Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Volume 34(2); December 2017

Reviews

Role of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β1 signaling pathway on the pathophysiology of respiratory pneumococcal infections: Maria Jose Andrade, Jae Hyang Lim; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):149-160. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.149

2,211 View
19 Download

Abstract PDF: Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumococcus, is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). CAP is an important infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality, and it is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many genetic factors of the host and various environmental factors surrounding it have been studied as important determinants of the pathophysiology and outcomes of pneumococcal infections. Various cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, are involved in different stages of the progression of pneumococcal infection. TGF-β1 is a cytokine that regulates a wide range of cellular and physiological functions, including immune and inflammatory responses. This cytokine has long been known as an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is critical to preventing the progression of an acute infection to a chronic condition. On the other hand, recent studies have unveiled the diverse roles of TGF-β1 on different stages of pneumococcal infections other than mitigating inflammation. This review summarizes the recent findings of the role of TGF-β1 on the pathophysiology of pneumococcal infections, which is fundamental to developing novel therapeutic strategies for such infections in immune-compromised patients.

Adjuvant medications to local anesthetics in nerve blockade: Deok Hee Lee; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):161-168. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.161

1,970 View
18 Download

Abstract PDF: Peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for surgical anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and to reduce opioid requirements. Although these blocks have traditionally been carried out using local anesthetics, single-injection techniques can be short-lived and limited by the relatively brief duration of action of currently available local anesthetics. Increasing the dose or concentration of local anesthetics may prolong the duration of analgesia, but may also increase the risk such as unwanted motor weakness or systemic toxicity of local anesthetics. Numerous adjuvant medications have been added to local anesthetics to prolong the durations of anesthesia and analgesia achieved by peripheral nerve blocks, and currently, a number of different adjuvants are used to improve quality of the block. This article will review the several nerve block adjuvants used in combination with local anesthetics to provide blockade of peripheral nerves in clinical practice, describing the rationale for their use in peripheral nerve blocks, and the evidence for their effectiveness.

Surgical treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease: Sohyun Kim; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):169-173. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.169

2,063 View
15 Download

Abstract PDF: Perianal Crohn's disease is a major problem that impair quality of life. This article reviews the current surgical treatment of Crohn's perianal fistula. Fistulotomy and loose seton are commonly used surgical methods for treatment of perianal Crohn's disease. Mucosal advancement flap and fibrin glue are used in this treatment, despite a lake of controlled trials. Fecal diversion is disturbingly high in complicated complex perianal fistula in Crohn's disease. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula and autologous or allogenic stem cells are new surgical procedures for treatment of Crohn's disease that need further studies. Treatment success might be improved by multimodal treatment and new surgical and medical treatment options.

Novel non-apoptotic cell death: ferroptosis: Seon Min Woo, Taeg Kyu Kwon; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):174-181. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.174

2,090 View
31 Download

Abstract PDF: Ferroptosis is a newly recognized type of cell death that results from iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and is different from other types of cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagic cell death. This type of cell death is characterized by mitochondrial shrinkage with an increased mitochondrial membrane density and outer mitochondrial membrane rupture. Ferroptosis can be induced by a loss of activity of system Xc− and the inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4, followed by the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, inactivation of the mevalonate and transsulfuration pathways is involved in the induction of ferroptosis. Moreover, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and p53 promote ferroptosis by increasing ROS production, while heat shock protein beta-1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inhibit ferroptosis by reducing iron uptake. This article outlines the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of ferroptosis regulation, and explains the roles of ferroptosis in human disease.

Original Articles

Clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infections according to respiratory viruses in hospitalized children without underlying disease during the last 3 years: Min Hae Seo, Hyung Young Kim, Tae Min Um, Hye Young Kim, Hee Ju Park; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):182-190. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.182

2,311 View
28 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Respiratory viruses play a significant role in the etiology of acute respiratory infections and exacerbation of chronic respiratory illnesses. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with acute viral lower respiratory infections. METHODS: This study investigated 1,168 children diagnosed with acute viral lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) between January 2012 and December 2014. Specimens of respiratory viruses were collected using a nasopharyngeal swab and analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed the clinical features of children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infections. RESULTS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of infection in children aged <5 years, was the most commonly detected pathogen in children with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and resulted in high proportions of children requiring oxygen treatment and intensive care unit admission. Rhinovirus was preceded by RSV as the second most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and was detected most frequently in the children aged ≥6 years. In addition, asthma was predominantly caused by rhinovirus in children aged ≥6 years, whereas croup was mostly caused by parainfluenza virus in those aged <5 years. Rhinovirus infection (p < 0.001) and history of asthma (p=0.049) were identified as significant risk factors for readmission within a month. CONCLUSION: We identified the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory viruses in children with acute lower respiratory infections during the last 3 years. Our findings may provide useful clinical insight to comprehend the acute viral lower RTIs in children.

Long-term clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction according to the early revascularization method: a comparison of primary percutaneous coronary interventions and fibrinolysis followed by routine invasive treatment: Hyang Ki Min, Ji Young Park, Jae Woong Choi, Sung Kee Ryu, Seunghwan Kim, Chang Sup Song, Dong Shin Kim, Chi Woo Song, Se Jong Kim, Young Bin Kim; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):191-199. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.191

2,090 View
16 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to provide a comparison between the clinical outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and that of fibrinolysis followed by routine invasive treatment in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 184 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI or fibrinolysis followed by a routine invasive therapy were enrolled from 2004 to 2011, and their major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were compared. RESULTS: Among the 184 patients, 146 patients received primary PCI and 38 patients received fibrinolysis. The baseline clinical characteristics were similar between both groups, except for triglyceride level (68.1±66.62 vs. 141.6±154.3 mg/dL, p=0.007) and high density lipoprotein level (44.6±10.3 vs. 39.5±8.1 mg/dL, p=0.005). The initial creatine kinase-MB level was higher in the primary PCI group (71.5±114.2 vs. 35.9±59.9 ng/mL, p=0.010). The proportion of pre-thrombolysis in MI 0 to 2 flow lesions (92.9% vs. 73.0%, p < 0.001) was higher and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were administered more frequently in the primary PCI group. There was no difference in the 12-month clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality (9.9% vs. 8.8%, p=0.896), cardiac death (7.8% vs. 5.9%, p=0.845), non-fatal MI (1.4% vs. 2.9%, p=0.539), target lesion revascularization (5.7% vs. 2.9%, p=0.517), and stroke (0% vs. 0%). The MACEs free survival rate was similar for both groups (odds ratio, 0.792; 95% confidence interval, 0.317–1.980; p=0.618). The clinical outcome of thrombolysis was not inferior, even when compared with primary PCI performed within 90 minutes. CONCLUSION: Early fibrinolysis with optimal antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy followed by appropriate invasive procedure would be a comparable alternative to treatment of MI, especially in cases of shorter-symptom-to-door time.

Could immediate treatment change the management method of digital tendon musculotendinous junction avulsion?: a systematic review: Sam Guk Park; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):200-207. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.200

2,032 View
12 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review of the literature to investigate the correlation between the interval to treatment and management of tendon avulsion ruptures in the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) of the forearm. METHODS: A thorough literatures search for studies of tendon avulsion injuries at the forearm was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. In total, five case series and 15 case reports accounting for 87 injured tendons involving 60 patients were selected for the analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients had 44 tendon injuries associated with avulsion amputations, 31 patients had 38 tendon ruptures associated with closed avulsion injuries and three patients had five tendon ruptures associated with open avulsion injuries. Eighteen of the 49 (37%) patients were immediately treated for tendon ruptures and one of the 32 (3%) tendon ruptures treated via elective surgery was directly repaired. Additionally, 18 of the 30 (60%) tendons were directly repaired and 12 of the 30 (40%) tendons were transferred or side-to-side repaired in the immediately treated series. In contrast, one of the 28 (4%) tendon ruptures were directly repaired and 27 of the 28 (96%) tendons were transferred or side-to-side repaired in the electively treated series. CONCLUSION: In managing digital tendon avulsions at the MTJ, an immediate treatment could provide an opportunity to repair the ruptured tendon directly to the muscle.

Meta-analysis on risk stratification of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmic events in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: Young Eun Roh, Hyun Ji Jang, Min Jung Cho; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):208-215. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.208

1,783 View
6 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a cardiomyopathy characterized by predominant right ventricular fibro-fatty replacement, right ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. It is a rare but important cause of sudden cardiac death in children and young adults. A meta-analysis on risk stratification of major ventricular tachyarrhythmic events indicating the need for implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in ARVC was performed. METHODS: The pubmed database was searched from its inception to May 2015. Of the 433 citations identified, 12 were included in this meta-analysis. Data regarding major ventricular tachyarrhythmic events were retrieved in 817 subjects from the studies. For the variables, a combined odds ratio (OR) was calculated using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Extensive right ventricular dysfunction (OR, 2.44), ventricular late potential (OR, 1.66), inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmia during electrophysiology study (OR, 3.67), non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR, 3.78), and history of fatal event/sustained VT (OR, 5.66) identified as significant risk factors (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that extensive right ventricular dysfunction, ventricular late potential, inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmia during electrophysiological study, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, and history of sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation are consistently reported risk factors of major ventricular tachyarrhythmic events indicating implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in patients with ARVC.

Prognostic role of preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels in colorectal cancer: propensity score matching: Cho Shin Kim, Sohyun Kim; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):216-221. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.216

1,926 View
17 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to investigate preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between January 2000 and July 2011, 1298 patients with primary adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer without metastasis, who underwent curative resection were retrospectively identified. The patients were divided into two groups according to serum CEA level at primary diagnosis: a high CEA (HCEA) group (serum CEA ≥6 ng/mL) and a normal CEA (NCEA) group (serum CEA <6 ng/mL). A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was applied to reduce bias. Finally, 364 patients were enrolled in this study. Matched variables were age, gender, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, tumor site, cell differentiation and pathologic stage. RESULTS: The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups did not differ significantly difference. The systemic metastasis rate was 16.5% (30/182) and 25.3% (46/182) in the NCEA and HCEA groups, respectively (p=0.039). There were no significant differences in local recurrence or metastatic sites between groups. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of the HCEA group was worse than that of the NCEA group; however, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated preoperative CEA was related to frequent systemic recurrence and low DFS. Therefore, elevated preoperative CEA could be considered a prognostic factor for worse clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.

Developing a new index to assess varicella outbreak: Kiwook Yang, Incheol Seo; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):222-230. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.222

2,295 View
12 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Varicella is the most common infectious disease reported despite the high vaccination rate. Interventions that target humans are particularly effective for varicella because humans are its only natural host. On the other hand, the existing national varicella surveillance systems lack the information to identify an outbreak. Therefore, a new index to assess varicella outbreaks was developed. METHODS: The residential addresses of 2,718 varicella cases reported in Daegu in 2016 were converted to geographic coordinates and the distances between new varicella case and previous cases within 21 days were calculated from the date analyzed. Two cases were considered to be adjacent if the distance between them was less than 1 km. Finally, a proximity index was introduced by dividing the number of adjacent cases by the number of new cases on the date analyzed. RESULTS: First, time-series charts and scatter plots were used to verify that the proximity index reflected the spatial closeness of the different varicella cases. The proximity index is helpful in identifying outbreaks from a list of single varicella cases. In addition, in this study, a new epidemic characteristic of varicella based on the proximity index was shown. CONCLUSION: The proximity index introduced in this study can be used to determine the likelihood of an outbreak from a single case of varicella, and it can be embedded in a web-based national varicella surveillance system that is currently in operation.

Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in proximal deep vein thrombosis: Dong Hun Kim, Young Woo Seo, Gyun Moo Kim, Seung Hyun Ko, Jae Seok Jang, Tae Chang Jang; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):231-237. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.231

2,567 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are conditions with significant morbidity and mortality. Proximal DVT has a significant association with PE and possible fatal outcomes. Traditionally, PE is subdivided into symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE, which have different treatments, preventions and prognoses. The growing utilization of computed tomography pulmonary angiography has led to increased detection of PE in DVT patients. This study examined the clinical characteristics and compared symptomatic PE and asymptomatic PE following proximal DVT. METHODS: The medical records of 258 DVT inpatients from July, 2012 to June, 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding the patients who did not performed PE evaluation and were not diagnosed with PE, 95 patients diagnosed with PE following proximal DVT were enrolled in this study. They were divided into the symptomatic PE group and asymptomatic PE group. RESULTS: The body weight, body mass index, thrombus size, thrombus length and location were similar in the two groups. The symptomatic PE following proximal DVT group showed an older age, higher incidence of emergency department access (85.0% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001) and preceding infection (25.0% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001) as well as a higher incidence of immobilization (45.0% vs 13.3%, p=0.016). In the multivariate logistic regression study, preceding infection and emergency department access showed significant association with symptomatic PE. CONCLUSION: In proximal DVT inpatients, symptomatic PE was associated with emergency department access and preceding infection. The possibility of a symptomatic PE event should be considered in proximal DVT patients, especially those who were admitted through the emergency department and had preceding infection.

Investigation of right ventricle function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot after total correction using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: Woo Sung Jang, Hee Joung Choi, Jong Min Lee, Jae Bum Kim, Jae Hyun Kim, Jae Seok Jang; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):238-241. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.238

2,102 View
6 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
We investigated the difference in right ventricle (RV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) according to the pulmonary valve (PV) annular extension technique during Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) total correction. METHODS: We divided patients who underwent the procedure from 1993 to 2003 into two groups according to PV extension technique (group I: PV annular extension, group II: no PV annular extension) during TOF total correction. We then analyzed the three segmental (RV inlet, trabecular and outlet) and whole RV volume and EF by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in this study (group I: 10 patients, group II: four patients; male: nine patients, female: five patients). Cardiac MRI was conducted after a 16.1 years TOF total correction follow-up period. There was no statistical difference in RV segmental volume index or EF between groups (all p>0.05). Moreover, the total RV volume index and EF did not differ significantly between groups (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The RV volume and EF of the PV annular extension group did not differ from that of the PV annular extension group. Thus, PV annular preservation technique did not show the surgical advantage compared to PV annular extension technique in this study.

Case Reports

Acute upper limb ischemia in a patient with newly diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Dong Shin Kim, Seunghwan Kim, Hyang Ki Min, Chiwoo Song, Young Bin Kim, Sae Jong Kim, Ji Young Park, Sung Kee Ryu, Jae Woong Choi; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):242-246. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.242

1,883 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF: Acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to an embolism is associated with high mortality rate and poor prognosis, and early diagnosis with prompt revascularization is required to reduce the risk of limb amputation or even death. The etiologies of ALI are diverse, and it includes an embolism from the heart and thrombotic occlusion of the atherosclerotic native vessels, stents, or grafts. An uncommon cause of ALI is acute arterial thromboembolism, and atrial fibrillation (AF) is the single most important risk factors for systemic thromboembolism. It is important to correctly identify the source of ALI for secondary prevention, as it depends on the underlying cause. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for focal atherosclerotic and thrombotic occlusive diseases of the aorta and its major extremity branches. Herein, we report on a 77-year-old female patient with acute upper limb ischemia, treated by PTA using a catheter-guided thrombectomy. He was newly diagnosed with paroxysmal AF (PAF) while evaluation the cause of his acute arterial thromboembolism. We recommend that cardiologists always consider PAF as a possible diagnosis even in patients without any history of AF under ALI because it is possible to develop thromboembolism in clinical practice.

Huge pheochromocytoma presented with paraaortic lymph node and spine metastases: Yeon Won Park, Han Ju Moon, Jung Suk Han, Ji Min Han, Jong Wook Park, Yun Hyi Ku; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):247-253. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.247

2,087 View
11 Download

Abstract PDF: Approximately 10–15% of pheochromocytomas are malignant. There are insufficient histologic criteria for the diagnosis of malignant pheochromocytoma. Thus, the term malignant pheochromocytoma is restricted to tumors with local invasion or distant metastases. We experienced a case of malignant pheochromocytoma recurred with spinal metastasis 4 years after the surgery for huge benign pheochromocytoma. A 68-year-old female was admitted for trunk and back pain. The patient had a history of surgery 4 years ago for a 10.0×9.5×7.5 cm sized benign pheochromocytoma at the left adrenal gland. A thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor in the 7th thoracic vertebral body and a 24-hour urinary norepinephrine increased, suggesting metastatic recurrence of malignant pheochromocytoma. After metastasectomy in the 7th thoracic vertebral body, urine catecholamine was normalized and pain also disappeared. However, a metastatic lesion was found in the paraaortic area on a follow-up abdominal computed tomography scan and an additional metastasectomy was performed. The pathology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic pheochromocytoma in the paraaortic lymph nodes. She is supposed to be treated with adjuvant iodine 131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy. In our experience, a close follow-up should be considered in patients who had a huge benign pheochromocytoma due to the possibility of malignant metastases.

Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst naturally drained by esophageal fistula: Soo Ho Park, Seung Keun Park, Sang Hyun Kim, Won Kyu Choi, Beom Jin Shim, Hee Ug Park, Chan Woo Jung, Jae Won Choi; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2017;34(2):254-259. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2017.34.2.254

2,011 View
11 Download
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Pleural effusion and pneumonia are two of the most common thoracic complications from pancreatic disease, while pancreaticopleural fistula with massive pleural effusion and extension of pseudocyst into the mediastinum is a rare complication of the thorax from pancreatic disease. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no case reports of mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst-induced esophageal fistula in Korea to date. Here in, we report a case about 43-year-old man of mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst-induced esophageal fistula presenting with chest pain radiating toward the back and progressive dysphagia. The diagnosis was confirmed by an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and abdomen computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated immediately using a conservative method; subsequently, within 3 days from treatment initiation, symptoms-chest pain and dysphagia-disappeared. In a follow-up gastroscopy 7 days later and abdomen CT 12 days later, mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst showed signs of improvement, and esophageal fistula disappeared without any complications.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Pseudocyst of the pancreas masquerading as spontaneous pneumomediastinum
John D L Brookes, Manish Mathew, Charlene P Munasinghe, John C Gribbin, David A Devonshire, Prashant Joshi, Andrew D Cochrane
Journal of Surgical Case Reports.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 2
Next
Last

Previous issues