Fazliana Binti Ismail

Verified @gmail.com

Lecturer, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine
University Malaya Medical Centre, Universiti Malaya

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic, Lacrimal, Orbital and Reconstruction Surgery

14

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Association of ARMS2, HTRA1 and CFH genes polymorphisms in patients with age-related macular degeneration in the Malaysian population
    Fazliana Ismail, Sarni Mat Junit, Lee Ching Chin, Jaime Jacqueline Jayapalan, and Visvaraja Subrayan

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Abstract Background Despite extensive research efforts, understanding the precise causes and molecular underpinnings of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains elusive. Exploring different populations becomes crucial to establish conclusive insights into the role of genetic factors in AMD. Methodology This study aimed to investigate the association between the well-documented major risk alleles in the HTRA1, ARMS2 and CFH genes with AMD in the Malaysian multi-ethnic population. A total of 205 subjects were enrolled in this study, 103 were diagnosed with AMD while 102 represented the control subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gene amplification was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, genotyping for the HTRA1, ARMS2 and CFH genes was performed using direct DNA sequencing analysis. Results Significant associations (p < 0.05) were detected with AMD for both SNP rs11200638: G > A in the promoter of HTRA1 and rs10490924: G > T in ARMS2 but not for variant Y402H in CFH gene (p > 0.05) in our study population. The A allele frequency of rs11200638 in the HTRA1 promoter was 51.9% in cases versus 39.2% in controls (p = 0.010). The frequency of AA genotype was 28.2% for AMD cases, compared to 17.6% in controls (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.19–5.58; p = 0.043). The frequency of the TT genotype of rs10490924 in ARMS2 was 25.2% in cases versus 8.8% in controls (OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.83–5.99; p = 0.002). Conclusion The study reveals an association between specific genetic variants in the HTRA1 and ARMS2 genes and the occurrence of AMD in the Malaysian population. However, contrary to expectations, the study did not identify a substantial correlation between AMD and the Y402H variant of the CFH gene in this specific population.

  • When brakes fail you: Oculocardiac reflex elicited by a retained foreign body in a penetrating orbital injury
    Sabrina Abu Hassan Asaari, Dharshini Balasubramaniam, Norlina Ramli, and Fazliana Ismail

    Elsevier BV

  • Unusual presentation of infectious crystalline keratopathy: A case report with literature review
    Pey Yih Ng, Marium J. Ahmad, Fazliana Ismail, Pooi Wah Lott, and Sujaya Singh

    SAGE Publications
    Introduction Infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK) is a rare corneal disease. ICK has been recognised in patients with immunocompromised cornea or post penetrating keratoplasty. Here we report a case of ICK in an apparently healthy cornea. Case description A 25-years old Chinese female, with no history of systemic or ocular disease, presented to the eye clinic with one-month history of right eye (RE) blurring of vision with foreign body sensation. On examination, there were dense white crystalline needle-like projections over inferior paracentral corneal stroma with intact epithelium. There was also presence of lower eyelid epiblepharon with lashes rubbing against the diseased area. Corneal scraping cultures were suggestive of bacterial infection. Patient responded well with corneal epithelium debridement, intensive topical antibiotics and epiblepharon correction to prevent further microtrauma. Conclusions The only contributing factor for ICK in our patient was trichiasis from epiblepharon. Repetitive microtrauma caused by the eyelashes lead to direct penetration and inoculation of normal ocular flora into the corneal stroma. Clinicians need to be vigilant in ruling out other possible causes such as lid abnormalities when managing an ICK patient without apparent risk factors.

  • Ophthalmic features of craniosynostosis: A Malaysian experience
    Abdullah Ashraf Rafique Ali, Fazliana Ismail, Choo May May, Azlindarita Aisyah Mohd Abdullah, Nurliza Khaliddin, Firdaus Hariri, Zainal Ariff Abdul Rahman, and Tajunisah Iqbal

    SAGE Publications
    Background: This study aims to collect local Malaysian data regarding the ophthalmic features and complications in craniosynostosis patients who attended the Combined Craniofacial Clinic (CFC) in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Methods: Retrospective study of medical notes of craniosynostosis patients who attended the CFC in UMMC from 2014 to December 2020. Results: Out of 37 patients, 29 had syndromic craniosynostosis, and 8 had non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Visual impairment was present in 32.1% of patients. Causes for visual impairment were as follows – amblyopia (25.0%), exposure keratopathy (3.6%), and optic atrophy (3.6%). Hypermetropia and myopia were each seen in 20.6% of patients. Astigmatism was seen in 47.1% of patients, and 29.1% had anisometropia. Proptosis was present in 78.6% and lagophthalmos in 53.3% of patients. Strabismus in primary position occurred in 51.7% of patients. Thirty-one percent of the patients had exposure keratopathy. Optic disc atrophy was seen in 13.7% of patients, and 8.3% had optic disc swelling. Optic disc swelling was resolved in all patients who underwent craniofacial surgery. Conclusion: Our experience in Malaysia was consistent with previously reported data on ophthalmic features of craniosynostosis patients. Additionally, we found that non-syndromic craniosynostosis patients are also at risk of ocular complications just as much as syndromic patients. Appropriate treatment of amblyogenic risk factors, ocular complications, and timely detection of papilledema, and prompt surgical intervention are crucial in preserving long-term visual function in these patients.

  • The Effect of Irradiated Riboflavin in Human Tenon’s Fibroblast–A Study on Cellular Viability
    Wendy Yen Nee See, Fazliana Ismail, Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul Kadir, and Visvaraja Subrayan

    Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT Purpose/ Aim The main purpose of this work is to study the cellular viability effect of irradiated riboflavin in cultured human tenon fibroblasts. Materials and Methods The tenon tissue was harvested from a patient undergoing strabismus surgery. The human tenon fibroblast cell culture and isolation were performed according to the standard laboratory cell culturing protocol. The cells were divided into three groups: control, treatment with irradiated and non-irradiated riboflavin. There were five different concentrations (0.00156%, 0.003125%, 0.00625%, 0.0125%, 0.025%) in each group of riboflavin. The fibroblasts were treated with riboflavin and the cellular viability was assessed at 24-hour and 48-hour post treatment with MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The absorbance values were analysed using Magellan microplate reader data analysis. A triplicate of readings was taken. The data were presented as mean ± standard deviation of the triplicates. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analysis version 23. Results Irradiated riboflavin caused a concentration-dependent cell death in human tenon fibroblast cell culture (p < .05). The antiproliferative difference between irradiated and non-irradiated riboflavin was significant up to 48 hours (p < .05). Post hoc multiple comparisons showed higher concentrations of irradiated riboflavin (0.0125% and 0.025%) caused more reduction in cellular viability in human tenon fibroblast cells (p < .05). The duration of treatment is not a causative factor in this study. Conclusions This pilot experiment demonstrated that irradiated riboflavin induced cell death in human tenon fibroblast culture in a concentration-dependent manner, but is not time-dependent. Further exploratory investigations should be performed to determine the mechanism of cell death. We postulate that apoptosis occurred in these irradiated riboflavin-treated cells.

  • Screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms among fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy subjects in Malaysia
    Ker Hsin Ng, Visvaraja Subrayan, Vasudevan Ramachandran, and Fazliana Ismail

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Abstract Background The pathophysiology underlying Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), especially in older individuals, remains unclear, with a genetic predisposition being reported as the single best predictor of the disease. Genetic studies have shown that several genes in various loci such as COL8A2, SLC4A11, TCF8/ZEB1 and TCF4 are associated with FECD in different populations and ethnicities. A case–control study was conducted to determine the association between genetic variants and FECD in a tertiary care setting in Malaysia. A total number of 12 patients with clinically diagnosed FECD and 12 age, gender and race matched control subjects were recruited. Extracted genomic DNA were genotyped using Infinium Global Screening Array (GSA)-24 version 1.0 BeadChip with iScan high-throughput system. Illumina GenomeStudio 2.0 Data Analysis and PLINK version 1.9 software were used to perform association tests and determine the distribution of obtained variants among the cases and controls. Results A significant novel genetic variant, rs11626651, a variant of the LOC105370676 gene or known as the LINC02320 gene, located at chromosome 14, has been identified as a suggestive association with FECD (p &lt; 5 × 10−6). Further analysis in this study suggested that candidate genes such as COL8A2, ZEB1/TCF8, TCF4 and SLC4A11 had no significant associations with FECD. Conclusions The discovery of a novel variant may influence the underlying pathogenic basis of FECD in Malaysia. The current study is the first genetic study on FECD to use Infinium GSA. It is the first comprehensive report in Malaysia to provide genetic information of potential relevance to FECD, which may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in the future. A detailed analysis with a larger sample size is recommended for further evaluation.

  • Pre-Emptive Topical Ketorolac Tromethamine 0.5% for Panretinal Photocoagulation
    Joanne Shalini Chewa Raja, Sujaya Singh, and Fazliana Ismail

    Mary Ann Liebert Inc
    Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% given pre-emptively a day before, for alleviating pain in patients undergoing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment. Methods: A controlled single-blinded study was conducted on 33 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR; severe nonproliferative DR, proliferative DR, or advanced diabetic eye disease) who required PRP treatment in both eyes simultaneously. Each eye of the patients was randomly assigned for ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% eyedrop or placebo. Both eyedrop bottles were randomly labeled. Eyedrops were self-administered by the patients, 4 times a day before the procedure (at 6 am, 12 noon, 6 pm, and 12 midnight) and every 15 min for 1 h (4 times) before the laser. Each patient was subjected to PRP using a Visulas 532s Zeiss device set to spot size 200 μm, time 0.10 s, and ∼600 burns in each eye. The pain score was evaluated immediately after treatment in each eye independently with Scott's visual analog scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Results: VAS pain score in ketorolac-treated eyes (median 3.0, interquatile range [IQR] ±2.5) was lower than in placebo-treated eyes (median 5.0, IQR ±3.0). Total Pain Rate Index score from MPQ was lower in ketorolac-treated eyes (median 3.0, IQR ±3.0) than in placebo-treated eyes (median 3.0, IQR ±2.5). Both pain score differences are statistically significant with P ˂ 0.05. Conclusion: Topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% given pre-emptively a day before is effective in alleviating pain in patients undergoing PRP treatment.

  • A Rare Case of von Willebrand Disease Presenting as Hemolacria and Literature Review
    Gunavathy Nandakumal, Fazliana Ismail, Nor Fadhilah Mohamad, Pooi Wah Lott, Kee Seang Chew, Syaza Ab Rahman, and Sujaya Singh

    Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
    Hemolacria is a rare condition that causes a person to produce tears that are partially composed of blood. It can be a presenting feature of certain ocular and systemic conditions. Here, the authors describe an interesting case of a 12-year-old boy with an underlying beta-thalassemia trait, who presented with a 2-day history of bilateral blood-stained tears, and an episode of epistaxis. Ocular examination was normal, and syringing showed no nasolacrimal duct blockage. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory investigations confirmed type 2 von Willebrand disease. Management of hemolacria remains a clinical challenge given the rare occurrence of the disease. In this case report, the authors discuss the differential diagnosis and management approach to hemolacria.

  • Analysis of complications following multidisciplinary functional intervention in paediatric craniomaxillofacial deformities
    F. Hariri, M.F. Abdullah, K.B.C. Adam, N.F.A. Bahuri, J. Kulasegarah, A.M. Nathan, F. Ismail, N. Khaliddin, C.M. May, L. Chan,et al.

    Elsevier BV

  • Total resolution of ocular Kaposi sarcoma with different treatment approaches – a case series and review of literature
    Justin Yeak, Tajunisah Iqbal, Mimiwati Zahari, and Fazliana Ismail

    SAGE Publications
    Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disease that can vary from low-grade to aggressive and lethal multicentric vascular lesions, which can involve various locations, commonly mucocutaneous, lymph nodes, and visceral organs. It can also involve unusual sites such as the eye, central or peripheral nervous system, larynx, and many other anatomical sites. We describe three cases of ocular KS, which resolved completely following different treatment modalities. All three cases were known HIV-positive individuals with low CD4 cell counts. Case 1 received pegylated doxorubicin, case 2 received local radiotherapy, and case 3 received only highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). All three cases responded well to their respective therapy. Ocular KS is generally responsive to treatment. Initiation of HAART can achieve a remarkable response. In large or resistant cases, other treatment modalities can be considered to achieve resolution of lesions.

  • A rare case of solitary unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis with orbital extension: Diagnostic dilemma
    Maftuhim Addenan, ChooMay May, TeohKean Hooi, Fazliana Ismail, and TengkuAin Kamalden

    Medknow
    Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is rarely encountered in ophthalmology practice. It is a spectrum of disorder characterized by accumulation of histiocytes in various tissues. Diagnosis is challenging as it may simulate periorbital hematoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. We report a case of unifocal LCH with orbital extension. Diagnosis was obtained from incisional biopsy, and histopathological examination showed numerous histiocytes with eosinophilic infiltrations. The presence of Langerhans cells was confirmed by the presence of protein S-100, CD1a, and/or Langerin (CD207). Treatment depends on the degree of organ involvement. She responded well to cytotoxic drugs and steroids. This emphasized that prompt tissue diagnosis is crucial for early management.

  • Copy number variation in VEGF gene as a biomarker of susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration
    Norshakimah Md Bakri, Vasudevan Ramachandran, Fan Kee Hoo, Visvaraja Subrayan, Hazlita Isa, Nor Fariza Ngah, Nur Afiqah Mohamad, Siew Mooi Ching, Yoke Mun Chan, Patimah Ismail,et al.

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Association of copy number variations in complement factor H-Related genes among age-related macular degenerative subjects
    Norshakimah Md Bakri, Vasudevan Ramachandran, Hoo Fan Kee, Visvaraja Subrayan, Hazlita Isa, Nor Fariza Ngah, Nur Afiqah Mohamad, Ching Siew Mooi, Chan Yoke Mun, Patimah Ismail,et al.

    Wiley

  • Nasal chondroma presenting as hypertelorism
    Fazliana Ismail, Mohammadreza Peyman, Viknes Waran, Sushil Vasudevan, and Visvaraja Subrayan

    Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
    Purpose To report a rare case of nasal chondroma presenting as hypertelorism. Case Report We report a case of a 16-year-old boy with a large calcified mass arising from the posterior nasal cavity presenting as hypertelorism. Surgical excision was done, and the histopathological examination revealed a chondroma. The hypertelorism resolved postoperatively. Conclusions Nasal chondroma may also present innocuously as hypertelorism as in this case.