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The association between alcohol consumption and kidney function is intriguing, but study results are mixed and controversial. We examined the association of alcohol consumption with the overall change in kidney function over 12 years. We analyzed data from a population-based cohort that was part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Primary exposure was total alcohol intake (non-drinkers, 0 to

Background: The association between ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and mortality may be affected by the muscle mass or volume status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, there is an absence of data regarding this association. Methods: We performed an observational study on patients (≥18 years old) who had been on HD for at least 3 months. A body composition monitor (BCM) was used for baseline bioimpedance analysis measurement. The primary composite outcome was defined as the time to death or the first cardiovascular event. Results: The median (interquartile range) UFR, volume excess measured by the BCM, and lean tissue index (LTI) (calculated as lean tissue mass/height2) were 11.4 (8.0–15.0) mL/h/kg, 2.4 (1.4–4.1) L, and 12.5 (10.4–14.4) kg/m2, respectively. During 284 person-years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 44 of the 167 patients (26%). Higher UFR was associated with an increased outcome of death or cardiovascular event; the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.044 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.006–1.083). This association remained consistent even after adjusting for volume excess. However, the association between UFR and the primary outcome was modified by LTI (pinteraction = 0.027); the association was significant in patients with LTI < 12.5 kg/m2, and the HR (95% CI) was 1.050 (1.001–1.102). Conclusion: Higher UFR was associated with an increased risk of a composite outcome of death or cardiovascular event regardless of volume status in HD patients. However, muscle mass may modify the association between higher UFR and increased risk of a composite outcome.

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common serious complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hyperphosphatemia is also common in HD patients and promotes vascular calcification. Given the association between vascular calcification and IDH, we investigated the association between IDH and serum phosphorus in HD patients. Methods: We enrolled 173 patients who received HD for 3 months or more. IDH was defined as a nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP) Results: IDH occurred in 40 (23.1%) of the 173 patients. The mean phosphorus level was 4.9 mg/dL. A 1 mg/dL higher serum phosphorus resulted in a 2.1-fold greater odds of IDH. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 2.11 (1.48–3.01). High categorized phosphorus levels were also associated with IDH. The highest tertile of serum phosphorus was associated with 6.5-fold greater odds of developing IDH compared to the referent group (the middle tertile of serum phosphorus, 4.0–Conclusion: In HD patients, higher phosphorus levels were associated with an increased occurrence of IDH.

Background/Aims The strategy of access care at out center involves the use of ultrasound (USG) in case of physical examination (PE) abnormality. USG determines the need of angiography. This study investigated the possible association between the need for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and hemodynamic parameters of USG. The study also assessed the effects of this monitoring strategy on outcomes in comparison with a historical control. Methods A retrospective study of the medical records of 127 patients (65 PTA, 62 non-PTA) was conducted. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve. Fistula outcomes and intervention rates were calculated and compared with 100 historic controls. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that brachial artery flow volume (FV) < 612.9 mL/min or brachial artery resistance index (RI) > 0.63 was independently associated with the need for PTA. This monitoring strategy showed an a reduction in thromboses (0.02 ± 0.11 events/arteriovenous fistula [AVF]-year vs. 0.07 ± 0.23 events/AVF-year, p = 0.046), reduction in central venous catheter placement (0.01 ± 0.05 events/AVF-year vs. 0.06 ± 0.22 events/AVF-year, p = 0.010), reduction in access loss (0.02 ± 0.13 events/AVF-year vs. 0.19 ± 0.34 events/AVF-year, p = 0.015), and increase in access selective repair (0.49 ± 0.66 events/AVF-year vs. 0.21 ± 0.69 events/AVF-year, p = 0.003), compared to historic control. Conclusions There was significant stenosis if brachial artery FV was < 612.9 mL/min or RI was > 0.63 for PE abnormality. These parameters should be used as markers for assessing PTA risk in hemodialysis patients. Addition of USG to determine the need of angiography after detection of PE abnormality leads to decreases in access thrombosis, catheter placement, and access loss despite increasing access intervention rates compared to clinical monitoring.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, complications, and mortality rate associated with acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsA total of 75 patients who were treated at Samsung Changwon Hospital between February 2005 and March 2016 were included in the study sample. The outcomes included in-hospital survival, renal recovery, metabolic and fluid control rates, and technical success rates.ResultsRefractory heart failure was the most frequent cause of acute PD (49.3%), followed by hepatic failure (20.0%), septic shock (14.7%), acute pancreatitis (9.3%), and unknown causes (6.7%). The hospital survival of patients in the acute PD was 48.0%. Etiologies of acute kidney injury (AKI) (refractory heart failure, acute pancreatitis compared with hepatic failure, septic shock or miscellaneous causes), use of inotropes, use of a ventilator, and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II were associated with survival differences. Maintenance dialysis required after survival was high (80.1% [29/36]) due to AKI etiologies (heart or hepatic failures). Metabolic and fluid control rates were 77.3%. The technical success rate for acute PD was 93.3%.ConclusionAcute PD remains a suitable treatment modality for patients with AKI in the era of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Nearly all patients who require dialysis can be dialyzed with acute PD without mechanical difficulties. This is particularly true in patients with refractory heart failure and acute pancreatitis who had a weak requirement for inotropes.

Background: The use of ultrasound guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (UG-PTA), which use ultrasound as an imaging modality, is an evolving strategy. But, in Korea, this method is rarely used. We report our experiences with UG-PTA with respect to technical success rates and complication rates compared to conventional PTA (C-PTA), performed between 2010 and 2015 at Samsung Changwon Hospital, Korea. Methods: In our series, 53 cases of UG-PTA and 90 cases of C-PTA were reviewed, respectively. Cases of central vein stenosis, cephalic arch stenosis, arterial stenosis and thrombosis were excluded. However, cases of juxta-anastomotic stenosis and outflow vein stenosis were included. Results: Technical success was achieved in 96.2% (51 of 53) of cases in the UG-PTA group and in 93.3% (84 of 90) of cases in the C-PTA group, respectively (P = 0.710). Technical failure was experienced in a total 8 cases (UG-PTA group: 2/53, 3.8%; C-PTA group: 6/90, 6.7%). No differences were observed in complications. Conclusion: Duplex ultrasound-guided angioplasty for dialysis access in the outpatient setting is feasible, safe, and effective for peripheral venous stenotic lesions. It offers many advantages over conventional angiographic procedures, and, in the future, it has great potential to play a significant role in the management of these challenging patients.

Background: High ultrafiltration rate (UFR) has been associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the impact of UFR on decline of residual kidney function (RKF) has not been elucidated among patients receiving conventional HD. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 7,753 patients who initiated conventional HD from 2007 to 2011 and survived the first year of dialysis with baseline UFR and renal urea clearance (KRU) data at baseline and 1 year (5th patient-quarter). The primary exposure was average UFR at the 1st patient-quarter from dialysis initiation (Results: In our HD cohort, mean baseline UFR was 7.0 ± 3.1 mL/h/kg, and median (interquartile range) baseline KRU was 3.5 (2.1–5.3) mL/min/1.73 m2. There was a graded association between UFR and a rapid decline in RKF; the expanded case mix-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 1.21 (1.04–1.40), 1.34 (1.16–1.55), 1.73 (1.46–2.04), and 1.93 (1.48–2.52) for baseline UFR 4 to Conclusion: Higher UFR was associated with a rapid decline in RKF among conventional HD patients. Further clinical trials are needed to elucidate a causal effect of UFR on RKF among HD patients.

55 Copyrightc 2016 The Korean Association of Internal Medicine This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Received: 2014. 3. 6 Revised: 2014. 3. 28 Accepted: 2014. 5. 5

Purpose To determine the efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy (CC) with docetaxel and cisplatin (DP) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with the same agents in locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Patient and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to either CCRT alone (observation arm) or CCRT followed by CC (consolidation arm). CCRT with docetaxel (20 mg/m2) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) was administered every week for 6 weeks with a total dose of 66 Gy of thoracic radiotherapy in 33 fractions. In the consolidation arm, patients were further treated with three cycles of DP (35 mg/m2 each on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks). The primary end point was 40% improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared with observation. Results From October 2005 to April 2011, 437 patients were randomly assigned. Seventeen patients did not start CCRT as a result of consent withdrawal or ineligibility reasons after random assignment, leaving 420 patients for this analysis (n = 211 for observation; n = 209 for consolidation). Patient characteristics were similar in both arms. In the consolidation arm, 143 patients (68%) received CC, of whom 88 (62%) completed three planned cycles. The median PFS was 8.1 months in the observation arm and 9.1 months in the consolidation arm (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.12; P = .36). Median overall survival times were 20.6 and 21.8 months in the observation and consolidation arms, respectively (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.25; P = .44). Conclusion CC with DP after CCRT with weekly DP in LA-NSCLC failed to further prolong PFS. CCRT alone should remain the standard of care.

In advanced or relapsed pancreatic cancer, mono- or duo-therapy has shown modest efficacy at best. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a triplet combination in relapsed or advanced pancreatic cancer. A total of 37 patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in stage III/IV or with relapsed disease were treated with a gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (GFP) regimen every 3 weeks. Only 29 out of 37 patients were evaluable for response due to early treatment interruption in 8 patients. The overall response rate was 24.1% and the disease control rate was 68.9%. The progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 61.5, 30.9 and 17.6% at 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 46.5 and 30.6% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Grade 3/4 leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 18.4, 29.9 and 24.5% of 147 cycles, respectively. Old age and a poor performance status (PS) were associated with the early discontinuation of chemotherapy (P=0.038 and P=0.036, respectively). In patients

To investigate the development of nephrotoxicity associated with colistin dose, and whether this relationship differs depending on renal function.A retrospective cohort study of patients who received intravenous colistin to treat infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative microorganisms. Adult patients receiving colistin for 72 hours or longer were included in this study. Patients who received renal replacement therapy at baseline or were administered colistin for less than 3 days were excluded. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was defined as a doubling of baseline serum creatinine. Colistin dosing was evaluated based on both actual body weight and ideal body weight.Single general hospital between 2010 and 2013.A total number of 475 patients received colistin therapy. Of these patients, 329 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.None.One hundred forty-three patients (43.5%) experienced nephrotoxicity during colistin treatment. The median onset time of nephrotoxicity was 6 days (interquartile range, 4-8 days). The patients with nephrotoxicity were older. Hematocrit and serum albumin levels were lower in patients with nephrotoxicity. Median daily dosing of colistin based on ideal body weight was significantly higher in patients with nephrotoxicity than in those without nephrotoxicity (4.55 vs 4.43 mg/kg/d, respectively; p=0.021). The cumulative dose was not different between patients with and without nephrotoxicity. In multiple logistic regression analysis, daily colistin dosing based on ideal body weight was only significantly associated with the development of nephrotoxicity in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.22-4.5). In these affected patients, based on a receiver operating characteristic plot, the optimal predictive cutoff of colistin dose for the development of nephrotoxicity was 2.87 mg/kg/d of colistin, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 76.7%. In patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate≥60 mL/min/1.73 m, age, serum albumin, hematocrit, and use of glycopeptide were associated with the development of nephrotoxicity.Development of nephrotoxicity was significantly more strongly associated with the dose of colistin, but only in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and not in those with normal renal function.

Purpose Recently, there have been many reports that exact central vein catheter tip positioning was possible using intracardiac electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Ultrasonic guidance in combination with intracardiac ECG monitoring may allow for a tunneled dialysis catheter to be inserted at the bedside without using fluoroscopy. Therefore we report on the intracavitary ECG method for insertion of a tunneled dialysis catheter with ultrasound guidance and the feasibility, safety, effectiveness, complications and limitations of this method. Methods From April 2012 to June 2014, we evaluated 142 hemodialysis (HD) patients who were dialyzed by a tunneled dialysis catheter that was inserted using intracardiac ECG monitoring without fluoroscopic usage. We checked the intracardiac P wave and the point at which it gradually rose to the highest P wave morphology, we stopped inserting the catheter. Results Catheter flow during dialysis was adequate in 139 cases. There were three cases where it malfunctioned. Catheter malposition occurred in 6 out of 142 cases. The correct matching rate between the intracardiac ECG and chest posteroanterior (PA) view was 98.5%. No significant complications developed. Conclusions To conclude, in this single-center study, the intracavitary ECG method for assessing the position of the tip of tunneled dialysis catheter was proven to be safe and feasible in virtually all adult patients who had an evident P wave at the basal ECG tracking.

Purpose Acute pyelonephritis (APN) generally involves a single kidney, but it can be bilateral. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in clinical presentation, progress and outcome for bilateral APN compared with unilateral APN. Study design The medical records of all patients over 19 years of age, hospitalised for APN and who underwent abdominal enhanced CT at Samsung Changwon Hospital between January 2009 and August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether unilateral or bilateral lesions were identified on the CT scan. Results Of the 296 patients, 99 had bilateral APN. Only 64/86 (74.4%) patients with clear tenderness in the bilateral APN group had bilateral tenderness. Patients with bilateral APN had more severe abnormalities, based on the results of laboratory tests. Leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, bacteraemia, acute kidney injury, shock and death occurred more frequently in bilateral than in unilateral APN. In the bilateral APN group, broad spectrum antibiotics were used more frequently as an initial antibiotic treatment. A history of stroke or diabetes mellitus, and duration of symptoms before admission, were independent risk factors associated with bilateral APN. Conclusions Patients with bilateral APN experienced more severe clinical and laboratory manifestations and had a poorer outcome than those with unilateral APN. Early imaging tests can be considered to discriminate unilateral from bilateral APN, especially in those with a history of stroke or diabetes and with a longer duration of symptoms. Moreover, initial use of broader spectrum antibiotics can be considered in patients with bilateral APN.

Purpose Neuropathic cancer pain (NCP) is a common and potentially debilitating symptom in cancer patients. We investigated the prevalence of NCP, as well as its management and association with QOL. Methods Cancer patients with pain ≥1 on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were surveyed with the Douleur Neuropathique (DN4) questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), and the EuroQOL five dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The associations between NCP and pain severity or NCP and QOL, while controlling for variables relevant to QOL, were then analyzed. Results A total of 2003 patients were enrolled in this survey; the prevalence of NCP was 36.0% (n = 722, 95% CI, 32.5–39.5). We found that NCP in cancer patients was closely correlated to a higher pain severity (BPI-SF; 4.96 ± 1.94 versus 4.24 ± 2.02, p

Background/Aims: An association between metabolic syndrome and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still controversial. We investigated the association between metabolic syndrome in itself and HRQoL in the Korean adult population. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional analysis of 8,941 adults ≥19 years of age who participated in the 2007 and 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. EuroQoL five-dimension (EQ-5D), the EQ-5D index and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) were used to assess HRQoL. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.2%. Compared to the participants without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome were older and comprised a higher proportion of men. Moreover, participants with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have a lower education level, to be current smokers, to have activity limitation and to have more frequent metabolic abnormalities and comorbidities. Metabolic syndrome was associated with HRQoL based on EQ-5D and EQ VAS in simple regression analysis. However, metabolic syndrome was not significantly associated with HRQoL after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, income, education level, marital status, obesity, diabetes mellitus, stroke, history of heart disease and chronic kidney disease for EQ-5D, and in addition history of depression for EQ VAS. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome in itself was not associated with impaired HRQoL after adjusting for confounding variables such as socio-demographic factors, medical comorbidities and obesity.

Purpose Activation of the rennin–angiotensin system (RAS) is thought to contribute to hypertension and proteinuria, and eventually to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent evidence suggests that urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) excretion reflects activation of the intrarenal RAS. This study was performed to determine the effect of losartan on proteinuria and UAGT excretion in non-diabetic patients with CKD with non-nephrotic-range proteinuria. Study design Thirty-two patients with non-nephrotic-range proteinuria (0.045–0.23 g/mmol creatinine) and normal renal function between April 2005 and April 2006 were randomised to a losartan (n=17) or a control (n=15) group. Patients in the losartan group received losartan 50 mg/day, and the doses were titrated up to 100 mg/day after 6 weeks. Serum and urinary angiotensinogen concentrations were measured by sandwich ELISA. The primary end point was the percentage change in proteinuria. The secondary end points were changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate and UAGT excretion. The follow-up period was 24 months. Results Baseline characteristics in the two groups were similar. After 24 months, losartan had reduced urinary protein excretion by 43% (from mean±SD 0.13±0.04 to 0.073±0.03 g/mmol, p Conclusion Losartan significantly decreased proteinuria and UAGT excretion, and preserved renal function in non-diabetic patients with CKD.

Purpose To determine the prognostic value of pre- treatment serum LDH levels and the LDH isoenzyme pattern for non-small cell lung cancer, and to determine the relationship between the response to chemotherapy and the changes in serum LDH levels following chemotherapy. Materials and methods Patients with pathologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer were entered onto this study. Their serum LDH levels were assessed prior to chemotherapy, with the LDH isoenzyme being assessed in patients with high initial serum LDH levels. The serum LDH levels were re-assessed following 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The relationship between the response to chemotherapy, pre-treatment serum LDH levels and LDH isoenzyme pattern and the changes in serum LDH levels, following chemotherapy, were evaluated. Results 49 patients were entered onto this study. The pre-treatment serum LDH levels were normal in 26 patients, and elevated in 23. The LDH isoenzyme was evaluated in 15 patients, with LDH2 being elevated the most frequently. The response rate to chemotherapy was 42.9% in all 42 patients able to be evaluated, 45.8% in patients with normal serum LDH levels and 41.2% in patients with elevated serum LDH levels. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.767). The median survival was 37 weeks in all patients able to be evaluated, 38 weeks in those with normal serum LDH levels and 31 weeks in those with elevated serum LDH levels. These differences were not statistically significant (p=0.202). The patients with normal serum LDH levels following chemotherapy were more responsive to chemotherapy than those with elevated serum LDH levels following chemotherapy (response rate 51.4% vs. 0%, p=0.027). Conclusion The LDH2 are most commonly elevated in non small cell lung cancer patients. The pre-treatment serum LDH levels do not reflect the prognosis accurately. The serum LDH levels following chemotherapy are associated with the response to chemotherapy.

A phase II study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of capecitabine in combination with irinotecan (CAPIRI) in advanced colorectal cancer. Forty-seven patients with previously untreated metastatic or unresectable colorectal adenocarcinoma received capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 2-15 and intravenous irinotecan 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, every 21 days. A total of 268 cycles of chemotherapy (median 6: range 1-11) were administered. According to an intent-to-treat analysis, the overall response rate was 49% (95% CI, 35-63%). Median time to progression and overall survival were 7.5 months (95% CI, 4.8-10.2) and 19.5 months (95% CI, 15.7-23.8), respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were diarrhea (24%) and neutropenia (11%). There were no treatment-related deaths. These results indicate that CAPIRI has comparable activity and tolerability to FOLFIRI as first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND This prospective phase II trial was performed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of mitomycin C, vinorelbine and cisplatin combination chemotherapy for patients with previously untreated stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Between January 1999 and April 2001, 30 patients with chemotherapy-naive stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were entered into this study. Mitomycin C at a dose of 7 mg/m2, vinorelbine at a dose of 25 mg/m2 and cisplatin at a dose of 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and vinorelbine at a dose of 25 mg/m2 on day 8 were administered. This regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS 29 patients out of 30 patients were assessable. Among the assessable patients, 15 (51.7%) patients had a partial response. The median duration of response and survival was 22 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 28.3% and 4.7% of all the cycles, respectively. Nausea and vomiting of grade 3 occurred only in 2.4% of all the cycles. CONCLUSION The regimen of mitomycin C, vinorelbine and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer is active against advanced NSCLC with tolerable toxicities.

Aims Metabolic acidosis is a common manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and appears to be associated with CKD progression and mortality. We evaluated whether serum bicarbonate level is associated with albuminuria in patients with stage 3 and 4 CKD. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of outpatients with CKD stages 3 - 4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15 - 59 mL/minutes/1.73 m2). Serum bicarbonate levels, serum creatinine levels, and random urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UA/Cr) examined on the same day were required for enrollment. Significant albuminuria was defined as UA/Cr >= 300 mg/g. Serum bicarbonate was analyzed as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable after it was divided into categories of = 26 mmol/L. Results 151 patients were included in this study. Their mean age was 59.1 ± 13.9 years, and 60.9% were men. The mean serum bicarbonate level was 23.7 ± 3.3 mmol/L. In a multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the factors associated with significant albuminuria, the serum bicarbonate categories were independent factors associated with significant albuminuria after adjustments were made for relevant covariates (p = 0.028). In a subgroup analysis according to CKD stage, the association between bicarbonate categories and significant albuminuria was significant only for patients with stage 3 disease, regardless of renal function or blood pressure (p = 0.014 and 0.706 in stage 3 and 4 diseases, respectively). Conclusions Low serum bicarbonate levels were ssociated with significant albuminuria, even at levels in the normal range, in CKD patients, especially with stage 3 disease.

BACKGROUND This randomized controlled trial was to determine whether a combination chemotherapy regimen that contains anthracycline (doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide [AC]) is superior to the conventional cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil [CMF] combination in premenopausal women with axillary lymph node positive Stage II breast carcinoma. METHODS Premenopausal women with lymph node positive breast carcinoma were stratified according to age (younger than 35 or 35 years or older) and the number of positive axillary lymph nodes (1–3, 4–9, or ≥ 10) and then randomly assigned to receive either doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) every 3 weeks or cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m2 orally on Days 1 through 14, methotrexate 40 mg/m2 and 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 i.v. on Days 1 and 8 every 4 weeks. Both arms were scheduled for six cycles. RESULTS The median follow-up was 57 months. Eighteen of the 55 AC patients developed recurrence compared with 16 of the 69 CMF patients. The corresponding 5-year recurrence free survival rates were 64% and 78%, respectively (P = 0.12). The site of the first recurrence for AC patients was locoregional in 7%, distant in 22%, and combined in 4%. The corresponding data for the CMF arm were 4%, 16%, and 3%, respectively. Six AC patients died compared with 9 CMF patients. The corresponding 5-year survival rates were 90% and 86%, respectively (P = 0.96). More leukopenia (52%, mostly Grade 1–2) occurred in the CMF arm than in the AC arm (33%, P = 0.001), but no febrile episode was accompanied with leukopenia. CONCLUSIONS This study showed no difference between AC and CMF with respect to both disease free and overall survival rates in premenopausal women with axillary lymph node positive breast carcinoma. Cancer 2000;89:2521–6. © 2000 American Cancer Society.

Objective To compare overall physical function, including gait speed and peripheral nerve function, between diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and nondiabetic CKD patients and to investigate the association between gait speed and peripheral nerve function in CKD patients. Methods Sixty adult CKD patients (35 with and 25 without diabetes), who received maintenance hemodialysis (HD), were included in this study. Demographic data, past medical history, current medical condition and functional data—usual gait speed, vibration perception threshold for the index finger (VPT-F) and the great toe (VPT-T), activity of daily living (ADL) difficulty, and peripheral neuropathy (PN) along with the degree of its severity—were collected and compared between the two groups. Correlations between the severity of PN and the impairment of other functions were identified. Results Diabetic CKD patients showed significantly slower gait speed (p=0.029), impaired sensory function (VPT-F, p=0.011; VPT-T, p=0.023), and more frequent and severe PN (number of PN, p

Objectives Many chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have persistent overt proteinuria despite angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) treatment. This study investigated whether the initial difference in intrarenal renin–angiotensin system activity measured with urinary angiotensinogen would affect the antiproteinuric effects of ARB. Methods Between September 2005 and September 2008, in 50 non-diabetic proteinuric CKD patients not taking renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, the urinary protein/creatinine ratio (P/Cr), angiotensinogen/creatinine ratio (AGT/Cr), plasma renin and aldosterone were measured before starting valsartan, and were followed for 18 months. Results Patients were divided into three groups according to their initial urinary AGT/Cr. The urinary P/Cr was lower in the low angiotensinogen group, but similar in the high and extremely high angiotensinogen groups (1.3±0.38 vs 2.0±0.92 vs 2.2±0.78). In all groups, the urinary P/Cr was decreased most for the first 6 months. The urinary P/Cr reduction at 6 months was greatest in the high angiotensinogen group (−24.2% vs −46.2% vs −16.4%). The urinary AGT/Cr was decreased most in the high angiotensinogen group. Renal functional deterioration was attenuated in the high angiotensinogen group compared with the extremely high angiotensinogen group. Conclusions The antiproteinuric effects of ARB were different according to the initial urinary angiotensinogen levels. These results suggest the potential value of the initial urinary AGT/Cr for predicting the therapeutic effect of ARB in proteinuric non-diabetic CKD patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS As the population ages, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is being used increasingly as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for elderly patients with pancreatobiliary disease. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes, safety and complications associated with ERCP performed in the elderly patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of 596 patients who were 50 years of age or older and underwent ERCP from January 2005 to September 2010. The patients were classified into two groups according to the age: non-elderly, 50-74 years old and elderly, ≥75 years old. Comparisons were made between two groups. RESULTS Five hundred and ninety-six patients (132 elderly and 464 non-elderly patients) were enrolled. The success rate of ERCP was 89.4% in the elderly and 91.9% in the non-elderly. The major complications were occurred in 11 patients of the elderly and 16 of the non-elderly, and the complication rate was significantly higher in the elderly compared to the non-elderly (8.3% vs. 3.4%, p=0.011). Pancreatitis occurred in 2 elderly patients and 10 non-elderly patients (1.5% vs. 2.1%, p=1.0). There was a higher rate of bleeding in the elderly patients (4.5% vs. 1.3%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS ERCP is effective and safe even in elderly patients. Outcomes of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in the elderly patients were similar to those in non-elderly patients. Elderly patients undergoing ERCP carried similar risk of pancreatitis but a higher risk of bleeding and perforation compared to non-elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between severity of peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN) and degree of depression and quality of life in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHOD: Forty seven chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis were recruited (22 male, 25 female, mean age of 63.17±12.52) and etiology, disease duration, hemodialysis duration, creatinine and hemoglobin were recorded. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies were carried out on bilateral median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves for diagnosis of polyneuropathy according to our laboratory criteria. The Korean version of Beck depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire translated into Korean for diagnosis of depression, and Korean version of Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) questionnaire for measurement of general health level were measured in those diagnosed with uremic PPN. RESULTS: Out of 52 patients, 47 were diagnosed with polyneuropathy and mean score for BDI was 18.49±9.18. Mean scores for each of Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) of SF-36 were 50.84±15.42 and 47.41±18.68. The correlation between the scores and polyneuropathy were analyzed by Pearson coefficient. The MCS score was the significant (p

Adiponectin plays an important role in the regulation of body weight, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and the inflammatory response. Adiponectin is elevated in hemodialysis patients. We investigated the association between altered serum adiponectin levels and the nutritional-inflammation status of hemodialysis patients. Forty-four hemodialysis patients (21 men and 23 women; mean age 53.9 ± 9.2 years) were enrolled and 32 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. Serum adiponectin was measured using a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. Serum albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, urea, creatinine, transferrin, lean body mass, fat mass, body mass index (BMI), the subjective global assessment (SGA) score, and the malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) were measured in all patients. Adiponectin levels were significantly elevated in the hemodialysis patients compared with the healthy subjects (24.8 ± 10.4 μg/mL and 6.8 ± 4.2 μg/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001). Serum adiponectin correlated positively with SGA (r = 0.47) and MIS (r = 0.38), and negatively with BMI (r = -0.34), triglyceride (r = -0.53), and glucose levels (r = -0.42). Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in malnourished patients than in well-nourished patients when assessed with SGA (20.5 ± 10.4 μg/mL and 29.0 ± 8.7 μg/mL, respectively, p = 0.005). In conclusion, serum adiponectin levels reflect the nutritional-inflammation status of hemodialysis patients. Adiponectin may also be associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and the inflammatory response in these patients.

Purpose Although platinum based chemotherapy is known to improve the survival duration for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the role of platinum for elderly patient is not yet clear. We administered gemcitabine and carboplatin combination therapy to elderly patients with NSCLC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicities of this regimen for elderly patients. Materials and methods THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA WERE AS FOLLOWS: pathologically confirmed NSCLC, an age >or=65 years, advanced disease with stage IIIB or IV and the patients were chemotherapy-naive. The treatment regimen was as follows; gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) was administered on days 1 and 8 and carboplatin AUC=5 was administered on day 1. This regimen was repeated every 3 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated in terms of the response rate, the time to progression and the overall survival duration. Results From Dec 2001 to Feb 2005, a total of 20 patients were entered into this study. The median patient age was 68 years (range: 65 approximately 75). 19 patients were evaluable for their treatment response. A partial response was obtained in 8 patients (response rate: 42.1%, 95% CI: 19.4 approximately 64.8%). The median time to progression and the survival duration were 136 days and 453 days, respectively. Among a total of 65 cycles of treatment, grade 3 or 4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 7.7% and 13.9% of the cycles, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 vomiting was observed in 7.7% of the cycles. Grade 3 skin rash developed in 1.5% of the cycles. 1 patient died of septic shock after chemotherapy. Conclusions Gemcitabine and carboplatin combination chemotherapy was relatively safe and effective for treating elderly patients with NSCLC.

162 Background: The results of recent studies with duo- or triple regimen for the advanced gastric cancer are still not satisfactory and the optimal doses of combinations with taxanes, fluorouracil and platinum analogues were not determined yet. The aim of this study is to determine the optimal dose of docetaxel and oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil(FU) [DOF], with the efficacy and toxicity in patients (pts) with advanced gastric cancer. Methods: The pts with unresectable, metastatic, or relapsed gastric cancer were enrolled for a phase I/II study. The dose of docetaxel and oxliplatin was escalated from 50 mg/m2 and 80 mg/m2 day 1, respectively by traditional 3+3 design, and 5-FU was fixed at 850 mg/m2/day 24 hour continuous infusion day 1-4, all every 3 weeks. All pts had measurable disease and were assessable for toxicity. Results: A total of 50 pts including 12 patients from phase I study were enrolled. The recommended phase II dose of docetaxel and oxaliplatin were 60mg/m2 and 100mg/m2 on day 1 (cohort 2), respectively. A total of 335 cycles of chemotherapy was administrated (median: 6, range 1–24) and the dose intensity of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU were 96.3%, 96.2% and 98.5%, respectively. Twenty two (44.0%) of 50 patients showed partial response, 22 (44.0%) stable disease, and 1 (2.0%) complete response. The overall response rate was 46.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.2–60.0%) and the disease control rate 90.0% (95% CI: 81.7–98.3%). The median progression free survival was 6.5 months (95% CI, 3.3–9.8) and the overall survival 10.7 month (95% CI, 7.0–14.3). Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 81 (24.1%) and 3 cycles (0.9%), respectively [27 (56%) and 3 (6%) in 50 pts, respectively]. Grade 3/4 stomatitis, diarrhea and neuropathy occurred in 2 (0.6%), 6 (1.8%) and 6 cycles (5.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The recommended phase II dose of docetaxel and oxaliplatin was 60mg/m2 and 100mg/m2, respectively. This DOF combination chemotherapy has no better efficacy than reference regimen. The toxicities were substantial in some pts, but generally manageable.

Urolithiasis is an uncommon complication in renal transplantation. We report a case of hypocitraturia-related ureteral steinstrasse which was spontaneously formed in a renal transplant recipient. The patient who underwent renal transplantation was admitted with acute pyelonephritis. Hydronephrosis in the transplanted kidney and multiple stones (steinstrasse) in the distal ureter were incidentally found on computed tomography scanning. After a failed attempt of ureteroscopic removal of stones, the patient underwent open ureterolithotomy and ureteroureterostomy. On stone analysis, carbonate apatite was confirmed. Urinary citric acid levels were decreased to 127.6 mg/day. Potassium citrate was administered to prevent stone recurrence by increasing urinary citrate excretion. No recurrence of stones was shown six months later. Urolithiasis in renal transplant recipients requires a high index of suspicion. Hypocitraturia can increase the risk for urolithiasis. Rapid recognition by careful surveillance, prompt removal of stones, and precautionary efforts to prevent recurrence are needed. (Ewha Med J 2015;38(3):117-120) Received May 16, 2015 Accepted August 20, 2015

7500 Background: Currently, the recommended treatment for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy ...

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), usually composed of diffuse large B-cells. Although rituximab is known for its curative effect on B-cell NHL, data on the use of intrathecal rituximab for PCNSL are limited. In this report, we present two patients showing relapsed PCNSL with lymphomatous meningitis. Both patients were refractory to conventional methotrexate-based intrathecal chemotherapy. However, after intrathecal rituximab with or without conventional intrathecal chemotherapy, both patients showed stable disease on magnetic resonance brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There were no serious adverse events during each of 3 and 6 cycles with intrathecal rituximab immunotherapy. (Korean J Med 2014;87:224-228)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship among nutritional status, N-terminal probrain-type natriuretic peptide (NT–proBNP) and ventricular remodeling in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Serum concentrations of NT-proBNP were measured by immunoassay. Nutritional status was assessed using the subjective global assessment (SGA) score and malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS). Echocardiographic examinations were performed on all patients. Forty-four patients undergoing maintenance HD were enrolled in this study. Malnourished patients, assessed according to SGA, had higher levels of extracellular water (ECW) per kg body weight (BWt) than well-nourished patients (mean, 0.30 vs 0.26 l/ kg, respectively) and higher levels of NT-proBNP (median, 24,807 vs 4,342 pg/ml, respectively). MIS was positively correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI), log NT–proBNP and ECW/BWt ( r =0.35, 0.45 and 0.38), and negatively correlated with fat mass and LV systolic dysfunction ( r =–0.41 and –0.32). LV systolic dysfunction, LVMI and MIS were associated with log NT-proBNP levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that log NT–proBNP, mean arterial pressure and ECW/BWt were independently associated with LVMI. In conclusion, malnutrition in HD patients is accompanied by volume overload and associated with increased log NT–proBNP levels independent of volume status, and these levels are independently associated with increased LVMI. This suggests that malnutrition may affect ventricular remodeling or dysfunction in HD patients.

e15621 Background: Though serum LDH level is frequently elevated in the patients with advanced gastric cancer, its clinical significance is still elusive. Moreover, the relationship between the change of serum LDH level after chemotherapy and the response to the treatment has not been studied, yet. We analyzed serum LDH level as a prognostic factor for the patients with advanced stomach cancer. Methods: We assessed serum LDH level before chemotherapy for the patients who were planned to receive palliative chemotherapy. We re-assessed their serum LDH level at the time when the response to chemotherapy was evaluated after 2–4 cycles of treatment. The survival duration and the response to chemotherapy for the patients with low serum LDH level were compared to the survival duration and the response to chemotherapy for the patients with high serum LDH level. The relationship between the change of serum LDH level and the response to the treatment was evaluated, too. Results: Total 118 patients were entered into this study and 114 patients were evaluable for their response to chemotherapy. Pre-treatment serum LDH level was normal in 88 patients and elevated in 30 patients. The response rate in the patients with high serum LDH level was significantly higher than the response rate in the patients with normal serum LDH level (34.5% versus 15.3%, p < 0.05). However, the patients with normal serum LDH level lived longer than the patients with high serum LDH level (median: 378 days versus 206 days, p < 0.001). The normalizing of the elevated serum LDH level after chemotherapy was related to the good response to treatment (response rate 50.0% versus 18.8%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: For the patients with advanced gastric cancer, high serum LDH level was related to better response to chemotherapy but shorter survival duration. The normalization of elevated serum LDH level after chemotherapy was related to good response to treatment. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hantavirus is known to a causative agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and it can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease in Korea. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is usually associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and fever. The common hematologic features of this syndrome are elevated hematocrit level, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. We report a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome with pancytopenia. This patient with severe neutropenia with pulmonary infiltration mimicked aplastic anemia with invasive aspergillosis.

We wanted to assess the effectiveness and safety of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin for treating advanced gastric cancer.Patients with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer were entered into this study. Paclitaxel at a dose of 135 mg/m(2) on day 1, 5-FU 1 g/m(2)/day in a 24 hour continuous infusion from day 1 to day 4 and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) on day 1 were administered. This regimen was repeated every 3 weeks.A total of 34 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 33 patients were finally evaluable for their response. 17 (51.5%) patients had a partial response (95% CI: 26.0 approximately 77.0%). The median duration of overall survival was 13.2 months. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 15.2% and 1.1% of all the cycles, respectively. Grade 3 stomatitis and neurotoxicity were observed in 20.6% and 1.1% of all patients, respectively. Grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity was not observed.The regimen of paclitaxel, 5-FU and cisplatin demonstrated activity and acceptable toxicity for treating metastatic gastric cancer.

14066 Background: Gemcitabine has been the standard regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer, but the effect on the response rate and survival is still disappointing. 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) and cisplatin are synergistic with gemcitabine as well as with each other. This study is aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine, 5-FU and cisplatin for advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: Patients(pt) with recurred or advanced pancreatic cancer were entered into this study, who had histologically proven adenocarcinoma, no prior radiotherapy, measurable lesion (≥2cm), ECOG performance scale (PS) 0–2, age 18–70, adequate bone marrow, cardiac and renal function, ALT ≤ 3× normal, and total bilirubin ≤ 2mg/dL.The pt were treated every 3weeks with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2, at 10mg/m2/min on days 1 and 8, 5-FU 1g/m2/24 hour continuous infusion from day 1 through 3 for 72 hours (extended to 4 days later in 12 pt due to lack of toxicity), and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 2, 24 hours after the start of gemcitabine. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy with gemcitabine 250 mg/m2/week was given to the pt with response of stable disease or better after 4 cycles of chemotherapy, if PS ≤1 and age ≤ 65. Results: Characteristics of 25 eligible pt; 17 male/ 8 female, PS 0,1 in 20 pt, 2 in 4 pt, Stage III in 3 pt, IV in 22, age 40–69 (median 62). Five pt had prior 5-FU-based chemotherapy. A total of 109 cycles were given (median 4; 1–10 cycles/person). Response by WHO criteria: 3 PR (14.3%; 95% confidence interval: 0 - 29.6%), 11 SD (52.4%) and 7 PD in 21 assessable pt. The median time to progression was 230 days (48+-478+) and median survival was 322 days (70+-757+). WHO grade ≥3 toxicity: neutropenia 19.3% (/cycle), thrombocytopenia 28.4%, mucositis 1.8%, and nausea and vomiting 5.6%. The clinical benefit response and correlation of tumor response with CA-19–9 level will be detailed on presentation. Conclusions: The chemotherapy with gemcitabine, 5-FU and cisplatin for advanced pancreatic cancer is safe, active and may have better survival benefit than gemcitabine alone. Based on these results, a nationwide phase III trial comparing with gemcitabine alone has been started. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Background: Automated counting of reticulocyte introduced new reticulocyte parameters such as immature reticulocyte fraction(IRF). IRF is thought to be more sensitive than absolute or corrected reticulocyte count for detecting recovery of bone marrow function. The aim of this study is to assess the role of IRF for predicting the response of therapy after treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Methods: Patients with previously untreated iron deficiency anemia (blood hemoglobin < 10.0g/dL and serum ferritin < 10ng/mL) were enrolled into this study. On the 8th day of iron therapy, Complete blood count(CBC) with reticulocyte count and IRF was assessed by RAM-1 reticulocyte autoanalyzer(Sysmex. Tokyo, Japan). IRF was defined as sum of the reticulocyte fraction of high-fluorescence intensity regions plus the fraction of middle fluorescence intensity regions. After 1 month of iron therapy, CBC was reassessed to evaluate the response of iron therapy. The correlation of the 8th day IRF and the change of hemoglobin level after 4 weeks of therapy was evaluated. The 8th day corrected reticulcyte count was also evaluated. Results: From Jan. 2001 to May 2003, 27 patients with iron deficiency anemia (3 men and 24 women) entered into this study. We evaluated 21 patients, excluding 6 patients who were lost to follow-up or refused blood sampling after 1 month of iron therapy. The range of pretreatment hemoglobin level was 3.3–9.7g/dL (median 7.5/dL). The 8th day IRF was 0.06–0.39(median 0.15). Ten patients had the low IRF (IRF ≤ 0.15). Four of them (40%) had their hemoglobin level increased by more than 3g/dL. On the other side, 11 patients had high IRF (IRF > 0.15) and 10 of them (91%) had their hemoglobin level increased by more than 3 g/dL. This difference was significant (P=0.024). However, the 8th day IRF was not correlated with the change of hemoglobin as strongly as the 8th day corrected reticulocyte count (Pearson coefficient 0.420 vs 0.693). Conclusion: For the patients with iron deficiency anemia, the 8th day of treatment IRF correlates with the response of iron treatment, but the 8th day of treatment corrected reticulocyte count has a stronger correlation.

4190 Background: The role of AFP is well established in screening of HCC, but not in monitoring of response to treatment or in predicting survival; they are still controversial in limited studies. ...

1 Internal Medicine and 2 Laboratory Medicine, Sanggyepaik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Thalidomide is an anti-angiogenic agent widely used in patients with multiple myeloma. The response to therapy is commonly monitored using serum and/or urine M protein, as these are known to reflect the tumor burden. Although extramedullary plasmacytomas are tissues with high neovascularization, it has been suggested in some reports that the response to thalidomide in these patients may be inferior, despite changes in the serum M protein level. Herein, we report the case of a patient who newly developed hepatosplenic extramedullary plasmacytoma, despite reduction in the serum M protein level following thalidomide treatment. (Korean J Hematol 2005;40:188-191.)

To compare survival rates and long-term complications after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or treatment with immunosuppressive agents (ISA) in the management of adult aplastic anemia (AA) and to identify prognostic factors associated with improved survival, we evaluated 229 adult AA patients treated with ISA from 1990 to 2001 and compared the results with those for 64 BMT recipients. Of 156 patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) or very severe AA treated with ISA (antithymocyte globulin [ATG] or ATG plus cyclosporine), 46.8% showed complete or partial response and 7.1% had relapses. After long-term follow-up, 1 case each of acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria developed. The 6-year survival rate was 69%. Response to ISA, disease severity, and low absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (or = 200/mm3) were associated with poor survival. Patient age, sex, initial platelet count, etiology, or treatment regimen did not significantly affect survival. Cox regression analysis showed low ANC to be the only pretreatment variable significantly associated with poor survival (P = .000). Of 64 BMT recipients, 82.8% had sustained engraftment, and 12.5% experienced graft failure. Twenty (31.3%) of the patients developed grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and 12 (18.8%) of the patients developed chronic GVHD. The 6-year survival rate was 79%. Patient age and sex, disease severity, etiology, ANC, initial platelet count, and treatment regimen did not affect survival. Survival of 83 AA patients, aged 14 to 40 years, treated with ISA was not statistically significant from that of 61 adult AA patients who underwent BMT (6-year survival rate, 65% and 79%, respectively). However, BMT in adult AA achieved long-term engraftment and a lower relapse rate than ISA. These results suggest that ISA can achieve a high response rate and long-term survival among patients with adult AA, regardless of disease severity. Further studies with larger numbers of patients and long-term follow-up are needed.