Comparison of the efficacy of disinfectants in automated endoscope reprocessors for colonoscopes: tertiary amine compound (Sencron2®) versus ortho-phthalaldehyde (Cidex®OPA)

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To prevent the transmission of pathogens by endoscopes, following established reprocessing guidelines is critical. An ideal reprocessing step is simple, fast, and inexpensive. Here, we evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of two disinfectants, a tertiary amine compound (TAC) and ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA). METHODS: A total of 100 colonoscopes were randomly reprocessed using two same automated endoscope reprocessors, according to disinfectant. The exposure time was 10 minutes for 0.55% OPA (Cidex® OPA, Johnson & Johnson) and 5 minutes for 4% TAC (Sencron2®, Bab Gencel Pharma & Chemical Ind. Co.). Three culture samples were obtained from each colonoscope after reprocessing. RESULTS: A total of nine samples were positive among the 300 culture samples. The positive culture rate was not statistically different between the two groups (4% for OPA and 2% for TAC, P=0.501). There were no incidents related to safety during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: TAC was non-inferior in terms of reprocessing efficacy to OPA and was safe to use. Therefore, TAC seems to be a good alternative disinfectant with a relatively short exposure time and is also less expensive than OPA.

The Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Serum Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation of serum lipid profile with lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women and investigate whether serum lipid profile could be a risk factor of osteoporosis. METHODS: From 1995 to 2003, we retrospectively reviewed 231 postmenopausal women, who did not take any drugs affecting lipid or bone metabolism. The hysterectomized women or metabolic disease patients were excluded. We analyzed the relationship between serum lipid profile and other parameters in normal and osteopenic groups based on lumbar BMD. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between serum lipid profile and lumbar BMD in univariate analysis (chi-squared test and Pearson correlation analysis). Lumbar BMD was correlated inversely with age (r=-0.355, por=160 mg/dL) LDL-C levels were 1.09 (95%CI: 0.58-2.05) and 1.10 (95%CI: 0.44-2.79), respectively, compared to normal (<130 mg/dL) LDL-C group. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between serum lipid profile and lumbar BMD. Serum lipid profile may not be a risk factor of osteoporosis, however, a prospective study in a larger group, considered with multiple factors, will be required to get more proper conclusions.

Two Cases of Adenoma Malignum of the Uterine Cervix / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Adenoma malignum (minimal deviation adenocarcinoma) is a rare, well-differentiated form of cervical adenocarcinoma. This name is derived from the benign epithelial cell lining the glands. Despite its benign appearance, adenoma malignum have clinical malignant features. Because of its rarity and subtle histologic changes, it is quite difficult to diagnosis and may be missed. Adenoma malignum may carry a poor prognosis. We presented two cases of adenoma malignum of the uterine cervix with a brief review of related literatures.

A Case of Abdominal Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

An abdominal pregnancy is defined as an ectopic pregnancy, which implants in the peritoneal cavity and can be classified as either primary or secondary. The incidence of abdominal pregnancy is increased after IVF or GIFT, induced abortion, endometriosis, and intrauterine devices may also contribute to an increased incidence. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management, regardless of stage of gestation, appear to be important in achieving good results. A case of early primary abdominal pregnancy which was implanted on the left uterosacral ligament. We report the case and brief review of literature.

The Clinical Significance of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to identify the clinical characteristics on the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) related to risk factors and to assess the significance of screening test. METHODS: From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2001, 513 women attending prenatal clinic were screened for GDM. Universal screening with 50 gm GTT were performed during 24-28th gestational weeks period. Women with 1 hour plasma glucose >or=140 mg/dl underwent 100 gm GTT for diagnosis of GDM. The patients were divided into high risk and control group. RESULTS: The overall incidence of GDM was 3.1%. Among high risk group and control group, the prevalence of positive screening tests were 28.9% vs 13.6% (P=0.001), and frequencies of abnormal 100 gm GTTs were 8.8% vs 0.6% (P=0.001), respectively. These rates were statistically significant. The significant risk factors were glucosuria, family history of DM and obesity (BMI >or=25). With increasing BMI, the prevalence of GDM was found to be significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The screening test of GDM would be preferable for all pregnant women rather than risk group only. Intensified management approach is needed for patients with glucosuria, family history of DM or obesity.