J Formos Med Assoc
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The association of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been well documented. However, the relationship between dyslipidemia and asymptomatic chronic HBV infection is still unclear. ⋯ Asymptomatic chronic HBV infection was associated with lower serum levels of TC and HDL-C. Elevation of ALT was also an indicator of lower levels of HDL-C in patients with chronic hepatitis B and lower serum HDL-C and higher TG levels in patients without HBV infection. These findings also indicated the need to monitor the risk of atherosclerotic diseases in patients with asymptomatic chronic HBV infection, especially those with lower HDL-C levels.
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Case Reports
Ludwig's angina following herpetic gingivostomatitis in a toddler with tetralogy of Fallot.
Ludwig's angina is a rare but potentially lethal cellulitis of the submandibular space that occurs most often in young adults with predisposing odontogenic infection. In contrast to adult cases, most children with Ludwig's angina have no initiating factor. ⋯ This case illustrates that Ludwig's angina can develop in association with herpetic gingivostomatitis, which is a common and usually self-limited disease in pediatric patients. Prompt recognition and aggressive management of this rare and severe secondary bacterial infection are the keys to avoiding unnecessary morbidity and mortality.