MyMedR

Fulltext A case report of gastroschisis: Prenatal diagnosis in primary care settings matters

Said AH, Md Nor MZ, Che Yusof MD

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:53.

Gastroschisis may lead to serious congenital disability, as prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid could compromise the mesenteric blood flow and irritate the foetal intestinal wall. The consequences of gastroschisis include spontaneous preterm birth, growth restriction and foetal demise. Awareness of this disease is essential, as a high mortality rate is linked to inadequate initial therapy. Early detection of the disease, mainly by primary care physicians as the initial point of contact, is crucial to improve the course of the condition through early monitoring and referral to tertiary care centres. With this case report, we hope to highlight the need of detecting gastroschisis before to the third trimester of pregnancy for better readiness, especially in primary care settings located far from tertiary centres.

Fulltext Treatment of acute gout in patients with coronary artery disease

Chan CW, Cheah XY

Malays Fam Physician, 2013;8(2):44-6.

PMID: 25606282 MyJurnal

Fulltext A patient who refused medical advice: the doctor and the patient should look for a common ground

Tong SF, Chen R

Malays Fam Physician, 2007;2(3):110-3.

PMID: 25606096 MyJurnal

Treatment refusal is a common encounter in clinical practice. The process of deciding to refuse treatment is often complex. It is our responsibility to try and understand this process of decision making and the underlying reasons for treatment refusal. Many of these reasons are often rational in the context where the decision is made. The patients could be making the best decision for themselves even if these decisions are not necessarily the best in our mind. We should at all times discuss our treatment options and assess their ability to make decisions in achieving common goals. These goals should balance our best treatment strategies and the patients' best interest. This article discusses the reasons underlying treatment refusal and how we can achieve a common goal with our patients.

A Case of Severe Falciparum Malaria in a Returned Traveler

Low QJ, Lau WK, Lim TH, Lee RA, Cheo SW

Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(3):86-89.

PMID: 33329868

Primary care providers should be alert to travel-related infections. Around 10-40% of returning travelers from all destinations and 15-70% of travelers from tropical settings experience ill health, either overseas or upon returning home.1 A systematic approach concentrating on possible infections should be undertaken based on the patient's travel location, immunization history, presence of malaria chemoprophylaxis at the destination, other potential exposures, incubation period, and clinical presentation.2-3 The World Health Organization (WHO) website is constantly being updated on specific travel-related infections and recent geographical outbreaks. In this paper, we report a case of severe falciparum malaria in a returned traveler.

Fulltext Chronic cough with multiple causes

Chew BH

Malays Fam Physician, 2010;5(2):101-4.

PMID: 25606197 MyJurnal

This case reports a 57-year-old lady presented with cough of two months duration despite repeated treatments from multiple general practitioners. It took her another two months to know her diagnoses and a further couple of months to be relieved of her cough and became asymptomatic. Chronic cough management in primary care often needs an empiric integrative approach and requires good doctor-patient rapport with informed follow ups and continuity of care to be successful.

Fulltext Medical relief to 2008 Sichuan earthquake, China

Chew BH

Malays Fam Physician, 2008;3(3):170-172.

MyJurnal

The massive 2008 Sichuan earthquake brought unprecedented international humanitarian aid to China. The monstrous damages and casualties aroused all human's sympathy. I took the opportunity to join a Malaysian voluntary medical relief team to Sichuan in June 2008. This essay recounts the immediate events post-earthquake and reports on my experience during the mission.

Understanding patient management: the need for medication adherence and persistence

Chia Y

Malays Fam Physician, 2008;3(1):2-6.

PMID: 25606104 MyJurnal

Poor patient adherence to medication is one of the major factors contributing to poor disease control, in particular in asymptomatic chronic diseases like hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The physical and economic burden on patients and the health care system as a result of non-adherence is great. It is estimated that poor adherence to hypertension medication accounts for as many as 7.1 million preventable deaths annually. Hence recognising and identifying non-adherence is the first step to addressing this problem. Medication adherence can be measured in various ways including self-report to electronic monitoring. In order to be more successful in managing non-adherence, attention must be paid to barriers to adherence, namely the interplay of patient factors, the health care providers themselves and the health care system itself. Taking these into account will probably have the greatest impact on improving medication adherence. Consequently strategies to help overcome these barriers are of paramount importance. Some of these strategies will include education of patients, improving communication between patients and health care providers, improving dose scheduling, providing drugs with less adverse effects, and improving accessibility to health care. Poor mediation adherence continues to be a huge challenge. While the patient is ultimately responsible for the taking of medication, good communication, involving the patient in decision making about their care and simplifying drug regimens go a long way in improving it.

Fulltext Prehypertension: What is the current status?

Chia YC

Malays Fam Physician, 2008;3(2):72-6.

PMID: 25606120 MyJurnal

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is a continuum across blood pressure. The term prehypertension was introduced because it is now recognized that blood pressure readings between what is deemed optimal and hypertension is associated with increased CVD risk. The prevalence of prehypertension is high and the progression to hypertension is also high. Prehypertension is also commonly associated with other CVD risk factors namely dyslipidaemia, dysgylcaemia and overweight/ obesity. Eighty-five percent of prehypertensives have one other or more CVD risk factor compared to normotensives. A recent study has shown a reduction in the development of hypertension from prehypertension with the use of an angiotensin receptor blocker. Unfortunately to date, the impact of treatment of prehypertension on CVD outcome is still unknown except in those with high CVD risk like diabetes or established CVD. However this does not mean nothing can be done for those with prehypertension. The aim of managing prehypertension is to lower the BP, prevent progression to hypertension and to prevent BP related CVD deaths. Lifestyle changes can reduce BP and this by itself can lower CVD risk. Until more evidence about other modalities of treatment become available this is a sensible and cost-effective way to manage prehypertension.

Fulltext Funding for research: How to navigate towards it

Chia YC

Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(1):36-8.

PMID: 26998210

Fulltext Manpower cost for a hypertension health campaign: A cross-sectional study

Beh HC, Wong PF, Chew BN, Chia YC

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:66.

PMID: 38111833 DOI: 10.51866/oa.3l4

INTRODUCTION: The overall prevalence of hypertension is high, and many people are unaware of their condition. Screening campaigns can effectively identify this group of patients. The study aimed to determine the cost of manpower for a health campaign for detecting undiagnosed hypertension and the prevalence of hypertension.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two health centres. Sociodemographic characteristics, hypertension and treatment statuses were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by either doctors or nurses using automated BP machines. The cost of manpower was calculated as the average salaries of manpower during the 3-day health campaign divided by the total number of days. The final sum was the cost of detecting undiagnosed hypertension.

RESULTS: A total of 2009 participants median age = 50 (IQR = 18-91) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.4% (n=832). Among the patients with hypertension, 49.2% (n=409) were unaware of their hypertension status. Conversely, 21.1% (n=423) were known to have hypertension, among whom 97.4% (n=412) were on medications. Among those who were on medications, 49% (n=202) had good BP control. The average total cost of manpower during the 3-day health campaign was RM 5019.80 (USD 1059). The cost of detecting an individual with elevated BP was RM 12.27 (USD 2.59).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension and unawareness is high. However, the average cost of manpower to detect an individual with elevated BP is low. Therefore, regular public health campaigns aiming to detect undiagnosed hypertension are recommended.

Fulltext Perception of the factors contributing to family happiness among caregivers of stroke survivors in a suburban community in Thailand: A qualitative study

Chaknum P, Harniratisai T, Somprasert C, Chiang LC

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:13.

PMID: 36992957 DOI: 10.51866/oa.138

INTRODUCTION: Caring for stroke survivors in primary care settings substantially impacts family life and health. Caregivers of stroke survivors have different challenging experiences in providing care in relation to family happiness. This study aimed to explore family happiness and its contributing factors among family members caring for stroke survivors in suburban Thailand.

METHOD: Qualitative semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted among 54 family caregivers in suburban Thailand communities from January to July 2020. Interviews and focus group discussions were digitally recorded, independently transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti 8.0. Qualitative data analysis method was used.

RESULTS: Family happiness was found to help a family function and be satisfied with caring. The analysis revealed three themes for achieving family happiness: 1) ideal caregiver characteristics: virtue, love and gratitude, experience in caring, good health and self-care ability, good management of emotions and freedom to manage problems and obstacles; 2) family function: family structure, roles and duties, relationships and management of family problems; and 3) resource support: financial, health and environmental supports.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate how life adaptations can improve family happiness within families of stroke survivors. Understanding caregivers' perceptions of their experiences in caring for stroke survivors is a challenge for healthcare providers; overcoming this could transform an unpleasant life into caregiving happiness. Appropriate and practical support from healthcare authorities could empower families of stroke survivors to succeed in caregiving and achieve family happiness.

Fulltext Isolated unilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy: A rare presentation of dengue fever

Mazliha M, Boo YL, Chin PW

Malays Fam Physician, 2016;11(1):25-26.

PMID: 28461846 MyJurnal

Dengue fever is a common mosquito-borne viral infection endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. Neurological manifestations in dengue infection are relatively uncommon, and include encephalitis, encephalopathy, neuromuscular disorders and neuro-ocular disorders. Cranial mononeuropathy is a rare manifestation of dengue infection. A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with isolated, unilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy complicating dengue infection. The patient was managed accordingly, and full ocular recovery was observed. This was the first reported case of isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy associated with dengue fever in Malaysia. It is important for clinicians to consider dengue as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with fever and sixth cranial nerve palsy.

Notes by a Family Physician Shootling

Chin SS

Malays Fam Physician, 2022 Nov 30;17(3):159-160.

PMID: 36606177 DOI: 10.51866/mol.246

Fulltext Patients' satisfaction on primary healthcare services in China and its associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Li H, Swe KMM, Jabbar MA, Ching SM

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:4.

PMID: 36992956 DOI: 10.51866/oa.194

INTRODUCTION: The provision of a satisfactory service by community healthcare centres in China plays an important role in the prevention and control of communicable diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a lack of study in this field. This study aimed to determine the level of patient satisfaction with primary healthcare services in China and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 primary healthcare clinics in Xi'an, China. The 18-Item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire was used for data evaluation and SPSS version 23.0 for data analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 315 patients were recruited. The overall patient satisfaction score was 26.1±3.1. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the highly educated patients had a higher patient satisfaction score than the low-educated patients (β=1.138, 95% confidence interval=0.135-2.141, P=0.026).

CONCLUSION: The overall patient satisfaction level of the patients who attended community healthcare centres in Xi'an was high. The patients with a higher educational level showed a higher patient satisfaction level than did those with a lower educational level.

Fulltext Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure after strenuous push-ups

Keah SH, Chng KS

Malays Fam Physician, 2009;4(1):37-9.

PMID: 25606158

We report a case of a young Chinese female who developed acute rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure after a strenuous push-up exercise during a company motivation course. She managed to make full recovery after a period of outpatient treatment.

Fulltext Retinal Images

Keah SH, Chng KS

Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(1):39.

PMID: 26998211

Fulltext Pre-auricular sinus: an uncommon presentation

Ng JWS, Chew YK, Tan KL, Chong AW

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(1):32-33.

PMID: 25606218 MyJurnal

An infected pre-auricular sinus presenting as a post-auricular swelling is commonly misdiagnosed as an infected dermoid or sebaceous cyst. It may even mimic a mastoid abscess leading to further unwarranted investigations and interventions. We present a case of a 25-year-old Malay man who was initially diagnosed with recurrent infected dermoid cyst. At presentation, a right post-auricular inflamed swelling was noted with an overlying old incision and drainage scar. An auricular pit was found at the crus of helix. Using a blunt probe inserted along the sinus tract pus was drained without the need for further surgical incision. Six weeks after the acute episode, patient underwent excision of the pre-auricular sinus with no evidence of recurrence at three months follow up. Awareness by the attending physician of this ‘variant type’ of pre-auricular sinus at patient’s first presentation may negate the need for unnecessary incision and drainage which may subsequently impact the outcome of surgical excision and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Fulltext Chronic disease management in Singapore polyclinics

Lee VKM, Tan NC, Chong MH

Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(2):94-96.

PMID: 27570599 MyJurnal

Singapore health care has taken a major leap and invested a large amount of money and work force in chronic disease management. These changes attempt to integrate population perspectives and personcentred perspectives. Primary health care team can play a lead role in chronic illness care, but health care organisation system support and policy are critical to its success. (Copied from article).

An unusual cause of acute abdomen and acute renal failure: Djenkolism

Sumitro K, Yong CS, Tan LT, Choo S, Lim CY, Shariman H, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):50-52.

PMID: 32843946

The djenkol bean (Archidendron pauciflorum) is a native delicacy in Southeast Asia, though consumption can sometimes lead to djenkolism. Clinical features of djenkolism include acute abdominal pain, hematuria, urinary retention, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The pain can be severe, which often leads to a misdiagnosis of acute abdomen. In this paper, we report the case of an Indonesian migrant with djenkolism. Due to the short history and severity of the abdominal pain, medical professionals suspected acute abdomen and proceeded with a negative exploratory laparotomy. However, djenkolism was suspected once relatives informed the professionals that the patient had consumed djenkol beans hours earlier. The patient recovered through aggressive hydration and urine alkalinization with bicarbonate infusion. We highlight the importance of being aware of this rare cause of AKI, especially in Southeast Asia, in order to provide early diagnoses and prompt treatments.

Challenges in managing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and COVID-19: A case report

Shaji G, Chong VH

Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Jul 22;16(2):67-69.

PMID: 34386166 DOI: 10.51866/cr1137

Children of all ages can be affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although they appear to be less affected than adults in both incidence and severity. Difficulties arise in children with co-morbid conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with regard to isolation or quarantine, investigation, and management. It can be a challenge to manage such children, be it in a national COVID center or hospital or a tertiary center. We report our experience and the challenges we faced managing two siblings with ASD and COVID-19.

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