Modified Cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in Sepsis: External Validation in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Background@#There is a need to update the cardiovascular (CV) Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score to reflect the current practice in sepsis. We previously proposed the modified CV SOFA score from data on blood pressure, norepinephrine equivalent dose, and lactate as gathered from emergency departments. In this study, we externally validated the modified CV SOFA score in multicenter intensive care unit (ICU) patients. @*Methods@#A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on ICU patients at six hospitals in Korea. We included adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to ICUs. We compared the prognostic performance of the modified CV/total SOFA score and the original CV/total SOFA score in predicting 28-day mortality. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the calibration curve, respectively. @*Results@#We analyzed 1,015 ICU patients with sepsis. In overall patients, the 28-day mortality rate was 31.2%. The predictive validity of the modified CV SOFA (AUROC, 0.712; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.677–0.746; P < 0.001) was significantly higher than that of the original CV SOFA (AUROC, 0.644; 95% CI, 0.611–0.677). The predictive validity of modified total SOFA score for 28-day mortality was significantly higher than that of the original total SOFA (AUROC, 0.747 vs. 0.730; 95% CI, 0.715–0.779; P = 0.002). The calibration curve of the original CV SOFA for 28-day mortality showed poor calibration. In contrast, the calibration curve of the modified CV SOFA for 28-day mortality showed good calibration. @*Conclusion@#In patients with sepsis in the ICU, the modified SOFA score performed better than the original SOFA score in predicting 28-day mortality.

Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Occurrence, Severe Presentation, and Mortality in Patients with Lung Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to analyze whether patients with lung cancer have a higher susceptibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe presentation, and higher mortality than those without lung cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#A nationwide cohort of confirmed COVID-19 (n=8,070) between January 1, 2020, and May 30, 2020, and a 1:15 age-, sex-, and residence-matched cohort (n=121,050) were constructed. A nested case-control study was performed to compare the proportion of patients with lung cancer between the COVID-19 cohort and the matched cohort. @*Results@#The proportion of patients with lung cancer was significantly higher in the COVID-19 cohort (0.5% [37/8,070]) than in the matched cohort (0.3% [325/121,050]) (p=0.002). The adjusted odds ratio [OR] of having lung cancer was significantly higher in the COVID-19 cohort than in the matched cohort (adjusted OR, 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.10). Among patients in the COVID-19 cohort, compared to patients without lung cancer, those with lung cancer were more likely to have severe COVID-19 (54.1% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001), including mortality (18.9% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). The adjusted OR for the occurrence of severe COVID-19 in patients with lung cancer relative to those without lung cancer was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.08 to 4.74). @*Conclusion@#The risk of COVID-19 occurrence and severe presentation, including mortality, may be higher in patients with lung cancer than in those without lung cancer.

Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Occurrence, Severe Presentation, and Mortality in Patients with Lung Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to analyze whether patients with lung cancer have a higher susceptibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe presentation, and higher mortality than those without lung cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#A nationwide cohort of confirmed COVID-19 (n=8,070) between January 1, 2020, and May 30, 2020, and a 1:15 age-, sex-, and residence-matched cohort (n=121,050) were constructed. A nested case-control study was performed to compare the proportion of patients with lung cancer between the COVID-19 cohort and the matched cohort. @*Results@#The proportion of patients with lung cancer was significantly higher in the COVID-19 cohort (0.5% [37/8,070]) than in the matched cohort (0.3% [325/121,050]) (p=0.002). The adjusted odds ratio [OR] of having lung cancer was significantly higher in the COVID-19 cohort than in the matched cohort (adjusted OR, 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.10). Among patients in the COVID-19 cohort, compared to patients without lung cancer, those with lung cancer were more likely to have severe COVID-19 (54.1% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001), including mortality (18.9% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). The adjusted OR for the occurrence of severe COVID-19 in patients with lung cancer relative to those without lung cancer was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.08 to 4.74). @*Conclusion@#The risk of COVID-19 occurrence and severe presentation, including mortality, may be higher in patients with lung cancer than in those without lung cancer.

Impact of Grilling Meat or Fish at Home on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Adults With Asthma

Grilling, a common cooking method worldwide, can produce more toxic gases than other cooking methods. However, the impact of frequently grilling meat or fish at home on airflow limitation in adult asthma has not been well elucidated. We performed a prospective cohort study of 91 adult patients with asthma enrolled from 2 university hospitals. Of the patients, 39 (42.9%) grilled meat or fish at least once a week and 52 (57.1%) less than once a week. Patients who grilled at least once a week tended to have lower peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) than those who grilled less than once a week (median, 345.5 L/min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 291.8–423.2 L/min vs. median, 375.1 L/min; 95% CI, 319.7–485.7 L/min; P = 0.059). Among patients with severe asthma who received step 4–5 treatment, PEFR was significantly lower in patients who grilled at least once a week compared with those who grilled less than once a week (median, 297.8 L/min; 95% CI, 211.3–357.7 L/min vs. median, 396.1 L/min; 95% CI, 355.0–489.6 L/min; P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the frequency of grilling meat or fish at home may affect PEFR in asthmatic patients, especially those with severe asthma who needed a high level of asthma treatment.

Impact of Grilling Meat or Fish at Home on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Adults With Asthma

Grilling, a common cooking method worldwide, can produce more toxic gases than other cooking methods. However, the impact of frequently grilling meat or fish at home on airflow limitation in adult asthma has not been well elucidated. We performed a prospective cohort study of 91 adult patients with asthma enrolled from 2 university hospitals. Of the patients, 39 (42.9%) grilled meat or fish at least once a week and 52 (57.1%) less than once a week. Patients who grilled at least once a week tended to have lower peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) than those who grilled less than once a week (median, 345.5 L/min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 291.8–423.2 L/min vs. median, 375.1 L/min; 95% CI, 319.7–485.7 L/min; P = 0.059). Among patients with severe asthma who received step 4–5 treatment, PEFR was significantly lower in patients who grilled at least once a week compared with those who grilled less than once a week (median, 297.8 L/min; 95% CI, 211.3–357.7 L/min vs. median, 396.1 L/min; 95% CI, 355.0–489.6 L/min; P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the frequency of grilling meat or fish at home may affect PEFR in asthmatic patients, especially those with severe asthma who needed a high level of asthma treatment.

Genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 and antituberculosis drugs-induced liver injury

PURPOSE: Drug-induced liver injury is one of the serious adverse reactions resulting in severe morbidity and discontinuation of medications. Previously, IL-10 gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with diclofenac-induced hepatitis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between genetic polymorphisms of immune-regulating cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1) with antituberculosis drugs (ATD)-induced liver injury. METHODS: We enrolled 80 patients with ATD-induced liver injury and 238 ATD-tolerant controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of IL-10 (-1082A>G, rs1800896; -819T>C, rs1800871) and one promoter SNP of TGF-β1 gene (-509C>T, rs1800469) were genotyped in both groups. Genotype frequencies of these SNPs were compared between case and control groups. RESULTS: In 2 promoter SNPs of IL-10 gene, there was no significant difference of genotype frequencies between patients with ATD-induced liver injury and controls. In addition, the genotype frequency of TGF-β1 -509C>T SNP in ATD-induced liver injury patients were not different from those of controls. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there was no significant association between IL-10 and TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms and ATD-induced liver injury. These findings suggest that IL-10 and TGF-β1 do not play important role in the development of ATD-induced liver injury.

Bilious Pleural Infection via Pleurobiliary Fistula Following Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage

A pleurobiliary fistula is an abnormal communication between the biliary system and the pleural space. It has rarely been reported after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). Here, we report the case of an 88-year-old man with bilious pleural infection via pleurobiliary fistula following PTGBD. The patient had a fever, dyspnea and right pleuritic chest pain. The PTGBD was performed 2 months prior to treat acute cholecystitis with large gallstones. Chest radiography demonstrated a right pleural effusion and a computed tomography of the abdomen showed a pleurobiliary fistula tract associated with the previous PTGBD. A drainage tube was inserted into the right pleural effusion, and the bilious pleural fluid infected with Escherichia coli was drained. Careful approach to PTGBD procedure and reducing duration of catheter placement should prevent fistula formation. As a rare complication of PTGBD, practitioners should be aware of the potential of pleural infection by a pleurobiliary fistula tract.

Successful Immunoglobulin Treatment in Severe Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia Caused by Dermatomyositis / 대한중환자의학회지

In connective tissue diseases, autoantibodies cause pulmonary interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and patients require treatment with an immunosuppressive agent such as a steroid. Dermatomyositis is an incurable, uncommon form of connective tissue disease that occasionally causes diffuse pulmonary inflammation leading to acute severe respiratory failure. In such cases, the prognosis is very poor despite treatment with high-dose steroid. In the present case, a 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea. He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis combined with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) with respiratory failure and underwent treatment with steroid and an immunosuppressive agent, but the COP was not improved. However, the respiratory failure did improve after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, which therefore can be considered a treatment option in cases where steroids and immunosuppressive agents are ineffective.

Successful Immunoglobulin Treatment in Severe Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia Caused by Dermatomyositis / 대한구급학회지

In connective tissue diseases, autoantibodies cause pulmonary interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and patients require treatment with an immunosuppressive agent such as a steroid. Dermatomyositis is an incurable, uncommon form of connective tissue disease that occasionally causes diffuse pulmonary inflammation leading to acute severe respiratory failure. In such cases, the prognosis is very poor despite treatment with high-dose steroid. In the present case, a 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea. He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis combined with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) with respiratory failure and underwent treatment with steroid and an immunosuppressive agent, but the COP was not improved. However, the respiratory failure did improve after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, which therefore can be considered a treatment option in cases where steroids and immunosuppressive agents are ineffective.

Intrathoracic Desmoid Tumor Presenting as Multiple Lung Nodules 13 Years after Previous Resection of Abdominal Wall Desmoid Tumor / 결핵및호흡기질환

Desmoid tumors are rare soft tissue tumors considered to have locally infiltrative features without distant metastasis until now. Although they are most commonly intraabdominal, very few cases have extra-abdominal locations. The origin of intrathoracic desmoid tumors is predominantly the chest wall with occasional involvement of pleura. True intrathoracic primary desmoid tumors with no involvement of the chest wall or pleura are extremely rare. We recently experienced a case of true intrathoracic desmoid tumor presenting as multiple lung nodules at 13 years after resection of a previous intraabdominal desmoid tumor.

Pulmonary Foreign Body Granulomatosis in Dental Technician / 결핵및호흡기질환

Occupational lung diseases are caused by several toxic substances including heavy metals; however, the exact pathologic mechanisms remain unknown. In the workplace, dental technicians are often exposed to heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, or beryllium and occasionally develop occupational lung diseases. We described a case of occupational lung disease in a patient who was employed as a dental technician for over a decade. A 31-year-old, non-smoking woman presented with productive cough and shortness of breath of several weeks duration. Chest computed tomography revealed a large number of scattered, bilateral small pulmonary nodules throughout the lung field, and multiple mediastinal lymph nodes enlargement. Percutaneous needle biopsy showed multifocal small granulomas with foreign body type giant cells suggestive of heavy metals inhalation. The patient's condition improved on simple avoidance strategy for several months. This case highlighted the importance of proper workplace safety.

A Case of Significant Endobronchial Injury due to Recurrent Iron Pill Aspiration / 결핵및호흡기질환

Gastric mucosal damage by iron pills is often reported. However, iron pill aspiration is uncommon. Oxidation of the impacted iron pill causes bronchial mucosal damage that progresses to chronic bronchial inflammation, necrosis, endobronchial stenosis and rarely, perforation. We reported a case of a 92-year-old woman with chronic productive cough and significant left-sided atelectasis. Bronchoscopy revealed substantial luminal narrowing with exudative inflammation of the left main bronchus. Bronchial washing cytology showed necroinflammatory exudate and a small amount of brown material. Mucosal biopsy showed diffuse brown pigments indicative of ferrous pigments, crystal deposition, and marked tissue degeneration. After vigorous coughing, she expectorated dark sediments and her symptoms and radiological abnormalities improved. There are a few such reports worldwide; however, this was the first case reported in Korea. Careful observation of aspiration-prone patients and early detection of iron pill aspiration may prevent iron pill-induced bronchial injury.

Clinical Significance of Aberrant Wnt7a Promoter Methylation in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Koreans

The Wnt signaling pathway has regulatory roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and polarity. Aberrant Wnt pathway regulation can lead to abnormal cell proliferation and cancer, and loss of Wnt7a expression has been demonstrated in lung cancer cell lines. E-cadherin keeps intercellular integrity and prevents metastasis. Therefore, E-cadherin has been known as a prognostic factor in cancer. In the present study, we investigated the E-cadherin expression status by immunohistochemical stain and the Wnt7a promoter methylation status in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by methylation-specific PCR. We also analyzed their correlations with clinicopathological factors. Methylation of the Wnt7a gene promoter was detected in the lung tissues of 32 of 121 (26.4%) patients with NSCLC. Wnt7a promoter methylation was correlated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.036) and distant metastasis (P = 0.037). In addition, Wnt7a promoter methylation showed correlation with loss of E-cadherin expression (P < 0.001). However, Wnt7a promoter methylation was not closely related with gender, age, histological type, or smoking habit. Even though Wnt7a methylation could not show significant correlation with the long term survival of the patients with limited follow up data, these findings suggest that loss of the Wnt7a gene induced by promoter methylation might be another prognostic factor for NSCLC and that restoration of Wnt7a may be a promising treatment for NSCLC.

Clinical Significance of Aberrant Wnt7a Promoter Methylation in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Koreans

The Wnt signaling pathway has regulatory roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and polarity. Aberrant Wnt pathway regulation can lead to abnormal cell proliferation and cancer, and loss of Wnt7a expression has been demonstrated in lung cancer cell lines. E-cadherin keeps intercellular integrity and prevents metastasis. Therefore, E-cadherin has been known as a prognostic factor in cancer. In the present study, we investigated the E-cadherin expression status by immunohistochemical stain and the Wnt7a promoter methylation status in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by methylation-specific PCR. We also analyzed their correlations with clinicopathological factors. Methylation of the Wnt7a gene promoter was detected in the lung tissues of 32 of 121 (26.4%) patients with NSCLC. Wnt7a promoter methylation was correlated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.036) and distant metastasis (P = 0.037). In addition, Wnt7a promoter methylation showed correlation with loss of E-cadherin expression (P < 0.001). However, Wnt7a promoter methylation was not closely related with gender, age, histological type, or smoking habit. Even though Wnt7a methylation could not show significant correlation with the long term survival of the patients with limited follow up data, these findings suggest that loss of the Wnt7a gene induced by promoter methylation might be another prognostic factor for NSCLC and that restoration of Wnt7a may be a promising treatment for NSCLC.

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway regulates the development of airway remodeling in patients with asthma

Airway remodeling is a key characteristic of chronic asthma, particularly in patients with a fixed airflow limitation. The mechanisms underlying airway remodeling are poorly understood, and no therapeutic option is available. The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated the roles of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in airway remodeling in patients with asthma. Wnt7a mRNA expression was prominent in induced sputum from patients with asthma compared with that from healthy controls. Next, we induced a chronic asthma mouse model with airway remodeling features, including subepithelial fibrosis and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia. Higher expression of Wnt family proteins and beta-catenin was detected in the lung tissue of mice with chronic asthma compared to control mice. Blocking beta-catenin expression with a specific siRNA attenuated airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Decreased subepithelial fibrosis and collagen accumulation in the beta-catenin siRNA-treated mice was accompanied by reduced expression of transforming growth factor-beta. We further showed that suppressing beta-catenin in the chronic asthma model inhibited smooth muscle hyperplasia by downregulating the tenascin C/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is highly expressed and regulates the development of airway remodeling in chronic asthma.

Recurrent acinic cell carcinoma in the parotid gland with cardiac metastasis and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy / 영남의대학술지

Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignant tumor of the salivary glands that is difficult to diagnose. It grows slowly and shows distant metastasis rarely. We experienced a case of recurrent ACC in the parotid gland with cardiac metastasis and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The 29-year-old man had been suffering from severe multiple bones and joints pain for 2 months. Ten years earlier, he underwent superficial parotidectomy due to a right subauricular mass. The mass was diagnosed with ACC. After surgery, the tumor recurred twice. Then the patient was diagnosed with cardiac metastasis via positron emission tomography-computed tomography and trans-thoracic echocardiography. He also had hypertrophic osteoarthropathy with multiple bone metastasis. He was given palliative radiotherapy and conservative treatment. ACC in the parotid gland with cardiac metastasis and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy has not yet been reported in literature. From this case, it is recommended to evaluate multiple distant metastasis in the ACC of the parotid gland when joint and bone pain are present.

The effects of secondhand smoke on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in nonsmoking Korean adults

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Smoking is widely acknowledged as the single most important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the risk of COPD in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the association of secondhand smoke exposure with COPD prevalence in nonsmokers who reported never smoking. METHODS: This study was based on data obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) conducted from 2008 to 2010. Using nationwide stratified random sampling, 8,596 participants aged > or = 40 years of age with available spirometry results were recruited. After selecting participants who never smoked, the duration of exposure to secondhand smoke was assessed based on the KNHANES questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD was 6.67% in participants who never smoked. We divided the participants who had never smoked into those with or without exposure to secondhand smoke. The group exposed to secondhand smoke was younger with less history of asthma and tuberculosis, higher income, and higher educational status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that secondhand smoke did not increase the prevalence of COPD. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of COPD between participants who had never smoked with or without exposure to secondhand smoke in our study. Thus, secondhand smoke may not be an important risk factor for the development of COPD in patients who have never smoked.

The Extended Rapid Response System: 1-Year Experience in a University Hospital

The rapid response system (RRS) is an innovative system designed for in-hospital, at-risk patients but underutilization of the RRS generally results in unexpected cardiopulmonary arrests. We implemented an extended RRS (E-RRS) that was triggered by actively screening at-risk patients prior to calls from primary medical attendants. These patients were identified from laboratory data, emergency consults, and step-down units. A four-member rapid response team was assembled that included an ICU staff, and the team visited the patients more than twice per day for evaluation, triage, and treatment of the patients with evidence of acute physiological decline. The goal was to provide this treatment before the team received a call from the patient's primary physician. We sought to describe the effectiveness of the E-RRS at preventing sudden and unexpected arrests and in-hospital mortality. Over the 1-yr intervention period, 2,722 patients were screened by the E-RRS program from 28,661 admissions. There were a total of 1,996 E-RRS activations of simple consultations for invasive procedures. After E-RRS implementation, the mean hospital code rate decreased by 31.1% and the mean in-hospital mortality rate was reduced by 15.3%. In conclusion, the implementation of E-RRS is associated with a reduction in the in-hospital code and mortality rates.

Fatal Clinical Course of Probable Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Influenza B Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient / 결핵및호흡기질환

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is rarely reported in patients who have normal immune function. Recently, IPA risk was reported in nonimmunocompromised hosts, such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and critically ill patients in intensive care units. Moreover, influenza infection is also believed to be associated with IPA among immunocompetent patients. However, most reports on IPA with influenza A infection, including pandemic influenza H1N1, and IPA associated with influenza B infection were scarcely reported. Here, we report probable IPA with a fatal clinical course in an immunocompetent patient with influenza B infection. We demonstrate IPA as a possible complication in immunocompetent patients with influenza B infection. Early clinical suspicion of IPA and timely antifungal therapy are required for better outcomes in such cases.

Treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism using Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device / 영남의대학술지

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) increases the pressure of the right ventricle and leads to symptoms and signs, such as dyspnea and hypoxia. If PTE causes hemodynamic instability, thrombolytic therapy should be considered. A mechanical thrombectomy is an alternative treatment to thrombolytic therapy and should be considered when thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated. Various devices are used in mechanical maceration and catheter-directed thrombolysis, but there is no standard mechanical device for PTE as yet. We report here on 2 clinical experiences of mechanical thrombectomy using the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device to remove residual clots after systemic thrombolysis in patients with massive PTE.