Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet
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Comparative Study
Comparison of conventional external radiotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of pituitary adenoma.
To compare the results of pituitary adenoma treated with conventional external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) versus stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). ⋯ At a similar outcome but with lower expense of resources, EBRT should be considered an acceptable radiation technique for patients with pituitary adenoma, especially in developing countries such as Thailand.
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Medical thoracoscopy is a common procedure for pulmonologists working in Europe but is still unpopular in South East Asia with few medical centers in Thailand performing this procedure. We report our outcome of medical thoracoscopy based upon 10 years experience. ⋯ Outcome of medical thoracoscopy varies from various indications. The success rate was high and decreasing in undiagnosed pleural effusion, pneumothorax, empyema and talc pleurodesis in malignant effusion. Great skill was needed to perform medical thoracoscopy in loculated malignant pleural effusion
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Sepsis remains a major health burden, and there is limited epidemiological report of sepsis in Thailand. ⋯ Sepsis is still common and has contributed to high mortality. Goal directed therapy and appropriate antibiotics given within 6 hours might improve the outcome.
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Causes of anemia in cancer patients are multifaceted and include such factors as nutritional deficiency anemia, anemia of malignancy and treatment-related anemia. Chemotherapy, especially a platinum-based regimen, is well recognized to cause anemia. Anemia results in decrease of functional capacity, lower performance status, poor compliance and adverse prognosis. Optimal management of anemia in cancer patients is an essential component of cancer treatment. Previously, there was no information about this condition available in Thailand. ⋯ Chemotherapy-induced anemia is a common problem found in cancer patients, especially in those receiving platinum-based chemotherapy Most of the anemic patients had asymptomatic grade I and II anemia. Blood transfusion was the treatment of choice for severe, symptomatic anemia in our hospital.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Serum procalcitonin in diagnosis of bacteremia.
To (a) determine the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in differentiating sepsis with or without bacteremia, (b) evaluate the correlation of PCT levels to severity of sepsis, (c) establish the prognostic value in predicting the outcome of sepsis and (d) evaluate the correlation among different assays. ⋯ PCT was highly sensitive in detecting bacteremia, although not very accurate in differentiating bacteremic from non-bacteremic SIRS in adult patients.