1.Psychological Frailty and Mental Health Problems in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Ahmad Zahid MD DAUD ; Ponnusamy SUBRAMANIAM ; Nurul Fatin MALEK RIVAN ; Shyh Poh TEO ; Moustafa AHMED
Brunei International Medical Journal 2026;22():1-9
Background: Frailty is a health condition preceding impairment and disease, resulting in vulnerability and risk of poor outcomes. Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome encompassing physical, psychological and cognitive components. Psychological frailty refers to reduced emotional resilience, mood stability, and coping capacity. This paper aims to review the current literature on psychological frailty and mental health outcomes among older adults. Methodology : Four electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of science were used to systematically search for studies published between January 2019 and December 2023, that examined the effect of psychological frailty on mental health outcomes in older adults, including depression, anxiety, and overall well -being. Results: There were 154 articles screened, with 7 studies meeting inclusion criteria. All included studies assessed psychological frailty using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), a multidimensional frailty tool with a psychological domain. Psychological frailty, as measured using the TFI, was consistently associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. The psychological domain of the TFI demonstrated moderate internal consistency (Cronbach ’s α = 0.712 -0.797). Conclusion: Psychological frailty is a potential risk factor for the development of adverse mental health outcomes in older adults. The use of validated measures, such as the TFI may improve the identification of psychological frailty for early intervention strategies in both community and medical settings to protect older adults ’ mental health
2.Psychological Frailty and Mental Health Problems in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Ahmad Zahid MD DAUD ; Ponnusamy SUBRAMANIAM ; Nurul Fatin MALEK RIVAN ; Shyh Poh TEO ; Moustafa AHMED
Brunei International Medical Journal 2026;22():1-9
Background: Frailty is a health condition preceding impairment and disease, resulting in vulnerability and risk of poor outcomes. Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome encompassing physical, psychological and cognitive components. Psychological frailty refers to reduced emotional resilience, mood stability, and coping capacity. This paper aims to review the current literature on psychological frailty and mental health outcomes among older adults. Methodology : Four electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of science were used to systematically search for studies published between January 2019 and December 2023, that examined the effect of psychological frailty on mental health outcomes in older adults, including depression, anxiety, and overall well -being. Results: There were 154 articles screened, with 7 studies meeting inclusion criteria. All included studies assessed psychological frailty using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), a multidimensional frailty tool with a psychological domain. Psychological frailty, as measured using the TFI, was consistently associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. The psychological domain of the TFI demonstrated moderate internal consistency (Cronbach ’s α = 0.712 -0.797). Conclusion: Psychological frailty is a potential risk factor for the development of adverse mental health outcomes in older adults. The use of validated measures, such as the TFI may improve the identification of psychological frailty for early intervention strategies in both community and medical settings to protect older adults ’ mental health
3.46 XY Gonadal Dysgenesis mimicking Turner Syndrome: Diagnostic challenges and clinical implications
Suseelah Bala Subramaniam ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Loh Hoong Heng
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):13-
Introduction:
Swyer syndrome (46, XY gonadal dysgenesis) is a rare disorder of sex development, characterized by a phenotypic female
with streak gonads and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. It presents with primary amenorrhea and delayed puberty.
Overlapping clinical features with Turner syndrome may cause diagnostic uncertainty, highlighting the role of karyotypic
evaluation in diagnosis.
Case:
A 35-year-old phenotypic female was first evaluated at age 27 during admission for an acute viral illness, when incidental
findings of primary amenorrhea, short stature (height 131 cm), webbed neck, pectus excavatum, and absent secondary
sexual characteristics raised suspicion of Turner syndrome. She had hypertension, with initial imaging suggesting
coarctation of the thoracic aorta. CT angiography showed focal narrowing of the descending aorta; multidisciplinary review
favored aortic folding, and she was managed conservatively. Endocrine evaluation demonstrated hypergonadotropic
hypogonadism, with markedly elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH 108.6 IU/L) and luteinizing hormone (LH 23.16
IU/L) in the presence of low estradiol levels. Pelvic imaging revealed an atrophic uterus with absence of bilateral ovaries,
consistent with gonadal dysgenesis. Karyotypic analysis was performed, demonstrating a 46, XY genotype with confirmed
SRY gene presence, establishing the diagnosis of Swyer syndrome. DEXA scan demonstrated osteoporosis, in keeping
with prolonged hypogonadism. She was commenced on hormone replacement therapy, resulting in the development
of secondary sexual characteristics and regular withdrawal bleeding. She remains under structured multidisciplinary
follow-up, with endocrine-led management of hypothyroidism and osteoporosis, alongside cardiology follow-up and
gynecological surveillance.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of disorders of sex development with overlapping phenotypes and the need
for re-evaluation when clinical progression is atypical. Diagnosis enables hormone replacement therapy for induction of
secondary sexual characteristics and preservation of bone health. Integration of clinical, biochemical, and genetic data
within a multidisciplinary framework is essential to achieve diagnostic accuracy and optimize outcomes.
Turner Syndrome
4.Extreme Glycemic Severity and Mortality Risk in the TB-DM Copandemic: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Outcomes
Mohammad Ulilamri Tukiman ; Chitra Devi ; Subramaniam ; Yusniza Yusof ; Mohammad Nur Syafiq Mohamad Azman ; Choo Jia Qing
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):36-37
Introduction:
Tuberculosis patients with comorbid diabetes face a substantially higher risk of mortal outcomes. The “metainflammation” loop between hyperglycemia and tuberculosis (TB) infection exacerbates systemic severity and
increases hazard rates for death. This study aims to quantify
the association between baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
levels and all-cause mortality within a Malaysian cohort.
Methodology:
This was a retrospective cross-sectional audit analyzing
131 adult TB-DM (diabetes mellitus) patients during their
treatment course (2022–2025) in the TB Clinic, Hospital
Sungai Buloh. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality
and clinical severity, stratified by baseline HbA1c and
diabetes mellitus DM treatment modality (OHA vs.
insulin).
Results:
The overall mortality rate was 17% (22/131). A stark
disparity in glycemic control was observed between
survivors and deceased patients: those who died presented
with extreme mean HbA1c levels of 16.0%, compared to
10.5% in survivors. High HbA1c was also associated with a
higher prevalence of pulmonary involvement compared to
extrapulmonary disease (10.9% vs 8.9%). Patients requiring
insulin therapy experienced significantly higher mortality
rates compared to those managed on OHAs, with 25% (12
out of 47) patients requiring insulin therapy having died
during TB treatment, compared to only 8.2% (7 out of 84)
patients in the OHA-only group.
Conclusion
Baseline HbA1c is a critical prognostic marker that identifies
a high-risk “lethal threshold” at extreme glycemic levels
(HbA1c ≥16). Furthermore, the nearly fourfold increase in
death risk among insulin-treated patients likely reflects a
high-risk phenotype of advanced metabolic failure, which
corresponds with a study done in Kelantan (Siti Rohana
et al., 2020). The study shows that TB patients with DM
had three times higher risk of developing unsuccessful TB
treatment outcomes compared to TB patients without DM.
Collectively, these data necessitate mandatory early HbA1c
screening and aggressive metabolic management to reduce
the staggering mortality of this dual epidemic.
Retrospective Studies
5.Metastatic Extra-Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor Presenting with Hyperandrogenism and Transaminitis Post Oophorectomy
Preeya Subramaniam ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):64-65
Introduction:
Steroid cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal tumors,
accounting for <0.1% of ovarian neoplasms. Extraovarian
steroid cell tumors are exceptionally rare, often androgensecreting, and pose significant diagnostic challenges. Early
recognition is essential to prevent prolonged morbidity
from hyperandrogenism.
Case:
A 60-year-old female, 15 years after total hysterectomy
and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a large ovarian
mass with massive ascites, presented with deranged liver
function tests on routine follow-up. Ultrasonography
and computed tomography imaging revealed multiple
hypervascular lesions in the liver, retroperitoneum,
and peritoneum, suggestive of metastatic disease, with
normal-appearing adrenal glands. Biopsy of a liver lesion
demonstrated a metastatic neoplasm with morphology and
immunoprofile favoring a steroid cell tumor. However,
metastasis from the adrenal cortex or an ovarian primary
could not be excluded.
Given the prior bilateral oophorectomy, metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma was initially suspected, prompting
endocrine evaluation. Further history revealed a 1-year
history of progressive virilization, including increased
facial hair and frontal balding. Hormonal studies
demonstrated elevated testosterone (12.2 mmol/L and
reference range 0.1–1.42) and dehydroepiandrosterone
sulfate (15.9 µmol/L and reference range 0.510–5.560)
and the adrenocorticotropic hormone level of 11.7
pmol/L (reference range 1.60–13.9) with suppressed
gonadotrophins. Additional workup for catecholamine,
cortisol, and aldosterone excess was unremarkable. The discordance between androgen excess and normal adrenal
imaging, despite absent ovarian tissue, suggested an extraadrenal androgen-secreting steroid cell tumor. A second
histopathology review and multidisciplinary discussion
with radiology, gynecologic oncology, and pathology teams
were undertaken. As the disease was deemed inoperable,
repeat retroperitoneal lesion biopsy confirmed metastatic
steroid cell tumor and guided palliative chemotherapy.
She was subsequently referred to gynecologic oncology
for systemic chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Extra-adrenal steroid cell tumors, though rare, should be
considered in patients with hyperandrogenism long after
bilateral oophorectomy, especially when adrenal imaging
is normal. Multidisciplinary evaluation and repeat biopsy
are often crucial for establishing the diagnosis and guiding
treatment.
Hyperandrogenism
;
Ovariectomy
;
Steroids
;
Neoplasms
6.Isolated Cranial Diabetes Insipidus Unmasked After Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Suseelah Bala Subramaniam ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Loh Hoong Heng
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):94-95
Introduction:
Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is characterized by
impaired arginine vasopressin secretion, resulting in
hypotonic polyuria and hypernatremia. In patients with
coexisting diabetes mellitus, persistent polyuria may be
misattributed to hyperglycemia, delaying recognition
of a concurrent water balance disorder. CDI without
identifiable structural abnormalities may be overlooked,
leading to delayed diagnosis and complications.
Case:
We report a 30-year-old Malay female with underlying type
2 diabetes mellitus and premorbid obesity who presented
with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, accompanied
by persistent polyuria, polydipsia, weight gain, and
amenorrhea. Despite resolution of hyperglycemia, she had
ongoing polyuria with hypernatremia, raising suspicion
of a concomitant water balance disorder.
Biochemical evaluation demonstrated a hyperosmolar state
with serum osmolality 334 mOsm/kg and inappropriately
dilute urine (urine osmolality 254 mOsm/kg), supporting
impaired vasopressin activity. A modified water deprivation
test showed a >50% rise in urine osmolality following
desmopressin, consistent with CDI. Diabetes autoantibody
screening was negative. Anterior pituitary function was
preserved, with normal thyroid and adrenal axes (thyroidstimulating hormone 3.30 mIU/L, cortisol 290.6 nmol/L),
and gonadotropins not suggestive of hypopituitarism
(luteinizing hormone 6.8 IU/L, follicle-stimulating hormone
24.6 IU/L).
Neuroimaging with computed tomography brain showed
no structural hypothalamic–pituitary lesion. Magnetic
resonance imaging of the pituitary demonstrated absence
of the posterior pituitary bright spot, with preserved gland
morphology and no focal lesion, supporting CDI without
an identifiable structural cause. Her clinical course was complicated by severe hospitalacquired infection leading to septic shock, requiring
intensive care support, mechanical ventilation, and renal
replacement therapy. She was commenced on desmopressin,
with subsequent clinical and biochemical improvement,
alongside multidisciplinary management.
Conclusion
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, persistent polyuria
may obscure an underlying water balance disorder. This
case highlights the importance of considering alternative
causes of polyuria and a systematic endocrine approach to
ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
;
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma
;
Diabetes Insipidus
8.Generative Pre-trained Transformer: Trends, Applications, Strengths and Challenges in Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Sibyl SILUVAI ; Vivek NARAYANAN ; Vinoo Subramaniam RAMACHANDRAN ; Victor Rakesh LAZAR
Healthcare Informatics Research 2025;31(2):189-199
Objectives:
The integration of large language models (LLMs), particularly those based on the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) architecture, has begun to revolutionize various fields, including dentistry. Despite these promising applications, the use of GPT in dentistry presents several challenges. Ongoing research and the development of robust ethical frameworks are essential to mitigate these issues and enhance the responsible deployment of GPT technologies in clinical settings. Hence, this systematic review aims to explore the trends, applications, strengths, and challenges associated with the use of GPT in dentistry.
Methods:
Articles were selected if they contained detailed information on the application of GPT in dentistry. The search strategy used in systematic reviews follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our search of databases and other sources yielded a total of 704 studies. After removing duplicates and conducting a full-text screening, 16 articles were included in the review. The methodological quality of the research was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
Results:
Out of a total of 91 articles published on GPT in dentistry, 20 were editorials and 11 were narrative reviews; these were excluded, leaving 60 original research articles for further analysis. The articles were assessed based on the type of results they provided. Ultimately, 16 articles that reported positive findings with robust methodology were included in this review
Conclusions
The results highlight mixed responses; therefore, further research on integration into clinical workflows must be conducted with extensive methodological rigor.
9.Generative Pre-trained Transformer: Trends, Applications, Strengths and Challenges in Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Sibyl SILUVAI ; Vivek NARAYANAN ; Vinoo Subramaniam RAMACHANDRAN ; Victor Rakesh LAZAR
Healthcare Informatics Research 2025;31(2):189-199
Objectives:
The integration of large language models (LLMs), particularly those based on the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) architecture, has begun to revolutionize various fields, including dentistry. Despite these promising applications, the use of GPT in dentistry presents several challenges. Ongoing research and the development of robust ethical frameworks are essential to mitigate these issues and enhance the responsible deployment of GPT technologies in clinical settings. Hence, this systematic review aims to explore the trends, applications, strengths, and challenges associated with the use of GPT in dentistry.
Methods:
Articles were selected if they contained detailed information on the application of GPT in dentistry. The search strategy used in systematic reviews follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our search of databases and other sources yielded a total of 704 studies. After removing duplicates and conducting a full-text screening, 16 articles were included in the review. The methodological quality of the research was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
Results:
Out of a total of 91 articles published on GPT in dentistry, 20 were editorials and 11 were narrative reviews; these were excluded, leaving 60 original research articles for further analysis. The articles were assessed based on the type of results they provided. Ultimately, 16 articles that reported positive findings with robust methodology were included in this review
Conclusions
The results highlight mixed responses; therefore, further research on integration into clinical workflows must be conducted with extensive methodological rigor.
10.Generative Pre-trained Transformer: Trends, Applications, Strengths and Challenges in Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Sibyl SILUVAI ; Vivek NARAYANAN ; Vinoo Subramaniam RAMACHANDRAN ; Victor Rakesh LAZAR
Healthcare Informatics Research 2025;31(2):189-199
Objectives:
The integration of large language models (LLMs), particularly those based on the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) architecture, has begun to revolutionize various fields, including dentistry. Despite these promising applications, the use of GPT in dentistry presents several challenges. Ongoing research and the development of robust ethical frameworks are essential to mitigate these issues and enhance the responsible deployment of GPT technologies in clinical settings. Hence, this systematic review aims to explore the trends, applications, strengths, and challenges associated with the use of GPT in dentistry.
Methods:
Articles were selected if they contained detailed information on the application of GPT in dentistry. The search strategy used in systematic reviews follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our search of databases and other sources yielded a total of 704 studies. After removing duplicates and conducting a full-text screening, 16 articles were included in the review. The methodological quality of the research was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
Results:
Out of a total of 91 articles published on GPT in dentistry, 20 were editorials and 11 were narrative reviews; these were excluded, leaving 60 original research articles for further analysis. The articles were assessed based on the type of results they provided. Ultimately, 16 articles that reported positive findings with robust methodology were included in this review
Conclusions
The results highlight mixed responses; therefore, further research on integration into clinical workflows must be conducted with extensive methodological rigor.


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