Internal medicine
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Objective The impact of dialysis initiation on survival is still somewhat controversial. Given that race or ethnicity has been observed to be a predictor of mortality and the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of early vs. late dialysis initiation on mortality in East Asian populations. Methods All eligible cohort studies of target were selected from the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and the Clinical Trials Registry databases from inception to October 2014. ⋯ Compared to late dialysis initiation, patients who received early dialysis initiation had a higher overall mortality risk (adjusted HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.0-1.85; p<0.05) in East Asian populations. In a subgroup analysis, baseline characteristic differences (adjusted HR, 2.0; 95%CI, 1.56-2.57; p<0.001), initial dialysis modalities (adjusted HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.72-2.62; p<0.001) and follow up duration (adjusted HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.19-2.12; p=0.002), demonstrated that the association between early dialysis initiation and mortality were significant. Conclusion A higher glomerular filtration rate (early) at the initiation of dialysis is associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk in East Asian populations.
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Due to their rarity, the endoscopic features and clinical backgrounds of colorectal follicular lymphoma lesions have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to reveal the characteristics of this disease entity. ⋯ Colorectal involvement of follicular lymphoma shows no erosions or ulcers. These lesions could be macroscopically observed as papular, polypoid and flat elevated lesions. Making a correct diagnosis of this disease based on the findings of biopsied samples is sometimes challenging. In such cases, multiple biopsies and/or endoscopic mucosal resection is required, in addition to appropriate consultation with pathologists.
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Multicenter Study
Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Sitagliptin in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Objective We herein conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of sitagliptin treatment in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods We analyzed the changes in glycemic control in 112 Japanese type 2 diabetes patients over 65 years of age treated with 50 mg/day sitagliptin. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, liver and kidney functions, and usage of hypoglycemic agents were recorded for 24 months. ⋯ No patient experienced severe hypoglycemia episodes, and aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and the eGFR remained unchanged. The dose of sulfonylurea was finally decreased in 72% of patients treated with sulfonylurea. Conclusion Sitagliptin treatment continually decreases the HbA1c level for 24 months and is useful to reduce the dose of sulfonylurea in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Review Case Reports
Sorafenib-induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Sorafenib has been approved to increase the survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon complication of sorafenib treatment. Only a few cases of sorafenib-induced acute pancreatitis have been reported in the English literature. ⋯ Sorafenib-induced acute pancreatitis was diagnosed after reviewing his history. The sorafenib treatment was discontinued, and his symptoms were resolved seven days later. To date, this case had the shortest duration and the lowest dosage of sorafenib to have induced acute pancreatitis.
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The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a noninvasive method with which to measure respiratory system resistance and reactance during tidal breathing. Recently, its clinical application has spread worldwide with the expansion of commercially available broadband frequency FOT devices, including MostGraph and Impulse Oscillometry. An increasing number of reports have supported the usefulness of the FOT in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Furthermore, reference values are not necessarily available and the interpretation of some measured data is controversial. There is a need to update the international statement for not only technical aspects but also the clinical use of the FOT. In this review, we summarize the previously published studies and discuss how to use the FOT in a clinical setting.