Differences in the Impact of Obesity and Metabolic Unhealthiness on the Risk of Gallbladder Polyp

Purpose@#Differences in the impact of obesity and metabolic health status on the risk of gallbladder polyp (GBP) remain uncertain. Herein, we aimed to compare the risk of GBP ≥5 mm among individuals with different phenotypes based on obesity and metabolic health status. @*Materials and Methods@#A cohort of 253485 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography screening were categorized into the following four groups according to obesity and metabolic health status: 1) metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), 2) metabolically unhealthy and non-obese (MUNO), 3) metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), and 4) metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). @*Results@#The prevalences of GBP ≥5 mm were 2.4%, 3.1%, 3.7%, and 4.0% in the MHNO, MUNO, MHO, and MUO groups, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) values for prevalence of GBP ≥5 mm by comparing the MUNO, MHO, and MUO with the MHNO group were 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.19], 1.30 (95% CI, 1.15–1.47), and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.28– 1.45), respectively. The risk of GBP ≥5 mm in the MHO group was significantly higher than that in the MUNO group, but not significantly different from that in the MUO group. @*Conclusion@#Obesity and metabolic unhealthiness appear to be independent risk factors for the prevalence of GBP, and the impact of obesity is greater than that of metabolic unhealthiness, suggesting that maintaining both normal weight and metabolic health may help reduce the risk of GBP.

Impact of hepatitis B virus infection on the risk of gallbladder polyps: a cohort study

Background/Aims@#We aimed to determine whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important risk factor for gallbladder polyps (GBPs) in the current context of reduced prevalence of these infections. @*Methods@#The cohort included 392,913 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography (US). @*Results@#The prevalence of GBP sized ≥ 5 mm, ≥ 10 mm, and overall (< 5, 5–9 and ≥ 10 mm) was 2.9%, 0.1%, and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) positivity was 3.2%, 26.7%, and 0.1%, respectively. The GBP risk was significantly increased in HBsAg-positive individuals, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.66 (95% confidence interval, 1.49–1.85) for GBP ≥ 5 mm, 2.39 (1.53–3.75) for GBP ≥ 10 mm, and 1.49 (1.41–1.59) for overall, whereas there was no significant association between anti-HCV positivity and GBP risk. The GBP risk did not increase significantly in individuals who tested negative for HBsAg but positive for HBcAb. @*Conclusions@#The presence of HBsAg may be an independent risk factor for GBP development in the current context of a indecreasing prevalence of HBsAg positivity. A more comprehensive evaluation of GBP during abdominal US surveillance of HBsAg-positive individuals may be necessary.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after periconceptional exposure to isotretinoin in Koreans

Objective@#Isotretinoin should not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Most pregnant women exposed to isotretinoin choose voluntary pregnancy termination due to concerns about birth defects. However, birth outcome data supporting the termination of pregnancy are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after periconception exposure to isotretinoin. @*Methods@#This was a prospective cohort study. We evaluated pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after exposure to isotretinoin in 151 pregnant women. Among 1,026 callers at the Korean Teratology Information Service from 2001 to 2017 exposed to isotretinoin during the periconception period, 151 pregnant women who received counseling on teratogenic risk after visiting the clinic were included. @*Results@#Among the 151 participants who visited the clinic, only 42 were evaluated using ultrasonography until approximately 20 weeks of gestation. Ultimately, 23 patients were included in the study. The average gestation period during the last exposure to the drug was 2 weeks, and the average daily exposure dose was 12 mg. There were two cases of major birth defects in the exposure group. Spontaneous abortion rates were 17.7% and 8.7% in the exposure and nonexposure groups, respectively (P=0.035). There was no significant difference between the exposure and non-exposure groups in terms of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. @*Conclusion@#There was no significant difference in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including birth defects, between the exposure and non-exposure groups. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.

Unmet healthcare Needs Status and Trend of Korea in 2019 / 보건행정학회지

Unmet healthcare is an important indicator to measure accessibility of healthcare services. To examine the latest status of unmet healthcare needs in South Korea, the four different data which is composed of nationally representative sample of South Korean population were used; the Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNAHANES, 2007–2019), the Community Health Survey (CHS, 2008–2019), the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2011–2017), and the Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2006–2019). The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs were 5.8% (KNHANES), 5.3% (CHS), and 11.6% (KHP). Annual percentage change (APC) which identifies trend for the follow-up period was -9.5%, -8.0%, and -6.5%, respectively. The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost were 1.1% (KNAHANES), 0.7% (CHS), 2.4% (KHP), and 0.4% (KOWEPS). The APC was -10.5%, -14.2%, -12.2%, and -19.6%, respectively. Compared to last year, the rate of unmet healthcare needs has declined in general.However, the low-income and the elderly population were reporting the highest rate of unmet health care needs, and the disparity between lowest and highest groups were remained. These results suggest that adequate benefit coverage is needed for low-income and elderly population.

A New Classification for Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Based on the Coexistence of Segmental Disc Degeneration

Objective@#: Classification systems for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have traditionally focused on the morphological characteristics of ossification. Although the classification describes many clinical features associated with the shape of the ossification, including the concept of spondylosis seems necessary because of the similarity in age distribution. @*Methods@#: Patients diagnosed with OPLL who presented with increase signal intensity (ISI) on magnetic resonance imaging were surgically treated in our department. The patients were divided into two groups (pure versus degenerative) according to the presence of disc degeneration. @*Results@#: Of 141 patients enrolled in this study, more than half (61%) were classified into the degenerative group. The pure group showed a profound male predominance, early presentation of myelopathy, and a different predilection for ISI compared to the degenerative group. The mean canal compromise ratio (CC) of the ISI was 47% in the degenerative group versus 61% in the pure group (p<0.0000). On the contrary, the global and segment motions were significantly larger in the degenerative group (p<0.0000 and p=0.003, respectively). The canal diameters and global angles did not differ between groups. @*Conclusion@#: Classifying cervical OPLL based on the presence of combined disc degeneration is beneficial for understanding the disorder’s behavior. CC appears to be the main factor in the development of myelopathy in the pure group, whereas additional dynamic factors appear to affect its development in the degenerative group.

The rates of major malformations after gestational exposure to isotretinoin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective@#Isotretinoin is among the most notorious human teratogens, documented originally as causing up to 30% of malformations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rates of major malformation (MM) among isotretinoin-exposed pregnant women over the years through a systematic review and meta-analysis. @*Methods@#Eligible studies were searched and identified using various databases. Single-arm meta-analysis and meta-analysis of odd ratios among controlled studies were performed using Review Manager version 5.3. @*Results@#Ten eligible studies that combined 2,783 isotretinoin-exposed women were included in our study. The rate of MM weighted for the sample size was 15%. Three studies that included an unexposed comparison group were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin-exposed women was 3.76. After 2006, the pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin exposure was significantly lower at 1.04. @*Conclusion@#The current rate of MM in isotretinoin-exposed women was substantially lower after 2006.

The rates of major malformations after gestational exposure to isotretinoin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective@#Isotretinoin is among the most notorious human teratogens, documented originally as causing up to 30% of malformations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rates of major malformation (MM) among isotretinoin-exposed pregnant women over the years through a systematic review and meta-analysis. @*Methods@#Eligible studies were searched and identified using various databases. Single-arm meta-analysis and meta-analysis of odd ratios among controlled studies were performed using Review Manager version 5.3. @*Results@#Ten eligible studies that combined 2,783 isotretinoin-exposed women were included in our study. The rate of MM weighted for the sample size was 15%. Three studies that included an unexposed comparison group were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin-exposed women was 3.76. After 2006, the pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin exposure was significantly lower at 1.04. @*Conclusion@#The current rate of MM in isotretinoin-exposed women was substantially lower after 2006.

Introduction of Community-Based Preconception Care for Men and Women of Childbearing Age in Seoul

Community-based preconception care for men and women of childbearing age has been introduced in Seoul. The program aims to focus on problem areas such as low birth rate, fertility issues potentially due to late marriages, preterm or premature births, and low-birthweight in newborn babies. The district administration officials of Seoul, as well as, academics from the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health, developed a protocol by using a questionnaire and laboratory test for screening risk factors in pregnancy. The protocol was tested on a trial basis in four local districts in Seoul from July 2017 to 2018, extended to 12 local districts in 2019, and all 25 districts in Seoul in 2020. The protocol includes AntiMullerian Hormone tests to assess women’s ovarian reserve and male health checkups that include semen analysis and physical examinations of genitalia. These tests are conducted for early detection and treatment of infertility, especially in cases of late marriages. In order to prevent women being abandoned during pregnancy (leading them to single-parenting), the protocol also emphasizes building a gender-sen sitive environment by encouraging more male participation. A monitoring group comprised of Seoul city district officials and academics from the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health, regularly visited the local districts to observe improvements and keep the program officials up to date. In addition, the group also conducted a mobile phone survey for feedback on the program. The interest and support of the resi dents in Seoul city, and positive results and development in pregnancy care and childbirth, are needed to stabilize and extend this protocol.

Effects of online hemodiafiltration on anemia and nutritional status in chronic hemodialysis patients

Background@#Online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) offers considerable advantages in clearance of molecules of various sizes. However, evidence of clinical effects of OL-HDF is scarce in Korea. In this study, we investigated changes in laboratory values over more than 12 months after switching to OL-HDF. @*Methods@#Adult patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD) were prospectively enrolled in a K-cohort (CRIS no. KCT0003281) from 6 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. We recruited 435 patients, 339 of whom were on HD at enrollment. One hundred eighty-two patients were followed for more than 24 months. Among them, 44 were switched to OL-HDF for more than 12 months without conversion to HD. We used a paired t test to compare baseline and 24-month follow-up results. @*Results@#The mean age of the subjects was 61.2 ± 12.2 years, and 62.6% were male. The baseline hemoglobin level was not significantly different between HD and OL-HDF group (10.61 ± 1.15 vs. 10.46 ± 1.03 g/dL, P = 0.437). However, the baseline serum protein and albumin levels were significantly lower in the OL-HDF group (6.82 ± 0.49 vs. 6.59 ± 0.48 g/dL, P = 0.006; 3.93 ± 0.28 vs. 3.73 ± 0.29 g/dL, P < 0.001). In patients switched to OL-HDF, levels of hemoglobin and serum albumin significantly increased (10.46 ± 1.03 vs. 11.08 ± 0.82 g/dL, P = 0.001; 3.73 ± 0.29 vs.

Unmet Healthcare Needs Status and Trend of Korea in 2018 / 보건행정학회지

Unmet healthcare needs lead to increased disease severity, increased likelihood of complications, and worse disease prognosis. To examine the latest status of unmet healthcare needs in South Korea, the four different data configured with nationally representative sample of South Korean population were used: the Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNAHANES, 2007–2018), the Community Health Survey (CHS, 2008–2018), the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2011–2016), and the Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2006–2018). The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs were 7.8% (KNHANES, 2018), 8.8% (CHS), and 10.8% (KHP, 2016). Annual percentage change which characterizes trend for the follow-up period was -9.1%, -3.2%, and -6.8%, respectively. The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost were 1.2% (KNAHANES, 2018), 1.2% (CHS, 2018), 2.5% (KHP, 2016), and 0.5% (KOWEPS, 2018). Annual percentage change which characterizes trend for the follow-up period was -10.3%, -12.0%, -11.3%, and -18.8, respectively. The low-income population and the elderly population were vulnerable groups reporting the highest rate of unmet health care needs. The rate of unmet healthcare needs has been declining since the past decade, still, the disparity between different income groups and age groups suggests that there are many challenges to address.

Korea National Health Insurance Service Financial Status and Prospect / 보건행정학회지

Background@#Korea National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) is operated as a social insurance system in which people pay a portion of their monthly income as insurance premiums and receive benefits when they experience illness or injury. Since 2005, the national health insurance remained surplus accumulating cumulative reserves each year. However, as of 2018, NHIS revenue recorded 62.11 trillion won and spending of 62.29 trillion won. The deterioration of NHIS finances is expected to accelerate with the aging population, income growth, new medical technology development, and enhanced security policies. @*Methods@#To examine the financial health and sustainability of NHIS, we estimated the future revenue and spending until 2030 using the data from Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service statistical yearbook. 2004–2018 average percentage change in NHIS revenue and spending was calculated. We estimated the future NHIS financial status using two methods. In the first method, we calculated the revenue and spending of the future NHIS by applying the 2004–2018 average percentage change to the subsequent years consecutively. In the second method, we estimated the future NHIS financial status after adjusting for the predicted demographic changes such as the aging population and declining birth rate in South Korea. @*Results@#The estimates from this study suggest that the NHIS’s cumulative reserves will run out by 2024. @*Conclusion@#In terms of spending on current health insurance, there should be a search for ways of more efficient spending and funding options.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak and Its Impact on Spinal Daily Practice : Preliminary Report from a Single (Regional) University Hospital in Republic of Korea

Objective@#: Since the first discovery of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), rapid and wide spread of the disease has been reported and the World Health Organization announced that a ‘pandemic’ has started. Up to date there is little known regarding the impact of this outbreak on spinal specialists’ daily clinical practice. We intended to evaluate how COVID-19 has affected the number of spinal disease patients we meet and operate in daily practice. @*Methods@#: The de-identified data regarding number of patients visiting the spine clinic at a tertiary referral hospital and a secondary level hospital from January, February and March of 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The number of out-patient department (OPD) visits, number of emergency room (ER) visits as well as number of surgeries performed during the reviewed period were collected and analyzed, comparing 2020 to the previous 3 years. @*Results@#: The number of daily OPD visits showed a steady decrease starting from January, and presented a statistically significant decrease by early March 2020, compared to the previous 3 years. During the same period, decrease in number of daily ER visits was statistically significant as well. The number of elective surgeries or number of surgeries for patients admitted via ER during COVID-19 outbreak remained similar to that of 2017–2019 suggesting, despite the decrease of patients visiting the hospital for spinal diseases, those whom required surgery still visited the hospital. The results were consistant among other hospital level. @*Conclusion@#: The outbreak of COVID-19 affected our daily practice as OPD and ER visits reduced but did not affect the number of surgeries. We believe that this report will be informative to spinal specialists worldwide fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fermentation of mulberry leaves with Cordyceps militaris enhanced anti-adipogenesis activity in 3T3-L1 cells through down-regulation of PPAR-? pathway signaling

Objective: To establish an efficacious and efficient fermentation method of enhancing the anti-adipogenesis effect of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves using Cordyceps militais. Methods: Dried mulberry leaves, dried mulberry leaves with 50% raw silkworm pupa and raw silkworm pupa were fermented with Cordyceps militais for 4 weeks at 25 °C, after which the dried mulberry leaves and fermented product were extracted with 70% ethanol and subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of cordycepin, pelargonidin, chlorogenic acid, iso-quercetin and caffeic acid were determined. We then used the 3T3-L1 cells to investigate whether extracts of fermentation enhanced anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. Results: HPLC showed that fermentation changed the contents of cordycepin, pelargonidin, chlorogenic acid, iso-quercetin and caffeic acid. Furthermore, fermented dried mulberry leaves with 50% raw silkworm pupa had a better efficacy of anti-adipogenesis than dried mulberry leaves, fermented dried mulberry leaves and fermented silkworm pupa and inhibited triglycerides accumulation and glucose consumption. Additionally, fermented dried mulberry leaves with 50% raw silkworm pupa inhibited PPAR-? signaling. Conclusions: Fermentation with Cordyceps militaris enhanced anti-adipogenesis efficacy of mulberry leaves.

Diagnostic Performance and Prognostic Relevance of FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Patients with Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Objective@#We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value and prognostic relevance of FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 234 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients who underwent FDG PET-CT between June 2008 and February 2016. The diagnostic performance of FDG PEG-CT was compared to that of contrast-enhanced multidetector row CT (MDCT) and MRI. Independent prognosticators for poor survival were also assessed. @*Results@#The sensitivity of FDG PET-CT for detecting primary tumor and regional lymph node metastases was lower than that of MDCT or MRI (p < 0.001), whereas the specificity and positive predictive value for detecting regional lymph nodes metastases was significantly better in FDG PET-CT compared to MDCT and MRI (all p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield of distant metastases detection among three diagnostic imaging techniques. In a multivariate analysis, maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary tumor (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.69) and of the metastatic lesions ≥ 5 (adjusted HR, 8.10; 95% CI, 1.96–33.5) were independent contributors to poor overall survival in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. In a subgroup analysis of 187 patients with periductal infiltrating type of cholangiocarcinoma, an SUVmax of the primary tumor ≥ 5 was associated with an increased risk of regional lymph node (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% CI, 0.55–4.63) and distant metastases (adjusted OR, 100.57; 95% CI, 3.94– 2567.43) at diagnosis as well as with poor overall survival (adjusted HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04–3.15). @*Conclusion@#FDG PET-CT showed lower sensitivity for detecting primary tumor and regional lymph node involvement than MDCT and MRI. However, the SUVmax of primary tumors and metastatic lesions derived from FDG PET-CT could have significant implications for predicting prognoses in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Diagnostic Performance and Prognostic Relevance of FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Patients with Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Objective@#We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value and prognostic relevance of FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 234 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients who underwent FDG PET-CT between June 2008 and February 2016. The diagnostic performance of FDG PEG-CT was compared to that of contrast-enhanced multidetector row CT (MDCT) and MRI. Independent prognosticators for poor survival were also assessed. @*Results@#The sensitivity of FDG PET-CT for detecting primary tumor and regional lymph node metastases was lower than that of MDCT or MRI (p < 0.001), whereas the specificity and positive predictive value for detecting regional lymph nodes metastases was significantly better in FDG PET-CT compared to MDCT and MRI (all p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield of distant metastases detection among three diagnostic imaging techniques. In a multivariate analysis, maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary tumor (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.69) and of the metastatic lesions ≥ 5 (adjusted HR, 8.10; 95% CI, 1.96–33.5) were independent contributors to poor overall survival in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. In a subgroup analysis of 187 patients with periductal infiltrating type of cholangiocarcinoma, an SUVmax of the primary tumor ≥ 5 was associated with an increased risk of regional lymph node (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% CI, 0.55–4.63) and distant metastases (adjusted OR, 100.57; 95% CI, 3.94– 2567.43) at diagnosis as well as with poor overall survival (adjusted HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04–3.15). @*Conclusion@#FDG PET-CT showed lower sensitivity for detecting primary tumor and regional lymph node involvement than MDCT and MRI. However, the SUVmax of primary tumors and metastatic lesions derived from FDG PET-CT could have significant implications for predicting prognoses in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients.

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Prevention of Maternal Hypertension: Systematic Review

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to clarify the relevance of breastfeeding and its preventive effect on maternal hypertension as well as to evaluate the theoretical mechanism behind of it through systematic evaluation of existing articles. METHODS: For systematic evaluation of literatures in recent 5 years, 5 most suitable articles were selected with the key words, (breastfeeding or breastfeed or lactation) AND (hypertension or high blood pressure or hypertensive disorders) from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochran Library, and carefully reviewed by 2 researchers. RESULTS: Breastfeeding women have less frequently developed hypertension in their later life. Depending on the duration of breastfeeding, compared to nonbreastfeeding women, breastfeeding women's odds ratio for developing hypertension are 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.99), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68–1.00), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.97) each for 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and greater than 12 months of breastfeeding. As the number of breastfeeding children increases, the incidence of maternal hypertension decreases. In addition, both partial and exclusive breastfeeding lower the risk of developing maternal hypertension. Though the mechanism of prophylactic effect of breastfeeding on hypertension is not conclusive, reset hypothesis, oxytocin release, the increase of ghrelin and protein peptide YY, as well as epigenetic programming are considered to be relevant to the etiology of the condition. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding prevents maternal hypertension later in life. Studies show dose-response relationship of breastfeeding as the duration matters. In addition, both partial and exclusive breastfeeding have preventive effect on maternal hypertension. Numerous mechanisms are continuously being reported and further studies are needed for clarification.

Bowel Wall Thickness, Elasticity, Intestinal Permeability, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies have reported that endotoxemia is associated with pathogenesis and complications in cirrhosis. Endotoxin stimulates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which contributes to the development of complications. In addition, endotoxin easily invades the gut barrier system because of the increased intestinal permeability due to portal hypertensive enteropathy. In this report, we explored changes in cytokine levels and intestinal permeability and measured the thickness and elasticity of the bowel wall using ultrasonography in cirrhotic patients.METHODS: We enrolled 40 patients with cirrhosis classified as Child-Pugh B or C and 20 healthy volunteers. Abdominal ultrasonography examinations were used to evaluate bowel wall parameters in the ascending colon and terminal ileum. Intestinal permeability was measured using dual sugar absorption tests with lactulose and mannitol. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 were determined from blood samples. We compared these outcomes between cirrhotic patients and healthy controls and between Child-Pugh B and C patients. In addition, we explored the correlation between cytokine levels, intestinal permeability ratio, and bowel wall parameters in cirrhotic patients.RESULTS: In cirrhotic patients, the ascending colon wall elasticity decreased (20.4 vs. 10.9 kPa, p = 0.048) and the terminal ileum wall thickness increased (4.2 vs. 1.9 mm, p < 0.001). The intestinal permeability ratio and levels of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 increased (0.219 vs. 0.017, p < 0.001; 22.47 vs. 13.48 pg/mL, p < 0.001; and 14.91 vs. 8.57 pg/mL, p = 0.019, respectively) in cirrhotic patients. However, there were no significant differences between Child-Pugh classes and no significant correlations between bowel wall parameters and intestinal permeability or cytokine levels.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography revealed bowel wall thickening and decreases in elasticity; in addition, intestinal permeability and cytokine levels increased in cirrhotic patients compared with healthy controls.

Korean Mothersafe Center 10th Anniversary: Outcome and Future Prospects

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this report is to organize the history of Korean Mothersafe, a professional teratology information center. Throughout its domestic and international activities, Mothersafe has firm role to write journals and books, to provide counseling, to run educational courses on maternal and fetal toxicology, and so on. This paper delineates the achievements in last ten years and discusses the vision of Mothersafe.@*METHODS@#In order to formulate the accomplishments of Korean Mothersafe, the volume of counseling calls are carefully reviewed by their contents, counselees, and the consultation results, etc. Textbooks and journals based on the data from Mothersafe are evaluated. Other roles of the Mothersafe, such as hosting symposium and running public programs are also noted.@*RESULTS@#Korean Mothersafe provided 76,555 counseling to 45,933 expectant women and 30,622 breast-feeding women. The database has total 52,130 enrollments from 2010 to 2019. A total of 33 papers are published regarding medication, alcohol, smoking, radiation, etc. A specialized book on maternal-fetal toxicology was published and teratology part of obstetrics textbook was updated. Education programs and symposiums were held and primary care programs for expectant parents are run by Mothersafe.@*CONCLUSION@#Korean Mothersafe has contributed to safe environments for numerous pregnant and breast-feeding women regarding medication, drinking, smoking, and other hazardous substances. The huge database provided evidence for researches, textbooks and seminars, etc. Korean Mothersafe is now facing a new challenge to go forward through social dynamics with many issues regarding prevention and continuance of pregnancy, abortion, and so on.

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor with Hepatic Metastasis Misdiagnosed as Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한내과학회지

The liver is the most common site of metastasis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NETs are rare, and the distinction between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic NET can be difficult due to the similarity of their histological characteristics. Herein, we report a case of GEP-NET with hepatic metastasis, which was first misdiagnosed as HCC by liver biopsy and subsequently re-diagnosed after surgery as primary GEP-NET.

Bowel Wall Thickness, Elasticity, Intestinal Permeability, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#Previous studies have reported that endotoxemia is associated with pathogenesis and complications in cirrhosis. Endotoxin stimulates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which contributes to the development of complications. In addition, endotoxin easily invades the gut barrier system because of the increased intestinal permeability due to portal hypertensive enteropathy. In this report, we explored changes in cytokine levels and intestinal permeability and measured the thickness and elasticity of the bowel wall using ultrasonography in cirrhotic patients.@*METHODS@#We enrolled 40 patients with cirrhosis classified as Child-Pugh B or C and 20 healthy volunteers. Abdominal ultrasonography examinations were used to evaluate bowel wall parameters in the ascending colon and terminal ileum. Intestinal permeability was measured using dual sugar absorption tests with lactulose and mannitol. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 were determined from blood samples. We compared these outcomes between cirrhotic patients and healthy controls and between Child-Pugh B and C patients. In addition, we explored the correlation between cytokine levels, intestinal permeability ratio, and bowel wall parameters in cirrhotic patients.@*RESULTS@#In cirrhotic patients, the ascending colon wall elasticity decreased (20.4 vs. 10.9 kPa, p = 0.048) and the terminal ileum wall thickness increased (4.2 vs. 1.9 mm, p < 0.001). The intestinal permeability ratio and levels of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 increased (0.219 vs. 0.017, p < 0.001; 22.47 vs. 13.48 pg/mL, p < 0.001; and 14.91 vs. 8.57 pg/mL, p = 0.019, respectively) in cirrhotic patients. However, there were no significant differences between Child-Pugh classes and no significant correlations between bowel wall parameters and intestinal permeability or cytokine levels.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Ultrasonography revealed bowel wall thickening and decreases in elasticity; in addition, intestinal permeability and cytokine levels increased in cirrhotic patients compared with healthy controls.