Internal medicine
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Case Reports
A rare hemoglobin variant (Hb Iraq-Halabja) causing spuriously low hemoglobin A1c values.
Various laboratory and patient-related factors can affect the measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We herein present the case of a diabetic patient with spuriously low HbA1c values on ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of HbA1c assays because inaccurate values may lead to the inappropriate management of diabetes. Unusual or discrepant HbA1c test results should prompt further investigations for potentially interfering factors, including rare Hb variants.
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To investigate whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening that combines screening with questionnaires and pulmonary function testing is a useful method for the early detection of COPD. ⋯ Conducting COPD screening with questionnaires and pulmonary function testing among the general population is a useful examination method for the early detection and treatment of COPD.
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We herein present three consecutive cases of nummular headache treated with Neurotropin (NTP). Case 1: A 71-year-old man developed a headache in a circumscribed area of the left parietal region. Treatment with NTP resolved the pain after three months. ⋯ Case 3: A 39-year-old man developed bifocal pain the left temporal region. Treatment with NTP resolved the pain after five days. The present results suggest that NTP may be effective for treating patients with nummular headaches.
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Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by reversible airflow limitation with airway wall thickening. Although some studies have reported changes in airway dimensions estimated on chest CT in patients with chronic asthma, little is known about dynamic changes in airway dimensions between acute exacerbations of asthma and recovery. Our case documents significant changes in the bronchial wall, as estimated on serial chest CT scans, over a short-term interval during an exacerbation of asthma.