J Formos Med Assoc
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Although sporadic case reports have demonstrated successful management of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) by anti-IL-5 therapy, larger-scale monocentric studies for the efficacy of mepolizumab (MEP), an IL-5 monoclonal antibody, are still lacking in Taiwan. ⋯ In this retrospective study, induction therapy with a 12-month 100 mg MEP quadri-weekly subcutaneous injection regimen demonstrates the efficacy and safety for active and relapsing EGPA patients.
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Clinical Trial
Effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation as an add-on therapy on late-life generalized anxiety disorder: An open-label study.
Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is beneficial in reducing anxiety in psychiatric patients. However, no studies have reported on elderly patients with generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a 6-week CES intervention for late-life GAD. ⋯ CES clinically reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and may improve sleep quality in late-life GAD. Future randomized controlled study is needed.
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Case Reports
Stented cryopreserved aortic allograft for reconstruction of long-segment post-tuberculosis tracheal stenosis.
Tracheobronchial tuberculosis is one of the conditions causing long segment tracheal stenosis and is a clinically challenging scenario. This report describes a successful tracheal reconstruction in a 44-year-old man with long-segment post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis, utilizing a stented cryopreserved aortic allograft. The procedure was necessitated by the failure of conventional treatments. ⋯ Post-surgery, the patient experienced resolution of dyspnea without major complications. Currently, at 33 months post-operation, the patient enjoys an enhanced quality of life with effective breathing, speaking, swallowing abilities, and has resumed normal daily activities, with regular bronchoscopic follow-ups. This report demonstrates a novel approach for managing challenging tuberculosis-induced long segment airway stenosis.
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We evaluated the outcomes of pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their offspring in Taiwan. We also investigated how different severity levels may influence the outcomes. ⋯ During pregnancy, the monitoring of heart function and cardiac rhythm could be more intensive in mothers with CHD. In addition to accurately assessing fetal growth and development during antenatal care, mothers with severe CHD should be provided with careful fetal heart structure assessment and genetic testing along with counseling.