Bangi

Obstructive sleep apnea OSA is a widespread health concern characterized by underdiagnosis, especially among adults. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing OSA, and its rising prevalence globally and in Malaysia contributes significantly to this problem. OSA can lead to serious cardiovascular and neurocognitive effects, including hypertension, insulin resistance, heart failure, poor concentration, memory loss, and increased risk of accidents. This study is a randomized crossover trial comparing two types of CPAP devices the conventional AirSense 10 and the portable AirMini. Participants with moderate to severe OSA will use each device for 7 days in random order. The study aims to assess user satisfaction, air leak, comfort, portability, maintenance, and treatment efficacy measured by reductions in apnea-hypopnea index AHI and required pressure levels. Participants will undergo a sleep study to confirm their OSA diagnosis and then be randomized to start with either CPAP device. After each 7-day usage period, they will complete questionnaires rating their experience with the devices. Data on device effectiveness and user satisfaction will be collected and analyzed. The total participation time involves two consecutive 7-day treatment periods with assessments at the end of each period.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide affecting over 300 million people, often leading to frequent exacerbations that worsen health and quality of life. This research evaluates the efficacy and safety of two mucolytic treatments, dry powder Ivy Extract Syrup Prospan and N-Acetylcysteine NAC, in managing COPD symptoms and preventing exacerbations. The study aims to compare cough symptoms, quality of life, lung function, and patient satisfaction between these treatments over 30 days. Participants with stable COPD will be randomly assigned to receive either Syrup Prospan 7.5 mL twice daily or N-Acetylcysteine 600 mg twice daily for one month. The study is open-label and will run from May 2024 to November 2026. Both groups will be monitored for adherence, side effects, and treatment satisfaction. The trial aims to recruit around 100 participants, equally divided between the two treatments. Participants will undergo baseline evaluations including spirometry, COPD assessment tests, and questionnaires on cough and quality of life before starting treatment. Follow-up visits will occur on Day 15 and Day 30 to assess compliance and repeat tests. Researchers will measure cough severity using the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire, quality of life with the McGill COPD Questionnaire, and lung function by spirometry. Safety and treatment satisfaction will also be monitored throughout the 30-day period.

Pneumonia, a lung infection, often leads to pleural space infections such as parapneumonic effusions and empyema, which cause significant illness and risk, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. This research compares two intrapleural treatments combining alteplase with either DNase or tyloxapol to evaluate their effectiveness and safety in managing pleural infection. The study aims to address the challenge of draining infected fluid in cases where simple chest tube drainage may not be sufficient due to loculations. The study evaluates two treatment groups one receiving intrapleural alteplase with DNase and the other receiving intrapleural alteplase with tyloxapol. Both treatments involve administering the medications sequentially via a chest tube, with clamping and unclamping periods to promote drainage. Dosages of alteplase range from 5 to 10 mg, with DNase or tyloxapol doses also specified. Treatment timing and chest tube removal are determined by the treating chest physician. This observational study uses data from patients treated from June 2023 to June 2025. Participants are adult patients with pleural infection and poor drainage after chest tube insertion. Researchers will assess changes in pleural opacity on chest x-rays, inflammatory markers like white blood cells and C-reactive protein, and the volume of pleural fluid drained within 72 hours. They will also compare hospital stay lengths, surgical intervention rates, adverse effects, and 30-day mortality. Data collection involves reviewing clinical and imaging records. The study enrolls patients from specific medical centers and concludes in mid-2028.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder marked by ongoing difficulties falling or staying asleep, often leading to daytime problems. It affects about 10-15% of adults and can have serious physical, mental, and social impacts. This research evaluates personalized nocturnal sound frequency therapy, a non-drug approach designed to improve brain rhythms during sleep, aiming to enhance sleep quality and architecture in people with insomnia. Participants will use a wearable sound stimulation device for 12 weeks. This device delivers personalized low-frequency sounds, such as pink noise or slow-wave-matched tones, twice daily for one hour each session once in the morning upon waking and once in the evening before sleep. The therapy is self-administered at home with volume above 30% and frequencies between 15 and 20,000 Hz. The study includes baseline and follow-up overnight sleep studies polysomnography to measure effects. During the study, participants will undergo sleep assessments including polysomnography to evaluate sleep stages and quality before and after treatment. Questionnaires measuring insomnia severity, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness will also be completed. Researchers will monitor treatment adherence, tolerability, and any adverse events over the 12 weeks. The primary outcome is to compare sleep architecture changes, with secondary outcomes including changes in insomnia severity, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and apnea-hypopnea index.