Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Since COVID-19 outbreak, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been tested for effective therapies, and the relevant researches have shown controversial results. ⋯ Our results indicated that HCQ-AZI combination treatment increased mortality rate in patients with COVID-19, but it also showed benefits associated with viral clearance in patients. HCQ-alone used for treatment has revealed benefits in decreasing the mortality rate among severely infected COVID-19 group and showed potential to be used for COVID-19 treatment in long-term follow-up period group. Accordingly, more rigorous, large-scale, and long follow-up period studies in patients with COVID-19 are needed.
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Taiwan transitioned to an aged society in 2018. Appropriate dental treatment is important for elderly individuals. Previously, reconstruction of the dentition was thought to help regain chewing function. ⋯ For the elderly population, treatment must be aimed at restoring as much chewing function as possible with minimal changes. Additionally, regular oral hygiene care, proper design of fixed partial dentures, and implant placement greatly reduce the difficulty in adapting to a new prosthesis. These measures allow us to provide better quality of life for elderly individuals.
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Prescribing opioids for patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) remains controversial. This study surveyed Taiwanese physicians who were clinically treating CNCP outpatients with long-term opioids. ⋯ Among the Taiwanese physicians treating the officially registered CNCP patients, nonpain board-certified physicians had fewer patients, less knowledge, and an increased negative attitude toward long-term opioid prescriptions. Better education on chronic pain management is needed for improvement of clinical practice.
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To investigate the effectiveness of the three-step supporting technique for prevention of eyelid malposition in the transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty. ⋯ Three-step supporting technique is safe and effective for lower blepharoplasty with minimal chance of eyelid malposition.
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Hyperbilirubinemia is a predictor of severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Hepatobiliary ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play an important role in the transportation of many drugs and bilirubin; however, little is known about these transporters and the risk of DILI. The aim of this study was to explore associations between genetic variations in important ABC transporters and susceptibility to DILI, with a particular focus on hyperbilirubinemia. ⋯ Carriage of the ABCC2 (MRP2) rs717620 T variant may increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia and mortality in patients with DILI. Screening for this variant may help to prevent and mitigate drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia.