Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet
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Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RSTS) are rare malignant tumors with a distinguishing feature of slow growth in the silent retroperitoneal space. The patients usually present late with a large retroperitoneal mass surrounded by the major vascular structures and visceral organs rendering curative resection an extremely difficult and risky operation. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate surgical experience and results of treatment of RSTS at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Operative techniques of these complex surgical procedures were also described. ⋯ Acceptable outcomes after complete surgical resection of the RSTS were achieved from this small but important case-series. The authors have demonstrated that CGR with concomitant resection of the contiguous organs can be safely performed in patients with large RSTS. Preoperative CT scan was invaluable for diagnosis and treatment plan. Preoperative core needle biopsy was not necessary when preoperative CT scan was diagnostic. Intention for curative resection should be attempted whenever possible to minimize chance of local recurrence and improve survival. Experience of the surgical team is an important factor for successful results when conducting these technically demanding operations.
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Lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have been found to be elevated in cardiopulmonary failure, sepsis, shock and hepatic injury. Severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patients also develop shock and experience a certain degree of hepatic injury, implicating that serum lactate and LDH may be elevated in Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). ⋯ Serum lactate and LDH was found to be elevated in DHF and/or DSS patients. Lactate may be used as a predictor of DSS if the level is > 2 U/L on Day 0. LDH can be used to differentiate patients with or without dengue in the early febrile phase, if the level is > 500 IU. If the level of LDH is increased to approximately 1, 000 IU on Day 0, it may be a predictor of severe dengue infection or DHF and DSS with plasma leakage.
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Observational Study
Central venous catheterization related complications in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.
Central venous catheterization (CVC) is an indispensable route of venous access in management of critically ill patients. Potential CVC related complications include mechanical and infectious complications. ⋯ CVC related complications are comparable to previous studies. Risk factors of mechanical complications include high BMI, internal jugular venous catheterization and longer insertion time. Femoral venous catheterization is the only risk factor for CRBSI.
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To determine the incidence and risk factors of postoperative apnea in premature infants who received general anesthesia for cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. ⋯ The incidence of apnea after general anesthesia in infants with ROP treated with cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation was 24%. The risk factors of postoperative apnea were post-conceptual age less than 35 weeks and prior history of apnea. Patients with risk factors should be closely monitored.
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Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in children. Atrio-ventricular septal defect (AVSD) is the most common congenital heart disease (CHD) reported in DS. The mortality rate of DS with congenital heart disease (CHD) is 5-7 times higher than normal population. The survival rate in DS has improved with time and has reported up to 91% and 85% at one and ten years of age, respectively. ⋯ According to this study, the prevalence rate of CHD in DS was high. VSD was the most common lesion and has better prognosis than AVSD. The main cause of death was a cardiac problem. Follow-up patients by using modified AAP guideline and standard treatment can improve their overall survival.