Medicine
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Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder involving multiple organ systems. In BD, intestinal ulcers can present as a refractory lesion capable of perforation, which makes the choice of treatment difficult. ⋯ This case indicates that ADa may be an effective treatment option in future cases, minimizing complications and allowing the closure operation to be performed successfully.
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Observational Study
Association between RUNX3 gene polymorphisms in severe preeclampsia and its clinical features.
Preeclampsia is a complex genetic disorder and its pathogenesis remains to be investigated. Single nucleotide polymorphisms serve important roles in genetic predisposition. The present study aimed to explore the association between runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene polymorphisms in severe preeclampsia (SPE) and clinical features. ⋯ Compared with rs760805 TT homozygote carriers, patients carrying AA homozygote exhibited significantly reduced 24 hours urinary protein levels, lower serum creatinine concentrations and a decreased incidence of neonatal asphyxia (P <.05). The present study suggested a genetic association between RUNX3 gene polymorphisms and SPE. The data provided a novel insight to guide future investigations.
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End-stage renal disease (ESRD) incidence in Taiwan is highest worldwide. This study analyzed the relationship between health resource use and patients on hemodialysis (HD) asking for medical help as well as the outcomes in Taiwan. This was a retrospective cohort study that analyzed the medical data of patients on dialysis, which were collected from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan for the period 2000 to 2010. ⋯ Considering 5-year survival status, the mortality rate of patients with HD was 21.94% (255 of 1162), among which those with a history of cerebrovascular disease and diabetes were 68.63% and 72.16%, respectively. Long interdialytic intervals may induce emergency dialysis. Therefore, the frequency of emergent HD therapy has increased (thrice a week), as predicted in the current HD policy.
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We sought to determine whether black-white gap in mortality exists among hospitalized HIV-positive patients in the United States (US). We hypothesized that in-hospital mortality (IHM) would be similar between black and white HIV-positive patients due to the nationwide availability of HIV services. Our analysis was restricted to hospitalized HIV-positive patients (15-49 years). ⋯ In-hospital HIV-related deaths continue to decline among both blacks and whites in the US. Among hospitalized HIV-positive patients black-white disparity still persists, but to a lesser extent than in the general HIV population. Improved access to HIV care is a key to eliminating black-white disparity in HIV-related mortality.
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Given the fact that >80% of liver transplantations (LTs) were living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Taiwan, we conducted this study to assess whether patients with lower socioeconomic status are subject to a lower chance of receiving hepatic transplantation. This was a cohort study including 197,082 liver disease patients admitted in 1997 to 2013, who were at higher risk of LT. Personal monthly income and median family income of living areas were used to indicate individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status, respectively. ⋯ After adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, co-morbidity, location/urbanization level of residential areas, we found that patients with < median monthly income experienced significantly lower incidence of LT (aHR = 0.802, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.717-0.898), but those with >- median monthly income had significantly elevated incidence of LT (aHR = 1.679, 95% CI = 1.482-1.903), as compared to those who were not actively employed. Additionally, compared to areas with the lowest quartile of median family income, the highest quartile of median family income was also associated with significantly higher incidence rate of LT (aHR = 1.248, 95% CI = 1.055-1.478). Higher individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher incidence of LT among patients with higher risk of LT.