Evaluation of quantitative point-of-care test for measurement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria with 8-aminoquinolines is contraindicated in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient individuals due to the risk of acute haemolytic anaemia. Effective G6PD screening is paramount to avoid adverse drug reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of novel quantitative point-of-care (POC) tests as a new screening method for G6PD deficiency in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 153 neonatal cord blood, 99 peripheral blood of older children aged between 1 month to 12-years old, and 62 peripheral adult blood were screened for G6PD deficiency using two quantitative POC tests, CareStartTM biosensor (Carestart) and CareStartTM Biosensor 1 (S1). The results were compared with OSMMR2000D kit as a reference assay. Two statistical analyses were performed in this study to evaluate the POC test performances, the Spearman's correlation test and the Cohen's kappa method.

RESULTS

Both Carestart and S1 tests showed significant positive correlations to OSMMRS000D with r² = 0.7916 and r² = 0.7467. Their measurement of agreement showed a kappa (κ) value of 0.805 (p<0.001, 95% CI), and 0.795 (p<0.001, 95% CI), respectively. Analysis of the area under the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) at 60% cut-off illustrated that the Carestart had 90.2% sensitivity, 98.9% specificity, 98.3% positive predictive value (PPV), and 93.8% negative predictive value (NPV). The corresponding values for the S1 were 95.2%, 100%, 100%, and 96.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the Carestart and S1 biosensors have high-performance reliability for screening of G6PD deficiency, which can guide safe prescriptions of anti-malaria medications and hence, eradication of Plasmodium vivax malaria.

Drone technology in maternal healthcare in Malaysia: A narrative review

INTRODUCTION

The vast advancement of technology and breakthrough in high-tech disciplines created multiple areas of research activities, including the emergence of the medical drone. Malaysia, a rapidly developing country in Southeast Asia is on track to achieving high-income status. However, the stagnant growth of Malaysian maternal healthcare does not run parallel with the aspiration. This review paper assessed and reported narratively the current condition of maternal healthcare in Malaysia, the possible application of drones in improving the sector, exploring in detail several challenges, and providing recommendations for experts in studying the rising technological phenomena.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was done from June 2019 to November 2019 with restrictions to the English language. The search was performed in ScienceDirect, PubMed, and EMBASE databases, using a combination of search terms related to drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), maternal, obstetric, healthcare, medical products transportation and Malaysia. A discourse analysis followed and a narrative review was provided on this subject.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The validated ability of drones in the delivery of blood products is highlighted as a possible application in improving maternal healthcare in Malaysia, particularly in the state of Sabah. Five key challenges are identified: infrastructure, technicalities, regulations, expertise, and social acceptance. Future predictions of drone technology in healthcare were outlined with the suggestion of three principle arms of application.

CONCLUSION

The usage of the medical drone in medical products transportation supports the objectives of WHO MDG 5 for Malaysian maternal health. A study on the impact of drones in reducing the maternal mortality ratio is recommended for further exploration.