Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 25 in total

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  1. Wong KW
    BMJ Case Rep, 2015 Jan 16;2015.
    PMID: 25596289 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-208060
    We report a case of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed after a patient was treated successfully with intravenous cyclophosphamide for her active proliferative lupus nephritis (classes III and V). After the intravenous cyclophosphamide regimen, the patient was asymptomatic with persistent microscopic haematuria, and no proteinuria. The renal cell carcinoma was located on the left kidney; incidentally, this was where the initial renal biopsy was done to diagnose lupus nephritis.
  2. Wong KW
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Apr;68(2):179-80.
    PMID: 23629573 MyJurnal
    We report a case of melioidosis presenting as peritonitis in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A 47-year-old man, a lorry driver, with end-stage renal disease due to diabetes mellitus on CAPD presented in PD-related peritonitis. He was started on intraperitoneal cloxacillin and ceftazidime, and changed to intraperitoneal vancomycin and meropenam after day 5 due to nonresponse. Burkholderia pseudomallei was identified from the dialysate culture. He was treated with intraperitoneal meropenam for two weeks, and IV ceftazidime for 4 weeks. He responded, and the Tenckhoff catheter was not removed. He was discharged well and continued on oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for six months. This patient had done his PD exchanges in a lorry.
  3. Wong KW, Thevarajah B
    Am J Case Rep, 2012;13:191-4.
    PMID: 23569526 DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.883327
    Rhodococcus species are relatively rare human pathogens, but are being increasingly recognized as causes of infection especially in immunosuppressed patients.
  4. Low JM, Wong KW
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):553-554.
    PMID: 31929489
    Patients with end stage renal disease have higher risk of tuberculosis due to lower cell-mediated immunity. Standard regime of anti-tuberculosis contains isoniazid where neurological side effects such as seizure and encephalopathy have been documented. We present a case of isoniazid-induced encephalopathy in a haemodialysis patient. A literature review on isoniazid-induced encephalopathy was done. Recognition of this condition is important as it is reversible with cessation of isoniazid and institution of high dose pyridoxine.
  5. Wong KW, Lansing MG
    BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Jul 22;14(7).
    PMID: 34301701 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242325
    Bilimbi fruit is widely eaten in Malaysia. Rarely reported is its potential to cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with prior normal renal function. The possible dangers of its consumption are still relatively unknown among many. This case highlights the importance of taking a thorough dietary history in patients with AKI. We also hope to increase awareness among healthcare professionals on the nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects of bilimbi fruits.
  6. Athmalingam VKR, Wong KW
    Semin Dial, 2022 May;35(3):245-250.
    PMID: 34390274 DOI: 10.1111/sdi.13012
    BACKGROUND: Tenckhoff catheter (TC) insertion for patients with previous intraperitoneal surgery (IPS) is challenging.

    METHODS: This is a case series of 11 patients with history of previous IPS who underwent TC insertion under combined fluoroscopic and sonographic (CFS) guidance with preperitoneal tunneling at our center.

    RESULTS: This is an interim result of our study. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 (±12.7). Seven were females, and four were males. Only two patients underwent more than one IPS prior to this procedure. The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was 29.2 kg/m2 (±6.2). All patients underwent the procedure successfully. One patient developed post-procedure exit site bleeding which resolved spontaneously. One patient had urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) (less than 72 h), and two patients had early-start PD (less than 2 weeks). Median catheter survival is 8 months at the time of writing.

    CONCLUSION: CFS-assisted TC insertion with preperitoneal tunneling for patients with previous IPS is a safe and effective technique.

  7. Wong KW, Lojikip S, Chan FS, Goh KW, Pang HC
    Med J Malaysia, 2017 06;72(3):179-185.
    PMID: 28733566 MyJurnal
    AIM: To study the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, vascular access, and the short term survival of ESRD patients initiated on dialysis from Hospital Queen Elizabeth (HQE).

    BACKGROUND: The number of patients with ESRD is increasing in Sabah, Malaysia. Most patients present late and some live in remote areas with difficult access to healthcare services. Many therefore present with potentially fatal complications.

    METHODS: All the newly confirmed ESRD patients who were initiated on renal replacement therapy (RRT) from 1 January to 31 December 2014 were included. The basic epidemiological and clinical data were collected. They were divided into three groups: Group 1 - those known to the medical service and had been prepared properly for the initiation of RRT; Group 2 - those known to the medical service, but were not prepared for the RRT; Group 3 - those with undiagnosed CKD. Outcome is mainly survival at 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month.

    RESULTS: There were 249 ESRD patients. 153 (61.4%) were male. The average age was 53.3 (range 12 - 83). The main cause of ESRD was diabetic nephropathy (128 patients, 51.4%). Most patients were started on RRT with a catheter (74.3%), 47 patients (18.9%) with a fistula, and 17 patients (6.8%) with a Tenckhoff catheter. 185 (74.3%) patients were not prepared properly (Group 2 - 66.3%, and Group 3 - 8.0%). The survival for 249 patients were 86.3% at 6 months, 77.9% at 12 months. Group 2 has the worst survival (81.9% at 6 months, 71.1% at 12 months).

    CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that most patients (74.3%) were started on dialysis in an unplanned manner with poor survival. A comprehensive and well-supported predialysis programme is needed.
  8. Mashor M, Wong KW, Tey KE, Choon SE
    Med J Malaysia, 2022 Nov;77(6):689-695.
    PMID: 36448386
    INTRODUCTION: Limited information exists regarding drug survival of biologics among psoriasis patients in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the drug survival of biologics in Malaysian psoriasis patients, the reasons for drug discontinuation and to identify the predictor of drug survival.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of case notes on adult psoriasis patients treated with biologics in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru Malaysia, between January 2006 and December 2020. Drug survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

    RESULTS: By December 2020, 100 patients with 154 treatment courses of biologics were included in the study. Male to female ratio was 1:1. The mean age at onset was 31.36 ± 11.72 years. Ustekinumab was the most frequently prescribed biologics (39%), followed by adalimumab (29.2%), secukinumab (14.9%), etanercept (13%), and infliximab (3.2%). Overall median drug survival for biologics was 25 months (interquartile range [IQR]= 12.0-.0). The median drug survival for ustekinumab was 35 months (IQR, 12-93); followed by 25 months (IQR, 12.0-), 18 months (IQR, 7-85), 17 months (IQR, 11-43), and 8 months (IQR, 1-10) for secukinumab, adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab, respectively. The main reason for drug discontinuation was loss of efficacy (26%), inadequate funding (14.3%), loss to follow-up (10.4%), adverse events (4.5%), and patients' request (1.3%).

    CONCLUSION: Our study shows ustekinumab has the best long-term drug survival among biologics in Malaysian patients with psoriasis in real-life setting. Further study is required to evaluate the long-term drug survival for newer biologics.

  9. Lee AV, Pang HC, Linus Lojikip S, Wong KW, Goh KW, Chan FS
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):152-157.
    PMID: 32281597
    OBJECTIVES: To explore the epidemiological and histopathological patterns of glomerular diseases in Sabah.

    METHODS: A state-wide cross-sectional study was conducted. There were 336 native renal biopsies in 296 eligible patients from 1st January 2013 to 30th June 2016. All patients aged ≥12 years with sufficient sampling (≥8 glomeruli) for histopathological assessment were included. Graft kidney biopsies, protocol-based biopsies and patients with uncertain demographics were excluded. Demographics of patients, clinical data, laboratory parameters prior to biopsy, and histology findings of renal biopsies were collected from local unit database and recorded into a standardised data collection form. Descriptive statistical analyses were employed and factors associated with Lupus nephritis (LN) were explored using logistic regression.

    RESULTS: The mean age during biopsy was 34.53 years (Standard Deviation 0.759). Primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) accounted for 42.6% (126) of all native renal biopsies. The commonest cause of PGN was minimal change disease (38.9%, 49) followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (33.3%, 42) and IgA nephropathy (14.3%, 18). LN is the leading cause for secondary glomerulonephritis (SGN) (87.2%, 136). Younger age (Odds Ratio, OR 0.978; 95% Confidence Interval, 95%CI 0.960, 0.996); female gender (OR 17.53; p<0.001); significant proteinuria (OR 132.0; p<0.001); creatinine level at biopsy (OR 11.26; p=0.004); positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) (OR 46.7; p<0.001); and ANA patterns (OR 8.038; p=0.018) were significant in predicting the odds of having LN.

    CONCLUSION: This is the first epidemiology study of glomerular diseases in Sabah. The predominance of LN suggests lower threshold for renal biopsy in patients with suspected glomerular disorders. We have identified significant predictors for early detection and treatment of LN.

  10. Wong KW, Ee GCL, Ismail IS, Karunakaran T, Jong VYM
    Nat Prod Res, 2017 Nov;31(21):2513-2519.
    PMID: 28412841 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1315717
    Phytochemical studies on the stem bark of Garcinia nervosa has resulted in the discovery of one new pyranoxanthone derivative, garner xanthone (1) and five other compounds, 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (2), 6-deoxyisojacareubin (3), 12b-hydroxy-des-D-garcigerrin A (4) stigmasterol (5), and β-sitosterol (6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the aid of spectroscopic techniques, such as NMR and MS. The crude extracts of the plant were assessed for their antimicrobial activity.
  11. Wong KW, Teh SS, Law KP, Ismail IS, Sato K, Mase N, et al.
    Arch Pharm (Weinheim), 2023 Jan;356(1):e2200418.
    PMID: 36285691 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200418
    Oxidative stress and its constant companion, inflammation, play a critical part in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic illnesses. The discovery of new multi-targeted drug candidates with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is deemed necessary. Thus, a series of novel xanthone derivatives with halogenated benzyl (4b-4d, 4f-4h) and methoxylated benzyl groups (4e) attached to the butoxy amine substituent were synthesized in this study. The synthesized xanthone derivatives exhibited stronger antioxidant activity against H2 O2 scavenging than the standard drug, α-tocopherol, but weaker towards DPPH scavenging and ferrous ion chelation. Besides that, 4b-4d, 4f-4h demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activities through NO production inhibition towards lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and showed 2-4 times stronger effects than the standard drug, diclofenac sodium. Moreover, compound 4b with two brominated benzyl groups attached to the butoxy amine substituent suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, significantly. Structure-activity relationship elucidated that the halogenated benzylamine substituent plays an important role in contributing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of xanthones. In summary, xanthone 4b was identified as a potential lead compound to be further developed into antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, further studies on the related mechanisms of action of 4b are recommended.
  12. Choon SE, Tok PSK, Wong KW, Lim YT, Nanu NM, Barker JN, et al.
    Exp Dermatol, 2023 Aug;32(8):1263-1271.
    PMID: 36843152 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14776
    Generalized Pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and potentially life-threatening auto-inflammatory disease, is associated with IL36RN mutations. Here, we analyse the prevalence of IL36RN mutations in our multi-ethnic GPP cohort and assess differences in the clinical profile of patients with (IL36RN-positive) and without (IL36RN-negative) mutations. IL36RN mutations were present in 17.7% of 137 GPP patients (29.7% of Chinese cases, 17.3% of Malay cases, but 0% of Indian patients). 92% of these individuals carried the c.115 + 6 T > C mutation. Male: female ratio was 1:2.3. Females predominate in both groups with no significant difference between IL36RN-positive and IL36RN-negative individuals. The overall mean age (±SD) at disease onset for GPP was 37.6 ± 17.2 years, but disease onset was significantly earlier in IL36RN-positive vs IL36RN-negative cases (mean age:30.6 ± 18.92 vs. 39.2 ± 16.49 years, p = 0.027). IL36RN-positive patients were less likely to have associated plaque psoriasis (52.4% vs. 83.5%, p-value = 0.002). There was no difference in the common clinical and laboratory manifestations or triggers of GPP between IL36RN-positive and -negative patients, except for geographic tongue which was significantly more common in IL36RN-positive patients (41.7% vs. 11.9%, p-value = 0.002). Annual flare rate was significantly higher in IL36RN-positive compared to IL36RN-negative (mean ± SD of 1.92 ± 1.32 vs. 1.46 ± 0.90, p = 0.041) cases. However, no significant difference in the rate of hospitalization and length of hospital stay was observed between the two groups. These observations demonstrate that IL36RN disease alleles occur with varying frequencies among Asian populations and are associated with a severe, early-onset clinical phenotype.
  13. Yap CK, Sharifinia M, Cheng WH, Al-Shami SA, Wong KW, Al-Mutairi KA
    PMID: 33805997 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073386
    The objective of this commentary is to promote the use of bivalves as biomonitors, which is a part of the continual efforts of the International Mussel Watch. This commentary is an additional discussion on "Bivalve mollusks in metal pollution studies: From bioaccumulation to biomonitoring" by Zuykov et al., published in Chemosphere 93, 201-208. The present discussion can serve as a platform for further insights to provide new thoughts and novel ideas on how to make better use of bivalves in biomonitoring studies. The certainty of better and more extensive applications of mollusks in environmental monitoring in the future is almost confirmed but more studies are urgently needed. With all the reported studies using bivalves as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution, the effectiveness of using Mussel Watch is beyond any reasonable doubts. The challenge is the development of more accurate methodologies for of heavy metal data interpretation, and the precision of the biomonitoring studies using bivalves as biomonitors, whether in coastal or freshwater ecosystems. Lastly, inclusion of human health risk assessment of heavy metals in commercial bivalves would make the research papers of high public interest.
  14. Choon SE, Wright AK, Griffiths CEM, Tey KE, Wong KW, Lee YW, et al.
    Br J Dermatol, 2022 Nov;187(5):713-721.
    PMID: 35830199 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21768
    BACKGROUND: There are no population-based epidemiological data on psoriasis in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis over 11 years in multiethnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A population-based cohort study was made using the Teleprimary Care database between January 2010 and December 2020. Cases of psoriasis, identified by ICD-10 diagnostic codes, were validated by dermatologists. Annual prevalence and incidence were estimated and stratified by age, sex and ethnicity.

    RESULTS: We identified 3932 people with dermatologist-confirmed psoriasis, including 1830 incident cases, among 1 164 724 Malaysians, yielding an 11-year prevalence of 0·34% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·33-0·35] and incidence of 34·2 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 32·6-35·8). Rates were higher in Indian patients; the prevalences were 0·54% (0·50-0·58) in Indian, 0·38% (0·36-0·40) in Chinese and 0·29% (0·28-0·30) in Malay patients, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 52·5 (47·3-57·7), 38·0 (34·1-41·8) and 30·0 (28·2-31·8). Rates were higher in males; the prevalence was 0·39% (0·37-0·41) in males and 0·29% (0·27-0·30) in females, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 40·7 (38·2-43·2) and 28·3 (26·4-30·3). Between 2010 and 2020, annual psoriasis prevalence and incidence increased steadily from 0·27% to 0·51% and from 27·8 to 60·9 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Annual rates were consistently higher in male and Indian patients. Overall, psoriasis was significantly more common in males than females [odds ratio (OR) 1·37, 95% CI 1·29-1·46] and in Indian and Chinese patients vs. Malay (OR 1·85, 1·71-2·01 and OR 1·30, 1·20-1·41, respectively). Prevalence increased with age, with the highest rates in the groups aged 50-59 and 60-69 years at 0·67% and 0·66%, respectively. A modest bimodal trend in age of psoriasis onset was observed, with first and second peaks at 20-29 and 50-59 years. Disease onset was significantly earlier in females than males [mean (SD) 36·8 (17·3) vs. 42·0 (17·2) years, P 

  15. Wong KW, Yap CK, Nulit R, Hamzah MS, Chen SK, Cheng WH, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jan;24(1):116-134.
    PMID: 27822691 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7951-z
    The present study aimed to assess the effects of anthropogenic activities on the heavy metal levels in the Langat River by transplantation of Corbicula javanica. In addition, potential ecological risk indexes (PERI) of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the river were also investigated. The correlation analysis revealed that eight metals (As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in total soft tissue (TST) while five metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in shell have positively and significantly correlation with respective metal concentration in sediment, indicating the clams is a good biomonitor of the metal levels. Based on clustering patterns, the discharge of dam impoundment, agricultural activities and urban domestic waste were identified as three major contributors of the metals in Pangsun, Semenyih and Dusun Tua, and Kajang, respectively. Various geochemical indexes for a single metal pollutant (geoaccumulation index (I geo), enrichment factors (EF), contamination factor (C f) and ecological risk (Er)) all agreed that Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn are not likely to cause adverse effect to the river ecosystem, but As and Pb could pose a potential ecological risk to the river ecosystem. All indexes (degree of contamination (C d), combined pollution index (CPI) and PERI) showed that overall metal concentrations in the tropical river are still within safe limit. River metal pollution was investigated. Anthropogenic activities were contributors of the metal pollution. Geochemical indexes showed that metals are within the safe limit.
  16. Choon SE, Wright AK, Griffiths CEM, Wong KW, Tey KE, Lim YT, et al.
    Br J Dermatol, 2023 Sep 15;189(4):410-418.
    PMID: 37162007 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad158
    BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of the epidemiology of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) internationally, with no population-based estimates of GPP in South East Asia.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and prevalence of GPP in the Malaysian population and characterize its flares and trigger factors.

    METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study using the Teleprimary Care database between January 2010 and December 2020. We identified 230 dermatologist-confirmed GPP cases using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnostic codes. Annual prevalence and incidence rates were stratified by age, sex and ethnicity. We compared data regarding flares and trigger factors for patients with GPP who had associated psoriasis vulgaris (PV) with those who did not have associated PV.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of GPP was 198 per million (267 women, 127 men) and incidence was 27.2 per million person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.8-31.6]; 35.3 (28.4-42.2) per million person-years for women and 18.3 (13.1-23.5) per million person-years for men. Rates were higher in Chinese individuals [prevalence 271 per million; incidence 41.6 per million person-years (28.9-54.3)] than in the Malay population [prevalence 186; incidence 24.6 (19.4-29.7)] or the Indian ethnic group [prevalence 179; incidence 25.0 (13.8-36.3)]. Annual prevalence was consistently higher in women than in men and highest among the Chinese population, followed by the Indian and Malay populations. Overall, 67% of patients with GPP had associated PV. The prevalence and incidence of GPP without PV were lower than GPP with PV at 66 vs. 132 per million and 19.3 (95% CI 15.6-23.0) vs. 8.0 (95% CI 5.6-10.3) per million person-years, respectively. The mean age at GPP onset was 42.7 years (SD 18.4). A bimodal trend in the age of GPP onset was observed, with first and second peaks at age 20-29 years and age 50-59 years, respectively. Disease onset was significantly earlier in patients with GPP without PV than in those with PV [mean age 37.5 years (SD 20.7) vs. 44.9 years (SD 17.0), P = 0.026]. Flares occurred more frequently in patients without PV than in those with PV [mean number of flares per patient per year was 1.35 (SD 0.77) vs. 1.25 (SD 0.58), P = 0.039]. Common triggers of flares in patients with GPP who did not have PV were infections, pregnancy, menstruation and stress, whereas withdrawal of therapy, particularly systemic corticosteroids, was a more frequent trigger in patients with GPP who also had PV.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to the global mapping of GPP, which will help inform the management of this rare condition.

  17. Yap CK, Wong KW, Al-Shami SA, Nulit R, Cheng WH, Aris AZ, et al.
    PMID: 33383875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010195
    This study aimed to analyse ten trace metal concentrations in the edible part of the freshwater clam Corbicula javanica and to provide a critical assessment of the potential risks to human health through consumption of this clam as food based on well-established indices and food safety guidelines. The clams were captured from a pristine original site and transplanted to other sites with different environmental qualities. The trace metal levels in the edible total soft tissue (TST) of the clam were below those of the food safety guidelines referred to except for Pb, which exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Commission (2006) and the US Food and Drug Administration/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition); Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. (USFDA/CFSAN; ISSC) (2007). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of the clam were found to be lower than the oral reference dose and the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ were found to be less than 1. Therefore, in conclusion, the human health risk for consumption of TST of C. javanica at both average and high-level were insignificant regardless of the environment it was exposed to.
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