Ezetimibe decreased nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score but not hepatic steatosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A number of clinical trials reported varying effects of cholesterol lowering agents in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. We, therefore, assessed the changes in hepatic steatosis and NAFLD activity score (NAS) after treatment with cholesterol lowering agents in NAFLD patients by metaanalysis. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, the MEDLINE, and the Embase databases were searched until May 2015, without any language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRSs). Additional references were obtained from review of bibliography of relevant articles. The quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation guidelines. RESULTS: Three RCTs (n = 98) and two NRSs (n = 101) met our study inclusion criteria (adult, NAFLD, liver biopsy). Liver biopsy was performed in all five studies, but only the three studies reported NAS. Ezetimibe significantly decreased NAS (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.57 to -0.03) but not hepatic steatosis in RCT (SMD, -0.1; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.32), while the effect was significant for both NAS and intrahepatic content in NRSs (SMD, -3.0; 95% CI, -6.9 to 0.91). CONCLUSION: Ezetimibe decreased NAS without improving hepatic steatosis.

Early surgical decompression within 8 hours for traumatic spinal cord injury: Is it beneficial? A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether early (<8 h) surgical decompression is better in improving neurologic outcomes than late (≥8 h) surgical decompression for traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). METHODS: The various electronic databases were used to detect relevant articles published up until May 2016 that compared the outcomes of early versus late surgery for tSCI. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The results are presented as relative ratio (RR) for binary outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Seven studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences between the 2 groups in neurologic improvement (MD = 0.54, 95% CI = -18.52 to -7.02, P < 0.0001) and length of hospital stay (MD = -12.77, 95% CI = 0.34-0.74, P < 0.00001). However, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in perioperative complications (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.35-2.61, P = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical decompression within 8 h after tSCI was beneficial in terms of neurologic improvement compared with late surgery. Early surgical decompression (within 8 h) is recommended for patients with tSCI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Transtibial or Tibial Inlay Techniques: A Meta-analysis of Biomechanical and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Transtibial (TT) or tibial inlay (TI) techniques are commonly used for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR). However, the optimum method for PCLR after PCL injury remains debatable. Hypothesis/Purpose: The hypothesis was that TT and TI techniques would not show significant differences for all outcome measures. The purpose was to determine the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of TT and TI surgical techniques for PCLR. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases for articles published up until August 2016 were searched to find relevant articles comparing outcomes of TT versus TI techniques for PCLR. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed according to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Biomechanical outcomes and clinical outcomes of both techniques were compared. Results are presented as risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Five biomechanical and 5 clinical studies were included. No significant biomechanical differences were found regarding posterior tibial translation (PTT) at a knee flexion angle of 90° or PTT after cyclic loading between the 2 groups. However, a stronger in situ force in the graft was detected in the TT group (WMD = 15.58; 95% CI, 0.22-30.95; I2 = 10%). Although no significant differences were found in clinical outcomes such as Lysholm knee function score, Tegner activity score, side-to-side difference, or posterior drawer test at final follow-up between the 2 groups, the TT technique tended to entail fewer perioperative complications than the TI technique (RR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.35-1.00; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: TT and TI techniques for PCLR can both restore normal knee kinematics and improve knee function. However, the issue of which yields better improvement in stability and functional recovery of the knee remains unclear. More high-quality trials and randomized controlled trials are needed. Although PCLR via the TT technique resulted in higher graft forces, determining whether this is clinically significant will require further studies. When performing the TI technique, surgeons should inform patients of the risk of complications.

Renoprotective effects of febuxostat compared with allopurinol in patients with hyperuricemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is reported to be related to rapid progression of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Allopurinol, a uric acid lowering agent, protects renal progression. However, it is not widely used in patients with CKD because of its serious adverse event. Febuxostat can be alternatively used for patients who are intolerable to allopurinol. We aimed to determine renoprotective effect and urate-lowering effect between the two drugs. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of febuxostat compared to allopurinol in patients with hyperuricemia. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify research publications. RESULTS: Four relevant publications were selected from among 3,815 studies. No significant differences were found in the changes in serum creatinine from baseline between the febuxostat and allopurinol groups. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were observed between the two groups at 1 month (mean difference 1.65 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38, 2.91 mL/min/1.73 m2; heterogeneity χ2 = 1.25, I2 = 0%, P = 0.01); however, the changes in eGFR were not significantly different at 3 months. A significant difference did exist in the changes in albuminuria levels from baseline between the febuxostat and allopurinol groups (mean difference -80.47 mg/gCr, 95% CI -149.29, -11.64 mg/gCr; heterogeneity χ2 = 0.81, I2 = 0%, P = 0.02). A significant difference was also observed in the changes in serum uric acid from baseline between the febuxostat and allopurinol groups (mean difference -0.92 mg/dL, 95% CI -1.29, -0.56 mg/dL; heterogeneity χ2 = 6.24, I2 = 52%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Febuxostat might be more renoprotective than allopurinol.

Comparison of soft tissue balancing, femoral component rotation, and joint line change between the gap balancing and measured resection techniques in primary total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was designed to compare the accuracy of soft tissue balancing and femoral component rotation as well as change in joint line positions, between the measured resection and gap balancing techniques in primary total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they compared soft tissue balancing and/or radiologic outcomes in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty with the gap balancing and measured resection techniques. Comparisons included differences in flexion/extension, medial/lateral flexion, and medial/lateral extension gaps (LEGs), femoral component rotation, and change in joint line positions. Finally, 8 studies identified via electronic (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) and manual searches were included. All 8 studies showed a low risk of selection bias and provided detailed demographic data. There was some inherent heterogeneity due to uncontrolled bias, because all included studies were observational comparison studies. RESULTS: The pooled mean difference in gap differences between the gap balancing and measured resection techniques did not differ significantly (-0.09 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.40 to +0.21 mm; P = 0.55), except that the medial/LEG difference was 0.58 mm greater for measured resection than gap balancing (95% CI: -1.01 to -0.15 mm; P = 0.008). Conversely, the pooled mean difference in femoral component external rotation (0.77°, 95% CI: 0.18° to 1.35°; P = 0.01) and joint line change (1.17 mm, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.52 mm; P < 0.001) were significantly greater for the gap balancing than the measured resection technique. CONCLUSION: The gap balancing and measured resection techniques showed similar soft tissue balancing, except for medial/LEG difference. However, the femoral component was more externally rotated and the joint line was more elevated with gap balancing than measured resection. These differences were minimal (around 1 mm or 1°) and therefore may have little effect on the biomechanics of the knee joint. This suggests that the gap balancing and measured resection techniques are not mutually exclusive.

Comparison of the incidence of emergence agitation and emergence times between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The differences in the incidence and severity of emergence agitation (EA) and emergence times between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia have not been as clearly elucidated in children as in adults. METHODS: The design of the study is a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The study methodology is based on the Cochrane Review Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials comparing the incidence or severity of EA and emergence times in children anesthetized with desflurane or sevoflurane. Two reviewers independently assessed each study according to predefined inclusion criteria and extracted data from each study using a prespecified data extraction form. The data from each study were combined using a fixed effect or random effect model to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the 1196 patients in these 14 studies, 588 received desflurane anesthesia and 608 received sevoflurane anesthesia. The incidence of EA was comparable between the 2 groups (pooled RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.96-1.53; I = 26%), and so was the severity of EA (EA score) between the 2 groups (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.27; I = 0%). Extubation and awakening times were shorter in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group; the weighted mean differences were -2.21 (95% CI: -3.62 to -0.81; I = 93%) and -2.74 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.69; I = 85%), respectively. No publication bias was found in the funnel plot. The subgroup analysis based on the type of EA scale showed a higher incidence of EA in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group in studies using 3-, 4-, or 5-point EA scales; the pooled RR was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.10-1.73; I = 37%). CONCLUSION: The incidence and severity of EA were comparable between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in children; however, emergence times, including extubation and awakening times, were shorter in desflurane anesthesia.

Changes in Patellar Height After Opening Wedge and Closing Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To test that patellar height decreases (patellar baja) after opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and increases (patellar alta) after closing wedge HTO. In addition, this meta-analysis evaluated whether the method of measuring patellar height affected the change in patellar height after opening and closing HTO. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, all studies comparing pre- and postoperative patellar height using various indices, including the Insall-Salvati index (ISI), Blackburne-Peel index, and Caton Deschamps index, in patients who underwent opening or closing wedge HTO were included. The main outcome of this meta-analysis, mean change in patellar height from before to after surgery, was analyzed with a random effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data, including subgroups of the 3 measurement methods, showed that patellar height decreased 7% after opening wedge HTO (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.10; P < .001), except when patellar height was assessed by ISI (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.06; P = .34), but that there was no change in patellar height after closing HTO (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.04; P = .29). CONCLUSIONS: The patellar height decreased after opening wedge HTO, except when assessed by ISI. In contrast, patellar height was unchanged after closing wedge HTO, regardless of the measurement method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, meta-analysis of Level I and II studies.

Is plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin a predictive biomarker for acute kidney injury in sepsis patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a useful biomarker for early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the diagnostic value of NGAL for predicting AKI in sepsis patients is unclear. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify research publications. RESULTS: Twelve studies from 9 countries including a total of 1582 patients, of whom 315 (19.9%) developed AKI, were included in the study; plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in adult sepsis patients with AKI than in those without AKI (mean difference, 274.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 106.16-443.15; I(2) = 94%). Urine NGAL levels were not significantly different. The diagnostic odds ratio of plasma NGAL for predicting AKI in sepsis patients was 6.64 (95% CI, 3.80-11.58). The diagnostic accuracy of plasma NGAL was 0.881 (95% CI, 0.819-0.923) for sensitivity, 0.474 (95% CI, 0.367-0.582) for specificity, 0.216 (95% CI, 0.177-0.261) for positive predictive value and 0.965 (95% CI, 0.945-0.977) for negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Plasma NGAL has a high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value for detection of AKI in adult sepsis patients. However, its low specificity and low positive predictive value could limit its clinical utility. The usefulness of urine NGAL was not revealed in this study.

Change in Posterior Tibial Slope After Open-Wedge and Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether open- or closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) results in significant changes in posterior tibial slope, with no consensus on the magnitude of such changes. Furthermore, methods of measuring posterior tibial slope differ among studies. This meta-analysis was therefore designed to evaluate whether posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge HTO and decreases after closed-wedge HTO and to quantify the magnitudes of the slope changes after open- and closed-wedge HTO using various methods of measuring posterior tibial slope. HYPOTHESIS: Posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge and decreases after closed-wedge HTO. The magnitude of change is similar for the 2 methods, and the value obtained for posterior tibial slope change is affected by the method of measurement. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: Multiple comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed, were searched for studies that evaluated the posterior slope of the proximal tibia in patients who had undergone open- and/or closed-wedge HTO. Studies were included that compared pre- and postoperative posterior tibial slopes, regardless of measurement method, including anterior and posterior tibial cortex or tibial shaft axis as a reference line, in patients who underwent open- or closed-wedge HTO. The quality of each included study was appraised with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data, which included subgroups of 3 methods, showed that posterior tibial slope increased 2.02° (95% CI, 2.66° to 1.38°; P = .005) after open-wedge HTO and decreased 2.35° (95% CI, 1.38° to 3.32°; P < .001) after closed-wedge HTO. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirmed that posterior tibial slope increased after open-wedge HTO and decreased after closed-wedge HTO when the results of a variety of measurement methods were pooled. The magnitude of change after open- and closed-wedge HTO was similar and small (approximately 2°), suggesting that both osteotomy techniques may have little effect on the biomechanics of the cruciate ligaments.

Serial Changes of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscle Strength Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis was performed to analyze serial changes in thigh muscles, including quadriceps and hamstring muscles, from before to one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). All studies sequentially comparing isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths between the TKA side and the contralateral uninjured limb were included in this meta-analysis. Five studies with 7 cohorts were included in this meta-analysis. The mean differences in the strengths of quadriceps and hamstring muscles between the TKA and uninjured sides were greatest three months after surgery (26.8 N∙m, 12.8 N∙m, P<0.001), but were similar to preoperative level at six months (18.4 N∙m, 7.4 N∙m P<0.001) and were maintained for up to one year (15.9 N∙m, 4.1 N∙m P<0.001). The pooled mean differences in changes in quadriceps and hamstring strengths relative to preoperative levels were 9.2 N∙m and 4.9 N∙m, respectively, three months postoperatively (P = 0.041), but were no longer significant after six months and one year. During the year after TKA, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths were lowest after 3 months, recovering to preoperative level after six months, but not reaching the muscle strength on the contralateral side. Relative to preoperative levels, the difference in muscle strength between the TKA and contralateral knees was only significant at three months. Because decrease of strength of the quadriceps was significantly greater than decrease in hamstring muscle strength at postoperative three months, early rehabilitation after TKA should focus on recovery of quadriceps muscle strength.

Comparison of Femoral Tunnel Length and Obliquity Between Transtibial, Anteromedial Portal, and Outside-In Surgical Techniques in Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether femoral tunnel length and obliquity differ after transtibial and independent femoral drilling techniques of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This meta-analysis therefore compared femoral tunnel length and obliquity in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by the transtibial, anteromedial (AM) portal, and outside-in (OI) techniques. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, all studies comparing femoral tunnel length and obliquity with various measurement tools-from direct measurement to imaging methods such as plain radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging-in patients who underwent reconstruction by the transtibial or independent femoral drilling (AM portal or OI) techniques were included. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The femoral tunnel length was 7.8 to 11.0 mm longer (P < .05) and coronal obliquity was 7.5° to 29.1° more vertical (P < .05) with the transtibial technique than with the AM portal or OI technique. Femoral tunnel and graft obliquity in the sagittal plane, however, did not differ significantly (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction using the AM portal and OI femoral drilling techniques resulted in a shorter length and greater coronal obliquity of the femoral tunnel than did the transtibial technique. However, these 3 femoral drilling techniques resulted in similar obliquities of the femoral tunnel and graft in the sagittal plane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, meta-analysis.

Comparison of femur tunnel aperture location in patients undergoing transtibial and anatomical single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Although three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) has been used to compare femoral tunnel position following transtibial and anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, no consensus has been reached on which technique results in a more anatomical position because methods of quantifying femoral tunnel position on 3D-CT have not been consistent. This meta-analysis was therefore performed to compare femoral tunnel location following transtibial and anatomical ACL reconstruction, in both the low-to-high and deep-to-shallow directions. METHODS: This meta-analysis included all studies that used 3D-CT to compare femoral tunnel location, using quadrant or anatomical coordinate axis methods, following transtibial and anatomical (AM portal or OI) single-bundle ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Femoral tunnel location was 18 % higher in the low-to-high direction, but was not significant in the deep-to-shallow direction, using the transtibial technique than the anatomical methods, when measured using the anatomical coordinate axis method. When measured using the quadrant method, however, femoral tunnel positions were significantly higher (21 %) and shallower (6 %) with transtibial than anatomical methods of ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The anatomical ACL reconstruction techniques led to a lower femoral tunnel aperture location than the transtibial technique, suggesting the superiority of anatomical techniques for creating new femoral tunnels during revision ACL reconstruction in femoral tunnel aperture location in the low-to-high direction. However, the mean difference in the deep-to-shallow direction differed by method of measurement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis, Level II.

Chronic kidney disease and intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemorrhagic complications or clinical outcomes in patients treated with intravenous (IV) thrombolytic agents is controversial. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for studies on the association between CKD and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and/or clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients treated with IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Observational studies that evaluated the association between CKD and outcomes after adjusting for other confounding factors were eligible. We assessed study quality and performed a meta-analysis. The main outcome was symptomatic ICH. The secondary outcomes were poor functional status at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale, mortality at 3 months, and any ICH. RESULTS: Seven studies were selected based on our eligibility criteria. Of 7168 patients treated with IV tPA, 2001 (27.9%) had CKD. Patients with CKD had a higher risk of symptomatic ICH and mortality [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.33 and pooled OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03-2.81, respectively]. Patients with CKD were likely to have an increased risk of poor outcome at 3 months. There was no significant association between CKD and any ICH. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic kidney disease may significantly affect symptomatic hemorrhagic complications and poor clinical outcomes following administration of IV tPA.

Meta-analysis reveals no significant correlation between breast cancer survival and ErbB3 expression.

Prognostic value of ErbB3 in human breast cancer is still controversial. However, the roles of ErbB3 receptors in drug resistance are recently emerging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ErbB3 expression and survival of breast cancer via meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was conducted and 32 potentially relevant studies were included in the meta-analysis. Outcomes presented in searched literatures can be classified as disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and progress free survival (PFS) values. Meta-analysis was performed for each group. Results showed no statistically significant difference in survival. The overall hazard ratio of PFS, DFS, and OS of ErbB3 expression was 1.40 [95% confidence interval/CI (0.51, 3.83)], 1.07 [95% CI (0.82, 1.40)], and 1.15 [95% CI (0.91, 1.44)], respectively. Subgroup analysis according to ErbB2 receptor status, ErbB3 assessment methods (immunohistochemistry/IHC vs non-IHC), and analysis type (multivariate and univariate analysis) were performed. No significant association was found. Using various assessment methods and patient populations, our results revealed that there was no significant correlation between ErbB3 expression and breast cancer survival. Further studies on heterodimers of ErbB3 and other molecular markers involved in ErbB3 related pathway are merited.

[Prognostic impact of Charlson comorbidity index obtained from medical records and claims data on 1-year mortality and length of stay in gastric cancer patients].

OBJECTIVES: We tried to evaluate the agreement of the Charlson comorbidity index values (CCI) obtained from different sources (medical records and National Health Insurance claims data) for gastric cancer patients. We also attempted to assess the prognostic value of these data for predicting 1-year mortality and length of the hospital stay (length of stay). METHODS: Medical records of 284 gastric cancer patients were reviewed, and their National Health Insurance claims data and death certificates were also investigated. To evaluate agreement, the kappa coefficient was tested. Multiple logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to evaluate and compare the prognostic power for predicting 1 year mortality and length of stay. RESULTS: The CCI values for each comorbid condition obtained from 2 different data sources appeared to poorly agree (kappa: 0.00-0.59). It was appeared that the CCI values based on both sources were not valid prognostic indicators of 1-year mortality. Only medical record-based CCI was a valid prognostic indicator of length of stay, even after adjustment of covariables (beta=0.112, 95% CI=[0.017-1.267]). CONCLUSIONS: There was a discrepancy between the data sources with regard to the value of CCI both for the prognostic power and its direction. Therefore, assuming that medical records are the gold standard for the source for CCI measurement, claims data is not an appropriate source for determining the CCI, at least for gastric cancer.

[Usefulness of comorbidity indices in operative gastric cancer cases].

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of the following four comorbidity indices in gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Cumulative Illness rating scale (CIRS), Index of Co-existent Disease (ICED), and Kaplan-Feinstein Scale (KFS). METHODS: The study subjects were 614 adults who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at K hospital between 2005 and 2007. We examined the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of 4 comorbidity indices for 50 patients. Reliability was evaluated with Spearman rho coefficients for CCI and CIRS, while Kappa values were used for the ICED and KFS indices. Logistic regression was used to determine how these comorbidity indices affected unplanned readmission and death. Multiple regression was used for determining if the comorbidity indices affected length of stay and hospital costs. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of CCI and CIRS was substantial (Spearman rho=0.746 and 0.775, respectively), while for ICED and KFS was moderate (Kappa=0.476 and 0.504, respectively). The inter-rater reliability of the CCI, CIRS, and ICED was moderate (Spearman rho=0.580 and 0.668, and Kappa=0.433, respectively), but for KFS was fair (Kappa=0.383). According to the results from logistic regression, unplanned readmissions and deaths were not significantly different between the comorbidity index scores. But, according to the results from multiple linear regression, the CIRS group showed a significantly increased length of hospital stay (p<0.01). Additionally, CCI showed a significant association with increased hospital costs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the CCI index may be useful in the estimation of comorbidities associated with hospital costs, while the CIRS index may be useful where estimatation of comorbiditie associated with the length of hospital stay are concerned.

[The effect of the cost exemption policy for hospitalized children under 6 years old on the medical utilization in Korea].

OBJECTIVES: The Korean government in January 2006 instigated an exemption policy for hospitalized children under the age of six years old. This study examines how this policy affected the utilization of medical care in Korea. METHODS: A total of 1,513,797 claim records from the Health Insurance Review Agency were analyzed by complete enumeration methods. The changes of medical utilization were compared from 2005 to 2006. In addition, the changes of medical utilization between 2004 and 2005 were compared as a pseudo-control group. RESULTS: The admission rate increased 1.14-fold from 15.20% in 2004 to 17.32% in 2005, and this further increased 1.08-fold to 18.65% in 2006. The increase of patients with a common cold (1.2-fold) was higher than that of both the general patients (1.08-fold) and the patients with the top 10 fatal diseases (0.91-fold). The average length of stay per case for clinics showed the highest increase rates (1.06-fold). The rates of patients with the common cold showed a higher increase (1.05-fold) than that of the general patients. The average medical expense per case was increased by 1.10-fold from 2005 to 2006, which was higher than that from 2004 to 2005 (1.04-fold). The increase rate for patients with the common cold was higher at 1.18-fold than that of the general patients. CONCLUSIONS: The cost exemption policy has especially led to an increase in the utilization of clinics and the utilization by patients with a common cold.

Measuring the burden of major cancers due to smoking in Korea.

Morbidity and mortality are classically used to measure disease burden. However, the allocation of limited health-care resources demands an agreed rational allocation principle and, consequently, the setting of priorities is of considerable importance. We collected data from the national death certificate database, and the national health insurance claim database and life tables. Using this data, we calculated disability adjusted life year (DALY) and health life year (HeaLY) values for smoking-related cancer. The burden of cancer due to smoking was estimated by multiplying the population attributable risk due to smoking by the DALY and HeaLY results for cancers. The burden of cancer due to smoking for Korean men was 1930.1 person-years by DALY and 1681.3 person-years by HeaLY per 100 000 people. Similarly, the burden of cancer due to smoking for Korean women was 352.6 person-years for DALY and 313.6 person-years for HeaLY per 100 000 people. Priority rankings for cancer burden due to smoking was somewhat different by DALY and HeaLY. The largest health gap for men was stomach cancer by DALY and lung cancer by HeaLY, whereas for women it was lung cancer by both methods. This study provides a rational basis for national cancer policy planning by presenting the priority burden of cancers caused by smoking.

Validation of the Korean version of the McMaster Quality of Life Scale in terminal cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a Korean version of McMaster Quality of Life Scale (K-MQLS) suitable for evaluating clinical hospice and palliative care. The McMaster Quality of Life Scale (MQLS) is a brief and comprehensive scale that is used to assess cancer patients receiving palliative care due to poor physical condition. To further develop the K-MQLS, we followed rigorous international translation steps and performed validity, reliability, and sensitivity analyses. The results of our study show that the K-MQLS is an efficient tool in terms of its validity, reliability, and sensitivity for the measurement of the health-related quality of life during the palliative phase. This developed tool could be used in research or clinical settings to assess health-related quality of life in Korean palliative care patients.