J Formos Med Assoc
-
We aimed to standardize the normal reference value of red blood cell (RBC) counts in Chinese presenile women using an underlying scientific basis. ⋯ If geographical values are obtained in a certain area, the normal RBC reference value in presenile women in this area can be obtained using the regression equation.
-
Febrile neutropenia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving chemotherapy. Major prophylactic strategies include granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and antibiotics, the most widely used of which are fluoroquinolones. ⋯ Given the increase in antimicrobial resistance with the use of prophylaxis, the risks and benefits of this strategy need to be carefully considered. This review presents the evidence for and against fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in areas of high fluoroquinolone resistance.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Benefits of sevelamer on markers of bone turnover in Taiwanese hemodialysis patients.
Sevelamer hydrochloride is a recently developed phosphate binder, which is a quaternary amine anion exchanger without calcium or aluminum. Sevelamer is effective in controlling hyperphosphatemia without increasing the calcium load in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated whether sevelamer restored bone metabolism in chronic HD patients. ⋯ Sevelamer effectively reduces serum phosphorus with a lower incidence of hypercalcemic effects in HD patients. Sevelamer is an effective means of treatment for chronic hyperphosphatemic HD patients, especially those with hypoparathyroidism.
-
Comparative Study
Applicability of the Chinese version of the Prodromal Questionnaire.
Early detection and intervention of psychosis is clinically important. This study aimed to test the applicability of the Chinese version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (CPQ) for identifying prodromal states of psychosis. ⋯ Applicability of the CPQ was demonstrated by its high reliability and good ability to discriminate between clinical patients and a comparison group. The 35-item positive symptom subscale can be useful alone in general mental health settings for screening psychotic cases.