Characteristics and Clinical Significance of de novo Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies after Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND: The association of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) antibodies (DSA) and development of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is still undetermined. METHODS: We prospectively screened de novo DSA in 167 KTRs during 32 months after kidney transplantation (KT). Timing of DSA detection was at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant and annually thereafter and when clinically indicated. DSA levels were determined by Luminex assays and expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). We evaluated the incidence, characteristics of DSA, and association between DSA and tacrolimus trough levels or AMR. RESULTS: De novo DSA developed in 16 KTRs (9.6%) and acute AMR occurred more commonly in KTRs with de novo DSA compared to KTRs without de novo DSA (18.8% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). All de novo DSA were against class II antigens. The mean number of DSA was 1.8 ± 1.2 and the average MFI of DSA was 7,399 ± 5,470. Tacrolimus trough level during the first 0–2 months after KT was an independent predictor of DSA development (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.99; P = 0.043). No differences were found in the number of DSA, average MFI of DSA, and tacrolimus levels during the first year between de novo DSA-positive KTRs with AMR and those without AMR. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that monitoring of DSA and maintaining proper tacrolimus levels are essential to prevent AMR during the initial period after KT.

Severe ileus after colonoscopy in a patient on peritoneal dialysis / 영남의대학술지

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with the development of various complications, such as exit site infection or peritonitis, and rarely, intestinal obstruction in prolonged PD patients with recurrent peritonitis. However, post-colonoscopy acute intestinal obstruction has not been reported in PD patients to date. Herein, we report a case of severe ileus after a colonoscopy without previous episodes of peritonitis in a PD patient. A 51-year-old man undergoing PD for 7 years visited our emergency department due to severe abdominal pain and vomiting after colonoscopic polypectomy. A simple abdominal radiography and abdominal computed tomography showed ileus with collapsed distal ileal loop. A peritoneal dialysate study revealed no evidence of peritonitis. The patient was treated with decompression therapy, and ileus was successfully treated without complications. This case suggests that it is not only necessary to prevent peritonitis, but also important to monitor the development of ileus after colonoscopy in PD patients.

Severe ileus after colonoscopy in a patient on peritoneal dialysis / 영남의대학술지

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with the development of various complications, such as exit site infection or peritonitis, and rarely, intestinal obstruction in prolonged PD patients with recurrent peritonitis. However, post-colonoscopy acute intestinal obstruction has not been reported in PD patients to date. Herein, we report a case of severe ileus after a colonoscopy without previous episodes of peritonitis in a PD patient. A 51-year-old man undergoing PD for 7 years visited our emergency department due to severe abdominal pain and vomiting after colonoscopic polypectomy. A simple abdominal radiography and abdominal computed tomography showed ileus with collapsed distal ileal loop. A peritoneal dialysate study revealed no evidence of peritonitis. The patient was treated with decompression therapy, and ileus was successfully treated without complications. This case suggests that it is not only necessary to prevent peritonitis, but also important to monitor the development of ileus after colonoscopy in PD patients.

Understanding Metabolomics in Biomedical Research

The term "omics" refers to any type of specific study that provides collective information on a biological system. Representative omics includes genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, and new omics is constantly being added, such as lipidomics or glycomics. Each omics technique is crucial to the understanding of various biological systems and complements the information provided by the other approaches. The main strengths of metabolomics are that metabolites are closely related to the phenotypes of living organisms and provide information on biochemical activities by reflecting the substrates and products of cellular metabolism. The transcriptome does not always correlate with the proteome, and the translated proteome might not be functionally active. Therefore, their changes do not always result in phenotypic alterations. Unlike the genome or proteome, the metabolome is often called the molecular phenotype of living organisms and is easily translated into biological conditions and disease states. Here, we review the general strategies of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Targeted metabolome or lipidome analysis is discussed, as well as nontargeted approaches, with a brief explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each platform. Biomedical applications that use mass spectrometry-based metabolomics are briefly introduced.

A Rare Cutaneous Presentation of Metastatic Orbital Adenocarcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland (PDALG) is a rare tumor accounting for less than 2% of all tumors arising within the orbit. It is classified as a high-grade malignant epithelial tumor due to its variable biologic behavior and aggressive clinical course. Due to its rare incidence, the clinicopathologic profile is poorly identified and generally dependent on the few available reports and case series. Metastatic lesion of PDALG presenting as a skin lesion is very rare with only one previously reported case. We report here a case of metastatic PDALG that presented with cutaneous features. This case illustrates that such a rare malignant tumor may present to dermatologists, requiring prompt diagnosis and management with a multidisciplinary approach.

A Case of Graves' Disease Occurring after Subacute Thyroiditis / 대한내과학회지

Graves' disease following subacute thyroiditis is uncommon. Some patients in these cases showed positive for thyroid antibody only transiently in the resolving phase. However, Graves' disease can rarely be caused by the presence of antibodies after subacute thyroiditis, although the pathophysiology of this is unclear. A 40-year-old woman presented with anterior neck pain and swallowing difficulty. Thyroid function testing showed reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and elevated free thyroxine levels. A thyroid scan revealed decreased uptake in the bilateral thyroid gland. The patient was initially diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis and treated with steroids. Five months later, thyroid function testing showed recurrent hyperthyroidism with positive conversion of TSH receptor antibody, indicating Graves' disease. Since then, she needed the long-term methimazole treatment. In summary, we herein report a case of Graves' disease occurring after subacute thyroiditis.

Estimation of Effects of Factors Related to Preschooler Body Mass Index Using Quantile Regression Model

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate Korean preschoolers' obesity-related factors through an ecological approach and to identify Korean preschoolers' obesity-related factors and the different effects of ecological variables on body mass index and its quantiles through an ecological approach. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. Through convenience sampling, 241 cases were collected from three kindergartens and seven nurseries in the Seoul metropolitan area and Kyunggi Province in April 2013 using self-administered questionnaires from preschoolers' mothers and homeroom teachers. RESULTS: Results of ordinary least square regression analysis show that mother's sedentary behavior (p < .001), sedentary behavior parenting (p = .039), healthy eating parenting (p = .027), physical activity erelated social capital (p = .029) were significant factors of preschoolers' body mass index. While in the 5% body mass index distribution group, gender (p = .031), preference for physical activity (p = .015), mother's sedentary behavior parenting (p = .032), healthy eating parenting (p = .005), and teacher's sedentary behavior (p = .037) showed significant influences. In the 25% group, the effects of gender and preference for physical activity were no longer significant. In the 75% and 95% group, only mother's sedentary behavior showed a statistically significant influence (p < .001, p = .012 respectively). CONCLUSION: Efforts to lower the obesity rate of preschoolers should focus on their environment, especially on the sedentary behavior of mothers, as mothers are the main nurturers of this age group.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Unmet Healthcare Needs of Married Immigrant Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the unmet healthcare needs of married immigrant women. METHODS: This study was a secondary data analysis using data from the 2009 National Survey of Multicultural Families. Data collected from 58,735 married immigrant women who had spouses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 9.9% of married immigrant women have unmet healthcare needs. The significant predictors related to unmet healthcare needs were young age, high level of education, employed, country of origin, long period of residence, low income, uninsured, urban area, low level of subjective health status, and illness experience over past two weeks. In particular, four variables (long period of residence, low income, subjective health status, and illness experience over past two weeks) significantly predicted unmet healthcare needs for women from all countries of origin. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that common predictors related to unmet healthcare needs of married immigrant women are a long period of residence, low income, subjective health status, and illness experience over past two weeks. Therefore intervention strategies to decrease unmet healthcare needs should focus on these significant predictors.

A Study on Gender Differences in Influencing Factors of Office Workers' Physical Activity

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine gender differences in effects of self-efficacy, exercise benefits and barriers, and demographic factors on the physical activity. METHODS: Seventy sedentary office workers, 35 male and 35 female, from a major airline company, completed a questionnaire from March 28 to April 5, 2012. Steps and body mass indices were measured using a CW-700/701 (Yamax) pedometer and Inbody 720 (Biospace), respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi2-test, multiple linear regression, and simultaneous quantile regression. RESULTS: For male workers, exercise self-efficacy had a significant effect on physical activity, but only when respondents were at 10%(3,431 steps/day, p=.018) and 25%(4,652 steps/day, p=.044) of the physical activity distribution. For female workers, marital status was significantly related to physical activity, but only when respondents were at 10% (3,537 steps/day, p=.013) and 25%(3,862 steps/day, p=.014) of the physical activity distribution. CONCLUSION: Quantile regression highlights the heterogeneous effect of physical activity determinants among office workers. Therefore intervention strategies for increasing physical activity should be tailed to genders as well as physical activity levels.

Anaphylaxis caused by muscle relaxant (eperisone hydrochloride)

Eperisone hydrochloride is an antispasmodic drug, decreasing spasticity of skeletal muscle and alleviating stiffness, and as a consequence, controlling pain. It is preferably prescribed with other analgesics, beneficially less decreasing alertness compared with other antispasmodics. Its fatal drug adverse reactions were rarely reported. A 70 year-old female with hives, swollen face, hoarse voice, and near fainting admitted via emergency department. She suffered from the series of the fatal symptoms after administration of the pills, prescribed for her neck pain. Two months before, she had experienced hives on similar medications. At presentation, she revealed hypoxemia and hypotension, and treated with epinephrine, glucocorticoids and antihistamines. Among the medicines she took, eperisone hydrochloride was proven as the causative medicine and others were excluded in oral provocation tests. The positive result in intradermal test with eperisone hydrochloride suggested immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction. We report a case of anaphylaxis to eperisone hydrochloride, one of the widely prescribed medicines in clinical practice, previously without awareness of drug adverse reaction.

A Case of Cholesterol Crystal Embolization presenting as Focal Myositis and Foot Necrosis / 대한내과학회지

Cholesterol crystal embolism caused by showers of cholesterol emboli from an atherosclerotic aorta is a multisystem disorder that affects many organs. Common signs and symptoms on presentation include skin findings and renal failure. However, myositis due to a cholesterol embolism is uncommon. We report a rare case of cholesterol crystal embolism that presented with features of focal and foot necrosis in an 83-year-old woman.

Factors associated with various clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumonia in children

PURPOSE: Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children and young adults. We aimed to investigate the factors that may influence on the clinical manifestations of MP in children. METHODS: A total of 109 admitted children from October 2011 to February 2012 were prospectively enrolled with physical examination and laboratory tests (complete blood count, C-reactive protein [CRP], and particle agglutinin assay). The diagnosis of MP was made when there was an infiltration on the chest X-ray and the particle agglutination test was once over 1:640 or showed 4-fold increase in serial tests. They were grouped by age, fever duration after treatment, presence of pleural effusion and wheezing. RESULTS: Preschool children showed shorter duration of fever (P=0.001), more wheezing (P3 days) and pleural effusion were developed in children with higher CRP (P=0.018 and P=0.007). Wheezing has been developed in children with younger age (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Younger age was a risk factor to develop wheezing in MP and prolonged fever and pleural effusion were more likely to develop in children with higher CRP.

Comparison of Preventive Health Behaviors in Adults Aged 50~64 in Korea and the United States

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare Preventive Health Behaviors (PHBs) in adults in Korea and the United States and identify factors influencing PHBs. METHODS: This was a secondary data analysis study using data from the 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the 2008 USA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The PHBs were predicted using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: 1) The total score of PHBs was significantly higher in American males (5.11) than in Korean males (4.78). There was also a significant difference between Korean females' total score (6.57) and American females'(6.75). 2) Age, marriage, monthly income, subjective health status, and cardiovascular disease were significant factors of PHBs in Korean males (p<.001). However, age, marriage, education, monthly income, health insurance, subjective health status, and cardiovascular disease were significant factors in American males (p<.001). In Korean females, only age and education were significant predictors (p<.001). However, six variables(age, marriage, education, monthly income, health insurance, and subjective health status) were significant predictors in American females (p<.001). CONCLUSION: There were different variables in predicting PHBs between Koreans and Americans. Each country should focus on those significant predictors to promote the PHBs for adults.

Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis Occurring in a Hemodialysis Patient / 대한내과학회지

Encapsulating peritoneal fibrosis (EPF) is a serious, uncommon complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis. However, it is rare in hemodialysis patients. EPF is characterized by peritoneal membrane inflammation followed by peritoneal membrane fibrosis and encapsulation. The etiology is unclear, but inflammation of the deteriorated peritoneum causes peritoneal fibrosis. We present a case of EPF that occurred in a 29-year-old man with hepatitis B-associated liver cirrhosis with ascites that was treated solely with hemodialysis. We managed this patient surgically and then medically with prednisolone. To our knowledge, this is the first such case in Korea, so we report this case with a literature review.

Successful Treatment of Steroid-Dependent Eosinophilic Cellulitis With Cyclosporine

Eosinophilic cellulitis (EC) is a rare idiopathic disorder, first described as a "recurrent granulomatous dermatitis with eosinophilia", that mimics cellulitis of infectious origin. We describe here a previously healthy 11-year-old girl who experienced fever and tender erythematous patch lesions after trauma to her knees. Because of the relapsing cellulitis-like skin lesions, skin biopsies were taken, resulting in a diagnosis of EC. The patient responded well to oral prednisolone but experienced side effects and relapse during dose tapering. She was switched from prednisolone to cyclosporine. Her EC remained under control, and she showed no evidence of relapse after discontinuation of cyclosporine.

Comparison of Clinical Manifestation and Laboratory Findings between H1N1 and Influenza B Infection / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Influenza virus is one of the most important viruses that cause the respiratory infection seasonally. In April 2009, H1N1 was detected in America and Mexico and then there was pandemic in Korea. We investigated the difference of clinical and laboratory findings between the infections of H1N1 and Influenza B. METHODS: We have retrospectively studied the patients under age of 15 years who visited Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from August 2009 to April 2010. Evaluation for influenza infection was performed by rapid antigen test or multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Complete blood count with differential counts, C-reactive protein and chest X-ray were checked. RESULTS: Enrolled patients were 2,226 in H1N1-infected group and 288 in influenza B-infected group. Seasonal variation was that H1N1 in autumn and winter but influenza B in spring. The male-to-female sex ratio was same as 1.23 in each group. The mean age of H1N1-infected group was higher than influenza B-infected group (P<0.001). Fever was developed similarly in both groups (P=0.114). However, cough, sputum, rhinorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache were more prevalent in influenza B infection compared to H1N1 infection (P<0.001). Pneumonia development and admission rate were higher in influenza B infection compared to H1N1 infection (P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although H1N1 infection spread rapidly, H1N1 caused not so severe symptoms than influenza B. Because of the possibility that influenza epidemic will develop repeatedly in the future, we need to evaluate more about different characteristics depending on the virus subtype and prepare for them.

A case of Castleman's disease patient treated successfully with cyclic high-dose steroid therapy / 대한내과학회지

Castleman's disease is rare, and its cause is unknown. Although various treatments have been attempted, no standard treatment has been established for it. A 51-year-old male on hemodialysis with end-stage renal disease was admitted to our hospital with fever and myalgia. He was diagnosed with multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) of the hyaline vascular type. Considering his underlying disease and general condition, cyclic high-dose steroid therapy (prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day for 5 days) was administered every 4 weeks, eight times in total. After this, no symptomatic manifestations of MCD or signs on computed tomography were observed. We report an immunocompromised patient diagnosed with MCD of the hyaline vascular type, who was successfully treated with cyclic high-dose steroid therapy.

Expression of Fas-associated Factor 1 in the Developing Testis / 체질인류학회지

FAS associated factor 1 (FAF1) is a Fas-associating molecule, which enhances Fas mediated apoptosis. FAF1 gene is expressed most abundantly in the testis among the mouse organs. The aim of this study was to reveal the expression and the role of FAF1 in the developing testis. H-E stain and FAF1 immunohistochemistry were performed in the testis and epididymis of the E15.5 embryo, and 1, 2, and 8 week-old C57/BL6 mice. FAF1 was expressed in the testis from E 15.5 embryo to 8 week-old mice. Cell type of FAF1 positive cells was different among the developmental stage. Furthermore, cellular (cytoplasmic or nuclear) localization of FAF1 in the male germ cells was different during the developmental stage. FAF1 was expressed mainly in the nuclei of the germ cells 1 and 8 weeks after birth, when cell differentiation occurs actively in the testis. However, FAF1 was expressed in the cytoplasms of germ cells 2 weeks after birth, when apoptosis occurs maximally in the testis. Taken together, it can be suggested FAF1 expressed in male germ cells in the testis. FAF1 might be involved in regulation of the cellular function during spermatogenic cell differentiation and apoptosis in the testis.

A Case Report of CAPD Drainage Failure due to Fracture of Tenckhoff Catheter / 대한신장학회잡지

The most frequent cause of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) drainage failure is catheter migration. We experienced a rare case of CAPD drainage failure due to fracture of Tenckhoff catheter. A 56-year-old man presented for evaluation of CAPD drainage failure. KUB showed broken radio opaque line of the Tenckhoff catheter proximal to the internal cuff. It was thought that CAPD drainage failure was due to catheter fracture. CAPD drainage failure had been treated successfully with surgical catheter reinsertion. Our case demonstrated that catheter fracture should be considered in the differential of CAPD drainage failure.

Clinical Significance of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration as an Initial Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Renal Failure after Cardiovascular Surgery / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGOUND: Although continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) has many therapeutic advantages, previous studies did not report the improvement of survival rate by CVVHDF compared to that by hemodialysis (HD). It could be attributed to that they did not analyze the results under the appropriate stratification of severity and to multiorgan failure. METHODS: We performed retrospective study to compare the outcomes of 88 patients with acute renal failure after major cardiovascular surgery(s). Among them, 48 patients (M:F=32:16, Age 58+/-11 years) were treated by CVVHDF and 40 patients (M:F=27:13, Age 59+/-10 years) were treated by HD. The severity of illness was estimated by APACHE III score system at the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and we also evaluated renal outcome and survival. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in baseline characteristics, cause of surgery, survival rate and renal outcome. However, compared with those of HD group, CVVHDF group showed longer period of application with mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), longer period of vasopressor use (p<0.001), longer stay in intensive care unit (p=0.004) and higher APACHE III score at the initiation of renal replacement therapy (p=0.009). Among those with APACHE III scores over 90, survivors existed in CVVHDF group with the survival rate of 50%. In contrast, there was no one who survived in HD group (p=NS). CONCLUSION: Although this study revealed that CVVHDF could be more useful than HD as an initial RRT for the patients with renal failure after major cardiovascular surgery, the randomized prospective study will be required to accept clinical usefulness of CVVHDF.