Although WHO declared the end of the public health emergency for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), XBB lineages continue to evolve and emerge globally. In particular, XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16 are raising concerns because of their high immune evasion, leading to apprehensions regarding vaccine efficacy reduction and potential reinfection. We aimed to investigate the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea and predict the likelihood of reinfection by testing neutralizing activity against live viruses from the S clade and 19 Omicron sublineages.We found a significant risk of infection with the currently prevalent XBB lineage for individuals who were either vaccinated early or infected during the initial Omicron outbreak. Vaccinated individuals were better equipped than unvaccinated individuals to produce neutralizing antibodies for other SARS-CoV-2 variants upon infection. Therefore, unvaccinated individuals do not easily develop neutralizing activity against other variants and face the highest risk of reinfection by the XBB lineage. Our study provides important information to facilitate the development of strategies for monitoring populations that would be the most susceptible to new COVID-19 outbreaks.

Background: It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment. Results: After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events. Conclusion The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

Background: A precise anatomical understanding of the adductor canal (AC) and its neural components is essential for discerning the action mechanism of the AC block. We therefore aimed to clarify the detailed anatomy of the AC using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological evaluation, and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. Methods: Gross dissections of 39 thighs provided morphometric data relevant to injection landmarks. Serial sectional images of the AC were defined using micro-CT and ultrasonography. The fascial and neural structures of the AC proper were histologically evaluated using Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining, and double IF staining using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and neurofilament 200 antibodies. Results: The posteromedial branch insertion of the nerve to vastus medialis (NVM) into the lateral border of the AC proper was lower (14.5 ± 2.4 cm [mean ± SD] above the base of the patella) than the origin of the proximal AC. The AC consists of a thin subsartorial fascia in the proximal region and a thick aponeurosis-like vastoadductor membrane in the distal region. In the proximal AC, the posteromedial branch of the NVM (pmNVM) consistently contained both sensory and motor fibers, and more ChAT-positive fibers were observed than in the saphenous nerve (27.5 ± 11.2 / 104 vs. 4.2 ± 2.6 / 104 [counts/µm2], P < 0.001). Conclusions Anatomical differences in fascial structures between the proximal and distal AC and a mixed neural component of the neighboring pmNVM have been visualized using micro-CT images, histological evaluation, and IF assays.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the population prevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including unreported infections, through a Korea Seroprevalence Study of Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Retention and Transmission (K-SEROSMART) in 258 communities throughout Korea. METHODS: In August 2022, a survey was conducted among 10,000 household members aged 5 years and older, in households selected through two stage probability random sampling. During face-to-face household interviews, participants self-reported their health status, COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination history, and general characteristics. Subsequently, participants visited a community health center or medical clinic for blood sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to spike proteins (anti-S) and antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. To estimate the population prevalence, the PROC SURVEYMEANS statistical procedure was employed, with weighting to reflect demographic data from July 2022. RESULTS: In total, 9,945 individuals from 5,041 households were surveyed across 258 communities, representing all basic local governments in Korea. The overall population-adjusted prevalence rates of anti-S and anti-N were 97.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Since the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has reported a cumulative incidence of confirmed cases of 37.8% through July 31, 2022, the proportion of unreported infections among all COVID-19 infection was suggested to be 33.9%. CONCLUSIONS The K-SEROSMART represents the first nationwide, community-based seroepidemiologic survey of COVID-19, confirming that most individuals possess antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and that a significant number of unreported cases existed. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for a surveillance system to continuously monitor transmission at the community level and the response to COVID-19.

Objective: This study evaluated the clinical features of acute Phytolacca poisoning and investigated the prognostic factors associated with severe poisoning. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study using the data of patients presenting with acute Phytolacca poisoning. Demographic data, toxicological data, vital signs, laboratory data, and electrocardiographic data were collected. Study patients were divided into mild and severe poisoning patients. After a univariate analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, which used ‘severe poisoning’ as a dependent variable, was performed to figure out the independent variables. In addition, the area under the curve and the cut-off value of independent variables were suggested by using receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Most poisonings (80.5%) occurred in winter and spring. Most patients (98.4%) ingested the root of Phytolacca. It took 2 hours from ingestion to the beginning of the symptoms (interquartile range, 1.0-3.0) which included nausea/vomiting (98.4%), abdominal pain (58.6%), or diarrhea (53.1%). Severe poisoning developed in 21 patients (16.4%). For prediction of severe poisoning, the adjusted odds ratio of time from ingestion to the onset of symptoms was 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.61) and that of the amount of ingestion was 1.42 (95% CI, 0.99-2.03). The area under the curve of time from ingestion to the onset of symptoms (≤1 hour) was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88) and that of the amount of ingestion (>1.5 knuckles) was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.65-0.83). Conclusion Acute Phytolacca poisoning has clinical features of acute enterocolitis. Severe poisoning could develop especially in patients with a rapid onset of symptoms (≤1 hour) and ingesting over 1.5 knuckles.

Objective: This study evaluated the clinical features of acute Phytolacca poisoning and investigated the prognostic factors associated with severe poisoning. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study using the data of patients presenting with acute Phytolacca poisoning. Demographic data, toxicological data, vital signs, laboratory data, and electrocardiographic data were collected. Study patients were divided into mild and severe poisoning patients. After a univariate analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, which used ‘severe poisoning’ as a dependent variable, was performed to figure out the independent variables. In addition, the area under the curve and the cut-off value of independent variables were suggested by using receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Most poisonings (80.5%) occurred in winter and spring. Most patients (98.4%) ingested the root of Phytolacca. It took 2 hours from ingestion to the beginning of the symptoms (interquartile range, 1.0-3.0) which included nausea/vomiting (98.4%), abdominal pain (58.6%), or diarrhea (53.1%). Severe poisoning developed in 21 patients (16.4%). For prediction of severe poisoning, the adjusted odds ratio of time from ingestion to the onset of symptoms was 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.61) and that of the amount of ingestion was 1.42 (95% CI, 0.99-2.03). The area under the curve of time from ingestion to the onset of symptoms (≤1 hour) was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88) and that of the amount of ingestion (>1.5 knuckles) was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.65-0.83). Conclusion Acute Phytolacca poisoning has clinical features of acute enterocolitis. Severe poisoning could develop especially in patients with a rapid onset of symptoms (≤1 hour) and ingesting over 1.5 knuckles.

PURPOSE: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common cause of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of SCARs induced by NSAIDs in the Korean SCAR registry. METHODS: A retrospective survey of NSAID-induced SCARs recorded between 2010 and 2015 at 27 university hospitals in Korea was conducted. Clinical phenotypes of SCARs were classified into Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), SJS-TEN overlap syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Causative NSAIDs were classified into 7 groups according to their chemical properties: acetaminophen, and propionic, acetic, salicylic, fenamic and enolic acids. RESULTS: A total of 170 SCARs, consisting of 85 SJS, 32 TEN, 17 SJS-TEN overlap syndrome and 36 DRESS reactions, were induced by NSAIDs: propionic acids (n=68), acetaminophen (n=38), acetic acids (n=23), salicylic acids (n=16), coxibs (n=8), fenamic acids (n=7), enolic acids (n=5) and unclassified (n=5). Acetic acids (22%) and coxibs (14%) accounted for higher portions of DRESS than other SCARs. The phenotypes of SCARs induced by both propionic and salicylic acids were similar (SJS, TEN and DRESS, in order). Acetaminophen was primarily associated with SJS (27%) and was less involved in TEN (10%). DRESS occurred more readily among subjects experiencing coxib-induced SCARs than other NSAID-induced SCARs (62.5% vs. 19.7%, P = 0.013). The mean time to symptom onset was longer in DRESS than in SJS or TEN (19.1 ± 4.1 vs. 6.8 ±1.5 vs. 12.1 ± 3.8 days). SCARs caused by propionic salicylic acids showed longer latency, whereas acetaminophen- and acetic acid-induced SCARs appeared within shorter intervals. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that the phenotypes of SCARs may differ according to the chemical classifications of NSAIDs. To establish the mechanisms and incidences of NSAID-induced SCARs, further prospective studies are needed.
Acetaminophen ; Acetates ; Acetic Acid ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Cicatrix ; Classification ; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors ; Diethylpropion ; Drug Hypersensitivity ; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome ; Hospitals, University ; Incidence ; Korea ; Phenotype ; Propionates ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Salicylates ; Salicylic Acid ; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

MYH9-related disorders (MYH9RD) are autosomal-dominant disorders characterized by macrothrombocytopenia with or without leukocyte inclusion bodies or extra-hematological features, such as sensorineural deafness and renal impairment. MYH9RD can be misdiagnosed as an acquired form of thrombocytopenia including immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This leads to delayed diagnosis or administration of ineffective treatment. In the present study, we investigated the clinical and molecular characteristics of five unrelated Korean patients with MYH9RD and their family members, from four institutions. We reviewed clinical and laboratory data including extra-hematological manifestations. MYH9 pathogenic variants were detected by direct sequencing in all probands and the affected family members (N=10): two probands with c.5521G>A (p.Glu1841Lys) and one proband each with c.99G>T (p.Trp33Cys), c.287C>T (p.Ser96Leu), and c.3493C>T (p.Arg1165Cys). All patients had macrothrombocytopenia. Only the proband with Ser96Leu had extra-hematological manifestations. Past history revealed that two patients had been misdiagnosed with ITP and one of them had received a splenectomy. We validated the frequency of misdiagnosis (~20%) and genotype-phenotype correlations through a comprehensive review of previously reported cases of MYH9RD in Korea. It is important to suspect MYH9RD in patients with thrombocytopenia, and timely identification of macrothrombocytopenia and MYH9 pathogenic variants is required for early and accurate diagnosis of MYH9RD.
Deafness ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Errors ; Genetic Association Studies ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; Korea ; Leukocytes ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; Splenectomy ; Thrombocytopenia

PURPOSE: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) to antiepileptic drug (AED), are rare, but result in significant morbidity and mortality. We investigated the major culprit drugs, clinical characteristics, and clinical course and outcomes of AED-induced SCARs using a nationwide registry in Korea. METHODS: A total of 161 patients with AED-induced SCARs from 28 referral hospitals were analyzed. The causative AEDs, clinical characteristics, organ involvements, details of treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. We compared the clinical and laboratory parameters between SJS/TEN and DRESS according to the leading causative drugs. We further determined risk factors for prolonged hospitalization in AED-induced SCARs. RESULTS: Carbamazepine and lamotrigine were the most common culprit drugs causing SCARs. Valproic acid and levetiracetam also emerged as the major causative agents. The disease duration and hospital stay in carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN were shorter than those in other AEDs (P< 0.05, respectively). In younger patients, lamotrigine caused higher incidences of DRESS than other drugs (P= 0.045). Carbamazepine, the most common culprit drug for SCARs, was associated with a favorable outcome related with prolonged hospitalization in SJS (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.63, P= 0.12), and thrombocytopenia was found to be a risk factor for prolonged hospitalization in DRESS. CONCLUSION: This was the first large-scale epidemiological study of AED-induced SCARs in Korea. Valproic acid and levetiracetam were the significant emerging AEDs causing SCARs in addition to the well-known offending AEDs such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine. Carbamazepine was associated with reduced hospitalization, but thrombocytopenia was a risk factor for prolonged hospitalization. Our results suggest that the clinical characteristics and clinical courses of AED-induced SCARs might vary according to the individual AEDs.
Anticonvulsants ; Carbamazepine ; Cicatrix ; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Referral and Consultation ; Risk Factors ; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome ; Thrombocytopenia ; Valproic Acid

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSdAVF) is very rare, even in Asian countries. The research intended to present clinical and radiologic outcomes of treating such fistulas through endovascular embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was obtained from 220 consecutive patients, with CSdAVF, who were treated from January 2004 to December 2015. Bilateral CSdAVF was identified in 17 patients (7.7%). The clinical and radiologic outcomes of the fistulas were assessed with an emphasis on the technical aspects of treatment. RESULTS: At the time of treatment, 7 and 10 patients presented with bilateral and unilateral symptoms, respectively. In the former cases, 4 patients had progressed from unilateral to bilateral symptoms. Bilateral fistulas were treated with a single-stage transvenous embolization (TVE) in 15 patients, via bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses (IPS) (n = 9) and unilateral IPS (n = 6). In the other 2 patients with one-sided dominance of shunting, only dominant fistula was treated. Two untreated lesions were found on follow-up to have spontaneously resolved after treatment of the dominant contralateral fistula. Of the 34 CSdAVF lesions, complete occlusion was achieved in 32 lesions after TVE. Seven patients (41.2%) developed worsening of cranial nerve palsy after TVE. During the follow-up period, 4 patients obtained complete recovery, whereas the other 3 remained with deficits. CONCLUSION: With adjustments of endovascular procedures to accommodate distinct anatomical configurations, endovascular treatment for bilateral CSdAVF can achieve excellent angiographic occlusion results. However, aggravation of symptoms after TVE may occur frequently in bilateral CSdAVF. In the patients with one-sided dominance of shunt, treatment of only dominant fistula might be an alternative option.
Arteriovenous Fistula ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cavernous Sinus* ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations* ; Cranial Nerve Diseases ; Endovascular Procedures ; Fistula ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans