Value of lateral neck radiography for ingested foreign bodies using the likelihood ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of lateral neck radiography and its value in related radiographic findings in the detection of foreign bodies using the likelihood ratio. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 114 patients who had neck radiography followed by rigid esophagoscopy. Interpretations of the radiographs were correlated with esophagoscopic findings and clinical follow-up for at least 1 month. Data were mainly assessed by likelihood ratio and detection rate. RESULTS: Plain radiography had a positive likelihood ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-3.1) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.6 (95% CI 0.40-0.7). It had a sensitivity of 57.4% (95% CI 45.6-69.1) and a specificity of 76.1% (95% CI 63.8-88.4). Positive likelihood ratios for each radiographic finding (foreign body shadow, air, and soft tissue swelling) were 3.4 (95% CI 2.6-4.4), 1.5 (95% CI 0.9-2.6), and 4.1 (95% CI 1.9-8.7), respectively. Plain radiography had a high detection rate (72.5%) when foreign bodies were lodged in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. On the contrary, the detection rate was poor (0%) in the oropharynx. CONCLUSIONS: A lateral neck radiograph is better taken after a negative finding in a thorough oral examination and fibre-optic laryngoscopy. Judging from the possible site of impacted foreign body and radiographic findings, we can better predict the presence of foreign bodies.

Plasma homocysteine status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is eliminated through B vitamins-dependent pathways. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been found to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases. Recently, psoriasis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis were reported to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. This study was aimed to evaluate the changes of plasma Hcy level before and after sulfasalazine and MTX therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). One hundred and two patients with AS and ten normal controls were enrolled in the cross-sectional case-control study. Fasting plasma Hcy levels were determined by ELISA kits (IMX, Abbott). Hcy levels were compared to their Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and the usage of sulfasalazine and/or MTX. Active disease was defined by BASDAI as more than 3 in a 10-cm scale with ESR >20 mm/h. For those patients with plasma Hcy >or=15 micromol/l, a perspective trial of daily supplement of vitamin B-12 0.5 mg, B-6 50 mg, and folic acid 5 mg for 2 weeks were also tested for the efficacy. Plasma Hcy level increased significantly in AS patients under sulfasalazine (10.4+/-3.8 micromol/l, p<0.05), MTX (11.9+/-4.7, p<0.05) and sulfasalazine/MTX combination treatment (11.2+/-2.6, p<0.05) compared with normal controls (8.6+/-1.2 micromol/l) and AS patients without DMARD(9.4+/- 2.6 micromol/l). No correlation between disease activity and plasma Hcy level was found. Daily supplement of vitamin B-12 0.5 mg, B-6 50 mg, and folic acid 5 mg can lower Hcy level in 2 weeks (32.3+/-24.0 vs 15.6+/-11.1 micromol/l, p=0.007). Plasma homocysteine level did significantly increase in AS patients under sulfasalazine or MTX treatment. B-vitamins should be considered as a routine supplementation for patients who underwent sulfasalazine and/or MTX treatment. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm the conclusions.

An online evaluation of problem-based learning (PBL) in Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan - a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Problem-based learning (PBL) embraces principles of good learning and teaching. It is student-directed, fosters intrinsic motivation, promotes active learning, encourages peer teaching, involves timely feedback, and can support student self and peer assessment. The most important function of the assessment process is to enhance student learning, to improve the curriculum and to improve teaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To improve the PBL tutorial in Chung Shan Medical University, we developed an online evaluation system containing the evaluation forms for students, tutor, self and peer. The Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients were 0.9480, 0.9103, and 0.9198 for the Student, Tutor and Self and Peer Evaluation Form, respectively. The online evaluations were mandatory to both students and tutors, and the information was completely anonymous. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The survey response rates of the online evaluations ranged from 95.6% to 100%. The online evaluations provided a documented feedback to the students on their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Correspondingly, tutors too received feedback from students in evaluating their performance on the appropriateness and effectiveness of tutoring the group. Although there was an initial lack of coordination regarding responsibilities and how to use the online system for both students and the Faculty, the system enabled us to look into how effective our PBL course had been, and it provided both process and outcome evaluations. Our strategy for evaluating the success of PBL is only at its initial stage; we are in an ongoing process of collecting outcome data for further analysis which will hopefully provide more constructive information to the PBL curricula.