Publications (30)150.2 Total impact
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Article: The CHADS(2) and CHA (2)DS (2)-VASc scores predict new occurrence of atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Early identification of individuals who are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke may enable a closer surveillance and thus prompt initiation of oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate whether congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, previous stroke (CHADS(2)) and CHA(2)DS(2)-vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category (CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc) scores can predict new-onset AF and/or ischemic stroke in patients presenting with arrhythmic symptoms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively followed up 528 patients (68.5 ± 10.6 years, male 46.2 %) presented for assessment of arrhythmic symptoms but without any documented arrhythmia, including AF for development of new-onset AF and/or ischemic stroke. Their mean CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores on presentation were 1.3 ± 1.3 and 2.3 ± 1.5, respectively. After 6.1 years, 89 patients (16.8 %, 2.77 per 100 patient-years) had documented AF, and 65 patients (12.3 %, 2.0 per 100 patient-years) suffered stroke. Both the CHADS(2) (C statistic 0.63, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.67, P < 0.0001, optimal cutoff at 1) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc (C statistic 0.63, 95 % CI 0.59-0.67, P < 0.0001, optimal cutoff at 2) scores provided similar prediction for the new-onset AF. Similarly, CHADS(2) (C statistic 0.69, 95 % CI 0.65-0.73, P < 0.0001, optimal cutoff at 2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc (C statistic 0.69, 95 % CI 0.65-0.73, P < 0.0001, optimal cutoff at 2) have compatible efficacy for stroke prediction in this Chinese population. CONCLUSION: The CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores can be used in patients who presented with arrhythmic symptoms to identify those who are at risk with developing new-onset clinical AF and ischemic stroke for close clinical surveillance and early intervention.Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 02/2013; · 1.17 Impact Factor -
Article: The public's perspectives on antibiotic resistance and abuse among Chinese in Hong Kong.
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Antibiotic abuse and resistance impose a continuing threat to the world. The awareness of antibiotic resistance is said to be inversely associated with the prevalence of abuse. We examined the public's perspectives on antibiotic resistance in our study of the public's knowledge, attitude and practice with antibiotics. METHODS: The study adopted a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Eight focus groups were conducted with 56 participants purposively selected from community centres and of different socio-economic strata. The qualitative data collected were used to construct a questionnaire for the telephone survey which surveyed 2471 adults from randomly selected residential numbers. RESULTS: The focus-group participants were unclear about the nature and causes of antibiotic resistance; they also attributed antibiotic abuse to the doctors' responsibility. Of the questionnaire respondents, 9.0% had not heard of the term, 7.8% had ever acquired non-prescribed antibiotics, 6.6% had ever kept the leftover and only 69.8% had always finished the full course of antibiotics. Furthermore, 77.3 % and 75.1%, respectively, agreed that the purchase of antibiotics without prescription and incomplete courses of antibiotics would lead to undesirable consequences. Of the respondents who had heard about antibiotic resistance, 38.7% agreed that they could help the prevention of resistance. They were more likely to complete the full course of antibiotics and less likely to keep the leftovers. CONCLUSIONS: The public in general was not aware of the causes of, nor their role and capability in preventing, antibiotic resistance. Future campaigns and health education should empower everyone to restrain antibiotic resistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 08/2012; · 2.53 Impact Factor -
Article: Sudden Cardiac Death After Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With No Residual Myocardial Ischemia.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether DM contributes to sudden cardiac death in patients who survive myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of sudden cardiac death post-MI in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with no residual myocardial ischemia.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 610 consecutive post-MI patients referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program with negative exercise stress test were studied.RESULTSOf these, 236 patients had DM at baseline. Over a mean follow-up of 5 years, 67 patients with DM (28.4%) and 76 of 374 patients without DM (20.2%) had died with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.28-2.56; P < 0.001). Patients with DM also had a higher incidence of cardiac death (1.84 [1.16-3.21]; P = 0.01), principally due to a higher incidence of sudden cardiac death (2.14 [1.22-4.23]; P < 0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that only DM (adjusted HR: 1.9 [95% CI: 1.04-3.40]; P = 0.04), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30% (3.6 [1.46-8.75]; P < 0.01), and New York Heart Association functional class >II (4.2 [1.87-9.45]; P < 0.01) were independent predictors for sudden cardiac death. Among patients with DM, the 5-year sudden cardiac death rate did not differ significantly among those with LVEF ≤30%, LVEF 31-50%, or LVEF >50% (8.8 vs. 7.8 vs. 6.8%, respectively; P = 0.83).CONCLUSION Post-MI patients with DM, even in the absence of residual myocardial ischemia clinically, were at higher risk of sudden cardiac death than their non-DM counterparts.Diabetes care 08/2012; · 8.09 Impact Factor -
Article: Frequent premature atrial complexes predict new occurrence of atrial fibrillation and adverse cardiovascular events.
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the relation between baseline frequency of premature atrial complexes (PACs) and new atrial fibrillation (AF) and adverse cardiovascular events. Four hundred and twenty-eight patients without AF or structural heart disease undergoing 24 h electrocardiography monitoring for palpitations, dizziness, or syncope were recruited. One hundred and seven patients with number of PACs at the top quartile (i.e. > 100PACs/day) were defined to have frequent PACs. After 6.1-year follow-up, 31 patients (29%) with frequent PACs developed AF compared with 29 patients (9%) with PACs ≤ 100/day (P< 0.01). Cox regression analysis revealed that frequent PACs [hazard ratio (HR): 3.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-5.5; P< 0.001)], age >75 years (HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3-3.9; P= 0.004), and coronary artery disease (HR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4-4.4; P= 0.002) were independent predictors for new AF. Concerning the composite endpoint (ischaemic stroke, heart failure, and death), patients with frequent PACs were more at risk than those without (34.5 vs. 19.3%) (HR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.37-3.50; P= 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that age >75 years (HR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.47-3.41; P< 0.001), coronary artery disease (HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.42-3.44, P< 0.001), and frequent PACs (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.04-2.44; P= 0.03) were independent predictors for the secondary composite endpoint. Frequent PACs predict new AF and adverse cardiovascular events.Europace 12/2011; 14(7):942-7. · 1.98 Impact Factor -
Article: Esomeprazole compared with famotidine in the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction.
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ABSTRACT: Little is known about the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors compared with H(2) receptor antagonists in preventing adverse upper gastrointestinal complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving aspirin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin or thrombolytics. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacies of esomeprazole and famotidine in preventing gastrointestinal complications. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was performed in patients receiving a combination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and either enoxaparin or thrombolytics. Patients received either esomeprazole (20 mg nocte) or famotidine (40 mg nocte) orally for 4-52 weeks, depending on the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. The primary end point was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), perforation, or obstruction from ulcer/erosion (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00683111). In all, 311 patients were recruited, with 163 and 148 patients in the esomeprazole and famotidine groups, respectively. Mean (s.d.) follow-up was 19.2 (17.6) and 17.6 (18.0) weeks, respectively. One (0.6%) patient in the esomeprazole group and 9 (6.1%) in the famotidine group reached the primary end point (log-rank test, P=0.0052, hazard ratio=0.095, 95% confidence interval: 0.005-0.504); all had upper GIB. In patients with ACS or STEMI, esomeprazole is superior to famotidine in preventing upper gastrointestinal complications related to aspirin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin or thrombolytics.The American Journal of Gastroenterology 11/2011; 107(3):389-96. · 7.28 Impact Factor -
Article: Effect of esomeprazole versus famotidine on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel: a double-blind, randomized trial.
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies showed that esomeprazole does not interfere significantly with the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. It is unknown whether famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor antagonist, interacts with clopidogrel. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to compare the influence of esomeprazole and famotidine on the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. Patients with acute coronary syndrome or elective percutaneous coronary interventions treated with aspirin and clopidogrel cotherapy were randomized to receive esomeprazole 20 mg daily or famotidine 40 mg daily. Platelet reactivity units (PRUs) were measured at baseline and on day 28. The primary analysis involved the PRU values on day 28. There were 44 patients in the esomeprazole group and 44 in the famotidine group. The baseline PRUs of the 2 groups were comparable (esomeprazole vs famotidine, 229.1 ± 85.6 vs 220.4 ± 83.0, P = .63). The PRUs on day 28 were 242.6 ± 89.7 and 237.5 ± 79.2 in the groups receiving esomeprazole and famotidine, respectively (mean difference 5.1, 95% CI -30.8 to 41.0, P = .78). The platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel was not significantly different between patients receiving esomeprazole and those receiving famotidine. Neither esomeprazole nor famotidine reduced the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. (Clinicaltrial.gov Identifier NCT01062516).American heart journal 11/2011; 162(5):870-4. · 4.65 Impact Factor -
Article: Hong Kong physicians' views on who should treat mild depression.
Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) 05/2011; 62(5):565-6. · 2.81 Impact Factor -
Article: Reasons for preferring a primary care physician for care if depressed.
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ABSTRACT: Most studies showed that patients would first go to their primary care physicians (PCPs) when depressed. This choice is probably due to PCP being the entry point into the health care system. We studied the general population's initial choice of mental care in Hong Kong, where patients were unclear about family medicine and free to choose doctors of any specialty. A combined qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted. We held focus groups with participants recruited from community centers and a telephone survey with adults ages 18 or above randomly selected from the domestic telephone directory. Of 1,647 adults successfully interviewed, 49.0% would seek help from their regular PCP, 19.3% from psychiatrists, 4.8% from any doctors, 16.5% from non-medical resources; 6.9% would not seek any help, and 3.5% were uncertain of what to do. Those who did not seek any help were more likely to be male or without regular doctors. The focus group participants highlighted the stigmatizing effect of consulting psychiatrists and expressed strong expectation of empathic relationship, time, and communication skills from their care providers. Some participants were not aware that PCP could manage mental illness. Given free choice of health care service, most people would first consult their regular doctors for treatment of depression specifically because of better relationship and no stigmatization. To draw depressed patients to seek help, especially from primary care, public education of the PCPs role in mental health should be promoted, and the PCPs could demonstrate their empathy and listening skills to patients.Family medicine 05/2011; 43(5):344-50. · 1.33 Impact Factor -
Article: How do patients choose their doctors for primary care in a free market?
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ABSTRACT: A recent trend in health care system is to provide more choices to the patients. This study surveyed the general public's choices for primary care in Hong Kong which has the setting of free choices for private or public service and also direct access to specialists. We used a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. We held five focus group interviews with participants of different socio-economic categories. Information from the focus groups helped to design a questionnaire for random telephone interviews with members of the public aged 18 or above. There were 37 participants in the focus groups and 1647 respondents in the telephone survey. The most important factor for choosing a doctor was proximity to home or workplace, followed by quick relief from the illness. Once continuity of care had been established, distance was of less importance but comprehensive care was valued. Nearly 70% of the public had regular doctors. About 93% of the public would consult specialists directly when they thought they needed a specialist's opinion. Nearly 30% chose specialists for any medical care and 38% preferred specialists to also look after their primary care problems. Convenient accessibility was the most important factor for the initial choice of primary care doctors by the general public. The perceived clinical proficiency of the doctor determined future continuity of care. Patients liked to have direct access to specialists. Though some chose to see the specialists even for primary care problems, most people had regular doctors who were likely to have the attributes of family doctors.Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 12/2010; 16(6):1215-20. · 1.23 Impact Factor -
Article: Role of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with coronary calcification.
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ABSTRACT: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prone to premature atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) related to RA can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. We studied coronary calcifications by multidetector computed tomography and their relationship with different subtypes of circulating EPC in 70 patients with RA and 35 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age 54.1 +/- 10.2 yrs, 87% were women). The presence of coronary atherosclerosis was defined as an Agatston score > or = 10. Four subpopulations of EPC were determined by flow cytometry on the basis of surface expression of CD34, CD133, and KDR antigen: CD34+, CD34/KDR+, CD133+, and CD133/KDR+ EPC, respectively. Among those with RA, 15 patients (21%) had coronary atherosclerosis. The mean Agatston score was higher (61.8 +/- 201.7 vs 0.14 +/- 0.69; p = 0.01) and coronary atherosclerosis was more prevalent (21.4% vs 0%; p < 0.01) in patients with RA compared to controls. RA patients with coronary atherosclerosis were older (66.2 +/- 6.9 vs 51.5 +/- 16.2 yrs; p < 0.01), had higher prevalence of hypertension (46.7% vs 14.5%; p = 0.01), and had lower CD133/KDR+ (0.45% +/- 0.28% vs 0.89% +/- 0.81%; p < 0.01) and CD133+ EPC levels (0.74% +/- 0.39% vs 1.22% +/- 0.83%; p < 0.01), but similar CD34/KDR+ and CD34+ EPC levels (all p > 0.05) compared to those without. Multiple logistic regression revealed that older age (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.41, p < 0.01) and lower CD133/KDR+ EPC (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.00-0.97, p < 0.01) were independent predictors for coronary atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Our results demonstrated that RA patients with coronary atherosclerosis have significantly lower levels of CD133/KDR+ and CD133+ EPC than those without. In addition to older age, lower levels of circulating CD133/KDR+ EPC also predicted occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis in RA patients.The Journal of Rheumatology 03/2010; 37(3):529-35. · 3.69 Impact Factor -
Article: Serum levels of IL-33 and soluble ST2 and their association with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.
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ABSTRACT: IL-33 has recently been found to be the specific ligand of ST2, an IL-1 receptor family member that is selectively expressed in Th2 cells and mediates Th2 response. This study aims to measure the serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) and IL-33 in patients with SLE and to examine their association with disease activity. Seventy SLE patients were evaluated for disease activity, determined by SLEDAI, levels of anti-dsDNA antibody, C3 and C4. Fifty-seven patients were evaluated longitudinally on a second occasion. IL-33 and sST2 were measured by sandwich ELISA in the 127 SLE serum samples and compared with 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum sST2 level was significantly higher in active SLE patients [0.51 (0.18) ng/ml] compared with inactive patients [0.42 (0.08) ng/ml] (P = 0.006) and normal controls [0.36 (0.13) ng/ml] (P < 0.001). sST2 level correlated significantly with SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA antibody and prednisolone dosage, and negatively with C3. Linear regression analysis showed that serum sST2 level was an independent predictive factor for modified SLEDAI, excluding anti-dsDNA and complement score after controlling for age, sex, glomerular filtration rate and prednisolone dosage (regression coefficient: 8.5; 95% CI 2.6, 14.3) (P = 0.005). Serum sST2 level was sensitive to change in disease activity longitudinally, with an effect size of 0.29. Elevated serum IL-33 was comparable in frequency (4.3 vs 7.1%; P = 0.62) and levels (P = 0.53) between SLE patients and controls. Elevated serum sST2 level in SLE patients was found to correlate with disease activity and was sensitive to change, suggesting a potential role as a surrogate marker of disease activity.Rheumatology (Oxford, England) 12/2009; 49(3):520-7. · 4.24 Impact Factor -
Article: Famotidine is inferior to pantoprazole in preventing recurrence of aspirin-related peptic ulcers or erosions.
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ABSTRACT: Little is known about the efficacy of H(2)-receptor antagonists in preventing recurrence of aspirin-related peptic ulcers. We compared the efficacy of high-dose famotidine with that of pantoprazole in preventing recurrent symptomatic ulcers/erosions. We performed a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of 160 patients with aspirin-related peptic ulcers/erosions, with or without a history of bleeding. Patients were given either famotidine (40 mg, morning and evening) or pantoprazole (20 mg in the morning and placebo in the evening). All patients continued to receive aspirin (80 mg daily). The primary end point was recurrent dyspeptic or bleeding ulcers/erosions within 48 weeks. A total of 130 patients (81.1%) completed the study; 13 of 65 patients in the famotidine group reached the primary end point (20.0%; 95% one-sided confidence interval [CI] for the risk difference, 0.1184-1.0) compared with 0 of 65 patients in the pantoprazole group (P < .0001, 95% one-sided CI for the risk difference, 0.1184-1.0). Gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly more common in the famotidine group than the pantoprazole group (7.7% [5/65] vs 0% [0/65]; 95% one-sided CI for the risk difference, 0.0226-1.0; P = .0289), as was recurrent dyspepsia caused by ulcers/erosions (12.3% [8/65] vs 0% [0/65]; 95% one-sided CI for the risk difference, 0.0560-1.0; P = .0031). No patients had ulcer perforation or obstruction. In patients with aspirin-related peptic ulcers/erosions, high-dose famotidine therapy is inferior to pantoprazole in preventing recurrent dyspeptic or bleeding ulcers/erosions.Gastroenterology 10/2009; 138(1):82-8. · 11.68 Impact Factor -
Article: Pattern of arterial calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of arterial calcification in patients with asymptomatic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with control subjects. SLE patients are prone to adverse cardiovascular events; however, the underlying atherosclerotic process is unknown. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) measured arterial calcium score (CS) reflecting underlying atherosclerosis and is closely associated with cardiovascular events. Fifty age and sex matched SLE patients and controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent 64 slice MDCT scan to evaluate CS in coronary, carotid arteries and the aorta. As compared with controls, SLE patients had higher mean CS and prevalence of CS > 0 across all vascular beds. After adjustment for age and sex, SLE patient odds of having CS > 0 in any vascular bed was 33.6 (95% CI: 9.5-165.2) were higher versus patients in the control group, mainly due to more prevalent coronary calcification (OR 30.0, 95% CI: 6.7-203.8). In SLE patients, the most frequent vessel with CS > 0 was coronary (42%) followed by carotid artery (24%). Further, arterial calcification occurred early involving 40% of SLE patients at age < 40 years, with increasing prevalence as age advanced. Our study confirms that patients with SLE have significantly higher prevalence and extent of systemic arterial calcification compared with age and sex matched controls.The Journal of Rheumatology 09/2009; 36(10):2212-7. · 3.69 Impact Factor -
Article: Intravenous diltiazem is superior to intravenous amiodarone or digoxin for achieving ventricular rate control in patients with acute uncomplicated atrial fibrillation.
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ABSTRACT: To compare the clinical efficacy of intravenous diltiazem, digoxin, and amiodarone for acute ventricular rate (VR) control in patients with acute symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) necessitating hospitalization. Randomized control trial. Acute emergency medical admission unit in a regional teaching hospital in Hong Kong. One hundred fifty adult patients with acute AF and rapid VR (>120 bpm). Patients were randomly assigned in 1:1:1 ratio to receive intravenous diltiazem, digoxin, or amiodarone for VR control. The primary end point was sustained VR control (<90 bpm) within 24 hours; the secondary end points included AF symptom improvement and length of hospitalization. At 24 hours, VR control was achieved in 119 of 150 patients (79%). The time to VR control was significantly shorter among patients in the diltiazem group (log-rank test, p < 0.0001) with the percentage of patients who achieved VR control being higher in the diltiazem group (90%) than the digoxin group (74%) and the amiodarone group (74%). The median time to VR control was significantly shorter in the diltiazem group (3 hours, 1-21 hours) compared with the digoxin (6 hours, 3-15 hours, p < 0.001) and amiodarone groups (7 hours, 1-18 hours, p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients in the diltiazem group persistently had the lowest mean VR after the first hour of drug administration compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05). The diltiazem group had the largest reduction in AF symptom frequency score and severity score (p < 0.0001). In addition, length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the diltiazem group (3.9 +/- 1.6 days) compared with digoxin (4.7 +/- 2.1 days, p = 0.023) and amiodarone groups (4.7 +/- 2.2 days, p = 0.038). As compared with digoxin and amiodarone, intravenous diltiazem was safe and effective in achieving VR control to improve symptoms and to reduce hospital stay in patients with acute AF.Critical care medicine 07/2009; 37(7):2174-9; quiz 2180. · 6.37 Impact Factor -
Article: Use of antibiotics by primary care doctors in Hong Kong.
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ABSTRACT: To determine the use of antibiotics by primary care doctors. General practitioners in Hong Kong were invited to fill in a short questionnaire on every patient with infection that they had seen on the first full working day once every three months for four consecutive quarters starting from December 2005. Forty six primary care doctors took part and a total of 3096 completed questionnaires were returned. The top three diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection (46.7%), gastrointestinal infection (8.2%) and pharyngitis (7.1%). Thirty percent of patient encounters with infections were prescribed antibiotics but only 5.2% of patient encounters with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were prescribed antibiotics. Amino-penicillins were the most commonly used antibiotics while beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (BLBLIs) were the second most commonly used antibiotics and they accounted for 16.5% and 14.0% of all antibiotics used respectively. Of all patients or their carers, those who demanded or wished for antibiotics were far more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (Pearson chi-square test, p < 0.0001). Those patients who were attending the doctors for follow-up consultations were also more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (Pearson chi-square test, p < 0.001). The antibiotic prescribing patterns of primary care doctors in Hong Kong are broadly similar to primary care doctors in other developed countries but a relatively low rate of antibiotics is used for URTI.Asia Pacific family medicine 05/2009; 8(1):5. -
Article: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with aspirin and clopidogrel co-therapy.
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ABSTRACT: The major complication of aspirin and clopidogrel (A+C) co-therapy is upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, data are unavailable for real-life situations. Furthermore, the treatment effect of antisecretory agents is unknown. This cohort study aimed to determine the occurrence of UGIB. The treatment effect of H2-receptor antagonist (H2RA) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was also analyzed. The records of 987 consecutive patients on A+C co-therapy between January 2001 and September 2006 were analyzed. The follow-up ended on the dates of a first occurrence of UGIB, stopping A+C co-therapy, a change in the antisecretory class, death, or March 2007. After a follow-up of 5.8 +/- 6.5 months, UGIB occurred in 39 (4.0%) patients. PPI, H2RA and control were prescribed in 213, 287 and 487 patients respectively. After adjustment for age, dose of aspirin, previous UGIB and duration of treatment, the risk was marginally reduced by H2RA (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.18-0.91, p = 0.04) and significantly reduced by PPI (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.002-0.21, p = 0.002), as compared to control. The occurrence of UGIB associated with A+C co-therapy for a median of 5.8 months was 4.0%. Co-prescription with PPI was associated with a lower risk.Digestion 07/2008; 77(3-4):173-7. · 2.05 Impact Factor -
Article: Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving a combination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin in acute coronary syndrome.
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ABSTRACT: The combination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin (combination therapy) is the standard treatment for acute coronary syndrome but is associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. However, information in this area is scarce. This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a real-life situation. The effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment was also analyzed. From January 2002 to December 2006, all patients receiving combination therapy were analyzed. The end point was the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding during combination therapy or within 7 days of stopping enoxaparin. The patient group consisted of 666 patients (age 72.1 +/- 12.6 yr). Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 18 (2.7%) patients. The overall hospital mortality was 4.1% (27 patients). A cardiac event was the major cause (N = 24, 3.6%). Only one patient died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding (0.15%). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that previous peptic ulcer, cardiogenic shock, and the lack of PPI coprescription were significant risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding. The age-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for gastrointestinal bleeding was 5.07 (1.31-16.58) for previous peptic ulcer, 21.41 (2.56-146.68) for cardiogenic shock, and 0.068 (0.010-0.272) for the coprescription with a PPI. In real life, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the combination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin therapy was estimated to be 2.7%. Previous peptic ulcer disease or cardiogenic shock were significant independent risk factors. Coprescription with a PPI can significantly reduce the risk.The American Journal of Gastroenterology 05/2008; 103(4):865-71. · 7.28 Impact Factor -
Article: Prevalence of colorectal neoplasm among patients with newly diagnosed coronary artery disease.
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ABSTRACT: Colorectal neoplasm and coronary artery disease (CAD) share similar risk factors, and their co-occurrence may be associated. To investigate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in patients with CAD in a cross-sectional study and to identify the predisposing factors for the association of the 2 diseases. Patients in Hong Kong, China, were recruited for screening colonoscopy after undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD during November 2004 to June 2006. Presence of CAD (n = 206) was defined as at least 50% diameter stenosis in any 1 of the major coronary arteries; otherwise, patients were considered CAD-negative (n = 208). An age- and sex-matched control group was recruited from the general population (n = 207). Patients were excluded for use of aspirin or statins, personal history of colonic disease, or colonoscopy in the past 10 years. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in CAD-positive, CAD-negative, and general population participants was determined. Bivariate logistic regression was performed to study the association between colorectal neoplasm and CAD and to identify risk factors for the association of the 2 diseases after adjusting for age and sex. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in the CAD-positive, CAD-negative, and general population groups was 34.0%, 18.8%, and 20.8% (P < .001 by chi2 test), prevalence of advanced lesions was 18.4%, 8.7%, and 5.8% (P < .001), and prevalence of cancer was 4.4%, 0.5%, and 1.4% (P = .02), respectively. Fifty percent of the cancers in CAD-positive participants were early stage. After adjusting for age and sex, an association still existed between colorectal neoplasm and presence of CAD (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.70; P = .002) and between advanced lesions and presence of CAD (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.43-4.35; P = .001). The metabolic syndrome (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.43-27.94; P = .02) and history of smoking (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.38-18.92; P = .02) were independent factors for the association of advanced colonic lesions and CAD. In this study population undergoing coronary angiography, the prevalence of colorectal neoplasm was greater in patients with CAD. The association between the presence of advanced colonic lesions and CAD was stronger in persons with the metabolic syndrome and a history of smoking.JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association 09/2007; 298(12):1412-9. · 30.03 Impact Factor -
Article: Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and interleukin 1beta polymorphism predispose to CpG island methylation in gastric cancer.
Gut 05/2007; 56(4):595-7. · 10.11 Impact Factor -
Article: Patients with functional constipation do not have increased prevalence of colorectal cancer precursors.
Gut 04/2007; 56(3):451-2. · 10.11 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2013
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Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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2000–2012
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The University of Hong Kong
- • Department of Medicine
- • Department of Diagnostic Radiology
- • Department of Social Work and Social Administration
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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2004
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Lands Department of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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