Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Quality of Life, Depressive Mood and Metabolic Syndrome in Obstructive Lung Disease Patients: Analysis of Data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016 / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The objective of this study was to investigate whether alcohol consumption might affect the quality of life (QOL), depressive mood, and metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). @*Methods@#Data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016. OLD was defined as spirometry of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <0.7 in those aged more than 40 years. QOL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Questionnaire-5D (EQ-5D) index. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depressive mood. Alcohol consumption was based on a history of alcohol ingestion during the previous month. @*Results@#A total of 984 participants with OLD (695 males, 289 females, age 65.8±9.7 years) were enrolled. The EQ-5D index was significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (n=525) than in non-alcohol drinkers (n=459) (0.94±0.11 vs. 0.91±0.13, p=0.002). PHQ- 9 scores were considerably lower in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (2.15±3.57 vs. 2.78±4.13, p=0.013). However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption was not associated with EQ-5D index or PHQ-9 score. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women, and blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg were significantly more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (all p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Alcohol consumption did not change the QOL or depressive mood of OLD patients. However, metabolic syndrome-related factors were more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers.

Risk Factor and Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism Combined with Infectious Disease / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Infectious conditions may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factor for combined infectious disease and its influence on mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).METHODS: Patients with PE diagnosed based on spiral computed tomography findings of the chest were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into two groups: patients who developed PE in the setting of infectious disease or those with PE without infection based on review of their medical charts.RESULTS: Of 258 patients with PE, 67 (25.9%) were considered as having PE combined with infectious disease. The sites of infections were the respiratory tract in 52 patients (77.6%), genitourinary tract in three patients (4.5%), and hepatobiliary tract in three patients (4.5%). Underlying lung disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.926–7.081; p<0.001), bed-ridden state (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.390–5.811; p=0.004), and malignant disease (OR, 1.867; 95% CI, 1.017–3.425; p=0.044) were associated with combined infectious disease in patients with PE. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with PE combined with infectious disease than in those with PE without infection (24.6% vs. 11.0%, p=0.006). In the multivariate analysis, combined infectious disease (OR, 4.189; 95% CI, 1.692–10.372; p=0.002) were associated with non-survivors in patients with PE.CONCLUSION: A substantial portion of patients with PE has concomitant infectious disease and it may contribute a mortality in patients with PE.

Retrospective Analysis of Long-Term Survival in Very Elderly (Age ≥80) Critically Ill Patients of a Medical Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival rates of very elderly (age ≥80) critically ill patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) at a regional tertiary-care hospital in Korea. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who survived after discharged from the MICU of our hospital. Survival rates at 90 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were assessed between patients age ≥80 and those age <80. Survival status was evaluated using the National Health Insurance Service data. @*Results@#A total of 468 patients were admitted, 286 (179 males, 97 females; mean age, 70.18±13.2) of whom survived and were discharged soon after their treatment. Among these patients, 69 (24.1%) were age ≥80 and 217 (75.9%) were age <80. The 90-day, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates of patients age ≥80 were significantly lower than those in patients age <80 (50.7%, 31.9%, 15.9% and 14.5% vs. 68.3%, 54.4%, 45.6%, and 40.1%, respectively) (p<0.01). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly lower survival rates in patients age ≥80 than in those age <80 (p=0.001). @*Conclusion@#The poor rates of long-term survival in very elderly (age ≥80) and critically ill patients admitted to an ICU should be considered while managing and treating them.

Clinical Impact of Supplementation of Vitamins B1 and C on Patients with Sepsis- Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Although few studies have reported improved clinical outcomes with the administration of vitamin B1 and C in critically ill patients with septic shock or severe pneumonia, its clinical impact on patients with sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association with vitamin B and C supplementation and clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS. @*Methods@#Patients with ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) were included in this study. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients administered with vitamin B1 (200 mg/day) and C (2 g/day) June 2018–May 2019 (the supplementation group) and those who did not receive vitamin B1 and C administration June 2017–May 2018 (the control group). @*Results@#Seventy-nine patients were included. Thirty-three patients received vitamin B1 and C whereas 46 patients did not. Steroid administration was more frequent in patients receiving vitamin B1 and C supplementation than in those without it. There were no significant differences in the mortality between the patients who received vitamin B1 and C and those who did not. There were not significant differences in ventilator and ICU-free days between each of the 21 matched patients. @*Conclusion@#Vitamin B1 and C supplementation was not associated with reduced mortality rates, and ventilator and ICU-free days in patients with sepsis-related ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Risk Factor and Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism Combined with Infectious Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND@#Infectious conditions may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factor for combined infectious disease and its influence on mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).@*METHODS@#Patients with PE diagnosed based on spiral computed tomography findings of the chest were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into two groups: patients who developed PE in the setting of infectious disease or those with PE without infection based on review of their medical charts.@*RESULTS@#Of 258 patients with PE, 67 (25.9%) were considered as having PE combined with infectious disease. The sites of infections were the respiratory tract in 52 patients (77.6%), genitourinary tract in three patients (4.5%), and hepatobiliary tract in three patients (4.5%). Underlying lung disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.926–7.081; p<0.001), bed-ridden state (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.390–5.811; p=0.004), and malignant disease (OR, 1.867; 95% CI, 1.017–3.425; p=0.044) were associated with combined infectious disease in patients with PE. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with PE combined with infectious disease than in those with PE without infection (24.6% vs. 11.0%, p=0.006). In the multivariate analysis, combined infectious disease (OR, 4.189; 95% CI, 1.692–10.372; p=0.002) were associated with non-survivors in patients with PE.@*CONCLUSION@#A substantial portion of patients with PE has concomitant infectious disease and it may contribute a mortality in patients with PE.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Pulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Infected with Influenza versus Other Respiratory Viruses / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Although the frequency of respiratory viral infection in patients with pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not uncommon, clinical significance of the condition remains to be further elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza and other respiratory viruses. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with respiratory viruses January 2014–June 2018 were reviewed. Respiratory viral infection was identified by multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Among 126 patients who underwent multiplex RT-PCR, respiratory viral infection was identified in 46% (58/126): 28 patients with influenza and 30 patients with other respiratory viruses. There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory viruses. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was more frequent in patients with influenza than in those with other respiratory viruses (32.1% vs 3.3%, p=0.006). Co-bacterial pathogens were more frequently isolated from respiratory samples of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza virus than those with other respiratory viruses. (53.6% vs 26.7%, p=0.036). There were no significant differences regarding clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II was associated with 30-mortality (odds ratio, 1.158; 95% confidence interval, 1.022–1.312; p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Respiratory viral infection was not uncommon in patients with pulmonary ARDS. Influenza virus was most commonly identified and was associated with more co-bacterial infection and ECMO therapy.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Pulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Infected with Influenza versus Other Respiratory Viruses / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND@#Although the frequency of respiratory viral infection in patients with pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not uncommon, clinical significance of the condition remains to be further elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza and other respiratory viruses.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with respiratory viruses January 2014–June 2018 were reviewed. Respiratory viral infection was identified by multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).@*RESULTS@#Among 126 patients who underwent multiplex RT-PCR, respiratory viral infection was identified in 46% (58/126): 28 patients with influenza and 30 patients with other respiratory viruses. There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory viruses. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was more frequent in patients with influenza than in those with other respiratory viruses (32.1% vs 3.3%, p=0.006). Co-bacterial pathogens were more frequently isolated from respiratory samples of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza virus than those with other respiratory viruses. (53.6% vs 26.7%, p=0.036). There were no significant differences regarding clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II was associated with 30-mortality (odds ratio, 1.158; 95% confidence interval, 1.022–1.312; p=0.022).@*CONCLUSION@#Respiratory viral infection was not uncommon in patients with pulmonary ARDS. Influenza virus was most commonly identified and was associated with more co-bacterial infection and ECMO therapy.

Erratum: Comparison of clinical utility between diaphragm excursion and thickening change using ultrasonography to predict extubation success

There is a mistake in the affiliation. The correct affiliation is "Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine."

Body Mass Index as a Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Data of patients admitted to medical ICU from December 2011 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to their BMI: underweight ( < 18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), and overweight (≥25 kg/m2). The incidence of AKI was compared among these groups and factors associated with the development of AKI were analyzed. AKI was defined according to the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage (RIFLE) kidney disease criteria. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were analyzed. Their mean BMI was 21.5±3.9 kg/m2, including 102 (21.8%) underweight, 286 (61.1%) normal-weight, and 80 (17.1%) overweight patients. Overall, AKI occurred in 82 (17.5%) patients. The overweight group had significantly (p < 0.001) higher incidence of AKI (36.3%) than the underweight (9.8%) or normal group (15.0%). In addition, BMI was significantly higher in patients with AKI than that in those without AKI (23.4±4.2 vs. 21.1±3.7, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI was significantly associated with the development of AKI (odds ratio, 1.893; 95% confidence interval, 1.224–2.927). CONCLUSION: BMI may be associated with the development of AKI in critically ill patients.

Use of serology and polymerase chain reaction to detect atypical respiratory pathogens during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To use serological and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to examine sputum samples from patients experiencing acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) for the presence of atypical pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. METHODS: From September 2012 to February 2014, 341 patients with AECOPD attending outpatient clinics were enrolled as part of a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibody titers on the first day of the study and at 36 days post-enrollment. Multiplex PCR was used to test sputum samples for the presence of atypical pathogens. A urinary antigen test for L. pneumophila was performed on the first day. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (5.6%) showed serological evidence of acute infection with M. pneumoniae. Also, one and seven patients (2%) showed serological evidence of acute infection with C. pneumoniae and L. pneumophila, respectively. All DNA samples were negative for M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and L. pneumophila according to PCR. Only one urine sample was positive for L. pneumophila antigen, but serologic evidence was lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Serological testing suggested that infection by atypical pathogens during AECOPD was relatively uncommon. In addition, PCR provided no direct evidence of infection by atypical pathogens. Thus, atypical pathogens may not be a major cause of AECOPD in South Korea.

Altered Thoracic Cage Dimensions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may cause changes in the shape of the thoracic cage by increasing lung volume and hyperinflation. This study investigated changes in thoracic cage dimensions and related factors in patients with COPD. METHODS: We enrolled 85 patients with COPD (76 males, 9 females; mean age, 70.6±7.1 years) and 30 normal controls. Thoracic cage dimensions were measured using chest computed tomography at levels 3, 6, and 9 of the thoracic spine. We measured the maximal transverse diameter, mid-sagittal anteroposterior (AP) diameter, and maximal AP diameter of the right and left hemithorax. RESULTS: The average AP diameter was significantly greater in patients with COPD compared with normal controls (13.1±2.8 cm vs. 12.2±1.13 cm, respectively; p=0.001). The ratio of AP/transverse diameter of the thoracic cage was also significantly greater in patients with COPD compared with normal controls (0.66±0.061 vs. 0.61±0.86; p=0.002). In COPD patients, the AP diameter of the thoracic cage was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and 6-minute walk test distance (r=0.395, p<0.001 and r=0.238, p=0.028) and negatively correlated with increasing age (r=−0.231, p=0.034). Multiple regression analysis revealed independent correlation only between BMI and increased ratio of AP/transverse diameter of the thoracic cage (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD exhibited an increased AP diameter of the thoracic cage compared with normal controls. BMI was associated with increased AP diameter in these patients.

Comparison of clinical utility between diaphragm excursion and thickening change using ultrasonography to predict extubation success

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Both diaphragmatic excursion and change in muscle thickening are measured using ultrasonography (US) to assess diaphragm function and mechanical ventilation weaning outcomes. However, which parameter can better predict successful extubation remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical utility of these two diaphragmatic parameters to predict extubation success. METHODS: This study included patients subjected to extubation trial in the medical or surgical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated hospital from May 2015 through February 2016. Diaphragm excursion and percent of thickening change (Δtdi%) were measured using US within 24 hours before extubation. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included, and 78.3% (47/60) of these patients were successfully extubated, whereas 21.7% (13/60) were not. The median degree of excursion was greater in patients with extubation success than in those with extubation failure (1.65 cm vs. 0.8 cm, p < 0.001). Patients with extubation success had a greater Δtdi% than those with extubation failure (42.1% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.03). The areas under the receiver operating curve for excursion and Δtdi% were 0.836 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.717 to 0.919) and 0.698 (95% CI, 0.566 to 0.810), respectively (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragm excursion seems more accurate than a change in the diaphragm thickness to predict extubation success.

Outcomes of very elderly (≥ 80 years) critical-ill patients in a medical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes in very elderly (≥ 80 years of age) critical-ill patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) in a regional single tertiary hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated prospectively collected data in the MICU for the period of December 2011 to May 2014. Patients were divided into ≥ 80 and < 80 years of age and clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared among these patients. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were evaluated and 102 patients (21.7%) were ≥ 80 years of age. Overall mortality was 38.5% in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 44.7% in the hospital. There was no significant difference in ICU and in-hospital mortalities between those ≥ 80 years and those < 80 years (34.9% vs. 39.5% for ICU mortality; 40.6% vs. 45.9% for in-hospital mortality). Lengths of ICU and hospital stays were significantly longer in patients < 80 years compared to patients ≥ 80 years (10.57 ± 19.96 days vs. 8.19 ± 8.78 days for ICU stay; 27.95 ± 39.62 days vs. 18.17 ± 15.44 days for hospital stay). The rate of withholding intensive care in hospital stay over 48 hours was significantly higher in patients ≥ 80 years compared to patients < 80 years (22.9% vs. 11.8%). In multivariate analysis, weaning failure and withdrawal or withholding of intensive care in ICU was significantly related to death in patients with age ≥ 80. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes were not significantly different for very elderly critical-ill patients compared to those of their younger counterparts in the MICU in this study.

A prospective cohort study of latent tuberculosis in adult close contacts of active pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in adult close contacts of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients in Korea. METHODS: Adult close contacts of active pulmonary TB patients were recruited at a regional tertiary hospital in Korea. The participants were tested for LTBI using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) test. LTBI patients, who consented to treatment, were randomly assigned to receive isoniazid for 9 months (9INH) or rifampin for 4 months (4RIF). RESULTS: We examined 189 adult close contacts (> 18 years) of 107 active pulmonary TB patients. The TST and QFT-G were positive (≥ 10 mm) in 75/183 (39.7%) and 45/118 (38.1%) tested participants, respectively. Among 88 TST or QFT-G positive LTBI participants, 45 participants were randomly assigned to receive 4RIF (n = 21) or 9INH (n = 24), respectively. The average treatment duration for the 4RIF and 9INH groups was 3.3 ± 1.3 and 6.1 ± 2.7 months, respectively. Treatment was completed in 25 participants (4RIF, n = 16; 9INH, n = 9). LTBI participants who accepted treatment were more likely to be women and have more cavitary lesions on the chest radiographs of index cases and positive TST and QFT-G results compared to those who refused treatment. CONCLUSIONS: About 40% of adult close contacts of active pulmonary TB patients had LTBI; about 50% of these LTBI participants agreed to treatment.

Usefulness of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood is a useful systemic inflammatory response biomarker. However, NLR has not been studied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was aimed to evaluate the usefulness of NLR in patients with COPD. METHODS: NLR was prospectively measured and compared in patients with COPD exacerbation (n = 59), patients with stable COPD (n = 61), and healthy controls (n = 28). NLR in patients with COPD exacerbation was repeatedly measured in the convalescent period. The correlation between NLR and clinical parameters was evaluated, and the predictors for respiratory hospitalization were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: NLR values were significantly higher in patients with COPD exacerbation compared with stable COPD patients and controls (12.4 ± 10.6, 2.4 ± 0.7, 1.4 ± 0.5, respectively; p < 0.001). NLR was significantly decreased during the convalescent period in patients with COPD exacerbation (4.5 ± 4.6 vs. 11.5 ± 8.8, p < 0.001). NLR exhibited a significant correlation with the body mass index, degree of airway obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index, the 6-minute walk test, and the modified Medical Research Council scale. NLR ≥ 2.8 was an independent predictor with a borderline significance for respiratory hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.083; p = 0.079). Body mass index and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were independent predictors for respiratory hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: NLR is a straightforward and effective biomarker of COPD exacerbation that may serve as a predictor for respiratory hospitalization in patients with COPD.

Unplanned Extubation in Patients with Mechanical Ventilation: Experience in the Medical Intensive Care Unit of a Single Tertiary Hospital / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Potentially harmful unplanned extubation (UE) may occur in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of UE and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with MV in a medical ICU (MICU). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated MICU data prospectively collected between December 2011 and May 2014. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients were admitted to the MICU, of whom 450 were on MV. Of the patients on MV, 30 (6.7%) experienced UE; 13 (43.3%) required reintubation after UE, whereas 17 (56.7%) did not require reintubation. Patients who required reintubation had a significantly longer MV duration and ICU stay than did those not requiring reintubation (19.4+/-15.1 days vs. 5.9+/-5.9 days days and 18.1+/-14.2 days vs. 7.1+/-6.5 days, respectively; p<0.05). In addition, mortality rate was significantly higher among patients requiring reintubation than among those not requiring reintubation (54.5% vs. 5.9%; p=0.007). These two groups of patients exhibited no significant differences, within 2 hours after UE, in the fraction of inspired oxygen, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and pH. CONCLUSION: Although reintubation may not always be required in patients with UE, it is associated with a poor outcome after UE.

Clinical Characteristics of the Development of Pneumothorax in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care Units / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax (PTX) can occur as a complication of positive pressure ventilation in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of patients who developed PTX during mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: Of the 326 patients admitted (208 men and 118 women; mean age, 65.3 +/- 8.74 years), 15 (4.7%) developed PTX, which was MV-associated in 11 (3.3%) cases (6 men and 5 women; mean age, 68.3 +/- 9.12 years) and procedure-associated in 4. Among the patients with MV-associated PTX, the underlying lung diseases were acute respiratory distress syndrome in 7 patients, interstitial lung disease in 2 patients, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2 patients. PTX diagnosis was achieved by chest radiography alone in 9 patients and chest computed tomography alone in 2 patients. Nine patients were using assist-control mode MV with the mean applied positive end-expiratory pressure, 9 +/- 4.6 cmH2O and the mean tidal volume, 361 +/- 63.7 ml at the diagnosis of PTX. Two patients died as a result of MV-associated PTX and their systolic pressure was below 80 mmHg and heart rates were less than 80/min. Ten patients were treated by chest tube insertion, and 1 patient was treated by percutaneous pigtail catheter insertion. CONCLUSIONS: PTX can develop in patients undergoing MV, and may cause death. Early recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent hemodynamic compromise in patients who develop PTX.

Curcumin Attenuates Radiation-Induced Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rat Lungs

A beneficial radioprotective agent has been used to treat the radiation-induced lung injury. This study was performed to investigate whether curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could ameliorate radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in irradiated lungs. Rats were given daily doses of intragastric curcumin (200 mg/kg) prior to a single irradiation and for 8 weeks after radiation. Histopathologic findings demonstrated that macrophage accumulation, interstitial edema, alveolar septal thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and collapse in radiation-treated lungs were inhibited by curcumin administration. Radiation-induced transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, and collagen accumulation were also inhibited by curcumin. Moreover, western blot analysis revealed that curcumin lowered radiation-induced increases of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Curcumin also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 in radiation-treated lungs. These results indicate that long-term curcumin administration may reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation treatment.

Development of Acute Respiratory Failure on Initiation of Anti-Tuberculosis Medication in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Clinical and Radiologic Features of 8 Patients and Literature Review / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory failure can occur paradoxically on initiation of anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients with pulmonary TB. This study is aimed to analyze the clinical features of anti-TB treatment induced acute respiratory failure. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of 8 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (5 men and 3 women; mean age, 55 +/- 15.5 years) who developed acute respiratory failure following initiation of anti-TB medication and thus required mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: The interval between initiation of anti-TB medication and development of MV-requiring acute respiratory failure was 2-14 days (mean, 4.4 +/- 4.39 days), and the duration of MV was 1-18 days (mean, 7.1 +/- 7.03 days). At admission, body temperature and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were increased. Serum levels of protein, albumin and creatinine were 5.8 +/- 0.98, 2.3 +/- 0.5 and 1.8 +/- 2.58 mg/ml, respectively. Radiographs characterized both lung involvements in all patients. Consolidation with the associated nodule was noted in 7 patients, ground glass opacity in 2, and cavitary lesion in 4. Micronodular lesion in the lungs, suggesting miliary tuberculosis lesion, was noted in 1 patient. At ICU admissions, the ranges of the APACHE II and SOFA scores were 17-38 (mean, 28.2 +/- 7.26) and 6-14 (mean, 10.1 +/- 2.74). The mean lung injury score was 2.8 +/- 0.5. Overall, 6 patients died owing to septic shock and multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: On initiation of treatment for pulmonary TB, acute respiratory failure can paradoxically occur in patients with extensive lung parenchymal involvement and high mortality.

Clinical Features according to the Frequency of Acute Exacerbation in COPD / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now regarded as a heterogenous disease, with variable phenotypes. Acute exacerbation of COPD is a major event that alters the natural course of disease. The frequency of COPD exacerbation is variable among patients. We analyzed clinical features, according to the frequency of acute exacerbation in COPD. METHODS: Sixty patients, who visited Gyeongsang National University Hospital from March 2010 to October 2010, were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups, according to their frequency of acute exacerbation. Frequent exacerbator is defined as the patient who has two or more exacerbation per one year. We reviewed patients' medical records and investigated modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale, smoking history and frequency of acute exacerbation. We also conducted pulmonary function test and 6-minute walking test, calculated body mass index, degree of airway obstruction and dyspnea and exercise capacity (BODE) index and measured CD146 cells in the peripheral blood. RESULTS: The number of frequent exacerbators and infrequent exacerbators was 20 and 40, respectively. The frequent exacerbator group had more severe airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], 45% vs. 65.3%, p=0.001; FEV1/forced vital capacity, 44.3% vs. 50.5%, p=0.046). MMRC dyspnea scale and BODE index were significantly higher in the frequent exacerbator group (1.8 vs. 1.1, p=0.016; 3.9 vs. 2.1, p=0.014, respectively). The fraction of CD146 cells significantly increased in the frequent exacerbator group (2.0 vs. 1.0, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Frequent exacerbator had more severe airway obstruction and higher symptom score and BODE index. However, circulating endothelial cells measured by CD146 needed to be confirmed in the future.