METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with convenient sampling was carried out Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar, Hospital Port Dickson and Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The participants answered a questionnaire regarding the source of their information about organ donation, their knowledge about brain death and willingness to donate. The association between variables was tested using chi-squared test or Fischer's exact test as appropriate.
RESULTS: A total of 385 individuals completed the survey of whom 134 (35%) were willing to donate their organs upon death and 25(19%) were registered donors. Higher educational level (41%), age 30 and below (42%) and people who attended organ donation awareness campaigns (60%) were more willing to donate their organs. Correct understanding of brain death was associated with willingness to be an organ donor. The commonest reason cited for unwillingness to donate was opposition from family members.
CONCLUSION: Marital status, religion, source of knowledge and occupation are significant factors in willingness to donate organs among Malaysians. Lower age and higher educational level were positive factors towards organ donation. Direct personal contact through awareness campaigns, family and friends has a potential for greater positive impact on organ donation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study among epilepsy patients treated with perampanel. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of perampanel as an adjunctive in our hospital.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: From our cohort of 25 patients, most of the patients were either on one or three anti-seizure medications (ASMs) prior to initiation of perampanel. Perampanel was added in 88% of them due to persistent seizures. Twenty-two (88%) patients experienced reduction in seizure frequency. 12% experienced mild side effects, which were leg cramps, hyponatremia and drowsiness. Only 1 patient stopped perampanel due to its side effects.
CONCLUSION: Perampanel is a well-tolerated ASM that should be widely used as an adjunctive. More studies with regards to its efficacy and safety involving more centres are encouraged in Malaysia.