Comparison of Two Scoring Systems in Predicting Outcomes in Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Taiwanese Population.

Background: The role of scoring systems in detecting outcomes of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Taiwanese population remains uncertain.

Aims: The aim of our study was to compare Glasgow-Blatchford score with pre-endoscopic Rockall score in their utilities in predicting clinical outcomes in Taiwanese population.

Methods: We designed a prospective study to compare the performance of the Glasgow-Blatchford score and pre-endoscopic Rockall score in predicting endoscopic therapy, rebleeding and 30-day mortality in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients.

Factors associated with delayed recognition of pulmonary tuberculosis in emergency departments in Taiwan.

Objective: To identify and evaluate factors associated with delayed recognition of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the emergency department (ED).

Background: Delayed recognition of pulmonary TB in ED may precipitate mortality and morbidity.

Methods: Medical records of newly diagnosed TB patients admitted to four hospitals in Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed.

The association between hypertension and traumatic intracranial haemorrhage.

Background: Control of blood pressure is considered essential in the management of trauma patients. In patients with head injuries, both hypotension and hypertension are associated with poor outcomes. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether hypertension at emergency triage is associated with traumatic intracranial haemorrhage.

Hypertensive patients using thiazide diuretics as primary stroke prevention make better functional outcome after ischemic stroke.

Background: Thiazides have been used for the control of blood pressure and primary prevention of ischemic stroke. No previous studies have assessed the influence of thiazides on functional prognosis after ischemic stroke.

Methods: Demographics, prestroke conditions, poststroke National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and clinical and laboratory parameters were prospectively registered in 216 Taiwanese patients.

Red cell distribution width is an independent predictor of mortality in necrotizing fasciitis.

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing and potentially lethal infectious disease of the soft tissue. An elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk of death in patients with heart disease and infectious disease. We retrospectively assessed the association of elevated RDW with in-hospital mortality due to NF.

Aortoiliac occlusive disease presenting as sudden onset paraplegia.

Thromboembolism and atherosclerotic stenosis both can cause arterial occlusion. Aortoiliac occlusive disease involving bifurcation of the aortoiliac artery induces symptoms of ischemia such as claudication and pain of buttocks and thighs, decreased bilateral femoral pulses, and impotence. Here, we describe a 58-year-old woman with a past history of atrial fibrillation and lacuna stroke with minimal right side weakness.

A prospective comparison of 3 scoring systems in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background: The clinical severities of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are of a wide variety, ranging from insignificant bleeds to fatal outcomes. Several scoring systems have been designed to identify UGIB high- and low-risk patients. The aim of our study was to compare the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) with the preendoscopic Rockall score (PRS) and the complete Rockall score (CRS) in their utilities in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with UGIB.

Facial palsy in children: emergency department management and outcome.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of children who present to an emergency department (ED) with facial palsy and determine the association of outcome with etiology, degree of initial paralysis, and ED management.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of children who presented to an ED with facial nerve paralysis (FNP).

Results: There were 85 patients with a mean age of 8.