Publications by authors named "Kenneth Ong"

Article Synopsis
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) show a modest decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) based on a review of clinical trials.
  • The analysis found no significant impact on triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
  • Weight changes did not have a notable effect on LDL-C or TC levels among study participants.
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Introduction: Studies exploring the relationship between peripheral arterial disease (PAD), critical limb ischemia (CLI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its effect on in-hospital outcomes are limited. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with CKD and PAD who are admitted for CLI.

Methods: We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to capture hospitalizations for CLI from 2012 to 2020 and then identified cases with concomitant CKD.

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Introduction: There is limited evidence as to the effect of sex on the outcomes of patients admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have a concomitant diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed to determine if there are differences in the outcomes between males and females in these patient populations.

Methods: Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database and patients were selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision (ICD-9 and -10) codes.

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Introduction: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective therapy for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Typically, stimulation is applied at a high frequency (≥100 Hz) to alleviate motor symptoms. However, the effects on non-motor symptoms can be variable.

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Purpose: The purpose of this research was to cocreate with patients and the public a set of evidence-informed guiding principles for their authentic, responsive, ongoing, and sustainable engagement in the mission, goals, curriculum, and delivery of medical education.

Method: A set of guiding principles of relevance to medical education was identified from the literature. Eight focus groups with patients and community members representing a wide variety of perspectives were conducted in April and May 2022.

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Purpose: Patient/public involvement in health professional education is increasing but remains episodic, narrowly focused, reliant on individual enthusiasts, and lacks supportive institutional infrastructure. There is little evidence-informed practical guidance on how to take a more strategic and formal approach. We undertook a qualitative study to learn from patients and the public how medical schools could engage in an authentic and sustainable way.

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Background: High-grade gliomas are aggressive primary brain tumors, the most common of which is glioblastoma multiforme. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for these patients remains poor. The most common chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of this pathology include temozolomide (TMZ), procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine.

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Background: The management of cardiogenic shock (CS) requires attentiveness to details and in some cases, invasive interventions. In the past, studies have shown relationships between the day of admission and cardiovascular outcomes. We aim to analyze the trends and in-hospital outcomes of patients admitted with CS over the weekends compared to weekdays.

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Article Synopsis
  • Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) increases the mortality risk and health care costs for patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition often linked to chronic inflammation.
  • In a study involving over 821,000 AF hospitalizations, 3% had PEM, leading to a significant increase in hospital length of stay, costs, and complications like cardiogenic shock.
  • Results suggest that addressing PEM through nutritional rehabilitation may improve clinical outcomes for AF patients, highlighting the importance of nutrition in managing chronic diseases.
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Objective: Meningiomas can lead to significant morbidity and mortality and have recurrence potential. While previous studies have focused on calculating recurrence risk, the precise location of the recurrence has not been delineated. This study aimed to investigate the spatial clustering pattern of recurrence relative to the original surgical bed for surgically treated Simpson Grade I-III, WHO Grade 1 meningiomas.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Hypertension is common, but treatments for resistant cases are limited; aprocitentan is proposed as a new medication to help lower blood pressure.
  • - A review of eight studies showed that aprocitentan effectively lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at doses of 10mg and 25mg, with increased levels of ET-1 indicating its mechanism of action.
  • - More research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of aprocitentan, including its potential interactions with other blood pressure medications.
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Catheter ablation is indicated for the management of supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs). We investigated the effect of sex on short-term outcomes after catheter ablation for SVTs other than atrial fibrillation (AF). Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmission Database for the years 2016-2018, SVT patients who underwent catheter ablation were identified using the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes.

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Background: With the growing use of implantable cardiac devices, the need for transvenous lead extraction has increased, which translates to increased procedural volumes. Sex differences in lead extraction outcomes are not well studied.

Objective: The present study aims at evaluating the impact of sex on outcomes of lead extraction.

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Background: Brain computer interface-triggered functional electrical stimulation therapy (BCI-FEST) has shown promise as a therapy to improve upper extremity function for individuals who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury. The next step is to determine whether BCI-FEST could be used clinically as part of broader therapy practice. To do this, we need to understand therapists' opinions on using the BCI-FEST and what limitations potentially exist.

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Management of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has evolved over the years, but most published data are from younger patients. Data on the NSTEMI management in older patients remain limited. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the long-term outcomes of invasive versus conservative strategies in older patients (>70 years old) with NSTEMI.

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Background: The optimal electrodes position for elective direct current (DC) cardioversion of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain.

Methods: An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases was performed through March 2022 for randomized trials that examined the outcomes of anterior-posterior (AP) versus anterior-lateral (AL) electrodes position during cardioversion of (AF). The main outcome was the success rate of cardioversion.

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Article Synopsis
  • The 'spiked helmet sign' (SHS) is an ECG finding indicating serious illness and increased mortality risk, resembling ST-elevation but without actual heart damage.
  • A case is presented where SHS occurred due to high ventilation pressures in a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
  • This patient ultimately suffered from barotrauma as a complication of the treatment.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). There is a paucity of contemporary data studying the association between COPD and outcomes of AF ablation. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of COPD on AF ablation outcomes using a large nationwide database.

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Article Synopsis
  • * This case report details a 56-year-old woman with apHCM who experienced severe chest pain, ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac arrest, initially linked to recent cocaine use; however, further imaging revealed significant heart complications.
  • * The patient's recovery involved stabilization and treatment with medications like amiodarone and beta-blockers, along with the implantation of a defibrillator, highlighting the importance of recognizing and properly managing apHCM to prevent critical outcomes. *
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease which follows a relapsing and remitting course that can manifest in any organ system. While classic manifestations consist of arthralgia, myalgia, frank arthritis, a malar rash and renal failure to name a few, cardiac tamponade, however, is a far less common and far more dangerous presentation. We highlight the case of a 61year-old male with complaints of acute onset shortness of breath and generalized body aches associated with a fever and chills in the ER.

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