Predictors of exacerbation in Japanese patients with severe asthma: Analysis of the severe asthma research program (Okayama-SARP) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Because exacerbation of severe asthma decreases patients' quality of life, this study aimed to identify predictive factors for asthma exacerbation. METHODS: Japanese patients with severe asthma requiring treatment according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines ≥ Step 4 between January 2018 and August 2021 were prospectively enrolled and followed up for one year at facilities participating in the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (Okayama Severe Asthma Research Program). RESULTS: A total of 85 patients (29 men and 56 women) were included. The median age was 64 (interquartile range [IQR], 51-72) years. Treatment according to GINA Steps 4 and 5 was required in 29 and 56 patients, respectively, and 44 patients (51.8%) were treated with biologics. The median peripheral-blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, IgE level, and percent predicted FEV1 (%FEV1) at enrollment were 204 (IQR, 49-436)/µL, 28 (IQR, 15-43) ppb, 172 (IQR, 56-473) IU/mL, and 80.0 (IQR, 61.1-96.1) %, respectively. Exacerbation during the previous year, asthma control test (ACT) score <20, %FEV1 <60%, and serum IL-10 level >6.7 pg/mL were associated with exacerbation during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Exacerbation during the previous year, low ACT score, and low %FEV1 were predictive factors of future exacerbation, even in a cohort with >50% of patients treated with biologics. Furthermore, high serum IL-10 levels might be a new predictive factor.

Continuous positive airway pressure versus high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The relative effectiveness of initial non-invasive respiratory strategies for acute respiratory failure using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of CPAP and HFNC on reducing the risk of meeting the prespecified criteria for intubation and improving clinical outcomes of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The primary endpoint was the time taken to meet the prespecified criteria for intubation within 28 days. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were randomly assigned to the CPAP or HFNC group. Eleven (28.9%) in the CPAP group and twenty (42.6%) in the HFNC group met the criteria for intubation within 28 days. Compared with HFNC, CPAP reduced the risk of meeting the intubation criteria (hazard ratio [HR], 0.327; 95% CI, 0.148-0.724; p = 0.006). There were no significant between-group differences in the intubation rates, in-hospital and 28-day mortality rates, ventilator-free days, duration of the need for respiratory support, or duration of hospitalization for respiratory illness. Pulmonary oxygenation was significantly better in the CPAP group, with significantly lower pH and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide, but there were no differences in the respiratory rate between groups. CPAP and HFNC were associated with few possibly causal adverse events. CONCLUSION: CPAP is more effective than HFNC at reducing the risk of meeting the intubation criteria in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Switching to Dupilumab from Other Biologics without a Treatment Interval in Patients with Severe Asthma: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Dupilumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signals. Several large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with severe asthma. However, few studies have examined a switch to dupilumab from other biologics. METHODS: This retrospective, multi-center observational study was conducted by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. Consecutive patients with severe asthma who were switched to dupilumab from other biologics without a treatment interval between May 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Patients with a treatment interval of more than twice the standard dosing interval for the previous biologic prior to dupilumab administration were excluded. RESULTS: The median patient age of the 27 patients enrolled in this study was 57 years (IQR, 45-68 years). Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS)/chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) was confirmed in 23 patients. Previous biologics consisted of omalizumab (n = 3), mepolizumab (n = 3), and benralizumab (n = 21). Dupilumab significantly improved FEV1 (median improvement: +145 mL) and the asthma control test score (median improvement: +2). The overall response rate in patients receiving dupilumab for asthma as determined using the Global Evaluations of Treatment Effectiveness (GETE) was 77.8%. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the GETE-improved group vs. the non-GETE-improved group. ECRS/CRSwNP improved in 20 of the 23 patients (87.0%). Overall, 8 of the 27 patients (29.6%) developed transient hypereosinophilia (>1500/µL), but all were asymptomatic and able to continue dupilumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab was highly effective for the treatment of severe asthma and ECRS/CRSwNP, even in patients switched from other biologics without a treatment interval.

High-accuracy total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis for determining trace elements using substrate cleaned by ammonia-hydrogen peroxide mixture.

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis is one of the useful techniques for determining trace elements. Owing to the high detection sensitivity of X-ray fluorescence in small residues, the hydrophobic substrates are generally used to form dot-type residue. However, when measuring low-Z elements in sample solutions with high concentrations of matrix elements, obtaining sufficient measurement sensitivity can be difficult. X-ray fluorescence is absorbed by the matrix elements, which means that the absorption effect increases in the thicker dried residue compared to the thinner dried residue. To avoid this absorption effect, we have proposed a thin film-type residue. In this study, the glass substrate was treated with an ammonia-hydrogen peroxide mixture (APM). The hydrogen peroxide decomposes organic components, and ammonia slightly etches glass materials. The APM-treated region was limited to a diameter of 6 mm by using a polytetrafluoroethylene mask placed on the glass substrate. As a result, the surface is refreshed to expose the hydroxyl group to make it superhydrophilic. The measured contact angle was 5°. By using the APM-treated superhydrophilic substrate to prepare dried residue, the net intensities in low Z elements were improved. The ratio of Al Kα intensity, calculated as net intensity in the APM-treated substrate divided by it in the hydrophobic substrate, was 2.29. The recovery of each element in the APM-treated substrate was almost 100%; however, recoveries of elements (Al, P, K, and Ca) in the hydrophobic substrate showed significant deviations from 100% (the recovery of Al was approximately 32%). In summary, we successfully improved both analytical sensitivity and accuracy in TXRF analysis by using the APM treated substrate.

A case of colonic perforation in collagenous colitis without diarrheal symptoms.: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Collagenous colitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by hyperplasia of the collagen band beneath the colonic mucous membrane. Chronic diarrhea is a characteristic clinical symptom. The disease is often diagnosed accidentally on colonoscopy for chronic diarrhea, and patients without chronic diarrhea have few chances to suspect the disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient was a 75-year-old woman. The chief complaint was sudden upper abdominal pain and vomiting. There were no important findings regarding the consumed food or bowel habits (no diarrhea). Computed tomography revealed wall thickness and a small amount of free air around the descending colon. An emergency laparotomy was performed with the diagnosis of spontaneous colonic perforation. Intra-operative findings revealed a longitudinal ulcer and micro-perforation to the mesenterial side at the descending colon. Pathological findings revealed subepithelial collagenous band in the submucosal background of the ulcer, and which was diagnosed as collagenous colitis. DISCUSSION: Intestinal perforation in collagenous colitis is extremely rare. It was considered that perforation was caused by a transient increase in intestinal pressure in the background of collagenous colitis. Further, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a critical case which presented without the characteristic symptom of chronic diarrhea. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of colonic perforation of the collagenous colitis.

Long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by worsening dyspnoea and exercise intolerance. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a long-term pulmonary rehabilitation improve exercise tolerance in patients with IPF treated with standard antifibrotic drugs, which are expected to reduce disease progression? METHODS: This open-label randomised controlled trial was performed at 19 institutions. Stable patients receiving nintedanib were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups (1:1). The pulmonary rehabilitation group underwent initial rehabilitation which included twice-weekly sessions of monitored exercise training for 12 weeks, followed by an at-home rehabilitation programme for 40 weeks. The control group received usual care only, without pulmonary rehabilitation. Both groups continued to receive nintedanib. The primary and main secondary outcomes were change in 6 min walking distance (6MWD) and change in endurance time (using cycle ergometry) at week 52. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation (n=45) and control (n=43) groups. Changes in 6MWD were -33 m (95% CI -65 to -1) and -53 m (95% CI -86 to -21) in the pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (mean difference, 21 m (95% CI -25 to 66), p=0.38). Changes in endurance time were significantly better in the pulmonary rehabilitation (64 s, 95% CI -42.3 to 171)) than in the control (-123 s (95% CI -232 to -13)) group (mean difference, 187 s (95% CI 34 to 153), p=0.019). INTERPRETATION: Although pulmonary rehabilitation in patients taking nintedanib did not improve 6MWD in the long term, it led to prolonged improvement in endurance time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000026376.

[A Case of Obstructive Rectal Cancer with Flaccid Constipation Resected One Year and Three Months after SEMS Implantation].

We report a case of rectal cancer that was resected 1 year and 3 months after SEMS implantation. An 89-year-old man was previously diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer at another hospital but did not undergo surgery. Three years and 7 months after the diagnosis, SEMS was implanted at another hospital. Four years and 10 months after the diagnosis, the patient was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction at our hospital. Since the SEMS was open on colonoscopy, the patient was also suspected of having flaccid constipation. The primary tumor was resected, and a colostomy was constructed in the descending colon. Bridge to surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer was performed within a few weeks after SEMS implantation. At our hospital, resection was performed after a long time. No complications, such as obstruction or perforation, were observed. In addition, although there were concerns regarding increased vascular invasion due to compression and drainage of the cancerous tissue, in our case, the vascular invasion was mild, and no distant metastasis or invasion of other organs was observed. SEMS can be used for long-term implantation and does not necessarily cause cancer progression.

[Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Upper Gastric Cancer and Verification of the Validity of Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy].

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy(LPG)for upper gastric cancer is still inadequate. We verified the validity of LPG by comparing the surgical outcomes of 15 cases who underwent LPG(PG group)and 14 cases who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TG group)in 29 cases who underwent laparoscopic surgery for upper gastric cancer at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2022. As a patient background, the PG group was significantly older(p=0.03)than the TG group and tended to have more high-risk cases(p=0.12). As a tumor factor, cancer progression tended to be earlier in the PG group(p=0.05). As a surgical(short-term)outcomes, although the range of lymph nodes dissection was narrow (p<0.01)and the amount of blood loss was significantly lower(p=0.01)in the PG group, there was no difference in operation time or postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Furthermore, there was no difference in the rate of weight loss, the rate of change in nutritional indicators in the medium-term(1 year after surgery), or the long-term prognosis.

HbA1c of 5.8% or higher as the most useful indicator for recommendation of ultrasonography to detect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background and Aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with metabolic syndrome. This study was performed to examine the association between NAFLD and each factor of metabolic syndrome and to identify the factors that are most strongly associated with NAFLD in participants undergoing health checkups. Methods: We studied 6538 participants who underwent a health checkup from 2017 to 2018 in our institution. Participants with alcohol intake exceeding 20 g/day or with other chronic liver diseases were excluded. Fatty liver was detected by ultrasonography. Results: In total, 4310 participants were enrolled, and 28.4% had fatty liver (NAFLD). The prevalence of NAFLD was highest in the diabetes mellitus (DM)-only group than in the dyslipidemia-only or hypertension-only group. The DM-only group was the only group whose prevalence of NAFLD was >50% in the overall study and in males. The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in males than in females in the DM-only, hypertension-only, and dyslipidemia-only groups. The prevalence of NAFLD was >70% in the dyslipidemia and DM combined group. Multivariate analysis showed that gender and HbA1c were the independent factors most strongly associated with NAFLD. The cutoff value for HbA1c by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 5.8% (sensitivity, 57.9%; specificity, 72.6%; area under the curve, 0.70). Conclusion: NAFLD was most strongly associated with DM, among the various components of metabolic syndrome. We strongly recommend abdominal ultrasonography to detect NAFLD in patients with an HbA1c of ≥5.8% in general practice and during health checkups.

Intravenous immunoglobulin for acute exacerbation of fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal condition with no established treatment. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a unique therapy with both anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effects. Therefore, we hypothesized that IVIG may have a positive effect on AE of interstitial pneumonia. This study aimed to determine the effect of IVIG in patients with AE of fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), including IPF. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who were diagnosed with AE of fibrotic IIPs and treated with pulse corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone 500-1000 mg/day for 3 days) between April 2018 and May 2021 at Kagawa Rosai Hospital and KKR Takamatsu Hospital. RESULTS: This study included 52 patients with AE of fibrotic IIPs (IPF,41; fibrotic IIPs other than IPF,11). Thirteen patients received IVIG (5 g/day for 3-5 days) concurrently with pulse corticosteroid therapy. The remaining 39 patients were assigned to the control group. The survival rate on day 90 was significantly higher in the IVIG group than that in the control group (76.9% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.02). IVIG administration (odds ratio [OR], 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.69; p = 0.02) and C- reactive protein (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.33, p < 0.01) were independently associated with 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that administration of IVIG may improve the survival of patients with AE of fibrotic IIPs. We are now conducting a prospective study to confirm the effect of IVIG on AE of IPF since May 2022 (jRCT1061220010).

Home High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy for Stable Hypercapnic COPD: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Rationale: The long-term effects of using a high-flow nasal cannula for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain unclear. Objectives: To assess whether long-term high-flow nasal cannula use reduces the number of exacerbations and improves other physiological parameters in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: We enrolled 104 participants (aged ⩾40 yr) with daytime hypercapnia (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2-4) receiving long-term oxygen therapy (⩾16 h/d for ⩾1 mo) and randomly assigned them to high-flow nasal cannula/long-term oxygen therapy and long-term oxygen therapy groups. The primary endpoint was the moderate or severe exacerbation rate. We compared changes from baseline in arterial blood gas values, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulmonary function, health-related quality-of-life scores, and the 6-minute-walk test. Measurements and Main Results: High-flow nasal cannula use significantly reduced the rate of moderate/severe exacerbations (unadjusted mean count 1.0 vs. 2.5, a ratio of the adjusted mean count between groups [95% confidence interval] of 2.85 [1.48-5.47]) and prolonged the duration without moderate or severe exacerbations. The median time to first moderate or severe exacerbation in the long-term oxygen therapy group was 25 (14.1-47.4) weeks; this was not reached in the high-flow nasal cannula/long-term oxygen therapy group. High-flow nasal cannula use significantly improved health-related quality of life scores, peripheral oxygen saturation, and specific pulmonary function parameters. No safety concerns were identified. Conclusions: A high-flow nasal cannula is a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a history of exacerbations. Clinical trial registered with www.umin/ac.jp (UMIN000028581) and www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03282019).

[Synchronous Double Primary Non-B, and Non-C Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Case Report].

A 78-year-old man without hepatitis virus B or C underwent right hemi-hepatectomy and lymph node dissection for a tumor 5 cm in diameter located in the hepatic hilum of the posterior segment of the liver with portal vein thrombi extending into the main portal trunk and a tumor 1.5 cm in diameter in the peripheral side of segment 5 of the liver. Histopathologically, the former was diagnosed as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and the latter as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Five months after the surgery, intrahepatic and lymph node metastases were diagnosed based on computed tomography(CT); therefore, chemotherapy with S-1 for 3 months and gemcitabine and cisplatin(GC)for 5 months was administered, after which the metastatic lesions were not detected. Nineteen months after the surgery, partial resection of segment 2 of the liver was performed for a tumor 3 cm in diameter, which was diagnosed as HCC histopathologically. Two years after the second surgery, 2 recurrent nodules in the liver in segments 3 and 4 were detected on CT. Platinum-based hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)were performed, and chemotherapy with GC was then administered for 7 months. For a new tumor detected in segment 1 in the liver, TACE was performed 17 months after initial HAIC. Seventy-four months after the initial surgery, 5 new nodules less than 1 cm in diameter were detected, and chemotherapy with sorafenib was administered for 5 months, after which the patient died of coronavirus disease 2019.

[A Greater Than Four-Year Survival of a Patient with Inoperable Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma following Portal Vein Embolization and Administration of S-1].

We report a patient with inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma due to invasion at the umbilical portion who survived more than 4 years after right portal vein embolization and administration of S-1(50 mg/day). A 64-year-old male patient was immediately hospitalized for liver dysfunction and a high level of HbA1c. The disease was diagnosed as hilar cholangiocarcinoma mainly extending along the right hepatic duct. We made a request for operation to Nagoya University. He received right portal vein embolization in order to grow the residual liver but was deemed inoperable because of invasion at the umbilical portion. He refused chemotherapy but accepted administration of S-1(50 mg/day). Approximately 3 months after starting S-1, his ALP level normalized and about 9 months later stenting tube was lost. Subsequently, he returned to his job. Approximately 2 years and 2 months later, administration of S-1 was interrupted due to a harmful side effect. After approximately 13 months without S-1, the levels of CA19-9 and ALP again became elevated and administration of S-1 was restarted. He was temporarily hospitalized for abdominal pain and fever, but quickly recovered. Although CA19-9 and ALP levels re-normalized, he died after returning home. We emphasize the possibility of maintaining long-term health by minimal- dose S-1 therapy for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

[Clinical Characteristics, Surgical Outcomes, and Optimal Approach Methods for Transverse Colon Cancers].

Surgery for transverse colon cancer is very difficult because of small number of patients, variations in the vascular system, and complexity of the mobilize hepatic and splenic flexure of colon. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in 51 cases who underwent surgery for transverse colon cancer at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2021, and examined the optimal laparoscopic approach method. The surgical procedure was right hemicolectomy in 24 cases, transverse colectomy in 22 cases, and left hemicolectomy in 5 cases, of which 37 cases had laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, when comparing the cranial first approach group in 21 cases and the caudal approach group in 16 cases, the operative time was almost the same between the 2 groups. In the cranial first approach group the amount of bleeding tended to be small, the number of MCA lymph node dissections tended to be large and the hospital stay tended to be short, though there was no statistically significant difference. The results suggest that the cranial first approach tends to be safer and more accurate than the caudal approach.

[Penrose Method Independent of the Rib Arch for Retraction of the Liver in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy y-Shape+1 Method].

We report the y-shape+1 method, which is a retraction of the liver method, independent of the position of the costal arch. Additionally, we report changes in liver enzymes induced by different methods of liver retraction. Three Penrose No. 6 drains were cut into 6 cm pieces. Penrose 1 was fixed with a thread attached to the end and Penrose 2 in a y-shape. A knitting thread with needles was prepared, and a loop was made at the end of the thread. The needle thread was passed over the abdominal wall and through the Penrose 2. The needle thread was passed over the diaphragmatic leg and through the Penrose 3. The thread was pulled over the abdominal wall and diaphragmatic leg and fixed to the end of Penrose 1 out of the body, and the liver was drained. The rate of change in liver enzymes from the preoperative to postoperative stages was examined separately in the Penrose and Nathanson groups. In the y-shape+1 technique, retraction of the liver can be performed regardless of the position of the rib arch; however, intracorporeal suture ligation is necessary. This method is useful when the conventional Penrose method is inappropriate because of the position of the rib arch.

[Surgical Outcomes and Clinicopathological Analysis of Non-Ampullary Duodenal Tumors].

Non-ampullary duodenal tumors are relatively rare; however, in recent years, they have been encountered more frequently. We analyzed the surgical outcomes and clinicopathological findings in 20 patients who underwent surgery based on preoperative diagnoses of non-ampullary duodenal tumors at our hospital between January 2011 and April 2021. We performed surgery for 3 cases of GIST, 4 cases of adenoma, and 13 cases of adenocarcinoma. The average age of the patients was 64.3 years and the male-to-female ratio was 17:3. The location of the tumor was the blub in 5 cases, the superior duodenal angle in 2 cases, the descending portion in 9 cases, the horizontal portion in 3 cases, and the ascending portion in 1 case. The histological type of adenocarcinoma was tub1 in all cases of early cancer, whereas in advanced cancer, there were many cases with histological types other than tub1. Various surgical procedures from duodenal local resection to pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed for treating non-ampullary duodenal tumors depending on the tumor location and the necessity of lymph node dissection. It is important to establish a treatment policy that considers both curability and invasiveness.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome as a Potential Cause of Nocturia in Younger Adults.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of age on the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), nocturia, and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs). METHODS: This was a secondary analysis study based on data derived from a previously conducted prospective observational cohort study on OSAS and nocturia. We analyzed 90 subjects who were suspected of having OSAS. Prior to polysomnography, we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score-Quality of Life scores, Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores, and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Nocturia Quality of Life scores to evaluate LUTSs. Nocturnal urine volume, night-time frequency, and night-time urine electrolyte content were measured during polysomnography. Patients were divided into groups according to age and OSAS severity determined using apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores. Young patients were those aged <65 years and elderly patients, ≥65 years. A multiple linear regression with multiple imputations was performed to examine the association of night-time frequency with demographic, polysomnographic, and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In young patients, night-time frequency was significantly associated with nocturnal urine volume, AHI score, and total IPSS. However, night-time frequency in elderly subjects was not associated with demographic and polysomnographic characteristics. In order to compare the severity of OSAS, night-time frequency and urinary sodium content significantly increased only in young patients (P = .007 and .004, respectively). CONCLUSION: OSAS is a strong candidate of causative factor for nocturia in younger individuals. When a younger patient complains nocturia without any urological disorders, OSAS should be kept in mind as a potential cause of nocturia.

Locomotive Syndrome is a Risk Factor for the Dropout of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors linked to patient dropout from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods: This study included 1191 patients with OSAS at baseline assessment, who were followed for 3 years. We evaluated clinical parameters, indicators related to OSAS treatment, exercise habits and the presence of locomotive syndrome (LS). LS was evaluated by a 'loco-check', as established by the Japanese Orthopedic Association. The OSAS patients were categorized at baseline as belonging to an 'LS group' or a 'non-LS group', and clinical parameters were compared. Results: Eighty-six patients (7.2%) dropped out of CPAP therapy during the 3 year follow-up period. The dropout rate of the LS group was significantly higher than that of the non-LS group. Using a Cox-proportional hazard model, the LS, old age and poor compliance were determined to be significant risk factors for dropping out of CPAP therapy. The hazard ratios (95% CI) of LS, elderly people and poor CPAP compliance were 2.11 (1.31-3.48), 1.80 (1.11-2.94) and 1.61 (1.04-2.47), respectively. Conclusion: LS may be the critical risk factor for dropping out of CPAP therapy among patients with OSAS.

Laparoscopic Frey's Procedure for Chronic Pancreatitis in a Japanese Patient.

BACKGROUND Chronic pancreatitis is a slowly progressive inflammatory disease, affecting patients' quality of life due to chronic pain as well as endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Patients often choose surgery if medical and endoscopic interventions fail. Surgical approaches for chronic pancreatitis can be categorized as follows: resection of the diseased gland, diversion and drainage of the dilated pancreatic duct, or a combination of these approaches. Frey's procedure, which involves resection and drainage by longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy and coring out of the pancreatic head, is reserved for patients with debilitating pain. Although laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity in recent years due to its noninvasiveness and cosmetic benefit, few reports describe performing Frey's procedure laparoscopically. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old Japanese female with chronic pancreatitis complained of back pain and pain in the left upper quadrant abdomen. Plain computed tomography of her abdomen revealed a dilated main pancreatic duct containing diffuse calculi extending to the pancreatic parenchyma. Laboratory findings, including amylase level, were within normal ranges. She was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, and subsequently underwent a laparoscopic Frey's procedure. To our knowledge, we are the first to improve operative field visibility by using a Penrose drain to move the stomach from the line of sight. Postoperatively, the patient did well and was discharged 10 days after surgery. She remained symptom-free without medications for 80 months. CONCLUSIONS Due to its noninvasive nature and cosmetic advantages, laparoscopic Frey's procedure may be an attractive therapeutic option for chronic pancreatitis.

[Endoscopy Guided Single-Incision Laparoscopic Partial Duodenectomy of Duodenal Tumor].

The use of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for the treatment of duodenal tumors has increased recently. ESD is less invasive than surgical resection of duodenal tumors. However, a high rate of complication, including perforation and bleeding, has been reported to be associated with ESD. Here, we report the minimally invasive surgical procedure called "endoscopy guided single-incision laparoscopic partial duodenectomy" for the treatment of duodenal tumors, along with its and safety and treatment outcomes. Five patients were included in this study. We mounted the LAP PROTECTORTM and EZ access®in the umbilical incision. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed using 3 trocars(5mm)that were placed into the EZ access®. First, we mobilized the duodenum and pancreatic head from the retroperitoneum using the laparoscopic "Kocher maneuver". Next, the peritumoral site was marked by an endoscopic procedure using a clip and electric needle knife. Using an endoscope, we performed laparoscopic full-thickness resection of the duodenal wall including the tumor. The defect in the duodenal wall was then closed by suturing.