The Difference of Malondialdehyde and Lipid Profile Level Between Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy Who Had Long Term Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine Therapy

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological impairment in the world. Previous study have suggested that long term used of anti epileptic drugs in children might impair lipid metabolism and increase lipid peroxidation. The purpose of this study is to determine the long term impact of antiepileptic drugs (AED) such as valproic acid and carbamazepine, on malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein) level of pediatric patients with epilepsy. It is a Cross-sectional study, performed from May to July 2016 in Neurology Pediatric Ward Dr.Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung. There were 61 children, aged 2-14 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Blood sample was drawn to measure MDA and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) level in each subject. The study showed higher MDA levels in carbamazepine group and had significant difference (p<0.05) based on Mann-Whitney test on both groups. The lipid profiles, whether it were total cholesterol, LDL or HDL level, were also higher in carbamazepine group and showed significant difference of lipid components in both group (p<0.05) based on MANOVA test. As a conclusion, there is a consideration to observe lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) level in children with epilepsy treated by long term carbamazepine. Keywords: Epilepsy, children, lipid profile, malondialdehyde, anti-epileptic dru

Treatment Outcomes of Childhood Tuberculous Meningitis in a Real-World Retrospective Cohort, Bandung, Indonesia

We retrospectively evaluated clinical features and outcomes in children treated for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, during 2011–2020. Among 283 patients, 153 (54.1%) were 38°C, stage III TBM, and baseline motor deficit. Despite treatment, childhood TBM in Indonesia causes substantial neurologic sequelae and death, highlighting the importance of improved early diagnosis, better tuberculosis prevention, and optimized TBM management strategies

The High Prevalence of Negative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs) among Pregnant Women in Bandung, Indonesia: A Community-Based Study

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a disease that creates a high global burden by affecting approximately 3.5% of the total world population. The main transmission of this disease is from mother to child (MTCT). HBV vaccination program was already initiated in Indonesia in 1987. However, after three decades, the HBV infection prevalence stays stagnant. This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of HBV markers and the attributable risk factors of pregnant women at risk of transmitting HBV to their offspring. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women from primary midwifery and obstetric clinics across Bandung, Indonesia, to assess the HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs serological markers. Questionnaire-based interviews were used to obtain the sociodemographic determinants. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association of each determinant factor to positive HBsAg or negative anti-HBs as a dependent variable, which was then reported as odds ratios (OR). Results. A total of 196 subjects were recruited with 12/196 (6.1%) of them were positive HBsAg. After exclusions of those with positive HBsAg and anti-HBc, 24/175 (13.7%) women were isolated as positive anti-HBs, leaving 151/175 (86.3%) women with negative anti-HBs who were susceptible to HBV infection. Low body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2 was a risk factor for positive HBsAg with OR=5.850 (95% CI 1.466-23.34), p=0.012. Nevertheless, no significant determinant factor was associated with negative anti-HBs. Conclusion. Most pregnant women in Bandung, Indonesia, are susceptible to HBV infection, as marked by the negative anti-HBs status