1.Detection rate of Pneumococcal Pneumonia using the Urine Antigen Kit BinaxNow Streptococcus Pneumoniae Test: a Prospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia
Mohamed Faisal AH ; Andrea YL Ban ; Roslina AM
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2017;16(1):29-36
Background: Pneumococcal pneumonia is the commonest type of bacterial pneumonia worldwide. In Malaysia,
the reported incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia is low. This may be due to poor sensitivity of
conventional methods. The use of BinaxNOW, a urinary antigen test for Streptococcus pneumoniae can aid
in the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. Objective: To determine the detection rate of pneumococcal
pneumonia using BinaxNOW kit and to compare this with the conventional culture method for blood and
sputum. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving patients 18 year-old and above admitted
for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or health-care associated pneumonia (HCAP) to UKMMC between
December 2011 and June 2012. BinaxNOW test, serology for Mycoplasma, Legionella and Chlamydia and
cultures from blood/sputum/other respiratory tract samples and other routine investigations were performed.
Results: A total of 102 patients were recruited; 89 (87.3%) with CAP, 13 (12.7%) with HCAP. 57
(55.9%) had pneumonia of unknown aetiology, 11 patients (10.8%) had positive blood cultures, 8 patients
(7.8%) had a positive urine BinaxNOW test and 6 patients (5.9%) had positive sputum cultures. Streptococcus
pneumoniae was the commonest isolate accounting for 9 cases (8.8%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae in
7 cases (6.9%). 8 out of 9 patients with positive urine BinaxNOW test had negative cultures for Streptococcus
pneumoniae. One patient grew Streptococcus pneumoniae from the tracheal aspirate however the urine
BinaxNOW test was negative. Conclusion: The use of urine BinaxNOW kit in UKMMC increased the detection
rate of pneumococcal pneumonia in hospitalized patients.
2.Septic Arthritis Of A Hip In A Newborn: A Case Report
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2018;12(Supplement A):148-
3.Emergency Care Capacity in Pediatric Hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan
Galal FA Albani ; Amal Abdelgadir Mohamed ; Aida AF Ahmed ; Waled AM Ahmed
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.1):25-30
Introduction: Critical pediatric patients have specific needs, which require special skills, training, equipment, supplies, personnel, and medications. While the knowledge related to enhance survival rate of newborn and children
has improved over the past few decades. This study conducted to assess the emergency care capacity in pediatric
hospitals at Khartoum state, Sudan. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study, it was conducted in three hospitals at Khartoum, Sudan 2017-2018, to assess emergency care capacity in pediatric hospitals.
Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire, and observational checklist. The data scored using dichotomous indicators (absent or present). Results: The study showed that there is shortage in human resources necessary
to provide emergency care. However, much essential equipment for emergency care of children was absent in most
hospitals, moreover, only 33% of hospitals had Triage system staffed by a trained person. Further, the clinical practice protocols for managing dehydration, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal resuscitation were not traced at the three
hospitals. There are a limited laboratory services in one hospital. Conclusion: It is concluded that pediatric specialized hospitals, in Khartoum state, Sudan, have low capacity to provide emergency care for children. Further efforts
are needed to improve the emergency care capacity in Khartoum hospitals.