Annual Report of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service on Transfusion Medicine (2018) / 임상검사와정도관리

Herein, we report the results of the 2018 survey on the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for the Transfusion Medicine Program (TMP) in Korea. The proficiency testing specimens were prepared at Ajou University Hospital and were sent to the participants biannually. The average accuracy rates for ten different test items on the regular survey were as follows: ABO typing, 99.5%–99.8% (N=841); RhD typing, 99.8%–100.0% (N=827); crossmatching, 89.4%–99.6% (N=708); ABO subtyping, 94.2% and 94.4% (N=53); Rh CcEe antigen testing, all 100.0% (N=51); weak D test, 80.9% (N=207) for the first trial and not graded for the second trial; antibody screening, 99.7%–100.0% (N=304); direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a polyspecific reagent, 98.9%–100.0% (N=264); DAT using an immunoglobulin-G monospecific reagent, all 100.0% (N=66); DAT using a C3d monospecific reagent, 97.0%–100.0% (N=67); antibody identification, 98.4%–100.0% (N=127); and ABO antibody titration, 84.6%–100.0% (N=73). There were approximately 10.5% more participants in the 2018 EQA scheme than that in 2017. Excellent survey results were obtained in the 2018 EQA scheme compared with those in 2017, except for the weak D test. The 2018 EQA scheme for the TMP should be helpful for improving the quality of the participating laboratories.

Differential Gene Expression Common to Acquired and Intrinsic Resistance to BRAF Inhibitor Revealed by RNA-Seq Analysis

Melanoma cells have been shown to respond to BRAF inhibitors; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance limits their clinical application. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis with BRAF inhibitor-sensitive (A375P) and

Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Transfusion Medicine in Korea (2017)

Here, we have reported results of the surveys on the external quality assessment scheme (EQA) of the Transfusion Medicine Program (TMP) in Korea that were carried out in 2017. The proficiency testing specimens were prepared at Ajou University Hospital, and sent to the participants biannually. The average accuracy rates (N=the number of participants) for ten different test items on the regular survey were as follows: ABO typing, 99.1%–99.9% (N=714); RhD typing, 99.3%–100.0% (N=695); crossmatching, 88.9%–98.5% (N=618); ABO subtyping, 80.7% and 96.0% (N=51); Rh CcEe antigen testing, 98.8%–100.0% (N=51); weak D test, 99.3% and 100.0 (N=150); antibody screening, 98.6%–100.0% (N=295); direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a poly-specific reagent, 99.2%–100.0 (N=256); DAT using an immunoglobulin-G monospecific reagent, all 100.0% (N=68); DAT using a C3d-monospecific reagent, 83.6%–100.0% (N=72); antibody identification, 88.7%–99.2% (N=123); and ABO Ab titration, 84.6%–100.0% (N=73). The number of participants for the EQA for TMP in 2017 was much higher than that in 2016. Except for the case of ABO subtyping, excellent survey results for the 2017 EQA for TMP were obtained, compared to those in 2016. Thus, the EQA for TMP in 2017 should be helpful for improving the quality of the participating laboratories.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction and Complications of Rhinoplasty between Local and General Anesthesia / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since rhinoplasty techniques require meticulous and delicate manipulation, proper anesthesia is essential. The aim of the current study is to compare patient satisfaction and complication of rhinoplasty performed under local anesthesia against general anesthesia. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Patients who underwent rhinoplasty by a single surgeon between March 2014 and January 2017 were enrolled in this study. Midazolam was utilized to sedate the patient during local anesthesia. Pain and memory of surgery under local anesthesia, satisfaction of anesthesia, and willingness to undergo the surgery with the same anesthesia method again were evaluated. Cardiopulmonary events, nausea, and vomiting were assessed as complications. Aesthetic satisfaction of patients and the doctor was evaluated 6 month after the surgery. The parameters were compared between local and general anesthesia. RESULTS: A total 120 patients were included in this study. The degree of pain was low during surgery under local anesthesia. Although most of patients remembered the process of surgery during local anesthesia, satisfaction of local anesthesia was high. The satisfaction of anesthesia and willingness to undergo surgery with same anesthesia were not signifcantly different between local and general anesthesia. No serious complications developed during local anesthesia and there were no signifcant differences of aesthetic satisfaction between local and general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction and aesthetic results of rhinoplasty performed under local anesthesia were comparable to general anesthesia, indicating that surgeons do not need to be afraid of applying local anesthesia in rhinoplasty.

Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Immunohematology Testing in Korea (2016)

We report here the 2016 results of surveys on an external quality assessment (EQA) for immunohematology testing in Korea carried out in 2016. The proficiency testing specimens were prepared at Ajou University Hospital, and the specimens were sent to participants biannually. The average accuracy rates (N=the number of participants) for ten different test items on the regular survey were as follows: ABO typing, 98.9%–99.7% (N=627); RhD typing, 98.6%–99.8% (N=607); crossmatching, 90.1%–98.1% (N=454); ABO subtyping, 92.7%–93.0% (N=42); Rh CcEe antigen testing, 97.8%–100.0% (N=46); weak D test, 70.8%–73.6% (N=91); antibody screening, 96.6%–100.0% (N=267); direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a polyspecific reagent, 92.2%–99.6% (N=49); DAT using an immunoglobulin G monospecific reagent, 84.1%–100.0% (N=68); DAT using a C3d monospecific reagent, 80.0%–100.0% (N=68); antibody identification, 96.7%–99.1% (N=118); and ABO antibody titration, 82.4%–100.0% (N=42). Excellent results for the 2016 EQA for immunohematology testing were obtained, except for those of the weak D test. The EQA for immunohematology testing in 2016 should be helpful for improving the quality of participating laboratories.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Oroantral Fistula / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oroantral fistula is an epithelialized communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of oroantral fistula. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Patients who have undergone treatment for oroantral fistula between May 1995 and December 2015 were enrolled in this study. The demographic data of these patients and characteristics of oroantral fistula were analyzed. Patients with oroantral fistula were initially administered oral antibiotics for 3 weeks. If fistula persists in spite of the medication, surgery (soft tissue flap with or without bone graft) was performed. The surgical results according to the presence of bone graft were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The male to female ratio of patients was 12:10, with the mean age of 47.9±13.4 years. The main complaint of patients was pus discharge from the fistula. Two patients were successfully treated with antibiotics whereas 20 patients underwent surgery. Recurrence occurred in 3 patients, who were treated with soft tissue flap, but no recurrence developed in the patients treated with soft tissue flap and bone graft. Although dehiscence of soft tissue flap occurred in one patient treated with bone graft, it was successfully treated by secondary intention without an additional surgery. CONCLUSION: Bone graft bears the negative pressure of the oral cavity and the weight of secretions including the blood. In addition, it induces secondary intention for the dehiscence of the flap. In this regard, bone graft seems to contribute to the surgical success of oroantral fistula.

Clinical Aspects and Surgical Outcomes of Congenital Cholesteatoma in 93 Children: Increasing Trends of Congenital Cholesteatoma from 1997 through 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The recent increase in the reported incidence of congenital cholesteatoma (CC) may be secondary to the widespread use of otoendoscopy as well as an increased awareness of these lesions among primary care physicians. However, little research about CC has been conducted in a large group of patients. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of CC including the annual number of patients, symptoms, age at diagnosis, stage and type of disease, surgical techniques, recurrence, and postoperative complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for patients who met the inclusion criteria between January 1997 and June 2012. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients underwent surgery for CC. The age at operation ranged from 12 months to 17 years (mean age, 6.1 years). The number of patients was less than 4 per year until 2005, but increased to more than 10 per year since 2008. CC was most commonly reported as an incidental finding (58.1%). The operative procedures included the transcanal myringotomy approach (46.2%), canal wall up mastoidectomy (37.6%), tympanoplasty (8.6%), and canal wall down mastoidectomy (7.5%). The recurrence rate was 20.4% and the complication rate was 12.9%. No patients with stage I CC had complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the incidence of CC has recently increased notably. Most patients with stage I and II CC were completely cured by transtympanic surgery, and complication and recurrence rates increased according to the extent of disease. Early detection of CC is important to facilitate minimally invasive surgery and to reduce complication and recurrence rates.

Report on External Proficiency Testing for the ABO and D Blood Group Typing Tests in Blood Centers (2015) / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The Korean Blood Safety Commission has implemented external proficiency testing (PT) for blood grouping test (BGT) since 2011. We analyzed the results of 2015 PT for BGT including hemagglutination grade for ABO BGT to help in planning the future PT for BGT and improving the quality of blood centers (BC). METHODS: Two kinds of whole blood survey samples composed of three panels for ABO grouping and three panels for D typing were sent to 68 institutes. Evaluation criteria for BGT were as follows: 'Good' for the answers matched with intended results, 'Acceptable' for the consensus answers other than that of 'Good', 'Unacceptable' for the answers other than those of 'Good+acceptable' as correct answers. RESULTS: The answer rates of 'Unacceptable' for ABO BGT were 0% for A(A1) antigen (Ag), 1.5% for B Ag, and 1.5% for ABW (A2BW) Ag, 15% of blood centers were graded as 'Acceptable' for ABW (A2BW) Ag because they could not detect BW Ag. All answers for D typing were 'Good' except one institute reported wrong switched results as D positive and D negative. Hemagglutination grade for ABO BGT varied from 77.2%~100% depending on blood groups and laboratories. CONCLUSION: Because some hospital BC could not detect BW Ag and there was a clerical error, continuous education should be required, and comparison of hemagglutination grade for ABO BGT of each BC would be helpful in improving quality of BC.

Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Blood Bank Tests in Korea (2015)

We report here the results of the external quality assessment scheme (EQA) of blood bank tests in Korea carried out in 2015. The proficiency testing specimens used in the survey were prepared at Ajou University Hospital. The response rates from participating laboratories for the first and second trials were 98.7% (542/549) and 98.2% (544/554), respectively. No answers to tests were considered incorrect, and the average accuracy rates for six different test items on the standard survey were as follows: ABO grouping, 99.4% to 100.0%; RhD typing, 99.4% to 100.0%; crossmatching, 93.6% to 99.0%; direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a polyspecific reagent, 92.9% to 98.3%; DAT using an IgG monospecific reagent, 94.6% to 100.0%; DAT using a C3d monospecific reagent, 84.2% to 98.6%; unexpected antibody screening test, 94.5% to 100.0%; and antibody identification test, 93.8% to 100.0%. We performed a pilot survey on reactivities to A1 (54 responses) and H (50 responses); Rh C, c, E, and e antigen testing (47 responses); and ABO antibody titration (10-34 responses). We obtained excellent results for this EQA, and these results will be helpful for improving or maintaining the quality of the participating laboratories.

A Case of Metastasizing Pleomorphic Adenoma Recurred as Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis after Parotidectomy / 대한이비인후과학회지

Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma is a rare condition of metastasis from a histologically benign pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands. The bones and lungs are the most common metastatic locations for metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma, suggesting hematogenous spread of the primary tumor. However, we observed a case of metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma presenting with cervical lymph node metastasis, suggesting metastasis through the regional lymphatic system, in a 37-year-old woman who underwent parotidectomy 14 years earlier. Herein, we report this rare case and review the relevant literature.

A Case of Skull Base Plasmacytoma Presenting with Unilateral Cheek Paresthesia in Patient with Multiple Myeloma

Plasmacytoma is a monoclonal neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells derived from bone marrow. Plasmacytoma of the skull base is very rare. Recently, the authors experienced a case of a 50-year-old woman with a tumor like lesion originating from the right sphenoid bone. The patient presented with a 3-month history of right facial pain and paresthesia. She had been diagnosed and treated with multiple myeloma for more than 5 years, although she was in complete remission until recently. Imaging studies including contrast CT scan and MRI, showed a huge, enhanced and irregular shaped lesion in the sphenoid bone along with skull base destruction and intracranial invasion. The patient underwent transnasal endoscopic biopsy under local anesthesia. The pathology was consistent with a plasma cell tumor and it was confirmed as a solitary plasmacytoma of the bone of the skull base. We report this rare case along with a literature review.

Optimal resting heart rate in adult population: factors related to the heart rate / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The resting heart rate (HR) or HR recovery after exercise is one of the important predictors of cardiovascular disease mortality. However, few studies have addressed the ideal range of the HR. We sought to define the normal HR of healthy adults who have no evidence of cardiovascular or systemic illness, and none of the component of metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: We analyzed a total of 20,162 asymptomatic adults, who were referred for a general health evaluation. All participants underwent careful clinical evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination and laboratory workup. The mean HR for 30 seconds in the morning after an overnight fast was obtained. There were 7,823 subjects who were free of any component of MS. There were 935 MS patients, and 10,492 patients had > or =1 component of MS. RESULTS: The HR was faster in women. The resting HR of healthy men was 59.9+/-8.2 bpm, and that of healthy women was 63.7+/-8.5 bpm. There was significant correlation between the HR and the age of healthy adults (r=-0.008, p<0.001). The mean resting HR was higher in the MS patients than that of their healthy counterparts (67.4+/-10.6 bpm vs 62.0+/-8.6 bpm, respectively, p=0.000). A significant gradual increase of HR was observed as the numbers of MS component increased (r=0.127, p<0.001). The systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, triglyceride, gamma GTP, uric acid and CRP were significantly correlated with HR. CONCLUSIONS: We herein newly define the optimal HR in a healthy adult population. Follow-up study is needed to clarify the role of HR as a risk stratifier.

Non-Invasive Parameters, Including a Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, for Predicting Sudden Cardiac Death in Korean Post Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the MADIT II criteria, a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the most important predicting factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in post myocardial infarction (PMI) patients, and it is a reasonable indication for ICD implantation. The aim of this study is to reveal the incidence and the prognostic value of the non-invasive parameters and whether the MADIT II criteria for ICD implantation can be applied to Korean PMI patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2001 to June 2005, 640 PMI survivors were included in this study. The incidence of an abnormal SAECG, premature ventricular complex (PVC) counts > or = 10/hr, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on ambulatory ECG and a low ( or = 10/hr and NSVT on the ambulatory ECG was 14.3% and 7.5%, respectively. 29 patients (4.9%) had a LVEF of less than 30%. Arrhythmic events occurred in 9 of the 29 patients (31%). SCD or adverse arrhythmic events occurred in 42 of the 640 patients. The percentage of patients who were using beta-blocker was lower than that in the MADIT II study group (55% vs 70%, respectively). In the adverse arrhythmic event (+) group, the percentage of beta-blocker use was significantly lower than that in the arrhythmic event (-) group (32.5% vs 58%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The MADIT II criteria and PVCs > or = 10/hr or NSVT on the ambulatory ECG can be suggested as the indications for implanting an ICD in Korean PMI patients. The use of beta-blocker is important for preventing adverse arrhythmic events.

Discriminating Ability of Scanning Laser Polarimetry with Variable Corneal Compensation in Normal and Glaucomatous Eyes

PURPOSE: We investigated the diagnostic ability of scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) parameters to distinguish glaucomatous eyes with different degrees of visual field abnormality from normal eyes. METHODS: Subjects were divided into a control group (n=47) and an early to moderate glaucoma group (n=100). The latter included 53 early glaucoma patients (mean deviation > -6dB with a Humphrey Field Analyzer). Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the diagnostic power of GDx VCC parameters was analyzed and the correlations between those parameters and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) indices were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Nerve fiber indicator (NFI) provided the best discriminating ability with the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC) value for detecting eyes with early to moderate perimetric glaucoma. TSNIT average showed the highest AUROC value for detecting eyes with early perimetric glaucoma. The optimal NFI cut-off value to discriminate between the control group and early to moderate group was 22, offering the best combination of sensitivity (88.0%) and specificity (83.0%). The optimal TSNIT average cut-off value to discriminate between the control group and early glaucoma group was 53.49 micrometer, providing the best combination of sensitivity (84.9%) and specificity (85.1%). Most of the thickness parameters showed higher AUROC values than those of the ratio or modulation parameters. A statistically significant correlation was found between the GDx VCC parameters and HFA indices. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) by scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation is useful in discriminating between normal and glaucomatous eyes.

Scanning Laser Polarimetry Using Variable Corneal Compensation in Detection of Localized Visual Field Defects

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of scanning laser polarimetry parameters and a novel deviation-map algorithm to discriminate between healthy and early glaucomatous eyes with localized visual field defects confined in one hemifield. METHODS: In this prospective case-controlled study, 61 glaucomatous eyes with localized visual field defects and 66 normal controls were enrolled. Humphrey field analyzer 24-2 glaucoma hemifield test and scanning laser polarimetry (GDx-VCC ) were used. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean parametric values of TSNIT average, superior average, inferior average, and TSNIT SD (P<0.05) between the glaucoma group and normal subjects. The sensitivity of each GDx-VCC variable was as follows: TSNIT average, 47.5%; superior average, 31.1%; inferior average, 47.5%; and TSNIT SD, 24.6% (when abnormal was defined as P<0.05). The overall sensitivities combining each probability scale and severity score at 80%, 90%, and 95% specificity were 90.2%, 72.1%, and 59%, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the GDx-VCC severity score and the visual field severity score (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GDx-VCC parameters may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect glaucomatous patients with localized visual field damage. Our algorithm using the GDx-VCC deviation map may enhance the understanding of GDx-VCC in terms of the locality, deviation size, and severity of localized RNFL defects in eyes with localized visual field loss.

A Case Report of Giant Pigmented Nevus Associated with Porencephaly: A Variant of Neurocutaneous Melanosis

Giant pigmented nevus is a variety of congenital melanocytic nevi, and may be associated with various abnormalities, such as skeletal malformation, lipoma, vascular nevi, melanosis in the meninges, meningocele, and intracranial arteriovenous malformation. We report a case with congenital giant pigmented nevus and porencephaly. This association should be considered as the spectrum of neurocutaneous syndromes related to congenital giant pigmented nevus.