Clinical Outcomes of Early Extubation Strategy in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation

Background@#Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) might be considered a bridge therapy in patients who are expected to have short waiting times for heart transplantation. We investigated the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent VA-ECMO as a bridge to heart transplantation and whether the deployment of an early extubation ECMO strategy is beneficial. @*Methods@#Between November 2006 and December 2018, we studied 102 patients who received VA-ECMO as a bridge to heart transplantation. We classified these patients into an early extubation ECMO group (n = 24) and a deferred extubation ECMO group (n = 78) based on the length of the intubated period on VA-ECMO (≤ 48 hours or > 48 hours). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. @*Results@#The median duration of early extubation VA-ECMO was 10.0 (4.3–17.3) days.The most common cause for patients to be put on ECMO was dilated cardiomyopathy (65.7%) followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (11.8%). In-hospital mortality rates for the deferred extubation and early extubation groups, respectively, were 24.4% and 8.3% (P = 0.147). During the study period, in the deferred extubation group, 60 (76.9%) underwent transplantation, while 22 (91.7%) underwent transplantation in the early extubation group.Delirium occurred in 83.3% and 33.3% of patients from the deferred extubation and early extubation groups (P < 0.001) and microbiologically confirmed infection was identified in 64.1% and 41.7% of patients from the two groups (P = 0.051), respectively. @*Conclusion@#VA-ECMO as a bridge therapy seems to be feasible for deployment in patients with a short waiting time for heart transplantation. Deployment of the early extubation ECMO strategy was associated with reductions in delirium and infection in this population.

Comments on the Article “The Effect of Positive Medial Cortical Support in Reduction of Pertrochanteric Fractures with Posteromedial Wall Defect Using a Dynamic Hip Screw”: To the Editor

No abstract available.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting after Extracorporeal Life Support in Patients with Cardiac Arrest or Cardiogenic Shock / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is used as a bridge to revascularization in high-risk patients with ischemic heart disease. We reviewed our experiences of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after ECLS in patients with cardiac arrest or refractory cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 4,616 patients who underwent CABG at our institution between May 2006 and February 2017. We identified patients who underwent CABG following ECLS for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Twenty-three patients (0.5% of all CABG cases) were enrolled in the analysis. Their median age was 65 years (Q1–Q3, 58–77 years). Nine patients (39.1%) were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction, including acute mitral regurgitation, left ventricular rupture, and ventricular septal defect, occurred in 9 patients (39.1%). RESULTS: The median time from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to ECLS initiation was 25 minutes (Q1–Q3, 18.5–28.5 minutes). Conventional CABG was performed in 10 patients (43.5%) who underwent concomitant intracardiac procedures. Postoperative ECLS was required in 16 patients (69.5%). The rate of successful ECLS weaning was 91.3% (n=21). There were 6 early mortalities (26.1%). CONCLUSION: CABG after ECLS was very rare in real-world circumstances. Although the early mortality rate was high, the risk of mortality may be acceptable under such devastating circumstances.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting after Extracorporeal Life Support in Patients with Cardiac Arrest or Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND@#Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is used as a bridge to revascularization in high-risk patients with ischemic heart disease. We reviewed our experiences of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after ECLS in patients with cardiac arrest or refractory cardiogenic shock.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed 4,616 patients who underwent CABG at our institution between May 2006 and February 2017. We identified patients who underwent CABG following ECLS for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Twenty-three patients (0.5% of all CABG cases) were enrolled in the analysis. Their median age was 65 years (Q1–Q3, 58–77 years). Nine patients (39.1%) were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction, including acute mitral regurgitation, left ventricular rupture, and ventricular septal defect, occurred in 9 patients (39.1%).@*RESULTS@#The median time from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to ECLS initiation was 25 minutes (Q1–Q3, 18.5–28.5 minutes). Conventional CABG was performed in 10 patients (43.5%) who underwent concomitant intracardiac procedures. Postoperative ECLS was required in 16 patients (69.5%). The rate of successful ECLS weaning was 91.3% (n=21). There were 6 early mortalities (26.1%).@*CONCLUSION@#CABG after ECLS was very rare in real-world circumstances. Although the early mortality rate was high, the risk of mortality may be acceptable under such devastating circumstances.

Inter-Facility Transport on Extracorporeal Life Support: Clinical Outcomes and Comparative Analysis with In-house Patients

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is widely used in refractory heart or lung failure, and the demand for inter-facility transportation on ECLS is expanding. However, little is known about post-transportation outcomes, the clinical safety of such transportation, or the characteristics of the transported patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a 3-year, single-institution experience with inter-facility ECLS transport, as well as a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes with those of in-house patients. We also analyzed the risk factors for hospital mortality in the entire ECLS population using univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the effects of transport. RESULTS: All 44 patients were safely transported without adverse events. The average travel distance was 178.7 km, with an average travel time of 74.0 minutes. Early survival of the transported group seemed to be better than that of the in-house group, but the difference was not statistically significant (70.5% vs. 56.6%, p=0.096). The incidence of complications was similar between the 2 groups, except for critical limb ischemia, which was significantly more common in the transported group than in the in-house group (25.0% vs. 8.1%, p=0.017). After adjusting for confounders, being part of the transported group was not a predictor of early death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.689; p=0.397). CONCLUSION: Transportation of patients on ECLS is relatively safe, and the clinical outcomes of transported patients are comparable to those of in-house ECLS patients. Although matched studies are required, our study demonstrates that transporting patients on ECLS did not increase their risk of hospital mortality after adjustment for other factors.

Erratum: Inter-Facility Transport on Extracorporeal Life Support: Clinical Outcomes and Comparative Analysis with In-house Patients

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Open Surgical Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Patients over Thirty Years: Two Years Follow-up Results / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: We report short term results of open surgical treatment for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients over the age of 30 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2011 and June 2012, thirteen FAI hips (11 patients) with hip pain persisting longer than 6 months were treated by either surgical hip dislocation (SHD) or anterior mini-open. They were followed up for longer than 2 years. The 11 patients included 7 females and 4 males with a mean age of 45 (range, 33-60) years. They were clinically evaluated for modified Harris hip score (MHHS) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity level. Their lateral center-edge angle, acetabular index, and alpha angle were measured and compared. RESULTS: Acetabuloplasties were performed for seven cases. Femoral osteochondroplasty was performed for all thirteen cases. At minimum follow-up of two year (range, 24-29 months), all patients had substantial relief in preoperative pain with improvement in range of motion. The median MHHS was significantly (P<0.05) improved from 61 points preoperatively to 87 points at the last follow-up. The median UCLA activity level was 7 (range, 5-8) at last follow-up. Radiological indices improved. Two cases showed mild residual pain attributable to adhesion between capsule and reshaped femoral head-neck area. CONCLUSION: Open surgical treatment of FAI was a reliable and effective treatment method in symptomatic FAIs for patients over the age of 30 years without advanced arthritic change of hip joint at short term follow-up.

Primary Cementless Hip Arthroplasty in Unstable Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in Elderlys: Short-term Results / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to explore and report the short term results of primary cementless hip arthroplasty in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture in elderlys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and Feburary 2012, 35 arthroplasty cases performed by single surgeon and followed up for more than one year were evaluated. They were 21 females and 14 males with mean age of 78 years (range, 71-92 years). Preoperative evaluation was performed by American Society of Anesthesia score. Retrospective evaluation was performed by operative time, transfusion amount, time to operation days, hospital stay and time to full weight bearing. Clinically, ambulatory ability was checked by Parker and Palmer (P&P) score and function of hip was appraised by Harris hip score (HSS). Radiologically, bone healing of fractured trochanteric fragment and presence of subsidence, stress shielding or osteolysis were checked. RESULTS: Fracture type was 11 cases of A2.2, 18 cases of A2.3 and 6 cases of A3.3. Femoral stems used were 8 cases of rectangular tapered wedge type and 27 cases of fluted modular distal fixation type. P&P score improved from mean preinjury score of 7.1 to mean postoperative last follow-up score of 6.5. Median HHS at last follow-up was 75. Mean time to full weight bearing was 47 days (24-79 days). Postoperative complications were one case of linear periprosthetic femoral fracture and one case of postoperative dislocation. CONCLUSION: Cementless hip replacement arthroplasty could be a good option for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture in elderlys.

Delayed Viral Clearance of Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients after Treatment Failure

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection usually progresses to chronic hepatitis, with rare cases of spontaneous viral eradication. We present herein four cases involving patients that were initially declared to have failed to respond to treatments, based on the presence of HCV RNA that was still detectable after completion of the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C with genotype 2. However, the HCV RNA became undetectable, with a delayed response, after discontinuation of therapy. Two of the four patients were diagnosed as treatment failures after extended treatment, and the other two received no further treatment after the standard treatment. All four patients maintained a sustained virological response during the periodic follow-up after delayed viral clearance.

Additional Fixations for Sliding Hip Screws in Treating Unstable Pertrochanteric Femoral Fractures (AO Type 31-A2): Short-Term Clinical Results

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utility of additional fixation methods and to suggest a method of reduction in the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on thirty patients with unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures, who were operated on with a SHS between September 2004 and September 2009 and were followed up for at least 6 months. The additional fixation devices were as follows; antirotation screw (21 cases), fixation of displaced fractures of the posteromedial bone fragment (cerclage wiring, 21 cases and screw, 2 cases) and trochanter stabilizing plate (27 cases). Clinically, the Palmer's mobility score and Jensen's social function group were used. Radiologically, alignment and displacement were observed. The tip-apex distance (TAD) and sliding of the lag screw were measured, and the position of the lag screw within the femoral head was also examined. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of surgery was 76 years (range, 56 to 89 years) and the average follow-up period was 25 months (range, 6 to 48 months). At the last follow-up, the average mobility and social function score was 6.2 (+/- 3.5) and 2.3 (+/- 1.5). Postoperatively, the alignment and displacement indices were adequate in almost all the cases. The mean amount of lag screw sliding and the mean TAD was 5.1 mm (range, 2 to 16 mm) and 6 mm (range, 3 to 11 mm) respectively. The lag screws were located in the center-center zone in 21 cases. The average period to union was 18.7 weeks without any cases of nonunion or malunion. Mechanical failure was noted in one case with breakage of the lag screw and clinical failure was noted in another case with persistent hip pain related to excessive sliding (16 mm). CONCLUSIONS: With additional fixations, the unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures could be well stabilized by SHS until bone union.

A Case of Leiomyosarcoma of the Sigmoid Colon Presenting as Intussusception / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Leiomyosarcomas are malignant tumors of smooth muscle. Leiomyosarcomas of the large intestine are rare, with an incidence of less than 0.1% of all colorectal malignancies. A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with lower abdominal pain and hematochezia. The abdominal CT scan revealed a solid mass in the sigmoid colon and intussusception with a lead point. Surgical excision of the sigmoid colon mass was performed. The patient was diagnosed with a leiomyosarcoma originating from the sigmoid colon. Few cases of primary sigmoid colon leiomyosarcoma presenting as an intussusception have been reported in the medical literature. We report here on a case of complete surgical resection for a leiomyosarcoma of the sigmoid colon and this presented as intussusception.

Clinical features of gas-forming liver abscesses: comparison between diabetic and nondiabetic patients / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more likely to have a pyogenic liver abscess with gas formation, which is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The morbidity and mortality in pyogenic liver abscess are also higher in DM patients than in non-DM patients. This study evaluated the morbidity, mortality, and clinical features in patients with gas-forming liver abscesses associated with DM. METHODS: Among 379 cases of pyogenic liver abscess excluding malignancy from January 2001 through December 2009, 25 patients treated for pyogenic-gas-forming liver abscesses were reviewed retrospectively. We compared the morbidity, mortality, and clinical findings in patients with pyogenic-gas-forming liver abscesses between DM and non-DM patients. RESULTS: Gas formation was present in 25 (6.6%) of 379 cases with pyogenic liver abscess. DM was combined with gas-forming liver abscesses in 19 cases (76%). The most common organism responsible for the gas formation was Klebsiella pneumoniae (82%). Complications were present in 23 cases (92%) of gas-forming liver abscesses, with pulmonary complications (especially pleural effusion) being the most common (n=14, 61%). Four patients (16%) died of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Gas-forming liver abscesses are not uncommon in cases of pyogenic liver abscesses and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The clinical manifestations and complications do not differ significantly between DM and non-DM patients.

Abciximab (ReoPro)-Induced Thrombocytopenia Diagnosed Through Measurement of Heparin-Dependent Antibody

Abciximab (ReoPro) is an extremely potent inhibitor of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. Its main application is in the maintenance of coronary flow after suboptimal coronary intervention. Complications associated with this drug include bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia. We report a case of severe thrombocytopenia secondary to abciximab therapy for percutaneous coronary intervention in a 65-year-old woman suffering from an acute myocardial infarction. Her platelet count dropped to 1,000/mm3 7 hours after abciximab administration and improved with transfusion of 12 units of platelet concentrate the following day. The patient was diagnosed through measurement of heparin-dependent antibodies and readministration of heparin.

Two cases of toxic hepatitis after Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. ingestion / 대한내과학회지

The desire to maintain youth and beauty has led to an increase in the use of health foods and herbs. Because Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is thought to prevent hair loss and maintain black hair, this herb in particular has captured public interest in Korea and China. Although there have been many reports regarding the toxic effects of herbs and health foods, the potential toxicity of this herb has not yet been reported. Here, we discuss two cases of toxic hepatitis due to Polygonum multiflorum ingestion and present a review of the relevant literature.

Effects of Leptin on Proliferation, Anabolic and Catabolic Metabolism in Chondrocytes / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: Leptin may play an important role in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. However, the effect of letpin on the anabolic and catabolic metabolisms in chondrocytes remains unclearly elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leptin on proliferation, anabolic and catabolic metabolism of chondrocyte using ATDC5 chondrogenic cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of leptin on chodnrocyte proliferation, anabolic and catabolic meatabolism were examined in ATDC5 cells treated with leptin at varying concentrations(10, 100, 300, 600 ng/ml) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The anabolic and catabolic activities were assayed by RT-PCR for transforming growth factor-beta(TNF-alpha), proteoglycan-4 (PRG4), type- I collagen (type- I Col) and tumor necrosis factor-beta(TNF-alpha), matrix metalloproteinase -2 (MMP-2), respectively. RESULTS: Leptin treatment did not influence cell proliferation of chondrocyte regardless of concentration. TGF-beta expression was increased until 48 hours of leptin treatment compared to controls. Especially, it was significantly increased in leptin of 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml (P<0.05). PRG4 expression was not different between letpin treatment and controls. Type-I Col expression was decreased in dose- and time-dependent manner. Leptin of 10ng/ml significantly inhibited MMP-2 and TNF-alpha expressions compared to controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that leptin at low concentration increases TGF-beta expression, but inhibits the expression of TNF-alpha and MMP-2. Also this study shows that leptin do not affect the cell proliferation of chondrocytes. These results suggest that leptin at low or physiological level contributes to the prevention of cartilage damage by stimulating anabolic activity and inhibiting catabolic activity of chondrocyte rather than chondrocyte regeneration by increasing cell proliferation.

The Usefulness of the Endoscopic Findings for Predicting Depth of Invasion in Early Gastric Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been used as a treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the endoscopic findings for diagnosing the depth of invasion in EGC patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the endoscopic findings of 558 EGC patients who were diagnosed after gastrectomy, EMR or ESD at Dong-A University Hospital between 2000 and 2006, and we divided them into two groups (the mucosa group versus the submucosa group). Nine factors were assessed (Type I or IIa: surface color, surface irregularity, the Yamada type and pitting on the apex; Type IIb: surface color, surface irregularity and marginal definiteness: Type IIc or III: ulcer base irregularity, shape of the converging folds, center of the converging folds and marginal elevation). The tumor size and histologic type were assessed for all the EGCs. RESULTS: Ulcer base irregularity (p=0.005), marginal elevation (p=0.001), and the shape of the converging folds (p=0.018) showed significant correlation with the depth of invasion in type IIc or III EGCs. Tumor size ( <2 cm) showed a significant correlation with mucosal invasion for all the EGCs. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the usefulness of the endoscopic findings for making the therapeutic decision for performing EMR or ESD through predicting the depth of invasion of EGCs.

Metal Ion Release after a Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty: Comparison between Resurfacing Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To verify that the metal-on-metal (MOM) surfaces produce metal ions and to ascertain the differences between large and small femoral head diameters with regard to the release of metal ions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty two cases of MOM hip resurfacing arthroplasty (mean head diameter: 47.1 mm) and 39 cases of conventional total hip replacement arthroplasty (head diameter: 28 mm) were performed at our hospital from June 1998 to April 2003. All the cases were followed-up using the serum cobalt and chromium ion levels. The serum cobalt and chromium ion levels were compared in the 21 cases in each group, which were matched by age, weight and follow-up period. The control group involved 21 patients who had undergone an alumina-alumina total hip arthroplasty. The patient's serum metal ion concentration was measured from the serum, which had been separated from the whole blood and diluted using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Agilent 4500, Rhode Island, USA). RESULTS: All MOM bearing implants produced higher serum levels of cobalt and chromium ions than the control. The serum concentration of cobalt with MOM resurfacing was higher than that observed with a 28 mm MOM total hip arthroplasty (p=0.025), but the chromium levels were not significantly different (p=0.501). CONCLUSION: The MOM bearing implants in this study produced elevated serum levels of cobalt and chromium ions. In addition, large diameter heads resulted in greater systemic exposure of cobalt ions than the small diameter heads. However, a long-term follow-up will be needed to determine the clinical significance.

Gait Analysis before and after Total Hip Arthroplasty in Hip Dysplasia and Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the abnormal gait patterns and gait improvements after a total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip dysplasia and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients (mean age of 43.7 years) with hip dysplasia who underwent THA were divided into the Crowe types (15 type 1, 11 type 2, 3 type 3, and 5 type 4), and gait analyses of these patients were performed using the Vicon 370 motion analysis system. The results of this group were compared with those of 39 age and gender matched patients with ONFH who received a THA and a group of 24 individuals with normal hips. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the gait pattern of the hip dysplasia group did not differ significantly from that of the ONFH group with respect to the temporal gait measurement parameters, kinematics, and kinetics. However, the hip dysplasia group had a different gait pattern than the normal control group and one year after surgery, there were significant differences in the moments and powers of the hip flexors and abductors of patients with severe hip dysplasia (Crowe types 3 and 4) compared with those of the ONFH patients. CONCLUSION: There were less postoperative gait improvements in the patients with severe hip dysplasia than in those with ONFH who had a relatively normal anatomy. These observations might be the result of their weakened hip muscles, particularly the flexors and abductors, despite their increased range of motion after surgery. Perioperative muscle strengthening exercises may be needed to improve gait patterns in patients with hip dysplasia.

Acetabular Degeneration in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To determine the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration and factors that influence acetabular cartilage degeneration in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained acetabular cartilage from weight bearing and non-weight bearing portions, including subchondral bone, from 34 hips in 32 patients with ONFH who underwent total hip arthroplasty. Histologic grading by Hematoxylin & Eosin staining and Safranin O staining, and immunohistochemical staining with chondroitin sulfate antibody and type II collagen antibody were performed. RESULTS: Histological grade had no significant correlation with stage, age, weight, or duration or degree of head depression, by the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The weight bearing and the non-weight bearing portions of acetabular cartilage were divided into two groups according to the existence and non-existence of femoral head depression. A significant difference (p=0.01), by Fisher's exact test, was found between the two weight bearing groups in terms of histologic grade. However no significance (p=0.45) was found between the two non-weight bearing groups. The distribution of type II collagen antibody's stainability score show most values in the normal range, while that of chondroitin sulfate antibody's was mainly in the upper. CONCLUSION: The degeneration of the weight bearing portion of acetabular cartilage in ONFH is considered to be due to local rather than general changes. When head depression in absent, acetabular cartilage degeneration is less severe than previously reported.

The Significances of Chest X-ray Findings and Serum IFN-gamma, IL-5, ECP as Predictors of Prognosis of Bronchiolitis and Bronchopneumonia in Infants

PURPOSE: Lower respiratory tract infections in infant and young children are often due to a virus, especially the Respiratory syncytial(RS) virus. Chest X-ray findings in bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia are different. The radiographic hallmark of bronchiolitis is pulmonary hyperinflation and similar to that of bronchial asthma. Bronchiolitis is predisposed to later development of bronchial asthma. To evaluate the difference of immuno-pathophysiology between bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia, we measured IFN-gamma (Th1 cytokine), IL-5(Th2 cytokine) and ECP. We also investigated whether X-ray findings in infants with viral infected respiratory disease are useful in predicting the development of asthma. METHODS: We measured IL-5, ECP, IFN-gamma levels in serum from 21 infants with bronchiolitis and 21 infants with bronchopneumonia and 16 infants without pulmonary viral diseases. RESULTS: IL-5 levels of bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia were significantly higher than those of the control(P=0.02, P=0.042). IL-5 levels of bronchiolitis were higher than those of bronchopneumonia but there was no significant difference. IFN-gamma levels of bronchopneumonia were higher than those of bronchiolitis but there was no significant difference. ECP levels of bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia were higher than those of the control but only those of bronchiolitis were significantly higher than those of the control(P=0.045). IL-5 and ECP levels did not show any significant correlation in bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia and control groups. CONCLUSION: We cannot prove the distinct differences in serum Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles between bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia in infants. These results suggest that the different findings on chest X-ray between bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia could not be a predictor of later development of asthma.