Healthcare costs and utilization of diabetes-related complications in Taiwan: A claims database analysis.

To estimate the healthcare utilization and costs of major diabetes mellitus (DM)-related complications in Taiwan in the year of first occurrence and in subsequent years.This study is a retrospective claim database analysis using the longitudinal cohort of diabetes patients (LHDB) with 2012 as the base year. Occurrences of 8 DM-related complications of interest were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes.

Translation, revision, and validation of the Chinese version of the Satisfaction with Oral Anti-Diabetic Agent Scale (C-SOADAS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: The aim of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate the Satisfaction with Oral Anti-Diabetic Agent Scale (SOADAS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients taking oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) in Taiwan.

Patients And Methods: The SOADAS was translated to Chinese and was modified based on reviews of two physicians, five diabetes educators, and two patient focus groups. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey was conducted in adult patients with type 2 DM who were taking OADs.

Patient preferences for diabetes-related complications in Taiwan.

As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to increase rapidly, there has been a rising need not only to assess the clinical outcomes but also the impact of DM on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals. Most previous studies have found that having complications is strongly associated with decreased HRQoL in DM patients. As such, it is crucial to measure individuals' preferences for DM-related complications in order to assess the magnitude of complications' effect on overall HRQoL.

Effectiveness of theta-burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating chronic tinnitus.

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive method for altering cortical excitability, is becoming a therapeutic strategy in auditory research institutions worldwide. Application of inhibiting rTMS on these overactive cortical regions can result in effective tinnitus suppression. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of theta-burst rTMS in patients with chronic tinnitus.

Association of adenoid hyperplasia and bacterial biofilm formation in children with adenoiditis in Taiwan.

The adenoid is a bacterial reservoir that contributes to chronic otolaryngologic infections. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen in the adenoid.

Improvement in otitis media with effusion in patients undergoing tracheostomy after prolonged endotracheal intubation.

Objectives: Otitis media with effusion (OME) has a higher incidence in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This observational study sought to examine the effect of tracheostomy on OME in critically ill patients and explore the predisposing factors.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-seven ICU patients who had undergone prolonged intubation (more than 14 days) received traditional tracheostomies.

High resolution computed tomography analysis of the temporal bone.

Detailed radiological assessment by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of temporal bone is demanded before any temporal bone or skull base surgery. The aim of this study was to measure the relations between the anatomical landmarks of the temporal bone and to assist the otolaryngologist in establishing accurate preoperative evaluation. We enrolled 43 patients who underwent temporal bone HRCT between February 2004 and May 2004.