VNUHCM Journal of Health Sciences

CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING (CGM) DURING PREGNANCY: SIGNIFICANCE AND CHALLENGES

Ho Minh Tuan — 2026-05-12

Objective: This review aims to evaluate the clinical significance, accuracy, and implementation challenges of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Specifically, it assesses the impact of CGM on maternal glycemic control and perinatal outcomes compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies was conducted. Data were synthesized regarding glycemic targets, device accuracy (Mean Absolute Relative Difference: MARD), maternal outcomes (HbA1c, preeclampsia, gestational weight gain), and neonatal outcomes (large for gestational age: LGA, hypoglycemia, NICU admission). Results: Evidence from the CONCEPTT trial and subsequent studies confirms that real-time CGM (rt-CGM) significantly improves neonatal outcomes in T1D, reducing LGA rates and NICU admissions. For GDM and T2D, results are heterogeneous; while CGM consistently detects nocturnal hyperglycemia and reduces gestational weight gain, its impact on LGA is variable, though recent trials (GRACE) indicate significant benefits. Modern CGM devices demonstrate high accuracy in pregnancy (MARD 9.5-10.3%). Higher Time in Range (TIR) is strongly associated with reduced adverse outcomes. Conclusion: CGM is the standard of care for T1D in pregnancy, offering superior glycemic insight and improved neonatal health. Its role in GDM is evolving, showing promise for risk stratification and behavioral modification, though cost and lack of standardized targets remain barriers.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers in the elderly

Vu Ha — 2026-05-07

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) currently represents a significant medical challenge for the elderly (aged 65 and older). Although the overall incidence has shown a downward trend, the frequency of complications and mortality rates among the aging population have increased markedly due to the decline in gastric physiological function and the presence of comorbidities. The two leading etiologic factors are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection (accounting for approximately 70% of cases) and the use of mucosal-damaging agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin. The aging process triggers profound changes, including immunosenescence, microcirculatory disturbances, and mucosal atrophy leading to hypochlorhydria. These alterations weaken the natural protective barrier, making the gastric mucosa susceptible to aggressive factors and resulting in "idiopathic" or drug-induced ulcers. In elderly patients, clinical symptoms are often atypical and easily masked by concomitant diseases. Only about one-third of patients present with classic epigastric pain; the remainder often exhibit vague symptoms such as anorexia and weight loss, or may even present initially with severe complications like gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, combined with biopsy following the updated Sydney system, is considered the gold standard for identifying ulcer location, ruling out malignancy, and assessing H. pylori status. Treatment strategies must be strictly individualized. For H. pylori-associated ulcers, newer regimens such as bismuth-based quadruple therapy or Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs) like Vonoprazan are showing superior efficacy. For drug-related ulcers, discontinuing NSAIDs is the top priority; if their use is mandatory, they must be co-administered with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for mucosal protection. Prevention plays a pivotal role through risk stratification, routine prophylactic PPI use, and H. pylori screening and eradication before initiating long-term NSAID or aspirin therapy.

The therapeutic effectiveness of electroacupuncture combined with herbal compress therapy using a thermal effect device in treating lumbar spinal degeneration

Nu Kim Bui — 2026-05-11

Objectives: Lumbar spondylosis is a chronic condition with a gradual progression, characterized by increasing severity, causing pain and spinal deformities, significantly affecting the daily activities and quality of life of patients. Electroacupuncture and herbal compress therapy using thermal effect devices are two methods currently being applied in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. However, there has been no research documenting the efficacy of combining these two methods in treating low back pain caused by spondylosis. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the pain-relieving efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with herbal compress therapy using thermal effect devices in patients with lumbar spondylosis.

Materials and methods: The study included 206 patients diagnosed with low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis, divided into two groups: the control group received electroacupuncture combined with therapeutic ultrasound, while the study group was treated with electroacupuncture combined with herbal compress therapy using thermal effect devices over 14 days. This was a prospective, controlled clinical intervention study conducted at Long An Traditional Medicine Hospital, comparing outcomes before and after treatment. The effectiveness was assessed using the VAS scale, Oswestry Disability, and Schober index after 14 days of treatment.

Results: After 14 days of treatment, the proportions of patients in the study group achieving good, fair, and average outcomes were 58.25%, 37.86%, and 3.89%, respectively. In the control group, the corresponding proportions were 33%, 45.63%, and 22.33%. During the treatment process, there were 14 cases of bleeding at the acupuncture sites and 1 case of allergic reaction. No cases of acupuncture syncope or burns were reported.

Conclusion: The method of electroacupuncture combined with herbal compress therapy using thermal effect devices is more effective in treating low back pain caused by lumbar spondylosis compared to electroacupuncture combined with therapeutic ultrasound

Simultaneous determination of mansonone E and mansonone G in the extract of Mansonia gagei J.R.Drumm by HPLC-PDA

Tuyet Thi Anh Le — 2026-04-23

ABSTRACT

Mansonia gagei J.R.Drumm. has long been utilized in traditional medicine and is recognized as a rich source of bioactive natural compounds. Among them, mansonone G and mansonone E are two major constituents strongly associated with diverse pharmacological activities. However, no analytical study to date has reported a validated method for their simultaneous quantification to ensure extract quality. This study aimed to survey the chromatographic conditions and validate the HPLC method in accordance with ICH and AOAC guidelines. The results demonstrated that the Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (3.0 × 100 mm; 2.7 μm) provided superior separation compared to the Cosmosil 5C18-ARII column (250 × 4.6 mm; 5 μm), achieving retention time of 4.8 min (mansonone E) and 5.2 min (mansonone G) with a resolution of 3.7. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and system suitability. This validated analytical procedure offers a reliable approach for quantifying Mansonia gagei extracts and serves as a foundation for establishing quality standards for herbal formulations derived from this promising species.

Investigation of hypothermia in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia and factors related to anesthesia

Chau My Mai — 2026-05-07

Objective: Determining the incidence of hypothermia in surgical patients underwent general anesthesia and factors related to hypothermia.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients aged >18 years who had an indication for surgery under general anesthesia at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital from April 2022 to May 2022 and who consented to participate in the study. The Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test and linear regression models were used to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0,05.

Result: A total of 107 patients were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was nearly equal, and more than 70% of patients were younger than 65 years. The prevalence of malnutrition was 2,8%, while overweight and obesity accounted for 27,1%. Most patients were classified as ASA physical status II or higher (83,2%). The incidence of hypothermia in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia was 71%. Among these, mild hypothermia accounted for the highest proportion (59,2%), followed by moderate and severe hypothermia at 25,0% and 15,8%, respectively. Risk factors associated with hypothermia included sex, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, and operating room temperature.

Conclusion: The incidence of hypothermia in patients who had surgical indications and underwent general anesthesia is 71%. Attention should be given to patients who are male, have induction time exceeding 2 hours, long surgical duration and have low room temperature.

PREVALENCE OF PRETERM BIRTH AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AT TU DU HOSPITAL IN 2024

Truyen Huu Le — 2026-05-14

Background: Preterm birth has consistently been one of the most critical issues in obstetrics, neonatology and public health. It is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality and imposes a significant long-term healthcare burden. In Vietnam, few studies have investigated the prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of preterm birth and its associated factors at Tu Du Hospital in 2024.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tu Du Hospital from June 2024 to December 2024. Systematic random sampling was used to select pregnant women who delivered at Tu Du Hospital. Data were collected through interviews based on a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of p<0,05 to identify factors associated with preterm birth.

Results: From June to December 2024, a total of 476 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of preterm birth was 9.5%. Statistically significant factors associated included: standing for more than six consecutive hours per day OR=5,2, 95% CI [1,91–14,17], p=0,001; vaginal bleeding OR=3,15, 95% CI [1,69–5,86], p<0,001; multiple pregnancy OR=27,90, 95% CI [5,04–154,44], p<0,001; cervical length <25mm OR=13,46, 95% CI [2,57–70,55], p=0,002; history of preterm birth OR=6,48, 95% CI [1,85–22,67], p=0,004).

Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm birth was 9.5%. Factors associated with preterm birth included multiple pregnancy, cervical length <25 mm, a history of preterm birth, standing continuously for more than 6 hours per day, and vaginal bleeding. Among these, prolonged standing at work for more than 6 hours per day was significantly associated with an increased risk (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 1.91–14.17; p = 0.001). This finding adds to domestic epidemiological evidence highlighting the potential impact of occupational working conditions on the risk of preterm birth among pregnant women.