Multiple myeloma is a blood dyscrasias that accounts of almost 10% of all hematological malignancy. The presentation of myeloma kidney is highly variable and it often presents as renal insufficiency, renal tubular dysfunction and proteinuria of various types. In Malaysia the true incidence of myeloma kidney is unknown. Often the diagnosis of myeloma kidney was missed out despite the patient has sought medical treatment early. A high index of suspicion is required when the middle to elderly age patients present with unexplained renal impairment and enlarged kidneys. We present here the presentation of a rare subtype of myeloma in a relatively young patient whereby the patient presented with nephrotic syndrome and azotemia.

Enterobacter gergoviae is a gram negative rod-shaped opportunistic organism reported to cause urinary and respiratory tract infections, but peritonitis caused by this organism is unknown. We report a case of 50-year-old patient on peritoneal dialysis (PD) presented with Enterobacter gergoviae peritonitis with septic shock. Despite Intraperitoneal (IP) cloxacillin 250mg qid and IP ceftazidime 1gram q24h and subsequent escalation with IP amikacin 2mg/kg q24h and IP vancomycin 15mg/kg q24h within the next 48 hours, his peritonitis remained refractory and required catheter removal. Although Enterobacter gergoviae is naturally sensitive to aminoglycosides, carbapenems and quinolones, it reacts differently to the beta lactam antibiotics. Their resistance to third-generation cephalosporins is fast emerging and treatment with third-generation cephalosporins may cause AmpC-overproducing mutants. The majority of Enterobacteriaceae, including Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers, remain susceptible to carbapenems. Our report provides an unfavourable course of E. gergoviae peritonitis likely due to acquired secondary drug resistance during the therapy period.

Adolescents who overestimate the prevalence of smoking among their peers or other teens are at higher risk to take up smoking. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the factors which are related to adolescents’ overestimation of smoking. We surveyed form four (16 years old) students in Petaling District, Selangor. A sample was selected using two-stage stratified sampling, and data were collected using standardised, self-administered questionnaires. A response rate of 80.4% (n=1045/1298) was obtained, and a total of 943 students were included in the final analysis. About 73 percent (n=688/943) of the respondents overestimated the prevalence of smoking among their peers. The odds of overestimating increased as the number of close friends who smoke increased [Two close friends, OR=3.10(1.67-5.75), three close friends OR=10.81(4.44-26.3) and four-five close friends OR= 12.91(5.31-31.43)]. Those who had an elder brother who smoked (OR=1.95 (1.18-3.24)) and females [2.08(1.37-3.33) were more likely to overestimate peer smoking prevalence. Intervention programmes to correct the misperception of peer smoking prevalence are recommended, in addition to measures to modify the other factors that are amenable to intervention, so as to reduce the risk of smoking initiation among adolescents.

Ochrobactrum anthropi is a rare nosocomial pathogen that is manifesting itself mostly in immunocompromised patients and those with indwelling catheters. Identification of the microorganism is challenging and the ability to survive in aquatic surroundings have made it a clinically significant pathogen. Furthermore, the clinical picture of O. anthropi infection, is not well described. It may manifest in any form of clinical infections though bacteremia is the most common mode of presentation reported in the limited literature. We report here two cases of O. anthropi bacteremia presenting in an immunocompetent and an immunocompromised host respectively with different clinical manifestation and response. In view of the highly variable presentation of O.anthropi, a high index of suspicion must be given to at risks patients to ensure the timely diagnosis and optimal clinical outcome.

Thrombocytopenia is a common laboratory finding in dengue infection. However, it usually resolves as the patient recovers from the infection. Persistent thrombocytopenia following dengue infection requires further investigation. Here, we present a case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following dengue infection complicated by intracranial bleeding.

Acute appendicitis represents one of the most common causes of acute abdomen that may warrant emergency surgery. Necrotizing fasciitis complicated by acute appendicitis is considered a rare complication with life-threatening implications. A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, where a scan, revealed a perforated appendicitis complicated by an anterior abdominal wall collection. He underwent percutaneous drainage, but subsequently developed extensive necrotizing fasciitis requiring extensive debridement and reconstruction. The rapid progression of necrotizing fasciitis calls for early recognition and prompt intervention. The key management principles employed were broad spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement. This case demonstrated the use of vacuum-assisted closure dressing and multidisciplinary care in wound healing and coverage. To ensure early diagnosis and intervention for acute appendicitis complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, a high degree of clinical suspicion and awareness of this complication is required.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a crucial role in the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. Although the ERCP technique has been refined over the past five decades, it remains one of the endoscopic procedures with the highest rate of complications. Risk factors for ERCP-related complications are broadly classified into patient-, procedure-, and operator-related risk factors. Although non-modifiable, patient-related risk factors allow for the closer monitoring and instatement of preventive measures. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is the most common complication of ERCP. Risk reduction strategies include intravenous hydration, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pancreatic stent placement in selected patients. Perforation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt recognition and treatment of ERCP-related perforations are key to ensuring good clinical outcomes. Endoscopy plays an expanding role in the treatment of perforations. Specific management strategies depend on the location of the perforation and the patient’s clinical status. The risk of post-ERCP bleeding can be attenuated by preprocedural optimization and adoption of intra-procedural techniques. Endoscopic measures are the mainstay of management for post-ERCP bleeding. Escalation to angioembolization or surgery may be required for refractory bleeding. Post-ERCP cholangitis can be reduced with antibiotic prophylaxis in high risk patients. Bile culture-directed therapy plays an important role in antimicrobial treatment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency which requires prompt management to prevent mortality. Treatment is complicated in end stage renal failure (ESRF) patients due to their altered physiology in sugar metabolism and fluid haemodynamics. To date, there are only a few case reports illustrating the presentation and management of DKA in ESRF patients and a definite guideline on treatment of DKA in ESRF is seriously lacking. We report here a case of an ESRF patient on maintenance haemodialysis, who develops DKA due to missed insulin, and outline our successful treatment plan. We hope our reported case report research can further contribute to the knowledge of DKA management in ESRF.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. Even with aggressive combination therapy, the median life expectancy for patients with GBM remains approximately 14 months. In order to improve the outcomes of patients with GBM, the development of newer treatments is critical. The concept of using the immune system as a therapeutic option has been suggested for several decades; by harnessing the body's adaptive immune mechanisms, immunotherapy could provide a durable and targeted treatment against cancer. However, many cancers, including GBM, have developed mechanisms that protect tumor cells from being recognized and eliminated by the immune system. For new immunotherapeutic regimens to be successful, overcoming immunosuppression via immune checkpoint signaling should be taken into consideration.
Brain Neoplasms ; Glioblastoma* ; Humans ; Immune System ; Immunosuppression ; Immunotherapy ; Life Expectancy ; Radiosurgery