Incidence of Infection among Subjects with Helicobacter pylori Seroconversion

Background/Aims@#Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seroconversion may occur during screening for gastric cancer. Our study aimed to assess the number of seroconverted subjects with H. pylori and their results in follow-up tests. @*Methods@#Data were consecutively collected on subjects who were H. pylori-seronegative and presented for gastric cancer screening. Subjects who were followed up using the same serology test and pepsinogen (PG) assays on the day of endoscopy were included in the study. @*Results@#During the follow-up of 57.7 ± 21.4 months, 61 (15.0%) of 407 seronegative subjects showed seroconversion. H. pylori infection was detected in six (9.8%) of 61 seroconverted subjects. A diffuse red fundal appearance, with a significant increase in the Kyoto classification scores for gastritis, was observed in the infected subjects (p<0.001). Compared to the false-seropositive subjects, infected subjects showed higher serology titers (p<0.001) and PG II levels (p<0.001), and lower PG I/II ratios (p=0.002), in the follow-up tests. @*Conclusions@#Seroconversion occurred in 3.3% of seronegative subjects per year; however, only 9.8% had H. pylori infection. The majority (90.2%) of the seroconverted subjects showed false seropositivity without significant changes in the follow-up test results. The diffuse red fundal appearance could be an indicator of H. pylori infection.

Diagnosis and Management of Iatrogenic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Perforations Based on the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Position Statement / 대한내과학회지

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related iatrogenic perforations are identified when gas or luminal contents exit the gastrointestinal tract during ERCP. Although perforations are rare, mortality is high; prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential. A multidisciplinary approach is required. The vast majority of such patients can be safely managed medically and endoscopically but must be carefully selected. Endoscopic closure can be considered, depending on the type of perforation. In patients who are deteriorating or whose iatrogenic perforations are not securely closed endoscopically, surgery is mandatory.

Diagnosis and Management of Iatrogenic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Perforations Based on the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Position Statement / 대한내과학회지

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related iatrogenic perforations are identified when gas or luminal contents exit the gastrointestinal tract during ERCP. Although perforations are rare, mortality is high; prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential. A multidisciplinary approach is required. The vast majority of such patients can be safely managed medically and endoscopically but must be carefully selected. Endoscopic closure can be considered, depending on the type of perforation. In patients who are deteriorating or whose iatrogenic perforations are not securely closed endoscopically, surgery is mandatory.

Longstanding postoperative fluid collection influences recurrence of pancreatic malignancy

Background/Aims@#Postoperative abdominal fluid collection (PAFC) is a frequent complication of pancreatobiliary cancer surgery. The effects of the existence and duration of PAFC are not well known. This study aimed to assess the effects of PAFC on patient prognosis after surgery for pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma and the association of longstanding PAFC with the recurrence of pancreatic cancer. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the data of 194 consecutive patients with pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma who underwent curative operations from August 2005 to December 2019. The presence of PAFC was assessed using computed tomography within a week of surgery; PAFC lasting > 4 weeks was defined as longstanding PAFC. @*Results@#Among 194 patients, PAFC occurred in 165 (85.1%), and 74 of these had longstanding PAFC. The recurrence rate of pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma was significantly higher in patients with longstanding PAFC than in patients with non-longstanding PAFC (p = 0.025). Recurrence was also significantly associated with high T stage (T3, T4; p = 0.040), lymph node involvement (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p < 0.006), and non-receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.025). Longstanding PAFC was significantly associated with the recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (p = 0.016). However, cancer-specific survival was related to neither the presence nor the duration of PAFC. @*Conclusions@#The presence of longstanding PAFC was associated with the recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, a larger prospective study is necessary to confirm the findings.

Nodular Gastritis as a Precursor Lesion of Atrophic and Metaplastic Gastritis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and metaplastic gastritis (MG) are precancerous conditions of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastric cancer. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of nodular gastritis (NG) showing CAG or MG after nodule regression.METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients with NG were included after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were excluded if their latest endoscopy had been performed ≤36 months after the initial diagnosis of NG. Small-granular-type NG was defined as the condition with 1–2 mm regular subepithelial nodules. Large-nodular-type NG was defined as those with 3–4 mm, irregular subepithelial nodules. The endoscopic findings after nodule regression were recorded.RESULTS: Among the 97 H. pylori-infected patients with NG, 61 showed nodule regression after a mean follow-up of 73.0±22.0 months. After nodule regression, 16 patients showed a salt-and-pepper appearance and/or transparent submucosal vessels, indicating CAG. Twenty-nine patients showed diffuse irregular elevations and/or whitish plaques, indicating MG. Sixteen patients with other endoscopic findings (14 normal, one erosive gastritis, and one chronic superficial gastritis) showed a higher proportion of H. pylori eradication (12/16, 75.0%) than those in the CAG group (5/16, 31.3%) and MG group (6/29, 20.7%; p=0.001). Patients with small-granular-type NG tended to progress toward CAG (14/27, 51.9%), whereas those with large-nodular-type NG tended to progress toward MG (25/34, 73.5%; p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a persistent H. pylori infection, NG tended to progress to CAG or MG when the nodules regressed. Small-granular-type NG tended to progress to CAG, whereas large-nodular-type NG tended to progress to MG.

7,8,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone, a Metabolized Product of Daidzein, Attenuates 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells

Daidzein isolated from soybean (Glycine max) has been widely studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective effects of 7,8,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF), a major metabolite of daidzein, on 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity are not well understood. In the current study, 7,8,4′-THIF significantly inhibited neuronal cell death and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release induced by 6-OHDA in SH-SY5Y cells, which were used as an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, pretreatment with 7,8,4′-THIF significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, 7,8,4′-THIF significantly recovered 6-OHDA-induced cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), increased Bax, and decreased Bcl-2 levels. Additionally, 7,8,4′-THIF significantly restored the expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Further, 7,8,4′-THIF significantly increased the reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) level induced by 6-OHDA in SH-SY5Y cells. Collectively, these results suggest that 7,8,4′-THIF protects against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death in cellular PD models. Also, these effects are mediated partly by inhibiting activation of the MAPK and PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathways.

Nodular Gastritis as a Precursor Lesion of Atrophic and Metaplastic Gastritis / 대한소화기병학회잡지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and metaplastic gastritis (MG) are precancerous conditions of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related gastric cancer. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of nodular gastritis (NG) showing CAG or MG after nodule regression. METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients with NG were included after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were excluded if their latest endoscopy had been performed ≤36 months after the initial diagnosis of NG. Small-granular-type NG was defined as the condition with 1–2 mm regular subepithelial nodules. Large-nodular-type NG was defined as those with 3–4 mm, irregular subepithelial nodules. The endoscopic findings after nodule regression were recorded. RESULTS: Among the 97 H. pylori-infected patients with NG, 61 showed nodule regression after a mean follow-up of 73.0±22.0 months. After nodule regression, 16 patients showed a salt-and-pepper appearance and/or transparent submucosal vessels, indicating CAG. Twenty-nine patients showed diffuse irregular elevations and/or whitish plaques, indicating MG. Sixteen patients with other endoscopic findings (14 normal, one erosive gastritis, and one chronic superficial gastritis) showed a higher proportion of H. pylori eradication (12/16, 75.0%) than those in the CAG group (5/16, 31.3%) and MG group (6/29, 20.7%; p=0.001). Patients with small-granular-type NG tended to progress toward CAG (14/27, 51.9%), whereas those with large-nodular-type NG tended to progress toward MG (25/34, 73.5%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a persistent H. pylori infection, NG tended to progress to CAG or MG when the nodules regressed. Small-granular-type NG tended to progress to CAG, whereas large-nodular-type NG tended to progress to MG.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Radiofrequency Ablation with Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ineligible for Curative Treatment / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical resection or ablation is recommended for the treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is frequently used in early HCC ineligible for curative resection. We evaluated the clinical effects and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) shortly after TACE in patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage A HCC. METHODS: Sixty-seven BCLC stage A HCC patients who failed to achieve complete response to TACE as either a first line treatment and who subsequently received RFA at the Konkuk University Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2017 were included. Evaluation indices included treatment response, overall survival rate, recurrence-free survival, prognostic factors, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 46.9 months. Fifty-four (80.6%) patients were of Child-Pugh class A, and 13 (19.4%) were of class B. Modified UICC stages were I in 10 (14.9%), II in 46 (68.7%), and III in 11 (16.4%) patients. In the 67 study subjects, cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 86.8%, 55.9% and 29.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, and overall survival rates were 100%, 93.4%, and 83.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Tumor size significantly predicted recurrence. No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of RFA was an efficient and safe treatment for BCLC stage A HCC patients that failed to achieve complete response to initial TACE. We suggest TACE plus RFA be considered as a curative option for early HCC patients ineligible for curative resection of RFA.

Comparison of Work-Life Balance, Fatigue and Work Errors between 8-Hour Shift Nurses and 12-Hour Shift Nurses in Hospital General Wards / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine effectiveness of 12-hour shifts for nurses compared to 8-hour shifts for the variables: Work-Life Balance, fatigue and work errors. METHODS: In 2014, an opportunity to choose a 12-hour shift duty was given to a group of 8-hour shift nurses. In 2016, two years after this change, this study was done to compare the two groups. Data were collected using questionnaires. Data were sampled by a matching method with propensity score matching (PSM). The participants were 128 nurses: 64 nurses on 12-hour shifts and 64 nurses on 8-hour shifts. The comparison was analyzed using χ2 test, t-test. RESULTS: The nurses on 12-hour shifts showed higher scores for Work-Life Balance (3.37) than the groups on 8-hour shifts (2.99)(p=.018) whereas were no statistical differences between the groups for fatigue (p=.132) or work errors (p=.703). CONCLUSION: The Work-Life Balance scores for nurses who chose the 12-hour shift shows an enhancement without an increase in fatigue or work errors.

Identification of Nodular Gastritis among Patients Diagnosed with Lymphofollicular Gastritis on a Gastric Biopsied Specimen / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nodular gastritis (NG) is a well-known endoscopic finding observed in patients with a Helicobacter pylori infection, which may lead to invasive gastric cancer. Lymphofollicular gastritis consists of lymphoid follicles or lymphoid cell aggregates, and is common in children. The aim of this study was to identify patients with NG from those in whom gastric biopsied specimens showed lymphoid follicles and lymphoid cell aggregates. METHODS: Subjects, whose gastric biopsy specimens showed lymphoid follicles or lymphoid cell aggregates, were included in this study. The inclusion criterion was that they underwent a serum pepsinogen assay on the day of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. NG was diagnosed if the endoscopy findings revealed regular-sized, multiple, colorless subepithelial nodules. RESULTS: Among 108 subjects who showed lymphoid follicles or lymphoid cell aggregates, 13 (12.0%) revealed NG on endoscopy, and all these subjects showed positive Giemsa staining. Patients diagnosed with NG were younger (p=0.012) and showed a female predominance (p=0.001) compared to those without NG. The mean serum pepsinogen levels were higher (p=0.001) and lymphoid follicle-dominant subjects were more common (p<0.001) in the NG subjects than in those without NG. Logistic regression analysis revealed a younger age (p=0.041) and female gender (p=0.002) to be significant independent risk factors for NG. CONCLUSIONS: NG should be distinguished from lymphofollicular gastritis because only 12% of patients showing gastric biopsy findings of lymphoid follicles and lymphoid cell aggregates demonstrated NG on endoscopy. NG is an endoscopic finding that is more common in women and in the younger population, irrespective of the biopsy findings and gastric secretory ability.

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 silencing modulates cytoprotection related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity

NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) is a down-stream target gene of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and performs diverse biological functions. Recently, NQO1 is recognized as an effective gene for the cytotoxic inserts with its diverse biological functions, which is focused on antioxidant properties. The aim of present study was to assess the impact of NQO1 knockdown on cytoprotection-related protein expression in cisplatin cytotoxicity by using small interfering (si) RNA targeted on NQO1 gene. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin on ACHN cells was assessed in a dose- and time-dependent manner after siScramble or siNQO1 treatment. After cisplatin treatment, cells were subjected to cell viability assay, western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence study. The cell viability was decreased in the siNQO1 cells (50%) than the siScramble cells (70%) after 24 h of cisplatin (20 µM) treatment. Moreover, cytoprotection-related protein expressions were markedly suppressed in the siNQO1 cells after cisplatin treatment. The expression of Nrf2 and Klotho were decreased by 20% and 40%, respectively, of that in siScramble cells. Nrf2 and Klotho activation were also decreased in cisplatin treated siNQO1 cells, confirmed by cytoplasm-to-nuclear translocation. Our findings demonstrate that the increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was accompanied by suppressed Nrf2 activation and Klotho expression in siNQO1 cells.

Erratum: Quatification of Flavonoid Contents in Chungsimyeonja-tang, a Multi-Herbal Decoction, and Its Protective Effect against Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity

Correction for incorrect control groups (A, B, and C) at a Fig. 3. and Fig. 4. respectively. NPS 2014 20(4): 251-257.

Localization of Klotho in cisplatin induced acute kidney failure / 대한수의학회지

Klotho deficiency is an early event in acute kidney injury (AKI) that exacerbates acute kidney damage. The present study explored the expression of Klotho and inflammation related factors in cisplatin-induced AKI. Rats (n = 18) were treated with cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (5 mg/kg) or left untreated as controls (n = 6), then sacrificed at 5 (n = 6) and 10 days (n = 6) treatment. Five days after cisplatin injection, the serum kidney enzymes and kidney cell apoptosis were significantly increased. Moreover, the expression of Klotho was decreased when compared to the control group, especially in the cortex and outer medulla regions. In contrast, inflammation related signals including nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis were enhanced. However, 10 days after cisplatin injection, Klotho expression was enhanced upon both IHC and Western blot analysis, with slightly recovered renal function and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, inflammation related signals expression was decreased relative to the 5 days group. Overall, this study confirmed the opposite expression patterns between Klotho and inflammation related signals and their localization in cisplatin-induced AKI kidney.

A Concealed Brugada Electrocardiogram Pattern Revealed after Administering Propafenone to a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation / 대한내과학회지

Brugada syndrome is characterized by sudden cardiac death associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia in patients without structural heart disease. We recently observed a case of concealed Brugada ECG pattern, which appeared after oral propafenone administration for atrial fibrillation. A 34-year-old male patient who experienced syncope was admitted to the emergency department with acute atrial fibrillation (AF). Three hundred milligrams of propafenone that were administered to convert AF to sinus rhythm unmasked the Brugada ECG pattern that had remained concealed. The patient showed a type 1 Brugada ECG pattern after taking propafenone.

Prevalence of Congenital Coronary Artery Anomalies of Korean Men Detected by Coronary Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been demonstrated that the anomalous origin of coronary arteries (AOCA) are generally asymptomatic and rare diseases. However, some cases can cause severe life threatening events. To detect these anomalies, coronary angiographies and autopsies were used to detect coronary artery anomalies, but these procedures have limitations because of their invasiveness. The new device, Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT), now replaces the method of choice for detecting coronary anomalies. The prevalence of these anomalies in Korea has not been studied yet. This present analysis attempted to determine the prevalence of AOCA in Korean men by MDCT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 1582 Korean male police officers underwent coronary MDCT for their health screening voluntarily. After reconstruction of CT images, we could confirm coronary artery anomalies. RESULTS: The prevalence of AOCA in Korean men was 1.14% (18 out of 1582 cases). The most common abnormality (11 cases, 0.70%) was the origin of the coronary artery. Anomalies of the coronary artery end point were observed in 5 cases (0.32%). The anomalous location of coronary ostium on the aortic root was observed in 1 case (0.06%). An anomalous collateral vessel was observed in 1 case (0.06%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies in Korean men was 1.14%. Coronary CT is a safe and noninvasive modality for detecting coronary anomalies.

Retrospective Analysis of Endoscopic Septoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We reviewed retrospective data of patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty over 5 years and provide clinical information about endoscopic septoplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty were reviewed retrospectively for clinical symptoms, surgical methods, intraoperative technique, operation time, postoperative complications and results. RESULTS: Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom. Among patients, endoscopic septoplasty alone was performed in 290 cases. Among 290 cases, 57 cases were of broad based septal defection, 13 cases septal deflection with septal spur, 16 cases isolated septal spur and 4 cases limited posterior septal deflection. The mean operation time was 32.48+/-2.76 minutes. No major complication occurred in the immediate postoperative period. Minor complications included septal hematoma (3.79%) and postoperative hemorrhage (1.03%). Sixty-five patients received statistically validated measures of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1 month and 6 months after surgery. VAS score decreased statistically from 7.75 to 0.81 at 6 mon-ths after operation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic septoplasty is a relatively safe and effective technique used to treat various types of septal pathology such as classical septal deviation, septal spur and isolated septal deflection. Endoscopy with video imaging system is valuable for education.

Clinical Significance of Transrectal Ultrasonography and Efficacy of Dutasteride Treatment in Patients with Hemospermia / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical significance of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and the efficacy of dutasteride (5alpha-reductase inhibitor) in patients with hemospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2008, 60 patients with hemospermia were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a digital rectal examination and TRUS; serum prostate specific antigen was also measured. The management of hemospermia was one of the following: watchful waiting, dutasteride treatment, or antibiotics with dutasteride. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (56.7%) had positive findings on TRUS. There were 16 cases (26.7%) of prostate calcification, 13 cases (21.7%) of ejaculatory duct cyst, 3 cases (5%) of ejaculatory duct calcification, a case of seminal vesicle inflammation, and a case of ejaculatory duct dilation. Dutasteride treatment resulted in improvement of symptoms in 87.9% (29/33) of the cases, whereas treatment with antibiotics or antibiotics with dutasteride resulted in a 100% (6/6) success rate. However, among 14 watchful waiting patients, only 3 patients (21.4%) showed an improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that TRUS is an easy and effective method for the assessment of hemospermia, and also revealed that dutasteride could be a useful agent in the treatment of hemospermia.

Rates for Handwashing Adherence Before and After Nursing Contact in Intensive Care Units / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess rates for handwashing adherence before and after nursing contact in intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: The participants included 90 nurses working in intensive care units of an 800-bed university-affiliated hospital in Gyeonggi Province and 2000-bed university-affiliated hospital in Seoul. Time for handwashing was calculated using the average number of handwashings during an 8-hour day shift. Nursing contact was based on indications as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2002). Data were analyzed using frequency, percent, t-test and chi2-test. RESULTS: During an 8-hour day shift, the average number of times that hands were washed was 25.0. The rates were significantly lower before the nursing contact than after the nursing contact when it involved sectioning, observation or contact with a wound, cleaning enteric feeding bag, physical exam, use of gloves, or contact with contaminants. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that as handwashing rates were significantly lower before nursing contacts than after nursing contacts, there is need to develop strategies to address this deficiency in handwashing.

Prostate Cancer Can Be Detected Even in Patients with Decreased PSA Less than 2.5 ng/ml after Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis

PURPOSE: We evaluated men with documented chronic prostatitis and elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to determine whether treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can lower serum PSA and the cancer detection rate in patients with post-treatment PSA <4 ng/ml. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six men who presented with serum PSA greater than 4 ng/ml and who were subsequently diagnosed with chronic prostatitis with greater than 10 white blood cells per high power field in expressed prostatic excretions were included in this prospective study. Patients meeting these criteria underwent treatment with a 4-week course of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Follow-up PSA and transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy were performed within 2 months of treatment for all patients. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 56.2 years (range, 37-72 years). Mean PSA (ng/ml) decreased by 33.8%, from 8.12 (range, 4.02-24.8) to 5.37 (range, 1.35-12.94), after treatment (p=0.001). Pathological studies revealed prostate cancer in 18 cases (20.9%), chronic inflammation in 64 (74.4%), and benign prostatic hypertrophy in 4 (4.7%). The prostate cancer detection rate according to the follow-up PSA level, below 2.5, from 2.5 to 4.0, and above 4.0, was 13.3% (2/15), 13.6% (3/22), and 26.5% (13/49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When chronic prostatitis with elevated PSA is identified, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment can lower these PSA levels. However, the possibility of prostate cancer remains in patients whose PSA level decreases to less than 4 ng/ml, even in those with a PSA level less than 2.5 ng/ml.

Infectivity and Pathogenicity of Hepatitis A Virus during an Outbreak in a Communal Living Setting / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute viral hepatitis A infection in adults is an emerging public health problem in Korea. The infectivity and pathogenicity of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among people living in close contact have not been studied previously. This study investigated the secondary attack rate and pathogenicity rate of HAV during an outbreak among auxiliary police in a communal living setting in Korea. METHODS: A total of 70 people in close contact with a hepatitis A patient (index case) were enrolled in the study, which included a thorough oral history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. The subjects were part of an auxiliary police unit living in a communal setting (HAV contact group). Serum antibody titers were measured in the contact group at two points during the study. Subjects in another auxiliary police unit without exposure to hepatitis A were examined as a control group (HAV non-contact group). The secondary attack rate and pathogenicity rate were calculated from the data. RESULTS: In the HAV non-contact group, none of the subjects had anti-HAV antibodies. In the HAV contact group, three subjects had both IgM and IgG anti-HAV antibodies, and two had only IgG anti-HAV antibodies. Two of three HAV-infected subjects were treated for hepatitis A. CONCLUSIONS: The secondary attack rate of HAV was 4.3~7.1% and the pathogenicity rate was 40~66.7% in the group of young adults.