Medicine
-
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) patients visit hospitals frequently due to acute exacerbations (AEs); however, the predictors of CPFE AE have not been comprehensively described in literature. Thus, we investigated the predicting factors of AE in CPFE patients. We retrospectively reviewed medical records from the past 12 years at Korea University Guro Hospital. ⋯ Lung cancer [hazard ratio (HR), 3.274; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.444-7.425; P < .01] and GAP score (HR, 1.434; 95% CI 1.072-1.918; P = .02) were significant predictors of AE. The presence of lung cancer and AE were significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, CPFE patients with lung cancer and high GAP scores should be carefully observed for AE.
-
Case Reports
The utility of FDG-PET/CT imaging in the evaluation of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: A case report.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare histiocytic disorder that involves the skin, joints, and visceral organs. ⋯ MRH is a progressive destructive arthritic condition, and early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are necessary to improve the outcome. FDG-PET/CT and joint ultrasonography might be noninvasive imaging modalities that could help diagnose MRH.
-
Colonoscopy has been used for screening and treatment of diseases worldwide. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has many major complications such as colon perforation and bleeding. However, cases of minor complications have also been reported. Here, we present a case of massive retroperitoneal hematoma, as a minor complication, after colonoscopy. ⋯ Although massive retroperitoneal hematoma is a minor complication after colonoscopy, it can be life threatening; thus, we need to know more about this complication. Dynamic CT may be useful in detecting whether the bleeding occurs from the artery or not.
-
The successful therapeutic use of anti-TNF biological agents in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) indicates that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) genes are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. TNF-α exerts its biological activity by binding to its cell surface receptors (p55 TNF-α receptor [TNFRI, encoded by the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 1A (TNFRSF1A)] and p75 receptor [TNFRII, encoded by the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 1B (TNFRSF1B)]. TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B may be related to AS, but the relevant studies are still limited. ⋯ Rs1061622 polymorphism was associated with total back pain and chest expansion. Only rs1061622 was significantly associated with long-term efficacy of etanercept: the TG genotype of rs1061622 worsened ASAS20 and ASAS40 responses at 12 months (P = .021 and .041, respectively). The results suggest that TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility, severity, and the long-term therapeutic efficacy of etanercept of patients with AS.
-
Case Reports
Therapeutic effect of a cleft lip teat on infants with respiratory and feeding disorders: Two case reports.
Existing research into the effects of teat application has mainly focused on its negative and positive influence on the development of the oral cavity. Our work demonstrates that apart from changing the setting of the articulatory organs, the teat can also affect the quality of breathing, eating and sleeping. ⋯ A specialist bottle teat designed for babies with cleft lips can constitute an effective tool in the therapy of nonspecific respiratory disorders resulting from improper position of the tongue and other articulatory organs.