Anti–glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis is characterized by circulating anti-GBM antibodies and crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) with deposition of IgG along the GBM. In a limited number of cases, glomerular immune complexes have been identified in anti-GBM nephritis. A 38-year-old female presented azotemia, hematuria, and proteinuria without any pulmonary symptoms. A renal biopsy showed crescentic GN with linear IgG deposition along the GBM and mesangial IgA deposition. The patient was diagnosed as concurrent anti-GBM nephritis and IgA nephropathy. Therapies with pulse methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide administration were effective. Concurrent cases of both anti-GBM nephritis and IgA nephropathy are rare among cases of anti-GBM diseases with deposition of immune complexes. This rare case of concurrent anti-GBM nephritis and IgA nephropathy with literature review is noteworthy.
Adult ; Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease ; Antibodies ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Azotemia ; Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Cyclophosphamide ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin G ; Methylprednisolone ; Nephritis ; Proteinuria

Background: Serum cystatin C (cysC), which is less affected by sex, race, and muscle mass than creatinine, is a useful biomarker of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The standardization of cysC measurements remains controversial, although a certified reference material (ERM-DA471/IFCC) is available. Moreover, the effect of combinations of cysC reagents and equations for eGFR is unclear. Methods: We conducted a simulation analysis of cysC measured using two reagents standardized against ERM-DA471/IFCC—Gentian cystatin C immunoassay (Gentiancys; GentianAS, Moss, Norway) and Roche Tina-quant Cystatin C Gen.2 (Rochecys; Roche, Mannheim, Germany)—on a Cobas c702 system (Roche) and eGFR generated by eight combinations of four equations: 2012 cystatin C-based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPIcys); the Caucasian, Asian, pediatric, and adult equation (CAPAeq); full age spectrum equation (FASeq); and 2023 cystatin C-based European Kidney Function Consortium equation (EKFCcys). Results: A total of 148 participants (mean age, 60.5±14.5 years; 43% female) were enrolled. The mean cysC was 1.72±1.44 mg/L for Gentiancys and 1.71±1.35 mg/L for Rochecys. Regression analysis showed concordance between the reagents within 0.85–4.40 mg/L when using ±7.61% total allowable error. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient of eGFR, by combining the measuring system and equation, varied from 0.73 to 1.00. Conclusions The equivalence of cysC values at low concentrations (<0.85 mg/L) between the two reagents was unsatisfactory. Results obtained with different measurement systems could lead to larger differences in eGFR varying with the combination.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the histologic features of metastatic neuroblastic tumors (NTs) in bone marrow (BM) before and after chemotherapy in comparison with those of primary NTs. METHODS: A total of 294 biopsies from 48 children diagnosed with NTs with BM metastasis were examined. There were 48 primary neoplasm biopsies, 48 BM biopsies before chemotherapy, 36 primary neoplasm excisional biopsies after chemotherapy, and 162 BM biopsies after chemotherapy. RESULTS: Metastatic NTs in BM before chemotherapy were composed of undifferentiated and/or differentiating neuroblasts, but had neither ganglion cells nor Schwannian stroma. Metastatic foci of BM after chemotherapy were found to have differentiated into ganglion cells or Schwannian stroma, which became more prominent after further cycles of chemotherapy. Persistence of NTs or tumor cell types in BM after treatment did not show statistically significant correlation to patients' outcome. However, three out of five patients who newly developed poorly differentiated neuroblasts in BM after treatment expired due to disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic NTs in BM initially consist of undifferentiated or differentiating neuroblasts regardless of the primary tumor subtype, and become differentiated after chemotherapy. Newly appearing poorly differentiated neuroblasts after treatment might be an indicator for poor prognosis.
Biopsy ; Bone Marrow* ; Child ; Drug Therapy* ; Ganglion Cysts ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroblastoma ; Prognosis

We report a case of increased values of entropy parameters Response Entropy (RE) and State Entropy (SE) during intravenous general anesthesia in a sleepwalking patient. An ASA class II, 64-year-old woman with stress incontinence underwent mid-urethral sling surgery. Prior to surgery, the patient had been administered paroxetine, valproic acid and clonazepam for the treatment of sleepwalking disorder. After 10 min of target-controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil, entropy values increased up to 94 (RE) and 88 (SE) for 10 min. The target effect-site concentrations of anesthetics increased from 4 to 7 microg/ml propofol and 4 ng/ml remifentanil, at which point values fell back to adequate anesthesia levels. Episodes of recall or of explicit memories did not occur during the anesthesia. In conclusion, sleepwalking patients with long-term use medications may need increment of anesthetic dose caused by the anesthetic drug metabolism activation or impairment or immaturity of inhibitory circuits in brain.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthetics ; Brain ; Clonazepam ; Entropy* ; Female ; Humans ; Metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Paroxetine ; Propofol* ; Somnambulism* ; Suburethral Slings ; Valproic Acid

We report a case of increased values of entropy parameters Response Entropy (RE) and State Entropy (SE) during intravenous general anesthesia in a sleepwalking patient. An ASA class II, 64-year-old woman with stress incontinence underwent mid-urethral sling surgery. Prior to surgery, the patient had been administered paroxetine, valproic acid and clonazepam for the treatment of sleepwalking disorder. After 10 min of target-controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil, entropy values increased up to 94 (RE) and 88 (SE) for 10 min. The target effect-site concentrations of anesthetics increased from 4 to 7 microg/ml propofol and 4 ng/ml remifentanil, at which point values fell back to adequate anesthesia levels. Episodes of recall or of explicit memories did not occur during the anesthesia. In conclusion, sleepwalking patients with long-term use medications may need increment of anesthetic dose caused by the anesthetic drug metabolism activation or impairment or immaturity of inhibitory circuits in brain.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthetics ; Brain ; Clonazepam ; Entropy* ; Female ; Humans ; Metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Paroxetine ; Propofol* ; Somnambulism* ; Suburethral Slings ; Valproic Acid

BACKGROUND: Head and neck anatomy affects the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cuff volume. The purpose of this study was to identify physical parameters that can be standardized to predict LMA cuff volume and measure the optimal and minimal LMA cuff volume in adults. METHODS: The predictors of volume or pressure of the LMA cuff were investigated in 167 patients. Manufacturers recommend a maximal cuff pressure (MCP) (i.e., 40 ml for size 5, 30 ml for size 4), an optimal cuff volume (OCV) at a cuff pressure of 60 cmH2O, and a minimal cuff volume (MCV) just before audible air leakage. The physical parameters measured included height, weight, body mass index, modified Mallampati classification (MMP), neck circumference, neck length, and thyro-mental distance. Data were analyzed by stepwise multilinear analysis. RESULTS: The regression equations (REs) were as follows: OCV (1.2 + [0.1 × height] + [0.5 × neck length]); MCV for men (−35.7 + [0.25 × height] + [0.7 × neck length] − [4.1 × MMP]); and MCV for women (−42.5 + [0.27 × height] + [0.75 × neck length] − [2.5 × MMP]). The mean values were as follows: MCP > 200 cmH2O, minimal cuff pressure < 20 cmH2O, OCV of 24.7 ml for men and 15.9 ml for women, and MCV of 12.1 ml for men and 7.1 ml for women. CONCLUSIONS: LMA cuff volume is estimated from the patient's height, neck length, and MMP. The RE for calculating the MCV shows a high correlation with height, neck length, and MMP.
Adult ; Airway Management ; Body Weight ; Classification ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Laryngeal Masks* ; Male ; Neck ; Physical Examination*

BACKGROUND: Head and neck anatomy affects the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cuff volume. The purpose of this study was to identify physical parameters that can be standardized to predict LMA cuff volume and measure the optimal and minimal LMA cuff volume in adults. METHODS: The predictors of volume or pressure of the LMA cuff were investigated in 167 patients. Manufacturers recommend a maximal cuff pressure (MCP) (i.e., 40 ml for size 5, 30 ml for size 4), an optimal cuff volume (OCV) at a cuff pressure of 60 cmH2O, and a minimal cuff volume (MCV) just before audible air leakage. The physical parameters measured included height, weight, body mass index, modified Mallampati classification (MMP), neck circumference, neck length, and thyro-mental distance. Data were analyzed by stepwise multilinear analysis. RESULTS: The regression equations (REs) were as follows: OCV (1.2 + [0.1 × height] + [0.5 × neck length]); MCV for men (−35.7 + [0.25 × height] + [0.7 × neck length] − [4.1 × MMP]); and MCV for women (−42.5 + [0.27 × height] + [0.75 × neck length] − [2.5 × MMP]). The mean values were as follows: MCP > 200 cmH2O, minimal cuff pressure < 20 cmH2O, OCV of 24.7 ml for men and 15.9 ml for women, and MCV of 12.1 ml for men and 7.1 ml for women. CONCLUSIONS: LMA cuff volume is estimated from the patient's height, neck length, and MMP. The RE for calculating the MCV shows a high correlation with height, neck length, and MMP.
Adult ; Airway Management ; Body Weight ; Classification ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Laryngeal Masks* ; Male ; Neck ; Physical Examination*

Background: : Since primary emergency treatment should be performed appropriately and promptly, efficient and accurate communication between paramedics and medical staff is paramount to a successful primary emergency treatment and patient handover. The problem of the training program in Korea is that it concentrates more on in-class lectures, often delivered by non-medical specialists, who may lack in practical experience and without proper communication training. To solve this problem, we have devised a simulation based training that focuses on event debriefings and two-way communication. Methods: : 62 paramedics from 3 stations enrolled in the study. 4 different courses with different emergency situations were created and each course was taken twice resulting in a total of 8 classes. All courses were based on actual cases. The curriculum consisted of subject lectures with guidelines, skill practice courses, and simulation courses based on hands-on method. In simulation courses, paramedics use standardized check list to communicate with medical specialists. All curriculums except subject lectures include debriefing, which allows free talking with educators comprised of medical specialists. In order to measure the educational impact, all students performed self-assessment through a structured questionnaire before and after the training. Results: : Regardless different situations and paramedics’ education level, their performance and communication skills have improved after simulation training course. Paramedics mentioned learning skills in simulation course through communication with medical staffs as the biggest advantage. Conclusion : Receiving the simulation training with standardized communication tools is effective at enhancing the communication between the paramedics and medical staff.

Background: Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GEA) is unrelated to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and is clinically aggressive compared with HPV-associated usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA). The cytological diagnosis falls short of a definitive diagnosis of GEA and is often categorized as atypical glandular cells (AGCs). To improve cytologic recognition, cytological findings of HPV-independent GEA were analyzed and the results compared with HPV-associated UEA. Methods: Cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) smears from eight patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of GEA and 12 control cases of UEA were reviewed. All slides were conventionally prepared and/or liquid-based prepared (ThinPrep) and stained following the Pap method. A mucinous background, architectural, nuclear, and cytoplasmic features were analyzed and compared with UEA. Results: Preoperative cytologic diagnoses of the eight GEA cases were AGCs, favor neoplastic in three cases, adenocarcinoma in situ in one case, and adenocarcinoma in four cases. Cytologically, monolayered honeycomb-like sheets (p = .002) of atypical endocervical cells with vacuolar granular cytoplasm (p = .001) were extensive in GEA, and three-dimensional clusters (p = .010) were extensive in UEA. Although the differences were not statistically significant, background mucin (p = .058), vesicular nuclei (p = .057), and golden-brown intracytoplasmic mucin (p = .089) were also discriminatory findings for GEA versus UEA. Conclusions Although GEA is difficult to diagnose on cytologic screening, GEA can be recognized based on cytologic features of monolayered honeycomb sheets of atypical endocervical cells with abundant vacuolar cytoplasm and some golden-brown intracytoplasmic mucin. UEA cases are characterized by three-dimensional clusters.

The records of 63 high-risk neuroblastoma patients with bone marrow (BM) tumors at diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received nine cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/auto-SCT). Follow-up BM examination was performed every three cycles during induction chemotherapy and every three months for one year after the second HDCT/auto-SCT. BM tumor cells persisted in 48.4%, 37.7%, 23.3%, and 20.4% of patients after three, six, and nine cycles of induction chemotherapy and three months after the second HDCT/auto-SCT, respectively. There was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) rate between patients with persistent BM tumor and those without during the induction treatment. However, after tandem HDCT/auto-SCT, the PFS rate was worse in patients with persistent BM tumor than in those without (probability of 5-yr PFS 14.7% +/- 13.4% vs. 64.2% +/- 8.3%, P = 0.009). Persistent BM tumor during induction treatment is not associated with a worse prognosis when intensive tandem HDCT/auto-SCT is given as consolidation treatment. However, persistent BM tumor after tandem HDCT/auto-SCT is associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, further treatment might be needed in patients with persistent BM tumor after tandem HDCT/auto-SCT.
Adolescent ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage ; Bone Marrow Neoplasms/pathology/*secondary/*therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; Female ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy/methods ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology/*therapy ; Neuroblastoma/*pathology/*therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stem Cell Transplantation/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult