Real-world effectiveness of a single conventional diseasemodifying anti-rheumatic drug (cDMARD) plus an anti-TNF agent versus multiple cDMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective observational study

Objective@#The objective of this prospective, observational multicenter study (NCT03264703) was to compare the effectiveness of single conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (cDMARD) plus anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy versus multiple cDMARD treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following cDMARD failure in the real-world setting in South Korea. @*Methods@#At the treating physicians’ discretion, patients received single cDMARD plus anti-TNF therapy or multiple cDMARDs. Changes from baseline in disease activity score 28-joint count with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), corticosteroid use, and Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ-20) scores were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months. @*Results@#Of 207 enrollees, the final analysis included 45 of 73 cDMARD plus anti-TNF and 91 of 134 multiple-cDMARD recipients. There were no significant between-group differences (BGDs) in ANCOVA-adjusted changes from baseline in DAS28-ESR at 3, 6 (primary endpoint), and 12 months (BGDs −0.18, −0.38, and −0.03, respectively). More cDMARD plus anti-TNF than multiple-cDMARD recipients achieved a >50% reduction from baseline in corticosteroid dosage at 12 months (35.7% vs 14.6%; p=0.007). Changes from baseline in KHAQ-20 scores at 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly better with cDMARD plus antiTNF therapy than with multiple cDMARDs (BGD −0.18, −0.19, and −0.19 points, respectively; all p≤0.024). @*Conclusion@#In the real-world setting, relative to multiple cDMARDs, single cDMARD plus anti-TNF therapy significantly improved quality-of-life scores and reduced corticosteroid use, with no significant BGD in disease activity, in RA patients in whom previous cDMARD therapy had failed.

Association between knee osteoarthritis and mortality: a serial propensity score-matched cohort study

Background/Aims@#The association between symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is established; however, findings from studies that utilized regression analysis were limited, attributed to the strong association between OA and metabolic risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between knee OA and mortality through propensity score matching. @*Methods@#This was a cohort study including Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2013) participants aged ≥ 50 years. By linking the survey data to cause of death data (through 2019) from Statistics Korea, mortality and cause-specific mortality data were obtained. Radiographic knee OA (ROA) was defined as bilateral Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ 2. Propensity score matching (1:1) was conducted between asymptomatic ROA, knee pain, and symptomatic ROA groups and normal groups, balancing the confounding factors. Time to death was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard modeling. @*Results@#A higher CVD mortality was observed in the symptomatic ROA group, but not in others; the risk estimates were asymptomatic ROA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.65), knee pain (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.27–1.38), and symptomatic ROA (HR 1.39; 95% CI 0.89–2.17). No association was found between the all-cause/cancer mortality and other groups. @*Conclusions@#When propensity score matching controls metabolic risk factor imbalances, the association between symptomatic knee OA and higher CVD mortality was weaker compared to results of prior studies that used regression adjustment. The results may be more precise estimates of the total risk of knee OA for mortality in Koreans.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Patient with Takayasu Arteritis

Purpose@#We report bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in a patient with Takayasu arteritis.Case summary: A 52-year-old female with hypertension complained of decreased vision in both eyes. The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were 0.2 in the right eye and 0.15 in the left eye. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed dilated and tortuous retinal veins, many flame-shaped hemorrhages, and macular edema in both eyes. We diagnosed central retinal vein occlusion in both eyes. Neck ultrasonography and computed tomography/angiography revealed Takayasu arteritis with near-total occlusion of the left common carotid artery, external carotid artery, and subclavian artery. We prescribed oral azathioprine and three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin®; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA, 1.25 mg/0.05 mL). After 6 months of treatment, the retinal hemorrhage and macular edema disappeared and the BCVAs improved to 0.6 in the right and 0.8 in the left eye. @*Conclusions@#When encountering a case of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion, assessment of systemic vascular occlusive diseases such as Takayasu arteritis may be required.

Changing Patterns of Medical Visits and Factors Associated with No-show in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background@#The main barrier to the effective rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy is poor adherence. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to a significant change in the pattern and the number of medical visits. We assessed changing patterns of medical visits and no-show, and identified factors associated with no-show in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#RA patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at least 6 months who had been in remission or those with mild disease activity were observed for 6 months from February to July 2020. No-show was defined as a missed appointment that was not previously cancelled by the patient and several variables that might affect no-show were examined. @*Results@#A total of 376 patients and 1,189 appointments were evaluated. Among 376 patients, 164 patients (43.6%) missed appointment more than one time and no-show rate was 17.2% during COVID-19 pandemic. During the observation, face-to-face visits gradually increased and no-show gradually decreased. The logistic regression analysis identified previous history of no-show (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.225; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.422–3.479; P < 0.001) and fewer numbers of comorbidities (adjusted OR, 0.749; 95% CI, 0.584–0.961; P = 0.023) as the independent factors associated with no-show. @*Conclusion@#Monthly analysis showed that the no-show rate and the pattern of medical visits gradually changed in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we found that previous history of no-show and fewer numbers of comorbidities as the independent factors associated with no-show.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Patient with Takayasu Arteritis

Purpose@#We report bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in a patient with Takayasu arteritis.Case summary: A 52-year-old female with hypertension complained of decreased vision in both eyes. The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were 0.2 in the right eye and 0.15 in the left eye. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed dilated and tortuous retinal veins, many flame-shaped hemorrhages, and macular edema in both eyes. We diagnosed central retinal vein occlusion in both eyes. Neck ultrasonography and computed tomography/angiography revealed Takayasu arteritis with near-total occlusion of the left common carotid artery, external carotid artery, and subclavian artery. We prescribed oral azathioprine and three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin®; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA, 1.25 mg/0.05 mL). After 6 months of treatment, the retinal hemorrhage and macular edema disappeared and the BCVAs improved to 0.6 in the right and 0.8 in the left eye. @*Conclusions@#When encountering a case of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion, assessment of systemic vascular occlusive diseases such as Takayasu arteritis may be required.

Simplified disease activity changes in real-world practice: a nationwide observational study of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate-to-high disease activity

The objective of this study was to compare changes in the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) between biologic (b) and conventional (c) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) users with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice. Methods: This was a nationwide multicenter observational study. Patients who had three or more active joint counts and abnormal inf lammatory marker in blood test were enrolled. The selection of DMARDs was determined by the attending rheumatologist. Clinical parameters, laboratory findings, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores were obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Serial SDAI changes and clinical remission rate at 6 and 12 months were assessed. Results: A total of 850 patients participated in this study. The mean baseline SDAI score in bDMARD group was higher than that in cDMARD group (32.08 ± 12.98 vs 25.69 ± 10.97, p < 0.0001). Mean change of SDAI at 12 months was –19.0 in the bDMARD group and –12.6 in the cDMARD group (p < 0.0001). Clinical remission rates at 12 months in bDMARD and cDMARD groups were 15.4% and 14.6%, respectively. Patient global assessment and HAQ at 12 months were also significantly improved in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that baseline HAQ score was the most notable factor associated with remission. Conclusions: There was a significant reduction in SDAI within 12 months after receiving DMARDs in Korean seropositive RA patients irrespective of bDMARD or cDMARD use in real-world practice. Clinical remission was achieved in those with lower baseline HAQ scores.

Changing Patterns of Medical Visits and Factors Associated with No-show in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background@#The main barrier to the effective rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy is poor adherence. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to a significant change in the pattern and the number of medical visits. We assessed changing patterns of medical visits and no-show, and identified factors associated with no-show in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#RA patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at least 6 months who had been in remission or those with mild disease activity were observed for 6 months from February to July 2020. No-show was defined as a missed appointment that was not previously cancelled by the patient and several variables that might affect no-show were examined. @*Results@#A total of 376 patients and 1,189 appointments were evaluated. Among 376 patients, 164 patients (43.6%) missed appointment more than one time and no-show rate was 17.2% during COVID-19 pandemic. During the observation, face-to-face visits gradually increased and no-show gradually decreased. The logistic regression analysis identified previous history of no-show (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.225; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.422–3.479; P < 0.001) and fewer numbers of comorbidities (adjusted OR, 0.749; 95% CI, 0.584–0.961; P = 0.023) as the independent factors associated with no-show. @*Conclusion@#Monthly analysis showed that the no-show rate and the pattern of medical visits gradually changed in patients with RA during COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we found that previous history of no-show and fewer numbers of comorbidities as the independent factors associated with no-show.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Febuxostat in Gout Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 and Stage 4/5

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety of febuxostat in gouty patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 and stage 4/5. METHODS: Age and sex matched patients with CKD stage 3 and stage 4/5 who were diagnosed with gout were included. The dose of febuxostat was increased according to serum uric acid (sUA) level. Adherence, the number of gout attack, the change of sUA, the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated for 12 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline variables between CKD stage 3 and CKD stage 4/5. Disease duration was longer and baseline sUA was higher in the CKD stage 4/5. There were no significant differences in the mean sUA at the last follow-up, the number of patients who reached the sUA target of 6 mg/dL and the number of gout attack between the groups. There were no significant differences in the change of eGFR and decrease of eGFR between the groups. There were 2 cases of AEs. One patient in CKD stage 3 had maculopapular rash and one patient in CKD stage 4/5 had dizziness. The AEs were subsided after febuxostat was stopped. CONCLUSION: Febuxostat was efficacious and well tolerated in gout patients with CKD stage 4/5.

Successful Treatment of Refractory Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa with Adalimumab

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a form of necrotizing vasculitis of the medium and small-sized arteries. The condition is limited to the skin and there is a lack of visceral involvement. Treatment with systemic glucocorticoids alone or in combination with azathioprine, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide, depending on the disease severity, has been shown to be effective. This paper reports the clinical case of a 53-year-old female patient with CPAN refractory to treatment with high dose glucocorticoid, methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide, who was treated successfully with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy (adalimumab).

A Case of Protein Losing Enteropathy as Only Clinical manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Protein losing enteropathy (PLE) due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is relatively uncommon. PLE may be appeared sequentially after the diagnosis of SLE or concurrently with SLE. In most of concurrent cases, PLE was diagnosed one of various symptoms of SLE. Cases of PLE as the initial and only clinical presentation of SLE have been rarely reported. We described a 30-year old woman with general edema and abdominal distension was diagnosed PLE after stool alpha 1 antitrypsin clearance test. Her symptoms were getting worse even though the treatment with intravenous albumin. She was finally diagnosed PLE associated with SLE by additional laboratory findings (positive antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA IgG and low C3, C4 and CH50). She was treated with high dose of steroids and her symptoms were improved.

A Case Report of Patient with Takayasu's Arteritis Complicated by Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease that mainly affects large vessels. Central nervous system involvement occurs in about 20% of cases with rare involvement of intracranial vessel, and its typical manifestation is cerebral ischemia or stroke. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a group of disorders with prolonged, but reversible vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries with acute-onset, severe, recurrent headaches with or without neurologic signs or symptoms. We report a case of TA in a 17-year old girl who presented with secondary RCVS. She complained of thunderclap headache, seizure and acute stroke. 3-dimensional computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance angiography of head revealed irregular thickening of aortic wall and its main branches with multifocal narrowing of intracranial basilar artery, which improved after oral nimodipine intake. This case highlights RCVS as an unusual manifestation of TA and demonstrates the diagnosis, treatment and response to therapy of RCVS in TA, which resolved after treatment with calcium channel blocker.

A Case of Adult-Onset Still's Disease Presenting with Periorbital Edema

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by high-spiking fever, arthralgia, sore throat, and skin rash. The typical rash of AOSD is an evanescent, salmon-colored erythema, which is considered to be the major diagnostic criterion. Recently, other cutaneous manifestations of AOSD, such as persistent plaque and urticaria, have been reported. Here, we report a rare case of AOSD presenting with periorbital swelling and erythema. A 47-year-old woman was presented with periorbital swelling, erythema, high fever, arthritis, and a sore throat. One year prior to admission, she was diagnosed with AOSD based on the diagnostic criteria of Yamaguchi. The patient's periorbital swelling and erythema may not have been associated with periorbital cellulitis because they did not respond to antibiotics but did improve after treatment with steroids. Considering all of her signs and symptoms with a history of AOSD, periorbital lesion was suspected as atypical cutaneous manifestation of AOSD.

Acute Pancreatitis as a Complication of Adult Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Pancreatitis is a rare manifestation of adult Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). We describe here a 53-year-old man who presented with acute pancreatitis as a complication of adult HSP. Pancreatic involvement in HSP is self-limiting and benign. Prompt resolution can be achieved by treatment with steroids. Elevated serum amylase and lipase concentrations may be early diagnostic indicators of HSP pancreatitis. Patients with HSP who have abdominal pain should be evaluated for pancreatitis by measuring serum amylase and lipase concentrations and by abdominal computed tomography scan, to plan specific treatment and avoid unnecessary surgery.

A case of porcelain gallbladder / 대한내과학회지

Porcelain gallbladder is characterized by extensive deposition of calcium in the wall of the gallbladder. It is commonly associated with gallbladder cancer, but it has been rarely reported in Korea. Porcelain gallbladder is regarded as a precancerous lesion and prophylactic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice. We report here a case of a patient with porcelain gallbladder. This case showed the typical radiologic and pathologic findings of this disease. The patient was treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A Case of Plasma Cell Granuloma of Skull in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한류마티스학회지

Plasma cell granuloma, a form of inflammatory pseudotumor, is a rare nonneoplastic lesion that is characterized by cellular proliferation composed predominantly of polyclonal plasma cells with other inflammatory cells in fibrovascular background. We have experienced an unusual case of plasma cell granuloma of skull that developed in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 42-year-old female diagnosed with SLE 13 years ago has complained of palpable scalp mass and headache beginning ten days previously. A brain magnetic resonance imaging showed intensely enhanced soft tissue mass with focal bone defect in right parietal bone and whole body positron emission tomography suggested high possibility of malignancy. Surgical tumor removal was performed. Biopsy specimen revealed inflammatory proliferation predominantly with mature plasma cells which were determined to be polyclonal in immunostaining. Currently, 4 months after surgery, the patient are on regular follow-up with oral medications (prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine) for SLE without evidence of recurrence.

In Vitro Activities of Isepamicin and Other Aminoglycosides against Gram-Negative Organisms / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria causing nosocomial infections is an important clinical problem. Isepamicin is a recently developed aminoglycoside which has been known to have potent activity against gram-negative organisms. We evaluated the in vitro activities of isepamicin and other aminoglycosides against a large number of gram-negative organisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the in vitro antimicrobial activities of isepamicin, amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against 566 gram-negative organisms collected between January 2006 and June 2006 in Asan Medical Center. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and interpreted according to the recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The breakpoint MIC used for interpretation of isepamicin was MIC or =64 microgram/mL as resistant. RESULTS: The MIC50/MIC90 of isepamicin for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter cloacae were 1/2, 0.5/>128, 4/16, 16/>128, and 1/2 microgram/mL, respectively. The susceptibilities for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and E. cloacae were 100%, 86.4%, 89.7%, 50.0%, and 96.6%, respectively. For E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae, isepamicin had better in vitro activities than gentamicin and tobromycin, and had similar activities with amikacin. For A. baumanii, all four tested aminoglycosides had similar in vitro activities. CONCLUSION: Isepamicin had excellent in vitro activities against gram-negative organisms, except A. baumanii. The overall in vitro activities were similar with amikacin.

A Case of Disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum Infection in a Liver Transplant Patient / 감염과화학요법

Sedosporium apiospermum is a saprophytic fungus commonly found in soil and polluted water. This organism is known as a cause of mycetoma, which may occur in immunocompetent hosts following trauma. However, in immunocompromised patients, S. apiospermum can also cause life-threatening invasive disease, including central nervous system infection or disseminated infection. We report a fatal case of disseminated S. apiospermum infection in a 46-year-old woman after liver transplantation. Eight days postoperatively, she developed pneumonia, followed by altered mentality in the 15 days. A head CT demonstrated multiple brain abscesses. Sputum and stereotactic-aspirated brain abscess culture yielded S. apiospermum. Despite treatment with voriconazole, the patient died of intracranial hemorrhage.

In Vitro Activities of Isepamicin and Other Aminoglycosides against Gram-Negative Organisms / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria causing nosocomial infections is an important clinical problem. Isepamicin is a recently developed aminoglycoside which has been known to have potent activity against gram-negative organisms. We evaluated the in vitro activities of isepamicin and other aminoglycosides against a large number of gram-negative organisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the in vitro antimicrobial activities of isepamicin, amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against 566 gram-negative organisms collected between January 2006 and June 2006 in Asan Medical Center. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and interpreted according to the recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The breakpoint MIC used for interpretation of isepamicin was MIC or =64 microgram/mL as resistant. RESULTS: The MIC50/MIC90 of isepamicin for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter cloacae were 1/2, 0.5/>128, 4/16, 16/>128, and 1/2 microgram/mL, respectively. The susceptibilities for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and E. cloacae were 100%, 86.4%, 89.7%, 50.0%, and 96.6%, respectively. For E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae, isepamicin had better in vitro activities than gentamicin and tobromycin, and had similar activities with amikacin. For A. baumanii, all four tested aminoglycosides had similar in vitro activities. CONCLUSION: Isepamicin had excellent in vitro activities against gram-negative organisms, except A. baumanii. The overall in vitro activities were similar with amikacin.

A Case of Disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum Infection in a Liver Transplant Patient / 감염과화학요법

Sedosporium apiospermum is a saprophytic fungus commonly found in soil and polluted water. This organism is known as a cause of mycetoma, which may occur in immunocompetent hosts following trauma. However, in immunocompromised patients, S. apiospermum can also cause life-threatening invasive disease, including central nervous system infection or disseminated infection. We report a fatal case of disseminated S. apiospermum infection in a 46-year-old woman after liver transplantation. Eight days postoperatively, she developed pneumonia, followed by altered mentality in the 15 days. A head CT demonstrated multiple brain abscesses. Sputum and stereotactic-aspirated brain abscess culture yielded S. apiospermum. Despite treatment with voriconazole, the patient died of intracranial hemorrhage.