MyMedR

Food and asthma symptoms in Malaysian children

Chan PWK, Debruyne JA, Goh AYT

J Trop Pediatr, 1999 Jun;45(3):184.

PMID: 10401205 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/45.3.184

Study site: not reported.

Genetic Factors and Delayed TSB Monitoring and Treatment as Risk Factors Associated with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates Admitted for Phototherapy

Boo NY, Sin S, Chee SC, Mohamed M, Ahluwalia AK, Ling MM, et al.

J Trop Pediatr, 2020 12 01;66(6):569-582.

PMID: 32577754 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa016

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether maternal-fetal blood group isoimmunization, breastfeeding, birth trauma, age when first total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured, age of admission, and genetic predispositions to hemolysis [due to genetic variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme], and reduced hepatic uptake and/or conjugation of serum bilirubin [due to genetic variants of solute carrier organic anion transporter protein family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1)] were significant risk factors associated with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH, TSB ≥ 342µmol/l) in jaundiced term neonates admitted for phototherapy.

METHODS: The inclusion criteria were normal term neonates (gestation ≥ 37 weeks). Parents/care-givers were interviewed to obtain data on demography, clinical problems, feeding practice and age when first TSB was measured. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect common G6PD, UGT1A1 and SLCO1B1 variants on each neonate's dry blood specimens.

RESULTS: Of 1121 jaundiced neonates recruited, 232 had SNH. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (in days) when first TSB was measured [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.395; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.094-1.779], age (in days) of admission (aOR = 1.127; 95% CI 1.007-1.260) and genetic mutant UGT1A1 promoter A(TA)7TAA (aOR = 4.900; 95% CI 3.103-7.739), UGT1A1 c.686C>A (aOR = 6.095; 95% CI 1.549-23.985), SLCO1B1 c.388G>A (aOR = 1.807; 95% CI 1.242-2.629) and G6PD variants and/or abnormal G6PD screening test (aOR = 2.077; 95% CI 1.025-4.209) were significantly associated with SNH.

CONCLUSION: Genetic predisposition, and delayed measuring first TSB and commencing phototherapy increased risk of SNH.

Growth pattern of urban Malaysian infants

Hashim Z

J Trop Pediatr, 1992 Aug;38(4):204-5.

PMID: 1527822

Human rotavirus infection in Malaysia. I. A hospital-based study of rotavirus in children with acute gastroenteritis

Yap KL, Sabil D, Muthu PA

J Trop Pediatr, 1984 06;30(3):131-5.

PMID: 6737550 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/30.3.131

Human rotavirus infection in Malaysia. II. A study on the influence of living standard on the prevalence of rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis in children hospitalized with diarrhoea

Yap KL, Sabil D, Muthu PA

J Trop Pediatr, 1984 10;30(5):269-71.

PMID: 6512912 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/30.5.269

Infant mortality in rural Malaysia: an analysis and their causes (1970-1984)

Yadav H

J Trop Pediatr, 1986 10;32(5):244-8.

PMID: 3795334 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/32.5.244

Influence of health providers on pediatrics' immunization rate

Al-lela OQ, Baidi Bahari M, Al-abbassi MG, Salih MR, Basher AY

J Trop Pediatr, 2012 Dec;58(6):441-5.

PMID: 22538210 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fms014

To identify the immunization providers' characteristics associated with immunization rate in children younger than 2 years. A cohort and a cluster sampling design were implemented; 528 children between 18 and 70 months of age were sampled in five public health clinics in Mosul-Iraq. Providers' characterizations were obtained. Immunization rate for the children was assessed. Risk factors for partial immunization were explored using both bivariate analyses and multi-level logistic regression models. Less than half of the children had one or more than one missed dose, considered as partial immunization cases. The study found significant association of immunization rate with provider's type. Two factors were found that strongly impacted on immunization rate in the presence of other factors: birthplace and immunization providers' type.

Intestinal parasites in Malaysian children with cancer

Menon BS, Abdullah MS, Mahamud F, Singh B

J Trop Pediatr, 1999 Aug;45(4):241-2.

PMID: 10467838

In this prospective study, we examined stool specimens from children with cancer receiving chemotherapy who were admitted for fever to the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kota Baru, Kelantan. Stool specimens were examined for ova and cysts of parasites. Over a period of 15 months, there were 129 febrile episodes in 50 children with cancer and, in all, 237 stool specimens were examined. Sixty-six per cent of febrile episodes were associated with neutropenia and 9 per cent were associated with diarrhoea. Stool parasites were found in 42 per cent of children. The most common were helminths, followed by protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most common parasite (24 per cent), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (22 per cent). Hookworm was found in 2 per cent. Giardia lamblia was found in 6 per cent of children, Blastocystis hominis in 4 per cent, and Cryptosporidium parvum in 2 per cent.

Knowledge, attitude and concerns among urban Malaysian parents of bedwetting children

Kanaheswari Y

J Trop Pediatr, 2011 Apr;57(2):141.

PMID: 20584719 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmq051

Malnutrition in malaria endemic villages of Bengkoka Peninsula, Sabah

Kandiah M, Lee M, Ng TK, Chong YH

J Trop Pediatr, 1984 02;30(1):23-9.

PMID: 6429349 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/30.1.23

Measuring the Daily Activity of Lying Down, Sitting, Standing and Stepping of Obese Children Using the ActivPALTM Activity Monitor

Wafa SW, Aziz NN, Shahril MR, Halib H, Rahim M, Janssen X

J Trop Pediatr, 2017 04 01;63(2):98-103.

PMID: 27539845 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmw052

This study describes the patterns of objectively measured sitting, standing and stepping in obese children using the activPALTM and highlights possible differences in sedentary levels and patterns during weekdays and weekends. Sixty-five obese children, aged 9-11 years, were recruited from primary schools in Terengganu, Malaysia. Sitting, standing and stepping were objectively measured using an activPALTM accelerometer over a period of 4-7 days. Obese children spent an average of 69.6% of their day sitting/lying, 19.1% standing and 11.3% stepping. Weekdays and weekends differed significantly in total time spent sitting/lying, standing, stepping, step count, number of sedentary bouts and length of sedentary bouts (p < 0.05, respectively). Obese children spent a large proportion of their time sedentarily, and they spent more time sedentarily during weekends compared with weekdays. This study on sedentary behaviour patterns presents valuable information for designing and implementing strategies to decrease sedentary time among obese children, particularly during weekends.

Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis Respiratory Colonization in Malaysian Preterm Infants

Ng KF, Kee Tan K, Chok MC, Zamil Mohd Muzzamil N, Choo P, Paramasivam U, et al.

J Trop Pediatr, 2017 Dec 01;63(6):447-453.

PMID: 28334949 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmx011

This prospective observational study aims to determine the incidence, predictors and clinical features of Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) respiratory colonization in infants <37 weeks of gestation. A total of 200 preterm newborns admitted to a tertiary center in Malaysia between 2013 and 2015 for increased breathing effort had their respiratory secretions tested for these bacteria by polymerase chain reaction. Fifteen of the 200 (7.5%) infants were detected to have these organisms in their respiratory tracts. Preterm prelabor rupture of membrane was associated with positive detection (odds ratio: 3.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-11.3). Seventy-three of the 200 (36.5%) infants were given macrolide for presumed infection but only 4.1% (3 of 73) were positive for these organisms. The incidence of UU respiratory colonization among preterm infants in our center is lower than other published reports, while the frequency of MH and CT isolation is comparable with many studies. There should be judicious use of empirical antibiotics for presumed UU, MH and CT infection in preterm infants.

Neonatal anthropometry in relation to ethnic distribution of birthweight in Singapore

Bhan A, Viegas OA, Huang HS, Ratnam SS

J Trop Pediatr, 1985 04;31(2):124-8.

PMID: 4009779 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/31.2.124

Neural tube defects in Malaysia: data from the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry

Boo NY, Cheah IG, Thong MK, Malaysian National Neonatal Registry

J Trop Pediatr, 2013 Oct;59(5):338-42.

PMID: 23583959 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmt026

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and early outcome of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Malaysia. This prospective study included all neonates with NTDs (spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocoele) born in 2009 in 32 Malaysian hospitals in the Malaysian National Neonatal Network. The prevalence of NTDs was 0.42 per 1000 live births, being highest among the indigenous people of Sarawak (1.09 per 1000 live births) and lowest among Malaysians of Chinese descent (0.09 per 1000 live births). The most common type of NTDs was anencephaly (0.19 per 1000 live births), followed by spina bifida (0.11 per 1000 live births) and encephalocoele (0.07 per 1000 live births). Majority of the infants with anencephaly (94.5%, n = 51), 45.8% (n = 11) with encephalocoele and 9.5% (n = 4) with spina bifida died. The median duration of hospital stay was 4 (range: 0-161) days.

Nutrition of Iban children of the Sut and Mujong Rivers

Anderson AJ

J Trop Pediatr, 1981 02;27(1):26-35.

PMID: 7218412 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/27.1.26

Objectively measured habitual physical activity and sedentary behaviour in obese and non-obese Malaysian children

Wafa SW, Hamzaid H, Talib RA, Reilly JJ

J Trop Pediatr, 2014 Apr;60(2):161-3.

PMID: 24213306 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmt093

The present study examined objectively measured physical activity in Malaysian children and compared the differences in physical levels between obese and healthy weight children. Eighty-six obese children were matched for age and sex with 86 healthy weight children with median age 9.5 years. Habitual physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured over 5 days using Actigraph accelerometers. Time spent sedentary was significantly higher in the obese group (90% vs. 86% of daytime; p = 0.001). Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly higher in the healthy weight group (1.2 vs. 0.7% of daytime, p < 0.001). In both healthy weight and obese children, physical activity levels were exceptionally low, although moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly lower in the obese group than the healthy weight group. Efforts to prevent and treat obesity in Malaysian children will need a substantial focus on the promotion of reductions in sedentary behaviour and increases in physical activity.

Paediatric intensive care in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a developing subspecialty

Goh AY, Lum LC, Chan PW

J Trop Pediatr, 1999 Dec;45(6):362-4.

PMID: 10667007

Paediatric intensive care in Malaysia is a developing subspecialty with an increasing number of specialists with a paediatric background being involved in the care of critically ill children. A part prospective and part retrospective review of 118 consecutive non-neonatal ventilated patients in University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur was carried out from 1 June 1995 to 31 December 1996 to study the clinical epidemiology and outcome in our paediatric intensive case unit (PICU). The mean age of the patients was 33.9 +/- 6.0 months (median 16 months). The main mode of admission was emergency (96.6 per cent) with an overall mortality rate of 42 per cent (50/118). The mean paediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score was 20 +/- 0.98 SEM, with 53 per cent of patients having a score of over 30 per cent. Multiorgan dysfunction (MODS) was identified in 71 per cent of patients. Admission efficiency (mortality risk > 1 per cent) was 97 per cent. Standardized mortality rate using PRISM was an acceptable 1.06. The main diagnostic categories were respiratory (32 per cent), neurology (22 per cent), haematology-oncology (18 per cent); the aetiology of dysfunction was mainly infective. Non-survivors were older (29.5 vs. 13.8 months, p < 0.0001), had more severe illness (mean PRISM score 30 vs. 14, p < 0.0001), were more likely to develop MODS (96 vs. 53 per cent, p < 0.0001) and required more intervention and monitoring. Paediatric intensive care in Malaysia differs widely from that in developed countries in patient characteristics, severity of illness, and care modalities provided.

Pediatric Rheumatic Heart Disease in a Middle-Income Country: A Population-Based Study

Zahari N, Yeoh SL, Muniandy SR, Mat Bah MN

J Trop Pediatr, 2022 Jan 07;68(1).

PMID: 35084036 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmac005

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a debilitating complication from rheumatic fever, remains a problem in low- and middle-income countries. This study describes the incidence, prevalence, modifiable risk factors for severe RHD and immediate outcome of pediatric RHD.

METHODS: This population-based and observational cohort study reviewed pediatric RHD patients (0-18 years) from the Sabah Pediatric Rheumatic Heart Registry from 2015 till 2018.

RESULTS: A total of 188 RHD were reviewed with 120 new cases. The incidence of RHD is 2.19 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-2.61] per 100 000 population, with a rising trend over time. Meanwhile, the prevalence of RHD was 13.78 (95% CI: 11.92-15.86) per 100 000 pediatric population. The majority of patients were from indigenous groups (59.0%), male (56.4%) with a mean age of 14.3 (3.31) years. About 77.9% had the lowest household income, and a significant proportion lived in overcrowded conditions. At diagnosis, 59% were diagnosed with severe RHD. There is heightened risk but no statistical significance between modifiable factors (low weight and height percentile at diagnosis, lowest income group, renting a house, overcrowding and healthcare access of more than 5 km) with severe RHD. Severe RHD is significantly associated with risk for intervention (p = 0.016). Sixteen (13.8%) patients required surgical intervention. About 97.6% of patients were on intramuscular benzathine penicillin G with 84.5% compliance.

CONCLUSION: The rising prevalence and incidence of pediatric RHD in Sabah, with the most being severe RHD at diagnosis, necessitates the development of an echocardiographic screening and a comprehensive national disease program.

Pediatric appendicitis in a developing country: what are the clinical predictors and outcome of perforation?

Ngim CF, Quek KF, Dhanoa A, Khoo JJ, Vellusamy M, Ng CS

J Trop Pediatr, 2014 Dec;60(6):409-14.

PMID: 25063462 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmu037

This study explored the risk factors and outcomes associated with perforation in children who underwent emergency appendicectomies.

Periventricular haemorrhage in very low birth weight Malaysian neonates

Boo NY, Ong LC, Lye MS, Wong KP, Mastura M

J Trop Pediatr, 1993 Aug;39(4):224-9.

PMID: 8411316

A prospective study was carried out to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, early outcome, and risk factors associated with periventricular haemorrhage (PVH) in 88 (84 per cent) of the 105 consecutive very low birth weight (VLBW) (< 1500 g) Malaysian neonates born in the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. Based on the cranial ultrasound findings, PVH was detected in 86 of the 88 neonates (98 per cent, 95 per cent confidence intervals: 95 to 101). Seventeen (20 per cent) of them had grade I, 52 (61 per cent) had grade II, 7 (8 per cent) had grade III and 10 (12 per cent) had grade IV PVH. PVH was detected in all the affected neonates by the fifth day of life. Sixty-four neonates (74 per cent) were symptomatic when PVH was first detected. Shock (P < 0.01), pallor (P = 0.028), low haematocrit of less than 40 per cent (P < 0.01), convulsion (P < 0.001), and bulging of anterior fontanelle (P = 0.019) were significantly more common in the neonates with severe PVH (grades III or IV). Death occurred in 43/86 (50 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval: 39-61 per cent) of the neonates with PVH before their first discharge from the hospital. Ventriculomegaly developed in 29/43 (67 per cent, 95 per cent confidence intervals: 54.4-81.4) of the survivors with PVH. Our study suggests that PVH is a common problem in the Malaysian VLBW neonates. To reduce the incidence and severity of this condition, prevention of preterm delivery and improvement in the basic facilities for neonatal care would help.

Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 62 in total