Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality in Malaysia as well as in other countries. It is associated with many risk factors, such as increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and autonomic dysfunction and arterial stiffness. The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of arterial stiffness and to assess its association with dyslipidemia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a rural community in Malaysia involving 146 subjects. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire which included three sections – sociodemographic characteristics, personal profile, and past medical history. In addition, Seca Body Meter (Seca 220) was used to measure height and weight. Sphygmomanometer (OMRON Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor HEM 907) and SphygmoCor-AtCor MM3 SERIAL/RS-232 were used for blood pressure and augmentation index (AIx) measurement. Data were analysed using the SPSS for Windows, Version 18.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 49.5 years, SD±15.6. The prevalence of arterial stiffness was 23.3% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 16.44 – 30.16). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 82.9% (95% CI: 76.79 – 89.01). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that total cholesterol was significantly associated with arterial stiffness (OR=4.56, CI 1.10-18.90). Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was high. Despite an insignificant association between dyslipidemia and AIx, there is a significant association between TC level and AIx.

Introduction: Supracondylar fracture of the humerus is the most common fracture around the elbow in children. Pinning with Kirschner wires (K-wires) after open or closed reduction is generally accepted as the primary treatment modality. However, it comes with the risk of persistent instability and if the K-wire is not inserted properly, it may cause displacement and varus deformity. We present our two-year experience with a new technique of lateral external fixation and K-wiring of the humeral supracondylar fracture. Materials and Methods: A total of seven children with irreducible Gartland Type III supracondylar humeral fracture were treated with closed reduction and lateral external fixation and lateral Kirschner wiring. Patients with ipsilateral radial or ulnar fracture, open fracture and presence of neurovascular impairment pre-operatively were excluded. All the patients were followed up at one, three and six weeks and three and six months. The final outcomes were assessed based on Flynn's criteria. Results: All the patients achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of cosmetic and functional aspects. All patients except one (85.5%) regained excellent and good cosmetic and functional status. One patient (14.3%) sustained pin site infection which resolved with oral antibiotic (CheckettsOtterburn grade 2). There was no neurological deficit involving the ulnar nerve and radial nerve. Conclusion: The introduction of lateral external fixation and lateral percutaneous pinning provide a promising alternative method for the treatment of humeral supracondylar fracture. This study demonstrates that it has satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes with no increased risk of complications compared to percutaneous pinning.
Humeral Fractures