Hue Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria lung disease diagnosis and treatment

Thi Binh Nguyen Nguyen — 2025-09-16

Nowadays, Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases are on the rise worldwide. However, differential diagnosis between pathology and resident bacteria (pathogen carriers) is often difficult. Besides, treating diseases caused by NTM is still a challenge, there is currently no optimal regimen for each species, and multi-drug regimens need to be specifically adjusted for each patient. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to address the epidemiology of the microbiological etiology of infections caused by NTM and these update the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the European Respiratory Society (ERS), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) (2020), and the latest consensus guidelines on diagnosis, treatment, and management NTM of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam (2024), all of which are useful guidelines for diagnosing and treating pulmonary disease caused by NTM in current clinical practice in Vietnam.

Evaluating the association between clinical, cytological and histopathological features of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer

Quý Trân Ngô — 2025-09-30

Background: Cervical cancer is a common cancer among women, with an estimated high number of cases and deaths each year. The combination of clinical evaluation and cytology helps in early detection and improves treatment effectiveness. Histopathology plays an essential role in definitive diagnosis, lesion classification, and supporting the development of optimal treatment protocols.

Objectives: (1) To describe the clinical characteristics, cytological and histopathological features of cervical precancerous lesions and carcinoma. (2) To evaluate the association between clinical characteristics, cytological and histopathological features of cervical precancerous lesions and cervical carcinoma.

Materials and methods: Sample was collected from 50 patients with precancerous lesions and cervical cancer from January 2023 to January 2025.

Results: Clinical: 80,0% reported abnormal vaginal discharge, and 40.0% experienced vaginal bleeding. 80.0% of cases showed cytological abnormalities. Histopathology: Epithelial cancers accounted for 56,0%, of which squamous cell carcinoma represented 75,0% and adenocarcinoma 25.0%; precancerous lesions made up 44.0%, including CIN 1 (10.0%), CIN 2 (12.0%), and CIN 3 (22.0%). Both the clinical symptoms and cytological results showed a statistically significant correlation with the degree of histopathological lesions (p < 0,05).

Conclusion: The most common symptoms of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer were abnormal vaginal discharge (80.0%) and vaginal bleeding (40.0%). Most patients with CIN 1 were asymptomatic. Cervical cancer was mainly squamous cell carcinoma (75.0%), with adenocarcinoma occurring less frequently (25.0%). Combining clinical examination and histopathological testing helps detect and diagnose precancerous lesions and cervical cancer early.

Assessment of pre-analytical quality of tests at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital

Thăng Long Phạm — 2025-09-30

Background: Laboratory tests consist of three phases: Pre-analytical, Analytical, and Post-analytical. Recent studies indicate that errors in the pre-analytical phase account for a significant proportion up to 70% of the entire process. Therefore, monitoring and evaluating quality in the pre-analytical stage is very important, necessary and must be strictly implemented to improve the efficiency of laboratory management. One of the effective tools to reflect the quality of testing is the sigma value because it represents the performance of the laboratory.

Method: Cross-sectional analytical research, with quality indicators collected over the period from July to September 2023. Quality Indicators include: Samples with insufficient sample volume; Hemolyzed samples; Incorrect anticoagulant sample; Incorrect information samples.

Results: Hemolyzed samples constitute the most significant proportion of pre-analytical errors, representing 54.6% of all errors. This is followed by amples with insufficient sample volume at 44.1%, and then by errors in patient information and anticoagulant selection, both contributing a mere 0.65%.

Conclusion: All pre-analytical quality indicators measured by the Six Sigma scale achieved good levels or above.

Study on nutritional status and some relevant factors of children under 5 years old in Quy Chau mountainous district, Nghe An province in 2020

Xuân Đức Phan — 2025-09-30

Background: Child malnutrition has been a public health problem in developing countries, especially Asian countries, including Vietnam. Children under 5 years of age are the most susceptible to malnutrition, which is a period of high nutritional needs and a very sensitive period to diseases. The rate of malnutrition in our country is still high compared to the classification of the World Health Organization, especially in mountainous areas, ethnic minorities, and difficult conditions.

Objectives: 1. To determine the rate of malnutrition among children under 5 years old in Quy Chau district, Nghe An province in 2020. 2. To find out some factors related to underweight malnutrition in research subjects.

Materials and method: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 402 children under 5 years old in 4 communes of Quy Chau district, Nghe An province, from January 2020 to June 2021. Using scales and rulers to measure anthropometric indicators of children, mothers, or caregivers interviewed according to a set of prepared questionnaires.

Results: According to the assessment of malnutrition based on weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight for-height indexes, the rate of underweight and moderate malnutrition accounted for 23.6%, while the rate of children was low. Severe or moderate stunting accounted for 18.1% and the proportion of children with severe and moderate stunting accounted for 13.4%. Child factors related to underweight malnutrition are gender, age, birth weight, and history of illness in the last 1 month; Family and maternal factors related to underweight malnutrition of children under 5 years old are education and occupation, knowledge of child care; Factors of mothers’ practices related to underweight malnutrition in children are working during pregnancy, having the mother express milk when the mother is at work, number of meals when the child is sick; In addition, mothers’ child care practices and underweight malnutrition in children under 5 years old are also related.

Conclusion: To reduce the rate of malnourished children being underweight, stunted, or wasted, it is necessary to pay attention to the mother’s nutrition during pregnancy so that the child reaches a minimum weight of > 2500 g. Increasing knowledge of caregivers including increasing knowledge of breast milk; correct and sufficient vitamin A supplementation; knowledge about solid foods, and when and how to feed babies, especially when they are sick.

Combination of thyroid ultrasound elastography and thyroid doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of papillar thyroid cancer

Hải Thuỷ Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of papillary thyroid cancer through the combination of thyroid ultrasound elastography and thyroid doppler ultrasound.

Patients and methods: 102 patients (50 patients with benign thyroid nodules and 52 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent thyroid doppler ultrasound and thyroid ultrasound elastography from 4/2018 to 7/2020.

Results: In the patients with papillary thyroid cancer, thyroid doppler ultrasound recorded the rate of TIRADS 4 as 5.8% and TIRADS 5 was 94.2% and had a diagnostic value for papillary thyroid cancer. Through thyroid ultrasound elastography, the rate of Rago’s score 4 was 42.3%, Rago‘s score 5 was 40.4% and Rago’s score ≥ 4 was 82.7%. The strain ratio at the cut-off point of 3.92 and the shear wave velocity at the cut-off point of 3.1 m/s had predictive values for papillary thyroid cancer Combining the Rago‘s score 4 with the strain ratio (cut-off point of 3.17), the 2D shear wave velocity (cut-off point of 2.9 m/s) both had a sensitivity of 100.0%. Combining thyroid doppler ultrasound and thyroid ultrasound elastography recorded that when combining TIRADS score‘s 5 with strain ratio (cutoff point 3.8), shear wave velocity (cutoff point 3.05 m/s) had sensitivities of 95.2% and 100.0%, respectively. When combining TIRADS 5 with Rago‘s score ≥ 4, the diagnostic value of thyroid cancer with specificity and positive predictive value both increased to 100%.

Conclusion: Combination of Thyroid ultrasound elastography and Thyroid Doppler ultrasound increases the accuracy in diagnosing papillary thyroid cancer.

Species identification distribution and antifungal resistance of dermatophytes isolates from Hue City

Thị Minh Châu Ngô — 2025-09-30

Đặt vấn đề: Bệnh do nấm da dermatophytes là bệnh phổ biến, và tỷ lệ mắc bệnh cao được báo cáo ở các quốc gia có khí hậu nóng ẩm như Việt Nam. Kháng thuốc của nấm da dermatophytes đã được báo cáo nhiều nơi trên thế giới, đặc biệt vấn đề quan tâm hiện nay là kháng terbinafine của Trichophyton indotineae.

Mục tiêu: Xác định loài vi nấm gây bệnh, đánh giá tình trạng kháng thuốc của các chủng nấm da phân lập tại Thành phố Huế năm 2023-2024.

Đối tượng và phương pháp: Các chủng nấm da phân lập từ mẫu cấy (da, tóc, móng) của bệnh nhân. Định danh ban đầu dựa vào đặc điểm hình thái học kết hợp thử nghiệm urease. Sau đó, PCR-RFLP với enzyme MvaI được thực hiện để định danh với tất cả chủng phân lập, và giải trình tự gene ITS1-2 một số chủng đại diện để khẳng định kết quả định danh loài. Đánh giá độ nhạy cảm với thuốc kháng nấm của chủng phân lập bằng phương pháp khuếch tán trên dĩa thạch.

Kết quả: Có 8 loài vi nấm phân lập được với tỷ lệ: T. rubrum 56,2%, T. interdigitale 13,3%, T. mentagrophytes 10%, T. indotineae 4,8%, T. tonsurans 1,9%, N. incurvata 8,6%, M. canis 4,8% và E. floccosum 0,5%. 100% chủng vi nấm nhạy cảm với itraconazole, voriconazole, clotrimazole và miconazole. Tuy nhiên đề kháng fluconazole được ghi nhận tỷ lệ cao (75,2%). Kháng thuốc cũng được ghi nhận với ketoconazole (12,4%), griseofulvin (43,8%) và terbinafine (0,9%). T. rubrum có tỷ lệ đề kháng fluconazole là 61,9%, thấp hơn các loài T. interdigitale, N. incurvata, và M. canis (đều có tỷ lệ là 100%). Tỷ lệ đề kháng cao với griseofulvin được ghi nhận ở các loài T. metagrophytes complex và N. incurvata (trên 50%). Đề kháng ketoconazole được ghi nhận cao nhất ở các loài T. mentagrophytes và T. interdigitale. Kháng terbinafine chỉ ghi nhận ở loài T. indotineae (20%).

Kết luận: Trichophyton là giống vi nấm gây bệnh chủ yếu, trong đó T. rubrum là loài phổ biến nhất. Các loài nấm da dermatophytes phân lập được có tỷ lệ đề kháng cao với fluconazole và griseofulvin. Kháng thuốc cần lưu ý với các loài T. mentagrophytes complex.

Dry eye after Phacoemulsification surgery and related factors

Nguyễn Trà My Trần — 2025-09-30

Background: Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface that causes significant discomfort for patients. Phacoemulsification surgery alters the morphology of the tear film, potentially leading to dry eye or exacerbating existing dry eye symptoms. If left untreated, this condition can reduce patients’ quality of life and visual function.

Objectives: (1) To survey changes in dry eye-related parameters in patients after phacoemulsification surgery. (2) To evaluate factors associated with dry eye in patients following phacoemulsification surgery.

Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 57 eyes of cataract patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital.

Results: The mean values of the OSDI score, Schirmer test, and FBUT test were 12.35 ± 4.01; 10.44 ± 6.51 mm, and 6.98 ± 3.21 s, respectively, at one week postoperatively. The incidence of dry eye at one week after surgery was 54.4%. The dry eye rate gradually decreased, and dry eye test indices recovered to near preoperative levels by one month. There was a statistically significant difference between the incidence of dry eye and light exposure time.

Conclusion: Phacoemulsification surgery may cause dry eye, affecting the results of postoperative dry eye tests. The duration of exposure to the surgical microscope light is a risk factor contributing to the development of dry eye after phacoemulsification.

Investigation of vancomycin use at Thanh Thuy district Medical Center

Tiến Đoàn Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background: Vancomycin is an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic range and needs to be used appropriately to achieve effectiveness and minimize toxicity. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the current use of vancomycin to enhance its effectiveness at Thanh Thuy District Medical Center.

Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive study based on data obtained from medical records of adult inpatients (≥ 18 years old) at Thanh Thuy District Medical Center during the period from 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2023 treated with vancomycin intravenously for at least 48 hours.

Results: The median age of 83 patients was 65 years old, men accounted for 74.7%. Patients discharged from the hospital with recovery/improvement accounted for 85.5%. Vancomycin was prescribed empirically in 97.6% of patients. 3,6% of patients were subjected to microbiological culture, of the 2 specimens with positive results, there was 1 patient diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus. Loading dose regimen was applied in 27.7% of patients while the common maintenance dose was 1 g/24 h (at 70.4%). The percentage of patients experiencing nephrotoxicity was 14.5%.

Conclusion: The study identified a significant proportion of patients who were not administered appropriate loading and maintenance doses based on their renal function. This highlights the need for Thanh Thuy District Medical Center to enhance clinical pharmacists’ support for physicians by developing clear guidelines and implementing blood level monitoring of vancomycin, ultimately promoting individualized treatment approaches.

Students’ reasons for participating in pandemic response: Lessons and implications for nursing education

Thị Hà Đỗ — 2025-09-30

Background: Medical students participating in pandemic response efforts have served as an essential support force during public health emergencies, contributing significantly to the protection of community health. Exploring the reasons behind their engagement not only offers insight into pandemic contexts but also provides guidance for shaping future training and developing professional attributes.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the reasons that influenced nursing students to participate in pandemic response activities, thereby identifying lessons and proposing strategic directions for application in nursing education.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 30 students and three focus group discussions with 15 third- and fourth-year nursing students from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine during the 2021–2022 academic year. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The reasons why students volunteered to participate in pandemic response efforts were diverse and positive. Key reasons identified included: (1) Desire to contribute; (2) Sense of responsibility; (3) Willingness to gain experience and learn; (4) Self-esteem and professional pride; (5) Response to institutional and social movements; (6) Influence from others; and (7) Desire for recognition.

Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated strong and meaningful reasons for engaging in pandemic response efforts. These findings provide a foundation for shaping nursing education programs that emphasize experiential learning, foster professional values, build soft skills, and enhance student preparedness for emergencies and disaster response.

Assessment of the left ventricular systolic function in patients with chronic coronary syndrome using pericardial layer evaluation via speckle tracking echocardiography

Gia Bình Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Purpose: Evaluation of left ventricular functional changes using pericardial layer assessment through speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

Subjects and methods: 92 patients with chronic coronary syndrome, including 58 males and 34 females, with an average age of 68.43 ± 10.36 years, consented to participate in the study. All had ultrasound to STE a Philips echocardiogram machine, recording 2-chamber, 3-chamber and 4-chamber cross-sections. Then analyzed offline using STE software, analyzing strain peaks according to the epicardial layer and endocardium layer. Evaluate myocardial movement disorders and compare with the results of coronary angiography using DSA.

Results: The epicardial LS and GLS indexes were lower than those in the endocardium, p < 0.001. GLS of the epicardium -11.07 ± 2.78 was lower than the endocardium -12.84 ± 3.34; p < 0.001. If considering the significant coronary stenosis (> 50%), the diagnosis of LAD stenosis, STE-epi has Se 87.0% and Sp 60.0%; κ = 0.43; the diagnosis of LCx stenosis, STE-epi has Se 79.2% and Sp 77.9%; κ = 0.50; the diagnosis of RCA stenosis, STE-epi has Se 84.7% and Sp 54.3%, κ = 0.39.

Conclusion: For patients with chronic coronary syndrome, pericardial layer speckle tracking echocardiography imaging provides better diagnostic accuracy for regional wall motion abnormalities compared to the endocardial layer.

Evaluation of the clinical value of serum cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate in cirrhosis patients treated at Da Nang Hospital

Thành Trung Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background: To evaluate the clinical utility of serum cystatin C in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cirrhosis patients treated at the Department of Gastroenterology, Da Nang Hospital.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 101 patients with liver cirrhosis and 115 healthy individuals as the control group. Serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C were quantitatively measured; GFR was estimated using the 2021 CKD-EPI equation incorporating both creatinine and cystatin C. Correlations between continuous variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Diagnostic performance was analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, with area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity reported. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.0.

Results: The mean age of cirrhotic patients was 57.6 ± 11.3 years, with males accounting for 77.2%. The mean serum cystatin C concentration was 1.3 ± 0.5 mg/L. No statistically significant differences in cystatin C levels were observed across age or gender groups. Serum cystatin C showed a strong inverse correlation with estimated GFR based on the CKD-EPI creatinine–cystatin C equation (r = - 0.902; p < 0.001), which was stronger than that of creatinine (r = –0.699; p < 0.001). Among patients with GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m², cystatin C demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with a cutoff value of > 1.5 mg/L yielding 91.3% sensitivity, 98.7% specificity, and an AUC-ROC of 0.988 (p < 0.001), outperforming creatinine (AUC-ROC = 0.905; sensitivity = 87.0%; specificity = 89.7%; p < 0.001). In the subgroup with GFR 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m², cystatin C also showed superior prognostic value; at the optimal cutoff > 1.02 mg/L, it achieved a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 93.9%, and AUC-ROC of 0.991 (p < 0.001), again surpassing serum creatinine.

Conclusion: Serum cystatin C is a highly valuable biomarker for assessing reduced glomerular filtration rate in patients with liver cirrhosis. It demonstrates superior sensitivity, specificity, and early detection capability for renal dysfunction compared to creatinine.

Clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer

Xuân Long Trương — 2025-09-30

Background: This study aimed to: (1) Investigate some clinical and paraclinical characteristics in patients with pancreatic cancer. (2) Investigate associations of clinical, paraclinical characteristics with tumor characteristics, and with pancreatic cancer stages according to the TNM classification.

Materials and method: The study was conducted on a convenience sample size of 50 patients diagnosed pancreatic cancer by histopathology.

Results: The mean age was 64.3 ± 11.1 years, 56.0% of them were female. Diabetes mellitus and overweight, obesity accounted for a high proportion of 32.0% and 28.0%, respectively. The predominant symptom was abdominal pain (98.0% of cases). CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 76.0% of patients. Most patients were in stage III and IV of the TNM classification, accounting for 36.0% each. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma, accounting for 98.0% of cases. The tumor location was mainly in the head of the pancreas with 66.0%. There was an association between pancreatic head tumors and jaundice. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant association between CA 19-9 levels and TNM stages (OR = 1.303, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.038 - 1.636).

Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent. History of diabetes and overweight,obesity accounts for a high proportion. Tumors in thepancreatic head were themost frequently observed. Abdominal pain is a common symptom. CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 76.0% of patients and associated with TNM stages.

Quality of life of people with diabetic retinopathy and the related factors in Da Nang city

Thị Hoài Vi Trần — 2025-09-30

Background: Many studies worldwide have demonstrated a decline in quality of life (QoL) among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aims to assess the QoL of patients with DR and explore factors affecting their QoL in Da Nang City.

Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January 2023 and July 2024 among 309 patients with DR who were managed in Da Nang City. The EQ-5D-5L tool in Vietnamese version was used to measure QoL. A multivariate linear regression model was applied to identify factors affecting their QoL.

Results: The median QoL score of the patients with DR was 0.81 (IQR:0.69 - 0.92). The majority of participants experienced pain/discomfort (77.7%), anxiety/depression (62.8%), followed by mobility (53.7%), usual activities (52.4%), and self-care (23.9%). Advanced stages of DR (severe non-proliferative, proliferative, and blindness), older age, and patients receiving insulin or a combination of oral diabetes medications were negatively associated with the QoL score.

Conclusions: The QoL in DR patients is lower compared to both the general population and patients with diabetes mellitus who do not have DR. The QoL decreases with the progression of the disease. Early detection and timely treatment of DR are recommended to prevent disease progression and improve patients’ QoL.

Evaluation of the ethmoid sinus dominance on computed tomography images in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis accurate

Nguyện Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Purpose: To evaluate of the ethmoid sinus dominance on computed tomography images in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Materials and Methods: 30 patients diagnosed with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis were examined and diagnosed at Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Opthalmology - Odontology, Hue university of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from March 2022 to June 2024. Prospective, descriptive study with clinical intervention.

Results: The average age was 43.27 ± 11.20. The proportion of men was 73.3%, the proportion of women was 26.7%. The proportion of patients with allergic rhinitis was 86.7%, and bronchial asthma was 10.0%. Nasal congestion was the main reason for hospitalization with a rate of 56.7%. The percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood was 4.60 ± 1.94. Of the 16 cases with E/M = 2 according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system, 8 were determined to be negative for ethmoid dominance according to the S-Zinreich scoring system. Further analysis using the Zinreich system revealed 2 additional cases negative for ethmoid dominance.

Conclusion: Assessment of ethmoid dominance is essential for the accurate diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with eosinophilic nasal polyps using the JESREC criteria and for the classification of disease severity and prognosis. The Lund-Mackay score was compared with a more detailed score. The results showed that the Lund-Mackay score alone was overestimated.

Depression and related factors in patients with coronary artery disease

Quang Ngọc Linh Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background:Coronary artery disease is the most common cardiovascular disease in the world. Depression is a common mental disorder in patients with coronary artery disease, accounting for 15 - 50%.

Objectives: 1) To investigate the prevalence of patients with coronary artery disease with depressive symptoms using the BDI-II scale; 2) To analyze the factors related to depression in patients with coronary artery disease.

Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 111 inpatient with coronary artery disease at Cardiology Department of Hue Central Hospital and Cardiology Department of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Evaluation of depression in the subjects according to the BDI-II scale.

Results: The prevalence of patients with coronary artery disease presenting with depression according to the BDI-II scale (from 14 points or more) was 27.9%. Factors associated with depression in patients with coronary artery disease were: gender, education level, living situation, income, ability to pay; ability to walk, work; smoking cigarettes, using alcohol and exercise.

Conclusion: Depression accounted for a high rate in patients with coronary artery disease. Demographic factors, coronary artery disease factors, and health behavioral factors were all associated with depression.

Improvements in colonoscduopy bowel preparation

Thị Hồng Quý Phan — 2025-09-30

Objective:This study aimed to find the pros and consof the traditional method compared to the improved method for bowel preparation by using Picoprep + Bisacodyl, PEG 2 L, and PEG 3 L in the procedure and assess tolerance and adherence.

Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, from 1/2022 - 12/2022, divided into 3 groups, traditional PEG, picoprep + Bisacodyl, and PEG 3 L (improved PEG). Improvements in mucosal visibility and overall quality of the examination were compared.

Results: The results show that patients using Picoprep + Bisacodyl and improved PEG displayed greater improvement compared to the traditional PEG group. There were no significant differences between patients using Picoprep + Bisacodyl vs improved PEG. The tolerance of patients using picoprep was highest.

Conclusion: Proper bowel preparation is key for the success of colonoscopy. Endoscopic center should consider appropriate medication for the patient based on their age, health, and patient requirements. Improving the use of laxatives on the same day as the day of the procedure is still highly effective and well tolerated. A laxative that smells good yet effective should also be considered if the patient requires.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and recovery of triterpenoids from Ligustrum lucidum W. T. Aiton using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents combined with macroporous resins

Trọng Nhân Lê — 2025-09-30

Background: The application of green solvents in the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants has become a prominent approach in the development of sustainable extraction processes.

Objectives: In this study, a sustainable extraction strategy for triterpenoids from Ligustrum lucidum is developed, employing hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents in combination with macroporous resins under ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Materials and method: Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents based on menthol and lauric acid were initially screened. Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. Triterpenoids were recovered from the extract using a solid–liquid extraction approach with macroporous resins. The reusability of the initial materials was also evaluated.

Results: The lauric acid–valeric acid exhibited the highest extraction eficiency for triterpenoids. Under optimal conditions, the extraction yield reached 15.17 mg/g. The macroporous resin HPD-300 successfully recovered 98.91% of triterpenoids from the extract, yielding a product containing 53.95% triterpenoids. Both the solvent and the resin were effectively reused over three consecutive extraction and recovery cycles.

Conclusion: These findings contribute to a better understanding of green extraction processes for triterpenoids from Ligustrum lucidum, aiming to replace hazardous organic solvents with safer and more environmentally friendly green solvents

Classification of copy-number variants detected by next-generation sequencing using ACMG/ClinGen standards

Thị Diệu Hương Ngô — 2025-09-30

Background: This study aimed to: 1) Investigate the genomic content of CNVs detected by next-generation sequencing; 2) Determine CNV classification detected by NGS using ACMG/ClinGen standards.

Materials and methods: 33 CNVs detected by next-generation sequencing of 31 individuals examined and consulted at the Department of Medical Genetics from January 2023 to December 2024.

Results: Regarding the genomic characteristics of CNVs, deletions and duplications accounted for 51.5% and 48.5%, respectively. The majority of CNVs were microdeletions/microduplications, less than 5 Mb in size (75.8%). The average number of protein-coding genes was 33.4 ± 49.4. CNVs were found to be distributed on almost all chromosomes. In terms of CNV classification using ACMG/ClinGen criteria, pathogenic CNV (pCNV) and likely pathogenic CNV (lpCNV) accounted for 36.3% and 12.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, benign CNV (bCNV) and likely benign CNV (lbCNV) both accounted for 6.1%. Notably, variant of uncertain significance (VUS) accounted for 39.4%. There was a difference in size of p/lpCNVs compared to the VUS and b/lbCNV.

Conclusion: The detected CNVs included deletion and duplication, most of which were minor in size. We classified CNVs based on clinical significance using the ACMG/ClinGen criteria, providing valuable information for genetic counseling.

Survey of knowledge, attitude, and practice about thyroid cancer of students at Lac Hong University

Thị Ngọc Anh Đỗ — 2025-09-30

Background: Thyroid cancer is on the rise and is increasingly rejuvenating, significantly impacting the lives of young people today. The study was conducted to evaluate student’s knowledge, atitude, and practice regarding cervical cancer to propose solutions to improve knowledge and prevent the disease.

Materials and method: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were randomly collected from full-time students at Lac Hong University in the fourth quarter of 2023. Data were statistically analyzed using Microsoft software Excel 2019 and SPSS 2020.

Results: 10.8% of students had good knowledge, some questions had a low correct answer rate such as changing the appearance of notes flies (17.7%), eating fewer fruits and vegetables (22.4%), and are over 70 years old (30.7%). Research shows that knowledge of warning signs will differ between students who have heard and have not heard about the disease, and differences in departments will lead to differences in practice. Students have good atitudes and practices with rates of 96.4% and 95.3% respectively, and have a very close correlation with each other (r = 0.512).

Conclusion: With a positive atitude and proactive practice, Lac Hong University should organize seminars and workshops to help students gain good knowledge about the disease.

Study on clinical epidemiology of sepsis in adults at Hue Central Hospital

Văn Đức Phạm — 2025-09-30

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition of organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. If not promptly recognized and managed, it can rapidly progress to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. To improve diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness, we conducted a clinical epidemiological study on adult sepsis at Hue Central Hospital, aiming to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, causative pathogens, and treatment outcomes of patients with sepsis at the hospital.

Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up, conducted on 169 patients diagnosed with sepsis and treated at the Department of Tropical Diseases and Intensive Care, Hue Central Hospital, from January 2021 to August 2023.

Results: The mean age was 65.32 ± 17.86 years, and 63.4% of patients were male. The most prevalent underlying diseases were cardiovascular disease (41.1%), diabetes (28.4%), and chronic liver disease (11.2%). The most frequent sites of primary infection are the respiratory (41.4%), gastrointestinal (26.6%), and genitourinary (8.9%). The most common isolated bacteria were E. coli (10.7%), K. pneumoniae (8.3%), and S. aureus (7.1%). The median hospital stay was 14.0 days (IQR: 10.0-20.0). The septic shock rate was 29.6%, and the rate of multiple organ failure was 29%. The mortality rate was 30.8%.

Conclusion: Most sepsis patients in this study were elderly males with underlying comorbidities. The most common causative pathogens were E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. The rates of septic shock, multi-organ failure, and mortality remain high.

Study on the effectiveness of plastic biliary stenting treatment for mechanical biliary obstruction by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Khánh Vĩnh — 2025-09-30

Background: Mechanical biliary obstruction causes complications such as cholangitis, septic shock, and can lead to death. Endoscopic therapy aims to reduce biliary pressure, decrease the pressure gradient between the biliary tract and the duodenum at the sphincter of Oddi, and facilitate bile flow into the duodenum. Many studies have shown that temporary endoscopic biliary plastic stent placement yields good results in supporting treatment for mechanical biliary obstruction caused by biliary tumors or dificult common bile duct stones where second-stage stone removal is indicated.

Subjects and Methods: 41 patients diagnosed with mechanical biliary obstruction underwent endoscopic therapy with plastic biliary stent placement. The study was designed as a cross-sectional and observational.

Results: The technical success rate was 97.6% (40/41 patients), the stent occlusion rate was 2.4% (1/41 patients), and there were no cases of stent migration. Complications of the procedure included acute pancreatitis (4.9%), cholangitis (2.4%), and temporary bleeding requiring no re-intervention (7.3%). The mean VAS pain score showed a statistically significant change after stent placement (p < 0.05). In the group with biliary obstruction due to bile duct stones, clinical symptoms improved after treatment in over 80% of patients, and bilirubin levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 1 week. In the group with biliary obstruction due to tumors, clinical symptoms improved after treatment ranging from 55% to 85%, and bilirubin levels decreased significantly at 1 week after biliary stent placement.

Conclusion: ERCP with plastic biliary stent placement demonstrates effectiveness and safety in cases of biliary obstruction due to tumors and stones. Temporary plastic biliary stent placement should be considered as a supportive treatment for mechanical biliary obstruction.

Efficacy of Nifedipine in the treatment of threatened preterm labor

Chí Kông Phạm — 2025-09-30

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Nifedipine in the treatment of pregnant women with threatened preterm labor with a gestational age of 22 - 36 weeks.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 51 pregnant women diagnosed with threatened preterm labor at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children from March 2022 to September 2023.

Results: The average age of pregnant women was 27.34 ± 6.37 years. The average gestational age was 30.15 ± 2.61 weeks. The rate of inhiniting uterine contractions was 82.4%. The rate of pregnancies prolonged ³ 48 hours and over one week in women diagnosed with TPL treated with Nifedipine was 82.4% and 78.5%, respectively. The treatment success rate in the group with uterine contraction frequency < 3 (95.0%) was higher than that in the group with uterine contraction frequency ≥ 3 (36.4%). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of inhibition of uterine contractions by Nifedipine in the closed cervix group (89.6%) and 1 cm dilated cervix group (63.6%) compared to the 2cm dilated cervix group (28.6%) (p < 0.05). Headache was the most common adverse effect: 11.7%.

Conclusion: Nifedipine is highly effective and safe in the treatment of threatened preterm labor. The frequency of uterine contractions and the degree of cervical dilation are related to the effectiveness of inhibiting contractions.

Separation of Salbutamol enantiomers in tablets by capillary electrophoresis

Thị Bảo Ngọc Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background: The Salbutamol sample in tablets which contains a mixture of 2 enantiomers including R-salbutamol (Levosalbutamol) and S-Salbutamol (Dextrosalbutamol), as usal it forms racemate on the market. When using normal electrophoretic conditions, this racemic mixture only forms 01 peak on the electrophoretic chart. It is necessary to find conditions, in especially, using chiral selective agents, to separate the enantiomers of Salbutamol. This work was conducted with two objectives: 1) To develop a method to separate the enantiomers of salbutamol by capillary electrophoresis. 2) To validate the researched method.

Materials and methods: Materials: Salbutamol in tablets. Methods: After optimizing the process to separate the enantiomers of salbutamol by capillary electrophoresis, the method was validated according to ICH and AOAC guidelines and applying the method to analyze samples.

Results: Electrophoresis conditions: Fused-silica capillary column (effective column length: 44 cm, total column length 52,5 cm, internal diameter: 50 µm), background electrolyte (BGE): Tris 60 mM at pH 1, voltage: +20 kV, column temperature: 25 oC, chiral selective agent: methyl-b-cyclodextrin 250mg/ml. The method was validated and met ICH and AOAC requirements.

Conclusion: The method with high precision and selectivity, excellent detection limit was used to separate the enantiomers of salbutamol in tablets.

Assessment of sleep disorders in perimenopausal and menopausal women using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index

Thiện Thành Trần — 2025-09-30

Background: Insomnia is a common problem in perimenopausal and menopausal women that affects health and quality of life.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and related factors in perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 perimenopausal and menopausal women from 10/2023 to 01/2024, based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was 59.6%. Independent predictors of poor sleep quality included cohabitation with husband (aOR 0.10; 95% CI 0.02 - 0.43), passive smoking (aOR 5.33; 95% CI 1.66 - 17.15), caffeine use (aOR 4.42; 95% CI 1.51 - 12.93), and engaging in < 30 minutes of daily physical activity (aOR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03 - 0.37).

Conclusion: Poor sleep quality remains highly prevalent. Interventions to reduce passive smoking, limit caffeine intake, and promote regular physical activity are essential to improve sleep quality in this population.

Characteristics of alpha wave power in the parietal and occipital regions and some related factors in adults

Ngọc Thảo Phạm — 2025-09-30

Background: Investigation of alpha wave power has been carried out in many previous studies. However, the database on alpha wave power in Vietnamese adults is still limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of alpha wave power in the parietal and occipital regions and some related factors in Vietnamese adults.

Materials and method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 100 subjects collected at the Department of Functional Diagnosis, Military Hospital 103 from June to December 2023.

Results: The average alpha wave power values for the left and right occipital regions of the hemisphere were 49.7 µV2 and 41.2 µV2 in the eyes-closed state and 27.6 µV2 and 25.9 µV2 in the eyes-open state and for the the left and right parietal regions were 30.5 µV2 and 25.5 µV2 in the eyes-closed state and 21.5 µV2 and 21.0 µV2 in the eyes-open state, respectively. Age is negatively correlated, and smoking and drinking alcohol showed decrease in left hemisphere occipital alpha wave power in the eyes-closed state. Height was positively correlated with alpha power in the right occipital region in the eyes-open state.

Conclusion: these results show that the highest alpha wave power value is recorded in the occipital region in the closed eye state. Age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and height are factors that influence the alpha wave power.

The relationship and impact of nasal cavity anatomical variants on chronic sinusitis: a study based on computed tomography

Thị Thanh Hương Phan — 2025-09-30

Background:Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) significantly impairs patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Anatomical variations in the sinonasal region are believed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CRS. Understanding their prevalence and impact can aid in optimal surgical planning.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between anatomical variants of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and the occurrence and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis using computed tomography (CT).

Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 282 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent facial CT scans at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy between April 2022 and March 2024. The presence of anatomical variations and sinusitis severity, assessed via Lund-Mackay scores, was analyzed. Statistical associations between variants and CRS were determined using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results:Anatomical variations were observed in 93.9% of CRS patients compared to 64.3% in controls (p < 0.05). The most common variation was nasal septal deviation (71.2%). Significant correlations were identified between concha bullosa, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, accessory maxillary ostia, and Haller cells with maxillary sinusitis; enlarged uncinate process with anterior sinusitis; ethmoid bulla enlargement with posterior sinusitis; and agger nasi cells with frontal sinusitis. No significant association was found between anatomical variants and CRS severity.

Conclusion: Anatomical variations, notably septal deviation and ethmoid anomalies, are strongly associated with the presence of CRS. Preoperative CT evaluation is essential for tailored surgical management. Further detailed studies are necessary to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of individual variants.

Prevalence of depression and related factors in COVID-19 patients who have completed treatment in Binh Dinh province

Vương Diễm Khánh Đoàn — 2025-09-30

Objectives: Determine the prevalence of depression using the DASS-21 scale and examine related factors in COVID-19 patients who have completed treatment in Binh Dinh province in 2022.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 723 COVID-19 patients who completed treatment in Binh Dinh from June 2022 to September 2022. Participants were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. The DASS-21 scale was used to assess depression in research subjects.

Results: The prevalence of depression among COVID-19 patients who had completed treatment in Binh Dinh according to the DASS-21 scale was 5.7%. The risk of depression was higher in the age group from 30 to 44 years old (OR = 11.00; 95% CI: 1.26 - 95.83) compared to the group from 18 to 29 years old; The risk of depression was higher in groups with an education level of high school or higher (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.16 - 6.21), families with someone who died from COVID-19 (OR = 25.32; 95% CI: 2.91 - 220.63) and had a stressful event in the past 12 months (OR = 3.96; 95% CI: 1.84 - 8.48) compared to the other group.

Conclusion: Depression was quite common among COVID-19 patients who had completed treatment in Binh Dinh province. The local health sector needs to pay attention to disorder after contracting COVID-19, especially mental disorder such as depression. Patients who have had COVID-19 should be screened by local health care providers to detect early signs of depression for timely intervention to improve mental health in these subjects

Endovascular intervention in the treatment of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion at the M1 segment

Huỳnh Nhật Tuấn Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background: Stroke caused by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion results in severe sequelae and a high risk of mortality. This study evaluates the roleof endovascular intervention and compares clinical and paraclinical characteristics of MCA occlusion at proximal and distal M1.

Materials and methods: Prospective study at Cho Ray Hospital from 01/2023 to 06/2024 on patients with MCA occlusion at M1 segment treated with endovascular intervention. Parameters assessed include lipid disorders, atrial fibrillation, mTICI score, recanalization time, NIHSS, and mRS at 90-day follow-up.

Results: Among 47 cases, successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3) was achieved in 93.62%, good clinical outcomes (mRS 0–2) in 51.06%, mortality was 21.28%, NIHSS averaged 17.72, and the mean recanalization time was 22.15 minutes. Distal M1 occlusion had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation compared to proximal M1 occlusion (56.52% vs. 12.50%), while proximal M1 occlusion had a higher prevalence of lipid disorders (80.95% vs. 50.00%).

Conclusion: Endovascular intervention for acute MCA occlusion at M1 segment achieves a high rate of successful recanalization and rapid recanalization time. Proximal M1 occlusion is associated with a higher prevalence of lipid disorders, whereas distal M1 occlusion is more frequently linked to atrial fibrillation.

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis degrees on Fibroscan in patients with metabolic syndrome

Thị Xuân Yến Nguyễn — 2025-09-30

Background and Aims: NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) can progress to liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the main risk factors for NAFLD. Diagnosing NAFLD can be done through various methods, in which FibroScan can assess both the degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalenceof NAFLD and theseverity of liver fibrosis using FibroScan in patients with MetS.

Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at People’s Hospital 115 from February 2021 to February 2022. Patients with MetS who met the study criteria underwent FibroScan measurement. NAFLD was identified when CAP > 233 dB/m (steatosis > 5%). Data wereprocessed using SPSS 16.

Results: 188 MetS patients were included in thestudy,155 individuals suspected of having NAFLD underwent FibroScan. The prevalence of NAFLD detected by FibroScan was 67.6%. The rates of mild, moderate, and severe steatosis were 26.0%, 31.5%, and 42.5%, respectively. The prevalence of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 24.4%, 10.2%, and 7.1%, respectively. There was a low-level correlation between liver steatosis and liver fibrosis on FibroScan in MetS patients with NAFLD.

Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with MetS is relatively high. Our study encourages screening for NAFLD and evaluating the severity of liver fibrosis using FibroScan in patients with MetS.

Assessment of gastric volume by ultrasound in emergency appendectomy patients

Đông Toản Tô — 2025-09-30

Background: Acute appendicitis patients requiring emergency appendectomy are at increased risk of aspiration compared to those requiring elective operations. In appendicitis patients, other than the short fasting period,the effects of pain,anxiety,and preoperativeopioid use also contribute to ineffective stomach preparation. Patients also face the risk of aspiration during the perioperative period.

Aims: To describe the rate of the full stomach by ultrasound in appendicitis patients and determine several risk factors of a full stomach.

Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 appendicitis patients undergoing emergency surgery at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from July 2023 to October 2023.

Results: Evaluation of the gastric contents was possible in 196/200 patients (98%) with a full stomach rate of 28.06%. Patients who were diagnosed with full stomachs based on the fasting time accounted for 10,71%. 92.73% of patients with full stomachs were unable to be diagnosed based on fasting time. The full stomach was associated with age < 60 (OR 2.62, 95% CI: 1.09 - 6.29, p < 0.05) and severity of pain (OR 2.43, 95% CI:1.15 - 5.16, p < 0.05) but not with ASA status, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and fasting durations (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of full stomach in patients undergoing emergency appendicitis surgery is 28.06%. Age < 60 and severity of pain are associated factors of a full stomach. Gastric ultrasound should be performed to assess the risk of aspiration in all patients undergoing emergency surgery.