Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Adult Patients in South Korea

PURPOSE: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is known to provide therapeutic beneficial improvements in malnourished patients for whom enteral nutrition is not feasible. The objective of this study was to investigate the current clinical characteristics and utilization of PN in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed the Health Insurance Review Agency National Inpatients Sample database from 2014 to 2016, which included 13% of all hospitalized patients in Korea. Adult patients aged 20 years or older and receiving premixed multi-chamber bag containing PN were included for this study. Patient characteristics, admission type, primary diagnosis, and hospital demographics were evaluated. SAS version 9.4 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2016, 149,504 patients received premixed PN, with 226,281 PN prescriptions being written. The mean patient age was 65.0 years, and 81,876 patients (54.8%) were male. Premixed 3-chamber bag and 2-chamber bag PN solutions were utilized in 131,808 (88.2%) and 32,033 (21.4%) patients, respectively. The number of patients hospitalized through the emergency department were 70,693 (47.3%), whereas 43,125 patients (28.8%) were administered PN in intensive care units. In the adult PN patients, the highest primary diagnosis was malignant neoplasm of the stomach (8,911, 6.0%), followed by organism unspecified pneumonia (7,008, 4.7%), and gastroenteritis and colitis of unspecified origin (6,381, 4.3%). Overall, 34% of adult PN patients were diagnosed with malignancies, the most common being neoplasm of the stomach (17.7%), neoplasm of bronchus/lung (11.2%), neoplasm of colon (11.1%), and neoplasm of liver/intrahepatic bile ducts (10.0%). PN solutions were most frequently administered in the metropolitan area (55.0%) and in hospitals with more than 1,000 beds (23.6%). CONCLUSION: PN was commonly administered in older patients, with primary diagnosis of malignancy in a significant number of cases. This study is the first large-scale description of PN-prescribing patterns in real-world clinical practice in South Korea.

Comparison of Adverse Events between High-intensity and Moderate- to Low-intensity Statin Group

BACKGROUND: 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) effectively reduce serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol. High-intensity statins are recommended for all patients aged ≤75 with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), diabetes mellitus aged 40–75 with ≥7.5% estimated 10-year ASCVD risk and LDL-C ≥190 mg/ dL. High-intensity statins associated with more frequent adverse events (AEs) compared to moderate- to low-intensity statins. The aim of this study was to compare AEs between high-intensity and moderate- to low-intensity statin group using the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) database. METHODS: Adults (≥18 years) with statin-associated AEs from July 2009-June 2014 were included. Only AEs classified as “certain”, “probable” and “possible” based on the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Center criteria were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 247 AEs from 196 patients [high-intensity statin group (HG), n = 25 (13%); moderate- to lowintensity statin group (MLG), n = 171 (87%)] were included. Mean age was higher in HG compared with MLG (67 ± 14 vs 62 ± 12). The HG showed a significant higher frequency of liver/biliary system disorders (37% vs 14%, p = 0.001). Hepatic function abnormal was reported more frequently in HG compared to MLG (26% vs 9%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: According to KAERS data, liver/biliary system disorders were more frequently reported in HG compared to MLG.

Concurrent Use of Sulfonylureas and Antimicrobials of the Elderly in Korea: A Potential Risk of Hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have noted that the simultaneous use of sulfonylureas and antimicrobials, which is common, could increase the risk of hypoglycemia. In particular, an age of 65 years or older is a known risk factor for sulfonylurea-related hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the potential risk of hypoglycemia from the concurrent use of antimicrobials and sulfonylureas. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort from 2013. The eligibility criteria included patients of 65 years of age or older taking a sulfonylurea with 25 different antimicrobials. Different risk ratings of severity in drug-drug interactions (potential DDIs), level X, D, or C in Lexi-Interact™online, and contraindicated, major, or moderate severity level in Micromedex® were included. SAS version 9.4 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 6,006 elderly patients with 25,613 prescriptions were included. The largest age group was 70 to 74 (32.7%), and 39.7% of patients were men. The mean number of prescriptions was 4.3 per patient. The most frequently used antimicrobials were levofloxacin (6,583, 25.7%), ofloxacin (6,549, 25.6%), fluconazole (4,678, 18.0%), and ciprofloxacin (2,551, 9.8%). Among sulfonylureas, glimepiride was prescribed most frequently, followed by gliclazide, glibenclamide, and glipizide. CONCLUSION: Of the antimicrobials with a high potential of hypoglycemia, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, fluconazole, and ciprofloxacin were used frequently. Thus, the monitoring of clinically relevant interactions is required for patients concurrently administered sulfonylureas and antimicrobials.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions Associated with Parenteral Nutrition Use in Korea

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical manifestations of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of parenteral nutrition (PN) use in Korea. METHODS: The Korean Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) database records in 2015 on PN-treated patients were used. ADRs classified as “certain,”“probable,” and “possible” based on the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Centre criteria were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 21,436 ADRs from 2,346 patients were included for analysis. The mean patient age was 57.1 years and the mean number of ADRs per patient was 9.1. ADRs were reported frequently with amino acids solutions (682 events, 40.8%), followed by combinations products (519 events, 31.1%), and fat emulsions (363 events, 21.7%). The frequent ADRs were gastrointestinal (507 events, 30.3%), skin (343 events, 20.5%), general disorders (239 events, 14.3%), and central/peripheral nervous system disorders (165 events, 9.9%). The common clinical symptoms were nausea (321 events, 19.2%), vomiting (105 events, 6.3%), and vein pain (102 events, 6.1%). Serious ADRs accounted for 220 patients (9.4%) and dyspnea was the most frequent clinical manifestation. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed the KAERS data in 2015 from patients treated with PN and revealed gastrointestinal and skin disorders to be the leading ADRs.

Maternal-neonatal outcome in HELLP syndrome and severe preeclampsia / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, the maternal and neonatal complications between HELLP syndrome and severe preeclampsia. METHODS: We reviewed the material and neonatal charts of 34 pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome and 40 pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia managed at our hospital between January, 2001 and December, 2005. We compared the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, the maternal and neonatal complications between two groups. Results were compared by student T test, chi-square test. RESULTS: Our study showed that in HELLP syndrome patients had the less gestational age at admission, gestational age at delivery, the lower platelet counts, the higher AST, ALT, LDH, and the longer hospitalization period than in severe preeclampsia. Steroid (dexamethasone) use, cesarean delivery rate and MgSO4 use were more frequent in HELLP syndrome than severe preeclampsia. Neonatal birth weight was lower with HELLP syndrome. There was no significant difference in maternal and neonatal complications. CONCLUSION: HELLP syndrome need to be recognized a unique form of severe preeclampsia. It was associated with serious maternal and fetal mortality, the appropriate management would be done by early diagnosis using laboratory tests.

Two cases of adnexal torsion during the third trimester of pregnant women / 대한산부인과학회지

Adnexal torsion during pregnancy is rare condition that is infrequently diagnosed preoperatively. Its incidence is 1 in 5000 during pregnancy, and adnexal torsion in the third trimester is rare. We present two cases of an adnexal torsion during the third trimester. The one had not been previously diagnosed by ultrasound and was associated with fetal distress and the other had been diagnosed having an ovary cyst by ultrasound in the first trimester. Both of patients were sent to our emergency room for sudden onset of severe low abdominal pain. Treatment was maintenance of adequate circulating intravascular volume and rapid surgical intervention.

Two cases of adnexal torsion during the third trimester of pregnant women / 대한산부인과학회지

Adnexal torsion during pregnancy is rare condition that is infrequently diagnosed preoperatively. Its incidence is 1 in 5000 during pregnancy, and adnexal torsion in the third trimester is rare. We present two cases of an adnexal torsion during the third trimester. The one had not been previously diagnosed by ultrasound and was associated with fetal distress and the other had been diagnosed having an ovary cyst by ultrasound in the first trimester. Both of patients were sent to our emergency room for sudden onset of severe low abdominal pain. Treatment was maintenance of adequate circulating intravascular volume and rapid surgical intervention.

A Standardization Study of Korean DFS (Delivery Fear Scale) in fear of childbirth / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The study shows that the DFS is a questionnaire that almost effortlessly can be completed within 60-90 seconds during any moment of labor and delivery. The aim of the present study was to test the validity and reliability of the DFS, to identify its factor structure in Korea. METHODS: Review of the medical records from the department of obstetrics and gynecology from January to April 2005, a confirmed 51 patients with the diagnosis of singleton pregnancy without medical or obstetrical complications, being in 37-42 weeks. 22 primiparous and 29 multiparous women answered the Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) once during active labor, and the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) after delivery. Reliability test to calculate Chronbach alpha and validity test to measure correlation between DFS and STAI was done. Then factor analysis was applied with the method of principal component analysis and varimax rotation. RESULTS: Korean version of DFS proved to be a reliable and valid scale statistically: Cronbach's alpha was 0.7182 in study. CONCLUSION: Women's psychological experiences during the actual process of labor and delivery are essential part of obstetrical care. Nevertheless, studies examining psychological variables concerning childbirth, are mostly performed before or after labor. The DFS measures fear during labor and delivery in an effortless and fast away. The development of the Korean version of DFS which is reliable and valid, and consists of three sub-factors may facilitate future research in the field.

An Unexplained case of Recurrent Massive Subchorionic Hematoma in Midpregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

Placental abnormality is the important predisposing cause of intrauterine growth retardation. Massive subchorionic hematoma is defined as a large size of maternal blood clot that separates the chorionic plate from the villous chorion and can result in serious obstetrical complications. We report a case of massive subchorionic hematoma diagnosed prenatally, and propose an additional peculiar finding detectable on both the ultrasound and magnetic resonance images: a large hematoma in the subchorionic region at 17 weeks gestation. At 18 weeks 2 days gestation, the fetus was miscarried. The clinical and pathological findings were compatible with massive subchorionic hematoma. Recurrent massive subchorionic hematoma without thrombophilic finding was observed at the next pregnancy in 17 weeks 5 days by ultrasound. The patient was managed conservatively and had successful outcome at term. So we report the case with the brief review of literatures.

Appropriate Timing of the Screening Test of Gestational Diabetes / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Screening tests for Gestational diabetes (GDM) are performed during the 24~28 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, in many cases, GDM is not detected during the first trimester of pregnancy while most of important organs are developed during this period. In this review, we performed a retrospective study by dividing GDM mothers into 3 groups: diabetic, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and normal. The medical records of mothers and neonates from these three groups were compared. METHODS: 136 out of 536 GDM patients in Holy Family Hospital from 1995 to 2005 took a 75 g OGTT 6 weeks after delivery. As a result, 28 were diagnosed as diabetes, 18 had impaired glucose tolerance, and 90 were normal. The antenatal and perinatal history of above groups were retrospetively compared. RESULTS: In the diabetic group, 46.4% of mothers had a positive family history of diabetes, where as 38% of IGT group, 31.8% of normal group had the history. Secondly, the abortion history rate for each group was 21.4%, 16.6%, 13.3%, and each group had an average HbA1C of 7.20, 5.82 and 5.69. Also, the rate of preterm labor for each group was 17.9%, 11.1%, and 4.45%. The Apgar score (1 min/ 5min) was 7.29/8.54, 7.75/8.75 and 7.89/8.97. Lastly the rate of preeclampsia for each group was 14.3%, 11.1% and 6.8%. CONCLUSION: Three groups had distinctive differences in their perinatal morbidity both before and after delivery. Therefore, in order to reduce the perinatal morbidity and mortality rate, the present frequency or timing of GDM screening test, should be reconsidered.

Clinical significance of Urinary protein fractional analysis in Severe preeclampsia / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether severity of proteinuria or urinary protein fractional analysis correlates with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in women with severe preeclampsia. METHODS: Thirty-six women diagnosed of severe preeclampsia from January, 2002 to April, 2003 were studied. The correlation between proteinuria or urinary albumin fraction, and maternal mean arterial pressure, neonatal birth weight, 1 minute apgar score were analyzed statistically. Thirty-six patients were divided into two groups according to the pattern of urinary protein fraction. One group was a selective proteinuria group if the albumin fraction was over 70%, and another was a non-selective proteinuria group if the fraction was below 70%. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation was observed between proteinuria and mean arterial pressure, between urinary albumin fraction and neonatal birth weight. Negative correlation was significantly present between proteinuria and neonatal birth weight, 1 minunte apgar score, between proteinuria and albunin fraction. Increased proteinuria, higher mean arterial pressure, higher serum uric acid level, lower creatinine clearance, lower neonatal birth weight, and lower 1 minunte Apgar score were observed in the non-selective proteinuria group than those in the selective proteinuria, although there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: With increasing proteinuria and decreasing albumin fraction, there is increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcome. Proteinuria fractional analysis by electrophresis might provide useful information regarding the prediction of pregnancy outcomes.

Prenatal 3D-ultrasound diagnosis of Otocephaly and Holoprosencephaly-Cyclopia / 대한산부인과학회지

Otocephaly is a rare malformations comprising hypoplasia or absence of the mandible (agnathia), ventromedial displacement and often fusion of external ears (synotia or otocephaly), and hypoplasia of the oral cavity (microstomia) and tongue (hypoglassia). This developmental complex represents a malformation of the first and second branchial arches and occurs sometimes with holoprosencephaly. We present the ultrasound detection of otocephaly and holoprosencephaly with cyclopia in a fetus of 27 gestational weeks 6 days. The use of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound made additional diagnostic ultrasound tomograms possible, and the volume reconstructions improved the imaging and the understanding of the condition.

Factors Associated with Fear during labor / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Pregnant women have various fears and expectations regarding the impending birth. Fears can influence the course of the delivery and post-partum period. The DFS (Delivery Fear Scale) measures fear during labor and delivery in an effortless and fast away. The aim of this study were to compare DFS score and parity, maternal age, history of abortion, baby gender during an early stage of active labor (cervix dilatation 3-5 centimeters). METHODS: Review of the medical records from the department of obstetrics and gynecology from January 2004 to December confirmed 151 patients with the diagnosis of singleton pregnancy without medical or obstetrical complications, being in 37-42 weeks. 86 primiparous and 65 multiparous women answered the Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) once during active labor. Mann-Whitney test was applied to test possible differences between DFS and variable factors. Difference were considered to be statistically significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: Primiparous women had higher scores on the DFS than multiparous women during active labor. But DFS was not associated with maternal age, history of abortion, baby gender during an early stage of active labor. CONCLUSION: Women's psychological experiences during the actual process of labor and delivery are essential part of obstetrical care. Nevertheless, studies examining psychological variables concerning childbirth, are mostly performed before or after labor. The understanding of a fear during labor is to support the woman in labor in a way that decrease fear and the development of the DFS may facilitate future research in the field.

Fetal Macrosomia (> or = 4,500 g): A Clinical Study of 271 Cases according to the Mode of Delivery / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To determine obstetric outcome in infants > or =4,500 g according to delivery mode. METHODS: Records of 271 mothers and infants weighing > or =4,500 g over a 11-year period (1993~2003) were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared in relation to delivery mode. RESULTS: The frequency of macrosomia ranged 0.38% in 4,500 g or more. Vaginal delivery was achievable in 78/271 (28.8%) of women allowed to labor, of which 71.2% were operative. In macrosomia frequency correlations to parity showed 33.9% (92 cases) in primiparous women, 66.9% (179 cases) in multiparous women. According to the type of delivery, cesarean section has proven to be the most popular mode. The cesarean section group had a higher incidence of maternal BMI (> 25 kg/m2). The frequency of diabetes, hypertension, low Apgar score at 5 and 10 minutes was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: It would be appropriate to have definite diagnostic schemes and adequate choice of delivery method for macrosomia. Maternal height, weight, BMI (body mass index) may associated with fetal body weight and delivery mode.

Study of Obstetric Outcomes in Congenital Uterine Malformations / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the distribution and obstetric outcomes in women with congenital uterine malformations. METHODS: A review of the medical records from the department of obstetrics and gynecology from January 1995 to June 2004 were diagnosed 79 patients with congenital uterine malformations. All of the cases were divided into groups according to classification of ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), which is based on the degree of failure of normal development of the female genital tact. The obstetric outcomes were compared between the groups. Statistical processing of the material was carried with Pearson chi square test. RESULTS: 79 patientss with congenital uterine malformations were diagnosed by operation or imaging studies. Symmetric congenital uterine malformations, consisting of bicornuate uterus (45.6%), septate uterus (19.0%), and uterus didelphys (31.6%), were the most common, constituting 96.2% of the malformations. Two patients (2.5%) had unicornuate uterus and one patient (1.3%) had arcuate uterus. No cases of the agenesis type and T-shaped uteri were found. 196 pregnancies occurred in the 74 patients. Only 43.4% of the pregnancies reached term, while 8.2% resulted in preterm delivery, and 48.4% terminated as miscarriages. CONCLUSION: Obstetric complications occur more frequently among women with congenital uterine malformations than among women in general. Knowledge concerning of congenital uterine malformations is important in recognizing and managing the obstetric complications that may result.

A case of Vascular Anastomoses in Dichorionic Diamniotic-Fused Placentas Resulting in "Pseudo" Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome / 대한산부인과학회지

Virtually all monochorionic twin placentas contain vascular connections between the circulatory domains of each twin. In contrast, vascular anastomoses are generally thought not to occur in fused, dichorionic placentation. In the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) one twin is preferentially perfused by blood from the cotwin via unbalanced placental vascular anastomoses. This vascular shunting results in twins born with discrepant weights, colors and hemoglobins. When one of the TTTS criteria was not present, the pregnancy was defined as "pseudo" TTTS. In pregnancies complicated by "pseudo" TTTS indicate that small twins have abnormal cord insertion more frequently than large twins. We present a case of vascular anastomoses in dichorionic diamniotic-fused placentas resulting in "pseudo" TTTS with a brief review of the literatures concerned.

A case of Antenatally diagnosed Changing Sonographic Findings of a Twisted Fetal Ovarian Cyst / 대한산부인과학회지

Ovarian cysts are common incidental findings in term infants and, if unusually large, may result in dystocia, torsion, or rupture. We report the case in which serial sonographic examination revealed changing pattern of cystic ovarian mass from hypoechogenic to well defined multiseptated echogenic during pregnancy. Postnatal T2-weighted MR images revealed a multilocular with high signal density. After delivery a laparotomy was performed, and a twisted ovary measuring 6.7x5x4.5 cm was removed. Ovarian torsion was left-sided and had been almost autoamputated. The resected specimens were nontense, thin walled cysts, filled with hemorrhage like fluid. Histological examination demonstrated the presence of lymphangioma with widespread hemorrhage and necrosis. The neonate did well after the procedure.

Misplaced IUD / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Intrauterine device is one of the most used contraception in the world. One of the major complications of intrauterine contraception is perforation through the uterine wall into the pelvic or abdominal cavity. The currently accepted treatment of choice for displaced IUD is its removal of surgical laparoscopy or laparotomy. We report on three cases with misplaced IUD in pelvic or abdominal cavity, followed by a review of the literature.

An uncommon cause of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section treated with selective arterial embolization: Pseudoaneurysm of the uterine pedicle / 대한산부인과학회잡지

This is a very important differential diagnosis for postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean delivery because repeated life-threatening bleeding may induce multiple blood transfusion and require emergency surgery including hysterotomy. False or pseudoanuerysm can be acquired in association with trauma, previous surgery, trophoblastic disease, neoplasm, infection or diethylstilbestrol exposure. When a punctured or lacerated artery does not seal completely, blood may escape and dissects the adjacent tissues, and collects in perivascular areas. If this collection maintains in communication with the parent vessel, a pseudoaneurysm could result. Typically the lesion are discovered because the patients have symptoms related to delayed rupture of the pseudoaneurysms, causing hemorrhage. Radiographic techniques (angiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging) have provided the opportunity to diagnose pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous malformation. We report a case of postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean delivery attributed to a pseudoaneurysm of the uterine pedicle and treated with arterial embolization. Angiographic study confirmed the diagnosis and embolization of the false aneurysm was successful in controlling the hemorrhage.

The Association of Serotonin in Labor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Although a common clinical problem, no uniform definition for fear of childbirth has been settled. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of serotonin in labor. METHODS: A prospective study of serotonin and review of the medical records from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Catholic University of Korea Holy Family Hospital from January 2004 to May confirmed 30 patients with the diagnosis of singleton pregnancy without medical or obstetrical complications, being in 37-42 weeks. Blood sampling of serotonin was done during labor according to cervix dilatation. Sample collection series on patients latent phase (before labor begins S1), active phase (cervix dilatation 3-5 cm S2), second stage (cervix dilatation full S3), third stage (at delivery of placenta within 24 hours S4), cord artery blood (S5) could be administered. Patient were divided into two groups. From this group 17 patients (G1) who were initial serotonin normal concentration (1.5-7.5 ng/mL), and 13 patients (G2) who were initial serotonin high concentration. RESULTS: The concentration of serotonin of G1 were S1-5.8 +/- 0.8 ng/mL, S2-7.2 +/- 2.5 ng/mL, S3-8.5 +/- 3.7 ng/mL, S4-6.5 +/- 1.5 ng/mL, S5-4.9 +/- 1.2 ng/mL. The serotonin concentration of G2 were S1-10.1 +/- 2.7 ng/ mL, S2-11.2 +/- 5.2 ng/mL, S3-10.3 +/- 3.9 ng/mL, S4-11.8 +/- 8.6 ng/mL, S5-5.0 +/- 1.0 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: The association of serotonin in labor was studied that the change of serotonin concentration was determined according to initial serotonin concentration. This difference of initial serotonin concentration will be studied about genetic polymorphism and factor by molecular biology.