King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Research Articles

Incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke and its associated factors in a tertiary care center in Thailand: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIschemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death among non-communicable diseases in Thailand. Patients who have survived an IS are at an increased risk of developing recurrent IS, which can result in worse outcomes and post-stroke complications.ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the incidence of recurrent IS among patients with first-ever IS during a one-year follow-up period and to determine its associated risk factors.MethodsAdult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who were hospitalized at the Stroke Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) in Bangkok, Thailand, due to first-ever IS between January and December 2019 and had at least one follow-up visit during the one-year follow-up period were included in this retrospective cohort study. IS diagnosis was confirmed by neurologists and imaging. The log-rank test was used to determine the event-free survival probabilities of recurrent IS in each risk factor.ResultsOf 418 patients hospitalized due to first-ever IS in 2019, 366 (87.6%) were included in the analysis. During a total of 327.2 person-years of follow-up, 25 (6.8%) patients developed recurrent IS, accounting for an incidence rate of 7.7 per 100 person-year (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2–11.3). The median (interquartile range) time of recurrence was 35 (16–73) days. None of the 47 patients with atrial fibrillation developed recurrent IS. The highest incidence rate of recurrent IS occurred within 1 month after the first episode (34 per 100 person-years) compared to other follow-up periods. Patients with small vessel occlusion and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) constituted the majority of patients in the recurrent IS episode (48% and 40%, respectively), with LAA exhibiting a higher recurrence rate (13.5%). Additionally, smoking status was found to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence.ConclusionThe incidence rate of the recurrence was moderate in our tertiary care setting, with a decreasing trend over time after the first episode. The various subtypes of IS and smoking status can lead to differences in event-free survival probabilities.

Radiographic features and molecular subtypes association of breast cancer in women younger than 40 years old

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females, particularly in women under the age of 40 years. However, early detection of breast cancer in this population remains challenging and it tends to present at a later stage with poorer prognosis.Objective: To review mammographic and ultrasonographic findings, pathological features and molecular subtypes of breast cancer in younger than 40-year-old patients diagnosed in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and to determine which radiological characteristics are associated with molecular subtypes. Materials and Methods: The study included 278 patients aged under 40 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent mammographic and ultrasonographic studies between January 2009 and December 2019. A retrospective review of mammographic and ultrasonographic findings, histopathological reports as well as biological markers were made. The association of radiological characteristics and molecular subtypes was analyzed by SPSS. Results: In the 278 patients, the most common clinical presentation was palpable mass (268, 96.4%). The common mammographic findings were irregular shape mass (196, 77.8%) with hyperdensity (114, 45.2%) and an obscured margin (99, 39.3%). Presenting of microcalcification is not frequent (122, 48.4%). We found 27 patients with normal mammograms which were later detected in ultrasounds as 25 masses, 1 intraductal lesion and 1 focal duct change. The predominant ultrasonographic features were irregular shape mass (257, 91.5%), an angular margin (89, 31.7%), hypoechogenicity (198, 70.5%), no posterior feature (210, 74.7%) and internal vascularity (170, 60.5%). These radiological characteristics were classified as BI-RADS 5 in 194 lesions (69%). The most common histopathological type was mixed-type carcinoma (143, 50.9%), followed by invasive ductal carcinoma (114, 40.6%). Luminal B was the mostly found in this study (86, 30.6%). The patients frequently presented with stage IIA (91, 32.7%) while 15 patients were detected with an advanced stage at the first presentation. We found that triple negative, HER 2 overexpression and luminal B subtypes were associated with an obscured mass on mammography (p 0.048). Luminal B and HER 2 overexpression subtypes were also associated with the presence of fine pleomorphic microcalcification (p <0.001).        Conclusion: In this study, we found an association of the mass margin and suspicious calcification morphology on mammography with molecular subtypes. It would be helpful for further clinical management in young patients. The knowledge can be used for planning appropriate treatments according to molecular subtypes which are associated with these characteristics. However, the precision of cancer treatment is still based on the tissue diagnosis.

Utility of Applying Pressure Dressing Following Parotidectomy Compared to Conventional Dressing: A Benefit or Not?

BackgroundPost-parotidectomy wound dressing techniques lack of robust evidence, creating variation in practice. The choice between conventional and pressure dressing is typically based on expert opinions and individual preferences and the anticipated benefits of reduced drainage and shorter drain retention in pressure dressing hasn’t demonstrate yet. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the advantage of pressure dressing following parotidectomy compared to conventional dressing. Study design, setting, sampleThis study was a open-label randomized controlled trial recruiting the patients aged 18 and above undergoing parotidectomy at the Otolaryngology Department of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between March 2021 and September 2022. Our exclusion criteria were as following: (1) underwent parotidectomy combined with neck dissection, (2) prior irradiation to the parotid gland or head and neck region, (3) prior parotidectomy within the previous year, (4) consumption of anticholinergic medications, (5) bleeding disorders or coagulopathies. Predictor/exposure/independent variableThe predictor variable was postoperative dressing and subjects were randomly assigned to pressure or conventional dressing Main outcome variable(s)The primary outcome variables were drain output (ml) measured every 8 hours and reported in the term of total drain output and duration of drain use. The secondary outcome variables were post-parotidectomy complications (if any), complications from the pressure dressing and pain scores. CovariatesThe covariates were underlying disease, smoking, alcohol drinking, types of parotidectomy (extension of surgery) and pathologic result. AnalysesThe appropriate uni- and bivariate statistics were computed, and the level of statistical significance was set at P-value < 0.05. ResultsA total of 40 patients were enrolled, with 20 in each group. Average age was 59.10±10.60 years in pressure dressing group and 55.70±18.90 years in conventional dressing group. Baseline characteristics were the same in both groups. The average volume of drain output in the pressure dressing group was 44.25 ± 25.20 ml, compared to 37.05 ± 22.74 ml in the conventional dressing group (p = 0.34). Moreover, the average duration of drain placement for the pressure dressing group was 27.65 ± 9.86 hours, while it was 26.90 ± 11.23 hours for the conventional group (p = 0.83). Notably, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding sialocele and pain scores. Furthermore, no complications from the application of pressure dressing were observed. Conclusions and RelevancePressure dressing does not provide significant benefits over conventional dressing after parotidectomy concerning drain output, duration of drain placement, or surgical complications.

Efficacy and mechanisms of cannabis oil for alleviating side effects of breast cancer chemotherapy (CBC2): protocol for randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn a pilot study using both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as single agents in advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative care in Thailand, the doses were generally well tolerated, and the outcome measure of total symptom distress scores showed overall symptom benefit. The current study aims to determine the intensity of the symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients, to explore the microbiome profile, cytokines, and bacterial metabolites before and after the treatment with cannabis oil or no cannabis oil, and to study the pharmacokinetics parameters and pharmacogenetics profile of the doses.MethodsA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted on the breast cancer cases who were diagnosed with breast cancer and currently receiving chemotherapy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH), Bangkok, Thailand. Block randomization will be used to allocate the patients into three groups: Ganja Oil (THC 2 mg/ml; THC 0.08 mg/drop, and CBD 0.02 mg/drop), Metta Osot (THC 81 mg/ml; THC 3 mg/drop), and placebo oil. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ), microbiome profile, cytokines, and bacterial metabolites will be assessed before and after the interventions, along with pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic profile of the treatment during the intervention.Trial registrationTCTR20220809001.

The symptoms and management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during COVID-19 pandemic at the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

The symptoms and management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during COVID-19 pandemic at the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Social functioning and associated social skills in patients with depressive disorder in Psychiatric Outpatients, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Social functioning and associated social skills in patients with depressive disorder in Psychiatric Outpatients, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

The Association between Medication Use and Peri-operative Delirium in Older Hip Fracture Adult Patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

The Association between Medication Use and Peri-operative Delirium in Older Hip Fracture Adult Patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Role commitment and coping strategies in female patients with depressive disorders at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Role commitment and coping strategies in female patients with depressive disorders at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Prevalence of Small t trauma in Depressed Adolescent and Early Adulthood Patient in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Prevalence of Small t trauma in Depressed Adolescent and Early Adulthood Patient in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Prevalence of preoperative delirium and associated factors in elderly hip fracture patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Prevalence of preoperative delirium and associated factors in elderly hip fracture patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosis of acute appendicitis at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosis of acute appendicitis at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Resilience and related factors among volunteers of Thai Red Cross Society at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Resilience and related factors among volunteers of Thai Red Cross Society at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Factors related to positive airway pressure adherence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Factors related to positive airway pressure adherence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Comparison of enoxaparin 40 mg versus 60 mg dosage for venous thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Morbid obesity is an independent risk factor for VTE, with goals of prophylactic anti-factor Xa levels within 0.2–0.5 IU/mL. The recommended dosing regimen of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in patients with morbid obesity is lacking in available guidelines. ObjectivesTo evaluate the achieving prophylactic anti-factor Xa levels with different dosages of enoxaparin for morbid obesity patients. SettingWe conducted a study at Chulalongkorn Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing anti-factor Xa levels 4 h after the administration of enoxaparin. All recruited patients randomly received 40 mg or 60 mg of enoxaparin 12 h before the operation. Blood specimens were collected 4 h after the administration of enoxaparin. ResultsIn total, 56 patients who presented between April 2019 and March 2020 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were recruited. Of these patients, 28 received 40 mg and 28 received 60 mg of enoxaparin. In both groups, the rates of achieving target levels were 53.57% and 78.57%, respectively (p-value = 0.048). The mean anti-factor Xa levels were 0.19 IU/mL ± 0.06 IU/mL and 0.28 and 0.28 ± 0.10 IU/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the estimated blood loss between the groups. No patient obtained anti-factor Xa levels exceeding 0.5 IU/mL. In both groups, no symptomatic VTE occurred. ConclusionsA 60 mg of enoxaparin regimen achieved more prophylactic anti-factor Xa levels than 40 mg in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery without any adverse events.

Needs assessment of a pythiosis continuing professional development program.

Pythiosis is a rare disease with high mortality, with over 94% of cases reported from Thailand and India. Prompt diagnosis and surgery improves patient outcomes. Therefore, continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for early recognition. However, a needs assessment related to a pythiosis CPD program has not been performed. We conducted a needs assessment to develop a pythiosis CPD program. We conducted a survey study with 267 King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital residents (141 internal medicine (IM) residents and 126 surgery residents). A 30-item survey consisting of a knowledge assessment, demographic section, and an attitudes portion was distributed both electronically and via paper. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Sixty-seven percent completed the survey (110/141 IM residents, 70/126 surgery residents). The mean score [95% confidence interval] on the knowledge assessment was 41.67% [39.64%-43.69%] across all objectives. The three domains with the highest scores were pythiosis risk factors (67.22% correct), microbiologic characteristics (50.83%), and radiographic interpretation (50.56%). The three domains with the lowest scores were laboratory investigation (15.00%), epidemiology (29.17%), and symptomatology (30.83%). Most participants noted that the program should be online with both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, with a preferred length of 60-90 minutes per session. The pythiosis CPD program should emphasize education regarding symptomatology, laboratory investigation, and epidemiology, all of which are critical for the early detection of pythiosis to decrease mortality from this devastating disease. Most respondents felt this program was necessary and should be implemented in a virtual blended format.

Reliability of lateral wall-thickness measurement in trochanteric fractures and parameters associated with lateral wall integrity.

The AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) introduced a new trochanteric fracture classification in January 2018, concerning the lateral wall integrity. It suggested the intramedullary nail fixation in patients with an incompetent lateral wall fracture. To determine the reliability of lateral wall-thickness measurement and the fracture parameters associated with lateral wall integrity. This retrospective study evaluated patients with an intertrochanteric fracture who had had surgery in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between January 2014 and January 2019. The lateral wall was measured by anteroposterior plain radiography by four raters, two times each. The demographic data and fracture parameters were assessed and compared with respect to lateral wall integrity. In a total of 236 femurs and 232 patients having the 2018 AO/OTA-specified 31A1 and 31A2 intertrochanteric fractures, the lateral wall-thickness measurement showed excellent inter-rater reliability at 0.944 (0.927-0.957) and good-to-excellent intra-rater reliability ranging from 0.835 to 0.972. The parameters associated with lateral wall incompetence as per the multivariate logistic regression analysis were fracture angle (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95), distal greater trochanter involvement (OR = 9.47), and fragments at the intertrochanter area (OR = 4.49) and at the lesser trochanter (OR = 2.6). Some of the parameters related to trochanteric fractures are associated with lateral wall incompetence. Lateral wall-thickness measurement is a reproducible method, which has been suggested for use by the AO/OTA 2018 classification. It is easy to use and can help select the appropriate treatment for intertrochanteric fracture patients.

Effect of Preoperative Very Low-Calorie Diets on Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Perioperative Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Preoperative weight loss through a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) has been shown to reduce liver volume and technical difficulty in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the effect of preoperative VLCD on liver histology and other outcomes is not well demonstrated. Our study aimed to explore the effect of a 2-week preoperative VLCD, compared with no-dietary intervention, on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, weight loss, and other postoperative outcomes of MBS. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Chulalongkorn Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The medical records of patients with severe obesity (body mass index ≥50 kg/m2) attending the clinic from January 2005 to December 2020 were reviewed. Clinical data and laboratory investigations were collected at baseline and at each follow-up visit, up to 5 years postoperatively. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed by liver biopsy intraoperatively. Results: A total of 181 patients were included in this study. Preoperative VLCD was prescribed in 65 patients (VLCD group) and 116 patients received their usual diet (control group). Mean preoperative weight loss was 9.1 ± 6.1 kg in the VLCD group versus 0.0 ± 0.0 kg in the control group (P = .000). The VLCD group had significantly less number of patients with moderate and severe liver steatosis from the liver biopsy specimens (16.2% versus 46.3%; P = .008). However, there was no significant difference in fibrosis grade between those with VLCD and control (≥F2-fibrosis; 2.7% versus 7.5%; P = .118). Moreover, preoperative VLCD could reduce operating time in patients who underwent both laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB; VLCD 163.4 ± 38.2 minutes versus control 215.1 ± 67.4 minute, P = .000) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG; VLCD 110.8 ± 20.0 minutes versus control 131.0 ± 38.1 minutes, P = .004). During the 5-year follow-up, there were a significant difference of HbA1C between the VLCD and the control group (coefficient: -0.24 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.44 to -0.04, P = .019), particularly in patients who underwent LRYGB (Coefficient: -0.26 with 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.03, P = .028), but not LSG. However, long-term weight loss outcomes and other biochemical outcomes were not different between the VLCD and the control group. Conclusion: Preoperative VLCD was associated with reduced liver steatosis and operative time in patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG. Moreover, preoperative VLCD significantly decreased HbA1C during a 5-year follow-up period. Therefore, it should be considered in patients with severe obesity, who will undergo MBS.

Pediatric drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: A 12-year retrospective study in a tertiary center.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction involving multiple organs. Data on DRESS syndrome among children are currently limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical features, causative drugs, systemic organ involvement, laboratory findings, disease severity score, and treatment outcomes in pediatric DRESS patients. The medical records of all pediatric DRESS patients, based on the RegiSCAR diagnostic criteria and admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from January 2010 to December 2021, were reviewed. Twenty-two cases were identified (males 54.5%) with a median age of 9.5 years. Anticonvulsants (54.5%) and antibiotics (27.3%) were the leading culprit drugs. Skin rash was reported in all cases, followed closely by liver involvement (95.5%). Eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis were identified in 54.5% and 31.8% of cases, respectively. The median latency period was 17.5 days. Liver enzyme elevation was detected at an average onset of 20.0 days and hepatocellular type was the most common pattern of liver injury. Nineteen patients (86.4%) were treated with systemic corticosteroids with prednisolone being the most prescribed medication. One case developed Graves' disease after DRESS and multiple relapses of DRESS. One case (4.5%) died due to refractory status epilepticus that was unrelated to DRESS. Anticonvulsants were the major cause of DRESS in pediatric patients. High suspicion for DRESS is crucial in patients receiving these drugs and presenting with fever, rash, and internal organ involvement.

Oral dydrogesterone for prevention of miscarriage in threatened miscarriage: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective To determine the effectiveness of oral dydrogesterone in preventing miscarriage in threatened miscarriage. Methods A randomized, controlled trial study was conducted among pregnant Thai women at the gestational age of six to less than 20 weeks who visited King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand with threatened miscarriage from August 2021 to August 2022. These pregnant women were randomized to receive oral dydrogesterone 20 mg per day or placebo twice a day until one week after vaginal bleeding stopped or otherwise for a maximum of six weeks. Results A total of 100 pregnancies were recruited. Fifty of them were assigned to receive oral dydrogesterone and 50 were assigned to receive placebo. The rate of continuing pregnancy beyond 20 weeks of gestational age was 90.0% (45 out of 50 women) in the dydrogesterone group and 86.0% (43 out of 50 women) in the placebo group (p = 0.538). The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion Oral dydrogesterone 20 mg/day could not prevent miscarriages in women with threatened miscarriage.

Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) and Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) for Prediction of Optimal Primary Surgery in Non-Mucinous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

To determine the relationship between pre-operative HE4 and CA125 levels in non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer cases (EOC) and outcomes of primary surgery for prediction of optimal surgery. A retrospective study was performed on non-mucinous EOC who underwent primary surgery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Demographic and clinical characters were collected. Histopathology and pre-operative tumor markers namely HE4 and CA125 were also recruited. Primary surgical outcomes were classified as optimal (OS) and suboptimal surgery (SS). One hundred and seventy patients were enrolled in the study. There were 130 and 40 cases in OS and SS, respectively. Average age and body mass index (BMI) of EOC were 54.2 years old and 23.1 Kg/m2, respectively. Both groups had comparable demographic characteristics. Two-thirds (103/170) and one-third (63/170) had early stage and clear cell histopathology, respectively. The median level of HE4 were 118.60 and 603.45 pmol/L in OS and SS, respectively. OS and SS had average CA125 at 146.95 and 814.70 U/L, respectively. The best cut-off point of HE4 and CA125 less than 170.95 pmol/L and 316.4 U/mL gave predicting OS with area under curve (AUC) at 0.78 and 0.75, respectively. HE4 and CA125 cut-off point had sensitivity, specificity, positive predict value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at percentage of 60.8/60.8, 87.5/82.5, 94.1/91.9 and 40.7/39.3, respectively. HE4 and CA125 of non-mucinous EOC among OS had significantly less than SS and could be the predicting of optimal surgery.