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ABSTRACT, 9TH NCMS, 22 - 23 MAY 2004, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, HEALTH CAMPUS, KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN - Oral Presentations A2-4 - C3 - 13

The risks of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate and isolated cleft palate (CLP) are influenced by variations at several loci of the gene and these loci interact with environmental factors to determine disease risk.

The aim of the study is to establish the relationship between environmental risk factors and incidence of cleft lip and palate.

This is a case controlled study of non-syndromic CLP patients attending combined clinic in Kota Bharu and patients attending outpatient clinic in HUSM. Information was obtained using questionnaires. The information in the questionnaire includes paternal & maternal smoking habit, amount of tobacco used, genetic consideration. Environmental factors such as area of residence, birth dates, maternal problems, use of complementary medicine and diseases during pregnancy are explored. Details of socio-economic status are also obtained. 201 CLP patients and 212 controls were interviewed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

It was found that demographically there were variations to risks of non-syndromic CLP. People from Tanah Merah and Tumpat had a 8.74-fold increased risk compared to people from Kota Bharu. There was an association between passive smokers and CLP (OR) = 2.45 (95%

CI: 1.52, 3.94). Maternal and paternal history of cleft, occupation of father and position of child in the family increased the risk of CLP (p=0.009).

The study suggested that there were some geographical variations in the risk of CLP. Maternal exposure to cigarette smoke (passive smokers) showed increased risk of CLP. The seventh child and above had increased risk of CLP.

Restorative Department, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Er: YAG laser irradiation (_ = 2.94µm) has been proven to be effective in ablating human enamel and dentine. The aims of this study were firstly to examine the surface morphology of human dentine resulting from Er: YAG laser ablation, compared with that produced by conventional methods of cavity preparation. Secondly, it was to test the Shear Bond Strength (SBS) of composite resin (CR) to those dentine surfaces

Buccal enamel of fifty extracted human molar teeth was removed using a high-speed diamond wheel bur under water spray so as to leave a planed surface of exposed dentine. Five of each specimen were subjected to: (i) surface treatment using Er: YAG ablation (250 mJ, 10 Hz, VSP), (ii) Er: YAG ablation plus acid etching (37% Phosphoric acid, 10 seconds), (iii) surface treatment using conventional methods (fine grit diamond bur) and (iv) conventional plus acid etching. Four groups of five teeth were examined under an SEM (Philip XL30). Three groups of ten teeth underwent SBS testing to compare the bond strength of CR to the three categories of treated dentine surfaces, using a universal testing machine following ISO standard TR 11405.

Results indicate that the Er: YAG laser irradiation produces micro-irregularities on dentine surfaces with open tubules and no smear layer present. The micro-irregularities were completely removed following acid etching procedure. The SBS tests reveal that the Er: YAG laser irradiation with or without acid etching did produce slightly higher bond strength values than the conventional group but was not statistically significant (student t-test). The SBS values for Er: YAG laser, Er: YAG laser plus etching and conventional are 7.7 ± 4.4 MPa, 8.7 ± 3.4 MPa and 7.4 ± 5.3 MPa respectively.

The results of this study indicate that Er: YAG laser can be successfully used as an alternative to the conventional method in preparing dentine for CR restoration.

Klinik Pergigian Hospital Pasir Mas, Kelantan –Dental division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia

Man’s need for replacement of missing or lost body parts probably existed as long as man himself. Although social cultures have characteristically changed and the accepted modalities for rehabilitation have varied throughout the centuries, there has apparently always been a social awareness that the deformed body is not completely accepted. A considerable number of people, each year, acquire varying facial defects due to malignant disease, trauma or congenital deformity. Although modern plastic surgery techniques, in particular microsurgery, can help to restore some lost tissue, in cases of radical surgery they cannot replace the lost part in a way which creates an acceptable illusion of normal appearance. In addition, the age and general medical condition of the patient may also contraindicate major reconstructive surgery. In these cases a major defect persists following surgery. These patients, therefore, can be offered prosthetic rehabilitation as an alternative to help fill this void. The specialty of Prosthodontics has grown from mere replacement of missing teeth, to include treatment of patients with head and neck malignancy, post tumor therapy surgical reconstruction and congenital and developmental defects.

School of Dental Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

It is clearly recognized that pit and fissure sealant is an effective, safe and cost-effective method of preventing pit and fissure caries. Improvement in dental materials have increased retention rates and shown long lasting, caries preventive effect. This study was done to investigate the use of fissure sealant among dental practitioners and probable factors associated with its usage.

Forty questionnaires were handed out to dentists in 3 sectors; private practice, Ministry of health and Hospital USM. Questionnaires were designed to evaluate knowledge of type of sealant used, attitude towards placement of sealants and preference of type of sealant used.

An eighty percent response rate was obtained, of which 56.3% practice the use of pit and fissure sealants in their clinical practice. All dentists consider age of the patient prior to placing pit and fissure sealants and only 33.3% consider the caries risk of the patient. Delton FS was the most commonly used band of sealant (40%). Descriptive statistics was used for this study.

Dental practitioners in the city have a positive attitude towards practice of pit and fissure sealants. However, private practitioners have been slow to adopt sealant use in their practice.

Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, University Sains Malaysia Penang, Malaysia¹; Dublin Dental Hospital², Microbiology Department, University of Dublin³

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a white or grayish oral lesion. OHL lesion, usually located on the ventral surface and/or lateral border of the tongue. The histopathological features of OHL are not pathognomonic to establish a definitive diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis of OHL requires the demonstration of Epstein Barr virus in the OHL lesion.

To investigate the possibility of using Polymerase Chain reaction(PCR) technology in reaching a definitive diagnosis of OHL in tongue scraping obtained from HIV-seropositive patients and to compare our finding to the conventional in situ hybridisation on OHL biopsies obtained from the same patients. Furthermore, we have investigated the possibility of using a rapid microwave in situ-hybridisation technology in order to accelerate and simplify the definitive diagnosis of OHL.

Polymerase chain reaction approach was carried out and compared to the conventional in situ hybridisation method. Furthermore, we have modified a microwave in situ hybridisation technique and designed a novel in situ hybridisation chamber to accelerate the technical procedures for reaching a definitive diagnosis of OHL.

EBV DNA was not only detected in all OHL lesional scrapings but also in 36.3% of normal control. However, by using a conventional in situ hybridisation approach, EBV DNA was detected only in OHL biopsies and non in the normal healthy controls biopsies. Furthermore, using microwave in situ hybridisation and our newly designed chamber, we have shortened the hybridisation step for EBV detection in OHL biopsies, from over-night incubation to 14 minutes.

PCR is highly sensitive and of low specificity and should not replace in situ hybridisation for reaching a definitive diagnosis of OHL. In addition we have established a rapid microwave in situ hybridisation approach for reaching a definitive diagnosis of OHL in HIV-seropositive and AIDS patients.

Khin Myo Thu¹, Than Winn², J.A.P. Jayasinghe¹, Nizam Abdullah², and G.L.Chandima³

¹Department of Anatomy, ²Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, ³School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

A correct knowledge of tooth size, dental arch dimensions and head form of a population are important for several dental treatment procedures. Heritable differences present in these parameters among them are also useful for the practice of Aesthetic Dentistry and effective orthodontic treatment.

To estimate maxillary arch measurements, the validity of the Pont’s & Korkhaus’ indices, the relationship between maxillary arch form with head form, the cephalic index (CI) and also to compare these measurements among ethnic Malays and Chinese.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 87 Malay and 89 Chinese students. Head measurement was taken using anthropometric instrument and dental arch measurements made on the casts. Data analysis was done using STATA 7.0.

The Cephalic Indices (CI), for Malay (86.4) and the Chinese (85.9) were not significantly different. But the means of anterior arch width (AAW), posterior-arch-width (PAW) and arch-length were significantly different between two groups. AAW and PAW were significantly different from their corresponding Indices for Malays but not for Chinese. Correlation Coefficient between bizygomatic width and anterior-arch-width in Malay was 0.18 (p .05) and in Chinese 0.20 (p < 0.01).

The Pont’s and Korkhaus’ Indices could not be applied to the study Malays but moderately to the Chinese. C.I. of our study subjects were found to be brachycephalic without any gender difference.

¹Departments of Physiology and ³Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. ² School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia P.O.Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959 Australia.

The aetiology of endometriosis associated infertility remains an enigma. In recent years, peritoneal fluid and serum are two biological fluid, which have been studied extensively as possible mediators of infertility in this disease through its toxic effect on early embryo growth. We have shown previously that in women with endometriosis, the peritoneal fluid was embryotoxic^1.Various embryotoxic factors have been determined in these fluid, including interleukins.

The levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the peritoneal fluid with endometriosis as compared to without endometriosis (p<0.05, Mann Whitney U-test), and correlated with the severity of endometriosis (p<0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). However, no significant differences were noted in the levels of serum IL-6. The development of 2-cell mouse embryos to blastocysts was suppressed by IL-6, especially at higher concentration (100pg/ml) (p<0.001, Fisher’s exact test), as compared to the control (absence of IL-6).

The increased levels of IL-6 in the peritoneal fluid of endometriosis together with the embryotoxic effects, suggests IL-6 as a possible mediator of embryotoxicity in endometriosis. The levels of peritoneal fluid IL-6 do not correlate with the serum levels suggesting that changes in the interleukin concentration resulting from endometriosis occur locally.

Intan Idiana H¹, Nik Hazlina NH², Rogayah Abd. R², Tengku Norbainee TH³, Kamarul Imran M³.

¹School of Health Sciences, ²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, ³Department of Community Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Accurate assessment of labour pain will guide the appropriate management and increase the quality of care. Because pain is subjective, labour pain is often under or overestimated by midwives.

The aim of the study is to compare the assessment of labour pain among midwives and mother and to identify factors affecting the assessment by the midwives.

The study population consisted of 60 mothers and 30 midwives. All mothers were asked to rate their pain level using graphic visual analogue scale (VAS). At the same time the mothers using the same scale exhibited their attending midwives estimated the degree of pain, as was exhibited by the mothers using the same scale.

A good correlation (0.618) was found between assessment of midwives and mothers. But there was no statistically significant different in experience, age, number of children, pain management course and method of assessment among midwives (p0.05).

Midwives in this study were able to assess labour pain accurately as reported by the mothers and factors such as age, experience, number of children, pain management course and method of assessment does not have any influence on the midwives assessment.

¹Nik Hazlina N. Hussain, ¹Nizar Bidin, ¹Che Anuar Che Yaakob,²Md. Radzi Johari, ²Maimunah Ahmad, ³Norsaadah Bachok,³Norlen Mohamed.

¹Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ²Dept. of Microbiology, ³Community Medicine Dept., School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is not without risk to mother and fetus. Screening and treatment of this condition had been shown to improve the sequelae of the disease. Screening for ABU is not a routine practice in Malaysia.

To determine the prevalence and outcomes of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in HUSM antenatal clinic population.

A cross sectional study was conducted from 1^st July 2002 to 1^st January 2003 in HUSM antenatal clinic. MSU FEME clean catch urine for culture and sensitivity and microscopy was obtained from 447 women attending HUSM antenatal clinic with no symptoms to indicate investigation for urinary tract infection. 72 were excluded as they have mixed growth in MSU C&S and 6 for incomplete outcome data. 369 women had either no growth (group A) or significant growth (group B). The final outcome of the pregnancy was looked into. Also recorded were period of gestation at delivery, birth weight and complications that arose during the course of pregnancy.

The prevalence of ABU was 4.3% (16/375). The mean period of gestation at delivery was 38.6 ± 1.6 for Group A and 38.7 ± 1.3 for Group B. The mean birth weight was 3.1 ± 0.4 for Group A and 3.2 ± 0.5 for group B and the difference was not significant statistically. The maternal outcomes revealed no statistically significant difference in UTI complications, prelabour rupture of membranes, preterm labour/ delivery or perinatal mortality and sepsis.

The prevalence of ABU was comparable with that found in other studies. However we were unable to demonstrate the strong association with preterm delivery, low birth weight and symptomatic UTI.

¹School of Health Sciences, USM, ²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and ³Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

The study is performed to explore knowledge about cervical carcinoma and Pap smear tests among women attending the gynaecology clinic in HUSM

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2003 till December 2003. Random sampling method was used. Patients were told regarding the study and a self answered questionnaire was filled up by the respondent.

The study found that the majority of the respondents were aware of cervical carcinoma (90.3%) and had heard about Pap smear (86.1%). Only 33.3% of the respondents had a high score knowledge (21-30) on cancer of the cervix and 25.7% of respondents truly appreciate the importance of Pap smear. 68.9% of respondents did not acknowledge the duration of which pap smear should be carried out on a regular basis. Further analysis revealed that majority of the information of pap smear was obtained from reading materials (48.6%). Only 6.3% of respondents obtained the knowledge of Pap smear from their husband. There is a significant correlation between the knowledge of Pap smear with occupation (p= 0.005), education level (p=0.001), those who had undergone Pap smear (p<0.000) and those who had heard of cancer of the cervix (p= 0.016) and Pap smear (p<0.000).

This study showed that the knowledge on cancer cervix and Pap smear is insufficient in the study group.

A descriptive study was carried out on 77 early pregnant women by their interview in a structured questionnaire in the gynae out-patient department (GOPD), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were analyzed by using the INRUD prescribing indicators. The following parameters were studied – the average number of drugs per encounter, the percentage of antibiotics prescribed per encounter and the percentage of teratogenic drugs per encounter.

The maximum number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 4. Poly pharmacy was practiced in 3.89 percent of prescriptions. Among all the prescriptions, the maximum 73 prescriptions had vitamin and minimum 1 prescription had analgesic. The rest 53 prescriptions had iron, 20 prescriptions had calcium, 18 prescriptions had folic acid, 8 prescriptions had stemetil, 7 prescriptions had antibiotic and 2 prescriptions had teratogenic drugs. Statistical analysis shows that 9% early pregnant women took antibiotics and 2.5% early pregnant women took teratogenic drugs.

Antibiotics and Teratogenic drugs are not indicated in 1^st trimester of pregnancy though these were used in teaching hospital. So it was highly errational. The most urgent need is the improvement of the rational prescribing in early pregnancy.

Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

The case of a 30 year old Malay lady Gravida 3 para 2 at 6 weeks + 5 days of gestation is described. She presented with a three day history of minimal per vaginal bleeding but with no abdominal pain or having passed products of gestation. Examination showed an eight week size uterus with the cervix long and closed and no adnexal abnormality.

The diagnosis first appeared to be a threatened miscarriage then a missed abortion and then an ectopic pregnancy. It was not a straightforward case!

At just beyond six weeks of gestation, with the BhCG levels plateauing for one week, ectopic pregnancy had also to be considered as a diagnosis.

Finally this case emerged as a case of “vanishing” twins.The pregnancy continued as a singleton pregnancy

There are many reports on the phenomenon where one gestation sac disappears from what has been a twin pregnancy. In this case however two gestation sacs have disappeared from a presumed triplet pregnancy – a less usual “vanishing twins” phenomenon.

Dept of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the commonest cancer of the western world, but the incidence of CRC is low in Asian countries. Surgery is the definitive treatment and the staging of CRC is surgico-pathological staging. The role of adjuvant treatment in the form of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is well documented in the management of CRC.

To analyze the pattern of presentation, stage of disease, and the protocol of management of CRC at HUSM. The pattern of failure at the locoregional and distant sites were analyzed.

This is a retrospective study reviewing the case files of patients of CRC attending the Oncology OPD at HUSM during the year’s 2001- 2003.The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with 5Fu-based regimes will be discussed.

A total of 77 patients were analyzed in the present study, Dukes staging system is used for the staging. Fifty percent of patients presented in the 6^th & 7^th decade of life. Patient’s age ranged from 19 years to 82 years. Rectum and recto-sigmoid region is the most commonly affected site in the large gut. More then 65% patients of CRC presented in advanced stages. Thirty five percent of patients received radiotherapy and 53% received chemotherapy FUFA regime. Disease free status is noted in 46% of patients and liver is the most common site for metastasis. The follow up ranged from 1 month to 30 months.

CRC is one of the commonest cancers seen in the Oncology OPD, HUSM. Most of the patients present in the advanced stage of the disease. They need Multimodality treatment for their cancer management.

¹Department of Family Medicine, ²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ³Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Infertility is one of the health problems that may be faced by the married couple. However not many study is carried out in Malaysia to look on the psychosocial impact of infertility on the infertile couples.

To determine the use of alternative medicine (traditional and homeopathy) and its psychosocial impact on couples in which the female is infertile.

A cross sectional study was conducted for one year duration to all infertile females and their partners who were attending the Obstetric and Gynaecology Clinic, Hosiptal Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). It was conducted on 182 respondents using a self answered questionnaire.

At least two third of the respondents, had used alternative medicine for their infertility problem with half of them practicing a traditional medicine, 14.8% practicing homeopathy and 1.6% practicing both. Eighty three percent respondents had a psychosocial impact because of their infertility. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association between the psychosocial impact with the education level and use of alternative medicine. There was no significant association between psychosocial impact with age, ethnic, occupation, type of infertility, duration of marriage and duration of infertility.

Most of infertile female had a psychosocial impact and this was significantly associated with education level and use of alternative medicine. Recognition of these relations may help in the counseling of infertile couples. The management of infertility should not only include physical treatment but also understanding, sympathy and support.

¹Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., ²Dept. of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ³Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women of which treatment modalities include various combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Selection of therapy and prognosis is influenced by the integrity of the immune systems, especially the profile of subsets of the immune cells. This study examines the effect of combination chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin/doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) regimens on the subsets of the immune cells of patients with primary breast tumours, before and after starting systemic chemotherapy. Our aim is to determine the ability of FEC in changing profiles of immune cells of breast cancer patients.

Blood from 31 primary breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with FEC was taken before chemotherapy and after every cycle (3 weeks) for 6 cycles. Blood taken from 31 normal healthy donors served as normal control. Subsets of lymphocytes T-helper cells (CD3⁺CD4⁺), T-cytotoxic cells (CD3⁺CD8⁺), B-cells (CD19⁺CD20⁺) and NK cells (CD16⁺/CD56⁺CD3^-) were analyzed by flow cytometry (FacsCalibur, BD) using monoclonal antibodies (Multitest, BD).

There was no significant difference in the immune cells profile between the control and pretreatment groups. FEC regimens led to increase counts of monocytes (p<0.01) and percentages of T-cytotoxic cells (p<0.01) and NK cells (p<0.01), but decrease counts of PMNs (p<0.01), percentages of T-helper cells (p<0.01) and B-cells (p<0.01). T-helper/T-cytotoxic ratio was declined (p<0.01), T-cells/B-cells ratio and NK-cells/B-cells ratio were also decreased due to drastic reduction in the number of B-cells.

This study indicates that FEC chemotherapy regimens suppress the immune system in general. However, they appear to still conserving cell-mediated immunity response needed for fighting against cancer cells.

Badrul Hisham Y¹., Rosline H.², Wan Maziah W.M.³, Abdul Aziz B.¹, Nor Sa’adah B.⁴Narazah M.Y.¹

¹Human Genome Center, ²Department of Haematology, ³Department of Paediatrics ⁴Biostatistics & Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan Malaysia

Genetic polymorphisms of the MDR1 gene have been reported where they affect the expression and function of the P-gp efflux pump. DHPLC has been recently described as a feasible method for screening DNA samples for SNPs and mutations. The principle of this machine is that fully an automated system used for the detection of heteroduplexes in PCR products by ion-pair reverse phase HPLC under partially denaturing conditions.

The objective of this study was to detect SNPs and mutations in exon 21 of MDR1 gene in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).

Whole blood samples were collected from 14 patients diagnosed as ALL and 6 patients diagnosed as CML based on the FAB classification from HUSM. Genomic DNA was extracted using QIAamp blood minikit (QIAGEN). Exon 21 was amplified using primers as described previously and the amplified products were electrophoresed on 1.7% agarose gel. Prior to dHPLC analysis, the amplicons for each exon were prepared by performing the reannealing method using the thermocycler and dHPLC was performed in various temperatures to obtain the optimum temperature. The profiles of dHPLC analysis of these samples were compared with wild type samples as normal controls.

Based on portion elution profiles, 6 (42.86%) ALL and 4 (66.67%) CML samples showed mutation peaks while the rest showed the normal peaks when compared with the wild type.

Thus SNPs and mutations in MDR1 gene has been successfully screened using the dHPLC technique in leukemia patients in HUSM where this information is useful for patients’ stratification of treatment. Further analysis to confirm the mutations using automated sequencing is ongoing.

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitoogy, School of Medical Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunist protozoan parasite that may induce a disseminated and lethal disease in immunosuppressed patients. Toxoplasma serologic tests are used most commonly for diagnosis, but may be insensitive in patients lacking normal responses. A retrospective study was conducted to review the toxoplasma cases seen in HUSM / laboratory of parasitology.

During the period from January 2001 to March 2004, all the cases were recorded. Blood samples were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using IgG and IgM.

A total of 206 blood samples were collected from the patients who were suspected to have toxoplasmosis. The rate of positive tests for toxoplasmosis was 2.5% (1 out of 40 cases) in 2001, 6.9% (4 out of 58 cases) in 2002 and 16.0% (8 out of 49 cases) in 2003. It was 49.0% (29 out of 59 cases) in the period of 1^st January to 31 ^st of March 2004. The overall positivity for toxoplamosis was 20.0%. No significant differences by age or sex were observed.

Surini Y. ¹, Van Rostenberghe H. ², Norlelawati A.T.¹, Abdul Aziz I. ¹, Noraida R.², Isa M.N. ¹, Nishio H.³, Matsuo M.⁴, Narazah M. Y.¹

¹Human Genome Center , ²Department of Pediatrics , School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia. Division of Public Health, ³Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Faculty of Medical Sciences , ⁴Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.

A missense mutation of G-to-A at nucleotide 211 in exon 1 of UGT1A1 gene results in amino acid change from glycine to arginine at codon 71 (G71R). This is one of the genetic risk factors in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among Japanese neonates. This finding led us to evaluate the presence of G71R mutation in hyperbilirubinemia in Malay neonates.

A total of 55 Malay neonates (36 males and 19 females) with hyperbilirubinemia and 50 Malay neonates without hyperbilirubinemia (controls) were studied. The study subjects were term babies, normal birth weight and with total serum bilirubin level more than 250 µmol/L within first 7 days of life. Blood was collected from after informed consent taken from the parents and DNA extracted by standard methods. Screening for the G_A 211 mutation was performed using DHPLC. PCR primers for PCR amplification and for DHPLC conditions were as described before. For heteroduplex formation, crude PCR products were denatured at 95⁰C for 5 min followed by cooling to 25⁰C for 1h. DHPLC was performed using a fully automated system (Varian Helix System). The chromatograms of subjects were compared with those of heterozygous controls and normal controls.

Out of 55 neonates, 3 neonates (5.5%) were noted to have the G71R mutation. In the normal controls there were 3 positive (6.0%) samples. Thus there was no significant association (p < 0.05) of G71R in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and without hyperbilirubinemia.

The results suggested that the high incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among Malays cannot be explained by a high frequency of G71R mutation.

Venugopal Balakrishnan, Tengku Sifzizul Tengku Muhammad and Shaida Fariza Sulaiman

School of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia.

The 80% (v/v) methanolic extracts from 20 species of Araceae were screened for their anticancer activities against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell line and the cell survival was determined using Methylene Blue Assay. All the plant extracts exhibited dose-dependent inhibition on the growth of HepG2 cell line. The most significant inhibition was produced by Alocasia macrorrhiza extract with EC ₅₀ (effective concentration that can kill 50% of cancer cells) of 15.11mg/ml. In addition, three other extract that have been identified as potential anti-cancer agents are Amydrium media (EC₅₀= 17.116 mg/ml), Ariseama waryi (EC₅₀= 19.626 mg/ml) and Scindapsus aureus (EC₅₀= 18.083 mg/ml. Alocasia macrorrihiza was further fractioned using three different solvents i.e. hexane, chloroform and 80% (v/v) methanol. Only the hexane and chloroform fractions exhibited significant cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells with EC₅₀ value of 11.018 mg/ml and 4.217 mg/ml, respectively. The chloroform extract was subsequently fractioned and from the 17 fractions obtained, fraction F8 was considered the most potent fraction with EC₅₀ value of 3.695 mg/ml against HepG2 cells. DeadEnd Colometric Apoptosis Detection System and DNA Fragmentation ELISA indicated that the chloroform extract and fraction F8 triggered the HepG2 cell death via apoptosis mechanism.

ORAL (C2 -5)

SMN1 AND NAIP GENE DELETION IN MALAYSIAN SMA PATIENTS

Watihayati MS¹, Zilfalil BA², Naing L⁴, Sutomo R⁵, Nishio H⁵, Narazah MY¹, Tang TH³, Matsuo M⁶, Zabidi-Hussin AMH²

¹Human Genome Centre ²Department of Pediatrics ³Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences ⁴Biostatistician, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. ⁵Department of Public Health and ⁶Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

Introduction

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is one of the most common autosomal recessive inheritance diseases. According to the previous reports, 90-95% of SMA patients show homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8, while the rest of the patients have other mutations in the SMN1 gene. The NAIP gene, which exists near the SMN1 gene, is reportedly correlated with the severity of SMA. In Malaysia, SMA has been diagnosed based on the clinical features, muscle biopsy findings, EMG and nerve conduction studies, but not based on molecular analysis. Here we did a molecular analysis of Malaysian SMA patients, and compared the results with the data reported previously.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of SMN1 gene deletion in Malaysian SMA patients and to clarify the relationship between the NAIP gene deletion and severity of the disease.

Material and methods

A total of 13 patients (Type I = 4 patients, Type II = 6 patients, Type III = 3 patients) who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SMA were enrolled into this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from 2.5ml of blood. The SMN genes were analyzed by the methods of van der Steege et al, and the NAIP gene were analyzed by the methods of Roy et al.

Results

Homozygous deletion of SMN1 was found in 77% of our patients. Seventy-five % of Type I, 83% of Type II and 66% of Type III patients show homozygous deletion of this gene while the NAIP gene deletion was seen in 50% of both Types I and II and 33% in Type III.

Discussion

From these findings, the SMN1 gene deletion incidence is much lower in our population than that in other populations. In addition, the NAIP gene was not related to the severity of the disease. However, it is too early to come to a conclusion with a limited number of the patients. Larger scale studies are necessary to determine the exact incidence of SMN1 gene deletion in Malaysian SMA patients and to clarify the role of the NAIP gene.

ORAL (C2 -6)

IDENTIFICATION OF URIDINE DIPHOSPHATE GLUCURONOSYL TRANSFERASE 1A1 (UGT1A1) GENE MUTATION IN BABIES WITH EARLY ONSET OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE (NNJ)

Norlelawati A.T¹, H. Von Rostenberghe² ,Sutomo R³, Selamah G, Matsuo M. ⁴ Nishio H.³and Narazah M.Y⁵

Haematology Department¹, Paediatrics Department² and Human Genome Centre⁵, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Division of Molecular Medicine⁵ and Department of Occupational Health², Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine.

Introduction

NNJ, a potential cause of kernicterus is common in Malaysia. However, no obvious aetiology is identified in most of the cases. Recently, mutations in the bilirubin UGT1A1 gene attributed to NNJ and hyperbilirubinemia syndromes have been reported in many populations

Objective and Methods

Molecular techniques were applied for investigating of the UGT1A1 mutation in three babies [B1, B2, and B3] who had early onset of jaundice. Identifiable causes of pathological jaundice have been excluded earlier. An inherited phenomenon of this mutation was demonstrated by doing family study and molecular analysis.

Results

Nucleotides sequenced identified two different novel mutations in two Malay babies [B1, B2]. One mutation was transversion G Æ C at nucleotide 1477 in exon 5 (G493R) in B1. Another mutation was transition AÆ G at nucleotide 964 in exon 2 (I322V) in B2. A specific mutation i.e. transition GÆA at nucleotide 211 in exon 1 (G71R) was identified in B3, a Chinese.

Conclusion

These results suggest that mutations in UGT1A1 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of early onset of NNJ.

ORAL (C2 -7)

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG SUSPECTED CASES IN HOSPITAL UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Al-Jashamy K. and Zeehaida M.

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitoogy, School of Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

A retrospective study was conducted to review the intestinal parasites cases seen in HUSM / laboratory of parasitology.

Methods

During the period from January 2001 to December 2003, all the cases were recorded. The stool samples were microscopically examined for intestinal parasites using the formalin-ether concentration technique.

Results

A total of 4588 stool samples were collected from the patients who were suspected to have a parasitic infection. Overall infection rate was 11% (530 out of 4588 samples), with Ascaris lumbricoides (3.8% or 174 cases) and Trichuris trichiura (3.8% or 173 cases) as the commonest parasites. The positivity of Blastocystis hominis was 1% (50), Entamoebia histolytica 1% (46), Giardia lamblia 0.8% (38), Hook worm 0.7% (33), Stronyloides and Entrobius vermicularis were 0.2% and 0.01% respectively. Overall positivity rate in 2001 was 13% which was higher than in 2002 (11%) and 2003 (11%).

Conclusions: The overall positivity rate indicated that the parasitic infection rate was less in 2002 and 2003 than 2001 using the same technique.

ORAL (C2 -8)

HLA CLASS II ANTIGENS IN MALAYS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN HUSM

Nurul Khaiza Y¹, Nadeem A¹, Kamaliah MD².

¹Department of Immunology, ²Department of Medical, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) is a disease of abnormal immune regulation, characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Autoantibody production depends on the interaction of helper T lymphocytes with HLA Class II molecules on antigen presenting cells; therefore, the class II genes have a role in susceptibility through alteration of T cell recognition.

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of HLA-DR and –DQ alleles in ethnic Malays with SLE in order to determine the role of these genes in disease susceptibility.

Methodology

HLA typing of fifty-five SLE patients from Malay ethnic who fulfilled the American Rheumatism Association ( ARA ) were analysed, and compared with the control group consisting of 55 healthy unrelated subject with comparable age, sex and ethnic. HLA typing of class II antigen were carried out using MicroSSP Class II generic ( DRB/ DQB ) from One Lambda Inc.

Results

We found a strong significant association of HLA-DR15 and HLA-DR17 with SLE compared to healthy control group ( p corr = 0.002 , adjusted OR = 5.513 ; p corr = 0.04, adjusted OR = 7.87 , respectively ). There was a weak decrease of HLA-DR4 which was not significant after corrections for multiple comparisons made.

Conclusion

Our data suggests the role of the HLA Class II genes in conferring SLE susceptibility and in clinical expression.

ORAL (C2 -9)

AN OUTBREAK OF PANTOEA SPP. IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) SECONDARY TO CONTAMINATED TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION (TPN).

Habsah H*, Zeehaida M*, Rosliza AR*, Van Rostenberghe H**, Noraida R**, Wan Pauzi WI**, Fatimah I**, Nik Sharimah NY** Maimunah H***

* Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, ** Department of Pediatric, PPSP, Infection control and Hospital Epidemiology Unit HUSM, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

Neonates are particularly susceptible to infection because their immune system is not fully developed. In addition, they often require invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are associated with an increased risk of infection. An important source of infection is contaminated parenteral nutrition. Pantoea spp. rarely cause infection in immunocompetent hosts and has never been reported to cause mortality or severe morbidity. The objective of the study is to investigate an outbreak caused by Pantoea spp. in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methodology

A descriptive study of an outbreak of sepsis in NICU, HUSM. Pantoea spp. infection was detected in eight patients during three-days period from 24^th to 27^thJanuary 2004 following the administration of TPN. Seven of eight patients died due to the infection. An extensive environmental sampling and culture were done including in-use TPN and other unused TPN in NICU and pharmacy during the outbreak period.

Results

Pantoea spp. was isolated from blood cultures of infected patients, the unused TPN from pharmacy and also from the unused TPN from NICU. All the strains of Pantoea spp. had the same antibiotic susceptibility pattern and biochemical reaction.

Discussion and Conclusion

The source of the outbreak was the TPN and the contamination occurred during the preparation of TPN in pharmacy. A thorough investigation has been carried out and where possible corrective measures have been taken to avoid similar outbreaks in the future.

ORAL (A3 -1)

RISK FACTORS IN ADULT POISONING, A CASECONTROL STUDY AT PENANG GENERAL HOSPITAL- MALAYSIA

Ahmed I Fathelrahman¹, AF Ab Rahman²and Z M Zain³

^1,2School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 USM Pulau Pinang Malaysia ³General Hospital Pulau Pinang Malaysia

Introduction

Identification of risk factors related to acute poisoning is essential in any prevention or educational program. To our knowledge worldwide, moat of the previous case-control studies on poisoning have been dealing with childhood poisoning.

Objectives

To determine possible risk factors associated with adult’s admissions at Penang General Hospital (GHP) due to acute drug or chemical poisoning.

Methodology

The present study was a case- control study, conducted over 18 weeks. 100 acutely poisoned adult patients, consecutively admitted to GHP during the period from 15 September 2003 to the third of February 2004 were considered as cases. 200 Patients admitted to the same medical wards for other illnesses during the same period, matched for age and gender with the poisoned cases were selected as controls. McNemar test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis for multivariate ones. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated for each predictor variable.

Results

Indian race, private employment, self-employment and living in a rental house were significant risk factors associated with adult’s admissions at GHP for poisoning. Other significant risk factors included study, family, marital and boy/ girl friend problems.

Conclusions

This study has identified risk factors can be used as a guide for targeting poison control programs.

ORAL (A3 -2)

MENINJAU KEHADIRAN MIKROORGANISMA PADA ALATAN GALIPOT DAN CECAIR YANG DIGUNA SAMA UNTUK PROSEDUR SEDUTAN TIUB ENDOTRAKEA DAN TIUB TRAKEOSTOMI.

Anisah binti Mat Desa, Farid bin Che Ghazali,

Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Pengenalan

Strategi yang mantap dalam menghalang terjadinya kolonisasi bakteria pada secincin trakea dan paru-paru bukan hanya kos-efektif malah adalah kunci ke penurunan kadar mortaliti pesakit dan jumlah hari mereka di wad. Terdapat beberapa laporan dan semakan penyelidikan tentang usaha untuk mendapatkan data saintifik yang konkrit tentang faktor penyebab dan yang berhubungkait dengan terjadinya ‘hospital infection’dan peradangan paru-paru khususnya yang berhubungkait dengan prosedur ‘endo-tracheal intubations’. Prosedur sedutan merupakan prosedur yang perlu dalam jagarawatan klien yang berada dalam unit kritikal ICU. Prosedur ini dilakukan untuk memastikan salur udara yang sentiasa paten dan berfungsi. Dipercayai peralatan yang digunakan untuk melakukan prosedur ini boleh menjadi alat transmisi patogen nasokomial.

Tujuan kajian

Kajian ‘pilot’ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk meninjau kemungkinan wujud mikroorganisma pada peralatan dan cecair yang digunakan dalam prosedur sedutan bagi klien yang memerlukan bagi memastikan satu protokol jagarawatan yang asepsis dan memenuhi piawaian digunapakai di HUSM.

Metodologi

Sampel swab diambil langsung dari galipot dan cecair yang telah digunakan untuk prosedur sedutan bagi subjek yang telah dikenal pasti pada waktu-waktu yang berbeza (jam pertama, ketiga dan kelima). Seterusnya pengkulturan mikroorganisma dilakukan ke atas sampel yang diambil dan dibiarkan selama 24-jam sebelum bacaan dibuat. Data yang dikumpul dianalisa menggunakan SPSS versi ke 10 untuk analisa variabel frekuensi berhubungkait dengan demografi, penggunaan antibiotik, dan jenis mikroorganisma yang dapat di kultur.

Keputusan

Hasil daripada sampel swab didapati 30-sampel menunjukkan pertumbuhan ‘gram negative bacilli’dan ‘mixed growth of GNB’. Manakala terdapat pertumbuhan mikroorganisma yang terdiri dari basilus gram negatif, spesis klebsiella dan spesis enterobacter dari pengkulturan sampel yang diambil dari peralatan dan cecair yang telah digunakan dalam prosedur sedutan di wad 2 Delima dan ICU HUSM. Mikroorganisma ini mungkin hadir dalam persekitaran ataupun dari kawasan endotrakea atau trakeostomi subjek.

Rumusan

Penggunaan alatan secara berulangkali boleh menyebabkan kontaminasi terjadi dan ianya merupakan faktor penyokong utama tersebarnya infeksi. Keputusan penyelidikan ini menyarankan agar tidak dipaktikkan pemakaian alatan secara berulangkali apatah lagi dengan cecair yang sama dalam tempuh masa yang agak lama. Jagarawatan dengan protokol peralatan dan cecair yang dibiarkan yang dikesan dalam penyelidikan ini yang berhubungkait dengan prosedur sedutan boleh menjadi alat hubungkait transmisi patogen nosokomial. Diharapkan akan terjadi anjakan paradigma dalam teknik jagarawatan berhubungkait dengan prosedur sedutan.

ORAL (A3 -3)

JAGARAWATAN ORAL KLIEN KANSER DI HOSPITAL UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Azlina Binti Daud, Farid Bin Che Ghazali,

Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Pengenalan

Jagarawatan oral merupakan satu prosedur yang paling asas dalam perawatan klien dan ianya merupakan satu keperluan asas dalam memenuhi aktiviti hidup harian klien dan menjamin kesejahteraan klien. Memandangkan klien yang mengidap kanser pada umumnya menerima rawatan kemoterapi atau radioterapi mempunyai tahap pertahanan badan yang rendah maka jagarawatan oral amatlah penting untuk dilakukan sebelum dan selepas klien menjalani rawatan tersebut. Semakan bacaan menunjukkan tahap kaviti oral klien kanser yang menerima rawatan kemoterapi atau radioterapi mempunyai risiko yang cukup tinggi untuk mendapat keadaan klinikal yang dikenali sebagai mukositis dan xerostomia. Keadaan ini memerlukan satu standard penilaian pada kaviti oral dengan itu jagarawatan yang saintifik, sistematik dan holistik dapat diberikan kepada klien.

Objektif kajian

Kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti permasalahan pada tisu kaviti oral yang dihadapi oleh klien kanser yang menjalani rawatan kemoterapi dan radioterapi berdasarkan carta penilaian oral yang diadaptasikan dari Shareenet al., 2003 dan mengenalpasti mikroorganisma yang wujud pada kaviti oral klien kanser tersebut dalam hubungkaitnya dengan keberkesanan praktis jagarawatan oral di wad onkologi Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Metodologi

Kajian berasaskan pemeriksaan dengan carta penilaian oral dilakukan terhadap 30 orang klien kanser yang dipilih secara “convenience sampling”, yang menerima rawatan hanya kemoterapi atau hanya radioterapi atau kedua-duanya sekali di wad onkologi (3S) HUSM. Penilaian dibuat pada hari pertama, ketiga dan kelima klien berada di wad tersebut. Selepas setiap penilaian, swab kultur diambil dari bahagian kiri dan kanan bukal retromolar ke dalam media pengangkut Stuart untuk pemeriksaan kultur.

Keputusan

Keputusan penyelidikan ini menunjukkan 46.7% klien mengalami bibir kering, ulserasi dan pendarahan. Keadaan mukosa bibir yang kering juga mengalami ulserasi dan mudah terjadi pendarahan spontan yang dikenali secara klinikal sebagai mukositis. Manakala 90.0% klien menunjukkan mengalami mulut kering, 96.7% mengalami membran mukosa kering dan 70.0% mengalami keadaan saliva yang kering serta 30.0% mengalami kepekatan saliva. Jumlah peratus frekuensi mikroorganisma gram negatif bertambah kepada 63.3% pada hari kelima manakala mikroorganisma gram positif 16.7%, dan kandida 10.0%.

Rumusan

Hasil penyelidikan menyokong penekanan, penyerapan dan aplikasi carta penilaian oral khususnya di wad onkologi HUSM bagi jagarawatan yang berkesan. Penilaian status kaviti oral sebelum memulakan rawatan dapat memastikan keberkesanan rawatan dan jagarawatan yang saintifik, sistematik dan bersifat holistik kepada klien.

ORAL (A3 -4)

THE DETERMINATION OF LOCAL MALAY FEMALE BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND ITS’CORRELATION WITH GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES IN THE EVALUATION OF SKELETAL STATUS

Lee Cheng Wai, Hj.Abdul Kareem, Hj.Ibrahim Lutfi Shuaib, Mohd Ezane Aziz, Shaiful Bahari, Nik Haslina Nik Hussain.

Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. Currently the recommended method to measure bone mineral density (BMD) is Dual Energy X-Ray Absorstometry (DEXA). However to be more precise in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and fracture risk prediction, other risk factors and biomechanics of the bone should be taken into consideration.

Aims

1) To obtain bone mineral density reference data for local Malay female population.

2) To determine the correlation of geometric properties and BMD.

Material and Methods

A total of 137 volunteers who have given a written informed consent and undergone DEXA of the spine, dual femur and total body. A non-dominant hand radiograph was also taken for geometric properties (GP) measurement.

Results

A graph of BMD (DEXA) versus age group was obtained from the mean and standard deviation of the peak age value. The local BMD corresponding to -2.0 standard deviation from the peak adult value for vertebral and total body BMD were 12.2% and 3.2% respectively lower whereas for the dual femur it was 1.2% higher compared to the Caucasian reference data (U.S/Europe). There were fair to good correlation between weight and BMD (r = 0.344 –0.642). Generally fair to good correlation was seen between vertebral, dual femur and total body BMD with cortical area (CA), cortical thickness (CT) and metacarpal index (MCI), particularly of the second metacarpal. Multi linear correlation models accounting for CA2 and CT2 in addition to weight have improved the predictive power of a model for weight alone.

Conclusion

Establishment of database for each race in Malaysia is important for proper skeletal status evaluation, in view of significant differences in the local Malay BMD value compared to other population reference data. Geometric properties can be used as a lower cost tool to predict BMD and may improve the accuracy of diagnosis of osteoporosis and prediction of fracture risk.

ORAL (A3 -5)

PILOT STUDY: PREVALENCE OF NEGATIVE PLAIN CT AND POSITIVE PERFUSION CT SCAN IN CASES OF ACUTE STROKE.

K. Man, M.M Abdul Kareem, A.Prasad, J. Abdullah

Department of Radiology, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction and objectives

CT perfusion study is a new method to diagnose infarction in cases of normal plain CT scan. It also identifies the area of ischemia and size of infarction. The aim of this study is to determine the number of cerebral infarction cases in Hospital USM where there is normal plain CT scan and abnormal Perfusion CT.

Material and Methods

Forty two consecutive plain and perfusion CT examinations of brain in patients 12 years and above perform from August 2002 to August 2003 were evaluated qualitatively. Plain CT scan was performed in patients presented with acute stroke symptoms followed by Perfusion CT.

Results

Twelve out of 42 cases were found to have normal plain CT scan. Nine out of these 12 patients were positive for infarction in Perfusion CT scan. Two out of 12 cases turned out to be transient ischemic attack and one case, CT perfusion was normal even though patient showed signs and symptoms of acute stroke. The prevalence of negative plain CT scan and positive perfusion CT for acute stroke in Hospital USM from August 2002 to August 2003 was 21.3%.

Conclusion

CT perfusion is a useful imaging tool for determining ischemia and infarction in cases where the plain CT scan is normal. The results obtained from CT perfusion scanning are used to determine mode of treatment suitable for acute stroke patients.

ORAL (A3 -6)

THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF INITIAL AND FOLLOW-UP COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) OF BRAIN IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH MODERATE AND SEVERE HEAD INJURY FOLLOWING MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Azman Kiflie, Nurul Azman Alias, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Dr. Salmah @ Win Mar, Abdul Kareem

Department of Radiology, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Overview

Head injury is still the most common problem throughout the world. In Malaysia, the most common cause of head injury is due to motor vehicle accident. The impact of the head injury is so great because the younger generation is the highest populations involved. The outcome may ranges from good recovery and disability to death. In view of the important of the outcome, the author felt that it is important to assess the clinical as well as the CT scan of brain of those patients in order to predict the outcome. Currently, it is believed that the permanent outcome of the patient can be predicted from a follow-up CT scan of brain as early as six weeks.

Objective and Methods

The aim of this study is to predict the outcome of the adult patients with moderate and severe head injury in motor vehicle accident by using clinical parameters (age, Glasgow Coma Scale), initial CT scan of brain parameter (intracranial haemorrhage, volume and site of intracranial haemorrhage, midline shift and hydrocephalus) and follow-up CT scan of brain parameter (residual intracranial bleed, post-traumatic hydrocephalus, midline shift and gliosis). The patient is assessed clinically on admission for GCS. Those categorised into moderate and severe head injury with initial and follow-up CT scan of brain 6 weeks later will be selected for the study. The parameters were analyzed statistically using univarite analysis, chi square test and logistic regression. The p value of < 0.05 is taken as significant level.

Results

A total of 31 patients were selected, 67.7% are male and 32.3% are female. The GCS of the patients were statistically significant as outcome predictors. Other significant predictors analyzed from the study are midline shift and volume of subdural haemorrhage in the initial CT scan and post-traumatic hydrocephalus and gliosis in the follow-up CT scan.

Conclusion

The study showed that the above-mentioned parameters are significant predictors of outcome. The author also have suggested a new outcome predictors by using the parameters from follow-up CT scan i.e. presence of gliosis, site of gliosis and post-traumatic hydrocephalus.

ORAL (A3 -7)

CIGARETTE SMOKING AS A RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE DEATH IN JAPAN: NIPPON DATA 80

Ueshima H¹, Choudhury SR², Okayama A³, Hayakawa T⁴, Kita Y¹, Kadowaki T¹, Okamura T¹ and NIPPON DATA80 Research Group

¹Department of Health Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan. ²Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Some previous Japanese cohort studies failed to show an association between smoking and stroke risk. Since such an association has been noted in other populations, this issue should be re-examined in a recent representative Japanese cohort with a higher total cholesterol level.

Objectives

To investigate the association between cigarettes smoking and stroke death in a representative Japanese population.

Methods

A total of 9,638 men and women aged 30 years and older without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline in 1980 were followed for 14 years. Follow-up rate was 91.4%. Causes of death were ascertained from National Vital Statistics. Cox proportional hazard ratios were calculated adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, and other conventional risk factors.

Results

We observed 203 stroke deaths (107 cerebral infarctions, 45 cerebral hemorrhages, and 51 others), 191 heart disease deaths, and 413 CVD deaths. The average serum total cholesterol level was ~4.91mmol/

L. The hazard ratios for men who smoked 1-20 cigarettes/day on all strokes, cerebral infarction, and cerebral hemorrhage were 1.60 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91-2.79), 2.97 (CI. 1.27-6.98), and 0.42 (CI. 0.161.09), respectively, and for those who smoked ≥21 cigarettes/day, they were 2.17 (CI. 1.09-4.30), 3.26(CI. 1.11-9.56), and 0.68 (CI. 0.20-2.33), respectively. For women who smoked ≥21 cigarettes/day, the hazard ratio for all strokes was 3.91 (CI 1.18-12.90). For CVD, all heart disease, and ischemic heart disease, the hazard risks of smoking were significant (1.49 to 4.25) for men but not significant for women.

Conclusions :

Smoking in a cohort with moderate serum total cholesterol level was a potent risk factor for stroke, especially cerebral infarction, for both men and women, and CVD and ischemic heart disease for men.

ORAL (A3 -8)

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ECG CHANGES, ARRHYTHMIA AND CHEST PAIN DURING DOBUTAMINE STRESS MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING

Tuhin H¹, Zurkurnai Y², Sapawi M², Tee MH².

¹Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and Oncology, ²Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

The presence of myocardial perfusion abnormalities assessed by dobutamine stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) accurately diagnoses patients with coronary artery disease, and are powerful predictors of cardiac events. Thus, results of this imaging modality help in selecting the appropriate management strategies. During dobutamine stress test, ECG changes, arrhythmia and chest pain occur frequently. However, data regarding diagnostic value of these parameters to predict myocardial perfusion abnormalities are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of ECG changes, arrhythmia and chest pain to predict myocardial perfusion abnormalities on SPECT.

Method

We performed dobutamine-atropine stress 99Tcmtetrofosmin/MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT in 26 patients referred to the department of nuclear medicine for MPI. SPECT imaging was performed 30 min post-injection using one-day stress-rest protocol.

Results

Myocardial perfusion abnormalities (reversible or fixed defects) were detected in 11(42.3%) out of 26 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of ECG changes (ST depression, ST elevation or T wave normalization) to predict myocardial perfusion defects were 45.5% and 86.7% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of cardiac arrhythmia (significant supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmia) were 45.5% and 86.7%,and of chest pain were 18.2% and 80% respectively.

Conclusion

ECG changes, cardiac arrhythmia and chest pain during dobutamine stress test showed high specificity. However, the low sensitivity of these parameters warrants performing dobutamine stress test in conjunction with a more sensitive imaging modality such as MPI.

ORAL (A3 -9)

VOLUME OF HIPPOCAMPAL COMPLEX IN MAJOR DEPRESSION PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT WITH SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SSRI) DRUGS

Magendiran A/L Shummugam; Hj. Mohd Shafie Abdullah; Mohd Najib Alwi; Win Mar @ Salmah Jalaluddin

Department of Radiology, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Purpose

To assess change in volume of the hippocampal complex in major depression patients following treatment with SSRI drugs. This is correlated with progress of the patients’illness. To date no other institution has done this study on humans. Similar studies on rats showed hippocampal volume increase of about 70 %.

Method

Newly diagnosed untreated major depression patients fulfilling the study criteria are selected. First MRI of the brain done for the hippocampal complex structure. Patients start consuming the SSRI drugs after the MRI. After six months, the MRI study is repeated following similar protocols. The hippocampal complex volume calculated from the MRI study. The volume change is correlated with patients’clinical progress as assessed by the treating psychiatrist.

Results

Seven patients came for the initial MRI while only four came for the second MRI. About 13 –25 % increase in volume of hippocampal complex was found following treatment. It correlated with the patients’progress of illness.

Conclusion

The result shows that there is increase in hippocampal complex volume following treatment which correlates with the patients’clinical improvement. In future, this finding can aid in assessing clinical response in major depression patients treated with SSRI drugs.

ORAL (A3 -10)

INSULIN SENSITIVITY STATUS OF NON-OBESE NORMOGLYCEMIC MALAY SUBJECTS : RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSULIN SENSITIVITY AND LIPID STATUS.

A. Kholdun Al-Mahmood, A.A. Ismail, Faridah A. Rashid, WB Wan Mohammed, Sohel R. Choudhury, Nor Azwany Yaakob

School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance has a complex relationship. Most of the previous studies were looking at insulin resistance in hyperlipidaemic subjects who were also obese. So influence of obesity and hyperlipidaemia acted simultaneously in the genesis of insulin resistance.

Objective

The present study was designed to determine insulin sensitivity and secretory status of non-obese normoglycemic subjects, and to find out the relationship between hyperlipidemia and insulin sensitivity in a non-obese population.

Methodology

A cross sectional study on 74 non-obese (BMI<25, waist circumference male<102cm, female <88cm.) and nondiabetic subjects age between 30-60 years was carried out. The subjects underwent OGTT, LFT and RFT to exclude type 2 diabetes, IGT, IFG, renal and liver diseases. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin and lipid profile were done. Insulin sensitivity and secretory status was calculated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) software (HOMA%S, HOMA%B and HOMA-IR). The subjects were devided into two group according to their lipid status and their insulin sensitivity was compared by MannWhitney test.

Results

The hyperlipidemic subjects showed substantially lower insulin sensitivity and higher insulin resistance in comparison to normolipidemic subjects. The median of HOMA%S of hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic subjects were 50(83) and 232(227) (p<.0001) for male and 71(86) and 241(221)(p<.0001) for female respectively. Insulin secretory status of hyperlipidemic subjects indicate that the B cells of these subjects have to secrete more insulin to overcome lowered insulin sensitivity, the median of HOMA%B were 179(144) and 98(32) for male and 179(102) and 87(34) for female.

Conclusion

Insulin sensitivity of otherwise healthy non-obese hyperlipidemic subjects is lower than normolipidemic subjects.
The B cells of hyperlipidemic subjects have to work more to compensate lowered insulin sensitivity.
Hyperlipidemia can be considered as a risk factor for development of insulin resistance syndrome in future and should be treated.

ORAL (A3 -11)

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASOUND

Saffuwan bin Haji Mohamed Johar¹; Wan Ahmad Kamil Wan Abdullah²

¹Pusat Pengajian Sains, Kolej Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. ²Jabatan Radiologi, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

This project report was done to investigate feasibility and potential application of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasonography in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. First attempt was tested on tissue-equivalent ultrasound phantom to review several 3-D ultrasound enhancements which was not offered by two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasonography. They are 3-D orthogonal slices, arbitrary slicing as well as high resolution reconstruction, volume rendering images and image manipulation interactively.

Method

3-D images were generated by a Siemens Sonoline Elegra Ultrasound Imaging System located at the Radiology Department, HUSM. Transducers used are the linear array transducer (VF13-5) which operates at frequency of 9.0 MHz and sector array transducer (3.5C40H) at frequency of 3.5 MHz. Images were acquired with free-hand technique by linear and rocked methods.

Results

Using this imaging system, 2-D and 3-D phantom structures from various perspectives and orientations were reviewed simultaneously in a four-quadrant display. New 2-D section from anyplane slices may be obtained from the single 3-D volume for visualization.

Conclusion

The results suggest that 3-D ultrasonography developed by the respective ultrasound imaging system has the potential to complement 2-D ultrasonography.

ORAL (A3 -12)

EVALUATION OF TOSHIBA GAMMA CAMERA GCA-901A/HG PERFORMANCE BY USING UNCONVENTIONAL MATERIAL FILTERS WITH TC-99M IN PLANAR IMAGING

Sayed Inayatullah Shah, Ahmad Zakaria*, Ismaliza and Siti Nazipah

School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. *Department of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Data for diagnostically reliable images can only be obtained with gamma camera when the performance parameters, such as, uniformity, sensitivity and spatial resolution are tested and are within the limits of acceptability. These parameters are affected by the scattered radiation emanating from the object/organ to be scanned.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of unconventional material filters (Cu 0.125 mm, Al 0.2 and 0.3 mm thick sheet) on the performance parameters via attenuating some fraction of scattered radiation prior to detection.

Methods

Flood field phantom, petri dish and line source by using Tc-99m radionuclide is scanned for uniformity, sensitivity and spatial resolution measurements, respectively. Either LEGP or LEHR collimators are applied. Data are collected within a symmetrical standard energy window (126 –154 keV centered at 140 keV) without and with unconventional material filters by mounting on the outer surface of collimator.

Results

Results obtained without material filters are compared with those obtained with unconventional material filters. Integral uniformity is improved when material filter is applied with the LEHR collimator. The sensitivity is decreased, as expected, with both collimators when material filters are mounted. Improvement in FWHM values for 0 –4 cm source-collimator distance with unconventional filters is noted with both the collimators.

Conclusion

Unconventional material filters may be applied for scanning objects/organs and may provide improved quality images.

ORAL (A3 -13)

MICRONUTRIENTS CORRELATED TO CANCER

C.S.Kavitha Menon¹ and B.V. Muralikrishna²

School of Health Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Diet and cancer appear to be closely related. Several epidemiological, experimental and metabolic studies suggest important role for nutrients in the diet, which modulate the process of carcinogenesis and immune functions. Recent studies emphasize the etiological role of vitamins and minerals in epidemiology of cancer at a number of sites. Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamins and minerals) are commonly encountered and significantly influence carcinogenic processes. Considerable interest in the role of vitamins A, C, E and B in the genesis and prevention of cancer. Most of the vitamins seem to be acting either through the inhibition or formation of carcinogen, or by protecting against free radicals. Among minerals and trace metals iron, zinc and selenium deficiency seem to increase the risk of cancer.

Commonly consumed foods, particularly vegetables and fruits, are sources of numerous micronutrients. Several of these, including ß-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium (which all have antioxidant potential), calcium, vitamin D (in fish, eggs and fortified dairy products) and folate, have been the focus of extensive experimental and epidemiological research to determine their influence on cancer risk. Based on in vitro data, and while recognising their prooxidant potential under certain conditions, some have postulated that anti-oxidant micronutrients may protect against oxidative damage to biomolecules, such as lipids, lipoproteins and DNA, thus influencing the risk for cancer development. Selenium is a component of numerous selenoproteins (e.g. glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase) that function as enzymes in redox reactions that may affect cancer risk. Anti-oxidant micronutrients may also influence carcinogenesis through other mechanisms. For example, vitamin E inhibits cell proliferation and carotenoids, including ß-carotene, may affect cell transformation and differentiation, enhance cell-to-cell communication, and enhance immune responses. Experimental evidence generally suggests that calcium and vitamin D may reduce risk for colorectal cancer by decreasing cellular proliferation.

Conclusion

Even though the role of few micronutrients either in the genesis or prevention of cancer have identified, the role of individual micronutrients in different types of cancers still remains controversial.

ORAL (B3 -1)

TRANS-SEPTAL TRANS-SPHENOIDAL COMBINED APPROACH FOR HYPOPHYSECTOMY

Shahid Hassan*, Jafri Malim Abdullah**, Imran Azmi*, Zamzuri Idris**

Dept. of ORL-HNS*,Dept. of Neurosciences**,Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

The pituitary gland is inaccessible to the surgeon directly however there are indications for normal as well as neoplastic pituitary gland excision. The pituitary gland is also required to be removed for certain medical reasons. History of pituitary gland excision shows that a number of approaches were in practice in the past. This involved, trans-cervical and trans-sphenoidal procedures. We experienced the trans-septal, trans-sphenoidal procedure as combined approach with neurosurgeon in hospital USM.

Objective

To highlight the practicallity and efficacy of trans-septal trans-sphenoidal appraoch in pituitary gland lesion and how to perform it in a feasible manner

Method

Indications of pituitary gland excision, history of various approaches and the video demonstration of trans-septal trans-sphenoidal as combined ORL-neurosurgical approach and its outcome is analysed.

Conclusion

Treatment of pituitary gland should involve an endocrinologist, oncologist and a surgeon trained in trans-sphenoidal approach. CT-scan can localise microtumors preoperatively.This is an effective method of surgical treatment too and care being taken is liable to minimum complications.

ORAL (B3 -2)

CENTRAL CORNEAL THICKNESS AND MORPHOLOGY IN MYOPIC MALAY UNDERGRADUATES OF HEALTH CAMPUS, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Mohd Aziz H, Liza Sharmini AT, Mohtar I

Department of Ophthalmology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To evaluate the central corneal thickness and morphology in myopic Malay undergraduates of Health Campus, USM.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted in 65 myopic and 65 emmetropic subjects, with age ranges from 20 to 25 years old. Spherical equivalent and cornea curvature was determined with Humphrey autorefractor/ keratometer 599 (Humphrey System, USA). Central corneal thickness and morphology (endothelial density, coefficient variation and hexagonality) was determined with Topcon SP2000P specular microscope (Topcon Corp, Japan).

Results

Myopes have thinner central cornea (p=0.003), lower endothelial density (p =0.017) and steeper cornea curvature (p=0.017) compared to emmetropes. There was no difference seen in endothelial hexagonality and coefficient variation. We observed a significant inverse correlation between degree of myopia (measured in spherical equivalent) and central corneal thickness (r = -0.282, p =0.023).

Conclusions

Myopes have significantly thinner central cornea, lower endothelial density and steeper cornea curvature. Higher degree of myopia is associated with thinner central cornea. All these factors need to be considered in managing myopia, especially in refractive surgery

ORAL (B3 -3)

LASER TONSILLOTOMY: AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL TONSILLECTOMY IN CHILDREN

Dr A. Baharudin, Dr H. Shahid, Dr S.Rosdan, and Dr G.Asha

Dept ORL-HNS, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction :

Tonsillectomy in children is done on a regular basis in ENT. The indications are chronic recurrent sore throat and URTI, odynophagia, sleep apnea and access to deeper structures.

Objective

The natural history of tonsilllar hypertrophy is regression when a child is 6 years old or older. In children with obstructive symptoms we study the use of laser as an alternative procedure to reduce the bulk of the tonsils mass. Naturally, the remnants of the tonsils will regress as the child grows older.

Method

Children with obstructive symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy underwent laser tonsillotomy. The tonsils were dissected using laser from anterior pillar to posterior pillar. The tonsils bed were left untouched. Intraoperative and postoperative conditions were noted.

Result

Intraoperatively, blood loss was negligible. Postoperatively, all of the patients were able to swallow with minimal discomfort and discharged the following day after observation.

Conclusion

Laser tonsillotomy is an alternative procedure in children having obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy.

ORAL (B3 -4)

DETECTION OF HERPES SIMPLEX INFECTION IN VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS USING POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION –A PILOT STUDY

Alwi AA, Hussein E, Gopalakrishnan V, Ravichandran M

Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Microbology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To detect the viral conjunctivitis in HUSM caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Method

A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted. A total number of 70 patients with viral conjunctivitis were seen in the ophthalmology clinic, HUSM during one year period. Presenting clinical features were identified and conjunctival scrapping using sterile swab was taken from superior and inferior fornices of affected eye for PCR analysis. The PCR was performed using a commercially available primer. The presence of this amplified target sequence was determined by agarose gel. A positive result reflected the prevalence of viral conjunctivitis caused by HSV. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS system.

Result

The prevalence of HSV infection among viral conjunctivitis patients seen in HUSM, using PCR method was 17% (95% CI=8.1,26.0). Majority of these patients presented with moderate follicular conjunctivitis with frequent early corneal involvement. A large portion of patients presented with unilateral involvement.

Conclusion

This study showed the prevalence of viral conjunctivitis caused by HSV infection, in HUSM was higher than other studies.

ORAL (B3 -5)

INTRAVENTRICULAR CAVERNOUS HAEMANGIOMA

Rofiah Ali, Win Mar, Latifah Mohd Basheer, SS Mutum*, J.PGeorge** J. Abdullah**

Department of Radiology, *Department of Pathology and Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

A rare case of a cavernous haemangioma in the third ventricle is reported. This patient, a seven-year old boy presented with fever, vomiting and not active for a week. Examination revealed neck stiffness, left lateral rectus muscle palsy and blurred right optic disc. Urgent CT-scan revealed minimally enhancing mass in the third ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging was done two days later, and showed a heterogenous, multilobulated, minimally enhancing tumour in the third ventricle. The tumour was almost totally excised. Histology of the tumour revealed a cavernous haemangioma. Intraventricular location for a cavernous haemangioma is rare with less than 50 cases reported in literature. The clinical and radiological features are discussed and relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

ORAL (B3 -6)

COMPARISON OF CONJUNCTIVAL IMPRESSION CYTOLOGY BETWEEN GLAUCOMA PATIENTS TREATED WITH TOPICAL TIMOLOL MALEATE 0.5% AND TOPICAL LATANOPROST 0.005%.

Dr Tan Soo Hoi, Dr Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam, Dr Hasnan Jaafar

Department of Oftalmology & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To compare the conjunctival surface morphology that develops with the use of topical timolol maleate 0.5% and topical latanoprost 0.005%.

Method

Newly diagnosed glaucoma patients are randomly divided into 2 groups by closed envelope method:

Group 1 : treated with topical timolol maleate 0.5% Group 2 : treated with topical latanoprost 0.005%

First conjunctival impression cytology was taken before the treatment was started. Second conjunctival impression cytology was taken after 3 months of treatment. The conjunctival impression cytology of the both groups was compared.

Results

In both the timolol group and latanoprost group, there was no change of the conjunctiva epithelial cell morphology after three months of anti-glaucoma drugs treatment.
Within three months of therapy, both these drugs cause significant reduction of goblet cells and mucous granules.
There was no significant difference in the density of goblet cells and mucous granules in both groups of patients after 3 months of treatment.

Conclusion

Both topical timolol maleate 0.5% and topical latanoprost 0.005% cause significant reduction of conjunctival goblet cells and mucous granules however there was no significant difference of conjunctiva surface morphology between the two groups after treatment.

ORAL (B3 -7)

EXPERIENCE OF INVERTED PAPILLOMAS IN KELANTAN

ShamimAhmedKhan*, Shahid Hassan*, Mohammad Hamza*, Din Sohaimi*Ramiza*, Zulkifli S**.

*Department of ORL-HNS, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. ** Department of ENT, Hospital Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

The study looked into the demographic presentation, morbidity due to local invasion, surgical management, outcome and recurrence of inverted papillomas in Kelantan.

Introduction

Inverted papillomas are slow growing, most commonly benign neoplasms of the sinunasal tract. However their three characteristic features, a tendency to recur, a destructive capability for the surrounding structures and an association with malignancy make them distinct from other benign neoplasm of this region.

Methodology

19 operated patients for inverted papilloma were followed through hospital records. Besides demographic data the morbidity of the disease at the time of presentation was noted. The types and extent of surgical procedures were critically evaluated for their morbidity and control of signs and symptoms.

Results

A total of 14 cases were managed through classical medial maxillectomies through lateral rhinotomy approach, in another 4 cases endoscopic medial maxillectomies while in one case intranasal excision was done. Late presentation, refusal for surgery and infrequent follow up of the patients, has been established hallmark of Kelantan. This has ultimately influenced the selection of operative procedure performed.

Conclusion

En block removal of medial wall of maxilla along with partial removal of ethmoids through a lateral rhinotomy approach is a comfortable and satisfactory procedure in the management of inverted papilloma.

ORAL (B3 -8)

CENTRAL CORNEAL THICKNESS AND INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AMONG MALAY UNDERGRADUATES OF HEALTH CAMPUS, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA.

Mohd Aziz H, Liza Sharmini AT, Mohtar I

Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To study the correlation between central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure among Malay undergraduates of Health Campus, USM.

Methodology

A cross sectional study was conducted in 130 subjects. Central corneal thickness was measured with non-contact Topcon SP2000P specular microscope (Topcon Corp, Japan). Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldman applanation tonometer. Each parameter was repeated for three times by the primary investigator to get an average reading. All measurements were performed between 3 and 5 pm.

Results

There is a strong positive correlation between intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness (r=0.467, p< 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed a b1 value of 0.0408 (p< 0.01).

Conclusion

Central corneal thickness may influence measurement of intraocular pressure made by an applanation tonometer. In this study, we observed that there is an estimated 4 mmHg increased in intraocular pressure for every 100 micron increase in central cornel thickness. The thickness of the central cornea should be considered when intraocular pressure is measured using an applanation tonometer.

ORAL (B3 -9)

A STUDY OF THE HIGH RISK FACTORS FOR DEAFNESS AND PROBLEMS OF REHABILITATION AMONG THE DEAF CHILDREN IN KELANTAN

Che Ismail CL, Mohd Nasir CMY, DinSuhaimi Sidek, Mohd Normani Z, Azlinda AG, Mohd Jaffri AR, Shahid Hassan

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences,Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Deafness present at birth or arising early in life, is one of the most serious long-life handicaps from which a human being can suffer. Prevention, early identification and early rehabilitation can prevent the ‘social and communication’isolation. Severe deafness is present in every 1 person of 750 population. About 50% of cases of deafness are of unknown aetiology.

Objectives

To identify the aetiologic/high risk factors among hearing impaired (sensorineural deafness) children
To determine the possible preventable aetiologic causes and its preventive aspects
To define the problems resulting to non-compliance and failure of rehabilitation

Methodology

Training of health clinic personnels in Kelantan (110 nurses) and centrally in KL (30 nurses) was done to identify children early (using distraction test of hearing). Hospital and clinic staffs were made aware of high risk factors and referrals and appointments were fascilitated in order to accommodate for the new cases. Hearing Screening was also done in the Special Care Nursery, and later extended to other newborns in the maternity ward. A community based screening for ear and hearing disorders was also done in the district of Tumpat among 2,004 people. The number of new cases has significantly increased during the study period for e.g. from 271 in year 2000 to 512 cases in 2001. From Jan 2000- Dis 2001, there were 783 new referral to the clinic and out of that, 75 were diagnosed to have sensorineural hearing loss

Results

In 36.7% of patients (27/75) they were diagnosed earlier and 63.7% were diagnosed late (more than 3 years old). The average age af diagnosis is 4.6 years. The most consulted high risk factor is family history (21.3%), prenatal infection (TORCHES) (6.6%), another 6.6% had exposure to ototoxic drug and 6.6% with ventilation more than 10 days. In 40% no known aetiological in risk factors are found.

Discussion

Many of the possible etiological risk factors are preventable e.g. exposure to ototoxic drug, prenatal infection, hiperbilirubinaemia and meningitis, and steps should be taken approximately. The average age af diagnosis is 4.6 years, which is very late where the recommendable age is at 3 months. A delay in obtaining hearing aids includes poor motivation and ignorance of parents and delay of welfare financial help. With early rehabilitation it is proven that the deaf children is able to speak and enter a normal school with guidance.

ORAL (B3 -10)

ANTIFUNGAL EFFECTS OF ‘GAMAT’EXTRACTS (STICHOPUS CHLORONATUS) IN ASPERGILLUSKERATITIS IN RABBITS

Bakiah Shaharuddin, Abd Razak Koyakutty, Syed Mohsin Syed Sahil, Afifi Abu Bakar

School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Sea cucumber or better known as ‘gamat’by the local Malaysian people possesses high nutritional value and is widely used as a traditional medicine. Fungal corneal ulcers although considered rare in occurrence, usually results in devastating complications and blindness. The treatment of fungal ulcers is still not satisfactory due to limited availability of antifungal drugs owing to their restricted market value. Due to this, the treatment is very costly and often very toxic to the eyes and also systemically

Objectives

To determine the inhibitory effect of ‘gamat’and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ‘gamat’extracts against Aspergillus fumigatus.and to assess the antifungal effects of ‘gamat’in Aspergillus-induced keratitis in rabbits.

Methods

Methanolic extract of Stichopus chloronatus was used to prepare eye ointment based on its inhibitory effects and MIC value. Aspergillus-keratitis was induced in both eyes of 7 New Zealand White rabbits’cornea and treated randomly with ‘gamat’extracts and placebo. Daily clinical examination of ocular infection was recorded.

Results

The largest inhibition zone (average =18.2 mm) was observed when ‘gamat’extract was dissolved in chloroform compared to other solvents. The MIC value of 1.562 mg/ml was recorded in serial dilution of the extracts using disc diffusion method on Aspergillus fumigatus. Six rabbits were enrolled in the clinical control trial. Inoculation of fungus was successful in all six rabbits. Daily clinical examination showed variable degree of infectivity and response. Colony count at the end of five days of treatment with ‘gamat’and placebo showed no significant difference in means between the two groups (p 0.05). Limitations of this study and suggestions were discussed.

Conclusion

Methanolic extract of ‘gamat’gave a good inhibition towards fungal growth in the in vitro study. This warrants a future exploration of the antifungal effects of ‘gamat’in clinical control trial with more refined instruments and methods.

ORAL (B3 -11)

COMPARISON OF AIR-DRIED AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFT WITH BARE SCLERA TECHNIQUE FOR PRIMARY PTERYGIUM EXCISION

Afizah Isnin, Elias Hussein, Abdul Rani Shamsuddin

Department of Oftalmology & National Bank Tissue, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To compare recurrence rate between air-dried amniotic membrane graft and bare sclera technique for primary pterygium excision.

Method

Primary pterygium patients were randomized into 2 groups by closed enveloped method: Group A: pterygium excision with air-dried amniotic membrane graft

Group B: pterygium excision with bare sclera technique. Post-operative pterygium recurrence were compared within 7 months follow-up.

Result

1) In amniotic membrane group, the pterygium recurrence rate was 19.2%. The recurrence rate in bare sclera was significantly higher, 60.7% (p=0.02). However fibrous tissue (grade 3 appearance) was seen more in amniotic membrane group at 7 months of follow-up (31.1%) compare to bare sclera group (13.3%)

2) The significant difference for recurrence between these 2 groups can be seen as early as 5 months of follow-up. 3) There was no significant difference between recurrence and age or sex

Conclusions

The relatively low recurrence rate for post pterygium excision allows one to use air-dried amniotic membrane graft as an alternative for pterygium surgery. However longer follow-up might revealed higher recurrence rate in this technique as well?

ORAL (B3 -12)

LONG TERM VISUAL OUTCOME IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AFTER LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION THERAPY

Rajesh K Khanna, Puneet Agarwal

Department of Oftalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the commonest causes of visual loss in adults of working age in Malaysia. Sight threatening conditions such as maculopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are more amenable to laser treatment if diagnosed at an early stage. Although, unawareness and the lack of skilled personnel remain the major problems in early detection and treatment.

Objective

To analyse the long-term visual outcome in patients with diabetic retinopathy after laser photocoagulation.

Methodology

The records of diabetic retinopathy patients were analysed for demographic data, type and duration of diabetes, diabetic control, associated risk factors, indication for laser therapy, pre- and post-laser best-corrected visual acuity and causes for visual impairment.

Results

After analysing the hospital records of 48 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation therapy for maculopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a slight female preponderance (52%) was observed with majority of Malays (91.7%) and type-2 diabetes (88%). Nearly half of them presented with retinopathy at the time of presentation with 2 or more risk factors and belonged to the age group between 45-60 years. Fair to good control of diabetes (<10.0% HBA1c or RBS <11.0 m mol/l) was seen in only 11 patients (23%).

The major risk factors were found to be duration of diabetes for more than 10 years (66.7%), hypertension (62.5%), nephropathy (29%), peripheral neuropathy (25%), and hyperlipidemia (25%). Macular oedema (62.5%) was the most important cause of visual impairment followed by vitreous haemorrhage (27%) and tractional retinal detachment (8%).

Long-term visual acuity (post-laser) with minimum of one-year follow-up improved in 7 patients (14.5%), remained stable in 19 patients (39.5%) and worsened in 19 patients (39.5%). Various factors attributing to worsening of vision were found to be uncontrolled diabetes, presence of multiple risk factors, severe exudative maculopathy, vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment.

Inspite of laser therapy, legal blindness (<3/60) was seen in 7 patients bilaterally (14.5%) and 14 patients unilaterally (29%) whereas visual impairment (6/60 –6/ 18) in 6 patients bilaterally (12.5%) and 27 patients unilaterally (56%).

Conclusion

Sight threatening conditions of diabetic retinopathy if treated early by laser therapy, can delay or halt the progression of retinopathy with stabilisation of vision. Although, control of diabetes remains the most important factor in preventing visual impairment along with other complications.

ORAL (B3 -13)

A STUDY OF REHABILITATION OUTCOME AMONG CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS IN THE HUSM ORL-AUDIOLOGY CLINIC

*Farohah Mat Zain, **Din Suhaimi Sidek, *Nor Azlinawani Hussin, *Rohaida Ismail, *Abdul Wahab Muhammad, *Al-Hafiz Ibrahim, **Wan Zaharah Abd. Wahid, **Norazizah Kadil, **Rozazipah Ahmad

**Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck, School of Medical Sciences, USM, *Student’s Department, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Hearing loss is the most common defect in the neonatal period occurring about 1-6 per 1,000 population. Early detection and rehabilitation is of utmost importance as the development of speech and language is biologically time-locked. After the age of 2 years the chance of getting a normal speech and language even using the best hearing devices is slim.

Objective

To document the effect of hearing loss to communication ability among children
To determine factors affecting early rehabilitation
The role of parents and the level of knowledge towards rehabilitation.

Methodology

Children with hearing impairment attending the Audiology and Speech clinic of ORL were divided into early (less than 2 years old) and late (more than 2 years old) rehabilitation. Twenty children were selected, 10 from each group. Home visits were performed and parents were interviewed, questionnaires used and video documentation for speech were taken. The health personnel involved were also interviewed i.e the audiologists, speech pathologists and ENTs.

Results

Children with early detection and rehabilitation do far better in terms of speech and language as compared to the those detected late. However, severity of hearing loss, motivation, implementation of auditory and speech stimulation at home are important success factors.

Discussion

We hope with the implementation of universal hearing screening in HUSM children will be detected and habilitated early. These children, though hearing impaired, benefit from their hearing aids or cochlear implant to be able to speak and hopefully enter into the mainstream education.

ORAL (C3 -1)

MALAYSIA TOWARDS ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD

Haslina Mohd, Sharifah Mastura Syed Mohamad

School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is the core component in Telehealth and Total Hospital Information System (THIS). This paper will provide further insight to EMR by providing some overview of EMR, discuss the benefits of EMR, provide some guidelines to implement EMR and finally discuss some area for future research. EMR is defined as a computer-based information system that integrates patients-specific information from diverse sources and tracks that information over time to facilitate clinical management and information retrieval, analysis and reporting. The implementation of EMR should benefits various stakeholders including government and health care providers, administrators, clinicians, policy makers and researchers. Overall, the implementation of EMR can improve the quality of care, reduce cost in managing care environment and improve provider efficiency. The transition from paper-based procedures to EMR requires proper planning. Urgent actions are to provide legal and social framework for acceptance, introduction and implementation plan of EMR. A good transition to an EMR depends on commitment, research and implementation. Since EMR in Malaysia is quite new and not very well established, many areas need further research. Users and organizational acceptance is one of the social factors that need serious consideration in order to ensure successful EMR implementation. Therefore, before MOH extends EMR implementation to other hospitals in Malaysia, study must be conducted to get feedbacks from the stakeholders that are currently involve with EMR. Outcome from this study can be used as a guideline to enhance EMR features, may influence the EMR usage, increase usefulness and easy of use of EMR. With regard to EMR design and development, important issue that needs immediate action is the standardized identifier. Several areas that need the standardization are message format standard, medical terminologies, business case for patient medical record information standard, relationship to the national health information infrastructure, data quality, accountability and integrity, diverse laws and regulations, and privacy, confidentiality and security. Therefore, another area that needs immediate action is the research and development of at least, national standard for EMR. Without standard, differences in EMR systems, underlying architecture and the way that the systems are configured and used in individual institutions limit the quantity and quality of data that can be conveyed. It is timely that MOH makes these standards as part of the National Health Information Infrastructure to help healthcare providers to adopt more comprehensive, accessible clinical systems for more effective data sharing and public health protection.

Keywords: Telehealth, Total Hospital Information System, Electronic Medical Record

ORAL (C3 -2)

PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING AS PERCEIVED BY DENTAL STUDENTS OF SCHOOL OF DENTAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY SAINS MALAYSIA.

Arunodaya Barman¹, Rogayah Jaafar¹, Noorliza Mastura Ismail³

¹Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences ²Lecturer, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

Since the implementation of problem-based learning in McMaster University in 1969 it spreaded throughout different parts of the world with variations of its implementation (Albanese & Mitchell, 1993). In spite of its growth and advantages, there is continuing debate about its effectiveness over the conventional teaching and learning methods. In the School of Dental Sciences (SDS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) program follows a 5-year integrated curriculum. Basically the curriculum is problem-based and community oriented. This study is to explore the perception of DDS students about PBL session.

Method

This cross sectional descriptive study is carried out on all the 110 students of the SDS who completed their second year of the course which included participation in PBL sessions. Pre-tested questionnaires were distributed to the students for their responses.

Results

Ninety five students responded to the questionnaire giving a response rate of 86%. Dental students found PBL session interesting and wanted to maintain PBL from the beginning of year 2 up to the end of year 3. All students participated in discussion during PBL sessions but the level of participation varied. Some of them worked hard to prepare themselves for discussion while others were relatively passive. It helped them with in-depth understanding of certain topics and linking their basic science knowledge to clinical classes. They felt that guidance from subject specialists and well-prepared facilitators of the sessions were beneficial. The students believed that repetition of triggers from year to year discouraged their active search for learning issues. They also reported that there was not enough learning materials made available for their self-study.

Conclusions

Reviewing and renewing the PBL triggers, providing guidelines for searching for resource materials and briefing the students and facilitators about the philosophy and principles of PBL may make the PBL sessions more beneficial.

ORAL (C3 -3)

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ROLE OF PBL TUTORS: USM STUDENTS’PERCEPTIONS

A.T.M. Emdadul Haque; Rogayah Ja’afar; Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim

Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

In problem-based learning strategy, the roles of PBL tutors are crucial that involves the facilitation of an active learning process and fostering the skills of critical thinking and habits of continued learning rather than to convey knowledge, but requires special skills and training. It is anticipated that the ideal PBL tutor will be a group facilitator rather than a subject matter expert. Students’evaluation of tutors is also found to be effective for faculty development. This study was carried out at USMKK to investigate students’perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the role of PBL tutors.

Methods

Based on all aspects of tutors role and area of expertise, a questionnaire was developed. The items were scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale and ratings were distributed as strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (5). The students from all the PBL groups in phase-II of 20032004 sessions were included in this study.

Results

The students’perception on tutors’role significantly changed towards positivity in some areas across the year of their training. Among different races, Malay students rated best that significantly differed with others. There was also significant difference in ratings between genders. It was seen that non-clinical tutors were rated better, but it didn’t differ significantly between tutor types.

Conclusion

Students’feedback is an important exercise for improvement of tutor skills, so tutor evaluation can be adopted as a part of PBL tutorial process. This study is in fact an illumination of perceptions in pertinent issues regarding the tutors’roles and indicates the importance of taking specific strategies for both tutors and students with different backgrounds.

ORAL (C3 -4)

SERVICE IN THE RURAL HEALTH CENTRE: DOCTORS’VIEW -BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVES

Hafiza Arzuman, Khaleda Islam, Tabasssum F. Khan

Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Objective

To explore the opinion of the doctors about the reasons and factors for not being interested to serve the rural health complex

Introduction

The health care system of Bangladesh is developed around primary, secondary and tertiary level. At the primary level the health care services are provided by Upazilla health complex (UHC) and union sub-centers (USC). There is considerable evidence that, basic health care does insufficiently reach the majority of the population of the country. Different studies showed that the service of UHC is underutilized. There is always criticism from different corners of the country and in newspapers that the doctors are not interested to serve the rural health centres. The study was intended to find out the actual facts and reasons that are responsible for poor motivation and a lack of interest among the doctors to serve the community.

Methodology

A cross sectional qualitative study was carried out among medical doctors. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 randomly selected doctors working in secondary and tertiary level hospitals in Bangladesh

Results

Out of the 400 questionnaires 357 were returned; the response rate was 87.5%. Among the respondents 81% had working experience at UHC/USC level from 1 to 8 years. Though the majority of them had work experience at UHC/USC level but they did not like to stay and serve the rural health centers. The main identified factors were a) lack or irregular supply of proper medicine at the centres, b) lack of proper accommodation, c) lack of proper school facilities for the children, d) minimum recreation facilities and e) minimum scope for professional development. Non co-operation from senior colleagues (48%), interference by local administration (81%) and political leaders (84%) in UHC/USC activities were also identified by the respondents as major prohibiting factors. 75% of the respondents also felt that our undergraduate medical curriculum could not motivate students to serve the rural health centres. The respondents mentioned that a) specific time duration for rural health service, b) special facilities for higher studies, c) special facilities for promotion and d) provision of incentives in different form might improve the situation.

Conclusion

Recommendations for improvement of the present status were offered according to the result of the study. Selection of study place had been identified as a major limitation. Some of the identified issue needs to be considered for further in-depth study.

ORAL (C3 -5)

VALIDATION OF QUESTIONNAIRE FOR KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICE RELATED TO RESPIRATORY HEALTH HAZARDS AND RISKS AT WORKPLACES

Lin Naing¹, Razlan Musa², Rusli Nordin¹, Zulkifli Ahmad², Abdul Kareem³, Azwan Aziz²

¹School of Dental Sciences, ² Department of Community Medicine, ³ Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

Workplaces especially dusty places have considerable respiratory health hazards. To minimize the risk, practice of workers has played an important role. Therefore, it is important to assess workers regarding their Knowledge (K), Attitudes (A), and Practice (P) related to respiratory hazards in dusty workplaces.

Purpose

To develop and validate the questionnaire for K, A, and P related to respiratory health hazards.

Methods

A workshop was conducted (participants: three occupational health specialists and five trainees) to develop the first version of questionnaire. Based on the item-analysis on a pilot study (42 sawmill workers), the second version was developed. After conducting a larger study (277 saw mill and rice mill workers), the final version was developed according to the item-analysis.

Results

The first version of the questionnaire consisted 79, 82 and 29 items for K, A, and P respectively. Only 62, 49 and 28 items for K, A, and P respectively remained in the second version. Only 25, 15 and 12 items for K, A, and P respectively remained in the final version. The final version achieved the internal consistency reliability of 0.78, 0.70, and 0.81 for the domains of K; 0.71 and 0.82 for the domains of A; and 0.70 for the P. Factor analysis also revealed that selected items were appropriate in their corresponding domains.

Conclusion

The final version was considered short and accurate in terms of content validity, construct validity and internal consistency reliability.

ORAL (C3 -6)

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS OF PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN TOBACCO FARMERS

Rusli Nordin, Mazalisah Matsah, Lin Naing, Nur Intan Baizura Mohd Salleh

School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

It is well documented that pesticide poisoning produces neurobehavioural manifestation. However, only a few studies have been done among tobacco farmers locally, although they have been exposed to pesticides at workplace.

Objective

This cross-sectional study compared the neurolobehavioural outcome between 3 study groups (tobacco farmers using pyrethroid, tobacco farmers using other pesticides, and office workers as controls).

Methods

Three study samples were recruited from Bachok district, Kelantan. They were asked for possible neurological symptoms by using a questionnaire. They underwent 7 tests of WHO Neurobehavioural Core Test Battery (NCTB). The test scores were compared among study groups.

Results

One of the profiles of mood (POM) state, fatigue score was significantly higher in non-pyrethroid users compared to controls and pyrethroid users. Digit symbol test revealed that both pesticide groups had significantly less correct numbers of symbols than controls. Santa Ana manual dexterity test on preferred hand shown that the non-pyrethroid users performed the test significantly less correctly compared to the other 2 study groups. Others NCTB test scores were not significantly different among 3 study groups.

Conclusion

Neurobehaviour effect is observed among local pesticide users. Non-pyrethroid pesticide users have more effect compared to pyethroid users. The appropriate intervention should be done to prevent further chronic poisoning among local pesticide users.

ORAL (C3 -7)

PATIENTS’SATISFACTION TOWARD MEDICAL WARD SERVICES IN HUSM AND HKB

Mohd-Zamri-Ali¹, Than-Winn², Lin-Naing³

¹Ministry of Health, ² Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, ³School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction

It is crucial to assess patient’s satisfaction in order to improve the quality of services and to maintain patient load so that students and researchers will have sufficient number and variety of patients to sustain medical expertise.

Objectives

To assess factors associated with patient satisfaction toward medial ward services in two hospitals.

Method

Cross-sectional design with prospective recruitment of subjects of systematic random sample of inpatients admitted to HUSM and HKB. Interviewer-assisted validated questionnaires were administered to 188 inpatients from each hospital.

Results

Satisfaction was assessed on seven domains. Four items under nurse-services domain were higher for HKB.. Out of 13 items under doctor-services domain, 11 scored higher for HKB. Four items under other staff-services domain were more favoured for HKB. Six out of nine items under clean-and-comfort domain were higher for HUSM with significant p-values on furniture, ventilation and space items. Under miscellaneous domain, item on car-parking was highly scored for HUSM. Regarding financial issues, all 3 items were more in favour for HKB. Multivariate analysis for each domain using demographic and other variables related to current admission, adjusted satisfaction scores for HKB were significantly higher than those for HUSM for all domains except clean-and-comfort.

Conclusion

The patients admitted to HKB scored more favourably than those admitted to HUSM. Being hospital-based survey, it is not appropriate to compare two hospitals head to head. It is recommended that each hospital administration should assess areas for improvement to gain higher satisfaction and better utilization of their services.

ORAL (C3 -8)

STUDENT’S PERCEPTION OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR BLOCK EVALUATION STUDY

Abdus Salam¹, Rogayah Jaafar¹ and Abdul Rahman Noor²

¹Department of Medical Education and ²Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Objectives

To investigate the student’s perception of PBL sessions and of tutoring skills

Introduction

Medical education is moving to a more problem-oriented basis than was the case formally. The School of Medical Sciences, Universit Sains Malaysia is the pioneer in implementing PBL curriculum in the region since its inception in 1980. Main objectives of PBL is to help students to develop their abilities to analyze and to solve problem and thereby to develop self-learning skills and to be able to learn on their own for the rest of their lives. It is one of the best methods of interactive learning where a tutor facilitates a small self-directed group start with a brain storming session. It is crucially important to monitor how well do the teaching personnel and how do the students embrace the idea that groups collectively and each of them individually is responsible for learning process. This paper is aimed at to investigate the effectiveness of PBL sessions in order to develop education.

Methodology

It was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among the phase two undergraduate medical / dental students of academic session 2003-2004 of the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia during their four weeks of cardiovascular block rotation from 20/09/03-16/10/03. Sample size was 116. Data was collected through an anonymous evaluation form submitted to the respondents at the closing day of the cardiovascular block. The results was then compiled and analyzed.

Result

Majority of the respondents was of the opinion that they were actively involved in discussion sessions and the groups shared knowledge. Regarding tutor skills a majority of the students thought that tutors kept the groups in focus, demonstrated well the ground rules, assisted them to distinguish main from minor issues, facilitated functioning of the groups, showed interest in the subject matter. The students were satisfied overall with tutors roles in the four PBL weeks of cardiovascular block. However, there were a few negative comments such as tutors should play a role to lead brainstorming and lead students, tutor should not just be sitting, PBL is boring as the tutor is boring, tutor is not friendly and didn’t stimulate and guide properly, tutor is not attentive, not experienced and not well facilitating, don’t use “X”tutor as guide.

Conclusion

The key to successful learning in PBL lies in the interactiveness of its sessions, which again depends upon how the tutor handles the group. Tutor skills of clear communication and awareness of learning needs of the students are of great importance. To benefit form PBL students needs careful induction by tutor. The tutor needs to introduce progressive changes in the process of PBL in order to avoid boredom on the part of the students. In processing a small group, the tutor has to consider the task and maintenance of the group. The task must be clearly defined and all members in the small group must understand each member’s role. The maintenance of the group involves establishing a “climate”for discussion that is open, non-threatened, trustful and supportive.

ORAL (C3 -9)

ARE SURGICAL SUB-SPECIALTIES STILL PERCEIVED AS A MAN’S PROFESSION? SHARING A MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE

Md. Anwarul Azim Majumder,¹ Ahmad Fuad Ab. Rahim¹, Rogayah Jaafar¹, Lin Naing², Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi³, Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam⁴, Mazlan Abdullah⁵.

¹Medical Education Department, ³Psychiatry Department, ⁴Ophthalmology Department, ⁵Community Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences; ²School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background

In recent years, the number of female students and the female to male ratio has been increasing steadily in medical schools. An under representation of women occurs in some clinical specialties, e.g. surgery. The combination of domestic responsibilities and professional career demands is mainly responsible for such maldistribution. This study aimed to investigate the career choices of the female medical graduates of USM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study on career choices among 95 female medical graduates of USM in 2003, was conducted using “Graduate Evaluation Questionnaire”.

Results

The findings of the study showed that a majority of the female graduates selected surgery and its subspecialties than any other specialties. This is a new trend first observed in Malaysia, and perhaps in the rest of the Asian countries.

Conclusion

Effective strategies should continue to be developed to eliminate obstacles and create conducive working environment for the female surgeons, so that they would be able to combine productive careers with rewarding family lives.

ORAL (C3 -10)

MEDICAL EDUCATION IN BANGLADESH: ISSUES AND APPROACHES

Md. Ruhul Amin¹, Md. Anwarul Azim Majumder², Mohammed Nazrul Islam³, SM Idris Ali⁴

¹Department of Physiology & ⁴Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh; ²Department of Medical Education &³Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Background

In recent years, educational institutions around the world have been increasingly confronted with the challenge of making their curricula relevant to the needs of the time. Medical education in Bangladesh has also experienced many changes and challenges. The government has taken initiatives to bring reform in medical education through various government-led educational projects and programmes. As a result, an “educational environment for change”has been established in the arena of medical education.

Methods

For this study, relevant publications and documents were consulted and analyzed.

Results

The changes and challenges which medical education in Bangladesh has experienced include growing realization among stakeholders to review the educational programmes, availability of a large “critical mass”of trained teachers in medical education, resources, procedures and guidelines developed by former educational projects, and commitment to improve the medical education in the current government health care programmes.

Conclusion

Quality health care of a country depends on the availability of the well-trained and competent health personnel. Medical education plays an important role to produce such health personnel using need-based “inputprocess-output”curriculum strategies. Stakeholders should take the note of the various shortcomings of the medical education and draw need-based strategies to improve quality of medical education.

ORAL (C3 -11)

STUDENTS’PERCEPTIONS OF ‘TECHNOLOGYBASED’LECTURE HANDOUTS

Mohammed Nazrul Islam¹, Md. Anwarul Azim Majumder², Rogayah Ja’afar², Sayeeda Rahman³

¹Department of Anatomy; ²Department of Medical Education; ³Department of Pharmacology; School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Background

Lecture handouts are widely used instructional tools. Handouts supplement rather than substitute students’regular reading. It is now a common practice to supply PowerPoint handouts and publish lecture handouts on the web for students’access.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted among the first year medical students (n=142) of School of Medical Sciences (SMS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in order to determine their perceptions and expectations with regards to lecture handouts provided to them.

Results

A majority of the students reported that they read the lecture handouts as a reference and found them useful as a guide for future learning. However, more than half (68%) of the students have shown their dissatisfaction with overall presentation format of the handouts which is mainly technology-related i.e. PowerPoint and photocopying.

Discussion

This study indicated that students’expectations and experiences were positive towards the use of handouts. They used handouts as a means of supplementing rather than substituting their learning. Much care is needed when educators supply computer-based handouts, as this study shows some limitations when students use them. Medical schools should consider publishing web-based handouts with online and other facilities to make it interesting and effective.

ORAL (C3 -12)

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL PERFORMANCES IN CAR SPRAY PAINTERS AND MECHANICS EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD IN KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN

*Mohd Nazhari M.N., Rusli N. dan Abu Hassan Shaari A.K.

*Department of Community Medicine, USM dan Ministry of Health

Introduction

Lead exposure poses a major public health hazard and is recognized as the most prevalent and preventable health issue in many industrialized countries. Lead-based paint poisoning, a well recognized entity among young children in poor, urban neighbourhoods, is not confined exclusively to such areas. Worldwide, about 830,000 people died every year through illness linked to exhaust fumes and industrial smog that engulfed many cities of the Third World. Most accurate estimates of health risks due to lead can be obtained from reliable history of blood lead measurements. Level of lead in air will consequently lead to contamination of soil, water and food and subsequently increase exposure to future generation. Previous study have shown that chronic exposure to inorganic lead among spray painters, mechanics and battery workers caused neurobehavioural effect in the workers.

Objective

To investigate the neurobehavioural performances of car spray painters and mechanics exposed to environmental lead in the workplace.

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional comparative study of 44 car spray painters exposed to lead chromate in car paint and 44 car mechanics working in car spray painting and service premises in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Assessment of exposure and outcome were based on symptoms of possible neurotoxic obtained via WHO standard questionnaire form; signs of neurotoxic obtained via WHO standard examination form; blood lead levels checked as exposure consistent for biological monitoring; neurobehavioural performance tested using WHO NCTB; and environmental lead level.

Results

Symptoms of lethargy, sleepiness, sudden wakefulness, forgetfulness, stress, confusion, irritability, headache, vertigo, palpitation, excessive sweating and numbness noted more when there was high level of blood lead and recognized among car spray painters and car mechanics. Mean blood lead level among car spray painters was 10.19 µg/dl and significantly higher as compared to car mechanics was 7.39 µg/dl (p=0.01). Mean environmental lead level inside the car spray and painting chambers was 8.07 µg/m_ and slightly lower than environmental lead level around services and repairing areas which was 8.58 µg/m_.

Neurobehavioural symptoms, neurobehavioural performances and environmental lead levels were not significantly different between car spray painters and mechanics. Also noted mean blood lead levels of car spray painters and car mechanics were higher as compared to other group of occupation in Malaysia. Although environmental lead levels around car servicing and maintaining areas were slightly higher than inside car spraying chamber, it actually not showing the true exposure and what actually needed was the personal air sampling.

Conclusion

Car spray painters had significantly higher in blood lead level as compared to car mechanics. However, neurobehavioural symptoms, neurobehavioural performances and environmental lead levels were not significant between car spray painters and mechanics.

ORAL (C3 - 13)

ADOLESCENTS’ SELF-REPORT ON THE QUALITY OF FRIENDSHIPS AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF-ESTEEM.

Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Naliza Zulkifli, Mark Newman¹, Nick Goddard²

School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia; ¹St. Bunstan’s College, London; ²Lewisham South East, London.

Objective

A cross-cultural study was conducted in United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia to look at the patterns of friendship and self-esteem among adolescents aged 13-16 with respect to age, gender, race and length of friendship.

Methodology

All Year 10 (St Dunstan’s College students in UK) and Form 2 (King George V Secondary School in Malaysia) were included. A total of 198 pupils from both schools were recruited but only 168 were chosen for final statistical analyses using SPSS and EQS computer programme. The 46-item Friendship Qualities Scale and 11-item Rosenberg Self-esteem scale were translated into the Malay language and were subjected to validity and reliability studies using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Cross-cultural comparison was made using non-parametric tests based on compatibility scales between the two cultures.

Result

Friendship varied between St Dunstan’s and King George V but not self-esteem. Girls had higher friendship qualities but lower self-esteem in St Dunstan’s but on the other hand, boys had higher friendship qualities but lower self-esteem in King George V. Race differed with self-esteem in St Dunstan’s but it differed with friendship in King George V. Length of friendship did not differ with friendship and self-esteem in both places.

Conclusion

Contemporary discovery in cross-cultural psychology indicates that there are different paths of development in the West as compared to the East. In UK, the path is one of individual maturation that result in higher self-esteem scores as compared to friendship qualities. In Malaysia, the path is one of symbiotic group maturation, as shown in higher friendship qualities scores as compared to self-esteem.