Comparison of the effects of post-aural injection of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in flat-type sudden hearing loss / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of post-aural injection of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in flat-type sudden hearing loss.METHODS 142 patients with flat-type sudden hearing lossin our hospital were selected and divided into methylprednisolone group and dexamethasone group randomly.All patients in these two groups received local injection of glucocorticoidsoncein mastoid periosteum.Patients in methylprednisolone group were injected methylprednisolone solution;Patients in dexamethasone group were injected dexamethasone solution.The efficacy,hearing improvement of two groups were compared.RESULTS After the treatment,the recovery rate of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone group were 25.35％ and 16.90％,the total effective rate was 88.73％ and 63.38％,respectively;Each clinical index between two groups had statistically significant difference (P＜0.05);Moreover,the hearing improvement in methylprednisolone group was much better than dexamethasone group,withan averagedincrease of (26.5 ±4.3) dB in 125-250 Hz in methylprednisolone group while only (18.5 ± 6.2) dB in 125-250 Hz in dexamethasone group,which demonstrated statistical significantly difference(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The clinical efficacy of local injection with methylprednisolone was better than dexamethasone,and demostrated mild adverse reactions,which could be widely applied in clinical therapy.

A Case of Sarcoidosis That Improved upon Discontinuation of Etanercept

A 31-year-old man who had been prescribed etanercept over a 3-year period for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis presented with newly developed dry cough, chills, myalgia, and weight loss. Chest computed tomography showed multiple reticulonodular pulmonary infiltrates and bilateral mediastinal, hilar, and peribronchial lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of a paratracheal lymph node revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation without necrosis, and the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed. His laboratory and radiological findings, and clinical symptoms improved only after discontinuation of etanercept without treatment. Although etanercept-induced sarcoidosis is rare, this case report suggests that sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients treated with the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor.

The Significance of Ectopic Germinal Centers in the Minor Salivary Gland of Patients with Sjogren's Syndrome

We investigated the clinical and biological significance of germinal centers (GC) present in the minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Minor salivary gland tissue biopsies from 93 patients with SS were used to identify GC-like structures, which were confirmed by CD21-positive follicular dendritic cell networks. Patients were compared based upon sociodemographics, glandular and extraglandular manifestations, and laboratory findings including autoantibody profiles, complement, and immunoglobulin levels; EULAR SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) and SS disease damage index (SSDDI) were also measured. GC-like structures were observed in 28 of 93 SS patients (30.1%). Mean focus scores and CRP levels were significantly higher in GC-positive patients than in GC-negative patients; GC-positive patients also exhibit a higher prevalence of rheumatoid factor and anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies compared to GC-negative patients. No differences in glandular or extra-glandular manifestations were evident between groups. In conclusion, SS patients with GC-like structures in the minor salivary glands exhibited laboratory profiles significantly different from those of their GC-negative counterparts. Long-term follow-up of these patients will be necessary to determine whether these laboratory abnormalities are predictive of clinical outcomes.

The Significance of Ectopic Germinal Centers in the Minor Salivary Gland of Patients with Sjogren's Syndrome

We investigated the clinical and biological significance of germinal centers (GC) present in the minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Minor salivary gland tissue biopsies from 93 patients with SS were used to identify GC-like structures, which were confirmed by CD21-positive follicular dendritic cell networks. Patients were compared based upon sociodemographics, glandular and extraglandular manifestations, and laboratory findings including autoantibody profiles, complement, and immunoglobulin levels; EULAR SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) and SS disease damage index (SSDDI) were also measured. GC-like structures were observed in 28 of 93 SS patients (30.1%). Mean focus scores and CRP levels were significantly higher in GC-positive patients than in GC-negative patients; GC-positive patients also exhibit a higher prevalence of rheumatoid factor and anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies compared to GC-negative patients. No differences in glandular or extra-glandular manifestations were evident between groups. In conclusion, SS patients with GC-like structures in the minor salivary glands exhibited laboratory profiles significantly different from those of their GC-negative counterparts. Long-term follow-up of these patients will be necessary to determine whether these laboratory abnormalities are predictive of clinical outcomes.

Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Ligand 1 (CXCL1) Expression in the Minor Salivary Glands of Sjögren's Syndrome Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the laboratory and clinical manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) association with chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) expression in the ductal and acinar salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) of the minor salivary glands. METHODS: The sociodemographic data of 106 SS patients was obtained, and the glandular and extraglandular manifestations of the disease documented. The minor salivary glands were biopsied and the laboratory findings analyzed. European League Against Rheumatism SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) and SS disease damage index (SSDDI) scores were obtained during biopsy. An immunohistochemical approach was used to define the expression of CXCL1 in the salivary glands. RESULTS: Of 106 patients, the minor salivary glands of 22 patients (20.7%) stained positively for CXCL1. Such CXCL1-positive patients exhibited higher ESSDAI scores at the time of biopsy than the CXCL1-negative patients (3.86±2.27 vs. 2.64±1.62, p=0.015). Lymphadenopathy was more frequently observed in CXCL1-positive patients, compared with CXCL1-negative patients (31.8% vs. 9.5%, p=0.014). No differences between groups were identified in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory data, or the extent of the glandular manifestation of SS. CONCLUSION: The expression of CXCL1 within the ductal and acinar SGEC of SS patients is associated with lymphadenopathy and elevated clinical disease activity. CXCL1 may play an important role in the disease activity and prognosis of SS.

Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Fibromyalgia / 전남의대학술지

Fibromyalgia (FM) affects 1% to 5% of the population, and approximately 90% of the affected individuals are women. FM patients experience impaired quality of life and the disorder places a considerable economic burden on the medical care system. With the recognition of FM as a major health problem, many recent studies have evaluated the pathophysiology of FM. Although the etiology of FM remains unknown, it is thought to involve some combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure that triggers further alterations in gene expression. Because FM shows marked familial aggregation, most previous research has focused on genetic predisposition to FM and has revealed associations between genetic factors and the development of FM, including specific gene polymorphisms involved in the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic pathways. The aim of this review was to discuss the current evidence regarding genetic factors that may play a role in the development and symptom severity of FM.

Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Fibromyalgia / 전남의대학술지

Fibromyalgia (FM) affects 1% to 5% of the population, and approximately 90% of the affected individuals are women. FM patients experience impaired quality of life and the disorder places a considerable economic burden on the medical care system. With the recognition of FM as a major health problem, many recent studies have evaluated the pathophysiology of FM. Although the etiology of FM remains unknown, it is thought to involve some combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure that triggers further alterations in gene expression. Because FM shows marked familial aggregation, most previous research has focused on genetic predisposition to FM and has revealed associations between genetic factors and the development of FM, including specific gene polymorphisms involved in the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic pathways. The aim of this review was to discuss the current evidence regarding genetic factors that may play a role in the development and symptom severity of FM.

A Case of Eosinophilic Polymyositis Treated with Immunosuppressants

Eosinophilic polymyositis is a rare form of inflammatory muscle disease associated with peripheral blood and/or tissue eosinophilia. Most patients respond to glucocorticoids, however some show poor prognosis, leading to mortality. A 28-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of myalgia and motor weakness of the upper and lower extremities. Laboratory findings showed significantly elevated levels of muscle enzymes and inflammatory lesions in both thigh muscles were demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnosis of eosinophilic polymyositis was based on histological findings, which showed diffuse eosinophilic infiltration into perivascular spaces in the endomysium and perimysium, and necrosis of myofibers. High-dose methylprednisolone treatment improved the clinical symptoms and muscle enzymes. However, on tapering the glucocorticoid dose, clinical and laboratory findings were exacerbated. After the addition of methotrexate and azathioprine, the symptoms and muscle enzymes recovered without relapse. Here, we report on a case of eosinophilic polymyositis, which responded to immunosuppressants.

Drug Survival Rates of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

We investigated the compliance of Korean patients using tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and identified potential predictors associated with treatment discontinuation. The study population comprised 114 RA and 310 AS patients treated with TNF inhibitors at a single tertiary center for at least 1 yr from December 2002 to November 2011. Of the 114 RA patients, 64 (56.1%) discontinued their first TNF inhibitors with a mean duration of 18.1 months. By contrast, 65 of 310 patients (21.0%) with AS discontinued their first TNF inhibitors, with a mean duration of 84 months. Although the survival rate did not differ among the three TNF inhibitors in the AS patients, the etanercept group had a lower discontinuation rate than the infliximab group in the RA patients. In addition, RA patients who received corticosteroids in combination with TNF inhibitors were more likely to discontinue their TNF inhibitors. The independent predictors of drug discontinuation in AS patients were male gender and complete ankylosis on radiographs of the sacroiliac joint. Our results provide further evidence that real-life treatment outcomes of RA and AS patients may be different from those observed in randomized clinical trials.

Drug Survival Rates of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

We investigated the compliance of Korean patients using tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and identified potential predictors associated with treatment discontinuation. The study population comprised 114 RA and 310 AS patients treated with TNF inhibitors at a single tertiary center for at least 1 yr from December 2002 to November 2011. Of the 114 RA patients, 64 (56.1%) discontinued their first TNF inhibitors with a mean duration of 18.1 months. By contrast, 65 of 310 patients (21.0%) with AS discontinued their first TNF inhibitors, with a mean duration of 84 months. Although the survival rate did not differ among the three TNF inhibitors in the AS patients, the etanercept group had a lower discontinuation rate than the infliximab group in the RA patients. In addition, RA patients who received corticosteroids in combination with TNF inhibitors were more likely to discontinue their TNF inhibitors. The independent predictors of drug discontinuation in AS patients were male gender and complete ankylosis on radiographs of the sacroiliac joint. Our results provide further evidence that real-life treatment outcomes of RA and AS patients may be different from those observed in randomized clinical trials.

A Case of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are fairly common, with a prevalence of 37~95%. Among 19 neuropsychiatric manifestations, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is quite rare, and is characterized by progressive, symmetric muscle weakness accompanied by absent or depressed deep tendon reflexes. Generally, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin are the main treatment modalities. Here, we report a case of AIDP in a 29-year-old SLE patient, who was fully recovered with a treatment of high-dose glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents. Ours case suggests that AIDP should be treated differently in SLE patients to avoid disastrous results.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Korean Version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: Its Clinical Evaluation in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Local Corticosteroid Injection

The aim of this study was to assess and validate the Korean version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (K-BCTQ) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). After translation and cultural adaptation of the BCTQ to a Korean version, the K-BCTQ was administered to 54 patients with CTS; it was administered again after 2 weeks to assess reliability. Additionally, we administered K-DASH and EQ-5D to assess construct-validity. In a prospective study of responsiveness to clinical change, 29 of 54 patients were treated by ultrasonography-guided local corticosteroid injection therapy. The internal consistency of the K-BCTQ was high (Cronbach's alpha: 0.915) and the intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.931 for the symptom severity scale (P<0.001) and 0.844 for the functional severity scale (P<0.001). The construct-validity between the symptom severity scale and the K-DASH, and between the functional severity scale and the K-DASH were significantly correlated (both P<0.001). Clinical improvement was noted in 29 patients with injection therapy. The effect size of symptom severity was 0.67, and that of functional severity was 0.58. In conclusion, the K-BCTQ shows good reliability, construct-validity, and acceptable responsiveness after local corticosteroid injection therapy (Clinical trial number, KCT0000050).

Multivariate Analysis of TCM Syndromes of IgA Nephropathy / 广州中医药大学学报

【Objective】To explore the relationship of pathological changes,clinical manifestations and results of laboratory examination with TCM syndromes in patients with IgA nephropathy.【Methods】With parameters in Memphis renal biopsy accessing system and principle syndromes and complicated syndromes in differentiation criteria of chronic nephritis as reference,pathological changes and clinical manifestations of IgA nephropathy were classified by principle component analysis and factor analysis.The regression equations of different syndromes were established after a regression analysis of the principle components of pathological changes and clinical manifestations with the standard syndromes.【Results】(1)With the parameters in Memphis renal biopsy accessing system as reference,the principle components(reflecting over 85% information of glomerular changes)of pathological changes in 123 IgA nephropathy patients were glomerulosclerosis,crescent,stroma,immunofluorescence IgA and complement 3(C_3).With principle syndromes and complicated syndromes in differentiation criteria of chronic nephritis as reference,the principle components(reflecting over 90% information of syndrome manifestations)were lassitude and weakness for deficiency syndrome,cold limbs,white tongue and slippery fur and deep-thready pulse for yang-deficiency syndrome,and dry mouth and throat,red tongue and thready pulse for yin-deficiency syndrome.For liver-stagnation syndrome,the principle components were impatience and irritability,bitterness in mouth,frequent sighing and wiry pulse;for bloodstasis syndrome,the principle components was purple tongue with ecchymosis;for phlegm-damp syndrome,the principle components were heaviness of limbs,greasy fur,abdominal distension and impaired appetite;for heat-toxic syndrome,the principle components were sore throat,purulent sore and yellowish tongue with dry fur;for damp-heat syndrome,the principle components were bitterness and stickiness in mouth,and yellowish greasy fur.(2)The regression equations of syndromes of yin deficiency,yang deficiency,yin-yang deficiency,blood stasis,phlegm damp and liver stagnation were obtained.(3)The results of non-conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that yang-deficiency syndrome was correlated with edema,the incidence of yang deficiency in edema patients being 1.6 times of that in patients without edema;yin-deficiency syndrome was positively correlated with gross hematuria,the incidence of yin deficiency in patients with gross hematuria being 1.5 times of that in patients without gross hematuria;pain in waist and back was the common signs in patients with yin deficiency,yang deficiency and yin-yang deficiency.【Conclusion】Parameters of glomerulosclerosis,crescent,stroma,immunofluorescence IgA and C_3 reflect over 85% information of glomerular changes in IgA nephropathy patients;there exists a relationship of TCM syndrome with pathological changes and clinical manifestations;yang-deficiency syndrome is correlated with edema and yin-deficiency syndrome is correlated with gross hematuria.