MyMedR

Usefulness of stable microbubble test of tracheal aspirate for the diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Boo NY, Cheong KB, Cheong SK, Lye MS, Zulfiqar MA

J Paediatr Child Health, 1997 Aug;33(4):329-34.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the overall accuracy of the stable microbubble test (SM test) with measurement of level of surfactant protein A (SP-A) of tracheal aspirate for the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

METHODOLOGY: Tracheal aspirates were obtained from neonates on ventilatory support. The SM test was carried out on specimens of tracheal aspirate immediately after collection. Levels of SP-A in tracheal aspirates were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The results of the SM test and SP-A level of the tracheal aspirates were compared against the clinical diagnosis of RDS based on clinical, radiological and bacteriological findings.

RESULTS: Both the median microbubble counts (6 microbubbles/mm2, range = 0-90) and median SP-A levels (100 micrograms/L, range = 0-67447) of infants with RDS were significantly lower than those of infants with no obvious lung pathology (P < 0.0001), and pneumonia (P < 0.0001). The SM test of tracheal aspirates had higher overall accuracy for the diagnosis of RDS than measurement of SP-A levels (94.6% vs 82.4%). When the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of both tests for RDS were compared, the area under the ROC curve of the SM test was larger (0.9689) than that of the SP-A method (0.8965).

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the SM test of tracheal aspirate was a useful bedside diagnostic test for RDS. It could be carried out at any time after birth on infants requiring ventilatory support.

Fulltext Ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsies of suspected mediastinal lesions

Samad SA, Sharifah NA, Zulfiqar MA, Maimunah A, Yahya A, Zainudin W

Med J Malaysia, 1993 Dec;48(4):421-6.

PMID: 8183166

Realtime ultrasonography with general purpose sector transducer was used to guide 87 percutaneous biopsies on 82 patients with lesions suspected to be mediastinal masses on plain chest radiographs. In seven patients who had dyspnea the biopsies were done in erect or semi-erect sitting positions. Definitive diagnosis was obtained from 66 lesions (80.5%) where 46 (70.0%) were mediastinal and the remaining 20 lesions (30.0%) arising from the lung. Of the 46 mediastinal lesions where specific diagnosis were made, 42 (91.0%) were anterior and four (0.9%) posterior mediastinal lesions. The majority of these anterior mediastinal masses were lymphomatous nodes followed by germ cell tumours whereas all four posterior mediastinal masses were neurogenic. Of the lung lesions, 19 were primary malignancies. The remaining lung lesion which was located posteriorly was cryptococcus infection. One patient developed massive hemothorax, but subsequently recovered. No significant complications were encountered in the remaining patients. Surgery was carried on 11 patients. There is correlation between definitive diagnosis from percutaneous biopsy and final diagnosis after surgery in 80% of patients. It is proposed that all percutaneous biopsies for thoracic masses which abut the chest wall and cause mediastinal widening on a plain chest radiograph be guided by ultrasound. It can be effectively accomplished with ease and safety even without the use of dedicated biopsy ultrasound probes or biopsy attachments, and on patients in erect or semi-erect positions.

Fulltext Tumoral cystitis in children

Zulfiqar MA, Zaleha AM, Zulkifli I, Chia WY, Samad SA

Med J Malaysia, 1998 Sep;53(3):284-7.

PMID: 10968168

Three children aged 3-11 years had ultrasonography of the urinary tract for the investigation of dysuria and haematuria. A bladder mass was seen in these 3 children. One child had computed tomography scan, cystoscopy and bladder biopsy because rhabdomyosarcoma was considered. The biopsy revealed an inflammatory process. The urine culture of the other 2 children revealed E. coli. On ultrasonography, the inflammatory mass may appear homogeneously hypoechoic or may contain moderate level echoes. The mucosal surface of the mass may be smooth or lobulated. It is important to consider an infective cause for a bladder mass in children because computed tomography, cystoscopy and biopsy may be avoided.

Fulltext The treatment of neck lymphangioma with intralesional injection of bleomycin

Zulfiqar MA, Zaleha AM, Zakaria Z, Amin T

Med J Malaysia, 1999 Dec;54(4):478-81.

PMID: 11072465

We report our experience with intralesional injection of bleomycin in the treatment of neck lymphangioma. From May 1995 to April 1998, 11 patients aged between 6 to 22 months were treated with intralesional bleomycin injection. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were used to assess and select the cases suitable for sclerotherapy. Patients with lesions encasing the internal jugular vein and the carotid artery were chosen. With the patient under sedation and using ultrasound guidance, the cysts were aspirated and bleomycin was injected at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight. The number of procedures varied from 1 to 4 over a period of 8 months to 1 year. Patients were initially followed-up 3 monthly, then 6 monthly and subsequently yearly. In 4 patients, the neck mass was no longer visible (excellent response). In 5 patients, the neck mass had reduced to a size (more than 50% reduction) that was cosmetically acceptable (good response). There were 2 failures (poor response). There were no complications. Our results suggest that intralesional injection of bleomycin can be effectively used to treat selected cases of neck lymphangiomas.

Fulltext The role of ductography in patients with nipple discharge

Zulfiqar MA, Nair S, Lily M, Norizan MA, Samad SA

Med J Malaysia, 1996 Dec;51(4):457-61.

PMID: 10968034

The main objective of this study is to illustrate the role of ductography in the management of nipple discharge. Thirty-six patients had ductography for the investigation of blood-stained or serous nipple discharge. The ductogram findings were reviewed. Ductography showed an intraductal lesion in 13 patients, duct ectasia in 16 and normal ducts in 7. Fourteen patients had surgery. Eight had preoperative ductography using a mixture of methylene blue and contrast media. Histology revealed 5 cases of duct papilloma, 2 cases of epithelial hyperplasia, 4 cases of fibrocystic change and 3 cases of duct ectasia. Twenty had follow-up without surgery and of these, the nipple discharge ceased in 11 patients. Two patients did not come for follow-up. Ductography has a significant role in the management of nipple discharge. Firstly, surgery might be averted in patients with normal ducts or duct ectasia on ductography. Secondly, intraductal methylene blue will demonstrate the abnormal ductal system to the surgeon and allow for a less radical surgery.

Fulltext The comparative accuracy of ultrasound and mammography in the detection of breast cancer

Tan KP, Mohamad Azlan Z, Rumaisa MP, Siti Aisyah Murni MR, Radhika S, Nurismah MI, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Apr;69(2):79-85.

PMID: 25241817 MyJurnal

AIM: This study was performed to determine the accuracy of ultrasound (USG) as compared to mammography (MMG) in detecting breast cancer.

METHODS: This was a review of patients who had breast imaging and biopsy during an 18-month period. Details of patients who underwent breast biopsy were obtained from the department biopsy record books and imaging request forms. Details of breast imaging findings and histology of lesions biopsied were obtained from the hospital Integrated Radiology Information System (IRIS). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of USG and MMG were calculated with histology as the gold standard.

RESULTS: A total of 326 breast lesions were biopsied. Histology results revealed the presence of 74 breast cancers and 252 benign lesions. USG had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 84%, PPV = 60%, NPV = 94% and an accuracy of 84%. MMG had a sensitivity of 49%, specificity of 89%, PPV = 53%, NPV = 88% and an accuracy of 81%. A total of 161 lesions which were imaged with both modalities were analyzed to determine the significance in the differences in sensitivity and specificity between USG and MMG. Sensitivity of USG (75%) was significantly higher than sensitivity of MMG (44%) (X(2)1=6.905, p=0.014). Specificity of MMG (91%) was significantly higher than specificity of USG (79%) (X(2)1=27.114, p<0.001). Compared with MMG, the sensitivity of USG was 50% (95% CI 10%-90%) higher in women aged less than 50 years (X(2)1=0.000, p=1.000) and 27% (95% CI 19%-36%) higher in women aged 50 years and above (X(2)1=5.866, p=0.015). Compared with MMG, the sensitivity of USG was 40% (95% CI 10%-70%) higher in women with dense breasts (X(2)1=0.234, p=0.628) and 27% (95% CI 9%-46%) higher in women with non-dense breasts (X(2)1=4.585, p=0.032).

CONCLUSION: Accuracy of USG was higher compared with MMG. USG was more sensitive than MMG regardless of age group. However, MMG was more specific in those aged 50 years and older. USG was more sensitive and MMG was more specific regardless of breast density. In this study, 20% of breast cancers detected were occult on MMG and seen only on USG.

Fulltext The biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions detected on mammography

Zulfiqar MA, Nair S, Lily M, Norizan MA

Med J Malaysia, 1999 Dec;54(4):471-7.

PMID: 11072464

This is a review of the positive biopsy rate of nonpalpable breast lesions detected on mammography. The histology of 130 hookwire excision biopsy from 1990 to 1995 and the cytology of 39 stereotactic fine needle aspiration cytology in 1995 were reviewed. The yearly positive biopsy rate of each procedure was determined. In 1990, the positive biopsy rate for hookwire excision biopsy was 15%, in 1991 20%, in 1992 11%, in 1993 17%, in 1994 33% and in 1995 39%. In 1995, the positive biopsy rate for stereotactic fine needle aspiration cytology was 21%. The positive biopsy rate for hookwire excision biopsy had improved from 15% in 1990 to 39% in 1995.

Targeted drug delivery systems: synthesis and in vitro bioactivity and apoptosis studies of gemcitabine-carbon dot conjugates

Yunus U, Zulfiqar MA, Ajmal M, Bhatti MH, Chaudhry GE, Muhammad TST, et al.

Biomed Mater, 2020 09 26;15(6):065004.

PMID: 32442994 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605X/ab95e1

Gemcitabine (GEM) is used to treat various cancers such as breast, pancreatic, non-small lung, ovarian, bladder, and cervical cancers. GEM, however, has the problem of non-selectivity. Water-soluble, fluorescent, and mono-dispersed carbon dots (CDs) were fabricated by ultrasonication of sucrose. The CDs were further conjugated with GEM through amide linkage. The physical and morphological properties of these carbon dot-gemcitabine (CD-GEM) conjugates were determined using different analytical techniques. In vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies of CD-GEM conjugates were evaluated by various bioactivity assays on human cell lines, MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), and HeLa (cervical cancer) cell lines. The results of kinetic studies have shown a maximum drug loading efficacy of 17.0 mg of GEM per 50.0 mg of CDs. The CDs were found biocompatible, and the CD-GEM conjugates exhibited excellent bioactivity and exerted potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells with an IC50 value of 19.50 μg ml-1 in HeLa cells, which is lower than the IC50 value of pure GEM (∼20.10 μg ml-1). In vitro studies on CD-GEM conjugates demonstrated the potential to replace the conventional administration of GEM. CD-GEM conjugates are more stable, have a higher aqueous solubility, and are more cytotoxic as compared to GEM alone. The CD-GEM conjugates show reduced side effects in the normal cells along with excellent cellular uptake. Hence, CD-GEM conjugates are more selective toward cancerous cell lines as compared to non-cancerous cells. Also, the CD-GEM conjugates successfully induced early and late apoptosis in cancer cell lines and might be effective and safe to use for in vivo applications.

Fulltext Renal doppler assessment in differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hydronephrosis in children

Nadzri M, Hing EY, Hamzaini AH, Faizah MZ, AbAziz A, Kanaheswari Y, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Dec;70(6):346-50.

PMID: 26988207 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: to determine the usefulness of Doppler ultrasound measurement of resistive index (RI) in differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hydronephrosis in children.
METHODS: From August 2011 to November 2012, renal Doppler assessments of the intra-renal renal arteries were performed on 16 children (19 kidneys) with congenital hydronephrosis. the independent t-test was used to assess for significant difference in RI values between those with obstructive hydronephrosis (6 kidneys) and those with non-obstructive hydronephrosis (13 kidneys) as determined by dynamic renal scintigraphy. the assessor was blinded to the clinical findings and scintigraphy results.
RESULTS: RI was significantly different between obstructive and non-obstructive hydronephrosis. Obstructive hydronephrosis returned higher RI values, with mean RI of 0.78. Mean RI in non-obstructive hydronephrosis was 0.70, and the difference was significant (p <0.05). the sensitivity and specificity of Doppler ultrasound were 100% and 53% respectively.
CONCLUSION: Doppler ultrasound measurement of resistive index is useful in differentiating obstructive from nonobstructive hydronephrosis and provides an alternative non-ionizing investigation.
Study site: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Preoperative high resolution CT and MR imaging in cochlear implantation

Abdullah A, Mahmud MR, Maimunah A, Zulfiqar MA, Saim L, Mazlan R

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2003 Jul;32(4):442-5.

PMID: 12968546

INTRODUCTION: Accurate preoperative imaging of the temporal bone in patients receiving cochlear implants is important. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are the 2 preoperative imaging modalities that provide critical information on abnormalities of the otic capsule, pneumatisation of the mastoid, middle ear abnormalities, cochlear ducts patency and presence of cochlear nerve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HRCT and MR imaging in 46 cochlear implant patients in our department were reviewed.

RESULTS: Majority of our patients [34 patients (73.9%)] showed normal HRCT of the temporal bone; 5 (10.9%) patients had labyrinthitis ossificans, 2 (4.3%) had Mondini's abnormality and 2 (4.3%) had middle ear effusion. One patient each had high jugular bulb, hypoplasia of the internal auditory canal and single cochlear cavity, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The above findings contribute significantly to our surgical decisions regarding candidacy for surgery, side selection and surgical technique in cochlear implantation.

Predictors of failure of nasal continuous positive airway pressure in treatment of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Boo NY, Zuraidah AL, Lim NL, Zulfiqar MA

J Trop Pediatr, 2000 Jun;46(3):172-5.

PMID: 10893920

A case-control study was carried out on 97 consecutive preterm (< 37 weeks) infants to determine predictors associated with failure of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Logistic regression analysis showed that only three risk factors were significantly associated with failed CPAP. These were: moderate or severe RDS (odds ratio: 5.9; 95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 2.2-16.0); septicemia during CPAP therapy (OR: 8.8; 95 per cent: CI 1.5-50.7); and pneumothorax during CPAP therapy (odds ratio: 6.9; 95 per cent: CI 1.1-41.7).

Fulltext Precocious puberty in children: A review of imaging findings

Faizah M, Zuhanis A, Rahmah R, Raja A, Wu L, Dayang A, et al.

Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2012 Jan;8(1):e6.

PMID: 22970062 MyJurnal DOI: 10.2349/biij.8.1.e6

This review was aimed at determining the imaging findings in patients with precocious puberty.

Fulltext Pneumatic reduction of intussusception using equipment readily available in the hospital

Zulfiqar MA, Noryati M, Hamzaini AH, Thambidorai CR

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):199-203.

PMID: 16898311 MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of pneumatic reduction of intussusception using equipment readily available in the hospital. Twenty-two children aged between four months and four years had pneumatic reduction of intussusception. The device used was assembled using (i) a hand-held pump attached to a pressure gauge, and (ii) a 3-way Foley's balloon catheter. There was a 73% success rate and there were no complications. The device used was effective and safe for the pneumatic reduction of intussusception.

Fulltext Pancreatic insulinomas--a study of 15 cases from 1978-98

Meah FA, Qureshi A, Jasmi AY, Rohaizak M, Faridah I, Khalid BAK, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Jun;55(2):242-5.

PMID: 19839153

Fifteen cases of insulinoma were managed at HUKM over a period of 20 years. Although all patients presented with neurological symptoms, the diagnosis was delayed in all. Fasting hypoglycaemia and the measurement of C-peptide levels eventually made the diagnosis. Pre-operative localization investigations were not particularly useful. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) detected 72% of the insulinomas, while 93% of the insulinomas were identified intraoperatively by palpation. All the insulinomas were detected intraoperatively with the combination of the two techniques. Twelve of 15 patients had benign adenomas including one patient with MEN-1 syndrome. Two patients had malignant insulinomas. One patient refused surgery. Nine patients underwent pancreatic resections and the remaining 5 patients had the adenomas enucleated.

Fulltext Malignant pancreatic carcinoid tumour

Zarina AL, Hamidah A, Zulkifli SZ, Zulfiqar MA, Jamal R

Singapore Med J, 2007 Dec;48(12):e320-2.

PMID: 18043827

Pancreatic carcinoid tumours are rare, particularly within the paediatric population. The clinical presentation is largely dependent on the functionality of the tumour. Although the tumour is generally slow-growing, surgical resection is still the mainstay of curative treatment. Morbidity is, however, significantly contributed by secretion of excess hormones; in view of this, biotherapy is an important treatment strategy. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been shown to be successful in both symptomatic control and stability of tumour progression. We report a 12-year-old girl, who presented with hypertensive crisis, and showed good response to a combination of chemotherapy and octreotide.

Fulltext Lymphangioma: Is intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy effective?

Rozman Z, Thambidorai RR, Zaleha AM, Zakaria Z, Zulfiqar MA

Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2011 Jul-Sep;7(3):e18.

PMID: 22279495 MyJurnal DOI: 10.2349/biij.7.3.e18

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy in the treatment of lymphangioma in children and to determine the incidence of complications in the treatment.

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess: The result of a missed congenital dermal sinus

Kanaheswari Y, Lai C, Raja Lope RJ, Azizi AB, Zulfiqar MA

J Paediatr Child Health, 2015 Feb;51(2):223-5.

PMID: 25099316 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.12707

Congenital dermal sinus (CDS) and occult spinal dysraphism are suspected when a cutaneous marker overlies the spine of a newborn. CDS can have the appearance of a simple dimple and occur within the gluteal cleft without any skin markers. CDS are the commonest cause of intramedullary spinal cord abscess.

Internal auditory canal stenosis in congenital sensorineural hearing loss

Sakina MS, Goh BS, Abdullah A, Zulfiqar MA, Saim L

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2006 Dec;70(12):2093-7.

PMID: 16996619

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to internal auditory canal (IAC) stenosis with hypoplasia of the cochleovestibular nerve is a rare disorder. The diagnosis of the IAC stenosis requires both high resolution computed tomography scan (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Fulltext Gas-containing liver abscesses: assessment by ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT)

Samad SA, Zulfiqar MA, Maimunah A

Med J Malaysia, 1993 Mar;48(1):33-9.

PMID: 8341170

Single gas-containing pyogenic liver abscesses in 11 patients were studied by ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). On ultrasound, all abscesses were predominantly echogenic compared to the normal liver parenchyma. The gas collections appeared as hyperreflective areas arranged in clusters associated with acoustic shadowing and ring-down artifacts. Ten abscesses (90%) had ill-defined margins on ultrasound, causing underestimation of their sizes in these patients. All abscesses were shown to be multiloculated and had clearly defined borders on CT, not appreciated or mistaken for multiplicity of abscesses on ultrasound. Ultrasound may be inadequate in the evaluation of gas-containing liver abscesses, as they have complex echotexture in addition to ring-down artifacts, acoustic shadows and poorly-defined margins; leading to underestimation of abscess size, difficulty in identifying loculations and erroneous interpretation of multiplicity of abscess cavities.

Fulltext Echocontrast cystosonography versus micturating cystourethrography in the detection of vesicoureteric reflux

Faizah M, Kanaheswari Y, Thambidorai C, Zulfiqar M

Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2011 Jan-Mar;7(1):e7.

PMID: 21655116 MyJurnal DOI: 10.2349/biij.7.1.e7

To compare echocontrast cystosonography (ECS) using in-vivo agitated saline with fluoroscopic micturating cystourethrography (MCU) in the detection and grading of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR).

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