Epidemiological Characteristics Based on the Underlying Diseases for the Deaths Related to Pandemic H1N1 Influenza in Korea / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Since May 2009, a pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus has emerged and spread nationwide. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of the confirmed deaths related with the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Korea from May 2009 to mid December 2009. METHODS: This study was based on an analysis of the reports from the deaths of confirmed cases pandemic H1N1 virus until 7 December 2009 in Korea. These reports were compiled by the epidemic intelligence team at the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC) or at the provinces. The epidemic intelligence team used an identical, well-defined investigate form for reviewing the medical records and for interviewing the physicians in charge of the cases. RESULTS: The first confirmed death occurred on August 15, 2009. Until December 7, 2009, 139 deaths had been reported. Eighty cases (57.6%) were individuals more than 60 years old. Sixty two cases (47.0%) were dead within 7 days from the onset of symptoms. One hundred three cases (74%) had underlying diseases, and cancer was the most common underlying disease. The proportion of patients using antivial medications before confirmation among the patients with underlying diseases was greater than the proportion of patients using antivial medications among the patients with no underlying diseases. CONCLUSIONS: During the evaluation period, serious underlying diseases were present in nearly three quarters of the cases of confirmed death. We suggest that health providers consider using antiviral drugs before confirmation of pandemic H1N1 in hospitalized patients, and especially in those with underlying diseases.

A Case of Primary Esophageal and Small Bowel Lymphoma Presenting as Bilateral Main Bronchial Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Gastrointestinal involvement has been reported to occur in about 10 to 20% of patients with malignant lymphoma. The most common gastrointestinal site for the lymphoma is the stomach, followed by the small intestine, the ileocecal region and the colon. The esophagus is the least commonly involved gastrointestinal organ, accounting for less than 1% of patients with malignant lymphoma. We describe a case of primary esophageal and small bowel lymphoma presenting with bilateral main bronchial obstruction. The patient was treated with radiation therapy, small bowel segmental resection and combination chemotherapy. We report a case with a review of the relevant literature.