Association between Timed Up and Go Test and Subsequent Functional Dependency

BACKGROUND@#This study aimed to evaluate the association between baseline results of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and subsequent functional dependency occurrence.@*METHODS@#From the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort database, we identified 39,519 people who participated in the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages at the age of 66 during 2007–2008. Impaired mobility was defined as taking 10 seconds or longer to perform the TUG test. Functional dependency occurrence was defined as the initiation of receiving national Long-Term Care Insurance services—home care or admission to long-term care facilities. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for dependency occurrence according to baseline TUG test results.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up period was 5.7 years. Occurrence rates of dependency were 2.0 and 3.4 cases per 1,000 person-years in the normal and impaired TUG groups, respectively. Impaired mobility was associated with a higher risk of functional dependency occurrence (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.95; P < 0.001). Additionally, in the subgroup analysis for the participants with intact baseline activities of daily living, impaired mobility was associated with a higher risk of dependency occurrence (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.33–2.04; P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The TUG test might be a useful predictive marker of subsequent functional dependency occurrence. Intervention to prevent functional dependency may be helpful for older adults with impairment on the TUG test.

Association between Timed Up and Go Test and Subsequent Functional Dependency

Association between Timed Up and Go Test and Subsequent Functional Dependency

BACKGROUND@#This study aimed to evaluate the association between baseline results of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and subsequent functional dependency occurrence.@*METHODS@#From the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort database, we identified 39,519 people who participated in the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages at the age of 66 during 2007–2008. Impaired mobility was defined as taking 10 seconds or longer to perform the TUG test. Functional dependency occurrence was defined as the initiation of receiving national Long-Term Care Insurance services—home care or admission to long-term care facilities. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for dependency occurrence according to baseline TUG test results.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up period was 5.7 years. Occurrence rates of dependency were 2.0 and 3.4 cases per 1,000 person-years in the normal and impaired TUG groups, respectively. Impaired mobility was associated with a higher risk of functional dependency occurrence (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.95; P < 0.001). Additionally, in the subgroup analysis for the participants with intact baseline activities of daily living, impaired mobility was associated with a higher risk of dependency occurrence (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.33–2.04; P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The TUG test might be a useful predictive marker of subsequent functional dependency occurrence. Intervention to prevent functional dependency may be helpful for older adults with impairment on the TUG test.

Keywords analysis of the Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine using text mining

OBJECTIVE: Data mining extracts meaningful information from large datasets. In this study, text mining techniques were used to extract keywords from the Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine, and the change trend was examined. METHODS: The rvest package in R was used to extract all papers published in the Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine from 2006 to 2016 that could be searched online. Among them, 3,952 keywords were extracted and studied. Using the selected keywords, the corpus was formed by refining keywords that did not correspond to MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) or were misspelled and had similar meanings based on agreement of researchers. Using the refined keywords, the frequencies of the keywords in the first and second halves of the studies were calculated and visualized. RESULTS: Word Cloud revealed that emergency medical service and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were most frequently mentioned in both the first and second halves of the studies. In the first half, ultrasonography, stroke, poisoning, injury, and education were frequently mentioned, while in the second half, poisoning, injury, stroke, acute, and tomography were frequently mentioned. A pyramid graph revealed that the frequencies of emergency medical service and CPR were commonly high. CONCLUSION: Core keywords of the Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine were analyzed for correlations and trends. Changes in study topics according to key topics of interest and period were visually identified.

The Clinical Significance of Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Nationwide Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

The Distribution of Endoscopic Gastritis in 25,536 Heath Check-up Subjects in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.

Right Common Iliac Artery Thrombosis and Aortic Artery Thrombosis Associated with Renal Infarction in Adult Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome / 대한신장학회잡지

The nephrotic syndrome frequently causes a hypercoagulable state, leading to thromboembolic complications in veins, but arterial thrombosis is relatively rare, and is usually associated with a poor prognosis. We report 50-year-old female patient who presented with minimal change disease complicated with aortic and right iliac arterial thrombosis. She was admitted to our hospital with severe pain in her right leg and left flank. No pulse was palpable in her right femoral artery. Aortography demonstrated a focal eccentric thrombus attached to the left wall of aorta, in which the left renal artery was occluded, and another thrombus obstructing the right common iliac artery. An emergency thrombectomy was performed. Although the patient had satisfactory reperfusion of right common iliac artery, her left renal function was not recovered. A renal biopsy revealed histologic evidence of minimal change of glomerulonephritis. After 8 weeks of steroid therapy, cytoxan was started. After 3 weeks, she developed pneumonitis and died with sepsis.

A Case of Acute Bacterial Nephritis Diagnosed by Renal Biopsy / 대한신장학회잡지

Urinary tract infection is one of the causes of acute renal failure. But it has been reported rarely, so we must consider another etiologies before diagnosis. Abdominal ultrasonogram is a good non-invasive technique for radiologic diagnosis or for differential diagnosis, but it's possible that tiny abscesses and small lesions of focal bacterial nephritis might be missed. CT is the best radiologic method to diagnose renal lesion, especially acute bacterial nephritis. Nevertheless, CT has several problems, including contrast-induced nephropathy, exposure to radiation. We experienced a severe form of anuric acute renal failure secondary to acute bacterial nephritis due to E. coli infection. The patient's renal lesion was not visualized on the ultrasonogram and his uremic symptom was severe. So we decided to do a kidney biopsy to find another possible cause of acute renal failure. The renal biopsy finding showed acute bacterial nephritis, and abdominal CT reconfirmed it. His serum creatinine increased to a maximum 8.5 mg/dL, but decreased to 1.24 mg/dL through continuous antibiotic therapy. We emphasize that urinary tract infection is not a rare cause of acute renal failure any more, and that positive diagnositic approaches, including kidney biopsy, are important for accurate and early diagnosis.

A Case of Splenic Infarction after Histoacryl(R) Injection in Gastric Varix Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Histoacryl(R) (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) has been used successfully for the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding. The reported complications of Histoacryl(R) injection therapy include bleeding, perforation, stenosis and embolism. Here we describe a case of splenic infarction as an unusual complication of Histoacryl(R) injection. A 51-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis was admitted due to acute gastric varix bleeding. Sclerotherapy was successfully carried out using Histoacryl(R) mixed with lipiodol (2.6 mL). 4 days later, he complained left upper quadrant pain and developed a fever of 38.2degrees C. Abdominal CT showed wedge-shaped hypodense area in the spleen compatible with infarction. He was treated conservatively. The fever and abdominal pain gradually subsided and he was discharged without significant problems.

Pleural Effusion Caused by Central Catheter-Related Infection in a Hemodialysis Patient / 대한신장학회잡지

Central catheterization for temporary vascular access in hemodialysis patients may cause serious catheter-related infection such as bacteremia, osteomyelitis, and septic shock. We here report a case of unusual complication of catheter-related infection in a hemodialysis patient with internal jugular catheter. A 44-year old man was admitted due to intermittent fever and right chest discomfort. Five weeks ago, right internal jugular catheter was inserted for hemodialysis. Three weeks ago, He stopped hemodialysis treatment and exit site skin care of the catheter by himself. Chest X-ray showed massive right pleural effusion. But the catherter was normally positioned in superior vena cava. Both blood and pleural fluid cultures demonstrated Staphylococcus aureus. After prompt removal of the catheter and drainage of the pleural fluid, and adequate antibiotic treatment, catheter-related bacteremia and pleural effusion improved.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Presenting as Cryptococcal Meningitis not Accompanied by Pleocytosis / 감염

In Korea, cryptococcal meningitis is a rare opportunistic infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Cryptococcal meningitis in non-HIV infected patients is usually accompanied by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, but sometimes this is not the case in HIV-infected patients. As the number of patients with HIV infection increases in Korea, such atypical cryptococcal meningitis should be considered as a cause of fever of undetermined origin. In addition, if such a diagnosis is made, underlying AIDS should be ruled out. A 61-year old man was admitted to the hospital because of hematemesis. During hospitalization, he experienced fever and a mild continuous headache. Physical examination showed no neck stiffness. For the evaluation of persistent fever, CSF examination was performed, which showed elevated protein, decreased sugar, normal pressure, and no pleocytosis. Meningitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans was diagnosed by positive CSF india ink preparation and fungus culture. HIV infection was later confirmed by Western blot analysis.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Presenting as Cryptococcal Meningitis not Accompanied by Pleocytosis / 감염

In Korea, cryptococcal meningitis is a rare opportunistic infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Cryptococcal meningitis in non-HIV infected patients is usually accompanied by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, but sometimes this is not the case in HIV-infected patients. As the number of patients with HIV infection increases in Korea, such atypical cryptococcal meningitis should be considered as a cause of fever of undetermined origin. In addition, if such a diagnosis is made, underlying AIDS should be ruled out. A 61-year old man was admitted to the hospital because of hematemesis. During hospitalization, he experienced fever and a mild continuous headache. Physical examination showed no neck stiffness. For the evaluation of persistent fever, CSF examination was performed, which showed elevated protein, decreased sugar, normal pressure, and no pleocytosis. Meningitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans was diagnosed by positive CSF india ink preparation and fungus culture. HIV infection was later confirmed by Western blot analysis.