J Formos Med Assoc
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Anticoagulant therapy is suggested within 45 days after Watchman device implantation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A previous study demonstrated that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were a feasible peri- and postprocedural alternative to warfarin. The present study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of using different anticoagulants (low-dose NOACs vs. warfarin) within 45 days after Watchman device implantation in a Chinese population. ⋯ The safety and efficacy of low-dose dabigatran and rivaroxaban were comparable to those of warfarin within 45 days after Watchman device implantation in a Chinese population.
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Previous studies have seldom investigated the psychological factors that are associated with dissatisfaction with healthcare services. We therefore examined the associations of depression and anxiety with service dissatisfaction among older adults. ⋯ Psychological symptoms were consistent correlates of dissatisfaction with healthcare services among older adults, although the specific symptoms had different associations with the various dimensions of dissatisfaction.
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The Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) HCV Registry (TACR) is a nationwide registry of chronic hepatitis C patients in Taiwan. This study evaluated antiviral effectiveness of ledipasvir (LDV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients in the TACR. ⋯ LDV/SOF is effective and well tolerated in routine clinical practice in Taiwan. Cure rates were high across patient populations.
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Practice Guideline
2022 focused update of the 2017 Taiwan lipid guidelines for high risk patients: Coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and ischemic stroke.
The previously published 2017 Taiwan Lipid Guidelines for High Risk Patients becomes the standard guidance of dyslipidemia management for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Taiwan. New clinical trials of lipid lowering therapy were published successively after 2017. The study results changed the treatment concept of ASCVD. ⋯ In this focused update of the 2017 guideline, the treatment targets of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients with ASCVD were modified. The algorithm of LDL-C lowering therapy was revised. The recommendations in this focused update were made mainly based on the scientific evidence from recently published clinical trials and endorsed by the major medical societies in Taiwan.
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Prothrombin Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) is a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard management for intermediate stage HCC but lacks effective response predictors. We investigated the utility of PIVKA-II as a predictor of TACE response. ⋯ Low baseline PIVKA-II level helps to predict a CR of TACE in patients with HCC.