1.Propensity score matched comparison of pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreatojejunostomy: A single institution experience shifting from pancreatogastrostomy to pancreatojejunostomy
Teik Wen LIM ; Sabrina Hui Xian CHEOK ; Yvette CHONG ; Darren Weiquan CHUA ; Ek Khoon TAN ; Jin Yao TEO ; Ye-Xin KOH ; Peng Chung CHEOW ; Pierce Kah Hoe CHOW ; London Lucien Peng Jin OOI ; Alexander Yaw Fui CHUNG ; Brian Kim Poh GOH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2026;30(1):91-98
Background:
s/Aims: Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatogastrostomy (PG) and pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) are the two most commonly used reconstruction techniques, yet evidence favoring one over the other is inconclusive. This study evaluates postoperative outcomes following open PD at a single institution that transitioned from PG to PJ as the preferred reconstruction method.
Methods:
This retrospective comparative study included patients who underwent PD between April 2005 and August 2022. Of 757 patients identified, 522 met the inclusion criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for clinically relevant covariates. Primary endpoints were clinically relevant (CR) POPF (grade B/C) and Clavien–Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3 POPFs. Secondary outcomes included post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), systemic complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality.
Results:
Overall, CR-POPF and CD grade ≥ 3 POPFs occurred in 21.3% and 8.0% of patients, respectively. Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 3.1% and 4.2%. After PSM, 368 patients (184 PG and 184 PJ) were analyzed. Grade B POPFs were more frequent following PJ than PG (24.5% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). Although CR-POPF and CD grade ≥ 3 POPFs were numerically higher in the PJ group, differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, DGE, PPH, and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher following PG (37.0% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.025; 16.3% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.025; and 7.6% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.049, respectively).
Conclusions
PG was associated with a lower incidence of grade B POPFs but higher rates of DGE, PPH, and in-hospital mortality.
3.Mortality and Kidney Failure among Adults with Primary Podocytopathies
Ruzita GHANI ; Lavinia Tsai Qi EN ; Hui Zhuan TAN ; Jason CHOO ; Cynthia LIM
Brunei International Medical Journal 2026;22():57-63
Introductions: Patients with primary podocytopathies such as minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with nephrotic syndrome are at risk for adverse outcomes. This study reports on the long -term outcomes, specifically kidney failure and death among patients treated for primary podocytopathies in a tertiary centre in Singapore. Materials and Methods: This was a single -centre, retrospective cohort study of all adults aged ≥21 years old diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 with MCD and FSGS with nephrotic -range proteinuria. We excluded patients with membranous nephropathy and secondary glomerulonephritides (lupus nephritis, ANCA - associated vasculitis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and diabetic nephropathy). Sociodemographic, comorbidity, laboratory and pharmacotherapy data were retrieved from the electronic medical records. The outcomes assessed were incidence of death or kidney failure (estimated glomerular filtration function [eGFR]<15 ml/min/1.73 m2 or required kidney replacement therapy). Results: Sixty patients (Chinese 80%, Malay 6%, Indian 3% and other races 3%) with MCD (37 patients) and FSGS (23 patients) were included. The morphological lesions in FSGS included cellular (n=2), tip (n=2), perihilar (n=7), collapsing (n=3) and not otherwise specified (n=17). At a median follow -up of 26.3 (8.9, 50.3) months, 12 (20%) outcomes were recorded, 11 (47.8%; death 6 and kidney failure 5) in the FSGS group and 1 (2.7%; died) in the MCD group. The causes of death were attributed to kidney failure (n=1), cardiovascular disease (n=1), infection (n=3); and unknown (n=2). The Kaplan -Meier survival curve showed that patients with MCD had better patient and kidney outcomes than those with FSGS (log rank p<0.001). Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age) found that FSGS was significantly associated with death or kidney failure (adjusted hazard ratio 18.17, 95% confidence interval 2.28 -145.07, p=0.006), compared with MCD. Conclusion: Adults with severe primary podocytopathy due to FSGS had worse patient and kidney outcomes than MCD
4.Mortality and Kidney Failure among Adults with Primary Podocytopathies
Ruzita GHANI ; Lavinia Tsai Qi EN ; Hui Zhuan TAN ; Jason CHOO ; Cynthia LIM
Brunei International Medical Journal 2026;22():57-63
Introductions: Patients with primary podocytopathies such as minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with nephrotic syndrome are at risk for adverse outcomes. This study reports on the long -term outcomes, specifically kidney failure and death among patients treated for primary podocytopathies in a tertiary centre in Singapore. Materials and Methods: This was a single -centre, retrospective cohort study of all adults aged ≥21 years old diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 with MCD and FSGS with nephrotic -range proteinuria. We excluded patients with membranous nephropathy and secondary glomerulonephritides (lupus nephritis, ANCA - associated vasculitis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and diabetic nephropathy). Sociodemographic, comorbidity, laboratory and pharmacotherapy data were retrieved from the electronic medical records. The outcomes assessed were incidence of death or kidney failure (estimated glomerular filtration function [eGFR]<15 ml/min/1.73 m2 or required kidney replacement therapy). Results: Sixty patients (Chinese 80%, Malay 6%, Indian 3% and other races 3%) with MCD (37 patients) and FSGS (23 patients) were included. The morphological lesions in FSGS included cellular (n=2), tip (n=2), perihilar (n=7), collapsing (n=3) and not otherwise specified (n=17). At a median follow -up of 26.3 (8.9, 50.3) months, 12 (20%) outcomes were recorded, 11 (47.8%; death 6 and kidney failure 5) in the FSGS group and 1 (2.7%; died) in the MCD group. The causes of death were attributed to kidney failure (n=1), cardiovascular disease (n=1), infection (n=3); and unknown (n=2). The Kaplan -Meier survival curve showed that patients with MCD had better patient and kidney outcomes than those with FSGS (log rank p<0.001). Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age) found that FSGS was significantly associated with death or kidney failure (adjusted hazard ratio 18.17, 95% confidence interval 2.28 -145.07, p=0.006), compared with MCD. Conclusion: Adults with severe primary podocytopathy due to FSGS had worse patient and kidney outcomes than MCD
5.Effectiveness of a newly developed YouTube diabetes education: A multicentre randomized controlled trial
Phei Ching Lim ; Yi Woei Tang ; Jia Hui Cheng ; Leong Seng Tan ; Hooi Hoon Tan ; Chong Hui Khaw
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):7-
Introduction:
Adequate knowledge of diabetes is essential for effective self-management and glycemic control. Emerging trends in
digital platforms, video-based education offer a scalable and accessible approach to patient learning. However, evidence
on the effectiveness of validated YouTube-based diabetes education in the Malaysian population remains limited. We
aimed to evaluate the impact of a newly developed, tri-language YouTube diabetes education programme on clinical and
knowledge outcomes.
Methodology:
In this multicentre study, patients with diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to intervention (YouTube-based education)
and control groups (standard care). The intervention consisted of newly developed and validated short educational videos
on YouTube regarding diabetes, complications and lifestyle changes, delivered weekly via WhatsApp over 9 weeks. Videos
were available in English, Malay and Chinese. The control group received standard care and counseling. Demographic
data, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and knowledge scores were collected at baseline and 3 months post-intervention.
Results:
A total of 109 patients (62.4% female; mean age 53.2 years; mean diabetes duration 16.3 years) were enrolled in the
study, with similar baseline characteristics between groups. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater
improvement in glycemic control compared to the control group (HbA1c: −1.22 ± 1.36% vs. −0.24 ± 1.05%; p <0.001). While
knowledge scores improved in both groups, the increase was significantly greater in the intervention group (2.66 vs. 0.80;
p = 0.001). Notably, improvement in knowledge score predicted HbA1c reduction (b = 0.091; 95% CI 0.01, 0.172; p = 0.028).
Conclusion
The tri-language YouTube-based diabetes education programme significantly improved both glycemic control and patients’
knowledge. This accessible, scalable video-based education represents an effective strategy to enhance diabetes selfmanagement, offering flexible, on-demand learning for diverse populations.
Social Media
;
Diabetes Mellitus
6.Large "Growing" Adrenal Mass with an Unexpected Histology
Ling Hui Kiu ; Ee Wen Loh ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):24-
Introduction:
Large, rapidly enlarging adrenal masses typically mandate
surgical intervention given the high probability of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, benign processes can mimic these aggressive growth kinetics, creating a
diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
Case:
A 74-year-old male with hypertension, atrial fibrillation on
rivaroxaban, and prostate cancer was referred for evaluation
of a right adrenal incidentaloma detected on computed
tomography imaging performed for prostate cancer
staging. The well-defined mass measured 8.9 × 7.8 × 7.5 cm
(AP × W × CC) with areas of calcification. Mean attenuation
was +40 Hounsfield Unit, with no significant washout.
Biochemical evaluation confirmed a non-functioning
lesion (24-hour urine metanephrines 756 mcg/24 hours
[N 246–753 mcg/24 hours]; serum cortisol 62 nmol/L post
overnight dexamethasone suppression test). The patient was otherwise asymptomatic and declined surgical intervention. Repeat imaging 4 months later demonstrated
interval enlargement of the mass to 9.8 × 8.8 × 10.7 cm. Due
to this rapid growth, which was highly concerning for ACC,
the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy.
Histopathological examination unexpectedly revealed
an adrenal hematoma without evidence of an underlying
tumor or malignancy.
This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating
aggressive cortical tumors from atypical hemorrhagic
events. Larger series on adrenal hemorrhage reported
trauma and procedural complications as the leading causes,
with a median size of 3–4 cm. Idiopathic large adrenal
hematomas presenting as rapidly expanding “pseudotumors” are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 20 cases
reported in which surgical resection was performed due to
high preoperative suspicion of malignancy. Additionally,
adrenal hemorrhage attributed to anticoagulant therapy
often occurs bilaterally. Unilateral lesion, especially when
large, can pose a diagnostic challenge as highlighted in
this case.
Conclusion
In patients on anticoagulation, rapid interval growth of
an adrenal mass does not always equate to malignancy.
Recognizing this mimicry in the era of widespread Direct
Oral Anticoagulant use is essential for refining treatment
decision regarding surgical intervention, as most cases exhibited a self-limiting process with spontaneous resolution.
7.Clinical Utility of Modified Asian FINDRISC and Random Capillary Blood Glucose for the Detection of Dysglycemia in the Adult Population
Jie En Tan ; Nor Shaffinaz Yusoff Azmi Merican ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):34-
Introduction:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare problem
worldwide, yet high percentage of patients are undiagnosed. There is a dire need for effective screening strategies.
We examine the use of modified Asian FINDRISC
(M-FINDRISC) and POCT random capillary blood glucose
(rCBG) for the detection of dysglycemia
Methodology:
This cross-sectional, observational study included 151
adults aged ≥30 years without a prior history of diabetes
in healthcare and community settings. Hemoglobin A1c
of ≥6.3% was used for the diagnosis of diabetes, and 5.7–
6.2% for prediabetes. Areas under the receiver operating
curve (ROC-AUC) for M-FINDRISC were analyzed.
The sensitivity and specificity of the combined use of
M-FINDRISC and rCBG for the detection of dysglycemia
were evaluated.
Results:
The mean age of the participants was 44.6 ± 11.0 years.
They had high body mass index (27.8 ± 4.9 kg/m²). Most
were sedentary (only 25.2% reported physical activities
of ≥30 min/day). A total of 52.3% had first-degree
relatives with diabetes, but less than 12% were taking
antihypertensive medication. Out of 151 participants, 3.3%
(n = 5) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 37.7%
(n = 57) with prediabetes, giving an overall prevalence of
41.1% for dysglycemia. The mean age of participants with
dysglycemia was significantly older (47.9 vs. 42.3 years,
p-value 0.002). Other parameters were not statistically
different for the two groups. Mean M-FINDRISC score was
9.7 ± 3.9 in the normal and 10.8 ± 4.0 in the dysglycemic
group, while rCBG was 6.4 ± 1.1 mmol/L and 7.1 ± 3.1
mmol/L, respectively. ROC-AUC of M-FINDRISC for
dysglycemia was 0.561. A combined screening strategy
(M-FINDRISC score ≥7.5 and CBG ≥7.8 mmol/L) yielded
high specificity (89.9%) but low sensitivity (17.7%) for
dysglycemia.
Conclusion
While the combined screening strategy utilizing
M-FINDRISC and POCT random CBG improves specificity, M-FINDRISC showed limited predictive value for
dysglycemia in this specific cohort, making it a less ideal
tool for screening.
8.Hidden Burden of Diabetes Risk Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Hui Soon Lim ; Ee Wen Loh ; Sing Yee Sim ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):40-
Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of diabetes represents a
significant global health challenge. Modifiable risk factors,
including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, and obesity contribute substantially to this rising burden.
In conjunction with the 2025 World Diabetes Day (WDD)
campaign focusing on “diabetes and the workplace,” we
assessed diabetes risk among healthcare workers in our
hospital using the Modified Asian Finnish Diabetes Risk
Score (ModAsian FINDRISC).
Methodology:
Healthcare workers from various departments were invited
to participate in the hospital WDD celebration. A total of
286 attendees underwent anthropometric measurements
and completed the ModAsian FINDSRIC questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the
prevalence of risk factors and overall diabetes risk.
Results:
The participants included doctors, nurses, allied healthcare
professionals, as well as hospital support and administrative
staff. The majority of participants (74.8%) were aged below
45 years. 39.2% were overweight while 30.8% were obese.
One-third (37.4%) had increased waist circumference
(WC) (≥90 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women). Additionally,
20% of respondents reported being on antihypertensive
medication, and 23.8% had previously recorded high blood
glucose. A family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) was
reported by 62.6% of respondents. Additionally, about onethird were sedentary with less than 30 minutes of daily
exercise or physical activity, another one-third did not
consume fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. The median
ModAsian FINDRISC score was 8, with approximately
30% of them classified as having moderate to very high
risk of developing DM (moderate: 17.5%; high: 10.8%; very
high: 2.8%).
Conclusion
These results revealed high metabolic risk in healthcare
workers and highlight the need for targeted workplace
health promotion strategies to reduce the risk of developing
diabetes.
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Health Personnel
;
Diabetes Mellitus
9.Risk Assessment for Ramadan Fasting in People With Diabetes in Hospital-Based Diabetes Clinics Using the Updated 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator
Raja Nurazni Raja Azwan ; Chin Voon Tong ; Lisa Mohamed Nor ; Marisa Khatijah Borhan ; Syarifah Syahirah Syed Abas ; Poh Shean Wong ; Ying Jie Tan ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Eunice Yi Chwen Lau ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Shu Teng Chai ; Pei Lin Chan ; Xe Hui Lee ; Wei Wei Ng ; Jin Hui Ho ; Miza Hiryanti Zakaria ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Wan Mohd Hafez Wan Hamzah ; Melissa Vergis ; Choon Peng Sun ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Chee Koon Low ; Shazatul Reza Mohd Redzuan ; Xin-Yi Ooi ; Siti Sanaa Wan Azman ; Deviga Lachumanan ; Saiful Shahrizal Shudim ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):42-43
Introduction:
The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously
evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely
accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical
standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently
updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating
modern diabetes technologies, including continuous
glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery
(AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to
enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical
professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall
factors toward promoting safe fasting.
Methodology:
This prospective multicentre observational study recruited
adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public
hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending
to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate
and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in
the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and
19th March 2026.
Results:
A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low
(15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories.
Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3%
having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43%
exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%).
Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including
two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems.
Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%),
81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM.
Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having
unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic
kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30).
Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education.
Conclusion
Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were
in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to
fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases.
Although most participants were on insulin therapy,
hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period.
Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin
therapies, and structured education may support safer
fasting practices.
Risk Assessment
;
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Hospitals
;
Fasting
10.Individualizing Therapy With Repaglinide: A Single-Centre Experience
Ioanna Ting Yung Sim ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan ; Pei Lin Chan ; Ee Wen Loh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):55-
Introduction:
Repaglinide, a meglitinide analogue, has a rapid onset
and short duration of action. It offers prandial glucose
control while reducing hypoglycemia risk compared to
sulfonylureas. We describe its use in our special cohorts
of diabetic patients where repaglinide was prescribed to
reduce hypoglycemia in vulnerable patients or to optimize
glycemic control through pharmacotherapy intensification
or deintensification.
Cases:
Cohort A comprised 12 elderly patients with multiple
comorbidities (mean age: 70.3 years; mean DM duration:
18.3 years) characterized by high glucose variability and
problematic hypoglycemia. In seven patients, low-dose
gliclazide was replaced with repaglinide with reduction
in hypoglycemic episodes. One patient on low-dose premixed insulin was successfully switched to preprandial
repaglinide. Two patients on basal insulin were able to
reduce their insulin requirements and stabilize their glucose
levels. A younger patient with autonomic dysfunction had
hypoglycemia while on insulin glulisine, while its omission
led to severe hyperglycemia. Substituting glulisine with
repaglinide resolved the glucose variability. Repaglinide
effectively reduced hypoglycemic episodes while maintaining glycemic stability, with a mean hemoglobin A1c
(HbA1c) reduction of 0.36% over 3–6 months.
Cohort B consisted of six younger patients (mean age: 35.3
years) with focus on optimizing HbA1c and improving
treatment adherence. Two patients on basal-bolus regimes
success-fully transitioned off bolus insulin to repaglinide,
significantly improving compliance. One patient on
basal insulin was successfully transitioned to an all-oral
regimen. Three patients on existing oral hypoglycemic
agents were started on repaglinide to close the glycemic
gap. Cohort B achieved a robust mean HbA1c reduction of
2.1% within 3–6 months.
Conclusion
Repaglinide remains an important armamentarium in
personalized diabetes management. Its pharmacokinetics
and flexible dosing allow intensification of glycemic
control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. It also
offers a viable strategy for selected patients struggling
with complex insulin regime.
Repaglinide


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