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.

Pnuemocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is one of leading causes of acute respiratory failure in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the mortality rate remains high in mechanically ventilated HIV patients with PJP. There are several reported cases who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for respiratory failure associated with severe PJP in HIV-infected patients. We report a patient who was newly diagnosed with HIV and PJP whose condition worsened after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation and progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous ECMO. The patient recovered from PJP and is undergoing treatment with HAART. ECMO support can be an effective life-saving salvage therapy for acute respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation following HAART in HIV-infected patients with severe PJP.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active* ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation* ; HIV ; Humans ; Mortality ; Pneumocystis jirovecii* ; Pneumocystis* ; Pneumonia* ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult* ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Salvage Therapy

Pnuemocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is one of leading causes of acute respiratory failure in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the mortality rate remains high in mechanically ventilated HIV patients with PJP. There are several reported cases who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for respiratory failure associated with severe PJP in HIV-infected patients. We report a patient who was newly diagnosed with HIV and PJP whose condition worsened after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation and progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous ECMO. The patient recovered from PJP and is undergoing treatment with HAART. ECMO support can be an effective life-saving salvage therapy for acute respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation following HAART in HIV-infected patients with severe PJP.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; HIV ; Humans ; Mortality ; Pneumocystis jirovecii ; Pneumocystis ; Pneumonia ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Salvage Therapy

PURPOSE: Bowel preparation with sodium phosphate was recently prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is safe and effective; however, it is difficult to drink. To identify an easy bowel preparation method for colonoscopy, we evaluated three different bowel preparation regimens regarding their efficacy and patient satisfaction. METHODS: In this randomized, comparative study, 892 patients who visited a secondary referral hospital for a colonoscopy between November 2012 and February 2013 were enrolled. Three regimens were evaluated: three packets of sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (PICO, group A), two packets of PICO with 1 L of PEG (PICO + PEG 1 L, group B), and two packets of PICO with 2 L of PEG (PICO + PEG 2 L, group C). A questionnaire survey regarding the patients' preference for the bowel preparation regimen and satisfaction was conducted before the colonoscopies. The quality of bowel cleansing was scored by the colonoscopists who used the Aronchick scoring scale and the Ottawa scale. RESULTS: The patients' satisfaction rate regarding the regimens were 72% in group A, 64% in group B, and 45.9% in group C. Nausea and abdominal bloating caused by the regimens were more frequent in group C than in group A or group B (P < 0.01). Group C showed the lowest preference rate compared to the other groups (P < 0.01). Group C showed better right colon cleansing efficacy than group A or group B. CONCLUSION: Group A exhibited a better result than group B or group C in patient satisfaction and preference. In the cleansing quality, no difference was noted between groups A and C.
Citric Acid* ; Colon ; Colonoscopy* ; Humans ; Nausea ; Patient Satisfaction ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Secondary Care Centers ; Sodium* ; United States Food and Drug Administration ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: Recently developed BMS(TM) (Zassi Bowel Management System(TM): Hollister Inc., Illinois, USA) can provide effective nonsurgical fecal diversion without the risks associated with colostomy creation and subsequent closure. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the BMS in diverting feces from the perianal wide surgical wound in patients with Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: BMS(TM) was applied in five patients (male: 2, median age; 44) with Fournier's gangrene from January 2000 to September 2001. The treatments consist of three times a day wound dressing after wide surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy. For evacuation of feces, twice daily warm saline irrigation was administered via BMS(TM) or low daily doses of polyethylene glycol solutions were orally taken in. An endoscopic and anorectal manometric study was done to evaluate possible mucosal complications and anorectal functional changes. RESULTS: The average duration of the BMS application was 41 (range, 22~63) days. The result of a manometric study after immediate removal of the BMS(TM) showed a decreased mean resting pressure (range: 22~36 mmHg) and a decreased mean squeezing pressure (range: 32~39 mmHg). After 3 days, the sphincter pressure had improved markedly: mean resting pressures of 38, 45, 60, and 63 mmHg and mean squeezing pressure of 78, 89, 91, and 101 mmHg respectively. Fecal incontience was not noted in any patient. Other possible mucosal complications were not noted. There were no mortalit. CONCLUSIONS: BMS(TM) application in Fournier's gangrene patients after surgery successfully avoids a defunctioning colostomy. Furthermore, no significant complications were noted over a prolonged period up to 63 days.
Bandages ; Colostomy ; Debridement ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing ; Feces ; Fournier Gangrene ; Humans ; Illinois ; Polyethylene Glycols

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the effect of body composition and age on the metabolic responses before and after elective colorectal resection. METHODS: We studied 20 active, healthy patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery. Their body composition was measured by using a Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer. The O2 and CO2 consumption (VO2 and VCO2), respiratory quotient (RQ) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured by Indirect Calorimetry with using a Ventilated Hood System. RESULTS: The median age was 55 year (range: 35~70 year). The serum glucose, cortisol, insulin, C-reactive protein, cathecholamine and total body water (TBW), postoperative mean VO2, VCO2 and REE were all independent of patient age. The REE increased 9+/-4.3% after operation, but this increase was not related to age. The TBW was strongly related with the preoperative VO2 and VCO2, and the preoperative REE (r2=0.42~0.57, P<0.001). The postoperative VO2, VCO2 and REE were dependent on the TBW. The preoperative REE was dependent on the age, gender, preoperative TBW and body muscle mass (r2=0.526, P<0.000). The postoperative REE was dependent on the TBW and it was strongly related with the preoperative value (r2=0.796, P< 0.000). The postoperative day change of the REE was dependent on the postoperative day change of the TBW (r2=0.700, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The TBW was not related to age. The TBW was the most valuable index to predict the change of the postoperative REE. Therefore, the preoperative TBW may be considered as the meaningful indicator to predict the change of the postoperative REE.
Blood Glucose ; Body Composition* ; Body Water ; C-Reactive Protein ; Calorimetry, Indirect ; Colorectal Surgery* ; Electric Impedance ; Energy Metabolism ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Insulin

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder that develops from an activating mutation in the Gs gene. It is characterized by an association with Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, and precocious puberty, Caf-au-lait pigmentation, and other endocrinopathies that result from the hyperactivity of a variety of endocrine glands. Recently we encountered a patient with MAS with fibrous dysplasia, skin pigmentation, acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia and a thyroid nodule. A 23-year-old male presented for an evaluation of a change in his facial structures. Fibrous dysplasia was diagnosed by a bone biopsy and radiographic studies. The GH level increased paradoxically after an oral glucose load. The plasma prolactin, IGF-1 and alkaline phosphatase were high. Thyroid ultrasonography revealed multiple nodules. The brain MRI demonstrated a mass in the left pituitary gland. Genetic analysis identified a change from Arg (CGT) at codon 201 to Cys (TGT).
Thyroid Diseases/etiology/genetics ; Puberty, Precocious/etiology/genetics ; Mutation ; Male ; Hyperprolactinemia/etiology/genetics ; Humans ; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs/*genetics ; Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/*diagnosis/genetics/pathology ; Cafe-au-Lait Spots/etiology/genetics ; Adult ; Acromegaly/*diagnosis/etiology

Coccidioidomycosis is a rare systemic fungal infection in Korea. However, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis has recently begun to increase due to the increasing incidence of people traveling overseas to endemic areas. In previously reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Korea, the radiographic findings usually showed a solitary pulmonary nodule, pleural effusion, cavitation, and hilar lymphadenopathy, but no miliary nodules. We report a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis with miliary nodules in an immunocompetent patient. A 32 year old male, who had traveled in Corona, New Mexico, USA, was admitted for an evaluation of persistent cough with fever. Chest radiography revealed initially diffuse multiple small nodules that appeared to be miliary tuberculosis. However, a subsequent evaluation revealed that he had disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
Adult ; Coccidioidomycosis* ; Cough ; Fever ; Fungi ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Male ; New Mexico ; Pleural Effusion ; Radiography ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis, Miliary

Coccidioidomycosis is a rare systemic fungal infection in Korea. However, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis has recently begun to increase due to the increasing incidence of people traveling overseas to endemic areas. In previously reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Korea, the radiographic findings usually showed a solitary pulmonary nodule, pleural effusion, cavitation, and hilar lymphadenopathy, but no miliary nodules. We report a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis with miliary nodules in an immunocompetent patient. A 32 year old male, who had traveled in Corona, New Mexico, USA, was admitted for an evaluation of persistent cough with fever. Chest radiography revealed initially diffuse multiple small nodules that appeared to be miliary tuberculosis. However, a subsequent evaluation revealed that he had disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
Adult ; Coccidioidomycosis* ; Cough ; Fever ; Fungi ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Male ; New Mexico ; Pleural Effusion ; Radiography ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis, Miliary

Relapse and exacerbation of Graves' disease during pregnancy is rare, and thionamide induced agranulocytosis is an uncommon side effect. We report a case of a pregnant woman in her 24th week of gestation that experienced a relapse of Graves' disease that was complicated by propylthiouracil induced agranulocytosis. Following the discontinuation of propylthiouracil and administration of a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, agranulocytosis subsided within 10 days. A total thyroidectomy to avoid any future relapse was planned and a short course of a beta-adrenergic blocker and Lugol solution were prescribed before the operation. At the 28th week of gestation, a total thyroidectomy was performed without complications and thyroxine replacement therapy was commenced. At the 40th week of gestation, labor was induced and a 3, 370 g healthy male infant was born without clinical features of thyrotoxicosis. We report herein on the patient and the treatment options for this rare and complicated case.
Thyroidectomy ; Recurrence ; Propylthiouracil/administration & dosage/*adverse effects ; Pregnancy Complications/*therapy ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Graves Disease/*complications/*therapy ; Female ; Antithyroid Agents/administration & dosage/*adverse effects ; Agranulocytosis/chemically induced/*complications ; Adult