Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies.Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals’ significant role is required.

Purpose: InnoSEAL Plus is an adhesive, coagulant-free hemostatic material that mimics the adhesion mechanism of marine mussels. This study reports on the safety and efficacy of InnoSEAL Plus for patients with hemorrhage after hepatectomy despite first-line hemostasis treatments. Methods: This is a multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial involving 96 hepatectomy patients. TachoSil was used as a comparator group. Three-minute and 10-minute hemostatic success rates were monitored. Rebleeding rates were also observed. Safety was assessed by recording all novel undesirable symptoms. Results: InnoSEAL Plus showed a 3-minute hemostasis rate of 100%, while TachoSil had a rate of 98.0% (48 of 49 patients), demonstrating that the 2 had similar hemostatic efficacies. The difference in efficacy between the test and comparator group was 2.04%, and the lower limit of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval was –1.92%; as this is greater than the noninferiority limit of –23.9%, the 2 treatments were equivalent. Meanwhile, the 10-minute hemostatic success rate was the same in both groups (100%). No rebleeding occurred in either group. In the safety evaluation, 89 patients experienced adverse events (45 in the test group and 44 in the comparator group). The difference between the 2 groups was not significant. No death occurred after application of the test or comparator group product. Conclusion Given that InnoSEAL Plus is a coagulation factor-free product, the hemostasis results are encouraging, especially considering that TachoSil contains a coagulation factor. InnoSEAL Plus was found to be a safe and effective hemostatic material for control of bleeding in hepatectomy patients.

Antiphospholipid antibodies may be produced in cases involving autoimmune diseases and can sometimes be caused by infections, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. However, antiphospholipid antibodies causing thrombosis associated with M. pneumoniae pneumonia in children have rarely been reported. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with M. pneumoniae pneumonia with antiphospholipid antibodies, complicated by brachial artery thrombosis. He was found to have antiphospholipid antibodies and low protein S levels. The brachial artery thrombus was removed via thrombectomy. The titers of antiphospholipid antibodies turned normal within 5 months. This is a rare case of M. pneumoniae infection with brachial artery thrombosis associated with transient antiphospholipid antibodies.
Antibodies, Antiphospholipid ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Brachial Artery ; Child ; Humans ; Male ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; Mycoplasma ; Pneumonia ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; Protein S ; Thrombectomy ; Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in hyolaryngeal kinematics at rest and during swallowing in the upright sitting (UP) and the lateral decubitus (LD) postures in healthy adults, and delineating any potential advantages of swallowing while in the LD posture. METHODS: Swallowing was videofluoroscopically evaluated in 20 healthy volunteers in UP and LD postures, based on the movements of hyoid bone, vocal folds, and the bolus head. Parameters included the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), horizontal and vertical displacement, horizontal and vertical initial position, horizontal and vertical peak position, time to peak position of the hyoid bone and vocal folds, and pharyngeal transit time (PTT). RESULTS: Nine participants were rated PAS 2 in the UP and 1 was rated PAS 2 in the LD (p=0.003) at least 1 out of 3 swallows each posture. The hyoid and vocal folds showed more anterior and superior peak and initial positions in the LD. In addition, swallowing resulted in greater vertical and smaller horizontal displacement of the hyoid in LD posture compared with UP. Time to peak position of the hyoid was shorter in LD. The maximal vertical and horizontal displacement of the vocal folds, and PTT were comparable between postures. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the peak and initial positions of the hyoid and larynx and the pattern of hyoid movement varied significantly depending on the body postures. This study suggests that the LD posture was one of the safe feeding postures without any increased risk compared with UP posture.
Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Deglutition Disorders ; Deglutition* ; Head ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hyoid Bone ; Larynx ; Posture* ; Swallows ; Vocal Cords

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is performed to provide enteral nutrition to patients who require tube-feeding support due to impaired oral intake. As life expectancy increases, the need for, and use of PEG also tend to increase. We aimed to evaluate the indications and complications of PEG insertion, and to investigate any differences in the complication group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 109 patients who received a PEG procedure between April 2011 and April 2016 in the Korea University Ansan Hospital. We reviewed the indications and complications related to PEG insertion and time interval of tube change. RESULTS: Among 109 patients who underwent a PEG procedure, 71.6% were male, and the mean age was 68.2 years. The most common indications for PEG were central nervous system diseases, including stroke (33.9%), cerebral hemorrhage (29.4%), and hypoxic brain damage (8.3%). The overall complication rate was 14.7%, and the most common complication was peristomal infection (7.3%). Most of the complications occurred within 10 days in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%). The patients with complications were older than those without complications (74.6±11.1 vs. 67.1±14.0 years, P=0.043). The mean time interval for gastrostomy tube change was 7.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The most common indication of PEG was brain disease, and the complication rate cannot be ignored. Careful attention is needed after a PEG procedure especially in elderly patients.
Aged ; Brain Diseases ; Central Nervous System Diseases ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Endoscopy ; Enteral Nutrition ; Gastrostomy* ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Hypoxia, Brain ; Korea ; Life Expectancy ; Male ; Retrospective Studies* ; Stroke

Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm sharing histopathological features with atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX), but has additional features of deep invasion of the superficial subcutis, tumor necrosis and vascular/perineural invasion. It is not well documented in the literature because of its rarity, and its clinical course has been debated due to the lack of homogenous criteria. We describe here the case of a 91-year-old female with a 6-month history of a solitary, asymptomatic, well-defined, 3.4-cm-sized, reddish, hard, protruding mass on the lateral aspect of the right upper eyelid. On the basis of initial punch biopsy results, storiform cellular infiltrate of pleomorphic spindle and polygonal cells with frequent atypical mitoses, the lesion was identified as AFX. Following the initial biopsy, micrographic surgery was performed and a tumor-free margin was confirmed. Considering the conservation of the periocular function and the advanced age of the patient, we planned secondary intention healing rather than primary suturing. After surgery, skeletal muscle infiltration was found and the diagnosis was revised to PDS by a pathologist based on the currently accepted criteria for PDS. There has been no evidence of recurrence or periocular functional defects during a 2-year follow-up without adjuvant therapy. Although the PDS is highly malignant, complete excision under micrographic surgery can prevent recurrence without adjuvant therapy. Also, the secondary intention healing is an effective method for closure of large defects on the face.
Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Eyelids* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Histiocytic Sarcoma ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous ; Humans ; Intention* ; Methods ; Mitosis ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Necrosis ; Recurrence ; Sarcoma*