The Efficacy of Treatment Intensification by Quadruple Oral Therapy Compared to GLP-1RA Therapy in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Real-world Data Study

We compared the glycemic efficacy of treatment intensification between quadruple oral antidiabetic drug therapy and once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA)-based triple therapy in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus refractory to triple oral therapy. For 24 weeks, changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline were compared between the two treatment groups. Of all 96 patients, 50 patients were treated with quadruple therapy, and 46 were treated with GLP-1RA therapy. Reductions in HbA1c for 24 weeks were comparable (in both, 1.1% reduction from baseline; P=0.59). Meanwhile, lower C-peptide level was associated with a lower glucose-lowering response of GLP-1RA therapy (R=0.3, P=0.04) but not with quadruple therapy (R=–0.13, P=0.40). HbA1c reduction by GLP-1RA therapy was inferior to that by quadruple therapy in the low C-peptide subgroup (mean, –0.1% vs. –1.3%; P=0.04). Treatment intensification by switching to quadruple oral therapy showed similar glucose-lowering efficacy to weekly GLP-1RA-based triple therapy. Meanwhile, the therapeutic response was affected by C-peptide levels in the GLP-1RA therapy group but not in the quadruple therapy group.

Central diabetes insipidus following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination: a case report / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major public health emergency worldwide. Vaccines were rapidly developed and approved to prevent the spread of viral infection. However, various side effects of the COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have been reported after their commercialization. A 24-year-old man visited our emergency department with polyuria and polydipsia that occurred after he received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine 10 days beforehand. The initial laboratory findings showed very low urine osmolality with hyperosmolar hypernatremia. Based on these findings, diabetes insipidus was suspected, and sella magnetic resonance imaging showed an enlarged pituitary gland and the absence of posterior pituitary higher intensity. After 12 hours of using oral desmopressin acetate, urine volume decreased, and after 5 days of administration, serum electrolyte and serum osmolality improved. This case report of diabetes insipidus occurring after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is presented as a reminder that close monitoring is necessary for patients with polyuria and polydipsia after vaccination.

Tirzepatide, A New Antidiabetic Drug with Change in the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes treatment in August 2022. Tirzepatide, a synthetic peptide consisting of 39 amino acids, is a dual GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)/GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. Tirzepatide showed marked reductions in glycated hemoglobin and body weight in the SURPASS study among participants with type 2 diabetes that surpassed existing diabetes drugs. Other benefits included blood pressure reduction and lipid lowering effects. On meta-analysis and post-hoc analysis, tirzepatide did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events and is expected to have cardiovascular benefits in future studies. In addition, it showed a protective effect on the kidney by slowing the rate of renal function decline and reducing new-onset macroalbuminuria. However, the fact that it is an injectable drug, the cost of the drug, and the high rate of gastrointestinal side effects are disadvantages to tirzepatide. Considering the superior degree of glucose reduction and weight reduction observed in tirzepatide clinical trials compared to clinical trials of other anti-diabetic drugs, we expect tirzepatide to bring about a paradigm shift in the treatment of obese type 2 diabetes patients.

Eating control and eating behavior modification to reduce abdominal obesity: a 12-month randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, and, in recent years, its prevalence in Korea has continuously increased. The change of lifestyle, particularly diet, is critical for the reduction of abdominal obesity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention focused on dietary self-efficacy and behaviors on the improvement of abdominal obesity. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#Abdominally obese adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors were recruited through 16 medical facilities in South Korea from the year 2013 to 2014. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an intensive intervention group (IG) that received a multi-component intervention to reduce abdominal obesity, by mainly focusing on dietary attitude and dietary behavior change, and a minimal information intervention group (MG) that received a brief explanation of health status and a simple recommendation for a lifestyle change. The interventions were provided for 6 mon, and health examinations were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-mon follow-ups. A path analysis was conducted to identify the process governing the changes in abdominal obesity. @*RESULTS@#The IG showed an improvement in self-efficacy for eating control and diet quality at 6-mon follow-up. Abdominal obesity improved in both groups. Waist circumference was observed to be decreased through the path of “improved self-efficacy for eating control in food availability—eating restriction—improved dietary quality” in IG. Most changes in follow-ups were not significantly different between two groups. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The intensive program targeting the modification of dietary behavior influenced management of abdominal obesity, and the effect occurred through a step-by-step process of change in attitude and behavior. Generally, improvements were also seen in the MG, which supports the necessity of regular health check-ups and brief consultation. The results can be used for further development and implementation of more successful interventions.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0000762

Age at Diagnosis and the Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Young Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and risk of diabetic complications according to age at diagnosis among young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsA total of 255 T1DM patients aged less than 40 years were included. Patients were categorized into three groups (ResultsMedian age at diagnosis was 25 years and disease duration was 14 years. Individuals diagnosed with T1DM at childhood/adolescent (age P=0.022). The eGFR was inversely associated with disease duration whilst the degree of decrease was more prominent in the childhood/adolescent-onset group than in the later onset group (aged 30 to 40 years; PP=0.005).ConclusionIn individuals with childhood/adolescent-onset T1DM, the reduction in renal function is more prominent with disease duration. Early age-onset T1DM is an independent risk of DN.

Smoking History and Clinical Features of Cluster Headache:Results from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry

Background@#and Purpose Epidemiologic data suggest that cluster headache (CH) is significantly associated with cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to determine differences in features between patients with a smoking history and those who are never-smokers, using data from a prospective multicenter registry. @*Methods@#Data used in this study were obtained from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry that collected data from consecutive patients diagnosed with CH. We compared clinical and demographic features between ever-smokers (current or former smokers) and never-smokers. @*Results@#This study enrolled 250 patients who were diagnosed with CH, of which 152 (60.8%) were ever-smokers and 98 (39.2%) were never-smokers. The age at CH onset was significantly lower in the never-smoker group than in the ever-smoker group [27.1±12.9 years vs. 30.6± 10.9 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.024]. Seasonal rhythmicity (58.1% vs. 44.7%, p= 0.038) and triptan responsiveness (100% vs. 85.1%, p=0.001) were higher in never-smokers, while other clinical features such as pain severity, duration, attack frequency, and associated autonomic symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. The male-to-female ratio was markedly higher in ever-smokers (29.4:1) than in never-smokers (1.7:1). @*Conclusions@#Most of the clinical features did not differ significantly between patients with a smoking history and never-smokers. However, the age at CH onset, sex ratio, and seasonal rhythmicity were significantly associated with smoking history.

Smoking History and Clinical Features of Cluster Headache:Results from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry

Background@#and Purpose Epidemiologic data suggest that cluster headache (CH) is significantly associated with cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to determine differences in features between patients with a smoking history and those who are never-smokers, using data from a prospective multicenter registry. @*Methods@#Data used in this study were obtained from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry that collected data from consecutive patients diagnosed with CH. We compared clinical and demographic features between ever-smokers (current or former smokers) and never-smokers. @*Results@#This study enrolled 250 patients who were diagnosed with CH, of which 152 (60.8%) were ever-smokers and 98 (39.2%) were never-smokers. The age at CH onset was significantly lower in the never-smoker group than in the ever-smoker group [27.1±12.9 years vs. 30.6± 10.9 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.024]. Seasonal rhythmicity (58.1% vs. 44.7%, p= 0.038) and triptan responsiveness (100% vs. 85.1%, p=0.001) were higher in never-smokers, while other clinical features such as pain severity, duration, attack frequency, and associated autonomic symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. The male-to-female ratio was markedly higher in ever-smokers (29.4:1) than in never-smokers (1.7:1). @*Conclusions@#Most of the clinical features did not differ significantly between patients with a smoking history and never-smokers. However, the age at CH onset, sex ratio, and seasonal rhythmicity were significantly associated with smoking history.

Effects of cigarette smoking on blood lipids in Korean men: Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort

Background/Aims@#Cigarette smoking and abnormal blood lipids are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The results of previous studies on the relationship between cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are controversial. In the present study, we investigated the independent association between cigarette smoking and blood lipid levels in a male Korean population. @*Methods@#A total of 1,932 men aged from 30 to 64 years old participated in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort study. Smoking history was obtained by in-person interviews. In all regression models, measurements of triglyceride levels were log-transformed. @*Results@#Triglyceride levels were higher in current smokers than in never-smokers (median: 149 mg/dL vs. 115 mg/dL, p < 0.001) even after adjusting age, body mass index, alcohol intake, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, physical activity, and nutrition intake (β = 0.14, p < 0.001). We further divided people into heavy and light smokers using 20 pack-years as the cut-off. Higher triglyceride were found in current heavy smokers (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), current light smokers (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), as well as in past heavy smokers (β = 0.08, p = 0.037), as compared to never-smokers. Moreover, significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed in current heavy smokers (β = –2.27 mg/dL, p = 0.009). @*Conclusions@#Cigarette smoking is associated with higher triglyceride in Korean men, with the most dramatic effect seen in current smokers with a smoking history of more than 20 pack-years. HDL-C were also lower in current smokers with more than 20 pack-years.

Predictive Performance of Glycated Hemoglobin for Incident Diabetes Compared with Glucose Tolerance Test According to Central Obesity

Background@#To examine whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test would be a suitable screening tool for detecting high-risk subjects for diabetes compared to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to accompanied central obesity. @*Methods@#In this prospective population-based cohort study, both OGTT and HbA1c tests were performed and continued every 2 years up to 12 years among individuals with non-diabetic state at baseline (aged 40 to 69 years, n=7,512). Incident diabetes was established by a doctor, HbA1c ≥6.5%, and/or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, and/or 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG) level based on OGTT ≥200 mg/dL. Discriminative capacities of high HbA1c (≥5.7%) versus high 2hPG (≥140 mg/dL) for predicting incident diabetes were compared using Cox-proportional hazard regression and C-index. @*Results@#During the median 11.5 years of follow-up period, 1,341 (17.6%) developed diabetes corresponding to an incidence of 22.1 per 1,000 person-years. Isolated high 2hPG was associated with higher risk for incident diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.56 to 5.17) than isolated high HbA1c (HR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.40 to 3.26; P<0.05). In addition, high 2hPG provided better discriminatory capacity than high HbA1c (C-index 0.79 vs. 0.75, P<0.05). Meanwhile, in subjects with central obesity, the HR (3.95 [95% CI, 3.01 to 5.18] vs. 2.82 [95% CI, 2.30 to 3.46]) and discriminatory capacity of incident diabetes (C-index 0.75 vs. 0.75) between two subgroups became comparable. @*Conclusion@#Even though the overall inferior predictive capacity of HbA1c test than OGTT, HbA1c test might plays a complementary role in identifying high risk for diabetes especially in subjects with central obesity with increased sensitivity.

Predictive Performance of Glycated Hemoglobin for Incident Diabetes Compared with Glucose Tolerance Test According to Central Obesity

Background@#To examine whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test would be a suitable screening tool for detecting high-risk subjects for diabetes compared to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to accompanied central obesity. @*Methods@#In this prospective population-based cohort study, both OGTT and HbA1c tests were performed and continued every 2 years up to 12 years among individuals with non-diabetic state at baseline (aged 40 to 69 years, n=7,512). Incident diabetes was established by a doctor, HbA1c ≥6.5%, and/or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, and/or 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG) level based on OGTT ≥200 mg/dL. Discriminative capacities of high HbA1c (≥5.7%) versus high 2hPG (≥140 mg/dL) for predicting incident diabetes were compared using Cox-proportional hazard regression and C-index. @*Results@#During the median 11.5 years of follow-up period, 1,341 (17.6%) developed diabetes corresponding to an incidence of 22.1 per 1,000 person-years. Isolated high 2hPG was associated with higher risk for incident diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.56 to 5.17) than isolated high HbA1c (HR, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.40 to 3.26; P<0.05). In addition, high 2hPG provided better discriminatory capacity than high HbA1c (C-index 0.79 vs. 0.75, P<0.05). Meanwhile, in subjects with central obesity, the HR (3.95 [95% CI, 3.01 to 5.18] vs. 2.82 [95% CI, 2.30 to 3.46]) and discriminatory capacity of incident diabetes (C-index 0.75 vs. 0.75) between two subgroups became comparable. @*Conclusion@#Even though the overall inferior predictive capacity of HbA1c test than OGTT, HbA1c test might plays a complementary role in identifying high risk for diabetes especially in subjects with central obesity with increased sensitivity.

Age at Diagnosis and the Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Young Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background@#The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and risk of diabetic complications according to age at diagnosis among young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). @*Methods@#A total of 255 T1DM patients aged less than 40 years were included. Patients were categorized into three groups (<20, 20 to 29, and 30 to 40 years) according to age at diagnosis. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was defined when spot urine-albumin creatinine ratio was 300 mg/g or more and/or estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) level was 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less. @*Results@#Median age at diagnosis was 25 years and disease duration was 14 years. Individuals diagnosed with T1DM at childhood/adolescent (age <20 years) had lower stimulated C-peptide levels. They received more intensive insulin treatment with higher total daily insulin doses compared to older onset groups. The prevalence of DN was higher in the childhood/adolescentonset group than in older onset groups (25.3% vs. 15.3% vs. 9.6%, P=0.022). The eGFR was inversely associated with disease duration whilst the degree of decrease was more prominent in the childhood/adolescent-onset group than in the later onset group (aged 30 to 40 years; P<0.001). Childhood/adolescent-onset group was independently associated with the risk of DN compared to the older onset group (aged 30 to 40 years; odds ratio, 3.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.45 to 8.33; P=0.005). @*Conclusion@#In individuals with childhood/adolescent-onset T1DM, the reduction in renal function is more prominent with disease duration. Early age-onset T1DM is an independent risk of DN.

Factors Associated with Incidental Neuroimaging Abnormalities in New Primary Headache Patients

Background@#and PurposeDeciding whether or not to perform neuroimaging in primary headache is a dilemma for headache physicians. The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of incidental neuroimaging abnormalities in new patients with primary headache disorders. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study was based on a prospective multicenter headache registry, and it classified 1,627 consecutive first-visit headache patients according to the third edition (beta version) of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3β). Primary headache patients who underwent neuroimaging were finally enrolled in the analysis. Serious intracranial pathology was defined as serious neuroimaging abnormalities with a high degree of medical urgency. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with incidental neuroimaging abnormalities. @*Results@#Neuroimaging abnormalities were present in 170 (18.3%) of 927 eligible patients. In multivariable analysis, age ≥40 years [multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=3.37, 95% CI=2.07–6.83], male sex (aOR=1.61, 95% CI=1.12–2.32), and age ≥50 years at headache onset (aOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.24–2.78) were associated with neuroimaging abnormalities. In univariable analyses, age ≥40 years was the only independent variable associated with serious neuroimaging abnormalities (OR=3.37, 95% CI=1.17–9.66), which were found in 34 patients (3.6%). These associations did not change after further adjustment for neuroimaging modality. @*Conclusions@#Incidental neuroimaging abnormalities were common and varied in a primary headache diagnosis. A small proportion of the patients incidentally had serious neuroimaging abnormalities, and they were predicted by age ≥40 years. These findings can be used to guide the performing of neuroimaging in primary headache disorders.

Obese Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Have a Higher Risk of Thyroid Dysfunction / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: The effects of obesity on thyroid function have not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and/or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on thyroid function.METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted among subjects who underwent comprehensive health check-ups at least four times between 2008 and 2017. Thyroid function was investigated according to BMI or presence of NAFLD at the end of follow-up. The subjects were divided into four groups: control (n = 216), subjects with obese (n = 94), subjects with NAFLD (n = 48), and subjects with obese + NAFLD (n = 93). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m².RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of 6.8 years (6.8 ± 1.2 years), 42 of the 451 subjects (9.3%) had subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) but no subjects developed overt hypothyroidism. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and baseline thyroid stimulating hormone level, obese subjects with NAFLD had a higher risk of SCH than the control group.CONCLUSIONS: The obese subjects with NAFLD had a higher risk for SCH in the future.

A case of Noonan syndrome diagnosed using the facial recognition software (FACE2GENE)

Clinicians often have difficulties diagnosing patients with subtle phenotypes of Noonan syndrome phenotypes. Facial recognition technology can help in the identification of several genetic syndromes with facial dysmorphic features, especially those with mild or atypical phenotypes. A patient visited our clinic at 5 years of age with short stature. She was administered growth hormone treatment for 6 years, but her growth curve was still below the 3rd percentile. She and her mother had wide-spaced eyes and short stature, but there were no other remarkable features of a genetic syndrome. We analyzed their photographs using a smartphone facial recognition application. The results suggested Noonan syndrome; therefore, we performed targeted next-generation sequencing of genes associated with short stature. The results showed that they had a mutation on the PTPN11 gene known as the pathogenic mutation of Noonan syndrome. Facial recognition technology can help in the diagnosis of Noonan syndrome and other genetic syndromes, especially in patients with mild phenotypes.

Reflex and Spontaneous Movements of Patients in the Process of Determining Brain Death

Brain death is a clinical diagnosis that implies irreversible loss of function of the entire brain, including the brainstem and both hemispheres. It is not uncommon for reflex and spontaneous movements to occur in patients with impending brain death during the process of determining brain death. When physicians charged with judging brain death witness such movements during this period, unless they know how common these movements are and what they mean, it will be difficult for them to make an appropriate determination of brain death. Movements following brain death have been reported in previous studies of various types, including cohort studies and case series or reports. However, only a few studies have employed verified diagnostic tools and neurological examinations as a standard protocol when diagnosing brain death. According to previous reports, the frequency of these movements ranges from 19.2% to 75.0% of all brain death cases. These reports have also described which movements are commonly seen. However, it is difficult to determine conclusively where these movements originate, i.e., in the spinal cord or in the cerebral motor cortex, and how such information should be considered in determining brain death. Although limited information is available on the characteristics and pathophysiological mechanism of these movements, it will help physicians to diagnose brain death correctly if they obtain sufficient knowledge about them.

Development and Validation of the Cluster Headache Screening Questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cluster headache (CH) is frequently either not diagnosed or the diagnosis is delayed. We addressed this issue by developing the self-administered Cluster Headache Screening Questionnaire (CHSQ). METHODS: Experts selected items from the diagnostic criteria of CH and the characteristics of migraine. The questionnaire was administered to first-visit headache patients at nine headache clinics. The finally developed CHSQ included items based on the differences in responses between CH and non-CH patients, and the accuracy and reliability of the scoring model were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with CH, 207 migraineurs, 73 with tension-type headache, and 18 with primary stabbing headache were enrolled. The CHSQ item were scored as follows: 3 points for ipsilateral eye symptoms, agitation, and duration; 2 points for clustering patterns; and 1 point for the male sex, unilateral pain, disability, ipsilateral nasal symptoms, and frequency. The total score of the CHSQ ranged from 0 to 16. The mean score was higher in patients with CH than in non-CH patients (12.9 vs. 3.4, p 8 points, the CHSQ had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 95.2%, 96%, 76.9%, and 99.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CHSQ is a reliable screening tool for the rapid identification of CH.

Differences in Characteristics and Comorbidity of Cluster Headache According to the Presence of Migraine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cluster headache (CH) can present with migrainous symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. In addition, an overlap between CH and migraine has been reported. This study aimed to determine the differences in the characteristics of CH according to the presence of comorbid migraine. METHODS: This study was performed using data from a prospective multicenter registry study of CH involving 16 headache clinics. CH and migraine were diagnosed by headache specialists at each hospital based on third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). We interviewed patients with comorbid migraine to obtain detailed information about migraine. The characteristics and psychological comorbidities of CH were compared between patients with and without comorbid migraine. RESULTS: Thirty (15.6%) of 192 patients with CH had comorbid migraine, comprising 18 with migraine without aura, 1 with migraine with aura, 3 with chronic migraine, and 8 with probable migraine. Compared to patients with CH without migraine, patients with CH with comorbid migraine had a shorter duration of CH after the first episode [5.4±7.4 vs. 9.0±8.2 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.008], a lower frequency of episodic CH (50.0% vs. 73.5%, p=0.010), and a higher frequency of chronic CH (13.3% vs. 3.7%, p=0.033). Psychiatric comorbidities did not differ between patients with and without comorbid migraine. The headaches experienced by patients could be distinguished based on their trigeminal autonomic symptoms, pulsating character, severity, and pain location. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct characteristics of CH remained unchanged in patients with comorbid migraine with the exception of an increased frequency of chronic CH. The most appropriate management of CH requires clinicians to check the history of preceding migraine, particularly in cases of chronic CH.

Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker after Intravenous Thrombolysisin a Patient with Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke

No abstract available.

Present and Future of Neurologist: Do We Have Enough Neurologists?

Korea is one of the fastest aging country in the world. As the old population increases, incidence of stroke would rapidly increase. We estimated future of the neurologist supply in Korea, and assessed whether the present neurologist supply is appropriate to cope with future increase of stroke. We reviewed the resource database of neurologists affiliated to Korean Neurological Association. Age, sex, location of workplace, and work positions were identified. The stroke incidence was calculated from age group specific incidence data and projected age group number. Age group specific incidence data was adapted from the 2006 report of the Construction of National Surveillance System for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease. Total 1,828 neurologists in practice were identified. Six hundred and fifty-five (30%) worked in training hospitals. 457 (21%) in other general hospitals, 305 (14%) in private clinics, and 148 (7%) worked in nursing hospitals. Assuming that the neurologists are trained 82 people per year as in the present, 2,073 neurologists would be present in 2020, 2,659 in 2030. However, stroke incidence would show more rapid increment, and is expected about 170,000 per year in 2020 and 300,000 per year in 2030. Therefore, there will be a shortage of neurologists needed for stroke care in the future. Because of rapid increase in the elderly population, current supply of neurologists may not meet the expected need for stroke care. Therefore, national health system needs more neurologists to cope with that situation.

Unilateral Hypoglossal Neuropathy in Multifocal Acquired Demyelinating Sensory and Motor Neuropathy: Differential Diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease

Multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM) is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by multifocal weakness and associated sensory impairment. MADSAM is associated with multifocal persistent conduction block and other signs of demyelination. The incidence of cranial nerve involvement in MADSAM was recently reported to be approximately 15%. However, reports of hypoglossal neuropathy occurring in MADSAM are rare. Unilateral hypoglossal neuropathy in MADSAM is usually misdiagnosed as motor neuron disease. We report a patient with MADSAM presenting with tongue hemiatrophy.