Electronic ISSN 2287-0237

VOLUME

THE BANGKOK MEDICAL JOURNAL'S EDITORIAL

FEBRUARY 2017 - VOL.13 | EDITORIAL

We dedicate this Volume 13 Number 1 of the Bangkok Medical Journal in memory of HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej with deepest respect and sincere condolences. HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej was very supportive of the efforts of Bangkok Hospital to bring better healthcare to its patients and we have included a special feature in this edition to honor HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej. We draw your attention to some of the featured articles in this journal. Dr Sawang Saenghirunvattana describes the improvements in diagnostic investigations for lung malignancy with the use of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy with Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in increased accuracy and specifcity. Using cutting edge technology, similar to GPS navigation, we can now better investigate small and distant peripheral nodules and lesions while minimizing harm to the patient. Dr. Sithapan Munjupong investigates the differing advantages of Epidural Steroid Injection to eliminateand reduce S1 radicular pain. The transforaminal technique provide an advantage over L5-S1 retrodiscal technique in reducing S1 radicular pain and this approach is now recommended for better results for the patient.

 

We are also bringing the reader a 10-year prospective study undertaken by Dr. Gumpanart Veerakul and his team on predicting and preventing cardiovascular events in asymptomatic cases. Cardiovascular disease has become a leading cause of death in developing countries and the recommendation to increase vigilance and screening will help to potentially save many lives and ensure swift access to medical care in the case of ACS and stroke. Also of interest is the fndings of Dr. Wannada Laisuan with regards to adult onset immunodefciency associated with anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies. Many patients manifested as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection, were HIV negative and presented with other opportunistic infections. Physicians should be aware of this syndrome and should determine the exact pathology of the infection, tests need to be undertaken for further specifcity of Anti-IFN-gamma autoantibodies to identify the correct susceptibility of the bacterium to medication in order to improve clinical outcomes.

 

We are pleased to share with you the keywords for all 12 volumes of the Bangkok Medical Journal for the reader’s convenience to fnd articles of interest for quick reference. This compiled list online will allow readers to search quickly and effciently for articles by keyword from BKMJ Volume 1 [2011] to BKMJ Volume 12 [2016].

 

Finally, we present a guideline on how to write a concise and well-ordered medical journal article by guest writer, Dr. Asdrubal Falavigna, MD, PHD following guidelines adopted by many scientifc journal editors. We recommend all contributors to study these excellent tips, suggestions and guidelines to complement the outline provided at the start of the Bangkok Medical Journal.

 

We hope you enjoy the very high quality contributions in this edition of the BKMJ and our aim of providing

better healthcare to our patients.

 

Chirotchana Suchato, MD

Editor in Chief

 

Chaiyos Kunanusont, MD, PhD

Co-Editor