J Formos Med Assoc
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with increased incidence and severity of HPV-related cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study examined the incidence of genital HPV infection in HIV-infected Taiwanese women and its relationship with cervical neoplasia. ⋯ The risk of genital HPV infection was significantly increased in HIV-infected women. Due to the association between high-risk HPV infection and the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, regular follow-up of Papanicolaou test is necessary in these women.
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Reports of leptospirosis have recently been increasing in Taiwan. We report a case of leptospirosis with the unusual initial manifestation of pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient presented with cough for 1 week and was admitted. ⋯ Pulmonary hemorrhage may be an under-recognized manifestation of leptospirosis in Taiwanese patients. Leptospirosis should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage. Early treatment can lead to cure with reduced morbidity.
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Thyroidectomy is a common treatment for thyroid disorders in Taiwan, and constitutes a significant percentage of medical expenses. This study investigated the characteristics of thyroidectomy in Taiwan. ⋯ Reduction in the high rates of cosmetic reasons for surgery, unilateral partial thyroidectomy, incomplete pathology reports, and use of antibiotic prophylaxis are needed to improve the quality of thyroidectomy in Taiwan.
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The presentation and sequelae of osteomyelitis are variable. This study evaluated the clinical manifestations and outcome of osteomyelitis in children in different age groups, and in different periods before and after the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI). ⋯ The clinical characteristics of osteomyelitis associated with sepsis or septic arthritis, chronic changes, and the need for surgery may differ depending on the age of the child. S. aureus, M. tuberculosis, and salmonellae were the most common pathogens in this Taiwanese series. Implementation of NHI in the more recent decade of the study period was associated with a shorter duration of intravenous antibiotic administration.
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Open lung biopsy (OLB) is the standard procedure for the diagnosis of specific parenchymal lung diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of OLB on subsequent treatment strategy and outcome in patients with diffuse lung infiltrates and acute respiratory failure. ⋯ OLB is associated with a low perioperative mortality rate and acceptable morbidity rate in patients with diffuse lung infiltrates and acute respiratory failure, including those patients with ARDS. In this study, a specific diagnosis was obtained by OLB in more than half of patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and ARDS. In addition, OLB resulted in either use of a new therapeutic strategy or elimination of unnecessary treatment in nearly one-half of patients (46.9%).