Comparison of Total and IgG ABO Isoagglutinin Titers in ABO-Incompatible Organ Transplant Patients: Analysis of Data from a University Hospital Over the Last 5 Years / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#Measurement of ABO isoagglutinin titers is important for patients who have received an ABO-incompatible organ transplant. Specifically, IgG isoagglutinin is essential for predicting graft outcomes in kidney transplantation, but many laboratories measure only the total isoagglutinin taking into consideration time and labor efficiency. In this study, we propose a useful method for predicting IgG isoagglutinin by analyzing the mathematical relationship between total and IgG isoagglutinin titers. Furthermore, the effects of patients’ characteristics of isoagglutinin were also analyzed. @*Methods@#From January 2017 to April 2022, the results of 3,676 total/IgG isoagglutinin titers of 65 patients who underwent liver and kidney transplantation were analyzed. Isoagglutinin titration was performed using the column agglutination technique with serially diluted serum samples and dithiothreitol was added for measuring IgG isoagglutinin. A generalized estimation equation (GEE) and the Deming regression were used to analyze the relationship and agreement of total/IgG isoagglutinin titers. @*Results@#In A, B, and O types, total isoagglutinin titers were 1.6 (2

Development of a Secondary Order Program for Pretransfusion Tests to Improve the Work Efficiency of Blood Bank / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#In the author’s blood bank, if the Ab screening test results are positive in the pretransfusion test, an Ab identification test and polyspecific direct antiglobulin test (DAT) are performed. IgG and C3 monospecific DATs are also performed if the polyspecific DAT is positive. To perform additional tests, clinical technologists used to communicate with the clinical department by telephone, and then the clinical doctor issued the orders.There could be problems with this process, such as clerical errors and reduced work efficiency. Therefore, this study developed the secondary order program to improve the work efficiency of the blood bank. @*Methods@#The secondary order program that allows the laboratory medicine doctors to issue additional test orders, print out barcodes in blood bank, and immediately report the results to the EMR (Electronic Medical Record) was developed. Before (Jul 2018∼Jun 2019) and after (Jul 2019∼Jun 2020) applying the program to inpatients, the number of telephone calls, Ab screening tests, Ab identification tests, polyspecific DAT, and monospecific DAT were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. @*Results@#After applying the program, 515 calls per year (average 43 calls per month) were reduced. Before the program, the results of 68 Ab screening tests and 16 polyspecific DATs were not reported on EMR, but no case was missed after the program. @*Conclusion@#Through the secondary order program, the work efficiency of the blood bank was improved. It is expected that expanding this program to other blood bank tests will help implement tests faster and make them more systematic.

Development of a Secondary Order Program for Pretransfusion Tests to Improve the Work Efficiency of Blood Bank / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#In the author’s blood bank, if the Ab screening test results are positive in the pretransfusion test, an Ab identification test and polyspecific direct antiglobulin test (DAT) are performed. IgG and C3 monospecific DATs are also performed if the polyspecific DAT is positive. To perform additional tests, clinical technologists used to communicate with the clinical department by telephone, and then the clinical doctor issued the orders.There could be problems with this process, such as clerical errors and reduced work efficiency. Therefore, this study developed the secondary order program to improve the work efficiency of the blood bank. @*Methods@#The secondary order program that allows the laboratory medicine doctors to issue additional test orders, print out barcodes in blood bank, and immediately report the results to the EMR (Electronic Medical Record) was developed. Before (Jul 2018∼Jun 2019) and after (Jul 2019∼Jun 2020) applying the program to inpatients, the number of telephone calls, Ab screening tests, Ab identification tests, polyspecific DAT, and monospecific DAT were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. @*Results@#After applying the program, 515 calls per year (average 43 calls per month) were reduced. Before the program, the results of 68 Ab screening tests and 16 polyspecific DATs were not reported on EMR, but no case was missed after the program. @*Conclusion@#Through the secondary order program, the work efficiency of the blood bank was improved. It is expected that expanding this program to other blood bank tests will help implement tests faster and make them more systematic.

Mutation of ten-eleven translocation-2 is associated with increased risk of autoimmune disease in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

Background/Aims@#Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is caused by genetic and epigenetic alteration of hematopoietic precursors and immune dysregulation. Approximately 20% of patients with MDS develop an autoimmune disease (AID). Here, we investigated whether particular genetic mutations are associated with AID in patients with MDS. @*Methods@#Eighty-eight genetic mutations associated with myeloid malignancy were sequenced in 73 MDS patients. The association between these mutations and AID was then analyzed. @*Results@#The median age of the 73 MDS patients was 70 years (interquartile range, 56 to 75), and 49 (67.1%) were male. AID was observed in 16 of 73 patients (21.9%). Mutations were detected in 57 (78.1%) patients. The percentage (68.8% vs. 80.7%, p = 0.32) and the mean number of mutations (1.8 ± 1.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.8, p = 0.34) in MDS patients with or without AID were similar. However, the ten-eleven translocation- 2 (TET2) mutation rate was significantly higher in patients with AID than in those without (31.3% vs. 5.3%, respectively; p = 0.001). All TET2 mutations were variants of strong clinical significance. @*Conclusions@#Mutation of TET2 in patients with MDS may be associated with increased risk of developing AID.

Association between Weight Control Methods and Depressive Symptoms among Korean Adults according to Age and Sex

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy weight control methods such as fasting and meal skipping can harm the mental health of individuals engaging in these methods. But this relationship has not been studied in Korean individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weight control methods and depressive symptoms among Korean adults.METHODS: We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014, 2016, which included 10,447 adults. Patient Health Questionnaire was used for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted according to age and sex.RESULTS: Attempting to follow a one-food diet was higher among depressed men. There was a significant association between depressive symptoms and weight control methods such as fasting and skipping meals among women. Among women >30 years and <50 years, depressive symptoms were related to a high likelihood of fasting, prescribed drugs for weight loss and one-food diet.CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the correlation between the symptoms of depression and weight control methods varies depending on age and sex of the individuals. Our results could help formulate healthy weight management measures based on the on the depressive mood, age and sex of the individuals.

WHIM Syndrome With a Novel CXCR4 Variant in a Korean Child

No abstract available.

Dysregulation of Telomere Lengths and Telomerase Activity in Myelodysplastic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Telomere shortening is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of myeloid malignancies, but telomere lengths (TL) during interphase and metaphase in hematopoietic malignancies have not been analyzed. We aimed to assess the TLs of interphase and metaphase cells of MDS and telomerase activity (TA) and to find out prognostic significances of TL and TA. METHODS: The prognostic significance of TA by quantitative PCR and TL by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (QFISH) of interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosome arms of bone marrow cells from patients with MDS were evaluated. RESULTS: MDS patients had shorter interphase TL than normal healthy donors (P<0.001). Average interphase and metaphase TL were inversely correlated (P=0.013, p arm; P=0.029, q arm), but there was no statistically significant correlation between TA and TL (P=0.258). The progression free survival was significantly shorter in patients with high TA, but the overall survival was not different according to average TA or interphase TL groups. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that old age, higher International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) subtypes, transformation to AML, no history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and short average interphase TL (<433 TL) as independent prognostic factors for poorer survival (P=0.003, 0.001, 0.005, 0.005, and 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of correlation between age and TL, TA, and TL, and the inverse relationship between TL and TA in MDS patients reflect the dysregulation of telomere status and proliferation. As a prognostic marker for leukemia progression, TA may be considered, and since interphase TL has the advantage of automated measurement by QFISH, it may be used as a prognostic marker for survival in MDS.

Abnormalities in Chromosomes 1q and 13 Independently Correlate With Factors of Poor Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND: We comprehensively profiled cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM) and analyzed the relationship between cytogenetic abnormalities of undetermined prognostic significance and established prognostic factors. METHODS: The karyotype of 333 newly diagnosed MM cases was analyzed in association with established prognostic factors. Survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: MM with abnormal karyotypes (41.1%) exhibited high international scoring system (ISS) stage, frequent IgA type, elevated IgG or IgA levels, elevated calcium levels, elevated creatine (Cr) levels, elevated β2-microglobulin levels, and decreased Hb levels. Structural abnormalities in chromosomes 1q, 4, and 13 were independently associated with elevated levels of IgG or IgA, calcium, and Cr, respectively. Chromosome 13 abnormalities were associated with poor prognosis and decreased overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that abnormalities in chromosomes 1q, 4, and 13 are associated with established factors for poor prognosis, irrespective of the presence of other concurrent chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome 13 abnormalities have a prognostic impact on overall survival in association with elevated Cr levels. Frequent centromeric breakpoints appear to be related to MM pathogenesis.

Influence of Blood Lipids on Global Coagulation Test Results

BACKGROUND: High levels of blood lipids have been associated with high levels of coagulation factors. We investigated whether blood lipids influence the results of global coagulation tests, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin generation assay (TGA). METHODS: PT, aPTT, and TGA, along with procoagulant and anticoagulant factors, were measured in 488 normal individuals. Vitamin K status was assessed with prothrombin-induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II). RESULTS: The procoagulant factors II, VII, IX, X, and XI and anticoagulant factors protein C and protein S showed significant correlations with triglyceride, and the procoagulant factors II, V, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII and anticoagulant factors antithrombin and protein C correlated with total cholesterol. There were no correlations of blood lipid levels with PIVKA-II levels. Subjects with high triglyceride levels (> or =200 mg/dL) showed shorter PT values than those with lower triglyceride levels. However, aPTT value was not changed in terms of blood lipid levels. In both 1 and 5 pM tissue factor-induced TGAs, subjects in the high-triglyceride or high-cholesterol groups (> or =240 mg/dL) had high levels of lag time, time-to-peak, and endogenous thrombin potential. Total cholesterol was a significant determinant of PT and TGA values. CONCLUSION: High blood lipids were related with increased coagulation activity in a normal population. Our findings are expected to help interpret the global coagulation test results in individuals with high lipid levels.

Activation of the Intrinsic Coagulation Pathway in Patients With Chronic Urticaria

PURPOSE: Although coagulation activation has been reported in chronic urticaria, data pertaining to detailed changes in coagulation factors and global coagulation status are lacking. The current study evaluated global coagulation status in patients with chronic urticaria using thrombin generation assay (TGA) and the levels of individual coagulation factors. METHODS: Patients with chronic urticaria (n=57) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. TGA was performed under stimulation with 2 concentrations of tissue factor (TF). Coagulation factors and conventional coagulation assays were also analyzed. RESULTS: Although patients with chronic urticaria showed prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time did not differ significantly between patients and controls. In both 1 pM and 5 pM TF-stimulated TGA, peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) levels were markedly decreased in patients with chronic urticaria. As expected, intrinsic coagulation factors (VIII, IX, and XII), as well as coagulation factors of the common pathway (II, V, and X), were consistently decreased. Additionally, D-dimer was significantly increased in patients as compared to controls. In multivariate regression analysis, the presence of chronic urticaria was the only significant independent contributor to the low ETP value. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic urticaria is characterized by in vivo coagulation activation through the intrinsic coagulation pathway, which can be measured with sensitivity using TGA.

Clinical, Biochemical, and Genetic Characterization of Glycogen Storage Type IX in a Child with Asymptomatic Hepatomegaly / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Glycogen storage disease type IX (GSD IX) is caused by a defect in phosphorylase b kinase (PhK) that results from mutations in the PHKA2, PHKB, and PHKG2 genes. Patients usually manifest recurrent ketotic hypoglycemia with growth delay, but some may present simple hepatomegaly. Although GSD IX is one of the most common causes of GSDs, its biochemical and genetic diagnosis has been problematic due to its rarity, phenotypic overlap with other types of GSDs, and genetic heterogeneities. In our report, a 22-month-old boy with GSD IX is described. No other manifestations were evident except for hepatomegaly. His growth and development also have been proceeding normally. Diagnosed was made by histologic examination, an enzyme assay, and genetic testing with known c.3210_3212del (p.Arg1070del) mutation in PHKA2 gene.

Diagnostic Value of Ceruloplasmin in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Wilson's Disease / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Measurement of serum ceruloplasmin level is the first step in screening for Wilson's disease (WD). Despite the rarity of WD in the general population, ceruloplasmin levels are routinely measured through hepatitis screening in both adults and children. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic value of ceruloplasmin for the diagnosis of WD among children with hepatitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on serum ceruloplasmin levels measured as a serologic marker for patients with hepatitis at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) between from January 2004 to November 2013. The diagnosis of WD was confirmed by the identification of pathogenic variants in the ATP7B gene. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ceruloplasmin, receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and the area under curve (AUC) were calculated. RESULTS: Measurements of serum ceruloplasmin were performed in 2,834 children who had hepatitis. Among these, 181 (6.4%) children were diagnosed with WD. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of a ceruloplasmin level of <20 mg/dL in the discrimination of WD were 93.4%, 84.2%, and 84.8%, respectively. In this study, 418 (14.7%) false-positive cases and 12 (0.4%) false-negative cases were noted. Using a ROC curve, a ceruloplasmin level of < or =16.6 mg/dL showed the highest AUC value (0.956) with a sensitivity of 91.2%, a specificity of 94.9%, and an accuracy of 94.7%. CONCLUSION: The measurement of serum ceruloplasmin was frequently used for the screening of WD in children, despite a low positive rate. The diagnostic value of ceruloplasmin may be strengthened by adopting a new lower cut-off level.

Capnocytophaga sputigena Bacteremia in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

No abstract available.

Nursing Need and Satisfaction of Patients in Hospice Ward / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to explore the nursing needs and satisfaction of patients who are hospitalized at hospice palliative care institutions. METHODS: This study included 80 hospice patients who were in-patients of the hospice department of two general hospitals in S city. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficients using the IBM SPSS 20.0 program. RESULTS: The mean score of nursing needs and satisfaction were 3.58 (+/-0.31) and 3.25 (+/-0.20) respectively. Significant differences in hospice nursing needs and satisfaction were observed in terms of general characteristics including gender, education level, occupation, religion, support for medical expense and functional status. Significant positive correlation was found between the overall nursing needs and nursing satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, in order to improve the quality of hospice service, further study is necessary in a comprehensive manner to develop nursing intervention to meet physical, psychological/social, spiritual, and educational/referral nursing needs of hospice in-patients.

A Methanol Extract of Adansonia digitata L. Leaves Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory iNOS Possibly via the Inhibition of NF-kappaB Activation

This study examined the total polyphenol content of eight wild edible plants from Ethiopia and their effect on NO production in Raw264.7 cells. Owing to its relatively high polyphenol concentration and inhibition of NO production, the methanol extract of Adansonia digitata L. leaf (MEAD) was subjected to detailed evaluation of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidant effects were assessed by measuring free-radical-scavenging activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen-radical-absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In the ORAC assay, MEAD was 10.2 times more potent than vitamin C at eliminating peroxyl radicals. In DPPH assay, MEAD also showed a strong ROS scavenging effect. MEAD significantly inhibited iNOS activity (IC50=28.6 microg/ml) of LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. We also investigated the relationship between iNOS expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. MEAD inhibited IkappaBa degradation and NF-kappaB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells without significant cytotoxic effects, as confirmed by MTT assay. These results suggest that MEAD inhibits anti-inflammatory iNOS expression, which might be related to the elimination of peroxyl radicals and thus the inhibition of IkappaBa-mediated NF-kappaB signal transduction.

The application of an in situ karyotyping technique for mesenchymal stromal cells: a validation and comparison study with classical G-banding

The cytogenetic analysis of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is essential for verifying the safety and stability of MSCs. An in situ technique, which uses cells grown on coverslips for karyotyping and minimizes cell manipulation, is the standard protocol for the chromosome analysis of amniotic fluids. Therefore, we applied the in situ karyotyping technique in MSCs and compared the quality of metaphases and karyotyping results with classical G-banding and chromosomal abnormalities with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Human adipose- and umbilical cord-derived MSC cell lines (American Type Culture Collection PCS-500-011, PCS-500-010) were used for evaluation. The quality of metaphases was assessed by analyzing the chromosome numbers in each metaphase, the overlaps of chromosomes and the mean length of chromosome 1. FISH was performed in the interphase nuclei of MSCs for 6q, 7q and 17q abnormalities and for the enumeration of chromosomes via oligo-FISH in adipose-derived MSCs. The number of chromosomes in each metaphase was more variable in classical G-banding. The overlap of chromosomes and the mean length of chromosome 1 as observed via in situ karyotyping were comparable to those of classical G-banding (P=0.218 and 0.674, respectively). Classical G-banding and in situ karyotyping by two personnel showed normal karyotypes for both cell lines in five passages. No numerical or structural chromosomal abnormalities were found by the interphase-FISH. In situ karyotyping showed equivalent karyotype results, and the quality of the metaphases was not inferior to classical G-banding. Thus, in situ karyotyping with minimized cell manipulation and the use of less cells would be useful for karyotyping MSCs.

Evaluation of Automated Blood Bank Systems AutoVue Innova and QWALYS-3 for ABO-RhD Grouping and Antibody Screening / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Introduction of automation instruments for the blood bank is essential in order to reduce inspection error and minimize workload. We compared the results of ABO-RhD blood type and antibody screening tests using the manual method and those using the automation instruments AutoVue Innova (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ, USA) and QWALYS-3 (DIAGAST, Loos Cedex, France). METHODS: ABO-RhD blood type tests using the slide method, the tube method, and the instruments were performed with 200 selected samples. Antibody screening tests using the Ortho BioVue system (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ, USA), which is used in our laboratory, and the two instruments were performed with 188 specimens and 12 antibody positive samples that were kept in the laboratory. We evaluated the concordance rate of the results, applying CLSI guideline EP12-A2. RESULTS: The concordance rate of ABO-RhD blood type results between the manual methods and the two instruments was 100%. On antibody screening tests, a concordance rate of 100% was observed between the manual method and AutoVue Innova, which uses the gel card manufactured by the company making the gel card used for the manual method. However, using QWALYS-3 in performance of antibody screening tests, the concordance rate was 97.5%, because of discordance in five specimens. CONCLUSION: The concordance rate of ABO-RhD blood type by use of two automation instruments was 100%, however, that of the antibody screening test was 97.5%. Thus, there was a difference in positive rate on the antibody screening test, depending on the instrument. Therefore, introduction of an instrument, considering the pros and cons for each instrument, is necessary. In addition, further discussion of standardized guidelines for quality control is needed.

Diagnosis of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) in a Heart Failure Patient / 대한수혈학회지

A 71-yr old man with known coronary heart disease complained of dyspnea and severe sweating one hour after transfusion of one unit of packed Red Blood Cells (pRBC). Although the heart failure was secondary to the remote acute myocardial infarction, except inflammatory lesion in his toes, he had remained asymptomatic for a long time. Observed as having clear lungs a few hours before transfusion, the patient suffered an acute hypoxic episode (SpO2=61%) and a resulting chest x-ray revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Confused as the cause of the acute deterioration, he was transferred to the intensive care unit and received managed lung care by mechanical ventilation as well as other conservative care methods. Two days after the acute hypoxic event there was apparent clinical improvement, and he was weaned from ventilator support. His amelioration resulted in subsequent diagnosis of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). TRALI is underdiagnosed in patients due to its nebulous nature. Evaluating patients exhibiting symptoms of bilateral lung infiltrate after blood transfusion for TRALI, and subsequent reporting of the diagnosis results, will help reveal the actual frequency of incidence of TRALI, and prevent additional events by tracing the blood donor.

A Case of Endoscopic Removal of a Broken off Gastric Balloon from a Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube / 대한소화기내시경학회지

A Sengstaken-Blakemore (S-B) tube, when used approximately, still has a place in the management of acute variceal bleeding, and controls bleeding in 40~90% of the cases. However its use is accompanied by number of complications such as esophageal ulcer, pulmonary aspiration, and malfunction of the tube, which requires replacement. We recently observed a very unusual complication: the remaining gastric balloon of a S-B tube was broken off in the fundus of stomach by the patient's traction. The gastric balloon was easily and safely removed using an endoscopic snare after deflating the gastric balloon with a needle puncture.

The Association of Alcohol Problems with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Psychological Hardiness and the Ways of Coping in Firefighters / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between alcohol problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, psychological hardiness, and coping mechanisms in firefighters. METHODS: We conducted an e-mail survey of 131 firefighters who were working at the two fire department stations in Gyeonggido, receiving replies from 96. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Hardiness Scale, and The Ways of Coping Checklist were used to collect the data. We divided the subjects into three drinking groups per their AUDIT scores : social, problem, and abuse drinking groups and compared PTSD symptoms, psychological hardiness, and coping strategies among the groups. RESULTS: Of the 96 firefighters, 73 (76.1%), 11 (11.4%), and 12 (11.4%) belonged to the social, problem, and abuse drinking groups, respectively. Control, one component of psychological hardiness, was significantly lower in the abuse drinking group. However, IES-R scores and four subscales of the Ways of Coping Checklist did not vary significantly among the groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest an approach focused on psychological hardiness should show a preventive effect with regard to firefighters' alcohol problems.