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Sun B, Man YL, Zhou QY, Wang JD, Chen YM, Fu Y, Chen ZH. Development of a nomogram to predict 30-day mortality of sepsis patients with gastrointestinal bleeding: An analysis of the MIMIC-IV database. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26185. [PMID: 38404864 PMCID: PMC10884850 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to establish and validate a prognostic nomogram model for improving the prediction of 30-day mortality of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Methods In this retrospective study, the current retrospective cohort study extracted data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, then partitioned the cohort randomly into training and validation subsets. The cohort was partitioned into training and validation subsets randomly. Our primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. To reduce data dimensionality and identify predictive variables, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed. A prediction model was constructed by multivariate logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results The analysis included 1435 total patients, comprising 1005 in the training cohort and 430 in the validation cohort. We found that age, smoking status, glucose, (BUN), lactate, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, mechanical ventilation≥48h (MV), parenteral nutrition (PN), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) independently influenced mortality in sepsis patients with concomitant GIB. The C-indices were 0.746 (0.700-0.792) and 0.716 (0.663-0.769) in the training and validation sets, respectively. Based on the area under the curve (AUC) and DCA, the nomogram exhibited good discrimination for 30-day all-cause mortality in sepsis with GIB. Conclusions For sepsis patients complicated with GIB, we created a unique nomogram model to predict the 30-day all-cause mortality. This model could be a significant therapeutic tool for clinicians in terms of personalized treatment and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Burn & Wound Repair Department, Fujian Burn Institute, Fujian Burn Medical Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-lin Man
- Burn & Wound Repair Department, Fujian Burn Institute, Fujian Burn Medical Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Qi-yuan Zhou
- Emergency Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jin-dong Wang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yi-min Chen
- Burn & Wound Repair Department, Fujian Burn Institute, Fujian Burn Medical Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Burn & Wound Repair Department, Fujian Burn Institute, Fujian Burn Medical Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Zhao-hong Chen
- Burn & Wound Repair Department, Fujian Burn Institute, Fujian Burn Medical Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Burn and Trauma, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
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Gries JJ, Sakamoto T, Chen B, Virk HUH, Alam M, Krittanawong C. Revascularization Strategies for Acute and Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1217. [PMID: 38592672 PMCID: PMC10931623 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenteric ischemia is a challenging condition characterized by insufficient blood perfusion to the mesentery and, consequently, intestinal tissues that continues to perplex clinicians. Despite its low prevalence, the condition's variable clinical presentation and elusive radiographic diagnosis can delay life-saving interventions in the acute setting and deteriorate the quality of life of patients when left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. PURPOSE Review and summarize recent diagnostic updates and emergent intervention strategies for acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia. METHODS A narrative review of all relevant studies from January 2022 through September 2023. RESULTS A total of 11 studies from MEDLINE, supplemented with 44 studies from Google Scholar, were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS Both acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia propose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for interventionalists. Computed tomographic angiography remains the diagnostic modality of choice for both. Open surgical intervention remains the gold standard for acute mesenteric ischemia, while endovascular techniques are preferred for chronic mesenteric ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Gries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822, USA;
| | - Takashi Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Gastroenterological Center, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 1130033, Japan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1130033, Japan
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk
- Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mahboob Alam
- Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Cardiology Division, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Bagley K, Schuller JG. Mesenteric ischemia in the acute care setting. Nursing 2024; 54:48-55. [PMID: 38271132 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000998028.77929.e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mesenteric ischemia is a group of disorders requiring prompt identification, supportive care, and treatment. Chronic mesenteric ischemia can develop into acute mesenteric ischemia, which has high mortality. Acute mesenteric ischemia can be occlusive (caused by arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, or mesenteric venous thrombosis) or nonocclusive, with treatment depending on the underlying cause.
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Acosta-Mérida MA, Ortiz-López D, Suárez-Cabrera A, Pelloni M, Rahy-Martín AC, Bañolas-Suárez R, Marchena-Gómez J. Hypercoagulability status, operative mortality, and long-term survival in patients operated on for mesenteric venous thrombosis. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:731-740. [PMID: 36906102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is a rare cause of acute surgical abdomen, with high mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcomes and possible factors influencing its prognosis. METHODS All patients who underwent urgent surgery for MVT from 1990 to 2020 in our center were reviewed. Epidemiological, clinical, and surgical data; postoperative outcomes; origin of thrombosis; and long-term survival were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: primary MVT (hypercoagulability disorders or idiopathic MVT) and secondary MVT (underlying disease). RESULTS Fifty-five patients, 36 (65.5%) men and 19 (34.5%) women, mean age 66.7 years (standard deviation: ±18.0 years), underwent surgery for MVT. Arterial hypertension (63.6%) was the most prevalent comorbidity. Regarding the possible origin of MVT, 41 (74.5%) patients had primary MVT and 14 (25.5%) patients had secondary MVT. From these, 11 (20%) patients had hypercoagulable states, 7 (12.7%) had neoplasia, 4 (7.3%) had abdominal infection, 3 (5.5%) had liver cirrhosis, 1 (1.8%) patient had recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism, and 1 (1.8%) had deep venous thrombosis. Computed tomography was diagnostic of MVT in 87.9% of the cases. Intestinal resection was performed in 45 patients due to ischemia. Only 6 patients (10.9%) had no complication, 17 patients (30.9%) presented minor complications, and 32 patients (58.2%) presented severe complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Operative mortality was 23.6%. In univariate analysis, comorbidity measured by the Charlson index (P = .019) and massive ischemia (P = .002) were related to operative mortality. The probability of being alive at 1, 3, and 5 years was 66.4%, 57.9%, and 51.0%, respectively. In univariate analysis of survival, age (P < .001), comorbidity (P < .001), and type of MVT (P = .003) were associated with a good prognosis. Age (P = .002; hazard ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.09) and comorbidity (P = .019; hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.57) behaved as independent prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS Surgical MVT continues to show high lethality. Age and comorbidity according to the Charlson index correlate well with mortality risk. Primary MVT tends to have a better prognosis than secondary MVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Asunción Acosta-Mérida
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - David Ortiz-López
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aurora Suárez-Cabrera
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Pelloni
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aída Cristina Rahy-Martín
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Raquel Bañolas-Suárez
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Joaquín Marchena-Gómez
- Servicio Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Universidad de Las Palmas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
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Bagley K, Schuller JG. Mesenteric ischemia in the acute care setting. Nurse Pract 2023; 48:17-25. [PMID: 37227311 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000000000000053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mesenteric ischemia is a group of disorders requiring prompt identification, supportive care, and treatment. Chronic mesenteric ischemia can develop into acute mesenteric ischemia, which has high mortality. Acute mesenteric ischemia can be occlusive (caused by arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, or mesenteric venous thrombosis) or nonocclusive, with treatment depending on the underlying cause.
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Willging A, Castro E, Galet C, Xu J. Exploring Outcomes Related to Residential Determinants in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Patients. J Surg Res 2023; 289:69-74. [PMID: 37086598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To access the relationship between residential status and outcomes in surgical acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) patients. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 153 AMI patients admitted to our institution between 2007 and 2021. Residential median income and Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) code were used as residential proxies. RESULTS Being of the female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.116 [1.276-7.609] P = 0.013) and having a vascular intervention performed (OR = 2.927 [1.087-7.883] P = 0.034) were both associated with a threefold increase in the risk of mortality. Increased age (OR = 1.037 [1.002-1.073] P = 0.039), elevated blood urea nitrogen (OR = 1.032 [1.012-1.051] P = 0.001), and living in higher residential income area (OR = 1.049 [1.009-1.091] P = 0.017) had a small, but statistically significant, increased risk of mortality. Patients in higher median income areas were less likely to undergo colonic resection (OR = 0.953 [0.911-0.997] P = 0.038) and tended to have a lower likelihood of receiving an ostomy (OR = 0.963 [0.927-1] P = 0.051). Being from urban or rural areas was not associated with mortality (OR = 1.565 [0.647-3.790] P = 0.321, although rural patients were more likely to undergo colon resection (OR = 2.183 [0.938-5.079] P = 0.070). Furthermore, rural patients were much more likely to be readmitted than urban dwellers (OR = 4.700 [1.022-21.618] P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS AMI patients living in rural or small-town areas were more likely to be readmitted and tended to undergo colonic resection. Patients residing in higher income areas had a slightly higher risk of mortality but tended to be less likely to require ostomy or colonic resection. These findings suggest a potential need for postoperative care initiatives focused on AMI patients living in rural and lower income areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbygale Willging
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elvis Castro
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Colette Galet
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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Wu W, He J, Zhang S, Zeng C, Wang Q. Basic demographic characteristics and prevalence of comorbidities in acute mesenteric ischemia: a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 58:605-618. [PMID: 36458699 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2152289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine and assess the basic demographic characteristics and prevalence of comorbidities in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and its various subtypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted by using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (to June 1, 2022). Random-effects or fixed-effects models were selected to pool means and proportions and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), based on heterogeneity between studies. The results of meta-analyses for basic demographic characteristics and prevalence (proportions) of each specific comorbidities of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and its various subtypes were described. RESULTS Ninety-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 17,103 patients with AMI. Furthermore, 7941 patients with subclass diagnoses of AMI were identified, including 3,239 patients with arterial occlusive mesenteric ischemia (AOMI), 2,977 patients with nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), and 1,725 patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT). As a surgical emergency, AMI is associated with older patients and a high likelihood of multisystem comorbidities. Comorbidities of AMI involved multiple systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, endocrine and metabolic diseases, kidney diseases, digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, vascular diseases, and cancer. CONCLUSION The basic demographic characteristics and the prevalence of comorbidities of different subtypes of AMI are different. The management of comorbidities should be an essential part of improving the prognosis of AMI patients and may contribute to precise prevention of AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhan Wu
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jia He
- Faculty Affairs and Human Resources Management Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shijian Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Changtong Zeng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qifa Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the recent evidence on acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI). RECENT FINDINGS The overall incidence of AMI is below 10/100 000 person years but increases exponentially with age. The overall mortality of AMI remains high, exceeding 50%, despite continuing progress and increasing availability of imaging and endovascular interventions. However, patients with (early) revascularization have significantly better outcomes. The majority of patients surviving the acute event are still alive at 1 year, but evidence on quality of life is scarce.Clinical suspicion of AMI is the key to timely diagnosis, with biphasic computed tomography-angiography the diagnostic method of choice. Currently, no biomarker has sufficient specificity to diagnose AMI. SUMMARY Improved awareness and knowledge of AMI are needed to raise the suspicion of AMI in relevant patients and thereby to achieve better outcomes.
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Darshit D, Srikant S, Kibanda D, Michael O. Outcomes of bowel resection following non-mechanical intestinal obstruction due to mesenteric vein thrombosis in Uganda: A case series. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 98:107542. [PMID: 36027826 PMCID: PMC9424601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is one of the common occlusive causes of compromised bowel perfusion. Contrast-enhanced CT angiography is the diagnostic imaging study of choice for MVT. In-hospital mortality following acute mesenteric infarction is 63 %. Surgical resection may be life saving for patients with peritoneal signs or refractory to conservative management. Case presentation We consecutively included records of five patients from Lubaga Hospital with intestinal obstruction who underwent bowel resection following intraoperatively confirmed acute mesenteric ischemia between May 2017 and November 2021. Three of the patients were female. Patients were between 21 and 45 years. One patient had comorbid conditions and an identifiable underlying etiology of polycythemia for MVT. Duration of symptoms ranged from 1 to 11 days. All patients underwent open laparotomy, the length of bowel resection ranged from 77 cm to 600 cm (mean length of 337 cm). Two patients developed short bowel syndrome (SBS) and one patient developed intestinal fistula. There was one in-hospital death due to multi-organ failure. Clinical discussion Morbidity and mortality are associated with delay to diagnose the condition. Revascularization is the primary goal, resection of all non-viable regions and preservation of viable bowel. Mortality is commonly related to multi-organ failure. Advanced intensive care and parenteral nutrition have improved survival rates over the years. 2-year and 5-year survival rates have been reported to be 70 % and 50 %. Conclusion Good outcomes are still possible for post-operatively optimized patients despite the high mortality and morbidity associated with bowel resection following extensive mesenteric thrombosis. Despite high morbidity and mortality of mesenteric thrombosis, good outcomes are possible in optimized patients. Short bowel syndrome and fistulae are a major course of morbidity in massive bowel resected patients. Surgery is indicated for patients with peritoneal signs and those refractory to conservative management.
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Liau SK, Kuo G, Chen CY, Lu YA, Lin YJ, Lee CC, Hung CC, Tian YC, Hsu HH. Identifying survival protective factors for chronic dialysis patients with surgically confirmed acute mesenteric ischemia. World J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 14:809-820. [PMID: 36157361 PMCID: PMC9453328 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v14.i8.809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenteric ischemia is significantly more common in end-stage kidney disease patients undergoing chronic dialysis than in the general population and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, reports on prognostic factors in this population are limited.
AIM To elucidate the in-hospital outcomes of acute mesenteric ischemia in chronic dialysis patients and to analyze protective factors for survival.
METHODS The case data of 426 chronic dialysis patients who were hospitalized in a tertiary medical center for acute mesenteric ischemia over a 14-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Of these cases, 103 were surgically confirmed, and the patients were enrolled in this study. A Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the protective factors for survival.
RESULTS The in-hospital mortality rate among the 103 enrolled patients was 46.6%. Univariate analysis was performed to compare factors in survivors and nonsurvivors, with better in-hospital outcomes associated with a surgery delay (defined as the time from onset of signs and symptoms to operation) < 4.5 d, no shock, a higher potassium level on day 1 of hospitalization, no resection of the colon, and a total bowel resection length < 110 cm. After 1 wk of hospitalization, patients with lower white blood cell count and neutrophil counts, higher lymphocyte counts, and lower C-reactive protein levels had better in-hospital outcomes. Following multivariate adjustment, a higher potassium level on day 1 of hospitalization (HR 1.71, 95%CI 1.19 to 2.46; P = 0.004), a lower neutrophil count (HR 0.91, 95%CI 0.84 to 0.99; P = 0.037) at 1 wk after admission, resection not involving the colon (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.05 to 7.14; P = 0.039), and a total bowel resection length < 110 cm (HR 4.55, 95%CI 1.43 to 14.29; P = 0.010) were significantly associated with survival.
CONCLUSION A surgery delay < 4.5 d, no shock, no resection of the colon, and a total bowel resection length < 110 cm predicted better outcomes in chronic dialysis patients with acute mesenteric ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuh-Kuan Liau
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - George Kuo
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yu Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-An Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jr Lin
- Research Services Center for Health Information, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chia Lee
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Hung
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chung Tian
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Hao Hsu
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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