Dyslipidaemia is one of the risk factors contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study was conducted to investigate the effect of wet cupping on lipid profile. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2012 at the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. Sixty-two healthy volunteers ranging from 30 to 60 years old were randomized into control and intervention groups. Subjects in the intervention group were assigned to two sessions of wet cupping at the beginning of the study and at the third month; individuals in the control group did not undergo any cupping procedure. Venous blood sample was collected for serum lipid profile: Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides; measured at baseline, first, third and fourth month. Results: Subjects in the cupping group had significant improvements from baseline to third and fourth month for TC (MD=-0.56, P=0.004), HDL-C (MD=-0.22, P<0.001) and LDL-C (MD=0.58, P=0.001). There was also a significant reduction from baseline to one month for triglycerides (MD=0.38, P<0.001). Subjects in the cupping group had significantly better values in HDL-C and LDL-C as compared with the control group at the third and fourth month. Significantly lower levels of TC and triglycerides in the cupping group of the fourth month. In the control group, there were no significant changes in any serum lipid profiles. Conclusion: After two sessions of wet cupping, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides were significantly improved by 8.2%, 13.7%, 16.4% and 20.8% respectively.

Background: The recent epidemic of dengue fever (DF) in Malaysia was alarming. The treatment of DF remains supportive as there is no anti-viral agent or vaccine available as yet. Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) provides an alternative option for the treatment of DF but there is limited evidence with regard to its usage. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, types and predictor factors of T&CM usage among DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia who had been admitted to a tertiary centre from January 2014 until December 2015. Serologically-confirmed DF patients aged 18 years and above were randomly selected. Phone interviews were conducted to obtain information regarding the use of T&CM during hospitalisation. Notes were made regarding the prevalence and type of T&CM used. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify the predictor factors of T&CM usage. Results: A total of 241 DF patients with a mean age of 36.62 (SD = 14.62) years were included. The estimated prevalence of T&CM usage was 84.6% (95%CI: 80.1%, 89.2%). The most common T&CM used were crab soup (85.3%), papaya leaf extract (64.2%) and isotonic drinks (61.8%). The significant predictors for T&CM usage were age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94, 0.99], tertiary education (AOR 3.86; 95%CI: 1.21, 12.32) and unemployment (AOR 2.55; 95%CI: 1.02, 6.42). Conclusion: The prevalence of T&CM usage in our population is high. Age, tertiary education and unemployment influence the use of T&CM.

Background: Death resulting from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide concern. This study is aimed at determining the overall median survival time, and the prognostic factors of mortality among AIDS-infected patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: In 2018, a retrospective cohort study stretching from January to April was conducted. This study involved a review of data obtained from the National AIDS Registry. A total of 1,073 AIDS cases diagnosed from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 were selected, and followup procedures were conducted until 31 March 2015 (a 3-month follow-up). The Kaplan-Meier plot and Cox’s proportional hazard regression were used for data analyses. Results: 564 (52.5%) patients died due to AIDS, while the remaining 509 (47.4%) were censored. The overall median survival time was 11 months. The probability of survival in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year periods were 49.1%, 47.8%, 47.3%, 47.0% and 46.7%, respectively. Multiple Cox regression revealed that the significant prognostic factors were age 30– 49 years [adjusted hazard ratio (Adj. HR) 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.16; P = 0.006], male (Adj. HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.79; P = 0.012), unemployed (Adj. HR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75; P = 0.003) and HIV-TB co-infection (Adj. HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.31; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The overall median survival time among AIDS patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia was revealed to be short, in comparison to the other studies. The chances for survival can be improved with more emphasis on early detection (to ensure early treatment) and social support, particularly for HIV-TB co-infected patients, as well as for younger and unemployed patients.