Shilin District

Researchers are studying chronic limb-threatening ischemia CLTI, a severe form of peripheral artery disease where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs, causing pain, wounds, or gangrene. This condition carries a high risk of leg amputation and death, and complications often persist even after procedures to restore blood flow. The study evaluates whether colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug used for gout and heart disease, can improve outcomes for CLTI patients after revascularization. Participants who have recently undergone a successful procedure to restore blood flow to their leg will be randomly assigned to receive either colchicine 0.5 mg daily or a matching placebo for 12 months, alongside their usual medications. Treatment starts within 7 days of the procedure. Dose adjustments or temporary treatment interruptions are allowed for side effects. The study is double-blind and conducted at multiple centers in Taiwan. During the 12 months of participation, patients will have regular assessments including blood flow tests, wound healing evaluations, and quality of life questionnaires. Researchers will monitor safety and measure outcomes such as amputation-free survival, major limb and cardiovascular events, and inflammation markers. This pilot study aims to provide initial evidence on the potential benefits and safety of colchicine in CLTI patients to guide future larger trials.

Researchers are evaluating whether high flow nasal cannula HFNC can reduce the need for intubation in patients with severe hypoxemia caused by chest trauma. The study is a three-center randomized clinical trial conducted at a level I trauma hospital, focusing on patients who have low arterial oxygen levels PaO2FiO2 <300 within 72 hours after thoracic trauma and who remain hypoxic despite oxygen therapy. This research aims to provide evidence for the use of HFNC compared to the standard oxygen mask in this patient group. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy or oxygen delivered by a facial mask. Both groups will start with a fraction of inspired oxygen FiO2 at 0.4, adjusted to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%. The HFNC group will have flow rates titrated up to 60 liters per minute. The choice of interface depends on the patients associated injuries. Treatments will be provided during the first 72 hours after trauma. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants for the main outcome of intubation or pneumonia within 30 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes include oxygenation levels measured by the PaO2FiO2 ratio at 48 hours and rates of pneumonia or tracheostomy within 30 days. Patient breathing rates and respiratory distress will be assessed, and consent will be obtained. The trial is expected to continue until the end of 2027.