Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 53 in total

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  1. Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a developing country over a 10-year period
    Thong MK, Bazlin RI, Wong KT
    Dev Med Child Neurol, 2005 Jul;47(7):474-7.
    PMID: 15991868
    Clinical data on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are lacking in developing countries. The objective of this study was to delineate the demographic characteristics, investigations, and outcome of 21 Malaysian males diagnosed with DMD over a period of 10 years. Mean age presentation was 3 years 8 months (SD 23mo; range 10 to 84mo), mean duration from first presentation to diagnosis was 3y 7mo (SD 26mo; range 5 to 84) and the mean age for loss of ambulation was 11 years (SD 25mo; range 102 to 168). There was family history of DMD in five of the 21 patients. Muscle biopsy showed confirmatory findings of DMD in the 16 patients tested. Molecular genetic analysis showed dystrophin gene deletions in 11 of these 16 patients. Four and seven of the students stopped schooling and had learning difficulties, respectively; only nine had satisfactory school performances. Eight out of 14 patients evaluated were classified as having severe to total dependency levels on the modified Barthel Index for activities of daily living assessment. DMD is associated with significant medical and social needs for a developing country such as Malaysia. Earlier referral, genetic counselling, and provision of support and rehabilitative services are the main priorities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  2. Familial cases of missing mandibular incisor: three case presentations
    Chai WL, Ngeow WC
    Dent Update, 1999 Sep;26(7):298-302.
    PMID: 10765775
    Hypodontia is the congenital absence of one or more teeth because of agenesis. The most commonly missing teeth are the third molars, the maxillary lateral incisors and the second premolars. Cases are presented of three patients with a missing mandibular incisor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  3. Fulltext Cassava (ubi kayu) poisoning in children
    Ariffin WA, Choo KE, Karnaneedi S
    Med J Malaysia, 1992 Sep;47(3):231-4.
    PMID: 1491651
    Three sisters with cassava poisoning are described. A review of the toxic properties of cassava is presented together with discussion on the methods of its preparation, its adverse effects on man, its detoxification in the body, and the treatment of its poisoning.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  4. Prevalence and ethnic differences of autosomal-dominant cerebellar ataxia in Singapore
    Zhao Y, Tan EK, Law HY, Yoon CS, Wong MC, Ng I
    Clin Genet, 2002 Dec;62(6):478-81.
    PMID: 12485197
    We report the prevalence and ethnic differences of autosomal-dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) in Singapore. Amongst 204 patients with ataxia who underwent genetic testing for dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and for spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12, 58 (28.4%) patients from 36 families tested positive. SCA 3 was identified in 31 (53.4%) patients from 15 families, SCA 2 in 17 (29.3%) patients from 12 families and SCA 1 in four (6.9%) patients from four families. Other SCA subtypes were rare. SCA 2 was the only subtype identified amongst ethnic Malay and ethnic Indian families. The estimated prevalence of ADCA in Singaporean families was at least 1 : 27,000. Based on the history and ancestry of Singaporeans, our study supported a founder effect for specific SCA subtypes and the association of ethnicity-specific SCA subtypes. Our findings suggest that SCA 2 is relatively common amongst the Malay race and that priority testing for SCA 3 and SCA 2 for ethnic Chinese, and SCA 2 for ethnic Malay, may be cost effective and relevant for the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  5. Fulltext Advances in Family Health Programme in Malaysia
    Faridah Abu Bakar
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):3-3.
    MyJurnal
    The Family Health Programme in Malaysia started off with a humble beginning in the 1920s by the introduction of midwifery legislation under the Straits Settlement Ordinance and the Federal Malay states Midwifery Enactment. Institutionalisation of nursing training took placed in the 1940s while the rural health services for pregnant women and children were established in the 1950’s. In 1967, the school health program was initiated, followed by the de-livery of the school health services in 1972. The Ministry of Health (MoH) set up a Maternal and Child Health unit within the MoH organisation in 1974 to oversee the maternal, child and school health activities. In 1996, the Family Health Development Division was established with the prenatal, adolescent, adult, people with disability and nu-trition health services were incorporated into the family health activities. Subsequently, the age-group wellness and population genetic screening were introduced in year 2000. The family health programme has embraced the public health approach as its building blocks. Throughout the years, individual patient care has advanced the most through the improvement of standards and quality of services within the health clinics. Plateauing of maternal mortality ratio and under-5 mortality rate, increasing trend of non-communicable diseases, remerging of communicable diseases, urbanisation and globalization, and increasing ageing population are new challenges in the delivery of family health services to the community. In order to cater for these challenges, it is crucial to recognise the population health as one of the main component in the family health programmes. Transformation in the scope of new family and popu-lation health is needed to improve the delivery of family programme beyond the boundary of MoH facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  6. Central and peripheral blood pressure profile of young offspring with hypertensive and normotensive parents
    Othman AS, Othman NI, Rosman A, Nudin SS, Rahman AR
    J Hypertens, 2012 Aug;30(8):1552-5.
    PMID: 22635140 DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0b013e328355207b
    OBJECTIVES: In this cross-sectional study we compared the central aortic systolic pressure (CASP), peripheral brachial systolic pressure (PSP), peripheral brachial diastolic pressure (PDP) and augmentation index (AIx) between normotensive offspring of nonhypertensive parents (ONT) and normotensive offspring with at least one hypertensive parent (OHT).
    METHODOLOGY: A total of 100 healthy ONT (mean age 20.95 ± 2.06) and 100 healthy OHT (mean age 20.89 ± 2.12) individuals were recruited. Parental history of hypertension was determined by detailed history taking. CASP, PSP, PDP and AIx were measured using the BPro device. All blood pressure (BP) measurements were calibrated using oscillometric BP readings.
    RESULTS: The OHT group had higher PSP (117.57 ± 10.06 versus 114.52 ± 8.94, P < 0.05), PDP (72.39 ± 7.28 versus 70.39 ± 6.50, P < 0.05) and CASP (103.72 ± 8.95 versus 101.37 ± 7.74, P < 0.05) compared to the ONT group. There was no significant difference in AIx in the ONT group (57.97 ± 11.02 versus 58.08 ± 12.16, P = 0.95) in comparison to the OHT group. However, following adjustments for certain cardiovascular risk factors, only PSP (117.33 versus 114.76, P < 0.05) remained significantly higher in the OHT group compared to the ONT group. Analysis of adjusted data within sex showed that CASP was higher in the female OHT group compared to the female ONT group, whereas PDP were higher in the male OHT group compared to the male ONT group.
    CONCLUSION: Alterations in PSP, PDP and CASP are already present in early life in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents, with possible differences in mechanism between different sexes.
    Study site: Clinical Research Laboratory in Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Selangor, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  7. Fulltext OFD1 is mutated in X-linked Joubert syndrome and interacts with LCA5-encoded lebercilin
    Coene KL, Roepman R, Doherty D, Afroze B, Kroes HY, Letteboer SJ, et al.
    Am J Hum Genet, 2009 Oct;85(4):465-81.
    PMID: 19800048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2009.09.002
    We ascertained a multi-generation Malaysian family with Joubert syndrome (JS). The presence of asymptomatic obligate carrier females suggested an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. Affected males presented with mental retardation accompanied by postaxial polydactyly and retinitis pigmentosa. Brain MRIs showed the presence of a "molar tooth sign," which classifies this syndrome as classic JS with retinal involvement. Linkage analysis showed linkage to Xpter-Xp22.2 and a maximum LOD score of 2.06 for marker DXS8022. Mutation analysis revealed a frameshift mutation, p.K948NfsX8, in exon 21 of OFD1. In an isolated male with JS, a second frameshift mutation, p.E923KfsX3, in the same exon was identified. OFD1 has previously been associated with oral-facial-digital type 1 (OFD1) syndrome, a male-lethal X-linked dominant condition, and with X-linked recessive Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome type 2 (SGBS2). In a yeast two-hybrid screen of a retinal cDNA library, we identified OFD1 as an interacting partner of the LCA5-encoded ciliary protein lebercilin. We show that X-linked recessive mutations in OFD1 reduce, but do not eliminate, the interaction with lebercilin, whereas X-linked dominant OFD1 mutations completely abolish binding to lebercilin. In addition, recessive mutations in OFD1 did not affect the pericentriolar localization of the recombinant protein in hTERT-RPE1 cells, whereas this localization was lost for dominant mutations. These findings offer a molecular explanation for the phenotypic spectrum observed for OFD1 mutations; this spectrum now includes OFD1 syndrome, SGBS2, and JS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  8. Heredity factor in myopia development among a sample in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Kaur S, Ramli NI, Narayanasamy S
    Chin Med J (Engl), 2012 Oct;125(19):3522-5.
    PMID: 23044317
    Development of myopia among young children is often contributed to the refractive status of the parents. This study was conducted to determine whether myopia can be inherited across the generation among a sample in the Klang Valley. Three generations involved are: G1 (grandparents), G2 (parents) and G3 (children).
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  9. Fulltext The Malaysian health reform in primary health care services
    Aniza I, Jamsiah M, Amin SA, Ali M, Munizam AM
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2008;14(2):1-10.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction : Family Health Development Division is one of the earliest divisions in Public Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia. The division has progressed each year with the extension and expansion of the scopes of services since the establishment of Maternal and Child Health Unit in 1956. The services currently include school children, adolescent, adult and elderly health and also known as life-course perspective: from womb to tomb.
    Objectives : The objective is to elaborate and explain the reformation of primary health care services implemented in the past and present.
    Methods : The methodology applied is compilation, data review and comparison from annual report, action plan report, articles, speeches, specialists and stake holder view.
    Results : The focus of Primary Health Care Service is covering health promotion, disease prevention, early detection and treatment, acute disease care, disease limitation and rehabilitation, clinical support services and teleprimary care. The reformation is caused by factors such as globalization, modernization, growth of health market, emergence and re-emergence of diseases, and development of medical technology. Three health fields that have underwent and under going reformation are concept and wellness practise in primary healthcare, primary healthcare clinical support services development and primary healthcare informatics development. The outcome of these reformations is the increment of service quality and outstanding services for patients and health staffs.
    Conclusion : Health reformation in primary healthcare is greatly needed to give excellent services for primary health care for today and future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  10. Fulltext Psychiatric and surgical management of male genital self-mutilation
    Suraya Y, Saw KC
    Singapore Med J, 1999 Oct;40(10):656-8.
    PMID: 10741196
    Cases of genital self-mutilation are usually seen in the general hospital setting and can be difficult to manage especially in those patients who have psychiatric illness. A joint effort between the psychiatric and the surgical services will be required right from the beginning of hospital admission to diagnosis and later, to follow-up. Psychiatric consultation strategies at the different phases of intervention will be needed to cater for the special needs of the surgical team, patient and family. We describe three cases of genital self- mutilators and the general management of these patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  11. Fulltext Recurrent Bell's palsy in a young woman
    Ngow HA, Wan Khairina WM, Hamidon BB
    Singapore Med J, 2008 Oct;49(10):e278-80.
    PMID: 18946598
    Bell's palsy is a benign lower motor neuron facial nerve disorder. It is almost always unilateral. We report a 20-year-old nulliparous woman with five episodes of recurrent Bell's palsy. A review of recent medical literature revealed a paucity of case reports involving an individual with five episodes of recurrent Bell's palsy, with none found in Asian neurology medical literature. Despite the multiple episodes of Bell's palsy recurrences, the patient did not suffer much neurological sequelae from the disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  12. Mutation analysis of glycine decarboxylase, aminomethyltransferase and glycine cleavage system protein-H genes in 13 unrelated families with glycine encephalopathy
    Azize NA, Ngah WZ, Othman Z, Md Desa N, Chin CB, Md Yunus Z, et al.
    J Hum Genet, 2014 Nov;59(11):593-7.
    PMID: 25231368 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2014.69
    Glycine encephalopathy (GCE) or nonketotic hyperglycinemia is an inborn error of glycine metabolism, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner due to a defect in any one of the four enzymes aminomethyltransferase (AMT), glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), glycine cleavage system protein-H (GCSH) and dehydrolipoamide dehydrogenase in the glycine cleavage system. This defect leads to glycine accumulation in body tissues, including the brain, and causes various neurological symptoms such as encephalopathy, hypotonia, apnea, intractable seizures and possible death. We screened 14 patients from 13 families with clinical and biochemical features suggestive of GCE for mutation in AMT, GLDC and GCSH genes by direct sequencing and genomic rearrangement of GLDC gene using a multiplex ligation-dependant probe amplification. We identified mutations in all 14 patients. Seven patients (50%) have biallelic mutations in GLDC gene, six patients (43%) have biallelic mutations in AMT gene and one patient (7%) has mutation identified in only one allele in GLDC gene. Majority of the mutations in GLDC and AMT were missense mutations and family specific. Interestingly, two mutations p.Arg265His in AMT gene and p.His651Arg in GLDC gene occurred in the Penan sub-population. No mutation was found in GCSH gene. We concluded that mutations in both GLDC and AMT genes are the main cause of GCE in Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  13. Fulltext Factor IX mutations in haemophilia B patients in Malaysia: a preliminary study
    Balraj P, Ahmad M, Khoo AS, Ayob Y
    Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):67-9.
    PMID: 22870602 MyJurnal
    Haemophilia B is caused by coagulation defects in the factor IX gene located in Xq27.1 on the X chromosome. Identification of mutations contributing to defective factor IX may be advantageous for precise carrier and prenatal diagnosis. We studied 16 patients from 11 families, consisting of 8 patients of the Malay ethnic group, of which 6 were siblings. Factor IX mutations have not been previously reported in the Malay ethnic group. The functional region of the factor IX gene was sequenced and mutations were identified in either the exon or intronic regions in 15 of the patients. One novel mutation, 6660_6664delTTCTT was identified in siblings with moderate form of haemophilia B. Mutations identified in our patients when linked with disease severity were similar to findings in other populations. In summary, this preliminary data will be used to build a Malaysian mutation database which would facilitate genetic counseling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  14. Predictors of breast cancer among women in a northern state of Malaysia: a matched case-control study
    Matalqah L, Radaideh K, Yusoff ZM, Awaisu A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(6):1549-53.
    PMID: 22126497
    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has been increased in South East Asia countries, but there are limited data for breast cancer risk factors in these countries. To clarify the risk for breast cancer among the Malaysian women, a matched case-control study was conducted.

    METHOD: Between October 2009 and April 2010, a survey was prospectively conducted among women admitted to clinics of Penang General Hospital for examination and/or treatment by using a questionnaire. Therefore, characteristics of patients diagnosed with breast cancer (n=150) were compared with control cases (n=150) admitted to hospital for non-neoplastic, non-hormone related diseases.

    RESULTS: Family history of a distant relative with breast cancer (OR=2.84), history of first-degree relatives with breast cancer (OR=2.95), history of benign breast disease (OR=2.43), menstrual irregularity (OR=4.24), and use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (OR=2.15) were found to be significant risk factors for breast cancer in our population. Furthermore, education more than 11 years (OR=0.40), breastfeeding (OR=0.50), being employed (OR=0.45) and practicing low fat diet (OR=0.53) were strongly protective against breast cancer development.

    CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the importance of conducting a series of awareness campaigns that highlights the protective role of longer breastfeeding period against breast cancer and the negative relationships between OCP use and high fat diet with this disease.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  15. Interaction between a novel intronic IVS3+172 variant and N29I mutation in PRSS1 gene is associated with pancreatitis in a Malaysian Chinese family
    Chua KH, Puah SM, Chew CH, Wong CH, Goh KL
    Pancreatology, 2011;11(4):441-4.
    PMID: 21952138 DOI: 10.1159/000330943
    Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a very rare form of early-onset chronic pancreatitis, which usually begins in childhood with a variable spectrum of severity of disease. HP is commonly caused by variants/mutations in the PRSS1 gene as reported in many studies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the possible association of PRSS1 gene variants/mutations in a Malaysian Chinese family with HP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  16. Fulltext Epidemiology of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in north-east Sabah, Malaysia: family clusters and wide age distribution
    Barber BE, William T, Dhararaj P, Anderios F, Grigg MJ, Yeo TW, et al.
    Malar J, 2012;11:401.
    PMID: 23216947 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-401
    The simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is a common cause of human malaria in Malaysian Borneo, with a particularly high incidence in Kudat, Sabah. Little is known however about the epidemiology in this substantially deforested region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  17. Fulltext Awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases among the academic staff (non-medical faculties) of University of Malaya
    Chew YK, Reddy SC, Karina R
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Aug;59(3):305-11.
    PMID: 15727374 MyJurnal
    A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases (cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors) among 473 academic staff (non-medical faculties) of University Malaya. The awareness of cataract was in 88.2%, diabetic retinopathy in 83.5%, refractive errors in 75.3% and glaucoma in 71.5% of the study population. The knowledge about all the above common eye diseases was moderate, except presbyopia which was poor. Multivariate analysis revealed that females, older people, and those having family history of eye diseases were significantly more aware and more knowledgeable about the eye diseases. Health education about eye diseases would be beneficial to seek early treatment and prevent visual impairment in the society.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  18. Fulltext Risk factors for wheeze in the last 12 months in preschool children
    Quah BS, Mazidah AR, Simpson H
    Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 2000 Jun;18(2):73-9.
    PMID: 10928618
    Most children with asthma develop their symptoms before the age of 5 years and many preschool wheezers continue to wheeze in the early school years. It is thus important to investigate the factors that predispose young children to wheeze. The objective of this study was to investigate the relevant environmental and family influences on recent wheeze (wheeze within the last 12 months) in preschool children. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary health clinics in the district of Kota Bharu from April to October 1998. Nurses from these clinics distributed Bahasa Malaysia questionnaires containing questions on asthma symptoms, environmental risk factors, family's social status and family history of atopy and wheeze to preschool children aged 1-5 years during their home visits. The respondents were parent(s) or carer(s) of the children. A total of 2,524 (87.7%) complete questionnaires were available for analysis of risk factors. One hundred and fifty six (6.2%) children had current wheeze. Significant risk factors associated with current wheeze were a family history of asthma (O.R. = 6.36, 95% C.I. = 4.45-9.09), neonatal hospital admission (O.R. = 2.38, 95% C.I. = 1.51 - 3.75), and a maternal (O.R. = 2.12, 95% C.I. = 1.31-3.41) or paternal (O.R. = 1.52, 95% C.I. = 0.95-2.43) history of allergic rhinitis. Among environmental factors examined, namely, household pets, carpeting in bedroom, use of fumigation mats, mosquito coils and aerosol insect repellents, maternal and paternal smoking, and air conditioning, none were associated with an increased risk of wheeze. In conclusion, the strongest association with current wheeze was a family history of asthma. Also significant were neonatal hospital admission and a history of allergic rhinitis in either the mother or father. None of the environmental factors studied were related to current wheeze in preschool children.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  19. Lead exposure among Malaysian school children using delta-aminolevulinic acid as an indicator
    Ming LO, Surif S, Abdullah A
    Sci Total Environ, 1997 Jan 30;193(3):207-13.
    PMID: 9092077
    A study on lead exposure among school children aged between 7 and 12 years from Kajang and Sepang in the state of Selangor, Malaysia was carried out using delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) levels in the urine as an index. The delta-ALA levels in urine were linked to variables which could contribute to lead exposure. Out of 1628 school children studied [Kajang (43.5%) and Sepang (56.5%)], only 194 subjects (16 and 8.8% from Kajang and Sepang, respectively) had urinary delta-ALA levels between 0.6 and 2.0 mg/100 ml. However, chi 2 analysis demonstrated significant association between delta-ALA of this group to some of the variables. The strongest association was found in the habit of biting fingernails (P < 0.025). Other statistically significant correlations were found between delta-ALA and father's occupation (P < 0.05) and the amount of time spent playing in the field (P < 0.01). Generally, this study indicates that school children in Kajang and Sepang are still relatively safe from excessively high lead exposure. However, a more sensitive indicator, which is based on a lower tolerable lead limits, such as lead in blood, are necessary to affirm this finding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
  20. Sensitization to inhaled allergens as a risk factor for asthma and allergic diseases in Chinese population
    Leung R, Ho P, Lam CW, Lai CK
    J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1997 May;99(5):594-9.
    PMID: 9155823
    BACKGROUND: Allergen sensitization is associated with asthma and allergic disease in children, but such a relationship has not been confirmed in Chinese populations.

    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of allergen sensitization and family history of atopy on asthma and allergic disease in Chinese schoolchildren from three southeast Asian populations.

    METHODS: Written questionnaires on respiratory and allergic symptoms were completed by parents of children of secondary-school age (age range 12 to 18 years) in Hong Kong (n = 1062), Kota Kinabalu in eastern Malaysia (n = 409), and San Bu in southern China (n = 737). A subsample of school-children underwent skin prick testing to common inhalant allergens (Hong Kong 471 children, Kota Kinabalu 321, San Bu 647).

    RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in schoolchildren was highest in Hong Kong, intermediate in Kota Kinabalu, and lowest in San Bu. However, the overall rate of atopic sensitization was similar in the three populations (49% to 63%). House dust mite and cockroach were the two most common allergens causing sensitization and these gave rise to more than 95% of the positive skin test results in all three populations. By regression analysis, mite allergy was associated with rhinitis and asthma in all three populations, and a family history of asthma, rhinitis, or eczema was strongly associated with respective symptoms in the subjects. After adjusting for age, sex, atopic status, and family history of allergic disease, the place of residence remained a significant independent factor for asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0 for Hong Kong, 0.57 for Kota Kinabalu, 0.15 for San Bu, p < 0.001), rhinitis (OR = 1.0 for Hong Kong, 0.59 for Kota Kinabalu, 0.15 for San Bu, p < 0.001), or eczema (OR = 1.0 for Hong Kong, 0.35 for Kota Kinabalu, 1.01 for San Bu, p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Sensitization to indoor allergens was a significant risk factor for asthma and allergic disease, and familial clustering of disease was common in the region. However, the marked difference in disease prevalence in the three southeast Asian populations of Chinese schoolchildren cannot be explained by atopic sensitization and family history alone, and the place of residence was an independent risk factor for asthma and allergies, which suggests an important environmental role in disease pathogenesis.

    Matched MeSH terms: Family Health
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