optic neuropathy. Effective public awareness and aggressive management is important to prevent blindness in the Malaysian population.
Use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for treatment of recalcitrant anterior uveitis: A case series

Patrick S, Hui-Tze C, Wan-Hazabbah WH, Zunaina E, Azhany Y, Liza-Sharmini AT

J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Oct;13(5):483-487.
PMID: 31435366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.03.005

Management of inflammation after surgery for recalcitrant anterior uveitis is challenging. Herein, we report successful treatment using intracameral injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in two patients with recalcitrant anterior uveitis, due to infective uveitis and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, respectively. A 40-year-old woman presented with bilateral redness and vision reduction that had persisted 2 weeks. She also had bilateral anterior uveitis, vasculitis, retinitis, and optic disc swelling. Serology was positive for Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii. She was treated using long-term systemic corticosteroids and appropriate antibiotics. Our second case; a healthy 30-year-old man with bilateral eye redness and reduced vision without pain, and associated with headache and tinnitus for 1 weeks. He showed bilateral granulomatous inflammation with vitritis, choroiditis, retinitis, and hyperemic optic disc. The patient was diagnosed with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease and treated with systemic corticosteroids. Both patients developed secondary cataracts and glaucoma that necessitated surgical intervention. Persistent chronic inflammation led to the formation of a thick fibrin membrane anterior to the intraocular lens (IOL) after phacoemulsification surgery with IOL implantation. This membrane was removed surgically, and intracameral injection of rtPA (25 μg) was carried out. The persistent inflammation had resolved and visual acuity had significantly improved within 1 week of intracameral rtPA injection. There were no reported ocular or systemic side effects. Intracameral rtPA is beneficial in patients with recalcitrant anterior uveitis who have undergone intraocular surgery. In most cases, surgical intervention improves the patients' vision. Intracameral rtPA should be considered in cases of persistent inflammation of varying etiology.
Fulltext Optic disc topography in Malay patients with normal-tension glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma

Adlina AR, Alisa-Victoria K, Shatriah I, Liza-Sharmini AT, Ahmad MS

Clin Ophthalmol, 2014;8:2533-9.
PMID: 25540578 DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S71136

There are limited data concerning the optic disc topography in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients living in Southeast Asian countries. This study aims to compare optic disc parameters in patients with NTG and POAG in Malaysia and to discuss the results in comparison with studies of NTG and POAG in other Asian countries.

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