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  1. Mustafar R, Nesam T, Kamaruzaman L, Mohd R, Sukor N, Safian N, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):87-92.
    PMID: 36715197
    INTRODUCTION: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with chronic kidney disease progression, and there are limited data on the vitamin D levels in patients with Immunoglobulin A nephropathy. This study was conducted to determine the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a stable immunoglobulin A nephropathy patient and its association with other parameters.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study involving 70 patients with biopsy-proven immunoglobulin A nephropathy with a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albuminuria. Their demographic profiles were documented, and blood samples were taken for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, urine albuminuria and other routine blood tests.

    RESULTS: We found nine patients (12.9%) had sufficient 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of more than 30ng/mL and the rest of the patients; 61 (87.1%) had serum 25(OH)D levels below 30 ng/ml. Amongst those with low vitamin D, 38 (62.3%) had serum 25(OH)D between 15-30 ng/mL (insufficient), and the remaining 23 (37.7%) had serum 25(OH)D below 15 ng/ml (deficient). Their mean level of serum 25(OH)D was 19.92 ± 9.04 ng/mL with a serum creatinine of 106.23 ± 38.56 μmol/L and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 68.11± 27.65 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was no association between urinary albuminuria, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate or systolic blood pressure with serum 25(OH)D level.

    CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D (insufficiency and deficiency) are indeed prevalent in stable immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients. We found no correlation between the vitamin D levels with albuminuria, renal function and highly sensitive C-reactive.

  2. Ang WS, Jamil TR, Kamaludin R, Mustafar R
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):721-732.
    PMID: 38031213
    INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) rapid progression is associated with higher risk of end-stage kidney disease and higher mortality rate. Monitoring and recognition of CKD rapid progression is still lacking, however interventions have been shown to improve this. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of CKD-CHECK toolkit and preliminary measure the outcome of the CKD-CHECK toolkit in assisting primary care doctor to order further tests for CKD rapid progressors and trigger appropriate nephrology referral.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CKD-CHECK (CKD-CHECK EGFR Chart in Kidney disease) is a toolkit that was developed to auto-generate patients' eGFR trend using a line graph, displaying the trend visually over a year. It identifies patients with rapid CKD progression, triggers the doctors to order appropriate tests (proteinuria quantification or renal imaging) and helps in decision making (continued monitoring at primary care level or referral to nephrologist). The toolkit was piloted among medical officers practising in a hospital-based primary care clinic treating patients with eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2 using an interventional before-after study design from February to May 2022. In the preintervention period, the CKD patients were managed based on standard practice. The doctors then used the CKDCHECK toolkit on the same group of CKD patients during the intervention period. The feasibility and acceptability of the toolkit was assessed at the end of the study period using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) questionnaires. All patients' clinical data and referral rate were collected retrospectively through medical files and electronic data systems. Comparison between the pre- and post-intervention group were analysed using paired t-test and McNemar test, with statistical significance p value of <0.05.

    RESULTS: A total of 25 medical officers used the toolkit on 60 CKD patients. The medical officers found the CKD-CHECK toolkit to be highly acceptable and feasible in primary care setting. The baseline characteristics of the patients were a mean age of 72 years old, predominantly females and Chinese ethnicity. Majority of the CKD patients had diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The numbers of CKD rapid progressors was similar (26.7% in the preintervention group vs 33.3% in the post-intervention group). There were no significant differences in terms of proteinuria assessment and ultrasound kidney for CKD rapid progressors before and after the intervention. However, a significant number of CKD rapid progressors were referred to nephrologists after the use of CKD-CHECK toolkit (p=0.016).

    CONCLUSIONS: CKD-CHECK toolkit is acceptable and feasible to be used in primary care. Preliminary findings show that the CKD-CHECK toolkit improved the primary care doctor's referral of rapid CKD progressors to nephrologists.

  3. Shaharir SS, Mustafar R, Mohd R, Mohd Said MS, Gafor HA
    Clin Rheumatol, 2015 Jan;34(1):93-7.
    PMID: 25373448 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-014-2802-0
    Arterial hypertension (HPT) burden up to two third of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) risk. We aim to determine the prevalence of HPT among lupus nephritis (LN) patients who were in complete remission (CR) for a minimum of 6 months, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). This is a cross-sectional study of 64 LN patients who attended Nephrology/SLE Clinic at The National University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Persistent hypertension (blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg for at least two occasions), CR for a minimum of 6 months and eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the demographic and disease characteristics associated with HPT. Thirty-four of them (53.1 %) were hypertensive. Persistent HPT was associated with disease duration, acute kidney injury and high BP at the onset of LN, longer duration interval to achieve CR, number of relapses and cyclosporine A (CyA) use. There were no associations between histological classes, nephrotic range proteinuria, body mass index and waist circumference with HPT. Factors independently associated with HPT were disease duration OR 1.06 [95 %CI (0.91-1.24)], longer duration interval to achieve CR OR 1.104 [95 %CI (1.02-1.19)], number of relapses OR 2.53 [95 % CI (1.01-6.3)] and CyA use OR 5.3 [95 % CI (1.14-23.9)]. The prevalence of HPT among LN is high despite in remission. Aggressive treatment is important to achieve early CR and to prevent relapses.
    Study site: Nephrology/SLE clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  4. Shaharir SS, Mohamed Said MS, Mohd R, Abdul Cader R, Mustafar R, Abdul Rahman R
    PLoS One, 2019;14(9):e0222343.
    PMID: 31539383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222343
    Flare of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may occur during pregnancy and puerperium. We studied the prevalence and factors associated with SLE relapse during pregnancy and post-partum period in a multi-ethnic SLE cohort. Consecutive SLE patients who attended the outpatient clinic were reviewed for previous history of pregnancies in our institution. Patients who had a complete antenatal, delivery, and post-partum follow up were included. Their medical records were retrospectively analysed to assess the disease activity at pre-pregnancy/conception, during antenatal, and post-partum period. Presence of flare episodes during pregnancy and puerperium were recorded. The pregnancy outcomes recorded include live birth, foetal loss, prematurity and intra-uterine growth restrictions (IUGR). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with disease relapse and the pregnancy outcomes. A total of 120 patients with 196 pregnancies were included, with a live birth rate of 78.6%. Four (2.0%) were diagnosed to have SLE during pregnancy. The flare rate in pregnancy was 40.1% while post-partum 17.4%. Majority of the relapse in pregnancy occurred in haematological system (62.3%) followed by renal (53.2%), musculoskeletal (22.1%), and mucocutaneous (14.3%). In GEE analyses, active disease at conception was the independent predictor of SLE relapse during and after pregnancy, whereas older maternal age and Malay ethnicity were associated with higher flare during post-partum. HCQ use was significantly associated with reduced risk of flare in univariate analysis but it was no longer significant in the GEE analyses. Presence of disease flare in pregnancy was significantly associated with prematurity. In conclusion, pregnancy in SLE need to be planned during quiescent state as pre-pregnant active disease was associated with disease relapse in both during and after pregnancy. Malay patients had an increased risk of post-partum flare but further larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the association between pregnancies in the different ancestral background.
  5. Shaharir SS, Maulana SA, Shahril NS, Mohd R, Mustafar R, Said MSM, et al.
    Lupus, 2020 Sep;29(10):1305-1313.
    PMID: 32660312 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320938871
    BACKGROUND: Despite the improvement in the live birth rate among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), they are still at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with APOs in the multi-ethnic SLE populations in Malaysia.Methodology: This was a retrospective review of the consecutive SLE patients who attended the outpatient clinic in two major rheumatology centres from January 2016 until December 2019 with complete pre-pregnancy, antenatal and intra-partum records. APOs include pregnancy loss, prematurity, pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal death. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalised estimating equation (GEE) analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with APOs.

    RESULTS: A total of 153 patients with 240 pregnancies were included and the majority of the patients were Malay (69.9%), followed by Chinese (24.2%) and Indian (5.9%). The prevalence of APOs was 61.7% with the commonest complication being prematurity (28.3%), followed by pregnancy loss (24.6%) and pre-eclampsia (21.8%). Logistic regression model-based GEE analysis revealed that the independent predictors of APOs were active haematological system during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy active disease, Indian patients and positive lupus anticoagulant. Hydroxychloroquine use was associated with lower APOs including pre-eclampsia, prematurity and IUGR in the univariate analyses but it was no longer significant in the GEE analysis.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of APOs was high particularly among the Indian patients. Positive lupus anticoagulant and pre-pregnancy active disease were the factors strongly associated with APOs in our multi-ethnic cohort. Hydroxychloroquine may protect against APOs but further larger studies are needed to confirm this.

  6. Shahar S, Mustafar R, Kamaruzaman L, Periyasamy P, Pau KB, Ramli R
    Int J Nephrol, 2021;2021:5562690.
    PMID: 34249377 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5562690
    Introduction: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter colonization (CC) are two complications among haemodialysis (HD) patients that lead to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CRBSI and CC among HD patients registered at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre and to identify the factors involved by focusing on the demographic profile of the patients as well as their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

    Method: This is a retrospective study of end-stage renal disease patients with suspected CRBSI during the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. Data on patients who fulfilled the blood culture criteria for CRBSI and CC diagnosis were further analysed for clinical manifestations, comorbidities, history of dialysis, catheter characteristics, and microbiological culture results. The outcomes of CRBSI and CC were also assessed. Findings. In the 3-year period under study, there were 496 suspected CRBSI cases with a total of 175 events in 119 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. During that time, the percentage of patients who experienced CRBSI and CC was 4.2% and 4.8%, respectively. The majority of the cohort consisted of male (59.4%), Malay ethnicity (75%), and patients on a tunnelled dialysis catheter (83%). Patients who were fistula naïve and had an internal jugular catheter were more common in the CRBSI group than in the CC group. The predominant microorganisms that were isolated were Gram-positive organisms. In terms of clinical presentation and outcome, no differences were found between the CRBSI and CC groups. Patients with Gram-negative bacteraemia, high initial c-reactive protein, and catheter salvation were likely to have poor outcomes. Recurrence of CRBSI occurred in 31% of the cohort. Neither catheter salvation nor antibiotic-lock therapy were associated with the recurrence of CRBSI. On the other hand, the femoral vein catheter site was associated with risk of recurrence. The overall mortality rate was 1.1%. Discussion. From the analysis, it was concluded that clinical assessment and positive culture are crucial in diagnosing CRBSI with or without peripheral culture. This study provides essential information for the local setting which will enable healthcare providers to implement measures for the better management of CRBSI.

  7. Shaharir SS, Hussein H, Rajalingham S, Mohamed Said MS, Abdul Gafor AH, Mohd R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(11):e0166270.
    PMID: 27846298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166270
    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease and despite the improvement in the survival in the past few decades, the morbidity due to disease damage remains significant. The objectives of this study were to investigate the disease damagepattern and determine the associated factors of damage in the multi-ethnic Malaysian SLE patients. We consecutively 424SLE patients who attended a consistent follow-up at the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre and Putrajaya Hospital were recruited. Disease damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology) Damage Index (SDI) scores. Information on their demographics and disease characteristics were obtained from the clinical record. Univariate analysis was performed and the best model of independent predictors of disease damage was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 182 patients (42.9%) had disease damage (SDI ≥1). A significantly higher number of Indian patients had disease/organ damage and they predominantly developed steroid-induced diabetes mellitus (SDM). Patients with corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIOP) were more likely to be Malayswhile majority of patients who developed malignancy were Chinese (p<0.05). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, disease damage was significantly associated with age, Indian ethnicity, lower mean cumulative C3 level, neuropsychiatry lupus (NPSLE), and antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). Patients who had ever and early treatment with hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)were less likely to develop disease damage while more patients who had received oral prednisolone ≥1mg/kg daily over 2 weeks had disease damage (p<0.05). In conclusion, there were inter-ethnic differences in the damage pattern and risks among SLE patients.
  8. Mohd R, Nesam T, Kamaruzaman L, Cader RA, Mustafar R, Kong WY
    Respir Med Case Rep, 2018;24:147-149.
    PMID: 29977783 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.05.019
    Acinetobacter baumannii is an aerobic Gram-negative coccobacillus that is associated with hospital acquired pneumonia. There is increased reporting of emergent cases of community acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) acinetobacter associated with a higher mortality due to antibiotic resistance. Community acquired MDR acinetobacter pneumonia has not been reported in Malaysia. Here we report a case of a 19-year-old army officer who presented with fever and respiratory symptoms for 5 days. He had no known medical illness before and no history of hospitalization. Upon arrival, he was in septicaemic shock, requiring invasive ventilator support and renal replacement therapy in intensive care unit. Chest radiograph showed bilateral lung consolidations and bronchoscopy revealed haemoserous and greenish bronchiole secretion. He was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and oseltamivir. Unfortunately he died on day 3 of hospital admission. His bronchial lavage culture came back positive for MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. This case illustrates that clinicians need to be aware that MDR Acinetobacter baumannii can cause severe community acquired pneumonia. We may need to consider this diagnosis in patients who do not respond to standard therapy.
  9. Wee Leng G, Mustafar R, Kamaruzaman L, Mohd R, Cader RA, Wei Yen K, et al.
    Acta Med Indones, 2018 Jul;50(3):237-243.
    PMID: 30333274
    Managing primary or even secondary glomerulonephritis remains a challenge to many nephrologists. In primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with heavy proteinuria, renin aldosterone system blockade and high dose of oral prednisolone is the mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive medications like Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine A and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) are warranted if a complete remission is not achieved.  We illustrate a case of 21 year old gentleman with primary FSGS that was difficult to achieve remission despite on high dose steroid and oral Cyclophosphamide. He was also not responsive to a combination of MMF and Cyclosporine A (CSA) and even throughout the therapy he developed significant steroid and CSA toxicity. He presented to our center with severe nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury requiring acute haemodialysis. Despite re-challenged him again on high dose prednisolone, total of 2.4g of intravenous Cyclophosphamide, and MMF, he failed to achieve remission. He was subsequently given intravenous Rituximab 500mg/weekly for 4 doses and able to attained remission for 1 year. He relapsed again and a second course of Rituximab 500mg/weekly for 6 doses were given to attain remission. This case demonstrates the difficulty in managing refractory steroid dependent FSGS and we found that Rituximab is proven beneficial in this case to induce remission.
  10. Mustafar R, Kamaruzaman L, Chien BH, Yahaya A, Mohd Nasir N, Mohd R, et al.
    Case Rep Med, 2018;2018:8425985.
    PMID: 30186328 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8425985
    We reported a case of primary renal lymphoma (PRL) presented with non-oliguric acute kidney injury and bilateral kidney infiltrates in an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Acute kidney injury secondary to lymphoma infiltrates is very rare (less than 1% of hematological malignancy). A 37-year-old gentleman with underlying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease was on combined antiretroviral therapy since diagnosis. He presented to our center with uremic symptoms and gross hematuria. Clinically, bilateral kidneys massively enlarged and were ballotable. Blood investigations showed hemoglobin of 3.7 g/L, urea of 65.6 mmol/L, and serum creatinine of 1630 µmol/L with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. An urgent hemodialysis was initiated, and he was dependent on regular hemodialysis subsequently. Computed tomography renal scan showed diffuse nonenhancing hypodense lesion in both renal parenchyma. Diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma with germinal center type, CD20 positive, and proliferative index 95% was confirmed via renal biopsy, and there was no bone marrow infiltrates. Unfortunately, the patient succumbs prior to initiation of chemotherapy.
  11. Yang SC, Mustafar R, Kamaruzaman L, Wei Yen K, Mohd R, Cader R
    Acta Med Indones, 2019 Oct;51(4):338-343.
    PMID: 32041918
    A 59-year-old lady with underlying hypothyroidism presented with acute contact dermatitis progressed to cellulitis with superimposed bacterial infection and acute kidney injury. She responded to initial management with antibiotics, but a week later, she had cutaneous and systemic vasculitis. Her skin biopsy consistent with immune-mediated leuko-cytoclastic vasculitis and her blood test was positive for cytoplasmic-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA). A diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis was made and she was treated with immunosuppressant with plasmapheresis and hemodialysis support for her kidney failure. Despite aggressive measures, the patient succumbed to her illness. This case report demonstrates that soft tissue infection could trigger the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis whilst a background of hypothyroidism serves as a predisposing factor as both condition were reported separately in a couple of case studies before.
  12. Mohammad Kazmin NE, Kamaruzaman L, Wong Z, Fong VK, Mohd R, Mustafar R
    Case Rep Nephrol, 2020;2020:8364176.
    PMID: 32328326 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8364176
    Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction leading to acute kidney injury (AKI).

    Methods: We report a case of 23-year-old army personnel who presented with persistent vomiting leading to severe hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney injury resulting in cardiorespiratory arrest.

    Results: After successful resuscitation, he was supported with haemodialysis and aggressive electrolytes correction. He was repeatedly not able to tolerate nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and computerised tomography of abdomen was performed, and the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Gastroscopy examination revealed duodenal ulcer at D1, pinhole D1-D2 junction, but there was no evidence of intraluminal mass or lesions leading to upper gastrointestinal obstruction. A nasojejunal tube was inserted to bypass the narrow segment of the duodenum, and he was put on nutritional support. He was subsequently weaned off dialysis support as his renal function gradually improved and later on normalised. He remains symptoms free, and he gained five kilograms in four months after discharge.

    Conclusions: SMA syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient who presented with recurrent vomiting and AKI with metabolic alkalosis.

  13. Abd Rahman R, Min Tun K, Kamisan Atan I, Mohamed Said MS, Mustafar R, Zainuddin AA
    Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet, 2020 Nov;42(11):705-711.
    PMID: 33254264 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715140
    OBJECTIVE:  To determine pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were treated with hydroxychloroquine in a tertiary center.

    METHODS:  A retrospective study involving pregnant women with SLE who had antenatal follow-up and delivery in between 1 January 2007 and 1 January 2017. All participants were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into two groups based on hydroxychloroquine treatment during pregnancy.

    RESULTS:  There were 82 pregnancies included with 47 (57.3%) in the hydroxychloroquine group and 35 (42.7%) in the non-hydroxychloroquine group. Amongst hydroxychloroquine users, there were significantly more pregnancies with musculoskeletal involvement (p = 0.03), heavier mean neonatal birthweight (p = 0.02), and prolonged duration of pregnancy (p = 0.001). In non-hydroxychloroquine patients, there were significantly more recurrent miscarriages (p = 0.003), incidence of hypertension (p = 0.01) and gestational diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01) and concurrent medical illness (p = 0.005). Hydroxychloroquine use during pregnancy was protective against hypertension (p = 0.001), and the gestational age at delivery had significant effect on the neonatal birthweight (p = 0.001). However, duration of the disease had a significant negative effect on the neonatal birthweight (p = 0.016).

    CONCLUSION:  Hydroxychloroquine enhanced better neonatal outcomes and reduced adverse pregnancy outcomes and antenatal complications such as hypertension and diabetes.

  14. Cader RA, Thoriappa K, Mohd R, Kong WY, Mustafar R, Kamaruzaman L
    Respir Med Case Rep, 2019;26:6-8.
    PMID: 30416956 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.10.022
    A 54 year old lady with underlying chronic lung disease on long term oxygen therapy and end stage renal disease of unknown aetiology on regular haemodialysis for two years started developing progressive shortness of breath during her routine haemodialysis. She was unable to tolerate her haemodialysis sessions which had to be terminated prematurely in view of her symptoms despite adjustment of her dry weight and treatment of anaemia. She was not in chronic fluid overload and her symptoms always worsened after initiation of haemodialysis and improved after termination of haemodialysis. She was admitted to hospital for further investigations and initially treated for a lung infection but her symptoms did not improve. A computed tomography pulmonary angiography did not reveal any evidence of pulmonary embolism, and was consistent with chronic fibrotic changes. Her hypoxemia was concluded to be due to her underlying chronic lung disease, worsened by alveolar hypoventilation during haemodialysis. Her symptoms improved slightly with supplemental oxygen during her routine haemodialysis but we had to shorten her haemodialysis duration to 3 hours.
  15. 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. Mukri MNA, Kong WY, Mustafar R, Shaharir SS, Shah SA, Abdul Gafor AH, et al.
    EXCLI J, 2018;17:563-575.
    PMID: 30108461 DOI: 10.17179/excli2018-1256
    Introduction: Hyperuricemia is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and poor cardiovascular outcomes. We studied the effect of febuxostat on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria and monitored the safety profile of the medication.
    Material and Methods: This is a prospective open-label, randomized study in CKD stage 3 and 4 patients with diabetic nephropathy and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Patients were randomized into febuxostat 40 mg daily and no treatment group using block randomization method and were followed up for 6 months. Their usual care for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia were continued in the study. Blood and urine investigations were monitored at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.
    Results: The eGFR in febuxostat group was stabilized at 6 months with no significant reduction [26.2 (IQR 14.30) at baseline to 26.3 (IQR 15.2) ml/min/1.73 m2]. Whereas, there was a significant reduction of the eGFR in no treatment group from 28.2 (IQR 17.9) to 27.6 (IQR 19.3) ml/min/1.73 m2 (p value < 0.01). We found the HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) was significantly increased in febuxostat group from 7.2 ± 0.5 % at baseline to 7.6 ± 1.4 at 6 months (p value 0.04) but no significant change of HbA1c in the no treatment group. Proteinuria level was unchanged in both groups. The commonest adverse event was joint pain.
    Conclusions: Febuxostat was able to preserve eGFR in CKD patients with diabetic nephropathy and this effect was beyond glycemic control. Increment of HbA1c level in febuxostat group needs further larger trials.
    Study site: Chronic kidney disease clinic, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  17. Nordin F, Shaharir SS, Abdul Wahab A, Mustafar R, Abdul Gafor AH, Mohamed Said MS, et al.
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2019 Aug;22(8):1419-1426.
    PMID: 31179646 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.13615
    OBJECTIVES: This study examined the correlations of both serum and urine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was also aimed at determining their sensitivity and specificity as biomarkers of disease activity in SLE.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed involving SLE patients (n = 120 patients) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Serum and urinary IL-17A levels were determined by immunoassay while disease activity was assessed using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group's 2004 index (BILAG 2004) scores. The correlations between serum and urinary IL-17A levels with total SLEDAI-2K and BILAG 2004 scores were determined using bivariate correlation analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to determine their sensitivity and specificity as disease activity biomarkers.

    RESULTS: Both serum and urinary IL-17A levels correlated with total scores of BILAG 2004, BILAG renal, BILAG mucocutaneous, and SLEDAI-2K (P 

  18. Shaharir SS, Chua SH, Mohd R, Mustafar R, Noh MM, Shahril NS, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(3):e0248845.
    PMID: 33739994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248845
    Avascular necrosis of bone (AVN) is increasingly being recognized as a complication of SLE and causes significant disability due to pain and mobility limitations. We studied the prevalence and factors associated with avascular necrosis (AVN) in a multiethnic SLE cohort. SLE patients who visited the outpatient clinic from October 2017 to April 2019 were considered eligible. Their medical records were reviewed to identify patients who developed symptomatic AVN, as confirmed by either magnetic resonance imaging or plain radiography. Subsequently, their SLE disease characteristics and treatment were compared with the characteristics of patients who did not have AVN. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent factors associated with AVN among the multiethnic SLE cohort. A total of 390 patients were recruited, and the majority of them were females (92.6%); the patients were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (59.5%), followed by Chinese (35.9%) and Indian (4.6%). The prevalence of symptomatic AVN was 14.1%, and the mean age of AVN diagnosis was 37.6 ± 14.4 years. Both univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that a longer disease duration, high LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), positive anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgG and anti-dsDNA results, a history of an oral prednisolone dose of more than 30 mg daily for at least 4 weeks and osteoporotic fractures were significantly associated with AVN. On the other hand, hydroxychloroquin (HCQ), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and bisphosphonate use were associated with a lower risk of AVN. No associations with ethnicity were found. In conclusion, several modifiable risk factors were found to be associated with AVN, and these factors may be used to identify patients who are at high risk of developing such complications. The potential protective effects of HCQ, MMF and bisphosphonates warrant additional studies.
  19. Muniandy G, Kamaruzaman L, Jan TH, Mohd R, Neesam MT, Fong Voon K, et al.
    Acta Med Indones, 2023 Jan;55(1):78-82.
    PMID: 36999269
    Cefepime is a frequently used fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for a wide variety of infections. Toxic levels of this drug can cause neurological complications. The most common neurological adverse event of cefepime is headache and lightheadedness. Here, we presented a case of cefepime induced encephalopathy in a 57-year-old female patient with acute on chronic kidney disease. With an accurate diagnosis that requires a high index of clinical suspicion, prompt management was instituted. She had full resolution of symptoms following discontinuation of the medication and also emergent dialysis.
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