1.Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in a patient with relapsing-remitting optic-spinal multiple sclerosis: A case report and discussion of possible mechanism
Chia-Lin Tsai ; Hsin Chu ; Chun-An Cheng
Neurology Asia 2012;17(2):155-158
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by orthostatic intolerance, a
presentation of autonomic dysfunction which is frequently observed in the patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, to date, there have been a few studies focusing on POTS in MS patients
and the underlying pathomechanism. We present a 28-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting opticspinal
multiple sclerosis who also suffered POTS and discuss the possible pathomechanism of POTS
in MS.
3.Association of Interleukin-10 A-592C Polymorphism in Taiwanese Children with Kawasaki Disease.
Kai Chung HSUEH ; Ying Ju LIN ; Jeng Sheng CHANG ; Lei WAN ; Yu Hsin TSAI ; Chang Hai TSAI ; Chih Ping CHEN ; Fuu Jen TSAI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2009;24(3):438-442
Elevated serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) have been reported in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). IL-10 reduces the inflammatory actions of macrophages and T cells and it may play a significant role in the regulation of inflammatory vascular damage associated with systemic vasculitis. The aim of this study was to examine whether -592 IL-10 promoter polymorphism is a susceptibility or severity marker of KD in Chinese patients in Taiwan. The study included 105 KD patients and 100 normal controls. Genotype and allelic frequencies for the IL-10 gene polymorphism in both groups were compared. There were no significant between-group differences in the genotype distribution of IL-10 A-592C gene polymorphism (P=0.08). However, the frequency of the -592*A allele was significantly increased in the patients with KD compared with controls (71.9% vs. 61.0%, P=0.019). The odds ratio for developing KD in individuals with IL-10-592*A allele was 1.64 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.52) compared to individuals with the IL-10-592*C allele. No significant difference was observed in the genotype and allelic frequencies for the IL-10 A-592C polymorphism between patients with and without coronary artery lesions. The IL-10-592*A allele may be involved in the development of KD in Taiwanese children.
Alleles
;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Gene Frequency
;
Genotype
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Interleukin-10/blood/*genetics
;
Male
;
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/diagnosis/*genetics
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Promoter Regions, Genetic
;
Taiwan
4.Association of Interleukin-10 A-592C Polymorphism in Taiwanese Children with Kawasaki Disease.
Kai Chung HSUEH ; Ying Ju LIN ; Jeng Sheng CHANG ; Lei WAN ; Yu Hsin TSAI ; Chang Hai TSAI ; Chih Ping CHEN ; Fuu Jen TSAI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2009;24(3):438-442
Elevated serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) have been reported in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). IL-10 reduces the inflammatory actions of macrophages and T cells and it may play a significant role in the regulation of inflammatory vascular damage associated with systemic vasculitis. The aim of this study was to examine whether -592 IL-10 promoter polymorphism is a susceptibility or severity marker of KD in Chinese patients in Taiwan. The study included 105 KD patients and 100 normal controls. Genotype and allelic frequencies for the IL-10 gene polymorphism in both groups were compared. There were no significant between-group differences in the genotype distribution of IL-10 A-592C gene polymorphism (P=0.08). However, the frequency of the -592*A allele was significantly increased in the patients with KD compared with controls (71.9% vs. 61.0%, P=0.019). The odds ratio for developing KD in individuals with IL-10-592*A allele was 1.64 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.52) compared to individuals with the IL-10-592*C allele. No significant difference was observed in the genotype and allelic frequencies for the IL-10 A-592C polymorphism between patients with and without coronary artery lesions. The IL-10-592*A allele may be involved in the development of KD in Taiwanese children.
Alleles
;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
;
Gene Frequency
;
Genotype
;
Humans
;
Infant
;
Interleukin-10/blood/*genetics
;
Male
;
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/diagnosis/*genetics
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Promoter Regions, Genetic
;
Taiwan
5.Statin and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Radiotherapy.
Bo Ching LEE ; Cheng Li LIN ; Hsin Hsi TSAI ; Chia Hung KAO
Journal of Stroke 2018;20(3):413-414
No abstract available.
Head and Neck Neoplasms*
;
Head*
;
Humans
;
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors*
;
Ischemic Attack, Transient*
;
Radiotherapy*
;
Stroke*
6.Epidemiology and risk factors associated with avascular necrosis in patients with autoimmune diseases: a nationwide study
Hsin-Lin TSAI ; Jei-Wen CHANG ; Jen-Her LU ; Chin-Su LIU
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2022;37(4):864-876
Background/Aims:
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a clinical condition characterized by the death of bone components due to interruption in the blood supply. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and determine the risk factors for AVN in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Methods:
We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort analysis using claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 49,636 patients with autoimmune diseases between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013 were included. Cox regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors for the development of AVN.
Results:
A total of 490/49,636 patients (1.0%) developed symptomatic AVN. The systemic lupus erythematosus patients had a higher risk of AVN compared to other autoimmune diseases. AVN was positively correlated with male sex (p < 0.001), alcoholism (p < 0.001), mean daily prednisolone dosage 7.51 to 30 mg (p < 0.001) and > 30 mg (p < 0.001), and total cumulative prednisolone dose 0 g to 5 g (p = 0.002). However, AVN was inversely correlated with cumulative duration of hydroxychloroquine exposure > 0.6 years (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Male sex, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, mean daily corticosteroid > 7.5 mg and a total cumulative dose of corticosteroid 0 to 5 g were independently associated with the development of AVN in autoimmune patients. While hydroxychloroquine use > 0.6 years conferred significant protection against the development of AVN. Clinicians should regularly assess patients with risk factors to enable the early diagnosis of AVN.
7.A retrospective analysis of 20-year data of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis patients in Taiwan: a study of Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Chun Chi LIN ; Shu Chen WEI ; Been Ren LIN ; Wen Sy TSAI ; Jinn Shiun CHEN ; Tzu Chi HSU ; Wei Chen LIN ; Tien Yu HUANG ; Te Hsin CHAO ; Hung Hsin LIN ; Jau Min WONG ; Jen Kou LIN
Intestinal Research 2016;14(3):248-257
BACKGROUND/AIMS: With the recent progress in medical treatment, surgery still plays a necessary and important role in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In this study, we analyzed the surgical results and outcomes of UC in Taiwan in the recent 20 years, via a multi-center study through the collaboration of Taiwan Society of IBD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of surgery data of UC patients from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2014, in 6 Taiwan major medical centers was conducted. The patients' demographic data, indications for surgery, and outcome details were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The data of 87 UC patients who received surgical treatment were recorded. The median post-operative follow-up duration was 51.1 months and ranged from 0.4 to 300 months. The mean age at UC diagnosis was 45.3±16.0 years and that at operation was 48.5±15.2 years. The 3 leading indications for surgical intervention were uncontrolled bleeding (16.1%), perforation (13.8%), and intractability (12.6%). In total, 27.6% of surgeries were performed in an emergency setting. Total or subtotal colectomy with rectal preservation (41.4%) was the most common operation. There were 6 mortalities, all due to sepsis. Emergency operation and low pre-operative albumin level were significantly associated with poor survival (P=0.013 and 0.034, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the past 20 years, there was no significant change in the indications for surgery in UC patients. Emergency surgeries and low pre-operative albumin level were associated with poor survival. Therefore, an optimal timing of elective surgery for people with poorly controlled UC is paramount.
Colectomy
;
Colitis, Ulcerative*
;
Cooperative Behavior
;
Diagnosis
;
Emergencies
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Hemorrhage
;
Humans
;
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases*
;
Mortality
;
Prognosis
;
Retrospective Studies*
;
Sepsis
;
Taiwan*
;
Ulcer*
8.Opportunities for 2-18F Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose PET/CT in Cervical-Vaginal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Case Series and Literature Review.
Yin LIN ; Wan Y LIN ; Ji A LIANG ; Yu Y LU ; Hsin Y WANG ; Shih C TSAI ; Chia H KAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2012;13(6):760-770
OBJECTIVE: Neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma is a rare subtype of cervical cancer. These tumors exhibit an aggressive behavior with early regional lymph node and distant metastases. The purpose of our study was to describe five cases of neuroendocrine cervical-vaginal carcinoma and to discuss the potential of the 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scan for the detection of this rare malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cases of cervical-vaginal neuroendocrine tumor were retrospectively collected, during a two year (from September 2009 to August 2011) period in our hospital. The clinical staging distributions were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB2 (1 of 5), stage IIA (3 of 5) and stage IVA (1 of 5). RESULTS: Two cases (cases 1 and 4) were restaged after 18F-FDG PET/CT scan in the initial staging process. Post-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scans, in three patients, revealed positive findings for tumor recurrence or lymph node metastases. Two patients (cases 2 and 3) died of tumor within two years. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG PET/CT scan is a useful tool in cervical-vaginal neuroendocrine tumor. In its initial staging, the 18F-FDG PET/CT scan may help assess the possible nodal involvement or early hematogeneous spreading. We can also use the 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect local recurrence and to evaluate the treatment response after clinical manipulation.
Adult
;
Aged
;
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology/*radionuclide imaging/therapy
;
Female
;
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/*diagnostic use
;
Humans
;
Middle Aged
;
Radiopharmaceuticals/*diagnostic use
;
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology/*radionuclide imaging/therapy
;
Vaginal Neoplasms/pathology/*radionuclide imaging/therapy
9.Positive Symptoms in Antipsychotic-naïve Schizophrenia are Associated with Increased Body Mass Index after Treatment
Shih-Hsien LIN ; Huai-Hsuan TSENG ; Hsin Chun TSAI ; Mei Hung CHI ; I Hui LEE ; Po See CHEN ; Kao Chin CHEN ; Yen Kuang YANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2021;19(1):155-159
Objective:
Weight gain is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality among patients with schizophrenia. We speculated that positive symptoms, related to dopaminergic hyperactivity and altered mesolimbic function, are associated with weight gain.
Methods:
Twenty-two antipsychotic-naïve, first-episode patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was completed at enrollment and follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) was also measured.
Results:
The increase in BMI, after 6.04 ± 2.16 years of follow-up, was associated with positive symptoms, but not negative symptoms, before treatment with antipsychotics in antipsychotic-naïve patients with schizophrenia.
Conclusion
This finding implied that dopaminergic hyperactivity could be an important factor to predict the treatment outcome. Body weight control is important for the health management of patients with schizophrenia with more severe positive symptoms.
10.Sleep Quality and Self-Stigma Mediate the Association Between Problematic Use of Social Media and Quality of Life Among People With Schizophrenia in Taiwan: A Longitudinal Study
Mohsen SAFFARI ; Kun-Chia CHANG ; Jung-Sheng CHEN ; Marc N. POTENZA ; Cheng-Fang YEN ; Ching-Wen CHANG ; Po-Ching HUANG ; Hsin-Chi TSAI ; Chung-Ying LIN
Psychiatry Investigation 2023;20(11):1034-1044
Objective:
Problematic use of social media (PUSM) may affect sleep quality and self-stigma in people with schizophrenia and consequently reduce their quality of life (QoL). This longitudinal study investigated if sleep quality and self-stigma mediated relationships between PUSM and QoL.
Methods:
One-hundred-and-ninety-three outpatients with schizophrenia were recruited from a psychiatric center in Taiwan from April 2019 to August 2021 and participated in a longitudinal study at intervals of three months between measurements. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief Version; sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; self-stigma using the Self-Stigma Scale-Short; and PUSM using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Via SPSS 20.0, general estimating equation models assessed temporal associations between variables. Via R software, mediating effects of self-stigma and sleep quality were examined through Monte Carlo simulations with 20,000 repetitions.
Results:
Mean scores of physical, psychological, social and environmental QoL ranged from 11.86 to 13.02. Mean scores of sleep quality and self-stigma were 9.1±4.5 and 2.2±0.8, respectively. Sleep quality and self-stigma were directly related to QoL (p<0.001) and mediated indirect relationships between PUSM and all components of QoL with a range of 95% confidence intervals spanning from -0.0591 to -0.0107 for physical QoL; -0.0564 to -0.0095 for psychological QoL; -0.0292 to -0.0035 for social QoL; and -0.0357 to -0.0052 for environmental QoL.
Conclusion
Sleep quality and self-stigma mediated relationships between PUSM and QoL in people with schizophrenia. Developing interventions targeting PUSM, sleep, and self-stigma may help improve QoL in people with schizophrenia.