Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Procalcitonin (PCT) represents a new marker of systemic inflammatory reactions to bacterial infections. The main aim in this study was to determine the diagnostic value of PCT in predicting the clinical severity of febril neutropenic attacks, compare it with that of C-reactive protein (CRP), and clarify its importance in culture-positive attacks. ⋯ PCT and CRP are comparable with each other in prediction of the clinical severity of febrile neutropenic attacks. Furthermore, serum CRP levels correlate with the duration of fever.
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It has been pointed out that longitudinal rather than cross-sectional growth standards should be used to assess individual linear growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the growth characteristics of school boys and girls living in Shih-Pai district in Taipei. ⋯ Our preliminary results were actually calculated from the combination of longitudinal data and cross-sectional data pools. Since this is only a pilot study design, we expect that a longer follow-up period of the same cohorts would give more exact growth characteristics.
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Oral anticoagulants have an expanding role in cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders. Few data are available describing their safety among Chinese patients. We aim to evaluate the incidence of major and minor bleeding complications among Chinese patients receiving long term anti coagulants in community practice. ⋯ Among Chinese patients receiving long-term warfarin, major hemorrhage occurred at an acceptable range in clinical practice, while considerable minor bleeding was observed. Utilization of oral anticoagulants in Chinese patients appears safe and should be advocated in situations with appropriate indications.
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In a detailed analysis of the palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCN) in the Chinese adults, we tried to evaluate its anatomic variation and clinical significance. ⋯ Longitudinal incision located 1 cm on the ulnar side from palmaris longus could avoid injury to the PCN during decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Hemophilia A is caused by mutations in the gene for coagulation factor VIII. Recently, it has been reported that about half of the patients with severe hemophilia A have a large genomic inversion of the factor VIII gene. We tried to use a rapid method to detect this important mutation in the Chinese hemophiliacs. ⋯ Intron 22 inversion of the factor VIII gene is the major genetic mutation for severe hemophilia A in Taiwan. There is a high probability of de novo mutation for this genetic change. The results were consistent with the concept that intron 22 inversion will always result in severe deficiency of factor VIII. Rapid detection of this common mutation can helpfully guide the direction of molecular study in genetic counselling.