Centre In Malaysia Research Articles

Analysis on Coral Bleaching (Soft/Hard Coral) and Coral Ecosystem Restoration Strategies—Linkage to Sustainable Industries and Economic Valuation†

Among marine ecosystems, coral reefs play crucial roles in terms of ecological functions such as biodiversity protection and coastal protection and have significant economic value, estimated at approximately 2.7 trillion USD per year. However, the current state of coral reefs is alarming, with more than 93% of coral ecosystems being damaged primarily by human activity and climate change. In line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 14, this research aims to analyze coral bleaching in soft corals in Korea and coral reefs in Malaysia through field surveys and interviews to assess their current conditions. This study also explores strategies for the restoration of coral ecosystems, utilizing economic valuation methods such as the Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site-Based Assessment (TESSA). Despite the limitations of applying a landscape-focused methodology to the marine environment and the lack of available data, this study emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism and collaborative educational curricula involving governmental research institutes, universities, NGOs, and divers. These efforts are inspired by interactions with the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) at Sabah University and the Reef Check Center in Malaysia.

4 vs 7 points self-monitoring blood glucose in gestational diabetes mellitus on diet modification: randomised clinical trial in a single tertiary centre in Malaysia.

There is no standardized best method on monitoring of patients with gestational diabetes on diet modification in the country. This study aims to investigate the optimum method of self-monitoring blood glucose. This is a randomized clinical trial in a single tertiary centre involving patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed based on NICE guideline on diet modification. The patients are randomized in 1:1 ratio to 4 or 7 points self-monitoring blood glucose. The monitoring was required to be done monthly with ultrasound for fetal growth. Blood was taken at recruitment for measurement of serum HbA1c and fructosamine. A total of 200 patients were recruited. There were significantly more Malay patients in the 7 points group (88.9% vs 78.2%, p = 0.033). Multiparous patients were significantly more in the 4 points group (82.2% vs 68.7%, p = 0.033). Both groups were similar in clinical characteristics. There was no statistical difference in the neonatal outcome particularly fetal macrosomia and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. In patients with GDM on diet modification, self-blood glucose monitoring using either 4 or 7 points resulted in similar maternal and perinatal outcomes. The research was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04101396) on 17/9/2019 ( https://register. gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S00098EN&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0004RD4&ts=2&cx=-qlk1w2 ).

A Case Series of Eye Removal Surgeries: Five Years of Experience at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Malaysia.

Eye removal surgeries, also called anophthalmic surgeries, are usually performed for a painful blinded eye due to various underlying causes. In this case review, we intended to study the indications, the types of anophthalmic surgeries, and post-operative complications related to eye removal surgeries. Five years of retrospective case review of surgical eye removals was conducted from 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2023 at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), University of Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Medical record files were used to analyse the age, gender, affected eye, types of surgeries, and indications of the eye removal surgery. Fourteen eyes underwent anophthalmic surgeries inclusive of evisceration (78.57%, n = 11), enucleation (14.29%, n = 2), and exenteration (7.14%, n = 1). Among the evisceration group, 63.64% (n = 7) were due to endophthalmitis, 27.27% (n = 3) were due to ocular trauma, and 9.09% (n = 1) were done for a painful blind due to neovascular glaucoma. Two enucleation surgeries were performed for retinoblastoma and one exenteration for orbital metastatic malignancy. The preferred choice of anophthalmic surgery was in favour of evisceration, especially when the underlying causes were due to benign conditions. The most common indications of anophthalmic surgeries were endophthalmitis, trauma, and malignancies. Enucleationand exenterationwere performed mainly for the blinded eye due to the intraocular malignancies and malignancy with an extraocular spread. A fairly lesser number of anophthalmic surgeries over the five years could imply an improvement in the conservative management approach of a painful blinded eye.

One-Year Outcomes in a Supervised Program of Swallowable Intragastric Balloon-Analysis of 486 Patients in a High-Volume Bariatric Centre in Malaysia.

The swallowable intragastric balloon (IGB) has recently emerged as a popular alternative for weight loss in Malaysia. It can reduce total body weight loss (TBWL) by 6-15%. We aim to observe positive weight loss up to a year after the swallowable IGB is implanted. A total of 486 consecutive patients with overweight or obesity who underwent swallowable IGB insertion were included in this prospective data collection. Out of 486 patients, 404 patients (83%) had complete data at the end of 4 and 12months. Patients included in the study had a starting mean body mass index of 35.3 ± 7.2kg/m2 which decreased to 31.5 ± 5.7kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 4months and further reduced to 30.3 ± 5.4kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 12months. At 4months, the overall average weight loss was 9.8kg, meanwhile, at 12months, the average weight loss increased to 12.9kg. At 4months, the average TBWL was 10.5%, while at the end of 1year, the combined %TBWL increased to 13.7%. Most weight loss is typically observed within the first 4months following the procedure. However, it is important to note that patients can continue to experience ongoing weight loss for up to 1year. The swallowable IGB is a safe and effective option for patients seeking weight loss solutions. It offers numerous advantages, especially its non-invasive procedureless nature, which makes it more appealing to individuals considering this treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosted Trees, SVM, and Random Forest Algorithms for Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Dialysis After Cardiac Surgery.

This study aimed to identify the best-performing algorithm for predicting Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) necessitating dialysis following cardiac surgery. The dataset encompassed patient data from a tertiary cardiothoracic center in Malaysia between 2011 and 2015, sourced from electronic health records. Extensive preprocessing and feature selection ensured data quality and relevance. Four machine learning algorithms were applied: Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosted Trees, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest. The dataset was split into training and validation sets and the hyperparameters were tuned. Accuracy, Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC), precision, F-measure, sensitivity, and specificity were some of the evaluation criteria. Ethical guidelines for data use and patient privacy were rigorously followed throughout the study. With the highest accuracy (88.66%), AUC (94.61%), and sensitivity (91.30%), Gradient Boosted Trees emerged as the top performance. Random Forest displayed strong AUC (94.78%) and accuracy (87.39%). In contrast, the Support Vector Machine showed higher sensitivity (98.57%) with lower specificity (59.55%), but lower accuracy (79.02%) and precision (70.81%). Sensitivity (87.70%) and specificity (87.05%) were maintained in balance via Logistic Regression. These findings imply that Gradient Boosted Trees and Random Forest might be an effective method for identifying patients who would develop AKI following heart surgery. However specific goals, sensitivity/specificity trade-offs, and consideration of the practical ramifications should all be considered when choosing an algorithm.

Tourists’ Satisfaction, Experience, and Revisit Intention for Wellness Tourism: E Word-of-Mouth as the Mediator

Wellness tourism has grown popular and augmented the global market due to increasing healthy lifestyles. Based on the expectancy disconfirmation theory, the study aims to determine the antecedents and significance of tourists’ revisit intention for wellness tourism. A quantitative method has been adopted. Data was collected from 361 tourists at wellness centres in Malaysia, and structural equation modelling was used to analyze the measurement and structural model. The majority of respondents are female, aged between 21 and 30, unmarried, with an average monthly income of USD 2,000. The study found that tourists’ satisfaction was influenced by perceived value from social and emotional perspectives, while their experience was shaped by their emotional and quality perception of value content. Rewards had a significant impact on both satisfaction and travel experience. Tourists were more likely to recommend a wellness vacation if they were satisfied, but it was their unique travel experience that triggered revisit intention. E-word-of-mouth played a mediating role and revealed a positive relationship between satisfaction, revisit intention, and word-of-mouth. This study demonstrated the importance of determining the underlying factors to create tourists’ revisit intention. The implications from theoretical and managerial viewpoints provide insights to scholars and practitioners to revitalize the tourism industry after COVID-19.

A hierarchical cluster analysis for clinical profiling of tofacitinib treatment response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Tofacitinib is the first oral JAK inhibitor approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To enhance our understanding of tofacitinib drug response, we used hierarchical clustering to analyse the profiles of patient who responded to the treatment in a real-world setting. Patients who commenced on tofacitinib treatment were selected from 12 major rheumatology centres in Malaysia. The aim was to assess their response to tofacitinib defined as achieving DAS28-CRP/ESR ≤ 3.2 and DAS28 improvement > 1.2 at 12weeks. A hierarchical clustering analysis was performed using sociodemographic and clinical parameters at baseline. All 163 RA patients were divided into three clusters (Clusters 1, 2 and 3) based on specific clinical factors at baseline including bone erosion, antibody positivity, disease activity and anaemia status. Cluster 1 consisted of RA patients without bone erosion, antibody negative, low baseline disease activity measure and absence of anaemia. Cluster 2 comprised of patients without bone erosion, RF positivity, anti-CCP negativity, moderate to high baseline disease activity score and absence of anaemia. Cluster 3 patients had bone erosion, antibody positivity, high baseline disease activity and anaemia. The response rates to tofacitinib varied among the clusters: Cluster 1 had a 79% response rate, Cluster 2 had a 66% response rate, and Cluster 3 had a 36% response rate. The differences in response rates between the three clusters were found to be statistically significant. This cluster analysis study indicates that patients who are seronegative and have low disease activity, absence of bone erosion and no signs of anaemia may have a higher likelihood of benefiting from tofacitinib therapy. By identifying clinical profiles that respond to tofacitinib treatment, we can improve treatment stratification yielding significant benefits and better health outcomes for individuals with RA.

Erector spinae plane block with ropivacaine 0.2% in children: a single-centre case series in a tertiary paediatric centre in Malaysia

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) was first described in 2016 by Forero et al. as a modified interfascial plane block used for patients with chronic neuropathic thoracic pain. It was applied in the paediatric population for postoperative pain management as early as 2017. Most evidence on the efficacy of ESPB as postoperative analgesia in the literature is mainly found in case reports, but very few trials had been conducted. This case series describes 4 paediatric patients who received ESPB as part of multimodal analgesia while undergoing different types of surgery,i.e., 1 Kasai procedure, 1 closure of stoma, and 2 thoracotomies. All 4 patients had general anaesthesia for the surgery. No complications were observed in relation to the regional anaesthetic technique. Pain control was achieved with a pain score of 0–2 for 3 patients and 2–4 for 1 patient (thoracotomy) on Day 1 postoperatively, while all of them a had pain score of 0–2 on postoperative Day 2. We found ESPB with ropivacaine 0.2% to be a safe and effective analgesia as part of multimodal management of postoperative surgical pain. Further studies are needed to validate this observation.

An Exploration of Elderly Care in Elderly Care Centers in Malaysia

An Exploration of Elderly Care in Elderly Care Centers in Malaysia

An Adaptation and Validation of Cocaine Craving Questionnaire for Malaysians Who Use Amphetamine-Type Stimulants.

Cases of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use have been increasing over the past decade. Cravings are considered a causal factor for recurrent relapses in ATS use cases. The absence of questionnaires measuring cravings for ATS in the local population necessitates the creation of one, especially considering the rising number of cases. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Cocaine Cravings Questionnaire into a questionnaire suitable for measuring cravings for ATS in the local population. The original questionnaire was adapted by substituting "cocaine" with "ATS". The process involved a back-to-back translation, followed by a round of face and content validation. The participants included people who use drugs (PWUD) with a history of ATS use recruited from rehabilitation centers in Malaysia. A set of questionnaires consisting of demographic items and the adapted ATS Cravings Questionnaire (ATS-CQ) were given. This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 205 PWUD, mostly single men, with a mean age of 33.32 (s.d.=13.14). The mean age of ATS initiation was 22.89 (s.d.=9.39), with a median duration of ATS use of 60 months (IQR=24.00, 120.00). The adapted questionnaire received a good score for content validation. Unlike the original, this adapted version was found to have only three factors showing good internal consistency, ranging from 0.707 to 0.918 for all three factors. Test-retest reliability also showed good results, with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.875 (95% CI=0.835, 0.905). The translated ATS-CQ has been finalized and deemed valid and reliable for use among Malaysian substance users to measure ATS cravings.

#2645 Clinical features and outcomes of steroid resistant focal sclerosing glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a single tertiary nephrology centre in Malaysia

Abstract Background and Aims Steroid resistant FSGS is defined as persistence of proteinuria with &amp;lt;50% reduction from baseline despite prednisolone 1 mg/kg/d for at least 16 weeks. We aim to study the clinical presentations, treatment, treatment response and kidney survival among steroid resistant FSGS patients. Method This retrospective study included all patients who had undergone renal biopsy in HSIS and had documented diagnosis of steroid resistant FSGS from January 2007 until December 2022. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 17. Results are expressed in mean ± standard deviation (SD) unless stated otherwise. Results A total of 74 patients had primary FSGS out of which 15 were identified as steroid resistant. Median age was 33 years old with 53% being female. Median weight at diagnosis was 73.7kg with BMI of 28kg/m2. One third had no co-morbid disease while 4 patients had underlying diagnosis of minimal change disease. Proteinuria on presentation was 7.6g with albumin levels of 16 g/L. No difference was seen between steroid resistant and steroid sensitive cohort with regards to age, proteinuria, GFR and laboratory parameters. Median duration of steroid was 38.8 months with duration of high dose steroids were 5 months and complications often set in by 2 months of therapy. Steroid toxicity occurred in 13 patients with most common complication seen was Cushingoid features (8/13) followed by acne (2/13) and diabetes mellitus (2/13). There were more steroid complications in steroid resistant cohort compared to the steroid sensitive. Second line was initiated in all patients but one with cyclosporin A being the most common choice (11/14) followed by Azathioprine (2/14) and cyclophosphamide (3/14). The median duration of second line agent was 22 months with CNI specifically being for 18 months. 3 patients developed CNI toxicity and was given cyclophosphamide while one patient developed CNI resistance and was given IV Rituximab. 4 (%) patients went on to achieve complete remission, 8 had partial remission while the rest did not achieve remission. 9 patients had normal renal function, while 3 developed chronic kidney disease. One patient went on to become end stage renal disease while 2 patients died. There was no difference in terms of renal or patient outcome between steroid resistant and steroid sensitive FSGS. Conclusion Steroid resistant FSGS is a challenging entity of FSGS that warrants close monitoring for complications and management. The outcomes were not different between steroid sensitive and steroid resistant FSGS however, the steroid complications were more common in steroid resistant FSGS.

Hand-foot syndrome in cancer patients on capecitabine: examining prevalence, impacts, and associated risk factors at a cancer centre in Malaysia

IntroductionHand-foot syndrome (HFS) significantly impacts quality of life in cancer patients undergoing capecitabine treatment. This study assessed capecitabine-associated HFS prevalence, its impacts on chemotherapy treatment, and identified risk factors in multiracial Malaysian patients.MethodsWe included adult cancer patients receiving capecitabine at Sarawak General Hospital for at least two cycles from April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. HFS rates, time to HFS, and proportions of HFS-related treatment modifications were determined. Characteristics between patients with and without HFS were compared and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for all-grade HFS and grade ≥2.ResultsAmong 369 patients, 185 (50.1%) developed HFS, with 14.6% experiencing grade ≥2 and 21.6% (40/185) underwent treatment modifications. Risk factors for all-grade HFS include older age (OR 1.03 95%CI 1.01, 1.06), prior chemotherapy (OR 2.09 95%CI 1.22, 3.58), higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.96 95%CI 1.62, 5.38), prolonged treatment (OR 1.36 95%CI 1.21, 1.51), folic acid intake (OR 3.27 95%CI 1.45, 7.35) and lower neutrophil count (OR 0.77 95%CI 0.66, 0.89). For HFS grade ≥2, older age (OR 1.04 95%CI 1.01, 1.08), female sex (OR 2.10 95%CI 1.05, 4.18), Chinese race (OR 2.10 95%CI 1.06, 4.18), and higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.62 95%CI 1.28, 5.35) are significant risk factors. Use of calcium channel blockers were associated with reduced risks of all-grade HFS (OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.12, 0.60) and grade ≥2 (OR 0.21 95%CI 0.06, 0.78).ConclusionThis study provides real-world data on capecitabine-induced HFS in Malaysian patients and identifies risk factors that may offer insights into its understanding and management.

Causes, risks and care circumstances associated with death in older adults diagnosed with HIV in a tertiary centre in Malaysia.

A substantial number of older adults succumb soon after HIV diagnosis despite ART. We explored the causes, risk factors and circumstances before death among older adults acquring HIV. We recruited individuals newly diagnosed at our centre from 2016-2020 and analysed data of those who died. Patients were stratified to older (≥50 years) or younger (<50 years) based on their age at diagnosis and attributes were compared. The Cox proportional multivariable model was used to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality. Among 75 deaths reported, the majority of deaths were AIDS-related and late presentation was common in both age groups. The majority of deaths occurred in the first 12 months after care presentation and over two-thirds in both groups disengaged from care prior to death. Older age remained an independent factor associated with death after adjusting for confounders including opportunistic infections, late presentation to care, ART initiation and chronic comorbidities at presentation. Most causes of death in our setting were AIDS-related and associated with late care presentation both in young and older individuals, although older age at diagnosis remained an independent risk factor. Our findings highlight the urgent need to encourage prompt ART initiation following diagnosis, especially in older adults.

Integrity and Child Maltreatment at Child Care Centers : A Conceptual Paper

The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) reported 5572 child maltreatment cases until November 2022. According to the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, the welfare department recorded a total of 336 child maltreatment cases in various categories involving day care centers, register and unregistered nurseries and kindergartens were reported in year 2021 to 2022. Child maltreatment or child abuse is defined as “all forms of physical, emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development, or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power” (World Health Organization, 1999). With alarming statistics nationwide for several years consecutively, child abuse cases have sparks outrage to many; police, media, politicians, authorities, UNICEF representative and Tunku Mahkota of Johor. Taking the concept of IHSAN (care and compassion) under Malaysia MADANI, this study is timely and appropriate. Therefore, this conceptual paper analyzes the concept of integrity and child maltreatment at child care centers in Malaysia

Caring for a child with cancer during COVID-19 pandemic: an assessment of the parents' perception and stress level.

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has led to heightened fear and uncertainty among parents of children with cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the parental perceptions toward effects of COVID-19 infection to children with cancer, determine their stress level and factors contributing to high stress level during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in three paediatric oncology centres in Malaysia from September 2020 until December 2022. A total of 167 parents were recruited. Parents completed a set of questionnaires to assess their perception on effect of COVID-19 infection to children with cancer and COVID Stress Scale (CSS) to assess the parents' stress level. Patients' mean age at study entry was 8.75 years (SD 4.38). Ninety-one (54.5%) patients were still on active treatment. More than 80% of the parents obtained information regarding COVID-19 infection from mass media and social networking. Fear of their children contracting COVID-19 infection was high especially among patients who were still on treatment. Forty-nine (29.3%) parents were significantly affected by the pandemic leading to loss of job or monthly income. Twenty-nine (17.4%) patients required treatment modification during the pandemic. The median total score for CSS was 78.0 (IQR 25th 64.0; 75th 95.0). Ninety-one (54.5%) respondents were very/extremely stressed based on the CSS scores. Components with high scores were xenophobia (median score 18.0; IQR 25th 13.0, 75th 22.0), fear of danger (median score 17.0; IQR 25th 14.0, 75th 20.0) and contamination fears (median score 16.0; IQR 25th 12.0, 75th 19.0). Lower household income was associated with higher stress level (p = 0.006). Our study demonstrated high awareness regarding risk of COVID-19 infection among parents of oncology children. Half of the parents had high stress level, with low household income identified as a factor associated with high stress level.

TEACHING VOCABULARY USING FLASHCARDS IN EFL CLASSROOM IN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of Flash Cards as a learning medium in enhancing English language acquisition among students in a Guidance Centre in Malaysia and an elementary school in Waru. The participants included 8 students from a Malaysian Guidance Studio and 41 students from an elementary school in Waru, spanning grades 4 through 6. The use of Flash Cards proved to be beneficial for both teachers and students in teaching and comprehending English vocabulary, fostering a more interactive learning environment. Data for the research were collected through student perception tables and interviews. The findings suggest that incorporating flashcards into the learning process is an effective strategy for improving students' English vocabulary. The study anticipates that this approach will lead to increased student engagement and activity in English learning, providing them with more opportunities to practice vocabulary and sentence structures within real-life contexts. By utilizing Flash Cards, students are expected to engage more actively in practicing various vocabulary and sentence structures, enhancing their English language skills. This research encourages teachers to integrate this medium into their classrooms, making lessons enjoyable, comprehensible, and innovative in bolstering students' vocabulary.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Adverse Drug Reactions at Primary Health Centres in Malaysia

Background: Adverse drug reactions can lead to a substantial economic burden on patients and the country. This study aims to analyze the pattern of adverse drug reactions and assess the causality of the adverse events and severity of adverse drug reactions in primary health centers in Malaysia. Methodology: This retrospective study used case series analysis and data from six Malaysian primary health centers. The patients were analyzed for gender, age, class of drugs involved, organ system involved in the adverse reaction, severity using Hartwig’s severity assessment scale and causality using the Naranjo ADR probability scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In 113 adverse drug reactions were reported. Cardiovascular drugs commonly caused adverse drug reaction (38%), followed by anti-infective agents (20%), skin and subcutaneous disorders were the common adverse drug reactions encountered (23%). The severity of the adverse reaction was level 2 in most patients (69. 9%). Adverse drug reaction was mostly found to be probable (48.7%), and 64% of the patients recovered from the adverse drug reaction. Conclusion: Cardiovascular drugs commonly cause adverse drug reactions. Level 2 and mild reactions were widely observed. The causality assessment was probable in most of the patients.

Second twin outcome at birth: retrospective analysis in a single tertiary centre in Malaysia.

To investigate factors associated with outcome of second twin during labour. The study was a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary centre in Malaysia from 2014 until 2018 involving all twin pregnancies delivered at or more than 24weeks of gestation. Total of 409 twin pregnancies were included. Dichorionic twin comprises of 54.5 % (n=223) and 45.5 % (n=186) are monochorionic. Women with dichorionic pregnancies are significantly older (p<0.001), have more pre-existing medical disorders (p=0.011) and fetal structural anomalies (p=0.009). Monochorionic pregnancies are significantly more amongst Malay (p=0.01) and conceived spontaneously (p<0.001). There are significantly more fetuses both in cephalic presentation (p=0.026), birthweight discrepancy more than 20 % (p=0.038) and shorter mean inter-twin delivery duration (p=0.048) in monochorionic pregnancies. Second twin delivered with Apgar score <7 is significantly more in dichorionic pregnancies (p=0.006). The second twin is associated with lower birthweight, small for gestational age and arterial cord pH<7.25. Within the group of women who delivered both fetuses vaginally, there was significantly more second twins with intertwin delivery duration less than 30 min who were delivered vaginally without instrumentation (p=0.018). There was significantly more second twin with intertwin delivery duration of 30 min and more with arterial cord pH<7.25 (p=0.045). Those who delivered spontaneously had inter-twin delivery duration within 15-29 min. The outcome of second twin is not influenced by type of twin, gestational age at delivery, inter-twin delivery duration, mode of delivery and presentation at birth. The neonatal outcome for the second twin at birth is not influenced by type of twin, gestational age at delivery, inter-twin delivery duration, mode of delivery and presentation at birth in a cohort managed with non-active management of the second twin in Malaysia.

O24: Triggering Change: Evaluating Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Pandemic-Era Hand Surgery in Malaysia

Abstract Aims This study aimed to compare outcomes of open surgical release versus ultrasound-guided and anatomical landmark-guided percutaneous release techniques for trigger finger treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic (year 2020-2022) at a single centre in Malaysia. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for 44 patients (94 digits) who underwent open surgical release (OS, n=52 digits), ultrasound-guided percutaneous release (UPR, n=30 digits), or anatomical landmark-guided percutaneous release (APR, n=12 digits) for trigger finger from 2020-2022. Outcomes assessed included post-operative pain, triggering recurrence, time to return to work/activities, patient satisfaction, and complications. Results Patients undergoing percutaneous release had expedited return to work/activities (3 days) compared to open surgery (20 days) (p&amp;lt;0.0001). No UPR/APR patients reported persistent pain at 3 months versus 13.5% of OS patients. Recurrence rates were comparable between modalities (1.9% vs 2.4%). Patient satisfaction was similar across OS/UPR/APR groups (4.4 vs 4.3 vs 4.4). Complication risks were lower with percutaneous techniques. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, percutaneous trigger finger release facilitated swifter rehabilitation and reduced hospital visits versus open surgery. The percutaneous approaches demonstrated clear benefits especially relevant for strained healthcare systems, including neater post-operative recovery, diminished long-term discomfort, and lower complication risks. Percutaneous release has considerable advantages and merits wider embrace.

The impact of uro-oncology multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) on clinical decision-making and adherence to MDTM recommendation: experience from a tertiary referral centre in Malaysia

BackgroundMultidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) has become an increasingly important part of disease management model, particularly in cancer care. MDTM consists of a group of doctors to provide independent opinions on diagnostic and treatment decisions, as well as personalized therapeutic plan for patients. By selecting the most suitable treatment for patients from multiple perspectives, management by multidisciplinary team (MDT) have been shown to have advantages over traditional treatment models. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of MDTM on the management of uro-oncological cases and adherence to MDTM plans.MethodsWe retrospectively collected patients’ clinical information discussed in MDTM from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022 at our institution. The pre-MDTM treatment plan by the clinicians and the MDTM consensus plans were compared to assess the overall MDTM impact on patient management. Adherence to MDTM recommendations was also analyzed.ResultsData on 432 patients discussed in MDTM from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022 were collected and analyzed. Prostate cancer was the most common type of cancer discussed (n = 212, 48.8%). MDTM had a significant impact on decision-making in 276 (63.6%) cases, with changes to patient management being observed in more than half of all cases. Adherence to MDTM outcomes was high with 383 (90.5%) of patients eventually had treatment according to the MDTM recommendation.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of MDTM in the management of genitourinary malignancies, particularly in cases where no original plan exists. Patient’s compliance and adherence to the MDTM consensus plan are also very encouraging.