J Formos Med Assoc
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Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major cause of death in Taiwanese aborigines. The roles of substance-use habits and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the development of CLD are not well understood in this indigenous population. ⋯ Our data suggest that chronic HBV and HCV infections, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and betel quid chewing play important roles in the development of CLD in Taiwanese aborigines.
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Case Reports
Small-cell lung cancer presenting with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and respiratory failure.
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by defective neurotransmitter release at presynaptic terminals. It is caused by an IgG autoantibody reacting against voltage-gated calcium channels. Severe LEMS complicated by ventilatory failure is rare. ⋯ Cytologic examination of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration disclosed SCLC. Successful treatment in combination with plasma exchange and chemotherapy resulted in dramatic tumor regression and LEMS remission, which were confirmed by chest radiography and electrophysiologic studies. This case suggests that plasma exchange and chemotherapy can be effective in treating SCLC with severe LEMS that produces ventilatory failure.