J Formos Med Assoc
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The aim of this study was to determine the value of drug-induced sleep ultrasonography (DISU) for evaluating tongue base thickness (TBT) from the awake state to drug-induced sleep, to further understand the impact of dynamic changes in TBT in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. ⋯ Our findings validate the use of DISU in objectively assessing the tongue base collapse in OSA patients. It provides a convenient and non-invasive way to evaluate the upper airway changes in OSA patients in the future.
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Typhoon Morakot in August 2009 caused significant damages and health and socio-economic impacts in Taiwan. Therefore, we evaluated the mental health status of adult and patients who lived in the affected area after the disaster. ⋯ The mental health statuses of patients who experienced a major natural disaster deteriorated in the elderly population after the disaster. However, we still need pay more attentions on the elderly of the affected population to decrease the risk for insomnia and depressive disorders after the disaster.
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Esophageal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are very rare and mostly carcinomic, carrying poor prognosis. There is still no guideline or consensus on the treatment for esophageal NET. ⋯ Mixed component of an esophageal NET is commonly observed. Staged workup and the principle of treatment can follow that for the common cancer type of esophagus. The risk factors and behaviors of esophageal NEC in Taiwan seem to be similar to that of esophageal SCC.
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Anastomotic stricture (AS) is a major morbidity of patients with esophageal atresia (EA) after surgical reconstruction. Our study determined the risk factors of AS after EA reconstruction. The therapeutic efficacy and complications of esophageal dilatation for children with AS were also evaluated. ⋯ A gap >1.5 cm between the esophageal pouches and type A EA are risk factors for AS after esophageal reconstruction. Esophageal dilatation is both safe and effective for managing strictures and improves nutritional status in EA children with AS.
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Due to the rarity of oral lymphoma (OL), we aimed to evaluate the clinical features of OL and discuss these findings in light of the literature. ⋯ Despite the rarity of extranodal lymphomas in oral cavity, their occurrence may be part of disseminated disease. Detailed history-taking, clinical and imaging examination and awareness of the patient's signs and symptoms are important for early diagnosis and an improved prognosis. The current data form a useful basis for clinical investigation and teaching regarding lymphoma occurring in the oral cavity.