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Chitr Sitthi-amorn
  • Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are the most common infections worldwide. Their frequent inappropriate treatment with antibiotics is likely to increase antibiotic resistance, contribute to morbidity and mortality, and waste... more
Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are the most common infections worldwide. Their frequent inappropriate treatment with antibiotics is likely to increase antibiotic resistance, contribute to morbidity and mortality, and waste scarce resources. Using data from registration books and prescriptions, we measured patterns and assessed appropriateness and predictors of antibiotic prescribing for viral and bacterial URIs treated in health centers located in two slum communities in Bangkok, Thailand. Based on recorded diagnoses and symptoms, 91% of the patients probably had viral URIs; 60% of viral and 89% of bacterial URI patients were prescribed an antibiotic. Compliance with the national treatment guideline was 36.4% for treatment of viral URIs and only 1.7% for treatment of bacterial URIs. Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic regardless of diagnosis. Among viral URI patients, those who were young, male, and self-paying were more likely to receive antibiotics; part-time physicians were more likely to prescribe antibiotics for these patients. Among patients with bacterial URIs, those who paid for drugs by themselves were more likely to receive antibiotics compared to patients covered by the national health insurance plan. We used these formative results as input to the design of health center and community interventions to encourage more appropriate prescribing for URI among adults.
Background: Epilepsy, a disease when seizures can occur from antiepileptic drug withdrawal, requires regular drug taking. Non-compliance, therefore, is a major factor contributing to sub-optimal control of the seizures. Purpose: To... more
Background: Epilepsy, a disease when seizures can occur from antiepileptic drug withdrawal, requires regular drug taking. Non-compliance, therefore, is a major factor contributing to sub-optimal control of the seizures. Purpose: To determine the factors associated with noncompliance in epileptics in rural Thailand. Method: All epileptics, registered in the Pak Thong Chai District and their caregivers were invited to be interviewed and examined by a neurologist in their village. Results: Of a total of 93 epileptics registered, 83 with their caregivers were interviewed and examined by the neurologist (T.A.) and of those 72 were adults. Of the 72 adult epileptics, 41 (56.9%) were 100 per cent compliant and factors found to be significantly associated with compliance were gender, household income and patient's health insurance (p-value < 0.05). The major reasons for non-compliance were misunderstanding (48.4%), forgetfulness (16.1%) and economic problem (12.9%). Conclusion: To improve patient-compliance, the real factors for non-compliance, which are unique to patients in a specific area, need to be identified.
This study examined physicians&#39; attitudes toward advanced directives and practices for the end‐of‐life care at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand. The data were collected from 55 physicians (24 instructors and 31 residents)... more
This study examined physicians&#39; attitudes toward advanced directives and practices for the end‐of‐life care at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand. The data were collected from 55 physicians (24 instructors and 31 residents) using self‐reported questionnaires. The majority of the participants affirmed the usefulness of the advance directive (AD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and respected the patients&#39; wish for this directive, although advanced end‐of‐life care and resuscitation planning with the patients was limited. Mostly, the relatives were consulted regarding ADs. This study suggests that, in traditional Thai culture, physicians and families are more inclined to make decisions for the patient when they feel that it is in the patient&#39;s best interest. Further research is needed to investigate how and to what extent such attitudes can affect medical practice for end‐of‐life care in the context of the rapid development and consequent changes taking place in Thailand.
Background: A study of the community-based burden of illness based upon prevalence is needed to plan intervention strategy. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of epilepsy in a rural population in Thailand. Method: From January to June,... more
Background: A study of the community-based burden of illness based upon prevalence is needed to plan intervention strategy. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of epilepsy in a rural population in Thailand. Method: From January to June, 2000, all of the people in Talardkav sub-district were invited to be interviewed and examined by a neurologist who visited their village. Results: Of the 2,069 people in 553 households who gave information (72.2% of the total households), 43 had a history of seizure and of the 43, 15 were epileptics. The prevalence of epilepsy was estimated at 7.2 per 1,000 population. The highest two peaks were in the age groups of 5-9 and 25-34 years (17.0, 17.4/1,000, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of epilepsy in rural Thailand is low, although probably underestimated, but it is the best to date for rural Thailand.
We have prospectively followed 915 victims bitten by 664 dogs between January 1984 and December 1985 to assess death and severe neurological disability. These dogs were brought either by the owner or bite victims to Ta Pra Diagnostic... more
We have prospectively followed 915 victims bitten by 664 dogs between January 1984 and December 1985 to assess death and severe neurological disability. These dogs were brought either by the owner or bite victims to Ta Pra Diagnostic Centre for detection of rabies. Each patient was followed every three months by mail for at least one year after the bite. In addition, intensive follow-up in the community was undertaken on 235 patients who failed to respond to mail follow-up, all 23 who reported events as well as 523 of the 720 mail-responders. Hospital records were examined for all patients requiring treatment. All patients with non-fatal events were also examined at the university hospital. Blind independent comparison of the three diagnostic tests (Sellers stain, fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test) for the presence or absence of rabies in animal brains were performed to assess the accuracy of local routine diagnostic test methods. In case of disagreement between test methods, the result on mouse inoculation was considered definitive for the presence or absence of rabies. Test results were mailed to all victims. Seven hundred and twenty out of 955 subjects responded to the mail follow-up giving a response rate of 75.4%. Intensive follow-ups were successful in all subjects who responded. Of 235 subjects who did not respond to the mail follow-up, only 195 (83%) were located. The remaining 40 bite victims who did not respond to mail follow-up and could not be located were all bitten by animals who did not have rabies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Investment in health can offer additional benefits to development independent of economic improvement. Many technologies have been useful in improving the health of the people in the past. However, rapid and often unpredictable change has... more
Investment in health can offer additional benefits to development independent of economic improvement. Many technologies have been useful in improving the health of the people in the past. However, rapid and often unpredictable change has contributed to the inequity, inefficiency, and rising cost of health care. This paper outlines why a needs-based approach to assessing any new technology in the health sector is essential. To respond to changing needs, capacities within the health care system, several of which are described here, must be strengthened. Needs-based technology planning and implementation is affordable and feasible and is crucial in order that both health as a basic human right and good health at low cost can be attained.
We have investigated the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in 976 residents of Klong Toey Slum and 909 residents of government apartment houses, aged 30 and above, selected by probability sampling after systematic... more
We have investigated the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in 976 residents of Klong Toey Slum and 909 residents of government apartment houses, aged 30 and above, selected by probability sampling after systematic household surveys with an average response rate of over 80%. Hypertensives were those who had, on at least three measurements, average diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 95 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure equal to or above 160 mmHg or had blood pressure below 160/95 mmHg but were currently on antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of total hypertensives were found to be 17.3% and 14.0% for residents of slum and government apartment houses respectively. Men and women had more or less equal mean blood pressure and similar prevalence of hypertension. The mean systolic blood pressure increased with age while the mean diastolic blood pressure, after an initial rise with age in lower age groups, tended to level off from the age group 55-64 years upwards. Only one quarter to one third were aware of their illness and less than 15% were receiving treatment. Significant risk factors include age, duration of smoking, duration of alcohol intake, high body mass index, high Cholesterol, high Triglyceride, high Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDLC), low High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDLC), high Total Cholesterol (TC) to High Density Lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDLC), high LDLC to HDLC ratio and diabetes mellitus. The data suggested that hypertension was an important public health problem in low socioeconomic groups in Bangkok. Some of the risk factors were related to an unhealthy lifestyle which should receive due consideration in planning for appropriate control.
Background: Early primary coronary interventions (PCI) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with improved outcome and mortality rate but delayed reperfusion especially after 6 hours is still doubtful in terms... more
Background: Early primary coronary interventions (PCI) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with improved outcome and mortality rate but delayed reperfusion especially after 6 hours is still doubtful in terms of clinical benefits because most myocardial muscle are infarcted after 6 hours of onset of chest pain. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the mortality rate of patients treated with PCI within 6 hours of symptom onset to those treated between 6 to 24 hours after the onset of STEMI. Material and method: The present study included consecutive patients from the data of the Fast Track Registry of King Chulalongkorn Hospital from June 1, 1999 to October 31, 2003 to compare the thirty-day mortality of patients treated with early or delayed PCI (0-6 hours vs. 6-24 hours after symptom of chest pain) for STEMI. Results: Two hundred and sixteen patients who underwent PCI were enrolled. Male gender (82% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.03) and history of smoking (72.1% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) were predominant in the early treatment group (ETG) vs. the delayed treatment group (DTG). Mean age (60.5% vs. 61.03%, p = 0.11), diabetes (31.4% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.82), hypertension (64.0% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.20), dyslipidemia (58.1% vs. 60.8%, p = 0.73), and ejection fraction < 40% (22.8% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.625) were similar in both groups. There were no differences in angiographic finding and hospital management. Door to balloon and total delay time were 124.13 +/- 143.27 min and 407.94 +/- 268.183 min, respectively. The thirty-day mortality (9.01% vs. 12.76%, p = 0.379) and I year mortality (12.4% vs. 16 9%, p = 0.532) were not significantly determined by Log rank test in both groups. As for cardiogenic shock, ETG tended to have a lower thirty-day mortality than DTG but no statistically significant difference (12.5% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.0809). Conclusion: The delayed PCI up to 24 hours in STEMI does not increase short-term mortality at thirty days; therefore, it may still have benefit in STEMI patients. However it tended to have higher short-term mortality than early PCI especially in cardiogenic shock but showed no statistical significance.
Road traffic injury is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in Thailand, with an estimated one million people seriously injured and 14000 deaths each year.Given the magnitude of the problem, it is important to validate road... more
Road traffic injury is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in Thailand, with an estimated one million people seriously injured and 14000 deaths each year.Given the magnitude of the problem, it is important to validate road traffic injury statistics, in order to determine trends and the effect of prevention efforts.The Ministry of Public Health established an injury surveillance system in 1995 to collect injury data from 4 provincial hospitals and one hospital in Bangkok.This system was designed to evaluate the quality of acute trauma care and referral services, and to improve injury prevention and control at local and national level.However, many injuries are not treated at health facilities where these data are collected.This is the first study to measure the reporting gap for injury statistics on a national level.We compared data from the Thai National Injury Survey to that gathered by the injury surveillance system and find that the former records a rate 3 times higher than the hospital-based injury surveillance system in all five regions (mean injury incidence: 596/100000 vs 129 / 100000). Most injuries that need medical care are not treated in hospital, and do not count in the national statistics in Thailand. Keywords: Road traffic; Injury prevention; Thailand
... 2.8 The global environment: 2.8 The global environment: Anthony J. McMichael and Hilary J.Bambrick [Summary] [Browse Figures]. 2.9 Health ... Paul Hunt, Gunilla Backman, Judith Bueno de Mesquita, Louise Finer, Rajat Khosla, Dragana... more
... 2.8 The global environment: 2.8 The global environment: Anthony J. McMichael and Hilary J.Bambrick [Summary] [Browse Figures]. 2.9 Health ... Paul Hunt, Gunilla Backman, Judith Bueno de Mesquita, Louise Finer, Rajat Khosla, Dragana Korljan, and Lisa Oldring [Summary]. 4.2 ...
The use of mailed questionnaires to follow patients with chronic diseases was investigated in 650 patients from 16 provinces of northeastern Thailand who sought care at the University Hospital. The overall response rate to the first mail... more
The use of mailed questionnaires to follow patients with chronic diseases was investigated in 650 patients from 16 provinces of northeastern Thailand who sought care at the University Hospital. The overall response rate to the first mail follow-up was 73.2%. If all three mail follow-ups were considered, up to 86.6% of all patients responded. The demographic variables appeared to be similar between the respondents and the non-respondents. Cancer and deterioration of disease status had an adverse effect on the response rate. Utilization of peripheral health centres to supplement mail follow-up in these sub-populations was suggested. Almost 78% of 650 patients were followed and interviewed to assess the validity of mailed response. The percentages of respondents and non-respondents who were followed were almost identical. Of the 504 patients followed, 92% were located. The successful location was over 98% for the respondents and only 54% for non-respondents. The agreement of some parameter such as death and survival time after discharge was very high between mail and intensive follow-up data. Less distinctive events had lower agreement rates. Some precautionary notes were voiced and the possibility of extension of mail follow-up in collection of information and supervision of health care was suggested.
Thailand has had multiple poultry outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since its first emergence in 2004. Twenty-five human cases of HPAI H5N1 avian influenza have been reported in the country, including 17... more
Thailand has had multiple poultry outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since its first emergence in 2004. Twenty-five human cases of HPAI H5N1 avian influenza have been reported in the country, including 17 fatalities, and contact with infected dead or dying poultry has been identified as a risk factor for human infection. This study assessed the use of protective equipment and hand hygiene measures by Thai poultry-owning households during activities involving poultry contact. Surveys conducted in 2008 included questions regarding poultry-related activities and protective measures used during an HPAI outbreak (2005) and 3 years after the study location&amp;#39;s last reported outbreak (2008). For both time periods, poultry owners reported limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during all activities and inconsistent hand washing practices after carrying poultry and gathering eggs. This is the first time that PPE use in Thailand has been quantified for a large study group. These data are important for ongoing characterization of HPAI risk and for the crafting of educational messages.
403 cas confirmes par echocardiographie et suivis pendant une periode de 18 mois. La fibrillation atriale semble etre le seul facteur determinant important pour l&#39;issue evolutive. Les autres facteurs de risque possibles sont: la... more
403 cas confirmes par echocardiographie et suivis pendant une periode de 18 mois. La fibrillation atriale semble etre le seul facteur determinant important pour l&#39;issue evolutive. Les autres facteurs de risque possibles sont: la stenose mitrale, l&#39;âge superieur a 45 ans, et le sexe masculin
Strictly enforced antibiotic formulary restriction in combination with formulation of agreed guidelines for antibiotic use in common infection problems such as septicemia, febrile neutropenia, urinary tract infection, biliary sepsis,... more
Strictly enforced antibiotic formulary restriction in combination with formulation of agreed guidelines for antibiotic use in common infection problems such as septicemia, febrile neutropenia, urinary tract infection, biliary sepsis, liver abscess, peritonitis, nosocomial pneumonia, soft tissue infection and purulent meningitis, generated a combined savings of 307,748.5 bahts or 13.5 per cent cost reduction over a 6 month period, and improved quality of use, appropriate 54.8 vs 67.5 per cent, statistically significance (P less than 0.002). Although this saving was offset in part by increased spending of unrestricted antibiotics, such as Penicillin and Gentamicin, an overall cost saving remained. In the months during the restrictions, no significant changes occurred regarding patients response and mortality. However, after the onset of the controls, it was revealed that antibiotics were more appropriately used afterwards. This study has shown, most importantly, that savings were achi...
We have prospectively followed 915 victims bitten by 664 dogs between January 1984 and December 1985 to assess death and severe neurological disability. These dogs were brought either by the owner or bite victims to Ta Pra Diagnostic... more
We have prospectively followed 915 victims bitten by 664 dogs between January 1984 and December 1985 to assess death and severe neurological disability. These dogs were brought either by the owner or bite victims to Ta Pra Diagnostic Centre for detection of rabies. Each patient was followed every three months by mail for at least one year after the bite. In addition, intensive follow-up in the community was undertaken on 235 patients who failed to respond to mail follow-up, all 23 who reported events as well as 523 of the 720 mail-responders. Hospital records were examined for all patients requiring treatment. All patients with non-fatal events were also examined at the university hospital. Blind independent comparison of the three diagnostic tests (Sellers stain, fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test) for the presence or absence of rabies in animal brains were performed to assess the accuracy of local routine diagnostic test methods. In case of disagreement between test methods, the result on mouse inoculation was considered definitive for the presence or absence of rabies. Test results were mailed to all victims. Seven hundred and twenty out of 955 subjects responded to the mail follow-up giving a response rate of 75.4%. Intensive follow-ups were successful in all subjects who responded. Of 235 subjects who did not respond to the mail follow-up, only 195 (83%) were located. The remaining 40 bite victims who did not respond to mail follow-up and could not be located were all bitten by animals who did not have rabies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Early primary coronary interventions (PCI) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with improved outcome and mortality rate but delayed reperfusion especially after 6 hours is still doubtful in terms of clinical... more
Early primary coronary interventions (PCI) in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with improved outcome and mortality rate but delayed reperfusion especially after 6 hours is still doubtful in terms of clinical benefits because most myocardial muscle are infarcted after 6 hours of onset of chest pain. The aim of the present study was to compare the mortality rate of patients treated with PCI within 6 hours of symptom onset to those treated between 6 to 24 hours after the onset of STEMI. The present study included consecutive patients from the data of the Fast Track Registry of King Chulalongkorn Hospital from June 1, 1999 to October 31, 2003 to compare the thirty-day mortality of patients treated with early or delayed PCI (0-6 hours vs. 6-24 hours after symptom of chest pain) for STEMI. Two hundred and sixteen patients who underwent PCI were enrolled. Male gender (82% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.03) and history of smoking (72.1% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) were predominant in...
Clement Alfred Finch was a physician, researcher and educator who helped advance the scientific basis and practices of diagnosis and treatment of anemia since the time when little was known about the disease. He was born in New York, USA... more
Clement Alfred Finch was a physician, researcher and educator who helped advance the scientific basis and practices of diagnosis and treatment of anemia since the time when little was known about the disease. He was born in New York, USA and graduated from medical school in 1941. He had a 60-year tenure at the University of Washington and published extensively (more than 300 scholarly articles and close to 30 key reviews). He was instrumental in collaborating with key Thai hematologists, particularly at the premier Siriraj Medical School. His contribution on iron metabolization in the bloodstream has been a corner stone of hematology. It included seminal research which led to the widespread supplementation with iron in diets by women to avoid iron deficiency anemia.
403 cas confirmes par echocardiographie et suivis pendant une periode de 18 mois. La fibrillation atriale semble etre le seul facteur determinant important pour l&#39;issue evolutive. Les autres facteurs de risque possibles sont: la... more
403 cas confirmes par echocardiographie et suivis pendant une periode de 18 mois. La fibrillation atriale semble etre le seul facteur determinant important pour l&#39;issue evolutive. Les autres facteurs de risque possibles sont: la stenose mitrale, l&#39;âge superieur a 45 ans, et le sexe masculin
... Christopher Lovelace Anthony Mbewu Rajiv Misra Perla Santos Ocampo GBA Okelo Sevket Ruacan Pramilla Senanayake Jaime Sepúlveda Chitr Sitthi-amorn ... de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud, fue financiada en parte con una donación de... more
... Christopher Lovelace Anthony Mbewu Rajiv Misra Perla Santos Ocampo GBA Okelo Sevket Ruacan Pramilla Senanayake Jaime Sepúlveda Chitr Sitthi-amorn ... de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud, fue financiada en parte con una donación de la Fundación Bill y Melinda Gates ...
... Anthony Mbewu Rajiv Misra Perla Santos Ocampo GBA Okelo Sevket Ruacan PramillaSenanayake Jaime Sepúlveda Chitr Sitthi-amorn Sally Stansfield Misael Uribe ... Le présent ouvrage a été financé en partie par un don de la Fondation Bill... more
... Anthony Mbewu Rajiv Misra Perla Santos Ocampo GBA Okelo Sevket Ruacan PramillaSenanayake Jaime Sepúlveda Chitr Sitthi-amorn Sally Stansfield Misael Uribe ... Le présent ouvrage a été financé en partie par un don de la Fondation Bill &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Melinda Gates et a été établi par ...

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