Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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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.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy versus open tracheostomy--a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy has gained popularity, but its superiority to open tracheostomy is unclear. The object of this study was to compare procedure time, complication, safety and cost-effect between the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and the conventional open tracheotomy (OT). ⋯ The PDT appears to be a simple, safe and time-saving bedside procedure. It can be recommended when an elective tracheostomy is needed in a critical patient.
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Endovascular embolization of wide neck aneurysm often results in incomplete occlusion or aneurysm recurrence. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of stent-assisted embolization of wide neck aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA). ⋯ Stent-assisted embolization is a treatment of choice for wide neck aneurysms or for patient with herniation of coil loops to parent artery after coil detached. It was proven both safe and effective over a relatively long follow-up.
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Case Reports
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis and acute renal failure in a type 2 diabetic patient.
Metformin belongs to a class of drugs known as the biguanides that are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its association with lactic acidosis is well established, although rare. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is recognized as a potentially lethal condition that can occur in patients with contraindications to the drug, such as renal dysfunction, liver diseases, alcoholism, and cardiopulmonary diseases. ⋯ We describe a 75-year-old diabetic woman with acute renal failure and life-threatening lactic acidosis due to metformin intoxication. Clinical manifestations included vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, hypotension and transitory blindness. Her initial renal function was recovered after hemodialysis and she was discharged 3 months after admission.