Eales disease is an uncommon idiopathic vasoproliferative retinal disease that primarily affects the peripheral retina. We experienced a 17-year-old male patient who was referred to our clinic because of retinal hemorrhage at the superior temporal quadrant of his left eye. After excluding other causes of branch retinal vein occlusion with medical evaluation, the primary branch retinal vein occlusion was diagnosed. During the follow-up period, retinal vasculitis developed in the peripheral retina of his both eyes along with rapid development of the neovascularization in the left eye. Eales disease was diagnosed. In spite of scattered laser photocoagulation, vitreous hemorrhage eventually occurred, requiring pars plana vitrectomy. We emphasize the occurrence of the branch retinal vein occlusion in young patient with Eales disease.
Adolescent ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Light Coagulation ; Male ; Retina ; Retinal Diseases ; Retinal Hemorrhage ; Retinal Vasculitis ; Retinal Vein Occlusion* ; Retinal Vein* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Vitrectomy ; Vitreous Hemorrhage

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can be a useful marker for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients without kidney disease. This study was conducted to clarify the relationship between NT-proBNP and LV systolic function in patients with decreased renal function. We studied 256 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, patients on dialysis were excluded. The median glomerular filtration rate was 24 (13-36) mL/min/1.73 m(2) and the median NT-proBNP was 4,849 (1,310- 19,009) pg/mL. The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction increased from the lower to the upper NT-proBNP quartiles (I, 17%; II, 34%; III, 61%; and IV, 72%; p<0.001 for trend). The NT-proBNP quartile was an independent predictor of LV systolic dysfunction after adjustment for renal function, compared with quartile I: II, odds ratio (OR) 3.99 (95% confidence interval [CI],1.34-11.93); III, OR 11.28 (95% CI, 3.74-33.95); and IV, OR 36.97 (95% CI, 11.47-119.1). Area under the curve and optimum cut points for NT-proBNP to detect LV systolic dysfunction were 0.781 and 2,165 pg/mL in CKD stage 3, 0.812 and 4,740 pg/mL in CKD stage 4, and 0.745 and 15,892 pg/ mL in CKD stage 5. The NT-proBNP level was a predictor of LV systolic dysfunction in CKD patients. Optimum cut points should be stratified according to renal function.
Aged ; Area Under Curve ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic/*complications/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/*blood ; Peptide Fragments/diagnostic use ; Prevalence ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/complications/diagnosis ; *Ventricular Function, Left

Though the 2009 worldwide influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has been declared to have ended, the influenza virus is expected to continue to circulate from some years as a seasonal influenza. A rapid antigen test (RAT) can aid in rapid diagnosis and allow for early antiviral treatment. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of RAT using SD Bioline Influenza Antigen Test(R) kit to detect the influenza virus, considering various factors. From August 1, 2009 to October 10, 2009, a total of 938 patients who visited the outpatient clinic at Korea University Guro Hospital with influenza-like illnesses were enrolled in the study. Throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens were obtained from each of the patients. Using these specimens, we evaluated the influenza detection rate by rapid antigen test based on the real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) method. In comparison with rRT-PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the RAT were 44.0% and 99.9%, respectively. The cyclic threshold values of RAT negative specimens were higher than RAT positive specimens (30.1+/-3.1 vs. 28.3+/-3.9, p=0.031). The sensitivity of the RAT kit was higher in patients who visited clinics within two days of symptom onset (60.4% vs. 11.1%, p=0.026). The results of this study show that the RAT cannot be recommended for general use in all patients with influenza-like illness because of its low sensitivity. The RAT may be used, only in the settings with limited diagnostic resources, for patients who visit a clinic within two days of symptom onset.
Antigens, Viral/genetics ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics/immunology/*isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human/*diagnosis/virology ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Time Factors

BACKGROUND: The annual prevalence of foot ulcer in Korea is 99.5 per 100,000 people with diabetes and 49.8 cases among them go through amputation. Moreover, amputation due to uncontrolled infection accounts for 50% of all non-traumatic limb amputations. Therefore, reliable microbiological documentation is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 74 patients with diabetic foot infection, who referred to Korea University Hospital from September 2006 to March 2007. Deep tissue biopsies were taken from the base of ulcer after surgical debridement and cleansing at admission. We analyzed the microbiological differences according to the sex, age, type and duration of diabetes, glycemic control, presence of neuropathy or angiopathy, diabetic nephropathy, osteomyelitis, transcutaneous oxygen tension and prior antibiotic use. RESULTS: Gram-positive aerobic bacteria were the most common organisms isolated (76.4%), followed by Gram-negative aerobic bacteria (33.3%) and fungus (2.0%). Of the Gram-positive aerobes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found most frequently (29.4%). The clinical and laboratory findings showed no significant clinical differences between gram-positive and gram-negative infections. Moreover, there was no difference in clinical findings between methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections. Mixed infection was not common (average, 1.2 organisms with each diabetic foot infection). Of note, mixed infection was more frequently found in patients with prior antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: MRSA was the most common pathogen in diabetic foot infection among patients referred to tertiary hospital. There was no significant difference of clinical and laboratory findings with regard to gram stain results and methicillin resistance in S. aureus. Mixed infection was not common, but broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended for severe diabetic foot infection with prior antibiotic exposure.
Amputation ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria, Aerobic ; Biopsy* ; Coinfection ; Debridement ; Diabetic Angiopathies ; Diabetic Foot* ; Extremities ; Foot Ulcer ; Fungi ; Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria ; Humans ; Korea ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Osteomyelitis ; Oxygen ; Prevalence ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: The annual prevalence of foot ulcer in Korea is 99.5 per 100,000 people with diabetes and 49.8 cases among them go through amputation. Moreover, amputation due to uncontrolled infection accounts for 50% of all non-traumatic limb amputations. Therefore, reliable microbiological documentation is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 74 patients with diabetic foot infection, who referred to Korea University Hospital from September 2006 to March 2007. Deep tissue biopsies were taken from the base of ulcer after surgical debridement and cleansing at admission. We analyzed the microbiological differences according to the sex, age, type and duration of diabetes, glycemic control, presence of neuropathy or angiopathy, diabetic nephropathy, osteomyelitis, transcutaneous oxygen tension and prior antibiotic use. RESULTS: Gram-positive aerobic bacteria were the most common organisms isolated (76.4%), followed by Gram-negative aerobic bacteria (33.3%) and fungus (2.0%). Of the Gram-positive aerobes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found most frequently (29.4%). The clinical and laboratory findings showed no significant clinical differences between gram-positive and gram-negative infections. Moreover, there was no difference in clinical findings between methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections. Mixed infection was not common (average, 1.2 organisms with each diabetic foot infection). Of note, mixed infection was more frequently found in patients with prior antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: MRSA was the most common pathogen in diabetic foot infection among patients referred to tertiary hospital. There was no significant difference of clinical and laboratory findings with regard to gram stain results and methicillin resistance in S. aureus. Mixed infection was not common, but broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended for severe diabetic foot infection with prior antibiotic exposure.
Amputation ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria, Aerobic ; Biopsy* ; Coinfection ; Debridement ; Diabetic Angiopathies ; Diabetic Foot* ; Extremities ; Foot Ulcer ; Fungi ; Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria ; Humans ; Korea ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Osteomyelitis ; Oxygen ; Prevalence ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Ulcer

PURPOSE: The prevalence of coronary artery disease and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. In the general population, BNP, NT-proBNP, and cTnT are useful markers of cardiac disease. Recently, studies on biomarkers in patients with CKD have been reported. However, the effect of renal disease on these markers is still uncertain particularly in hemodialysis patients. We investigated the potential of BNP, NT-proBNP, and cTnT as biomarkers of cardiac disease in hemodialysis patients. Methods: We prospectively studied 27 hemodialysis patients without cardiovascular event within the last 6 months. We performed an echocardiography and blood samples for plasma BNP, NT-proBNP and cTnT. RESULTS: Median BNP, NT-proBNP, and cTnT level (pg/mL) were 433, 10,598, and 0.021, respectively. NT-proBNP was correlated with BNP (r=0.940, p=0.000) and cTnT (r=0.504, p=0.009). There was a negative correlation between BNP and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=-0.502, p=0.008), between NT-proBNP and LVEF (r=-0.556, p=0.003), and between cTnT and LVEF (r=-0.513, p=0.007). There was a positive correlation between BNP and LV mass index (LVMI) (g/m2) (r=0.619, p=0.001). Also, a positive correlation between NT-proBNP and LVMI was shown (r=0.718, p=0.000). There was an insignificant positive correlation between cTnT and LVMI (r=0.369, p=0.063). Albumin, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and NT-proBNP had an independent effect on LVEF (R2=0.80). Age, body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, NT-proBNP, and cTnT had an independent effect on LVMI (R2=0.78). Conclusion: BNP, NT-proBNP, and cTnT may be as a noninvasive diagnostic or prognostic marker of cardiac disease in stable hemodialysis patients.
Biomarkers ; Body Mass Index ; Brain* ; Cholesterol ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Echocardiography ; Heart Diseases* ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain* ; Natriuretic Peptides ; Plasma ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis* ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Stroke Volume ; Troponin T* ; Troponin*

PURPOSE: The combination of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) and prednisolone is effective for the treatment of severe lupus nephritis but has serious adverse effects. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) Is a new immunosuppressive agent that selectively inhibits activated lymphocytes. This study reports on the clinical experiences at our clinic with MMF and intravenous CYC for the initial induction treatment in patients with lupus nephritis. METHODS: 50 patients with lupus nephritis received induction therapy consisting of MMF and prednisolone (n=22) or intravenous CYC and prednisolone (n=28), and followed up for six months. Complete remission was defined as a value for urinary protein: urinary creatinine ratio (U(p/Cr)) that was less than 0.3, with normal urinary sediment, a normal serum albumin concentration and values for serum creatinine that were no more than 15 percent above the base-line values. Partial remission was defined as a value for U(p/Cr) that was between 0.3 and 2.9, with a serum albumin concentration of at least 3.0 g/dL. RESULTS: 22 patients treated with MMF and 28 patients with intravenous CYC resulted in complete remission (31.8% vs 39.3%), partial remission (45.5% vs 39.3%) and treatment failure (22.7% vs 21.4 %). Fewer severe infections occurred among patients treated with MMF and prednisolone. CONCLUSION: As for the induction therapy of lupus nephritis, the combination of MMF and prednisolone may be an effective regimen. However, further randomized, prospective studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of MMF therapy in lupus nephritis.
Creatinine ; Cyclophosphamide* ; Humans ; Lupus Nephritis* ; Lymphocytes ; Prednisolone ; Serum Albumin ; Treatment Failure

BACKGROUND: Circulating levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been used to identify and monitor myocardial dysfunction in patients with various cardiac diseases. However, its clinical significance in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) is uncertain because NT-proBNP clearance may be affected by renal function. METHODS: We studied 331 patients with CRF (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2) admitted to Samsung Medical Center between March 2003 and March 2005, in whom both NT-proBNP measurement and echocardiography were performed within a week. RESULTS: Mean value of eGFR was 29+/-15 mL/ min/1.73m2 and median value of NT-proBNP was 6,971 pg/mL. NT-proBNP levels increased with declining eGFR (p<0.05). NT-proBNP levels were also elevated in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction. In multiple regression analysis, ejection fraction (beta=-0.373, p>0.01) was strong independent correlate of NT-proBNP, eGFR (beta=-0.358, p<0.01), left ventricular mass index (beta=0.126, p>0.01) and diastolic dysfunction 2 or higher (beta=0.171, p< 0.05) were also independent correlates of NT-proBNP. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated NT-proBNP to be 75% sensitive and 76% specific for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as indicated by area under the ROC curve of 0.78 (p<0.05), with NT-proBNP cutoff concentration of 25,000 pg/mL. CONCLUSION: Circulating NT-proBNP levels increased with declining renal function. However, its level were significantly correlated with LVH, systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with CRF. The measurement of NT-proBNP levels might be useful to predict left ventricular dysfunction in patients with CRF.
Echocardiography ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Plasma* ; ROC Curve ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; Ventricular Function, Left*

Polyomavirus BK viral allograft nephritis is a great challenge in posttransplant management and graft survival because of difficulty in diagnosing and treatment. Initial treatment usually involves reducing immunosuppressive medications. However if concomitant acute rejection exist, it is more challenging in managing these patients, because acute rejection requires increase in immunosuppression. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who developed BK viral allograft nephritis and concomitant acute rejection 3 months after transplantation. BK viral allograft nephritis was missed in diagnosis and only pulse steroids for anti-rejection therapy was done. Initially, renal function was improved, but 4 months later, he presented with deterioration in renal function. Second renal biopsy showed BK allograft nephritis without rejection. BK viral DNA in plasma by PCR and urinary decoy cell were also positive. Reduction in immunosuppression by discontinuing mycophenolate mofetil stabilized the deterioration in renal function, however it failed to clear viremia.
Adult ; Allografts* ; Biopsy ; BK Virus* ; Diagnosis ; DNA, Viral ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; Kidney Transplantation ; Nephritis ; Nephritis, Interstitial* ; Plasma ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polyomavirus ; Steroids ; Viremia

OBJECTIVE: Although hemodialysis using heparin bound Hemophan (HBH-HD) has been reported to be a possible modality in patients at risk of bleeding, the efficiency and safety of HBH-HD is not certain. Therefore, we prospectively compared the safety and efficiency of HBH-HD with those of saline flushing HD (SF-HD) and HD using low dose heparin (LDH-HD) in 13 HD patients at risk of bleeding in a cross-over design. METHODS: The safety and efficiency were evaluated by measuring activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT) before and during HD, hemostasis time after needle removal, total blood compartment volume (TBCV) loss of dialyzer, urea clearance (K) and Kt/V. RESULTS: There was no difference in compression time needed to achieve hemostasis at puncture site after needle removal between HBH-HD, SF-HD and LDH-HD. During HBH-HD, there was a slight increase in aPTT at 15 min (50.6+/-4.5 sec), compared to predialysis levels (40.9+/-4.7 sec). In this cross- over study, aPTT during dialysis session was markedly higher in LDH-HD than those in HBH-HD or SF-HD (p<0.05). The loss of TBCV of the dialyzer was greater in SF-HD than HBH-HD or LDH-HD (17.4+/-1.9% vs. 12.4+/-1.4% vs. 10.1+/-1.8%). However, there was no difference in K (212.0+/-30.7 vs. 217.2+/-36.9 vs. 221.6+/- 29.5 mL/min) and Kt/V (1.22+/-0.12 vs. 1.24+/-0.16 vs. 1.26+/-0.18). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the safety and efficiency of HBH-HD are not different compared to SF-HD or LDH-HD and HBH-HD could an alternative hemodialysis method in patients at risk of bleeding.
Anticoagulants ; Cross-Over Studies ; Dialysis ; Flushing* ; Hemorrhage* ; Hemostasis ; Heparin* ; Humans ; Needles ; Prospective Studies ; Prothrombin Time ; Punctures ; Renal Dialysis* ; Urea