Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Chotmaihet thangphaet 

About: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Chotmaihet thangphaet is an academic journal published by Medical Association of Thailand. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Pregnancy. It has an ISSN identifier of 0125-2208. Over the lifetime, 9064 publications have been published receiving 76679 citations. The journal is also known as: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand.

Total Anal Sphincter Saving Technique for Fistula-in-Ano; The Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract

Abstract: Objective To describe a new technique for fistula-in-ano surgery aimed at total sphincter preservation, and evaluate the preliminary results concerning non-healing and intact anal function. Material and method A prospective observational study in eighteen fistula-in-ano patients treated by ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique, from January to June 2006. Results Fistula-in-ano in seventeen patients healed primarily (94.4%). There was one non-healing case (5.6%). The mean healing time was four weeks. None had disturbances in clinical anal continence. Conclusion The early outcome of the LIFT technique is quite impressive. Results warrant a larger study with long-term evaluation. This technique has the potential to become a viable option for fistula-in-ano surgery.

Prevalence and psychosocial factors of anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients.

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women It is seen as a terrifying disease due to a high mortality rate its impacts on self-image and the sexual relationship Many patients experience psychological reactions and may have psychiatric morbidities especially anxiety and depressive disorders Although anxiety and depressive disorders are common in breast cancer and worsen the disease course and treatment outcomes these psychiatric disorders are ignored and left untreated Understanding these common psychiatric disorders and associated psychosocial factors can help to plan for treatment and may result in more treatment success The present study was aimed to identify the prevalence and associated psychosocial factors of anxiety and depressive disorders in breast cancer patients The psychosocial factors in the present study focused on social support family relationship and functioning and problem and conflict solving Three hundred female breast cancer patients aged above 18 years oldfrom the Surgical Outpatient Department King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were recruited into the study from December 2006 to May 2007 All samples completed five questionnaires; 1) Demographic data and history form 2) Thai Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Thai HADS) 3) Social Support Questionnaire 4) Family Relationship and Functioning Questionnaire 5) Problem and Conflict Solving Questionnaire The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders was reported in percentage The association between psychosocial demographic and clinical factors and anxiety and depression was analyzed by ANOVA test (for continuous data) and chi-square test (for categorical data) Logistic regression was performed to identify the potential predictors of anxiety and depression A p-value of less than 005 was considered statistically significant The prevalence of anxiety disorder was 160% and that of anxiety symptoms was 190% The prevalence of depressive disorder was 90% and that of depressive symptoms was167% Factors associated to anxiety and depression were psychosocial factors (social support family relationship and functioning and problem and conflict solving) (p < 001) number of hospital admissions and presence of disturbing symptoms: pain respiratory symptoms and fatigue (p < 001) By regression analysis the significant predictors of anxiety and depression were poor family relationship and functioning (p < 005) maladaptive problem and conflict solving (p < 005) and symptoms of pain (p < 001) and fatigue (p < 005) Anxiety and depressive disorders are two common psychiatric disorders in breast cancer Strong predictors of anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients were poor family relationship and functioning maladaptive problem and conflict solving and presence of pain and fatigue Promoting patients social support especially emotional support from family and enhancing patients coping skills may reduce the patients psychological stress and psychiatric morbidities Treatmentof breast cancer patients should focus on reduction of patients disturbing symptoms such as adequate pain control and lessening the treatment complications Moreover being alert on patients emotional reactions and potential psychiatric disorders is essential (authors)

Pharmacokinetic and the effect of capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on decreasing plasma glucose level.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The active substance found in Capsicum frutescens (capsicum) that gives hot and spicy flavor is capsaicin, and it seems to have many pharmacological effects. OBJECTIVE The present research was conducted to study the effect of capsicum on plasma glucose level and to correlate its action with the pharmacokinetic properties of capsaicin in capsicum. MATERIAL AND METHOD The crossover study was performed in 12 healthy volunteers by performing the OGTT while receiving placebo or 5 grams of capsicum. The insulin secretion and capsaicin level in plasma were measured using the HPLC method. RESULTS The results of the OGTT showed that plasma glucose levels in volunteers who received capsicum were significantly lower than those in the placebo group at 30 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma insulin levels were significantly higher at 60, 75, 105, and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). When comparing before and after capsicum intake, the results showed the insulin levels were maintained The pharmacokinetic parameters of capsaicin shown as C(max), T(max), AUC(0-t), T1/2 are 2.47 +/- 0.13 ng/ml, 47.08 +/- 1.99 min, 103.6 +/- 11.3 ng x min/ml, and 24.87 +/- 4.97 min, respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study found that 5 grams of capsicum presented capsaicin levels that were associated with a decrease in plasma glucose levels and the maintenance of insulin levels. The present result might have clinical implications in the management of type 2 diabetes.

A systematic review of the worldwide prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Background : A number of epidemiologic studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been conducted worldwide over the years. Although every study reported the rise in prevalence and incidence rate of PD with the increasing age, the overall estimates were different across countries. The variation in reported data may partly be contributed by case ascertainment, case finding method, data collection, and most importantly different population structures. Objective : Systematically review prevalence and incidence of PD and find the causes of variation in the results. Material and Method : A literature search was conducted on Medline and EMBASE for studies worldwide investigating the prevalence and incidence of PD and included all adults, English and publication between 1965 and January 2010.The primary search of both databases yielded 5,330 results. After screening topics and abstracts, 168 relevant abstracts were tagged and saved for more thorough perusal. Ultimately, 40 papers were selected for review after applying the pre-specified inclusion criteria Results : The worldwide prevalence of PD varies widely. One reason for the variation in prevalence estimates could be due to the differences in survival across countries. The use of epidemiological studies using medical records could be another reason for the variation in disease frequency. Conclusion : PD is common in the elderly. A number of descriptive epidemiologic studies have been conducted worldwide. Comparing the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is difficult. Keywords : Parkinson’s disease, Parkinsonism, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Incidence

Effect of aloe vera gel to healing of burn wound a clinical and histologic study.

Abstract: In a study of twenty-seven patients with partial thickness burn wound, they were treated with aloe vera gel compared with vaseline gauze. It revealed the aloe vera gel treated lesion healed faster than the vaseline gauze area. The average time of healing in the aloe gel area was 11.89 days and 18.19 days for the vaseline gauze treated wound. Statistical analysis by using t-test and the value of P < 0.002 was statistically significant. In histologic study, it showed early epithelialization in the treated aloe vera gel area. Only some minor adverse effects, such as discomfort and pain were encountered in the 27 cases. This study showed the effectiveness of aloe vera gel on a partial thickness burn wound, and it might be beneficial to do further trials on burn wounds.