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Background: Data on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in intensive care units (ICUs) are very limited in South Korea. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 20 ICUs of university-affiliated hospitals from June 2017 to February 2018. Adult patients (age>18 years) who were admitted to the ICU and received NIV treatment for acute respiratory failure were included. Results: A total of 156 patients treated with NIV were enrolled (mean age, 71.9±11.6 years). The most common indications for NIV were acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF, n=89) and post-extubation respiratory failure (n=44). The main device for NIV was an invasive mechanical ventilator with an NIV module (61.5%), and the majority of patients (87.2%) used an oronasal mask. After the exclusion of 32 do-not-resuscitate patients, NIV success rate was 68.5% (85/124); ICU and hospital mortality rates were 8.9% and 15.3%, respectively. However, the success rate was lower in patients with de novo respiratory failure (27.3%) compared to that of patients with AHRF (72.8%) or post-extubation respiratory failure (75.0%). In multivariate analysis, immunocompromised state, de novo respiratory failure, post-NIV (2 hours) respiratory rate, NIV mode (i.e., non-pressure support ventilation mode), and the change of NIV device were significantly associated with a lower success rate of NIV. Conclusion: AHRF and post-extubation respiratory failure were the most common indications for NIV in Korean ICUs. Overall NIV success was achieved in 68.5% of patients, with the lowest rate in patients with de novo respiratory failure. more...

BACKGROUND In sepsis patients, target mean arterial pressures (MAPs) greater than 65 mm Hg are recommended. However, there is no such recommendation for patients receiving mechanical ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the influence of MAP over the first 24 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission on the mortality rate at 60 days post-admission in patients showing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation. METHODS This prospective, multicenter study included 22 ICUs and compared the mortality and clinical outcomes in patients showing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with high (75-90 mm Hg) and low (65-74.9 mm Hg) MAPs over the first 24 hours of admission to the ICU. RESULTS Of the 844 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, 338 had a sustained MAP of 65-90 mm Hg over the first 24 hours of admission to the ICU. At 60 days, the mortality rates in the low (26.2%) and high (24.5%) MAP groups were not significantly different. The ICU days, hospital days, and 60-day mortality rate did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION In the first 24 hours of ICU admission, MAP range between 65 and 90 mm Hg in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation may not cause significantly differences in 60-day mortality. more...

Background: Information about the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence in Korea is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate VTE cumulative recurrence rates and identify risk factors for VTE recurrence among Korean adults. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to a university teaching hospital for pulmonary embolism (PE) from 2005 to 2013. The main outcome of interest was a recurrence of VTE. We used Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to calculate the relative risk of VTE recurrence. Results: Five-year cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE events was 21.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.7-25.4) in all cases of PE; 17% after provoked and 27% after unprovoked PE. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.46; p=0.01) and longer anticoagulation therapy duration (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.96; p more...

Background: Obstructive airway disease patients with increased variability of airflow and incompletely reversible airflow obstruction are often categorized as having asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS). ACOS is heterogeneous with two sub-phenotypes: asthma-ACOS and COPD-ACOS. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in risk of exacerbation between the two sub-phenotypes of ACOS. Methods: A total of 223 patients exhibiting incompletely reversible airflow obstruction with increased variability (spirometrically defined ACOS) were enrolled. These patients were divided into asthma-ACOS and COPD-ACOS according to their physician’s diagnosis and smoking history of 10 pack-years. Within-group comparisons were made for asthma-ACOS versus COPD-ACOS and light smokers versus heavy smokers. Results: Compared to patients with COPD-ACOS, patients with asthma-ACOS experienced exacerbation more often despite their younger age, history of light smoking, and better lung function. While the light-smoking group showed better lung function, they made unscheduled outpatient clinic visits more frequently. On multivariate analysis, asthma-ACOS and poor inhaler compliance were significantly associated with more than two unscheduled clinic visits during the previous year. Conclusion: Spirometrically defined ACOS includes heterogeneous subgroups with different clinical features. Phenotyping of ACOS by physician’s diagnosis could be significant in predicting future risk of exacerbation. more...

Sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. The presentation of sarcoidal granuloma in neck nodes without typical manifestations of systemic sarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose. We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman with an increasing mass on the right side of neck. The excisional biopsy from the neck mass showed noncaseating epithelioid cell granuloma of the lymph nodes. No evidence of mycobacterial or fungal infection was noted. Thoracic evaluations did not show enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes or parenchymal abnormalities. Immunohistochemistry showed abundant expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in the granuloma. However, transforming growth factor-β was not expressed, although interleukin-1β was focally expressed. These immunohistochemical findings supported characterization of the granuloma and the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis can present with cervical lymph node enlargement without mediastinal or lung abnormality. Immunohistochemistry may support the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and characterization of granuloma. more...

Inhalation of toxic gases can lead to pneumonitis. It has been known that methane gas intoxication causes loss of consciousness or asphyxia. There is, however, a paucity of information about acute pulmonary toxicity from methane gas inhalation. A 21-year-old man was presented with respiratory distress after an accidental exposure to methane gas for one minute. He came in with a drowsy mentality and hypoxemia. Mechanical ventilation was applied immediately. The patient's symptoms and chest radiographic findings were consistent with acute pneumonitis. He recovered spontaneously and was discharged after 5 days without other specific treatment. His pulmonary function test, 4 days after methane gas exposure, revealed a restrictive ventilatory defect. In conclusion, acute pulmonary injury can occur with a restrictive ventilator defect after a short exposure to methane gas. The lung injury was spontaneously resolved without any significant sequela. more...

Background: The causes of exertional desaturation in patients with COPD can be multifactorial. We aimed to investigate factors predict exertional desaturation in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Methods: We tested 51 consecutive patients with stable COPD (FEV1/FVC, 40±13% predicted). Patients performed a six minute walk test (6MWT). Pulse oxymetric saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate were recorded. Results: Oxygen desaturation was found in 15 subjects after 6MWT, while 36 subjects were not desaturated. Lung diffusing capacity was significantly lower in desaturation (DS) group (62±18% predicted) compared with not desaturated (ND) group (84±20, p＜0.01). However there was no statistical difference of FEV1/FVC ratio or residual volume between two groups. The pulse rate change was significantly higher in the desaturated compared with the not desaturated group. Six minute walking distance, subjective dyspnea scale, airflow obstruction, and residual volume did not predict exertional oxygen desaturation. Independent factors assessed by multiple logistic regression revealed that a pulse rate increment (odd ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 ∼1.40; p=0.02), a decrease in baseline PaO2 (OR, 1.105; 95% CI, 1.003∼1.218; p=0.04) and a decrease in lung diffusing capacity (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01∼1.19; p=0.01) were significantly associated with oxygen desaturation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that an absolute increment in pulse rate of 16/min gave optimal discrimination between desaturated and not desaturated patients after 6MWT. Conclusion: Pulse rate increment and diffusion capacity can predict exertional oxygen desaturation in stable COPD patients with moderate to severe airflow obstruction. more...

Results: The survival rate (%) of the rats treated with HA was higher (60%) than that of the controls (20%) when HA was infused 4 hours after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of the animals surviving HA or NS infusion 4 hours after LPS showed that the total cell counts and number of neutrophils were significantly (p ＜0.01) reduced in the HA treated groups compared with that of the controls (total cell count, 9.2×10 4 /mL vs. 61×10 4 /mL; neutrophils, 21×10 4 /mL vs. 0.2×10 4 /mL, respectively). There was no significant MAP difference between the HA or control groups either with or without endotoxin. Conclusion: Infusion of hyaluronan (1,600 kDa) reduced the BAL total cell count and the number of neutrophils and it improved the survival rate of the endotoxemic rats. more...

The year of 2009∼2010 brought a number of concepts and new ideas were evaluated with promising results. However, some studies that challenged many beliefs. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), recent clinical studies took into consideration of pathophysiologic changes of respiratory system compliance. Meta-analysis of positive end-expiratory pressure trials showed survival benefit of high positive end-expiratory pressure in ARDS. Until now, prone positioning did not show survival benefit in patients with ARDS. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) based management improved survival in patien ts with severe ARDS. ECMO can be a management option in severe ARDS. Sedation is a standard practice in critically ill patients needing mechanical ventilation. However, Danish group reported less sedation of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation was associated with an increase in days without ventilation. Although this single center study has some limitations, the overall results are promising. Use of maximal sterile barrier precautions (mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and large sterile drapes) with chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing reduced central venous catheter related infection. Selective oropharyngeal decontamination (application of topical antibiotics in the oropharynx) reduced the mortality rate of an intensive care unit (ICU) population. Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) trial reported intensive glucose control increased mortality among adults in the ICU. Some of the results of above papers are promising. However, some ideas may need for more frequent individual assessment and increase the workload of ICU staffs. Before implementation of new practice in ICU, we should take into consideration of individual hospital situation including human and material resources. more...

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common clinical problem in the West that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The diagnostic modality has been changed since 2001. This study retrospectively reviewed the PE mortality with the aim of identifying the risk factors associated with mortality since the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was introduced. Methods: We analyzed 105 patients with acute PE proven by multidetector CT or ventilation perfusion scan. The primary outcome measure was the all-cause mortality at 3 months. The prognostic effect of the baseline factors on survival was assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: The main risk factors were prolonged immobilization, stroke, cancer and obesity. Forty nine percent of patients had 3 or more risk factors. The overall mortality at 3 months was 18.1%. Multivariate analysis revealed low diastolic blood pressure and the existence of cancer to be independent factors significantly associated with mortality. Forty two PE patients were examined for the coagulation inhibitors. Four of these patients had a protein C deficiency (9.5%), and 11 had a protein S deficiency (26%). Conclusion: PE is an important clinical problem with a high mortality rate. Close monitoring may be necessary in patients with the risk factors. more...

연구배경: 폐암은 우리나라 암 사망원인 질환의 가장 높은 비율을 차지하는 질환으로 특히 노령 인구에서 증가하는 추세이다. 그러나 노령의 폐암 환자는 동반된 질환, 노령에 따른 장기 기능의 저하 등의 이유로 적절한 치료를 받지못하는 경우가 많다. 이에 70세 이상의 노령 폐암 환자의 임상적 특징과 치료에 따른 생존기간 등을 알아보고자 한다. 방법: 2005년 1월부터 2005년 12월까지 대구, 경북지역에 소재하고 있는 대학병원 및 종합병원(경북대학병원, 구미 순천향병원, 대구가톨릭대학병원, 대구파티마병원, 동산의료원, 영남대학병원)에서 세포학적 혹은 조직학적으로 원발성 폐암을 진단받은 706명의 환자들을 70세 이상 환자군과 70세 미만 환자군으로 나누어 후향적으로 연구하였다. 결과: 전체 환자 중 70세 이상의 환자는273명(38.7%)이었다. 70세 이상의 환자는 70세 미만보다 호흡곤란의 증상이 많았으며(p＜0.001), 만성폐쇄성폐질환의 빈도가 높았고(p＜0.001), 활동도가 좋은 경우가 적었다(p＜0.001). 비소세포폐암 환자의 중앙생존기간은 70세 미만의 환자와 70세 이상의 환자에서 유의한 차이를 보였지만(962일 vs 298일, p=0.001), 한 가지라도 치료를 받았던 환자들을 대상으로 했을 때는 두 군간에 의미 있는 차이가 없었다(1,109일 vs 708일, p=0.14). 결론: 70세 이상의 비소세포폐암 환자에서 환자의 활동도 등을 고려하여 적극적인 치료를 시행하는 것이 바람직할 것으로 생각된다. more...

A factor VII gene -401 G/A polymorphism was identified in a patient with a pulmonary embolism. The patient was a 71-year-old woman who presented with acute-onset dyspnea. A chest CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolism. Despite the administration of low-dose warfarin as anticoagulation therapy, there was an excessively prolonged prothrombin time (PT). The blood tests revealed lower factor VII activity than normal. Full factor VII gene sequencing revealed a G to A substitution at -401 in the promoter region. There were no other gene sequence anomalies. PCR-based analysis indicated lower factor VII gene expression in the patient than in a control subject. The data suggested the promoter polymorphism to be responsible for the lower transcription level. In conclusion, we encountered a case of Factor VII DNA polymorphism in a patient with a pulmonary embolism showing significantly reduced Factor VII activity. more...

Background: Staphylococcus aureus frequently colonizes and infects hospitalized patients. Respiratory infections with Staphylococcus aureus are common in patients with compromised airway defenses. However the mechanisms of S. aureus invasion from colonization to the epithelium are unclear. Cell invasion by S. aureus would require destruction of the extracellular matrix, which is believed to be the result of increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity. Methods: In this study, respiratory epithelial cells were infected with S. aureus. After removing the extracellular bacteria by washing, the internalized bacteria in the cells were assessed by counting the colonized forming units (CFUs). The cell adhesion proteins, dysadherin and E-cadherin, were evaluated by Western blotting. The MMPs in the bacterial invasion were evaluated by pretreating the cells with GM6001, a MMP inhibitor. Results: The internalization of S. aureus was found to be both time and dose dependent, and the increase in MMP 2 and 9 activity was also dependent on the incubation time and the initial amount of bacterial inoculation. The invasion of S. aureus was attenuated by GM6001 after 12 hours incubation with a multiply of infection (MOI)=50. The expression of dysadherin, a membrane protein, was increased in a time and dose dependent manner, while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased. Conclusion: MMPs may mediate the invasion of S. aureus into epithelial cells. more...

연구배경: 급성 폐색전증의 발생을 예측하는 Wells 및 Geneva 예측 모형은 서구에서 잘 확립되어 있다. 폐색전증의 역학이 서구와 다를 것으로 보이는 국내에서의 예측모형의 유용성에 대해서 평가 하고자 한다. 방법: 단일 의료기관에서 폐색전증 의심 하에 multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)를 시행한 환자 210명을 대상으로 후향적으로 조사하였다. 성별 구성은 남자 90명(42.9%), 여자 120명(57.1%)이었고, 평균 연령은 63.3±15.9세였다. 의무기록을 바탕으로 Wells 및 개정된 Geneva 예측 모형으로 폐색전증의 가능성에 대해 저위험군, 중등도 위험군, 고위험군으로 분류하였다. 결과: 폐색전증으로 진단된 환자는 210명 중 41명(19.5%)이었다. Wells 예측 모형을 적용한 폐색전증 발병가능성 평가에서는, 2명(1%)이 저위험군, 137명(62.5%)이 중등도 위험군, 71명(33.8%)이 고위험군으로 분류되었고, 각 군에서 폐색전증의 발생률은 100%, 18.2%, 19.7%였다. 개정된 Geneva 예측 모형을 적용할 경우 44명(21%)이 저위험군, 160명(76.2%)이 중등도 위험군, 6명(2.8%)이 고위험군으로 분류되었고, 각 군에서 폐색전증의 발생률은 4.5%, 22.5%, 50%로 나타났다. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) 곡선 분석에서 개정된 Geneva 예측 모형이 Wells 예측 모형에 비해 정확도가 높았다. 두 예측 모형 사이의 일치율은 불량했다(κ coefficient=0.06). 결론: 본 연구에서는 폐색전증이 의심되는 환자에서 개정된 Geneva 예측모형과 Wells 예측 모형으로 평가하여 두 모형 사이에 일치율이 불량하였으며, 개정된 Geneva 모형이 Wells 모형에 비해 폐색전증 진단 예측이 더 정확하였다. more...

연구배경: 천식 치료의 근간을 이루고 있는 흡입용 스테로이드제에 대한 반응은 천식 환자마다 다양하다. 또한, 코르티코스테로이드가 천식의 기도염증에서 중요한 매개체인 류코트리엔을 효과적으로 억제하지 못하는 것으로 보고되었다. 이에 저자들은 흡입용 스테로이드와 지속성 베타2 항진제의 병용요법으로도 증상이 완전히 조절되지 않는 지속성 천식 환자에서 montelukast를 추가하였을 때의 유효성을 평가하고자 하였다. 방법: 4주간의 준비기간을 거쳐서 흡입용 스테로이드와 지속성 베타2 항진제의 병용요법으로도 증상이 완전히 조절되지 않는 지속성 천식 환자 198명을 선정하여 8주 동안 montelukast 10mg 정을 1일 1회 취침 전 복용토록 하였다. ACQ 증상 점수와 FEV1% 치를 montelukast 치료 전후로 각각 측정하였으며, 치료 후에 환자와 연구자 각각 천식과 비염에 대하여 ``호전되었음, 변화없음, 악화되었음`` 중의 하나로 평가하도록 하였다. 결과: 8주간 montelukast를 추가한 후 ACQ 증상 점수의 평균 변화량은 -4.8점[95% CI (-5.7,-3.9)]으로, 유의하게 천식 증상이 호전됨을 보였다 (p 0.05). 방문 2시점에서 시행한 천식에 대한 환자와 연구자의 종합 평가에서 각각 약 60%의 환자와 연구자가 ``개선되었음``으로 평가하였으며(κ=0.85), 비염의 종합 평가에서 각각 55%의 환자와 51%의 연구자가 ``개선되었음``으로 평가하였다(κ=0.93). 결론: 흡입용 스테로이드 및 지속성 베타2 항진제의 병용제제로도 천식증상이 완전히 조절되지 않는 중등증 이상의 지속성 천식 환자에서 류코트리엔 조절제의 추가는 천식의 조절을 향상시킬 수 있다. more...

Background: Patients with COPD generally complain of very different degrees of dyspnea regardless of their pulmonary function. The study, we assessed the right ventricular ejection fraction in relation to dyspnea in COPD patient. Methods: The pulmonary function including the diffusion capacity was measured. The right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF) was measured using a first-pass radionuclide scan by multigated acquisition (MUGA). Forty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were stratified for dyspnea according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Moderate dyspnea and severe dyspnea is defined as MRC 2/3 (n = 16) and MRC 4/5 (n = 24) respectively. Results: The baseline pulmonary function tests including DLCO and the resting arterial blood gas were similar in the moderate and severe dyspnea group, with the exception of the residual volume (% predicted) (moderate 160 ± 27, severe 210 ± 87, p < 0.03). The right ventricle ejection fraction was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the severe dyspnea group (25 ± 8) than in the moderate group (35 ± 6). The independent factor assessed by multiple logistic regression revealed only the severity of dyspnea to be significantly associated with RVEF (p < 0.02). Conclusion: This study showed that the right ventricle ejection fraction would contributes to severity of dyspnea in patients with a similar pulmonary function (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 631-637) more...

Background : The single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and the per unit alveolar volume (KCO; DLCO/VA) gave discordant values when there was an abnormal alveolar volume (VA). However, the clinical significance of the discordant values in patients with airflow limitation has not been examined. This study investigated the DLCO and KCO changes after improving the airflow limitation. Methods : The baseline DLCO and KCO with lung volume were measured in patients with an airflow obstruction. The effective alveolar volume was measured using the single-breath CH4 dilution method. The patients divided into two groups according to the baseline values: (1) increased KCO in comparison with the DLCO (high discordance) (2) decreased or not increased KCO in comparison with the DLCO (low discordance). The diffusion capacity and lung volume were measured after treatment. Results : There was no significant difference in the baseline lung volumes including the FEV1 and FVC between the two groups. The FEV1 and FVC were significantly increased in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group after treating the airflow limitation. The DLCO and alveolar volume were significant higher in the high discordance group compared with the low discordance group while the TLC was not. Conclusion : The discordance between the DLCO and KCO could be translated into an airflow reversibility in patients with an airflow limitation. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 374-379) more...

Blastomycosis is a systemic pyogranulomatous disease that is caused by a thermally dimorphic fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis. it’s the disease is endemic in the south-eastern and south central states of the USA, which border the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the mid-western states and Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes as well as in a small area of New York and Canada adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. 1 We encountered a case of blastomycosis, representing as a pulmonary manifestation after traveling around a nonendemic area and report it with a brief review of the relevant literature. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 58: 619-623) more...

Background : Early death is an important problem associated with the management of community-acquired pneumonia. However, there is little information on the risk factors associated with it. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with early death in community-acquired pneumonia patients. Methods : From January 1999 to July 2004, 1,487 adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were admitted to the pulmonary department via emergency center were examined. Early death was defined as those who died within 2 days of hospitalization. The clinical and laboratory aspects of the patients who died early (n = 30) were compared with those of an age and gender matched control population (n = 60). Results : In the early death group, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significant higher (p were significant lower (p more...

12.3%; lung volume changes were analyzed in 17 patients for the flow response. Results : The mean age of the subjects was 66 years; 76% were men. The mean baseline FEV1, FEV1/FVC and RV were 0.98L (44.2% predicted), 47.5% and 4.65 L (241.5%), respectively. The mean follow up duration was 80 days. The mean differences in the FEV1, FVC, TLC and RV were 0.27 L, 0.39 L, -0.69 L and -1.04 L, respectively, during the follow up periods. There was no correlation between the delta FEV1 and delta RV values(r=0.072, p=0.738). Conclusion : To appropriately evaluate the lung function in patients with moderate to severe airflow limitations; serial lung volume measurements would be helpful. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2004; 57:143-147) more...

Background : An assessment of the presence and the degree of reversibility of airflow obstruction is clinically important in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the time responses of spirometric parameters in response to bronchodilator have not been well investigated. Methods: We studied 15 patients with asthma. Spirometric and mini-Wright peak expiratory flow measurements were performed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after using single dose() of inhaled bronchodilator, salbutamol. Results : The mean values of forced expiratory volume in one second() and forced vital capicaty(FVC) were significantly increased at 60 minutes after using bronchodilator in comparison to 15 minutes. And peak expiratory flow rate measured by either mass flow sensor or mini-Wright peak flow meter were significantly increased at 45 minutes after using bronchodilator in comparison to 15 minutes. Conclusions : To appropriate evaluation of the bronchodilator response in patients with reversible airflow limitation, it would be useful measuring either or PEF at the later time point 60 or 45 minutes in comparison to 15 minutes after using bronchodilator. more...

Background : In recent years, numerous human tumor specific antigens such as melanoma antigen gene(MAGE) that is recognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been identified. MAGE is expressed in many human malignancies in various organs, such as lung, breast, stomach, esophagus and leukemia. Therefore MAGE has been studied widely for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy. But, so far there were no clinical studies evaluating the role of MAGE in pleural effusion. We investigated the expression of MAGE in the patients with exudative pleural effusion for it's diagnostic utility and the results were compared with those of cytologic examinations. Methods : Diagnostic thoracentesis was performed in 44 consecutive patients with exudative pleural effusion during 6 months. We examined the expression of MAGE and cytology with the obtained pleural effusion. Expression of MAGE was interpreted by means of a commercial kit using RT-PCR method. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups such as malignant and benign and we analyzed its' sensitivity and specificity. Results : There were no significant differences between two groups in age, sex, white blood cell counts in pleural fluid, pleural fluid/serum protein ratio and pleural fluid/serum LDH ratio. The sensitivity and specificity of MAGE were 72.2% and 96.2% respectively and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MAGE were also 92.9% and 83.3% respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of cytologic examinations were 66.7% and 81.3% respectively. There were no significant differences between sensitivities of MAGE and cytologic examinations but false positive result of MAGE was found in 1 case of tuberculous pleurisy. Conclusion : MAGE is a sensitive and specific marker for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant effusion in patients with exudative pleural effusion. And MAGE would provide the equal sensitivity compared with that of cytologic examination in patients with malignant pleural effusion if 5mL of the pleural fluid is examined. more...

Lung involvement in systemic sclerosis(SSC) is common but usually occurs late in the course. Skin changes usually occur before the pulmonary findings. In this report, a patient who developed pulmonary interstitial fibrosis without skin changes is presented. A diagnosis of SSC lung involvement was made histologically. The a nti-scl-70 antibody test was positive. Esophageal manometry revealed a lower amplitude in the lower two-third of the esophagus and pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. Here we report a case of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma presenting as pulmonary interstitial fibrosis with a review of the relevant literatures. more...

연구배경 : 천식의 치료에 널리 사용되고 있는 호기유속측정기는 외래환자와 응급실에서뿐만 아니라 입원 천식환자들의 치료 및 경과 관찰에 매우 유용하다. 호기유속측정기에 대한 정확도 및 재현성에 대한 많은 연구가 있어왔으나 기류폐색을 가지는 환자를 대상으로 측정했을때의 정확도에 관한 연구는 드물다. 따라서 ...

Backgrounds : Assessment of the presence and degree of reversibility of airflow obstruction is clinically important in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The measurement of peak expiratory flow(PEF) is a simple, fast, and cheap method to assess the severity of obstruction and its degree of reversibility. Assessing the reversibility of airflow obstruction by peak expiratory flow(PEF) measurements is practicable in general practice, but its usefulness has not been well investigated. We compared PEF and in assessing reversibility of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma and developed a practical criterion for assessing the presence of reversibility in general practice. Methods : PEF measurements were performed (Spirometry) in 80 patients(aged 24-78) with a history of asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease before and after the inhalation of 200 g salbutamol. The change in PEF was compared with the change in forced expiratory volume in one second(). Reversible airflow obstruction was analyzed according to American Thoracic Society(ATS) criteria. Results : A 12% increase above the prebronchodilator value and a 200ml increase in either FVC or reversibility were observed in 45%(36) of the patients. Relative operating characteristic(ROC) analysis showed that an absolute improvement in PEF of 30 l/min gave optimal discrimination between patients with reversible and irreversible airflow obstruction(the sensitivity and specificity of an increase of 30 l/min in detecting a 12% increase above the prebronchodilator value and a 200ml increase in either FVC or were 72.2% and 72.7% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 68.4%). Conclusions : Absolute changes in PEF can be used to diagnose reversible airflow obstruction. more...

Carcinoma of the prostate is a common malignancy affecting elderly men. Lung metastasis from prostate cancer occurs frequently, but tumor metastasis to the central bronchi that clinically mimics primary bronchogenic carcinoma are very rare. We report a 73-year old man with endobronchial metastasis from prostatic carcinoma presented with respiratory symptom cough. Diagnosis of tissues taken from materials which were used for bronchoscopic biopsy and prostate biopsy and immunohistochemical staining for prostate specific antigen (PSA) confirmed a case of endobronchial metastasis from prostatic carcinoma. Hormonal therapy (LHRH agonist) was applied to this patient. more...

Background: In 1987, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) subjected an extensive list of patient variables to statistical analysis in a prospective study of prognosis in 453 adults with community-acquired pneumonia and, subsequently published guidelines for management of severe community acquired pneumonia. It was hoped that those at risk of dying from community acquired pneumonia could be easily identified and treated appropriately, thereby reducing mortality. To date, severe community acquired pneumonia has not been well studied in Korea. Therefore, we studied retrospectively 10 patients dying of severe community acquired pneumonia in Dongsan Hospital to see clinical manifestations of dying of severe community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: Between July 1987 and july 1993, 498 patients were admitted to Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital with community acquired pneumonia, and 77 of them received intensive care. Of the 77 patients, 10 patients died. We reviewed medical records of these patients. Results: 1) The mean age of the patients was 56.2 years(range, 25 to 75 years). There were 7 men and 3 women. Seven patients(70%) were older than 60years of age. 2) The clinical features on admission were as follows: tachypnca, hypoxemia, mental change, cyanosis, leukopenia, leukocytosis, azotemia, hypotension, hypoalbuminemia in order of frequency. Three patients had one abnormal physical finding, 3 patients had 2, 2 patients had 3, and 2 patients had none of these abnormal physical findings. All patients had at least one of the abnormal laboratory findings. 3) A potential bacterial pathogen was isolated in sputum culture from 2 patients. One was E.coli, the other Enterobacter species. Sputum stain were positive in eight cases (G(+)cocci in six, G(+) cocci and G(-)bacilli in two). 4) Features of respiratory failure were the main reasons for ICU transfer, but two patients were transferred only following a cardiac or respiratory arrest in the general ward. 5) The mean of 2.7 different antibiotics were given to the patients. The aminoglycoside and first generation cephalosporin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, followed by the third generation cephalosporin and vancomycin. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics combination was a 1st generation cephalosporin plus an aminoglycoside. 6) Seven patients death(70%) occured after admission within the first five days, and a mean duration of hospitaliztion was 11.2 days. Conclusion: As the results show most death occured within the first five days after admission and aged patients; consequently, an aggressive intensive treatment should be provided early to the patients with severe community acquired pneumonia, and we should pay more attention to the aged patients. more...

Background: To decide the optimal antibiotics and application of chest tube, examination of pleural fluid is fundamental in the management of empyema. Some criteria for drainage of pleural fluid have been recommended but some controversies have been suggested. Recently, newer radiologic methods including ultrasound and computed tomography scanning, have been applied to the diagnosis and management of pleural effusions. We undertook a retrospective analysis of 30 patients with pleural effusion who had CT scans of the chest in order to apply the criteria of Light et al retrospectively to patients with loculation and to correlate the radiologic appearance of pleural effusions with pleural fluid chemistry. Method: We analyzed the records of 30 out of 147 patients with pleural effusion undergoing chest CT scans. Results: 1) Six of the pleural fluid cultures yielded gram negative organisms and three anaerobic bacterias and one Staphylococcus aureus and one non-hemolytic Streptococci. No organism was cultured in ninteen cases(63.0%). 2) The reasons for taking chest CT scans were to rule out malignancy or parenchymal lung disease(46.7%), poor response to antibiotics(40.0%), hard to aspirate pleural fluid(10.0%) and to decide the site for chest tube insertion(3.3%). 3) There was no significant correlations between ATS stages and loculation but there was a tendency to loculate in stage III. 4) There was a significant inverse relationship between the level of pH and loculation(p more...

Signet ring cell carcinoma has been previously described in many organs, most frequently in the stomach, and rarely in the colon, rectum, gallbladder, pancreas, breast, nadsal cavity, prostate, urinary bladder and ureter. Signet ring cell carcinomas in the lung, especially, when examined by small biopsies, are generally believed to be metastatic. This case was diagnosed by bronchoscopic biopsy. We also examined various organs by noninvasive method, including UGI series, barium enema and abdomen CT scan, but all studies were nomal. Patient received cisplatin and etoposide combination chemotherapy followed by local radiotherapy as a primary non-small cell lung cancer. Patient died of his disease 6 months after diagnosis. Now we report a case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the lung. more...