Tuberculosis survivors and the risk of cardiovascular disease: analysis using a nationwide survey in Korea.

Background: Although the association between tuberculosis (TB) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported in several studies and is explained by mechanisms related to chronic inflammation, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the association between TB and CVD in Korea. Methods: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, we classified individuals according to the presence or absence of previous pulmonary TB was defined as the formal reading of a chest radiograph or a previous diagnosis of pulmonary TB by a physician. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we evaluated the association between the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorder (ASCVD) risk and TB exposure, as well as the 10-year ASCVD risk according to epidemiological characteristics. Results: Among the 69,331 participants, 4% (n = 3,101) had post-TB survivor group. Comparing the 10-year ASCVD risk between the post-TB survivor and control groups, the post-TB survivor group had an increased 10-year ASCVD risk in the high-risk group (40.46% vs. 24.00%, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intermediate- and high-risk groups had also significantly increased 10-year ASCVD risks (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.23 and OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.59-1.78, respectively) in the post-TB survivor group. In the association of CVD among post-TB survivors according to epidemiologic characteristics, age [adjusted OR (aOR) 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12], current smoking (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.34-5.14), a high family income (aOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.33-4.62), diabetes mellitus (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.23-3.14), and depression (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.03-4.10) were associated with CVD in the post-TB survivor group. Conclusions: Our study findings suggest a higher 10-year ASCVD risk among TB survivors than healthy participants. This warrants long-term cardiovascular monitoring and management of the post-TB population.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes Using Propensity Score Matching: Coronavirus Disease 2019 vs. Seasonal Influenza in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The advent of the omicron variant and the formulation of diverse therapeutic strategies marked a new epoch in the realm of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Studies have compared the clinical outcomes between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, but such studies were conducted during the early stages of the pandemic when effective treatment strategies had not yet been developed, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Therefore, an updated evaluation of the comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza is requisite. METHODS: This study used data from the severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system of South Korea. We extracted data for influenza patients who were infected between 2018 and 2019 and COVID-19 patients who were infected in 2021 (pre-omicron period) and 2022 (omicron period). Comparisons of outcomes were conducted among the pre-omicron, omicron, and influenza cohorts utilizing propensity score matching. The adjusted covariates in the propensity score matching included age, sex, smoking, and comorbidities. RESULTS: The study incorporated 1,227 patients in the pre-omicron cohort, 1,948 patients in the omicron cohort, and 920 patients in the influenza cohort. Following propensity score matching, 491 patients were included in each respective group. Clinical presentations exhibited similarities between the pre-omicron and omicron cohorts; however, COVID-19 patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of dyspnea and pulmonary infiltrates compared to their influenza counterparts. Both COVID-19 groups exhibited higher in-hospital mortality and longer hospital length of stay than the influenza group. The omicron group showed no significant improvement in clinical outcomes compared to the pre-omicron group. CONCLUSION: The omicron group did not demonstrate better clinical outcomes than the pre-omicron group, and exhibited significant disease severity compared to the influenza group. Considering the likely persistence of COVID-19 infections, it is imperative to sustain comprehensive studies and ongoing policy support for the virus to enhance the prognosis for individuals affected by COVID-19.

Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on patients with stage IB non-small cell lung cancer with visceral pleural invasion.

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy has reduced the risk of recurrence and death in stage IB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high-risk factors; however, the impact of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) on outcomes in stage IB NSCLC treated with adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and prognostic significance of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IB (1-4 cm) NSCLC with VPI. Methods: This retrospective study included 251 patients admitted between January 2008 and May 2018 from four hospitals who underwent complete resection for Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) 8th edition stage IB NSCLC with VPI. The relationship between adjuvant chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 251 patients with stage IB NSCLC with VPI, 122 (48.6%) received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection and 129 (51.4%) were placed under observation. Multivariable analysis showed that adjuvant chemotherapy was an independent predictor of RFS [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.96; P=0.036]. A micropapillary pattern (aHR, 2.46; 95% CI: 1.33-4.55; P=0.004) and lymphovascular invasion (aHR, 2.86; 95% CI: 1.49-5.48; P=0.002) were associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Multivariable analysis also showed that adjuvant chemotherapy was an independent predictor of OS (aHR, 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09-0.58; P=0.002). In a subgroup analysis of patients with a tumor size of 1-3 cm, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved RFS and OS, and this association was maintained even when patients with VPI had additional risk factors. Conclusions: Our study shows that adjuvant chemotherapy is appropriate for patients with stage IB (1-4 cm) NSCLC with VPI, and even those with smaller tumors (1-3 cm).

Mechanical ventilation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Korea: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation is poor. Therefore, mechanical ventilation is not recommended. Recently, outcomes of mechanical ventilation, including those for patients with IPF, have improved. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the use of mechanical ventilation in patients with IPF and their outcomes over time. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service database. Patients diagnosed with IPF between January 2011 and December 2019 who were placed on mechanical ventilation were included. We analyzed changes in the use of mechanical ventilation in patients with IPF and their mortality using the Cochran- Armitage trend test. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2019, 1,227 patients with IPF were placed on mechanical ventilation. The annual number of patients with IPF with and without mechanical ventilation increased over time. However, the ratio was relatively stable at approximately 3.5%. The overall hospital mortality rate was 69.4%. There was no improvement in annual hospital mortality rate. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 68.7%, which did not change significantly. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 85.3%. The annual 90-day mortality rate was decreased from 90.9% in 2011 to 83.1% in 2019 (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Despite improvements in intensive care and ventilator management, the prognosis of patients with IPF receiving mechanical ventilation has not improved significantly.

Perioperative immunotherapy in stage IB-III non-small cell lung cancer: a critical review of its rationale and considerations.

Lung cancer is a dismal disease as a leading cause of overall cancer death, but the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in driver gene mutation negative metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is changing the paradigm of lung cancer treatment. Recently, ICIs are expanding their treatment area to early-stage NSCLC and ICIs have also changed their treatment strategies of such patients. And it is important to appropriately select patients with resectable early-stage lung cancer through a multidisciplinary team approach and decrease the tumor relapse rate in the ICIs era. In this review article, we discuss the recently released neoadjuvant and adjuvant data of ICIs, their treatment rationale, and unmet needs in the treatment of early-stage NSCLC.

Intensive care unit-acquired hyponatremia in critically ill medical patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has focused on intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired hypernatremia; however, ICU-acquired hyponatremia has frequently been overlooked and has rarely been studied in surgical or mixed ICUs. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of ICU-acquired hyponatremia, the risk factors associated with its development, and its impact on outcomes in critically ill medical patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the prospective registry of all critically ill patients admitted to the medical ICU from January 2015 to December 2018. Baseline characteristics and management variables were compared between ICU-acquired hyponatremia and normonatremia patients. RESULTS: Of 1342 patients with initial normonatremia, ICU-acquired hyponatremia developed in 217 (16.2%) patients and ICU-acquired hypernatremia developed in 117 (8.7%) patients. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (8.0 vs 7.0, P = 0.009) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 scores (55.0 vs 51.0, P = 0.005) were higher in ICU-acquired hyponatremia patients compared with normonatremia patients. Baseline sodium (137.0 mmol/L vs 139.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001), potassium (4.2 mmol/L vs 4.0 mmol/L, P = 0.001), and creatinine (0.98 mg/dL vs 0.88 mg/dL, P = 0.034) levels were different between the two groups. Net volume balance over first 3 days was higher in ICU-acquired hyponatremia patients (19.4 mL/kg vs 11.5 mL/kg, P = 0.004) and was associated with the development of ICU-acquired hyponatremia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.007; P = 0.001). ICU mortality was similar in both groups (15.2% vs. 14.4%, P = 0.751), but renal replacement therapy was more commonly required in ICU-acquired hyponatremia patients (13.4% vs 7.4%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: ICU-acquired hyponatremia is not uncommon in critically ill medical patients. Increased volume balance is associated with its development. ICU-acquired hyponatremia is related to increased use of renal replacement therapy but not to mortality.

Clinical and molecular characteristics of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma.

Background/Aims: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a poorly differentiated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that contains components of spindle or giant cells. Owing to its low prevalence, there are insufficient data regarding its clinical features, therapeutic strategies and prognosis. METHODS: The medical records of 26 patients diagnosed with PSC from January 2009 to June 2015 were reviewed and analyzed for clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modality, and outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 69.5 years. Twenty-three patients (88%) were male. Twenty-four patients (92%) were smokers. The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was one month. Eighteen patients (69%) were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Pleomorphic carcinoma was the most common subtype, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation was positive in two of 11 patients. Among 13 patients tested for programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry assay, eight showed high expression of PD-L1. The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 9.5 months. In total, 12 patients were treated with chemotherapy: nine with platinum-based doublet therapy, two with tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and one with docetaxel. Seven patients showed partial response or stable disease. The median OS and progression-free survival of patients who received chemotherapy were 8.7 and 2.8 months, respectively. Conclusions: PSC was more common in males, smokers, and the elderly, with worse prognosis than ordinary NSCLC; chemotherapy response was favorable, and EGFR mutation status and PD-L1 expression may offer more therapeutic options.

Malignant mesothelioma with fungating masses and multiple sites involvement.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor associated with asbestos exposure. It typically presents as thickening or nodularity of the pleura, although it can also originate from other sites consisting of mesothelia and have manifestations other than thickening or nodularity. Several studies have implied that these different manifestations are associated with a different tumor biology. We report the case of a 54-year-old man with multiple fungating masses diagnosed as MM on histological examination.

Severe Endobronchial Inflammation Induced by Aspiration of a Ferrous Sulfate Tablet.

Iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets are usually used to treat iron-deficiency anemia in some elderly patients with primary neurologic disorders or decreased gag reflexes due to stroke, senile dementia, or parkinsonism. While the aspiration of ferrous sulfate is rarely reported, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to airway necrosis and bronchial stenosis. A detailed history and high suspicion of aspiration are required to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis can be confirmed by bronchoscopic examination and a tissue biopsy. Early removal of the aspirated tablet prevents acute complications, such as bronchial necrosis, hemoptysis, and lobar consolidation. Tablet removal is also necessary to prevent late bronchial stenosis. We presented the first case in Korea of a ferrous sulfate tablet aspiration that induced severe endobronchial inflammation.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma presented as an incidental lung mass with multiple pulmonary nodules.

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is an uncommon gynecologic malignancy of mesodermal origin. Pulmonary metastasis of low-grade ESS can occur years and decades after the treatment of the primary disease. Low-grade ESS is frequently mistaken as benign uterine neoplasm like uterine leiomyoma, which can potentially lead to a misdiagnosis. We present a case of a 42-year-old woman with low-grade ESS, that initially presented as an incidental lung mass with multiple pulmonary nodules, seven years after an uterine myomectomy. A 6.9×5.8 cm-sized intrapelvic mass suspected of uterine origin was discovered while searching for potential extrathoracic primary origin. A pelviscopy and simultaneous thoracoscopic lung biopsy were conducted for pathologic diagnosis. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed as low-grade ESS with lung metastasis based on the histopathologic examination with immunohistochemical stain, which was showed positive for CD10 and hormone receptor markers (estrogen and progesterone receptors) in both pelvic and lung specimens.

Two Cases of Diagnosis and Removal of Endobronchial Hamartoma by Cryotherapy via Flexible Bronchoscopy.

Although endobronchial hamartoma is a rare benign tumor, most patients with endobronchial hamartoma have respiratory symptoms such as obstructive pneumonia, hemoptysis, cough, or dyspnea due to bronchial obstruction. It can cause irreversible post-obstructive pulmonary destruction, thus early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Recently, there have been cases of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and electrocautery procedures for bronchoscopic treatment of malignant or benign central airway obstruction with comparable therapeutic efficacy and few complications. Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is a newly developed technique for management of central airway obstruction. Moreover, it provides diagnostic methods with improving diagnostic yield and safety. We report two cases of endobronchial hamartoma, each diagnosed and definitively treated with bronchoscopic techniques. Endobronchial biopsy and removal was successfully performed by cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy without notable complications. Follow-up bronchoscopic examinations excluded residual or recurrent disease.