Prevalence and Risk Factors of Esophageal Candidiasis in Healthy Individuals: A Single Center Experience in Korea

PURPOSE: Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who had been incidentally diagnosed with EC. We also conducted age and sex matched case control study to identify the risk factor for EC. RESULTS: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (49/281, 17.4%). An antifungal agent was prescribed in about half of EC, 139 cases (49.5%). Follow-up EGD was undertaken in 83 cases (29.5%) and 20 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125) in Korea. Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.

What is the Clinical Relevance of Filiform Polyposis?

No abstract available.

The Preventive Effects of Practical Training on the Spot for Peritoneal Dialysis Related Peritonitis in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis remains one of the most common causes of hospitalization and discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis. Patient education and the individual environment play a significant role in improving the clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study focused on the preventive effects of practical training on the spot for peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis in continous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who were started on CAPD were as the primary intended treatment modality. The patients were given to a questionnaire regarding their gender, age, place of residence, level of education, economic status, sterile technique, knowledge of personal hygiene, placing a correct region for exchanging a fluid bag, and their duration of CAPD. During a home visit, the patients were instructed in how to sterilize the region of dialysis and maintain sterility in dialysis. RESULTS: Seventy four cases of peritonitis from 35 patients were identified over the 2 year's period. In the rural residences where there is a lower socio-economic status, the rates of peritonitis decreased in those patients who had received training on the spot within 6 months from the start of peritoneal dialysis compared with the patients after the 6 month period. Lower rates of peritonitis were noted in the patients who received training earlier (r=0.19, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Ongoing and repetitive individualized education is needed to prevent peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis. The incidence of peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis can be reduced by educating these patients individually.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac: A case report

Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac is very rare and primary malignant melanoma is extremely rare. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage after excision or biopsy of a tumor. We treated a patient with tearing and bloody discharge from the left eye. We performed a dacryocystectomy with the suspicion of a chronic dacryocystitis. However, the pathological findings and the immunohistochemical studies showed a malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. The patient underwent postoperative irradiation therapy. Follow up two months after surgery revealed no evidence of recurrence. Early diagnosis is very important for prognosis in patients with malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. Because this tumor often presents with symptoms similar to dacryocystitis and may masquerade as a chronic dacryocystitis, it can be difficult to make an early diagnosis.