Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K L Goh

Publications and source records attributed to K L Goh.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Impairment of psychomotor responses after conscious sedation in cirrhotic patients undergoing therapeutic upper GI endoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the number connection test (NCT) times of a group of cirrhotic patients without clinically overt hepatic encephalopathy and a group of healthy patients without liver disease who were undergoing endoscopy were prolonged after sedation with short acting i.v. benzodiazepines. METHODS: All patients were administered the NCT in a standard fashion for 30 min before sedation for an upper GI endoscopy and then 2 h after sedation postprocedure. Two NCTs were carried out before and 2 h after sedation, and the mean of the tests pre- and postsedation calculated. Based on the upper limit of the 95% CI of the presedation NCT of patients without liver disease as the cut-off level for hepatic encephalopathy, the proportion of cirrhotic patients with subclinical encephalopathy before and after sedation were also determined. RESULTS: A total of 61 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent therapeutic upper GI endoscopy completed the study. The mean presedation NCT time was 43.5 s (95% CI = 39.0-48.1 s) and the mean postsedation NCT time 60.0 s (95% CI = 50.7-69.3 s). The difference between the mean pre- and postsedation NCT times was 16.4 s (95% CI = 9.8-23.1 s; p < 0.001). A total of 38 consecutive patients without clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease who presented for upper GI endoscopy completed the NCT as described for the group of cirrhotic patients. The mean (+/- SD) baseline NCT time was 34.7+/-7.9 s (95% CI = 32.1-37.2 s), whereas the mean postsedation NCT time was 33.7+/-8.5 s (95% CI = 30.9-36.5 s). This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.177). Using the upper limit of the 95% CI of the mean (37.4 s) of the presedation time in the patients without liver disease as the cut-off between normal and encephalopathy, the number of cirrhotic patients with abnormal presedation NCT times was 33 patients (54.1%), and this number rose to 46 patients (75.4%) after sedation with midazolam. This increase in proportion of cirrhotic patients with prolonged NCT time was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The significance of life-events as contributing factors in childhood recurrent abdominal pain in an urban community in Malaysia.

This study aimed to look at the link between childhood recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and the presence of recent life-events in an urban community in Malaysia. School children aged from 9 to 15 years in the city of Petaling Jaya were randomly selected to fill in a questionnaire and to be interviewed. The prevalence of RAP among 1488 school children studied was 9.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.18-11.25). Higher prevalences of RAP were found in children who had experienced the following life-events in the previous year: loss of a family member through death (P<.001), hospitalisation of a family member (P<.001), the child's own hospitalisation (P=.001), change of address (P<.001), change in occupation of an immediate family member (P<.001), failure in a major school examination (P<.001), bullying at school (P=.001). Following logistic regression analysis, five life-events remain significant: hospitalisation of a family member (P=.038), the child's own hospitalisation (P=.034), change in occupation of an immediate family member (P=.049), examination failure (P=.001) and bullying at school (P=.028). This study strongly suggests that recent stressful life-events are important risk-factors for RAP.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2001

Ardisiaquinones from Ardisia teysmanniana.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a CHCl(3) extract from the leaves of Ardisia teysmanniana Scheff. (Myrsinaceae) has led to the isolation of three new alkyldibenzoquinone derivatives that showed inhibitory activity in an in vitro assay for UDP-MurNac synthesis. The structures of ardisiaquinone G, H and I were established using MS and NMR spectroscopic methods.

Benzoquinones↗
PubMed2001

Recurrent abdominal pain and consulting behaviour among children in a rural community in Malaysia.

AIM: To look at predictors of consulting behaviour among children with recurrent abdominal pain in a rural community in Malaysia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A sample of 1462 school-children aged between 9 and 15 years were randomly selected from all schools in Kuala Langat, a rural district in Malaysia. Those with recurrent abdominal pain, defined according to Apley's criteria, were recruited and divided into consulters and non-consulters. A consulter was defined as a child who had sought the help of a medical practitioner at least once in the past year for recurrent abdominal pain. A detailed clinical, social and family history was obtained in all recruited children. RESULTS: A total of 161 children were recruited: 78 (48.4%) consulters, 83 (51.6%) non-consulters. Of the consulters, 40 were boys, 38 were girls (male:female ratio = 1.1:1). The two sexes did not show a significant difference in prevalence of consulters [p=0.189). Of the ethnic groups, only Indians had a significantly higher likelihood to consult a doctor (Indians, p=0.006; Malays, p=0.742; Chinese, p=0.050]. Younger children (under 12 years) had a significantly higher chance of having been brought to see a medical practitioner (p=0.014). Children in whom age of onset of abdominal pain was below ten years were also more likely to have been seen by a doctor (p=0.012). Children who had consulted a doctor were more likely to be missing school because of abdominal pain (p<0.001). Pain severity was not a significant factor (p=0.429). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the only variable that remained significantly associated with health-care consultation was school absence (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children who saw their doctors for recurrent abdominal pain were also more likely to be those who missed school on account of abdominal pain. Following multiple regression analysis, other factors were no longer significant.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2001

Predictors of health-care consultation for recurrent abdominal pain among urban schoolchildren in Malaysia.

AIM: To look at the predictors of health-care consultation for recurrent abdominal pain among urban schoolchildren in Malaysia. METHODS: Recurrent abdominal pain was defined as at least three episodes of abdominal pain, severe enough to affect a child's activities over a period longer than 3 months. A health-care consulter was defined as a child who had been brought to see a doctor regarding recurrent abdominal pain at least once in the past year. Children aged between 9 and 15 years were randomly chosen from schools in the city of Petaling Jaya, given questionnaires to fill in and interviewed to determine whether they fulfilled the above criteria for having symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and for being a consulter. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed on the data obtained. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three (9.61%) children fulfilled the criteria for recurrent abdominal pain out of a total of 1488 schoolchildren interviewed. There were 65 (45.5%) consulters and 78 (54.5%) non-consulters. Among the consulters, the male to female ratio was 1:1.4, while among the non-consulters, the ratio was 1:1.1. On bivariate analysis, the Chinese had a significantly lower likelihood to consult a doctor (P = 0.02), while the other two races did not show any increase in consultation (Malays, P = 0.08; Indians, P = 0.21). Among those with severe pain, there was a significantly higher prevalence of consulters (P < 0.01). Furthermore, those whose sleep was interrupted by abdominal pain were more likely to consult (P < 0.01). Children who had consulted a doctor were more likely to be missing school because of abdominal pain (P < 0.01). Following multiple logistic regression analysis, ethnicity was no longer a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 45.5% of schoolchildren with recurrent abdominal pain in an urban setting were brought to see a doctor. Predictors of recent health-care consultation were school absence, pain severity and interruption of sleep caused by abdominal pain.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2001

The racial cohort phenomenon: seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in a multiracial South-East Asian country.

BACKGROUND: Malaysia is a multiracial country where three major Asian races live together: Malay, Chinese and Indian. In addition, there are a number of native or indigenous races, particularly in East Malaysia. Differences in prevalence of gastric diseases between races have been noted, particularly with respect to peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among various races in Malaysia. METHODS: A large-scale prospective seroepidemiological study in West and East Malaysia using the HEL-p II commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (AMRAD, Melbourne, Australia) to detect H. pylori antibodies. Populations surveyed in West Malaysia were a rural community from Kuala Pilah, and blood donors from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru. Subjects studied in East Malaysia were volunteer blood donors from Kota Kinabalu, and blood donors and healthy volunteers from Sibu. Statistical analyses using multiple logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify independent risk factors for H. pylori infection RESULTS: A total of 2,381 subjects were evaluated. H. pylori prevalence varied from different areas of study and ranged from a low of 26.4% in blood donors from Kota Baru to a high of 55.0% in Kota Kinabalu. The most striking differences, however, were noted in the prevalence rates among different racial groups. Prevalence rates among the Malays ranged from 11.9 to 29.2%, while the Chinese ranged from 26.7 to 57.5%, and those of Indians in two studies were 49.4 and 52.3%. In every location, Malays had a significantly lower prevalence compared with the other races. The highest prevalence rates were recorded among the indigenous races in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia. There was no difference between males and females in the studies. An increasing trend with age was noted in the majority of studies; however, no increase in prevalence rates was noted among the Malays. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of infection in a multiracial population in Malaysia points to a 'racial cohort' phenomenon. The infection appears to be confined to a racial group, with the Malays having consistently low prevalence rates. This observation may provide clues to the mode of transmission of infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Stressful life events and recurrent abdominal pain in children in a rural district in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to look at the correlation between recurrent abdominal pain and the presence of recent stressful life events among schoolchildren in a rural district in Malaysia. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study of schoolchildren aged 9-15 years based in Kuala Langat, a rural district located in the south-west of the Malaysian state of Selangor. Schoolchildren were selected randomly and given questionnaires to fill in. This was followed by interview with the children on the same day by one of the authors (CCMB) to ensure consistency of response. Recurrent abdominal pain was defined as 'at least three episodes of abdominal pain, severe enough to affect their activities over a period longer than three months' [1]. The children were also asked to answer either 'yes' or 'no' to whether they had experienced various life events in the previous year. RESULTS: A sample of 1462 schoolchildren (722 boys and 740 girls) aged between 9 and 15 years were included in the study. There were 768 Malays, 393 Chinese and 301 Indians. Of these 1462 children, 161 (11.0%) had recurrent abdominal pain. On performing multiple logistic regression analysis, two life events were significantly associated with recurrent abdominal pain: death of a family member (P = 0.008; odds ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.43-0.88) and a change in occupation of an immediate family member (P = 0.003; odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.81). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that recurrent abdominal pain in children is associated with recent stressful life events in the children's lives.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2001

Impaired microvascular vasodilatory function in 3-month-old infants of low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: Low birth weight has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adult life. The fetal insulin hypothesis proposed that a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance may also influence vascular development. Therefore, impaired vascular function may be an intrinsic abnormality in low-birth weight infants that antedates clinical features of the insulin resistance syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Two groups of 3-month-old term infants were included in the study: 17 infants of lowest quartile birth weight (LQBW) and 21 infants of highest quartile birth weight (HQBW). Three aspects of skin microvascular function were examined; response to local heating, response to acetylcholine iontophoresis, and capillary density. RESULTS: Median (interquartile ranges) birth weights of the LQBW and HQBW infants were 3,140 g (2,738-3,254) and 3,920 g (3,750-4,020), respectively. Skin maximal hyperemic response to local heating was 2.14 V (1.68-2.30) in the LQBW group vs. 2.44 V (1.96-2.90) in the HQBW group (P = 0.020), and the endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response was 1.03 V (0.62-1.32) in the LQBW group vs. 0.78 V (0.45-1.32) in the HQBW group (P = 0.297). Capillary density in the LQBW and HQBW groups were 46.3 mm(-2) (40.1-53.7) and 44.1 mm(-2) (41.7-56.0), respectively (P = 0.736). CONCLUSIONS: Skin maximal hyperemic response was lower in LQBW infants, although no reduction in capillary density or defect in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was observed. Such a lower maximal hyperemic response in early life in LQBW subjects who are at risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease supports the hypothesis that impaired microvascular function is an early antecedent to diabetes in later life.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2001

Predictors of recurrent abdominal pain among 9 to 15-year-old urban school-children in Malaysia.

UNLABELLED: A cross-sectional survey of school-children aged from 9 to 15 y was performed in the city of Petaling Jaya to look for predictors of recurrent abdominal pain. A sample of 1488 children was randomly chosen, of whom 143 (9.6%) had recurrent abdominal pain according to Apley's criteria. CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that recurrent abdominal pain was associated with a number of demographic variables, a tendency to have other complaints and a family history of chronic abdominal complaints.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2000

High resolution FTIR spectrum of the nu1 band of DCOOD.

Accurate spectral information on formic acid has wide application to radioastronomy since it was the first organic acid found in interstellar space. In this work, the infrared absorption spectrum of the nu1 band of deuterated formic acid (DCOOD) has been measured on a Bomem DA3.002 Fourier transform spectrometer in the wavenumber region 2560-2690 cm(-1) with a resolution of 0.004 cm(-1). A total of 292 infrared transitions have been assigned in this hybrid type A and B band centred at 2631.8736 +/- 0.0004 cm(-1). The assigned transitions have been fitted to give a set of eight rovibrational constants for the nu1 = 1 state with a standard deviation of 0.00078 cm(-1).

Formates↗
PubMed2000

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Asia.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs more frequently in Europe and North America than in Asia but its prevalence is now increasing in many Asian countries. Many reasons have been given for the lower prevalence of GORD in Asia. Low dietary fat and genetically determined factors, such as body mass index and maximal acid output, may be important. Other dietary factors appear to be less relevant. Increased intake of carbonated drinks or aggravating medicines may influence the increasing rates of GORD in some Asian countries but no strong evidence links other factors, such as the age of the population, smoking or alcohol consumption, to GORD. The management of GORD in Asia is similar to that in Europe and North America but the lower incidence of severe oesophagitis in Asia may alter the approach slightly. Also, because Asians tend to develop stomach cancer at an earlier age, endoscopy is used routinely at an earlier stage of investigation. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is essentially a motility disorder, so short-term management of the disease can usually be achieved using prokinetic agents (or histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists). More severe and recurrent GORD may require proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or a combination of prokinetic agents and PPI. The choice of long-term treatment may be influenced by the relative costs of prokinetic agents and PPI.

Asia↗
PubMed2000

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) toxicity in the upper gastrointestinal tract is the most common serious drug-induced toxicity reported to drug regulatory authorities. In the last two decades, the rediscovery of H. pylori, development of potent ulcer-healing drugs and specific Cox-II inhibitors have opened new horizons in the management of NSAID toxicity. A Working Party composed of gastroenterologists and rheumatologists in the Asia-Pacific region met in Cairns, Australia, in 1999 to review the literature and develop appropriate guidelines. Recommendations were made based on the latest existing evidence. The importance of clinical events as study endpoints was emphasized. While differences exist between NSAIDs and aspirin, most studies have shown that advanced age, history of peptic ulcer disease, serious concomitant illnesses and coprescription of NSAID/aspirin with anticoagulants and steroids are high risk factors. These patients should be considered for prophylactic anti-ulcer therapy. Helicobacter pylori infection may aggravate the toxicity of NSAIDs and, in selected cases, should be treated before NSAID/aspirin is prescribed. Proton pump inhibitors and misoprostol are the most promising agents in preventing gastric and duodenal ulcers. When NSAID/aspirin needs to be continued in patients who develop an NSAID-related ulcer, proton pump inhibitors offer the best healing effect. With the discovery of cyclo-oxygenase isoforms (Cox-I and Cox-II), preferential and specific Cox-II inhibitors have been developed. While early clinical data have suggested promising antiinflammatory effects and improved safety profile in the gastrointestinal tract, several key issues on long-term safety remain unresolved. The use of potent anti-ulcer therapy, treatment of H. pylori infection and the development of Cox-II inhibitor will change the scenario of NSAID/aspirin-related gastrointestinal toxicity in the next millennium.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2000

The prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain in 11- to 16-year-old Malaysian schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) among Malaysian school children aged from 11 to 16 years. METHODOLOGY: A preliminary cross-sectional survey in which three urban schools and three rural schools were selected randomly. Two classes were selected randomly from each year. A questionnaire was given to each child asking him or her about whether they had experienced abdominal pain occurring at least three times over a period of at least 3 months, interfering with normal daily activity. 1 Interfering with normal daily activity was defined as missing school and/or having to stop doing a routine daily activity on account of the pain. Girls whose pains were related to periods were excluded. After the forms had been completed, each child was again interviewed to ensure that Apley's criteria1 was fulfilled in cases of RAP. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of RAP among 1549 schoolchildren (764 boys; 785 girls) was 10.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.8-11.8). There appeared to be a higher prevalence in rural schoolchildren (P = 0.008; odds ratio (OR) 1.58), in those with a lower family income (P < 0.001; OR 2.02) and in children whose fathers have a lower educational attainment (P = 0.002; OR 1. 92). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of RAP among children of different sex, age, ethnic group and family size. CONCLUSION: : In spite of differences in time and culture, the overall prevalence of 10.2% found in this study is similar to that determined by Apley.1 There are significant differences in the prevalence of RAP between children from rural and urban schools, among children with different family incomes and among children whose parents have different educational backgrounds.

Abdominal Pain↗