Displaying all 14 publications

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  1. Lin CH, Ng YY, Chiang WC, Karim SA, Shin SD, Tanaka H, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2016 Aug;115(8):628-38.
    PMID: 26596689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2015.10.003
    Protocols for managing patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may vary due to legal, cultural, or socioeconomic concerns. We sought to assess international variation in policies and protocols related to OHCA.
  2. Jie Y, Ismail NH, Jie X, Isa ZM
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2011 Sep;110(9):555-63.
    PMID: 21930065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2011.07.003
    This review summarizes the results of epidemiological studies focusing on the detrimental effects of home environmental factors on asthma morbidity in adults. We reviewed the literature on indoor air quality (IAQ), physical and sociodemographic factors, and asthma morbidity in homes, and identified commonly reported asthma, allergic, and respiratory symptoms involving the home environment. Reported IAQ and asthma morbidity data strongly indicated positive associations between indoor air pollution and adverse health effects in most studies. Indoor factors most consistently associated with asthma and asthma-related symptoms in adults included fuel combustion, mold growth, and environmental tobacco smoke. Environmental exposure may increase an adult's risk of developing asthma and also may increase the risk of asthma exacerbations. Evaluation of present IAQ levels, exposure characteristics, and the role of exposure to these factors in relation to asthma morbidity is important for improving our understanding, identifying the burden, and for developing and implementing interventions aimed at reducing asthma morbidity.
  3. Pan CH, Tzeng ST, Chen CS, Chen PQ
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2007 Feb;106(2 Suppl):S37-45.
    PMID: 17493895
    Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare complication following correction of scoliosis with either nonoperative or operative methods. If the patient diagnosed with this syndrome is not managed timely and adequately, mortality may result. We report two cases of SMAS complicating staged corrective surgery for scoliosis using modern segmental derotation instrumentation system. The aim of this report is to highlight the clinical presentations, laboratory findings, radiologic features, and management of the syndrome. The first patient had the syndrome after two-staged scoliosis surgery with halo traction between two stages, and the second patient after three-staged scoliosis surgery with halo traction between the first and second surgeries. The first patient responded well to conservative treatment. However, the second patient failed to respond to conservative treatment and needed a gastrojejunostomy operation to bypass the duodenal obstruction. Clinicians treating post scoliosis surgery patients should always have a high index of suspicion for this potential life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis will enable a multidisciplinary team approach to be initiated early to provide optimal care for the patient. Nutritional and fluid supplementation is mandatory during conservative treatment. The duration for trial of conservative treatment should not exceed 1 week.
  4. Hung SK, Kou HW, Hsu KH, Wu CT, Lee CW, Leonard Goh ZN, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2021 Mar;120(3):997-1004.
    PMID: 32917483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.08.039
    BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Splenic abscess is a life-threatening surgical emergency which requires early diagnosis and intervention to maximize patient outcomes. This can be achieved through accurate risk stratification in the emergency department (ED). Sarcopenia refers to an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that is accompanied by major physiologic and clinical ramifications, and often signifies decreased physiologic reserves. It is associated with poor clinical outcomes in sepsis, acute respiratory failure, oncological surgery, and liver transplantation. This study evaluates the utility of sarcopenia as a radiological stratification tool to predict in-hospital mortality of splenic abscess patients in the ED. This will assist emergency physicians, internists and surgeons in rapid risk stratification, assessing treatment options, and communicating with family members.

    METHODS: 99 adult patients at four training and research hospitals who had undergone an abdominal contrast computed tomography scan in the ED with the final diagnosis of splenic abscess from January 2004 to November 2017 were recruited. Evaluation for sarcopenia was performed via calculating the psoas cross-sectional area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and normalising for height, before checking it against pre-defined values. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate the differences between survivors and non-survivors. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the presence of sarcopenia in predicting in-hospital mortality were calculated. Kaplan-Meier methods, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were also performed to examine survival between groups with sarcopenia versus non-sarcopenia.

    RESULTS: Splenic abscess patients with sarcopenia were 7.56 times more at risk of in-hospital mortality than those without sarcopenia (multivariate-adjusted HR: 7.56; 95% CI: 1.55-36.93). Presence of sarcopenia was found to have 84.62% sensitivity and 96.49% negative predictive value in predicting mortality.

    CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognoses of in-hospital mortality in patients with splenic abscess presenting to the ED. We recommend its use in the ED to rapidly risk stratify and predict outcome to guide treatment strategies.

  5. Wang WC, Lin TY, Chiu SY, Chen CN, Sarakarn P, Ibrahim M, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2021 Jun;120 Suppl 1:S26-S37.
    PMID: 34083090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.05.010
    BACKGROUND: As Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the unprecedent large-scale repeated surges of epidemics worldwide since the end of 2019, data-driven analysis to look into the duration and case load of each episode of outbreak worldwide has been motivated.

    METHODS: Using open data repository with daily infected, recovered and death cases in the period between March 2020 and April 2021, a descriptive analysis was performed. The susceptible-exposed-infected-recovery model was used to estimate the effective productive number (Rt). The duration taken from Rt > 1 to Rt 

  6. Jin XY, Khan TM
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2016 Sep;115(9):689-702.
    PMID: 27431691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.05.006
    A systematic assessment of literature was done to estimate the impact of pruritus on health-related quality of life among patients with cholestatic liver disease (CLD). All the articles were reviewed manually for study design, population, outcomes, and study quality. A qualitative approach was used to analyze and extract data from included studies. A total of eight studies were retrieved, of which one was a cohort study and the other seven were cross-sectional studies. Overall, it appears that the incidence of pruritus was a common complication reported by most of the studies. Among patients with CLD incidence of pruritus was 29%. Pruritus was found to have a substantial impact on patients' health-related quality of life. Greater health-related quality of life impairment was observed with increased severity of pruritus. Pruritus was found to have a significant association (p<0.05) in quality-of-life instrument domains such as role limitation-physical, role limitation-emotional, bodily pain, vitality, energy, and physical mobility. Evidence suggests that pruritus has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life among patients with CLD. More research is required to support the evidence.
  7. Chan KS, Chuang YC, Lin TY, Shaw SW
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2021 Jun;120(6):1394-1399.
    PMID: 33583701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.01.022
    Acardiac twin or twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare medical complication of Monozygotic twins. Taiwanese Obstetricians usually treat TRAP sequence conservatively. Occasionally, repeated amnio-reduction is performed to decompress the polyhydramnios caused by the TRAP sequence, even though there was no correction of the pathophysiologic mechanism. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive, percutaneous technique that can effectively obliterate blood supply to an acardiac twin to preserve and protect the pump twin. This recent technique has never been used before for the treatment of the TRAP sequence in Taiwan. This article reported the first-hand experience of acardiac twin management with RFA in Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
  8. Wu KL, Kuo CM, Yao CC, Tai WC, Chuah SK, Lim CS, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2018 Nov;117(11):973-978.
    PMID: 29339035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2017.11.001
    BACKGROUND: Acid changes in gastroesophageal reflux with vary component in the food have less been studied, especially carbohydrate. We plan to clarify the effect of different carbohydrate density on low esophageal acid and reflux symptoms of patients with gastroesophgeal reflux disease.

    METHODS: Twelve patients (52 ± 12 years old; five female) with gastroesophageal reflux disease were recruited for the prospective crossover study. Each patient was invited for panendoscope, manometry and 24 h pH monitor. The two formulated liquid meal, test meal A: 500 ml liquid meal (containing 84.8 g carbohydrate) and B: same volume liquid meal (but 178.8 g carbohydrate) were randomized supplied as lunch or dinner. Reflux symptoms were recorded.

    RESULTS: There are significant statistic differences in more Johnson-DeMeester score (p = 0.019), total reflux time (%) (p = 0.028), number of reflux periods (p = 0.026) and longest reflux (p = 0.015) after high carbohydrate diet than low carbohydrate. Total reflux time and number of long reflux periods more than 5 min are significant more after high carbohydrate diet.

    CONCLUSION: More acid reflux symptoms are found after high carbohydrate diet. High carbohydrate diet could induce more acid reflux in low esophagus and more reflux symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

  9. Wang SA, Chang CJ, Do Shin S, Chu SE, Huang CY, Hsu LM, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2024 Jan;123(1):23-35.
    PMID: 37573159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.07.011
    BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To develop a prediction model for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to identify trauma patients at high risk of deterioration to emergency medical service (EMS)-witnessed traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) on the scene or en route.

    METHODS: We developed a prediction model using the classical cross-validation method from the Pan-Asia Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) database from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020. Eligible patients aged ≥18 years were transported to the hospital by the EMS. The primary outcome (EMS-witnessed TCA) was defined based on changes in vital signs measured on the scene or en route. We included variables that were immediately measurable as potential predictors when EMTs arrived. An integer point value system was built using multivariable logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test were used to examine discrimination and calibration in the derivation and validation cohorts.

    RESULTS: In total, 74,844 patients were eligible for database review. The model comprised five prehospital predictors: age <40 years, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg, respiration rate >20/minute, pulse oximetry <94%, and levels of consciousness to pain or unresponsiveness. The AUROC in the derivation and validation cohorts was 0.767 and 0.782, respectively. The HL test revealed good calibration of the model (p = 0.906).

    CONCLUSION: We established a prediction model using variables from the PATOS database and measured them immediately after EMS personnel arrived to predict EMS-witnessed TCA. The model allows prehospital medical personnel to focus on high-risk patients and promptly administer optimal treatment.

  10. Huang CF, Chen JF, Reid IR, Chan WP, Ebeling PR, Langdahl B, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2023;122 Suppl 1:S14-S20.
    PMID: 36775679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.01.013
    Postmenopausal women are at significant risk for osteoporotic fractures due to their rapid bone loss. Half of all postmenopausal women will get an osteoporosis-related fracture over their lifetime, with 25% developing a spine deformity and 15% developing a hip fracture. By 2050, more than half of all osteoporotic fractures will occur in Asia, with postmenopausal women being the most susceptible. Early management can halt or even reverse the progression of osteoporosis. Consequently, on October 31, 2020, the Taiwanese Osteoporosis Association hosted the Asia-Pacific (AP) Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention (POFP) consensus meeting, which was supported by the Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies (AFOS) and the Asia Pacific Osteoporosis Foundation (APOF). International and domestic experts developed ten applicable statements for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women with low bone mass or osteoporosis but no fragility fractures in the AP region. The experts advocated, for example, that postmenopausal women with a high fracture risk be reimbursed for pharmaceutical therapy to prevent osteoporotic fractures. More clinical experience and data are required to modify intervention tactics.
  11. Lo TS, Harun F, Chua S, Shen YH, Tan YL, Hsieh WC
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2024 Mar;123(3):331-339.
    PMID: 37996329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.11.003
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We present this current study to complement with mesh inlays plausible benefits (UPHOLD-LITE System) on available long-term study amidst FDA's concern on mesh complications. This study aims to assess the medium-term outcomes of UPHOLD-LITE system for treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and its complications, and lower urinary tract symptoms.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of 53 months follow-up of 123 consecutive patients who underwent UPHOLD-LITE system. Objective outcome measures the anatomical correction of prolapse with POP-Q ≤ Stage 1. Subjective outcome was patient's feedback to questions 2 and 3 of POPDI-6. Secondary outcome measures the quality of life, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and complications. Quality of life is assessed by validated questionnaires on Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6 (POPDI-6), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12 (PISQ-12) at 1 and 3 years post-operatively.

    RESULTS: Objective outcome at 1 and 3 years was at 96.7 % and 95.4 % respectively. The subjective cure was 95.1 % and 91.6 %. Five-year cumulative cure rate maintained at 87.2 %. Secondary outcomes observed improvement on UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6 and PISQ-12 postoperatively. Bladder outlet obstruction improved while de novo urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) increased slightly post surgically. Mesh erosion rate was 0.8 %.

    CONCLUSION: The UPHOLD-LITE system demonstrated good medium term anatomical correction of apical and anterior prolapse, with good subjective cure and improved quality of life. Whilst complication rate was low, slight increase in de novo USI was observed.

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