MyMedR

Shiftwork Association with Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancers Among Healthcare Workers: A Literature Review

Yau A, Haque M

Medeni Med J, 2019;34(4):387-395.

PMID: 32821466 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2019.54775

The round-the-clock demands of healthcare services, coupled with the shortage of healthcare providers in many parts of the world, have made shiftwork widespread among healthcare workers. Understanding how to mitigate unfavourable effects of shiftwork on well-being is essential to improve health promotion, to prevent disease prevention, and to increase quality of life. This comprehensive review aims to present evidence linking shiftwork with cardiovascular diseases and cancers among healthcare workers. Several studies have demonstrated evidence indicating the relationship between long-term exposure to shiftwork tempo and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Health workers are increasingly witnesing unfavourable effects of shiftwork on their health state. Shiftwork disturbs circadian rhythm and cardiopulmonary processes, leading to adverse health outcomes. Increasing prevalence of shiftwork in healthcare industries due to population expansion and public health threat of cancers call for investigation towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of shiftwork-induced diseases. The shift work period has been considered in different studies using various criteria, resulting in inconsistent definition of measurement criteria leading to misclassification of the study population. There is a need for a more considerable and holistic effort towards standardization of shiftwork definition and conduct an assessment to establish a more conveniently appliacable framework for intervention strategies.

Fulltext The Insights of Head and Neck Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Mohamad I

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(2):179-180.

PMID: 32733770 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.23682

Fulltext Molecular Detection of Alpha Thalassemia: A Review of Prevalent Techniques

Vijian D, Wan Ab Rahman WS, Ponnuraj KT, Zulkafli Z, Mohd Noor NH

Medeni Med J, 2021;36(3):257-269.

PMID: 34915685 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2021.14603

Alpha thalassemia (α-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to the reduction or absence of α globin chain production. Laboratory diagnosis of α-thalassemia requires molecular analysis for the confirmatory diagnosis. A screening test, comprising complete blood count, blood smear and hemoglobin quantification by high performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, may not possibly detect all the thalassemia diseases. This review focused on the molecular techniques used to detect α-thalassemia, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique were highlighted. Multiplex gap-polymerase chain reaction, single-tube multiplex polymerase chain reaction, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification were used to detect common deletion of α-thalassemia. Furthermore, the reverse dot blot analysis and a single tube multiplex polymerase chain reaction could detect non-deletion mutation of the α-globin gene. Sanger sequencing is widely used to detect non-deletion mutations of α-thalassemia. Recently, next-generation sequencing was introduced in the diagnosis of both deletion and point mutations of α-thalassemia. Despite the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques, the routine method employed in the laboratory should be based on the facility, expertise, available equipment, and economic conditions.

Glial Heterotopia of the Base of Tongue: A Case Report

Tuang GJ, Lee JPH, Velayutham P, Git KA, Ariffin NAA, Abidin ZAZ

Medeni Med J, 2019;34(3):324-328.

PMID: 32821456 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2019.88886

Glial heterotopia of oropharynx is a congenital anomaly, whereby ectopic mature glial tissue is found around oropharynx isolated from the brain and spinal cord. Herein we report a rare presentation of a mass at the base of tongue in a neonate. In addition, to underscore the rarity of oropharygeal glial heterotopia, we discuss the dilemma in approaching its diagnosis and management in a neonate.

Fulltext Acute Retropharyngeal Calcific Tendonitis as a Rare Cause of Odynophagia and Neck Pain

Singh PKM, Noor MIM, Jaafar R, Ahmad A, Mohamad I

Medeni Med J, 2021;36(1):75-79.

PMID: 33828894 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2021.37539

Retropharyngeal calcific tendonitis (RCT) is an aseptic inflammatory process of the superior oblique tendons of the longus colli muscle caused by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals. We reported a 23-year-old woman who presented with a sudden onset of neck pain with odynophagia after waking up from sleep. Physical examination showed paracervical point tenderness with limited neck movement in all directions. Prior to surgery, further imaging was requested to aid in diagnosis, which in turn revealed RCT. It is important to be aware that RCT presentation may mimic other severe conditions such as retropharyngeal space abscess or meningitis.

Nasal Plasmablastic Lymphoma in an HIV-Negative Immunocompetent Patient

Shakri NM, Husain S, Zahedi FD, Tan GC

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(1):71-74.

PMID: 32733753 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.45389

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma predominantly in oral cavities of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive male patients or immunosuppressive hosts. Limited number of reports on HIV-negative PBL in immunocompetent patients are available in the literature. We reported an unusual case of sinonasal PBL which occurred in an HIV-negative and immunocompetent female patient. She underwent endoscopic removal of the tumor and completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy (hyperfractionated-CVAD). Any finding in favour of tumour recurrence was not observed in positron-emission tomography scan (PET-scan) performed 18 months after the treatment.

Fulltext Respiratory Symptoms Among Domestic Waste Collectors

Salvaraji L, Jeffree MS, Avoi R, Akhir HM, Rahim SSSA, Lukman KA

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):304-309.

PMID: 33717622 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.82246

Objective: Increasing amount of waste concurrently increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials among waste collectors. Vigorous exertion in the field intensifies the abundance of contaminated inspirable droplets. If left undetected and untreated, it may provoke significant pernicious health effects and redundant burdens to employees and employers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their associated factors among domestic waste collectors.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah between January and April 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire which encompasses details about sociodemographic, health status, environment, and employment characteristics.

Results: A total of 290 waste collectors with a mean age of 40 (±9) years old were participated in the study. Most of them were from Kadazan-Dusun-Murut ethnic origin with educational background till secondary school. The average monthly income of the workers was USD 298.45 (±171.9) per month, and they had been in service for 11 (±9.04) years. Respiratory symptoms were seen in 21% of the workers. The identified significant risk factors were determined as underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.054, 5.219) and contact with pets (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.004, 3.288).

Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms are prevalent amidst domestic waste collectors and related to their health and field activities.

Fulltext Malay Version of Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire and Quality of Life of Patients with Post-lingual Deafness

Paul M, Abdullah A, Hashim ND, Ismail NFM, Shah SA

Medeni Med J, 2023 Jun 20;38(2):128-139.

PMID: 37338914 DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.60980

OBJECTIVE: The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant questionnaire (NCIQ) was used to gauge the quality of life (QOL) improvement among cochlear implant (CI) users who suffered from post-lingual deafness. This study aimed to determine the consistency and reliability of the Malay version of the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant questionnaire (NCIQ-M) and to report the QOL of patients using NCIQ-M.

METHODS: This study has two phases: Phase I involves the translation of the NCIQ from English to Malay, followed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability assessment of the final version of NCIQ-M. Phase II involves QOL assessment of post-lingual deafness using NCIQ-M.

RESULTS: Twenty CI users and 20 non-CI users answered the NCIQ-M. Test-retest reliability analysis of the NCIQ-M was performed using an intraclass correlation coefficient, achieving scores of more than 0.85. Internal consistency was analysed with Cronbach α of more than 0.70 in all subdomains. Scores between the two groups of subjects were analyzed using an independent sample t-test. Good internal consistency, intraclass correlation, and test-retest reliability were obtained. Scores in all six subdomains of the NCIQ-M are significantly higher in the CI user group than in the non-CI user group.

CONCLUSIONS: The NCIQ-M is a consistent and reliable subjective questionnaire to determine the QOL of CI users concerning physical, psychological, and social functioning.

Aspiration Avoiding Tracheostomy in Neonatal Cystic Oral Lesion

Nasir MSNM, Ishak MN, Abd Wahid FH, Asif JA, Mohamad I

Medeni Med J, 2019;34(4):400-403.

PMID: 32821468 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2019.44977

Oral cyst is uncommon in the neonatal period. Depending on the size and site of occurrence, its symptoms may vary. If not diagnosed and managed expeditiously, these oral cysts may cause significant and potentially fatal morbidity and mortality. We report a successfully managed case of oral cyst in neonate that presented with huge tongue at birth and complaints of impending airway obstruction. She was referred for tracheostomy as intubation was impossible. We attempted needle aspiration and the airway successfully relieved without the need for tracheostomy.

Fulltext Ceruminous Adenoma: A Rare Mass that Impair Hearing

Mohd Ramli SS, Abdullah A, Md Pauzi SH, Ramli M

Medeni Med J, 2021;36(3):270-275.

PMID: 34915686 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2021.36974

Ceruminous adenoma is described as a glandular neoplasm of ceruminous glands. It is seen for less than one percent of all external ear tumours. Ceruminous adenoma cases were reported to have recurrence and residual tumour, however there was no malignant transformation known in ceruminous adenoma up to this date. Here, we report a young adult woman with two years history of progressive reduced hearing and tinnitus of the right ear. She was proven to have right moderate conductive hearing loss with pure tone audiometry. There was a cystic mass with serous content arising from the posterior wall of the right ear canal. We proceeded with wide local excision of the mass via trans-canal approach. Ceruminous adenoma was confirmed with histopathology and immunohistochemistry of CK7 staining. The hearing impairment was resolved completely post excision and there was no recurrence of the tumour on one year follow-up. We concluded wide local excision with appropriate margin of the mass is adequate to prevent recurrence in ceruminous adenoma cases.

Fulltext Comparison of 3 Grading Systems (House-Brackmann, Sunnybrook, Sydney) for the Assessment of Facial Nerve Paralysis and Prediction of Neural Recovery

Mat Lazim N, Ismail H, Abdul Halim S, Nik Othman NA, Haron A

Medeni Med J, 2023 Jun 20;38(2):111-119.

PMID: 37338861 DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.42383

OBJECTIVE: Currently, multiple classification systems exist for the assessment of facial nerve paralysis. This study was designed to choose the most practical system for use in a clinical setting depending on the clinician need. We compared the responsiveness of the 3 facial nerve grading systems, i.e., House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook, as the subjective method and compared the outcomes with the objective method, i.e., the nerve conduction study. The correlation between the subjective and objective assessments was determined.

METHODS: A total of 22 consented participants with facial palsy was assessed with photos and videography recordings where they performed 10 standard facial expressions. The severity of facial paralysis was evaluated with the House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook grading scales subjectively and with the facial nerve conduction study objectively. The assessments were repeated after 3 months.

RESULTS: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there were statistically significant change in all three gradings after 3-month of assessment. The responsiveness of the nerve conduction study was significant for the nasalis and orbicularis oris muscles. It was not significant for the orbicularis oculi muscle. The nasalis and orbicularis oculi showed statistically significant correlation with the three classification systems except for the orbicularis oculi muscle.

CONCLUSIONS: All three grading systems, House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook, showed statistically significant responsiveness after 3 months of evaluation. The nasalis and orbicularis oculi muscle can be used to predict facial palsy recovery because they showed strong positive and negative correlations with the extent of facial nerve degeneration from the nerve conduction study.

Fulltext Concurrent Double Primary Tumours: Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Cervical Epithelioid Angiosarcoma

Lum SG, Mahmud N, Isa N, Mat Baki M

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):349-355.

PMID: 33717629 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.83479

Angiosarcoma is one of the rarest types of malignant vascular tumours that involved the head and neck region. It predominantly affects the scalp and superficial soft tissues. Angiosarcoma arising from the deep cervical soft tissue is extremely rare. There is a limited literature on neck angiosarcoma that occurred simultaneously with papillary thyroid carcinoma. We report a rare case of concurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma and cervical epithelioid angiosarcoma, and postoperative rapid progression of residual angiosarcoma that mimicked a neck haematoma. The diagnostic challenge and possible etiologies have been discussed here.

Fulltext Atypical Presentation of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Stroke as a Predisposing Factor

Loong CW, Firdaus MAM, Said MRM, Abidin IZ

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(3):266-270.

PMID: 33110680 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.47374

Takotsubo syndrome is a rare disease and remained ambiguous with its etiology. The disease manifests in various clinical characteristics and even mimicking acute coronary syndrome. We are reporting a case of an elderly lady who manifested by unsteady gaits and recurrent falls. Subacute infarct of the right corona radiata was observed on the brain CT. In addition, coronary angiography and ventriculogram were performed because of dynamic ECG changes and elevated troponin I levels. The angiogram was normal while ventriculogram showed apical ballooning. She was diagnosed and treated as Takotsubo syndrome.

Fulltext Knowledge, Attitude, and Stigma on Tuberculosis and the Associated Factors for Attitude Among Tuberculosis Contacts in Malaysia

Loh SY, Zakaria R, Mohamad N

Medeni Med J, 2023 Mar 28;38(1):45-53.

PMID: 36974481 DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2023.14478

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) is an old disease and it has infected millions of people worldwide. Since it is a highly infectious disease, many people became TB contact due to prolonged exposure to a person with TB infection. This group of people is at a higher risk of getting latent and active TB infection, hence a vulnerable group for active TB screening. This study explored the factors that determined the attitude score, the level of knowledge, attitude, and stigma (KAS) regarding TB disease among TB contact.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a validated KAS questionnaire, performed among 338 TB contacts from 5 health clinics in Kedah, Malaysia. The respondents were selected via convenience sampling. Simple and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The mean KAS scores of participants are 73.5% [standard deviation (SD)=17.06], 83.0% (SD=10.33), and 67.0% (SD=16.72), respectively. Higher income (p=0.001), better knowledge score (p<0.001), and higher stigma score (p=0.003) are the significant associated factors for the attitude score.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that most of the TB contacts have good knowledge and constructive attitude toward TB prevention and screening, but their level of stigma on TB is high. The implementation of TB education and intervention programs among TB contacts are required especially among low-income groups.

Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (Exit) of Gigantic Intrapartum Lymphangioma and Its Management Dilemma - A Case Report

Lo RH, Mohd NKN, Abdullah K, Aziz A, Mohamad I

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(2):161-165.

PMID: 32733766 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.06992

With the advancement of radiological investigation, intrapartum detection of fetal abnormalities is now precisely performed. Lymphangiomas are now diagnosed even before patient is born. The swelling may be gigantic and potentially life-threatening during the delivery. Nowadays, it is still a great challenge to doctors as how to deliver the baby together with the big neck mass. We present a case of huge intrapartum neck lymphangioma, for which we performed ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure, followed by excision of the lesion later. The challenges on managing both mother and infant will be discussed.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Rare Vallecular Tumour

Lo R, Mohamad S, Krishnamoorthy M, Mohamad I, Zulkarnain S, Hussain FA

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(1):67-70.

PMID: 32733752 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.22208

Vallecular lymphoma is an extremely rare tumour of oropharynx. We report a case of 61-year-old gentleman presented with severe dysphagia and globus sensation for two months. Patient underwent endoscopic transoral tumour debulking for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Histopathologically, patient was diagnosed as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In this case report, atypical presentation of the disease, histopathological features and its current treatments are discussed.

Significance of Nasal Septum Angulation and Its Association with Rhinosinusitis Symptom Scores

Lazim NM, Abdullah AM, Abdullah B, Ismail ZIM

Medeni Med J, 2019;34(4):333-339.

PMID: 32821458 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2019.25986

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association of angulation of nasal septum with the severity of rhinosinusitis as measured by symptom score and Visual Analog Score (VAS).

Method: The study was performed as a cross sectional study conducted at two different centres in Malaysia. Ninety-eight patients who were diagnosed with rhinosinusitis and fulfilled the selection criteria were assessed as for the symptom score and VAS and the measurement of angulation of nasal septum was performed through a coronal view of CT paranasal sinuses in bone window setting at osteomeatal complex level.

Results: The result obtained from one-way ANOVA test revealed a significant association between category of severity of septal angulation and the symptom score of rhinosinusitis (p=0.025). In addition, the result obtained from one-way ANOVA test also revealed a significant association between category of severity of septal angulation and the VAS of rhinosinusitis (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Severity of nasal septum angulation may be significantly associated with severity of rhinosinusitis based on symptom score and VAS. These findings could be used in tailored management of patient with rhinosinusitis especially during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Fulltext Nasolacrimal Duct Malignancy or IgG4- Related Disease? A Curious Case Report of a Nasal Vestibular Mass and Review of the Literature

Khoo V, Khoo HSJ, Goh LC

Medeni Med J, 2021;36(3):281-286.

PMID: 34915688 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2021.80445

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibro-inflammatory condition associated with tumefactive lesions at multiple sites. IgG4-RD was initially recognized in 2001 in a case of autoimmune pancreatitis. However, the disease was not limited to the pancreas but involved other organs such as the bile ducts, lacrimal glands, lymph nodes and salivary glands. IgG4-RD is rarely seen with an estimated incidence of 0.2 to 1/100.000 as reported in Japan, but with minimal to no incidence data have been published in Western countries. We hereby report a case of an IgG4-related mass arising from the nasolacrimal duct, masquerading as a sinonasal mass.

Carcinosarcoma of the Mediastinum: A Rare Cause of Vocal Cord Palsy and Progressive Dysphagia

Kanesan N, Mohamad I, Mohamad Umbaik NA, Zawawi N

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(2):166-169.

PMID: 32733767 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.82956

Carcinosarcoma is a rare type of malignant tumour that possess both the elements of carcinoma and sarcoma. They may occur in various locations such as the uterus, breast, thyroid, lung and gastrointestinal system. However, very few primary mediastinal carcinosarcomas have been reported. We are presenting a case of a 75-year-old male who presented with progressive dysphagia and hoarseness for 3 weeks. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck showed features of enlarged mediastinal necrotic nodes and the biopsy of this mass showed morphology and immunohistochemical profile that are consistent with carcinosarcoma. However, the patient succumbed to his illness soon after diagnosis.

Fulltext Unilateral Tubarial Oncocytic Papillary Cystadenoma Presenting with Epistaxis

Hasny NS, Amiruddin FM, Hussain FA, Abdullah B

Medeni Med J, 2021 Dec 19;36(4):343-347.

PMID: 34939401 DOI: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2021.40404

Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma (OPC) is a relatively rare benign tumor of the salivary glands, frequently seen in minor salivary glands, and occasionally in major salivary glands, such as the parotid gland. Patients only become symptomatic upon progression of the swelling, causing obstructive symptoms depending on its location. To our knowledge, there are no reports of presentation with bleeding tumor. Herein, we report a case of an OPC of the right torus tubarius in a 54-year-old man who presented with recurrent epistaxis.

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