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1.
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine ; : 872-878, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1003032

ABSTRACT

Background/Aims@#Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is important to identify and control the modifiable risk factors of AF. We aimed to examine the association of exercise capacity with the risk of incident AF within 3 years in healthy subjects. @*Methods@#We evaluated asymptomatic adults who had undergone more than two consecutive health checkups. We included subjects who exhibited normal sinus rhythm on the first health examination and who developed AF on the second or subsequent health examinations. Subjects who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing within 3 years before the diagnosis of AF were examined. @*Results@#The study population in the analyses included 428 cases (mean age 58.4 ± 7.6 yr, male 95.6%). There were significant differences in maximal systolic blood pressure (SBP; case 169.4 ± 24.2 vs. control 173.9 ± 22.3 mmHg), peak VO2 (29.5 ± 5.4 vs. 30.4 ± 4.8 mL/kg per minute), and maximal metabolic equivalents (METs; 8.5 ± 1.6 vs. 8.7 ± 1.4) between the two groups. In the multivariable logistic models, adjusted odds ratios were 0.99 for maximal SBP (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–0.99), 0.97 for peak VO2 (95% CI 0.95–0.99), and 0.91 for maximal METs (95% CI 0.83–0.98). @*Conclusions@#We demonstrated that poorer exercise capacity was associated with the development of AF in a healthy population. A prospective, systematic trial is necessary to confirm that appropriate exercise training will be beneficial in preventing the development of AF in such patients.

2.
Laboratory Medicine Online ; : 153-160, 2019.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-760501

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis evaluation is an important issue in chronic liver disease patients. We aimed to develop noninvasive liver fibrosis biomarkers based on transient elastography (TE, FibroScan®) through retrospective review of clinicopathological data. METHODS: We recruited 278 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent Fibroscan and HBV DNA testing. A total of 115 HBeAg-positive and 159 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients were analyzed. A total of 100 hepatitis C patients were analyzed. Successful fibroscan data, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to platelet ratio (GPR), platelet count, AST, ALT, international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, total cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, mean platelet volume, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and NLR to platelet ratio were analyzed to determine the new noninvasive markers for assessing liver fibrosis. RESULTS: Elevated GPR (OR=9.1, P=0.011) and FIB-4 (OR=2.3, P=0.01) were associated with greater risk of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. FIB-4 (OR=6.04, P=0.005) was a risk factor for liver fibrosis in HBeAg-positive patients. FIB-4 (OR=2.371, P=0.015) and GPR (OR=33.78, P=0.003) were liver fibrosis risk factor in HBeAg-negative patients. In chronic hepatitis C patients, GGT (OR=1.033, P=0.002), triglyceride (OR=−0.990, P=0.038) and FIB-4 (OR=3.499, P=0.006) showed statistical significances. The AUCs were 0.816 in FIB-4 (P<0.001) and 0.849 in GPR (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FIB-4 and GPR may be useful blood markers for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C patients. Further well-designed prospective study is required to validate these noninvasive blood markers in clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Humans , Area Under Curve , Bilirubin , Biomarkers , Blood Platelets , Cholesterol , DNA , Elasticity Imaging Techniques , Fibrosis , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis B, Chronic , Hepatitis C , Hepatitis C, Chronic , Hepatitis , Hepatitis, Chronic , International Normalized Ratio , Liver Cirrhosis , Liver Diseases , Liver , Lymphocytes , Mean Platelet Volume , Neutrophils , Platelet Count , Prospective Studies , Prothrombin Time , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Transferases , Triglycerides
3.
Laboratory Medicine Online ; : 77-83, 2019.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-760487

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most of the blood-test samples are collected and carried in vacuum tubes. We have compared a newly developed vacuum tube, ‘Vacuon’ (Medion, Korea) and ‘BD Vacutainer®’ (BD, USA) in three common clinical assays, i.e., hematological, chemical, and immunological tests. METHODS: A sum of 60 healthy volunteers were recruited in our study and their peripheral blood samples were collected in the tubes of the two brands. EDTA-tube samples were evaluated using 25 hematological tests. Serum separating tube samples were analyzed for 24 chemical parameters and the 3 thyroid hormones. The results were statistically analyzed using the paired t-test and Bland-Altman plot. In addition, the assay outcomes at t=0 hr were compared with those at t=24±2 hr for each of the tubes. RESULTS: The assay results of 22 hematological parameters, 24 chemical parameters, and 3 thyroid hormones had a statistically significant correlation between the 2 brands of vacuum tubes (t=0 hr). Two hematological parameters (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC] and cell hemoglobin concentration mean [CHCM]) showed higher mean values, while a hematological parameter (lobularity index [LI]) showed lower mean values in Vacuon than BD Vacutainer (t=0 hr). The results after 24 hr showed similarity between the 2 brands, with some inconsistent results in BD Vacutainer (Mean platelet volume [MPV], plateletcrit [Pct], eosinophil, calcium, and triiodothyronine) and Vacuon (MPV, hemoglobin distribution width [HDW], CHCM, Pct, eosinophil, and calcium). CONCLUSIONS: BD Vacutainer and Vacuon tube showed good statistical concordance rate with some exceptions in the hematological parameters (MCHC, CHCM, and LI).


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets , Calcium , Eosinophils , Healthy Volunteers , Hematologic Tests , Immunologic Tests , Thyroid Hormones , Vacuum
4.
Yonsei Medical Journal ; : 592-596, 2019.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-762074

ABSTRACT

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious zoonosis caused by the SFTS virus. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive immune activation. Cytokine storms are often seen in both SFTS and HLH, resulting in rapid disease progression and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify whether SFTS cases complicated by HLH are related to higher rates of mortality. Descriptive analysis of the frequency of clinical and laboratory data, complications, treatment outcomes, and HLH-2004 criteria was performed. Cases presenting with five or more clinical or laboratory findings corresponding to the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria were defined as SFTS cases complicated by HLH. Eighteen cases of SFTS were identified during a 2-year study period, with a case-fatality proportion of 22.2% (4 among 18 cases, 95% confidence interval 9%–45.2%). SFTS cases complicated by HLH were identified in 33.3% (6 among 18 cases). A mortality rate of 75% (3 among 4 cases) was recorded among SFTS cases complicated by HLH. Although there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes, fatal cases exhibited more frequent correlation with HLH-2004 criteria than non-fatal cases [3/14 (21.4%) vs. 3/4 (75%), p=0.083]. In conclusion, the present study suggests the possibility that SFTS cases complicated by HLH are at higher risk of poor prognosis.


Subject(s)
Disease Progression , Fatal Outcome , Fever , Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic , Mortality , Prognosis , Thrombocytopenia
5.
Blood Research ; : 235-236, 2017.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-206702

ABSTRACT

No abstract available.


Subject(s)
Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
6.
Annals of Clinical Microbiology ; : 53-62, 2017.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-50241

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Candidemia has increased with an increasing number of people in the high risk group and so has become more important. This study was conducted to investigate the isolation rate of Candida species from candidemia patients and the change in rate of antifungal resistance. METHODS: At a single tertiary care hospital, 1,120 blood cultures positive for Candida species from 1997 to 2016 were investigated according to date of culture, gender, age, and hospital department. RESULTS: During the investigation period, the number of candidemia patients increased from 14 in 1997 to 84 in 2016. The most common organism identified during the two decades was Candida albicans (40.8%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (24.1%), Candida tropicalis (13.2%), and Candida glabrata (12.8%). C. glabrata was relatively common in females (45.5%) compared to males. The age group 40-89 years was more frequently infected than other age groups, and the most frequent isolates according to age group were C. albicans in neonate (66.7%), C. parapsilosis in 1-9-year-olds (41.7%), and C. glabrata in those aged ≥60 years (range; 13.3%–20.0%). According to the visited departments, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Candida haemulonii were more common in medical departments, while C. parapsilosis was more common in surgical departments. In the antifungal susceptibility test, a rising trend of azole resistance among C. albicans and C. glabrata was observed in recent years. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was confirmed that the isolation rate of Candida species in blood is different by age, gender, and hospital department, and the distribution of isolated Candida species changed over time. The resistance patterns of antifungal agents are also changing, and continuous monitoring and proper selection of antifungal agents are necessary.


Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Antifungal Agents , Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , Candida tropicalis , Candida , Candidemia , Danazol , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Hospital Departments , Prevalence , Tertiary Healthcare
7.
Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion ; : 256-263, 2017.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-158042

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A leukoreduction filter was recently developed in Korea to reduce various kinds of adverse transfusion reactions. The objective of this study was to propose a domestic evaluation system for leukoreduction filters and to apply this evaluation system to assess the newly developed leukoreduction filter. METHODS: We prepared packed red blood cells from 60 units of whole blood (400 mL) collected from 60 normal individuals and evaluated the efficacy of the newly developed filter (FINECELL, KOLON INDUSTRIES, Gumi, Korea) and a control filter (RCM1, Haemonetics, MA, USA). To verify the evaluation system, we assessed the filtration time, residual leukocyte count, RBC recovery, RBC hemolysis, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit using a control filter RCM1 and compared the results with those of an evaluation performed by the American Red Cross (ARC) in 2013. We then evaluated the efficacy of the test filter FINECELL using the methods established in this study and compared the results with those of the control filter RCM1. RESULTS: The results of the current study were similar to those of the ARC with the control filters. The test filters developed in Korea were not inferior to commonly used control filters regarding residual leukocyte count, RBC recovery, and RBC hemolysis at 35 days after filtration. All of the results in the evaluation satisfied the international standards. CONCLUSION: These results of this study showed that the efficacy of the newly developed domestic leukoreduction filter were satisfactory and will contribute to improvement of quality of blood components in Korea.


Subject(s)
Erythrocytes , Filtration , Hematocrit , Hemolysis , Korea , Leukocyte Count , Methods , Red Cross , Transfusion Reaction
8.
Journal of Laboratory Medicine and Quality Assurance ; : 16-22, 2017.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-156758

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis; however, it has a relatively high risk of resulting in complications. Although a non-invasive method (i.e., transient elastography—fibroscan) was introduced, it is expensive and is dependent on the patient's status. Thus, the FIB-4 score, a non-invasive formula, has been used to predict the degree of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the FIB-4 score in predicting stages of liver fibrosis. METHODS: We analysed the age, diagnosis, and liver stiffness of 282 patients by measuring the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as their platelet count. Liver elasticity was evaluated by two classification criteria (Foucher et al. and Mueller et al.). The FIB-4 score was calculated using the formula: age×AST/(platelet count×ALT½). The cut-off value of the FIB-4 score was determined according to the area under the relative operating characteristic curve (AUC) based on liver elasticity. RESULTS: The FIB-4 cut-off values, as determined using two different criteria, have the highest AUC, thereby indicating a robust ability to distinguish between healthy liver tissue and the presence of any liver fibrosis. The FIB-4 score with a cut-off value of 2.07, as determined by Mueller et al., had the highest AUC (0.837) and odds ratio (2.741) with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 76.5%. CONCLUSIONS: An FIB-4 score of 2.07 is a cut-off value that is useful in detecting fibrotic progression in chronic liver disease in our laboratory. Each laboratory should determine an appropriate FIB-4 cut-off value that is relative to the particular characteristics of their patient population.


Subject(s)
Humans , Alanine Transaminase , Area Under Curve , Aspartate Aminotransferases , Biopsy , Classification , Diagnosis , Elasticity , Liver Cirrhosis , Liver Diseases , Liver , Mass Screening , Methods , Odds Ratio , Platelet Count , Sensitivity and Specificity
9.
Laboratory Medicine Online ; : 157-160, 2017.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-116881

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus bovis bacteremia in humans has been traditionally associated with infective endocarditis, colorectal cancer, and liver cirrhosis. S. bovis strains were previously categorized by biotype, but since the 2000s, they have been reclassified by DNA homology. We report a case of S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus bacteremia, identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, in a patient diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. A 61-yr-old man with a history of liver cirrhosis presented to the hospital with a complaint of fever. Blood culture revealed the presence of gram-positive cocci, and the isolated organism was identified as S. bovis by the MicroScan identification kit (Beckman Coulter, USA), but as Enterococcus saccharolyticus by the Vitek 2 identification kit (bioMérieux, USA). The organism was finally confirmed as S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus by 16S rRNA sequencing.


Subject(s)
Humans , Bacteremia , Colorectal Neoplasms , DNA , Endocarditis , Enterococcus , Fever , Gram-Positive Cocci , Liver Cirrhosis , Liver , Streptococcus bovis , Streptococcus
10.
Journal of Laboratory Medicine and Quality Assurance ; : 132-140, 2017.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-100911

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic specimens contain components that interfere with clinical laboratory results. We evaluated previously published hemolysis indices (HI) and developed an algorithm for differentiating between mechanical hemolysis and immune-mediated hemolysis based on complete blood count (CBC). METHODS: Sixty-three residual EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid)-anticoagulated blood specimens were obtained during regular health check-ups, and each specimen was divided into 3 aliquots (A control, B, and C group). Aliquots B and C were mechanically hemolysed by 2 and 5 aspirations, respectively, using a 25-gauge needle before testing; aliquot A was analysed immediately without hemolysis. Additionally, we collected 36 specimens from patients suspected of having immune-mediated hemolysis after thorough reviewing their various laboratory results including direct antiglobulin test. We compared CBC parameters between the groups (A, B, C, D [B+C], and E [immune-mediated hemolysis group]). RESULTS: Our HI scoring system using the sum of red blood cell ghosts, measured hemoglobin-calculated hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration-corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean, and mean platelet volume rather than mean corpuscular hemoglobin, effectively identified mechanical hemolysis; the results were similar to those of previous studies. Furthermore, the HI score using the sum of mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, hemoglobin distribution width, polymorphonuclear %, and neutrophil % differentiated mechanical hemolysis from immune-mediated hemolysis (cut-off, 9; sensitivity, 91.7%; specificity, 92.9%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.965 [95% confidence interval, 0.924–0.988]). CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed algorithm may provide effective screening for detecting hemolysis and differential diagnosis of mechanical hemolysis and immune-mediated hemolysis based on CBC results.


Subject(s)
Humans , Aspirations, Psychological , Blood Cell Count , Coombs Test , Diagnosis, Differential , Edetic Acid , Erythrocyte Indices , Erythrocytes , Hemolysis , In Vitro Techniques , Mass Screening , Mean Platelet Volume , Needles , Neutrophils , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity
11.
Clinical Endoscopy ; : 564-569, 2016.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-209981

ABSTRACT

Mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis rarely mimics esophageal submucosal tumor, particularly in the case of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman who visited a local hospital complaining of odynophagia. An initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an esophageal submucosal tumor, and subsequent chest computed tomography showed subcarinal lymphadenopathy with an esophagomediastinal fistula. The patient was then referred to Samsung Medical Center, and a second esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed deep central ulceration, as well as a suspicious fistula in the esophageal submucosal tumor-like lesion. A biopsy examination of the ulcerative lesion confirmed focal inflammation only. Next, an endobronchial, ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy was performed, and TB was confirmed. The patient initially began a course of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. However, after a drug sensitivity test, she was diagnosed with MDR-TB, and second-line anti-TB medications were prescribed. She recovered well subsequently.


Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Biopsy , Endoscopy, Digestive System , Esophageal Fistula , Ethambutol , Fistula , Inflammation , Isoniazid , Lymph Nodes , Lymphadenitis , Lymphatic Diseases , Pyrazinamide , Rifampin , Thorax , Tuberculosis , Tuberculosis, Lymph Node , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant , Ulcer
12.
Blood Research ; : 1-2, 2016.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-211309

ABSTRACT

No abstract available.


Subject(s)
Diagnosis , Leukemia, Mast-Cell , Mast Cells
13.
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis ; : 49-59, 2016.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-45816

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects and for improving vascular endothelial function in patients at high-risk for cardiovascular disease. We investigated short-term effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles, vascular endothelial function and circulating endothelial progenitor cells in statin naïve participants with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Patients with metabolic syndrome (n=51) without lipid lowering medications were prospectively randomized into the black raspberry group (n=26, 750 mg/day) and placebo group (n=25) during the 12-week follow-up. Lipid profiles, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (baFMD) and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 were measured at baseline and at 12-week follow-up. Central blood pressure and augmentation index were also measured at baseline and at 12-week follow-up. RESULTS: Decreases from baseline in total cholesterol levels (-22.7±34.3 mg/dL vs. 0.0±34.7mg/dL, p<0.05, respectively) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (-0.34±0.68 vs. 0.17±0.56, p<0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the black raspberry group when compared to the placebo group. Decreases from baseline in IL-6 (-0.5±1.4 pg/mL vs. -0.1±1.1 pg/mL, p<0.05, respectively) and TNF-α levels (-5.4±4.5 pg/mL vs. -0.8±4.0 pg/mL, p<0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the black raspberry group. Increases from the baseline in adiponectin levels (2.9±2.1 µg/mL vs. -0.2±2.5 µg/mL, p<.05) were significant in the black raspberry group. Increases in baFMD at 12-week follow-up were significantly greater in the black raspberry group when compared to the placebo group (2.9±3.6 mm vs. 1.0±3.9 mm, p<0.05, respectively). Radial augmentation indexes were significantly decreased in the black raspberry group when compared to the placebo group (-2±10% vs. 4±13%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of black raspberry significantly decreased serum total cholesterol levels, inflammatory cytokines, and augmentation index, thereby improving vascular endothelial function in statin naïve participants with metabolic syndrome during the 12-week follow-up.


Subject(s)
Humans , Adiponectin , Antioxidants , Blood Pressure , Brachial Artery , C-Reactive Protein , Cardiovascular Diseases , Cholesterol , Cytokines , Dilatation , Endothelial Progenitor Cells , Follow-Up Studies , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Interleukin-6 , Prospective Studies , Rubus
14.
Korean Journal of Medicine ; : 292-295, 2016.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-20330

ABSTRACT

Here we describe a case of rapidly expanding ascending aortic aneurysm in a patient with relapsing polychondritis. To prevent aneurysm rupture, the patient underwent emergent surgical repair. Silent inflammation can progress in the aorta wall, even in asymptomatic patients with mild disease activity under immunosuppressive treatment, leading to the rapid growth of aortic aneurysms. Close monitoring with routine imaging is needed once a patient with relapsing polychondritis is diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm.


Subject(s)
Humans , Aneurysm , Aorta , Aortic Aneurysm , Aortitis , Inflammation , Polychondritis, Relapsing , Rupture
15.
Journal of Laboratory Medicine and Quality Assurance ; : 141-147, 2015.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-220928

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rapid and accurate detection of diarrheal pathogens is essential to prevent the spread of diarrheal diseases. Recently, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect various bacterial and viral diarrheal pathogens. In this study, we investigated the frequency of detection of various potential pathogens causing diarrhea by using multiplex PCR and compared the results to the results of stool culture tests for bacteria and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for rotaviruses and Clostridium difficile toxin B (CDTB). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results for multiplex PCR, culture tests, and EIA obtained from stool specimens submitted to the laboratory from May 2013 to September 2014. Multiplex PCR was performed using the Seeplex diarrhea ACE detection kit (Seegene, Korea), which detects five viruses and eight bacteria. RESULTS: Among 890 stool specimens, 408 (45.8%) were found to be positive by PCR. The PCR positivity rate for bacteria and viruses was 31.1% (277/890) and 18.9% (161/890), respectively. The relative frequencies of microorganisms or toxins detected by PCR were, in decreasing order, CDTB 24.0%, Clostridium perfringens 20.6%, norovirus-GII 15.8%, rotavirus 11.3%, Campylobacter spp. 7.5%, enteric adenovirus 5.7%, and Salmonella spp. 5.1%. The concordance rate of the results obtained using the PCR and culture tests was 99.2% for Salmonella spp., 95.7% for Campylobacter spp., and. 79.8% for C. difficile . The concordance rates for rotaviruses and CDTB were 99.7% and 83.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplex PCR method showed a high detection rate and is useful for the simultaneous detection of various diarrheal pathogens.


Subject(s)
Adenoviridae , Bacteria , Campylobacter , Clostridioides difficile , Clostridium perfringens , Diarrhea , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Retrospective Studies , Rotavirus , Salmonella
16.
Annals of Clinical Microbiology ; : 52-55, 2015.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-23352

ABSTRACT

A total of 1,132 pleural fluid culture results obtained from October 2012 to July 2014 were analyzed to elucidate the microbiological characteristics according to transudative and exudative pleural fluid. The pleural fluid cultures were performed using aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles. The blood and pleural fluid for total protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose measurement were submitted to laboratory at the same time with pleural fluid cultures. The rates for culture positivity, anaerobes isolation, and polymicrobials between transudative and exudative pleural fluid were 5.2% vs. 10.4%, 14.8% vs. 7.8%, and 14.8% vs. 10.9%.


Subject(s)
Exudates and Transudates , Glucose , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
17.
Annals of Laboratory Medicine ; : 341-347, 2015.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-36804

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The identification of in vitro hemolysis (IVH) using a hematology analyzer is challenging because centrifugation of the specimens cannot be performed for cell counts. In the present study, we aimed to develop a scoring system to help identify the presence of hemolysis in anticoagulated blood specimens. METHODS: Thirty-seven potassium EDTA anticoagulated blood specimens were obtained, and each specimen was divided into 3 aliquots (A, B, and C). Aliquots B and C were mechanically hemolyzed by aspirating 2 and 5 times, respectively, using a 27-gauge needle and then tested; aliquot A was analyzed immediately without any hemolysis. After the cells were counted, aliquots B and C were centrifuged and the supernatants were tested for the hemolytic index and lactate dehydrogenase levels. RESULTS: The 4 hematologic parameters were selected and scored from 0 to 3 as follows: or =38.5 for mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC, g/dL); or =0.04 for red blood cell ghosts (10(12)/L); or =1.31 for difference value (g/dL) of measured hemoglobin and calculated hemoglobin; and or =3.35 for difference value (g/dL) of MCHC and cell hemoglobin concentration mean. The hemolysis score was calculated by adding all the scores from the 4 parameters. At the cutoff hemolysis score of 3, the IVH of aliquots B and C were detected as 64.9% and 91.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The scoring system might provide effective screening for detecting spurious IVH.


Subject(s)
Humans , Anticoagulants/pharmacology , Blood Specimen Collection , Edetic Acid/pharmacology , Hemoglobins/analysis , Hemolysis/drug effects
18.
Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion ; : 152-158, 2015.
Article in Korean | WPRIM | ID: wpr-33285

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rapid and sensitive detection of transfusion adverse reaction is fundamental to reducing transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop an effective system for reporting of transfusion adverse reaction. METHODS: Inpatient lists with transfusion adverse reaction on a nurse electronic medical records (EMR) from December 4th, 2014 to May 21st, 2015 were automatically selected and displayed to the computer screen of the blood bank data management system. After review of clinical and laboratory data of suspected patients with transfusion reaction, frequency of transfusion adverse reaction according to blood components was calculated. RESULTS: The frequency of transfusion adverse reactions according to blood components was, in decreasing order, red blood cells (RBC) 0.91% (58/6,404), frozen fresh plasma (FFP) 0.20% (5/2,549), and platelets 0.10% (6/5,728). Of 47 allergic reactions, the relative ratio by blood components was RBC 76.6%, platelets 12.8%, and FFP 10.6%. All of 22 febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions were RBC related reactions. CONCLUSION: The online transfusion adverse reaction reporting system based on a nurse EMR is helpful in easy and accurate estimation of transfusion adverse reaction incidence.


Subject(s)
Humans , Blood Banks , Blood Group Incompatibility , Electronic Health Records , Erythrocytes , Hypersensitivity , Incidence , Inpatients , Mortality , Plasma
19.
Experimental & Molecular Medicine ; : e169-2015.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-30207

ABSTRACT

GJB2 alleles containing two cis mutations have been rarely found in non-syndromic hearing loss. Herein, we present a Korean patient with non-syndromic hearing loss caused by the R75Q cis mutation with V37I, which arose de novo in the father and was inherited by the patient. Biochemical coupling and hemichannel permeability assays were performed after molecular cloning and transfection of HEK293T cells. Student's t-tests or analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test was used as statistical analysis. Biochemical coupling was significantly reduced in connexin 26 (Cx26)-R75Q- and Cx26-V37I-transfected cells, with greater extent in Cx26-R75Q and Cx26-R75Q+V37I cells. Interestingly, our patient and his father with the mutations had more residual hearing compared with patients with the dominant mutation alone. Although the difference in hemichannel activity between R75Q alone and R75Q in combination with V37I failed to reach significance, it is of note that there is a possibility that V37I located upstream of R75Q might have the ability to ameliorate R75Q expression. Our study emphasizes the importance of cis mutations with R75Q, as the gene effect of R75Q can be modulated depending on the type of additional mutation.


Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Amino Acid Sequence , Asian People/genetics , Connexins/analysis , HEK293 Cells , Hearing Loss/genetics , Models, Molecular , Molecular Sequence Data , Pedigree , Point Mutation
20.
Annals of Laboratory Medicine ; : 472-473, 2015.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-114426

ABSTRACT

No abstract available.


Subject(s)
Bacteremia , Corynebacterium , Korea
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