Association of diverticulitis and potential risk of ischemic stroke: population-based matched cohort study in Taiwan.

Background: Previous studies have suggested relationship between diverticular disease and cardiovascular disease. Since cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accident share a lot of pathogenesis, diverticulitis could also be a risk factor for stroke. This study tried to establish epidemiological evidence of the relationship between colon diverticulitis and ischemic stroke.

Comparative Effectiveness of Cetuximab Panitumumab in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Nationwide Database Study.

Background/aim: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cetuximab and panitumumab on the survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer or those who had undergone conversion surgery and to identify their prognostic factors.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received cetuximab or panitumumab as first-line targeted agent-based therapy. Overall survival and conversion surgery rates were evaluated, and the prognostic factors were determined.

Mortality of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received elective or emergent operation after exposure to bevacizumab: A nationwide database study.

Introduction: Treatment guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) indicate that surgical intervention within 4 weeks or 8 weeks after bevacizumab therapy might increase the risk of postoperative complications and mortality, especially in patients who received emergent operation. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between different surgical timings, emergent or elective surgery, and the risk of postoperative mortality.

Materials And Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database and Taiwan Cancer Registry, we identified patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who underwent surgery within 1 year of receiving bevacizumab between January 2010 and December 2017.

Shared decision-making and patient decision aids in choosing first-line targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer in Taiwan.

Introduction: In Taiwan, given the discrepancy between current treatment guidelines and reimbursement options, patients might require a tool to support their decision-making process when selecting a regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer, especially therapeutic strategies, and subsequent costs, along with efficacy and safety outcomes. Therefore, we developed a patient decision aid (PDA) to support patients in choosing between treatment options recommended based on the current evidence and those reimbursed by the Taiwanese National Health Insurance.

Methods: By carefully reviewing the updated data and then interpreting the clinical tool, we conducted a needs assessment using a serial questionnaire to test for a step-by-step adjustment of the PDA.

Thickness of rectus abdominis measured by ultrasound in critically ill patients after abdominal surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Early identification of patients at high risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation is important in critical care. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, has been reported to be associated with extended mechanical ventilation and prolonged ICU stay. Although ultrasound is noninvasive and widely used in critical care, there is no standard method of using it to assess sarcopenia.