Internal medicine
-
The Friedewald equation has been used as the standard formula for the estimation of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) to calculate the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, the usefulness of this formula in non-Caucasians has been challenged in recent years. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the conventional and modified Friedewald equation in an ethnic Chinese adult population. ⋯ This modified Friedewald formula provides a new and simple equation for calculating the LDL-C levels in ethnic Chinese people.
-
Objective Fibre-optic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (FOB-BAL) is an important tool for diagnosing and selecting treatment for acutely hypoxaemic patients with diffuse lung infiltrates. However, FOB-BAL carries a risk of significant hypoxaemia and subsequent tracheal intubation during and after the procedure. The application of FOB-BAL using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in combination with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may minimize the incidence of hypoxaemia; however, the safety and efficacy of this procedure have not been investigated. ⋯ In addition, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation decreased to 95.7%±3.8%, although it was never lower than 90.0% during the procedure, and no patients required intubation. Furthermore, the arterial blood pressure significantly but transiently decreased due to sedation, and the procedure yielded diagnostic information in all nine patients. Conclusion FOB-BAL using LMA and CPAP appears to be safe and effective in patients who develop severe acute hypoxaemia.
-
Case Reports
Hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism occurring concomitantly with Graves' disease.
We herein describe a case of hypercalcemic crisis in a 52-year-old Japanese woman. She suffered from thirst and fatigue for one month. Her serum calcium (a) levels were 19.0 mg/dL, and she was diagnosed with hypercalcemic crisis. ⋯ Thyroparathyroidectomy was performed after circulating levels of Ca and thyroid hormones were normalized. Both of primary hyperparathyroidism and Graves' disease can contribute and accelerate hypercalcemia, resulting in a state of crisis. The possibility of their coexistence should therefore be taken into consideration in cases of hypercalcemia.
-
Case Reports
Isoniazid-induced acute liver failure during preventive therapy for latent tuberculosis infection.
Treating latent tuberculosis infection is a strategy for eliminating tuberculosis, and isoniazid is recommended as preventive therapy. However, concerns have been raised regarding the application of isoniazid due to its toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity; however, biochemical monitoring is not routinely performed during treatment. ⋯ The patient died four months after hospitalization. It is essential to consider the potential toxicities of isoniazid and establish strategies to prevent acute liver failure.
-
This study was conducted to determine whether a policy of not attempting to resuscitate patients who are 80 years of age and older with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival is justifiable. ⋯ Even patients 80 years of age and older can be resuscitated to spontaneous circulation. We do not endorse a policy that recommends not performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation based solely on the age of the patient.