Showing papers by "Bechien U. Wu published in 2017"
TL;DR: Increased triglyceride levels were associated with the development of multiple or persistent organ failure among patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and patients with high triglycerides at the time of admission were likely to have high triglyceride Levels before admission.
Abstract: Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum triglycerides on the development of multiple or persistent organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients hospitalized for acute pancreatitis between 2006 and 2013. Triglyceride levels measured before and within 72 hours of admission were compared. In addition, the effect of triglyceride levels on the development of multiple or persistent organ failure during hospitalization for acute pancreatitis was assessed. Results Among 2519 patients, 267 patients (10.6%) developed organ failure, of which 75 patients developed multiple system organ failure and 82 patients developed persistent organ failure. Triglyceride levels in patients who developed organ failure were initially much higher than in patients who did not develop organ failure, but by 72 hours into admission, approached levels of patients who did not develop organ failure. Approximately 8% of patients had triglyceride levels greater than 500 mg/dL, the majority of which had similarly high levels before admission. Conclusions Increased triglyceride levels were associated with the development of multiple or persistent organ failure among patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. Patients with high triglyceride levels at the time of admission were likely to have high triglyceride levels before admission.
20 citations
TL;DR: There is a significant gap in patient knowledge with respect to pancreatic cysts, and greater emphasis on patient education can help patients make informed decisions regarding cyst management.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine how patient anxiety, knowledge, and cancer worry influence preferences for management of pancreatic cysts. METHODS We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study using a disease-specific survey instrument. We included patients older than 18 years who were diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. A telephone survey instrument was developed to assess baseline anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), knowledge regarding pancreatic cysts, cancer worry, and patient preferences using a standard gamble. RESULTS Of the 100 studied participants (median age, 65 years; 72% women), median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score was 4 (normal range). In terms of knowledge, 96% of the patients were not aware of their specific cyst type, and 58% were unaware of the possibility of any cyst-related malignancy. Overall, 8% of respondents had some degree of cancer worry. Respondents were more willing to undergo magnetic resonance imaging surveillance compared with endoscopic ultrasound or surgery. Knowledge of cyst type was a significant predictor of willingness to undergo invasive testing. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant gap in patient knowledge with respect to pancreatic cysts. Greater emphasis on patient education can help patients make informed decisions regarding cyst management.
8 citations