J Formos Med Assoc
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The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not fully elucidated. We aimed to assess the correlation between NAFLD and CKD in a large population study. ⋯ NAFLD per se was not a risk factor for CKD, but NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis faced a higher possibility of CKD. Hence, patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis should be screened for CKD and prompted to receive treatment if the diagnosis was made.
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Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with aortic periannular abscess (PA) is a challenging issue with high mortality and morbidity rate in the current era. The present study is to review the results of surgical treatment for IE-PA based on an anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for either aortic valve replacement (AVR) or aortic root reconstruction (ARR). ⋯ Anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for IE-PA is feasible. With the appropriate selection, ARR may be associated with fewer adverse events in mid-term follow-up. Careful intraoperative judgment and management and long-term follow-up are warranted for these patients.
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Although the lung function test has played an important role in respiratory care for a long time, valid spirometry reference values in the Chinese population in Taiwan remain to be elucidated. ⋯ This study addressed the up-to-date spirometry reference equations and values for a healthy adult Chinese population in Taiwan.
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Patients who have symptoms of sicca, such as dry eyes and mouth, may have Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, the conservative culture makes patients hesitate to undergo an invasive biopsy, which contributes to the difficulty of confirming a diagnosis. We aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with sicca symptoms to develop a better predictive value for each item included in the three different diagnostic criteria for SS and clarify the best diagnostic tools for the local population. ⋯ Our results indicate the cut-off point for defining a positive test result in the Schirmer's test is worth modified to <10 mm/5 minutes in either eye.
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Observational Study
10-year outcome of temporary structured treatment interruption (STI) among HIV-1-infected patients: An observational study in a single medical center.
Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for HIV-1 infected patients but may lead to intolerance or poor adherence. Structured treatment interruption (STI) is a strategy for drug holiday or to boost HIV-specific immunity. But the long-term outcome of STI was never reported in literature. ⋯ Temporary STI may not lead to worse long-term outcome among highly selected patients. The policy may partially control viral replication through reminding the HIV-1 specific T cell immunity.