Critical Reappraisal of Cholecystectomy in Patients with Asymptomatic Gallstones for Early Diagnosis and Removal of Dysplasia and Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been known that chronic trauma and inflammation of gallbladder (GB) mucosa by gallstones (GS) can induce epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive cancer. This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic GS for the early diagnosis and removal of dysplasia or cancer. METHODS: From January 2004 to July 2008, the clinical records of 703 cases with GS who underwent cholecystectomy at Korea University Guro Hospital were reviewed, and the prevalence of dysplasia and cancer was analyzed. RESULTS: In symptomatic GS (542 cases) group, low grade dysplasia was found in 4 cases (0.74%) and high grade dysplasia in 1 case (0.18%). In asymptomatic GS (161 cases) group, low grade dysplasia was found in 4 cases (2.48%) and cancer in 2 cases (1.24%) (p=0.012 vs. symptomatic cases). Dysplasias in symptomatic GS group were not associated with polyps, but dysplasias and cancers in asymptomatic GS group were associated. Patients with asymptomatic GS and polyps were analyzed according to the size of polyps. In those (12 cases) with larger polyps (> or =1 cm), low grade dysplasia was found in 2 cases and cancer in 2 cases. And in those (12 cases) with smaller polyps (<1 cm), low grade dysplasia was found in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Extending indication of prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic GS without polyp to prevent GB dysplasia or cancer beyond the existing indication does not seem to be justifiable in Korea. However, further studies are needed in patients with asymptomatic GS and polyp of any size.

Critical Reappraisal of Cholecystectomy in Patients with Asymptomatic Gallstones for Early Diagnosis and Removal of Dysplasia and Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been known that chronic trauma and inflammation of gallbladder (GB) mucosa by gallstones (GS) can induce epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive cancer. This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic GS for the early diagnosis and removal of dysplasia or cancer. METHODS: From January 2004 to July 2008, the clinical records of 703 cases with GS who underwent cholecystectomy at Korea University Guro Hospital were reviewed, and the prevalence of dysplasia and cancer was analyzed. RESULTS: In symptomatic GS (542 cases) group, low grade dysplasia was found in 4 cases (0.74%) and high grade dysplasia in 1 case (0.18%). In asymptomatic GS (161 cases) group, low grade dysplasia was found in 4 cases (2.48%) and cancer in 2 cases (1.24%) (p=0.012 vs. symptomatic cases). Dysplasias in symptomatic GS group were not associated with polyps, but dysplasias and cancers in asymptomatic GS group were associated. Patients with asymptomatic GS and polyps were analyzed according to the size of polyps. In those (12 cases) with larger polyps (> or =1 cm), low grade dysplasia was found in 2 cases and cancer in 2 cases. And in those (12 cases) with smaller polyps (<1 cm), low grade dysplasia was found in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Extending indication of prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic GS without polyp to prevent GB dysplasia or cancer beyond the existing indication does not seem to be justifiable in Korea. However, further studies are needed in patients with asymptomatic GS and polyp of any size.

A Prospective Multicenter Study on the Prevalence and Symptoms of Erosive Reflux Esophagitis in Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of erosive esophagitis (EE) is increasing in Asia. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of EE among outpatients visiting gastroenterology clinics of secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea, and to analyze their symptoms. METHODS: From May to July 2003, outpatients undergoing their first upper gastrointestinal endoscopies after visiting gastroenterology clinics in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea were enrolled. Prevalence of EE was calculated from their endoscopic findings, and symptoms were analyzed from the validated symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 4,275 cases from 24 hospitals, 506 (11.8%) had EE. Among 836 cases with predominantly typical GERD symptoms, EE was diagnosed in 140 (16.7%). Among 530 cases having predominantly typical GERD symptoms with a frequency of at least twice a week or with a significant impact on their daily lives, EE was found in 104 (19.6%). The prevalence of EE was positively associated with males irrespective of age, old aged (> or =65 years) females, predominantly typical GERD symptoms at least twice a week, and the numbers of typical GERD symptoms. The severity of GERD symptoms did not affect the prevalence of EE. The most common typical and atypical GERD symptoms in cases with EE were regurgitation and epigastric soreness, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EE among outpatients visiting gastroenterology clinics in Korea was 11.8%. Independent factors associated with increased prevalence of EE were males irrespective of age, old aged (> or =65 years) females, number of typical GERD symptoms, and frequent typical GERD symptoms.

Prevalence of Pancreatic Cancer in Diabetics and Clinical Characteristics of Diabetes-associated with Pancreatic Cancer: Comparison between Diabetes with and without Pancreatic Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Korea, the prevalence of pancreatic cancer (PC) in general population has been reported as 7 in 100,000. However, that in diabetes mellitus (DM) has not been elucidated yet. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of PC among DM patients, and characterize and compare the patients with DM with and without PC. METHODS: 5,082 patients (4,890 DM without PC, 78 PC with DM, and 114 PC without DM) were enrolled from Korea University Guro Hospital during a period of 4 years between January 2004 and January 2008. RESULTS: The prevalence of PC in DM patients was 1.6% and that of DM in PC patients was 40.6%. No significant differences in the clinical characteristics except HbAIc and ALP were observed between PC patients with DM and without DM. Among 78 PC patients with DM, DM was diagnosed in 19 (29.4%) and 29 (37.1%) patients concomitantly or within 2 years prior to the diagnosis of PC, respectively. Among the cases with recent onset DM (less than 2 years' duration), the disease duration of DM before the diagnosis of PC was less than 1 year in 14 patients (17.9%) and 1 to 2 years in 15 patients (19.2%). DM patients with PC were found to have significantly higher ALT, total bilirubin, and ALP levels than in DM patients without PC. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PC in DM patients was 1.6% and was higher than in the general population. Recent onset DM was frequent in PC patients (less than 2 years' duration). We recommend close follow-up for at least 2 years in new-onset diabetes.

A Case Report on Cryptococcal Lymphadenitis in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient

Cryptococcus neoformans is an organism that mainly causes opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. It can also cause various infections in immunocompetent patients, but cryptococcal lymphadenitis is rare. We have experienced a case of cryptococcal lymphadenitis in an immunocompetent adult patient who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever that did not subside for 3 weeks. Neck and chest CT scan showed multiple lymph node enlargements with central low density and peripheral enhancement on both hilar, mediastinal, and right supraclavicular areas. Cryptococcus lymphadenitis was diagnosed by tissue biopsy, PAS and GMS stain, and culture. This case emphasizes that when an immunocompetent patient presents with lymphadenopathy, cryptococcal lymphadenitis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Etiology of Adult Patients with Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Observed in A University Hospital in Korea from 1998-2003

BACKGROUND: Due to advances in various diagnostic methods, recent studies reported changes in the pattern of etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO). To identify the current pattern of the causes of FUO, we analyzed the etiology of recently diagnosed FUO at a university hospital in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 69 cases that fulfilled the criteria of classic FUO and retrospectively analyzed the etiology and decisive methods of diagnosis. RESULTS: The etioloies of FUO were infectious disease, non-infectious inflammatory disease, malignancy and miscellaneous cases in 22 (31.9%), 8 (11.6%), 4 (2.3%) and 21 (30.4%) patients, respectively. In 15 (21.7%) cases the cause could not be identified. Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis and suspected typhoid fever were the most common causes of infection (8 case, 11.7%) with tuberculosis being the most common confirmed infection. Adult onset Still's disease (13 cases, 4.4%) and drug-related fever (13 cases, 18.8%) were the most common cause of non-infectious inflammatory disease and miscellaneous causes, respectively. Decisive methods of final diagnosis were by observation of clinical course in 35 (64.8%), radiologic examination in 10 (18.5%), serologic or biochemical test in 5 (9.3%) and tissue biopsy in 4 (7.4%); none were diagnosed by culture. CONCLUSION: Infection remains the most common etiology of classic FUO in Korea and observing the clinical course is the most commonly used method for decisive diagnosis and its importance should be emphasized in approaching patients with FUO.

A Randomized, Phase IV, Comparison Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Tapocin(R) and Targocid(R) in Treating Infections Caused by Multi-Resistant Gram Positive Cocci

BACKGROUND: Tapocin(R) is a recently produced Teicoplanin in Korea. To evaluate its clinical usefulness, we compared clinical outcome and safety of Tapocin(R) with those of Teicoplanin (Targocid(R)) against infection caused by multi-drug resistant gram positive cocci. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult patients infected with multi-drug resistant gram positive cocci were enrolled and randomized into each treatment arm after informed consents were obtained. All patients were given one of the test articles for 7 to 14 days intravenously. Clinical outcome and safety were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Twenty out of 24 enrolled patients could be evaluated for clinical efficacy and safety (10 patients for each treatment arm). The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups in terms of mean age, sex ratio, underlying diseases, site of infections, and causative microorganisms. MRSA was the most common organism: 66.67% in Tarpocin(R) and 91.67% in Targocid(R) groups. Total doses of Targocid(R) and Tapocin(R) administered were 24 and 23 vials, respectively. Fever resolved in 90% of treated subjects and there were no significant differences between the two groups. Bacteriological response shows that the causative microorganisms were eradicated except for one MRSA isolate from each group. Drug fever, as a side effect, was reported from one subject in each group. CONCLUSION: Efficacy and safety of Tapocin(R) is comparable to those of Targocid(R) for the treatment of infections with multi-drug resistant gram-positive cocci.

A Case Report on Cryptococcal Lymphadenitis in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient

Cryptococcus neoformans is an organism that mainly causes opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. It can also cause various infections in immunocompetent patients, but cryptococcal lymphadenitis is rare. We have experienced a case of cryptococcal lymphadenitis in an immunocompetent adult patient who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever that did not subside for 3 weeks. Neck and chest CT scan showed multiple lymph node enlargements with central low density and peripheral enhancement on both hilar, mediastinal, and right supraclavicular areas. Cryptococcus lymphadenitis was diagnosed by tissue biopsy, PAS and GMS stain, and culture. This case emphasizes that when an immunocompetent patient presents with lymphadenopathy, cryptococcal lymphadenitis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Etiology of Adult Patients with Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Observed in A University Hospital in Korea from 1998-2003

BACKGROUND: Due to advances in various diagnostic methods, recent studies reported changes in the pattern of etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO). To identify the current pattern of the causes of FUO, we analyzed the etiology of recently diagnosed FUO at a university hospital in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 69 cases that fulfilled the criteria of classic FUO and retrospectively analyzed the etiology and decisive methods of diagnosis. RESULTS: The etioloies of FUO were infectious disease, non-infectious inflammatory disease, malignancy and miscellaneous cases in 22 (31.9%), 8 (11.6%), 4 (2.3%) and 21 (30.4%) patients, respectively. In 15 (21.7%) cases the cause could not be identified. Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis and suspected typhoid fever were the most common causes of infection (8 case, 11.7%) with tuberculosis being the most common confirmed infection. Adult onset Still's disease (13 cases, 4.4%) and drug-related fever (13 cases, 18.8%) were the most common cause of non-infectious inflammatory disease and miscellaneous causes, respectively. Decisive methods of final diagnosis were by observation of clinical course in 35 (64.8%), radiologic examination in 10 (18.5%), serologic or biochemical test in 5 (9.3%) and tissue biopsy in 4 (7.4%); none were diagnosed by culture. CONCLUSION: Infection remains the most common etiology of classic FUO in Korea and observing the clinical course is the most commonly used method for decisive diagnosis and its importance should be emphasized in approaching patients with FUO.

A Randomized, Phase IV, Comparison Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Tapocin(R) and Targocid(R) in Treating Infections Caused by Multi-Resistant Gram Positive Cocci

BACKGROUND: Tapocin(R) is a recently produced Teicoplanin in Korea. To evaluate its clinical usefulness, we compared clinical outcome and safety of Tapocin(R) with those of Teicoplanin (Targocid(R)) against infection caused by multi-drug resistant gram positive cocci. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult patients infected with multi-drug resistant gram positive cocci were enrolled and randomized into each treatment arm after informed consents were obtained. All patients were given one of the test articles for 7 to 14 days intravenously. Clinical outcome and safety were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Twenty out of 24 enrolled patients could be evaluated for clinical efficacy and safety (10 patients for each treatment arm). The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups in terms of mean age, sex ratio, underlying diseases, site of infections, and causative microorganisms. MRSA was the most common organism: 66.67% in Tarpocin(R) and 91.67% in Targocid(R) groups. Total doses of Targocid(R) and Tapocin(R) administered were 24 and 23 vials, respectively. Fever resolved in 90% of treated subjects and there were no significant differences between the two groups. Bacteriological response shows that the causative microorganisms were eradicated except for one MRSA isolate from each group. Drug fever, as a side effect, was reported from one subject in each group. CONCLUSION: Efficacy and safety of Tapocin(R) is comparable to those of Targocid(R) for the treatment of infections with multi-drug resistant gram-positive cocci.

A case of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patient presented as a syphilitic papillitis / 대한내과학회지

The number of HIV infection is increasing nowadays, and some infectious diseases complicated in HIV- infected hosts reveal different clinical features from those well known from the past. Syphilis seems to show more rapid disease progression and many clinical features in HIV-infected hosts. We experienced a HIV-infected patient who had presented as syphilitic papillitis. A 42-year old man complaining of decreased visual acuity and eye ball redness was referred to our medical center. He had a history of recurrent uveitis for past 3 months, which was refractory to the conventional therapy. The patient was confirmed as having HIV-1 infection and syphilitic papillitis. He was treated with penicillin G 2.4 million units intramuscularly weekly for 6 weeks and anti-retroviral agents. However, ocular symptoms for syphilis recurred two months later, and the patient was retreated with the same regimen and cured.

Community-acquired Pneumonia in Elderly: Comparison of Clinical Manifestations and Causative Organisms before and after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired pneumonia is a common infectious disease in the elderly patients with high mortality. We studied to see if there were any differences in clinical manifestations and etiologies, and antibiotic-resistance in etiologic pathogens before and after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-selling. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of the elderly patients (> or =65 years-old of age) with CAP who visited Korea University Guro hospital. 119 patients (from Jan. 1994 to Dec. 1997) before the separation and 107 patients (from Dec. 2000 to Aug. 2003) after the separation were reviewed. Clinical manifestations, etiologies, and antibiotic resistance of pathogens were compared. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who has taken some antibiotics before coming to our hospital decreased after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling. There were no differences in symptoms except for altered mental status which were more common before the separation. The average duration of hospital stay, complications and mortality showed no significant differences. S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae were the main pathogens in both groups. Antibiotic susceptibility test results of S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa were compared. Resistant pathogens were somewhat decreased after the Separation but there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: After the separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling, antibiotic use among elderly CAP patients before coming to the hospital decreased. Causative organisms were not changed. Antibiotic resistance improved a little but there was no statistical significance.

A Case of Human Brucellosis Who had No Contact with Infected Animal: Sero-epidemiology Study on Market, by-product, Stock-raising

Brucellosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease. We report the first case of brucellosis in South Korea that is not related to direct contract with intected cattles. The patient had been working in the market of by-product, stock raising for twenty years and complained of 1-month history of fever, chill, and intermittent epistaxis. We confirmed brucellosis by anti-brucella antibody test and PCR. After 6 weeks' treatment with rifampicin and doxycycline, fever and chilling subsided, and, generalized weakness and oral intake improved. We performed seroepidemiology study against workers who were working in the same market as the patient. However, we couldn't find out other cases with seropositivity. We concluded that although the workers of by-product market have a risk of getting brucellosis, the risk is low.

Community-acquired Pneumonia in Elderly: Comparison of Clinical Manifestations and Causative Organisms before and after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired pneumonia is a common infectious disease in the elderly patients with high mortality. We studied to see if there were any differences in clinical manifestations and etiologies, and antibiotic-resistance in etiologic pathogens before and after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-selling. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of the elderly patients (> or =65 years-old of age) with CAP who visited Korea University Guro hospital. 119 patients (from Jan. 1994 to Dec. 1997) before the separation and 107 patients (from Dec. 2000 to Aug. 2003) after the separation were reviewed. Clinical manifestations, etiologies, and antibiotic resistance of pathogens were compared. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who has taken some antibiotics before coming to our hospital decreased after the Separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling. There were no differences in symptoms except for altered mental status which were more common before the separation. The average duration of hospital stay, complications and mortality showed no significant differences. S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae were the main pathogens in both groups. Antibiotic susceptibility test results of S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa were compared. Resistant pathogens were somewhat decreased after the Separation but there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: After the separation of Prescription and Drug-Selling, antibiotic use among elderly CAP patients before coming to the hospital decreased. Causative organisms were not changed. Antibiotic resistance improved a little but there was no statistical significance.

A Case of Human Brucellosis Who had No Contact with Infected Animal: Sero-epidemiology Study on Market, by-product, Stock-raising

Brucellosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease. We report the first case of brucellosis in South Korea that is not related to direct contract with intected cattles. The patient had been working in the market of by-product, stock raising for twenty years and complained of 1-month history of fever, chill, and intermittent epistaxis. We confirmed brucellosis by anti-brucella antibody test and PCR. After 6 weeks' treatment with rifampicin and doxycycline, fever and chilling subsided, and, generalized weakness and oral intake improved. We performed seroepidemiology study against workers who were working in the same market as the patient. However, we couldn't find out other cases with seropositivity. We concluded that although the workers of by-product market have a risk of getting brucellosis, the risk is low.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Death among Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) during 8 Years (1994-2001) in a University Hospital

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is an emerging nosocomial problem. VRE usually multidrug-resistant, poses therapeutic dilemmas. The gene that encodes the resistance against vancomycin may spread the resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. However, there are no well-organized studies on the clinical manifestations and the factors that contribute to mortality in Korea. Herein, this study was focused on the clinical manifestations and mortality risks of patients with VRE infection during 8 years (1994-2001) in a university hospital. Understanding of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of VRE would help develop control strategy of VRE outbreak in a hospital. METHOD: Sixty seven cases that had the VRE infection in Korea University Guro Hospital from January 1, 1994to December 12, 2001, were reviewed. We analyzed the risk factors of VRE infection and death by using univariable and multivariable statistic analyses. RESULTS: VRE infections have recently been increasing. Most of VRE infections were caused by Enterococcus faecium (85.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (10.4%). Among 67 cases, 40 cases (59.7%) expressed VanA phenotype, 23 cases (34.3%) expressed VanB phenotype, and 3 cases expressed VanC phenotype (6%). The risk factors for death were renal dysfunction, central venous catheter insertion, and tracheostomy by using univariable analysis. The risk factor for death was renal dysfunction by using multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: VRE has been increasing during the late 1990s in Korea. The VRE infection occurs especially in the patients who have renal dysfunction, long-term hospitalization, and ICU care. The implementation of careful isolation, infection control measures, prudent use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, and periodic screening of patients populations are required to control VRE infection.

Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Approved Antibiotic Usage Guidlines in Korea: Comparison of Domestic Package Inserts with Physicians' Desk Reference

BACKGROUND: The appropriate usage of antibiotics needs informations such as its effectiveness for a given infection, administration route, the amount of effective dose, and the dose intervals. In this study, in order to find any significant discrepancy regarding to the details of explanation of the necessary information for appropriate antibiotic usages, we compares informations about 51 antibiotics, one from package inserts in Korea and the other from physician's desk reference (PDR) certified by FDA in the United States of America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Package inserts about antibiotics, only oral or parenteral agent, were perused to collect three categories of data: the recommended dosage, dose interval, and adjustment of dose to indications or the severity of infection. These data available in Korea were compared with 61 antibiotics (32 oral and 29 parenteral agents) cited in PDR. RESULTS: Package inserts for 51 antibiotics were gathered, because the remaining 10 antibiotics in PDR are not domestically commercialized. Among data on antibiotics comparable with those in PDR, 59% (30 cases:15 oral and 15 parenteral agents) suggested the dose similar to that of PDR, 37% (19 cases:8 oral and 11 parenteral agents) recommend less dose, and 4% in only 2 oral agents showed more dose. About half of the drugs recommending lower dosage were imported from Japanese pharmaceutical company, and the recommended doses of these antimicrobial agents were similar to those in Japan. About 59% (30 cases: 15 oral and 15 parenteral agents) directed dose interval or duration similar to those of PDR and 17% (9 parenteral agents) suggested less administration or longer duration. Surprisingly, in contrast to only 6% (3 cases) of PDR, 24% (12 cases:10 oral and 2 parenteral agents) recommended more administration or shorter duration. About 39% (24 cases:13 oral and 7 parenteral agents) revealed no information for dose adjustment commens to indications or the severity of infection. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that many guidelines in Korea recommend lower doses and/or unreasonable dose intervals. In future studies, improved antibiotic usage guidelines should be established based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic researches, on the aspect of optimal dosage, dose interval, and dose adjustment commensurate to the indications and the severity of the infection.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Linezolid (Zyvox(R)) against Multidrug Resistant Gram-Positive Organism

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, VRE, and VRSA, necessitated to develop new antibiotics, which could replace the glycopeptide. As a result, a new antibiotics named linezolid was developed. Linezolid is different line of oxazolidinones with a good oral bioavailability, compared to other antibiotics. Since appropriate oral antibiotics are not presently available for MRSA, which is a major cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections, the introduction of linezolid will have favorable effect on treatment of infections such as pneumonia or skin infections. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic effect of linezolid on MRSA and VRE isolated from patients who were treated in Korea University Guro Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By using broth microdilution and agar dilution method we measured minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with sixty S. aureus, forty three Enterococcus spp., and twenty five S. pneumoniae isolates from patients who were diagnosed as skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and urinary infections in Korea University Guro Hospital from January, 1998 to December, 2002. RESULTS: All of S. aureus used in this study were MRSA, and MIC90 of linezolid was below 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1-2 microgram/ml). All of Enterococcus spp. were VRE, and had MIC90 of 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1 to 4 microgram/ml). One of the VRE showed intermediate susceptibility with MIC of 4 microgram/ml. However, none was resistant with MIC breakpoint above 8 microgram/ml. All of S. pneumoniae were resistant to penicillin, but they were susceptible to linezolid with MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml(MIC range 0.5-1 microgram/ml). CONCLUSION: In conclusions, linezolid has an excellent in vitro antibiotic effect on multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, PRSP, and VRE.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Death among Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) during 8 Years (1994-2001) in a University Hospital

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is an emerging nosocomial problem. VRE usually multidrug-resistant, poses therapeutic dilemmas. The gene that encodes the resistance against vancomycin may spread the resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. However, there are no well-organized studies on the clinical manifestations and the factors that contribute to mortality in Korea. Herein, this study was focused on the clinical manifestations and mortality risks of patients with VRE infection during 8 years (1994-2001) in a university hospital. Understanding of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of VRE would help develop control strategy of VRE outbreak in a hospital. METHOD: Sixty seven cases that had the VRE infection in Korea University Guro Hospital from January 1, 1994to December 12, 2001, were reviewed. We analyzed the risk factors of VRE infection and death by using univariable and multivariable statistic analyses. RESULTS: VRE infections have recently been increasing. Most of VRE infections were caused by Enterococcus faecium (85.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (10.4%). Among 67 cases, 40 cases (59.7%) expressed VanA phenotype, 23 cases (34.3%) expressed VanB phenotype, and 3 cases expressed VanC phenotype (6%). The risk factors for death were renal dysfunction, central venous catheter insertion, and tracheostomy by using univariable analysis. The risk factor for death was renal dysfunction by using multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: VRE has been increasing during the late 1990s in Korea. The VRE infection occurs especially in the patients who have renal dysfunction, long-term hospitalization, and ICU care. The implementation of careful isolation, infection control measures, prudent use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, and periodic screening of patients populations are required to control VRE infection.

Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Approved Antibiotic Usage Guidlines in Korea: Comparison of Domestic Package Inserts with Physicians' Desk Reference

BACKGROUND: The appropriate usage of antibiotics needs informations such as its effectiveness for a given infection, administration route, the amount of effective dose, and the dose intervals. In this study, in order to find any significant discrepancy regarding to the details of explanation of the necessary information for appropriate antibiotic usages, we compares informations about 51 antibiotics, one from package inserts in Korea and the other from physician's desk reference (PDR) certified by FDA in the United States of America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Package inserts about antibiotics, only oral or parenteral agent, were perused to collect three categories of data: the recommended dosage, dose interval, and adjustment of dose to indications or the severity of infection. These data available in Korea were compared with 61 antibiotics (32 oral and 29 parenteral agents) cited in PDR. RESULTS: Package inserts for 51 antibiotics were gathered, because the remaining 10 antibiotics in PDR are not domestically commercialized. Among data on antibiotics comparable with those in PDR, 59% (30 cases:15 oral and 15 parenteral agents) suggested the dose similar to that of PDR, 37% (19 cases:8 oral and 11 parenteral agents) recommend less dose, and 4% in only 2 oral agents showed more dose. About half of the drugs recommending lower dosage were imported from Japanese pharmaceutical company, and the recommended doses of these antimicrobial agents were similar to those in Japan. About 59% (30 cases: 15 oral and 15 parenteral agents) directed dose interval or duration similar to those of PDR and 17% (9 parenteral agents) suggested less administration or longer duration. Surprisingly, in contrast to only 6% (3 cases) of PDR, 24% (12 cases:10 oral and 2 parenteral agents) recommended more administration or shorter duration. About 39% (24 cases:13 oral and 7 parenteral agents) revealed no information for dose adjustment commens to indications or the severity of infection. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that many guidelines in Korea recommend lower doses and/or unreasonable dose intervals. In future studies, improved antibiotic usage guidelines should be established based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic researches, on the aspect of optimal dosage, dose interval, and dose adjustment commensurate to the indications and the severity of the infection.