Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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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.
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We used evidence-based medicine to suggest guidelines of nutritional support for Taiwanese patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). ⋯ By examining evidence-based research, we provide practicable nutritional guidelines for AKI patients.
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For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related decompensated cirrhosis, poor prognosis was documented due to the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment landscape of HCV, particularly in this subpopulation. To date, real-world efficacy, tolerability, and safety profiles for Taiwanese HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis treated by DAAs have not been reported. ⋯ For patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis, which has been considered a contraindication for interferon-based therapy, sofosbuvir-based all-oral DAAs provided high treatment efficacy, acceptable safety, and good tolerability.
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Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at C3-C5 have a wide range of tracheostomy rates (27%-75%), and the influencing factors for tracheostomy remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to identify the influencing factors for tracheostomy in this subset of patient population. ⋯ Low GCS at admission and high initial RSBI are two independent influencing factors that synergistically impact tracheostomy in our patients. These findings are helpful for making the decision of performing tracheostomy in this subset of patient population.