Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR)

Exploring The Efficacy of Homeopathic Treatment in Immunologic Disorders: A Case Series Analysis

Goay Lay Nee — 2025-10-14

Homeopathy is increasingly acknowledged as a complementary approach for managing autoimmune disorders, although empirical validation remains limited. This retrospective case series evaluates its efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dermatitis, Graves’ disease, and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). While Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) is gaining acceptance in Malaysia, scientific studies on its role in autoimmune disease management are scarce. Treatment outcomes were assessed using qualitative and quantitative measures, including clinical symptoms and laboratory markers such as RA factor and Antinuclear Antigen (ANA) levels. Five cases demonstrated notable symptom relief, immune modulation, and improved well-being. RA patients showed reduced joint pain and enhanced mobility, MCTD cases achieved ANA normalization and skin recovery, and a Graves’ disease patient experienced decreased thyroid antibodies, improved eye health, and greater emotional stability. Treatment durations ranged from 24 to 60 months, with chronic cases requiring longer therapy. Common patterns included holistic symptom resolution and enhanced quality of life. However, challenges to empirical validation include small sample size, absence of control groups, and reliance on subjective measures. The lack of placebo-controlled trials limits the ability to attribute improvements solely to homeopathy, while patient adherence and external factors—such as concurrent medical treatments and lifestyle changes—further complicate assessment. Future research should prioritize large-scale randomized controlled trials, incorporate objective biomarkers, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between homeopaths and conventional practitioners. These findings highlight homeopathy’s potential as a holistic, patient-centered approach in autoimmune disease management, with further rigorous studies needed to establish long-term efficacy and support integration into mainstream healthcare.

Emergency Care Management of Blunt Thoracic Chest Wall Trauma in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest

Gurjeet Singh a/l Harvendhar Singh — 2025-10-14

This case report describes the emergency management of a 35-year-old female motorcyclist who sustained critical injuries following a high-impact collision with a bus in Malaysia. The patient was brought to the Emergency Department of Hospital Selayang on April 24, 2025, where immediate resuscitation was initiated. Despite aggressive trauma life support measures, the patient succumbed after 30 minutes of continuous resuscitation efforts. The case highlights the clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation of blunt thoracic chest wall trauma leading to traumatic cardiac arrest. On arrival, the patient was pulseless and required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced airway management, and insertion of bilateral chest tubes for hemothorax. Circulatory support included large-bore intravenous access, administration of crystalloids, and emergency blood transfusion. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed minimal pericardial effusion, prompting pericardiocentesis, although only minimal fluid was drained. Despite timely interventions and adherence to trauma resuscitation protocols, the patient did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation. The outcome emphasises the devastating consequences of blunt thoracic trauma, particularly massive hemothorax, and the challenges faced in managing traumatic cardiac arrest in emergency settings. This report underscores the importance of a systematic and structured approach in trauma care, including rapid assessment, identification of reversible causes, and early activation of multidisciplinary teams. It also highlights the need for continuous training, infrastructure development, and adherence to trauma protocols to optimise outcomes. Although survival in such cases remains rare, effective emergency systems and timely interventions remain essential for improving the chances of recovery.

Research Trends in Vitamin D Deficiency Among Pregnant Women in Tropical Countries: A Bibliometric Analysis

Fadhila Tsania Richa — 2025-10-13

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has become a critical micronutrient issue due to its high prevalence and potential to cause both non communicable and communicable disease. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: This bibliometric analysis aims to provide a better understanding of research trends and contributions of researchers on this topic, as well as to identify areas of research that need further exploration. Methods: This study on vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in tropical countries used the Scopus database as of July 28, 2024. Articles were then filtered based on inclusion criteria, which consisted of original English language and open access articles. Of 19 articles, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The publication results were analyzed using VOS viewer. Results: The query in the Scopus database showed a total of 15 publications from 2015 to 2024. Publications peaked in 2019. Indonesia had the most publications. All authors had affiliations with different institutions, so there was no significant difference between one institution and another. PLOS One and Nutrients were the top two journal sources. Most of the documents were research articles. Medicine was the most common subject of these documents. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis highlights the importance of identifying and managing vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in tropical countries. The high prevalence and serious impact on maternal and fetal health indicate the need for further research in the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency.

Analysis of Menorrhagia and Its Effect on Students Lebak Regency Banten Al-Kanza Modern Islamic Boarding School and Life Quality

Triana Indrayani — 2025-10-13

Introduction: One menstrual condition that can affect the learning activities and quality of life of female students in Islamic boarding schools is menorrhagia. Limited access to health services and poor time management in Islamic boarding schools are important issues to be studied. Objectives: To analyze the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of menorrhagia and to analyze the effect of menorrhagia on quality of life and learning activities. Methods: This study used a case-control design with a 1:2 ratio, where the case group consisted of 22 female students experiencing menorrhagia, while the control group consisted of 44 female students not experiencing menorrhagia. The first hypothesis in this study was that there is a relationship between age at menarche, sleep quality, family history, stress levels, and physical activity with the occurrence of menorrhagia. The second hypothesis is that menorrhagia has a significant impact on physical, social, and emotional conditions, class attendance, and learning concentration. Results: This study found that stress, poor sleep quality, and genetic factors are significantly associated with the occurrence of menorrhagia. Stress increases the likelihood of menorrhagia by 17.5 times, while poor sleep quality increases the likelihood by 8.79 times. Results: This study found that stress, poor sleep quality, and genetic factors are significantly associated with the occurrence of menorrhagia. Stress increases the likelihood of menorrhagia by 17.5 times, while poor sleep quality increases the likelihood by 8.79 times. Menorrhagia has a significant impact on quality of life and learning activities, with social aspects being the most influential. Conclusions: For healthcare professionals, it is recommended to provide education on the importance of sleep quality. It is suggested that boarding schools adjust study schedules to avoid late-night sessions.

Evaluation of Drug Management Systems at Talaud District Hospital Pharmacy: A Qualitative Approach

Gayatri Citraningtyas — 2025-10-14

Background: Drug management in hospitals is a crucial component to ensure the availability, quality, and efficiency of pharmaceutical services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the drug management process in the Pharmacy Installation of Talaud Hospital based on the Ministry of Health Regulation No. 72 of 2016. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in May–June 2025 using purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews and observations. Interview guides and checklists were developed based on the national pharmaceutical service standards. Results: The drug selection was aligned with the hospital formulary. Planning was conducted using consumption methods, while procurement was based on e-catalogue with proper documentation. Drug storage adhered to FIFO and FEFO principles, but limited space and human resources were identified. Distribution for outpatient used an individual prescription system and inpatient used Unit Dose Dispensing (UDD). Documentation and reporting were still manual. Evaluation activities were conducted annually without specific analysis. Conclusion: The drug management system at Talaud Hospital generally complies with the Ministry of Health standards. However, improvements are needed in procurement timelines, staffing for clinical pharmacy services, digital documentation, and comprehensive evaluations.

To Compare the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of 20% Mandelic Acid Peel Versus 20% Arginine Peel in the Treatment of Peri-Orbital Hyperpigmentation - A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Damini — 2025-10-14

Background: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a very common, yet unexplored aesthetic condition. Topical therapy is mainstay of treatment which includes chemical peels. Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of 20% Mandelic acid peel versus 20% Arginine peel in the treatment of constitutional type of peri-orbital hyperpigmentation. Method: 24 patients of constitutional POH were enrolled for 12 weeks. They were divided into two groups of 12 each. In 1st group 20% Arginine peel and 2^nd group 20% Mandelic peel sessions were performed at 3 weekly intervals. Clinical improvement was assessed objectively using POH grading, physician's and patient's global assessment, and patient's global tolerance. Results: Significant improvement in periorbital hyperpigmentation was noted in both the groups. Physician’s and patient's global assessment was excellent with mandelic peel as compared to arginine peel. The incidence of side effects in the form of erythema and itching was maximum with mandelic peel and least with Arginine peel, which did not necessitate cessation of therapy. Conclusion: Mandelic peel showed the better results among the two peels; however, Arginine peel emerged as a safe and effective modality for the treatment of POH.