Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.

Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.

Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.

Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.

This case report aimed to describe successful pain management and maintenance of pregnancy in a woman with a herniated intervertebral disc using ultrasound-guided epidural steroid injections (US ESI). A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks’ gestation presented with severe radiating pain extending from the hip to the thigh and calf. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a herniated disc at the L5–S1 level with severe compromise of the thecal sac. Multiple rounds of US ESI were performed that reduced her pain from a numerical rating scale score of 9–10 to approximately 6.The patient underwent a cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days’ gestation. Following delivery, the patient underwent a discectomy and has since experienced no recurrence of pain or complications.Pregnant women with herniated intervertebral discs may experience severe radicular pain but have limited treatment options. This case demonstrates that US ESI can be beneficial when appropriate.

This case report aimed to describe successful pain management and maintenance of pregnancy in a woman with a herniated intervertebral disc using ultrasound-guided epidural steroid injections (US ESI). A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks’ gestation presented with severe radiating pain extending from the hip to the thigh and calf. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a herniated disc at the L5–S1 level with severe compromise of the thecal sac. Multiple rounds of US ESI were performed that reduced her pain from a numerical rating scale score of 9–10 to approximately 6.The patient underwent a cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days’ gestation. Following delivery, the patient underwent a discectomy and has since experienced no recurrence of pain or complications.Pregnant women with herniated intervertebral discs may experience severe radicular pain but have limited treatment options. This case demonstrates that US ESI can be beneficial when appropriate.

This case report aimed to describe successful pain management and maintenance of pregnancy in a woman with a herniated intervertebral disc using ultrasound-guided epidural steroid injections (US ESI). A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks’ gestation presented with severe radiating pain extending from the hip to the thigh and calf. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a herniated disc at the L5–S1 level with severe compromise of the thecal sac. Multiple rounds of US ESI were performed that reduced her pain from a numerical rating scale score of 9–10 to approximately 6.The patient underwent a cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days’ gestation. Following delivery, the patient underwent a discectomy and has since experienced no recurrence of pain or complications.Pregnant women with herniated intervertebral discs may experience severe radicular pain but have limited treatment options. This case demonstrates that US ESI can be beneficial when appropriate.

This case report aimed to describe successful pain management and maintenance of pregnancy in a woman with a herniated intervertebral disc using ultrasound-guided epidural steroid injections (US ESI). A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks’ gestation presented with severe radiating pain extending from the hip to the thigh and calf. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a herniated disc at the L5–S1 level with severe compromise of the thecal sac. Multiple rounds of US ESI were performed that reduced her pain from a numerical rating scale score of 9–10 to approximately 6.The patient underwent a cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days’ gestation. Following delivery, the patient underwent a discectomy and has since experienced no recurrence of pain or complications.Pregnant women with herniated intervertebral discs may experience severe radicular pain but have limited treatment options. This case demonstrates that US ESI can be beneficial when appropriate.

This case report aimed to describe successful pain management and maintenance of pregnancy in a woman with a herniated intervertebral disc using ultrasound-guided epidural steroid injections (US ESI). A 43-year-old pregnant woman at 23 weeks’ gestation presented with severe radiating pain extending from the hip to the thigh and calf. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a herniated disc at the L5–S1 level with severe compromise of the thecal sac. Multiple rounds of US ESI were performed that reduced her pain from a numerical rating scale score of 9–10 to approximately 6.The patient underwent a cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days’ gestation. Following delivery, the patient underwent a discectomy and has since experienced no recurrence of pain or complications.Pregnant women with herniated intervertebral discs may experience severe radicular pain but have limited treatment options. This case demonstrates that US ESI can be beneficial when appropriate.

Purpose: Although previous studies have found an association between brain iron levels and brain function, few have explored this relationship in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thus, we aimed to determine the association between quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)-derived magnetic susceptibility values (MSVs) and brain function in children with ASD. Materials and Methods: The study included children with ASD who underwent both a brain magnetic resonance imaging with QSM and the Wechsler intelligence scale for children intelligence quotient (IQ) test. Select subcortical brain regions (caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus; both right and left) were automatically segmented, and the MSVs were extracted from the QSM. The IQ score parameters (verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual organization, and processing speed indices, and full-scale IQ) were measured. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between age and IQ test parameters and between age and MSV. Linear regression analysis was performed to measure the relationship between the MSV and IQ test parameters. Results: A total of 23 children with ASD (median age [interquartile range]: 10 [8–14] years; 12 males) were included. Age was not correlated with any of the IQ test parameters (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between age and right-thalamus MSV (r = 0.443, p = 0.03); however, no such correlation was found with the MSVs of other regions (p > 0.05). Among the IQ test parameters, the verbal comprehension index significantly correlated with the left-caudate MSV (r = 0.420, p = 0.046) and the perceptual organization index significantly correlated with the right-globus-pallidus MSV (r = 0.414, p = 0.049). Conclusion Select subcortical MSVs were associated with IQ test parameters in children with ASD, suggesting that QSM is a potential neurodevelopmental marker.