Clinical Profile Of Patients Research Articles

Detection of helicobacter pylori by urea breathe test in a Nigerian population with upper gastrointestinal symptoms

Background: Helicobacter Pylori, a class one carcinogen is common globally with about 50% of the world’s population affected. It causes severe symptoms and complications including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer in infected persons. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori as well as the clinical profile of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms seen at the Rivers State University Teaching hospital. Methodology: One hundred consecutive patients with upper GI symptoms undergoing Urea Breath test who fulfilled the inclusion criteria constituted the study population. The data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Results were presented as means ± standard deviation and percentages/number for quantitative and qualitative variables respectively, while Categorical variables were compared with Pearson’s Chi-square. Result: Of the one hundred patients studied, 35 (35%) were males and 65 (65%) were females with a mean age of 49.56 ±14. 68. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 33% affecting more females than males. The most common symptoms in the patients at presentation were heartburn (51%), epigastric pain (47%) and dyspepsia (35%). There was an insignificant positive correlation between the detection of Helicobacter pylori and a prior exposure to proton pump inhibitors. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. This buttresses the need for testing and treatment among Nigerians who present with such symptoms.

Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Profile of Inpatients in the Psychiatry Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Assam: A Retrospective Study

Objectives Recent years have seen a significant evolution in the understanding pertaining to mental health issues. The analysis of the intricate interplay between an individual’s sociodemographic factors, genetic makeup, the environment, and clinical profile (diagnosis and treatment) of patients will help us understand the prevalence and types of mental health disorders prevalent in Assam, which is a culturally, ethnically and socially diverse state. The pattern of utilization of electroconvulsive therapy has also been analyzed. The aims and objectives of the study is to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profile of patients admitted in Psychiatry ward, Assam Medical College and Hospital. Material and Methods An analysis on the case records of all individuals admitted to the hospital’s Psychiatry ward between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023 was done. Data on socio-demographic details such as age, gender, domicile and clinical profile (diagnosis, mode of discharge, duration of stay and treatment) was compiled using semi-structured format designed by authors. Information regarding patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy was also gathered from the records. Statistical analysis: The data were subjected to analysis utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25.0). Results A total of 680 patients got admitted of which higher proportion constituted of male (77.58%) and majority individuals were aged between 30 and 39 years (29.65%). The predominant diagnosis among the inpatients was substance use disorders (39.09%). Out of all the psychotropic drugs, olanzapine (17.94%) was mostly prescribed on discharged followed by risperidone (10.15%). Escitalopram (3.97%) was the mostly prescribed antidepressant on discharge. Patients diagnosed as substance use disorders were mostly discharged on lorazepam (5%), baclofen (14.26%) and received an average number of 1.8 sessions of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Whereas, schizophrenia and related disorders was the most common diagnosis among inpatients receiving ECT (51.52%). Conclusion Our study helped to understand the socio-demographic attributes and clinical profile of the inpatients to foster better management approaches.

A study of clinical profile in patients of cataracts with pseudoexfoliation in rural populations of central India

Background Ophthalmologists deal with daily pseudoexfoliation (PXF) due to severe secondary glaucoma, which arises after cataract surgery. Cataracts with pseudoexfoliation are age-related and are associated with open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, pseudoexfoliation is expected to occur more frequently. Pseudoexfoliation is occasionally associated with the development of thick nuclear cataracts, which may make surgery challenging. risks of cataract extraction in patients with pseudoexfoliation include zonular weakness and inadequate pupillary dilation. This may cause vitreous loss, and intraoperative or postoperative lens displacement. It could also lead to a rise in postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), progressing to long-term inflammation, phimosis of the capsular tissue, glaucoma, and surgical corneal decompensation. Recurrent secondary cataracts are typically caused by some remaining cortical tissue and decreased zonular support, which may lead to lens epithelial cell migration. Surgery for glaucoma and cataracts is complicated by the presence of pseudoexfoliative debris. Objectives To determine the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation in cataract patients visiting the ophthalmic OPD, AVBRH hospital, to locate patients with pseudoexfoliative cataracts, to evaluate their likelihood of progressing to open-angle glaucoma, and to examine the various ocular characteristics of these patients. Methodology The study participants will undergo ophthalmological examination after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This examination will include sac syringing on the lacrimal gland, estimation of the highest corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, application tonometer assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP), and fundus examination using an indirect ophthalmoscope. All individuals with cataracts visiting the ophthalmology department of AVBRH will be examined under a slit-lamp to determine the presence of pseudoexfoliation in the operating eye. Expected Results Hospital statistics from India indicated that the percentage of patients with pseudoexfoliation, in addition to cataracts, ranges from 1.87% to 13.5%.

Individualized strategies for depression: narrative review of clinical profiles responsive to vortioxetine.

Depression is a highly heterogeneous disorder, often resulting in suboptimal response and remission rates. This underscores the need for more nuanced clinical characterization of patients to tailor individualized treatment plans. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of cognitive and emotional dysfunction in major depression, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic interventions that target these specific symptom domains. Vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant, enhances serotonergic activity while also modulating several other neurotransmitter systems involved in depressive symptoms such as emotional blunting, anhedonia, and cognitive dysfunction. Numerous randomized, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated vortioxetine's efficacy and safety in treating depression, particularly in specific subgroups of depressed patients, including those with cognitive deficits and comorbid anxiety symptoms or disorders. Although not randomized or placebo-controlled, studies have also shown vortioxetine's efficacy in depressed patients with emotional blunting or anhedonia. Vortioxetine's ability to effectively treat a range of depressive symptoms, including anhedonia, emotional blunting, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction, provides an individualized treatment solution for depressed individuals suffering from these symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to identify clinical profiles of patients who may benefit from vortioxetine, with the goal of optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Vortioxetine has been shown to be effective for patients with depression and symptoms such as anhedonia, emotional blunting, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction. Tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and personalizing treatment choices based on the specific symptoms presented by depressed patients improve treatment outcomes.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of HTLV-1 patients: a closer look at a reference center in Bahia, Brazil

Epidemiological and clinical profile of HTLV-1 patients: a closer look at a reference center in Bahia, Brazil

Clinical profile of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic Wilson's disease.

The clinical profile varies in patients with Wilson's disease (WD). There is paucity of data regarding adult and pediatric patients with hepatic WD. As many as 140 consecutive patients diagnosed with hepatic WD between December 2006andJanuary 2021 were included in the study. Data was collected regarding the demographic parameters, clinical presentation, extrahepatic organ involvement, liver histology and laboratory investigations. Adult and children (0-14years) with hepatic WD were compared regarding thesefeatures. Eighty-eight adults and 52 children were included in the study. The median age of presentation was 17 years (range: 1.1-42years). Male preponderance was seen (adult 68/88, 69%; children 40/52, 77%). Adults as compared to children presented more commonly as cirrhosis (52/88 vs. 15/52, p = 0.0005) and with hepatic decompensation (35/88 vs. 9/52, p = 0.005). Presentation with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was more common in children (10/52 vs. 2/88, p = 0.0005). Twenty-eight-day mortality was 50% (5/10) in children and none in adults presenting with ACLF. Nazer's Prognostic Index (≥ 7) and New Wilson Index were more accurate in predicting mortality among children with ACLF with AUROC 1, while AARC (APASL ACLF Research Consortium) was less accurate with AUROC 0.45. Liver histology findings were similar in adults and children. Extrahepatic involvement was also similar. (8/88 in adults vs. 3/52 children, p value 0.48). Most patients with WD present as cirrhosis in adulthood. ACLF is more common in children. Nazer's prognostic index and new Wilson Index score are accurate in predicting mortality in children with ACLF.

Clinical and laboratory profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in a new rheumatology clinic in southwestern Nigeria

IntroductionThe aims were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients presenting to the clinic and to study the clinical and serological pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a new rheumatology clinic of a predominantly Yoruba population.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted over 7 years (January 2017 – December 2023). Patients who satisfied the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria were enrolled using their medical records. Patients with overlap syndromes and other inflammatory or noninflammatory rheumatic diseases were excluded from the study. Their sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrieved from their medical records and analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 software.ResultsA total of 65 patients were diagnosed with SLE with a frequency of 15.8%. The mean age ±SD of the patients at presentation was 33.85 years ±11.01 and the female to male ratio was 9.8 : 1. The median (IQR) duration of symptoms at presentation was 7.0 months (3–24). The common clinical presentations included synovitis (86.2%), acute cutaneous rash (53.8%), oral ulcers (52.3%), nonscarring alopecia (50.8%), and serositis (47.7%). Proteinuria was seen in 37.7% of the patients and the predominant renal histopathological feature was Class IV. Antinuclear antibody was 100% positive with 50.94% of the patients having a titre of 1 : 5,120 and above. Anti- double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-Smith antibodies each had 50% prevalence. Dyslipidaemia was found in 76.7% of the patients.ConclusionsThe study’s findings are largely consistent with similar studies done in Africa. Further prospective multi-centred studies are needed to further determine the epidemiological characteristics of the disease in Nigeria with a multi-ethnic population.

Liver cystic echinococcosis: A retrospective study on the demographics and clinical profile of patients managed at a single tertiary institution in central Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Background. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease with an Africa-wide prevalence of 1.7%. CE is caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, with the liver being the most commonly affected organ. In South Africa (SA), there is a paucity of data on liver CE demographics and management. Objectives. To describe the demographics and clinical profile of patients with liver CE in a single tertiary hospital in Eastern Cape Province, SA. Methods. A 4-year (2019 - 2022) retrospective clinical record review study was conducted on patients presenting with liver CE to the Department of Surgery at Frere Hospital. The demographics, clinical characteristics and management of patients with liver CE are reported. Results. A total of 56 patients diagnosed with and managed for liver CE were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 37.5 years. Abdominal pain (n=39; 69.6%) was the most common presenting symptom, and a palpable abdominal mass (n=36; 64.3%) was the predominant presenting sign. Most patients had disease confined to the liver (n=35; 62.5%). The right lobe of the liver was most commonly affected (n=38; 67.9%), and most patients had a single liver cyst on imaging (n=32; 57.1%). The majority of the patients (n=36; 64.3%) were managed with surgical partial cystectomy, with a perioperative bile leak being the most common complication. Conclusion. In our setting, liver CE contributes to a significant local burden of the disease. The disease often has a nonspecific clinical presentation, necessitating imaging for the diagnosis. We observed good short-term outcomes in patients managed with combined partial cystectomy and medical therapy, although there is a risk of perioperative bile leak.

Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients Attending Geriatric Clinic Over Five Years: A Retrospective, Hospital Based Study

Background: Population ageing is an inescapable and irreversible phenomenon, increasing the burden on the health care system. Mental illnesses in the geriatric population are unique and identification of the same amidst the co-morbidities is a challenging task. Objectives: To assess the difference in the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients attending Geriatric Clinic in a tertiary care centre over five years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients, who attended the Geriatric Clinic of a tertiary care centre in 2012 and 2016 was conducted. The psychiatric diagnoses were made according to the ICD-10 diagnostic guidelines. Sociodemographic variables and clinical variables including social support were assessed. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 16 version and Microsoft Excel Version 2007. Results: The total number of patients attending Geriatric clinics were 31 and 147 in 2012 and 2016 respectively. The mean age of patients attending the geriatric clinic was 74.32±7.89 in 2012 and 71.88±6.76 in 2012. The difference between the study group was statistically significant with regard to religion, marital status, socio-economic status and location of residence.64.52% of the study population had average social support in 2012 and a statistically significant decline was noticed in 2016.The most common psychiatric diagnoses were organic mental disorders (93.55%) in 2012 and mood disorders (40.82%) in 2016. Cardiovascular diseases were most common medical co-morbidity seen among the geriatric patients in both the years. Conclusions: Psychiatric illness in geriatric population is often associated with medical co-morbidities. With the increase in longevity, awareness and identification of symptoms can decrease significant morbidity and improve the quality of life. Keywords: Ageing, psychiatric disorders, medical comorbidity

Gender-based differences in clinical profile, management and mortality in cardiogenic shock. Prognostic accuracy of CardShock vs IABP Score, the Shock-CAT study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) remains very high. Gender could influence in aetiology, management, outcomes and risk stratification predictors. Purpose The aim is to analyse differences in clinical profile, management, in-hospital prognosis and mortality risk in CS patients depending on sex and compare the prognostic accuracy of CardShock and IABP scores between sexes in a Mediterranean cohort. Method Shock-CAT study was a multicentre, prospective, observational study conducted between December 2018 and December 2019 in eight public University hospitals in Spain, including CS patients of different aetiologies. Data on clinical presentation, biomarkers, management, including mechanical cardiac/circulatory support (MCS) were analysed comparing women and men. Cardshock and IABP score have been compared to assess 90-days mortality risk between sexes. Results A total of 382 CS patients (p) were included: women 24.9% (n=95 p) and men 75.1% (n=287p). Women were older than men (68.9 vs 64.1 years, P=0.004). CS due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was more frequent in men (66.6% vs 43.2%), and myocarditis (1.7 vs 6.3%), stress cardiomyopathy (0.3% vs 8.4%) and severe aortic stenosis (2.4% vs 6.3%) were more prevalent in women, all p<0.001. Cardiac arrest was more prevalent in men than women (38.4% vs 25.3%, p=0.020). MCS was implanted in 35.3% of patients, without gender differences (men 36.6%, women 31.6%, p=0.376). Even though there was a non-significant trend to lower use in women of IABP (31.1% vs 26.5%), Impella (13.5% vs 7.4%) or ECMO (10.4% vs 7.4%). Risk scores were similar between sexes: Cardshock (men:4.32 vs 4.40 women, p=0.674) and IABP score (men: 2.31 vs 2.04 women, p=0.190). There were no differences between men and women in in-hospital mortality (32.4% vs 34.7%, p=0.675) or 6-months mortality (41.5% vs 40%, p=0.989). Receiver-operating characteristic curves demonstrated that IABP shock score had superior prognostic power for predicting 90-days mortality when compared with Cardshock score in men (area under the curve -AUC- 0.72 vs 0.64) respectively, p=0.009, although both scores were similar in women (AUC 0.70 vs 0.72, p=0.635), Figures 1-2. Conclusions Women with CS were older than men and had less ACS and cardiac arrest at admission. There is a non-significant lower use of mechanical assistance devices in women, although in-hospital or 6-months mortality were similar in both sexes. IABP score provided better 90-days mortality risk prediction than CardShock score in men, but both scores were similar in women with cardiogenic shock.Men ROC Curves 90-days MortalityWomen ROC Curves 90-days Mortality

CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL TUBERCULOSIS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN INDIA

Background: Musculoskeletal tuberculosis a major cause of mortality and morbidity in India and other developing countries. Musculoskeletal TB comprises around 10 to 30% of all EPTB cases. Even though skeletal tuberculosis is an important debilitating disease, the literature in statistical data regarding the socio-demographic distribution and clinical presentation of disease is very scarce. Objective: To study the socio- demographic and clinical profile of musculoskeletal tuberculosis patients reaching the Orthopaedics Department in a tertiary care hospital in India. Methodology: 186 patients with musculoskeletal tuberculosis who have completed treatment were called for a follow up and data regarding demographic, person and illness related factors affecting disease were collected and were tabulated and represented in various charts and diagrams, and analysed. Results: Almost equal sex distribution was seen. Maximum proportion (26%) of the patients were belonging to 40-49 age group, with a mean age of 49.6 years. Patients with age <40 had less incidence compared to middle aged and elderly patients. Maximum number of patients were belonging to upper lower class (102 out of 186). Spine was the commonest site involved among the 138 cases. Spinal involvement was predominant in dorso- lumbar junction followed by thoracic spine and lumbar spine. 100% patients had pain as the presenting complaint and other complaints were not consistent. Only 16% of the patients had history of pulmonary tuberculosis and history of contact with tuberculosis case was present in 25% cases. 28% cases were diabetic and other comorbidities were less frequent. 19% of the cases had multi drug resistance. Conclusion: It was seen that Musculoskeletal tuberculosis is most frequently seen in middle age with majority of spine affected cases. The study reinforces the acquaintance of tuberculosis with low socioeconomic status and to some extend the debilitating diseases. It often has an atypical presentation leading to delay in diagnosis.

Clinical Profile and Risk Factors of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but serious neurovascular disorder that can lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhage and cerebral edema. This condition presents with a wide array of symptoms due to the formation of blood clots in the cerebral venous sinuses, impairing the drainage of deoxygenated blood and cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical profile and risk factors associated with CVST, enhancing the understanding of its epidemiology and facilitating better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Neurology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 135 participants diagnosed with CVST were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Participants underwent comprehensive physical and neurological examinations using a structured Clinical Patient Assessment Form. Diagnostic imaging included MRI, MRV, CT, and CT venography, although the principal diagnostic tools were CT and MRV. Data collection focused on demographics, clinical manifestations, and risk factors, with all information analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The study population predominantly consisted of females (74.8%) with the age group of 31-40 years being the most common (31.1%). Headache was the most frequently reported symptom (90.4%), followed by hemiparesis (53.3%) and seizures (40%). Significant risk factors included postpartum status (50.4%), iron deficiency anemia (25.9%), and genetic prothrombotic conditions (9.6%). Imaging studies revealed that the transverse sinus was the most affected site (74.1%). Conclusion: CVST exhibits a diverse range of clinical presentations and is associated with multiple demographic and physiological risk factors. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe outcomes. This study highlights the importance of considering a detailed clinical and risk factor profile in patients presenting with neurological symptoms to aid in timely and accurate diagnosis of CVST.

Clinical Profile, Bacteriological Profile, and Outcomes of Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis with Preexisting Chronic Liver Disease

Clinical Profile, Bacteriological Profile, and Outcomes of Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis with Preexisting Chronic Liver Disease

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS B INFECTION ATTENDING THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory profile of patients with hepatitis B infection-attending outpatient departments of tertiary care hospitals in northeast India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care medical institute situated in northeast India. Eighty patients infected with hepatitis B (on the basis of serological markers) were included in this study on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status of all the patients were noted. A detailed history was taken including any history of intravenous drug use, tattooing, sexual contacts, history of blood transfusions, and familial liver disease. Clinical and laboratory profiles (liver function test and serological markers) of all the patients were studied. Ultrasound imaging was done in all the cases. p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of 80 studied cases, there were 49 (61.25%) males and 31 (38.75%) females. The mean age for males and females was 32.30±8.03 and 34.70±13.52 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean age between males and females (p=0.3218). Mother-to-child transmission was evenly distributed with 7 males (8.75%) and 9 females (11.25%) affected. Other risk factors, such as dental implants and surgeries, showed a lower prevalence, with dental implants impacting 2 males (2.5%) and 3 females (3.75%) and surgeries concerning 5 males (6.25%) and 3 females (3.75%). Majority of the patients (52.5%) were asymptomatic and were found to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive incidentally. HBsAg was positive in all cases. 12 (15%) patients showed the presence of hepatitis B e antigen suggestive of high infectivity. Anti-HBc and anti-HBe were positive in 68 (85%) patients each. Hepatomegaly was seen in 23 cases (28.75%) on ultrasound. Moderate fibrosis on elastography was seen in 2 (2.5%) cases. Conclusion: In cases of hepatitis B, the majority of the patients remained asymptomatic, and many cases no risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection could be identified. It is therefore important to screen the general population for hepatitis B infection.

Clinical profile of patients with pituitary tumors in a tertiary endocrine center in Kathmandu, Nepal

Clinical profile of patients with pituitary tumors in a tertiary endocrine center in Kathmandu, Nepal

Clinical profile of patients with adrenal tumors in a tertiary endocrine center in Kathmandu, Nepal

Clinical profile of patients with adrenal tumors in a tertiary endocrine center in Kathmandu, Nepal

Clinical Profile of Pediatric Oncology Patients Treated by Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Audit from a Tertiary Cancer Care Center in South India

Clinical Profile of Pediatric Oncology Patients Treated by Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Audit from a Tertiary Cancer Care Center in South India

Evaluation of the clinical and biological profile in patients with congenital pituitary deficiency

Evaluation of the clinical and biological profile in patients with congenital pituitary deficiency

Emerging and Reemerging Parasitic Diseases in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Case Reports in 2001~2018

Emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases can cause significant economic burdens at national and global levels. However, governments often underestimate or ignore these diseases, especially in developed countries. This retrospective, case-oriented study analyzed parasitic diseases reported in Taiwan between 2001 and 2018. One hundred and thirty-two eligible clinical profiles of Taiwanese patients obtained from the NCBI, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and local journals according to age, sex, source of infection, symptoms, risk factors, and geographical regions were analyzed. The analysis results showed that the number/frequency of cases caused by nematodes (46.97%) or protozoa (37.88%) was significantly higher than that of trematodes (9.85%) or cestodes (5.30%) (p < 0.0001). Northern Taiwan (46.97%) had a significantly higher rate than Southern Taiwan (33.33%), Central Taiwan (8.33%), and Eastern Taiwan (5.30%) (p < 0.05). The 15–65 age group (68.94%) had a significantly higher rate than the 65–90 age group (22.73%) and the 0–15 age group (8.33%) (p < 0.0001). Males (70.46%) had a significantly higher number/frequency of cases than females (29.54%) (p < 0.0001). People who acquired the infection through the food/soil route (32.58%) or who had a low immune status (32.58%) had a higher rate than travel-related infections (15.15%) (p < 0.001). The present study showed that emerging/reemerging parasitic infections continue to be of great concern to the lives and health of Taiwanese citizens and, if ignored, will threaten the health of the Taiwanese people; therefore, the delineation of preventive measures by health authorities is urgently warranted.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with cardiac amyloidosis- a single center observational study

Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the deposition of protein fibrils. Cardiac involvement is a significant factor in determining prognosis. This study aimed to examine the clinical profile, outcomes, and long-term mortality rates in patients with transthyretin (ATTR) and amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. The retrospective cohort study included 94 patients with amyloidosis (69 with AL and 25 with ATTR amyloidosis) diagnosed between 2010 and 2022. The study involved multimodality imaging (ECG, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data and survival analyses. Patients with ATTR amyloidosis were older and had a higher proportion of males compared to those with AL amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement was more prevalent in the ATTR group, including atrial fibrillation (AF), while pleural and pericardial effusion were more frequent in the AL group. Biomarkers such as NT-proBNP and troponin T were significantly elevated in both groups and were associated with all-cause mortality only in univariate analyses. CMR data, especially typical late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was not associated with increased mortality, while pleural effusion and left atrial dilatation on echocardiography were identified as powerful predictors of mortality. In conclusion, both AL and ATTR amyloidosis exhibited poor outcomes. Cardiac involvement, particularly dilated left atrium and pleural effusion on echocardiography were associated with an increased risk of mortality, while typical LGE on CMR was not.