cover
Contact Name
-
Contact Email
-
Phone
-
Journal Mail Official
chiefeditor.amj@gmail.com
Editorial Address
Gedung Rumah Sakit Pendidikan Unpad/Pamitran Unpad (Teaching Hospital Building) Faculty of Medicine Unpad, 3rd Floor Jl. Prof. Eyckman No. 38, Bandung, 40161, Indonesia
Location
Kota bandung,
Jawa barat
INDONESIA
Althea Medical Journal
ISSN : -     EISSN : 23374330     DOI : 10.15850/amj
Core Subject : Health,
Althea Medical Journal (AMJ) is a peer reviewed electronic scientific publication journal which is published every 3 months (March, June, September, and December). Althea Medical Journal publishes articles related to research in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, family-community medicine, and public health.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 985 Documents
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung, Indonesia Nesyia Tara Restikasari; Uni Gamayani; Lisda Amalia; Sofiati Dian; Aih Cahyani
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 4 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n4.2362

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the second most common cause of death globally and the third most common cause of disability. The prevalence of stroke is increasing despite managing various stroke risk factors that have improved considerably. Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent type, and about 90% of stroke events are attributable to modifiable risk factors. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and risk factors of patients with acute ischemic stroke in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted retrospectively in October 2020, using a total sampling method on medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital year 2019. Medical records with incomplete and missing data were excluded. Demographic and known risk factors data were collected and presented in the table.Results: Of the 355 subjects, male patients (n=69, 76.7%) were predominant, with the age range of 55–64 years old (36.1%). The majority of the subjects had an ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis (68.2%) with carotid system involvement (93.2%). As much as 305 subjects (85.9%) had hypertension as the risk factor, followed by dyslipidemia (47.3%), heart disease (39.4%), previous stroke history (33.8%), smoking (25.6%), diabetes mellitus (24.5%), hyperuricemia (12.1%), and blood disorders (2.3%).Conclusions: Males in the older age group have a higher risk of getting acute ischemic stroke with ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis and carotid system involvement, and hypertension has the highest prevalence.
Application of Replicate Organism Detection and Counting Method (RODAC) in Measuring Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Contamination in High Burden Laboratories Lidya Chaidir; Neng Rina Susilawati; Mandala Ajie; Jessi Annisa; Muti'ah Nurul Jihadah
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 4 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n4.2789

Abstract

Background: Technicians working in high burden tuberculosis (TB) laboratories pose a higher risk of being infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical samples. Contamination control is mandatory to detect the release of bacteria into the working environment and to minimize the risk of exposure to the workers. The contamination measurement is rarely performed due to the lack of standard methodology. This study optimized and applied a unique culture-based method named Replicate Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates to assess the presence of M. tuberculosis contaminant in the laboratory with high burden of clinical samples. Methods: RODAC was applied on twenty working surfaces in the Mycobacteriology Laboratory of Universitas Padjadjaran. The results of RODAC were compared with DNA-based detection from the same working surfaces using in-house IS6110 real-time PCR (IS6110-qPCR). The detection limit of the RODAC plate was 19.6 CFU mL-1.Results: From all working surfaces tested, two distinct colonies were found on RODAC plate stamped on the Ziehl-Neelsen staining basin. Those colonies were identified as M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), as confirmed by the MPT64 antigen test and the presence of acid-fast bacilli. IS6110-qPCR detected the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA in ten sampling points, including the ZN staining basin, incubators, and microscopy areas. IS6110-qPCR detected more working surface contamination versus RODAC. However, it was noted that RODAC, which was a culture-based method, detected live bacteria, while PCR could not distinguish between live and dead bacteria.Conclusion: The application of the RODAC plate is more suitable for monitoring the contamination of live bacteria in the working environment and to inform a proper corrective action.
Front Cover, Editorial Team, Table of Contents, and Back Cover front back cover
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Front Cover, Editorial Team, Table of Contents, and Back Cover front back cover
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 4 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Effectiveness of Online Height Measurement Training for Parents Fitri Yuniarti; Yenni Zuhairini; Fedri Ruluwedrata Rinawan
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2622

Abstract

Background: The incidence of stunting in Indonesia is high (30.8%), therefore, regular monitoring of children’s height growth is needed. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the health service’s checks are limited, as well as schools as a potential place to monitor children’s growth are closed.  This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of online height measurement training for parents.Methods: This was a quantitative research with one group pre-and post-intervention design. It was conducted in a rural area in West Java, from August to November 2021. The parents of school students were included with a purposive sampling method. The training media was in the form of height measurement videos. The assessment of parents’ skills was an online check sheet with a Likert scale of 1–5 using the Whatsapp application. Analyzes were performed with the Paired T-Test.Results: In total, 86 parents were included, all of whom were mothers with the majority (51.2%) age range of 36–45 year. Parental education varied with most elementary school graduates (27.9%). Most mothers did not work (59.3%). As for the students, the majority were female students (60.5%) between 6–9 years old. The skill score before and after training was effective (d=2.04; p=<0.001).Conclusion: Online height measurement training using video has high effectiveness in improving parents’ skills to self-practice measurement at home.
Anticandidal Activity of Lactoferrin, Apolactoferrin, and Oligosaccharides on Mueller-Hinton and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar against Fluconazole Resistant-Candida Albicans Maureen Miracle Stella; Sem Samuel Surja; Zita Arieselia
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2408

Abstract

Background: The demand for novel, useful, potential, and safe antifungal drugs and rapid fungal susceptibility test methods due to antifungal resistance and high prevalence of Candida albicans infection are continuing. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare the antifungal activity of lactoferrin, apolactoferrin, and oligosaccharides isolated from human, bovine, goat, and formula milk against C. albicans on Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 2% glucose and 5 µg/mL methylene blue and sabouraud dextrose agar.Methods: Lactoferrin, apolactoferrin, and oligosaccharides were extracted from human, bovine, goat, and formula milk. Lactoferrin was identified using the Bradford test and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. Oligosaccharides were identified using Thin-Layer Chromatography. The antifungal activity of lactoferrin, apolactoferrin, and oligosaccharides against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was determined and compared using the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar and sabouraud dextrose agar. The inhibition zone formed around the disk was observed after 24 hours of incubation.Results: Lactoferrin showed an inhibition zone on sabouraud dextrose agar against C. albicans, but not on Mueller-Hinton agar. Meanwhile, apolactoferrin and oligosaccharides showed no antifungal activity on both agar media.Conclusions: Different agar media in the diffusion disk test can give different results even though using the same test method and substance. These results could shed light and become the useful references on why some potential antifungals could yield a different results in in-vitro studies, in-vivo studies, or clinical trials.
Relationship between Parenting Style and Maternal Personal Hygiene with Children’s Personal Hygiene in North Jakarta Rebeka Milenia Magany; Prissilia Nanny Djaya; Felicia Kurniawan
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2294

Abstract

Background: Personal hygiene habits need to be practiced since early childhood because they are essential mechanisms in breaking the chain of transmission of various diseases. Important factors that affect children's personal hygiene are parenting style and maternal personal hygiene. This study aimed to determine the relationship between parenting style and maternal personal hygiene with their children’s personal hygiene.Methods: This study was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional method conducted in July-December 2019. Parenting style and personal hygiene questionnaires were completed by students’ mothers from four primary schools in North Jakarta (n 327). The study used the total sampling method Data collection was analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher exact test.Results: The study showed that 98.5% of students were raised with a non-exposure or authoritative parenting style, of which 57.5% of mothers had poor personal hygiene., Due to this, 61.8% of students had poor personal hygiene. Interestingly, there was a significant relationship between maternal personal hygiene and children's personal hygiene (p = 0.023). However, there was no significant relation between parenting style and children's personal hygiene (p = 0.065).Conclusions: There is no significant relationship between parenting style and children's personal hygiene. There is a significant relationship between maternal personal hygiene and children's personal hygiene. Therefore, parents need to apply the proper parenting style supported by other factors, such as good maternal personal hygiene, to encourage and educate children in achieving good personal hygiene.
Correlation between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Immature-to-total Neutrophil (I/T) Ratio to Bacterial Infection among Children with Chronic Kidney Disease Galuhafiar Puratmaja; Anggraini Alam; Dzulfikar Djalil Lukmanul Hakim; Sri Endah Rahayuningsih; Dida Akhmad Gurnida; Dany Hilmanto
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2673

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children has a long-lived impact, such as an increased risk of bacterial infection. Infection may accelerate disease progression, making early detection crucial. Inflammatory markers typically used for bacterial infection are C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT). This study aimed to determine the correlation between levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and immature-to-total-neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) to bacterial infection in children with CKD as indicated by the serum levels of CRP and PCT.Methods: Observational analysis with a cross-sectional design was conducted from January 2019 to November 2021 in children from 3 months to 18 years old with CKD and bacterial infection.  Retrospective data were obtained from medical records at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung. Correlation analysis was performed (SPSS program) at a 95% confidence level, and results were considered significant if the p-value <0.05.Results: There were 42 children, and 57% were female; with a median age of 13 years (range 1–17 years). Most patients had normal nutritional status (55%) although 40% were malnourished. Correlation analysis between I/T ratio and NLR with PCT was positive, with r=0.284 (p<0.05) and r=0.265 (p<0.05), respectively, whereas there was no significant correlation of I/T ratio (r=0,154; p>0.05) and NLR (r=0,188; p>0.05) to CRP.Conclusions: NLR and I/T ratios have a significant positive correlation with PCT levels but not with CRP levels. NRL and I/T ratios can be considered as alternative markers for diagnosing CKD in children with a bacterial infection.
Clinical Signs in Allergic Rhinitis Patients at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung 2017-2021 Exel Billy Wibowo; Arif Dermawan; Melati Sudiro
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2682

Abstract

Background: The clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis requires comprehensive data from the history and physical examination. Despite being a substantial component of the diagnosis for allergic rhinitis, there is a paucity of studies about clinical signs of allergic rhinitis in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the clinical signs in allergic rhinitis patients at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2021, including secondary data of patients with allergic rhinitis from medical records registered from 2017 to 2021. Data of the characteristics, clinical signs, and allergic rhinitis comorbidities were collected and presented in tables.Results: The most common clinical sign was turbinate hypertrophy (74%), followed by pale nasal mucosa (59%) and clear nasal discharge (59%). The most prevalent comorbidities were chronic rhinosinusitis, adenoid hypertrophy, and asthma.Conclusions: The clinical signs observed from allergic rhinitis patients may vary, with the most common findings, including nasal turbinate hypertrophy, pale nasal mucosa, and clear nasal discharge. The findings may help the clinicians to diagnose allergic rhinitis needed for therapy management. 
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients with Tetanus at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung 2015–2019 Ananda Pratama Kesumaningtyas Gunawan; Ahmad Rizal Ganiem; Siti Aminah; Lisda Amalia; Sofiati Dian
Althea Medical Journal Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v9n3.2299

Abstract

Background: Tetanus is a disease characterized by painful muscle spasms all over the body, which still becomes an important health issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries due to the high mortality rate. The clinical features also affect the mortality rate of adult tetanus patients. Tetanus severity score (TSS) is a prognostic scoring system developed in Vietnam that uses clinical features to predict the mortality rate in adult tetanus patients. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and outcomes of adult tetanus patients using TSS.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total sampling method was conducted between 2015 and 2019. A total of 71 medical records of adult generalized tetanus patients in the Department of Neurology Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung were collected to analyze the clinical features and outcomes using TSS. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software ver. 25.0.Results: Among seventy-one tetanus patients, 62 (87.3%) were male, and the average age was 55.2±11.2 years. More than half of the patients (71%) were having grade III or worse and experienced dysautonomia complications (57.7%). The mortality rate was 38% and those who survived at discharge, 88.64% had TSS score <8, whereas 37.04% who died had TSS score ≥8.Conclusions: Tetanus in Bandung has a high mortality rate. Those who have died have high TSS scores, while the survivors have low TSS scores, suggesting that the TSS is a prospective scoring to predict the mortality rate in patients with tetanus in Indonesia.