The Association of Ovarian Reserve with Exposure to Bisphenol A and Phthalate in Reproductive-aged Women

Background@#Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that influence the hormonal and homeostatic systems is known to be associated with gynecologic health risks in many countries. In this study, we evaluated exposure to EDCs associated with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and gynecologic health risks. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study was performed from September 2014 to November 2014 and included 307 Korean reproductive-aged women. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests with urine and blood sampling and pelvic ultrasound examinations were performed. @*Results@#Urinary bisphenol A (BLA) level was significantly higher in the DOR group with antiMüllerian hormone lower than 25 percentile (1.89 ± 2.17 ug/g and 1.58 ± 1.08 ug/g, P < 0.05).Urinary mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate and mono-N-butyl phthalate, and substrates of phthalate were evaluated and no significant difference was observed between the DOR group and non-DOR group. Logistic regression analysis suggested an increase in infertility in high BPA exposure group and the odds ratio (OR, 4.248) was statistically significant after adjustment for age, birth control pills, and the age of menarche, parity, and waist circumference. High phthalate exposure was associated with endometrial polyp after adjustment (OR, 2.742). @*Conclusion@#BPA exposure might be associated with DOR and infertility. Meanwhile, endometrial polyp is increased in women with high phthalate exposure. Therefore, the risk of exposures to EDCs for reproduction should be a matter of concern in reproductive-aged women.

Acute Kidney Injury after Administering Dapagliflozin to a Diabetic Patient with Acute Cerebral Infarction / 대한내과학회지

Dapagliflozin is a recently developed oral anti-diabetic drug and SGLT2 inhibitor with well-known cardioprotective and renoprotective effects. Although a reduction of the glomerular filtration rate is induced by volume depletion and tubule-glomerular feedback during the early period after administering a SGLT2 inhibitor, the renal prognosis improves more with a decrease of proteinuria. However, the risk of acute kidney injury increases in heart failure and hypovolemia patients, and in those taking certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blockers, or diuretics. We report acute kidney injury after dapagliflozin administration in a diabetic patient with acute cerebral infarction accompanied by right hemiplegia, motor aphasia, and dysphagia.

Acute Kidney Injury after Administering Dapagliflozin to a Diabetic Patient with Acute Cerebral Infarction / 대한내과학회지

Dapagliflozin is a recently developed oral anti-diabetic drug and SGLT2 inhibitor with well-known cardioprotective and renoprotective effects. Although a reduction of the glomerular filtration rate is induced by volume depletion and tubule-glomerular feedback during the early period after administering a SGLT2 inhibitor, the renal prognosis improves more with a decrease of proteinuria. However, the risk of acute kidney injury increases in heart failure and hypovolemia patients, and in those taking certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blockers, or diuretics. We report acute kidney injury after dapagliflozin administration in a diabetic patient with acute cerebral infarction accompanied by right hemiplegia, motor aphasia, and dysphagia.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of novel recombinant enterovirus G isolates in Jeju Province of South Korea / 대한수의학회지

Enterovirus species G (EV-G) is highly diverse, and is ubiquitous in pig populations, usually without diarrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of novel EV-G recombinants with the torovirus papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) in Jeju pig herds. EV-G1-PLCP mono-infections were most prevalent in diarrheic weaned piglets. The PLCP genes of the Jeju isolates varied in size and junction sequences, and were greatly heterogeneous, with 77.0–90.7% homology amongst all recombinants. Our results suggest that the exogenous PLCP gene has undergone continuous rapid mutation in the individual EV-G genomes following cross-order recombination, thereby causing clinical disease in swine.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of novel recombinant enterovirus G isolates in Jeju Province of South Korea

Enterovirus species G (EV-G) is highly diverse, and is ubiquitous in pig populations, usually without diarrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of novel EV-G recombinants with the torovirus papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) in Jeju pig herds. EV-G1-PLCP mono-infections were most prevalent in diarrheic weaned piglets. The PLCP genes of the Jeju isolates varied in size and junction sequences, and were greatly heterogeneous, with 77.0–90.7% homology amongst all recombinants. Our results suggest that the exogenous PLCP gene has undergone continuous rapid mutation in the individual EV-G genomes following cross-order recombination, thereby causing clinical disease in swine.

The Effect of Maternal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index on Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: The pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. However, studies on very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are rare. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on VLBW infants. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated singleton VLBW infants born at the CHA Gangnam Medical Center from 2006 to 2016. The neonates were classified into three groups according to the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight ( < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (≥18.5 to < 23 kg/m2), and overweight or obese (≥23 kg/m2). Clinical characteristics and morbidities of mothers and infants were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 181 infants belonging to underweight (16.6%), normal weight (58.6%), and overweight or obese (24.8%) groups were enrolled. The pre-pregnancy BMI had a significant negative correlation with gestational age (r=−0.198, P=0.001) and a significant positive correlation with the z-score of the birth weight (r=0.078, P=0.001) and body length (r=0.067, P=0.008). The number of extremely preterm infants was significantly higher in the overweight or obese group. The proportion of risk of small for gestational age infants was higher in the underweight group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.958; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.113 to 7.864), whereas that of infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity was higher in the overweight or obese group (adjusted OR, 9.546; 95% CI, 1.230 to 74.109). CONCLUSION: In our population of VLBW infants, the pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with gestational age, intrauterine growth, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Therefore, proper weight control before pregnancy is important.

Clinical experience of long-term use of dienogest after surgery for ovarian endometrioma

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a common and recurring gynecologic disease which have afflicting females of reproductive age. We investigated the efficacy of long-term, post-operative use of dienogest for ovarian endometrioma. METHODS: We studied 203 patients who had undergone laparoscopic or robotic surgery for ovarian endometrioma, and were administrated dienogest 2 mg/day beginning in July of 2013, and continuing. We evaluated side effects of dienogest and ultrasonography was performed every 6 months to detect potential recurrence of endometrioma (2 cm) in these post-surgical patients. RESULTS: The follow-up observation periods were 30.2±20.9 months from surgery. The mean age was 34.1±7.2 years old. The mean diameter of pre-operative endometrioma was 5.6±3.0 cm2. One hundred eighty-two (89.7%) women received dienogest continuously for 12.0±7.1 months. Of the subjects, 21 (10.3%) patients discontinued dienogest at 2.4±1.0 months. The most common side effect when dienogest was discontinued was abnormal uterine bleeding. The occurrence rate of vaginal bleeding was 15.8%, a number which did not differ significantly in patients with/without post-operative gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist administration. The other side effects were gastrointestinal trouble including constipation, acne, headache, depression, hot flush, weight gain, and edema. However, no serious adverse events or side effects were documented and recurrent endometriomas were diagnosed in 3 patients (1.5%). CONCLUSION: The data indicates that dienogest was both tolerable and safe for long-term use as prophylaxis in an effort to obviate the recurrence of ovarian endometrioma post-operatively, as well as potential need for surgical re-intervention.

A New Instrument for Measuring Tibial Torsion in Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the validity and reliability of a new instrument for measuring the thigh-foot angle (TFA) for the patients with in-toeing and out-toeing gait. METHODS: The new instrument (Thigh-Foot Supporter [TFS]) was developed by measuring the TFA during regular examination of the tibial torsional status. The study included 40 children who presented with in-toeing and out-toeing gaits. We took a picture of each case to measure photographic-TFA (P-TFA) in the proper position and to establish a criterion. Study participants were examined by three independent physicians (A, B, and C) who had one, three and ten years of experience in the field, respectively. Each examiner conducted a separate classical physical examination (CPE) of every participant using a gait goniometer followed by a TFA assessment of each pediatric patient with or without the TFS. Thirty minutes later, repeated in the same way was measured. RESULTS: Less experienced examiner A showed significant differences between the TFA values depending on whether TFS used (left p=0.003 and right p=0.008). However, experienced examiners B and C did not show significant differences. Using TFS, less experienced examiner A showed a high validity and all examiner's inter-test and the inter-personal reliabilities increased. CONCLUSION: TFS may increase validity and reliability in measuring tibial torsion in patients who has a rotational problem in lower extremities. It would be more useful in less experienced examiners.

Treatment of Auricular Deformities with the EarWell System in Three Newborns

Auricular deformities occur frequently in newborn infants. Typically, most pediatricians explain to parents that these deformities will get better as child grows older. But, only about 30% of auricular deformities are known to be self-correcting, and there is no reliable model to predict them. If ear molding is initiated during the first days of life with the EarWell System, successful treatment could be possible without pain in a non-surgical way. We present 3 cases of auricular deformities treated with the EarWell System. 2 infants were born with auricular deformities at Gangnam Cha Medical Center and 1 infant visited the outpatient clinic for the treatment of auricular deformities. 5 ears in 3 infants underwent ear molding using the EarWell System. They had it placed on the 20th day after birth. Average treatment time was 18.7 days, and all of them were corrected. Complications were redness, oozing, erosion and mild pressure ulcerations. Early recognition and treatment of the auricular deformity ensure the great prospect of success. Also, it is important for both the parents and the pediatricians to know that auricular deformities could be successfully treated with Earwell System.

Atypical Neonatal Marfan Syndrome with p.Glu1073Lys Mutation of FBN1: the First Case in Korea

Neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS) is considered to be on the most severe end of the spectrum of type I fibrillinopathies. The common features of nMFS include ascending aortic dilatation, severe mitral and/or tricuspid valve insufficiency, ectopia lentis, arachnodactyly, joint contractures, crumpled ear, loose skin, and pulmonary emphysema.We describe a newborn male diagnosed with nMFS. He presented several atypical features, such as diaphragmatic eventration, severe hydronephrosis with hydroureter, and dilated cisterna magna. Molecular analysis revealed a missense mutation at nucleotide 3217 (c.3217G>A) in exon 26 of the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene, resulting in the substitution of a glutamate for a lysine at codon 1073 (E1073K) in the 12th calcium binding epidermal growth factor-like domain of the FBN1 protein. Here we report a rare case of Nmfs with several combined atypical features, such as diaphragmatic eventration, severe hydronephrosis with hydroureter, and dilated cisterna magna. Our report is the first atypical nMFS case with p.Glu1073Lys mutation of FBN1 in Korea and may help clinicians with the diagnosis and follow-up of atypical nMFS.

A Case of Fetal Cholelithiasis Related to Maternal Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Despite the improved accuracy and increasing use of prenatal ultrasonography, fetal cholelithiasis is a rarely detected disease, and its natural history and clinical significance are not yet well defined. Many maternal and neonatal risk factors are associated with fetal cholelithiasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy could be a risk factor for fetal cholelithiasis, but no case reports in previous literatures have demonstrated this relationship. We present a case of fetal cholelithiasis in the late third trimester of pregnancy that was related to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, along with a brief review of associated literatures.

Relationship Between HbA1c and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Stroke Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in stroke patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of stroke patients from January 2012 to December 2013. We reviewed 331 patients and included 200 in the analysis. We divided them into CRPS and non-CRPS groups and compared them by age, gender, stroke lesion, cause of stroke, duration of T2DM, HbA1c (%), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, affected shoulder flexor muscle strength, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, motricity index, Functional Independence Measure, Korean version of Modified Barthel Index, blood glucose level on admission day, duration from stroke onset to HbA1c check, and duration from stroke onset to three-phase bone scan for CRPS diagnosis. Thereafter, we classified the patients into five groups by HbA1c level (group 1, 5.0%–5.9%; group 2, 6.0%–6.9%; group 3, 7.0%–7.9%; group 4, 8.0%–8.9%; and group 5, 9.0%–9.9%) and we investigated the difference in CRPS prevalence between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients, 108 were in the CRPS group and 92 were in the non-CRPS group. There were significant differences in HbA1c (p<0.05) between the two groups but no significant differences in any other factors. Across the five HbA1c groups, there were significant differences in CRPS prevalence (p<0.01); specifically, it increased as HbA1c increased. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that higher HbA1c relates to higher CRPS prevalence and thus that uncontrolled blood glucose can affect CRPS occurrence in stroke patients with diabetes.

The Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes of 48 Cases of Heterotopic Pregnancy from a Single Center

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors that are associated with heterotopic pregnancy (HP) following in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) and to demonstrate the outcomes of HP after the surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancies. Forty-eight patients from a single center, who were diagnosed with HP between 1998 and 2012 were included. All of the patients had received infertility treatments, such as Clomid with timed coitus (n = 1, 2.1%), superovulation with intrauterine insemination (n = 7, 14.6%), fresh non-donor IVF-ET (n = 33, 68.8%), and frozen-thawed cycles (n = 7, 14.6%). Eighty-four additional patients were randomly selected as controls from the IVF registry database. HP was diagnosed at 7.5 ± 1.2 weeks (range 5.4-10.3) gestational age. In six cases (12.5%), the diagnosis was made three weeks after the patients underwent treatment for abortion. There were significant differences in the history of ectopic pregnancy (22.5% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in either group between the rates of first trimester intrauterine fetal loss (15.0% vs. 13.1%) or live birth (80.0% vs. 84.1%) after the surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy. The risk factors for HP include a history of ectopic pregnancy (OR 7.191 [1.591-32.513], P = 0.010), abortion (OR 3.948 [1.574-9.902], P = 0.003), and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (OR 10.773 [2.415-48.060], P = 0.002). In patients undergoing IVF-ET, history of ectopic pregnancy, abortion, and OHSS may be risk factors for HP as compared to the control group of other IVF patients. The surgical treatment of HP does not appear to affect the rates of first trimester fetal loss or live birth.

Effect of Prophylactic Palivizumab on Admission Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Former Very Low Birth Weight Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of prophylactic palivizumab on hospitalization secondary to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection (RSVhospitalization) in former very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This study also sought to identify the risk factors of RSVhospitalizationin this particular infant population. A prospective observational study was conducted between September 2007 and April 2008 in seven Korean hospitals. Children with a history of very low birth weight, a diagnosis of BPD and who were <2 yr old at the onset of the RSV season were included in this study. Palivizumab injections were administered monthly for a maximum of five months during the RSV season. RSVhospitalization rates were reviewed, and RSVhospitalization rates between subgroups were categorized by gestational age, birth weight, and duration of ventilator care. A total of 90 subjects completed the follow-up interviews. The mean gestational age at birth was 26.1+/-1.7 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 889.4+/-222.2 g. The incidence of RSVhospitalization in the study population was 8.9% (8/90), and the mean hospital stay was 11.0+/-5.5 days, including one death. There were no statistically significant differences in the patients' demographic characteristics or risk factors for RSV hospitalization. When subgroup analyses were conducted, there were still no statistically significant differences. The administration of palivizumab prophylaxis during the entire RSV season is important in VLBWI with BPD, regardless of their gestational age and birth weight, or previous ventilator dependency.

Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels before Surgery in Patients with Ovarian Endometriomas Compared to Other Benign Ovarian Cysts

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate preoperative anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with endometrioma or other benign ovarian cysts and differences of AMH changes according to various characteristics. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients aged 20 to 39 years who underwent surgery for benign ovarian cyst were enrolled retrospectively. Of these, 65 patients were diagnosed as endometriomas, and 32 had other benign cysts. Serum AMH, mean, maximum, and total diameter of ovarian cysts were measured. The AMH levels were compared according to pathology (endometrioma vs. other benign cyst), size of ovarian cyst, age-matched AMH quartile percentile and characteristics of endometrioma. RESULTS: Preoperative serum AMH level was significantly lower in endometrioma group than other benign cyst group (4.12 +/- 2.42 ng/mL vs. 6.02 +/- 2.29 ng/mL, P or = 75 percentile in endometrioma group (24.6% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.035). Among 4 subgroups of endometrioma, patients with AMH level > or = 75 percentile were significantly decreased in multiple bilateral endometrioma group. Mean and total diameter of cysts were negatively correlated with preoperative serum AMH level in other benign cyst group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that preoperative AMH level measurement might be considered in women with endometrioma, especially in 30 to 39 years old, multiple bilateral type, or big-sized other benign ovarian cyst to assess the diminished ovarian reserve.

Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa) Arising in the Omentum with Metastatic Peritoneal Seeding: A Case Report / 대한내과학회지

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) as a mesenchymal neoplasia composed of perivascular epithelioid cells with characteristic morphological and immunohistochemical features. They are rarely malignant. Indeed, only a few cases have been reported in the English literature, and this is the first case of PEComa reported in Korea. A 64-year-old man presented with an abdominal mass and peritoneal seeding. The patient underwent mass excision with descending colon resection and anastomosis. The primary mass and peritoneal seeding was diagnosed as a PEComa histopathologically. Seven months later, he developed liver metastasis and aggravated peritoneal seeding. Here, we report a case of malignant PEComa of the omentum.

A Case of a Huge Biliary Bezoar Treated with ESWL / 대한췌담도학회지

A bezoar is a mass formed by the accumulation of digested food. A biliary bezoar, namely a bezoar formed in the bile duct, is rare, which occurs mostly in patients who formerly underwent cholecystectomy. It appears that incompetent sphincter produces occasional reverse flow of foreign bodies including undigested food from the alimentary canal into the bile tract. Surgical treatment is used for huge biliary bezoar which is too huge to be removed by nonsurgical treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is mostly used to fragment renal or urinary calculi, but may be sparingly used against biliary calculi. This is to report the rare case of a patient with biliary bezoar who formerly underwent open cholecystectomy and choledocoduodenostomy. The patient's huge biliary bezoar was removed by ESWL and the successive execution of endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). ESWL is expected to be a comparatively safe and convenient solution to huge biliary bezoars.

Positive Maternal C-Reactive Protein Predicts Neonatal Sepsis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of maternal inflammatory marker: C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting early onset neonatal sepsis (that occurring within 72 hours after birth). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 low birth weight newborns (gestation 32+/-3.2 wk, birth weight 1887+/-623 g) and their mothers were included. Neonates were divided into sepsis group (n=51) including both proven (positive blood culture) and suspected (negative blood culture but with more than 3 abnormal clinical signs), and controls (n=75). Mothers were subgrouped into CRP positive > or =1.22 mg/dL (n=48) and CRP negative 1.22 mg/dL) had sensitivity 71% and specificity 84% for predicting neonatal sepsis. Maternal CRP positive group had more neonatal sepsis than CRP negative group (71% vs. 29%, p or =1.22 mg/dL). In newborn of CRP positive mother, the clinician may be alerted to earlier evaluation for possible neonatal infection prior to development of sepsis.

The safety and efficacy of recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 in human asthmatics: A pilot study

PURPOSE: Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) has been shown to inhibit airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse model of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled recombinant FGF2 in asthmatic patients. METHODS: Eight asthmatics were eligible for the study. All patients were admitted to a hospital, and recombinant FGF2 was administered using a nebulizer at a concentration of 4.5 ng/mL three times a day for one week. Pulmonary function test, methacholine bronchial provocation test, induced sputum analysis, asthma control test (ACT), and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) were performed at the beginning of wash-out period, before and after the treatment, and at the end of study. And all these parameters were compared before and after FGF2 treatment. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events associated with recombinant FGF2 during five-week study period. Daytime and nocturnal symptoms improved after the treatment (P=0.028 and P=0.012, respectively). AQLQ and ACT also improved after the treatment (P=0.017 and P=0.011, respectively). However, lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation showed no significant difference before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Inhaled recombinant FGF2 was safely used to eight asthmatics without any serious adverse events, and improved daytime and nocturnal symptoms, and quality of life in adult asthmatics. FGF2 may be a potential drug in the treatment of asthma.

ERRATUM: Author's Name Correction. The safety and efficacy of recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 in human asthmatics: A pilot study

The fourth author's name was misprinted.