Recurrent Erlotinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Erlotinib (Tarceva(R)) has been considered to be a new, promising oral chemotherapy agent for local advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib is regarded as relatively safe, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to erlotinib has been reported on an infrequent basis in Asia. We report an histologically confirmed case of recurrent erlotinib-induced ILD. Although, the patient was highly responsive to the first erlotinib treatment, the therapy was discontinued due to erlotinib-induced ILD. After intravenous high dose methylpredinisolone treatment, ILD was improved rapidly by radiologic studies, but the particular lung cancer re-emerged. We restarted the patient erlotinib on low-dose oral methylpredinisolone, resulting in a recurrence of erlotinib-induced ILD. Our case suggests that re-administration of erlotinib should be performed on a limited basis in patients that have developed ILD on previous use, even if a therapeutic effect can be estimated.

Recurrent Erlotinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Erlotinib (Tarceva(R)) has been considered to be a new, promising oral chemotherapy agent for local advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib is regarded as relatively safe, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to erlotinib has been reported on an infrequent basis in Asia. We report an histologically confirmed case of recurrent erlotinib-induced ILD. Although, the patient was highly responsive to the first erlotinib treatment, the therapy was discontinued due to erlotinib-induced ILD. After intravenous high dose methylpredinisolone treatment, ILD was improved rapidly by radiologic studies, but the particular lung cancer re-emerged. We restarted the patient erlotinib on low-dose oral methylpredinisolone, resulting in a recurrence of erlotinib-induced ILD. Our case suggests that re-administration of erlotinib should be performed on a limited basis in patients that have developed ILD on previous use, even if a therapeutic effect can be estimated.

The Methicillin - Resistant Rate of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from the Nares and Throat of Patients Admitted to Medical Intensive Care Unit / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen in hospital-acquired infection, and is prevalent in intensive care units (ICU). The MRSA colonization rates of the nares and throat were examined in both the ICU and general ward. This study was performed to investigate the MRSA rate and necessity for MRSA screening cultures in patients admitted to ICU. METHODS: Between June and September 2004, those patients admitted to both the medical ICU and general ward participated in this study. Bacterial cultures were performed on swabs of the nares and throat taken within 24 hours of admission. Clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty one patients and 84 patients, admitted to the medical ICU and medical general ward, respectively, were investigated. The numbers of nasal MRSA colonization in the ICU and general ward were 3 (2.5%) and 3 (3.6%), respectively. There were 2 (1.7%) cases of throat MRSA colonization in the ICU, but none in the general ward. The MRSA colonization rates of the nares and throat were no different between the ICU and general ward. There were no significant differences in the previous admission, operation history and admission route between the ICU and general ward groups. CONCLUSION: The MRSA colonization rates of the nares and throat were 3.3 and 3.6% in the ICU and the general ward, respectively. The MRSA screening test does not appear to be required in all patients admitted to the ICU, but further studies, including high-risk patients, are recommended.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 levels in Exudative Pleural Effusions / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The balances of the proteinases and antiproteinases system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various exudative pleural effusions. The aim of this study was to examine the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels in exudative pleural effusions. METHODS: The study included 33 tuberculous effusions, 17 malignant, and 5 transudates. The pleural levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were determined using a commercially available ELISA assay. RESULTS: The group of tuberculous effusions showed higher pleural MMP-1 levels than the malignant and transudates. The pleural TIMP-1 levels of the tuberculous and malignant effusions were higher than the transudates. CONCLUSION: Elevated pleural MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were found in tuberculous effusions.

Closure of a Postoperative Bronchopleural Fistula with Bronchoscopic Instillation of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl(R)) / 결핵

Bronchopleural fistula(BPF) occurs as a postoperative complication in 2 to 5 percent of pulmonary resection. The detection of BPF is generally difficult and various diagnostic methods have been utilized to identify the site of the fistula in order to treat it adequately. Closure of these BPF can be surgical intervention or bronchoscopic application of various sealing agents. We report an experience with use of bronchoscopic instillation of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate(Histoacryl ) for closure of a postpneumonectomy BPF.