Bridging the data gaps in the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Malaysia using multi-parameter evidence synthesis

BACKGROUND: Collecting adequate information on key epidemiological indicators is a prerequisite to informing a public health response to reduce the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Malaysia. Our goal was to overcome the acute data shortage typical of low/middle income countries using statistical modelling to estimate the national HCV prevalence and the distribution over transmission pathways as of the end of 2009. METHODS: Multi-parameter evidence synthesis methods were applied to combine all available relevant data sources - both direct and indirect - that inform the epidemiological parameters of interest. RESULTS: An estimated 454,000 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 392,000 to 535,000) HCV antibody-positive individuals were living in Malaysia in 2009; this represents 2.5% (95% CrI: 2.2-3.0%) of the population aged 15-64 years. Among males of Malay ethnicity, for 77% (95% CrI: 69-85%) the route of probable transmission was active or a previous history of injecting drugs. The corresponding proportions were smaller for male Chinese and Indian/other ethnic groups (40% and 71%, respectively). The estimated prevalence in females of all ethnicities was 1% (95% CrI: 0.6 to 1.4%); 92% (95% CrI: 88 to 95%) of infections were attributable to non-drug injecting routes of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalent number of persons living with HCV infection in Malaysia is estimated to be very high. Low/middle income countries often lack a comprehensive evidence base; however, evidence synthesis methods can assist in filling the data gaps required for the development of effective policy to address the future public health and economic burden due to HCV. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0564-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Masquerade syndrome: an ocular involvement of lung cancer.

We report a case of a 37-year-old smoker who presented with painless and sudden onset of loss of upper field vision of the right eye, associated with one month history of dry cough which was unresponsive to antibiotic and subsequent anti- tuberculosis therapy. Visual acuity at presentation was counting finger. There was bullous retinal detachment on examination. Radiological imaging revealed multiple lung opacities, involving the brain and the right orbit. Bronchoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung. This case illustrates masquerade syndrome of which a lung carcinoma harbours behind a seemingly innocent retinal detachment. It also highlights the importance of entertaining lung carcinoma as a differential diagnosis in suspected tuberculosis among heavy smokers

CASE REPORT Masquerade Syndrome: An Ocular Involvement of Lung Cancer

ABSTRAK ABSTRACT We report a case of a 37-year-old smoker who presented with painless and sudden onset of loss of upper field vision of the right eye, associated with one month history of dry cough which was unresponsive to antibiotic and subsequent antituberculosis therapy. Visual acuity at presentation was counting finger. There was bullous retinal detachment on examination. Radiological imaging revealed multiple lung opacities, involving the brain and the right orbit. Bronchoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung. This case illustrates masquerade syndrome of which a lung carcinoma harbours behind a seemingly innocent retinal detachment. It also highlights the importance of entertaining lung carcinoma as a differential diagnosis in suspected tuberculosis among heavy smokers