Comparison of Nutritional Status and Blood Factors Before and After Consumption of Balanced Soymilk in Elderly Female Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease

This was a clinical trial study to aid the recovery of elderly female alcoholic liver disease patients by providing a balanced nutritional supplement comprising soymilk. All patients gave their consent before enrolling. The average demographics of the subjects were age 81.57 years, height 150.43 cm, weight 52.67 kg, and body mass index 24.15 kg/m2 . An increase in the daily consumption of fruits and fruit juice was observed after the patients had started taking the balanced meal as compared to before. Intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and cholesterol decreased after consuming soymilk, whereas vitamin B 12, niacin, folic acid, and dietary fiber significantly increased (P<0.05). Blood cholesterol and BUN levels showed a decreasing tendency.Our results indicate that consuming soymilk in a balanced diet for female patients afflicted with alcoholic liver disease helps improve their nutritional status by increasing the nutrients lacking in the body.

Medical Travel among Non-Seoul Residents to Seek Prostate Cancer Treatment in Medical Facilities of Seoul / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the trend in medical travel by non-Seoul residents to Seoul for treatment of prostate cancer and also to investigate the possible factors affecting the trend. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study represents a retrospective cohort study using data from theKoreanNationalHealth Insurance System from 2002 to 2015. Annual trends were produced for proportions of patients who traveled according to the age group, economic status and types of treatment. Multiple logistic analysiswas used to determine factors affecting surgeries at medical facilities in Seoul among the non-Seoul residents. RESULTS: A total of 68,543 patients were defined as newly diagnosed prostate cancer cohorts from 2005 to 2014. The proportion of patients who traveled to Seoul for treatment, estimated from cases with prostate cancer-related claims, decreased slightly over 9 years (28.0 at 2005 and 27.0 at 2014, p=0.02). The average proportion of medical travelers seeking radical prostatectomy increased slightly but the increase was not statistically significant (43.1 at 2005 and 45.4 at 2014, p=0.26). Income level and performance ofrobot-assisted radical prostatectomy were significant positive factors for medical travel to medical facilities in Seoul. Combined comorbidity diseases and year undergoing surgery were significant negative factors for medical travel to medical facilities in Seoul. CONCLUSION: The general trend of patients travelling from outside Seoul for prostate cancer treatment decreased from 2005 to 2014. However, a large proportion of traveling remained irrespective of direct distance from Seoul.

Factors Associated with Rebleeding in Patients with Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: Analysis of the Korean Peptic Ulcer Bleeding (K-PUB) Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Rebleeding is associated with mortality in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), and risk stratification is important for the management of these patients. The purpose of our study was to examine the risk factors associated with rebleeding in patients with PUB. METHODS: The Korean Peptic Ulcer Bleeding registry is a large prospectively collected database of patients with PUB who were hospitalized between 2014 and 2015 at 28 medical centers in Korea. We examined the basic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients in this registry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with rebleeding. RESULTS: In total, 904 patients with PUB were registered, and 897 patients were analyzed. Rebleeding occurred in 7.1% of the patients (64), and the 30-day mortality was 1.0% (nine patients). According to the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for rebleeding were the presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and hematemesis/hematochezia as initial presentations. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of co-morbidities, use of multiple drugs, albumin levels, and initial presentations with hematemesis/hematochezia can be indicators of rebleeding in patients with PUB. The wide use of proton pump inhibitors and prompt endoscopic interventions may explain the low incidence of rebleeding and low mortality rates in Korea.

Clinical Outcomes of Continuous Addition of Androgen Deprivation Therapy During Docetaxel Chemotherapy for Patients With Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: This study compared the oncologic results of docetaxel chemotherapy (DOC) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) according to continuous addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) during chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients who received DOC in 6 medical institutes. Among them, 72 patients had a complete medical record: 28 patients with ADT (DOC+continuous ADT group) and 44 without ADT (DOC only group). We compared the progression-free survival of these groups after DOC. RESULTS: Docetaxel was administered an average of 28 months after primary ADT as the first treatment. A median number of 6 cycles of DOC was administered in both groups. In the DOC+continuous ADT group, orchiectomy was performed in 18 patients and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist was injected in 10 patients. During DOC treatment, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival was statistically different (6.0±4.75 months in DOC+continuous ADT group vs. 4.8±3.2 months in DOC only group, p=0.024), whereas radiologic progression-free survival was not statistically different (5.0±3.12 months in DOC+continuous ADT group vs. 5.0±2.79 months in DOC only group, p=0.387). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, continuous addition of ADT showed a significant benefit in PSA progression-free survival during DOC in CRPC patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Toward Better Predictions of Chemosensitivity: Comparative Study of Conventional and Simulated Chemosensitivity Tests for Bladder Cancer Cell Lines

No abstract available.

Comparative analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia management by urologists and nonurologists: A Korean nationwide health insurance database study

PURPOSE: To compare the current management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by urologists and nonurologists by use of Korean nationwide health insurance data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained patient data from the national health insurance system. New patients diagnosed with BPH in 2009 were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed by a urologist (U group) or by a nonurologist (NU group). RESULTS: A total of 390,767 individuals were newly diagnosed with BPH in 2009. Of these, 240,907 patients (61.7%) were in the U group and 149,860 patients (38.3%) were in the NU group. The rate of all initial evaluation tests, except serum creatinine, was significantly lower in the NU group. The initial prescription rate was higher in the U group, whereas the prescription period was longer in the NU group. Regarding the initial drugs prescribed, the use of alpha-blockers was common in both groups. However, the U group was prescribed combination therapy of an alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as the second choice, whereas the NU group received monotherapy with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. During the 1-year follow-up, the incidence of surgery was significantly different between the U group and the NU group. CONCLUSIONS: There are distinct differences in the diagnosis and treatment of BPH by urologists and nonurologists in Korea. These differences may have adverse consequences for BPH patients. Urological societies should take a leadership role in the management of BPH and play an educational role for nonurologists as well as urologists.

A Case of Podostroma Cornu-Damae Intoxication Induced Pancytopenia and Skin Desquamation: Successful Treatment with Granulocyte Colony Stimulation Factor (G-CFS)

Podostroma cornu-damae is a rare species of fungus belonging to the Hyocreaceae family. Its fruit body is highly toxic, as it contains trichothecene mycotoxins. The morphology is similar to that of immature Ganoderma lucidum, making identification difficult for non-experts. We experienced such a case of a 56- year-old male who picked and consumed podostroma cornu-damae, and consumed. Later that day, he developed digestive system symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. He presented to the emergency room (ER), there were no abnormal physical findings, symptoms improved after gastric lavage, and the patient voluntarily discharged himself on the same day. The following day, as the symptoms gradually deteriorated, he was admitted via the ER. He was presented with severe pancytopenia, alopecia, desquamation of skin, and acute renal failure. He recovered without any complications after conservative care, antibiotics therapy, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor administration. The most commonly reported complications of podostroma cornu-damae intoxication were reported pancytopenia, infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, etc. since Prevention is especially important because its toxicity can be lethal and there is no particular treatment to date, prevention is especially important. Promotion and education for the public are needed.

Predictive Value of the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Score for Recurrence-Free Survival After Radical Prostatectomy in Korea: A Single-Surgeon Series

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of the cancer of the prostate risk assessment (CAPRA) score, a newly developed nomogram for preoperative prediction of recurrence after radical prostatectomy, in a single institution in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 115 men who had undergone radical prostatectomy as the first treatment for localized prostate cancer. The validity of the CAPRA score for the prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and pathologic outcome was evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a proportional hazards regression model. A seven-group model and a three-group model were used for the results. RESULTS: None of the variables of the CAPRA score was favorable compared with the previously reported data. The three-group model was significantly related with 3- and 5-year RFS (p<0.05), but the seven-group model was not. The concordance indices of the CAPRA score were 0.74 and 0.77. Of four components excluding the clinical T stage, three independently predicted RFS (age, Gleason sum, and percentage of positive biopsies). The CAPRA score was significantly related to the margin status, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion in both the seven- and three-group models. In the three-group model, pathologic outcomes were more strongly related, especially a higher risk of seminal vesicle invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The CAPRA score showed high accuracy for predicting RFS. In particular, the three-group model was more useful for predicting RFS and pathologic outcomes. Therefore, the CAPRA score may be a useful prediction model for risk stratification and may help clinicians to develop localized prostate cancer treatment.

Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) Preoperative Score Versus Postoperative Score (CAPRA-S): Ability to Predict Cancer Progression and Decision-Making Regarding Adjuvant Therapy after Radical Prostatectomy

The University of California, San Francisco, announced in 2011 Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score which included pathologic data, but there were no results for comparing preoperative predictors with the CAPRA-S score. We evaluated the validation of the CAPRA-S score in our institution and compare the result with the preoperative progression predictor, CAPRA score. Data of 130 patients were reviewed who underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer from 2008 to 2013. Performance of CAPRA-S score in predicting progression free probabilities was assessed through Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression test. Additionally, prediction probability was compared with preoperative CAPRA score by logistic regression analysis. Comparing CAPRA score, the CAPRA-S score showed improved prediction ability for 5 yr progression free survival (concordance index 0.80, P = 0.04). After risk group stratification, 3 group model of CAPRA-S was superior than 3 group model of CAPRA for 3-yr progression free survival and 5-yr progression free survival (concordance index 0.74 vs. 0.70, 0.77 vs. 0.71, P < 0.001). Finally the CAPRA-S score was the more ideal predictor concerned with adjuvant therapy than the CAPRA score through decision curve analysis. The CPARA-S score is a useful predictor for disease progression after radical prostatectomy.

Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) Preoperative Score Versus Postoperative Score (CAPRA-S): Ability to Predict Cancer Progression and Decision-Making Regarding Adjuvant Therapy after Radical Prostatectomy

The University of California, San Francisco, announced in 2011 Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score which included pathologic data, but there were no results for comparing preoperative predictors with the CAPRA-S score. We evaluated the validation of the CAPRA-S score in our institution and compare the result with the preoperative progression predictor, CAPRA score. Data of 130 patients were reviewed who underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer from 2008 to 2013. Performance of CAPRA-S score in predicting progression free probabilities was assessed through Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression test. Additionally, prediction probability was compared with preoperative CAPRA score by logistic regression analysis. Comparing CAPRA score, the CAPRA-S score showed improved prediction ability for 5 yr progression free survival (concordance index 0.80, P = 0.04). After risk group stratification, 3 group model of CAPRA-S was superior than 3 group model of CAPRA for 3-yr progression free survival and 5-yr progression free survival (concordance index 0.74 vs. 0.70, 0.77 vs. 0.71, P < 0.001). Finally the CAPRA-S score was the more ideal predictor concerned with adjuvant therapy than the CAPRA score through decision curve analysis. The CPARA-S score is a useful predictor for disease progression after radical prostatectomy.

Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Esophagus / 대한내과학회지

Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinomas are very rare and have a poor prognosis. In addition, the optimum treatment has not been established due to the rarity of the condition. An accurate differential diagnosis is important because treatments and clinical courses differ from those of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. We report a case of a 61-year-old female who underwent endoscopy for dysphagia and was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the esophagus, which was successfully resected by esophagectomy.

Current Status of 5alpha-Reductase Inhibitors in Prostate Disease Management

The key enzyme in the androgen synthesis and androgen receptor pathways is 5alpha-reductase (5-AR), which occurs as three isoenzymes. Types I and II 5-ARs the most important clinically, and two different 5-AR inhibitors (5-ARIs), finasteride and dutasteride, have been developed. Several urology associations have recommended and upgraded the use of 5-ARIs for an enlarged prostate with lower urinary tract symptoms. In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial and the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events Trial, 5-ARIs reduced the incidence of low-grade prostate cancer. However, despite the documented reductions in the overall incidence of prostate cancer, 5-ARIs are at the center of a dispute. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Urology Association (AUA) presented clinical guidelines for the use of 5-ARIs for chemoprevention of prostate cancer in 2008. However, ASCO/AUA has eliminated these from the main "Clinical Guidelines" in 2012, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration denied a supplemental New Drug Application for the use of dutasteride for prostate cancer chemoprevention. The 5-ARIs can also be used to manage hemospermia and prostatic hematuria, and to prevent intraoperative bleeding, although there is insufficient evidence for a standard strategy. This review summarizes the current use of 5-ARIs for prostate disease, including benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, prostate-related bleeding, and hemospermia.

Prognostic Significance of Perirenal Infiltration in Renal Cell Carcinoma (<7 cm)

PURPOSE: Pathologic stage is the most accurate prognostic factor of renal cell carcinoma. We evaluated whether perirenal fat infiltration is a significant factor in tumors 7 cm or less in size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the record of 164 cases of tumors 7 cm or less in size. We divided the patients into two groups according to the presence of perirenal fat infiltration (group A, pT1; group B, pT3a). We evaluated relationships, recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival according to clinicopathologic parameters. Statistical differences were calculated by log-rank test. RESULTS: A total 131 patients were included in group A, with a mean age of 55.8 years, average tumor size was 4.2 cm, and a mean follow-up period of 43 months. Group B included 33 patients, with a mean age of 55.9 years, an average tumor size of 4.1 cm, and a mean follow-up period of 38 months. There was no significant difference in disease-specific survival; however, recurrence-free survival showed significantly different between two groups (group A: 95.5%, group B: 84.4%). CONCLUSION: In this study, perirenal fat infiltration proved to be an independent prognostic factor for predicting disease-free survival in patients with tumors of 7 cm or less in size. Therefore, as this study showed, the presence of perirenal fat infiltration requires stricter follow-up planning, even in small renal cell carcinoma.

Urothelial Carcinoma Arising from a Large Ureteral Polyp

We report an unusual case of a urothelial tumor on a ureteral polyp without hydronephrosis. The patient was a 50-year-old male. He had experienced several episodes of gross hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a tumor that periodically prolapsed into the bladder. The tumor had a smooth-surfaced stalk with an erythematous, edematous lesion at the end. Tomography showed a mass and filling defect at the left ureterovesical junction. The results of urine cytology tests were negative. After the tumor was identified as a urothelial carcinoma by frozen biopsy analysis, a ureteroscopic resection was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma arising in a ureteral polyp. No recurrence of the tumor or polyp was observed at the 3-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the Korean population of a urothelial tumor arising from a ureteral polyp.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can be prevented more easily than other types of cancers, thanks to the following reasons: The presence of precursor lesions, longer doulbling time of cancerous cells, high incidence and prevalence, and susceptibility to chemo-preventive agents such as 5 alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI). The following risk factors may increase the incidence of prostate cancer: age (older than 50), family history of prostate cancer, race (African-American), hormones (testosterone, dehydrotestosterone), and diet high in dairy foods and calcium. The following protective factors may decrease the risk of prostate cancer: Lycopene, Soy, Green tea, Vit. D, and taking Finasteride or Dutasteride. The following have not been proven to prevent prostate cancer: Selenium, vitamin E, retinoid, and multivitamins. However, their effectiveness is still under investigation. Avoiding risk factors such as smoking, being overweight and lack of exercise may help prevent cancers. Increasing protective factors such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising may also help prevent cancers. Some clinical studies are conducted on polyphenon E for high grade PIN, Vitamin D, fish oil, green tea, and aspirin for prostate cancer prevention. Prostate cancer is an attractive and appropriate target for cancer prevention because of its incidence, prevalence and disease-related mortality. In addition to changing life style with healthy food and reducing dairy and calcium intake, taking certain drugs (5ARI) may prevent cancer development.

Penile Augmentation Using Superficial External Pudendal Artery Pedicle and Adipose Tissue / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Many men are to some degree unsatisfied with the size of their penis, whether it is normal in size and appearance or not. We report a novel surgical technique for penile augmentation using a superficial external pudendal artery pedicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 8 patients underwent penile augmentation from March 2003 to February 2004. Their mean age was 37.3 years. Five patients were unsatisfied about the size of their penis, and three patients had complications after insertion of foreign material. This penile augmentation technique was developed by using a low abdominal fat-flap where blood is supplied from the external pudendal artery. Spinal or epidural anesthesia was done during the operation, and the fat-flap was elevated and transpositioned to the site of lesion. RESULTS: All cases of patients were performed successfully by autografting using adipose tissue where blood flow was supplied from the external pudendal artery. There were no complications except one case of hematoma after the operation. The mean operative time was 80 min. The mean follow-up period after operation was about 6 months and all patients had a normal sexual life and no voiding dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS: This novel surgical technique has several advantages. First, reconstruction without skin necrosis was possible even though the defect was large, because the blood supply was favorable. Second, there was no size limitation in augmentation with dermoplasty. Third, there was no evidence of atrophy of the flap.

Learning Curves for Colonoscopy: A Prospective Evaluation of Gastroenterology Fellows at a Single Center

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy training programs and the minimal experience with colonoscopy required to be considered technically competent are not well established. The aim of this study was to determine the colonoscopy learning curves and factors associated with this difficult procedure at a single center. METHODS: A total of 3,243 colonoscopies were performed by 12 first-year gastroenterology fellows, and various clinical factors were assessed prospectively for 22 months. Acquisition of competence (success rate) was evaluated based on two objective criteria: (i) the adjusted completion rate (>90%) and (ii) cecal intubation time (20 minutes). Surgery of the uterus and ovaries was significantly correlated with delayed cecal intubation time, but not after sufficient colonoscopy experience. CONCLUSIONS: The minimum number of procedures to reach technical competence was 200. The cecal intubation time was longer in female and older patients.

Effectiveness of Transurethral Coagulation and Incision of Ejaculatory Duct for Hematospermia Caused by Ejaculatory Duct Cyst and Obstruction

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of transurethral coagulation and incision of the ejaculatory duct for hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct cyst and obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with hematospermia were enrolled. Ejaculatory duct cyst or obstruction was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound or MRI, revealing seminal vesicle hypertrophy and cystic dilated ejaculatory ducts. One patient had hematospermia associated with infertility. The mean age of the patients and their duration of symptoms were 42.7 years (range, 25-67 years) and 16 months (range, 1-60 months), respectively. All patients underwent transurethral management for treatment of their ejaculatory duct obstruction in the form of incision and coagulation of the ejaculatory duct. We used a 9.5 Fr rigid ureteroscope (Stortz(R), Germany) and a Bugbee electrode. Patients were followed for more than 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: All patients reported improvement of hematospermia and disappearance of midline cysts, except for one patient. The one case, ureteroscope failed to pass through verumontanum. A ejaculatory duct cyst was found in 18 cases. Calculi were present in the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory ducts in 7 patients and were removed with endoscopic instruments. One infertile patient regained reproductive ability after the procedure. Postoperative complications, such as epididymitis, orchitis, or retrograde ejaculation were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral incision and coagulation was a safe and effective treatment option for hematospermia caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction and is considered to be a successful treatment option for infertility secondary to ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Primary Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a relatively rare histological variant of mucus-producing adenocarcinoma usually of poor prognosis. We report two cases of primary bladder signet ring carcinoma. The first patient underwent a radical cystectomy with ileal conduit (pT3bN1M0), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (M-VAC regimen) and subsequently expired 37 months after surgery. The other was initially diagnosed with peritoneal metastasis from the primary bladder signet ring cell carcinoma and was treated with partial cystectomy (pT3bNOM1). Postoperative adjuvant therapy was not done because of patient's refusal.

Simultaneous Occurrence of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma and Urothelial Carcinoma in the Same Kidney

The simultaneous occurrence of a renal cell carcinoma and a urothelial carcinoma in the same kidney is uncommon. Here we report the case of a 79-year-old woman with ipsilateral synchronous renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. She was referred to our hospital for gross hematuria and right flank pain. A computed tomography scan showed a 15x20 mm enhanced lesion on the upper calyx and a 12x15 mm mass on the lateral aspect of the right kidney. We thus suspected a renal pelvis tumor and performed right hand assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (HALSNU). Gross findings were multiple, pale yellowish papillary masses on the upper and lower major calices, of which the largest one measured 16x20 mm. A separated solid mass measuring 12x16 mm was also noted on the anterior midportion of the kidney. The former was a urothelial carcinoma and the latter was a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. We present a rare case of a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and a urothelial carcinoma in the same kidney.