Clinical predictors of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke

@#Background: Early neurological deterioration is a critical determinant of functional outcome in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke. This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke. Methods: A total of 739 patients who experienced acute minor ischemic stroke symptoms between January 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled in this study. All patients were presented within a 4.5-hour time window of stroke symptom onset. Early neurological deterioration was defined as an increment of at least one point in motor power or total National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score deterioration ≥ 2 points within 3 days after admission. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 2 at 90 days after stroke onset. Demographic characteristics, risk factors for vascular diseases, stroke severity, stroke subtypes, and neuroimaging parameters were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to determine clinical predictors of early neurological deterioration. Results: Of the 739 patients, 78 (10.5%) patients had early neurological deterioration. Among the 78 patients with early neurological deterioration, 61 (78.2%) had unfavorable functional outcome at 90 days after stroke onset. In contrast, 131 of the remaining 661 (19.8%) patients without early neurological deterioration had unfavorable functional outcome. Multivariate analysis identified hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-10.5; P = 0.010), higher NIHSS score at admission (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.7; P = 0.003), arterial stenosis (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.5; P = 0.014) and occlusion (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.8; P = 0.004) in the territory of stroke as significant predictors of early neurological deterioration. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that hemorrhagic transformation, higher NIHSS score at admission, and arterial steno-occlusive lesions in the territory of stroke are independent predictors of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke.

Narcolepsy Followed by Intractable Vomiting Caused by Recurrent Brain Involvement in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

We report a 26 year-old female who initially presented with hypersomnia and visual disturbance with preceding upper respiratory infection. She was diagnosed as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with the presence of anti-AQP4 antibody. Eight months later, she experienced nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional therapies, which was proved correlated with a lesion of area postrema on brain magnetic resonance imaging. These might be significant clinical manifestations in NMOSD and may widen the clinical spectrum of the disease.

Relationship of sodium consumption with obesity in Korean adults based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010~2014 / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Excess sodium intake may contribute to the etiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2 g. The aim of this study was to estimate the association of sodium intake with obesity in Korean adults. METHODS: This study used Dietary intake and Health data on 22,321 subjects aged 30 years and over from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010~2014. Information on dietary intake was obtained by the one day 24-hour recall method in KNHANES, and sodium intake was classified into five groups (< 2,000 mg, 2,000~4,000 mg, 4,000~6,000 mg, 6,000~8,000 mg, ≥ 8,000 mg). Obesity was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 kg/m². Intake of sodium and obesity status were analyzed by logistic regression with SPSS Statistics 23. RESULTS: Men tended to have a higher sodium intake than women (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, year, daily energy intake, education level, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, and chronic diseases and comparing the highest sodium intake group (≥ 8,000 mg) with the lowest intake group (< 2,000 mg), the OR of obesity was 1.351 (95% CI: 1.032~1.767) in men. The OR of obesity in the sodium intake group (4,000~6,000 mg) was 1.232 (95% CI: 1.063~1.427) in women. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an independent relationship between sodium intake and as increased risk of obesity in Korean adults, implying the necessity for future research on low-sodium diet intervention in relation to obesity.

Erratum: Abstract Correction. Relationship of sodium consumption with obesity in Korean adults based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010~2014 / 한국영양학회지

The paper by Kang et al. was printed with an error regarding the order of the authors.

Anti-Ma2-Associated Encephalitis Presenting as Hypersomnia

Anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis is one of the paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. It has been shown to be associated with various neoplasms, mainly testicular, lung, and breast cancers. Most patients with anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis present limbic-diencephalic-brainstem dysfunctions such as seizure, mood disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness, and ophthalmoparesis. Some patients develop symptoms indicating the multifocal involvement of the limbic system, diencephalon, or brainstem. However, there are few case studies of anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis presenting as isolated hypersomnia. We report a case of anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis presenting as hypersomnia.

Associations of Obesity and Dyslipidemia with Intake of Sodium, Fat, and Sugar among Koreans: a Qualitative Systematic Review

A qualitative systematic review was performed to identify associations of obesity and dyslipidemia with intake of sodium, fat, and sugar among Koreans. We reviewed 6 Korean research databases (KMbase, KoreaMed, NDSL, DBpia, RISS, KISS) with the keywords “sodium intake,”“fat intake,” and “sugar intake.” Total of 11 studies were investigated in this present study. Of these articles, 7 studies were related to sodium intake, 2 studies had a relation to fat intake, and 2 studies were associated with sugar intake. We indicated general characteristics, concentration of serum lipids, nutrition intake, and statistically significant results. High sodium intake contributed to increased etiology of hypertriglyceridemia, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) hypocholesterolemia, and a risk of being overweight. Fat intake was significantly associated with body fat, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) hypercholesterolemia, and HDL hypocholesterolemia. Sugar intake from coffee drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages contributed to increased HDL hypocholesterolemia and continuous metabolic syndrome score. This qualitative review among Koreans represented that intake of sodium, fat, and sugar has a positive relationship with cause of obesity-related diseases. Especially, this present study has a great significance in terms of considered study that intake of the potentially hazardous nutrients among Koreans has an association with obesity and dyslipidemia. However, further studies such as randomized controlled trials on associations between sodium, fat, and sugar and obesity and dyslipidemia need to be continuously required in order to conduct quantitative systematic reviews and a meta-analysis for Koreans.

Laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer: Clinical and long-term oncologic outcomes

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer is one of the most frequent procedures performed in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In this study, we analyzed clinical and long-term oncological outcomes of left-sided colon cancer patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS).METHODS: A total of 172 CLS patients and 72 HALS patients for left-sided colon cancer from July 2001 to December 2011 were included in this study. The collected data included the clinical and oncological outcomes. We analyzed overall survival and disease-free survival by tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64 years, and male patients were predominant. The mean follow-up period was 58.1 months. The number of patients that belong in each TNM stage 0, I, II, III, and IV was as follows: 17 (7%), 47 (19.2%), 70 (28.7%), 80 (32.8%), and 30 (12.3%), respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, III, and IV was 87.1%, 82.8%, 82%, and 12%, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 90.2% and 66.7%, 86.5% and 77%, 88.7% and 67.4%, and 18.9% and 0%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, and III was 97.7%, 90.7%, and 72.8%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 97.3% and 100%, 100% and 78.8%, and 81% and 55.1%, respectively.CONCLUSION: These data show the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer in terms of long-term oncological outcomes.

The Role of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in a Right Hemicolectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and assess the role of HALS in the management of right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: The study group included 53 patients who underwent HALS and 45 patients who underwent SLS for right-sided colon cancer between April 2002 and December 2008. RESULTS: The patients in each group were similar in age, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, body mass index, and history of previous abdominal surgeries. Eight patients in the HALS group and no patient in the SLS group exhibited signs of tumor invasion into adjacent structures. No differences were noted in the time to return of normal bowel function, time to toleration of diet, lengths of hospital stay and narcotic usage, and rate of postoperative complications. The median incision length was longer in the HALS group (HALS: 7.0 cm vs. SLS: 4.8 cm, P < 0.001). The HALS group had a significantly higher pathologic TNM stage and significantly larger tumor size (HALS: 6.0 cm vs. SLS: 3.3 cm, P < 0.001). The 5-year overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival rates of the HALS and the SLS groups were 87.3%, 75.2%, and 93.9% and 86.4%, 78.0%, and 90.7%, respectively (P = 0.826, P = 0.574, and P = 0.826). CONCLUSION: Although patients in the HALS group had more advanced disease and underwent more complex procedures than those in the SLS group, the short-term benefits and the oncologic outcomes between the two groups were comparable. HALS can, therefore, be considered an alternative to SLS for bulky and fixed right-sided colon cancer.

Laparoscopic Resection of Retrocaval Non-functioning Paraganglioma

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma is located prim arily at the para-aortic area and functioning tumor, however, non-functioning and retrocaval located tumors are rare. Laparoscopic retrocaval paraganglioma resection is technically challenging due to vena cava close relation. A 49-year-old male was referred for a retroperitoneal tumor, detected by FDG-PET scan. He had undergone right thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma one year ago. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass measuring 2 cm in size located behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), which deviate IVC anteriorly. I123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan also demonstrated abnormal focal activity. Result of preoperative adrenal function test was normal. A laparoscopic retrocaval tumor excision was performed successfully. The operative time was 160 minutes. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Pathologic examination was consistent with the diagnosis of paraganglioma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on laparoscopic resection of a retrocaval non-functioning paraganglioma. In conclusion, laparoscopic retrocaval paraganglioma resection is safe and feasible.

Preoperative Ultrasonographic Evaluation in Detecting Extrathyroidal Extension and Risk Factors of Extrathyroidal Extension in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) is one of the risk factors to be considered when deciding on operation extent and radioiodine ablation in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography (USG) is the most widely used imaging modality in preoperative evaluation of thyroid carcinoma; however, few studies regarding accuracy of USG in preoperative evaluation of ETE have been reported. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of preoperative USG in detection of ETE and evaluated other risk factors associated with permanent ETE. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 349 consecutive patients who underwent curative thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Preoperative USG findings according to percent of contact and disruption of thyroid capsule were evaluated and compared with the permanent pathology. Clinicopathologic characteristics were investigated for assessment of the risk factors associated with ETE. RESULTS: ETE was identified in permanent pathology of 68 (19.5%) patients. When we defined the ETE on preoperative USG as more than 25% contact with the adjacent capsule, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 43.03% and 90.73%, respectively. Size of the nodule and preoperative USG findings with the percent of contact with adjacent capsule and capsule disruption showed an association with ETE on permanent pathology. However, in multivariate analysis, only size of the nodule and capsule disruption on USG were identified as risk factors for prediction of ETE on permanent pathology. CONCLUSION: Capsule disruption on preoperative USG can provide useful predictive information about permanent ETE. Another risk factor associated with ETE was size of nodule in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Serum Thyroglobulin Varies according to Thyrotropin Levels during Preparation for Treatment by Radioactive Iodine Ablation and Scan / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Periods of L-T4 withdrawal and low iodine diet, which are required prior to the treatment and tracking tests that take place after a thyroidectomy, can be of a long duration and cause suffering for patients. The purpose of this study, conducted in South Korea, was to confirm if periods of L-T4 withdrawal and low iodine diet can be shortened by using TSH level prediction. By inquiring into the correlation between TSH level and serum Tg level, and measurement of the amount of iodine present in urine during the low iodine diet period, a thyroglobulin (Tg) cutoff level can be predicted. METHODS: total of 168 patients were included as research subjects. In each case, L-T4 was suspended 3-4 weeks prior to conducting radioactive iodine ablation and 131I scan, and then a low iodine diet was carried out for 2-4 weeks. Serum TSH, Tg and anti-Tg antibodies were measured on the second week of L-T4 withdrawal, and the spot urine Iodine/Creatinine ratio was measured on the second and fourth week after treatment. RESULTS: Three weeks after L-T4 withdrawal, TSH levels increased to over 30μIU/ml in 97.2% of the patients, and serum thyroglobulin levels also increased with TSH level to over 30μIU/ml. There was no measured difference in the amount of iodine in the subject's urine during the low iodine diet period. CONCLUSION: It was found that L-T4 withdrawal can be reduced to 3 weeks or less, and that the Tg cutoff level differs according to TSH level. Based on these results, we suggested that the low iodine diet period can be reduced to 1-2 weeks.

The Effects of Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT in Breast Cancer Patients in Comparison to the Conventional Imaging Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: There have been recent studies of the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the staging, detection, and follow-up of the breast cancer occurrence and recurrence. There was controversy concerning the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging primary breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial assessment of patients with primary breast cancer. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 154 consecutive biopsy-proven invasive breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent conventional imaging studies including mammography, breast ultrasonography (USG), and magnetic resonance imaging for local assessment, and plain chest X-ray, liver USG, and bone scan to rule out distant metastasis. All 154 patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial assessment. RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET/CT did not detect primary breast lesions in 16 patients with a sensitivity of 89.6% and detected only 5 multiple lesions (12.5%) out of 40 cases. Histologically confirmed axillary lymph node (LN) metastases were in 51 patients, and the sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect metastatic axilla were 37.3% and 95.8%, respectively; whereas the corresponding estimates of USG were 41.2% and 93.7%, respectively. Eleven extra-axillary LN metastases were found in eight patients, and seven lesions were detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT only. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting distant metastasis were 100% and 96.4%, respectively; whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the conventional imaging were 61.5% and 99.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG PET/CT cannot be recommended as a primary diagnostic procedure in breast cancer, but it has the potential to be used as an additional imaging tool for the detection of axillary metastasis, distant metastasis, and extra-axillary LN metastasis. 18F-FDG PET/CT cannot solely replace the conventional diagnostic procedure in primary breast cancer. The best approach may be the combination of different imaging modalities.

Effect of Aspiration Thrombectomy on Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With an Elevated Neutrophil Count

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aspiration thrombectomy (AT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective adjunctive therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated neutrophil count in STEMI is associated with microvascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. We evaluated whether AT can improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with STEMI and an elevated neutrophil count. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from August 2007 to February 2009 in our institution were classified by tertiles of neutrophil count on admission (7,600/mm3). The angiographic outcome was post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed by TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade and ST-segment resolution on electrocardiography 90 minutes after PCI. The clinical outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as cardiac death, re-infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow grades between the neutrophil tertiles. As the neutrophil count increased, a lower tendency toward TMP grade 3 (83% vs. 52% vs. 54%, p=0.06) and more persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 13% vs. 26% vs. 58%, p=0.005) was observed. The 9-month MACE rate was similar between the groups. On subgroup analysis of AT patients (n=52) classified by neutrophil tertiles, the same tendency toward less frequent TMP grade 3 (77% vs. 56% vs. 47%, p=0.06) and persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 12% vs. 28% vs. 53%, p=0.05) was observed as neutrophil count increased. CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil count at presentation in STEMI is associated with more severe microvascular dysfunction after primary PCI, which is not improved with AT.

Effect of Aspiration Thrombectomy on Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With an Elevated Neutrophil Count

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aspiration thrombectomy (AT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective adjunctive therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated neutrophil count in STEMI is associated with microvascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. We evaluated whether AT can improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with STEMI and an elevated neutrophil count. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from August 2007 to February 2009 in our institution were classified by tertiles of neutrophil count on admission (7,600/mm3). The angiographic outcome was post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed by TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade and ST-segment resolution on electrocardiography 90 minutes after PCI. The clinical outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as cardiac death, re-infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow grades between the neutrophil tertiles. As the neutrophil count increased, a lower tendency toward TMP grade 3 (83% vs. 52% vs. 54%, p=0.06) and more persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 13% vs. 26% vs. 58%, p=0.005) was observed. The 9-month MACE rate was similar between the groups. On subgroup analysis of AT patients (n=52) classified by neutrophil tertiles, the same tendency toward less frequent TMP grade 3 (77% vs. 56% vs. 47%, p=0.06) and persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 12% vs. 28% vs. 53%, p=0.05) was observed as neutrophil count increased. CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil count at presentation in STEMI is associated with more severe microvascular dysfunction after primary PCI, which is not improved with AT.

A Case of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Resolution of ST-Segment Elevation Immediately after Ventricular Defibrillation / 대한내과학회지

A 38-year-old man presented with typical squeezing-type anterior chest pain. An initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed prominent ST-segment elevation (V1-V4 lead, 3 mm). Suddenly, the patient fell unconscious and had no pulse. At that time, the ECG showed polymorphic ventricular fibrillation (VT). After direct current (DC) cardioversion, the patient regained vital signs and defibrillation converted the VT into an accelerated idioventricular rhythm with resolution of the ST-segment elevation. The patient was referred to our hospital for close observation and further evaluation. At our hospital, an ECG showed normal sinus rhythms and cardiac enzymes were within normal limits. We diagnosed the patient with variant angina rather than ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), because his clinical manifestations were quite distinct; ST-segment elevations disappeared slowly at the reperfusion stage. However, the patient's final diagnosis was STEMI because coronary angiography showed severe eccentric tubular stenosis (85%) with remnant thrombus in the middle left anterior descending artery. Defibrillation likely removed the thrombus, which led to STEMI.

A Case of Systemic Thrombolysis in the Membranous Glomerulonephritis Presenting as Acute Inferior Vena Cava and Renal Vein Thrombosis / 대한신장학회지

Thromboembolism is one of the common complications in nephrotic syndrome. The incidence of renal vein thrombosis in the setting of nephrotic syndrome varies from 5% to 62%. Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) has been rarely manifested as inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or renal vein thrombosis. We report a case of acute IVC and left renal vein thrombosis as initial manifestation of MGN. The renal vein thrombosis was successfully treated with systemic thrombolysis with temporary IVC filter insertion. After 4 months, MGN was diagnosed by renal biopsy.

Type 2 Diabetes in Urban and Rural Districts in Korea: Factors Associated with Prevalence Difference

The purpose of this study was to examine the urban-rural differences in the prevalence and associated factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korean adults. A total of 1,060 adults >30 yr of age from urban (189 males and 331 females) and rural districts (219 males and 321 females) were recruited. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting and 2-hr after 75-g oral glucose load blood glucose were obtained. The crude- and age-standardized prevalence of T2DM was 15.4% and 14.5%, and 11.7% and 8.6% in urban and rural districts, respectively. Diabetic subjects were older and obese, and had a higher triglyceride level, and systolic blood pressure compared to non-diabetes in both population. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that older age, high triglyceride levels, central obesity, and hypertension were significantly associated with T2DM in both areas. Low monthly incomes were significantly associated with T2DM in urban population, while a family history of T2DM was significantly associated with T2DM in rural area. T2DM is more prevalent in urban than in rural population, and low economic status or genetic factor is differently associated with T2DM in both population, respectively.

Isolated Dissection of Superior Mesenteric Artery: Study on the Treatment Guidelines

PURPOSE: Isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is a rare, but increasing vascular disorder. However, optimal treatment guidelines are not well established. The purpose of this study is to review a single institutional experience in the management of isolated SMA dissections and establish optimal treatment guidelines. METHODS: Between November 2004 and August 2009, 26 patients were diagnosed with isolated SMA dissection at Eulji University Hospital. Diagnosis was confirmed with CT scans in all patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, imaging studies, and the early outcomes of the patients. RESULTS: There were 22 (84.5%) men and 4 women. The mean age was 55.4 (39~74) years. The mean follow-up was 39.1 (4.1~53.3) months. In 15 patients, CT scans were performed for abdominal pain, and in the other 11 patients, the isolated SMA dissections were detected incidentally during workup for other causes. The radiographic findings included an intimal flap with a patent false lumen in 16 and intramural hematoma in 10. The dissection started at a mean of 22.3 (5~46) mm from the origin of the SMA with a mean length was 47.7 (10~150) mm. Treatments included expectant management in 13, anticoagulation in 6, stenting in 6 patients, and surgery in one case of bowel infarction. None required additional intervention. All patients remained asymptomatic during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Most patients with isolated SMA dissection were successfully managed medically. Surgical or percutaneous intervention should be reserved for those with evidence of bowel necrosis or mesenteric ischemia and failed cases to initial medical treatment.

Association between nasogastric tube insertion and aspiration pneumonia in drug intoxication / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical usefulness of nasogastric tube insertion in poisoning patients is controversial. This study compared the incidence of aspiration pneumonia between patients with or without nasogastric tubes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical reports of poisoning patients seen from January 2006 to December 2007. We classified the patients into groups with and without nasogastric tube insertion and evaluated the incidence and risk factors of aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS: Ultimately, 63 patients were included. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was higher in patients with nasogastric tube insertion than in patients without nasogastric tube insertion (conscious patients: 58.8% vs. 11.8%, p=0.010; unconscious patients: 72.2% vs. 27.3%, p=0.027). Nasogastric tube insertion was a significant risk factor for developing aspiration pneumonia (odds ratio 3.54; 95% confidence interval 1.74~12.34). CONCLUSIONS: Nasogastric tube insertion did not prevent aspiration pneumonia, but was a risk factor. The results have implications in the development of a hypothesis about why a nasogastric tube increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This study has important limitations stemming mostly from other compounding factors and its retrospective design.

A Case of Non-occulsive Mesentery Ischemia with Pulmonary Embolism due to Protein C Deficiency / 대한소화기학회지

Protein C is an important physiological anticoagulant factor. Protein C deficiency has been linked to venous thrombosis at unusual sites, including the cerebral and mesenteric veins. Hereditary protein C deficiency is inherited primarily as an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance. Protein C and S deficiencies are known to increase the risk of venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Testing for protein C levels and function is necessary for the detection of both type I and type II protein C deficiency. In this article, we report a case of pulmonary embolism and mesentery ischemia due to type 1 protein C deficiency.