In this report, we present a case of a radiotherapy-induced tracheoesophageal fistula treated with the fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a covered stent through the gastrostomy route using both the antegrade and retrograde approaches. The initial antegrade endoscopic and fluoroscopic stent insertion procedure failed due to severe esophageal stricture. Compared to the endoscopic approaches, fluoroscopy-guided radiologic procedures are generally less invasive and more successful because they allow for a better understanding of the anatomy outside the lumen during the procedure and enable the use of devices with smaller diameters.

In this report, we present a case of a radiotherapy-induced tracheoesophageal fistula treated with the fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a covered stent through the gastrostomy route using both the antegrade and retrograde approaches. The initial antegrade endoscopic and fluoroscopic stent insertion procedure failed due to severe esophageal stricture. Compared to the endoscopic approaches, fluoroscopy-guided radiologic procedures are generally less invasive and more successful because they allow for a better understanding of the anatomy outside the lumen during the procedure and enable the use of devices with smaller diameters.

In this report, we present a case of a radiotherapy-induced tracheoesophageal fistula treated with the fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a covered stent through the gastrostomy route using both the antegrade and retrograde approaches. The initial antegrade endoscopic and fluoroscopic stent insertion procedure failed due to severe esophageal stricture. Compared to the endoscopic approaches, fluoroscopy-guided radiologic procedures are generally less invasive and more successful because they allow for a better understanding of the anatomy outside the lumen during the procedure and enable the use of devices with smaller diameters.

Purpose: Three-month gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) are expected to achieve better compliance in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) compared to the monthly formulation. However, 1-month depot remains the dominant choice for conventional treatment worldwide. Our study aimed to investigate the long-term efficacy of a 3-month GnRHa for CPP treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, 69 Korean girls with CPP were prescribed either triptorelin pamoate (TP) 3-month depot (n=29) or triptorelin acetate (TA) 1-month depot (n=40) and were followed for 1 year after the end of treatment. Auxological, radiological, and biochemical data were collected every 6 months. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. In the TP 3-month depot group, 27 of 29 patients (93.1%) exhibited suppressed luteinizing hormone level (below 2.5 IU/L) after 6 months of treatment, and this suppression level was reserved until the final injection. The degree of bone age advancement in the TP 3-month depot group decreased from 1.8±0.4 years at the start of treatment to 0.6±0.5 years at 1-year posttreatment. The gain in predicted adult height (PAH) 1 year after the end of treatment was similar between the TP 3-month and TA 1-month depot groups (5.2±3.1 and 5.3±2.4 cm, respectively; p=0.875). Conclusion A 3-month depot of triptorelin effectively inhibited gonadal and sex hormones, suppressed bone maturation, and increased PAH. For patient convenience, we suggest a 3-month GnRHa regimen as a promising CPP treatment option.

OBJECTIVES: Because effective decolonization options are not available, and treatment options are limited, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) constitute increasingly threatening nosocomial pathogens. To prevent CRE-associated transmission and ensure patient safety, healthcare personnel and everyone in contact with CRE-infected patients must implement stringent infection control practices. This report describes a CRE outbreak, possibly related to a caregiver at a long-term care facility (LTCF), and presents a new surveillance model to improve the infection control of CRE in Seoul, Korea. METHODS: The Seoul Metropolitan Government surveillance system identified an outbreak of CRE in an LTCF in 2022. We obtained data on the demographic characteristics and contact histories of the inpatients, medical staff, and caregivers. To isolate the inpatients and employees exposed to CRE, we used rectal swab samples and environmental sampling during the study period (May-December 2022). RESULTS: We identified 18 cluster cases (1 caregiver and 17 inpatients) and 12 sporadic cases with CRE, and conducted a complete 197-day follow-up of all cases in the LTCF’s isolation wards. CONCLUSIONS This investigation demonstrated that our surveillance model and targeted intervention, based on the cooperation of the municipal government, public health center, and infection control advisory committee, effectively contained the epidemic at the LTCF. Measures to improve the compliance of all employees in LTCFs with infection control guidelines should also be adopted.

Evidence suggests that the human respiratory tract, as with the gastrointestinal tract, has evolved to its current state in association with commensal microbes. However, little is known about how the airway microbiome affects the development of airway immune system. Here, we uncover a previously unidentified mode of interaction between host airway immunity and a unique strain (AIT01) of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a predominant species of the nasal microbiome. Intranasal administration of AIT01 increased the population of neutrophils and monocytes in mouse lungs. The recruitment of these immune cells resulted in the protection of the murine host against infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacterium.Interestingly, an AIT01-secreted protein identified as GAPDH, a well-known bacterial moonlighting protein, mediated this protective effect. Intranasal delivery of the purified GAPDH conferred significant resistance against other Gram-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii) and influenza A virus. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a native nasal microbe and its secretory protein to enhance innate immune defense against airway infections. These results offer a promising preventive measure, particularly relevant in the context of global pandemics.

Background: Several cases of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology related to adenoviral infections have been reported in Europe since January 2022. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, severity, possible etiology, and prognosis of the disease with those in the past in Korea. Methods: The surveillance group collected data between May and November 2022 using a surveillance system. Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology was defined in patients aged < 16 years with a serum transaminase level > 500 IU/L, not due to hepatitis A-E or other underlying causes. For comparison, data from 18 university hospitals were retrospectively collected as a control group between January 2021 and April 2022. Results: We enrolled 270 patients (mean age, 5 years). The most common symptom was fever. However, the incidence was similar between 2021 and 2022. Liver function test results, number of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), death, and adenovirus detection rates did not differ between the two groups. None of the adenoviruspositive patients in either group experienced ALF, LT, or death. In the surveillance group, adenovirus-associated virus-2 was detected in four patients, one of whom underwent LT. Patients with an unknown etiology showed significantly higher bilirubin levels, a lower platelet count, and a higher LT rate than patients with a possible etiology. Conclusion The incidence of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and adenovirus detection rate have not increased in Korea.

The treatment strategy for postmenopausal symptoms resulting from estrogen deficiency in breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy should differ from that in normal women. Several nonhormonal pharmacological therapies can be used to treat vasomotor symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help alleviate psychophysiological symptoms, including depression and sleep disorders.Topical vaginal estrogen and moisturizers may aid in treating genitourinary symptoms. Additionally, chronic conditions must be individually managed. Prevention of osteoporosis should always be included in the management, and physicians should be alert to possible cardiovascular risk and cognitive function changes.

Objectives: Bone mineral density (BMD) is measured in the hip and posteroanterior spine; moreover, according to the 2019 International Society for Clinical Densitometry guidelines, unilateral hip can be used. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference between the BMD of both the femurs in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 343 postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019 at a single tertiary hospital. By using the Hologic® Horizon W DXA System, the femur and spine BMD was measured; BMD was recorded in g/cm 2 .Following regions were analyzed in both the femurs: the femur neck, the trochanter area, and total femur. Results: Mean age at imaging was 62 ± 9.7 years, and significant difference in the total BMD of both the femurs (P = 0.003) was observed. In secondary analysis, patients with osteoporosis showed significant contralateral BMD discrepancies in trochanter and total proximal femur BMD (P = 0.041 and P = 0.011, respectively). However, in women with normal BMD, no significant difference between the right and left femur BMD was observed. Furthermore, measurement of solely the unilateral hip can lead to a 16.9% of underdiagnosis in postmenopausal women. Conclusions In conclusion, it is necessary to check BMD in both hips, particularly in patients suspected of osteoporosis.