Background : Even though two-month rifampicin (RMP, R) and pyrazinamide (PZA, P) treatment has some advantages over isoniazid (INH, H) treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), it was withdrawn from the list of treatment regimens for LTBI because of reported cases of severe hepatotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of hepatotoxicity of RMP and PZA treatment excluding INH in a Korean population.Method : TIn order to recruit patients who were prescribed RMP and PZA excluding INH, 256 INH-resistant tuberculosis patients were investigated through retrospective medical record analysis. A standard four-drug regimen was changed to a RMP/PZA-containing regimen excluding INH in 64 patients (RZ+ group). In the same study period, 146 patients who were prescribed an INH/RMP/PZA-containing standard regimen were randomly selected as a control (HRZ+ group). Clinical characteristics including liver diseases and the frequency of drug-induced hepatitis were compared between the RZ+ and HRZ+ groups.Result : The mean age of patients in the RZ+ group was 50.2 (±16.2) and the male-to-female ratio was 36:28. The frequency of underlying liver diseases was 10.9% (7/64), which was not significantly different from that of the HRZ+ group (4.1%, 6/146). Even though the treatment duration of RZ+ (5.5 ± 4.8 months) was longer that than that of HRZ+ (2.7 ± 2.3 months), the frequency of toxic hepatitis was not significantly different between RZ+ and HRZ+ groups, 3.5% (2/57) and 7.1% (10/140), respectively.Conclusion : Hepatotoxicity was mild and occurred in a minor proportion of patients in a Korean population prescribed an RMP/PZA-containing regimen. A future prospective study including more patients is needed.(Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 38-43)
Background : Isoniazid (INH) is one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. In Korea, the dose of INH normally used in patients over 50 kg is 400 mg/day, which differs from the dose recommended by other countries. Indeed, the metabolism of INH shows ethnic variations, and Koreans are predominantly rapid acetylators. However, two reports suggested 300 mg of INH might be sufficient to reach an ideal peak level in Korean patients over 50 kg. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and adverse reactions between INH 300 mg and 400 mg in Korean TB patients. Method : Patients who were culture-positive, susceptible to all 1st-line drugs, initially on HREZ, and weighed over 50 kg were selected from patients with pulmonary TB between April 2003 and March 2005. The treatment results and adverse reactions in the INH 300 mg and 400 mg group were compared. Since April 2004, most TB patients at Asan Medical Center were administered INH 300 mg irrespective of the body weight.Results : The study included 123 patients in the 300 mg INH group and 128 in the 400 mg INH group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, weight, history of TB treatment, initial smear strength, and frequency of cavitary lesions. There was no difference in the treatment duration between the groups. One hundred eleven (90%) patients in the INH 300 mg group and 102 (80%) in the INH 400 mg group completed treatment (p>0.05). There were no differences in the frequency of modification of the initial regimen between groups due to any adverse reactions (300 mg : 9.0%, 400 mg : 13.7%) and hepatotoxicity (300 mg : 2.7% ; 400 mg : 7.8%).Conclusion : Considering treatment results and adverse reactions of two groups, 300mg of INH may be sufficient for treating Korean TB patients. Further studies comparing the frequency of relapse will be needed.(Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 44-48)
배 경 : 급성 폐손상은 폐내, 외의 원인질환들에 의해 폐포-모세혈관의 투과성이 증가하며, 폐부종에 의해 급성 저산소성 호흡곤란이 유발되는 증후군이다. 헤파린은 항응고작용 외에 자체적으로 항염증효과를 가지고 있으나, 염증성질환에 헤파린을 투여하면 출혈성 합병증이 발생하기 때문에 실제로 임상에서 이용하는데 제약이 있다. 하지만 헤파린에서 2-O와 3-O sulfate를 제거하면, 항응고 효과가 제거되고 항염증효과는 지니고 있는 비항응고성 헤파린 (nonanticoagulant heparin)으로 변화한다. 본 연구에서는 흰쥐에게 내독소 (LPS)를 투여하거나, 출혈성 쇼크를 일으켜서 유발된 급성폐손상에서 비항응고성 헤파린의 치료효과를 살펴보았다.방 법 : 각 군당 5 마리 이상의 흰쥐 (Balb/c mouse)를 이용하였다. 미정맥 (tail vein)을 통해 생리식염수 또는 비항응고성 헤파린 (50 mg/kg)을 투여한 직후에 내독소를 복강으로 투여하거나 (1 mg/kg), 심장천자를 통해 총 혈액의 1/3 정도로 제거하여 출혈성 쇼크를 유도하여 급성폐손상을 유발하였다. 내독소 투여 또는 출혈성 쇼크 유발 1 시간 후에 흰쥐를 희생시키고 폐를 적출하였고, 폐의 염증성 변화는 사이토카인 (TNF-α, MIP-2, IL-1β)을 측정하여 살펴보았고, 폐손상의 정도는 myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay와 wet-to-dry weight ratio를 측정하여 알아보았다.결 과 : 내독소를 투여한 흰쥐의 폐에서 대조군의 폐에 비해 사이토카인의 발현이 증가하고 (TNF-α; 196.1±10.8 vs 83.7±18.4 pg/ml, MIP-2; 3,000±725 vs 187±26 pg/ml, IL-1β; 6,500±1167 vs 266±25 pg/ml, p<0.05, respectively), 폐의 MPO 활성이 증가하였다 (27.9±6.2 vs 10.5±2.3 U/g of lung protein, p<0.05). 출혈성 쇼크를 일으킨 흰쥐의 폐에서 대조군의 폐에 비해 사이토카인의 발현은 증가되지 않았으나, MPO 발현은 증가되었다 (16.5±3.2 vs 10.5±2.3 U/g of lung protein, p<0.05). 내독소 투여 또는 출혈성 쇼크에 의해 급성폐손상이 유발된 흰쥐에서 생리적 식염수를 투여하거나 비항응고성 헤파린을 투여한 군 사이에 사이토카인의 발현이나 MPO 활성에 의미있는 차이는 관찰되지 않았다.
Background : Recently, there have been several studies showing that irinotecan hydrochloride, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is effective against extensive disease(ED) small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan plus cisplatin as a 1st line therapy for both limited and extensive disease SCLC. Methods : The study was conducted between January 2002 and June 2004. Patients were treated with 60mg/m2 irinotecan on day 1, 8, 15 and 60mg/m2 cisplatin on day 1, every 4 weeks. During concurrent thoracic irradiation for limited disease (LD)-SCLC patients, dose of irinotecan was reduced to 40mg/m2. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was given to patients with complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy.Results : Median ages of LD- and ED- SCLC were 64 years and performance status (PS) was 0-2. In patients with LD-SCLC, the response rate after concurrent chemoradiotherapy was 85% (CR, 6; Partial response〔PR〕, 11). The median survival was 20 months (95% CIs, 15.6 to 24.4) with 1-and 2-year survival rates of 85% and 35%, respectively. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 12 months (95% CIs, 6.2 to 18.1) with 1- year PFS of 36%. In ED-SCLC, the response rate was 83.4% (CR, 1; PR, 14). The median survival was 14.5 months (95% CIs, 8.8 to 20.1) with 1-year survival rates of 75%. Median PFS was 6.3 months (95% CIs, 5.6 to 7.1) with 1- year PFS of 20%. The major toxicities (grade 3 or 4) of this regimen included leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea without life threatening complication. Conclusion : Our data shows that the combination of irinotecan plus cisplatin as a first line therapy is effective and tolerable in the treatment of both LD- and ED- SCLC. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 60: 57-64)
서론 : 대량객혈은 치료가 이루어 지지 않을 경우, 50% 이상의 사망률을 보이는 호흡기 영역의 가장 위급한 응급상황의 하나이며 여러 원인에 의해 발생 될 수 있다. 1973년 레미 등에 의해 처음 보고된 이후로 기관지동맥 색전술은 대량의 재발성 객혈의 치료로 확립되어 그 효과가 입증 되었다. 그러나 기관지동맥 색전술의 재발률은 10~52%로 보고되어 객혈의 재발을 예측 할 수 있는 위험 요소들에 대한 연구가 필요하다.재료 및 방법 : 2000년 1월부터 2005년 1월까지 세브란스병원에 100 cc 이상의 대량 객혈로 내원하여 기관지동맥 색전술을 시행 받은 66명 환자들을 대상으로 하여 기관지동맥 색전술 후 재발의 빈도와 재발과 관련이 있는 위험 요인에 대해 분석하였다.결과 : 5년 간 기관지동맥 색전술을 시행 받은 환자는 75명이었고, 장기간 추적관찰이 되어 결과 분석이 가능했던 환자는 66명이었다. 이들의 평균 나이는 54.9 ± 15.9세이었고, 남자가 48명, 여자가 18명이었다. 원인 질환은 결핵 20명, 기관지확장증 및 기타 양성질환 23명, 악성 종양 7명이었고, 평균 20.4개월 간의 추적 관찰 기간 동안 23명(34.9%)에서 치료가 필요한 대량 객혈이 재발되었다. 환자의 성별과 나이, 이전에 객혈로 시술 받은 과거력, 객혈의 원인 질환, 분포 혈관의 수 등은 대량 객혈의 재발과 유의한 관계가 없었으나, 병변의 양측성, 흉막 비후, 객혈의 양은 유의한 인자로 관찰되었고, 로그 회귀분석 결과에서도 동일하였다.
Background : This report reviews our experience with persistent air leaks in the peumothorax that were not considered candidates for surgical treatment in order to evaluate the efficacy and risks of the OK-432 plus autoblood or OK-432 pleurodesis.Material & Methods : From March 2004 to July 2005, 8 consecutive patients who had an air leak in the pneumothorax over 5 days and had been treated with OK-432 plus autoblood or OK-432 pleurodesis. The patients were not considered candidates for surgical treatments because the chest CT findings revealed severe chronic lung disease with multiple bullae and/or bullous changes. A prolonged air leak with/without dead space was treated with either OK-432 plus autoblood or OK-432 pleurodesis. The efficacy and side effects of OK-432 pleurodesis were assessed by determining the duration of the air leak, the number of pleurodesis, the patients’ symptoms, measurements of the white blood cell count and the c-reactive protein level.Results : All of eight patients were male and the mean age was 72.4 ± 8.5. The mean number of pleurodesis was 1.9 ± 1.1 and the mean duration of the air leak was 4.6 ± 4.6 days after pleurodesis. Side effects after pleurodesis were encountered in 7 patients, which included a chilling sensation in 7 cases, chest pain in 5 cases, headache in 3 cases, local heat sensation in 2 cases, and fever in 1 case. Leukocytosis was observed in 6 patients, and the mean of WBC count and CRP were 14500 ± 2100 and 21.9 ± 11.4mg/dL, respectively.Conclusion : Either OK-432 plus autoblood or OK-432 pleurodesis has acceptable side effects, and can be considered a treatment option for persistent air leaks in the pneumothorax that are not candidates for surgical treatment.(Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 72-75)
Background : The objective of this study was to understand sleep-related problems, and to determine whether the sleep questionnaires is a clinically useful method in patients who need polysomnography.Methods : Subjects were patients who performed polysomnography and who asked to answer a sleep questionnaires at the Sleep Disorders Clinic of St. Paul’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea. Baseline characteristics, past medical illness, behaviors during sleep-wake cycle, snoring, sleep-disordered breathing and symptoms of daytime sleepiness were analyzed to compare with data of polysomnography.Results : The study population included 1081 patients(849 men, 232 female), and their mean age was 44.2±12.8 years. Among these patients, 38.9% had an apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)<5, 27.9% had 5≤AHI<20, 13.2% had 20≤AHI<40, and 20.0% had 40≤AHI. The main problems for visiting our clinic were snoring(91.7%), sleep apnea(74.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness(8.0%), insomnia(4.3%), bruxism(1.1%) and attention deficit(0.5%). The mean value of frequency of interruptions of sleep was 1.6 and the most common reason was urination(46.3%). Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS) had a weak correlation with AHI(r=0.209, p<0.01). When we performed analysis of sleep questionnaires, there were significant differences in the mean values of AHI according to the severity of symptoms including snoring, daytime sleepiness, taking a nap and arousal state after wake(p<0.05).Conclusion : On the basis of statistical analysis of sleep questionnaires, the severity of subjective symptoms such as ESS, snoring, daytime sleepiness and arousal state after wake correlated with the AHI significantly. Therefore the sleep questionnaires can be useful instruments for prediction of the severity of sleep disorder, especially sleep-disordered breathing.(Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 76-82)
Background : For unknown reasons, the serum ferritin concentrations are higher in patients with acute lung injury. A pretreatment with aspirin reduces the acute lung injury in rats subjected severe hemorrhage, and increases the rate of ferritin synthesis in vitro. This study investigated the effect of aspirin on the serum ferritin changes in rats subjected to severe hemorrhage.Methods : Hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawing blood (20 ml/kg of B.W.) through the femoral artery for 5 min. The rats were pretreated with aspirin (10 mg/kg, i.v.) 30 min before hemorrhage.Results : The protein content and leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue myeloperoxidase activities were significantly higher after hemorrhage. The aspirin pretreatment prevented these changes. The serum and lavage fluid ferritin concentrations were elevated higher after hemorrhage. These were also attenuated by the aspirin pretreatment.Conclusion : The changes in the serum and lung lavage ferritin level might be closely related to the severity of hemorrhageinduced acute lung injury. Therefore, the serum and lavage ferritin concentrations can be a useful biomarker for patients with precipitating conditions. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 83-91)
A benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma(BMPL) is a rare disease that is usually detected years after a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Despite the benign pathological appearance, these tumors can metastasize and become clinically malignant. Recently, we experienced case of BMPL with hemoptysis. A 43-year-old woman, who had undergone a hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma 8 years ago, visited our department complaining of intermittent hemoptysis. A chest CT showed bilateral multiple nodular lesions. Video-associated thoracoscopy was performed. The resected small nodular lesion revealed the proliferation of spindle cells without mitosis or nuclear atypism. The lesions tested positive to the smooth muscle marker (actin) by immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, the multiple nodules were considered as benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma from a uterine leiomyoma. GnRH analogue therapy was initiated. A chest CT showed that the size and number of pulmonary lesions did not change after 3 months, and the patient was symptom free. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 92-96)
Coccidioidomycosis is a rare systemic fungal infection in Korea. However, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis has recently begun to increase due to the increasing incidence of people traveling overseas to endemic areas. In previously reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Korea, the radiographic findings usually showed a solitary pulmonary nodule, pleural effusion, cavitation, and hilar lymphadenopathy, but no miliary nodules. We report a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis with miliary nodules in an immunocompetent patient. A 32 year old male, who had traveled in Corona, New Mexico, USA, was admitted for an evaluation of persistent cough with fever. Chest radiography revealed initially diffuse multiple small nodules that appeared to be miliary tuberculosis. However, a subsequent evaluation revealed that he had disseminated coccidioidomycosis.(Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 60: 97-101)