The Association of Obesity, Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Atopy in Chronic Cough Patients: Results of a Two-Center Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of asthma worldwide may be associated with the rising prevalence of obesity in developed nations. Although several studies have suggested a relationship between asthma and obesity, controversy still remains. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and asthmatic factors such as atopy, eosinophilia, serum total Ig E and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in chronic cough patients. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, observational study in two centers done between January 2007 and June 2008. The subjects included individuals who had a chronic cough. We examined body mass index (BMI) to measure obesity and pulmonary function. We did a metacholine provocation test for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a skin prick test for atopy, and tests for blood eosinophils and serum IgE. RESULTS: A total of 1022 subjects were included. Airway hyperresponsiveness was not related with obesity (p=0.06), and atopy incidence was significant higher in non obese patients (p=0.00). There was no significant difference in serum IgE and blood eosinophil counts between obese and non obese patients. Forced expiratory volue in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly reduced in obese patients (p=0.03), but FEV1 and FVC were no significant difference between obese and non obese patients. CONCLUSION: There is no relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The nonobese group appears to have more atopy. The relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy need further investigation.

Characteristics of Difficult to Treat Asthma in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Difficult-to-treat asthma afflicts a small percentage of the asthma population. However, these patients remain refractory to treat, and account for 40% to 50% of the health costs of asthma treatment, incurring significant morbidity. We conducted a multi-center cross-sectional study to characterize difficult-to-treat asthma in Korea. METHODS: Subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and subjects with controlled asthma were recruited from 5 outpatient clinics of referral hospitals. We reviewed medical records of previous 6 months and obtained patient-reported questionnaires composed of treatment compliance, asthma control, and instruments for stress, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: We recruited 21 subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma and 110 subjects with controlled asthma into the study. The subjects with difficult-to-treat asthma were associated with longer treatment periods, more increased health care utilization, more medication (oral corticosteroids, number of medication), and more anxiety disorder compared to those of well-controlled asthmatics. There was no difference in age, gender, history of allergy, serum IgE, blood eosinophil count, or body mass index between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Difficult-to-treat asthma is characterized by increased health care utilization and more co-morbidity of anxiety.

Comparisons of obesity assessments in over-weight elementary students using anthropometry, BIA, CT and DEXA

Obesity was characterized in Korean elementary students using different obesity assessment tests on 103 overweight elementary students from three schools of Jeonbuk Province. The body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OI) were compared, and the data using DEXA and CT were compared with the data using BIA and a tape measure. The results of this study are as follows: first, 27 students who were classified as obese by OI were classified as overweight by BMI, and 3 students who were classified as standard weight by BMI were classified as overweight by OI. Secondly, by DEXA and BIA measurements, there was 1.51% difference in body fat percentage (boys 1.66%, girls 1.17%) and the difference in body fat mass between boys and girls was 0.77 kg (boys 0.85 kg, girls 0.59 kg), but those differences in body fat percentage and mass were not statistically significant. Thirdly, the average total abdominal fat (TAF) measured by CT scans of obese children was more significantly related with subcutaneous fat (r = 0.983, P < 0.01) than visceral fat (r = 0.640, P < 0.01). Also, TAF were highest significant with waist circumference by a tape measure (r = 0.744, P < 0.01). In summary, as there are some differences of assessment results between two obesity test methods (BMI, OI), we need more definite standards to determine the degree of obesity. The BIA seems to be the most simple and effective way to measure body fat mass, whereas waist/hip ratio (WHR) using a tape measurer is considered to be the most effective method for assessing abdominal fat in elementary students.

Overlap Between Asthma and COPD: Where the Two Diseases Converge

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are traditionally recognized as distinct diseases, with some clearly separate characteristic. Asthma originates in childhood, is associated with allergies and eosinophils, and is best treated by targeting inflammation, whereas COPD occurs in adults who smoke, involves neutrophils, and is best treated with bronchodilators and the removal of risk factors. However, the distinction between the two is not always clear. Patients with severe asthma may present with fixed airway obstruction, and patients with COPD may have hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia. Recognizing and understanding these overlapping features may offer new insight into the mechanisms and treatment of chronic airway inflammatory diseases.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Meningitis Treated with Linezolid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature / 감염과화학요법

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is a serious problem because optimal therapy has not been established. Different agents in various combinations, including teicoplanin, chloramphenicol, and quinupristin/dalfopristin, have been used to treat patients with VRE meningitis, but the efficacy of these agents is not satisfactory because of their limited ability to penetrate into the cerebrospinal fluid. We report a case of nosocomial vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium meningitis in a patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt that was successfully treated with linezolid. We will also review previously reported cases of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium meningitis treated by linezolid.

Comparison for the Effects of Triple Therapy with Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate and Tiotropium Bromide versus Individual Components in Patients of Severe COPD Combined with Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: A combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFC) and tiotropium bromide (TIO) is commonly prescribed for COPD patients but there is little data on their effectiveness, particularly in COPD patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study compared the spirometric improvement based on the change in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and IC as well as the clinical outcomes of the therapeutic strategies with SFC and TIO versus the individual components in patients with severe COPD and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. METHODS: This study examined the spirometric data and clinical outcomes of 214 patients with COPD and hyperresponsiveness, who were divided into three groups according to the therapeutic regimen (TIO only, SFC only, and a triple therapy regimen). RESULTS: All regimen groups showed early improvement in the FEV1 and IC (at 3- and 6 months after treatment). However, long-term beneficial effects were observed only in the SFC group (at 24 months after treatment). However, these beneficial effects decreased after a 36-month follow up. In all spirometric results, the 12-, 24-, and 36-months data showed a similar degree of improvement in the three groups. The triple therapy group showed higher St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores and lower acute exacerbations and hospitalization. CONCLUSION: SFC can be a more important component in the pharmacological treatment of severe COPD patients with hyperresponsiveness than TIO, particularly in the spirometric and clinical outcomes.

The clinical characteristics of non-resolving or slow-resolving pneumonia associated with the pathology of an organizing pneumonia / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Non-resolving or slow-resolving pneumonia refers to the persistence of pulmonary infiltrates for >30 days after an initial pneumonia-like illness. Organizing pneumonia (OP) can be found on a lung biopsy in association with a number of diseases. The object of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of the non-resolving pneumonia with the pathology of an OP and suggest the proper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the reduction of unnecessary procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 70 patients diagnosed with an OP by percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy and that met the inclusion criteria. Their pulmonary lesions were reviewed for disease resolution. Patients were divided into either a radiologically benign group (group I, n=57) or a malignancy group (group II, n=13) based on the computed tomography (CT) findings. RESULTS: All patients in group I and 8 patients in group II improved and had a complete resolution by 81.70+/-45.36 days. The microbiology findings showed that many infectious pathogens can lead to an OP despite antibiotic therapy. Three cases in group II were ultimately diagnosed as malignancies. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that non-resolving or slow-resolving lesions were strongly suspicious for a malignancy on the CT scans, despite appearing to be benign OP pathologically; such cases should be considered for re-biopsy. In cased with pathology consistent with OP and benign CT findings, careful observation for 3 months is recommended to allow for the complete radiological resolution of the benign OP associated with infection.

Elevated C-reactive Protein Levels are a Sign of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in AECOPD / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are elevated and an increase of CRP is more exaggerated in the acute exacerbation form of COPD (AECOPD) than in stable COPD. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a common complication of COPD. An increased level of CRP is known to be associated with the risk of systemic cardio-vascular disorders. However, few findings are available on the potential role of CRP in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to COPD. METHODS: This study was performed prospectively and the study population was composed of 72 patients that were hospitalized due to AECOPD. After receiving acute management for AECOPD, serum CRP levels were evaluated, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), was measured, and the existence of pulmonary arterial hypertension under room air inhalation was determined in the patients. RESULTS: The number of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension was 47 (65.3%)., There was an increased prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension and an increase of serum CRP levels in patients with the higher stages of COPD (e.g., patients with stage 3 and stage 4 disease; P<0.05). The mean serum CRP levels of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and without pulmonary arterial hypertension were 37.6+/-7.4 mg/L and 19.9 +/-6.6 mg/L, respectively (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference of the mean values of PaO2 between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and without pulmonary arterial hypertension statistically (77.8+/-3.6 mmHg versus 87.2+/-6.0 mmHg). CONCLUSION: We conclude that higher serum levels of CRP can be a sign for pulmonary arterial hypertension in AECOPD patients.

A Case of Huge Pulmonary Blastoma With Multiorgan Invasion / 결핵및호흡기질환

A pulmonary blastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the lung that is composed of epithelial and mesenchymal elements and resembles the structure of an embryonic lung. Pulmonary blastomas have a very poor prognosis and make up 0.25 to 0.5 percent of all primary malignant lung tumors. A pulmonary blastoma usually manifests as a solitary parenchymal mass or nodule and multiple subpleural mass with effusion on chest X-ray and computed tomography. We encountered a very rare case of pulmonary blastoma in a 52 years old male. He complained of abdominal pain, fullness, and dyspnea. The radiology examination revealed a huge lung mass invading the mediastinum, heart, diaphragm, and liver. The percutaneous needle biopsies were performed, and this tumor was diagnosed as a pulmonary blastoma. We report a biopsy confirmed case of a huge pulmonary blastoma invading multiple organs.

Plasma Cell Granuloma Associated with Pulmonary Actinomycosis: A Case Report

Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) of the lung is a rare disease that usually presents as a pulmonary nodule or mass on incidental radiographic examination without symptoms. Although the etiology of PCG is still controversial, many findings have lent support to the lesion being a reactive inflammatory process rather than a neoplastic one. We describe a 53-yr-old male who presented with a hemoptysis and have a lung mass at the left upper lobe on chest radiograph. The lung mass was primarily diagnosed as PCG by percutaneous needle aspiration and biopsy, and the patient was treated with oral steroid because he and relatives refused the operation. However, the size of the lung mass did not change and open thoracotomy and lobectomy were done therefore. He was confirmed as having pulmonary actinomycosis with PCG after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCG associated with actinomycosis in Korea.

Clinical Significance of Methacholine Bronchial Challenge Test in Differentiating Asthma From COPD / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Although airway hyper-responsiveness is one of the characteristics of asthma. bronchial hyper-responsiveness has also been observed to some degree in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, several reports have demonstrated that a number of patients have both COPD and asthma. The methacholine bronchial challenge test (MCT) is a widely used method for the detecting and quantifying the airway hyper-responsiveness, and is one of the diagnostic tools in asthma. However, the significance of MCT in differentiating asthma or COPD combined with asthma from pure COPD has not been defined. The aim of this study was to determine the role of MCT in differentiating asthma from pure COPD. METHOD: This study was performed prospectively and was composed of one hundred eleven patients who had undergone MCT at Chonbuk National University Hospital. Sixty-five asthma patients and 23 COPD patients were enrolled and their MCT data were analyzed and compared with the results of a control group. RESULT: The positive rates of MCT were 65%, 30%, and 9% in the asthma, COPD, and control groups, respectively. The mean PC20 values of the asthma, COPD, and control groups were 8.1+/-1.16 mg/mL, 16.9+/-2.21 mg/mL, and 22.0+/-1.47 mg/mL, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MCT for diagnosing asthma were 65%, 84%, 81%, and 69%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MCT (ed note: please check this as I believe that these values correspond to the one PC20 value. Please check my changes.) at the new cut-off points of PC20 < or = 16 mg/ml, were 80%, 75%, 78%, and 78%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MCT using the new cut-off point can be used as a more precise and useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing asthma from pure COPD.

Two Cases of Broncholith Removal under the Guidance of Flexible Bronchoscopy

Most broncholiths are related to infection with fungus or tuberculosis and they involve the lymph nodes; those cases that are caused by silicosis are rarely seen. Broncholith might lead complication such as bronchial rupture into the mediastinum, which can result in hemoptysis, cough, repeated pneumonia and so on. Flexible bronchoscopy plays an important part in the diagnosis of broncholithiasis, but its therapeutic application in the clinical setting is controversial. We report here on two cases of broncholith removal without complication with the use of a balloon catheter and tripod forceps using flexible bronchoscopy.

Polymorphisms of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene Associated in Patients with COPD with or without Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: An insertion-deletion polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been shown to be associated with enzyme activity levels of ACE. Reported results that have been mutually contradictory about asthmatic hypersensitiveness and occurrence according to ACE gene insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism. Also, the involvement of the ACE genes as the genetic basis of bronchial asthma is currently controversy. We investigated whether there was any association between polymorphisms of the ACE genes and airway hyper-responsiveness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A total of 100 patients with COPD were enrolled in this study. The ACE genotypes were determined in all subjects by polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary function test including bronchodilator response (BDR), methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) were done in those patients. Airway hyper-responsiveness include any findings of positive BDR or MBPT. RESULTS: In COPD patients, the ACE genotype distribution did not differ significantly among groups of patients with severities of COPD, and with or without airway hyper-responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that polymorphisms of the ACE gene may not be associated with airway hyper-responsiveness, development and severity of COPD.

A Comparison of Tiotropium 18microgram, Once Daily and Ipratropium 40microgram, 4 Times Daily in a Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Efficacy and Safety Study in Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: This study compared the bronchodilator efficacy and safety of tiotropium inhalation capsules (18microgram once daily) with a ipratropium metered dose inhaler (2 puffs of 20microgram q.i.d.) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHOD: After the initial screening assessment and a two-week run-in period, patients received either tiotropium 18microgram once daily or ipratropium 40microgram four times daily over a period of 4 weeks in a double blind, double dummy, parallel group study. The outcome measures were the lung function, the daily records of the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the patients' questionnaire, and the use of concomitant salbutamol. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured 5 minutes before inhalation, and 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 hours after inhaling the study drug on days 0, 14 and 28. RESULT: In 16 centers, 134 patients with a mean (SD) age of 66 (7) years and a predicted FEV1 of 42 (12)% were analyzed. The trough FEV1 response was significantly higher in the tiotropium group than in the ipratropium group after a four-week treatment period. The weekly mean morning PEFR of the tiotropium group was consistently higher than that of the ipratropium group during the 4-week treatment period with differences ranging from 12.52 to 13.88 l/min, which were statistically significant. Tiotropium was well tolerated by the COPD patients during the 4-week treatment period and had a similar safety profile to ipratropium. CONCLUSION: This study shows that tiotropium administrated once daily has a superior bronchodilator effect with a similar safety profile in treating COPD patients compared with ipratropium, inhaled four times daily.

Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in Stable Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae have been suggested to take part in the acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several studies have questioned whether they may play pathogenic roles in connection with bronchial asthma and COPD. This study was designed to evaluate the seroprevalences of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in stable asthma and COPD patients, and to compare with control patients. The medical records of one hundred forty patients who underwent M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae serology were retrospectively reviewed. Seroprevalences of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in the asthma group (11.1% and 8.3%, respectively) were higher than in the control group (4.4% and 2.2%, respectively) without statistical significance. The seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae in the COPD group (16.9%) was significantly higher than in the control group, and the seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae in the COPD group (3.4%) was higher than in the control group without statistical significance. This study raises important questions about the relation of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae infection with stable asthma or COPD.

The Relationship of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to Asthma / 한양의대학술지

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma are considered to be two distinct respiratory symptoms that share a functional abnormality, namely, airflow limitation. The new diagnosis of both syndromes relies on the measurement of expiratory flow, in particular, the forced expiratory volume measured after first-second forced expiration (FEV1) from forced vital capacity (FVC). COPD is characterized by poorly reversible or irreversible airflow limitation, wheareas asthma is characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, but the definitions of the COPD and asthma overlap each other, and 10-30% of COPD patients are combined with asthma. COPD and asthma should be considered separately, given the increasing divergence in the overall approach to treatment. COPD is largely "irreversible" - in constrast to asthma - and not substantially improved by inhaled anti-inflammatory treatment. In most cases, the clinical presentations of COPD and asthma are relatively easy to distinguish and the key in differentiating between them is history taking, physical examination, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination, bronchial provocation and bronchodilator response test, HRCT, and biopsy. However, in some cases, it is very difficult to distinguish between pure COPD and COPD combined with asthma. I suggest, in these cases, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is very valuable to evaluate the diurnal and seasonal variations of lung function needed for differential diagnosis.

Prevalence of Combined Bronchial Asthma with COPD in Patients with Moderate to Severe Air flow Limitation / 결핵

BACKGROUND: ATS(American Thoracic Society) defined new guidelines for COPD(chronic obstructive lung disease) in April 2001, following the results of the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease. The most important concept of COPD is an airflow limitation which is not fully reversible compared to bronchial asthma(BA). The criteria for COPD are postbronchodilator FEV1 less than 80% of the predicted value and an FEV1 per FVC ratio less than 70%. The global initiative for asthma(GINA) study defined asthma, which included immune-mediated chronic airway inflammatory airway disease, and found that airflow limitation was wide spread, variable and often completely reversible. Taken together COPD and BA may be combined in airflow limitation. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of BA in patients with COPD of moderate to severe airflow limitation. METHODS: COPD was diagnosed by symptoms and spirometry according to ATS guidelines. Enrolled subjects were examined for peak flow meters(PFM), sputum eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein(ECP) levels, serum total IgE with allergy skin prick test, and methacholine bronchial provocation test(MBPT). RESULTS: About 27% of COPD patients with moderate to severe airflow limitation were combined with BA. There was significantly decreased response to PFM in severe COPD. However, there was no significant relationship between BA and COPD according to the degree of severity. The BA combined with COPD group showed significantly high eosinophil counts and ECP level in induced sputum. However, neutrophil counts in induced sputum showed significant elevation in the pure COPD group. CONCLUSION: Twenty-seven percent of COPD patients with moderate to severe ventilation disorder were combined with BA, but there were no significant differences according to the degree of severity.

A case of asthma associated with tracheal diverticulum / 천식및알레르기

Tracheal diverticula are relatively rare disease characterized by single or multiple evaginations of the tracheal wall. The tracheal diverticulum may act as a reservoir for secretions, leading to recurrent respiratory tract infections associated with chronic cough and dyspnea. A 31-year-old man had complained of a chronic productive cough for several months. Methacholine bronchial provocation test was positive. Three-dimensional computed tomography showed an air-containing cystic structure extending right posterolateral aspect of the trachea. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated ostium arising from the right posterolateral wall at mid-third of trachea. These findings made asthma and tracheal diverticulum the diagnosis. Medical treatment was performed and symptoms were relieved.

Incidence of Osteoporosis in Patients with COPD According to Different Methods of Glucocorticoid Administration / 결핵

BACKGROUND: There are many risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). These include smoking, a low body mass index, insufficient exercise, and the use of glucocortcoids. However, there is lack of data on the incidence of osteoporosis according to the different glucocorticoid administration methods in patients with COPD. This study compared the incidence of osteoporosis according to the different administration methods of glucocorticoid. METHODS: A matched case-controlled study (gender, age, cumulative steroid dose and pack-years of smoking) was conducted. Forty-five patients with documented COPD for at least a 3 year duration and a cumulative glucocorticoid dose above 1,000 mg were enrolled in study. The patients were classified into the following three groups. First, fifteen patients received continuous inhaled glucocorticoid with intermittent oral steroids but had no admission history due to an acute exacerbation(Group I). Secondly, fifteen patients received a multiple course of oral steroids with additional inhaled glucocorticoid but had no admission history due to their acute exacerbation(Group II). Lastly, fifteen patients received intermittent oral or inhaled glucocorticoids and had an admission history due to the acute exacerbation with intravenous steroid treatment for at least 2 weeks per year(Group III). The enrolled patients had apulmonary function test and bone densitometry performed at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. RESULTS: The patients from Group III had significantly high incidence of osteoporosis in the lumbar and femoral neck compared to Group I and Group II (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The incidence of osteoporosis in patients with COPD appears to be strongly affected by the method of steroid administration. This result suggests that intravenous steroid administration is strongly associated with the risk of osteoporosis.

Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Recent discoveries on the physiology of an erection have demonstrated that the organic causes of impotence are more common, and psychogenic impotence is correspondingly less common than was formally believed. The incidence of sexual dysfunctions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is largely unknown or may be perfunctorily attributed to the associated illness or to aging. This study investigated whether or not the impotence was related to the COPD itself as well as whether or not it may stem from organic causes in a notable proportion of such patients. METHODS: The sexual function was evaluated in 10 COPD patients and 10 normal control subjects. A nocturnal Rigi Scan was performed to evaluate the erectile function of each group. The level of hormones such as the free testosterone, prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was measured, and a pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis was performed. RESULTS: The time duration and frequency of a penile erection were significantly lower in COPD patients than the controls (p<0.05). In addition, the PaO2 levels correlated with the time duration of the penile erection. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that COPD is one of the causes of organic erectile dysfunction.