The association of cardiovascular disease with impaired health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as identify the determinants of HRQoL among this cohort of patients.

METHODS

This study was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 313 patients aged 30–78 years (150 men, 163 women; mean age 55.7 ± 9.2 years) who were diagnosed with T2DM (mean duration of T2DM 10.1 ± 8.1 years) at two tertiary Malaysian government hospitals. The patients’ sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively from medical records and via face-to-face interviews. HRQoL was assessed using the 15D instrument – a generic, 15-dimensional and standardised measure of HRQoL that can be used as both a profile and a single index score measure.

RESULTS

T2DM patients with CVD were found to have significantly lower 15D HRQoL scores than their non-CVD counterparts (p < 0.001). The HRQoL of T2DM patients with CVD was significantly lower than those without CVD (p < 0.05) in all of the 15 dimensions of the 15D instrument. Multinomial logistic regression analysis using backward stepwise method revealed a significant association between CVD and impaired HRQoL (odds ratio [OR] 11.746, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.898–28.167). Age (OR 1.095, 95% CI 1.054–1.137), duration of T2DM (OR 1.085, 95% CI 1.032–1.140), ethnicity (OR 0.411, 95% CI 0.187–0.903), body mass index (OR 1.074, 95% CI 1.006–1.148), and physical activity level (OR 3.506, 95% CI 1.415–8.689) were also significant predictors of HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

In T2DM patients, the presence of CVD was significantly associated with a lower HRQoL. Therefore, the importance of tertiary prevention to minimise the potential deterioration of the HRQoL of T2DM patients with CVD should be highly emphasised.     

Predictors of poor glycaemic control in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

We assessed the predictors of poor glycaemic control among older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Malaysia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the data of 21,336 patients aged ≥ 60 years with T2DM from the Adult Diabetes Control and Management Registry 2008–2009.

RESULTS

Predictors of poor glycaemic control were: age groups 60–69 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–2.33) and 70–79 years (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20–1.71); Malay (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41–1.66) and Indian (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19–1.46) ethnicities; T2DM durations of 5–10 years (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.35–1.58) and > 10 years (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.59–1.91); the use of oral antidiabetic agents only (OR 5.86, 95% CI 3.32–10.34), insulin only (OR 17.93, 95% CI 9.91–32.43), and oral antidiabetic agents and insulin (OR 29.42, 95% CI 16.47–52.53); and elevated blood pressure (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38–1.59) and triglycerides (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.51–1.73). Hypertension (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64–0.80), hypertension and dyslipidaemia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61–0.75), pre-obesity (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.98) and obesity (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70–0.84) were less likely to be associated with poor glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

Young-old and middle-old age groups (i.e. < 80 years), Malay and Indian ethnicities, longer T2DM duration, the use of pharmacological agents, and elevated blood pressure and lipid levels were associated with poor glycaemic control. The presence of comorbidities, pre-obesity and obesity were less likely to be associated with poor glycaemic control.     

Female ageing and reproductive outcome in assisted reproduction cycles

INTRODUCTION

Fertility in women declines with increasing age. With the deferment of marriage and childbearing, couples are turning to assisted reproductive technology to counteract this decline. We aimed to evaluate the results of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in women of different age groups, and highlight the cost-effectiveness of IVF treatment in these groups while assessing its implications on the national healthcare provision model.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 3,412 stimulated IVF/ICSI cycles in a hospital-based IVF centre was performed from January 2008 to December 2010. Patients were stratified into seven age groups: < 30 years; 30–35 years; 36–37 years; 38 years; 39 years; 40–44 years; and ≥ 45 years.

RESULTS

Age had a significant effect on the number of cycles leading to embryo transfer (p < 0.001). The number of oocytes retrieved decreased across the various age groups (p < 0.001) and was the highest among women aged < 30 (mean 18.5 ± 10.3) years. With increasing age, there was a trend toward a lower fertilisation rate. Age also had a significant effect on the rates of clinical pregnancy, live birth and multiple pregnancies (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients aged < 30 years had the best IVF outcomes, reflecting optimal reproductive capacity. Age-related decline in fertility starts after 30 years. Women opting for IVF should be counselled about age-specific success rates while taking into account individual risk factors.     

Severe hypoxaemia can predict unfavourable clinical outcomes in individuals with pulmonary embolism aged over 40 years

INTRODUCTION

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is an urgent clinical condition that can progress in a wide variety of ways. Therefore, we sought to develop an easy-to-apply algorithm, to be based on readily available clinical indicators, effective in predicting unfavourable outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on systematically collected data in a database. The study included 102 patients with APE who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital. The following outcomes were defined as unfavourable shock, the need for mechanical ventilation, the use of thrombolytics, and death. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables significantly associated with outcome and to calculate post-test probabilities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of unfavourable outcomes was 25.5% (26 of the 102 patients with APE). The risk of an unfavourable outcome was reduced to 7.0% for patients with APE who were aged ≤ 40 years. In patients with APE who were aged > 40 years, the presence of hypoxaemia (i.e. peripheral oxygen saturation < 90%) alone increased the risk of an unfavourable outcome to 57.0%. A recent history of trauma and the presence of pre-existing lung or heart disease were significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes. The inclusion of those variables in the logistic regression model increased the post-test risk of an unfavourable outcome to 65.0%–86.0%.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age (i.e. > 40 years), the presence of hypoxaemia, a recent history of trauma and the presence of pre-existing lung or heart disease are risk factors for unfavourable outcome in patients with APE.     

How patients fare after anaesthesia for elective surgery: a survey of postoperative nausea and vomiting,pain and confusion

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and postoperative pain are common during the early postoperative period. In addition to these problems, elderly patients risk developing postoperative confusion. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with these problems, and the extent of these problems, in a Singapore inpatient surgical population.

METHODS

Over a period of six weeks, we surveyed 707 elective surgical inpatients aged ≥ 18 years who received general anaesthesia and/or regional anaesthesia.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV was 31.8%(95% confidence interval [CI] 34.8–41.9). The incidence increased with increasing Apfel score (p < 0.001) and were higher in female patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.28–2.36), non-smokers (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04–2.88), patients with a history of PONV and/or motion sickness (OR 3.45, 95% CI 2.38–5.24), patients who received opioids (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03–1.88), and patients who received general anaesthesia (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11–2.79). Moderate to severe pain at rest and with movement were reported in 19.9% and 52.5% of patients, respectively. Among the patients who were predicted to experience mild pain, 29.5% reported moderate pain and 8.1% reported severe pain. The prevalence of postoperative confusion was 3.9% in the geriatric population.

CONCLUSION

Higher Apfel scores were associated with a higher risk of PONV and multimodal treatment for postoperative pain management was found to be insufficient. The incidence of postoperative confusion was low in this study.     

High STOP-BANG questionnaire scores predict intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with multisystemic organ involvement. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a concise, validated questionnaire that is used to screen for OSA. This study aimed to establish the use of the STOP-BANG questionnaire for perioperative patient risk stratification.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted the demographic, medical and perioperative outcome data of all patients who underwent elective surgery, excluding ophthalmic surgeries, from January to December 2011. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict independent risk factors for intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events.

RESULTS

Of the 5,432 patients analysed, 7.4% had unexpected intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events. We found that the risk of unexpected intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events was greater in patients with STOP-BANG scores ≥ 3 compared to those with a STOP-BANG score of 0 (score 3: odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–6.3, p < 0.001; score 4: OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8–6.5, p < 0.001; score 5: OR 6.4, 95% CI 2.7–15.0, p < 0.001; score ≥ 6: OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.1–15.4, p < 0.001). Patients with STOP-BANG scores ≥ 5 had a fivefold increased risk of unexpected intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events, while patients with STOP-BANG scores ≥ 3 had a ‘one in four’ chance of having an adverse event. Other independent predictors included older age (p < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥ 2 (p < 0.003) and uncontrolled hypertension (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

STOP-BANG score may be used as a preoperative risk stratification tool to predict the risk of intraoperative and early postoperative adverse events.     

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for dietary intake assessment among multi-ethnic primary school-aged children

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess habitual diets of multi-ethnic Malaysian children aged 7–12 years.

METHODS

A total of 236 primary school children participated in the development of the FFQ and 209 subjects participated in the validation study, with a subsample of 30 subjects participating in the reproducibility study. The FFQ, consisting of 94 food items from 12 food groups, was compared with a three-day dietary record (3DR) as the reference method. The reproducibility of the FFQ was assessed through repeat administration (FFQ2), seven days after the first administration (FFQ1).

RESULTS

The results of the validation study demonstrated good acceptance of the FFQ. Mean intake of macronutrients in FFQ1 and 3DR correlated well, although the FFQ intake data tended to be higher. Cross-classification of nutrient intake between the two methods showed that < 7% of subjects were grossly misclassified. Moderate correlations noted between the two methods ranged from r = 0.310 (p < 0.001) for fat to r = 0.497 (p < 0.001) for energy. The reproducibility of the FFQ, as assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, ranged from 0.61 (protein) to 0.70 (energy, carbohydrates and fat). Spearman’s correlations between FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from rho = 0.333 (p = 0.072) for protein to rho = 0.479 (p < 0.01) for fat.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the FFQ is valid and reliable for measuring the average intake of energy and macronutrients in a population of multi-ethnic children aged 7–12 years in Malaysia.     

Femoral head diameter in the Malaysian population

INTRODUCTION

Hip arthroplasty is commonly performed worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the diameter of the femoral head in the Malaysian population in relation to gender and race (i.e. among Malay, Chinese and Indian patients).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed between January 1995 and December 2006, evaluating the femoral head diameters of all patients aged 50 years and above who underwent hemiarthroplasty at two major hospitals in Malaysia.

RESULTS

A total of 945 femoral heads (663 women, 282 men) were evaluated. The mean age of the patients in our cohort was 75.2 ± 9.4 (range 50–101) years. The mean femoral head diameter (with intact articular cartilage) was 44.9 ± 3.2 (range 38–54) mm. In our study, men had a significantly larger mean femoral head diameter than women (47.7 ± 2.8 mm vs. 43.7 ± 2.4 mm; p < 0.05). Patients of Chinese ethnicity were also found to have significantly larger femoral head diameters, when compared among the three races studied (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Malaysians have a mean femoral head diameter of 44.9 ± 3.2 mm. Among our patients, Chinese patients had a significantly larger femoral head size than Malay and Indian patients. We also found that, in our cohort, men had significantly larger femoral head diameters than women.     

Adverse effects of young maternal age on neonatal outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Teenage pregnancy is associated with poor neonatal outcomes, which may burden the young mothers and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the effect young maternal age and single motherhood has on neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 267 infants born to mothers aged ≤ 21 years in National University Hospital, Singapore, from January 2011 to December 2012. We compared the maternal demographics and neonatal outcomes of single mothers with those of married mothers. The neonatal outcomes of our study cohort were also compared to the hospital’s birth cohort during the same period.

RESULTS

Unsatisfactory antenatal care was more prevalent among the young single mothers than among the young married mothers (odds ratio [OR] 2.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–4.92, p < 0.01). The infants of the young single mothers had a lower mean birth weight (p = 0.01), with a significant proportion weighing < 2.5 kg (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.35–6.37, p < 0.01). Young maternal age was linked to a higher incidence of prematurity (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18–2.43, p < 0.01), major congenital defects (OR 4.68, 95% CI 2.10–10.13, p < 0.01), and a perinatal mortality of 18.7 per 1,000 births (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.26–10.32, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Young single mothers were more likely to have unsatisfactory antenatal care and lighter infants. Young maternal age was associated with a higher risk of prematurity, major congenital malformations and perinatal mortality. More studies are needed to ascertain the cause of these adverse outcomes.     

Association between urinary 8-OHdG and pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress, assessed using 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), can be associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension (HT). We investigated the correlation between urinary 8-OHdG and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive T2DM patients with fair glycaemic control to determine the clinical significance of HT as a comorbidity in the diabetic state.

METHODS

Clinical data, including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, diabetic complications, prescribed agents, urinary 8-OHdG level and brachial-ankle PWV, was collected from T2DM patients with and without HT.

RESULTS

There were 76 patients (45 men, 31 women; mean age 61 years; mean haemoglobin A1c level 6.5%) in the study cohort. T2DM patients with HT had significantly higher mean PWV than patients without HT (1,597 cm/s vs 1,442 cm/s; p < 0.05). Patients with HT showed no significant difference in 8-OHdG levels relative to those without HT (median 7.9 ng/mg creatinine vs 8.8 ng/mg creatinine; p > 0.05). Simple linear correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses revealed that 8-OHdG levels correlated independently, significantly and positively with PWV among T2DM patients with HT (r = 0.33, p < 0.05; β = 0.23, p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between 8-OHdG levels and PWV among T2DM patients without HT.

CONCLUSION

In the hypertensive state, oxidative stress can be responsible for the development of arterial stiffness, even in patients with fairly well controlled T2DM. Oxidative stress management may be necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.     

Granulomatous cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: a nine-year study in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Granulomatous cervicofacial lymphadenitis (GCL) is not uncommon in children. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) seem to be the predominant cause. We sought to study the clinical and microbiological profile of patients with GCL, and identify features that may impact outcome.

METHODS

Children aged < 16 years who presented to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, between January 1998 and December 2006, and who had GCL were identified from laboratory records. Clinical and laboratory data was collected and analysed for risk factors for patients with positive lymph node cultures, and for patients with and without recurrence after treatment.

RESULTS

In all, 60 children were identified, with a median age of 56 (interquartile range [IQR] 34–101) months. Median duration of symptoms before presentation was 5 (IQR 4­–8) weeks. The majority presented with single (73.3%) or unilateral (96.7%) lymphadenopathy, located in the submandibular, preauricular/parotid or infra-/post-auricular region (76.7%). Out of 51 patients, 26 (51.0%) had a tuberculin skin test reading of ≥ 10 mm. Out of 52 patients, 10 (19.2%) had positive mycobacterial cultures, which included seven isolates of NTM. Out of 34 cases, tuberculous polymerase chain reaction was positive in 11 (32.4%). With regard to recurrence after initial treatment, age < 5 years at presentation was found to be a predictor for recurrence (p = 0.008), while initial complete excision of affected nodes predicted no recurrence (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In our study, younger age was noted to be associated with a higher chance of recurrence, while complete excision of the involved node at initial presentation predicted non-recurrence.     

Prevalence of dysglycaemic events among inpatients with diabetes mellitus: a Singaporean perspective

INTRODUCTION

As the effectiveness of intensive glycaemic control is unclear and recommended glycaemic targets are inconsistent, this study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dysglycaemia among hospitalised patients with diabetes mellitus in an Asian population and evaluate the current standards of inpatient glycaemic control.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a secondary hospital. Point-of-care blood glucose (BG) values, demographic data, medical history, glycaemic therapy and clinical characteristics were recorded. Dysglycaemia prevalence was calculated as proportions of BG-monitored days with at least one reading exceeding the cut points of 8, 10 and 15 mmol/L for hyperglycaemia, and below the cut point of 4 mmol/L for hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

Among the 288 patients recruited, hyperglycaemia was highly prevalent (90.3%, 81.3% and 47.6% for the respective cut points), while hypoglycaemia was the least prevalent (18.8%). Dysglycaemic patients were more likely than normoglycaemic patients to have poorer glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (8.4% ± 2.6% vs. 7.3% ± 1.9%; p = 0.002 for BG > 10 mmol/L) and longer lengths of stay (10.1 ± 8.2 days vs. 6.8 ± 4.7 days; p = 0.007 for BG < 4 mmol/L). Hyperglycaemia was more prevalent in patients on more intensive treatment regimens, such as basal-bolus combination therapy and the use of both insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (100.0% and 96.0%, respectively; p < 0.001 for BG > 10 mmol/L).

CONCLUSION

Inpatient glycaemic control is suboptimal. Factors (e.g. type of treatment regimen, discipline and baseline HbA1c) associated with greater prevalence of dysglycaemia should be given due consideration in patient management.     

Dietary sodium intake in a multiethnic Asian population of healthy participants and chronic kidney disease patients

INTRODUCTION

Clinical practice guidelines recommend dietary sodium restriction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Compliance with this recommendation in a multiethnic Asian population is not clear. This study assessed the urinary sodium excretion profile of a multiethnic Asian population to estimate the population’s dietary sodium intake.

METHODS

Data on the urinary sodium excretion of 335 participants were obtained from the Asian Kidney Disease Study and Singapore Kidney Function Study. Standard statistical tests and linear regression were used to assess the association between various continuous variables and sodium excretion.

RESULTS

Our study cohort consisted of 335 participants (232 with CKD, 103 healthy) – 51.0% were male; 38.5% were Chinese, 29.6% were Malay, 23.6% were Indian; and 57.3% were hypertensive. The mean age was 53.5 ± 15.1 years and mean urinary sodium excretion was 124.9 ± 68.3 mmol/day. The mean blood pressure of the healthy participants was lower than that of the patients with CKD (p < 0.001). Patients with CKD stages 1–3 excreted an average of > 100 mmol sodium/day. Overall, 40.1% patients with CKD excreted < 100 mmol sodium/day. Indians had higher urinary sodium excretion than the Chinese (p = 0.016) and Malays (p = 0.002). The distribution of urinary sodium excretion in the healthy participants (37.9% excreted < 100 mmol sodium/day) was similar to that seen in the patients with CKD.

CONCLUSION

Although patients with CKD stages 4–5 achieved sodium restriction, healthy persons and patients with early-stage CKD need to increase their efforts in reducing their sodium intake, especially for patients of Indian ethnicity.     

Evolving trends in surgically managed patients with proximal humerus fracture: are we different after ten years?

INTRODUCTION

New knowledge, and improved surgical hardware and fixation techniques have changed surgical management. We review the evolving trends of surgically managed proximal humerus fractures.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for proximal humerus fractures from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010 were identified from the hospital’s electronic diagnosis and operative coding database. Data extracted from the database included patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical and radiological findings, operative techniques, and complications.

RESULTS

In total, 95 patients with 97 surgically managed proximal humerus fractures were identified. The median age of the patients was 50 (range 12–85) years, and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1.0. Male patients tended to present at a younger age than female patients (peak age 30–39 years vs. 70–79 years, p < 0.001). Two-part surgical neck fracture was the most common type of fracture (n = 33, 34.0%). Plate osteosynthesis was predominantly used for two- and three-part surgical neck fractures involving the greater tuberosity (p = 0.03, p = 0.0002, respectively). Hemiarthroplasty was commonly performed for four-part fractures (p < 0.001). Wound infections, implant failure, avascular necrosis of the humeral head and nonunion were seen in 8 (8.3%) cases. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) had been in use since 2007 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Surgically managed proximal humerus fractures predominantly involved young men following high velocity injury and elderly women following osteoporotic fractures. Open plating was most commonly used for two- and three-part fractures, and hemiarthroplasty for four-part fractures. MIPO techniques have been practised in our institution since 2007.     

Insulin therapy refusal among type II diabetes mellitus patients in Kubang Pasu district,Kedah, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a rising non-communicable disease in Malaysia. Insulin therapy refusal is a challenge for healthcare providers, as it results in delayed insulin initiation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at seven public health clinics in Kubang Pasu district of Kedah, Malaysia, from March to October 2012. A newly developed and validated questionnaire was used and participants were selected via systematic random sampling. Only patients diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and under the public health clinic care in Kubang Pasu were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression was used to study the association between insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors.

RESULTS

There were 461 respondents and the response rate was 100%. Among these 461 patients with T2DM, 74.2% refused insulin therapy. The most common reason given for refusal was a lack of confidence in insulin injection (85.4%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that respondents who had secondary education were 55.0% less likely to refuse insulin therapy than those who had primary education or no formal education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.82, p = 0.009). There was also a significant inverse association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and insulin therapy refusal (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–1.00, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Insulin therapy refusal is common in Kubang Pasu. Educational status and HbA1c level should be taken into consideration when counselling patients on insulin therapy initiation.     

Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor associated with most chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity, and its associated risk factors, among apparently healthy Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the Chinese residents in Seri Kembangan New Village, Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used for the selection of participants. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting venous plasma was drawn for the measurement of fasting glucose level and lipid profile. Data on sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, physical activity, perceived stress level and sleep duration were collected using interviewer-administered, pretested and validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among the 258 Chinese residents (mean age 41.4 ± 10.0 years) recruited, the prevalence of obesity was 40%. The obese participants had significantly higher mean blood pressure, and triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose levels than the non-obese participants (p < 0.05). The obese participants also had a significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the non-obese participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that drinking soy milk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.447; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.253–0.787; p < 0.05) and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables (adjusted OR 0.440; 95% CI 0.215–0.900; p < 0.05) were associated with a reduced risk of obesity. The risk of obesity was higher in younger participants (adjusted OR 2.714; 95% CI 1.225–6.011; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of obesity was high among the apparently healthy suburban Chinese. Our findings suggest that soy milk consumption and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables are associated with a lower risk of developing obesity in this population.     

Hospitalised Malaysian children with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza: clinical characteristics,risk factors for severe disease and comparison with the 2002–2007 seasonal influenza

INTRODUCTION

The pandemic caused by the H1N1 influenza virus in 2009 resulted in extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. As the virus was a novel virus, there was limited data available on the clinical effects of the virus on children in Malaysia. We herein describe the clinical characteristics of children hospitalised with H1N1 influenza at a tertiary care centre. We also attempted to identify the risk factors associated with disease severity.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we compared the characteristics of the children who were admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, for H1N1 influenza during the pandemic with those who were admitted for seasonal influenza in 2002–2007.

RESULTS

Among the 77 children (aged ≤ 12 years) admitted to the centre due to H1N1 influenza from 1 July 2009–30 June 2010, nearly 60.0% were aged < 6 years and 40.3% had an underlying medical condition. The top three underlying medical conditions were bronchial asthma (14.3%), cardiac disease (10.4%) and neurological disorders (11.7%). The risk factors for severe disease were age ≤ 2 years, underlying bronchial asthma and chronic lung disease. Two of the three patients who died had an underlying medical condition. The underlying causes of the deaths were acute respiratory distress syndrome and brain stem encephalitis.

CONCLUSION

The clinical presentation of the children infected with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus did not differ significantly from that of children with seasonal influenza. However, there were more complaints of fever, cough and vomiting in the former group.     

Cost of post-stroke outpatient care in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the direct cost of outpatient care for patients with stroke, as well as the relationship between the aforementioned cost and the sociodemographic and stroke characteristics of the patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with first-ever stroke who were attending outpatient stroke rehabilitation, and their family members. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information regarding the cost of outpatient care. Stroke severity was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale.

RESULTS

This study comprised 49 patients (28 men, 21 women) with a mean age of 60.2 (range 35–80) years. The mean total cost incurred was USD 547.10 (range USD 53.50–4,591.60), of which 36.6% was spent on attendant care, 25.5% on medical aids, 15.1% on travel expenses, 14.1% on medical fees and 8.5% on out-of-pocket expenses. Stroke severity, age > 70 years and haemorrhagic stroke were associated with increased cost. The mean cost of attending outpatient therapy per patient was USD 17.50 per session (range USD 6.60–30.60), with travelling expenses (41.8%) forming the bulk of the cost, followed by medical fees (38.1%) and out-of-pocket expenses (10.9%). Multiple regression analysis showed that stroke severity was the main determinant of post-stroke outpatient care cost (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Post-stroke outpatient care costs are significantly influenced by stroke severity. The cost of attendant care was the main cost incurred during the first three months after hospital discharge, while travelling expenses was the main cost incurred when attending outpatient stroke rehabilitation therapy.     

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Garcin? and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of garlic tablets (Garcin^®) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis in women who presented to a health centre in Koohdasht, Iran, from August 2011 to March 2012.

METHODS

The clinical trial was conducted on 110 married women (aged 18–44 years) who had complaints of itching or a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Candida vaginitis was diagnosed by pH measurement of vaginal secretions, direct microscopic evaluation and Sabouraud dextrose agar cultures of the vaginal discharge. On confirmation of diagnosis, the patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 55). One group received 1,500 mg of Garcin tablets daily and the other received fluconazole tablets 150 mg daily, over a period of seven days. Four to seven days after the completion of treatment, patients were examined for treatment response and possible side effects.

RESULTS

Complaints related to the disease improved by about 44% in the Garcin group and 63.5% in the fluconazole group (p < 0.05). The overall symptoms of the disease (i.e. redness of vulva and vagina, cheesy discharge, pustulopapular lesions and abnormal cervix) improved by about 60% in the Garcin group and 71.2% in the fluconazole group (p > 0.05). Results of microscopic evaluation and vaginal discharge culture showed significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that Garcin tablets could be a suitable alternative to fluconazole for the treatment of Candida vaginitis.