Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in hemodialysis patients. This study identified the optimal blood pressure (BP) target for Korean hemodialysis patients using the Korean Renal Dialysis System (KORDS) dataset from the Korean Society of Nephrology and a pooled analysis for previous studies. Methods: Hemodialysis patients were classified according to their systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) at intervals of 20 and 10 mmHg, respectively. As a primary and secondary outcome, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were evaluated. Subsequently, pooled analysis with previous literatures was performed. Results: Among 70,607 patients, 13,708 (19.4%) died in 2,426 days (interquartile range, 1,256–4,075 days). Mean SBP and DBP were 143.0 ± 19.6 and 78.5 ± 12.0 mmHg. In multivariable Cox regression, the patients with SBP of <120 and ≥180 mmHg showed 1.10- and 1.12-times increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to SBP of 120–140 mmHg. Meanwhile, DBP showed no significant association. In subgroup analysis, patients aged <70 years and without diabetes had a U-shaped SBP-mortality association. Cardiovascular mortality was increased in SBP of ≥160 mmHg compared to 120–140 mmHg, but it was not in <120 mmHg. Pooled analysis with previous studies mostly showed elevated risk in SBP of <120 mmHg, but the risks in 140–160 and 160–180 mmHg were not consistent. Conclusion: Extremely lowering BP (<120 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension (≥160 mmHg) should be avoided to optimize survival in Korean hemodialysis patients. Detailed analysis for patients with SBP of 120–160 mmHg should be studied further under uniform BP measurement, along with consideration of risk of intradialytic hypotension. Tailored recommendations regarding patient risk factors also should be considered.

Glycemic control is particularly important in hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although fasting blood glucose (FBG) level is an important indicator of glycemic control, a clear target for reducing mortality in HD patients with DM is lacking. Methods: A total of 26,162 maintenance HD patients with DM were recruited from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea between 2002 and 2018. We analyzed the association of FBG levels at the baseline health examination with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results: Patients with FBG 80–100 mg/dL showed a higher survival rate compared with that of other FBG categories (p < 0.001). The risk of all-cause mortality increased with the increase in FBG levels, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.17), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.13–1.29), 1.36 (95% CI, 1.26–1.46), and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.51–1.72) for patients with FBG 100–125, 125–150, 150–180, and ≥180 mg/dL, respectively. The HR for mortality was also significantly increased in patients with FBG <80 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23). The analysis of cause-specific mortality also revealed a J-shaped curve between FBG levels and the risk of cardiovascular deaths. However, the risk of infection or malignancy-related deaths was not linearly increased as FBG levels increased. Conclusion: A J-shaped association was observed between FBG levels and the risk of all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk at FBG 80–100 mg/dL in HD patients with DM.

Glycemic control is particularly important in hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although fasting blood glucose (FBG) level is an important indicator of glycemic control, a clear target for reducing mortality in HD patients with DM is lacking. Methods: A total of 26,162 maintenance HD patients with DM were recruited from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea between 2002 and 2018. We analyzed the association of FBG levels at the baseline health examination with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results: Patients with FBG 80–100 mg/dL showed a higher survival rate compared with that of other FBG categories (p < 0.001). The risk of all-cause mortality increased with the increase in FBG levels, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.17), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.13–1.29), 1.36 (95% CI, 1.26–1.46), and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.51–1.72) for patients with FBG 100–125, 125–150, 150–180, and ≥180 mg/dL, respectively. The HR for mortality was also significantly increased in patients with FBG <80 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23). The analysis of cause-specific mortality also revealed a J-shaped curve between FBG levels and the risk of cardiovascular deaths. However, the risk of infection or malignancy-related deaths was not linearly increased as FBG levels increased. Conclusion: A J-shaped association was observed between FBG levels and the risk of all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk at FBG 80–100 mg/dL in HD patients with DM.

Glycemic control is particularly important in hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although fasting blood glucose (FBG) level is an important indicator of glycemic control, a clear target for reducing mortality in HD patients with DM is lacking. Methods: A total of 26,162 maintenance HD patients with DM were recruited from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea between 2002 and 2018. We analyzed the association of FBG levels at the baseline health examination with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results: Patients with FBG 80–100 mg/dL showed a higher survival rate compared with that of other FBG categories (p < 0.001). The risk of all-cause mortality increased with the increase in FBG levels, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.17), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.13–1.29), 1.36 (95% CI, 1.26–1.46), and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.51–1.72) for patients with FBG 100–125, 125–150, 150–180, and ≥180 mg/dL, respectively. The HR for mortality was also significantly increased in patients with FBG <80 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23). The analysis of cause-specific mortality also revealed a J-shaped curve between FBG levels and the risk of cardiovascular deaths. However, the risk of infection or malignancy-related deaths was not linearly increased as FBG levels increased. Conclusion: A J-shaped association was observed between FBG levels and the risk of all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk at FBG 80–100 mg/dL in HD patients with DM.

Glycemic control is particularly important in hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although fasting blood glucose (FBG) level is an important indicator of glycemic control, a clear target for reducing mortality in HD patients with DM is lacking. Methods: A total of 26,162 maintenance HD patients with DM were recruited from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea between 2002 and 2018. We analyzed the association of FBG levels at the baseline health examination with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results: Patients with FBG 80–100 mg/dL showed a higher survival rate compared with that of other FBG categories (p < 0.001). The risk of all-cause mortality increased with the increase in FBG levels, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.17), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.13–1.29), 1.36 (95% CI, 1.26–1.46), and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.51–1.72) for patients with FBG 100–125, 125–150, 150–180, and ≥180 mg/dL, respectively. The HR for mortality was also significantly increased in patients with FBG <80 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23). The analysis of cause-specific mortality also revealed a J-shaped curve between FBG levels and the risk of cardiovascular deaths. However, the risk of infection or malignancy-related deaths was not linearly increased as FBG levels increased. Conclusion: A J-shaped association was observed between FBG levels and the risk of all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk at FBG 80–100 mg/dL in HD patients with DM.

Onycholysis is defined as a distal or distal lateral separation of the nail plate from the underlying or lateral supporting structures including nail bed, hyponychium, and lateral nail fold. Trauma, infection, psoriasis, thyrotoxicosis, and numerous drugs are common causes of onycholysis. However, there are few specific data on nail findings in Behcet's disease (BD). In this paper, we report on a 60-year-old man with BD, with no past history except BD, who developed recurrent onycholysis. The symptoms of onycholysis are considered to be recurrent depending on the activity of BD. The nail lesion showed improvement after classic treatment of BD and topical steroid ointment.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Onycholysis* ; Psoriasis ; Thyrotoxicosis

Here, we report a case of newly diagnosed diabetes, with concurrent pancreatic cancer manifested as hyperglycemic crisis, and aggravated by urinary tract infection. We summarize the initial clinical manifestations and pertinent laboratory, radiologic, and clinical findings in an elderly patient with hyperglycemic emergency. A review of the documents involving pancreatic tumors and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, which is an acute complication of diabetes mellitus, is presented. In the absence of other identifiable conditions, it is reasonable to speculate that some factor (or factors) produced by the tumor had a role in the metabolic decompensation. In addition, this discussion should be more carefully considered in the aged people group.
Aged ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Urinary Tract Infections

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the influenza rapid antigen test, in comparison with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), according to the time of the test from symptom onset and the clinical manifestations in the patients tested for suspected infection of the influenza A (H1N1) at a second hospital. METHODS: A total of 529 pediatric patients, aged between 6 and 12 years old, who visited the emergency department from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, received the influenza rapid antigen test and RT-PCR. We examined the sensitivity and specificity of the influenza rapid antigen test in comparison with RT-PCR according to the time of the test from symptom onset (<24 hours, 24 to 48 hours, 48 to 72 hours, >72 hours) and clinical manifestations (fever, cough, rhinorrhea.nasal obstruction, sore throat, gastrointestinal symptoms, and general symptoms) in a retrospective study based on hospital charts. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the influenza rapid antigen test at elapsed times of less than 24 hours, 24 to 48 hours, and 48 to 72 hours after the onset of the symptoms was 53.9%, 61.4%, and 62.1% respectively. When the elapse time was greater than 72 hours, the sensitivity was 31.6%; thus, the sensitivity of the influenza rapid antigen test tended to decrease with elapsed time. The sensitivity of the test was 79% in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, which was the highest, but there was no statistical difference according to the clinical manifestations of the patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that more accurate results might be gained when the influenza rapid antigen test is performed within 72 hours after symptom onset.
Aged ; Child ; Cough ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Influenza, Human ; Pharyngitis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Retrospective Studies ; Reverse Transcription ; Sensitivity and Specificity

A 59-year-old man treated with pneumococcal meningitis 4 months ago was hospitalized for acute heart failure and performed aortic valve replacement by rupture of aortic valve. The frequent association of pneumococcal meningitis and endocarditis is known as Austrian syndrome. Though Austrian syndrome is a clinically rare disease, the evolution of pneumococcal endocarditis is very aggressive and associated with high mortality, and early recognition for evidence of endocardial lesion in patients with pneumococcal meningitis is important to reduce the complications and mortality rate.
Aortic Valve ; Endocarditis ; Heart ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Meningitis ; Meningitis, Pneumococcal ; Middle Aged ; Rare Diseases ; Rupture ; Streptococcus pneumoniae

A phytobezoar is the most common type of bezoar, which is a gastrointestinal mass composed of vegetable. A persimmon is a common cause of a phytobezoar. The majority of bezoars are found in the stomach, with the small intestine being the next most commonly involved site. The colon is a rare site for a bezoar. Recently, we experienced a colonic bezoar that caused colonic obstruction in a 66-year-old female patient who took persimmons regularly. The patient came to the hospital because of abdominal pain and distension. To differentiate a tumor or other problems that can cause intestinal obstruction, we performed an abdominal computed tomography scan and found an ovoid intraluminal mass with a mottled gas pattern in the distal descending colon. A large impacted bezoar was seen in the sigmoid colon, which was completely obstructed, and it was successfully removed by using colonoscopy.
Abdominal Pain ; Aged ; Bezoars ; Colon ; Colon, Descending ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Colonoscopy ; Diospyros ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intestine, Small ; Porphyrins ; Stomach ; Vegetables