Health Effects Associated With Humidifier Disinfectant Use: A Systematic Review for Exploration

Background@#It has been 10 years since the outbreak of lung disease caused by humidifier disinfectants in Korea, but the health effects have not yet been summarized. Therefore, this study aims to systematically examine the health effects of humidifier disinfectants that have been discovered so far. @*Methods@#All literature with humidifier disinfectants and their representative components as the main words were collected based on the web, including PubMed, Research Information Sharing Service, and government publication reports. A total of 902 studies were searched, of which 196 were selected. They were divided into four groups: published human studies (group 1), published animal and cytotoxicology studies (group 2), technical reports (group 3), and gray literature (group 4). @*Results@#Out of the 196 studies, 97 (49.5%) were published in peer-reviewed journals as original research. Group 1 consisted of 49 articles (50.5%), while group 2 consisted of 48 articles (49.5%). Overall, respiratory diseases such as humidifier disinfectant associated lung injury, interstitial lung disease, and asthma have a clear correlation, but other effects such as liver, heart, thymus, thyroid, fetal growth, metabolic abnormalities, and eyes are observed in toxicological experimental studies, but have not yet been identified in epidemiologic studies. @*Conclusion@#The current level of evidence does not completely rule out the effects of humidifier disinfectants on extrapulmonary disease. Based on the toxicological evidence so far, it is required to monitor the population of humidifier disinfectant exposure continuously to see if similar damage occurs.

Association between cadmium and anti-Mullerian hormone in premenopausal women at particular ages

BACKGROUND: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in women is secreted by granulosa cells of antral follicles. AMH appears to be a very stable marker for ovarian function. It may be used to diagnosis cases of premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian tumors. It has been suggested that cadmium exposure can reduce female fecundity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether environmental exposure to cadmium was associated with alterations in AMH with regards to age. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, the data of premenopausal women living in Seoul, ranging from 30 to 45 of age was collected. The study included a total of 283 women who completed serum AMH and whole blood cadmium assessments. Linear regression analyses were used in order to examine the association between cadmium and AMH. Given that age was the strongest confounder in both cadmium and AMH concentrations, we stratified subjects by 5 years old and analyzed their data. RESULTS: Geometric mean concentrations of blood cadmium and AMH were 0.97 μg/L and 3.02 ng/ml, respectively. Total association between cadmium and AMH was statistically significant (adjusted coefficient = − 0.34 (0.15), p = 0.02). After stratification, the only age group with a negative association between cadmium and AMH were the women raging between 30 and 35 years (adjusted coefficient = − 0.43 (0.18), p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that environmental exposure to cadmium may alter the AMH level of premenopausal women, depending on their age group.

Gastric Emphysema Related with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome / 이화의대지

Gastric emphysema is caused by a mucosal disruption of stomach, which is leading to the dissection of air into the wall. A 24-year-old man admitted to our hospital with vomiting, abdominal distension, and pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed severe gastric distension, air within the gastric wall, and a compressed third segment of the duodenum by superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The upper endoscopy revealed multiple geographic ulcers in the gastric body and marked dilatation of the second segment of duodenum and a collapsed third segment. Based on these findings and his symptoms, the patient was diagnosed as having gastric emphysema related with SMA syndrome. He improved after the nasogastric decompression, jejunal feeding and administration of antibiotics. We report a rare case of gastric emphysema related with SMA syndrome. He was managed successfully with medical treatment and nutritional support.

Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism on Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exert various toxic effects through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of AGE-RAGE. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) reduces the accumulation of AGEs in diabetes partly by increasing the production and secretion of sRAGE into the plasma. This report describes the relationship between sRAGE and ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The levels of sRAGE and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ACE polymorphism was detected by PCR amplification. RESULTS: The distributions of ACE genotypes in 105 hemodialysis patients were as follows: II, 56 (35.9%); ID, 29 (18.6%); and DD, 20 (12.8%). According to the ACE genotypes, the study group consisted of II (n = 56) and ID + DD group (n = 49). sRAGE was correlated with age (r = -0.24; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in sRAGE, AOPP, age, duration of dialysis, C-reactive protein, or 24-h urine volume between two genotype groups. There were no significant differences in sRAGE levels, even though the effect of age was treated as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that sRAGE may be affected only by age, and not by ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Cyclophosphamide-induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Lupus Nephritis

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurologic condition characterized by vasogenic edema on neuroimaging and is associated with the setting of severe hypertension, eclampsia, autoimmune disease, malignancy, and immunosuppressive drugs. We report on a 42 year-old female systemic lupus erythematous patient who presented altered consciousness, seizure, and visual disturbance after cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multi-focal high signal intensity lesions in the parieto-occipital cortex bilaterally and in the subcortical white matter. Her condition was improved and her MRI lesions were resolved after aggressive blood pressure control and high-dose steroid treatment. It is possibly the first reported case of PRES in a patient with lupus, treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy during a nephritis flare in Korea.

Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism on Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exert various toxic effects through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of AGE-RAGE. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) reduces the accumulation of AGEs in diabetes partly by increasing the production and secretion of sRAGE into the plasma. This report describes the relationship between sRAGE and ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The levels of sRAGE and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ACE polymorphism was detected by PCR amplification. RESULTS: The distributions of ACE genotypes in 105 hemodialysis patients were as follows: II, 56 (35.9%); ID, 29 (18.6%); and DD, 20 (12.8%). According to the ACE genotypes, the study group consisted of II (n = 56) and ID + DD group (n = 49). sRAGE was correlated with age (r = -0.24; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in sRAGE, AOPP, age, duration of dialysis, C-reactive protein, or 24-h urine volume between two genotype groups. There were no significant differences in sRAGE levels, even though the effect of age was treated as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that sRAGE may be affected only by age, and not by ACE polymorphism in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and increased medical care costs. Although most patients initially respond to therapy, with either metronidazole or vancomycin, about 15-20% of patients experience recurrence. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors related to recurrent CDI (RCDI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data, from patients diagnosed with CDI during admission at a university hospital between January 2000 and December 2006, for comparison with data from RCDI patients. RESULTS: Among a total of 294 CDI patients, 32 (10.8%) had experienced RCDI. Risk factors for RCDI included anemia, congestive heart failure, respiratory infection, time between admission and CDI diagnosis, duration of antibiotic therapy prior to CDI diagnosis, tube feeding, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Multivariate analysis revealed that tube feeding was associated with recurrence (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-9.65; P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received tube feeding were at increased risk of RCDI. Targeting these patients for preventive strategies may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of RCDI.

Dual-Energy CT as a New Diagnostic Tool for Gout

Gout is the most common crystal-associated arthropathy. Gout is caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals within the joints, and it is often associated with hyperuricemia. Acute gout involves the first metatarsophalangeal joint (podagra) in approximately 50% of cases and its peak incidence occurs in middle age. Although the clinical features can help with making the diagnosis of gout, many inflammatory diseases such as cellulitis, pseudogout and septic arthritis can mimic or coexist with it. The definitive diagnosis requires polarized light microscopy of the fluid aspirated from the involved joint and this shows needle-shaped, negative birefringent monosodium urate crystals. However, joint aspiration can be technically difficult, and none of the conventional imaging modalities for gout specifically identifies the chemical composition of uric acid. The advent of Dual-Energy CT (DECT) is a noninvasive method that has the potential to confirm gout and monitor the response to treatment. DECT scan can show monosodium urate deposition by using color coding. The authors performed DECT scans for detecting uric acid deposition and confirming the gout noninvasively.

Splenic Infarction Associated with Brucellosis in a Non-Endemic Area / 감염과화학요법

A 45-year-old man was referred from a local clinic with persistent fever, intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen, and weight loss of 7 kg. He quit his animal husbandry 18 months ago when his cows were found to be infected with Brucella. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan taken on admission showed splenomegaly with a wedge-shaped hypoattenuating region in the enhanced image, which was consistent with splenic infarction. Serology for Bruculla was strongly positive with the standard tube agglutination test (1/2560). After initiation of doxycycline (100 mg every 12 hrs) and rifampin (600 mg every day), the patient's condition improved, and was discharged with oral antibiotics that were to be continued for 3 months. During the 12 months' follow up at the outpatient department, the patient had no symptoms, and the last agglutination titer for Brucella in serum had decreased to 1/40. To our knowledge, this is the first report on splenic infarction associated with brucellosis in Korea, which was treated successfully with antibiotic therapy.

The Usefullness of the Adenosine Deaminase Activity for the Diagnosis of the Scrub typhus / 감염과화학요법

The mainstay of diagnosing scrub typhus is through serologic testing. However, because of the delay of several days from the onset of the illness to the increase in the antibody titer, diagnosis can be difficult in the early stage of the illness. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical usefulness of adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) in diagnosing scrub typhus. A total of 104 patients were enrolled during the study period. Of these patients, 59 patients were diagnosed with scrub typhus and the mean serum ADA level was 46.7+/-11.6 U/L. High serum ADA levels strongly supported the diagnosis of scrub typhus, especially in patient without eschar. The remaining 44 patients did not have scrub typhus and 95% (42/44) of them had normal serum ADA levels. Therefore, evaluating serum ADA level could help diagnose patients with acute febrile disease such as scrub typhus, especially in its early stage of disease progression.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia, and thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications of nephrotic syndrome are common, especially in the renal vein, while cerebral venous thrombosis is a less frequent complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The pathophysiology remains unclear, but various changes in coagulant and anticoagulant factors may be responsible. We report a case of cerebral venous thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome. A 19-year-old man was admitted with a headache and nausea. Cerebral thrombosis was diagnosed on brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. He recovered gradually after treatment with anticoagulants and achieved control of the nephrotic syndrome. A discussion of this case, coupled with a review of the literature, emphasizes that an early diagnosis is essential for anticoagulation therapy and a successful outcome.

A Case of Newly Detected Ectopic Mediastinal Parathyroid Gland in Chronic Renal Failure Patient after Parathyroidectomy / 대한신장학회지

Hyperparathyroidism is one of the most serious complications for hemodialysis patients. Parathyroidectomy is indicated in patients with severe hyperparathyroidsm refractory to medical treatment. An 39- year-old man who were maintained by hemodialysis underwent parathyroidectomy due to tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The level of intact PTH fell after parathyroidectomy but subsequently rose. We checked up the parathyroid gland by MIBI scan and CT. As a result, a mass was found in the anterior mediastinum. So it is important to suspect the ectopic parathyroid gland when the PTH level elevation is persistent after parathyroidectomy in chronic renal failure patient.

The Usefullness of the Adenosine Deaminase Activity for the Diagnosis of the Scrub typhus / 감염과화학요법

The mainstay of diagnosing scrub typhus is through serologic testing. However, because of the delay of several days from the onset of the illness to the increase in the antibody titer, diagnosis can be difficult in the early stage of the illness. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical usefulness of adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) in diagnosing scrub typhus. A total of 104 patients were enrolled during the study period. Of these patients, 59 patients were diagnosed with scrub typhus and the mean serum ADA level was 46.7+/-11.6 U/L. High serum ADA levels strongly supported the diagnosis of scrub typhus, especially in patient without eschar. The remaining 44 patients did not have scrub typhus and 95% (42/44) of them had normal serum ADA levels. Therefore, evaluating serum ADA level could help diagnose patients with acute febrile disease such as scrub typhus, especially in its early stage of disease progression.

A Case of Chylothorax Associated with Idiopathic Stenosis of Left Subclavian Vein in a Patient Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회지

Chylothorax is defined as the accumulation of chyle-containing lymphatic fluid within the pleural space. The causes of chylothorax are various and usually attributable to 1 of 4 categories: malignancy, trauma (including surgery), miscellaneous disorders, and idiopathy. Occurrence of chylothorax in patients on hemodialysis is very uncommon and it may have resulted from multiple iatrogenic vascular trauma conducive to venous thrombosis and stenosis when hemodialysis catheters required frequent changes or long term indwelling. Local thrombosis and stenosis may increase the venous hydrostatic pressure and hinder the discharge of thoracic duct lymph into the venous system. Hence, chylous lymphatic fluid leak into the pleural space. Treatment of chylothorax may range from nonoperative management to elective surgery. We report a case of a patient on hemodialysis who developed chylothorax secondary to a subclavian vein stenosis without any other symptoms such as arm edema and successfully treated with nonoperative management.

Clinical Characteristics of Renal Insufficiency Patients with Clostridium difficile-Associated Pseudomembranous Colitis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE:Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a potentially life-threatening illness which has been shown to be more common and more severe in patient with chronic renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics of renal insufficiency patients with clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis. METHODS:We reviewed charts of fifty-six patients with clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis, who have clostridial toxin A assay in stool and a diagnosis made on histology of colonic biopsies. RESULTS:There was no difference in age, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and negative incidence of clostridial toxin A between patients who had renal insufficiency with serum creatinine more than 1.5 mg/dL and those who did not. But duration of antibiotic use administered prior to development of the clostridium difficile infection was more shorter in patients with impaired renal function than in patients with normal renal function. CONCLUSION:These data suggest that it may take a short period to development of the clostridium difficile infection in patients with impaired renal function, and histologic evaluation by sigmoidoscopy should be performed to make a diagnosis in CDAD-suggested patients, who have impaired renal function and even negative clostridial toxin A.

A case of delayed perirenal hematoma after percutaneous renal biopsy / 대한내과학회지

Percutaneous renal biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of renal parenchymal disease, providing diagnostic and prognostic information to nephrologists. Percutaneous renal biopsy is considered to be a relatively safe procedure, and catastrophic complications are rare. The post-biopsy care of patients typically consists of bed rest and observation for 24 hours. Additionally, recent reports have suggested that most complications after percutaneous renal biopsy are apparent within 24 hours; however, perinephric hematomas have been demonstrated at 24 to 72 hours after percutaneous renal biopsy in over 90% of cases. We report an unusual case of delayed perirenal hematoma that occurred 5 days after percutaneous renal biopsy.

The Factors Influencing Level of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) in Hemodialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) has long been considered as a useful marker to estimate oxidative stress in the hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, it has not been clarified what clinical factors can affect the plasma level of AOPP in the HD patients. Based on these, We investigated the correlation between plasma AOPP level and clinical factor, known to be associated with oxidative stress, in the maintenance HD patients. METHODS: Two groups (50 of normal healthy persons and 105 of stable HD patients) were independently subjected in this study, and statistical correlation between plasma AOPP level and several clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma level of AOPP in the maintenance HD patients were higher than those in normal healthy group (52.11+/-16.08 micrometerol/L vs. 40.25+/-12.23 micrometerol/L, p<0.001). Plasma AOPP level of maintenance HD patients were significantly correlated with duration of hemodialysis, MDRD-GFR and daily urine volume. However, plasma level of AOPP in the maintenance HD patients were not affected by sex, diabetes, smoking, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, and those were not correlated with age, CRP and serum ferritin. It was demonstrated by multiple regression analysis that daily urine volume was the most important clinical factor which could affect the plasma level of AOPP (beta=-0.255, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that maintenance of daily urine volume is likely to be critical to reduce oxidative stress in the maintenance HD patients.

The patient with amebic liver abscess should be suspect to be infected with HIV / 대한내과학회지

No abstract available.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome without skin manifestations / 소아과

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) presents with widespread blisters, erythematous or purpuric macules, and one or more mucous membrane erosions. Various etiologic factors, including infection, vaccination, drug administration, systemic diseases, physical agents, and food have been implicated as causes of SJS. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common infectious agent to cause SJS in children. In recent literature, M. pneumoniae-induced SJS with mucositis that lacks the typical target lesions has been described. We report a case of a 6-year-old boy with swelling, peeling of the lips, and red eyes with photosensitivity. On physical examination, he showed severe oral mucositis and conjunctivitis with no evidence of skin lesions. Mycoplasma antibody, which was positive with titers of more than 1:2,560. For patients presenting with fever and mucositis of unknown origin, M. pneumoniae should be considered.

Spontaneous fracture of a silicone peritoneal catheter / 대한내과학회지

Major peritoneal catheter-related complications include pericatheter leaks, outflow failure, and infection of the exit site or tunnel. We experienced a rare spontaneous fracture of a silicone peritoneal catheter. A 39-year-old man undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) developed peripheral edema and peritoneal outflow failure. He had no signs of exit-site infection, trauma, or peritonitis. The kidney-ureter-bladder radiograph suggested a fractured peritoneal catheter. We removed the catheter in an emergency operation and inserted a new peritoneal catheter. No obvious reason could explain why the catheter had broken, although the patient's nephew was known to frequently jump on his abdomen Based on this case, mechanical stress should be avoided in CAPD patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure.