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  1. Schee JP, Viswanathan S
    Mult Scler, 2019 07;25(8):1189-1195.
    PMID: 29771191 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518775912
    We identified five female patients retrospectively with relapsing short-segment partial myelitis whose clinical and paraclinical features were suggestive of cord involvement of multiple sclerosis (MS)-type albeit not rigidly fulfilling the 2017 McDonald criteria. Notably, these patients had not developed any typical MS-like brain lesions despite repeated neuroimaging assessments over years. Comprehensive work-up for differential diagnoses of MS and other causes of transverse myelitis particularly neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders had been consistently negative on longitudinal follow-up. Thus, we postulate a possible entity of pure spinal MS which may represent a novel forme fruste within the MS disease spectrum.
  2. Ong ZM, Schee JP, Viswanathan S
    Ther Apher Dial, 2020 Jun;24(3):312-323.
    PMID: 31654607 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13446
    We evaluated therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) efficiency in treatment of a single relapse in steroid-refractory patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in a multi-ethnic resource-limited setting. This was a historical cohort study on the clinical outcomes post-TPE in a multiethnic cohort of 53 steroid-refractory NMOSD patients at a single Malaysian tertiary center. Primary outcomes, assessed both pre- and post-TPE, were Medical Research Council scale of muscle power, Modified Rankin Scale, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and visual acuity. Secondary outcomes were ambulatory status and target neurological deficit (TND)-based TPE response. Significant improvements in Medical Research Council, Modified Rankin Scale, EDSS, and visual acuity (P 14 days (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with improved EDSSΔ6. TND-based TPE response was significant in absence of cord atrophy (P = 0.030). TPE is an effective treatment for steroid-refractory acute relapses of NMOSD in a multiethnic Malaysian population despite its resource-limited setting. The predictive factors of EDSSΔ6 improvement were anti-aquaporin 4 seronegativity, longer cord lesions, and higher pre-TPE EDSS. Absence of cord atrophy was predictive of better TND-based TPE response. Unexpectedly, our study showed that delayed TPE initiation of more than 14 days and up to 60 days may also be beneficial.
  3. Viswanathan S, Schee JP, Omar MA, Hiew FL
    Ther Apher Dial, 2021 Aug;25(4):513-532.
    PMID: 33029928 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13595
    Evidence on the benefits of intermittent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as maintenance therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is limited. This study explores the possible effectiveness of sequential intermittent therapeutic plasma exchange (SITPE), a novel TPE protocol in the management of adult NMOSD patients. Through retrospective review of medical records in Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, NMOSD patients who underwent SITPE, namely, an induction phase of monthly cycle of TPE (1 cycle = five exchange sessions) for three cycles with or without a subsequent maintenance phase of three-monthly cycle of TPE for three cycles, were included in this controlled historical cohort study. We explored their serial improvements in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), limb power, visual acuity, and annualized relapse rate following SITPE initiation. Statistical significance was set at P 
  4. Ho YH, Lim CT, Albart SA, Schee JP, Yong MC, Looi I
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):1-6.
    PMID: 36715183
    INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) in Malaysia has estimated incidence and mortality rates of 81 cases per 100,000 people-year and 4.9 per 100,000 populations, respectively. This study aimed to study the characteristics of rural TB patients and their mortality outcomes.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study involving real-world data analysis, looking into TB patients in Lubok Antu Health Clinic by obtaining data through clinic cards, from 1 January 2019 till 31 December 2020. Statistical significance was p < 0.05.

    RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included. Fifty-two (61.9%) were male. Median age was 58.5 (39-67). Forty-six (54.8%) had smear-positive TB. Seventy-eight (92.9%) were alive at treatment completion. Fifteen (17.9%) experienced adverse drug reactions. Estimated prevalence and mortality rate were 7.1% and 10.7 per 100,000 populations, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that drug reaction was significantly associated with compliance [OR = 8.38 (95% CI: 1.26, 55.53), p = 0.029]. Patients compliant with treatment were more likely to survive [OR = 12.5 (95% CI: 1.61, 97.34), p = 0.028].

    CONCLUSION: Compliance with TB treatment should be emphasised to reduce TB-related mortality.

  5. Tan AH, Chuah KH, Beh YY, Schee JP, Mahadeva S, Lim SY
    J Mov Disord, 2023 May;16(2):138-151.
    PMID: 37258277 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.22220
    Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) face a multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including nausea, bloating, reduced bowel movements, and difficulties with defecation. These symptoms are common and may accumulate during the course of PD but are often under-recognized and challenging to manage. Objective testing can be burdensome to patients and does not correlate well with symptoms. Effective treatment options are limited. Evidence is often based on studies in the general population, and specific evidence in PD is scarce. Upper GI dysfunction may also interfere with the pharmacological treatment of PD motor symptoms, which poses significant management challenges. Several new less invasive assessment tools and novel treatment options have emerged in recent years. The current review provides an overview and a practical approach to recognizing and diagnosing common upper and lower GI problems in PD, e.g., dyspepsia, gastroparesis, small bowel dysfunction, chronic constipation, and defecatory dysfunction. Management aspects are discussed based on the latest evidence from the PD and general populations, with insights for future research pertaining to GI dysfunction in PD.
  6. Schee JP, Tan JS, Tan CY, Shahrizaila N, Wong KT, Goh KJ
    J Clin Neurol, 2024 Jul;20(4):422-430.
    PMID: 38951975 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2023.0265
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an inherited disorder of fatty acid oxidation that causes lipid storage myopathy (LSM). This is the first report on MADD that describes the phenotypic and genetic features of a Malaysian cohort.

    METHODS: Among the >2,500 patients in a local muscle biopsy database, patients with LSM were identified and their genomic DNA were extracted from muscle samples and peripheral blood. All 13 exons of the electron-transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase gene (ETFDH) were subsequently sequenced. Fifty controls were included to determine the prevalence of identified mutations in the normal population.

    RESULTS: Fourteen (82%) of the 17 LSM patients had MADD with ETFDH mutations. Twelve (86%) were Chinese and two were Malay sisters. Other unrelated patients reported that they had no relevant family history. Nine (64%) were females. The median age at onset was 18.5 years (interquartile range=16-37 years). All 14 demonstrated proximal limb weakness, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and myopathic changes in electromyography. Three patients experienced a metabolic crisis at their presentation. Sanger sequencing of ETFDH revealed nine different variants/mutations, one of which was novel: c.998A>G (p.Y333C) in exon 9. Notably, 12 (86%) patients, including the 2 Malay sisters, carried a common c.250G>A (p.A84T) variant, consistent with the hotspot mutation reported in southern China. All of the patients responded well to riboflavin therapy.

    CONCLUSIONS: Most of our Malaysian cohort with LSM had late-onset, riboflavin-responsive MADD with ETFDH mutations, and they demonstrated phenotypic and genetic features similar to those of cases reported in southern China. Furthermore, we report a novel ETFDH mutation and possibly the first ever MADD patients of Malay descent.

  7. Lim SY, Tan ZK, Ngam PI, Lor TL, Mohamed H, Schee JP, et al.
    Parkinsonism Relat Disord, 2011 Dec;17(10):761-4.
    PMID: 21839665 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2011.07.009
    There are limited data on the prevalence of impulsive-compulsive behaviors and subsyndromal impulsive-compulsive behaviors in Asian patients with Parkinson's disease, who are treated with lower dosages of dopaminergic medications.
  8. Tan AH, Tan CT, Marras C, Loh KW, Wye Ho NW, Lim QH, et al.
    J Parkinsons Dis, 2015;5(4):865-79.
    PMID: 26444089 DOI: 10.3233/JPD-150594
    BACKGROUND: Public knowledge regarding Parkinson's disease (PD) is important to facilitate good health-seeking behavior, but the literature on this topic is scarce.
    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the level of public knowledge regarding PD in a large multiethnic urban Asian cohort, and (as a secondary aim) in a smaller cohort of PD patients and caregivers.
    METHODS: A Knowledge of PD Questionnaire (KPDQ) was developed and administered to members of the Malaysian general public, and to PD patients and caregivers. The KPDQ tests recognition of PD symptoms and general knowledge regarding PD.
    RESULTS: 1,258 members of the general public completed the KPDQ. Tremor was the most widely recognized symptom (recognized by 79.0% of respondents); however, 83.7% incorrectly believed that all PD patients experience tremor. Memory problem was the most widely recognized NMS. Overall, motor symptoms were better recognized than NMS. Common misperceptions were that there is a cure for PD (49.8%) and that PD is usually familial (41.4%). Female gender, Chinese ethnicity, tertiary education, healthcare-related work, and knowing someone with PD were independently associated with higher KPDQ scores. PD patients (n = 116) and caregivers (n = 135) demonstrated superior knowledge compared with the general public group, but one-third of them believed that PD is currently curable.
    CONCLUSIONS: This is the only study on public knowledge regarding PD in Asia. Important gaps in knowledge were evident, which could present a barrier to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of PD. This highlights the need for targeted education campaigns and further research in this area.
    KEYWORDS: Asia; Parkinson’s disease; awareness; cure; education; epidemiology; knowledge; stem cells
  9. Schee JP, Ang CL, Crystal Teoh SC, Tan HJ, Chew SH, Steven A, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Sep;78(5):594-601.
    PMID: 37775485
    INTRODUCTION: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is beneficial in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We aim to compare the realworld clinical outcomes and service efficiency of IVT in Malaysian primary stroke centres (PSCs) versus acute stroke ready hospitals (ASRHs).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-centre cohort study involving 5 PSCs and 7 ASRHs in Malaysia. Through review of medical records of AIS patients who received IVT from 01 January 2014 to 30 June 2021, real-world data was extracted for analysis. Univariate and multivariate regression models were employed to evaluate the role of PSCs versus ASRHs in post-IVT outcomes and complications. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

    RESULTS: A total of 313 multi-ethnic Asians, namely 231 from PSCs and 82 from ASRHs, were included. Both groups were comparable in baseline demographic, clinical, and stroke characteristics. The efficiency of IVT delivery (door-toneedle time), functional outcomes (mRS at 3 months post- IVT), and rates of adverse events (intracranial haemorrhages and mortality) following IVT were comparable between the 2 groups. Notably, 46.8% and 48.8% of patients in PSCs and ASRHs group respectively (p=0.752) achieved favourable functional outcome (mRS≤1 at 3 months post-IVT). Regression analyses demonstrated that post-IVT functional outcomes and adverse events were independent of the role of PSCs or ASRHs.

    CONCLUSION: Our study provides real-world evidence which suggests that IVT can be equally safe, effective, and efficiently delivered in ASRHs. This may encourage the establishment of more ASRHs to extend the benefits of IVT to a greater proportion of stroke populations and enhance the regional stroke care.

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