1.Angina after anaphylaxis treatment
Leow Shing Ni ; Tang Wei Shuong
Malaysian Family Physician 2019;14(3):65-67
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency, and adrenaline is the mainstay treatment for this
condition. However, there have been a few reported cases of patients experiencing cardiovascular
complications, such as myocardial infarction and coronary vasospasm, after its use. We highlight
such a case in a young, healthy patient and the important differentials to consider.
2.Patient perception of pre-pregnancy care and family planning among reproductive-age female diabetes mellitus patients in a primary care clinic in Penang, Malaysia
Leow Shing Ni ; Tang Wei Shuong ; Ee Wei Sheun ; Ramesvari Pararajasingam Pillai
Malaysian Family Physician 2020;15(3):35-42
Introduction: Pre-pregnancy care (PPC) is an important part of diabetic care among females in the
reproductive age group, as it improves feto-maternal outcomes.
Objective: We aimed to assess female diabetic patients’ perception of PPC and family planning
prior to PPC care.
Method: This was an observational, cross-sectional survey performed from June 2019 to September
2019, using universal sampling of registered female diabetic patients who fit the inclusion criteria
prior to integrated PPC care. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients’
perception of PPC.
Results: A total of 67 patients were recruited for the study. Only 39.4% (n=26) of the patients
had heard of PPC. In our study, Code 1 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index
of ≤9. Code 2 & 3 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index of >9. Only onethird of patients, 29.9% (n=20), were using Code 1 contraception, although the majority, 79.1%
(n=53), felt that they had completed their family. 45 patients (68.2%) felt that they were at risk of
developing complications if they were to become pregnant, and 46 patients (69.7%) felt that their
health condition was not suitable for another pregnancy. However, only 31.1% (n=14) and 34.8%
(n=16) of these patients were using Code 1 contraception, respectively. There were 30 patients
(65.2%) who perceived that their health was not suitable for another pregnancy but were only using
Code 2 or 3 contraception.
Conclusion: The patients’ perception of PPC was poor. Patients had an inadequate knowledge of
the effectiveness of their current contraceptive practice in relation to their intentions for further
pregnancy and their self-perceived risk in case of future conception. We suggest that integration
of PPC into routine follow-ups for other high-risk medical diseases, such as hypertension, heart
disease, and epilepsy, be considered in future practice.