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Ho HL, Wang FY, Lee HR, Huang YL, Lai CL, Jen WC, Hsieh SL, Chou TY. Seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Taiwan revealed by testing anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological antibodies on 14,765 hospital patients. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2020; 3:100041. [PMID: 34173603 PMCID: PMC7546957 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2020.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide pandemic and affected more than 227 countries or territories, resulting in more than 25 million cases with over 0•85 million deaths, as of September 2, 2020. Taiwan has been successful in countering the COVID-19 outbreak, however, the potential risk for asymptomatic infections and the prevalence rates remain unknown. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Taiwan via serologically testing hospital patients with neither symptoms indicative of nor positive nucleic acid test for SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS Residual specimens from laboratory blood tests for outpatient and emergency department patients visiting a medical centre in Taipei, Taiwan, within one week in May and another in July, 2020, were collected. We used Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Assay to screen and further validated cases with high cutoff index by a confirmatory ELISA assay. We also analysed antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 along disease progression in four nucleic acid test confirmed COVID-19 patients. FINDINGS Blood samples from a total of 14,765 patients were tested. The unweighted seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 0•07% [95% CI, 0•04%-0•13%]; after weighting with the population demographics of Taiwan, the estimated overall seroprevalence was 0•05% [95% CI, 0•02%-0•10%]. Furthermore, based on data of the four COVID-19 cases, the seroconversion dates for IgM were as early as 9 days and that for IgG 11 days after symptoms onset. INTERPRETATION We screened the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a small-scale population-based study and observed an approximately 0•05% seroprevalence of COVID-19, indicating that the current containment protocols emphasising mask wearing, hand washing, social distancing and mandatory quarantine for all incomers are effective in Taiwan. FUNDING Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Hui PW, Ng C, Cheung KW, Lai CL. Acceptance of antiviral treatment and enhanced service model for pregnant patients carrying hepatitis B. Hong Kong Med J 2020; 26:318-322. [PMID: 32801216 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj208451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A service model was established for pregnant women with positive screening results for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. All women were offered a blood test for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level during the first antenatal visit. Women with HBV DNA levels of ≥200 000 IU/mL received counselling from hepatologists regarding treatment with antenatal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg daily. METHODS This retrospective review included women attending our antenatal clinic who exhibited positive HBsAg screening results from 15 May 2017 to 31 December 2019. The proportions of women with positive HBsAg, DNA test acceptance, hepatological review, and TDF acceptance during pregnancy were reviewed. RESULTS In total, 375 (2.9%) of 13 082 pregnant women had positive HBsAg screening results. Blood tests for HBV DNA and hepatological reviews were offered to 273 women who had not undergone hepatological review prior to pregnancy; the acceptance rate was 97.8%. Sixty (22.6%) pregnant women were hepatitis B carriers with high viral loads of ≥200 000 IU/mL. Among 58 women with high viral loads, 57 received antenatal counselling regarding TDF and 56 (96.6%) agreed to take the drug; 92.9% of these 56 women had commenced TDF at or before 32 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated broad acceptance of HBV DNA tests by pregnant women. Triage allowed early review and commencement of antiviral medication. This service model serves as a framework for enhanced antenatal service to prevent mother-to-child-transmission in public maternity units.
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Chadi SA, Malcomson L, Ensor J, Riley RD, Vaccaro CA, Rossi GL, Daniels IR, Smart NJ, Osborne ME, Beets GL, Maas M, Bitterman DS, Du K, Gollins S, Sun Myint A, Smith FM, Saunders MP, Scott N, O'Dwyer ST, de Castro Araujo RO, Valadao M, Lopes A, Hsiao CW, Lai CL, Smith RK, Paulson EC, Appelt A, Jakobsen A, Wexner SD, Habr-Gama A, Sao Julião G, Perez R, Renehan AG. Factors affecting local regrowth after watch and wait for patients with a clinical complete response following chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer (InterCoRe consortium): an individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:825-836. [PMID: 30318451 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(18)30301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with rectal cancer who achieve clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, watch and wait is a novel management strategy with potential to avoid major surgery. Study-level meta-analyses have reported wide variation in the proportion of patients with local regrowth. We did an individual participant data meta-analysis to investigate factors affecting occurrence of local regrowth. METHODS We updated search results of a recent systematic review by searching MEDLINE and Embase from Jan 1, 2016, to May 5, 2017, and used expert knowledge to identify published studies reporting on local regrowth in patients with rectal cancer managed by watch and wait after clinical complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We restricted studies to those that defined clinical complete response using criteria equivalent to São Paulo benchmarks (ie, absence of residual ulceration, stenosis, or mass within the rectum on clinical and endoscopic examination). The primary outcome was 2-year cumulative incidence of local regrowth, estimated with a two-stage random-effects individual participant data meta-analysis. We assessed the effects of clinical and treatment factors using Cox frailty models, expressed as hazard ratios (HRs). From these models, we derived percentage differences in mean θ as an approximation of the effect of measured covariates on between-centre heterogeneity. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42017070934. FINDINGS We obtained individual participant data from 11 studies, including 602 patients enrolled between March 11, 1990, and Feb 13, 2017, with a median follow-up of 37·6 months (IQR 25·0-58·7). Ten of the 11 datasets were judged to be at low risk of bias. 2-year cumulative incidence of local regrowth was 21·4% (random-effects 95% CI 15·3-27·6), with high levels of between-study heterogeneity (I2=61%). We noted wide between-centre variation in patient, tumour, and treatment characteristics. We found some evidence that increasing cT stage was associated with increased risk of local regrowth (random-effects HR per cT stage 1·40, 95% CI 1·00-1·94; ptrend=0·048). In a subgroup of 459 patients managed after 2008 (when pretreatment staging by MRI became standard), 2-year cumulative incidence of local regrowth was 19% (95% CI 13-28) for stage cT1 and cT2 tumours, 31% (26-37) for cT3, and 37% (21-60) for cT4 (random-effects HR per cT stage 1·50, random-effects 95% CI 1·03-2·17; ptrend=0·0330). We estimated that measured factors contributed 4·8-45·3% of observed between-centre heterogeneity. INTERPRETATION In patients with rectal cancer and clinical complete response after chemoradiotherapy managed by watch and wait, we found some evidence that increasing cT stage predicts for local regrowth. These data will inform clinician-patient decision making in this setting. Research is needed to determine other predictors of a sustained clinical complete response. FUNDING None.
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Lin YC, Lai CL, Chan HY. The association between rehabilitation programs and metabolic syndrome in chronic inpatients with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2018; 260:227-232. [PMID: 29216485 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The correlation between different rehabilitation programs and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in people with schizophrenia is unclear. We tested the association in chronic inpatients with schizophrenia of a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan. Patients with schizophrenia and age from 20 to 65 years old were included. The criteria of metabolic syndrome were according to the adapted Adult Treatment Protocol for Asians. According to different types of rehabilitations, patients were divided into work group, occupational therapy group and daily activities group. A total of 359 chronic inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited. Participants had a mean age of 45.9 years and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 37.3%. There was a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the work group than in the daily activity group (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.019-3.564, p < 0.05) after adjusted related confounders. Other factors associated with higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome included old age, female gender, low psychotic symptoms severity and clozapine user. This study identified a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in chronic inpatients with schizophrenia especially in patients with good occupational function. Further investigation of the relationship between the occupational function and metabolic syndrome is necessary for chronic inpatients with schizophrenia.
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Fielding R, Lam WW, Liao QY, Lai CL, Tsang JW, Ip D, Yuen MF. Perceptions of cancer risk and self-care practices: comparison of groups at different risk for cancers. Hong Kong Med J 2016; 22 Suppl 6:8-12. [PMID: 27807310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
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Cheung MY, Lai CL, Lam WHY, Lau JSK, Lee AKH, Yuen GG, Chan YK, Tsang WL. Trampoline-related injuries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J 2016; 22:81-4. [PMID: 26845468 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj144411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Lai MJ, Lai CL, Huang IH, Yu JC, Lee HS, Dai MS. Synchronous endometrial and gastric metastases of invasive lobular breast carcinomas. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 55:131-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Lai CL, Lai MJ, Wu CC, Jao SW, Hsiao CW. Rectal cancer with complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, surgery, or "watch and wait". Int J Colorectal Dis 2016; 31:413-9. [PMID: 26607907 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-015-2460-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy with a complete clinical response followed by either a "watch and wait" strategy or a total mesorectal excision. METHODS This was an observational retrospective study from a single institute. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following chemoradiotherapy with a complete clinical response from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014 were included. RESULTS The study population consisted of 18 patients who opted for a "watch and wait" policy and 26 patients who underwent radical surgery after achieving a complete clinical response. Patients had no documented treatment complications under the watch and wait policy, while 13 patients who underwent radical surgery experienced significant morbidity. There were two local recurrences in the watch and wait group; both were treated with salvage resection and had no associated mortality. In the radical surgery group, 1 patient showed an incomplete pathologic response (ypT0N1), and the remaining 25 patients showed complete pathologic responses; 1 had a distant recurrence, which was managed non-operatively, and 2 patients died of unrelated causes. The 5-year overall survival rate and median disease-free survival time were 100% and 69.78 months in the watch and wait group and 92.30% and 89.04 months in the radical surgery group. CONCLUSIONS A watch and wait policy avoids the morbidity associated with radical surgery and preserves oncologic outcomes in our retrospective study from a single institute. It could be considered a therapeutic option in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following chemoradiotherapy with a complete clinical response.
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Lai CL, Wong VWS, Yuen MF, Yang JC, Knox SJ, Mo H, Han LL, Brainard DM, Chan HLY. Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for the treatment of patients with chronic genotype 1 or 6 hepatitis C virus infection in Hong Kong. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:96-101. [PMID: 26503414 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Hong Kong, most patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have either genotype 6a or 1b infection. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir with ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients in Hong Kong with HCV genotype 1 or 6. METHODS In an open-label study, patients were randomised to sofosbuvir 400 mg once daily plus ribavirin 1000-1200 divided twice daily for 12 (n = 10), 16 (n = 11) or 24 (n = 10) weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with HCV RNA < LLOQ (lower limit of quantification, 25 IU/mL) 12 weeks after cessation of therapy (SVR12). RESULTS All 31 patients (20 HCV genotype 1 and 11 genotype 6) had HCV RNA < LLOQ by Week 4 of treatment and at their last on-treatment visit. SVR12 rates were high in all treatment groups: 100% (10/10) for 12 weeks, 100% (11/11) for 16 weeks and 90% (9/10) for 24 weeks of therapy. The only patient who did not reach SVR12 had genotype 1 HCV and relapsed at post-treatment Week 4. Sofosbuvir with ribavirin was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse events were malaise (13%) and upper respiratory tract infection (13%), followed by anaemia (10%). No patients experienced serious adverse events. One patient discontinued treatment at Week 16 because of an adverse event. The event, upper respiratory tract infection, was not considered treatment related by the investigator. This subject achieved SVR12. CONCLUSIONS The all-oral regimen sofosbuvir plus ribavirin is effective in treatment-naïve patients in Hong Kong with genotype 1 or 6 HCV. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02021643.
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Hsu KF, Ho MH, Lai CL, Wu SY, Chu DM, Hsieh CB, Chan DC. Successful laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for a huge lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas tail in a young man: A case report and literature review. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.4103/1011-4564.185219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Sarin SK, Kumar M, Lau GK, Abbas Z, Chan HLY, Chen CJ, Chen DS, Chen HL, Chen PJ, Chien RN, Dokmeci AK, Gane E, Hou JL, Jafri W, Jia J, Kim JH, Lai CL, Lee HC, Lim SG, Liu CJ, Locarnini S, Al Mahtab M, Mohamed R, Omata M, Park J, Piratvisuth T, Sharma BC, Sollano J, Wang FS, Wei L, Yuen MF, Zheng SS, Kao JH. Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:1-98. [PMID: 26563120 PMCID: PMC4722087 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-015-9675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1704] [Impact Index Per Article: 213.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.
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Wong DKH, Fung J, Lai CL, Yuen MF. COLD-PCR for early detection of hepatitis B virus antiviral drug resistance mutations. Hong Kong Med J 2015; 21 Suppl 7:S8-S10. [PMID: 26908265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
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Wong DKH, Fung J, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Identification of hepatitis B virus DNA reverse transcriptase variants associated with partial response to entecavir. Hong Kong Med J 2015; 21 Suppl 4:35-38. [PMID: 26157102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
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Chan V, Lai CL, Chan KM, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus array for genotyping and mutation detection. Hong Kong Med J 2014; 20 Suppl 6:25-27. [PMID: 25482967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
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Lai CL, Lai MS. The Impact Of Drug Price Control Policy For Diabetes Medication: A Longitudinal Analysis In Taiwan. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 17:A747-A748. [PMID: 27202702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Lai CL, Hsu KF, Yu JC, Chen CJ, Hsieh CB, Chan DC, Li HS, Hsu HM. Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the mesentery: a case report and literature review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:114-7. [PMID: 22414975 DOI: 10.1159/000336826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are very rare mesenchymal neoplasms, and have been found in various organs such as the liver, kidney, falciform ligament, uterus, uterine cervix, and both the small and large bowel. However, only 3 cases of mesenteric PEComa have been described in the literature so far. The treatment and prognosis of malignant mesenteric PEComas are discussed. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 59-year-old man diagnosed with PEComa. He underwent segmental resection of the jejunum and tumor resection. Malignant mesenteric PEComa was confirmed on the basis of clinicopathological features. Tumor resection was followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION Besides surgery, no effective treatment for malignant PEComa has been established thus far because of the rarity of this tumor. Here, we report our experience of treating a malignant mesenteric PEComa using surgery and subsequent adjuvant therapy, which effectively controlled disease progression and prevented local recurrence.
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Huang JQ, Zheng GF, Lai CL, Yuen MF, Wong BCY. Risk of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B or C. Hong Kong Med J 2011; 17 Suppl 6:41-43. [PMID: 22147359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
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Lai CL, Ou KW, Chiu WK, Chen SG, Chen TM, Li HP, Chang SC. Reconstruction of the complete loss of upper and lower lips with a chimeric anterolateral thigh flap: A case report. Microsurgery 2011; 32:60-3. [DOI: 10.1002/micr.20943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 06/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Fung J, Lai CL, Wong DKH, Seto WK, Hung I, Yuen MF. Significant changes in liver stiffness measurements in patients with chronic hepatitis B: 3-year follow-up study. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:e200-5. [PMID: 21692933 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01428.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) over time are not known. We examined changes longitudinally in a cohort of patients. Four hundred and twenty-six patients with CHB underwent transient elastography. Patients were followed regularly, and repeat elastography was performed at 3 years. Hepatitis serology, viral load and routine liver biochemistry were monitored. Of the 426 patients, 38 (9%) were hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive, 293 (69%) were HBeAg-negative and 95 (22%) were patients with prior hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. A total of 110 patients received oral antiviral therapy. There was a significant decline of LSMs at the follow-up measurement compared to baseline (6.1 vs 7.8 kPa respectively, P = 0.002) in treated patients who had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at baseline and subsequent normalization after 3 years (normal ALT limit being 30 U/L for males and 19 U/L for females). In nontreated patients, only the patients with persistently normal ALT at both time points had significantly lower LSMs at the follow-up measurement compared to baseline: 4.9 vs 5.3 kPa, respectively, in patients who remained positive for HBsAg (P = 0.005) and 5.1 vs. 5.4 kPa, respectively, in patients who had HBsAg seroclearance (P = 0.026). In patients who remained positive for HBsAg, independent factors associated with a significant decline in LSM of ≥1 kPa included antiviral therapy (P = 0.011) and the ALT levels at the follow-up time point (P = 0.024). Thus, in patients with CHB, a significant decline in LSM after 3 years was observed in treated patients with ALT normalization and in untreated patients who had persistently normal ALT. Antiviral therapy and follow-up ALT levels were independent significant factors associated with a decline in LSM.
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Lam ETP, Lam CLK, Lai CL, Yuen MF, Fong DYT, So TMK. Health-related quality of life of Southern Chinese with chronic hepatitis B infection. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2009; 7:52. [PMID: 19500349 PMCID: PMC2701941 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-7-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Southern Chinese with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. AIM To evaluate the HRQOL of Chinese patients at different stages of CHB infection and to find out factors associated with HRQOL. METHODS 520 Chinese adult CHB patients of whom 156 were uncomplicated, 102 had impaired liver function, 139 had cirrhosis and 123 had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were interviewed with a structured questionnaire, the SF-36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). The differences in SF-6D health preference values and SF-36v2 scores between each CHB group and Hong Kong population norms were assessed by t-test. ANOVA was used to compare the mean SF-6D health preference, SF-36v2 scores, and CLDQ scores among CHB groups. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify determinants of HRQOL. RESULTS CHB patients had significantly lower SF-36v2 scores than the population norm. The SF-6D values of CHB patients with uncomplicated disease, impaired liver function, HCC and cirrhosis were 0.755, 0.745, 0.720 and 0.701, respectively, all significantly lower than the population norm of 0.787. Advanced stage of CHB illness, anti-viral treatment, bilirubin level, psychological co-morbidity, younger age and female were associated with poorer HRQOL. CONCLUSION CHB infection had a negative impact on HRQOL. There was a progressive decrease in health preference values with CHB disease progression. The results can be used for the estimation of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for CHB patients in cost effectiveness or cost utility studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.hkclinicaltrials.com; HKCTR-151.
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Chang PC, Chou SH, Kao EL, Cheng YJ, Chuang HY, Liu CK, Lai CL, Huang MF. Bilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thymectomy vs. Extended Transsternal Thymectomy in Myasthenia Gravis: A Prospective Study. Eur Surg Res 2008; 37:199-203. [PMID: 16260868 DOI: 10.1159/000087863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The optimal approach to thymectomy remains controversial. This study is designed to prospectively compare the results between bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy (BVTx) and extended transsternal thymectomy (ETTx) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) without thymoma. Fifteen patients who had undergone BVTx and 16 patients who had undergone ETTx were compared for age, gender, severity of disease, preoperative duration of disease, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, hospital stay, duration of chest tube drainage, thymic histopathology, pain perception by visual analog scale (VAS), remission and improvement rate, period of follow-up, and activities of daily living (ADL). Fisher's exact test, t test and paired t test were used for statistical analysis. BVTx had longer operative time and less intraoperative blood loss than that of the ETTx. Their remission rates and their degree of postoperative ADL improvement were not significantly different. However, the lowering of VAS was significantly greater in the sternotomy group at 3 months. All other parameters were not significantly different. No mortality was noted in the series. We consider BVTx as an effective alternative procedure to the transsternal approach for patients with nonthymomatous MG. As more and more people care about cosmetics, BVTx could become the future trend.
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Bourne EJ, Dienstag JL, Lopez VA, Sander TJ, Longlet JM, Hall JG, Kwiatkowski RW, Wright T, Lai CL, Condreay LD. Quantitative analysis of HBV cccDNA from clinical specimens: correlation with clinical and virological response during antiviral therapy. J Viral Hepat 2007; 14:55-63. [PMID: 17212645 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2006.00775.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to investigate changes in various forms of intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA during antiviral therapy have been hampered by limitations in technologies and scarcity of adequate tissue for analysis. We used a sensitive, specific assay to detect and quantitate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from total intrahepatic HBV DNA in clinical liver specimens. Total HBV DNA and cccDNA from 21 needle-biopsy specimens were quantified, with levels ranging from 0.1 to 9.8 copies/cell and 0.3 to 491.0 copies/cell, respectively. Then, we performed the same determinations on baseline and week-52 liver needle-biopsy specimens from eight patients enrolled in a clinical trial and evaluated the association between intrahepatic HBV DNA levels and serological and virological endpoints. In most patients, levels of intrahepatic HBV DNA, including cccDNA, decreased over the 52-week study, regardless of therapy or serological outcome. Higher ratios of cccDNA to total HBV DNA were detected at week 52 than at baseline indicating a shift in predominance of nonreplicating virus in posttreatment specimens. In patients who achieved treatment-related or spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) responses, including those harbouring tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate-mutant HBV, levels of intrahepatic and serum HBV DNA suppression were greater than those in patients without HBeAg responses. In conclusion, this pilot study of intrahepatic HBV replicative forms in patients with chronic hepatitis B indicated that total intrahepatic and, specifically, cccDNA levels are not static but change as a reflection of serological and virological events.
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Hui CK, Lai KC, Yuen MF, Wong WM, Chan AOO, Ng M, Chan CK, Cheung WW, Lam SK, Lai CL, Wong BC. The role of cholecystectomy in reducing recurrent gallstone pancreatitis. Endoscopy 2004; 36:206-11. [PMID: 14986217 DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-814249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) or cholecystectomy can prevent recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) in patients with gallstone-related pancreatitis. However, it is unknown whether cholecystectomy after ES offers additional benefit in preventing RAP in these patients. This is a retrospective study to assess whether cholecystectomy can decrease the incidence of RAP in patients with gallstone-related pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Records from 139 patients with gallstone-related pancreatitis were analyzed. Of these, 58 patients had gallbladder stones with concomitant common bile duct (CBD) stones and 81 patients had gallbladder stones without CBD stones. Of the 58 patients who had both gallbladder and CBD stones, 37 (63.8 %) did not undergo cholecystectomy after ES (group 1) and 21 patients (36.2 %) did undergo cholecystectomy after ES (group 2). Of the 81 patients who had gallbladder stones but who did not have CBD stones, 54 (66.7 %) did not undergo cholecystectomy (group 3) and 27 (33.3 %) did undergo cholecystectomy (group 4). RESULTS At the time of analysis, three patients (8.1 %) in group 1 and three patients (14.3 %) in group 2 developed RAP. There was no significant difference in the estimated probability of occurrence of RAP over time between group 1 and group 2 ( P = 0.41). However, there was a significantly higher probability of patients developing RAP over time in group 3 compared with group 4 (6/54 vs. 0/27 respectively, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION In patients with gallbladder stones without CBD stones, cholecystectomy can decrease the incidence of RAP. In patients with both gallbladder and CBD stones, however, the risk of RAP was not further reduced by cholecystectomy after ES and complete removal of CBD stones.
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Chan AOO, Yuen MF, Lam CM, Fong CY, Wong BCY, Lai CL. Prevalence and characteristics of familial hepatocellular carcinoma caused by chronic hepatitis B infection in Hong Kong. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004; 19:401-6. [PMID: 14871279 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2004.01855.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus infection is an important aetiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clusters of hepatocellular carcinoma have been observed in families infected with hepatitis B virus. AIM To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with familial hepatitis B virus in Hong Kong. METHODS Hepatitis B virus patients were screened for familial hepatocellular carcinoma using a standardized questionnaire. The clinical features of patients with familial hepatocellular carcinoma were compared with those of 118 patients with sporadic hepatocellular carcinoma attending the clinic during the same period. RESULTS A total of 5080 patients were interviewed. Validation of the questionnaire indicated that the reliability was high. There were 22 families with familial hepatocellular carcinoma, giving a prevalence of 4.3 families/1000 hepatitis B virus carriers. The mean age of onset was 48.5 +/- 13 years in familial hepatocellular carcinoma and 62 +/- 11 years in sporadic hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.005). The ages of onset were 59 +/- 11, 40 +/- 10 and 18 +/- 4 years in the first, second and third generations, respectively (P < 0.0001), suggesting an anticipation phenomenon. Familial hepatocellular carcinoma patients were more likely to present with pain (70% vs. 10%, P < 0.0001), but not on routine screening (14% vs. 52%, P < 0.0001), than sporadic hepatocellular carcinoma patients. CONCLUSION The prevalence of familial hepatocellular carcinoma is significant in Hong Kong. These patients show specific clinical features when compared with patients with sporadic hepatocellular carcinoma.
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