J Formos Med Assoc
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Target temperature management (TTM) is a recommended therapy for patients after cardiac arrest (PCA). The TaIwan Network of Targeted Temperature ManagEment for CARDiac Arrest (TIMECARD) registry was established for PCA who receive TTM therapy in Taiwan. We aim to determine the variables that may affect neurologic outcomes in PCA who undergo TTM. ⋯ In the TIMECARD registry, some PCA baseline characteristics, cardiac arrest events, cardiopulmonary resuscitation characteristics, and post-arrest management characteristics were significantly associated with neurologic outcomes.
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This study aimed to compare our experiences of nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pneumothorax and lung tumor resections with that of intubated VATS in pediatric patients. ⋯ Nonintubated VATS is feasible and safe in selected children undergoing bullectomy or wedge resections for lung tumors. The nonintubated approach might enhance postoperative recovery.
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Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a distinct pathological entity with much higher incidence and unique risk factors compared to general VTE. A previous study reported that cancer associated-VTE incidence in Taiwan is much lower than that reported for western countries and also lower than our anecdotal observations. To address this issue further, we initiated an investigation locally using a more detailed approach than used previously with comprehensive review of medical records to gain new insight into the incidence and risk factors for cancer-associated VTE. ⋯ We reported higher incidence of cancer associated VTE in Taiwan. Low BMI and short aPTT were found to be related to higher VTE risk that was not reported before.
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Evidence for optimizing the first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is lacking. This study assessed the utilization patterns of chemotherapy and associated survival outcomes in de novo mTNBC patients. ⋯ Generally, single-agent and combination chemotherapies yielded comparable survival outcomes as the first-line treatment for de novo mTNBC. Younger patients may benefit more from combination regimens, in terms of better survival outcomes. Single-agent chemotherapy may be preferable as the first-line choice for elderly patients who are vulnerable to the toxicity of multiple chemotherapy agents.
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Idiopathic (isolated) hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare disease that can be classified as Kallmann syndrome (KS) or normosmic IHH (nIHH). This study investigated the phenotype and genotype of IHH in Taiwanese patients. ⋯ Whole exome sequencing is useful in patients with IHH, and we identified the SOX11 gene as a causal factor in this study. We described the clinical, hormonal, and molecular characteristics, and the treatment outcomes, of Taiwanese patients with IHH, which should aid therapeutic planning and further research.