Productivity Loss of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients according to the Their Stages of the Disease Activity Score

OBJECTIVE: Productivity loss was compared by 3-stage of disease activity and associations between higher disease activity and high productivity loss were identified. METHODS: Data were extracted from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Patient-reported Outcomes Research, which enrolled 2,000 RA patients (>20-year) on disease-modifying-antirheumatic-drugs (DMARDs) (≥6-month) from December 2012 to June 2013. This included 1,457 RA patients with the disease activity score (DAS-28-ESR) in their medical charts. Productivity loss in time and indirect cost was estimated using The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). Baseline characteristics and productivity loss outcomes were compared according to DAS-28-ESR groups. RESULTS: 84.4% were females, 54.2% had low DAS-28-ESR ( 5.1). Patients with moderate to high DAS-28-ESR had higher lost productivity time (LPT) and monthly costs of LPT than those with low DAS-28-ESR (time in hours: 110.0±58.4 vs. 132.4±57.2 vs. 71.5±52.0, p < 0.0001; monthly costs of LPT in 1,000 Korean won: 1,097±607 vs. 1,302±554 vs. 741±531, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analyses revealed significant associations with high LPT in high (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=3.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18∼6.87) and moderate DAS-28-ESR (adjusted OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.41∼2.52) compared to low DAS-28-ESR. In addition, positive associations with high monthly costs of LPT were observed in high (adjusted OR=3.45, 95% CI: 1.98∼5.99) and moderate DAS-28-ESR (adjusted OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.43∼2.54) compared to low DAS-28-ESR. CONCLUSION: Timely therapeutic strategies should be taken into consideration given that the RA patients with moderate to high DAS-28-ESR showed strong associations with high productivity loss for effective management of RA.

Prediction for TNF Inhibitor Users in RA Patients According to Reimbursement Criteria Based on DAS28

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the difference between the numbers of patients in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are eligible to TNF inhibitors by the past Korean National Health Insurance reimbursement guideline and by the disease activity score with 28-joint assessment (DAS28) based criteria. METHODS: Data were obtained from a multi-center registry for biologics users in Korean RA patients, BIOlogics Pharmacoepidemiologic StudY (BIOPSY). DAS28 was calculated based on either ESR or CRP, and DAS28 of more than 5.1 or between 3.2 and 5.1 with radiographic changes was defined as a cut-off point for the initiation of TNF inhibitors. For the maintenance criteria, we used both of improving in DAS28 score (>1.2) and low disease activity (DAS 28<3.2). Differences between the numbers in each step by two criteria were described with Chi-square test and Kappa agreement. RESULTS: Of the 489 patients in BIOPSY, 299 were included in this study. Among them, 278 patients (93.0%) were eligible of TNF inhibitors when we applied the new initiation criteria with DAS28-ESR, and 244 patients (81.6%) were indicated for TNF inhibitors with DAS28-CRP. For the maintenance criteria, a low disease activity (DAS28<3.2) in 3 months after starting TNF inhibitors is too strict for achieving (33.6% with DAS28-ESR and 50.0% with DAS28-CRP). Instead, decreasing DAS28 by more than 1.2 is more reasonable as a tool for deciding early responsiveness of TNF inhibitors in RA patients (81.2% both with DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the candidates for TNF inhibitors will be enormously changed according to a change in the reimbursement criteria. To define appropriate patients to receive TNF inhibitors, a further study with regard to the impact of changes in the reimbursement criteria on the outcomes of RA patients will be required.

A Case of Q Fever that may Mimic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by a Coxiella burnetii. Q fever is clinically variable, presenting as asymptomatic infection, pneumonia, hepatitis and endocarditis. Treatment of acute Q fever with doxycycline is usually successful. Autoantibodies, such as anti-mitochondrial antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), anti-cardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant, often rise in acute Q fever infection. Some cases may occasionally meet the criteria for autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a first case of Q fever that may mimic systemic lupus erythematosus in Korea.

A Case of Q Fever that may Mimic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by a Coxiella burnetii. Q fever is clinically variable, presenting as asymptomatic infection, pneumonia, hepatitis and endocarditis. Treatment of acute Q fever with doxycycline is usually successful. Autoantibodies, such as anti-mitochondrial antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), anti-cardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant, often rise in acute Q fever infection. Some cases may occasionally meet the criteria for autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a first case of Q fever that may mimic systemic lupus erythematosus in Korea.

Systemic Lupus Erythematous Presenting With Cerebellar Ataxia After Influenza Vaccination

Neurological manifestations are commonly observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, cerebellar involvement has rarely been reported. We report a case of SLE presented with cerebellar ataxia as an initial manifestation after influenza vaccination. A 38-year-old woman who had not been diagnosed with SLE presented with dysarthria and gait disturbance after influenza vaccination. On admission, cerebellar ataxia and bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy were observed. Influenza vaccination may have triggered autoimmunity in the patient with SLE.

A Case of Klinefelter's Syndrome Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Klinefelter's syndrome (KFS) is a gonosomal aberration disease that occurs in males, and is characterized by 47, XXY karyotype, hypogonadism and a lack of secondary sexual characteristics. A potential link between this hormonally deficient syndrome and autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has been reported. On the other hand, KFS is rarely reported to be accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and there are no Korean cases reported. We report the first Korean case of a KFS patient with sero-positive RA and discuss the role of the pathogenesis of RA with KFS.

Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome: A Case Report / 결핵및호흡기질환

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative interstitial lung disease. LIP has been associated with autoimmune disorders, HIV, viral infections, and so on. Once underlying systemic diseases have been excluded, a diagnosis of idiopathic LIP can be made. Although 6 cases of pathologically confirmed LIP have occurred in Korea, thus far none has been associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome. A 44-year-old man was admitted to hospital due to a dry cough and dypsnea on exertion that had been ongoing for 2 months. A chest radiography showed multiple and variable-sized cystic lesions, on both lungs and both interstitial infiltration and consolidation in both lower lung fields. Tests for autoantibody showed positive results of anti-nuclear antibody and anti-Ro/La antibody. The patient underwent a video assisted thoracoscopic surgery biopsy and pathologically confirmed LIP. We report the first known case of LIP-associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome in Korea.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Microscopic Polyangiitis in Korea

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting small vessels. To determine the clinical features and outcomes of MPA in Korean patients, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with MPA at a single medical center in Korea between 1989 and 2006. The 18 patients who met the Chapel Hill criteria for MPA had a mean (+/-SD) age at the time of diagnosis of 62.4+/-12.7 yr. Renal manifestations and general symptoms were the most common features of MPA, with lung involvement also very common. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were present in 17 of the 18 patients (94%). Of 17 patients treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide, 11 (65%) had stable or improved course. One patient treated with steroids without cyclophosphamide showed disease progression. Ten of the 18 patients (56%) died at a median follow-up of 8 months. MPA in Korean patients was distinguished by a higher rate of lung involvement, especially alveolar hemorrhage, which was the leading cause of death in our patients. Korean patients were also older at MPA onset and were more likely positive for ANCA. Other overall clinical manifestations did not differ significantly.

Effect of Immunosuppressive Agents on Recurrence of Cardiovascular Involvement of Behcet's Disease / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Despite the high risk for disease-related morbidity and mortality in Behcet's disease (BD) with cardiovascular (CV) manifestations, only a few studies concerning BD with CV involvements are available. We conducted study to evaluate the clinical manifestations of CV BD (cardiovascular Behcet's disease) and the clinical outcome according to the different treatment modalities, especially focusing on the immunosuppressive agents. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1,812 patients diagnosed with BD at tertiary hospital. All patients with vascular involvements were classified into three groups by lesion site. We assessed clinical characteristics, treatments, outcome and recurrence in each group. RESULTS: Of 1,812 patients, 79 patients showed CV involvements. Male to female ratio was 65 (82.3%) to 14 (17.7%). Venous involvements occurred in 57 cases (72.2%), arterial lesions in 22 (27.8%), cardiac involvements 16 (20.3%). In clinical manifestation, only hypertension and arthritis were more frequently found in cardiac lesion than in venous lesion (p=0.01, p=0.01, respectively). CV lesions recurred in 16 patients (20.3%), mostly at the same sites as previous involvements. There was no association of recurrence with site of lesion (p=0.49). Recurrent rate was significant different in three medication group (p=0.028). Recurrences were more frequent in patients treated with no immunosuppressive agent and colchicines only or colchicines with prednisolone than in patients treated with additional immunosuppressive agent (p=0.024, R.R, 7.16 (95% CI, 1.55 to 32.99)). CONCLUSION: Recurrence rate was lower in patients with aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Although most of patients improved, more efforts to decrease the relatively high rate of the recurrence (20.3%) would be needed.

Advanced Glycation End Products Increase Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: Although increased expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE) in osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported, little is known concerning the role of AGEs in the pathogenesis of OA. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of AGEs on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expressions and activities in human OA chondrocytes METHODS: OA chondrocytes were treated with increasing doses of AGE-bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA). The expressions of MMPs were determined by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot analysis. The activities of MMPs were evaluated by both gelatin and casein zymography assays. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was employed to investigate the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) by AGE-BSA treatment. RESULTS: The productions of MMP-1, -3, and -13 were significantly elevated by AGE-BSA in a dose dependent manner. The elevated activities of MMP-1, -3, and -13, and TNF-alpha by AGE-BSA were also observed. DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB was markedly increased by AGE-BSA treatment implicating possible involvement of NF-kappaB mediated pathway in the AGE-BSA induced MMP-1, -3, and -13, and TNF-alpha productions in OA chondrocytes. Taken together, this study demonstrates the stimulatory effect of AGE-BSA on the productions of MMPs and TNF-alpha and suggests the possible involvement of NF-kappaB mediated pathway in OA chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that AGE may play a role in pathogenesis of OA.

A Case of Dermatomyositis Complicated with Pneumomediastinum Successfully Treated with Cyclosporin A / 대한류마티스학회지

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an inflammatory myopathy of unknown etiology, which involves predominantly the muscles and skin, but also produces pulmonary manifestations in approximately 10% of the patients. Increasing attention has been paid to progressive interstitial pneumonitis as an important pulmonary manifestation of DM that can sometimes have a serious influence on the prognosis. Pneumomediastinum has been reported as a rare complication of DM. In this report, we present a case of 40-year-old woman with DM and interstitial lung disease who developed spontaneuous pneumomediastinum and was successfully treated with cyclosporin A.

A Case of Plasma Cell Granuloma of Skull in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한류마티스학회지

Plasma cell granuloma, a form of inflammatory pseudotumor, is a rare nonneoplastic lesion that is characterized by cellular proliferation composed predominantly of polyclonal plasma cells with other inflammatory cells in fibrovascular background. We have experienced an unusual case of plasma cell granuloma of skull that developed in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 42-year-old female diagnosed with SLE 13 years ago has complained of palpable scalp mass and headache beginning ten days previously. A brain magnetic resonance imaging showed intensely enhanced soft tissue mass with focal bone defect in right parietal bone and whole body positron emission tomography suggested high possibility of malignancy. Surgical tumor removal was performed. Biopsy specimen revealed inflammatory proliferation predominantly with mature plasma cells which were determined to be polyclonal in immunostaining. Currently, 4 months after surgery, the patient are on regular follow-up with oral medications (prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine) for SLE without evidence of recurrence.

A case of nizatidine induced cholestatic hepatitis / 대한내과학회지

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists are commonly used in many clinical conditions, and their hepatotoxicity has been reported occasionally.However, cholestatic hepatitis induced by nizatidine is very rare. Here, we report a young female patient with severe cholestatic hepatitis associated with nizatidine use. She had taken nizatidine to manage asymptomatic reflux laryngitis by an otonasolaryngology doctorfor about 20 days. After about 15 days of nizatidine administration, jaundice developed and continued for more than2 months withmaximal serum total bilirubin reaching 17.5 mg/dL, in spite of the discontinuation of medication. Liver specimen obtained by needle biopsy revealed severe centrilobular cholestatic hepatitis. Her liver function improved slowly and serum total bilirubin decreased down to 1.7 mg/dL after months later from the development of jaundice. As far as our knowledge, this is the second case of nizatidine- induced cholestatic hepatitis reported in the literature.

Two cases of localized muscle involement by polyarteritis nodosa / 대한내과학회지

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a multi systemic disease, occasionally described as limited forms of the disease. Localized form of PAN is usually associated with better prognosis. We describe unusual two cases of patients who has suffered from sudden onset of low extremity pain by localized forms of polyarteritis nodosa. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower legs showed abnormal signal intensity of the suspected muscle. Acute necrotizing arteritis with myopathy has been revealed by muscle biopsy. The symptom of the patient has been improved soon after corticosteroid administration. Muscle biopsy of symptomatic muscles or MRI-directed biopsies can be useful to diagnose this case as PAN with localized myopathies.

The Close Relationship between Ciprofloxacin Resistance and Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamase Production:Analysis of 154 Consecutive Nosocomially-Acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia

BACKGROUND: Strains of ciprofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae have emerged worldwide. We investigated the epidemiology of ciprofloxacin resistance and its relationship to ESBL production in nosocomial K. pneumoniae bacteremia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the computerized database of clinical microbiology, we identified all patients whose blood culture had yielded K. pneumoniae between January 2001 and December 2002 at a 2200-bed university-affiliated tertiary-care hospital. During the study period, total of 392 episodes of K. pneumoniae bacteremia were documented of which 163 episodes were acquired nosocomially. 9 cases of recurrent episodes were excluded. RESULTS: The resistance rates to ciprofloxacin was 28.6% (44/154). ESBL-production was significantly more common in ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates than in ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolates (95.9% [42/44] vs. 24.5% [27/110], P<0.001). In univariate analysis, following factors were significantly associated with resistance to ciprofloxacin: older age, male sex, ICU admission at the time of bacteremia, prior use of antibiotics within 1 month before bacteremia, solid tumor, hematological malignancy, or biliary disease as underlying disease, and ESBL-production. The prior use of 3rd- generation cephalosprins, metronidazole, fluroquinolone, or carbapenem were also risk factors. Independent risk factors for ciprofloxacin resistance were older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.01-1.06) and ESBL production (AOR; 81.35, 95% CI; 17.76-372.53). CONCLUSION: The close relationship between ciprofloxacin resistance and ESBL production was documented in nosocomial K. pneumoniae bacteremia. Further epidemiological and molecular studies to determine factors and mechanisms involved in the relationship are needed.

The Close Relationship between Ciprofloxacin Resistance and Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamase Production:Analysis of 154 Consecutive Nosocomially-Acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia

BACKGROUND: Strains of ciprofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae have emerged worldwide. We investigated the epidemiology of ciprofloxacin resistance and its relationship to ESBL production in nosocomial K. pneumoniae bacteremia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the computerized database of clinical microbiology, we identified all patients whose blood culture had yielded K. pneumoniae between January 2001 and December 2002 at a 2200-bed university-affiliated tertiary-care hospital. During the study period, total of 392 episodes of K. pneumoniae bacteremia were documented of which 163 episodes were acquired nosocomially. 9 cases of recurrent episodes were excluded. RESULTS: The resistance rates to ciprofloxacin was 28.6% (44/154). ESBL-production was significantly more common in ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates than in ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolates (95.9% [42/44] vs. 24.5% [27/110], P<0.001). In univariate analysis, following factors were significantly associated with resistance to ciprofloxacin: older age, male sex, ICU admission at the time of bacteremia, prior use of antibiotics within 1 month before bacteremia, solid tumor, hematological malignancy, or biliary disease as underlying disease, and ESBL-production. The prior use of 3rd- generation cephalosprins, metronidazole, fluroquinolone, or carbapenem were also risk factors. Independent risk factors for ciprofloxacin resistance were older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.01-1.06) and ESBL production (AOR; 81.35, 95% CI; 17.76-372.53). CONCLUSION: The close relationship between ciprofloxacin resistance and ESBL production was documented in nosocomial K. pneumoniae bacteremia. Further epidemiological and molecular studies to determine factors and mechanisms involved in the relationship are needed.