Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 81 in total

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  1. Cultured epidermal autografts in combination with MEEK Micrografting technique in the treatment of major burn injuries
    Dorai AA, Lim CK, Fareha AC, Halim AS
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:44.
    PMID: 19024976
    The treatment of major burn injuries are a formidable challenge to the burn surgeon. Early aggressive surgery for deep to full thickness burn injuries is vital in the prevention of infection. The ultimate goal in major burn injuries is to prevent the onset of multi-resistant organisms and achieve early wound cover. The field of tissue engineering can help to expedite the healing of these burn wounds. The development of keratinocyte culture delivery system can be used clinically to fasten the healing process and save many lives.
  2. In vitro cytotoxicology model of oligo-chitosan and n, o-carboxymethyl chitosan using primary normal human epidermal keratinocyte cultures
    Lim CK, Halim AS, Lau HY, Ujang Z, Hazri A
    J Appl Biomater Biomech, 2007 May-Aug;5(2):82-7.
    PMID: 20799177
    Chitosan (beta-1, 4-D-glucosamine) is a deacetylated form of chitin with excellent biological properties in wound management. The natural properties of chitosan have the physical and chemical limitations to be widely used in biomedical fields. The improvement of the physical and chemical properties of chitosan with some additional chemicals will alter its biocompatibility. Therefore, the biological attribute of the modified chitosan must be evaluated. In this study, the cytotoxicity of oligo-chitosan (OC) and N, O- carboxymethyl-chitosan (NO-CMC) derivatives (O-C 1%, O-C 5%, NO-CMC 1% and NO-CMC 5%) was evaluated using primary normal human epidermal keratinocyte (pNHEK) cultures as an in vitro toxicology model at standardized cell passages (fourth passages). 3-[4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used as a cell viability assay. The O-C 1% is one of the most compatible chitosan derivatives because it steadily sustained >70% of viable cells until 72 hr post-treatment. This was followed by O-C 5%, NO-CMC 5% and NO-CMC 1%. Therefore, oligo-chitosan had the ideal properties of a biocompatible material compared to N, O- carboxymethyl-chitosan in this study.
  3. Residual nonunion following vascularised fibular graft treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a report of two cases
    Sulaiman AR, Nordin S, Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Halim AS
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2006 Apr;14(1):64-6.
    PMID: 16598090
    Resection and reconstruction using a vascularised fibular graft is a viable alternative treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, although distal junctional nonunion and residual deformity are known complications that are difficult to treat. We illustrate 2 cases in which bony union was achieved following a technique using fibular grafting and intramedullary nailing, without additional bone grafting. This technique was feasible because of hypertrophy of the fibular graft.
  4. Fulltext Fillet flap: a successful procedure to preserve the optimum length of below-the knee-amputation stump in congenital constriction band of the leg
    Sulaiman AR, Sallehudin AY, Shahidan Y, Iskandar MA, Halim AS
    Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl C:119-21.
    PMID: 16381298
    The use of 'spare part' tissue from an amputated segment to cover a stump with soft tissue deficiency is a viable option for augmenting the shape of the stump and preserving functional length of the stump without additional donor morbidity. The procedure requires no microsurgical skill if the tissues are used as pedicle fillet flaps transfer. This concept of fillet flap makes the amputation distal to an unfavourable definitive amputation site such as in congenital constriction band possible. We report herein a case of amputation distal to constriction ring to illustrate the application of fillet flap in reconstruction surgery.
  5. Fulltext Osteosarcoma: the outcome of limb salvage surgery
    Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Halim AS, Biswal BM, Mutum SS
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Dec;59 Suppl F:24-34.
    PMID: 15941157
    We reviewed the surgical and oncological management 23 consecutive patients with osteosarcoma of the long bones to determine the outcome of limb salvage technique performed in our centre. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There were 15 males and 8 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 19 years (9 to 36). The median follow-up was 30 months (10 to 60). Fifteen had lesion around the knee joint followed by three in the proximal humerus, two in distal humerus, two in the pelvis, and one in the distal tibia. Six patients presented with lung metastases at diagnosis. We performed limb salvage surgery to control local disease in 16 patients and amputation in 7. The resection margins of the primary lesion were adequate and free of tumour cells in all patients. Local recurrence developed in 1 patient of limb salvage group. The overall median survival was 22 months and actuarial survival was 52% at 3 years. Eleven patients died of pulmonary metastases within 2 years of follow-up. Median survival of the limb salvage surgery group was 30 months compared to 6 months in the amputation group. As per our experience, limb salvage technique is a feasible option in extremity osteosarcoma without compromising survival.
  6. Burnout in physicians
    Lee YY, Medford AR, Halim AS
    J R Coll Physicians Edinb, 2015;45(2):104-7.
    PMID: 26181523 DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2015.203
    Increasing numbers of doctors are experiencing burnout now more than ever before and the worrying part is that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg. Burnout, a state of mental exhaustion caused by the doctor's professional life, is characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and a reduced sense of accomplishment or success. Burnout has been largely ignored or under-recognised previously. This paper provides a perspective on burnout among doctors, including an overview of symptoms, the scale of the problem, the implications and causes of burnout and, finally, a strategic framework to provide a basis for managing it. Most importantly, professional bodies are urged to start taking steps to help troubled doctors. Medical Colleges should provide essential assistance, support and guidance as well as ensuring fair management and promotion policies.
  7. Fulltext Severe epistaxis in pregnancy due to nasal pyogenic granuloma: A case report
    Mohd Yusof J, Abd Halim A, Wan Hamizan AK
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2020 Aug;15(4):334-337.
    PMID: 32982639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.06.007
    Mild to severe epistaxis is common in pregnancy and often results from increased vascularity of the nasal mucosa and hormonal changes. Symptoms may occur in the absence of an obvious local cause or any systemic disorder; however, thorough otolaryngological (i.e., "ENT") evaluation is always warranted. Pyogenic granuloma or lobular capillary haemangioma is a benign fibrovascular proliferative tumour that is commonly found on the face, fingers, lips, and nasal mucosa. Pregnancy-induced pyogenic granuloma is not an uncommon entity and may result in torrential epistaxis if untreated. Managing a case of severe epistaxis during pregnancy usually requires multidisciplinary management. The authors present a case of severe epistaxis in pregnancy that necessitated examination of the nasal cavity under general anaesthesia. Intraoperative findings showed a bluish-red mass occupying the patient's right maxillary sinus. Bleeding was arrested and complete haemostasis was achieved. The nasal pyogenic granuloma completely resolved in the post-partum period.
  8. Alopecia secondary to repaired occipital encephalocele - role of tissue expander in hair restoration
    Ishak A, Mat Saad AZ, Azman WS, Halim AS
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 06;73(3):172-174.
    PMID: 29962502 MyJurnal
    Partial scalp alopecia is a common problem that can lead to severe social and psychological problems. Tissue expansion, although an old concept, provides a surgical alternative to manage areas of alopecia. We describe a case of alopecia secondary to repaired occipital encephalocele that was successfully treated using tissue expansion technique.
  9. Fulltext Reconstruction of severe patellar infera syndrome with free vascularised composite tensor fascia lata flap
    Sulaiman AR, Halim AS, Azman WS, Eskandar H
    Singapore Med J, 2008 Aug;49(8):e205-7.
    PMID: 18756334
    Post-traumatic severe patella infera and intra-articular adhesion may lead to a severe knee stiffness. We report a 29-year-old man, a muslim prayer leader, who had a previous knee injury. He presented with knee movement from ten degrees to 30 degrees, patellar infera with a length of patella to length of patellar tendon ratio of 2:5, and severe knee arthrofibrosis. He underwent incision of the patella ligament and open arthrofibrosis release, leaving a tendon gap and skin defect of 5 cm. Reconstruction was successfully done using a free vascularised composite tensor fascia lata flap. He regained full range of knee motion with normal strength quadriceps mechanism at five months after surgery, and remained in full function at 18 months follow-up.
  10. Fulltext The prognostic value of tissue factor levels in acute ischaemic stroke
    Halim AG, Hamidon BB, Cheong SK, Raymond AA
    Singapore Med J, 2006 May;47(5):400-3.
    PMID: 16645690
    There is no biological marker that can accurately predict the prognosis after an acute ischaemic stroke. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of tissue factor (thromboplastin) levels in first ischaemic stroke.
  11. Fulltext Contribution of 6p24 to non-syndromic cleft lip and palate in a Malay population: association of variants in OFC1
    Salahshourifar I, Halim AS, Sulaiman WA, Zilfalil BA
    J Dent Res, 2011 Mar;90(3):387-91.
    PMID: 21297019 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510391798
    Non-syndromic cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, is a heterogeneous, complex disease with a high incidence in the Asian population. Several association studies have been done on cleft candidate genes, but no reports have been published thus far on the Orofacial Cleft 1 (OFC1) genomic region in an Asian population. This study investigated the association between the OFC1 genomic region and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in 90 Malay father-mother-offspring trios. Results showed a preferential over-transmission of a 101-bp allele of marker D6S470 in the allele- and haplotype-based transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), as well as an excess of maternal transmission. However, no significant p-value was found for a maternal genotype effect in a log-linear model, although single and double doses of the 101-bp allele showed a slightly increased cleft risk (RR = 1.37, 95% CI, 0.527-3.4, p-value = 0.516). Carrying two copies of the 101-bp allele was significantly associated with an increased cleft risk (RR = 2.53, 95% CI, 1.06-6.12, p-value = 0.035). In conclusion, we report evidence of the contribution of the OFC1 genomic region to the etiology of clefts in a Malay population.
  12. Fulltext Wound bed preparation from a clinical perspective
    Halim AS, Khoo TL, Saad AZ
    Indian J Plast Surg, 2012 May;45(2):193-202.
    PMID: 23162216 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.101277
    Wound bed preparation has been performed for over two decades, and the concept is well accepted. The 'TIME' acronym, consisting of tissue debridement, infection or inflammation, moisture balance and edge effect, has assisted clinicians systematically in wound assessment and management. While the focus has usually been concentrated around the wound, the evolving concept of wound bed preparation promotes the treatment of the patient as a whole. This article discusses wound bed preparation and its clinical management components along with the principles of advanced wound care management at the present time. Management of tissue necrosis can be tailored according to the wound and local expertise. It ranges from simple to modern techniques like wet to dry dressing, enzymatic, biological and surgical debridement. Restoration of the bacterial balance is also an important element in managing chronic wounds that are critically colonized. Achieving a balance moist wound will hasten healing and correct biochemical imbalance by removing the excessive enzymes and growth factors. This can be achieved will multitude of dressing materials. The negative pressure wound therapy being one of the great breakthroughs. The progress and understanding on scientific basis of the wound bed preparation over the last two decades are discussed further in this article in the clinical perspectives.
  13. Fulltext The versatility of a glycerol-preserved skin allograft as an adjunctive treatment to free flap reconstruction
    Mat Saad AZ, Khoo TL, Dorai AA, Halim AS
    Indian J Plast Surg, 2009;42(1):94-9.
    PMID: 19881027 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.53017
    Skin allografts have been used in medical practice for over a century owing to their unique composition as a biological dressing. Skin allografts can be obtained in several preparations such as cryopreserved, glycerol-preserved, and fresh allograft. A glycerol-preserved allograft (GPA) was introduced in the early 1980s. It has several advantages compared with other dressings such as ease of processing, storage and transport, lower cost, less antigenicity, antimicrobial properties, and neo-vascularisation promoting properties. Skin allografts are mainly used in the management of severe burn injuries, chronic ulcers, and complex, traumatic wounds. Published reports of the use of skin allografts in association with free flap surgery are few or non existent. We would like to share our experience of several cases of free tissue transfer that utilised GPA as a temporary wound dressing in multiple scenarios. On the basis of this case series, we would like to recommend that a GPA be used as a temporary dressing in conjunction with free flap surgery when required to protect the flap pedicle, allowing time for the edema to subside and the wound can then be closed for a better aesthetic outcome.
  14. Estimation of Total Body Surface Area Burned: A Comparison Between Burn Unit and Referring Facilities
    Ho HL, Halim AS, Sulaiman WAW, Fatimah MJ
    Ann Burns Fire Disasters, 2023 Mar;36(1):19-28.
    PMID: 38680901
    Accuracy of burn size estimation is critical in acute burn management because it directly affects the patient's outcome and prognosis. This study aims to quantify the discrepancies of total body surface area (TBSA) burned between the burn unit (TBSAb) and the referring facilities (TBSAr). Data of all referred adult and paediatric patients admitted to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Burn Unit within 24 hours post burn were retrospectively reviewed from 2015 to 2019. %TBSA discrepancies were calculated by the differences between TBSAb and TBSAr. A total of 208 patients (111 adults and 97 paediatric patients) were recruited in this study. Of these, the TBSA was overestimated in 60.58% cases, underestimated in 13.46% cases, accurate in 7.69% cases, and in 18.27% cases the referrals had no TBSAr stated. The %TBSA discrepancy was the highest in severe burns (mean 10.80% in adults and 7.59 in paediatric patients; P<0.001). The time interval between referral and reassessment and patients' body mass index (BMI) were not statistically significant for the magnitude of TBSA discrepancy. The number of burn areas involved correlated with the %TBSA discrepancies, with the highest recorded discrepancy being 21.50% in whole body involvement. There were significant discrepancies in TBSA estimations between the referring facilities and those of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) burn unit, especially among the paediatric patients and those with severe burns. Implementation of educational programs by burn care experts and agreement on a universal method of TBSA assessment are necessary in reducing the discrepancies.
  15. Fulltext The effect of calcium with or without calcitriol supplementation on renal function in patients with hypovitaminosis d and chronic kidney disease
    Mustafar R, Mohd R, Ahmad Miswan N, Cader R, Gafor HA, Mohamad M, et al.
    Nephrourol Mon, 2014 Jan;6(1):e13381.
    PMID: 24719814 DOI: 10.5812/numonthly.13381
    Hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-OHD < 30 ng/mL) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vitamin D is believed to involve in the regulation of renin-angiotensin system and may be renoprotective.
  16. Assessment of fluid status in CAPD patients using the body composition monitor
    Cader RA, Gafor HA, Mohd R, Kong NC, Ibrahim S, Wan Hassan WH, et al.
    J Clin Nurs, 2013 Mar;22(5-6):741-8.
    PMID: 23039369 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04298.x
    To assess the degree of overhydration in our peritoneal dialysis patients and to examine the factors contributing to overhydration.
  17. Fulltext Clinical efficacy and feasibility of whey protein isolates supplementation in malnourished peritoneal dialysis patients: A multicenter, parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial
    Sahathevan S, Se CH, Ng S, Khor BH, Chinna K, Goh BL, et al.
    Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2018 06;25:68-77.
    PMID: 29779821 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.002
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Poor dietary intake is commonly associated with malnutrition in the dialysis population and oral nutritional supplementation is strategized to redress dietary inadequacy. Knowledge on clinical efficacy of whey protein supplementation (WPS) as an option to treat malnutrition in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is limited.

    METHODS: This multicenter, parallel, open-label, randomized controlled trial investigated the clinical efficacy of WPS in 126 malnourished CAPD patients with serum albumin <40 g/L and body mass index (BMI) <24 kg/m2. Patients randomized to the intervention group (IG, n = 65) received protein powder (27.4 g) for 6 months plus dietary counseling (DC) while the control group (CG, n = 61) received DC only. Anthropometry, biochemistry, malnutrition-inflammation-score (MIS), dietary intake inclusive of dialysate calories, handgrip strength (HGS) and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed by effect size (Cohen's d) comparisons within and between groups.

    RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (n = 37 per group) completed the study. Significantly more IG patients (59.5%) achieved dietary protein intake (DPI) adequacy of 1.2 g/kg per ideal body weight (p  0.05). A higher DPI paralleled significant increases in serum urea (mean Δ: IG = +2.39 ± 4.36 mmol/L, p = 0.002, d = 0.57 vs CG = -0.39 ± 4.59 mmol/L, p > 0.05, d = 0.07) and normalized protein catabolic rate, nPCR (mean Δ: IG = +0.11 ± 0.14 g/kg/day, p  0.05, d = 0.09) for IG compared to CG patients. Although not significant, comparison for changes in post-dialysis weight (mean Δ: +0.64 ± 1.16 kg vs +0.02 ± 1.36 kg, p = 0.076, d = 0.58) and mid-arm circumference (mean Δ: +0.29 ± 0.93 cm vs -0.12 ± 0.71 cm, p = 0.079, d = 0.24) indicated trends favoring IG vs CG. Other parameters remained unaffected by treatment comparisons. CG patients had a significant decline in QOL physical component (mean Δ = -6.62 ± 16.63, p = 0.020, d = 0.47). Using changes in nPCR level as a marker of WPS intake within IG, 'positive responders' achieved significant improvement in weight, BMI, skinfold measures and serum urea (all p  0.05).

    CONCLUSION: A single macronutrient approach with WPS in malnourished CAPD patients was shown to achieve DPI adequacy and improvements in weight, BMI, skin fold measures, serum urea and nPCR level. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03367000).

  18. Fulltext Assessing protein energy wasting in a Malaysian haemodialysis population using self-reported appetite rating: a cross-sectional study
    Sahathevan S, Se CH, Ng SH, Chinna K, Harvinder GS, Chee WS, et al.
    BMC Nephrol, 2015;16:99.
    PMID: 26149396 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-015-0073-x
    Poor appetite could be indicative of protein energy wasting (PEW) and experts recommend assessing appetite in dialysis patients. Our study aims to determine the relationship between PEW and appetite in haemodialysis (HD) patients.
  19. Habitual Dietary Patterns of Patients on Hemodialysis Indicate Nutritional Risk
    Sualeheen A, Khor BH, Balasubramanian GV, Sahathevan S, Ali MSM, Narayanan SS, et al.
    J Ren Nutr, 2020 07;30(4):322-332.
    PMID: 31767516 DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2019.09.010
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (i) determine habitual dietary patterns of Malaysian patients on hemodialysis (HD) and (ii) examine their association with nutritional status.

    METHODS: An à posteriori approach examined 3-day dietary recalls of 382 multiethnic Malaysian patients on HD, leading to short-listing of 31 food groups. Dietary patterns were derived through principal component analysis. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics together with nutritional parameters were examined for associations with specific dietary patterns.

    RESULTS: Four dietary patterns emerged, namely, "Home Food," "Eating Out (EO)-Rice," "EO-Sugar sweetened beverages," and "EO-Noodle." Younger patients, male gender, Malay, and patients with working status were more likely to follow "EO-Rice" and "EO-Sugar sweetened beverages" patterns, while Chinese patients were more likely to consume "EO-Noodle" pattern (all P values 

  20. Fulltext The outcomes of salvage surgery for vascular injury in the extremities: a special consideration for delayed revascularization
    Jagdish K, Paiman M, Nawfar A, Yusof M, Zulmi W, Azman W, et al.
    Malays Orthop J, 2014 Mar;8(1):14-20.
    PMID: 25279079 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1403.012
    A seven years retrospective study was performed in 45 consecutive vascular injuries in the extremities to investigate the pattern of injuries, managements and outcomes. Motor-vehicle accidents were the leading cause of injuries (80%), followed by industrial injuries (11.1%) and iatrogenic injuries (4.4%). Popliteal and brachial artery injuries were commonly involved (20%). Fifteen (33.3%) patients had fractures, dislocation or fracture dislocation around the knee joint and 6 (13.3%) patients had soft tissue injuries without fracture. Traumatic arterial transection accounted for 34 (75.6%) cases, followed by laceration in 7 (15.6%) and 9 (6.7%) contusions. Associated nerve injuries were seen in 8 (17.8 %) patients using intra-operative findings as the gold standard, both conventional angiogram (CA) and computerized tomography angiogram (CTA) had 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity in determining the site of arterial injuries. The mean ischemic time was 25.31 hours (4 - 278 hours). Thirty-three (73.3 %) patients were treated more than 6 hours after injury and 6 patients underwent revascularization after 24 hours; all had good collateral circulation without distal pulses or evidence of ischemic neurological deficit. The mean ischemic time in 39 patients who underwent revascularization within 24 hours was 13.2 hours. Delayed amputation was performed in 5 patients (11.1%). Of the 6 patients who underwent delayed revascularization, one patient had early amputation, one -had delayed amputation following infection and multiple flap procedures while the rest of the patients' limbs survived. Joint stiffness was noted in 10 patients (22.2%) involving the knee joint, elbow and shoulder in two patients each. Infection was also noted in 5 patients (11.1%) with two of them were due to infected implants. Other complications encountered included nonunion (2 patients, 4.4%), delayed union (1 patient, 2.2%),limb length discrepancy (1 patient, 2.2%), hematoma (1 patient, 2.2%) and leaking anastomosis in one patient (2.2%). Volkmann's ischemic contracture occurred in 3 (6.7%) patients. There was no complication noted in 8 (17.8%) patients Three patients (6.7%) died of whom two were not due to vascular causes. We conclude that early detection and revascularization of traumatic vascular injuries is important but delayed revascularization also produced acceptable results.
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