RELEVANCE: This paper reports two cases of congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy in neonates that resulted in significant respiratory distress, feeding difficulties and sleep disturbance. Both patients were successfully treated surgically by endoscopic nasal dilatation and stenting. A literature search was performed to identify articles on congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy in neonates and its management.
CONCLUSION: Albeit rare, congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy should be considered a differential diagnosis in newborns presenting with respiratory distress at birth.
PURPOSE: Due to this recurring issue, we propose anti-reflux valve as a connector to link up these two devices. The function of anti-reflux valve is to ensure secure connection between these two devices and overcome the problem.
METHODS: The anti-reflux valve that can be used is NeutraClearTM needle-free connector EL-NC1000 or MicroClaveTM clear connector. In our practice, these anti-reflux valves are used together with Integra MicroFrance straight malleable injection needle (0.5 mm diameter, 250 mm length) for IL under GA. However, any other injection needle suitable for IL may also be used with these anti-reflux valves.
RESULTS: Our 3 years' experience has shown good outcome with no reported incidence of device detachment or leakage of injectates during IL procedure.
CONCLUSIONS: Anti-reflux valve is a readily available device in the operating theatre or clinic and only involve simple preparation prior to IL. It is beneficial as an added device in IL procedure.
CASE REPORT: The patient is a 41-year-old lady who suffered first trimester miscarriages in all her thirteen pregnancies. The relevant clinical investigations revealed neither significant nor helpful findings in determining the cause of recurrent miscarriages. Histological findings in each except one of the submitted conceptual tissue showed similar features of histiocytic aggregates primarily within the intervillous spaces, a characteristic description of CHI. One of the samples showed degenerative changes.
DISCUSSION: Practicing pathologists are not familiar with the histological features of CHI and this may be a potential pitfall in routine examination of POCs. Recognising this entity allows for accurate diagnosis and hence better management. The aetiology remains unclear, although an immunopathological basis are being explored.
OBJECTIVES: To identify genetic variants associated with statin treatment responses among Asian populations with a focus on four commonly prescribed statins: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases. Studies published from 2008 to 2021 were included. The title and abstract of each article were screened by two reviewers and verified by another two reviewers. Data charted include information on authors, year of study, study population, statin studied, gene studied, study findings, and data of significant statistical value.
RESULTS: A total of 35 articles were included from the 1,939 original studies related to treatment efficacy and 5 articles out of the 284 original studies related to adverse effects. Genetic variants in transmembrane transporters, cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, and apolipoproteins are the most extensively studied among Asian populations, with a main focus on ethnic Chinese. However, Asia consists of genetically different populations, and the results of this review indicated that there is a paucity of studies on other ethnic groups within Asia.
CONCLUSIONS: Considering the ethnicity of patients could provide a potential value to personalized medicine in statin therapy.
RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to explore and understand the challenges for women during induced lactation in Malaysia.
METHODS: This qualitative study was done in 2017 and utilized in-depth interview among women who induced lactation in five states based on five regions in Malaysia [Central Region (Selangor), Northern Region (Penang), Southern Region (Johor), East Coast Region (Kelantan), Malaysia Borneo (Sabah)]. All interviews were consented, audio-recorded then transcribed verbatim, followed by identification of main themes.
RESULTS: Data saturation was achieved after interviewing a total of 23 induced lactation women. Data synthesized using thematic analysis revealed six themes describing the main challenges during the induction process were (1) health condition, (2) work commitment, (3) overexertion, (4) not eligible to take leave, (5) inability to follow the treatment plan, and (6) difficulty attaching the adopted baby to initiate breastfeeding during induced lactation process.
CONCLUSIONS: The challenges faced by women during the process of induced lactation were complex and the induced lactation process requires considerable dedication and determination. The findings of this research will help other women and their spouses/partners comprehend the challenges, obstacles, and support that are needed along the induced lactation process. The Government and other stakeholders have roles in more efforts and programs to help these mothers breastfeed their adoptive child and make them feel more accomplished as women and mothers.