MyMedR

Fulltext A Case of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Encephalitis as a Possible Complication of Cosmetic Nasal Dermal Filler Injection

Khoo CS, Tan HJ, Sharis Osman S

Am J Case Rep, 2018 Jul 13;19:825-828.

PMID: 30002360 DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.909883

BACKGROUND Dermal fillers are increasingly used for medical and aesthetic purposes in clinical practice. Common complications following filler injections include bruising, itching, infections, allergic reactions, and tissue necrosis. This case is the first report of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis as a possible complication of dermal filler injection. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old woman with no past medical history presented with altered mental state, headaches, and seizures. She had a nasal dermal filler injection for aesthetic purpose five weeks before her acute presentation. A diagnosis of HSV-1 encephalitis was made based on brain imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that showed bilateral frontotemporal lobe hyperintensity. Analysis of her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirmed the presence of HSV-1 DNA. Despite anti-viral treatment with acyclovir, she developed postencephalitic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights the possibility that among the complications of the use of cosmetic dermal fillers, the transmission of HSV-1 and the development of HSV-1 encephalitis should be recognized.

Fulltext A Treatable Encephalopathy in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient - Cefepime-Induced Encephalopathy

Khoo CS, Tee TY, Tan HJ, Ali RA

J Neurosci Rural Pract, 2019 4 20;10(2):324-326.

PMID: 31001027 DOI: 10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_315_18

We report a patient with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis, who developed encephalopathy after receiving a few doses of cefepime. He recovered clinically and electroencephalographically after having discontinued the culprit agent and undergone hemodialysis. This case highlights the importance of promptly recognizing this reversible encephalopathy, which can lead to the avoidance of unnecessary workup, reduce the length of hospital stay, and thereby improve the patients' outcome.

Fulltext A case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) presenting with acute urinary retention and T6 sensory level

Khoo CS, Ali AH, Remli R, Tan HJ

Clin Med (Lond), 2018 08;18(4):308-310.

PMID: 30072555 DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-4-308

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated demyelinating disease. Early recognition of this disease is crucial as it can progress to life-threatening conditions such as respiratory failure or autonomic dysfunction. Typical clinical manifestations of GBS include progressive weakness of the limbs, bulbar, facial muscles and ophthalmoplegia. Sensory level and bladder dysfunction are more suggestive of acute myelopathy. We report a case of GBS presenting with acute urinary retention and T6 sensory level, which was successfully treated with plasma exchange.

Fulltext A case of Hashimoto encephalopathy in a Malay woman with Graves disease

Ngiu CS, Ibrahim NM, Yahya WN, Tan HJ, Mustafa N, Basri H, et al.

BMJ Case Rep, 2009;2009.

PMID: 21709844 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.01.2009.1501

Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a poorly recognised steroid-responsive encephalopathy, with prominent neuropsychiatric features. Diagnosis is often difficult due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation, especially since the thyroid status or anti-thyroid antibody titres may not be related to the disease state. Here, the case of a 23-year-old Malay woman with Graves disease who presented with progressive encephalopathy diagnosed as HE is presented. She responded dramatically to high dose intravenous and then oral corticosteroid. A month after the initiation of treatment, she regained full independency.

A case series of super-refractory status epilepticus successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy

Tan HJ, Tee TY, Husin M, Khoo CS, Woon LS

Epileptic Disord, 2020 Dec 01;22(6):828-833.

PMID: 33337333 DOI: 10.1684/epd.2020.1233

Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a neurocritical emergency, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The precise pathophysiology is still not completely understood. The likelihood of spontaneous seizure termination reduces with time, and it is of paramount importance to abort status in order to prevent permanent long-term neurological sequelae and death. A few neuroprotective strategies, such as general anaesthesia, steroids, ketogenic diet and hypothermia, have been used to treat SRSE, however, the clinical outcome remains inconclusive. We herein present two cases of SRSE, which were successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after failing all pharmacological measures.

Fulltext ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the risk of resistance to antiepileptic drugs in epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Haerian BS, Roslan H, Raymond AA, Tan CT, Lim KS, Zulkifli SZ, et al.

Seizure, 2010 Jul;19(6):339-46.

PMID: 20605481 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.05.004

The C3435T, a major allelic variant of the ABCB1 gene, is proposed to play a crucial role in drug-resistance in epilepsy. The C/C genotype carriers reportedly are at higher risk of pharmacoresistance to AEDs, but only in some studies. The hypothesis of the C-variant associated risk and resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been hampered by conflicting results from inadequate power in case-control studies. To assess the role of C3435T polymorphism in drug-resistance in epilepsy, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

ABCC2 rs2273697 and rs3740066 polymorphisms and resistance to antiepileptic drugs in Asia Pacific epilepsy cohorts

Sha'ari HM, Haerian BS, Baum L, Saruwatari J, Tan HJ, Rafia MH, et al.

Pharmacogenomics, 2014 Mar;15(4):459-66.

PMID: 24624913 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.13.239

To examine the relevance of ABCC2 polymorphisms to drug responsiveness in epilepsy cohorts from the Asia Pacific region.

Fulltext Acute Thoracolumbar Myelitis Secondary To Intrathecal Chemotherapy

Cheong XK, Ng CF, Tan HJ, Remli R

J Neurosci Rural Pract, 2021 Oct;12(4):815-816.

PMID: 34737525 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735246

An unusual neurological complication from a garden-variety organism: post-melioidosis parkinsonism

Ng CS, Azmin S, Law ZK, Sahathevan R, Wan Yahya WN, Remli R, et al.

Med J Aust, 2015 Apr 06;202(6):333-4.

PMID: 25832163

An unusual rash and end-stage renal failure

Tan HJ, Eadington D

Hosp Med, 2001 Mar;62(3):176-7.

PMID: 11291470

Fulltext Anxiety among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a case-control study from a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia

Tan HJ, Shahren AAH, Khoo CS, Ng CF, Zaidi WAW, Kori N, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2023;14:1148019.

PMID: 37275980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1148019

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety has been increasingly recognized as part of the psychosocial health issues in COVID-19 patients. However, the impact of this topic may be underestimated in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors of anxiety in COVID-19 patients compared to controls in a local tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia.

METHODS: In this case-control study, we analyzed data on adult patients aged 18 years and above hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with matched hospitalized controls. The demographic, clinical data and anxiety measures using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: 86.6% in the COVID-19 group had anxiety, significantly higher than 13.4% in the control group (p = 0.001). The COVID-19 group was significantly associated with the GAD-7 severity (p = 0.001). The number of COVID-19 patients in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups was 48 (84.2%), 37 (86%), and 18 (94.7%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed significant predictors for anxiety, including COVID-19 diagnosis and neurological symptoms. Anxiety was found 36.92 times higher in the patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 (OR 36.92;95% CI 17.09, 79.78, p = 0.001). Patients with neurological symptoms were at risk of having anxiety (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.03, 8.41, p = 0.044).

DISCUSSION: COVID-19 patients experience a significant disruption in psychosocial functioning due to hospitalization. The burden of anxiety is notably high, compounded by a diagnosis of COVID-19 itself and neurological symptomatology. Early psychiatric referrals are warranted for patients at risk of developing anxiety symptoms.

Fulltext Assessing airflow limitation among smokers in a primary care setting

Chean KY, Rahim FF, Chin JS, Choi XL, Liew KW, Tan CC, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2018 May;25(3):78-87.

PMID: 30899189 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.3.8

Background: Many smokers have undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and yet screening for COPD is not recommended. Smokers who know that they have airflow limitation are more likely to quit smoking. This study aims to identify the prevalence and predictors of airflow limitation among smokers in primary care.
Methods: Current smokers ≥ 40 years old who were asymptomatic clinic attendees in a primary care setting were recruited consecutively for two months. We used a two-step strategy. Step 1: participants filled in a questionnaire. Step 2: Assessment of airflow limitation using a pocket spirometer. Multiple logistic regression was utilised to determine the best risk predictors for airflow limitation.
Results: Three hundred participants were recruited. Mean age was 58.35 (SD 10.30) years old and mean smoking history was 34.56 pack-years (SD 25.23). One in two smokers were found to have airflow limitation; the predictors were Indian ethnicity, prolonged smoking pack-year history and Lung Function Questionnaire score ≤ 18. Readiness to quit smoking and the awareness of COPD were low.
Conclusions: The high prevalence of airflow limitation and low readiness to quit smoking imply urgency with helping smokers to quit smoking. Identifying airflow limitation as an additional motivator for smoking cessation intervention may be considered. A two-step case-finding method is potentially feasible.
Study site: primary care clinic (outpatient clinic), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Association between ABCB1 polymorphism and response to sodium valproate treatment in Malaysian epilepsy patients

Haerian BS, Lim KS, Tan HJ, Mohamed EH, Tan CT, Raymond AA, et al.

Epileptic Disord, 2011 Mar;13(1):65-75.

PMID: 21388909 DOI: 10.1684/epd.2011.0419

Over-expression of P-glycoprotein, encoded by the ABCB1 gene, is proposed to be involved in resistance to antiepileptic drugs in about 30% of patients with epilepsy. Here, we investigated the possible association between ABCB1 polymorphisms and sodium valproate (VPA) treatment in Malaysian epilepsy patients. Genotypes were assessed in 249 drug-resistant and 256 drug-responsive Malaysian patients for C1236T, G2677T/A, and C 5T polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene. No genotypes, alleles, or haplotypes were associated with the response to VPA in either the overall group or Chinese, Indian, and Malay subgroups. Our data suggest that C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene do not contribute to the response to VPA in patients with epilepsy.

Association of BDNF Polymorphisms with the Risk of Epilepsy: a Multicenter Study

Sha'ari HM, Haerian BS, Baum L, Tan HJ, Rafia MH, Kwan P, et al.

Mol Neurobiol, 2016 07;53(5):2869-2877.

PMID: 25876511 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9150-1

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Evidence suggested that abnormal activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contributes to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Some previous studies identified association between genetic variants of BDNF and risk of epilepsy. In this study, this association has been examined in the Hong Kong and Malaysian epilepsy cohorts. Genomic DNA of 6047 subjects (1640 patients with epilepsy and 4407 healthy individuals) was genotyped for rs6265, rs11030104, rs7103411, and rs7127507 polymorphisms by using Sequenom MassArray and Illumina HumanHap 610-Quad or 550-Duo BeadChip arrays techniques. Results showed significant association between rs6265 T, rs7103411 C, and rs7127507 T and cryptgenic epilepsy risk (p = 0.00003, p = 0.0002, and p = 0.002, respectively) or between rs6265 and rs7103411 and symptomatic epilepsy risk in Malaysian Indians (TT vs. CC, p = 0.004 and T vs. C, p = 0.0002, respectively) as well as between rs6265 T and risk of cryptogenic epilepsy in Malaysian Chinese (p = 0.005). The Trs6265-Crs7103411-Trs7127507 was significantly associated with cryptogenic epilepsy in Malaysian Indians (p = 0.00005). In conclusion, our results suggest that BDNF polymorphisms might contribute to the risk of epilepsy in Malaysian Indians and Chinese.

Fulltext Belly dancer syndrome induced by salbutamol

Wong CK, Ng CF, Tan HJ, Wan Yahya WNN

BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Feb 26;14(2).

PMID: 33637510 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-241244

Fulltext Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis with Guillain-Barré syndrome overlap following chlamydia infection

Wong CK, Ng CF, Tan HJ, Mukari SAM

BMJ Case Rep, 2021 May 24;14(5).

PMID: 34031085 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242090

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare autoimmune encephalitis characterised by ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and altered consciousness. An overlap between BBE with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) shows similar clinical and immunological features. We report a case of BBE with GBS overlap secondary to Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. The triad of altered consciousness, ataxia and ophthalmoplegia were present in the patient. The investigations included cerebrospinal fluid cytoalbuminological dissociation, nerve conduction test that showed prolonged or absent F wave latencies, hyperintensity in the left occipital region on brain MRI and diffuse slow activity on the electroencephalogram. The chlamydia serology was positive indicating a postinfectious cause of BBE syndrome. He required artificial ventilation as his consciousness level deteriorated with tetraparesis, oropharyngeal and respiratory muscle weakness. Immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone was commenced. He made good recovery with the treatment. Prompt recognition of this rare condition following chlamydia infection is important to guide the management.

Fulltext Biochemical aspirin resistance in stroke patients - a cross-sectional single centre study

Azmin S, Sahathevan R, Rabani R, Nafisah WY, Tan HJ, Raymond AA, et al.

EXCLI J, 2013;12:907-15.

PMID: 27092036

BACKGROUND: Aspirin use is known to reduce the recurrence of stroke. However, the clinical response to aspirin has been mixed. The rate of stroke recurrence whilst on aspirin treatment is still unacceptably high. A plausible explanation for this may be resistance to the effects of aspirin. The causes of aspirin resistance are manifold and multi-factorial. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence rate of biochemical aspirin resistance in a cohort of aspirin-naïve stroke patients. We also sought to determine the inherent factors that may predispose towards the development of aspirin resistance.
METHOD: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted on patients admitted to our centre with an acute stroke who were aspirin-naïve. The diagnosis of an acute stroke was confirmed by clinical history and brain imaging. Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Socio-demographic data were collected and baseline blood investigations were performed. Patients were tested for biochemical aspirin resistance using Multiplate platelet analyser (Dynabyte, Munich, Germany) after 5 doses of aspirin, corresponding to a total dose of 900 mg.
RESULTS: The median age of patients was 65.5 years and 54 % of patients were female. There were 11 smokers; of these 10 were male. Twenty-six (52 %) patients were Chinese, 21 (41 %) were Malay and 3 (6.0 %) were Indian. Aspirin resistance was present in 14 % of our patients. There was an inverse relationship between the presence of aspirin resistance and plasma HDL levels (r = -0.394; p = 0.005). There was no relationship observed between aspirin resistance and total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HbA1c, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine levels. There were no significant differences in demographic profiles or smoking status between the aspirin resistant and non-aspirin resistant groups. We did not find any link between ethnicity and aspirin resistance.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a lower HDL level is associated with biochemical aspirin resistance. This may increase platelet aggregation and consequently increase the risk of a recurrent stroke. The clinical implications for aspirin resistance are far reaching. Any evidence that correctable factors may negatively influence the action of aspirin warrants further investigation. The prevalence rate of biochemical aspirin resistance in our study is comparable to the findings in other studies performed in an Asian population. Further research is required to determine how our findings translate into clinical aspirin resistance and stroke recurrence.
KEYWORDS: Asia; antiplatelet therapy; aspirin; aspirin resistance; developing countries; ischaemic stroke; risk factors

Brain waves spectral analysis of human responses to odorous and non-odorous substances: a preliminary study

Chow XH, Ting CM, Wan Hamizan AK, Zahedi FD, Tan HJ, Remli R, et al.

J Laryngol Otol, 2024 Mar;138(3):301-309.

PMID: 37259908 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215123000919

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the potential electrophysiological biomarkers of human responses by comparing the electroencephalogram brain wave changes towards lavender versus normal saline in a healthy human population.

METHOD: This study included a total of 44 participants without subjective olfactory disturbances. Lavender and normal saline were used as the olfactory stimulant and control. Electroencephalogram was recorded and power spectra were analysed by the spectral analysis for each alpha, beta, delta, theta and gamma bandwidth frequency upon exposure to lavender and normal saline independently.

RESULTS: The oscillatory brain activities in response to the olfactory stimulant indicated that the lavender smell decreased the beta activity in the left frontal (F7 electrode) and central region (C3 electrode) with a reduction in the gamma activity in the right parietal region (P4 electrode) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Olfactory stimulants result in changes of electrical brain activities in different brain regions, as evidenced by the topographical brain map and spectra analysis of each brain wave.

CYP3A5 genetic variants and their associations with carbamazepine and valproic acid response in Malaysian epileptic patients

Miyata-Nozaka Y, Tan HJ, Wong SW, Raymond AA, Omar H, Zain SM

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2021 Jan;59(1):8-16.

PMID: 33026315 DOI: 10.5414/CP203761

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Approximately 30 - 40% of epileptic patients do not respond to antiepileptic drugs. Previous studies suggest that CYP3A5 polymorphisms affect carbamazepine metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To examine this hypothesis, in the present study, the associations between CYP3A5 variants (rs776746 and rs1419745) and response to carbamazepine and valproic acid monotherapy in Malaysian epileptic patients were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 288 Malaysian epileptic patients were recruited and further reviewed, of whom 63 patients were on carbamazepine monotherapy, and 85 patients were on valproic acid monotherapy. There was no patient with drug hypersensitivity syndrome within the population. Subjects were genotyped by using Sequenom MassARRAY platform. This study found a significant association of CYP3A5 rs776746 with the carbamazepine treatment response in total patients (p = 0.026) and Malay ethnic subgroup (p = 0.006). In addition, a marginal significant association of CYP3A5 rs1419745 with carbamazepine treatment response was reported in the Malays. Similarly, CYP3A5 rs776746 was associated with valproic acid response in total patients (p = 0.037) and Malays (marginal p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CYP3A5 polymorphisms affect carbamazepine and valproic acid response in Malaysian epileptic patients.

Fulltext Case Series of Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome Treated With Plasmapheresis: Experience From Two Tertiary Hospitals

Lim KY, Chia YK, Khoo CS, Tan HJ

J Clin Neurol, 2022 Jan;18(1):117-119.

PMID: 35021290 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.1.117

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