Medicine
-
The agents used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) might affect the oral health of cancer patients. The study aims to assess the changes in the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva and blood, during first 22 days of intensive chemotherapy of ALL in children. Saliva and blood samples were taken from 24 patients, including 13 boys and 11 girls (age range: 4 - 17 years) on days 1, 8 and 22 of treatment. ⋯ Four children suffered from oral mucositis graded 1 or higher between days 8 and 22. Chemotherapy given during the treatment of childhood ALL is associated with a reduction in the level of salivary immunoglobulin A. Prevention of the drop of salivary IgA may diminish the risk of occurrence of acute mucosal complications.
-
Observational Study
Decreased stroke risk with combined traditional Chinese and western medicine in patients with ischemic heart disease: A real-world evidence.
Both ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke are major causes of death worldwide. We investigated the effects of combined Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine (WM) on stroke risk in IHD patients. Taiwanese patients with IHD were enrolled in the TCM study during their outpatient visit. ⋯ There was 0.3-fold lower stroke risk in IHD patients with combination TCM and non-TCM treatment (95% CI = 0.11-0.84, P = .02). Moreover, the survival rate was higher (P < .001) and the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was significantly lower (P = .04) in IHD patients with TCM treatment. IHD patients using combined TCM and WM had a higher survival rate and lower risk of new onset stroke, especially hemorrhagic stroke than those who did not use TCM treatment.
-
Observational Study
The role of a chest computed tomography severity score in coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia.
The chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are important for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate chest CT findings in COVID-19 patients in order to determine the optimal cut-off value of a CT severity score that can be considered a potential prognostic indicator of a severe/critical outcome. The CT findings were evaluated by means of a severity score that included the extent (0-4 grading scale) and nature (0-4 grading scale) of CT abnormalities. ⋯ The mean CT severity score was 63.95 in the severe/critical group, and 35.62 in the mild/typical group (P < .001). ROC curve analysis showed that a CT severity score of 38 predicted the development of severe/critical symptoms. A CT severity score can help the risk stratification of COVID-19 patients.
-
Observational Study
Topiramate-related adverse events: Pattern and signals in the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System, 2010-2017.
Despite safety concerns associated with topiramate use, the pattern of adverse events and signal analysis of antiepileptic drugs remain elusive. We aimed to determine patient demographics and characteristics of reported AEs of topiramate and to detect the associated signals by comparing those of other antiepileptics. We used the Korea Institute of Drug Safety & Risk Management-Korea Adverse Event Reporting System Database (KIDS-KD) from 2010 to 2017 to determine patient demographics and characteristics of reported AEs for topiramate and other antiepileptics. ⋯ Also, adverse events related to carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme showed specifically great disproportionalities. Rigorous clinical management is needed to ensure proper and safe use of topiramate. Special precautions should be taken when prescribing in women of childbearing age.
-
Nursing services is a high stress job. To improve the life quality of nursing staffs, we explored the relationships among psychological capital, job immersion, and life quality in nursing staffs, and verified that the psychological capital plays an intermediary role between the job immersion and life quality in nursing staffs. General data questionnaire, job immersion scale, psychological capital scale, and life quality scale were performed in nursing staffs who were from 6 third-class hospitals including 2 hospitals in Jinzhou city, 2 hospitals in Chaoyang city, and 2 hospitals in Huludao city. ⋯ Structural equation models showed that the job immersion could indirectly influence the life quality through the psychological capital. The mediating effect of psychological capital was 0.156 which accounted for 33.19% of the total effects. The psychological capital should be improved, and the psychological capital combined with the job immersion together improves the life quality of nursing staffs.