Leukotriene receptor antagonists and risk of neuropsychiatric events in children, adolescents and young adults: a self-controlled case series.

BACKGROUND: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are widely used for asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), but concerns about the risk of neuropsychiatric events (NPEs) have been raised since the first Drug Safety Communication by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2008. This study evaluates the association between LTRA use and NPEs in children, adolescents and young adults with asthma or AR. METHODS: A self-controlled case series study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database from two 3-year observation periods (observation period 1 (Obs1): 2005-2007; observation period 2 (Obs2): 2016-2018). Asthma or AR patients aged 3-30 years who were prescribed LTRAs and diagnosed with NPEs were included. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the exposed period and risk periods (1-3, 4-7, 8-14, 15-30, 31-90 and >90 days from initiation of LTRA) compared with unexposed periods were calculated using conditional Poisson regression. Subgroup analysis according to age group, type of NPEs and indication of LTRA was performed. RESULTS: Among 17 001 included patients, the risk of NPEs increased in Obs2 (IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.22), but did not increase in Obs1. Risk was increased during risk periods 4-7 days (IRR 2.36, 95% CI 1.99-2.76) and 8-14 days (IRR 1.78, 95% CI 1.46-2.15) after initiation of LTRA, particularly in adolescents (IRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.55) and young adults (IRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28), while risk was decreased in children (3-11 years). Risk was not increased for any single type of NPE. AR patients were at increased risk (IRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.39), but not those with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, risk of NPEs with LTRA use differed between risk periods and subgroups. Physicians should prescribe LTRAs according to indications and inform patients about possible NPEs.

[Study on the trematode parasites of the birds in Korea]

Authors carried out an investigation of the helminthic parasites of the wild birds in Korea. Most wild birds were collected from Kyoung Sang Do, Kyoung Kee Do and Seoul area from September 1970 to March 1973. A total of 70 wild birds, 19 species were examined, which comprised as follows; 10 Anas platyrhynchus, 10 Anas fulicata, 4 Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha, 8 Anser albifrone albifrone, 5 Anser cygonopsis cygnoid, 10 Aythya fuligula, 6 Gallicrex cinerea, 2 Porgana fusca, 2 Phisianum calichius korponri, 4 Sterptopilla orientalis, Podiceps cristatus, Larus crasirotatus, Malantta fusca, Garis artcus, Buetes buteo, Egretta alba, Starmus philpiens, Bombycilla granulus. Trematode parasites found from six species of the wild birds. Echinostomatidae has been found from intestine of the Anas platyrhynchus platyrhynchus, Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha, Anas fulcata. Notocatylus attenuatis found from intestine of the Podiceps cristatus, Anas fulcata. Catylurus japonicus was found from rectum of the Anas platyrhynchus platyrhynchus, Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha.

[A Case Report Of Human Thelaziasis]

Authors were observing a case of infection with Thelazia callipaeda in Korean girl, on 11th Sep. in 1971. The case was 23 years old Korean girl who visited with the complaints of foreign body sensation and lacrimation in right eye. The worm had slender creamy white which was fixed in 10 percent formaline solution. The worm is 10.5mm in length, 0.5mm in body diameter. The oral end in provided with a chitinoid capsule. Esophagus moderately short, tail blunt, poserior extremity had a distinctly recurved. Spicules dissimilar, left spicule is 0.1mm in length, and right spicule is 0.08 mm in length.