Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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To examine the impact of the 21-gene Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay on the adjuvant treatment decision-making process for early-stage breast cancer in Hong Kong. ⋯ The Oncotype DX Recurrence Score information impacts the decision-making process for adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer in the multidisciplinary care setting in Hong Kong. A larger-scale study is required to gain more experience, evaluate its impact more thoroughly, and assess its cost-effectiveness.
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A 10% cross-reactivity rate is commonly cited between penicillins and cephalosporins. However, this figure originated from studies in the 1960s and 1970s which included first-generation cephalosporins with similar side-chains to penicillins. Cephalosporins were frequently contaminated by trace amount of penicillins at that time. ⋯ Skin test for penicillin is not predictive of cephalosporin hypersensitivity, while cephalosporin skin test is not sensitive. Drug provocation test by experienced personnel remains the best way to exclude or confirm the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity and to find a safe alternative for future use. A personalised approach to cross-reactivity is advocated.
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To present the 3-year experience of using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients with severe respiratory failure in a single centre in Hong Kong. ⋯ Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective adjunctive therapy and can be used as a life-saving procedure for carefully selected patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome when the limits of standard therapy have been reached.
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OBJECTIVE. To review demographics of patients with acute pyelonephritis, their outcomes of severe upper urinary tract infection, and to identify risk factors for long hospital stay and mortality. DESIGN. ⋯ There was high prevalence of bacteraemia and septic shock in patients with severe acute pyelonephritis. The factors of old age (≥65 years), male sex, deranged renal function, and presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation were associated with mortality. With the support of intensive care, early recognition of urinary tract obstruction and timely drainage, patients with severe acute pyelonephritis generally carry a good prognosis.
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OBJECTIVE. To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of irreversible electroporation for ablation of liver tumour in humans. DATA SOURCES. ⋯ CONCLUSION. Irreversible electroporation is a potentially effective liver tumour ablative therapy that gives rise to only mild and transient side-effects. Further studies with better patient selection criteria and longer follow-up are needed to clarify its role as a first-line liver tumour treatment modality.