Research

To evaluate the quality of life and associated factors among elderly patients with COPD attending the Respiratory Outpatient Clinic, Thong Nhat Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients aged ≥60 years with confirmed COPD according to GOLD 2025 criteria. Clinical data were collected, and QoL was assessed using the validated Vietnamese version of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with poor QoL. The mean age was 72 ± 8 years; 41.3% were 60–69 years, 41.3% were 70–79 years, and 40.8% were ≥80 years. Males accounted for 86.2%; 75.4% had a history of smoking, and 71.7% had at least one comorbidity. The mean total SGRQ-C score was 50.2 ± 19.6, with the symptoms domain being the most impaired (58.5 ± 19.5). Overall, 47.9% of patients had low or very low QoL. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥70 (OR=1.7), female gender (OR=3.1), history of hospitalization, need for caregiver support (OR=1.2), GOLD group E (OR=1.2), and acute exacerbations requiring hospitalization (OR=1.3) were independently associated with poor QoL (p<0.05). Elderly patients with COPD at Thong Nhat Hospital had significantly impaired QoL, particularly in physical activity. Advanced age, female gender, severe airflow limitation, frequent exacerbations, comorbidities, and smoking were key determinants of poor QoL. Routine QoL assessment and comprehensive interventions—including smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, comorbidity management, and psychosocial support—are essential to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of electro-auricular acupuncture in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, as classified by Traditional Medicine. Thirty patients with digestive disorders were enrolled and received daily electro-auricular acupuncture for 14 consecutive days. Symptom severity was assessed at baseline D0, D7, and D14 using a standardized questionnaire. In the excess pattern group, a statistically significant improvement was observed in certain symptoms by day 7 (abdominal pain, p=0,04; borborygmus/bloating, p=0,008), with most symptoms showing marked reduction by day 14 (p<0,05). For the deficiency pattern group, most symptoms demonstrated significant improvement primarily at D14 (p<0,05); however, specific symptoms such as “sallow complexion/cold limbs” and “fatigue/poor appetite” showed improvement only at this later time point. The treatment was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. Minor, self-limited side effects included pain at insertion (10%), mild bleeding (6,7%), and needle faint (3,3%). The findings suggest that electro-auricular acupuncture is an effective intervention for improving the symptoms of digestive disorders in both excess and deficiency patterns and possesses a favorable safety profile.

Impaired balance in older adults can directly lead to falls, leading to injuries, reduced quality of life, and increased dependence in daily activities. To diversify neuromotor exercises, evidence on the effectiveness of Taekwondo has been reviewed. Searches using relevant keywords reported that Taekwondo significantly improves both static and dynamic balance measures in individuals over 65 years old. Additionally, the findings suggest that Taekwondo may enhance exercise adherence among participants. These results support the potential of Taekwondo as a exercise to improve balance for older adults, although further high-quality evidence is needed.

Bisphosphonate (BP) is a group of drugs used to treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, skeletal metastasis cancer. BP’s mechanism of action is to reduce bone resorption by inhibiting the osteoclasts activity. Therefore, the indication of BP is increasingly widespread and becomes the first class of drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis. At Frienship Hospital, over the past five years, we have encountered 12 cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) at various stages. The key message we wish to convey in this report is to kindly encourage close collaboration between internal medicine specialists and oral maxillofacial surgeons during bisphosphonate therapy, in order to minimize the risk of BRONJ complications for patients.

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is one of the key tools in non-invasive aesthetic contouring. Initially used primarily for the reduction of dynamic wrinkles, BTX-A is now widely applied in facial slimming and body contouring. However, differences in anatomical characteristics, muscle physiology, and treatment responses across anatomical regions have not yet been systematically synthesized. Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review, based on a structured search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies related to the application of BTX-A in facial and body aesthetic contouring. Results: BTX-A demonstrates significant effectiveness in reducing muscle volume and improving contour across various anatomical regions. Factors influencing outcomes include dosage, injection technique, muscle characteristics, and individual patient factors. Notably, substantial differences between facial and body contouring highlight the need for region-specific treatment approaches. Conclusion: BTX-A is an effective and safe modality in aesthetic contouring. Optimization of treatment outcomes requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, the mechanism of action, and individualized injection strategies. Future research should focus on dose standardization and the development of personalized treatment models to enhance both efficacy and safety.

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare condition, accounting for approximately 15% of adult soft tissue tumors and has a high recurrence rate. We report a case of recurrent retroperitoneal tumor to evaluate and review treatment approaches. We report a case of a 45-year-old female with a history of surgical resection of a large pelvic retroperitoneal liposarcoma (23x12cm) in 2020, which was well-differentiated (Grade I) but had tumor cells in an ovarian cyst (Stage IIIB). After 3 years of follow-up, the patient was found to have a tumor recurrence at the lower pole of the right kidney measuring 37x38mm on CT scan. The patient underwent complete surgical resection of the recurrent tumor with negative margins (R0), and pathology confirmed well-differentiated liposarcoma (Grade I). After 9 months of followup, no recurrence has been detected. This case emphasizes the importance of regular postoperative follow-up, which helps detect early recurrence when tumors are still small, increases the possibility of complete treatment, and improves patient prognosis.

Abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis (Desmoid tumor) is a rare, locally invasive tumor with a high recurrence rate. This study reports a case of surgical resection of a large tumor and multi-material abdominal wall reconstruction, evaluating functional and aesthetic outcomes. A 29-year-old male presented with a 10x15cm abdominal wall mass, diagnosed as Desmoid tumor via biopsy. The patient underwent complete tumor resection, resulting in a significant abdominal defect. Reconstruction was performed using a combination of intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM), rectus abdominis muscle flap, and fascia flap. Pathology confirmed R0 resection. The patient was discharged on day 7 without major complications. At 1-year follow-up, results showed excellent aesthetic and functional recovery with no recurrence. Surgical resection of Desmoid tumors combined with multi-material abdominal wall reconstruction is a feasible approach, ensuring long-term functional and aesthetic success. This case highlights the importance of selecting appropriate reconstruction techniques for large post-resection defects.

To evaluate arterial blood gas test results in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Cross-sectional descriptive study, evaluating blood gas results on 150 patients diagnosed with AECOPD, inpatient treatment at the Respiratory Department in Thong Nhat Hospital from January 2023 - March 2024.  The majority of patients (80%) have decreased PaO2 and 60% of patients have increased PaCO2. The average value of some blood gas indicators: pH 7.37 ± 0.08, PaO2 61.2 ± 10.5, PaCO2 48.3 ± 8.2, HCO3- 27.1 ± 3.4. There were 126 patients with COPD exacerbated hospitalization (84%) with respiratory failure manifested in arterial blood gas Respiratory failure characteristics according to arterial blood test in the study were mainly increased PaCO2 accounting for 30%, in patients with mixed respiratory failure had 26% and reduced respiratory depression PaO2 had 32%.  Arterial blood gas is a significant test for diagnosis the respiratory failure and discovered acid- base disorders.

The global demand for organ transplantation is steadily increasing; however, the availability of donor organs remains limited. Optimal management of potential organ donors from the time of brain death diagnosis until the completion of organ procurement is crucial to maximize graft function. This research presents a case series describing three successful cases of brain-dead organ donation conducted at Thong Nhat Hospital. The donated organs included liver, kidneys, heart, and corneas, which were subsequently transplanted at various medical centers. To ensure graft survival, all donated organs must be maintained in a physiologically stable condition until procurement. Providing intensive care and protecting the organs of the donor is the first step toward ensuring a successful transplant in the future.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) constitutes a significant global health issue. Recent studies indicate that 8-15% of iron deficiency anemia cases are attributable to gastrointestinal malignancies.  This study presents a series of cases to elucidate the clinical and paraclinical characteristics, etiologies of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and to assess the correlation among certain variables in patients.  The study results included 119 patients aged 16 years and older diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from June 2024 to May 2025 indicated a median age of 60 ± 17.4 years, with 59.7% being female.  Prevalent symptoms of anemia include dizziness, vertigo (96.6%), and pallor of the skin and mucous membranes (82.4%).  The majority of individuals with severe anemia (87.4%) exhibited inadequate bone marrow response (RPI = 0.3 ± 0.1).  The median ferritin level was 10.3 ± 7.5 ng/mL, exhibiting a strong correlation with red blood cell shape (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and transferrin levels.  The primary cause was chronic iron deficiency, with 9.2% attributed to gastrointestinal neoplasms, predominantly affecting men at a rate of 72.7%.  Studies indicate that TMTS is a prevalent condition, particularly among women and the elderly.  It is crucial to screen for the etiology of iron deficiency, particularly gastrointestinal neoplasms, in elderly males.

This study aimed to: (1) describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with CAP; and (2) assess the prognostic value of the CURB-65 score in determining disease severity and predicting the need for hospitalization. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 250 adult patients diagnosed with CAP at Thong Nhat Hospital (Vietnam) between April 2023 and April 2025. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, chest radiography, and CURB-65 scores were collected and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The correlation between CURB-65 and hospitalization was assessed using chi-square tests. The most common clinical symptoms were productive cough (74%), fever (67.6%), and dyspnea (54%). Radiographic abnormalities predominantly involved the right lung (43.6%). Elevated CRP (>5 mg/dL) and leukocytosis (>10,000 cells/mm³) were observed in 89.2% and 61.6% of patients, respectively. Among hospitalized patients, the majority had CURB- 65 scores ≥2 (p < 0.001). All patients with scores ≥4 were admitted to the ICU. CURB-65 is a simple and effective tool for initial risk stratification in patients with CAP. Its predictive value for hospitalization and intensive care admission supports its routine use in clinical practice, particularly in resource-limited settings.

This study aimed to characterize the clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic features of ischemic stroke in patients aged 60 years and older treated at Thong Nhat Hospital. A prospective descriptive design was applied to 242 patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke to the Department of Neurology, Thong Nhat Hospital, between February and August 2025. The median age of the cohort was 71 years (69 years in males and 76 years in females). Males accounted for 63,4% of the sample. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor, present in 75,6% of patients, followed by diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, while atrial fibrillation was rare. The mean LDL-cholesterol level was 117,9 ± 50,7 mg/dl. At admission, low NIHSS scores (0–5) were observed in 58,8% of males and 57,3% of females. Favorable recovery (low NIHSS scores) after treatment was achieved in 80,4% of males and 64% of females. Female sex is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The rate of reperfusion therapy was 21,1%. Among identifiable etiologies, small vessel disease was the most common, accounting for 26,4%. However, 47,9% of patients had undetermined causes. Ischemic stroke patients aged ≥60 years at Thong Nhat Hospital exhibit characteristics consistent with global trends, while also presenting distinctive features regarding risk factors and etiologies.

Appendiceal peritonitis is a common surgical emergency, particularly dangerous in the elderly due to atypical symptoms and high risk of complications. However, studies on the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of this condition in this age group in Vietnam remain limited. To describe the clinical and paraclinical features of appendiceal peritonitis in elderly patients at Thong Nhat Hospital, while analyzing risk factors associated with complications and hospital stay duration. A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 39 patients aged ≥60 diagnosed with appendiceal peritonitis and undergoing surgery at Thong Nhat Hospital from October 2023 to October 2024. The mean age of patients was 71.9, with a nearly equal male/female ratio (48.7%/51.3%). Right lower quadrant pain was the most common symptom (48.7%), but only 20.5% of patients had mild fever. Leukocytosis (≥10 G/L) was observed in 74.4% of cases, and CRP ≥10 mg/L in 41%. CT scans detected infiltration in 76.9% of patients. Comorbidities such as hypertension (38.5%) and diabetes (20.5%) increased the risk of complications and prolonged hospital stays. The age group ≥70 had a higher rate of appendiceal necrosis (66.7%) compared to the 60–69 age group (38.1%). Appendiceal peritonitis in the elderly presents with atypical clinical features, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Comorbidities and advanced age are significant risk factors for severe complications. Imaging plays a crucial role in early detection and disease severity assessment.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies with high incidence and mortality rates. KRAS and BRAF mutations play a crucial role in its pathogenesis and prognosis, but their association with clinical characteristics in Vietnam requires further investigation. To investigate the prevalence of KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer patients and analyze their relationship with clinical, epidemiological, and disease-stage features. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 92 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed and treated at Thong Nhat Hospital from February 2020 to December 2024. Data included demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, tumor location, disease stage, and genetic mutation test results. The median age of patients was 66, with a male/female ratio of 2.1. Common symptoms included abdominal pain (71.7%) and bloody stools (38%). The mutation rates were 35.9% for KRAS (predominantly G12D and G12V), 6.5% for BRAF, and no NRAS mutations were detected. KRAS and BRAF mutations showed no significant association with age, gender, clinical symptoms, or disease stage (p>0.05), but were linked to peripheral lymphadenopathy (p=0.035). KRAS and BRAF mutations are relatively common in colorectal cancer patients but are not strongly associated with clinical features or disease stage. Genetic testing remains essential for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common condition in the elderly, often associated with a prior history of trauma and progressively worsening symptoms if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and surgical outcomes of patients with CSDH treated at Long Khanh Regional General Hospital from 2021 to 2024; A total of 34 patients diagnosed with CSDH underwent single-burr-hole surgical drainage between January 2021 and September 2024. The mean patient age was 68.4 ± 16.9 years, with males accounting for 88.2%. Trauma was the primary cause (52.9%), including falls in 29.4% of cases. Motor weakness was the most common symptom (64.7%), followed by headache (55.8%), altered consciousness (23.5%), and aphasia (20.6%). Most patients presented with mild traumatic brain injury (GCS 13–15, 76.5%), while coma was recorded in 8.8%. CT imaging showed a mean hematoma thickness of 21.1 ± 6.3 mm and a mean midline shift of 9.4 ± 4.8 mm; unilateral CSDH was observed in 70.6% of cases. All patients underwent single-burr-hole surgery. Postoperatively, 88.2% achieved a GCS of 15. There were no cases of infection or intraoperative bleeding. Recurrence occurred in four patients, including one requiring reoperation after three weeks; the mortality rate was 2.9%. The average hospital stay was 10.7 ± 5.4 days. At discharge, 73.5% of patients had good outcomes, and 73.5% returned to normal life within one month. In conclusion, single-burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma is effective, safe, and associated with favorable outcomes, low complication rates, and good functional recovery in most patients.

Evaluate the clinical efficacy of silver-containing antimicrobial dressings on superficial burn wounds. A prospective study involving 32 patients treated for thermal burns at the Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery Department of Thong Nhat Hospital. The patients were dressed with silver-containing antimicrobial bandages, and clinical efficacy was assessed based on the local wound progression. The dressing adhered well to the wound, was easy to change, and caused minimal pain and bleeding during dressing changes. The average treatment duration was 11.2 ± 5.8 days. Only 9.4% of patients experienced wound infection. Silver-containing antimicrobial dressings are effective in the clinical management of superficial thermal burn wounds.

As Vietnam’s population ages rapidly, the health system faces increasing demands for long-term, integrated, and person-centered care for older adults. To meet these challenges, the “Treatment Triangle” model has been proposed, comprising three interconnected pillars: (1) home and community-based care, (2) hospitalbased specialized treatment, and (3) rehabilitative and nursing care at dedicated centers. Together, these pillars form a continuum of care that emphasizes prevention, early detection, comprehensive management of chronic diseases, and recovery of physical and psychological function. This paper describes the structure, roles, and interconnections of each component and discusses how this model could serve as a sustainable and humane framework for geriatric care in Vietnam.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and LDL-C is a critical risk factor. Although direct measurement of LDL-C using homogeneous enzymatic assays provides high accuracy, it remains costly and time-consuming. The Friedewald equation, while widely applied, reduces accuracy in patients with elevated triglyceride, whereas the extended Martin-Hopkins (eMH) equation has been proposed to overcome this limitation. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 626 patients at Thong Nhat Hospital with TG levels ranging from 400-800 mg/dL. LDL-C concentrations were determined using a homogeneous enzymatic method and estimated using both the Friedewald and eMH equations. Accuracy was assessed by Pearson’s/Spearman’s correlation coefficient, mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and concordance rate for risk reclassification. The eMH equation demonstrated a higher correlation with direct measurement compared to Friedewald (0,74 > 0,70), lower MAE and RMSE values (20,6 mg/dL and 27,8 mg/dL vs 42,3 mg/dL and 52,2 mg/ dL), and a higher concordance rate (39% vs 29%). In conclusion, the eMH equation showed superior accuracy and concordance within the TG range of 400-800 mg/dL compared with the Friedewald equation. Nevertheless, further multicenter studies and comparisons with reference β-quantification methods are warranted before broad public implementation.

Surgical treatment has been the standard of care in selected cases with solid tumors or uterine benign diseases. However, a majority of patients are unable to undergo surgical resection because of the tumor locations, advanced stages, or poor general condition. For patients who are not suitable for surgery or unwilling to undergo surgical treatment, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation surgery is a new option. HIFU is a novel non-invasive technique that can generate coagulative necrosis at a precise focal point within the body, without damaging to the surrounding structures of the target lesions, even within the path of the beam. Ultrasound guided HIFU (USgHIFU) was first used in the treatment of bone tumors in the 1990s. Over the last two decades, this technology has made significant progress and is now widely used in the treatment of various solid tumors and benign diseases of certain organs. Currently, both magnetic resonance imaging guidance focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) and USgHIFU are commercially available. Each of these two types of HIFU systems has its own advantages in guidance. USgHIFU has higher treatment efficiency, with shorter treatment time, and can treat a wider range of diseases than that of MRgFUS. Recently, HIFU has been proven to be beneficial as an adjunct in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, MRgFUS allows for non-invasive treatment of intracranial lesions is another significant advancement in the field of therapeutic ultrasound. Histotripsy was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hepatic targets. Last year, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation announced that focused ultrasound has been used for the treatment of over 170 diseases. As advances in engineering technology, including guidance techniques for the fusion of ultrasound and MRI, as well as optimization of transducer, are making HIFU treatments easier, safer, and more efficacious. This technique may play a key role in future clinical practice.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and can be prevented through HPV vaccination. However, HPV vaccination coverage in Vietnam remains low, especially among healthcare students. This study aimed to assess the status and barriers to HPV vaccination among female nursing students at Tra Vinh University. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 female nursing students from May to July 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 22.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Only 15.5% of students had received at least one dose of HPV vaccine, with 9.4% completing the full three-dose schedule. The main barriers included high cost (73.4%), concerns about side effects (28.8%), perception of unnecessary vaccination without prior sexual activity (22.3%), and lack of accurate information (21.5%). Most students had good knowledge and positive attitudes: 91.4% knew HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, 91.8% trusted its effectiveness, and 92.3% were willing to recommend it to peers. HPV vaccination coverage among female nursing students remains low, largely due to financial constraints and insufficient information. Strengthened health education and financial support policies are essential to improve vaccination uptake in this population.

To describe the current status of treatment adherence among outpatients with chronic diseases and to analyze factors associated with treatment adherence in Thu Duc City during 2024–2025. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The study included 253 patients with hypertension, 150 patients with diabetes mellitus, and 130 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated at Le Van Viet Hospital and Thu Duc City Medical Center (Facilities 1, 2, and 3) from July 2024 to March 2025. The mean age was 65.7 ± 10.9 years; 52.2% were male and 47.8% were female. The duration of illness was 6.8 ± 6.5 years. Hypertension and diabetes were mostly discovered incidentally; 74.6% of COPD patients were diagnosed when symptoms appeared. 10% of hypertensive patients, 17.3% of diabetic patients, and 6.2% of COPD patients had at least one comorbidity. 67.7% of hypertensive patients had blood pressure <140/90 mmHg. Blood glucose levels were 137.7 ± 50.4 mg/dL (96%). 24.6% of COPD patients were in GOLD stage 3 or 4. The overall treatment adherence rate was 23.8% good, 48.6% fair, and 27.6% poor. Better treatment adherence was observed among patients who lived with family, were diagnosed through regular check-ups, had a disease duration of less than 5 years, and had no comorbidities (p < 0.05). Treatment adherence was significantly associated with achieving treatment goals, particularly among patients with hypertension, and to a lesser extent among those with COPD and diabetes. Conclusion: Treatment adherence plays an essential role in the management of chronic diseases.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength and increased fracture risk. In Vietnam, the disease affects ~30% in postmenopausal women and ~10% in men over 50, highlighting a growing public health challenge as the population ages. Bisphosphonates remain the standard firstline treatment. Recent advances in bone biology highlight the critical role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway in bone remodeling. Osteoporosis arises when the RANKL/OPG ratio becomes imbalanced. Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets RANKL, replicates OPG’s ability to suppress osteoclast activity, increasing bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk by 20–68% across various skeletal sites. Unlike bisphosphonates, Denosumab is reversible, metabolized by the reticuloendothelial system, and appropriate for patients with advanced kidney disease, though it necessitates monitoring for hypocalcemia. This advancement offers clinicians a valuable tool for managing osteoporosis in Vietnam.

The early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis remains a critical priority in clinical practice. Although the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay has been recommended for tuberculosis diagnosis, its implementation has not been widely adopted in many regions of Vietnam. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay on sputum samples for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis and to compare its results with those from direct sputum smear microscopy (AFB). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 270 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis who were examined and treated at the Internal Medicine Department, Thong Nhat Hospital, between January 2024 and July 2025. Among the participants, 72.2% were male and 27.8% were female. The mean age was 79.5 ± 15.1 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.1 ± 3.4 kg/m². The detection rate of tuberculosis was 14.1% using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, compared to 4.8% by AFB smear microscopy.Compared to AFB smear microscopy, the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.6%, a specificity of 89.5%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.9%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.1%. The rate of rifampicin resistance among detected cases was 7.9%. Patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis presented with diverse clinical manifestations and comorbidities. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay on sputum samples showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, with a rifampicin resistance rate of 7.9%.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) is a common medical-surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality rates. Rapid and accurate identification of the location and cause of bleeding is essential to guide timely intervention. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as a modern, non-invasive imaging method capable of detecting active bleeding with high sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to describe the CTA imaging characteristics in patients with GIH and evaluate the value of CTA in diagnosing and localizing hemorrhage. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, from May 2024 to May 2025, involving 31 patients ≥18 years old with suspected GIH who underwent CTA when endoscopy failed and were confirmed by endoscopy, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), or surgery. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Among 31 patients (71% male; mean age 62.5 ± 17.1 years), the most common CTA finding was contrast extravasation in the arterial phase >90 HU (38.7%), of which 50% showed changes in density and 33.3% showed morphological changes in the venous phase. Other findings included perienteric fat stranding (32.3%) and bowel wall enhancement (6.5%). CTA had a sensitivity of 73.9%, specificity of 87.5%, PPV of 94.4%, NPV of 53.9%, and accuracy of 77.4%. The most common bleeding site was the small bowel (27.8%). The main causes were ulceration (22.2%) and GIST tumors (16.7%). CTA is a highly valuable, non-invasive method for diagnosing and localizing GIH, particularly useful when endoscopy fails, with high specificity and good applicability in clinical practice.

Medication management in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) poses numerous challenges due to the rapid fluctuations in renal function over a short period. This necessitates frequent reassessment of drug indications and dosages to ensure both treatment efficacy and patient safety. This study aimed to investigate the drug use characteristics and evaluate the effectiveness of clinical pharmacist interventions in prescribing medications for patients with AKI; A before-and-after study was conducted on inpatients diagnosed with AKI at Thong Nhat Hospital, Vietnam, during the pre-intervention period (from February 2022 to August 2022) and the intervention period (from September 2022 to March 2023). Clinical pharmacist interventions included reviewing prescriptions and providing guidance on dose adjustments for patients with AKI. Prescriptions were considered appropriate if the indications and dosages complied with drug usage guidelines and the Vietnamese National Drug Formulary. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by comparing the appropriateness of prescribing between the two study periods; A total of 97 patients in the pre-intervention period and 94 patients in the intervention period were included. The proportion of patients receiving at least one drug potentially impairing kidney function in both periods was 33.5%, while 90.6% of patients were prescribed at least one drug that required dose adjustment or discontinuation in cases of renal impairment. The proportion of appropriately dosed prescriptions was higher in the intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period (94.7% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.022). However, the overall rate of appropriate prescribing did not differ significantly between the two periods (79.8% vs. 71.1%, p = 0.165); The rate of appropriate prescribing for AKI patients was relatively high. Clinical pharmacist interventions contributed to improving the appropriateness of drug dosing.