DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome induced by lamotrigine in a child

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction characterized by the cutaneous eruption, fever, eosinophilia, and involvement of internal organs. It is commonly caused by aromatic anticonvulsant drugs and antibiotics in children. In this study, we presented a case of a 9-year-old boy with bipolar disorder, who developed DRESS syndrome after lamotrigine intake for 10 days. Thereafter, lamotrigine was discontinued, and systemic corticosteroid treatment was pursued for 18 days. After 3 months, a patch test for lamotrigine was performed as a confirmatory test to check drug reaction. Reports of DRESS syndrome in adults have increased over the past decade due to the increasing use of lamotrigine as a new aromatic anticonvulsant. Although there are only a few lamotrigine-related DRESS syndrome reports in children, caution is needed with its potential widespread use in the future.

Longitudinal characterisation of phagocytic and neutralisation functions of anti-Spike antibodies in plasma of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Phagocytic responses by effector cells to antibody or complement-opsonised viruses have been recognized to play a key role in anti-viral immunity. These include antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis mediated via Fc-receptors, phagocytosis mediated by classically activated complement-fixing IgM or IgG1 antibodies and antibody independent phagocytosis mediated via direct opsonisation of viruses by complement products activated via the mannose-binding lectin pathway. Limited data suggest these phagocytic responses by effector cells may contribute to the immunological and inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, their development and clinical significance remain to be fully elucidated. In this cohort of 62 patients, acutely ill individuals were shown to mount phagocytic responses to autologous plasma-opsonised SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-coated microbeads as early as 10 days post symptom onset. Heat inactivation of the plasma prior to use as an opsonin caused 77-95% abrogation of the phagocytic response, and pre-blocking of Fc-receptors on the effector cells showed only 18-60% inhibition. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can provoke early phagocytosis, which is primarily driven by heat labile components, likely activated complements, with variable contribution from anti-Spike antibodies. During convalescence, phagocytic responses correlated significantly with anti-Spike IgG titers. Older patients and patients with severe disease had significantly higher phagocytosis and neutralisation functions when compared to younger patients or patients with asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease. A longitudinal study of a subset of these patients over 12 months showed preservation of phagocytic and neutralisation functions in all patients, despite a drop in the endpoint antibody titers by more than 90%. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance showed a significant increase in the affinity of the anti-Spike antibodies over time correlating with the maintenance of both the phagocytic and neutralisation functions suggesting that improvement in the antibody quality over the 12 months contributed to the retention of effector functions. Author SummaryLimited data suggest antibody dependent effector functions including phagocytosis may contribute to the immunological and inflammatory responses in SARS CoV-2 infection, however, their development, maintenance, and clinical significance remain unknown. In this study we show: O_LIPatients with acute SARS CoV-2 infection can mount phagocytic responses as early as 10 days post symptom onset and these responses were primarily driven by heat labile components of the autologous plasma. These results indicate that the current approach of studying phagocytosis using purified or monoclonal antibodies does not recapitulate contribution by all components in the plasma. C_LIO_LIIn convalescent patients, high phagocytic responses significantly correlated with increasing age, increasing disease severity, high neutralisation functions and high anti-Spike antibody titers, particularly IgG1. C_LIO_LILongitudinal study of convalescent patients over a 12-month period showed maintenance of phagocytic and neutralisation functions, despite a drop in the anti-Spike endpoint antibody titers by more than 90%. However, we found significant increase in the affinity of the anti-Spike antibodies over the 12-month period and these correlated with the maintenance of functions suggesting that improvement in the antibody quality over time contributed to the retention of effector functions. Clinically, measuring antibody titers in sera but not the quality of antibodies is considered a gold standard indicator of immune protection following SARS-CoV 2 infection or vaccination. Our results challenge this notion and recommends change in the current clinical practice. C_LI

Ovarian dysgerminoma with Müllerian anomaly: a case report

The effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ supplement on blood lipid indices and hepatic antioxidant defense system in SD rats fed a high cholesterol diet / 한국실험동물학회지

A total of 24 SD rats were allotted to four treatment groups such as the control (CON), 1% of cholesterol diet (CHO), 0.5% of coenzyme Q₁₀ (COQ) and 1% of cholesterol plus 0.5% of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CHCQ) groups to determine the effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) on the antioxidant defense system in rats. The body weight, weight gain, liver weight and abdominal fat pads were unaffected by 0.5% of CoQ₁₀ supplement in the rats. The level of triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels in the blood was significantly increased (p< 0.05) by the 1% of cholesterol supplement (CHO), whereas 0.5% of CoQ₁₀ supplement (COQ) did not alter these blood lipid indices. In the mRNA expression, there was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of the CoQ₁₀ supplement on the mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), although the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) was unaffected by cholesterol or the CoQ₁₀ supplement. Similar to mRNA expression of SOD, its activity was also significantly increased (P < 0.05) by CoQ₁₀, but not by the cholesterol supplement effect. The activities hepatic GPX and GST were unaffected by CoQ₁₀ and cholesterol supplements in rats. Lipid peroxidation in the CHO group resulted in a significant (p< 0.05) increase compared with that in the other groups, indicating that the CoQ₁₀ supplement to 1% of cholesterol-fed rats alleviated the production of lipid peroxidation in the liver. In conclusion, 0.5% of the CoQ₁₀ supplement resulted in positive effects on the hepatic antioxidant defense system without affecting blood lipid indices in 1% of cholesterol fed rats.

Approach to an Aged Society

No abstract available.

Effects of dietary lipid-coated zinc on the antioxidant defense system in the small intestine and liver of piglets / 한국실험동물학회지

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of lipid-coated ZnO (LCZ) and the level of LCZ compared with ordinary zinc oxide (ZnO) on antioxidant defense system in the intestine and liver of piglets. A total of forty piglets (n=8) were fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-1), 2,500 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-2), 100 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-1), 200 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-2), or 400 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-3) for 14-d, respectively. The LCZ-3 group resulted in higher (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions and activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in jejunal mucosa compared with the ZnO-1 and LCZ-1 groups, while no difference was observed in the mRNA level of antioxidant genes between the ZnO-1 and ZnO-2 groups. Within the LCZ groups, the LCZ level linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) increased antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum. The maximum response of jejunal antioxidant enzymes to Zn supplementation was achieved by 400 ppm of LCZ. Hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes was unaffected by Zn source and level, while hepatic SOD and GST activities were greater (P < 0.05) in the LCZ-3 group than in the ZnO-1 group. No difference was observed in lipid peroxidation of the jejunum and liver and the total antioxidant power of plasma among groups. In conclusion, a supplementation with 400 ppm of LCZ resulted in a maximum increase in antioxidant enzymes, indicating that LCZ may affect antioxidant defense system more profoundly than ZnO.

Effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ on the antioxidant system in SD rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity / 한국실험동물학회지

The study was performed to see the effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) on blood biochemical components and hepatic antioxidant system in rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced toxicity. A total of 24 rats were allocated to four groups: control (CON), 100 mg/kg BW of LPS (LPS), 100 mg of CoQ₁₀/kg BW with LPS (LCQI) and 300 mg of CoQ₁₀/kg BW with LPS (LCQII). The LPS and LCQI groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the relative spleen weight compared with the CON group without affecting body and liver weights. The blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in the LPS group was significantly (P<0.05) greater than that in the CON group, while supplementation with 100 or 300 mg CoQ₁₀ to rats injected with LPS normalized the ALT level in the CON group. In antioxidant systems, the LPS group showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher mRNA and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) than the CON group. The supplementation with CoQ₁₀ to the LPS-treated group normalized the level of SOD, which was comparable to the level of the CON group. Both the mRNA expression and activity of glutathione peroxidase in the LCQI and LCQII groups were higher (P<0.05) than that of the LPS group. However, administration of LPS or CoQ₁₀ unaffected the level of catalase and total antioxidant power. The level of lipid peroxidation in the LCQII group was lower (P<0.05) than that in the LPS group. In conclusion, CoQ₁₀ exerted its favorable effect against liver damage by modulation of antioxidant enzymes in LPS treated rats.

Lindera obtusiloba Extends Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Lindera obtusiloba has been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of lots of diseases, including abdominal pain, bruise, and hepatocirrhosis. Here in this study, we elucidated the lifespan-extending effect of methanolic extract of Lindera obtusiloba (MLO) using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. We found that MLO has potent lifespan extension activities under normal culture condition. Then, we determined the protective effects of MLO on the stress conditions such as osmotic, thermal and oxidative stress. To reveal possible mechanism of MLO-mediated lifespan, we further investigated the effect of MLO on the antioxidant enzyme activities and intracellular ROS levels. Our results demonstrated that superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly up-regulated by MLO treatment, resulted in reduced intracellular ROS levels. In this work, we also tested whether MLO-mediated longevity activity was associated with aging-related factors such as food intake and growth. Our data revealed that both of pharyngeal pumping rate and body length were significantly shifted by MLO treatment, indicating these factors were involved in MLO's lifespan-extension effects. Although MLO induces reduction in food intake, the body movement of MLO-fed aged worms was not decreased, compared to untreated control worms, indicating MLO might extend lifespan without affecting healthspan.

Changes in the Degree of Patient Expectations for Patient-Centered Care in a Primary Care Setting / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: To date, the medical environment has been undergoing continual changes. It is therefore imperative that clinicians recognize the changing trends in the degree of patient expectations for patient-centered care. We conducted this study to examine changes in the degree of patient expectations for patient-centered care and the related socio-demographic factors in a primary care setting over a 5-year period. METHODS: We evaluated patients' attitudes toward patient-centered care using the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale, which provides 'sharing' and 'caring' scores. The study included 359 and 468 patients in phase I (March-July, 2005) and II (March-July, 2010). We also examined the relationship of their changes to their socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: In phase II, as compared with phase I, the 'sharing' score was higher (3.67 +/- 0.68 vs. 3.82 +/- 0.44; P < 0.001) and 'caring' one was lower (4.01 +/- 0.57 vs. 3.67 +/- 0.58; P = 0.001). Further, 'sharing' and 'caring' scores were associated with age, monthly income, education level, marital status, and the functional health status of patients. CONCLUSION: These results would be of help for providing patient-centered care for patients because it makes clinicians are aware of the degree to which patients' expect it.

Role of Balloon-Sheathed Intraductal Ultrasonography for Patients with Extensive Pneumobilia

Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) is one of the most useful diagnostic tools for various extrahepatic biliary diseases. However, conventional IDUS has some limitations in providing accurate cross-sectional imaging of the bile duct in patients with extensive pneumobilia. Using a balloon-sheathed catheter, the US system (balloon-sheathed IDUS) can overcome these limitations. Sixteen patients underwent balloon-sheathed IDUS during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The balloon-sheathed IDUS was inserted via a transpapillary route when visualization of the bile duct with conventional IDUS was distorted by extensive pneumobilia. The patient group had a mean age of 65.5 years, and 56.3% (9/16) were male. The balloon-sheathed IDUS permitted successful visualization of the bile duct in all patients, regardless of the extent of pneumobilia. Using this system, remnant common bile duct stones were detected in five patients (31.3%), and cholangiocarcinoma was detected in one patient (6.3%). The balloon-sheath IDUS aided in stone sweeping. No significant complications, including bleeding, perforation, or pancreatitis, occurred in any of the patients. The balloon-sheathed catheter US system was useful and safe for biliary IDUS in patients with extensive pneumobilia.

Effect of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability in Women with Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between yoga and autonomic nervous system in women with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was performed in participants recruited from a public center for managing chronic diseases located in Gyeong-gi Province. The 39 women participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to the 12-week yoga exercise group (n=22) or the wait-listed control group (n=17). Biochemical laboratory tests and heart rate variability were measured before and after the 12-week program. RESULTS: In post-menopausal women, the low frequency power of frequency domain significantly decreased in the yoga exercise group compared to the control group (P=0.07). On the time domain of heart rate variability and metabolic syndrome components, there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic activity was decreased in post-menopausal women with metabolic syndrome who practiced yoga. Our results suggest that yoga might be beneficial in improving the autonomic nervous system in post-menopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

The Association between Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: In this Study, we investigated the effects of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome on free oxygen radical levels in men and women in Korea. METHODS: A total of 254 adults were included in this study from February 2011 to June 2012 at a health promotion center. Information of the lifestyles and presence of metabolic syndrome factors was obtained. Biochemical markers were measured and free oxygen radicals test (FORT) was performed on the blood. RESULTS: Of the 254 subjects, 86 (33.9%) had metabolic syndrome, and 187 (73.6%) were men. Between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, there was a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase and serum FORT values in the subjects with metabolic syndrome. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.004), metabolic syndrome (P = 0.037), and female gender (P = 0.030) were independent predictors of serum FORT values. The subjects with high fasting blood sugar level or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels showed high serum FORT values. CONCLUSION: High hs-CRP, the presence of metabolic syndrome, and female gender were associated with the high oxidative stress. High oxidative stress was associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Was 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Mild Among Pregnant Korean Women? / 전남의대학술지

Clinical and laboratory data from Western countries suggest that pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). However, previous data among Korean women suggested a less severe outcome. In this study performed at a single referral center in Korea, rates of admission, pneumonia, intensive care unit admission, and death related to 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) were significantly higher in 33 pregnant women than in 723 nonpregnant women of reproductive age (p<0.05 each). We report two cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant Korean women who were admitted to the intensive care unit because of severe pneumonia that led to maternal and fetal death in one of the patients. This case series suggests that pregnant Korean women were also at increased risk of severe illness and complications during the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.

Was 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Mild Among Pregnant Korean Women? / 전남의대학술지

Clinical and laboratory data from Western countries suggest that pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). However, previous data among Korean women suggested a less severe outcome. In this study performed at a single referral center in Korea, rates of admission, pneumonia, intensive care unit admission, and death related to 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) were significantly higher in 33 pregnant women than in 723 nonpregnant women of reproductive age (p<0.05 each). We report two cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant Korean women who were admitted to the intensive care unit because of severe pneumonia that led to maternal and fetal death in one of the patients. This case series suggests that pregnant Korean women were also at increased risk of severe illness and complications during the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.

Morphological evaluation during in vitro chondrogenesis of dental pulp stromal cells

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to confirm the stem cell-like properties of the dental pulp stromal cells and to evaluate the morphologic changes during in vitro chondrogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stromal cells were outgrown from the dental pulp tissue of the premolars. Surface markers were investigated and cell proliferation rate was compared to other mesenchymal stem cells. Multipotency of the pulp cells was confirmed by inducing osteogenesis, adipogenesis and chondrogenesis. The morphologic changes in the chondrogenic pellet during the 21 day of induction were evaluated under light microscope and transmission electron microscope. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate apoptosis within the chondrogenic pellets. RESULTS: Pulp cells were CD90, 105 positive and CD31, 34 negative. They showed similar proliferation rate to other stem cells. Pulp cells differentiated to osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic tissues. During chondrogenesis, 3-dimensional pellet was created with multi-layers, hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells and cartilage-like extracellular matrix. However, cell morphology became irregular and apoptotic cells were increased after 7 day of chondrogenic induction. CONCLUSIONS: Pulp cells indicated mesenchymal stem cell-like characteristics. During the in vitro chondrogenesis, cellular activity was superior during the earlier phase (within 7 day) of differentiation.

Assessment of Lifestyle Effects on the Levels of Free Oxygen Radicals in the Korean Population / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: As many studies revealed that oxidative stress due to the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity is related with pathologic processes such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, as well as aging and obesity, the relationship between lifestyle and oxidative stress has recently gained much medical attention. However, little information exists on the effects of lifestyle on ROS in Korea. In this study, we investigated the effects of lifestyle on free oxygen radical levels in men and women in Korea. METHODS: A total of 138 adults participated in this study from September 2007 to June 2010 at a health promotion center and department of family medicine. Information on the lifestyle of each participant was obtained by questionnaire. Biochemical markers and a free oxygen radical test (FORT) were also measured. RESULTS: The average age was 47.28 +/- 10.85 years and 79.7% were male. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; r = 0.418, P = 0.012), triglycerides (r = -0.243, P = 0.008), hemoglobin (r = -0.445, P < 0.001), total protein (r = 0.210, P = 0.036), creatinine (r = -0.294, P = 0.001), fruit intake per day (P = 0.047), and smoking (P = 0.003) were related to the FORT levels in univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hs-CRP (P = 0.039) was an independent predictor of serum FORT values. This statistical model can explain 78% of the variance in FORT values. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that hs-CRP showed a statistically significant positive association with FORT values. Further studies on the relationship between lifestyle and antioxidant capacity as well as ROS seem to be warranted to evaluate the overall effect of oxidative stress.

Survival Prediction in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: Laboratory Variables and Prospective Validation of The Palliative Prognostic Index / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The palliative prognostic index (PPI) was designed to predict life expectancy based on clinical symptoms. In this study, a PPI was constructed and used with other biological parameters to predict 3-week survival in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The study included 222 patients. The PPI was constructed with five variables (performance status, oral intake, edema, dyspnea at rest, and delirium). PPI scores were grouped as follows: 4 (group 1); > 4 and 6 (group 3). At admission, seven biological variables (white blood cell count, lymphocyte, C-reactive protein [CRP], bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase) were measured. RESULTS: The overall survival duration was 50 days in group 1, 22 days in group 2, and 14 days in groups 3. Using the PPI, a survival of 6 and increases in serum bilirubin and CRP levels. Furthermore, the 3-week survival rate in patients with hepatopancreatobiliary cancer was more accurately predicted using a combination of the PPI, CRP, and serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although a PPI has limitations, it can be quickly applied to determine survival duration in patients admitted to hospice and accurately predicts 3-week survival. Furthermore, bilirubin and CRP are useful factors for predicting 3-week survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, including hepatopancreatobiliary cancer.

Two Cases of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and GIST in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 / 대한내과학회지

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk of developing tumors throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including neuromas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and periampullary somatostatin-rich carcinoids. The simultaneous occurrence of a GIST and a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in a patient with NF1 is very rare. Here, we report two cases of the coexistence of a low-risk GIST in the jejunum with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in the duodenum in patients with NF1. These cases strengthen the known association of GIST with neuroendocrine carcinoma in patients with NF1.

Two Cases of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and GIST in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 / 대한내과학회지

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk of developing tumors throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including neuromas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and periampullary somatostatin-rich carcinoids. The simultaneous occurrence of a GIST and a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in a patient with NF1 is very rare. Here, we report two cases of the coexistence of a low-risk GIST in the jejunum with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in the duodenum in patients with NF1. These cases strengthen the known association of GIST with neuroendocrine carcinoma in patients with NF1.

Fludarabine-containing chemotherapy for patients with previously untreated low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy and safety of fludarabine combination chemotherapy was investigated for the treatment of previously untreated patients with low-grade (NHL). METHODS: Twenty-five patients who were newly diagnosed as low-grade NHL were treated with fludarabine combination chemotherapy. Fludarabine combination regimens consisted of fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone or fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone with or without rituximab and repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS: The median age was 60 years (range, 35-77 years), with 13 of 25 patients (52%) > or =60 years of age. Seven of 25 patients (28%) with an intermediate risk follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) and 9 of 25 patients (36%) with a high risk FLIPI were enrolled in this study. The delivered median number of chemotherapy was six (range, 2-9 cycles). The overall response rate with fludarabine-based treatment was 88%, including 52% complete remission and 36% partial remission. During the median follow-up of 19 months, the estimated 2-year event-free survival was 63+/-10% (95% CI, 43-83) and the 2-year overall survival was 78+/-9% (95% CI, 60-96). Fludarabine combination chemotherapy was frequently associated with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in 84% patients. However, neutropenic infection was observed in only one (4%) patient. Four patients (16%) showed grade 3 or more non-hematologic toxicities, such as acute coronary syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, anaphylaxis and gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Fludarabine-combination treatment was a highly active regimen with well toleration in untreated low-grade NHL.