Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital Journal

Comparison Study of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients at Debarattana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital Who Received rtPA with and Without Intravenous Nicardipine at the First Hospital.

Hathaichanok Lertwarayut — 2026-06-30

Blood pressure control before recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy is essential in acute ischemic stroke. This study compared clinical outcomes between patients who received intravenous nicardipine (IV nicardipine) at the first hospital and those who did not. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 213 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) at Debarattana Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital during 2020–2023. Sixteen patients received intravenous nicardipine (IV nicardipine), and 197 did not. Results The intravenous nicardipine (IV nicardipine) group had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at both hospitals. No significant differences were found in treatment time, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), length of stay, in-hospital mortality, or discharge outcomes. Discussion Interpretation is limited by the small number of patients receiving intravenous nicardipine (IV nicardipine) and differences in baseline characteristics. Conclusion Intravenous nicardipine (IV nicardipine) at the first hospital was associated with higher blood pressure but not with clearly different short-term clinical outcomes.

The success rates of direct endotracheal intubation comparing between trained by using direct versus video laryngoscopy in inexperienced medical students

Chidchanok Choovongkomol — 2026-02-27

Placement of an endotracheal tube is a fundamental procedure in airway management, but novice providers face an increased risk of failure and complications. While using a video laryngoscope (VL) has been shown to enhance success rates, limited evidence exists on whether training with a VL improves success when the procedure is performed with a direct laryngoscope (DL). Objectives This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the success rates of novice medical students in endotracheal intubation using a DL after training with either VL or traditional training with DL Methods One hundred and thirty novice medical students were randomly assigned to two groups: the VL group (n=65) and the DL group (n=65). After a single training session with their assigned equipment, all students performed one intubation attempt on a manikin using a DL. Results The study found no significant difference in the first-attempt success rate between the VL and DL groups (98.0% vs. 97.7%, p=1.000) However, the VL group demonstrated better full laryngeal visibility (Grade 1 view: 29.4% vs. 27.3%, p=0.030) and higher satisfaction levels (88.2% vs. 72.7%, p=0.039). There were no significant differences in intubation time or dental click events. Conclusions In conclusion, training with a VL provides a clearer visualization of laryngeal structures and enhances satisfaction among medical students when compared to traditional DL training.

The comparison between centrifuged hematocrit and automated method for hematocrit determination

Pattrawan Waengwan — 2026-03-02

Hematocrit (Hct) measurement is a commonly used method for assessing preoperative anemia and guiding blood transfusion decisions. This measurement is primarily performed using standard laboratory instruments. In routine practice, however, centrifugation methods are also used because they are convenient and provide rapid results. Objective: To compare the red blood cell concentration relative to total blood volume (Hematocrit) obtained using a centrifugation method with that obtained using an automated laboratory analyzer. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted in adult patients aged 18 years and older who underwent surgery at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. A total of 268 patients were enrolled. Blood samples from each patient were analyzed to determine red blood cell concentration relative to total blood volume using both a centrifugation method and an automated analyzer at the central laboratory. The results from the two methods were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Hematocrit obtained from the two methods differed; however, the values demonstrated a strong positive linear correlation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.96. The hematocrit measured by the centrifuge had a mean of 34.8 ± 7%, and the hematocrit obtained from the automated analyzer had a mean of 33.1 ± 7%. The mean difference between the two measurement methods was 1.67%. Data with an acceptable level of discrepancy (error less than 4%) accounted for 95.15% of all measurements. Conclusion: Hematocrit obtained from the two measurement methods demonstrated similar trends, with values derived from the centrifugation method tending to be higher than those obtained from the automated analyzer. The observed discrepancy was within an acceptable range.

Successfulness of Video-Light Stylet for Endotracheal Intubation in Normal Patients Scheduled for Elective Surgery: Success Rate, Duration and Adverse Effects

Thidarat Ariyanuchitkul — 2026-06-05

Endotracheal intubation is a procedure in the care of critically ill patients. Conventional intubation tools have limitations when used in patients who are anticipated to be difficult intubation. The Video-light Intubating Stylet is a device developed to serving as an alternative for patients with predicted difficult airways or limited mouth opening. Objective: To evaluate the success rate of endotracheal intubation using the Video-light Intubating Stylet and to study the hemodynamic changes during intubation. Methods: Case series study, seventy patients aged 18 years and older who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation at maharat nakhon ratchasima hospital. General anesthesia was induced by intravenous agents and muscle relaxants for intubation, using the Video-light Intubating Stylet. Data recorded included intubation outcomes (success rate, number of attempts, and duration of intubation), blood pressure and heart rate. Results: The majority of the patients were female (58.6%), with a mean age of 50.4 years, mean body weight of 60.7 kg, mean height of 160.2 cm, and mean BMI of 23.6 kg/m². Patients were classified as ASA physical status I, II, and III in proportions of 31.4%, 28.6%, and 40.0%. The overall success rate of intubation was 98.6%, with first, second, and third attempt success rates of 91.4%, 7.1%, and 1.4%. After induction of anesthesia, both blood pressure and heart rate initially decreased, followed by a peak increase immediately after intubation. Subsequently, these values gradually declined and returned to near baseline levels within three minutes after intubation. Conclusion: Endotracheal intubation using the Video-light Intubating Stylet demonstrates a high success rate. The transient increase in blood pressure and heart rate post-intubation remained within acceptable limits and returned to near baseline within three minutes.

The Comparative Study of Royal Thai Massage With Herbal Poultice and Herbal Compress for Knee Osteoarthritis in Elderly Group at Nikom Sangton Eng 1 Health Promoting Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Chakkrit Takrutchaem — 2026-06-12

Knee osteoarthritis is a common health problem among older adults, affecting mobility and quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effects of royal Thai massage combined with herbal knee poultice and royal Thai massage combined with herbal compress on pain, stiffness, physical function, and range of motion of the knee in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group pretest–posttest design. A total of 52 older adults diagnosed with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–3) and chronic knee pain for at least 3 months were recruited and equally assigned into an experimental group and a control group (26 participants each). Both groups received 30 minutes of royal Thai massage, three times per week for 2 weeks. The experimental group additionally received a 30-minute herbal knee poultice, whereas the control group received a 30-minute herbal compress. Outcomes were assessed using the Modified WOMAC questionnaire and a goniometer for knee range of motion. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Results After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in pain, stiffness, physical function, and knee range of motion (p < 0.001). Pain scores in the experimental group decreased from 6.64 ± 0.45 to 2.34 ± 0.34, while those in the control group decreased from 6.58 ± 0.40 to 2.22 ± 0.32. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in all outcome measures.Discussion Royal Thai massage combined with either herbal poultice or herbal compress effectively reduced pain and stiffness and improved knee mobility in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Both interventions demonstrated comparable therapeutic effects. Conclusion and Recommendations Royal Thai massage combined with herbal poultice and herbal compress may be applied as alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis management in primary healthcare settings. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are recommended.

Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital Journal Vol. 43 No. 1 (January – June)

Urawit Piyapromdee — 2026-06-16