Clinical efficacy and safety of autologous serum intramuscular injection in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: a prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Background@#Autologous blood therapy (ABT) has been used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) for over a century, even though evidence supporting its efficacy is lacking. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of autologous serum intramuscular injection (ASIM), which is a modified form of ABT, in treating mild-to-moderate AD. @*Methods@#This study was a 12-week, open-label, prospective, uncontrolled trial. Following a 4-week run-in period, 22 out of 25 screened patients received ASIM once a week for 4 weeks in conjunction with standard treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), while the secondary outcomes included the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score, Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), and patient ratings of pruritus, sleep difficulty, disease status, and treatment effectiveness. Safety parameters were also assessed. @*Results@#EASI scores showed a non-statistically significant trend toward improvement during ASIM intervention. Patients with at least a 50% improvement in the EASI score at 4 weeks were older and had lower peripheral eosinophil counts (p<0.05). Secondary endpoints, including the SCORAD score, pruritus, sleep difficulty, and DLQI, demonstrated statistically significant improvements at week 4 compared to baseline (p<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed. @*Conclusions@#This pioneering study suggests that repeated ASIM may improve the clinical symptoms of mild-to-moderate AD, particularly in terms of pruritus and overall quality of life. However, further research with a larger sample size is required to establish the clinical significance of these findings.

Change in sensitization to inhalant allergens in adults with respiratoryallergic disease in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do province

Purpose@#It is crucial to identify the causative allergen of respiratory allergic disease. Air pollution and climate change affect the allergen concentration as well as the sensitization rate. This study aims to analyze the inhalant allergen sensitization in patients with respiratory allergic disease in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do province. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed skin prick test results from patients who visited an allergy clinic at a university hospital in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do in 2011 and 2016. Sensitivity to inhalant allergens was identified and analyzed by year and region. The pollen allergen concentration in Busan was also analyzed. @*Results@#The total numbers of participants were 697 in 2011 and 1,644 in 2016. The mite sensitization rate was the highest at approximately 36%, and tree pollen sensitization rate showed 10%–15%. However, the sensitization of most tree pollen and Japanese hop significantly decreased in 2016. In 2011, the mite sensitization rate of patients in the Western Gyeongsangnam-do region was remarkably low at 26%–28%, but this difference disappeared in 2016. The concentration of pollen allergens in Busan showed a tendency to decrease. @*Conclusion@#This study confirmed the longitudinal change in the sensitization rate of major inhalant allergens in patients with respiratory allergy in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do province, as well as a significant decrease in tree pollen antigen. Based on our results, this information can be used as a basis for future patient management, and further research will be made possible by establishing a research network.

Comparison of inhalant allergen sensitization between children, adolescents, and adults with asthma and allergic rhinitis

Purpose@#Inhalant allergens are known as a major factor for respiratory allergic diseases. There are many differences in sensitization rates of inhalant allergens, depending on the environment and demographic factors. This study aimed to compare the cross-sectional differences in sensitivity patterns to inhalant allergen between children, adolescents, and adults. @*Methods@#We analyzed the results of 449 patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis who underwent the inhalant allergen skin prick test at our university hospital in 2016. The subjects were classified 5 groups according to age: children ( ≤ 12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), young adults (18–30 years), middle adults (31–64 years), and elderly group ( ≥ 65 years). Positive responses skin prick test for allergens were defined as allergen-to-histamine wheal ratio ≥ 1. @*Results@#The sensitization rate (SR) to house dust mites (HDM) was 52.1% on average, showing the highest SR in all groups, especially in children (64.2%). Children and adolescents showed high SRs to cockroach along with tree pollen, animal fur, and adults showed high SR to weed pollen along with them. Among the tree pollen, the SRs to oak, alder, birch, and beech were high in all groups; in children, the SR to plain and willow tended to be high, and in adults the SR to hazel was high. SRs to Timothy pollen (9.9%) and Alternaria (8.6%) tended to be higher in children than in the other groups. @*Conclusion@#Although HDM is still the major allergen in children and adults with respiratory allergy, our study suggests various differences in the sensitization pattern to inhalant allergens according to age even in the same area. Further studies are needed to explain these differences in sensitization patterns.

Prevalence of allergic symptoms and occupational allergic diseases among veterinary clinic workers

Purpose@#Veterinary clinic workers are frequently exposed to various animal allergens, increasing the possibility of occupational allergy. However, allergic symptoms in this group have not been studied extensively. We aim to investigate the prevalence of allergic symptoms and especially occupational allergic diseases in veterinary clinic workers. @*Methods@#A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The questionnaire for allergic symptoms was sent to the veterinary clinic workers in the Gyeongsangnam-do region and was collected for statistical analysis. Occupational asthma, rhinitis, or dermatitis were defined as the new onset or worsening of each symptom at work and improvement in the condition while away from the work. @*Results@#Ninety-five veterinary clinic workers participated in this study; 33.7% were male and their mean age was 33.7 years. Fiftytwo subjects (54.7%) experienced conjunctivitis symptoms along with rhinitis symptoms. Fifty-seven subjects (60.0%) experienced rhinitis symptoms, but not cold or flu, and 40% of the subjects were suspected of having occupational rhinitis. Forty subjects reported that they had lower respiratory symptoms, while 11 (11.6%) and 4 subjects (4.2%) had asthma and occupational asthma, respectively. Twenty-two subjects with respiratory symptoms complained of symptom worsening upon contact with animals, especially cats. Of 95 subjects, 31 had skin itching, 11 reported skin rash, and 6 had occupational dermatitis. There was no significant difference in the type of work performed by the study participants. @*Conclusion@#This study is the first to analyze the prevalence of allergic symptoms in veterinary clinic workers in Korea. The data can be employed for the prevention of occupational allergic diseases in veterinary clinic workers and can provide a basis for further studies.

Anxiety, depression, and stress in Korean patients with chronic urticaria

Background/Aims@#Emotional distress is thought to cause or maintain chronic urticaria (CU). We aimed to investigate the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress in Korean adult CU patients and to explore their potential impact on treatment. @*Methods@#We enrolled 79 CU patients and a disease control group comprising 39 persistent asthma patients. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate depression and anxiety. Stress and quality of life (QoL) were assessed by Stress Response Inventory and CU-QoL questionnaires. The sociodemographic and clinical data such as urticaria activity score (UAS-15, UAS-6) were obtained. @*Results@#The prevalence of depression and anxiety based on the HADS were 48.1% and 38.0%. Although the prevalence of anxiety didn’t differ between the CU and asthma patients, depression was significantly more prevalent in the CU patients (48.1% vs. 28.2%). Stress tended to be lower in CU patients. Anxiety, depression, and stress exhibited negative correlations with QoL. Anxiety showed significant correlation with UAS-6 and pruritus-visual analog scale (VAS; r = 0.256, r = 0.272, p < 0.05, respectively); depression correlated with sleep difficulty-VAS (r = 0.261, p < 0.05). Stress was associated with UAS-15, UAS-6, pruritus-VAS, and sleep difficulty-VAS (r = 0.251, r = 0.317, r = 0.302, r = 0.258, p < 0.05, respectively). @*Conclusions@#The current study first presented that Korean CU patients frequently have anxiety and depression, which affect their QoL and demonstrated that anxiety, depression, and stress had different effects on sleep difficulty, pruritus, and urticaria severity in Korean CU patients.

The Characteristics of Adverse Drug Reactions in Cancer Patients: An Analysis of Spontaneously Reported Cases / 대한내과학회지

Background/Aims@#Although the number of domestic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in Korea is rapidly increasing, the analysis of ADRs in cancer patients remains limited. We sought to investigate the clinical features of ADRs in cancer patients. @*Methods@#ADR data were collected from a spontaneous reporting system at single university hospital, between July 2010 and June 2015. ADR cases assessed to be “unlikely” or “unclassifiable” as per the criteria of the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Center were excluded. Additional medical information was retrospectively collected from chart reviews, and clinical features of ADRs were analyzed. @*Results@#In total, 1,455 cases were reported. Of these, 822 ADRs (52.1%) were observed in cancer patients. The mean age of cancer patients was 60.8 years (range, 17–90 years), and 45.9% were male. The most prevalent clinical features were gastrointestinal abnormalities (32.6%), such as nausea and vomiting, followed by skin (28.5%) and neurologic manifestations (26.0%). Fifty-one (6.2%) and 296 cases (36.0%) were classified as severe and moderate, respectively. The most common causative agents were parenteral nutrition (PN) supplements (40.4%), followed by antibiotics (17.8%), analgesics (16.7%), iodinated contrast media (ICM, 10.6%), and vitamins (3.9%). Antineoplastic agents were responsible for 2.9% of cases. PN supplements were commonly associated with severe reactions. @*Conclusion@#Although it is well known that antibiotics, ICM, and analgesics induce ADRs, PN supplements, vitamins, and antineoplastic agents should also be considered as common causes of ADRs in cancer patients. Further investigation and monitoring to determine the causality associated with these agents is required.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Occupational Skin Disease in Korean Workers from the 2014 Korean Working Conditions Survey

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Antiepileptic Drugs: A Nationwide Registry-Based Study in Korea

PURPOSE: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) to antiepileptic drug (AED), are rare, but result in significant morbidity and mortality. We investigated the major culprit drugs, clinical characteristics, and clinical course and outcomes of AED-induced SCARs using a nationwide registry in Korea. METHODS: A total of 161 patients with AED-induced SCARs from 28 referral hospitals were analyzed. The causative AEDs, clinical characteristics, organ involvements, details of treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. We compared the clinical and laboratory parameters between SJS/TEN and DRESS according to the leading causative drugs. We further determined risk factors for prolonged hospitalization in AED-induced SCARs. RESULTS: Carbamazepine and lamotrigine were the most common culprit drugs causing SCARs. Valproic acid and levetiracetam also emerged as the major causative agents. The disease duration and hospital stay in carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN were shorter than those in other AEDs (P< 0.05, respectively). In younger patients, lamotrigine caused higher incidences of DRESS than other drugs (P= 0.045). Carbamazepine, the most common culprit drug for SCARs, was associated with a favorable outcome related with prolonged hospitalization in SJS (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.63, P= 0.12), and thrombocytopenia was found to be a risk factor for prolonged hospitalization in DRESS. CONCLUSION: This was the first large-scale epidemiological study of AED-induced SCARs in Korea. Valproic acid and levetiracetam were the significant emerging AEDs causing SCARs in addition to the well-known offending AEDs such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine. Carbamazepine was associated with reduced hospitalization, but thrombocytopenia was a risk factor for prolonged hospitalization. Our results suggest that the clinical characteristics and clinical courses of AED-induced SCARs might vary according to the individual AEDs.

The roles of mast cells in allergic inflammation and mast cell-related disorders

Mast cells, which are major effector cells in allergic reactions, are found in the perivascular spaces of most tissues and contain pro-inflammatory and vasoactive mediators. These mediators are released after IgE receptor cross-linking induced by allergens or other stimuli, including anaphylatoxins (C3a and C5a), aggregated IgG, certain drugs, venoms, and physical stimuli (pressure and temperature changes), as well as cytokines and neuropeptides. The excess release of these mediators can cause variable allergic symptoms and signs, such as bronchospasm, itching, flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vascular instability, and anaphylaxis. Furthermore, mast cell disorders may involve either excessive proliferation of mast cells or abnormal mast cell reactivity. Mast cell disorders can be broadly divided into 3 types: primary, secondary, and idiopathic. All of these disorders present with signs and symptoms of mast cell activation and differ in severity and involvement of various organ systems. The best characterized primary disorder is mastocytosis. Systemic and cutaneous forms of the disease are well described. Secondary disorders include typical allergic diseases and some types of urticarial diseases. In this article, the biochemical characteristics of mast cells and the role of mast cells in allergic inflammation, as well as the classification, diagnosis, and management of mast cell-related disorders, will be reviewed.

Acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica caused by zinc deficiency in a heavy drinker: A case report

Acrodematitis enteropathica is an uncommon disease due to zinc deficiency which is characterized by perioral and acral dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. This disease typically presents in infants, either due to an autosomal recessive genetic disorder or after cessation of breastfeeding. Acquired adult-onset acrodermatitis enteropathica has rarely been reported so far. We report a case of a 38-year-old man who had a history of chronic alcohol intake and presented with severe acrodermatitis enteropathica. The patient was successfully managed with zinc supplement and supportive care.

Relationship between Bronchodilator Response, Airway Hyperresponsiveness, and Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels in Patients with Suspected Bronchial Asthma / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been extensively investigated as a marker of airway inflammation in asthma, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is recognized as a useful tool for its evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between FeNO levels and bronchodilator response (BDR), and between FeNO and mannitol-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), in patients with suspected asthma. METHODS: Clinical variables were collected from patients aged ≥ 13 years with suspected bronchial asthma and measured levels of FeNO. These levels were compared with patient values for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF(25-75%)) in bronchodilator response tests under control conditions, and during bronchial provocation with mannitol. Correlations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves between FeNO levels and each test were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 259 patients were included in the analysis. The mean ages of the two test groups were 41.1 and 47.8 years, respectively. FeNO levels were strongly correlated with bronchodilator response (%) and with the mannitol dose producing a 15% fall in FEV1 (PD15). On the other hand, FeNO levels were only weakly correlated with FEF(25-75%). The optimal cut-off values for FeNO to predict a positive BDR and AHR were 38.5 and 29.5 parts per billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that FEV1 and FEF(25-75%) airway responses correlate with FeNO levels in patients with suspected bronchial asthma. FeNO levels may help to predict positive responses to BDR and AHR.

Changes in skin reactivity and associated factors in patients sensitized to house dust mites after 1 year of allergen-specific immunotherapy

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the need for symptomatic medication. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in skin reactivity to house dust mites (HDMs) as an immunologic response and associated factors after 1 year of immunotherapy. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with allergic airway diseases who received subcutaneous SIT with HDMs from 2009 to 2014 were evaluated. The investigated parameters were basic demographic characteristics, skin reactivity and specific IgE for HDM, serum total IgE level, blood eosinophil counts, and medication score. RESULTS: The mean levels of skin reactivity to HDMs, blood eosinophil counts, and medication scores after 1 year were significantly reduced from baseline. In univariate comparison of the changes in skin reactivity to HDMs, age ≤30 years, HDMs only as target of immunotherapy, and high initial skin reactivity (≥2) to HDMs were significantly associated with the reduction in skin test reactivity. In multivariate analysis, high initial skin reactivity and HDMs only as target allergens were significantly associated with changes in skin reactivity to HDMs. In the receiver operating characteristic curve of the initial mean skin reactivity to HDMs for more than 50% reduction, the optimal cutoff value was 2.14. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant reductions in allergen skin reactivity to HDMs after 1 year of immunotherapy in patients sensitized to HDMs. The extent of initial allergen skin reactivity and only HDMs as target allergen were important predictive factors for changes in skin reactivity.

Delayed onset urticaria and angioedema caused by components of itraconazole solution

Itraconazole, new triazole agent with a broader antifungal spectrum than fluconazole, has been prescribed widely in the treatment and prophylaxis for fungal infection. Itaconazole has been reported to have gastrointestinal disturbance (4%) and headache (1%) as its most common side-effects. However, allergic reactions caused by this drug are rare. A 53-year-old woman with myelodysplastic syndrome received prophylactic antibiotic therapy including itraconazole solution before chemotherapy. She complained of hive on the face with angioedema at 6 hours after taking them. The symptoms were more aggravated on the next day and reversed by stopping itraconazole solution and injection of antihistamine and steroids. Skin prick tests with itraconazole solution, itraconazole tablet, and ketoconazole showed all the negative responses. The oral challenge test with itraconazole solution was performed and resulted in urticaria and angioedema 6 hours later. Next, the oral challenge test with intraconazole tablet was performed and showed negative response. The patient was finally diagnosed as adverse reaction by additives contained intraconazole solution. We report, a case of delayed onset urticaria and angioedema caused by components of itraconazole solution.

A Case of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis with Patterns of Septic Shock / 대한내과학회지

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare disease characterized by multiple acute, small, non-follicular, sterile pustules on an erythematous background, usually accompanied by fever and leukocytosis. AGEP is attributed to systemic drugs, mainly beta-lactam and macrolide antimicrobials, in more than 90% of cases. Systemic contact dermatitis is not rare after ingesting lacquer broth, but few reported cases of AGEP have occurred after the ingestion of lacquer chicken broth without a past history of drugs, viral infection, or contact allergy to mercury. Here, we report a rare case of AGEP with a pattern of septic shock induced by the intake of lacquer chicken in a 40-year-old male patient. He developed a generalized pustular lesion with high fever and hypotension. Histologic examination showed subcorneal neutrophilic pustules, papillary dermal edema, and lymphohistiocytic perivascular infiltrates with some eosinophils and neutrophils. The patient was treated with empirical antibiotics and systemic steroids, and the pustular lesions improved 2 weeks later without recurrence.

Association between genetic variations of the transforming growth factor beta receptor type III and asthma in a Korean population

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its receptors have been suggested to play key roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of genetic variations in the TGF-beta receptor type III (TGFBR3) on asthma and on its related phenotypes in the general population. A cohort of 2,118 subjects aged from 10 to 18 years responded to a questionnaire concerning asthma symptoms and risk factors. Methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), skin test responses to common aeroallergens, and serum total IgE levels were evaluated in the cohort. A total of 19 SNPs for TGFBR3 were found using direct re-sequencing in 24 healthy adults. Of these, informative SNPs [+44T>C (S15F) and +2753G>A at 3'UTR] were selected and scored using the high throughput single base extension method. Atopy was identified in subjects with 44T>C allele [P = 0.04, OR (95% CI) = 0.79 (0.62-0.99)] and in subjects with Ht1 (CG) more frequently than in subjects with other haplotypes [P = 0.04, OR (95% CI) = 1.27 (1.01-1.59)]. The A allele in 2753G>A was more common in subjects with non-atopic asthma [OR (95% CI) = 1.76 (1.01-3.05)]. A significant association was found between non-atopic asthma and 44T_2753A [OR (95% CI) = 2.16 (1.22-3.82)]. Genetic variations in TGFBR3 appear to be associated with a genetic predisposition to development of asthma and to phenotypes of asthma. Also, the minor allele 2753G and the haplotype TA in the TGFBR3 gene were associated with a pathogenesis of non-atopic asthma.

Photodynamic Therapy in Early Lung Cancer: A Report of Two Cases

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) that is based on the science of photochemistry has been recognized as a lung sparing local therapeutic modality that can achieve remarkable responses. It is an alternative treatment for early stage lung cancer patients who have poor lung function or multiple sites of cancer. Recently we treated a 70-year-old man who presented with squamous carcinoma in situ at a previous pneumonectomy site, and a 64-year-old man with a newly developed secondary superficial lung cancer, with PDT. There were no complications related to the procedure. Both patients had poor lung function due to prior lung cancer surgery. Clinical and histological complete remissions were achieved without any evidence of recurrence during 30 months of follow-up in both patients.

Isolation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria by DNA Probe and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with NTM Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasingly being recognized as a cause of chronic pulmonary disease. This study describes the prevalence of NTM species from clinical specimens and the clinical characteristics of NTM pulmonary disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The NTM isolated from March 2003 to December 2003 at the Kosin Medical Center were identified using an oligonucleotide chip containing the internal transcribed space (ITS) sequence. The medical records of the patients with the NTM isolates, who fulfilled the 1997 ATS diagnostic criteria for NTM pulmonary disease, were analyzed, retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty four species (24.2%) of NTM were isolated from 99 cultured AFB specimens. M. avium complex (MAC) (13 isolates), M. szulgai (3), M. kansasii (2), M. malmoense (2), M. abscessus (1), M. chelonae (1), M. scrofulaceum (1), and unclassified (1). Of the 23 patients with isolated NTM, 11 patients were found to be compatible with a NTM pulmonary infection according to the ATS criteria; MAC was found in 6 cases (54.5%), M. szulgai in 2 cases (18.2%), and M. abscessus, M. szulgai, M. kansasii and M. malmoense in 1 case each (9.1%). Ten patients (91%) were male and the median age at diagnosis was 61 years. In the pre-existing diseases, malignant disease was found in 6 cases including 5 patients with lung cancer, and history of old pulmonary tuberculosis was identified in 4 cases. The radiological patterns showed lung destruction lung in 3 cases, a cavitary mass in 3 cases, a nodular pattern in 2 cases, and reticulonodular, consolidation and a bronchiectasis pattern were in 1 case each. CONCLUSION: Various types of NTM pulmonary diseases were`found in a tertiary hospital at Busan, Korea. The NTM pulmonary diseases were caused by MAC, M. szugai, M. kansasii, M. malmoense, M. abscessus, M. chelonae, and M. scrofulaceum in the order of frequency.

A Case of Microscopic Polyangiitis Associated with Paranasal Sinusitis and Pulmonary Hemorrhage / 대한신장학회잡지

Microscopic polyangiitis is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis primarily associated with necrotizing glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis. This disease is determined by clinical manifestation, ANCA, and involved organ or renal biopsy. We describe a 49-year-old female presenting with chronic postnasal drip, progressive dyspnea and abrupt hemoptysis. Her serum p-ANCA was postitive, but c- ANCA was negative. Her chest X-ray and chest CT scan showed pulmonary hemorrhage, and the renal biopsy specimen revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis. She was diagnosed as having an ANCA-associated vasculitis, and more specifically, a microscopic polyangiitis accompanied with paranasal sinusitis. She was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by prednisolone and cyclophosphamide per oral tablets. She showed rapid progression of renal failure and died from sepsis after 2 months of treatment.

Smoking Status and Serum NSE Level, as Prognostic Factors in Adenocarcinoma of Lung / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lung adenocarcinoma, which is more prevalent in women and nonsmokers, is increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors of an adenocarcinoma of the lung. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The clinical information of patients diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the lung at the Kosin University Gospel Hospital from January 1994 to July 2004 was reviewed retrospectively. The survival time of these patients was analyzed by the patient's age, gender, performance status, weight loss, smoking history, location of the primary tumor, clinical stage, serologic tumor markers, and treatment modality. RESULTS: For all 422 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the lung, 247 (58.5%) were male, and their mean age was 59.8 years the. The majority of patients were smokers (58.3%), and the tumors were located in the periphery (59.7%). In the smokers, the tumor was located more in the central airway compared to the non-smokers (42.8% vs. 31.9%, p=0.12). The overall median survival time was 390 days (95% CI;304-436 days). Univariate survival analysis revealed that an older age (>or=65 years old), male, weight loss, smoker, central type, advanced clinical stage, elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, >5 ng/ml) and neuron specific enolase (NSE, >15 ng/ml), and the supportive care only were significantly poor prognostic factors. The median survival time was shorter in the smokers than nonsmokers (289 days vs. 533 days, p<0.001). In addition, it was also shorter in the elevated NSE group than in the normal range group (207 days vs. 469 days, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, clinical stage, serum NSE, smoking status, and treatment modality were independent predictors of survival (hazard ratios: 1.68, 1.94, 1.92, 2.39 and 1.57, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is an important prognostic factor in an adenocarcinoma of the lung, but not gender. This suggests that the better prognosis of women is more related with the lower rate of smoking. In addition, the elevated serum NSE is also an important prognostic in an adenocarcinoma of the lung.

The Usefulness of Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Impalpable Neck Nodes in Patients with Lung Cancer / 결핵

BACKGROUND: In lung cancer patients, the presence of metastatic neck nodes is a crucial indicator of inoperabilty. So thorough physical examination of neck is always mandatory, but sometimes those are hardly palpable even by the skillful hand. Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic method in detection of small impalpable lymph nodes and in guidance of fine needle aspiration biopsy. In this study we evaluated the clinical usefulness of ultrasonography(USG) and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology(US-FNA) in lung cancer patients without palpable neck nodes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From Sep 2002 to Sep 2003, 36 non-small cell lung cancer patients (20 adenocarcinoma, 16 squamous cell cancer) and 10 small cell lung cancer patients without palpable neck nodes on physical examiation were enrolled. patients who had contralateral mediastinal nodal enlargement(>1cm) on chest CT were excluded. After the routine check of USG on the neck, US-FNA was done in cases with enlarged neck nodes (> or =5 mm in the short axis). The presence of enlarged lymph node on USG, and of malignant cells on cytology were evaluated by the histological type and the patients' clinical stage of lung cancer. RESULTS: Among 36 non-small lung cell cancer patients, 14 (38.8%) had enlarged neck nodes on USG, and 5 of 10 small cell lung carcinoma patients. The mean diameter of the neck nodes was 9.8 mm (range, 7-12 mm). US-FNA of 14 non-small cell lung cancer patients revealed tumor cells in eight patients (57.1%). In 5 small cell lung cancer pateints, tumor cells were found in all cases. By the result of US-FNA, the clinical stage of 8 out of 36 (22.2%) non-small cell lung cancer patients had changed, including two cases of shift from the operable IIIa to the inoperable IIIb. In small cell lung cancer patients their clinical stage was not changed after US-FNA, but their pathological diagnosis was easily done in two cases, in whom endobronchial lesions were not found on bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: USG and US-FNA of neck node seem to be safe, sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic tools in the evaluation of lung cancer patients without palpable neck nodes.