Background/Aims: Although balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) enables endoscopic visualization of small bowel (SB) involvement in Crohn’s disease (CD), there is no data on the changes in outcomes over time. We therefore investigated the changes in BAE use on CD patients over different time periods in terms of its role and clinical outcomes. Methods: We used a multicenter enteroscopy database to identify CD patients with SB involvement who underwent BAE (131 procedures, 116 patients). We compared BAE-related factors and outcomes between the first period (70 procedures, 60 patients) and the second period (61procedures, 56 patients). The specific cutoff point for dividing the two periods was 2007, when BAE guidelines were introduced. Results: Initial diagnosis of SB involvement in CD was the most common indication for BAE during each period (50.0% vs 31.1%, p=0.034). The largest change was in the number of BAE uses for stricture evaluation and/or treatment, which increased significantly in the latter period (2.9% vs 21.3%, p=0.002). The diagnostic yield in patients with suspected CD was 90.7% in the first period and 95.0% in the second (p=0.695). More endoscopic interventions were performed in the second period than in the first (5.1% vs 17.6%, p=0.041). Enteroscopic success rates were high throughout (100% in the first period vs 80.0% in the second period, p>0.999). In the first and second periods, therapeutic plans were adjusted in 62.7% and 61.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions The overall clinical indications, outcomes, and effectiveness of BAE were constant over time in CD patients with SB involvement, with the exception that the frequency of enteroscopic intervention increased remarkably.

Background/Aims: Although balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) enables endoscopic visualization of small bowel (SB) involvement in Crohn’s disease (CD), there is no data on the changes in outcomes over time. We therefore investigated the changes in BAE use on CD patients over different time periods in terms of its role and clinical outcomes. Methods: We used a multicenter enteroscopy database to identify CD patients with SB involvement who underwent BAE (131 procedures, 116 patients). We compared BAE-related factors and outcomes between the first period (70 procedures, 60 patients) and the second period (61procedures, 56 patients). The specific cutoff point for dividing the two periods was 2007, when BAE guidelines were introduced. Results: Initial diagnosis of SB involvement in CD was the most common indication for BAE during each period (50.0% vs 31.1%, p=0.034). The largest change was in the number of BAE uses for stricture evaluation and/or treatment, which increased significantly in the latter period (2.9% vs 21.3%, p=0.002). The diagnostic yield in patients with suspected CD was 90.7% in the first period and 95.0% in the second (p=0.695). More endoscopic interventions were performed in the second period than in the first (5.1% vs 17.6%, p=0.041). Enteroscopic success rates were high throughout (100% in the first period vs 80.0% in the second period, p>0.999). In the first and second periods, therapeutic plans were adjusted in 62.7% and 61.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions The overall clinical indications, outcomes, and effectiveness of BAE were constant over time in CD patients with SB involvement, with the exception that the frequency of enteroscopic intervention increased remarkably.

Objective To evaluate the possible protective effect of Citrus aurantium peel extract (CAE) against apoptosis in cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in mice. Methods Male ICR mice were divided to 5 groups: 1) Control group (Sham-operated mice), 2) Cholestatic liver injury group induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), 3) BDL mice treated with silymarin (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, 4) BDL mice treated with 50 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks, 5) BDL mice treated with 200 mg/kg CAE for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed and liver fibrosis was evaluated by serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry tests and liver histopathological examination. Effects of CAE on inflammation and apoptosis gene regulation were investigated through real-time PCR. CAE effect on lipid metabolism related signaling was determined by western blot analysis. Results In BDL mice, administration of CAE for 4 weeks markedly attenuated liver fibrosis based on histopathological alteration. Serum and hepatic tissue biochemistry results revealed that CAE (50 and 200 mg/kg) decreased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, nitric oxide, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that CAE regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism factors increased by BDL. Interleukin family, tumor necrosis factor α, and related apoptosis factors mRNA levels were increased by BDL treatment. However, these increases were suppressed by CAE administration. In addition, CAE effectively increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, and related cytoprotective proteins. Conclusions CAE can efficiently regulate BDL-induced liver injury with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) with impaired cellular immunity and extrapulmonary TB is more common in patients with chronic kidney disease. We explored the clinical features and treatment outcomes of extrapulmonary TB according to renal function. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with extrapulmonary TB between January 2003 and December 2007. We classified the patients into two groups using the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula cut-off of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and evaluated their clinical features, treatment outcome and mortality (Group I vs. Group II, > or = 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS: The mean eGFR of Groups I (n=30) and II (n=312) was 34+/-19 and 102+/-26 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The pleura was the most frequent site of TB in both groups (Group I, 30.0% vs. Group II, 28.2%; p=0.379). There was no treatment failure or recurrence in either group. The mortality was higher in Group I (22.2% vs. 2.8%; p<0.01). In a multivariate analysis, eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was an independent risk factor for mortality (HR=11.51, CI 2.512-52.741; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality related to extrapulmonary TB was higher in patients with impaired kidney function and kidney function was an independent predictor. However, there was no difference in treatment failure and recurrence according to renal function.
Diet ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Kidney ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pleura ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Failure ; Treatment Outcome ; Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the recent clinical trends and antibiotic susceptibilities of the causative microorganisms in renal and perirenal abscesses, and to elucidate the factors associated with treatment strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 56 patients who were diagnosed with renal and perirenal abscesses at our hospital from January 2000 to September 2007. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years, and a female predominance of patients (75%) was observed. Diabetes mellitus (44.6%) was the most common predisposing condition. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 11.6 days, and fever (75%) was the most common symptom. Escherichia coli (44%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%) were common pathogens, and the rates of susceptibility of E. coli isolates to ampicillin, cephalothin, cefotaxime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and imipenem were 18.2%, 27.3%, 72.7%, 72.7%, 63.6%, 63.6%, and 100%, respectively. Abscesses were classified according to the location as follows: renal abscess (n=31, 55.4%) and perirenal abscess +/- renal abscess (n=25, 44.6%). In the renal abscess group, the infection rate of gram-negative organisms was higher than in the perirenal abscess group. Patients were also divided according to the treatment modality: antibiotics only (n=20, 35.7%) and percutaneous intervention or surgery (n=36, 64.3%). Patients who had a perirenal abscess or a large renal abscess required more invasive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed somewhat different results from those of previous studies. Clinical and microbial differences were observed between the renal and perirenal abscess groups. Abscess location and the size of the renal abscess were the factors associated with treatment strategies.
Abdominal Abscess/*diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Disease Susceptibility ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney/*microbiology ; Kidney Diseases/*diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Korea/epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

Gastrointestinal involvement by a lymphoma occurs in 20% of patients with a lymphoma and frequently involves the stomach, small bowel or colon, but rarely involves the esophagus. Esophageal lymphomas are usually secondary to an adjacent lymph node invasion or the contiguous spread from a gastric lymphoma. Primary involvement of the esophagus by a lymphoma is quite rare. Primary versus secondary esophageal involvement by a lymphoma is difficult to determine. The radiological features of esophageal lymphomas may manifest nodules of various sizes, enlarged folds, polypoid mass, ulceration, stenosis, varicoid appearance, and aneurysmal dilatation. The presentation of multiple discrete ulcers in the esophagus on the background of the normal mucosa is most unusual. We describe a case of an esophageal T-cell lymphoma with multiple discrete ulcers on the background of the normal mucosa. The patient was treated with chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the endoscopic findings of the esophagus showed a normal esophageal mucosa. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.
Aneurysm ; Colon ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dilatation ; Drug Therapy ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, T-Cell* ; Mucous Membrane* ; Stomach ; T-Lymphocytes* ; Ulcer*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is a promising approach during this era of drug-eluting stents. However, there is no available hemodynamic data on these type patients during the performance of LMCA stenting. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors affecting hemodynamic stability during LMCA stenting, and to evaluate whether hemodynamic support such as inotropics or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is needed, based on the risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From July 2003 to January 2006, we enrolled 92 study patients (Male=55) who had visited Yeungnam University Hospital, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital and InJe University Baik Hospital in Busan and they were all were diagnosed with angiographically detected unprotected LMCA stenosis. Group 1 (n=69) included those patients who did not need hemodynamic support during PCI. Group 2 (n=23) included patients who needed hemodynamic support during PCI. All patients had stents deployed in the LMCA lesions without hemodynamic support; the clinical, angiographic and procedural outcomes were compared between the two groups after the procedure. RESULTS: The baseline patient characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. On univariate analysis, Group 2 had more patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than Group 1 (40% vs. 15%, respectively, p=0.014). Group 1 had a greater frequency of an increased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction than Group 2 (60+/-10 vs. 47+/-11, respectively, p=0.01). Regarding the lesion location in the LMCA, Group 2 had relatively more lesions at bifurcated locations than Group 1 (44% vs. 78%, respectively, p=0.004). Group 2 required more complex techniques to repair lesions, such as kissing or crush stenting, than did Group 1 (19% vs. 48%, respectively, p=0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of AMI (Odds Ratio (OR)=3.74, p=0.014), a complex stenting procedure such as kissing or crushing (OR=3.99, p=0.006), a bifurcated lesion (OR=4.58, p=0.004) and poor LV function (OR=9.95, p=0.0001) were independent risk factors for hemodynamic instability during LMCA stenting. CONCLUSION: The most important risk factor for hemodynamic instability during LMCA stenting was LV function. Therefore, preparation for hemodynamic support, including IABP before the procedure, is necessary for the high risk patients.
Busan ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Vessels ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Myocardial Infarction ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Risk Factors* ; Stents* ; Ventricular Function

Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) is well known in the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy or post mitral valvuloplasty. However, SAM has not been reported in Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Preoperatively, SAM in combination with a left ventricular outflow tract obstruction leads to severe cardiovascular destabilization. Moreover, a diagnosis of SAM is very important because the administration of conventional therapy to hypotension can aggravate SAM. We report a patient with un-identified left ventricular wall hypertrophy or mitral valve regurgitation, who was diagnosed with SAM by TEE during OPCAB. This report describes the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the perioperative management of SAM.
Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump* ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Hypotension* ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Mitral Valve*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic injection therapy with hypertonic saline Epinephrine (HSE) is the easiest and most widely used procedure for the management of peptic ulcer bleeding. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a recently introduced endoscopic hemostatic procedure. Thus, we performed a prospective trial to compare the hemostatic efficacy of APC and HSE. METHODS: Forty patients with the diagnosis of bleeding ulcer were randomly assigned to receive either HSE (n=20) or APC (n=20) treatment during the period of September 2003 to April 2004. The two groups were matched for gender, age, site of bleeding, the endoscopic findings and the initial hemoglobin at the study baseline. RESULTS: The bleeding was initially controlled in 18 patients (90%) of the APC group, and in 20 patients (100%) of the HSE group. Rebeeding occurred in one patient (5%) of the APC group and in 3 patients (15.5%) of the HSE group. The lengths of stay in the hospital were 11.7 days in the APC group and 10.7 days in the HSE group. Death occurred in 1 case in the APC group and in 1 case in the HSE group. The initial hemostatic efficacy showed no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Argon plasma coagulation is as effective as hypertonic saline epinephrine injection for the initial management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding.
Argon Plasma Coagulation* ; Argon* ; Diagnosis ; Epinephrine* ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Peptic Ulcer* ; Prospective Studies ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: PAD-SEARCH (Peripheral Arterial Disease-Screening and Evaluation of diabetic patients in Asian Regions Characterized by High risk factors) is the first international study to investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Asian type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between the putative risk factors and PAD in this population. METHODS: A total of 6,625 type 2 diabetic patients (2,873 males and 3,752 females aged 50 and older) were enrolled in PAD-SEARCH in Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines from October 2003 to March 2004. The Fukuda vascular profile VS-1000(TM) was used to determine the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.7 +/- 8.2 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.3 +/- 8.0 years. 1,172 (17.7%) subjects were diagnosed as PAD by the ABI (< or = 0.9). Subjects with PAD had a significantly longer duration of diabetes or hypertension, a higher HbA1c level and a significantly lower mean BMI than did the non-PAD subjects. In terms of the lipid profiles, triglyceride was the only significant variable. Notably, the mean ABI and baPWV in the females were significantly poorer than the age matched males for the in subjects with a normal ABI. However, the mean ABI and baPWV in males were significantly poorer than those of the age matched females for the subjects with PAD. On the multivariate analysis, gender, age, BMI, smoking status, duration of diabetes and a previous history of cerebrovascular disease were identified as the independent risk factors of PAD. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PAD is a common complication in Asian type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for Asian diabetic patients with high risk factors.
Ankle Brachial Index ; Asia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Atherosclerosis* ; China ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Indonesia ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Multivariate Analysis ; Peripheral Arterial Disease* ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; Philippines ; Prevalence* ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Taiwan ; Thailand ; Triglycerides