Research

The Department of Anaesthesiology (Universiti Malaya) set the goal to grow in research, to enhance the fundamental and clinical knowledge, as well as quality improvement in our service. Over the years, we saw the growth of our department supporting the expanding knowledge in perioperative care and critical care.

The research in our department covers a diverse specialties: Pain, paediatric, airway, critical care, education, outcome, and database research. In addition to conducting basic pharmacokinetic studies, prospective observational or interventional research, we also collaborate with international centres in conducting large trials.

Besides producing research published in international journals, we encourage the research culture among the trainees and faculty by providing supervision support, teaching, and training. We are committed to advance our research in the future in our department, as well as nationally.

Research Team

Prof Azim

Prof. Dr. Nor’azim is a highly accomplished intensivist specializing in fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance in critically ill patients, with a strong research background and active involvement in sepsis and acute kidney injury. He currently leads the Malaysian Society of Intensive Care (MSIC) Clinical Trials Group and excels in teaching Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Patient Safety.

MSA_5328

Assoc Prof Chaw Sook Hui

Associate Professor Dr. Chaw Sook Hui is a consultant anesthesiologist with expertise in anesthesiology and a special interest in pediatric anesthesia and the perioperative care of complex surgical cases. Dr. Chaw is actively involved in advancing research in pediatric anesthesia, critical incident reporting, and clinical safety protocols. Dr Chaw’s research interests include improving the management of pediatric patients through data-driven approaches and fostering interdisciplinary work that bridges clinical practice and education.

Soo Tein

Dr Ngoi Soo Tein

Dr. Ngoi is a Molecular Microbiologist specializing in bacteriology, bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular epidemiology. Her research bridges fundamental and applied microbiology, advancing disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and targeted interventions. She also contributes to teaching academic writing, research design, and statistics.

Research Administrative

Pn Sujithara Devi Murugan

Research Assistants

Foong Yi Xian
Carolyn Loh Tze Ing
Haiza Maisarah Binti Mohamad Ali Akbar
Kelly Jong Xue Jing

Higher-Degree by Research (HDR)

Candidates HDR Category Supervisors Project Title
Carolyn Loh Tze Ing PhD 1. Mohd Shahnaz Hasan, Lee Zheng Yii, Nor’Azim Mohd Yunos Muscularity and Outcomes in Critical Illness: The influence of COVID-19 and the role of nutrition delivery
Haiza Maisarah Mohamad Ali Akbar PhD Chaw Sook Hui, Ngoi Soo Tein Comparative Multi Omics Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Frail and Non-Frail Older Surgical Patients
Foong Keng Wah PhD Loh Pui San, Chaw Sook Hui Developing An Allometric Pharmacokinetic Model: Towards the Prediction of Intravenous Lidocaine in Adult Surgical Patients
Khadijah Poh Yuen Yoong PhD Rafidah Binti Atan Development and Implementation of The Heart-Lung Protocol: Integrating Focused Cardiac and Lung Ultrasound in the Management of Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema and Acute Heart Failure Patients Requiring Non-Invasive Ventilation
Siti Nursyafiqah binti Sulaiman Master Mohd Shahnaz Hasan Fibre vs Peptide Formulas in Managing Diarrhea Among Critically Ill Patients: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study
Chaw Sook Hui PhD 1. Ina Ismiarti Shariffuddin
2. Lo Yoke Lin
Optimizing perioperative pain management: focus on pain interventions and patient-reported outcomes.
Cheong Jun Leong Master 1. Loh Pui San
2. Ina Ismiarti Shariffuddin
Comparing the association of different frailty screening tools with postoperative delirium
Tah Pei Chien PhD Mohd Shahnaz Hasan Development Of Predictive Equation For The Estimation Of Energy Requirement Among Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients In Malaysia
Lee Zheng Yii PhD Mohd Shahnaz Hasan Muscle Mass, Clinical Outcome and Protein Delivery in Critically ill Patients
Puteri Juanita Zamri PhD Mohd Shahnaz Hasan Optimised Doses of Polymyxins to Improve Outcomes for Non-Critically Ill and Critically Ill Patients Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative Bacterial Infection.(COLLABORATE STUDY
Mohamad Irfan
Othman Jailani
Master Mohd Shahnaz Hasan The Association of Protein-Energy Adequacy with Mortality In Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Observational Single-Centre Study.
Cindy Yap Sing Ling Master Mohd Shahnaz Hasan The Relationship Between Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength and Physical Function Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients: A Single Centre Prospective Observational Study

 

Research Projects

No.

Research Projects

Year

Funder

Researchers

1

Continuation And Expansion of Malaysia Critical Care Registry: Collaboration for Research, Implementation and Training in Critical Care in Asia and Africa (CCAA)

2025-2028

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Mohd Shahnaz Hasan

2

Elucidating The Cellular and Molecular Heterogeneity in Mechanically Stimulated Normal and Diseased Tendons Cells to Interrogate Key Cell Pathways That Underpin Chronic Tendon Disease

2025-2028

Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT)

Ngoi Soo Tein

3

Evaluation of Gut Microbiota as Predictors of Surgical Outcomes in Frail Older Patients

2025-2027

UM BKP ECRG

Ngoi Soo Tein, Chaw Sook Hui, Loh Pui San

4

Advancing the ERAS Protocol in Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Single-Shot Erector Spinae Plane Block in Breast Cancer Patients

2025-2027

Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre C.A.R.E

Lui Ken-Yi

5

Rationalisation of Venous Access Instrument Trays at UMMC Critical Care

2025-2026

UM Living Labs

Jeyaganesh S. Veerakumaran

6

Evaluating the Efficacy and Utility of the Automated Pupillometer in Pain Assessment and Opioid Administration Guidance During the Perioperative Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2025-2026

UM BKP ECRG

Yeap Chun Hong, Jeyaganesh S. Veerakumaran, Chaw Sook Hui

7

A Comparative Assessment of Heart Function Using Transesophageal Echocardiography Versus Arterial Waveform Analysis: A Prospective Observational Study

2025-2027

UM BKP ECRG

Ili Syazana Binti Jamal Azmi, Noorjahan Haneem Binti Md Hashim, Mohd Fitry, Ahmad Fariz Elias

8

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Impact of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Periarticular Ropivacaine Infiltration on Postoperative Pain and Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

2025-2027

DATO’ MAHMOOD MERICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH GRANT (MMRG)

Ahmad Fariz Elias, Nabilah Binti Abdul Ghani

9

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) with Ketamine–Morphine (PCA KetaMorph) vs PCA Morphine for Postoperative Analgesia in Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery – A Randomized Controlled Trial (PCA KetaMorph trial)

2025-2027

UM BKP ECRG

Nur Ainina Zulkeplee, Mohd Shahnaz Hasan, Siti Nadzrah Yunus

10

The Effect of Intravenous Fish Oil Emulsion on Inflammatory Markers, Organ Function, Muscle Mass, Physical Function, And Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with High Inflammatory Status. A Phase II, Single-blind, Dose-finding, Randomized Controlled Trial (foil-inflame)

2024-2027

Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH, Germany

Mohd Shahnaz Hasan; Zheng Yii Lee

11

Efficacy and Health Economics of Antimicrobial-impregnated Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) compared to non-impregnated CVCs in Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) Prevention in a Malaysia University Hospital Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

2024-2025

Teleflex Medical Incorporated

Ina Ismiarti Binti Shariffuddin

12

Aetiologic Agents Of Community Acquired Pneumonia in South-east Asia

2024-2026

Tan Tock Seng Hospital Pte Ltd

Nor’azim bin Mohd Yunos

13

Long-read genome sequencing of Salmonella enterica strain isolated from poultry origin

2024-2025

Codon Genomics Sdn Bhd

Ngoi Soo Tein

14

A comparative study of sevoflurane sedation with TCI propofol sedation in dialysis dependent end stage renal failure patients for transposition of brachiocephalic fistula repair

2023-2024

Cheong CC (PI)

15

A prospective observational study of cricoid pressure in the pediatric population, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya)(PPUM)

2023-2024

Cheong CC (PI)

16

Does higher operation theatre ambient temperature and intravenous ondansetron prophylaxis reduce incidence of post-spinal shivering in obstetric population? A double-blind, randomised, factorial study.

2023-2024

Lim SM (PI)

17

Management of perioperative pain using erector spinae plane block in open microscopic lumbar surgery

2023-2024

Tan WK (PI)

18

Usage of qNox score in enhanced recovery after surgery ERAS for elective craniotomy

2023-2024

Jeyaganesh SV (PI)

19

The dynamicity of female endobiota in association with vaginal dysbiosis and infections

2023-2024

International

Ngoi ST (PI)

20

Utilizing nominal group technique approach in the development of context-specific interventions to improve antimicrobial stewardship within critical care areas

2023-2024

TRGS

Shairil RR

21

Emergency physician performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to diagnose blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI)

2023-2023

Mohd Shahnaz (PI)

22

Integration of electronic medical records using machine learning approach to identify high-risk surgical patients during the perioperative period

2022-2025

FRGS

Chaw SH (PI), Ina Ismiarti S, Loh PS

23

Microbiome and detection of bacterial vaginosis in women of reproductive age

2022-2025

Ngoi ST

24

The Southeast and East Asian post-operative delirium (SEAPOD) study

2022-2025

National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore Grant

Loh PS

25

Ashield: a portable viral aerosol filtration system for clinical applications

2022-2024

MOSTI Combating COVID-19 Fund

Ina Ismiarti S, Noorjahan HMH

26

BacV: In-home testing for bacterial vaginosis

2022-2024

IIRG

Ngoi ST

27

MY-CAMsP Registry 2022 (Malaysian Critical Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Registry 2022). Identifying targets for quality improvement in antimicrobial prescribing in Malaysian critical care areas: A repeated point prevalence survey

2022-2024

TRGS

Shairil RR

28

Peri-anesthetic morbidity in children in Asia: A prospective multinational multicenter observational study to investigate epidemiology of severe critical events in pediatric anesthesia in Asia

2022-2024

Asian Society of Pediatric Anesthesiologists Research Group (A-PEAR)

Ina Ismiarti S (PI)

29

Perioperative myocardial injury in hip fracture patients: A comparison between accelerated surgery and standard care

2022-2024

University Grant

Loh PS

30

REMAP-CAP: Randomized, embedded, multifactorial adaptive platform trial for community: Acquired pneumonia in COVID-19

2022-2024

International

Mohd Shahnaz (PI)

31

Audit on ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery

2022-2023

Siti Nadzrah (PI)

32

Comparison of the 3D-CAM with CAM in detecting postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery

2022-2023

Loh PS

33

Evaluation of the effect of intravenous lignocaine on SSEP and MEP reading in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery

2022-2023

Siti Nadzrah

34

Improving perioperative acute pain management with the implementation of a protocol in UMMC, pain out study

2022-2023

Nabilah AG (PI)

35

Inactivation of S. mutans dental biofilms by using cold atmospheric pressure plasma

2022-2023

Ngoi ST

36

Machine learning in anesthesia

2022-2023

Chaw SH (PI)

37

Pneumonia Dosing in critically ill patients (PNEUDOS)

2022-2023

International

Mohd Shahnaz

38

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in paediatric surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

2022-2023

Nabilah AG

39

The mega randomised registry trial comparing conservative vs. liberal oxygenation targets (MEGAROX)

2021-2025

International

Mohd Shahnaz (PI), Nor’Azim MY, Rafidah Atan

40

Long term effects of COVID-19 on survivors requiring intensive care treatment

2021-2024

FRGS

Nor’Azim MY, Rafidah Atan

41

Asian microbiome research

2021-2023

International

Ngoi ST

42

Association of antibiotics, metabolomes and airway microbiome of pediatric patients with respiratory infections

2021-2023

RU

Ngoi ST

43

Epidemiology and etiology of wound infections in Southeast Asia – Malaysia

2021-2023

International

Ngoi ST, Nor’Azim MY

44

The effects of anaesthetic techniques on time to start of adjuvant chemotherapy, and early and late outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer: A prospective, multicentre, international, observational, pragmatic study

2021-2023

European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Clinical Trial Network (ESAIC CTN)

Ina Ismiarti S (PI), Kevin Ng WS

45

Developing an allometric pharmacokinetic model: Towards the prediction of intravenous lignocaine with variable renal clearance

2020-2024

FRGS

Loh PS (PI)

46

Point-of care aptasensor for the detection of carbapenem-resistant organisms

2020-2024

TRGS

Ngoi ST, Nor’Azim MY

47

A phase 4 double-blinded, randomized, active comparator-controlled clinical trial to study the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of sugammadex (MK-8616) for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in pediatric participants aged birth to <2 years

2020-2023

Merck Sharp & Dohme

Ina Ismiarti S (PI), Kevin Ng WS, Mayura

48

Comparison of blood loss in different sequencing of bimaxillary osteotomy

2020-2023

Ina Ismiarti S (PI)

49

In-vitro activity of cefiderocol against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Malaysia

2020-2023

International

Ngoi ST

50

Intraoperative intravenous lignocaine as an analgesic adjunctin adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery (Ignite-Ais study)

2020-2023

RU

Mohd Shahnaz

51

Intravenous iron for treatment of anaemia before cardiac surgery (ITACS trial)

2020-2023

Alfred Health

Ina Ismiarti S, Noorjahan HMH

52

Safety of intraoperative intravenous lignocaine infusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery – A pharmacokinetic study

2020-2023

RU

Mohd Shahnaz

53

Systemic lignocaine effect on processed electroencephalogram monitoring in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery (Sleep-Ais study)

2020-2023

RU

Mohd Shahnaz

54

The feasibility and benefits of pre-operative whey protein-infused carbohydrate supplementation in elderly with hip fractures undergoing surgery: A pilot study

2020-2022

Loh PS (PI)

55

Infection control and antibiotic stewardship program to improve patient’s outcome

2020 – 2024

FRGS

Rafidah Atan

56

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection and molecular characterization biosurveillance in Malaysia

2019-2027

International

Ngoi ST

57

The effect of high protein and early resistance exercise versus usual care on muscle mass, quality and strength, clinical outcomes, functional outcomes and quality of life in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients (The Effort-X trial)

2019-2024

International

Mohd Shahnaz (PI)

58

Development and validation of entrustable professional activity (EPA) encompassing examiner competencies in the Malaysian anaesthesiology programme

2019-2022

Noorjahan HMH (PI)

59

Deciphering the genomics and adaptation in sea nomads of Southeast Asia

2019 – 2021

FRGS

Rafidah Atan

60

Understanding acute hospitalisation sarcopenia and temporal changes in muscle function among older people

2020-2023

Research University (RU) Grant

Loh PS

List of Publications

Research Activities

ANAESTHESIA RESEARCH WEEK 2024

POSTERS COLLECTION