Myeloma kidney – a treatable yet often forgotten disease

Multiple myeloma is a blood dyscrasias that accounts of almost 10% of all hematological malignancy. The presentation of myeloma kidney is highly variable and it often presents as renal insufficiency, renal tubular dysfunction and proteinuria of various types. In Malaysia the true incidence of myeloma kidney is unknown. Often the diagnosis of myeloma kidney was missed out despite the patient has sought medical treatment early. A high index of suspicion is required when the middle to elderly age patients present with unexplained renal impairment and enlarged kidneys. We present here the presentation of a rare subtype of myeloma in a relatively young patient whereby the patient presented with nephrotic syndrome and azotemia

Myeloma kidney – a treatable yet often forgotten disease

Multiple myeloma is a blood dyscrasias that accounts of almost 10% of all hematological malignancy. The presentation of myeloma kidney is highly variable and it often presents as renal insufficiency, renal tubular dysfunction and proteinuria of various types. In Malaysia the true incidence of myeloma kidney is unknown. Often the diagnosis of myeloma kidney was missed out despite the patient has sought medical treatment early. A high index of suspicion is required when the middle to elderly age patients present with unexplained renal impairment and enlarged kidneys. We present here the presentation of a rare subtype of myeloma in a relatively young patient whereby the patient presented with nephrotic syndrome and azotemia

Pathogen genomic surveillance status among lower resource settings in Asia

Asia remains vulnerable to new and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding how to improve next generation sequencing (NGS) use in pathogen surveillance is an urgent priority for regional health security. Here we developed a pathogen genomic surveillance assessment framework to assess capacity in low-resource settings in South and Southeast Asia. Data collected between June 2022 and March 2023 from 42 institutions in 13 countries showed pathogen genomics capacity exists, but use is limited and under-resourced. All countries had NGS capacity and seven countries had strategic plans integrating pathogen genomics into wider surveillance efforts. Several pathogens were prioritized for human surveillance, but NGS application to environmental and human–animal interface surveillance was limited. Barriers to NGS implementation include reliance on external funding, supply chain challenges, trained personnel shortages and limited quality assurance mechanisms. Coordinated efforts are required to support national planning, address capacity gaps, enhance quality assurance and facilitate data sharing for decision making