Efficacy and Safety of Pioglitazone versus Glimepiride after Metformin and Alogliptin Combination Therapy: A Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Parallel-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding the optimal third-line therapy for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that is inadequately controlled using dual combination therapy. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone or glimepiride when added to metformin plus alogliptin treatment for T2DM.METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, active-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02426294) recruited 135 Korean patients with T2DM that was inadequately controlled using metformin plus alogliptin. The patients were then randomized to also receive pioglitazone (15 mg/day) or glimepiride (2 mg/day) for a 26-week period, with dose titration was permitted based on the investigator's judgement.RESULTS: Glycosylated hemoglobin levels exhibited similar significant decreases in both groups during the treatment period (pioglitazone: −0.81%, P<0.001; glimepiride: −1.05%, P<0.001). However, the pioglitazone-treated group exhibited significantly higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P<0.001) and significantly lower homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance values (P<0.001). Relative to pioglitazone, adding glimepiride to metformin plus alogliptin markedly increased the risk of hypoglycemia (pioglitazone: 1/69 cases [1.45%], glimepiride: 14/66 cases [21.21%]; P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Among patients with T2DM inadequately controlled using metformin plus alogliptin, the addition of pioglitazone provided comparable glycemic control and various benefits (improvements in lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia risk) relative to the addition of glimepiride.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Korea appears to be increasing. Some studies have shown that T2DM is a risk factor for symptomatic GERD. However, this possibility is still debated, and the pathogenesis of GERD in T2DM is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors (including autonomic neuropathy) of GERD in patients with T2DM. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled T2DM patients (n=258) and healthy controls (n=184). All participants underwent physical examinations and laboratory tests. We evaluated medical records and long-term diabetes complications, including peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in patients with T2DM. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in all patients. The Los Angeles (LA) classification was used to grade GERD. GERD was defined as LA grade A (or higher) or minimal change with GERD symptoms. GERD symptoms were examined using a frequency scale. Data were expressed as mean±standard error. Independent t-tests or chi-square tests were used to make comparisons between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD (32.6% vs. 35.9%, P=0.266) and GERD symptoms (58.8% vs. 59.2%, P=0.503) was not significantly different between T2DM patients and controls. We found no significant differences between T2DM patients with GERD and T2DM patients without GERD with respect to diabetic complications, including autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, duration of DM, and glucose control. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GERD in patients with T2DM showed no difference from that of controls. GERD was also not associated with peripheral and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, age, or duration of DM in patients with T2DM.

Current Status of Prescription in Type 2 Diabetic Patients from General Hospitals in Busan

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the prescription status of individuals with diabetes are limited. This study was an analysis of participants from the relationship between cardiovascular disease and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in patients with type 2 diabetes (REBOUND) Study, which was a prospective multicenter cohort study recruited from eight general hospitals in Busan, Korea. We performed this study to investigate the current status of prescription in Korean type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic patients aged 30 years or more were recruited and data were collected for demographics, medical history, medications, blood pressure, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Three thousands and fifty-eight type 2 diabetic patients were recruited. Mean age, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c were 59 years, 7.6 years, and 7.2%, respectively. Prevalence of hypertension was 66%. Overall, 7.3% of patients were treated with diet and exercise only, 68.2% with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) only, 5.3% with insulin only, and 19.2% with both insulin and OHA. The percentage of patients using antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, antiplatelet agents was similar as about 60%. The prevalence of statins and aspirin users was 52% and 32%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, two thirds of type 2 diabetic patients were treated with OHA only, and one fifth with insulin plus OHA, and 5% with insulin only. More than half of the patients were using each of antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, or antiplatelet agents. About a half of the patients were treated with statins and one third were treated with aspirin.

Cardio-Metabolic Features of Type 2 Diabetes Subjects Discordant in the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the cardio-metabolic parameters and surrogate markers of insulin resistance in a discordant group of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects who satisfy the Adults Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria, but not the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, for metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of MetS in T2DM subjects (n=167) who were selected from subjects registered at the diabetes center of Dong-A University Medical Center. We used the ATP III criteria and the IDF criteria for the diagnosis of MetS and sorted the subjects into 2 MetS groups: one group diagnosed per ATP III criteria (MetSa) and one diagnosed per IDF criteria (MetSi). We then compared the clinical characteristics, metabolic parameters (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and uric acid values) and co-morbidities (prevalence of microalbuminuria, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease) between the MetSa, MetSi, and discordant MetS groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in the MetSa group (73.6%) was higher than in the MetSi group (62.2%). The MetS prevalence in the discordant group was 11.4%. The discordant group showed no significant differences in clinical characteristics (except waist circumference and body mass index), metabolic parameters, or prevalence of co-morbidities, as compared with subjects with MetS by both criteria. CONCLUSION: In this study, cardio-metabolic features of the subjects diagnosed with MetS using ATP III criteria, but not IDF criteria, are not significantly different from those of subjects diagnosed with MetS using both criteria.

Relationships between Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to be a good surrogate marker of clinical atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major predictor for developing neuropathy. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between baPWV and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 692 patients with type 2 diabetes. The correlation between increased baPWV and DPN, neurological symptoms, and neurological assessment was analyzed. DPN was examined using the total symptom score (TSS), ankle reflexes, the vibration test, and the 10-g monofilament test. DPN was defined as TSS > or =2 and an abnormal neurological assessment. Data were expressed as means+/-standard deviation for normally distributed data and as median (interquartile range) for non-normally distributed data. Independent t-tests or chi-square tests were used to make comparisons between groups, and a multiple logistic regression test was used to evaluate independent predictors of DPN. The Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test was used to adjust for age. RESULTS: Patients with DPN had higher baPWV and systolic blood pressure, and were more likely to be older and female, when compared to the control group. According to univariate analysis of risk factors for DPN, the odds ratio of the baPWV > or =1,600 cm/sec was 1.611 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.072 to 2.422; P=0.021) and the odds ratio in female was 1.816 (95% CI, 1.195 to 2.760; P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Increased baPWV was significantly correlated with peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Response: The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer

No abstract available.

The Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: There is a close connection between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the risk of cancers and related mortality. The principal objective of the present study was to explore the association between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively compared 1111 subjects (age > or = 30 years) who were subjected to colonoscopies between June 2006 and June 2009. We evaluated the anthropometric data, presenting symptoms and signs, history of diabetes, laboratory data, colonoscopy findings and biopsy results. We analyzed the correlation between colorectal cancer and influencing factors, and compared the incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the type 2 diabetes and control groups. RESULTS: Four hundreds and seven of the subjects had diabetes mellitus. The incidence of colorectal cancer was increased significantly in type 2 diabetes relative to the control group (7.4% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.05). Colorectal cancer was correlated significantly with age, type 2 diabetes, constipation, anemia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Following logistic regression analysis, age and constipation were associated significantly with colorectal cancer. In the age below 65 years subgroup, the incidence of colorectal cancer was increased significantly in the type 2 diabetes group relative to the control group. CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. This association was more definite in the subjects younger than 65 years.

Relationships between Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and the Brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinically, evaluating cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is important to predict cardiovascular mortality because it is correlated with cardiovascular death. The pulse wave velocity (PWV) correlates well with arterial distensibility and stiffness. It is also a useful approach for evaluating the severity of systemic atherosclerosis in adults. So, we evaluated that the relationship between cardiac autonomic neuropathy and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 465 patients (209 men and 256 women) with type 2 diabetes. We checked the clinical characteristics and the laboratory tests and we assessed the diabetic complications. Standard tests for CAN were performed by DiCAN (Medicore, Seoul, Korea): 1) heart rate variability during deep breathing (the E/I ratio), 2) a Valsalva maneuver, 3) 30:15 ratio of R-R interval the blood pressure response to standing, and 5) the blood pressure response to handgrip. The CAN score was determined according to the results of the test as following: 0 = normal, 0.5 = borderline, 1 = abnormal. We also measured the baPWV by using a VP 1000 (Colin, Japan) and all the analyses were performed with the SPSS version 14.0. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The CAN score is associated with the maximal baPWV, age, systolic blood pressure, microalbuminuria, the duration of diabetes, angiotensin II receptor blocker treatment, calcium channel blocker treatment, beta-blocker treatment and nephropathy. After adjusting for age, the baPWV is a independent predictor of the risk for CAN (beta = 0.108, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The CAN is associated with the baPWV in patient with type 2 diabetes.

Adiponectin Concentrations in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with or without Metabolic Syndrome / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: Adipocytes produce several adipokines that modulate insulin action as well as glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum adiponectin concentrations and metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This study included 127 type 2 diabetic patients (males 63, females 64). The subjects were divided into two groups as with or without metabolic syndrome (MS(+) or MS(-)). The MS was diagnosed by International Diabetes Federation. Serum adiponectin, leptin, fasting plasma insulin, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, white blood corpuscle (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were examined. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in MS(+) than MS(-) (4.8 +/- 2.4 microgram/mL vs 7.6 +/- 5.8 microgram/mL, 7.6 +/- 3.7 microgram/mL vs 11.5 +/- 7.2 microgram/mL, P < 0.05 in males and females). After adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI), in MS (+), the serum levels of adiponectin correlated positively with high density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C) and negatively with height, body weight, ALT and CRP. In MS(-), the serum levels of adiponectin correlated positively with HDL-C and negatively with diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglyceride and CRP. By multiple regression analysis, no parameters were independently correlated with serum adiponectin concentrations in MS(+), while DBP and HDL-C were independently related to serum adiponectin concentrations in MS(-). CONCLUSION: Serum adiponectin concentrations were lower in type 2 diabetic patients with MS than without MS. There were no significant parameters related to decrease serum adiponectin concentrations in MS. But further study is needed to confirm this result.

A Case of Primary Pericardial Hemagiopericytoma

Intracardiac hemangiopericytomas are rare tumors which originates from the pericyte in the external wall of capillaries. 1) The tumors are known to usually develop in the lower extremities, pelvic cavity and retroperitoneum, 2) but are very rare in the heart. 3) The symptoms and signs of a hemagiopericytoma depend on the size and location of the tumor. 2) A hemagiopericytoma has a high potential for local recurrence and metastasis, so regular follow-up is needed following surgical excision. 2) A 36-year-old man presented with shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Before operating, a chest CT scan showed that a compressive collapse of the left lung had developed next to a large mediastinal tumor. Because of impending respiratory failure due to collapse of the left lung, an operation was performed. The operation showed that the mediastinal tumor was a large loculated hemopericardium accompanied by pericardial bleeding. A hematoma evacuation with a pericardiectomy was performed, and the pathology of the thickened pericardial wall revealed a malignant hemangiopericytoma. The patient has followed up for 6 months without symptoms or sign of tumor recurrence following the radiation therapy.

A Case of Rhabdomyolysis in Eosinophilic Polymyositis / 대한신장학회잡지

A 45-year-old man presented with muscle pain, skin nodules and persistent hypereosinophilia over a period of 4 months. Laboratory data excluded the diagnosis of trichinosis or any other parasite infection. The patient's course of the disease over the 9 months was compatible with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. In a muscle biopsy, eosinophilic and lymphoplasma cells are predominantly infiltrated. Authors report a case of rhabdomyolysis due to eosinophilic polymyositis in idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

A Case of Severe Asthma Complicated with Pneumoperitoneum and Pneumomediastinum During AMBU Ventilation / 결핵

Pneumoperitoneum, Pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and a pneumothorax are some of the mechanical complications of bronchial asthma. The incidence of pneumoperitoneum during an attack of acute asthma is rare. The pathogenesis is free gas track from the overdistended alveoli, through the bronchovascular sheaths to the mediastinum. If the high pressure is maintained, air can escape retroperitoneally into the abdomen and burst into the peritoneal cavity. A 43-year-old woman was admitted due to a severe asthma attack. She was required endotracheal intubation and AMBU(air mask bag unit) ventilation. Immediately after these procedures, pneumoperiotneum, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema daveloped. She was treated with mechanical ventilation and medical therapy. The pneumoperitoneum was resolved after 27 days. Here, we report this case with the review of the relevant literature.

Reversal of Multidrug Resistance with KR - 30035 ; Evaluated with Biodistribution of Tc - 99m MIBI in Nude Mice Bearing Human Tumor Xenografts / 대한핵의학회잡지

No abstract available.

Febrile Convulsion

We have observed the clinical findings and progress of the febrile convulsion in 182 children who were admitted to Ewha Womans University Hospital from 1976 to 1980 1) In sex distribution, the boys (65.4%) outnumbered the girls (34.6%). 2) 88% of the children were under 3 years of age at the first epidsode of the febrile convulsion. 3) There was a 22.3% incidence of a family history of convulsions: febrile convulsion in 19.9%, afebrile convulsion in 2.4%. 4) The type of convulsion was tonic in 58.8%, tonic and clonic mixed in 32.4%, clonic in 4.4%, and atonic in 3.3%. 5) The febrile convulsion occured with phryngotonsillitis (54.4%), gastroenteritis (14.3%), pneumonia and bronchitis (13.2%). 6) 39.1% of the children had abnormal electroencephalogram 1 week or longer after the febrile convulsion. Elecroencepahlogram showed slow dysrhythmia in 7 cases, and paroxysmal abnormality in 25 cases. 7) The recurrence rate of the febrile convulsion was 76.5% in 51 children who were followed up at OPD. The recurrence rate had significant correlation with the age at time of the first febrile convulsion and sex. 8) During the follow up at OPD, 29 children of 51 patients were treated with prophylactic anticonvulsant medication. Epilepsy was occured in 3 among in 3 among 51 children.

Estimation of Fetal Growth by Measurement of Birth Weight for Gestational Age in Newborn

Birth weight and gestational age are two important factors in assessing the neonatal mortality and morbidity. We collected the birth weights of 10,242 newborns who were born at Ewha Womans University Hospital from June, 1976 to June, 1981, including birth weight and gestational age. Mean birth weight with standard deviation for each gestational age and fetal growth curve are presented in single births and twins.

A case of Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis

No abstract available.

A cass of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

A case of twin to twin transfusion syndrome, associated with monozygotic twin fwas presented At birthm twin A weighted 2900gm and was plethoric, Hemoglobin value of twin A was 20.4gm/100ml and hematocrit 61% Twin B weighted 2250gm and was markedly pale, cynotic and hemoglobin value at virth was 4.3gm/100ml and hematocrit 13% So venesection by use of femoral venipuncture was done at twin A and fresh whole blood was transfused to twin B, On 6th day, both infants wer discharged against doctor's order with improcved general condition and sucking.