AIM: To investigate the effects of gallbladder stones on motor functions of the gallbladder and the dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease. METHODS: Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was perfo...AIM: To investigate the effects of gallbladder stones on motor functions of the gallbladder and the dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease. METHODS: Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed to detect the parameters of gallbladder motor function [gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF), gallbladder visualization time (GBVT), gallbladder time to peak activity (GBTmax), gallbladder half emptying time (GBT1/2), and transit time of bile to duodenum (TTBD)] in 24 patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis who were diagnosed incidentally during routine abdominal ultrasonographic examination and 20 healthy subjects with normal gallbladder. RESULTS: Even though there was no significant difference in the clinical and laboratory parameters between the patient and control groups, all parameters of gallbladder function except TTBD were found to differ significantly between the two groups. GBEF in the patient group was decreased (P = 0.000) and GBVT, GBT GBT1/2 in the patient group were longer (P = 0.000, P = 0.015, P = 0.001, respectively).there were not any clinical and laboratory findings, gallbladder filling and emptying could be impaired in patients with gallstone disease.展开更多
AIM: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular events in Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine whether this risk is higher within specific subgroups of patients with PBC. METHODS: We included 180 patient...AIM: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular events in Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine whether this risk is higher within specific subgroups of patients with PBC. METHODS: We included 180 patients with PBC (cases) and 151 patients seen for HCV infection (controls). Medical records were reviewed and statistical analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: When compared to controls, PBC patients were older, leaner and had higher serum levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density cholesterol. There were more females in the PBC group (91.7% vs 43%, P < 0.001). More control subjects had smoked than the PBC patients (63.6% vs 35%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and stroke was similar between the two groups. Seven percent of controls and 10% of cases developed any type of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.3). Only 36.7% were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Three cardiovascular events were documented among asymptomatic patients (4.5%) and fifteen among symptomatic patients (13.2%; P = 0.06). Among PBC patients with fatigue, 10 (13.5%) had a cardiovascular event compared to 7 (6.7%) among patients without fatigue (P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic PBC patients do not have a greater frequency of cardiovascular disease; nor do patients suffering with fatigue.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease(PUD)in a general Taiwan Residents population. METHODS:From January to August 2008,consecutive asymptomatic subjects undergoing a ...AIM:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease(PUD)in a general Taiwan Residents population. METHODS:From January to August 2008,consecutive asymptomatic subjects undergoing a routine health check-up were evaluated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Gastroduodenal mucosal breaks were carefully assessed,and a complete medical history and demographic data were obtained from each patient.Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify indepen-dent risk factors for asymptomatic PUD. RESULTS:Of the 572 asymptomatic subjects,54(9.4%) were diagnosed as having PUD.The prevalence of gastric ulcer,duodenal ulcer and both gastric and duodenal ulcers were 4.7%,3.9%,and 0.9%,respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior history of PUD [odds ratio(OR),2.0,95%CI:1.3-2.9],high body mass index[body mass index(BMI)25-30:OR,1.5,95%CI: 1.0-2.2;BMI>30 kg/m 2 :OR,3.6,95%CI:1.5-8.7] and current smoker(OR,2.6,95%CI:1.6-4.4)were independent predictors of asymptomatic PUD.In contrast, high education level was a negative predictor of PUD (years of education 10-12:OR,0.5,95%CI:0.3-0.8; years of education>12:OR,0.6,95%CI:0.3-0.9). CONCLUSION:The prevalence of PUD in asymptomatic subjects is 9.4%in Taiwan.Prior history of PUD, low education level,a high BMI and current smoker are independent risk factors for developing asymptomatic PUD.展开更多
目的探讨下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的危险因素及踝肱指数(ankle-brachial index,ABI)的预测价值。方法选取2020年1月至2022年12月成武县人民医院110例无下肢动脉硬化性疾病症状的高危人群为研究对象,均接受ABI测量,根据ABI将其...目的探讨下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的危险因素及踝肱指数(ankle-brachial index,ABI)的预测价值。方法选取2020年1月至2022年12月成武县人民医院110例无下肢动脉硬化性疾病症状的高危人群为研究对象,均接受ABI测量,根据ABI将其分为异常组和正常组,对比两组基线资料,并分析影响下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的危险因素及ABI的预测价值。结果经ABI测量显示,ABI≤0.9共31例,占比28.18%。异常组年龄,有高血压史、糖尿病史、吸烟史占比,C反应蛋白及同型半胱高于正常组,总胆固醇及ABI低于正常组(P均<0.05)。年龄、高血压史、糖尿病史、吸烟史、同型半胱氨酸、ABI是下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的影响因素(P均<0.05)。年龄、同型半胱氨酸、ABI预测下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的曲线下面积(area under curve,AUC)分别为0.959、0.965、0.986,ABI预测的敏感度优于年龄和同型半胱氨酸预测(P均<0.05)。结论早期检测ABI对下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群具有预测作用。展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a dysmetabolic medical condition resulting i...<strong>Introduction:</strong><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a dysmetabolic medical condition resulting in the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC)</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">CT non-invasively identifies athe</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">rosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals. This translational study tested the hypothesis that clinically overt</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""></span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">cardiovascular disease can be prevented in asymptomatic individuals in a medical clinic. <b>Methods:</b> Two hundred </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">and </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">six</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> asymptomatic adults requested a CAC scan to identify subclinical heart disease. Individuals with a positive CAC score ></span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">1 (n = 125) were prescribed targeted</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> medical therapy to reverse their atherosclerosis. The goal was to achieve an LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60 mg/dl. One hundred </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">and </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">ten individuals</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> reached this goal (67 male, 43 female) receiving 10 mg/d of rosuvastatin and 10 mg/d of ezetimibe plus a low cholesterol diet. Other fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores did not achieve this LDL-C goal. <b>Results:</b> In the group following medical therapy and achieving an LDL-C ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60 mg/dl, no cardiovascular events</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> were observed during a maximum observation period of 5 years (mean observation time = 3.6 years). Based on previously published CVD outcome data in individuals with similar CAC scores, 12.6 cardiovascular events were expected. Two of fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores not following medical therapy had a cardiovascular event. None of the 81 individuals </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">with a </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">zero score had a cardiovascular event during follow-up. No adverse effects of therapy occurred. <b>Conclusion:</b> In a medical</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">clinic</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">,</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> adult population with positive CAC scores</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> and an LDL-C ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">mg/dl, targeted medical therapy prevented overt</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> cardiovascular disease. These result</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">s</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> should encourage other physicians to aggressively treat </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in their clinic popula</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">tions.</span>展开更多
Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the Western world. The purpose of this manuscript is to compare the benefits and deficiencies of coronary artery calcium scanning versus compute...Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the Western world. The purpose of this manuscript is to compare the benefits and deficiencies of coronary artery calcium scanning versus computer generated risk equations in identifying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These two approaches provide significantly different cardiovascular risk assessments and often lead to therapeutic differences in recommendations from the physician to the patient. Methods: Pertinent medical literature is reviewed concerning both risk assessment approaches (i.e., coronary artery scanning and computer generated risk equations). The strengths and weaknesses of both approaches are discussed, and recommendations are provided based upon available data. Results: Cardiovascular risk equations are simple and readily obtained at no charge by physicians. However, their drawbacks are several, including non-applicability to specific populations, disagreements among different cardiovascular society risk equations, wide ranges of risk outputs (e.g., intermediate 10-year risk is between 5% and 20%), inability to definitively identify coronary artery plaques, and lack of definitive anatomical coronary disease. Alternatively, coronary artery calcium scanning costs approximately $100/scan (if not covered by insurance), requires time and effort by the patient, and exposes the patient to a minimal amount of radiation. However, coronary calcium scanning identifies specific atherosclerotic coronary disease and provides additional information about the anatomical location (i.e., coronary artery) of the atherosclerotic plaque. Conclusion: Based on the published literature, coronary artery calcium scanning is the preferred approach for identifying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although there are minor drawbacks, overall it provides superior clinical information compared with computer generated risk equations.展开更多
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of gallbladder stones on motor functions of the gallbladder and the dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease. METHODS: Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed to detect the parameters of gallbladder motor function [gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF), gallbladder visualization time (GBVT), gallbladder time to peak activity (GBTmax), gallbladder half emptying time (GBT1/2), and transit time of bile to duodenum (TTBD)] in 24 patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis who were diagnosed incidentally during routine abdominal ultrasonographic examination and 20 healthy subjects with normal gallbladder. RESULTS: Even though there was no significant difference in the clinical and laboratory parameters between the patient and control groups, all parameters of gallbladder function except TTBD were found to differ significantly between the two groups. GBEF in the patient group was decreased (P = 0.000) and GBVT, GBT GBT1/2 in the patient group were longer (P = 0.000, P = 0.015, P = 0.001, respectively).there were not any clinical and laboratory findings, gallbladder filling and emptying could be impaired in patients with gallstone disease.
文摘AIM: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular events in Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine whether this risk is higher within specific subgroups of patients with PBC. METHODS: We included 180 patients with PBC (cases) and 151 patients seen for HCV infection (controls). Medical records were reviewed and statistical analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: When compared to controls, PBC patients were older, leaner and had higher serum levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density cholesterol. There were more females in the PBC group (91.7% vs 43%, P < 0.001). More control subjects had smoked than the PBC patients (63.6% vs 35%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and stroke was similar between the two groups. Seven percent of controls and 10% of cases developed any type of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.3). Only 36.7% were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Three cardiovascular events were documented among asymptomatic patients (4.5%) and fifteen among symptomatic patients (13.2%; P = 0.06). Among PBC patients with fatigue, 10 (13.5%) had a cardiovascular event compared to 7 (6.7%) among patients without fatigue (P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic PBC patients do not have a greater frequency of cardiovascular disease; nor do patients suffering with fatigue.
文摘AIM:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease(PUD)in a general Taiwan Residents population. METHODS:From January to August 2008,consecutive asymptomatic subjects undergoing a routine health check-up were evaluated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Gastroduodenal mucosal breaks were carefully assessed,and a complete medical history and demographic data were obtained from each patient.Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify indepen-dent risk factors for asymptomatic PUD. RESULTS:Of the 572 asymptomatic subjects,54(9.4%) were diagnosed as having PUD.The prevalence of gastric ulcer,duodenal ulcer and both gastric and duodenal ulcers were 4.7%,3.9%,and 0.9%,respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior history of PUD [odds ratio(OR),2.0,95%CI:1.3-2.9],high body mass index[body mass index(BMI)25-30:OR,1.5,95%CI: 1.0-2.2;BMI>30 kg/m 2 :OR,3.6,95%CI:1.5-8.7] and current smoker(OR,2.6,95%CI:1.6-4.4)were independent predictors of asymptomatic PUD.In contrast, high education level was a negative predictor of PUD (years of education 10-12:OR,0.5,95%CI:0.3-0.8; years of education>12:OR,0.6,95%CI:0.3-0.9). CONCLUSION:The prevalence of PUD in asymptomatic subjects is 9.4%in Taiwan.Prior history of PUD, low education level,a high BMI and current smoker are independent risk factors for developing asymptomatic PUD.
文摘目的探讨下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的危险因素及踝肱指数(ankle-brachial index,ABI)的预测价值。方法选取2020年1月至2022年12月成武县人民医院110例无下肢动脉硬化性疾病症状的高危人群为研究对象,均接受ABI测量,根据ABI将其分为异常组和正常组,对比两组基线资料,并分析影响下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的危险因素及ABI的预测价值。结果经ABI测量显示,ABI≤0.9共31例,占比28.18%。异常组年龄,有高血压史、糖尿病史、吸烟史占比,C反应蛋白及同型半胱高于正常组,总胆固醇及ABI低于正常组(P均<0.05)。年龄、高血压史、糖尿病史、吸烟史、同型半胱氨酸、ABI是下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的影响因素(P均<0.05)。年龄、同型半胱氨酸、ABI预测下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群的曲线下面积(area under curve,AUC)分别为0.959、0.965、0.986,ABI预测的敏感度优于年龄和同型半胱氨酸预测(P均<0.05)。结论早期检测ABI对下肢动脉硬化性疾病无症状高危人群具有预测作用。
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a dysmetabolic medical condition resulting in the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC)</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">CT non-invasively identifies athe</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">rosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals. This translational study tested the hypothesis that clinically overt</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""></span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">cardiovascular disease can be prevented in asymptomatic individuals in a medical clinic. <b>Methods:</b> Two hundred </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">and </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">six</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> asymptomatic adults requested a CAC scan to identify subclinical heart disease. Individuals with a positive CAC score ></span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">1 (n = 125) were prescribed targeted</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> medical therapy to reverse their atherosclerosis. The goal was to achieve an LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60 mg/dl. One hundred </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">and </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">ten individuals</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> reached this goal (67 male, 43 female) receiving 10 mg/d of rosuvastatin and 10 mg/d of ezetimibe plus a low cholesterol diet. Other fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores did not achieve this LDL-C goal. <b>Results:</b> In the group following medical therapy and achieving an LDL-C ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60 mg/dl, no cardiovascular events</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> were observed during a maximum observation period of 5 years (mean observation time = 3.6 years). Based on previously published CVD outcome data in individuals with similar CAC scores, 12.6 cardiovascular events were expected. Two of fifteen individuals with positive CAC scores not following medical therapy had a cardiovascular event. None of the 81 individuals </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">with a </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">zero score had a cardiovascular event during follow-up. No adverse effects of therapy occurred. <b>Conclusion:</b> In a medical</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">clinic</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">,</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> adult population with positive CAC scores</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> and an LDL-C ≤</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">60</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">mg/dl, targeted medical therapy prevented overt</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> cardiovascular disease. These result</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">s</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "=""> should encourage other physicians to aggressively treat </span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in their clinic popula</span><span style="white-space:normal;font-family:;" "="">tions.</span>
文摘Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the Western world. The purpose of this manuscript is to compare the benefits and deficiencies of coronary artery calcium scanning versus computer generated risk equations in identifying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These two approaches provide significantly different cardiovascular risk assessments and often lead to therapeutic differences in recommendations from the physician to the patient. Methods: Pertinent medical literature is reviewed concerning both risk assessment approaches (i.e., coronary artery scanning and computer generated risk equations). The strengths and weaknesses of both approaches are discussed, and recommendations are provided based upon available data. Results: Cardiovascular risk equations are simple and readily obtained at no charge by physicians. However, their drawbacks are several, including non-applicability to specific populations, disagreements among different cardiovascular society risk equations, wide ranges of risk outputs (e.g., intermediate 10-year risk is between 5% and 20%), inability to definitively identify coronary artery plaques, and lack of definitive anatomical coronary disease. Alternatively, coronary artery calcium scanning costs approximately $100/scan (if not covered by insurance), requires time and effort by the patient, and exposes the patient to a minimal amount of radiation. However, coronary calcium scanning identifies specific atherosclerotic coronary disease and provides additional information about the anatomical location (i.e., coronary artery) of the atherosclerotic plaque. Conclusion: Based on the published literature, coronary artery calcium scanning is the preferred approach for identifying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although there are minor drawbacks, overall it provides superior clinical information compared with computer generated risk equations.