Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effectiveness comparison between Thai traditional massage and Chinese acupuncture for myofascial back pain in Thai military personnel: a preliminary report.
The objective of this randomized comparative study was to provide preliminary data of comparative effectiveness of Thai traditional massage (TTM) and Chinese acupuncture for the treatment of myofascial back pain in young military personnel. Eighteen Thai military personnel, aged ranging from 20-40 years were randomly divided into TTM and acupuncture groups. Each group received 5 sessions of massage or acupuncture during a 10-day period. ⋯ In conclusion, five sessions of Thai traditional massage and Chinese acupuncture were effective for the treatment of myofascial back pain in young Thai military personnel. Significant effects in both groups begin after the first session. Acupuncture is more effective than Thai traditional massage when affective aspect is also evaluated.
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Scrub typhus is common among patients with acute fever in rural areas of Thailand. The authors prospectively recruited patients with acute fever from provincial Thai army hospitals. Dot-ELISA test for scrub typhus was done in hospitals and then compared with standard immunofluorescent assay for diagnosis of scrub typhus. ⋯ All patients gave negative results for murine typhus and Thai tick typhus using immunofluorescent assay. Regarding this present study, Dot-ELISA for scrub typhus has a good sensitivity and specificity and can be used in rural hospitals. This test could be useful for diagnosis of scrub typhus in hospitals where immunofluorescent assay is not available.
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As a site of the Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study) of anesthetic adverse outcome, the authors continued the institutional data collection to determine the incidence of intraoperative oxygen desaturation of geriatric patients (age 65 years and over) and relative factors representing a Thai university hospital. ⋯ The incidence of intraoperative oxygen desaturation of geriatric patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery in a Thai university hospital was 23.6:10000 anesthetics, which was comparable to others. The higher ASA physical status, history of difficult intubation and recent respiratory failure were risk factors of intraoperative oxygen desaturation. Pre-anesthetic evaluation particularly airway evaluation and identification of high-risk patients are crucial for prevention of oxygen desaturation.
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As a site of the Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study) of anesthetic adverse outcome, the authors continued the institutional data collection to determine the incidence and factors related to 24-hour perioperative cardiac arrest in geriatric patients (aged 65 years and over) representing a Thai university hospital. ⋯ The incidence of 24-hourperioperative cardiac arrest of geriatric patients in a Thai university in the present study was 40.4:10000 anesthetics, which was comparable to others with high mortality rate. Risk factors for 24-hour perioperative cardiac arrest were older age, ASA physical status 3-5, emergency surgery, intrathoracic surgery, upper abdominal surgery, recent respiratory failure, and administration of ketamine. Pre-anesthetic evaluation is important for finding the risks and optimal preparation for preventing perioperative cardiac arrest in these aging patients.
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Primary care physicians are playing an increasing role in providing mental health care. Psychotropic drugs prescription may be used evaluate primary care physicians in treating and caring for mental disorders. ⋯ The present study illustrates the prevalence, pattern, and rational use of psychotropic medications in primary care of a tertiary university hospital. Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines were the most commonly prescribed. They were prescribed not only for mental but also for musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorders. A quarter of the patients received psychotropic drugs as well as long-term medications without diagnosis. Some patients were put on psychotropic drugs combination. To optimize patient outcomes, a diagnosis should be encouraged The long-term use and polypharmacy should be minimized. The quality and appropriateness of prescribed medication should be part of a future research project.