Journal of 175 Practical Medicine and Pharmacy

EVALUATION OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS USING BRACHIAL-ANKLE PULSE WAVE VELOCITY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS AT 175 MILITARY HOSPITAL

Toan Trung Pham

Objective: Assess arterial stiffness using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and its correlation with certain clinical and subclinical characteristics in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients at 175 Military Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 participants (160 patients with T2DM and 40 in age and sex-matched healthy control group) at Military Hospital 175 from June 2022 to June 2024. BaPWV was measured by the OMRON VP-1000 PLUS machine. Results: Patients with T2DM had a mean age of 59.95 ± 12.62 years, with males accounting for 45%. The most common atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors were hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidemia (72.5% and 71.25%, respectively). The T2DM group had a significantly higher mean baPWV compared with the healthy control group matched for age and sex (1821.22 ± 433.56 vs. 1544.93 ± 302.36 cm/s; p < 0.05), as well as a significantly higher prevalence of arterial stiffness (baPWV > 1450 cm/s) (45% vs. 21.88%; p = 0.003). In patients with T2DM, baPWV showed a statistically significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.477; p < 0.05), heart rate (r = 0.20; p = 0.11), and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.441; p < 0.05). Arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM was significantly associated with hypertension [OR 4.75 (2.14–10.53), p < 0.001], metabolic syndrome [OR 3.53 (1.60–7.76), p = 0.004], chronic kidney disease [OR 2.94 (1.20–7.25), p = 0.016], poor glycemic control with HbA1c > 6.5% [OR 3.77(1.41–4.48), p = 0.01], and microalbuminuria [OR 1.91 (0.84–4.33), p < 0.01]. Patients with T2DM and concomitant hypertension had significantly higher baPWV compared with those without hypertension (1910.22 ± 439.57 vs. 1586.65 ± 317.47 cm/s; p < 0.001). Among patients with T2DM and hypertension, those who achieved target blood pressure control had significantly lower baPWV than those who did not achieve blood pressure targets (1828.09 ± 400.02 vs. 2004.28 ± 467.11 cm/s; p = 0.03). Conclusion: In patients with T2DM, mean baPWV values and the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness were significantly higher than in healthy controls matched for age and sex. baPWV was significantly associated with age, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. Arterial stiffness was significantly associated with several atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 6.5%), and positive microalbuminuria. Patients with T2DM and hypertension who achieved target blood pressure control had significantly lower baPWV compared with those who did not achieve blood pressure targets.

EFFICACY OF LENVATINIB TREATMENT IN ADVANCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Tran Quang Huy Luong

Background: Lenvatinib - a multi-target oral multi-kinase inhibitor with activity against multiple carcinogenesis pathways - was approved in 2018 as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess efficacy and the safety profile of lenvatinib therapy for patients with advanced HCC in real-world settings. Objective: Evaluate the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and toxicity of lenvatinib in advanced HCC. Patients and method: Retrospective descriptive study from 32 patients with advanced HCC to receive lenvatinib at Military Hospital 175 from January 2022 to July 2024. Results: Median OS was 10.5 months [95% CI: 7 months- NA]. Median PFS was 8 months [95% CI: 6 months - NA], DCR was 71.9%. The most common toxicity was elevated aspartate aminotransferase (40.6%), of which grade 3-4 accounted for 3.1%. Conclusion: Lenvatinib in the treatment of advanced HCC prolongs PFS and OS, has a favorable disease control rate and common toxicities were grade 1-2.

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND RELATED FACTORS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS OUTPATIENTS AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 175

Thi Duyen Bui — 2025-12-30

Objective: To describe the nutritional status and related factors of outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Military Hospital 175 in 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 246 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from March 2023 to December 2023. Results: According to the BMI classification of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), the results showed that type 2 diabetic patients had normal weight in 35.9%; underweight in 4.3%; the rates of overweight and obesity were 25% and 34.8%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with overweight and obesity (OW/OB) (p < 0.05) included: the group with a disease duration of < 5 years had a 2-fold higher risk of OW/OB compared to the group with disease duration ≥ 5 years (95%CI: 1.1 – 3.9, p = 0.024); the group with hypertriglyceridemia had a 2.01 fold higher risk of OW/OB compared to the group with controlled triglyceride levels; the group with inadequate nutritional knowledge had a 2.2-fold higher risk of OW/OB compared to the group with adequate nutritional knowledge (95%CI: 1.3 – 3.8, p = 0.004); the group with poor nutritional practice had a 1.89-fold higher risk of OW/OB compared to the group with good nutritional practice (95%CI: 1.06 – 3.36, p = 0.028); the group without diabetes nutritional education had a 1.86-fold higher risk of OW/OB compared to the group with nutritional education (95%CI: 1.08 – 3.2, p = 0.025). Conclusion: A high prevalence of overweight and obesity (OW/OB) (59.8%) was observed among outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s nutritional status exhibited a statistically significant association with factors such as disease duration, triglyceride control, and nutritional knowledge and practice. Accordingly, implementing nutrition education and counseling programs for these patients is warranted.

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF CONCURRENT CHEMORADIOTHERAPY USING IMRT COMBINED WITH LOW-DOSE CISPLATIN FOR STAGE II–IVA NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 175

Van Bác Vu — 2025-12-30

Objective: To determine the response rates at 3 and 6 months of concurrent chemoradiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with low-dose cisplatin in patients with stage II–IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to evaluate treatment-related toxicities. Subjects and Methods: A total of 93 patients with stage II–IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy using IMRT combined with weekly low-dose cisplatin. This was a descriptive, retrospective study. Data were collected at 3 and 6 months following completion of treatment. The study was conducted from August 2024 to August 2025. Results: The mean age of the study population was 49.17 ± 25.26 years. The proportions of patients with stage II, III, and IVA disease were 15.1%, 32.3%, and 52.7%, respectively. The distribution of primary tumor (T) stage was T1, T2, T3, and T4 in 14.0%, 25.8%, 28.0%, and 32.2% of patients, respectively. Nodal (N) stage distribution was N0, N1, N2, and N3 in 18.3%, 23.7%, 30.1%, and 27.9% of cases, respectively. Most patients had World Health Organization (WHO) type II and III histopathology (94.6%). At the 6-month evaluation, the complete response (CR) rates for overall disease, primary tumor, and nodal disease were 87.1%, 92.4%, and 95.6%, respectively. Several factors were associated with treatment response: patients with stage IVA disease, T4 tumors, or N3 nodal involvement had lower CR rates compared with earlier stages. Patients with WHO type III histology, who completed the full chemotherapy regimen, and who did not experience treatment interruption had higher CR rates. Most treatment-related toxicities were mild and had minimal impact on treatment compliance. The rates of grade 3 leukopenia and anemia were 15.7% and 4.3%, respectively. The incidences of grade 3 dermatitis, mucositis, and xerostomia were 15.1%, 30.1%, and 8.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using IMRT combined with low-dose cisplatin in stage II–IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients achieves a high complete response rate with manageable toxicity. It remains the current standard of care.

CURRENT STATUS OF CATHETER-RELATED PERIPHERAL PHLEBITIS IN INPATIENTS AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 175 IN 2024

Thi Thuy Dinh — 2025-12-30

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)-related phlebitis at catheter insertion sites among inpatients across selected clinical departments of Military Hospital 175. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study described the prevalence of peripheral phlebitis at catheter insertion sites among inpatients in several clinical departments of Military Hospital 175, conducted from June to November 2024. Phlebitis was identified and graded using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score. Results: The prevalence of peripheral intravenous phlebitis at catheter insertion sites among inpatients in selected clinical departments was 13.5%. Phlebitis at VIP grade 1 accounted for the highest proportion (10.1%), followed by VIP grade 2 (2.4%). The lowest proportion was VIP grade 3 (1%). No cases of VIP grade 4 or VIP grade 5 phlebitis were observed. Independent risk factors associated with phlebitis included catheter dwell time and catheter patency status. Conclusion: The prevalence of peripheral intravenous phlebitis at catheter insertion sites (13.5%) was relatively high compared with the recommendation of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) (approximately 5%). Nurses should pay close attention to related risk factors and strictly adhere to protocols for the management and care of peripheral intravenous catheters in order to reduce the incidence of phlebitis.

EVALUATION OF TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS IN PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE IN SELECTED SOUTHERN PROVINCES

Hong Son Nguyen — 2025-12-30

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of pre-hospital emergency care training for healthcare workers in selected provinces of Southern Vietnam. Subjects and Methods: A prospective interventional descriptive study was conducted on 120 healthcare workers in several southern provinces. Knowledge, practice, and attitudes toward pre-hospital emergency care were assessed before and after participation in a structured training program. Standardized questionnaires and practical performance assessments were employed as evaluation tools. Results: Among 120 participants, the majority were aged 30 to 40 years (48.3%), with males predominating (61.7%). Following the training intervention, the proportion meeting knowledge requirements increased significantly from approximately 42–49% to 90–94% (p < 0.001), except for basic emergency techniques, which showed no significant difference (p = 0.234). For practical skills, all competencies improved markedly, with the proportion achieving the required level increasing from 44–48% to over 91%, and all differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Attitudes toward compliance with regulations and safety also improved substantially, from 53 57% before intervention to 96-98% after (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The training program significantly enhanced healthcare workers’ knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes regarding pre-hospital emergency care. These f indings highlight the feasibility, practical relevance, and scalability of the training model to strengthen pre-hospital emergency response capacity at the local level.

THE ROLE OF TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK IN A MULTIMODAL ANALGESIA STRATEGY AFTER CESAREAN SECTION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Quang Nhat Nguyen

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in reducing postoperative pain after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 parturients were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. The intervention group (n = 23) received a TAP block after surgery. Both groups used patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl when the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was ≥ 4. Primary outcome measures included total fentanyl consumption, number of PCA demands, and VAS pain scores at rest and during movement at 6 hours and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: The intervention group had significantly lower total fentanyl consumption within 24 hours compared with the control group (296 ± 121 mcg vs 362 ± 93.4 mcg; p < 0.05). The number of PCA activations was also lower in the intervention group. VAS pain scores at rest and during movement were significantly lower in the intervention group at 6 hours postoperatively. At 24 hours, VAS scores at rest remained significantly lower in the TAP group, whereas no significant difference was observed in VAS scores during movement. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAP block is a safe and effective analgesic technique that significantly reduces opioid consumption and improves pain control during the first 24 hours following cesarean section.

CURRENT STATUS OF INTEGRATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD USE AMONG CLINICAL NURSES AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 175

Ngoc Thuy Cam — 2025-12-30

Background: Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are an inevitable trend in digital transformation in healthcare. The implementation of EMR in nursing practice at Military Hospital 175, which began in June 2025, still faces many challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the level of integration and the effectiveness of EMR use to propose solutions to optimize its implementation and utilization. Objective: To evaluate the level of integration and the effectiveness of EMR use among clinical nurses at Military Hospital 175. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 328 nurses, midwives, and technicians from clinical departments. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire covering 11 factor groups based on the PLS-SEM model. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0.95). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. Results: Among participants, 78% were female, 62.8% had a university degree, 95.4% had basic computer skills, most had 1–5 years of work experience (35.4%), and the majority were clinical care nurses (75.6%). The proportion of participants with a high level of EMR integration was 36.6%, and those with high utilization effectiveness accounted for 41.5%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that two factors were significantly associated with EMR integration levels: technology-induced stress (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.001–2.74) and EMR usage habits (OR=2.95, 95% CI: 2.3–3.6). Two factors influenced usage effectiveness: interdependence (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.7 3.1) and EMR usage habits (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 2.1–3.4). Conclusion: The level of integration and effectiveness of EMR use among nurses at Military Hospital 175 was moderately good. Nurses could use EMR for most routine tasks; however, limitations remain in fully exploiting all features, speed of operation, and confidence when using the system. Enhancing training, improving infrastructure, and fostering regular EMR usage habits were necessary to improve application effectiveness.