Methylene Blue Solution-induced Acute Esophageal Mucosal Injury: First Case Report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Methylene blue (MB) based chromoendoscopy has been used for more than a decade to increase detection rates of specialized intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is also used to detect anastomotic leakage after an operation. A 67-year-old man with no previous medical problems had complaints of jaundice and weight loss for 2 months. He was diagnosed with a Klatskin tumor and was referred to our hospital. An initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed before the operation. No abnormality was observed in the esophagus. MB solution was infused via an L-tube to check for leakage in the anastomosis. Subepithelial hemorrhagic and edematous mucosal changes with friability and a bluish mucosal discoloration were noted 2 days later from the mid to lower esophagus on EGD. Nine months later, an EGD revealed an unremarkable esophageal mucosa. MB solution is considered safe; however, a large volume or high concentration of MB solution might be harmful.

Two Cases of Multiple Adenomas in the Ileal Pouch after Total Proctocolectomy in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis / 대한소화기학회지

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disease characterized by the development of hundreds of colorectal adenomas, leading to a 100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. A prophylactic colectomy is recommended for patients with FAP to prevent colorectal cancer. Four surgical strategies are available for patients with FAP: proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, proctocolectomy with Koch's pouch continent ileostomy (Koch), and restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Koch and IPAA, which make ileal pouch, have theoretical advantage of the elimination of the risk of colorectal cancer and adenomas and good functional outcome of reduced defecation frequency. However, recent reports have shown frequent development of adenomas and carcinomas in the ileal pouch after Koch or IPAA. We experienced 2 cases of multiple pouch adenomas after pouch surgery in FAP patients. Both patients were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection without complications. We report these 2 cases with a review of literatures.

Clinical characteristics and prevalence of toxoplasma infection in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in South Korea / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is one of the most common causes of focal brain lesions, which complicate the course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is wide geographic variation in the prevalence of toxoplasma infection. This study was performed to characterize toxoplasma infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in South Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the incidence and clinical characteristics of TE in 683 HIV-infected patients who were enrolled between 1990 and 2008 at four university hospitals in Busan, Korea. We also assessed the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, risk factors for toxoplasma seropositivity, and seroconversion rates during the course of HIV infection. RESULTS: Among 683 HIV-infected patients, six (0.9%) patients were diagnosed with TE. The incidence of TE was 0.34 per 100 person-years (py) during the study period. Of the 414 patients who had undergone serological examinations for Toxoplasma gondii, 35 (8.5%) patients were seropositive. Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors associated with toxoplasma seropositivity included increased age, heterosexual transmission, marriage, and a history of overseas residence (p<0.05). Of these factors, a history of overseas residence was a significant risk factor in a multivariate analysis (p<0.05). A total of 95 patients who were seronegative on their initial screen showed serial toxoplasma IgG antibodies (mean duration of follow-up, 2.1 years). Among these patients, only two (2.1%) acquired IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies in HIV-infected patients in Korea was 8.5%. A history of overseas residence was a significant risk factor for toxoplasma seropositivity. The incidence of TE was 0.34/100 py, which is lower than that reported in other countries. Toxoplasma seroconversion was also uncommon (2.1%).

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of T-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Single Institution Experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the incidence of T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is higher in Far East Asia than in Western countries, its incidence and clinical course in Korea are not well-defined. Therefore, we assessed the relative frequency and clinical features of T-cell NHL in Korea. METHODS: We performed a retrospetcive analysis of 586 patients with NHL. RESULTS: 101 (17.2%) had T-cell NHL. The most frequent subtypes of T-cell NHL were extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NASAL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified type (PTCL-U), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, T/null cell, primary systemic type (ALCL). The seven pathological subtypes could be classified into three prognostic subgroups. When patients with the three most frequent subtypes were grouped together, their survival was reflected in the International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores. Univariate analysis of IPI elements and other clinical features showed that clinical stage and extranodal sites were significant predictors of survival. Cox multivariate analysis showed that the number of extranodal sites was the only independent prognostic indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The relative frequency of T-cell NHL seems to be decreasing in Korea, although NASAL remains frequent. Korean patients with ALCL appear to have an unfavorable prognosis. Large-scale studies are warranted for Korean patients with T-cell NHL.

A Hospital-based Tabletop Exercise for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Design and Evaluation

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness and compliance of a hospital-based tabletop exercise in setting of pandemic influenza in hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tabletop exercise was held in Pusan National University Hospital and forty two hospital employees were invited to participate in the exercise. The scenario for hospital-based tabletop exercise was designed. It consisted of three modules, which simulated the influx and outbreak of H5N1 influenza that was epidemic in Southeast Asia. Pre-, post-exercise surveys were completed by anonymous questions. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (88%) of 42 invited participants attended exercise. All members of the administration group and the ancillary services group participated. But, only 77% members of the clinical services group participated. In pre-exercise survey, priorities of eight goals regarding skills and knowledge during exercise were inquired., The highest priorities pointed out by the respondents were "Increase the knowledge of pandemic influenza" (22%), "Development of strategies for optimal communication among employees within specific department" (19%) and "Development of strategies for improved coordination between facilities within the health system" (19%). Twenty-one (57%) of participants completed the post-exercise surveys. At post-exercise surveys, 81% of the participants stated that the tabletop exercise was extremely or very useful, 86% of the participants also stated that it increased their knowledge of pandemic influenza. CONCLUSION: Tabletop exercise is an effective modality for increasing pandemic influenza preparedness in hospitals, and this method is useful for guiding preparedness activities within the hospital environment. Further studies to determine the appropriate method of discussion, questionnaire, duration of exercise and injection are needed.

A Hospital-based Tabletop Exercise for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Design and Evaluation

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness and compliance of a hospital-based tabletop exercise in setting of pandemic influenza in hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tabletop exercise was held in Pusan National University Hospital and forty two hospital employees were invited to participate in the exercise. The scenario for hospital-based tabletop exercise was designed. It consisted of three modules, which simulated the influx and outbreak of H5N1 influenza that was epidemic in Southeast Asia. Pre-, post-exercise surveys were completed by anonymous questions. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (88%) of 42 invited participants attended exercise. All members of the administration group and the ancillary services group participated. But, only 77% members of the clinical services group participated. In pre-exercise survey, priorities of eight goals regarding skills and knowledge during exercise were inquired., The highest priorities pointed out by the respondents were "Increase the knowledge of pandemic influenza" (22%), "Development of strategies for optimal communication among employees within specific department" (19%) and "Development of strategies for improved coordination between facilities within the health system" (19%). Twenty-one (57%) of participants completed the post-exercise surveys. At post-exercise surveys, 81% of the participants stated that the tabletop exercise was extremely or very useful, 86% of the participants also stated that it increased their knowledge of pandemic influenza. CONCLUSION: Tabletop exercise is an effective modality for increasing pandemic influenza preparedness in hospitals, and this method is useful for guiding preparedness activities within the hospital environment. Further studies to determine the appropriate method of discussion, questionnaire, duration of exercise and injection are needed.

Autologous stem cell transplantation for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with residual extranodal involvement

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in Koreans is frequently accompanied by extranodal (EN) disease at the time of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We sought to determine whether high EN involvement affected survival following ASCT in Koreans. METHODS: We reviewed 27 patients who had DLBCL with residual disease at ASCT: 13 with residual disease at nodal site(s) only and 14 with nodal and EN disease. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that disease status, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and performance status at ASCT were predictors of survival following ASCT. The number of EN sites, as categorized by the International Prognostic Index system, had no prognostic significance. When EN involvement at ASCT was classified as negative or positive, the 2-year overall survival for the negative group was 64%, significantly better than the 14% for the positive group (p=0.021), and the event-free survival for the negative group was 62%, significantly better than the 14% for the positive group (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had DLBCL with residual EN involvement at ASCT showed worse outcomes following ASCT compared to those without EN disease.

Rituximab and ESHAP as Second-line Therapy for Relapsed or Primary Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: The Experience of a Single Center in Korea / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: The remission status prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) influences the transplantation outcome in patients with relapsed or primary refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a complete response (CR) generally being more favorable than a partial response (PR). This study investigated whether the addition of rituximab to the ESHAP chemotherapy regimen (R-ESHAP) could improve the CR rate in patients with relapsed or primary refractory DLBCL. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed with DLBCL registry data. RESULTS: Sixteen patients who had previously received one course of chemotherapy were administered R-ESHAP (median 3 cycles; range 1~6). The overall response rate of 75% (CR=50%; PR=25%), was significantly better than that achieved with ESHAP alone in 13 historical controls (31%; P=0.027). The toxicity was tolerable, with two febrile neutropenia episodes in 51 treatment cycles. Seven of the 12 responders to R-ESHAP underwent ASCT with BEAM. After a median follow-up of 17 months, the median survival endpoints have not been reached. CONCLUSION: R-ESHAP appears to induce high CR rates in relapsed or refractory DLBCL with acceptable toxicity.

Primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A clinical analysis of 76 patients with special application of International Prognostic Index for survival / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is one of the most common extranodal lymphomas. The purpose of this study was to collect information on the clinical features and treatment of patients with primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at a single healthcare facility in Korea. METHODS: Between May 1998 and December 2003, 76 primary gastrointestinal DLBCL patients at Asan Medical Center were identified and evaluated. RESULTS: Male patients accounted for 40 cases. The median age was 53 years. A total of 38 patients had primary gastric DLBCL. With a median follow-up of 25 months, the five year overall survival (OS) rate was 61.4% and the five year event free survival (EFS) rate was 59.3%. B symptoms, performance status, LDH levels and involved sites did not affect survival. Twenty-seven patients who underwent primary surgical resection did not demonstrate a difference in survival when compared to patients who did not undergo surgery. However, for intestinal lymphoma, primary surgical resection had a significant influence on EFS (p=0.030). Age (p=0.038), sex (p=0.017), stage (p=0.048), and the number of extranodal sites (p=0.002) were significant factors for EFS. The three year EFS rate for each International Prognostic Index (IPI) risk group was as follows: 78.4% for low risk, 63.7% for low-intermediate risk, 30.0% for high-intermediate risk and 0% for high risk (p=0.002). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the IPI was the only independent prognostic factor for EFS (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Here we report on the unique pattern of clinical features of primary gastrointestinal DLBCL from a single healthcare center in Korea. The IPI system had prognostic value for primary gastrointestinal DLBCL.

Prospective Randomized Comparative Observations of Infectious Complications with or without Antimicrobial Prophylaxis, during Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: A prospective randomized comparative observation was performed to assess the benefit of prophylactic antimicrobials in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). METHODS: Forty consecutive patients, with multiple myelomas (MM, 28 patients) or a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL, 12 patients), were stratified by disease and randomly allocated to receive (prophylaxis group, 21 patients) or not receive (control group, 19 patients) prophylactic antimicrobials. The prophylactic antimicrobials consisted of ciprofloxacin (500mg twice daily p.o.), fluconazole (100mg twice daily p.o.) and acyclovir (400mg every 8 h p.o.), starting 1 day before high-dose chemotherapy (high-dose melphalan for MM and BEAM for NHL), and continuing until neutrophil engraftment or the occurrence of infection. RESULTS: At least one episode of fever occurred in 15 of the 19 (79%) patients in the control group, compared with 12 of the 21 (57%) in the prophylaxis group (P=NS). Microbiologically or clinically documented infections occurred in 4 patients (21%) in the control group, but none occurred in the prophylaxis group (P=NS). The documented infections in the control group included 3 staphylococcal bacteremias and 1 herpes skin infection. No deaths, invasive fungal infections or serious adverse events occurred in either group. The median duration of fever (9 days in the control group and 11 days in the prophylaxis group), therapeutic antimicrobial therapy (9 days in the control group and 11 days in the prophylaxis group) and hospital stay after ASCT (19 days in both groups) did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: This small-sized prospective randomized comparative observation showed no beneficial effects of antimicrobial prophylaxis in ASCT.

Double Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: A Korean Single Center Study

BACKGROUND: Although high dose chemotherapy coupled with an autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely accepted as effective therapy for multiple myeloma (MM), few reports are available in Korea, especially in the area of double ASCT. We present the results of an institutional retrospective study of 12 patients with MM treated by double ASCT. METHODS: Eligible patients received induction therapy using vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone (VAD), and mobilization was performed using cyclophosphamide plus lenograstim. High-dose melphalan (total 200 mg/m2) was used to condition the ASCT. RESULTS: The median interval from diagnosis to ASCT was 6 months (range, 1.8-15.3 months). The median interval between the 1st and 2nd ASCT was 4.4 months (range 2.1-48.7 months). The median follow up was 18.3 months (range 8.1-50.5 months) for the nine surviving patients. No therapy-related mortality occurred. Following induction chemotherapy, two patients experienced CR. Following double ASCT, eight patients experienced CR. The 5 year OS was 59%. The median duration of event free survival was 2.13 years (95% CI, 0.84-3.42). CONCLUSION: Although the results of study did not demonstrate the advantage of double ASCT, this is the first report to outline the outcome of double ASCT for Korean MM patients.

Bronchial Artery Embolization for Massive Hemoptysis in a Patient with Behcet's Disease / 대한류마티스학회지

Behcet's disease is an important cause of fatal vasculitis in young adult males and vascular involvement has been reported in more than 25% of patients. Pulmonary vascular involvement has been found in 1~7.7% of patients and is known to be related to poor prognosis. A incidence of fatal hemoptysis is high in patients whose Behcet`s disease is complicated by pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA). The recurrence of hemoptysis in PAA of Behcet's disease may result from inadequate medical therapy and complications of surgical treatment. We report a case with Behcet's disease whose fatal hemoptysis has been successfully treated with bronchial artery embolization.