Background/Aims: We aimed to assess the role of vitamin D supplementation in the response to pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α) plus ribavirin (RBV) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: Our study was a multi-center, randomized controlled trial in 11 hospitals. CHC patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to two groups namely, PEGIFN-α plus RBV (control group) or PEG-IFN-α plus RBV + vitamin D (800 IU daily) (vitamin D group). The primary end-point was the rate of sustained virologic response (SVR). Results: One hundred forty eight CHC patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Seventy-one patients received the PEG-IFN-α plus RBV and 77 patients received the PEG-IFN-α plus RBV + vitamin D. A total of 105 patients completed the study (control group, 47 vs. vitamin D group, 58). Baseline characteristics were mostly similar in both the groups. There was a modest but non-significant increase in SVR in the vitamin D group compared to the control group with the intention to treat analysis (64.0% vs. 49.3 %, p = 0.071) as well as in the per protocol analysis (control group vs. vitamin D group: 74.5% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.202). Fifty-two patients (73.2%) in the control group and 63 patients (81.8%) in the vitamin D group experienced at least one adverse event. The drop-out rate due to adverseeffects was not different between both groups (control group vs. vitamin D group: 19.7% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.111). Conclusions Vitamin D supplement did not increase SVR in treatment naïve patients with CHC irrespective of genotype.

BackgroundUntil now, various types of combined therapy with nucleotide analogs and pegylated interferon (Peg-INF) in patients with hepatitis B patients have been tried. However, studies regarding the benefits of de novo combination, late-add on, and sequential treatment are very limited. The objective of the current study was to identify the efficacy of sequential treatment of Peg-INF after short-term antiviral treatment.

MethodsBetween June 2010 and June 2015, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients (n = 162) received Peg-IFN for 48 weeks (mono-treatment group, n = 81) and entecavir (ETV) for 12 weeks with a 48-week course of Peg-IFN starting at week 5 of ETV therapy (sequential treatment group, n = 81). The primary endpoint was HBeAg seroconversion at the end of follow-up period after the 24-week treatment. The primary endpoint was analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and regression analysis.

ResultsHBeAg seroconversion rate (18.2% vs. 18.2%, t = 0.03, P = 1.000) and seroclearance rate (19.7% vs. 19.7%, t = 0.03, P = 1.000) were same in both mono-treatment and sequential treatment groups. The rate of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization (45.5% vs. 54.5%, t = 1.12, P = 0.296) and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA <2000 U/L (28.8% vs. 28.8%, t = 0.10, P = 1.000) was not different in sequential and mono-treatment groups at 24 weeks of Peg-INF. Viral response rate (HBeAg seroconversion and serum HBV-DNA <2000 U/L) was not different in the two groups (12.1% vs. 16.7%, t = 1.83, P = 0.457). Baseline HBV-DNA level (7 logU/ml vs. 7.5 logU/ml, t = 1.70, P = 0.019) and hepatitis B surface antigen titer (3.6 logU/ml vs. 4.0 logU/ml, t = 2.19, P = 0.020) were lower and predictors of responder in mono-treatment and sequential treatment groups, respectively.

ConclusionsThe current study shows no differences in HBeAg seroconversion rate, ALT normalization, and HBV-DNA levels between mono-therapy and sequential therapy regimens.

Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01220596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01220596?term=NCT01220596&rank=1.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Compared with metallic drug-eluting stents (DES), bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) may further improve long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease. We report our early experience with BVS in Korea. METHODS: We evaluated 105 consecutive patients with BVS implanted at Asan Medical Center, Korea between October 21, 2015 and June 3, 2016. Angiographic results, and in-hospital and 6-month clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 134 BVS were implanted to treat 115 lesions. The mean age was 62 ± 10.5 years; 85 patients (81%) were males, 26 patients (25%) were presented with acute coronary syndrome. Among 115 lesions treated with BVS, 76 (66.1%) were B2/C type, 27 (23.5%) were bifurcation lesions, and four (3.5%) were chronic total occlusion. Pre-dilation and post-dilation using high-pressure non-compliant balloon was performed in 104 lesions (90.4%) and 113 lesions (98.2%), respectively. During the procedure, intravascular imaging was used for all patients (100%; intravascular ultrasound 89 and optical coherence tomography 40 patients). Device success rate was 100%. In-segment and in-scaffold acute again were 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. Periprocedural myocardial infraction occurred in four patients (3.8%). No deaths, stent thrombosis, or urgent revascularizations occurred either during hospitalization or the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center experience, implantation of BVS with intravascular imaging support was feasible and early clinical outcomes were excellent. Evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety of BVS and its feasibility in clinical use for a broader range of lesions is warranted.
Absorbable Implants ; Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Endovascular Procedures ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Stents ; Thrombosis ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: Few studies have reported on predicting prognosis using myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment. Therefore, we aimed to assess the clinical implications of myocardial perfusion SPECT during follow-up for CAD treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 1153 patients who had abnormal results at index SPECT and underwent follow-up SPECT at intervals ≥6 months. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared in overall and 346 patient pairs after propensity-score (PS) matching. RESULTS: Abnormal SPECT was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACE in comparison with normal SPECT over the median of 6.3 years (32.3% vs. 19.8%; unadjusted p<0.001). After PS matching, abnormal SPECT posed a higher risk of MACE [32.1% vs. 19.1%; adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27–2.34; p<0.001] than normal SPECT. After PS matching, the risk of MACE was still higher in patients with abnormal follow-up SPECT in the revascularization group (30.2% vs. 17.9%; adjusted HR=1.73; 95% CI=1.15–2.59; p=0.008). Low ejection fraction [odds ratio (OR)=5.33; 95% CI=3.39–8.37; p<0.001] and medical treatment (OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.93–3.72; p<0.001) were independent clinical predictors of having an abnormal result on follow-up SPECT. CONCLUSION: Abnormal follow-up SPECT appears to be associated with a high risk of MACE during CAD treatment. Follow-up SPECT may play a potential role in identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Ischemia* ; Perfusion* ; Prognosis ; Tomography, Emission-Computed* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is currently a limited amount of data that demonstrate the optimal revascularization strategy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). We compared the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for multivessel CAD in patients with CKD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 2108 CKD patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) with multivessel CAD that were treated with PCI with DES (n=1165) or CABG (n=943). The primary outcome was a composite of all causes of mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The mean age was 66.9±9.1 years. RESULTS: Median follow-up duration was 41.4 (interquartile range 12.1-75.5) months. The primary outcome occurred in 307 (26.4%) patients in the PCI group compared with 304 (32.2%) patients in the CABG group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.12; p=0.493). The two groups exhibited similar rates of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77–1.09; p=0.295), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.85–4.07; p=0.120) and stroke (3.2% vs. 4.8%; HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57–1.61; p=0.758). However, PCI was associated with significantly increased rates of repeat revascularization (adjusted HR, 4.72; 95% CI, 3.20–6.96; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Among patients with CKD and multivessel CAD, PCI with DES when compared with CABG resulted in similar rates of composite outcome of mortality from any cause, MI, or stroke; however, a higher risk of repeat revascularization was observed.
Coronary Artery Bypass* ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Disease ; Coronary Vessels* ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Renal Insufficiency ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; Stroke ; Transplants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is necessary to establish the most efficient diagnostic and therapeutic method for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is appropriate for Korean healthcare system. We aimed to evaluate current state of Korean clinician's diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for BPPV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16-item survey was emailed to the members of dizziness department of Otology Research Interest Group in the Korean Otologic Society (n=68). 43 were returned and analyzed. RESULTS: All respondents (100%) used Dix-Hallpike test as a diagnostic tool for vertical canal-BPPV. Supine roll test was used for diagnosing lateral canal BPPV in nearly all the respondents (97.7%). Epley maneuver was chosen as otolith repositioning maneuver (ORM) for posterior canal BPPV in all respondents and barbecue rotation (BBQ) was used for treating lateral canal BPPV with geotropic nystagmus in 95.3% of respondents. Extreme variation was noted for therapeutic approach of lateral canal BPPV with ageotropic nystagmus BBQ, with 4 kinds of ORM and adjunctive measures to liberate otolith from cupula, while BBQ was again the most commonly used ORM (76.7%). CONCLUSION: The development of practical and efficient ORM for lateral canal BPPV with ageotropic nystagmus is necessary.
Surveys and Questionnaires ; Delivery of Health Care ; Dizziness ; Electronic Mail ; Korea ; Otolaryngology ; Otolithic Membrane ; Public Opinion ; Vertigo

Prolongation of QTc interval associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) has previously been reported in published case series. We report an unusual case of a patient who presented with TC associated with long-QT syndrome and developed cardiac arrest secondary to torsade de pointes. Since QT prolongation and bradycardia persisted after the resolution of TC, the patient received permanent pacemaker. Since then additional event did not occur. QT prolongation and bradycardia could be persistent even after recovery of TC, and permanent pacemaker insertion may be a treatment option of long QT syndrome related with TC.
Aged ; Bradycardia/diagnosis/therapy ; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial ; Coronary Angiography ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Arrest/diagnosis/etiology ; Humans ; Long QT Syndrome/*diagnosis/etiology ; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy/complications/*diagnosis/ultrasonography ; Torsades de Pointes/*diagnosis/etiology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Morning hypertension is closely related to target organ damage and cardiovascular events. Little data is available concerning the baseline characteristics and comprehensive blood pressure analysis of hypertensive patients on treatment with morning hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 1,087 hypertensive patients who had taken stable anti-hypertensive medication at least 6 months. The enrolled patients measured their home blood pressure for 7 days. Baseline characteristics and the laboratory data were analyzed. Morning hypertension was defined as a morning blood pressure > or =135/85 mm Hg and systolic or diastolic blood pressure difference between morning and evening exceeding 10 mm Hg. RESULTS: One hundred seventy three patients with morning hypertension showed a preponderance of males, older patients, alcohol consumers, and greater waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio despite the same body mass index. Impaired fasting glucose and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent in the patients with morning hypertension. The morning hypertensives took more anti-hypertensive drugs and displayed higher blood pressure in the clinic and at home. CONCLUSION: The worse clinical variables and relatively poorly controlled blood pressure of those with morning hypertension supports a potential relationship of morning hypertension with poor cardiovascular outcome. Morning blood pressure should be monitored at home for the optimal treatment of hypertension.
Antihypertensive Agents ; Blood Pressure ; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory ; Body Mass Index ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Male ; Waist Circumference ; Waist-Hip Ratio

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) usually involves the ostium and the proximal one-third of the renal artery main branch. Percutaneous renal artery angioplasty with stent placement is a well recognized treatment for atherosclerotic RAS. Occasionally, atherosclerotic RAS involves renal artery bifurcations. However, stent implantation in atherosclerotic RAS involving bifurcation is not only troublesome, but also challenging because of side branch occlusion and in-stent restenosis (ISR). In the present report, we describe the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) with provisional T-stenting technique for the treatment of renal artery bifurcation lesion. Follow-up angiogram showed no significant ISR 18 months after the procedure. In the treatment of renal bifurcation lesions, a two-stent strategy using DES could be a viable option in selected patients.
Aged ; *Angioplasty ; *Drug-Eluting Stents ; Humans ; Male ; Renal Artery/pathology/radiography ; Renal Artery Obstruction/pathology/*therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a refined technique of traditional oriental acupuncture, and IMS has proved effective for relieving chronic pain of a neuropathic origin. IMS is currently seen to be quite a safe procedure with minimal complications having been reported to date. Various complications have been documented for acupuncture, but few complications or adverse effects have been reported in relation to the relatively new technique of IMS. We report here on a case of cervical spinal epidural hematoma that manifested as a cause of delayed hemiparesis. The safety of this procedure in unpracticed hands seems to be questionable.
Acupuncture ; Chronic Pain ; Hand ; Hematoma ; Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal ; Paresis