Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR)

Managing an Odontoma Associated with Impacted Maxillary Incisor in Adult Patient: A Case Report

2024-10-04T05:50:34+00:00

Background: Odontomas are known as the most common form of odontogenic tumour composed of mixed odontogenic origin. These are usually discovered accidentally during routine or diagnostic radiographic investigation. Compound odontomas often present themselves in the maxillary incisor-canine region while complex odontomas are found in the mandibular premolar-molar region. Odontoma though symptomless occasionally can interrupt the eruption of underlying teeth causing aesthetic and occlusal discord especially in the anterior maxilla region. Case: A 31-year-old female presented with pain and presence of an abnormally shaped tooth on her upper right anterior maxilla region. The tooth was diagnosed as compound odontoma and causes an impact of an underlying maxillary lateral incisor. Surgical assisted eruption of the impacted lateral incisor was done after removal of the odontoma, followed by exposure of the impacted tooth crown and gradual orthodontic-guided traction into occlusion. Conclusion: A combined (surgical-orthodontic) approach is deemed to have a higher prognostic value and optimal outcome for the impacted maxillary incisor associated with odontoma.

Role of Radiologic Technologist Specialist in Plain Image Interpretation of Adults in the Middle East: A Radiologist’s Perspective

2024-10-04T06:18:47+00:00

Introduction: Radiologic technologists are medical professionals who perform diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. While image interpretation by radiologic technologists is recognized in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, it remains a controversial issue in the Middle East. This study evaluates the perceptions of radiologists in the Middle East regarding the plain image interpretation of adults by radiologic technologist specialists. Methods: This cross-sectional study employs a quantitative approach. A close-ended questionnaire was distributed to 103 radiologists from various hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Sudan. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The results showed that 29 percent of participants recognized the role of Radiologic Technologist Specialists (RTS) in writing image reports, while 61 percent did not. Additionally, 38 percent believed that RTS image interpretation could help diagnose previously unreported radiographs. A total of 47 percent responded that allowing RTS to report images could reduce the workload and stress on radiologists, while 37 percent disagreed. Lastly, 43 percent believed that RTS image interpretation could be introduced in the Middle East in the future. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that combining image reporting with radiography improves patient care. The results also indicate that delegating image reporting to radiologic technologists may reduce the burden on medical practitioners. Further research is needed in the Middle East to explore and assess the factors related to implementing this practice.

Cardiovascular Medication Saving Activity during Dispensing Process at Specialist Clinic Pharmacy in Malaysia

2024-09-21T06:48:26+00:00

Background: Medication saving activity via reduction of medication supply due to medication refusal by patients during dispensing process is a vital activity that can be led by the pharmacists. However, there is a lack of evidence on how to conduct this activity especially at specialist or outpatient pharmacy for those patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, this study aimed to determine prevalence, factors and cost associated with patients’ refusal to the CVD medication supply during dispensing process by pharmacist at specialist clinic pharmacy. Methods: Patients prescribed with CVD medications were invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey after medication dispensing process was completed. This process involved assessing participants’ refusal to the dispensed CVD medication and issues related to their treatment. Data regarding cost was obtained from Pharmacy Information System (PhIS) at the current facility. Results: A total of 270 patients participated in this survey. Prevalence of participants refusing medication prescribed was 33.7%. Participants receiving care from primary and secondary healthcare simultaneously, experiencing side effects and self-modified treatment were 4.88 (P = 0.027), 5.01 (P < 0.05) and 2.98 (P = 0.018) times more likely to refuse medications dispensed. Those who participated in ‘Medication Therapy Adherence and Counselling’ (MTAC) program however were 0.43 times less likely to refuse medication during dispensing process, (P = 0.012). A saving of 4.8% was achieved from this activity. Conclusion: Cost-saved achieved during this study was minimal and factors associated with medication refusal was rather concerning.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of PRP Prepared Using Double Spin Technique versus PRP Prepared Using Turn Down – Turn Up (TD-TU) Technique in Combination with Microneedling in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars

2024-09-27T17:17:17+00:00

Background: Acne scarring has a huge impact on patient’s life. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used as an adjunct to other procedures like microneedling in the treatment of acne scars. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of microneedling with PRP prepared using double spin technique and microneedling with PRP prepared using Turn down- Turn up technique in treating atrophic post acne scars. Methods: A total of 20 patients suffering from atrophic acne scars were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups of 10 each. Group A were treated with microneedling and PRP prepared using Double–spin technique and in Group B patients were treated with microneedling and PRP prepared using Turn down-Turn up technique (TD-TU). A total of 2 sittings were done at 4 weeks interval and the final readings were assessed after 8 weeks. The improvement in scars were evaluated using Goodman and Baron’s scale, ECCA scale, Scar quartile gradient and dermatology life quality index scores. Results were analysed using Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Significant improvement in the acne scars was noted in both the groups. Conclusion: Microneedling in combination with PRP prepared using Turn Down- Turn up technique produces appreciable results comparable to PRP prepared using double-spin technique in the management of atrophic acne scars.

Physiological Profiles of Malaysian Young Male Badminton Players, Archers and Non-athletes

2024-10-01T01:59:47+00:00

Background: This study investigated physiological profiles of Malaysian young male badminton players, archers and non-athlete controls. Methods: Thirty-three young male participants with age ranged 13-18 years were assigned into three groups, i.e. non-athlete control, badminton and archery groups (n=11 per group). All participants performed measurements of anthropometry, body composition, aerobic and Wingate capacities, back and leg strength, vertical jump, standing long jump and hand grip strength, coordination, flexibility and balance. The Post hoc Bonferroni test and One-Way ANOVA were used to assess how the measured parameters varied between the groups. Results: This study found that badminton players had significantly (p<0.05) higher values compared to archers in explosive power measured via standing long jump and vertical jump, balance, coordination, estimated VO₂max, anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity. Similarly, badminton players also had significantly (p<0.05) higher values compared to non-athlete controls in explosive power via standing long jump, balance, coordination and estimated VO₂max. However, there were no significant differences in hand grip strength and back and leg strength in archers compared to non-athlete controls. Conclusion: Badminton players were better than archers in certain physiological aspects. Participation in badminton and archery training seem to improve various physical fitness components compared to non-athletes who were less active and did not carry out formal physical training. The study findings can be used for promoting active lifestyle by engaging in badminton and archery sports and adding new knowledge in the field of sports medicine and sports science.