Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of LASIK, Trans-PRK and SMILE for Correction of Myopia.
Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are three mainstay refractive surgeries worldwide. The applicability, efficacy, safety, and predictability of these different techniques are quite similar. Trans-PRK has the strongest biostability, earliest return to normal corneal sensitivity but the longest recovery time, most uncomfortable postoperative experience, and possibility of corneal haze. ⋯ However, it lacks the cyclotorsion-compensation system, eye-tracking system, and customized treatment profile for high astigmatism or irregular corneal surface. This review aims to introduce the mechanisms, pros, and cons of these three types of refractive surgery. With full understanding, practitioners could advise patients on the most suitable treatment of choice.
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The real-world outcomes of golimumab (GLM) use have been rarely studied in Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study assessed the real-world effectiveness and safety of GLM in a Taiwanese cohort. ⋯ GLM was effective and safe for the real-life management of Taiwanese RA patients and showed a high retention rate in biologic-naive patients compared with biologic-experienced patients.
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To report the clinical outcomes of vasospasm embolization technique in treating lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). ⋯ This study confirmed our prior preliminary conclusion that pharmaco-induced vasospasm embolization is easy, safe, and effective for LGIB. This treatment may be considered the first-line alternative approach for LGIB, especially for patients of advanced age with complex medical problems and/or when vasa rectal embolization isn't feasible.
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Malignancies-related esophagogastric junction (EGJ) obstruction is usually diagnosed in inoperable status with poor clinical outcomes. Metallic stent placement at EGJ could improve dysphagia for these patients. However, studies regarding the outcomes in these patients receiving metallic stents are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of metallic stent placement in malignant EGJ obstruction. ⋯ This study provides crucial information for endoscopists to establish individualized stenting strategies for malignant EGJ obstruction.
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Observational Study
Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of luminal B1 breast cancer in Taiwan.
Hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor II (HER2)-negative luminal B1 breast cancer is associated with a higher risk of disease relapse than luminal A breast cancer. Therefore, we assessed and compared the distant metastasis pattern and clinical outcomes associated with luminal B1 and luminal A breast cancer in an Asian population. ⋯ Luminal B1 breast cancer has aggressive tumor biology compared with luminal A breast cancer in the follow-up period. However, there was no significant difference in the disease relapse pattern between the groups.