Association between new-onset liver cirrhosis and suicide risk in South Korea: A nationwide cohort study

Background/Aims@#Current evidence suggests that liver cirrhosis (LC) causes severe psychological stress and depression, which are risk factors for suicide. Although previous studies reported the association between LC and suicidal thoughts, little is known of its effect on suicidal deaths. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of new-onset LC on suicide. @*Methods@#From the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort of South Korea, 5,809 incident LC patients and 11,618 risk-set controls matched by propensity score were selected for follow-up. The incidence rate of suicide was estimated using a generalized estimating equation with a Poisson distribution. Effect size was presented as a hazard ratio (HR) using Cox’s proportional hazards model. @*Results@#The incidence rate of suicide was 143.3 cases per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval [CI], 100.2–205.1) among the LC cohort. The LC patients were 2.37 times more likely to commit suicide compared with matched controls (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.44–3.88). Increased suicide risk was evident within the first 2 years of the follow-up period (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.20–5.60) and among the 18–49-year-old age group (HR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.45–9.56). @*Conclusions@#Our study found increased risk of suicide in patients with new onset LC, especially during the early period following diagnosis and in younger patients. To decrease this suicide risk, a regular and continuous social support system is required.

Association between new-onset liver cirrhosis and suicide risk in South Korea: A nationwide cohort study

Background/Aims@#Current evidence suggests that liver cirrhosis (LC) causes severe psychological stress and depression, which are risk factors for suicide. Although previous studies reported the association between LC and suicidal thoughts, little is known of its effect on suicidal deaths. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of new-onset LC on suicide. @*Methods@#From the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort of South Korea, 5,809 incident LC patients and 11,618 risk-set controls matched by propensity score were selected for follow-up. The incidence rate of suicide was estimated using a generalized estimating equation with a Poisson distribution. Effect size was presented as a hazard ratio (HR) using Cox’s proportional hazards model. @*Results@#The incidence rate of suicide was 143.3 cases per 100,000 person years (95% confidence interval [CI], 100.2–205.1) among the LC cohort. The LC patients were 2.37 times more likely to commit suicide compared with matched controls (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.44–3.88). Increased suicide risk was evident within the first 2 years of the follow-up period (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.20–5.60) and among the 18–49-year-old age group (HR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.45–9.56). @*Conclusions@#Our study found increased risk of suicide in patients with new onset LC, especially during the early period following diagnosis and in younger patients. To decrease this suicide risk, a regular and continuous social support system is required.

Refractory Hepatic Hydrothorax in Chronic Hepatitis C Controlled by Direct-acting Antivirals / 대한소화기학회지

Hepatic hydrothorax is a transudative pleural effusion that complicates advanced liver cirrhosis. Patients refractory to medical treatment plus salt restriction and diuretics are considered to have refractory hepatic hydrothorax and may require transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or liver transplant. Successful antiviral therapy reduces the incidence of some complications of cirrhosis secondary to HCV infection. We report a case of hepatic hydrothorax in a 55-year-old female patient with HCV cirrhosis, which exhibited a spontaneous decrease in pleural effusion after direct antiviral agent (DAA) therapy. In cases of HCV cirrhosis, DAAs are worth administering before treatment by TIPS or liver transplantation.

Gastric Schwannoma Mimicking Advanced Gastric Cancer

Gastric schwannoma, a rare mesenchymal tumor originating from the schwann cells of peripheral nerves, rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. It accounts for only 0.2% of all gastric tumors and 2~6% of gastric mesenchymal tumors. Gastric schwannoma is observed as a subepithelial tumor on endoscopy; it is covered with normal mucosa, rendering its preoperative differential diagnosis difficult. An asymptomatic 43-year-old woman visited our hospital after a 7-cm ulcerofungating mass was detected in the lesser curvature of the gastric body on gastroscopy. Abdominal CT revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET demonstrated a subtle uptake of FDG, suggestive of advanced gastric cancer. After three failed attempts of endoscopic biopsy, the patient underwent total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy and was subsequently diagnosed with gastric schwannoma. Herein, we report this case with a literature review.

Abdominal Pain Due to Hem-o-lok Clip Migration after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한소화기학회지

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a surgical clip is used to control the cystic duct and cystic artery. In the past, metallic clips were usually used, but over recent years, interest in the use of Hem-o-lok clips has increased. Surgical clip migration into the common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rarely been reported and the majority of reported cases involved metallic clips. In this report, we describe the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain caused by migration of a Hem-o-lok clip into the CBD. The patient had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy 10 months previously. Abdominal CT revealed an indistinct, minute, radiation-impermeable object in the distal CBD. The object was successfully removed by sphincterotomy via ERCP using a stone basket and was identified as a Hem-o-lok clip.

Erectile dysfunction in patients with liver disease related to chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite sexual function making an important contribution to the quality of life, data on erectile function are relatively scant in patients with chronic liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of and risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with liver disease related to hepatitis B, especially among those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or early-stage cirrhosis. METHODS: In total, 69 patients (35 with CHB and 34 with hepatitis-B-related liver cirrhosis [HBV-LC]) aged 40-59 years were analyzed. Child-Pugh classes of A and B were present in 30 (88.2%) and 4 (11.8%) of the patients with HBV-LC, respectively. The erectile function of the patients was evaluated using the Korean version of IIEF-5. RESULTS: The prevalence of any ED was 24.6% for all patients, and 8.6% and 41.2% for those with CHB and HBV-LC, respectively (P=0.002). While there was only one (2.9%) CHB patient for each stage of ED, mild, moderate, and severe ED stages were seen in three (8.8%), one (2.9%), and ten (29.4%) of the HBV-LC patients, respectively. Multiple regression analysis identified the type of liver disease (P=0.010), hypertension (P=0.022), score on the Beck Depression Inventory (P =0.044), and the serum albumin level (P=0.014) as significant independent factors for the presence of ED. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ED was significantly higher in patients with early-stage HBV-LC than in those with CHB. Therefore, screening male patients with early viral cirrhosis for ED and providing appropriate support are needed, especially when the cirrhosis is accompanied by hypertension, depression, or a depressed level of serum albumin.

Hepatitis C virus infection in patients with hemophilia in Korea: Is antiviral therapy effective and safe?

No abstract available.

Gastric Perforation Caused by Primary Gastric Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma / 대한소화기학회지

Spontaneous gastric perforation is a rare complication of gastric lymphoma that is potentially life threatening since it can progress to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Morbidity also increases due to prolonged hospitalization and delay in initiating chemotherapy. Therefore prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical to improve prognosis. A 64-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Chest X-ray showed free air below the right diaphragm. Abdominal CT scan also demonstrated free air in the peritoneal cavity with large wall defect in the lesser curvature of gastric lower body. Therefore, the patient underwent emergency operation and primary closure was done. Pathologic specimen obtained during surgery was compatible to diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Fifteen days after primary closure, the patient received subtotal gastrectomy and chemotherapy was initiated after recovery. Patient is currently being followed-up at outpatient department without any particular complications. Herein, we report a rare case of gastric lymphoma that initially presented as peritonitis because of spontaneous gastric perforation.

A Case of Gastric Leiomyosarcoma with Multiple Metastases / 대한소화기학회지

Leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor that originates from various organs, including uterus, kidney, retroperitoneum, and soft tissues. In particular, leiomyosarcoma of the stomach is extremely rare. Only 9 cases have been reported worldwide since the discovery of KIT-activating mutation. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with abdominal discomfort and generalized weakness. Upon detection of multiple nodules in both lung on chest posterior-anterior radiograph taken at the time of admission, chest CT was performed and it revealed multiple mass lesions in the lung, liver, and pancreas along with multiple lymph node metastases. On endoscopic examination, a 2.0 cm sized ulcerofungating mass lesion was found on the stomach body. Biopsy was performed and the mass lesion proved to be leiomyosarcoma confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Chemotherapy was thus initiated, but the patient died after one year due to tumor progression. Our experience suggests that leiomyosarcoma can manifest aggressive behavior in its early stage. Herein, we report a case of gastric leiomyosarcoma with multiple metastases along with review of relevant literature.

A Case of Autoimmune Hepatitis Following Acute Hepatitis A / 대한소화기학회지

The pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unclear, but viral infections have been proposed as a potential trigger in patients with genetic predisposition. We report a case of AIH following acute hepatitis A (AHA). A 57-year-old woman presented with fatigue and pitting edema for last 3 months. She had been diagnosed as an AHA 15 months ago based on clinical features, biochemical tests and positive HAV IgM antibody at a local clinic. Her biochemical tests was normalized one month after AHA diagnosis, but the serum levels of aminotransferase started to rise four months after AHA diagnosis. Antinuclear antibody was positive at a titer of 1:40, and anti-smooth muscle antibody was also positive. Hypergammaglobulinemia and liver pathology were typical for AIH. The patients had a score of 17 according to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group's system. She was given prednisolone and azathioprine and showed complete response to immunosuppressive therapy. The present case is the first report on AIH triggered by AHA in Korea.

Cytomegalovirus Colitis with Ulcerative Colitis in the Steroid Naive Immunocompetent Patient / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease that exclusively involves the colon. It is characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation and a recurrent course of remission and relapse. Factors such as smoking, diet, genetic factors and miocrobial infection have all been suggested as causes of ulcerative colitis. One of the important issues in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is opportunistic infection associated with the usage of corticosteroid and immunosuppresant. In most cases, opportunistic cytomegalovirus infection after treatment with corticosteroid or immunosuppressant worsens the course of ulcerative colitis. However, cytomegalovirus infection is uncommon in immunocompetent patients and it is rare in immunocompetent patients with corticosteroid naive ulcerative colitis. We report here on a case in which an immunocompetent patient was newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and cytomegalovirus coinfection simultaneously.

A Case of Tumoral Calcinosis in a Hemodialysis Patient with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism / 대한신장학회지

Tumoral calcinosis is a periarticular calcific lesion and rare complication in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. The pathogenesis of tumoral calcinosis is poorly understood but may be due to elevated serum phosphorus, a high calcium phosphorus (Ca x P) product or secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. A 30-year-old man presented with pain and palpable mass of left shoulder. He had been on maintenance hemodialysis with high flux dialyzer for 10 years. Laboratory finding showed hyperphosphatemia and elevated intact PTH concentration. A shoulder X-ray and CT scan demonstrated a massive calcification. Following partial resection, pain was relieved. Here we report a case of tumoral calcinosis of shoulder in a hemodialysis patient with untreated hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Relapsing Kocuria varians Peritonitis in a Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patient / 대한신장학회지

Kocuria species are the normal flora of skin, mucosa and oropharynx, and can be the causative organisms of complications associated with intravenous catheterization, ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and ventricular shunt. We report a case of relapsing peritonitis by Kocuria varians in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A 62 year old woman was admitted to the hospital with a complaint of abdominal pain and a turbid peritoneal dialysate. The patient was treated with a combination of intraperitoneal antibiotics. A culture of the peritoneal dialysate revealed K. varians, and the patient was discharged after she showed improvement with the treatment. Although the organism was sensitive to the administered antibiotics, the patient experienced 2 episodes of peritonitis. This continuing recurrence could be attributed to an insufficient treatment period or biofilm formation. Therefore, the patient underwent further treatment with intraperitoneal antibiotics and showed no recurrence for 1 year thereafter. This is the first report of relapsing peritonitis by K. varians. Although peritonitis caused by rare pathogens has been described recently, K. varians is known to have a low pathogenecity and occurs rarely. The findings in this case emphasize the importance of careful consideration on the rare pathogen and administration of the appropriate antibiotics for a sufficient duration.

A Case of Pheochromocytoma Crisis with Acute Myocardial Infarction Induced by Glucocorticoids Administration

The most common symptoms of pheochromocytoma are paroxysmal or sustained hypertension, or symptoms of paroxysmal adrenergic stimulation such as palpitation, headache, and diaphoresis. These patients can on rare occasion reveal or be complicated with cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock. These cardiac manifestations of pheochromocytoma may delay the diagnosis, which can cause a catastrophic outcome. A pheochromocytoma crisis is provoked by surgery, anesthesia, exercise and, several drugs and it is known to be an endocrine emergency with mortality as high as 85%. Many classes of drugs are well known to precipitate adverse reactions, but the presentation of pheochromocytoma after the administration of steroid has rarely been reported. We report here on a case of pheochromocytoma crisis with acute myocardial infarction after the patient took prednisolone. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanism of glucocorticoid induced crisis and myocardial infarction in pheochromocytoma patients.