Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Using Guide Sheath-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions without Fluoroscopy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) has improved the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). The diagnostic yield and complications of RP-EBUS-TBLB for PPLs vary depending on the technique, such as using a guide sheath (GS) or fluoroscopy. In this study, we investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy for diagnosing PPLs. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed data from 607 patients who underwent RP-EBUS of PPLs from January 2019 to July 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a GS without fluoroscopy. The diagnostic yield and complications were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the diagnostic yields. @*Results@#The overall diagnostic accuracy was 76.1% (462/607). In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–3.33; p=0.003), positive bronchus sign in chest computed tomography (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.40–3.78; p=0.001), a solid lesion (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.31–4.41; p=0.005), and an EBUS image with the probe within the lesion (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 4.38–11.12; p<0.001) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax occurred in 2.0% (12/607) of cases and chest tube insertion was required in 0.5% (3/607) of patients. @*Conclusion@#RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy is a highly accurate diagnostic method in diagnosing PPLs that does not involve radiation exposure and has acceptable complication rates.

Utility of Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Bronchus Sign Negative Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Background@#The presence of the bronchus sign on chest computed tomography is associated with an increased diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound– guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB). However, the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB for bronchus sign negative peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) remains unknown. We investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB in bronchus sign negative PPLs. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed data from 109 patients who underwent RP-EBUS for bronchus sign negative PPLs from January 2019 to August 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a guide sheath and without fluoroscopy. The EBUS visualization and TBLB diagnostic yields were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the EBUS visualization and diagnostic yields. @*Results@#The EBUS visualization yield was 74.1% (68/109). Of the 109 lung lesions, 92 were definitively diagnosed. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 50.5% (55/109), 34.9% (29/83), 100% (26/26), 100% (29/29), and 32.5% (26/80), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥ 20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–5.93; P = 0.021) and the distance from the pleura (> 10 mm; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.02–5.52; P = 0.045) were associated with EBUS visualization. Regarding diagnostic yield, having the probe within the lesion (OR, 28.50; 95% CI, 6.26–129.85; P < 0.001) and a solid lesion (OR, 14.58; 95% CI, 2.64–80.38; P = 0.002) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 3.7% (4/109) and 0.9% (1/109), respectively, of the patients. @*Conclusion@#RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS can be considered a diagnostic method in bronchus sign negative solid PPLs. Having the probe within the lesion and a solid lesion were important for diagnostic success. Complication rates were acceptable.

Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Using Guide Sheath-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions without Fluoroscopy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) has improved the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). The diagnostic yield and complications of RP-EBUS-TBLB for PPLs vary depending on the technique, such as using a guide sheath (GS) or fluoroscopy. In this study, we investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy for diagnosing PPLs. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed data from 607 patients who underwent RP-EBUS of PPLs from January 2019 to July 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a GS without fluoroscopy. The diagnostic yield and complications were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the diagnostic yields. @*Results@#The overall diagnostic accuracy was 76.1% (462/607). In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–3.33; p=0.003), positive bronchus sign in chest computed tomography (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.40–3.78; p=0.001), a solid lesion (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.31–4.41; p=0.005), and an EBUS image with the probe within the lesion (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 4.38–11.12; p<0.001) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax occurred in 2.0% (12/607) of cases and chest tube insertion was required in 0.5% (3/607) of patients. @*Conclusion@#RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy is a highly accurate diagnostic method in diagnosing PPLs that does not involve radiation exposure and has acceptable complication rates.

Utility of Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Bronchus Sign Negative Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Background@#The presence of the bronchus sign on chest computed tomography is associated with an increased diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound– guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB). However, the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB for bronchus sign negative peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) remains unknown. We investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB in bronchus sign negative PPLs. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed data from 109 patients who underwent RP-EBUS for bronchus sign negative PPLs from January 2019 to August 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a guide sheath and without fluoroscopy. The EBUS visualization and TBLB diagnostic yields were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the EBUS visualization and diagnostic yields. @*Results@#The EBUS visualization yield was 74.1% (68/109). Of the 109 lung lesions, 92 were definitively diagnosed. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 50.5% (55/109), 34.9% (29/83), 100% (26/26), 100% (29/29), and 32.5% (26/80), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥ 20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–5.93; P = 0.021) and the distance from the pleura (> 10 mm; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.02–5.52; P = 0.045) were associated with EBUS visualization. Regarding diagnostic yield, having the probe within the lesion (OR, 28.50; 95% CI, 6.26–129.85; P < 0.001) and a solid lesion (OR, 14.58; 95% CI, 2.64–80.38; P = 0.002) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 3.7% (4/109) and 0.9% (1/109), respectively, of the patients. @*Conclusion@#RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS can be considered a diagnostic method in bronchus sign negative solid PPLs. Having the probe within the lesion and a solid lesion were important for diagnostic success. Complication rates were acceptable.

Eosinophilic Mastitis: A Case Report

Eosinophilic mastitis is a rare disease in which eosinophils infiltrate the ducts and lobules of the breast, causing mammary inflammation. Although eosinophilic mastitis is a benign condition, it presents similarly to and is often mistaken for breast cancer. Here we report the first case of eosinophilic mastitis in Korea. A 43-year-old woman presented with redness and swelling in her right breast. A breast ultrasound revealed ill-defined isoechoic and hyperechoic areas in the upper half and lower inner quadrant of the right breast combined with axillary level I lymphadenopathy. A histopathological examination by core needle biopsy demonstrated lymphoplasma cell infiltration with eosinophils. A peripheral blood examination revealed an eosinophil count of 5,000/mm³. The patient was treated with oral steroids, antibiotics, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Four months later, the eosinophil count had returned to normal, and breast ultrasound exhibited marked improvement.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of 98 PatientsHospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Daegu,South Korea: A Brief Descriptive Study

Although some information on the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and a few selectedcases has been reported, data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized therewith in South Koreaare lacking. We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 98 consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2infection at Yeungnam University Medical Center in Daegu, South Korea. Sixty patients were women (61.2%), and the mean agewas 55.4±17.1 years. Thirteen patients (13.3%) were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean interval from symptom onsetto hospitalization was 7.7±4.5 days. Patients who received ICU care were significantly older and were more likely to have diabetesmellitus. The National Early Warning Score on the day of admission was significantly higher in patients requiring ICU care. Acuterespiratory distress syndrome (13/13 patients; 100%), septic shock (9/13; 69.2%), acute cardiac injury (9/13; 69.2%), and acute kidneyinjury (8/13; 61.5%) were more common in patients who received ICU care. All patients received antibiotic therapy, and most(97/98 patients; 99.0%) received antiviral therapy (lopinavir/ritonavir). Hydroxychloroquine was used in 79 patients (80.6%), andglucocorticoid therapy was used in 18 patients (18.4%). In complete blood counts, lymphopenia was the most common finding(40/98 patients; 40.8%). Levels of all proinflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in ICU patients. As of March 29, 2020, themortality rate was 5.1%. Here, we report the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of SARS-CoV-2 patients in South Koreaup to March 29, 2020.

The Risk of Diabetes on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundTo determine the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we explored the clinical characteristics of patients with DM and compared risk factors such as age, glycemic control, and medications to those without DM.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 117 confirmed patients with COVID-19 which conducted at a tertiary hospital in Daegu, South Korea. The primary outcome was defined as the severe and critical outcome (SCO), of which the composite outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, intensive care unit care, and 28-day mortality. We analyzed what clinical features and glycemic control-related factors affect the prognosis of COVID-19 in the DM group.ResultsAfter exclusion, 110 participants were finally included. DM patients (n=29) was older, and showed higher blood pressure compared to non-DM patients. DM group showed higher levels of inflammation-related biomarkers and severity score, and highly progressed to SCO. After adjustment with other risk factors, DM increased the risk of SCO (odds ratio [OR], 10.771; P<0.001). Among the DM patients, SCO was more prevalent in elderly patients of ≥70 years old and age was an independent risk factor for SCO in patients with DM (OR, 1.175; P=0.014), while glycemic control was not. The use of medication did not affect the SCO, but the renin-angiotensin system inhibitors showed protective effects against acute cardiac injury (OR, 0.048; P=0.045).ConclusionThe COVID-19 patients with DM had higher severity and resulted in SCO. Intensive and aggressive monitoring of COVID-19 clinical outcomes in DM group, especially in elderly patients is warranted.

Different prognostic values of individual hematologic parameters in papillary thyroid cancer due to age-related changes in immunity

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported the plausible association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but the results are inconsistent. In PTC, chronic inflammation is closely related to tumor progression, and the age of the patient has a great influence on prognosis. Therefore, considering the changes in the immune system with aging, we classified the patients according to age and assessed the prognostic value of individual hematologic parameters. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 1,921 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for PTC. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their age: Y-group (age < 45) and O-group (age ≥ 45). Blood counts were measured within 14 days before surgery. RESULTS: The Y-group consisted of 914 patients aged < 45 years and the O-group consisted of 932 patients aged ≥ 45. In both groups, the common prognostic factors related to disease recurrence were only 6 or more metastatic lymph node and grossly extrathyroidal extension, and hematologic parameters were different between the 2 groups. High Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the Y-group and high NLR in the O-group were identified as independent predictors of disease recurrence (NLR: hazard ratio [HR], 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–8.73; P = 0.018; PLR: HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.26–7.52; P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that changes in immunity with aging may affect prognosis in patients with PTC, and thus hematologic parameters might be employed as prognostic markers depending on the age of the patients.

Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Digital Mammography versus Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Preoperative Evaluation of Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) in preoperative evaluations, and to evaluate the effect of each modality on the surgical management of women with breast cancer. METHODS: This single-center, prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. From November 2016 to October 2017, 84 patients who were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma (69/84) and ductal carcinoma in situ (15/84), and underwent both CEDM and CEMRI, were enrolled. Imaging findings and surgical management were correlated with pathological results and compared. The diagnostic performance of both modalities in the detection of index and secondary cancers (multifocality and multicentricity), and occult cancer in the contralateral breast, was compared. The authors also evaluated whether CEDM or CEMRI resulted in changes in the surgical management of the affected breast due to imaging-detected findings. RESULTS: Eighty-four women were included in the analysis. Compared with CEMRI, CEDM demonstrated a similar sensitivity (92.9% [78/84] vs. 95.2% [80/84]) in detecting index cancer (p=0.563). For the detection of secondary cancers in the ipsilateral breast and occult cancer in the contralateral breast, no significant differences were found between CEDM and CEMRI (p=0.999 and p=0.999, respectively). Regarding changes in surgical management, CEDM resulted in similar changes compared with CEMRI (30.9% [26/84] vs. 29.7% [25/84], p=0.610). Regarding changes in surgical management due to false-positive findings, no significant differences were found between CEDM and CEMRI (34.6% [9/26] vs. 44.0% [11/25], p=0.782). CONCLUSION: CEDM demonstrated a diagnostic performance comparable with CEMRI in depicting index cancers, secondary cancers, and occult cancer in the contralateral breast. CEDM demonstrated similar changes in surgical management compared with CEMRI.

Predictors of Positive or Close Surgical Margins in Breast-Conserving Surgery for Patients with Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the clinical and pathological factors associated with a higher rate of positive or close margins after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) by comparing these patients to patients with a negative margin. The second aim was to evaluate intraoperative resection margin status and reoperation rates for margin control in patients who underwent BCS. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data of all women diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at our institution between January 2006 and December 2016. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 785 patients were diagnosed with either IBC or DCIS, and 402 of these patients had undergone a total mastectomy as the primary treatment. The remaining 383 patients who underwent BCS were included in the final analysis. Of these, 100 patients (26.1%) had intraoperative positive or close margins. The remaining 283 patients (73.9%) had a negative margin intraoperatively, but 32 of these patients had positive or close margins on permanent sections. In the multivariate analyses, microcalcifications on mammograms (vs. none; odds ratio [OR], 1.911; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.156−3.160), in situ carcinomas larger than 2.0 cm (vs. ≤2.0 cm; OR, 3.106; 95% CI, 1.193−8.086), and lumpectomy (vs. quadrantectomy; OR, 2.863; 95% CI, 1.268−6.622) showed a significant association with a positive or close surgical margins. Patients with intraoperative positive or close margins underwent more reoperation than those with negative margins (5.0% vs. 2.8%). CONCLUSION: After BCS, microcalcifications on mammograms, large-sized in situ carcinomas, and lumpectomy were more likely to have positive or close margins.

Assessing cosmetic results after conventional thyroidectomy using the EASY-EYE_C: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: The incidence of thyroid cancer is relatively high, especially in young women, and postoperative scarring after thyroidectomy is an important problem for both patients and clinicians. Currently, there is no available product that can be used for wound protection during thyroid surgery. We used the EASY-EYE_C, a new silicone-based wound protector. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of the EASY-EYE_C with surgical scars. We studied 66 patients who underwent conventional total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon from August 2015 to June 2016. At 6-week follow-up, a single blinded physician observed the wounds to make clinical assessments using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and a modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). RESULTS: There were no significant differences by sex, age, type of surgery, body mass index, length of wound, incision site (from sternal notch), or thyroid weight, but the duration of operation was significantly shorter in the experimental group (E group). The e-group also had better POSAS scores than the control group (C group), with means of 43.2 (standard deviation [SD], ±15.9) versus 68.3 (SD, ±21.5), respectively (P < 0.05). The modified SBSES and VSS scores were similar to those from the POSAS. CONCLUSION: In this study, all scores for evaluating outcomes were higher in the E group than in the C group. In addition, the operation time was significantly shorter in the E group. Therefore, the EASY-EYE_C may be useful for improving the cosmetic outcomes of conventional thyroid surgery.

Primary Tracheal Small Cell Carcinoma Treated by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Primary tracheal tumors are rare and present with signs and symptoms of airway obstruction, and thus, are often initially diagnosed as asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease at an early stage. For this reason, many patients present with advanced stage disease at initial diagnosis. The authors report the case of a 73-year-old male heavy smoker with dyspnea and stridor. Chest computed tomography showed a tracheal mass, and he received a diagnosis of primary tracheal small cell carcinoma after bronchoscopic biopsy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was performed and after 5 years of outpatient clinic follow-up he continued to do well with no evidence of disease recurrence.

Microbiologic distribution and clinical features of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the tertiary hospital in Daegu / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) recovery rate in clinical cultures has increased within Korea. However, another study conducted by a secondary hospital within Daegu reported different results. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand and evaluate the microbiological distribution and clinical features of NTM in Daegu. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 11,672 respiratory specimens undergoing acid fast bacilli (AFB) culture from 6,685 subjects who visited Yeungnam University Respiratory Center from January 2012 to December 2013. RESULTS: Of the 11,672 specimens undergoing AFB culture, 1,310 specimens (11.2%) showed positive results. Of these specimens, NTM was recovered from 587 specimens, showing a recovery rate of 44.8%. Identification test for NTM was performed on 191 subjects; the results were as follows: M. avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) 123 (64.4%), M. abscessus 20 (10.5%), M. kansasii 12 (6.3%), and 33 other NTM germ strains. Of the 382 subjects with NTM, 167 were diagnosed with pulmonary NTM disease (43.7%), however virulence differed depending on NTM strain. Multivariate analysis showed that nodular bronchiectasis, the nodules, and finding consistent with cavity under imaging study were statistically significant for triggering pulmonary NTM disease. AFB culture showing MAC and M. abscessus was statistically significant as well. Positive predictive value for NTM polymerase chain reaction (NTM-PCR) was 88.6%. CONCLUSION: Results for NTM recovery rate within the Daegu area were similar to those for the Seoul metropolitan area. We can assume that NTM infection is increasing in our community, therefore AFB-positive subjects (1) should undergo NTM-PCR, (2) should have their culture results checked for differentiation of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) from NTM, and (3) undergo NTM identification test to confirm its type. Administration of treatment with the above results should be helpful in improving the patients' prognosis.

A Case of Solitary Fibrous Pleura Tumor Associated with Severe Hypoglycemia: Doege-Potter Syndrome / 결핵및호흡기질환

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare primary intrathoracic tumor that arises from mesenchymal tissue underlying the mesothelial layer of the pleura. It usually has an indolent clinical course. The hypoglycemia that accompanies SFTP was first described by Doege and Potter independently in 1930, hence the eponym Doege-Potter syndrome (DPS). The incidence of DPS is reported to be ~4%. In this report, we present a typical case of DPS that was cured through complete surgical resection.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test Can Predict Depression: A Prospective Multi-Center Study

This study was conducted to investigate the association between the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) and depression in COPD patients. The Korean versions of the CAT and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess COPD symptoms and depressive disorder, respectively. In total, 803 patients with COPD were enrolled from 32 hospitals and the prevalence of depression was 23.8%. The CAT score correlated well with the PHQ-9 score (r=0.631; P or =21 had the highest accuracy rate (80.6%). Among the eight CAT items, energy score showed the best correlation and highest power of discrimination. CAT scores are significantly associated with the presence of depression and have good performance for predicting depression in COPD patients.

Interstitial Lung Disease in a Patient with Dyskeratosis Congenita / 결핵및호흡기질환

Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a triad of reticular pigmentation of the skin, dystrophic nails, and leukoplakia of the mucous membrane. Sometimes it is associated with bone marrow failure, secondary malignancy and interstitial lung disease. Though it is rare, Dyskeratosis congenita is diagnosed relatively easily when clinicians suspect it. It can be diagnosed just by gross inspection with care. Dyskeratosis congenita should be considered as one cause associated with interstitial lung disease. In Korea, interstitial lung disease with dyskeratosis congenita has not been reported. We report a case and review the literature.

A Multicenter Study of Pertussis Infection in Adults with Coughing in Korea: PCR-Based Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Limited data on the incidence and clinical characteristics of adult pertussis infections are available in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-one hospitals and the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of pertussis infections among adults with a bothersome cough in non-outbreak, ordinary outpatient settings. Nasopharyngeal aspirates or nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture tests. RESULTS: The study enrolled 934 patients between September 2009 and April 2011. Five patients were diagnosed as confirmed cases, satisfying both clinical and laboratory criteria (five positive PCR and one concurrent positive culture). Among 607 patients with cough duration of at least 2 weeks, 504 satisfied the clinical criteria of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (i.e., probable case). The clinical pertussis cases (i.e., both probable and confirmed cases) had a wide age distribution (45.7+/-15.5 years) and cough duration (median, 30 days; interquartile range, 18.0~50.0 days). In addition, sputum, rhinorrhea, and myalgia were less common and dyspnea was more common in the clinical cases, compared to the others (p=0.037, p=0.006, p=0.005, and p=0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: The positive rate of pertussis infection may be low in non-outbreak, ordinary clinical settings if a PCR-based method is used. However, further prospective, well-designed, multicenter studies are needed.

Gefitinib in Selected Patients with Pre-Treated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results from a Phase IV, Multicenter, Non-Randomized Study (SELINE) / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to analyze the efficacy of gefitinib as a second-line therapy, according to the clinical characteristics in Korean patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In this Phase IV observational study, we recruited patients, previously failed first-line chemotherapy, who had locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, and who were found to be either epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive or satisfied 2 or more of the 3 characteristics: adenocarcinoma, female, and non-smoker. These patients were administered with gefitinib 250 mg/day, orally. The primary endpoints were to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR) and to determine the relationship of ORRs, depending on each patient's characteristics of modified intent-to-treat population. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients participated in this study. One subject achieved complete response, and 42 subjects achieved partial response (ORR, 31.2%). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the ORR was significantly higher in patients with EGFR mutation-positive, compared to that of EGFR mutation-negative (45.8% vs. 14.0%, p=0.0004). In a secondary efficacy variable, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.7 months (95% confidence interval, 3.9~8.4 months) and the 6-month PFS and overall survival were 49.6% and 87.9%, respectively. The most common reported adverse events were rash (34.4%), diarrhea (26.6%), pruritus (17.5%), and cough (15.6%). CONCLUSION: Gefitinib was observed in anti-tumor activity with favorable tolerability profile as a second-line therapy in these selected patients. When looking at EGFR mutation status, EGFR mutation-positive showed strong association with gefitinib by greater response and prolonged PFS, compared with that of EGFR mutation-negative.

Patient's Perception of Symptoms Related to Morning Activity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The SYMBOL Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience more problematic respiratory symptoms and have more trouble performing daily activities in the morning. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of COPD symptoms related to morning activities in patients with severe airflow limitation. METHODS: Data of 133 patients with severe airflow limitation were analyzed in a prospective, non-interventional study. A clinical symptom questionnaire was completed by patients at baseline. In patients having morning symptoms, defined by at least one or more prominent or aggravating symptom during morning activities, a morning activity questionnaire was also completed at baseline and following 2 months of COPD treatment. RESULTS: The most frequently reported COPD symptom was breathlessness (90.8%). Morning symptoms were reported in 76 (57%) patients; these had more frequent and severe clinical COPD symptoms. The most frequently reported morning activity was getting out of bed (82.9%). The long acting muscarinic antagonist (odds ratio [OR], 6.971; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.317 to 11.905) and chest tightness (OR, 0.075; 95% CI, 0.011 to 0.518) were identified as significantly related to absence of morning symptoms. There was no significant correlation between the degree of forced expiratory volume in 1 second improvement and severity score differences of all items of morning activity after 2-month treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Fifty-seven percent of COPD patients with severe airflow limitation have morning symptoms that limit their morning activities. These patients also have more prevalent and severe COPD symptoms. The results of this study therefore provide valuable information for the development of patient-reported outcomes in COPD.

Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation and Resection for Hepatic Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been mostly used as a therapeutic alternative to hepatic resection for treating liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there were differences in outcome between RFA and surgical resection in the treatment of colorectal cancer with liver metastases. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 53 patients who underwent only hepatic resection or only RFA for colorectal liver metastases. Twenty-five patients who underwent hepatic resection were compared with 28 patients who underwent RFA for synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. RESULTS: The median CEA level at the time of diagnosis of liver metastases was significantly higher in the resection group (14.2 ng/mL vs. 2.8 ng/mL, p=0.002). The median size of main liver metastases was significantly larger in the resection group (4.0 cm vs. 2.05 cm, p=0.002). There was no difference in the percentage of patients experiencing major complication (one patient in each group). The marginal recurrence rate was significantly higher in the RFA group (p=0.004). Disease-free and overall survival were longer in the resection group (p=0.008 and 0.017, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only the type of treatment was a factor associated with disease-free and overall survival (p=0.004 and 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Because of the high marginal recurrence rate, RFA shows an inferior outcome in comparison with surgical resection. Therefore, RFA should be considered for only selected patients with unresectable (by any means) disease or with high operative risk.