Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Case ReportsA Case Report of Varicella Zoster Meningitis as Co-Infection With Breakthrough COVID-19 in an Immunocompetent Patient.
There are several previous reports that infection or reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) can occur after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we report a rare case of VZV meningitis in breakthrough COVID-19. An 18-years-old male visited the emergency room, presenting with a headache and fever of up to 38.4°C for 5 days. ⋯ His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed an elevated opening pressure of 27 cm H2O, 6/µL red blood cells, 234/µL white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes 3%, lymphocytes 83%, and other 14%), 43.9 mg/dL protein, and 59 mg/dL glucose, and CSF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was positive for VZV. Also, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-PCR examining upper and lower respiratory tract. We administered intravenous acyclovir for 12 days, and he was discharged without any neurologic complication.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Changes in the Incidence of Intussusception and Infectious Diseases After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea.
Intussusception refers to the invagination of a part of the intestine into itself. The exact cause for this condition is unknown in most cases. The active implementation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection control guidelines has reduced the spread of COVID-19 and the incidence of other infectious diseases in children. The current study aimed to identify changes in pediatric intussusception and infectious diseases after the implementation of infection control guidelines and confirm the association between intussusception and contagious diseases. ⋯ We confirmed that implementing infection control guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in intussusception and viral infectious diseases. Through this result, it was possible to indirectly confirm the existing hypothesis that viral infections play a significant role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of intussusception.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Relationships Between Pulmonary Function and Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in Korean Men (KNHANES IV).
Despite the close relationship between osteoporosis and chronic pulmonary diseases, few studies have evaluated relationships between pulmonary functions and bone quality. We investigated associations between pulmonary function test results and femoral neck strength indices (SIs) in Korean men. ⋯ Reduced pulmonary function was correlated with reduced femoral neck strength, even after adjusting for smoking history in Korean men. Femoral neck SIs might be useful tools for evaluating bone health in men with reduced pulmonary function.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Personal Exposure to Total VOC Is Associated With Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Schoolchildren.
The urinary levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) metabolites provide individual exposure levels compared to data obtained by measuring these compounds in ambient air. We aimed to investigate the association between personal urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites and symptoms of atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren. ⋯ Personal exposure to VOCs, as indicated by urinary levels of VOC metabolites, was associated with presence of atopic dermatitis and the SCORAD index value.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2022
Determinants of Exercise Capacity in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Reduced exercise capacity reflects symptom severity and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The present study aimed to identify factors that may affect exercise capacity in patients with HCM. ⋯ Decreased exercise capacity was associated with age, female sex, increased NT-proBNP level, and E/e' ratio on echocardiography. Hemodynamic changes and increased filling pressure on echocardiography should be monitored in this population for improved outcomes.