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  1. Fulltext Correlation of retinal nerve fibre layer and macular thickness with serum uric acid among type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Vinuthinee-Naidu MN, Zunaina E, Azreen-Redzal A, Nyi-Nyi N
    BMC Ophthalmol, 2017 Jun 14;17(1):91.
    PMID: 28615022 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-017-0486-3
    BACKGROUND: Uric acid is a final breakdown product of purine catabolism in humans. It's a potent antioxidant and can also act as a pro-oxidant that induces oxidative stress on the vascular endothelial cells, thus mediating progression of diabetic related diseases. Various epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest that uric acid has a role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular thickness with serum uric acid in type 2 diabetic patients.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eye Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan between the period of August 2013 till July 2015 involving type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with no diabetic retinopathy and with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). An evaluation for RNFL and macular thickness was measured using Spectralis Heidelberg optical coherence tomography. Six ml of venous blood was taken for the measurement of serum uric acid and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C).

    RESULTS: A total of 180 diabetic patients were recruited (90 patients with no diabetic retinopathy and 90 patients with NPDR) into the study. The mean level of serum uric acid for both the groups was within normal range and there was no significance difference between the two groups. Based on gender, both male and female gender showed significantly higher level of mean serum uric acid in no diabetic retinopathy group (p = 0.004 respectively). The mean serum uric acid was significantly higher in patient with HbA1C 
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  2. Fulltext Cost of elective percutaneous coronary intervention in Malaysia: a multicentre cross-sectional costing study
    Lee KY, Ong TK, Low EV, Liow SY, Anchah L, Hamzah S, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2017 05 28;7(5):e014307.
    PMID: 28552843 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014307
    OBJECTIVES: Limitations in the quality and access of cost data from low-income and middle-income countries constrain the implementation of economic evaluations. With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease in Malaysia, cost information is vital for cardiac service expansion. We aim to calculate the hospitalisation cost of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), using a data collection method customised to local setting of limited data availability.

    DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional costing study from the perspective of healthcare providers, using top-down approach, from January to June 2014. Cost items under each unit of analysis involved in the provision of PCI service were identified, valuated and calculated to produce unit cost estimates.

    SETTING: Five public cardiac centres participated. All the centres provide full-fledged cardiology services. They are also the tertiary referral centres of their respective regions.

    PARTICIPANTS: The cost was calculated for elective PCI procedure in each centre. PCI conducted for urgent/emergent indication or for patients with shock and haemodynamic instability were excluded.

    PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures of interest were the unit costs at the two units of analysis, namely cardiac ward admission and cardiac catheterisation utilisation, which made up the total hospitalisation cost.

    RESULTS: The average hospitalisation cost ranged between RM11 471 (US$3186) and RM14 465 (US$4018). PCI consumables were the dominant cost item at all centres. The centre with daycare establishment recorded the lowest admission cost and total hospitalisation cost.

    CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive results from all centres enable comparison at the levels of cost items, unit of analysis and total costs. This generates important information on cost variations between centres, thus providing valuable guidance for service planning. Alternative procurement practices for PCI consumables may deliver cost reduction. For countries with limited data availability, costing method tailored based on country setting can be used for the purpose of economic evaluations.

    REGISTRATION: Malaysian MOH Medical Research and Ethics Committee (ID: NMRR-13-1403-18234 IIR).

    Study site: 5 hospitals (unnamed) of which 1 is a university teaching hospital
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  3. Fulltext Survival rates and predictors of survival among colorectal cancer patients in a Malaysian tertiary hospital
    Magaji BA, Moy FM, Roslani AC, Law CW
    BMC Cancer, 2017 05 18;17(1):339.
    PMID: 28521746 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3336-z
    BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally. It is the second most common cancer among both males and females in Malaysia. The economic burden of colorectal cancer is likely to increase over time owing to its current trend and aging population. Cancer survival analysis is an essential indicator for early detection and improvement in cancer treatment. However, there was a scarcity of studies concerning survival of colorectal cancer patients as well as its predictors. Therefore, we aimed to determine the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates, compare survival rates among ethnic groups and determine the predictors of survival among colorectal cancer patients.
    METHODS: This was an ambidirectional cohort study conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All Malaysian citizens or permanent residents with histologically confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer seen at UMMC from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from the medical records. Patients were followed-up until death or censored at the end of the study (31st December 2010). Censored patients' vital status (whether alive or dead) were cross checked with the National Registration Department. Survival analyses at 1-, 3- and 5-year intervals were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates, while Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was carried out to determine the predictors of 5-year colorectal cancer survival.
    RESULTS: Among 1212 patients, the median survival for colorectal, colon and rectal cancers were 42.0, 42.0 and 41.0 months respectively; while the 1-, 3-, and 5-year relative survival rates ranged from 73.8 to 76.0%, 52.1 to 53.7% and 40.4 to 45.4% respectively. The Chinese patients had the lowest 5-year survival compared to Malay and Indian patients. Based on the 814 patients with data on their Duke's staging, independent predictors of poor colorectal cancer (5-year) survival were male sex (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.76), Chinese ethnicity (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07,1.85), elevated (≥ 5.1 ng/ml) pre-operative carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) level (HR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.60, 2.83), Duke's stage C (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.21), Duke's stage D (HR: 4.61; 95% CI: 3.39, 6.28) and emergency surgery (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.15).
    CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates of colorectal cancer among our patients were comparable with those of some Asian countries but lower than those found in more developed countries. Males and patients from the Chinese ethnic group had lower survival rates compared to their counterparts. More advanced staging and late presentation were important predictors of colorectal cancer survival. Health education programs targeting high risk groups and emphasizing the importance of screening and early diagnosis, as well as the recognition of symptoms and risk factors should be implemented. A nationwide colorectal cancer screening program should be designed and implemented to increase early detection and improve survival outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  4. Visit-to-visit SBP variability and cardiovascular disease in a multiethnic primary care setting: 10-year retrospective cohort study
    Chia YC, Ching SM, Lim HM
    J Hypertens, 2017 05;35 Suppl 1:S50-S56.
    PMID: 28350621 DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001333
    OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to determine the relationship of long-term visit-to-visit variability of SBP to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a multiethnic primary care setting.
    METHOD: This is a retrospective study of a cohort of 807 hypertensive patients over a period of 10 years. Three-monthly clinic blood pressure readings were used to derive blood pressure variability (BPV), and CVD events were captured from patient records.
    RESULTS: Mean age at baseline was 57.2 ± 9.8 years with 63.3% being women. The BPV and mean SBP over 10 years were 14.7 ± 3.5 and 142 ± 8 mmHg, respectively. Prevalence of cardiovascular event was 13%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, BPV was the predictor of CVD events, whereas the mean SBP was not independently associated with cardiovascular events in this population. Those with lower SBP and lower BPV had fewer cardiovascular events than those with the same low mean SBP but higher BPV (10.5 versus 12.8%). Similarly those with higher mean SBP but lower BPV also had fewer cardiovascular events than those with the same high mean and higher BPV (11.6 versus 16.7%). Other variables like being men, diabetes and Indian compared with Chinese are more likely to be associated with cardiovascular events.
    CONCLUSION: BPV is associated with an increase in CVD events even in those who have achieved lower mean SBP. Thus, we should prioritize not only control of SBP levels but also BPV to reduce CVD events further.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  5. Fulltext Assessment of the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association Chronic Constipation Criteria: An Asian Multicenter Cross-sectional Study
    Gwee KA, Bergmans P, Kim J, Coudsy B, Sim A, Chen M, et al.
    J Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2017 Apr 30;23(2):262-272.
    PMID: 27764907 DOI: 10.5056/jnm16095
    Background/Aims: There is a need for a simple and practical tool adapted for the diagnosis of chronic constipation (CC) in the Asian population. This study compared the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association (ANMA) CC tool and Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of CC in Asian subjects.
    Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included subjects presenting at outpatient gastrointestinal clinics across Asia. Subjects with CC alert symptoms completed a combination Diagnosis Questionnaire to obtain a diagnosis based on 4 different diagnostic methods: self-defined, investigator's judgment, ANMA CC tool, and Rome III criteria. The primary endpoint was the level of agreement/disagreement between the ANMA CC diagnostic tool and Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of CC.
    Results: The primary analysis comprised of 449 subjects, 414 of whom had a positive diagnosis according to the ANMA CC tool. Rome III positive/ANMA positive and Rome III negative/ANMA negative diagnoses were reported in 76.8% and 7.8% of subjects, respectively, resulting in an overall percentage agreement of 84.6% between the 2 diagnostic methods. The overall percentage disagreement between these 2 diagnostic methods was 15.4%. A higher level of agreement was seen between the ANMA CC tool and self-defined (374 subjects [90.3%]) or investigator's judgment criteria (388 subjects [93.7%]) compared with the Rome III criteria.
    Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the ANMA CC tool can be a useful for Asian patients with CC.
    Study site in Malaysia: Gastroenterology clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  6. Prophylactic platelet transfusion plus supportive care versus supportive care alone in adults with dengue and thrombocytopenia: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, superiority trial
    Lye DC, Archuleta S, Syed-Omar SF, Low JG, Oh HM, Wei Y, et al.
    Lancet, 2017 Apr 22;389(10079):1611-1618.
    PMID: 28283286 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30269-6
    BACKGROUND: Dengue is the commonest vector-borne infection worldwide. It is often associated with thrombocytopenia, and prophylactic platelet transfusion is widely used despite the dearth of robust evidence. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of prophylactic platelet transfusion in the prevention of bleeding in adults with dengue and thrombocytopenia.
    METHODS: We did an open-label, randomised, superiority trial in five hospitals in Singapore and Malaysia. We recruited patients aged at least 21 years who had laboratory-confirmed dengue (confirmed or probable) and thrombocytopenia (≤20 000 platelets per μL), without persistent mild bleeding or any severe bleeding. Patients were assigned (1:1), with randomly permuted block sizes of four or six and stratified by centre, to receive prophylactic platelet transfusion in addition to supportive care (transfusion group) or supportive care alone (control group). In the transfusion group, 4 units of pooled platelets were given each day when platelet count was 20 000 per μL or lower; supportive care consisted of bed rest, fluid therapy, and fever and pain medications. The primary endpoint was clinical bleeding (excluding petechiae) by study day 7 or hospital discharge (whichever was earlier), analysed by intention to treat. Safety outcomes were analysed according to the actual treatment received. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01030211, and is completed.
    FINDINGS: Between April 29, 2010, and Dec 9, 2014, we randomly assigned 372 patients to the transfusion group (n=188) or the control group (n=184). The intention-to-treat analysis included 187 patients in the transfusion group (one patient was withdrawn immediately) and 182 in the control group (one was withdrawn immediately and one did not have confirmed or probable dengue). Clinical bleeding by day 7 or hospital discharge occurred in 40 (21%) patients in the transfusion group and 48 (26%) patients in the control group (risk difference -4·98% [95% CI -15·08 to 5·34]; relative risk 0·81 [95% CI 0·56 to 1·17]; p=0·16). 13 adverse events occurred in the transfusion group and two occurred in the control group (5·81% [-4·42 to 16·01]; 6·26 [1·43 to 27·34]; p=0·0064). Adverse events that were possibly, probably, or definitely related to transfusion included three cases of urticaria, one maculopapular rash, one pruritus, and one chest pain, as well as one case each of anaphylaxis, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and fluid overload that resulted in serious adverse events. No death was reported.
    INTERPRETATION: In adult patients with dengue and thrombocytopenia, prophylactic platelet transfusion was not superior to supportive care in preventing bleeding, and might be associated with adverse events.
    FUNDING: National Medical Research Council, Singapore.
    Study site: Hospitals, Singapore; University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Study protocol: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01030211
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  7. Prevalence and associations of neuropathic pain in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asian low back pain patients
    Kew Y, Tan CY, Ng CJ, Thang SS, Tan LH, Khoo YK, et al.
    Rheumatol Int, 2017 Apr;37(4):633-639.
    PMID: 28013358 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3633-x
    The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain differs in different ethnic populations. The aims of the study are to determine its frequency and associations in a multi-ethnic cohort of Asian low back pain patients. This was a cross-sectional study of low back patients seen at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Neuropathic low back pain patients were identified using the painDETECT questionnaire and compared with non-neuropathic (unclear or nociceptive) low back pain patients, in terms of socio-demographic and clinical factors, pain severity (numerical pain rating scale, NPRS), disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMDQ), as well as anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Of 210 patients, 26 (12.4%) have neuropathic low back pain. Neuropathic pain is associated with non-Chinese ethnicity, higher body mass index and pain radiation below the knee. Patients with neuropathic pain have significantly higher NPRS and RMDQ scores, and there are more subjects with anxiety on HADS. However, there are no differences between the groups in age, gender, pain duration or underlying diagnosis of low back pain. The prevalence of neuropathic low back pain in a multi-ethnic Malaysian cohort is lower than previously reported in other populations with possible differences between ethnic groups. It is associated with greater pain severity, disability and anxiety.
    Study site: Spine Clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  8. How Can We Best Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Malaysia? A Pilot of the IDEA Cognitive Screen and Picture-Based Memory Impairment Scale and Comparison of Criterion Validity with the Mini Mental State Examination
    Rosli R, Tan MP, Gray WK, Subramanian P, Mohd Hairi NN, Chin AV
    Clin Gerontol, 2017 03 29;40(4):249-257.
    PMID: 28459304 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1311978
    OBJECTIVES: To pilot two new cognitive screening tools for use in an urban Malaysian population and to compare their criterion validity against a gold standard, the well-established Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

    METHODS: The IDEA cognitive screen, Picture-based Memory Impairment Scale (PMIS), and MMSE were administered to a convenience sample of elderly (≥ 65 years) from the community and outpatient clinics at an urban teaching hospital. Consensus diagnosis was performed by two geriatricians blinded to PMIS and IDEA cognitive screen scores using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) clinical criteria. The MMSE performance was used as a reference.

    RESULTS: The study enrolled 66 participants, with a median age of 78.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 72.5-83.0) years and 11.0 median years of education (IQR, 9.0-13.0). Forty-three (65.2%) were female, and 32 (48.4%) were Chinese. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values were .962 (IDEA cognitive screen), .970 (PMIS), and .935 (MMSE). The optimal cutoff values for sensitivity and specificity were: IDEA cognitive screen: ≤ 11, 90.9% and 89.7%; PMIS: ≤ 6, 97.3% and 69.0%; and MMSE: ≤ 23, 84.6% and 76.0%. Although the sample size was small, multivariable logistic regression modelling suggested that all three screen scores did not appear to be educationally biased.

    CONCLUSION: The IDEA and PMIS tools are potentially valid screening tools for dementia in urban Malaysia, and perform at least as well as the MMSE. Further work on larger representative, cohorts is needed to further assess the psychometric properties.

    CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Study provides alternative screening tools for dementia for both non-specialists and specialists.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  9. Fulltext Effects of honey supplementation on inflammatory markers among chronic smokers: a randomized controlled trial
    Ghazali WS, Romli AC, Mohamed M
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Mar 28;17(1):175.
    PMID: 28351393 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1703-6
    BACKGROUND: Honey has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory property. This is a randomized, controlled, open-label trial to determine the effects of 12-week honey oral supplementation on plasma inflammatory markers such as high sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α among chronic smokers.
    METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 32 non-smokers and 64 chronic smokers from Quit Smoking Clinic and Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia participated in the study. Smokers were then randomized into 2 groups: smokers with honey group that received Malaysian Tualang honey (20 g/day daily for 12 weeks) and smokers without honey group. Blood was obtained from non-smokers and smokers at pre-intervention, and from smokers at post-intervention for measurement of the inflammatory markers.
    RESULTS: At pre-intervention, smokers had significantly higher high sensitive C-reactive protein than non-smokers. In smokers with honey group, tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly increased while high sensitive C-reactive protein was significantly reduced at post-intervention than at pre-intervention.
    CONCLUSION: This study suggests that honey supplementation has opposite effects on tumor necrosis factor-α and high sensitive C-reactive protein indicating the inconclusive effect of honey on inflammation among chronic smokers which needs further study on other inflammatory markers.
    TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Trial has been registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615001236583 . Registered 11 November 2015 (Retrospectively Registered).
    Study site: Quit Smoking Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM); staff from health campus
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  10. Fulltext Factors influencing implementation of a patient decision aid in a developing country: an exploratory study
    Tong WT, Lee YK, Ng CJ, Lee PY
    Implement Sci, 2017 03 21;12(1):40.
    PMID: 28327157 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-017-0569-9
    BACKGROUND: Most studies on barriers and facilitators to implementation of patient decision aids (PDAs) are conducted in the west; hence, the findings may not be transferable to developing countries. This study aims to use a locally developed insulin PDA as an exemplar to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing PDAs in Malaysia, an upper middle-income country in Asia.
    METHODS: Qualitative methodology was adopted. Nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) and three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with policymakers (n = 6), medical officers (n = 13), diabetes educators (n = 5) and a nurse, who were involved in insulin initiation management at an academic primary care clinic. The interviews were conducted with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach.
    RESULTS: Five themes emerged, and they were lack of shared decision-making (SDM) culture, role boundary, lack of continuity of care, impact on consultation time and reminder network. Healthcare providers' (HCPs) paternalistic attitude, patients' passivity and patient trust in physicians rendered SDM challenging which affected the implementation of the PDA. Clear role boundaries between the doctors and nurses made collaborative implementation of the PDA challenging, as nurses may not view the use of insulin PDA to be part of their job scope. The lack of continuity of care might cause difficulties for doctors to follow up on insulin PDA use with their patient. While time was the most commonly cited barrier for PDA implementation, use of the PDA might reduce consultation time. A reminder network was suggested to address the issue of forgetfulness as well as to trigger interest in using the PDA. The suggested reminders were peer reminders (i.e. HCPs reminding one another to use the PDA) and system reminders (e.g. incorporating electronic medical record prompts, displaying posters/notices, making the insulin PDA available and visible in the consultation rooms).
    CONCLUSIONS: When implementing PDAs, it is crucial to consider the healthcare culture and system, particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia where concepts of SDM and PDAs are still novel.
    Study site: primary care clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  11. Fulltext Influence of hip and knee osteoarthritis on dynamic postural control parameters among older fallers
    Mat S, Ng CT, Tan MP
    J Rehabil Med, 2017 Mar 06;49(3):258-263.
    PMID: 28218341 DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2202
    OBJECTIVE: To compare the relationship between postural control and knee and hip osteoarthritis in older adults with and without a history of falls.
    METHODS: Fallers were those with ≥ 2 falls or 1 injurious fall over 12 months. Non-fallers were volunteers with no falls in the past year. Radiological evidence of osteoarthritis with no reported symptoms was considered "asymptomatic osteoarthritis", while "symptomatic osteoarthritis" was defined as radiographic osteoarthritis with pain or stiffness. Dynamic postural control was quantified with the limits of stability test measured on a balance platform (Neurocom® Balancemaster, California, USA). Parameters assessed were end-point excursion, maximal excursion, and directional control.
    RESULTS: A total of 102 older individuals, mean age 73 years (standard deviation 5.7) years were included. The association between falls and poor performance in maximal excursion and directional control was confounded by age and comorbidities. In the same linear equation model with falls, symptomatic osteoarthritis remained independently associated with poor end-point excursion (β-coefficient (95% confidence interval) -6.80 (-12.14 to -1.42)).
    CONCLUSION: Poor performance in dynamic postural control (maximal excursion and directional control) among fallers was not accounted for by hip/knee osteoarthritis, but was confounded by old age and comorbidities. Loss of postural control due to hip/knee osteoarthritis is not a risk factor for falls among community-dwelling older adults.
    Study site: Departments of Emergency Medicine, Primary Care and Geriatric Medicine, in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  12. Identifying malnutrition: Nutritional status in newly diagnosed patients With cancer
    Krishnasamy K, Tang LY, Chong MC, Lau PC, Chinna K
    Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2017 02 01;21(1):E23-E29.
    PMID: 28107326 DOI: 10.1188/17.CJON.E23-E29
    BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common among patients with cancer, but little attention is given to its risks and consequences.
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status and identify the factors associated with malnutrition among newly diagnosed patients with cancer.
    METHODS: Patients admitted with newly diagnosed cancer at a teaching hospital in Malaysia were recruited from January to April 2015. Nutritional status was assessed before treatment initiation, and patients were classified into three categories.
    FINDINGS: A total of 132 pretreatment patients were recruited into the study. About half were severely malnourished. Patients with stage III cancer had the highest prevalence of severe malnourishment. Clinical parameters and disease characteristics were significantly associated with nutritional status. Demographic variables were also statistically significantly associated with severe nutritional status.
    KEYWORDS: malnutrition; nutrition status; nutritional assessment; risk factor
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  13. Ethnic variation of genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy in Malaysia
    Lim KS, Ng CC, Chan CK, Foo WS, Low JS, Tan CT
    Seizure, 2017 Feb;45:24-27.
    PMID: 27912112 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.11.011
    PURPOSE: Ethnic variation in epilepsy classification was reported in the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project. This study aimed to determine the ethnic variation in the prevalence of genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy (GGE) and GGE with family history in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Malaysia.

    METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 392 patients with a clinical diagnosis of GGE were recruited in the neurology outpatient clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), from January 2011 till April 2016.

    RESULTS: In our epilepsy cohort (n=2100), 18.7% were diagnosed to have GGE. Of those, 28.6% >(N=112) had family history of epilepsy with a mean age of seizure onset of 16.5 years old, and 42.0% had myoclonic seizures (N=47). The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy among first-degree relative of those with GGE and positive family history was 15.0%. Analysis according to ethnicity showed that Malaysian Chinese had the lowest percentage of GGE among those with epilepsy (12.3%), as compared with Indian and Malay (25.3% and 21.3%, p<0.001). In addition, 32.1% of these Indian patients with GGE had positive family history, which is more than the Malay (26.4%) and Chinese (27.5%) ethnic groups. Consanguineous marriage was noted in 5 Indian families with positive family history (9.6%).

    CONCLUSION: There was ethnic variation in the prevalence of GGE, whereby the Malaysian Chinese had the lowest percentage of GGE as compared with Indian and Malay. A substantial proportion of GGE had positive family history among the three ethnics groups.

    Study site: neurology outpatient clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  14. Fulltext Socioeconomic and sociocultural determinants of psychological distress and quality of life among patients with psoriasis in a selected multi-ethnic Malaysian population
    Kwan Z, Bong YB, Tan LL, Lim SX, Yong AS, Ch'ng CC, et al.
    Psychol Health Med, 2017 02;22(2):184-195.
    PMID: 27541601 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2016.1220603
    Patients with psoriasis may have increased risk of psychological comorbidities. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining associations between sociocultural and socioeconomic factors with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) scores and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. Adult patients with psoriasis were recruited from a Dermatology outpatient clinic via convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted regarding socio-demographic factors and willing subjects were requested to complete the DASS and DLQI questionnaires. The Pearson χ2 test, Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis to determine independent predictors of depression, anxiety, stress and severe impairment of quality of life. Unadjusted analysis revealed that depression was associated with Indian ethnicity (p = .041) and severe impairment of quality of life was associated with Indian ethnicity (p = .032), higher education (p = .013), higher income (p = .042), and employment status (p = .014). Multivariate analysis revealed that Indian ethnicity was a predictor of depression (p = .024). For stress, tertiary level of education (p = .020) was an independent risk factor while a higher monthly income was a protective factor (p = .042). The ethnic Indians and Malays were significantly more likely than the ethnic Chinese to suffer reduced quality of life (p = .001 and p = .006 respectively) and subjects with tertiary education were more likely to have severe impairment of quality of life (p = .002). Our study was unique in determining sociocultural influences on psychological complications of psoriasis in a South East Asian population. This has provided invaluable insight into factors predictive of adverse effects of psoriasis on psychological distress and quality of life in our patient population. Future studies should devise interventions to specifically target at risk groups in the development of strategies to reduce morbidity associated with psoriasis.
    Study site: Dermatology clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  15. Does a dual attending surgeon strategy confer additional benefit for posterior selective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)? A prospective propensity matching score analysis
    Kwan MK, Chan CY
    Spine J, 2017 02;17(2):224-229.
    PMID: 27609611 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.09.005
    BACKGROUND CONTEXT: With an increased cost of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery over the past 10 years, improvement of patient safety and optimization of the surgical management of AIS has become an important need. A dual attending surgeon strategy resulted in reduction of blood loss and complication rate.
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the perioperative outcome of posterior selective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients comparing a single versus a dual attending surgeon strategy.
    STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was carried out.
    PATIENT SAMPLE: The study sample comprised 60 patients
    OUTCOME MEASURE: Operative duration, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, need for transfusion, morphine usage, and duration of hospital stay were the outcome measures.
    METHODS: A total of 116 patients who underwent posterior selective thoracic fusion from two centers were prospectively recruited. The patients were grouped into Group 1 (single surgeon) and Group 2 (two surgeons). One-to-one matching analysis using "propensity score-matched cohort patient sampling method" was done for age, gender, height, weight, preoperative Cobb angle, number of fusion level, and Lenke classification. The outcome measures included operative duration, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, need for transfusion, morphine usage, and duration of hospital stay. This study was self-funded with no conflict of interest.
    RESULTS: From 86 patients who were operated by the two surgeons (Group 2), 30 patients were matched with 30 patients who were operated by a single surgeon (Group 1). Group 2 (164.0±25.7 min) has a significantly shorter operation duration (p=.000) compared with Group 1 (257.3±51.4 min). The total blood loss was significantly more (p=.009) in Group 1 (1254.7±521.5 mL) compared with Group 2 (893.7±518.4 mL). There were seven patients (23.3%) in Group 1 who received allogenic blood transfusion (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  16. The effect of diabetes knowledge and attitudes on self-management and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes
    Kueh YC, Morris T, Ismail AA
    Psychol Health Med, 2017 02;22(2):138-144.
    PMID: 26851120 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2016.1147055
    We examined the effect of diabetes knowledge and attitudes on self-management and quality of life (QoL) of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We employed a cross-sectional study design. A total of 137 female and 129 male participants with T2DM completed the diabetes knowledge scale (DKN), Diabetes Integration Scale-19 (ATT19), Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities (SDSCA) scale, and Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) scale, measuring diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and QoL respectively. The SDSCA scale measures diet, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care. The DQoL scale measures satisfaction and impact of QoL. An initial path model that tested the inter-relationships of the study variables was first identified based on previous research. Then, the path model was tested using Mplus 7.3. In the final model, diabetes knowledge was a significant predictor of attitudes and self-management in terms of blood glucose monitoring and foot care. Attitudes was a significant predictor of impact of QoL. Self-management in terms of blood glucose monitoring was a significant predictor of impact of QoL and diet was a significant predictor of satisfaction and impact of QoL. Exercise and foot care aspects of Self-management were significant predictors of satisfaction and impact of QoL respectively. The final model showed a good fit to the data: RMSEA = .045 (90% CI: .009, .071; Clfit = .601), CFI = .950, SRMR = .058. The findings suggest a theoretical basis to direct the development of appropriate health programs and interventions for improving QoL in people with T2DM and warrant replication in diverse samples.
    Study site: Diabetes Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  17. Fulltext Rare and unusual case of polyarteritis nodosa involving the gastrointestinal tract leading to bowel gangrene
    Jagwani AV, Fathi NQ, Jailani RF, Zakaria AD
    BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Jan 06;2017.
    PMID: 28062430 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217865
    Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotising vasculitis preferentially targeting medium-sized arteries and not related with glomerulonephritis or small vessel involvement. Clinical manifestations of PAN are multisystem. The gastrointestinal, renal, cardiac, musculoskeletal, skin and central nervous systems may be involved. The aetiology remains unknown, and the ensuing vasculitis may lead to aneurysm formation and thrombosis in any organs of the body with resultant ischaemia. PAN of the intestines is a relatively common manifestation of this disease but rarely causes bowel ischaemia resulting in necrosis. Here we report a case of a young Chinese patient who presented with an acute abdomen requiring surgery and made good recovery post operatively. He remains free of symptoms while on steroid therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  18. Fulltext Immediate compared with on-demand maternal full feeding after planned caesarean delivery: a randomised trial
    Tan PC, Alzergany MM, Adlan AS, Noor Azmi MA, Omar SZ
    BJOG, 2017 Jan;124(1):123-131.
    PMID: 27418179 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14211
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate immediate compared with on-demand full maternal oral feeding after caesarean delivery STUDY DESIGN: A randomised trial.

    SETTING: Obstetric unit of a university hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    POPULATION: Women admitted for a planned caesarean under spinal anaesthesia.

    METHODS: Participants were randomised to a sandwich meal served immediately on return to the ward or on-demand.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction VAS (visual analog scale of 100 mm) on the feeding regimen and vomiting at 24 hours.

    RESULTS: 453 women were initially enrolled, 395 were randomised and available for analysis. Median (full range) patient satisfaction VAS scores were 82 (15-100) versus 84 (0-100) mm, P = 0.88 and vomiting rates were 1/197 (0.5%) versus 2/198 (1.0%), P > 0.99 for immediate compared with on-demand feeding, respectively. The immediate versus on-demand arms first ate at a median of 105 (35-210) versus 165 (45-385) minutes, P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  19. Erectile dysfunction among patients on methadone maintenance therapy and its association with quality of life
    Teoh JB, Yee A, Danaee M, Ng CG, Sulaiman AH
    J Addict Med, 2017 Jan-Feb 6;11(1):40-46.
    PMID: 27753719 DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000267
    OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem commonly encountered by patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ED among this group of patients along with its risk factors and association with quality of life (QOL).
    METHODS: Male patients on MMT in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were included in the study. A total of 134 patients with sexual partners were assessed for ED using the International Index of Erectile Function. Patients were assessed for substance use using Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) and depression using the Malay version of the self-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-BM). QOL was evaluated using World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of ED among patients on MMT was 67%, with 26.1% having mild ED, 30.4% having mild-to-moderate ED, 7.0% having moderate ED, and 17.2% having severe ED. Patients with depression were 4 times more likely to have ED compared with patients without depression, whereas increasing age significantly correlated with the severity of ED. Having ED predicted a poorer QOL in the social relationships domain.
    CONCLUSION: Depression is highly associated with ED, which negatively influences the social aspect of QOL among patients on methadone maintenance therapy.
    Study site: outpatient addiction psychiatric clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
  20. Fulltext The prevalence and associated factors of neuropathic pain symptoms in a cohort of multi-ethnic Malaysian patients with diabetes mellitus
    Goh LY, Shahrom EE, Ganesan CC, Vethakkan SR, Goh KJ
    Neurology Asia, 2017;22(4):325-331.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: To determine prevalence and factors associated with neuropathic pain symptoms in a multiethnic cohort of Malaysian adult diabetic patients.
    Methods: This was aprospective cross-sectional observational study of hospital-based diabetic outpatients in Malaysia. Subjects were interviewed for their demographic data and medical history. The painDETECT questionnaire was used to screen for neuropathic pain symptoms and pain intensity was assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Neuropathy symptoms and signs were assessed using the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS).
    Results:Of 242 patients,140 (58%) were women, with a mean age of 61 + 11.4 years (range 21 to 81). Ninety nine(40.9%) were Malay, 64 (26.4%) Chinese, 76 (31.4%) Indian and three (1.2%) were Eurasian. Mean duration of diabetes was 15.9+ 9.8 years (range 1 to 53) and 232 (95.9%) patients had Type II diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy,based on NSS and NDS criteria, was found in 83 (34.3%). Thirteen (5.4%) patients were found to likely have neuropathic pain symptoms and this was independently associated with peripheral neuropathy ((OR) = 3.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 11.14) and Indian ethnicity (OR = 5.44, 95% CI: 1.50,
    19.57)). Patients with neuropathic pain had higher average pain intensity scores.
    Conclusions: The prevalence of neuropathic pain symptoms in a Malaysian DM patient cohort was low and was associated with the severity of neuropathy symptoms and Indian ethnicity. The causes for ethnic differences are unknown and could be due socio-cultural or physiological differences in neuropathic pain perception.
    Study site: Diabetic clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Hospitals, University
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