A Case-Control Study to Identify Risk Factors for Totally Implantable Central Venous Port-Related Bloodstream Infection / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To date, the risk factors for central venous port-related bloodstream infection (CVP-BSI) in solid cancer patients have not been fully elucidated. We conducted this study in order to determine the risk factors for CVP-BSI in patients with solid cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,642 patients with solid cancer received an implantable central venous port for delivery of chemotherapy between October 2008 and December 2011 in a single center. CVP-BSI was diagnosed in 66 patients (4%). We selected a control group of 130 patients, who were individually matched with respect to age, sex, and catheter insertion time. RESULTS: CVP-BSI occurred most frequently between September and November (37.9%). The most common pathogen was gram-positive cocci (n=35, 53.0%), followed by fungus (n=14, 21.2%). Multivariate analysis identified monthly catheter-stay as a risk factor for CVP-BSI (p=0.000), however, its risk was lower in primary gastrointestinal cancer than in other cancer (p=0.002). Initial metastatic disease and long catheter-stay were statistically significant factors affecting catheter life span (p=0.005 and p=0.000). Results of multivariate analysis showed that recent transfusion was a risk factor for mortality in patients with CVP-BSI (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: In analysis of the results with respect to risk factors, prolonged catheter-stay should be avoided as much as possible. It is necessary to be cautious of CVP-BSI in metastatic solid cancer, especially non-gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, avoidance of unnecessary transfusion is essential in order to reduce the mortality of CVP-BSI. Finally, considering the fact that confounding factors may have affected the results, conduct of a well-designed prospective controlled study is warranted.

Predictors of Outcome in Patients with Primary Achalasia Treated by Pneumatic Dilation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pneumatic dilation is the most effective non-surgical treatment option for the patients with achalasia. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of outcome after pnematic dilation in patients with primary achalasia. METHODS: Thrity-five patients with primary achalasia between May 1996 and April 2001 were included. They were divided into two groups; responder and nonresponder. Esophageal manometry, scintigraphy and barium esophagogram was performed before dilation and 4 weeks after dilation. RESULTS: Seven patients having symptomatic relapse were treated with repeated pneumatic dilation. Remaining 28 patients (83%) had no recurrence during follow-up period (mean duration 16 month, range 6~43 month). Among the factors evaluated in the initial examination, only young age affected outcome (p=0.039). The post treatment retention fraction at 5, 20 minutes were the most valuable factors for predicting the clinical response (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients are more likely to have sustained response. Radionuclide esophageal emptying test remains a useful objective study evaluating esophageal transit before and after pneumatic dilation in the patients with achalasia and may have an important role in the follow-up evaluation of treatment for achalasia.

A Successful Management Using Detachable Snare for Bleeding from Sigmoid Colonic Huge Mass in Liver Cirrhosis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Treatment modalities for lower gastrointestinal bleeding are thermal methods, injections, and mechanical devices. Every methods have advantages and disadvantages. The width of selection for the patients with risk factors (liver disease, coagulopathy, or ingestion of anticoagulant or NSAID) is narrow. We experienced a patient with severe bleeding from a sigmoid colonic huge mass. He had hepatic encephalopathy and bleeding tendency associated with liver cirrhosis. Endoscopic ligation using detachable snare was performed successfully. Fortunately, the patient was recovered from hepatic encephalopathy and had a good chance for liver transplantation.

Treatment of Pancreatic Ascites with Endoscopic Pancreatic Duct Stenting and Octreotide Injection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Pancreatic ascites is an exudative which is an amylase-rich accumulation of intraperitoneal fluid and occurs in association with rupture of a pseudocyst or disruption of the pancreatic duct. Characteristically the patient presents with increasing abdominal girth, weight loss, and varying degrees of abdominal pain. Conservative medical management, including withholding of oral feeding, total parenteral nutrition, and large volume paracentesis has led to successful resolution of pancreatic ascites in less than 50% of cases. Recently octreotide injection and endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting have made a major impact on the conservative treatment of pancreatic ascites. We describe the case of a patient with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ascites who was treated by endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting and octreotide injection.