The Prevalence Rate of Tuberculin Skin Test Positive by Contacts Group to Predict the Development of Active Tuberculosis After School Outbreaks / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The tuberculin skin test (TST) is the standard tool to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in mass screening. The aim of this study is to find an optimal cut-off point of the TST+ rate within tuberculosis (TB) contacts to predict the active TB development among adolescents in school TB outbreaks. METHODS: The Korean National Health Insurance Review and Assessment database was used to identify active TB development in relation to the initial TST (cut-off, 10 mm). The 7,475 contacts in 89 schools were divided into two groups: Incident TB group (43 schools) and no incident TB group (46 schools). LTBI treatment was initiated in 607 of the 1,761 TST+ contacts. The association with active TB progression was examined at different cut-off points of the TST+ rate. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 3.9+/-0.9 years. Thirty-three contacts developed active TB during the 4,504 person-years among the TST+ contacts without LTBI treatment (n=1,154). The average TST+ rate for the incident TB group (n=43) and no incident TB group (n=46) were 31.0% and 15.5%, respectively. The TST+ rate per group was related with TB progression (odds ratio [OR], 1.025; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.050; p=0.037). Based on the TST+ rate per group, active TB was best predicted at TST+ > or = 16% (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.29-7.51; area under curve, 0.64). CONCLUSION: Sixteen percent of the TST+ rate per group within the same grade students can be suggested as an optimal cut-off to predict active TB development in middle and high schools TB outbreaks.

Relationships of Coagulation Factor XIII Activity with Cell-Type and Stage of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: Factor XIII (FXIII), a thrombin-activated plasma transglutaminase zymogen, is involved in cancer development and progression through a triggered coagulation pathway. The aim of this study was to examine whether FXIII activity levels differed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients according to histological types and TNM stage when compared with healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight NSCLC patients and 28 normal controls who had been individually age-, gender-, body mass index-, smoking status-, and smoking amount-matched were enrolled: 13 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous cell carcinomas, and four undifferentiated NSCLCs; four stage I, two stage II, 12 stage III, and 10 stage IV NSCLCs. FXIII activity was measured using fluorescence-based protein arrays. RESULTS: The median FXIII activity level of the NSCLC group [24.2 Loewy U/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 14.9-40.4 Loewy U/mL] was significantly higher than that of the healthy group (17.5 Loewy U/mL, IQR 12.6-26.4 Loewy U/mL) (p=0.01). There were no differences in FXIII activity between adenocarcinoma (median 18.6 Loewy U/mL) and squamous cell carcinoma (median 28.7 Loewy U/mL). NSCLC stage significantly influenced FXIII activity (p=0.02). The FXIII activity of patients with stage III NSCLC (median 27.3 Loewy U/mL, IQR 19.3-40.5 Loewy U/mL) was significantly higher than those of patients with stage I or II (median 14.0 Loewy U/mL, IQR 13.1-23.1 Loewy U/mL, p=0.04). FXIII activity was negatively correlated with aPTT in NSCLC patients (r=-0.38, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced-stage NSCLC exhibited higher coagulation FXIII activity than healthy controls and early-stage NSCLC patients.

The start of chemotherapy until the end of radiotherapy in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy is the standard treatment for limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Although numerous studies indicate that the overall duration of chemoradiotherapy is the most relevant predictor of outcome, the optimal chemotherapy and radiation schedule for LS-SCLC remains controversial. Therefore we analyzed the time from the start of any treatment until the end of radiotherapy (SER) in patients with LS-SCLC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 29 patients diagnosed histologically with LS-SCLC and divided them into two groups: a short SER group ( 60 days) group. Patients were treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were in the short SER group and 13 patients were in the long SER group. Short SER significantly prolonged survival rate (p = 0.03) compared with that of long SER. However, no significant differences in side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Short SER should be considered to improve the outcome of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LS-SCLC.

A Case of Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis Associated with Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare syndrome characterized by memory impairment, affective and behavioral disturbances and seizures. Among many different neoplasms known to cause PLE, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most frequently reported. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but is believed to be autoimmune-related. We experienced a patient with typical clinical features of PLE. A 67-year-old man presented with seizure and disorientation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high signal intensity in the bilateral amygdala and hippocampus in flair and T2-weighted images suggestive of limbic encephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid tapping revealed no evidence of malignant cells or infection. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a lung mass with pleural effusion and a consequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PLE associated with SCLC. The patient was subsequently treated with chemotherapy and neurologic symptoms gradually improved.

A Case of Atypical Bronchial Carcinoid Treated by Cryotherapy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are relatively uncommon neoplasms that are considered to be malignant tumors of low to intermediate grade. They are classified by pathologic features as typical or atypical carcinoids and have distinctly different prognoses and therapeutic options. Surgery is the treatment of choice in typical and atypical carcinoid tumors but the approach has been changing. Recently, several studies have described experiences using other technologies as adjuncts to bronchoscopic resection, technologies such as laser and cryotherapy with curative intent in endoluminal typical carcinoids. Here we present a case of atypical bronchial carcinoid that was treated with bronchoscopic cryotherapy.

Clinical Characteristics of Smoking Asthmatics / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The smoking prevalence in asthma patients are similar to those in the general population. Asthma and active cigarette smoking can interact to create more severe symptoms, an accelerated decline in lung function and impaired therapeutic responses. Accordingly, asthmatics with a history of smoking were examined to define the clinical characteristics and lung function of smoking asthmatics. METHODS: The medical records of 142 asthmatics with a known smoking history were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to their smoking history - current smokers, former smokers and non-smokers. The clinical characteristics, lung function, and annual declines of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-three of the 142 patients (37%) were current smokers, 24 were former smokers (17%) and 65 were non-smokers (45%). The patients with a hospital admission history during the previous year included 16 current smokers (30%), 4 former smokers (17%) and 7 non-smokers (11%) (p=0.02). The mean FEV1 (% predicted) was 76.8+/-19.8%, 71.6+/-21.1% and 87.9+/-18.7% for current smokers, former smokers and non-smokers, respectively (p<0.001). The FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (ratio, %) values were 63.6+/-12.6%, 59.3+/-14.9% and 72.1+/-11.8% in current smokers, former smokers and non-smokers, respectively (p<0.001). The corresponding mean values for the individual FEV1 slopes were not significant (p=0.33). CONCLUSION: Asthmatic smokers demonstrated higher hospital admission rates and lower lung function. These findings suggest that the smoking history is an important predictor of a poor clinical outcome in asthma patients.

2 Cases of a Benign Pulmonary Metastasizing Leiomyoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

A benign pulmonary metastasizing leiomyoma is a recognized clinical entity that has been infrequently reported in the medical literature. We report two cases of a benign pulmonary metastasizing leiomyoma. A 35-year-old woman who underwent myomectomy and a cesarean section approximately 6 years earlier visited our hospital for further evaluation of incidentally revealed multiple lung nodules. A diagnostic percutaneuous biopsy was performed. Finally she was diagnosed with a benign metastasizing leiomyoma. The patient then received LH-RH and has been followed up since. The other 44-year-old woman presented after an initial radiology evaluation revealed the presence of multiple, small-sized lung nodules. She underwent a right middle lung wedge resection to confirm the diagnosis. Finally she diagnosed with a benign metastasizing leiomyoma. The multiple lung nodules have been followed up closely.

ANCA-negative limited Wegener's granulomatosis / 대한내과학회지

Wegener's granulomatosis is a very rare autoimmune disease that forms inflammatory granulomas of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and causes necrotizing vasculitis by invading small vessels. Its etiology is uncertain, but antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) is thought to play an important role in causing the inflammatory granuloma formation and vasculitis. The detection of ANCA is a valuable finding in diagnosing Wegener's granulomatosis. However, in the limited type of Wegener's granulomatosis, which lacks accompanying constitutional symptoms, the diagnostic value of ANCA is minimal, requiring careful interpretation of ANCA-negativity. We report a case diagnosed as limited-type Wegener's granulomatosis through repeated biopsies despite ANCA negativity.

A Case of Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone Following Chemotherapy in a Patient with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is a well recognized paraneoplastic phenomenon related to impaired water excretion, and can result in dilutional hyponatremia as well as central nervous system symptoms. It is characterized by a decrease in plasma osmolarity with inappropriately concentrated urine. The causes of SIADH are associated with pulmonary and endocrine disorders, central nervous system diseases, and malignancies, including lung cancer. The other causes of SIADH include some drugs, particularly chemotherapy agents. Anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide are well known causes of SIADH but the mechanisms are unclear. Recently, we encountered a patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who suffered from general weakness and altered mentality after an intravenous carboplatin and gemcitabine combination.

The Effects of Nuclear Factor-kappa B Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Direct Acute Lung Injury / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiologic mechanisms of early acute lung injury (ALI) differ according to the type of primary insult. It is important to differentiate between direct and indirect pathophysiologic pathways, and this may influence the approach to treatment strategies. NF-kappa B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) is a useful tool for the blockade of the expression of NF-kappa B-dependent proinflammatory mediators and has been reported to be effective in indirect ALI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NF-kappa B decoy ODN in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced direct ALI model. METHODS: Five-week-old specific pathogen-free male BALB/c mice were used for the experiment. In the preliminary studies, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukine (IL)-6 and NF-kappa B activity peaked at 6 hours after LPS administration. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ALI score were highest at 36 and 48 hours, respectively. Therefore, it was decided to measure each parameter at the time of its highest level. The study mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: (1) control group which was administered 50 microliter of saline and treated with intratracheal administration of 200 microliter DW containing only hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) vector (n=24); (2) LPS group in which LPS-induced ALI mice were treated with intratracheal administration of 200 microliter DW containing only HVJ vector (n=24); (3) LPS+ODN group in which LPS-induced ALI mice were treated with intratracheal administration of 200 microliter DW containing 160 microgram of NF-kappa B decoy ODN and HVJ vector (n=24). Each group was subdivided into four experimental subgroups: (1) tissue subgroup for histopathological examination for ALI at 48 hours (n=6); (2) 6-hour bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) subgroup for measurement of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BAL fluid (BALF) (n=6); (3) 36-hour BAL subgroup for MPO activity assays in BALF (n=6); and (4) tissue homogenate subgroup for measurement of NF-kappa B activity in lung tissue homogenates at 6 hours (n=6). RESULTS: NF-kappa B decoy ODN treatment significantly decreased NF-kappa B activity in lung tissues. However, it failed to improve the parameters of LPS-induced direct ALI, including the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in BALF, myeloperoxidase activity in BALF and histopathologic changes measured by the ALI score. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B decoy ODN, which has been proven to be effective in indirect models, had no effect in the direct ALI model.

Bilateral Pulmonary Infiltrate with Milky BAL Fluid / 결핵및호흡기질환

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon disease that's caused by aspirating lipid formulations. Squalene, obtained from shark liver oil, is one of the causative agent and this is commonly used by some Koreans as a health promoting medication. We report here on a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia that developed after ingestion of squalene capsules. The case showed milky BAL fluid and multiple pulmonary consolidations.

Clinical Benefits and Complications of Cryotherapy in Advanced Lung Cancer with Central Airway Obstruction / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the use of the interventional bronchoscope for palliation of patients with central airway obstruction has been established. In the palliative setting to alleviate central airway obstruction, the use of laser resection, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy can provide relief of an airway obstruction. Cryotherapy is the therapeutic application of extreme cold for the local destruction of living tissue. Recently, this technique has been used for endoscopic management of central airway obstructions in Korea. We report the role and complications of the use of cryotherapy for airway obstructions in patients with advanced lung cancer. METHODS: We used a flexible cryoprobe for cryotherapy using nitrous oxide as a cryogen. The cryoprobe was applied through the working channel of a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. The temperature of the tip was approximately -89degrees C, and the icing time was 5~20 seconds. RESULTS: Four patients with a central airway obstruction from advanced lung cancer were treated with cryotherapy. Three of the four patients were treated successfully and the airway obstruction was improved after the cryotherapy procedure. Dyspnea, hypoxia and atelectais were improved in three cases. Two patients experienced complications-one patient experienced pneumomediastinum and the other patient experienced massive hemoptysis during the cryotherapy procedure. However, these complications resolved and did not influence mortality. CONCLUSION: This technique is effective and relatively safe for palliation of inoperable advanced lung cancer with a central airway obstruction.

Two Cases of Chemical Pneumonitis Caused by Hydrogen Sulfide / 결핵및호흡기질환

Chemical pneumonitis is an occupational lung disease that's caused by the inhalation of chemical substances. Its severity depends on the characteristics of the substances, the exposure time and the susceptibility of the patients. Hydrogen sulfide is not only emitted naturally, but it also frequently found in industrial settings where it is either used as a reactant or it is a by-product of manufacturing or industrial processes. Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide causes various respiratory reactions from cough to acute respiratory failure, depending on the severity. Two pharmaceutical factory workers were admitted after being rescued from a waste water disposal site that contained hydrogen sulfide. In spite that they recovered their consciousness, they had excessive cough and mild dyspnea. The simple chest radiographs and high resolution computed tomography showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates, and hypoxemia was present. They were diagnosed as suffering from chemical pneumonitis caused by hydrogen sulfide. After conservative management that included oxygen therapy, their symptoms, hypoxemia and radiographic abnormalities were improved.

Potential use of an anticancer drug gefinitib, an EGFR inhibitor, on allergic airway inflammation

The EGFR plays an essential role in goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion. EGFR has an intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity that, when activated, induces the production of MUC5AC through the signaling kinase cascade in the airway epithelium. We have investigated the effects of an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib, on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced, allergic inflammation in airway epithelia of mice. OVA-sensitized mice were pretreated with gefitinib at two different doses (12.5 and 50 mg/kg) and then challenged with OVA. The OVA challenge increased the total cell count and eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as the concentrations of T-helper2 (Th2) cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, overall eosinophil recruitment in the lung tissue and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Pretreatment with gefitinib reduced the inflammatory cell counts and released cytokine concentrations (IL-4 and IL-13) in BALF, as well as eosinophil recruitment in the lungs and AHR, in a dose-dependent manner. This was associated with decreased EGFR and Akt phosphorylation. We showed that gefitnib inhibits EGFR and phosphoinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation which were activated in OVA sensitized mice. These findings suggest that inhibitors of the EGFR cascade may have a role in the treatment of asthma.

A Case of Portopulmonary Hypertension Associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis / 결핵및호흡기질환

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a clinically and pathophysiologically distinct complication of advanced liver disease. PPHTN is characterized by the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in association with advanced hepatic disease-related portal hypertension. A characteristic feature of PPHTN is an obstruction to the pulmonary artery flow caused by vasoconstriction, the proliferation of the endothelium and smooth muscle components of the vascular wall, as well as in situ thrombosis. This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed but the clinical implications are significant because it has substantial effects on survival and requires special treatment. We report a case of portopulmonary hypertension in a 53-year-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis who presented with exertional dyspnea.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors Reduce Immune Tolerance through Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)

PURPOSE : Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its metabolite, PGE2 affect multiple tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis, invasion, and tumor-induced immune suppression. Their overexpression is association with impaired immune cell function in many tumors. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an emerging immuno-regulatory enzyme that can catalyze the initial rate-limiting step in tryptophan catabolism, by causing tryptophan depletion can block T lymphocyte activation, and thus, enable tumor cells to escape from immune system. Although the potential of immunosuppression associated with tumorproduced COX-2 has been suggested, the mechanism of immunosuppression in tumor immunology is not yet well defined. Thus, we hypothesized that the tumor immunity of COX-2 could be partly due to IDO-dependent immune tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated IDO expression in cancer cells treated with selective COX-2 inhibitor. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The A549 human adenocarcinoma cell line, murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell line and C57Bl/6 mice were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro studies, A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of COX-2 inhibitor (PTPBS) or PGE2. IDO enzyme activity and protein expression were checked by IDO enzyme activity assay and Western blotting. In vivo study, the 20 mice were randomized into normal control, LLC inoculated control, and low and high selective COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib 25 or 250 mg/kg/day) treated LLL inoculated mice groups (n=5 per group). At one month, mice were sacrificed and tumor mass was isolated for quantification of IDO expression by immunohistochemical stain and western blotting. RESULTS : In vitro studies, PTPBS treated A549 cells showed a significant decreased in IDO enzyme activity and expression but PGE2 treated A549 cells showed increased in IDO expression. In vivo studies, the tumor mass and lung metastasis were attenuated by celecoxib (respectively, p<0.05, p<0.01). Compared with the LLC inoculated control group, mice treated with celecoxib had significant reductions in IDO expression of tumor mass (IDO immunohistochemical stain and western blotting ). CONCLUSION : The present study reveals that COX-2 inhibitor serves to restore the tumor-induced IDO expression and promotes antitumor reactivity in an immunocompetent murine lung cancer model. These findings further support the suggestion that COX-2 inhibitor is a potential pharmacological immunotherapy in cancer

An Adenocarcinoma of Lung with Unusual Very Slow Growth : A case report

The prognosis of lung cancer is very poor. Patients with lung cancer have usually no symptom in early stage or some mild cough, sputum. When patient feel weight loss or dyspnea, majority of patients with lung cancer are advanced stage and inoperable. The growth rate of lung cancer is different according to cell type of tumor and related to prognosis. Generally, tumor. doubling time (TDT) of lung cancer has been known that small cell lung cancer is about 65 days, squamous cell carcinoma is about 90 days, and adenocarcinoma is about 185 days. There has been rarely reported of lung cancer with very fast or very slow growth. The prognosis of a slow growing lung cancer is relatively good but rapidly growing cancer is not. We report a very rare case that surgicallytreated early stage non-small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) with 4-year- TDT without invasion or distant metastasis

The Role of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) take center stage as executers in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The protein with DNA-damage scanning activity, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), signals DNA rupture and participates in base-excision repair. Paradoxically,overactivation of PARP1 in response to massive genotoxic injury such as ROS can induce cell death through beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) depletion, resulting in inflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of PARP1 and the effect of its inhibitor in VILI. METHODS: Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham, lung protective ventilation(LPV), VILI, and PARP1 inhibitor (PJ34)+VILI (PJ34+VILI) groups. Mechanical ventilator setting for the LPV group was PIP 15 cmH2O + PEEP 3 cmH2O + RR 90/min + 2 hours. The VILI and PJ34+VILI groups were ventilated on a setting of PIP 40 cmH2O + PEEP 0 cmH2O + RR 90/min + 2 hours. As a PARP1 inhibitor for the PJ34+VILI group, 20 mg/Kg of PJ34 was treated intraperitoneally 2 hours before mechanical ventilation. Wet-to-dry weight ratio and acute lung injury (ALI) score were measured to determine the degree of VILI. PARP1 activity was evaluated by using an immunohistochemical method utilizing biotinylated NAD. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS: In the PJ34+VILI group, PJ34 pretreatment significantly reduced the degree of lung injury, compared with the VILI group (p<0.05). The number of cells expressing PARP1 activity was significantly increased in the VILI group, but significantly decreased in the PJ34+VILI group (p=0.001). In BALF, MPO activity, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were also significantly lower in the PJ34+VILI group (all, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: PARP1 overactivation plays a major role in the mechanism of VILI. PARP1 inhibitor prevents VILI, and decreases MPO activity and inflammatory cytokines.

The Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a derivative of pyruvate that has recently been identified by both various in vitro and in vivo studies to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: 5 weeks old, male BALB/c mice were used. ALI was induced by an intratracheal instillation of LPS 0.5mg/Kg/50microliter of saline. The mice were divided into the control, LPS, EP+LPS, and LPS+EP groups. In the control group, balanced salt solution was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before or 9 hours after the intratracheal instillation of saline. In the LPS group, a balanced salt solution was also injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before or 9 hours after instillation the LPS. In the EP+LPS group, 40mg/Kg of EP was injected 30 minutes before LPS instillation. In the LPS+EP group, 40mg/Kg of EP was injected 9 hours after LPS instillation. The TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and that of NF-KappaB in the lung tissue were measured in the control, LPS and EP+LPS groups at 6 hours after instillation of saline or LPS, and the ALI score and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in all four groups 24 and 48 hours after LPS instillation, respectively. RESULTS: The TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower in the EP+LPS group than in the LPS group (p<0.05). The changes in the concentration of these inflammatory cytokines were strongly correlated with that of NF-kappaB (p<0.01). The ALI scores were significantly lower in the EP+LPS and LPS+EP groups compared with the LPS group (p<0.05). In the EP+LPS group, the MPO activity was significantly lower than the LPS group (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: EP, either administered before or after LPS instillation, has protective effects against the pathogenesis of LPS-induced ALI. EP has potential theurapeutic effects on LPS-induced ALI.

The Effects of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension on the Prognosis of Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is defined as the presence of either an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) > or = 12 mmHg or an abdominal perfusion pressure (APP = mean arterial pressure - IAP) or = 20 mmHg together with organ failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IAH and ACS on the day of admission and the effects of these maladies on the prognosis of critically ill patients in the ICU. METHODS: At the day of admission to the ICU, the IAP was recorded by measuring the intravesicular pressure via a Foley catheter. The APACHE II and III scores were checked and SAPS II was also scored during the days the patients were in the ICU. The primary end point was the prevalence of IAH and ACS at the day of admission and the correlation between them with the 28-days mortality rate. The measurement of IAP continued until the 7th day or the day when the patient was transferred to the general ward before 7th day, unless the patient died or a Foley catheter was removed before 7th day. Patients were observed until death or the 28th day. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were enrolled. At the day of admission, the prevalence of IAH and ACS were 47.7% and 15.3%, respectively and the mean IAP was 15.1+/-8.5 mmHg. The rates of IAH for the survivor and the non-survivor groups were 56.5% and 71.4%, respectively, and these were not significantly different (p=0.593). Yet the rates of ACS between these two groups were significantly different (4/62, 6.5% vs. 13/49, 26.5%; Odds Ratio = 5.24, 95% CI = 1.58-17.30, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: In the present study, the prevalence of IAH was 47.7% and the prevalence of ACS was 15.3% on the day of admission. ACS was associated with a poor outcome for the critically ill patients in the ICU.