The relationship between creamatocrit and cumulative percentage of total milk volume: a cross-sectional study in mothers of very preterm infants in Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND

Human hindmilk contains higher concentrations of fat than foremilk and is more desirable for growth in preterm infants who can tolerate limited volumes of breastmilk. There is currently no clear demarcation between foremilk and hindmilk. This study characterized the change in breastmilk's fat content from the start to end of milk flow and defined this demarcation.

METHODS

Mothers of infants born at ≤ 32 weeks gestational age and ≥ 14 days after childbirth in a University hospital in Bangkok, Thailand between July, 2011, and April, 2012 were included in this cross-sectional study. Breastmilk samples were sequentially collected from the start to end of milk flow in 5-mL aliquots using breast pumps. The fat content of each aliquot from each breast was determined through creamatocrit. The average creamatocrit of foremilk and hindmilk were compared in predefined foremilk to hindmilk ratios of 20:80, 25:75, 33:67, and 50:50. Creamatocrit of the first and last aliquots were compared for mothers who expressed low- (≤ 25-mL per breast) and high-volumes (> 25-mL per breast) of breastmilk.

RESULTS

Of the 25 mothers enrolled, one was excluded due to unsuccessful creamatocrit measurement. The last aliquot of breastmilk had a significantly higher creamatocrit than the first from the same breast (median [interquartile range] of 12.7% [8.9%, 15.3%] vs. 5.6% [4.3%, 7.7%]; test statistic 1128, p < 0.001). Mean creamatocrit in hindmilk portions (9.23%, 9.35%, 9.81%, and 10.62%, respectively) was significantly higher than foremilk portions (6.28%, 6.33%, 6.72%, and 7.17%, respectively) at all predefined ratios. Creamatocrit increased by 1% for every 10% incremental increase in expressed breastmilk volume until the breast was emptied. Low-volume mothers had a significantly higher creamatocrit in the first aliquot compared with high-volume mothers (U = 437, p = 0.002). No significant difference in breastmilk volume was observed between mothers with and without breastfeeding experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat content in breastmilk increased on an incremental basis. More fluid definitions of foremilk and hindmilk should be adopted. Mothers should prepare their breastmilk into aliquots based on the required feeding volume of their infant. Hindmilk aliquots can be prioritized over foremilk aliquots to ensure infants obtain optimal caloric intake.

Ivermectin Accelerates Circulating Nonstructural Protein 1 (NS1) Clearance in Adult Dengue Patients: A Combined Phase 2/3 Randomized Double-blinded Placebo Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Dengue is the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease; there are no specific therapeutics. The antiparasitic drug ivermectin efficiently inhibits the replication of all 4 dengue virus serotypes in vitro.

METHODS

We conducted 2 consecutive randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adult dengue patients to evaluate safety and virological and clinical efficacies of ivermectin. After a phase 2 trial with 2 or 3 days of 1 daily dose of 400 µg/kg ivermectin, we continued with a phase 3, placebo-controlled trial with 3 days of 400 µg/kg ivermectin.

RESULTS

The phase 2 trial showed a trend in reduction of plasma nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) clearance time in the 3-day ivermectin group compared with placebo. Combining phase 2 and 3 trials, 203 patients were included in the intention to treat analysis (100 and 103 patients receiving ivermectin and placebo, respectively). Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurred in 24 (24.0%) of ivermectin-treated patients and 32 (31.1%) patients receiving placebo (P = .260). The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) clearance time of NS1 antigenemia was shorter in the ivermectin group (71.5 [95% CI 59.9-84.0] hours vs 95.8 [95% CI 83.9-120.0] hours, P = .014). At discharge, 72.0% and 47.6% of patients in the ivermectin and placebo groups, respectively had undetectable plasma NS1 (P = .001). There were no differences in the viremia clearance time and incidence of adverse events between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A 3-day 1 daily dose of 400 µg/kg oral ivermectin was safe and accelerated NS1 antigenemia clearance in dengue patients. However, clinical efficacy of ivermectin was not observed at this dosage regimen.

Association between adenoid bacteriology and clinical characteristics of adenoid-related diseases in children

Introduction:

The aim of this research is to find the association between the pathogenic bacteria obtained from the adenoid culture and clinical characteristics of adenoid-related diseases in children.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of children who had adenoidectomy for adenoid-related diseases. Demographic data, diagnoses, indications for adenoidectomy and bacterial culture results were collected. The adenoid size was measured in the lateral skull X-ray as adenoid–nasopharyngeal ratio. Associations between the culture results and the demographic data, adenoid size, and the diagnoses were analyzed.

Results:

There were 407 children who had adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (75.2%), otitis media with effusion (19.2%), and chronic sinusitis (5.6%). Median age was 5.9 years. Common pathogenic bacteria in the adenoid were Haemophilus influenzae (26.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.2%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (12%). The patient’s age had significant association with the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. S. pneumoniae was most prevalent in young children up to 7 years. S. aureus was more common in children over 7 years. H. influenzae had similar prevalence in all age groups. Size of the adenoid and type of adenoid-related diseases had no association with the outcome of bacterial culture.

Conclusion:

Age of the patients was the significant factor associated with the bacteriological findings of the adenoid while size and types of adenoid-related diseases were not associated with the outcome of bacterial culture.

Clinical Characteristics of Sarcoidosis in Asian Population: A 14-year Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study from Thailand

Background:

Little is known about epidemiology and clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis in Asian population.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Thai patients with sarcoidosis, using databases of a tertiary care medical center.

Methods:

Potential cases of sarcoidosis were identified from two sources, the medical record-linkage system and the pathology database of Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Patients with ICD-10-CM codes for sarcoidosis were identified and retrieved from the medical record-linkage system from 2005 to 2018. Patients with histopathology positive for non-caseating granuloma were identified and retrieved from the pathology database from the same time period. All potential cases underwent individual medical record review to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis which required compatible clinical pictures supported by presence of non-caseating granuloma, radiographic evidence of intrathoracic sarcoidosis and exclusion of other granulomatous diseases.

Results:

From 2005 to 2018, 89 confirmed cases of sarcoidosis were identified. 80.9% of them were female and mean age at diagnosis was 46.8 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.9 years). The majority of patients had intrathoracic disease (81 cases; 91.0%) but less than half had respiratory symptoms (34 cases; 41.9%). Extrathoracic disease was common in this cohort that pulmonary sarcoidosis was accompanied by extrathoracic involvement in 53 patients (65.4%). Sarcoid uveitis was the most common extrathoracic disease (35 cases; 39.3%), followed by cutaneous sarcoidosis (24 cases; 26.9%), extrathoracic lymphadenopathy (18 cases; 22.5%) and sarcoid arthropathy (4 cases; 4.5%).

Conclusion:

The current study examined clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis in an Asian population and found high prevalence of uveitis and marked female predominance. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (4): e2020011)

Ten-year survival and factors associated with increased mortality in patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure in Thailand

INTRODUCTION

Data on the long-term outcomes of Asian patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure is scarce. The objectives of this study were to determine short-term, intermediate-term and long-term survival among patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure in Thailand, and to identify factors independently associated with increased mortality.

METHODS

Patients who were admitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure were enrolled in the Thai Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Registry (ADHERE) from 18 hospitals located across Thailand during 2006. Medical record data was collected according to ADHERE protocol. Mortality data was collected from death certificates on file at the Thailand Bureau of Registration Administration.

RESULTS

A total of 1,451 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 63.7 ± 14.4 years, and 49.7% were male. One-year, five-year and ten-year mortality rates in Thai patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure were 28.0%, 58.2% and 73.3%, respectively. Independent predictors of increased mortality were identified. There were more cardiovascular-related deaths than non-cardiovascular-related deaths (54.6% vs. 45.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The ten-year mortality rate in Thai patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure was 73.3%. Many factors were found to be independently associated with increased mortality, including left ventricular ejection fraction.

Accuracy of Tumour-Associated Circulating Endothelial Cells as a Screening Biomarker for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer

Even though more than 350,000 men die from prostate cancer every year, broad-based screening for the disease remains a controversial topic. Guidelines demand that the only commonly accepted screening tool, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, must be followed by prostate biopsy if results are elevated. Due to the procedure’s low positive predictive value (PPV), however, over 80% of biopsies are performed on healthy men or men with clinically insignificant cancer—prompting calls for new ways of vetting equivocal PSA readings prior to the procedure. Responding to the challenge, the present study investigated the diagnostic potential of tumour-associated circulating endothelial cells (tCECs), which have previously been described as a novel, blood-based biomarker for clinically significant cancers. Specifically, the objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a tCEC-based blood test to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (defined as Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4) in high-risk patients. Performed in a blinded, prospective, single-centre set-up, it compared a novel tCEC index test with transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy as a reference on a total of 170 patients and found that a tCEC add-on test will almost double the PPV of a standalone PSA test (32% vs. 17%; p = 0.0012), while retaining a negative predictive value above 90%.

Cut-off values for positive bronchodilator response in healthy Thai preschool children using forced oscillation technique

BACKGROUND

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) requires minimal patient cooperation and is particularly useful in young children. Bronchodilator test is a valuable tool for wheezy and asthmatic patients. The cut-off value for bronchodilator response by FOT in healthy Thai children has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cut-off values for positive bronchodilator response in healthy Thai preschool children using pseudorandom FOT.

METHODS

FOT was used to measure respiratory function at baseline and after 400 mcg MDI salbutamol in healthy Thai children aged 3-6 years. Respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) at 6, 8, and 10 Hz were collected. Pre- and post-bronchodilator tests were compared using paired t-test. Absolute and percent changes after bronchodilator were calculated and their cut-off values were defined as mean ± 1.96 SD. Correlation between each of those and baseline data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Of the 150 enrolled children, FOT measurement at baseline and after bronchodilator was successfully completed in 111 children (51 boys). The mean ± standard deviation age, height, and arm span was 5.2 ± 1.1 years, 109.3 ± 8.7 cm, and 107.2 ± 9.1 cm, respectively. No correlation was observed between any absolute or percent changes in bronchodilator response and gender, age, height, or arm span. The cut-off values established for bronchodilator response by percent change were, as follows: Rrs6: -23%, Rrs8: -20%, Rrs10: -20%, Xrs6: 36%, Xrs8: 60%, and Xrs10: 43%.

CONCLUSIONS

The cut-off values identified in this study will be useful for evaluating bronchodilator response by FOT in wheezy and asthmatic young children.

Treatment outcome differences between pass and fail scores and correlation between cephalometric changes and cast-radiograph evaluation of the American Board of Orthodontics

OBJECTIVE:

Using the cast-radiograph evaluation (CRE) score of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the purpose of this study was 1) to find the post-treatment discrepancies that contributed to low-quality outcomes and 2) to identify if there might be any correlation between cephalometric changes and post-treatment discrepancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

About 200 records submitted for the Thai Board of Orthodontics examination were analyzed. Overall, 23 parameters of the CRE scores and 12 cephalometric changes were collected. Based on the total CRE score, the cases were classified into three categories: pass (score <20), undetermined (score 20–30), and fail (score >30). Kruskall–Wallis was used to analyze the differences of mean CRE scores among these three categories. In addition, the cases were further classified into fixed appliance, two-phase and orthognathic surgery groups. Correlation tests were carried out to determine if there might be any association between cephalometric changes and CRE parameters.

RESULTS:

Significant differences of mean CRE scores were found for all CRE components except interproximal contacts. Significant correlation coefficients with the total CRE scores were found for all parameters except interproximal contacts. Significant moderate association was found between lower incisor changes and CRE scores in the two-phase and orthognathic surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS:

In order to improve treatment outcome quality, the top four parameters that orthodontists should pay attention to are occlusal contacts, occlusal relationship, marginal ridges, and alignment and rotations. Cephalometric changes were not suitable as weighting factors for total CRE scores.

Bacterial leakage and marginal adaptation of various bioceramics as apical plug in open apex model

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate bacterial leakage and marginal adaptation of bioceramic apical plugs.

METHODS

Extracted human mandibular premolars were prepared to simulate open apex using No. 4 Peeso reamer in retrograde direction. In total, 150 specimens were divided into 10 groups by obturation with five bioceramics in two thicknesses. Groups 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 were obturated with ProRootMTA, Biodentine, TotalFill BC RRM paste, TotalFill BC RRM putty, and RetroMTA at 3 mm, and groups 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were obturated with the same materials at 4 mm. Ten specimens in each group were evaluated for bacterial leakage of Enterococcus faecalis for 75 days. Five specimens from each group were sectioned to investigate the gap area under scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

The 3- and 4-mm Biodentine and TotalFill BC RRM putty groups and the 4-mm ProRootMTA group exhibited less bacterial leakage and lower mean percentage of gap area than those of the other groups. TotalFill BC RRM paste showed the highest leakage for both the 3- and 4-mm groups.

CONCLUSION

The 3- and 4-mm Biodentine and TotalFill BC RRM putty groups and the 4-mm ProRootMTA group exhibited the best sealing ability and marginal adaptation of apical plugs.

Surveillance of Otitis Media With Effusion in Thai Children With Cleft Palate

Objective:

To study the incidence and outcome of management of otitis media with effusion in Thai children with cleft palate.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study in the tertiary care center.

Patients:

Ninety-five children with cleft palate were referred for ear evaluation, from June 1997 to January 2015. Fifteen children (15.8%) had associated craniofacial syndromic anomalies.

Main outcome measures:

Cumulative incidence of otitis media with effusion, rate of ventilation tube insertion, duration of indwelling tubes, hearing outcome, and complications of ventilation tubes.

Results:

Ear examinations were done every 8 to 12 weeks throughout the study. Cumulative incidence of otitis media with effusion was 53.7% in children within 12 months of age and 81.1% within 24 months of age. At the end of the study, all of the patients had at least 1 episode of otitis media with effusion. Eighty-eight children (92.6%) had palatoplasty, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of otitis media before and after palatoplasty. The mean hearing level at recruitment was 40.8 ±18.4 dB. Ventilation tube insertion was done in 76 patients (80%). The median time for indwelling tubes was 11.7 months. Rate of ventilation tube insertion was 0.5/year. The mean hearing level at last follow-up was 23.5 ± 14 dB. Otorrhea through tube was found in 24 cases (31.6%).

Conclusion:

Otitis media with effusion was common in Thai children with cleft palate. Surveillance of middle ear effusion and ventilation tube insertion contributed to a favorable hearing outcome.

Cyclosporine for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Despite widely recommended usage of cyclosporine A (CsA) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), there is no meta-analysis concerning its efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVE

To meta-analyze and review the efficacy and safety of CsA in CSU.

METHODS

Efficacy was assessed by the relative change in urticaria activity score at 4 weeks and response rates at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Safety was assessed by analyzing the number of patients with 1 or more adverse event.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (909 participants) including 2 randomized controlled trials were included, with 125, 363, and 266 patients with CSU receiving very low (<2 mg/kg/d), low (from 2 to< 4 mg/kg/d), and moderate (4-5 mg/kg/d) doses of CsA, respectively. After 4 weeks, the mean relative change in urticaria activity score of CsA-treated patients was -17.89, whereas that of controls was -2.3. The overall response rate to CsA treatment with low to moderate doses at 4, 8, and 12 weeks was 54%, 66%, and 73%, respectively. No studies of very low-dose CsA evaluated response rates at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Among patients treated with very low, low, and moderate doses of CsA, 6%, 23%, and 57% experienced 1 or more adverse event, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limited number and quality of studies, our results should be interpreted with caution. CsA is effective at low to moderate doses. Adverse events appear to be dose dependent and occur in more than half the patients treated with moderate doses of CsA. We suggest that the appropriate dosage of CsA for CSU may range from 1 to 5 mg/kg/d, and 3 mg/kg/d is a reasonable starting dose for most patients.

Predictors of Prolonged Length of Stay in General Surgical Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to explore the incidence, clinical factors, severity scores and outcome associated with prolonged length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay >3 days.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study was a prospective observational study on the noncardiac surgical patients who were admitted to surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital. The cardiothoracic, neurosurgical and traumatic surgical patients or the patients who died within the first 3 days of ICU admission were excluded. Patient demographic data, preoperative predictors and severity scores (APACHE II, APACHE III, SOFA, SAPS II and MODS scores) at day 1 and day 3 of ICU admission were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 948 patients were observed. The incidence of prolonged ICU stay was 20.1%. Patients with prolonged ICU stay had significantly higher ventilator hours (p<0.001) and ICU length of stay (p<0.001). On the multivariable analysis model of preoperative variables, the significant predictors of prolonged ICU stay were preoperative serum albumin less than 2.6 mg/dL (p = 0.023), preoperative hematocrit less than 34% (p = 0.035), emergency surgery (p = 0.003), having surgical complications (p = 0.017), having anesthetic complications (p = 0.017), admission for respiratory support with or without unstable hemodynamic (p<0.001), and sepsis on ICU admission (p = 0.003). Regarding the multivariable analysis of severity scoring system, the significant severity predictors were found only the preoperative ASA class IV (p<0.001) and emergency ASA status (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

About one-fifth of the study patients had prolonged ICU stay (>3 days). Low preoperative serum albumin (<2.6 mg/dL), low preoperative hematocrit (<34%), ASA physical status class IV, underwent emergency surgery, having anesthetic complications, surgical complications, sepsis on ICU admission, having respiratory support with or without unstable hemodynamic were significantly associated with prolonged ICU stay.

Long-term outcome following regenerative periodontal treatment of intrabony defects

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of the regenerative periodontal therapy of an intrabony defect in terms of tooth survival and clinical attachment level (CAL) stability. The association between failure and patient as well as tooth variables was assessed. Treatment records of the patients who received regenerative surgery and re-evaluation at 1-year post-surgery were screened. Patient and tooth variables, defect characteristics, and types of treatments were collected. Periodontal parameters were retrieved before regenerative surgery (baseline), 1-year post-surgery, and every visits of supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) until failure, including tooth loss or CAL loss ≥2 mm was found. In this study, treatment records from 89 patients were included. These patients continued SPT from 0.5-11.16 years. Of these patients, 92.1 % survived from tooth loss, while 61.8 % survived from CAL loss ≥2 mm compared to 1-year post-surgery. At the sites with residual pocket depth <5 mm, patients attending SPT >80 % had a significantly less percentage of teeth with CAL loss ≥2 mm compared to 1-year post-surgery than those attending SPT <80 %. However, at the sites with residual pocket depth ≥5 mm, no significant difference in the percentage of teeth with CAL loss ≥2 mm was found between patients attending SPT >80 % or <80 %. Smoking, patient's compliance, and residual pocket depth after regenerative surgery were significantly associated with tooth loss. However, these factors were not significantly associated with CAL loss compared to baseline or 1-year post-surgery.

Stroke awareness and factors influencing hospital arrival time: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Data concerning stroke awareness and factors associated with time of hospital arrival for acute stroke patients in Thailand are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To assess stroke awareness and to identify factors influencing hospital arrival time after an acute stroke.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This is aprospective study comprising consecutive acute stroke patients admitted in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between August 2010 and December 2011. Demographic data, stroke severity using the NIHSS, diagnosis and stroke awareness questionnaire were collected.

RESULTS

Of 217 acute stroke patients, mean age was 66 ± 13.7 years. Mean stroke severity was 10 ± 7.6. Patients arrived at the Emergency Department within 4.5 hours (early hospital arrival: EHA) in 38.2% of the cases, 16.6% by ambulance. Only 34.6% of patients recognized that they were having stroke. Factors associated with EHA were 1) stroke awareness (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.07-3.60, p = 0.030), 2) arrival by ambulance (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.03-4.81, p = 0.042), and 3) NIHSS >15 (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.17-4.35, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Only one-third of patients were aware of stroke symptoms. Only one in six patients used emergency transportation. Public educational campaign is needed to increase the community awareness of stroke warning symptoms and the urgent emergency medical services.

DIFFERENCES IN MORTALITY BY EDUCATION LEVEL AMONG PATIENTS IN DIABETIC REGISTRY FOR THAILAND

This study was conducted in order to determine the impact of education on mortality due cardiovascular, infectious and renal disease, and cancer among Thai diabetics using data from the Thailand diabetes registry cohort prospected and conducted between April 2003 and February 2006. The study population consisted of 9,370 registered diabetic patients attending ten diabetes clinics at tertiary medical centers in Bangkok and major provinces. The population was classified by education level: those who had not yet attained a bachelor's degree classified as having "lower education" (7,684: 82%) and those with a bachelor's degree or higher classified as having "higher education" (1,686:18%). The overall mortality rate among those in the higher education group was lower than those in the lower education group (8.9 vs 20.5 per 1,000 patient-years, respectively) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.43 (0.31-0.61). The higher education group also had lower mortality rates due to infectious disease [HR 0.10 (0.02-0.41)], renal disease [HR 0.24 (0.06-0.99)] and cardiovascular disease [HR 0.42 (0.22-0.80)]. There was no difference in cancer mortality between the two groups [HR 1.25 (0.74-2.11)].

Clinicopathologic features of breast carcinomas classified by biomarkers and correlation with microvessel density and VEGF expression: a study from Thailand

BACKGROUND

To correlate breast cancer subtypes with prognostic factors, microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and clinical features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred cases of primary breast carcinoma were classified using biomarkers on tissue microarray as: luminal A [estrogen receptor (ER) +, HER2-, Ki-67≤14%], luminal B [ER+, HER2+ or ER+, HER2-, Ki-67>14%], HER2, triple negative basal-like (TNB) [any basal cytokeratins (CKs, 5, 14, 17) and/or endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression], and TN without such markers [TNN, null], and assessed for p53, vimentin, VEGF and CD31 immunoperoxidase.

RESULTS

Of the 100 cases (mean age, 51 years; mean tumor size, 3.2cm; 56% with nodal metastasis; 89 invasive ductal carcinomas, not otherwise specified, 4 invasive lobular carcinomas, 3 metaplastic carcinomas, and 4 other types) there were 39 luminal A, 18 luminal B, 18 HER2, 15 TNB and 10 TNN. The positivities of basal-like markers in the basal-like subtype were 78.3% for CK5, 40% for CK14, 20% for CK17, 46.7% for EGFR. There was no significant difference in age distribution, tumor size, degree of tubular formation, pleomorphism, lymphovascular invasion, nodal metastasis, MVD, VEGF expression and survival among subgroups. TNs demonstrated significantly higher tumor grade, mitotic count, Ki-67 index, p53 and vimentin and decreased overall survival compared with nonTN.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of breast cancer subtypes in this study was similar to other Asian countries with a high prevalence of TN. The high grade character of TN was confirmed and CK5 expression was found to be common in our basal-like subtype. No significant elevation of MVD or VEGF expression was apparent.

Histologic evaluation of sentinel and non-sentinel axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer by multilevel sectioning and predictors of non-sentinel metastasis

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) provides accurate nodal staging for breast cancer. This technique has been introduced in Siriraj Hospital since 1998. The goal of this study is to assess its accuracy in predicting the state of the axilla, and compare the results of standard examination and multilevel sectioning. A retrospective analysis of 195 breast cancer patients who underwent both SLN biopsy (using dye alone as the lymphatic mapping) and axillary node dissection during 1998-2002 were analyzed. All slides including SLNs and the non-SLNs (NSLNs) were reviewed and multilevel study was performed on all SLNs and NSLNs [four levels of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) at 200 µm interval and keratin stains on the first and fourth levels]. Of 195 patients, 30% of cases were SLN-positive (32 NSLN-positive and 27 NSLN-negative). Additional study could detect positive axillary nodes 10.8% (4 SLN-positive and 5 NSLN-positive) more than standard HE stain. The false negative rate increased from 20.3% to 24.1%. The concordance between SLN and NSLN statuses was 89.7%. The sensitivity was 75.9%. By multivariate analysis, the significant predictors for axillary node metastasis were tumor size of more than 2.2 cm, histologic type of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), not otherwise specified (NOS) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). By univariable analysis, the significant predictors of NSLN metastasis after positive-SLN were outer location of the tumor, LVI and perinodal extension. In conclusion, use of multilevel and immunohistochemistry increased detection of positive-SLNs. Caution should be kept in accepting SLN biopsy using peritumoral dye technique alone as the procedure for staging due to a high false-negative rate. The concordance rate of 89.7% confirmed the reliability of SLN. Outer location of tumor, LVI and perinodal extension is significant predictors of positive-NSLN after positive-SLN.

Value of diffusion tensor imaging in differentiating high-grade from low-grade gliomas

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in differentiating high-grade glioma (HGG) from low-grade glioma (LGG).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Patients with cerebral gliomas underwent conventional MRI and DTI before surgery. All proven pathologies were classified into two groups, i.e. LGG and HGG. The authors measured fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in region of interest (ROI) including solid tumoral region, necrotic region, peritumoral edema, contralateral normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and normal corpus callosum as well as calculated ADC ratios. Pairwise comparisons were performed by using the t-test. The ROC curves of imaging parameters were employed to determine the best parameter for differentiating the two entities.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients with cerebral gliomas, 17 with LGG and 26 with HGG, no statistical significant difference between LGG and HGG using mean FA values in each ROI. The ADC and minimal ADC values of solid tumoral region and peritumoral edema, the ADC and minimal ADC ratios of solid tumoral region are statistical significant to differentiate HGG from LGG, p < 0.05. The ratio ADC solid tumoral region to normal corpus callosum had highest predictive accuracy to differentiate the two entities with AUC of 0.74.

CONCLUSION

The ADC value, minimal ADC value, and ADC ratios of solid tumoral region appeared to be useful for differentiating HGG from LGG.

Smoking and death in Thai diabetic patients: the Thailand Diabetic Registry cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of smoking and quit smoking on mortality rate.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This prospective cohort was a three-year follow-up of Thai Diabetes Registry project that registered 9,370 diabetic patients from 10 diabetic clinics in tertiary medical centers in Bangkok and major provinces between April 2003 and February 2006.

RESULTS

The groups of 7,487 (80%), 1,315 (14%), and 568 (6%) patients were classified as non-smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. The crude death rate of ex-smokers (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.52 (95% CI 1.19-1.95)) and current smokers (HR 1.55 (1.10-2.19)) were higher than death rate of non-smokers. After control for covariates, the HR comparing ex-smokers with non-smokers was not different (1.10 (0.81-1.50)), while the HR comparing current smokers with non-smokers remained statistical significant (1.74 (1.17-2.61)).

CONCLUSION

Smoking increases mortality rate in diabetic patients by about 74%. Quitting smoking decreased mortality rate to the same rate as of diabetic non-smokers.

Reliability and validity of the Canadian neurological scale, Thai version

BACKGROUND

The Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) is one of the most reliable stroke severity assessment scales. There is a strong need for a simple and well validated stroke severity assessment scale among Thais.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and perform a reliability and validity study of the Canadian Neurological Scale, Thai version (CNS-T).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Forward and backward translations of the original CNS version were independently performed. The final version of the CNS-T was prospectively tested for reliability and validity in acute ischemic stroke setting. Consecutive series of acute stroke patients were assessed by one of the six raters from three different types of healthcare providers: 2 stroke nurses, 2 internal medicine residents and 2 stroke fellows. Each patient was independently assessed twice at 3 weeks interval using video tape by all raters. Extent of infarction was measured by MRI lesion volume. Clinical outcome at 3 months was measured using modified Rankin Score (mRS). Correlation among the CNS-T and 3-mo mRS and MRI lesion volume were assessed. Inter and intra-observer reliabilities were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were enrolled. Median CNS-T was 8.5. Intra-observer reliability demonstrated a high agreement with an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.99, 0.97, 0.98, 0.96, 0.93 and 0.98 for 2 stroke fellows, 2 internal medicine residents and 2 stroke nurses respectively. Inter-observer reliability between the 6 raters was excellent: ICC 0.87 (95% CI; 0.81-0.92). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was -0.55 (p = 0.001) between the initial CNS-T score versus initial MRI lesion volume and -0.61 (p < 0.001) between the initial CNS-T score versus 3-mo mRS.

CONCLUSION

The CNS-T can be performed by trained nurses, internists and neurologists with an excellent reliability. The CNS-T is a valid and simple clinical tool for stroke severity assessment among Thais.

Incidence and risk factors of perioperative stroke in Siriraj Hospital

BACKGROUND

Data concerning perioperative stroke incidence and risk factors are lacking in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE

To study incidence and risk factors of perioperative stroke in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The authors conducted a nested case-control study between July 2007 and June 2010. Consecutive perioperative stroke cases were compared with age-matched controls that had undergone surgery without having a stroke at a 1:4 ratio. Patients' characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical manifestation, stroke subtypes, duration, and types of surgery were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a stroke during perioperative period.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients with perioperative stroke from 99,283 that underwent surgery were included. This resulted in an incidence of 66.5/100,000. Men comprised 65.2%. Mean age of stroke patients was 66.6-years-old. Age-match controls included 264 consecutive patients who underwent surgery without having a stroke. A multivariate analysis showed that male sex (adjusted OR 3.1, p = 0.003), surgical types: open heart surgery (adjusted OR 54.3, p < 0.0001), vascular surgery (adjusted OR 20.6, p < 0.0001) and endovascular procedure (adjusted OR 15.4, p < 0.0001), emergency surgery (adjusted OR 8.3, p < 0.0001), the presence of diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR 2.6, p = 0.018), chronic kidney disease (adjusted OR 2.6, p = 0.027), and coronary artery disease (adjusted OR 0.4, p = 0.039) were associated with perioperative stroke.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of perioperative stroke was higher than a previous report. Male, type of surgery, emergency operation, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were risk factors of perioperative stroke.

The effect of montelukast on bronchial hyperreactivity and lung function in asthmatic children aged 6-13 years

BACKGROUND

Cysteinyl leukotrienes have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The effect of the leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) as measured by the methacholine challenge test in school childre in has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of montelukast (Singulair) on BHR measured by methacholine challenge and lung function tests in Thai asthmatic children aged 6-13 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study performed in 29 mild to moderate persistent asthmatic children aged 6-13 years. Each child received crossover treatment with 6 weeks of montelukast (5 mg/day) and 6 weeks of placebo separated by a two-week washout period.

RESULTS

The improvement of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC after 6 weeks of treatment wa significantly higher in montelukast group compared to those of placebo group (p < 0.05) After 6 weeks of treatment, mean PC20 (+/- SEM in the placebo group (5.7 +/- 1.41 mg/ml) was lower than in montelukast group (6.8 +/- 1.7 mg/ml) but there was no significant difference (p = 0.79).

CONCLUSION

Montelukast significantly improved FEV1 and FEV1/FVC but not BHR in mild to moderate persistent asthmatic children aged 6-13 years after the 6 weeks of treatment.

Epidemiology of sleep-related complaints associated with sleep-disordered breathing in Bangkok, Thailand

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep-related complaints in Bangkok, Thailand.

METHODS

A representative sample of the Bangkok population was selected based on results of the 2000 Census. A total of 4680 participants underwent face-to-face interview with a 49-question sleep inventory.

RESULTS

Four percent of the total sampled (5.3% of men and 3.5% of women) complained of habitual snoring (>3 nights/week) and excessive daytime sleepiness (>3 days/week) for at least 3 months. These subjects were significantly (p<0.0001) older (41.4 vs. 36.7 years), had greater BMI (26.0 vs. 22.8 kg/m(2)), neck size (34.7 vs. 32.5 cms), and waist circumference (88.0 vs. 78.7 cms). They reported significantly shorter nocturnal sleep time, greater frequency of sleep disturbances and awakenings, unrefreshing sleep, choking during sleep, night sweats, nocturia, and bruxism. There was also a greater prevalence of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender; BMI; waist size; and reports of witnessed apneas, unrefreshing sleep and night sweats were significant predictors of snoring and daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSION

This is the first epidemiologic study investigating sleep-related complaints and associated health morbidities in the Thai population.

Accuracy and clinical utility of a portable coagulometer in an emergency setting

BACKGROUND

There are limited data concerning accuracy of portable coagulometer in emergency setting.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of the CoaguChek XS international normalized ratio (INR) monitor compared to the standard laboratory method in emergency department.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Emergency room patients who required coagulation test were recruited. Parallel INR measurements between portable coagulometer and standard laboratory were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with a mean age of 59.1 +/- 15.7 years (20-87) were included. Men constituted 56.4%. Indications for testing were as follows: acute stroke 72.7%; abnormal bleeding 7.3%; taking anticoagulant 7.3%; and others 12.7%. Mean time +/- SD used from blood drawn to INR result report was 65.02 +/- 24.5 minutes for standard laboratory and 1 minute for portable coagulometer. Mean difference of INR result from portable coagulometer and standard laboratory was 0.02 +/- 0.13 and an excellence correlation between INR (r = 0.969) was demonstrated. There was no significant difference between the INR value from the two methods (p = 0.34).

CONCLUSION

The use of portable coagulometer (CoaguChek XS) in emergency setting was accurate and required less time. Acute ischemic stroke patients are likely to benefit from a timely clinical decision making for thrombolysis medication.

Prevalence and cumulative incidence of abnormal cervical cytology among HIV-infected Thai women: a 5.5-year retrospective cohort study

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common AIDS-related malignancies in Thailand. To prevent cervical cancer, The US Public Health Service and The Infectious Disease Society of America have recommended that all HIV-infected women should obtain 2 Pap smears 6 months apart after the initial HIV diagnosis and, if results of both are normal, should undergo annual cytological screening. However, there has been no evidence in supporting whether this guideline is appropriate in all settings - especially in areas where HIV-infected women are living in resource-constrained condition.

Methods

To determine the appropriate interval of Pap smear screenings for HIV-infected Thai women and risk factors for subsequent abnormal cervical cytology, we assessed the prevalence, cumulative incidence and associated factors of cervical cell abnormalities (atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance or higher grades, ASCUS+) among this group of patients.

Results

The prevalence of ASCUS+ was 15.4% at the first visit, and the cumulative incidence of ASCUS+ gradually increased to 37% in the first 3.5 years of follow-up appointments (first 7 times), and tended to plateau in the last 2 years. For multivariate correlation analysis, women with a CD4 count <350 cells/μL had a significant correlation with ASCUS+ (P = 0.043). There were no associations of subsequent ASCUS+ with age, pregnancy, contraceptive method, highly active anti-retroviral treatment, assumed duration of infection, or the CD4 count nadir level.

Conclusion

There are high prevalence and cumulative incidence of ASCUS+ in HIV-infected Thai women. With a high lost-to-follow-up rate, an appropriate interval of Pap smear screening cannot be concluded from the present study. Nevertheless, the HIV-infected Thai women may require more than two normal semi-annual Pap smears before shifting to routinely annual cytologic screening.

Association of otoscopic findings and hearing level in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVE

To find the association between the abnormalities of tympanic membrane characteristics and the hearing level in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion.

METHODS

Sixty-three pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion had undergone ear examinations by pneumatic otoscopy to assess the color, transparency, mobility, fluid level and retraction of the tympanic membrane. An audiogram was done in the same setting, average hearing threshold and air-bone gap were measured. Otoscopic findings and the result of the hearing test were analyzed to identify the association between the abnormalities of the tympanic membrane characteristics and elevated hearing threshold.

RESULTS

Hearing loss was found in 92.1% of the patients. Mean hearing level was 31.7+/-10.3 dB. From linear regression analysis, the patients with dull or opaque tympanic membrane had a significantly higher hearing threshold of 7.2 dB than the patient with translucent ear drum after adjusting for mobility and retraction. The patients with tympanic membrane retraction had a higher hearing threshold of 5.1 dB than the patient who had no retraction after adjusting for transparency and mobility. Mobility had a significant relationship to elevated hearing threshold in the univariate analysis but not in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Opacity and retraction were the two characteristics of abnormal tympanic membrane that were associated with elevated hearing threshold in the patients with otitis media with effusion. Hearing test is suggested if opacity or retraction of the tympanic membrane is found.

Protocol-directed vs. physician-directed weaning from ventilator in intra-abdominal surgical patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that protocol-directed weaning is better than physician-directed weaning in terms of shorter duration of mechanical ventilation in general critically ill patients. In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, the authors compared duration of mechanical ventilation between protocol based nurse-directed weaning and physician-directed weaning in patients following intra-abdominal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

One hundred intra-abdominal surgical patients requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours were randomly assigned to receive either protocol-directed (n=51) or physician-directed (n=49) weaning from mechanical ventilation. Patients assigned to the protocol-directed weaning group underwent daily screening and a spontaneous breathing trial by nursing staff

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 40 and 72 hrs in protocol-directed and physician-directed groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Two patients in the protocol-directed group and three patients in the physician directed group were re-intubated within the first 72 hours after extubation (p = 0.61).

CONCLUSION

Daily screening of respiratory function in intra-abdominal surgical patients followed by trials ofspontaneous breathing performed by nurses resulted in a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation when compared to traditional physician-directed weaning.

Thailand Diabetic Registry cohort: predicting death in Thai diabetic patients and causes of death

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Thailand is 9.8 percent which is double the number forecast by World Health Organization. There is inadequate information to statistically represent all Thai diabetic patients for their causes of death.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical characteristics that predicted death and causes of death in Thai diabetic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This prospective cohort was a 3-year follow-up study of the Thai Diabetes Registry project done between April, 2003, and February, 2006, which registered 9,419 diabetic patients attending 11 diabetic clinics in tertiary medical centers in Bangkok and major provinces of Thailand. The dead or alive status (99.5%) was determined. The causes of death were defined by reviewing the medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 9,370 diabetic patients registered, 425 patients died, 1.84 percent per year. There was an increased risk of death associated with age, type of healthcare plan, lower education, insulin use, smoking, history of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, serum creatinine and high HbA1c. Lipid-lowering medication and metformin decreased the risk of death. Cardiovascular disease, infection and cancer were the prevalent causes of death.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed risk factors that influenced death and causes of death in Thai diabetics.

Establishment of the Thai version of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and a validation study

BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a well validated stroke severity assessment scale. The scale is used to assess neurological deficits, progression and degree of recovery in acute stroke settings. To date, no Thai version exists.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to adapt and validate a Thai version of the NIHSS (NIHSS-T).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-cultural adaptation of the NIHSS was developed according to the methods recommended by the International Quality of Life Assessment Project Group. Forward and backward translations were performed. A final version of the NIHSS-T was validated against initial MRI infarction volume and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months in a consecutive series of acute stroke patients. The patients were prospectively evaluated by 3 different types of health care providers: 2 stroke fellows, 2 internists, and 2 stroke nurses. Mean NIHSS-T scores from all raters were used in the analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 32 acute ischemic stroke patients with a mean age (+/- SD) of 64.53 +/- 14.97 years of age. Men comprised 71.9%. Mean NIHSS-T score (+/- SD) was 7.49 +/- 7.02. Intra-observer reliability demonstrated a high agreement with an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.98, 0.98, 0.96, 0.98, 0.90 and 0.98 for 2 stroke fellows, 2 internists and 2 stroke nurses respectively. Inter-observer reliability between 6 raters was excellent, i.e.; ICC, 0.99 (0.98, 0.99). Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the initial NIHSS-T score versus initial MRI lesion volume and mRS at 3 months were 0.53 and 0.69 with a p-value of 0.002 and < 0.001 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Thai version of NIHSS is valid for assessing acute stroke severity. The scale is also reliable when administered in a Thai-speaking setting by trained healthcare professionals.

Clinical and echocardiographic parameters and score for the left atrial thrombus formation prediction in the patients with mitral stenosis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic mitral stenosis is one of the important health problems, especially in Thailand. Thromboembolic complications from this disease remain the major problem in these patients. These complications are usually related to the left atrial thrombus formation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the parameters that can predict the presence of left atrial thrombus in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Two hundred and sixty Thai patients with mitral stenosis from Siriraj Hospital were prospectively recruited in the study. The baseline clinical characteristics of these patients which were related to thrombus formation were properly collected. All patients underwent the transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography with the standard technique to detect the mitral valve area, mitral valve score, left atrial size, LV ejection fraction, right ventricular systolic pressure, spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and associated valvular lesions. Transesophageal echocardiography was used as the gold standard for evaluation of left atrial thrombus. These parameters were analyzed to demonstrate association with the presence of left atrial thrombus by univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. Equation with score for prediction of left atrial thrombus was also purposed.

RESULTS

There were 77 men and 183 women in the present study. Left atrial thrombus was detected in 26% and previous thromboembolic complications occurred in 16.5%. Atrial fibrillation presented in 52.5%. From univariate analysis, atrial fibrillation (81.2% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001), male sex (37.7% vs 25.6%, p < 0.050), left atrial enlargement by electrocardiogram (45.5% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001), left atrial diameter (7.26 vs 6.97 cm, p < 0.030), left atrial volume (132. 7 vs. 113.5 cm2, p < 0.001), EFby Teich method (58.9 vs 62.5%, p < 0.011), EF by MOD-bp (60.7 vs. 64.6%, p < 0.005), tricuspid regurgitation (46.4% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.008), mitral regurgitation (10.1 vs. 3.1%, p < 0.022), and RVSP (57.0 vs. 49.7 mmHg, p < 0.005) can predict the presence of left atrial thrombus formation with statistical significance. Using multiple logistic regression model, only atrial fibrillation (OR 5.95, 95% CI 1.21-29.3, p < 0.02) and RVSP (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01-1.04, p < 0.04) were independent predictors. The authors proposed score for predicting probability of left atrial thrombus formation that equal to -3.61 + 1.79 AF + 0.03 RVSP with AUC of 0.764. The best cut-off point for this score was -1.49, which gave a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 56%, PPV of 48%, and NPV of 90%.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of thromboembolic complications and thrombus formation is high in patients with mitral stenosis in Thailand. From the present study, the predictors for left atrial thrombus formation in the patients with mitral stenosis were atrial fibrillation and RVSP The model for predicting left trial thrombus formation was also proposed with high sensitivity and NPV.

Evaluation of a practical method to assess antiretroviral adherence in HIV-infected Thai children

The objective of this study was to evaluate a practical method to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy by observing virological and immunological responses. We conducted a 12-month longitudinal cohort study of 162 HIV-infected Thai children. Adherence was assessed using 5 methods (self reporting calendar, records of missed doses, pill counts, physician assessment, and an interview questionnaire). CD4 count, percentage and viral load were performed at baseline and at 12 months. Mean adherence rates at 2, 6, and 12 months were 98, 100, and 99% by the calendar method; 98, 100, and 100% by recording missed doses; 96, 96, and 92% by pill count; and 90, 94, and 97% by physician assessment. Poor agreement (kappa < or = 0.1) was found among the methods. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) in virological response between participants with > or = 95% adherence (0.8 log10) and those with < 95% adherence (0.2 log10) when pill counts were used to assess adherence. In conclusion, despite poor agreement among these tools, a pill count appeared to be the only practical, validated method to differentiate the virological outcome between those who were fully and partially adhere to the treatment regimen.

Erythrocyte binding preference of avian influenza H5N1 viruses

Five erythrocyte species (horse, goose, chicken, guinea pig, and human) were used to agglutinate avian influenza H5N1 viruses by hemagglutination assay and to detect specific antibody by hemagglutination inhibition test. We found that goose erythrocytes confer a greater advantage over other erythrocyte species in both assays.

Outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a 2300-bed hospital in a developing country

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome and quality of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and factors affecting the outcome.

SETTING

A 2300-bed university hospital in Thailand.

METHOD

A 1-year prospective audit according to the Utstein style.

RESULTS

A total of 639 cardiac arrests (370 male, 269 female, age 1 day-96 years, mean+/-S.D.=53.3+/-24.12 years) were included. Four hundred and thirty-three cardiac arrests (67.8%) occurred in non-monitored areas and 200 (31.3%) occurred in monitored areas. Five hundred and thirty-six cardiac arrests (84%) were witnessed. The majority of cardiac arrests occurred in medical patients (68.4%) and surgical patients (21.4%). The most common underlying causes of arrest were respiratory failure (24.7%) and septic shock (23.3%). Initial ECG rhythms were ventricular fibrillation 79 (12.4%), asystole 272 (42.6%) with pulseless electrical activity 225 (35.2%). Most patients received basic life support within 1 min (86.7%) and advanced life support (ALS) within 4 min (92.6%) but only 25% of patients received defibrillation within 3 min. Following resuscitation, 394 (61.7%) achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation and 44 patients (6.9%) survived to discharge. Only 162 post-arrest patients were treated in the critical care area. The initial survival rate was not associated with sex, age and time to ALS, but was significantly related to the monitored area.

CONCLUSION

In our setting, survival to discharge is 6.9%. Initial survival rate was strongly associated with being in a monitored area. Defibrillators and the critical care areas were insufficient.

Thailand diabetes registry project: prevalence and risk factors of stroke in thai diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of stroke and its risk factors in Thai diabetic patients who attended the diabetes clinics of university and tertiary-care hospitals.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional, multi-center hospital-based diabetes registry was carried out at diabetes clinics of 11 university and tertiary-care hospitals. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, common drugs used and laboratory parameters were analyzed for prevalence and risk factors associated with stroke.

RESULTS

The prevalence of stroke in the patients studied was 3.5%. Most of the patients were type 2 diabetes and had ischemic stroke. One of the risk factors associated with stroke was age greater than 60 years, and the risk appeared to be highest if the patients' age was greater than 70 years (adjust OR = 3.29, p = 0.012). Other risk factors included male sex, systolic blood pressure of > or =140 mmHg, use of oral hypoglycemic agents, lipid lowering agents and aspirin. There was no association between stroke and duration of diabetes, occupation, educational level, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, diastolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive drugs or insulin, glycemic control, lipid profiles and kidney function.

CONCLUSION

Ischemic stroke was common among Thai patients with diabetes especially in the elderly. The present result emphasizes the relationship between level of systolic blood pressure and the occurrence of stroke. Optimal blood pressure control should be underscored in caring for diabetic patients.

Thailand diabetes registry project: glycemic control in Thai type 2 diabetes and its relation to hypoglycemic agent usage

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of hyperglycemic agent usage in Thai type 2 diabetics (T2 DM) who attended the diabetes clinic in university and tertiary-care hospitals. The achievement oftarget glycemic control by various modalities of treatment was also analyzed.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional, hospital-based diabetes registry of 8913 type 2 diabetic patients in 11 tertiary care hospitals and medical schools was carried out from April to December 2003. Demographic data, usage of hypoglycemic agents and level of glycemic control were collected to determine the pattern ofuse, associated factors, and achievement of glycemic control.

RESULTS

Overall, 2342 (26.3%) of T2 DM achieved HbA1C less than 7%. The percentage of patients treated with metformin was 70.8%, sulfonylureas (SU) was 68.7% and insulin was 25.3%. Only 7.0% of patients received alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor (AGI), 5.7% received ThaiZoliDinediones (TZD), 1.1% received repaglinide, and 3.2% was on diet control alone. Target glycemic control was achieved in 57.6%, 37.1%, 52%, 16.7%, 62.5%, 52% and 16.9% of patients who were on diet control only, monotherapy with SQU, metformin, TZD, AGI, repaglinide and insulin,respectively. Sulfonylureas were the most commonly used drug for monotherapy. Metformin with sulfonylurea was the most common combination therapy and was used in 39.5% of patients. More than 60% of the patients treated with metformin monotherapy had body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m2, as compare to less than half of patient treated with other monotherapy agent. Mean +/- SD duration of diabetes in thepatients treated with metformin alone was 5.9 +/- 5.5 years, less than that in the SU-treated patients (8.3 +/- 7.1 years) and also in the insulin-treated patients (14.8 +/- 9.0 years). TDZ were commonly prescribed in combination with sulfonylureas and metformin in subjects with relatively longer duration of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Better treatment strategies for glucose control ofdiabetic patients on medical treatments should be encouraged to improve glycemic control and reduce long term complications.

Thailand diabetes registry project: current status of dyslipidemia in Thai diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in adult Thai type 2 diabetes who attended diabetes clinics in university and tertiary-care hospitals.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional, multi-center, hospital-based diabetes registry was conducted in 11 diabetic clinics in tertiary medical centers in Bangkok and major provinces between April and December 2003. A group of 9419 diabetic patients were registered. Individual Demographic data including education and socioeconomic status were collected. The results of the physical examination for complications, history screening and laboratory results were recorded. The prevalence of the various complications of diabetes was analyzed and the percentage achievement of metabolic control calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 9419 diabetic patients registered 8769 had complete demographic and plasma lipid data. Mean age was 59.5 +/- 13.3 years. The percentage of male patients was 33.9%. In the present study, there were 8464 type 2 diabetes and 383 type I diabetes. History of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease were present in 8.1 and 4.2 percent ofthepatients, respectively. More than 80% of the patients had dyslipidemia. The patients with CVD had higher proportion of achieving the LDL target (< 100 mg/dl, 43 vs. 34%). More than half of the patients (55%) were taking lipid lowering medications, but one-third (30%) did not despite havingfulfilled indications. The patients covered by government supported health plan were less likely to received lipid-lowering medication than the patients covered by private health plans (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57-0.75). The two most commonly used lipid-lowering agents were HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (76%) and fibrates (19%), both agents were used in combination in 5% ofthe patients. Only 40.1% ofthe patients on lipid-lowering medications reached the target LDL goal (<100 mg/dl).

CONCLUSION

Elevated LDL cholesterol was the most common lipid abnormality in the present study. Although 55% of the patients were taking lipid lowering agents, another 42% of the patients needed the medication. More than half of the patients treated needed more intensive lipid lowering in order to achieve the LDL goal. If the authors wish to follow the current (2005) American Diabetes Association recommendations, we would have to treat up to 97% of diabetic patients with lipid lowering

Vascular leakage in severe dengue virus infections: a potential role for the nonstructural viral protein NS1 and complement

BACKGROUND

Vascular leakage and shock are the major causes of death in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Thirty years ago, complement activation was proposed to be a key underlying event, but the cause of complement activation has remained unknown.

METHODS

The major nonstructural dengue virus (DV) protein NS1 was tested for its capacity to activate human complement in its membrane-associated and soluble forms. Plasma samples from 163 patients with DV infection and from 19 patients with other febrile illnesses were prospectively analyzed for viral load and for levels of NS1 and complement-activation products. Blood and pleural fluids from 9 patients with DSS were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Soluble NS1 activated complement to completion, and activation was enhanced by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against NS1. Complement was also activated by cell-associated NS1 in the presence of specific antibodies. Plasma levels of NS1 and terminal SC5b-9 complexes correlated with disease severity. Large amounts of NS1, complement anaphylatoxin C5a, and the terminal complement complex SC5b-9 were present in pleural fluids from patients with DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Complement activation mediated by NS1 leads to local and systemic generation of anaphylatoxins and SC5b-9, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the vascular leakage that occurs in patients with DHF/DSS.

An economic evaluation of bupivacaine plus fentanyl versus ropivacaine alone for patient-controlled epidural analgesia after total-knee replacement procedure: a double-blinded randomized study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Total-knee replacement (TKR) surgery is one of the most painful orthopedic procedures after surgery. Opioid has been commonly combined with a local anesthetic to improve the quality of pain relief, but the treatment has opioid-related side effects. This study compared the cost effectiveness of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with 0.0625% bupivacaine plus fentanyl (BF) 3 microg/mL versus 0.15% ropivacaine alone (R) during the first 48 hours after TKR procedure.

METHODS

This prospective randomized double-blinded study was performed on 70 patients who underwent unilateral TKR procedure and received either BF or R after surgery. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at rest and upon movement, side effects, and cost of treatment were compared.

RESULTS

Overall pain at rest and upon movement between groups was not significantly different (P = 0.58, 95% CI = 4.4 to -7.8 and P = 0.8, 95% CI = 6.4 to -8.2, respectively). Patients in the BF group experienced more pruritus and had more vomiting episodes than those in the R group (P = .015), whereas no difference occurred in other side effects. Nevertheless, patient satisfaction with pain management was higher in the BF group compared with that in the R group. In addition, pain treatment with bupivacaine and fentanyl was 18% less costly compared with ropivacaine alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the economic evaluation, we conclude that PCEA with 0.0625% bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 microg/mL is more cost effective and provides more patient satisfaction than PCEA with ropivacaine alone. However, use of epidural ropivacaine alone causes fewer opioid-related side effects, particularly pruritus and vomiting.