Background/Aims: Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB) are widely used for tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid mass, the optimal strategy of this procedure has not been established yet. The aim of this nationwide study was to investigate the current practice patterns of EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic solid mass in Korea. Methods: The Policy-Quality Management of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) developed a questionnaire containing 22 questions. An electronic survey consisting of the questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to members registered to the KPBA. Results: A total of 101 respondents completed the survey. Eighty respondents (79.2%) performed preoperative EUS-FNA/FNB for operable pancreatic solid mass. Acquire needles (60.4%) were used the most, followed by ProCore needles (47.5%). In terms of need size, most respondents (>80%) preferred 22-gauge needles regardless of the location of the mass. Negative suction with a 10-mL syringe (71.3%) as sampling technique was followed by stylet slow-pull (41.6%). More than three needle passes for EUS-FNA/FNB was performed by most respondents (>80%). The frequency of requiring repeated procedure was significantly higher in respondents with a low individual volume (<5 per month, p=0.001). Prophylactic antibiotics were routinely used in 39 respondents (38.6%); rapid on-site pathologic evaluation was used in 6.1%. Conclusions According to this survey, practices of EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic solid mass varied substantially, some of which differed considerably from the recommendations present in existing guidelines. These results suggest that the development of evidence-based quality guidelines fitting Korean clinical practice is needed to establish the optimal strategy for this procedure.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of preferred endoscopic procedure types and techniques for managing difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones in South Korea. Methods: The Committee of Policy and Quality Management of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) conducted a survey containing 19 questions. Both paper and online surveys were carried out; with the paper survey being conducted during the 2019 Annual Congress of KPBA and the online survey being conducted through Google Forms from April 2020 to February 2021. Results: The response rate was approximately 41.3% (86/208). Sixty-two (73.0%) worked at tertiary hospitals or academic medical centers, and 60 (69.7%) had more than 5 years of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experience. The preferred size criteria for large CBD stones were 15 mm (40.6%), 20 mm (31.3%), and 30 mm (4.6%). For managing of large CBD stones, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy was the most preferred technique (74.4%). When performing procedures in those with bleeding diathesis, 64 (74.4%) respondents favored endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) alone or EPBD with small endoscopic sphincterotomy. Fifty-five respondents (63.9%) preferred the doubleguidewire technique when faced with difficult bile duct cannulation in patients with periampullary diverticulum. In surgically altered anatomies, cap-fitted forward viewing endoscopy (76.7%) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (48.8%) were the preferred techniques for Billroth-II anastomosis and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, respectively. Conclusions Most respondents showed unifying trends for the management of difficult CBD stones. The current practice patterns could be used as basic data for clinical quality improvements in the management of difficult CBD stones.

Background/Aims: Omalizumab is the first biologic known to be effective in patients with severe allergic asthma. Methods: This study was conducted as a multicenter, single-group, open trial to evaluate the improvement in the quality of life with the additional administration of omalizumab for 24 weeks in Korean patients with severe persistent allergic asthma. Results: Of the 44 patients, 31.8% were men and the mean age was 49.8 ± 11.8 years. A score improvement of 0.5 points or more in the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Korean Asthmatics (KAQLQ) was noted in 50.0% (22/44) of the patinets. In the improved group, the baseline total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and the amount of omalizumab used were higher, and the day and night asthma symptoms were more severe, compared to those in the non-improved group. According to the Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness, favorable outcomes were found in 78.6% of patients. The Korean asthma control test (p < 0.005) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted (FEV1%; p < 0.01) improved significantly in patients who received omalizumab treatment, compared to that at week 0, and the total dose of rescue systemic corticosteroids significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The improved group on KAQLQ showed a significant improvement in FEV1% (p < 0.001). Conclusions Omalizumab can be considered a biological treatment for Korean patients with severe allergic asthma. It is recommended to consider omalizumab as add-on therapy in patients with high baseline total IgE levels and severe asthma symptoms.

Background/Aims: Omalizumab is the first biologic known to be effective in patients with severe allergic asthma. Methods: This study was conducted as a multicenter, single-group, open trial to evaluate the improvement in the quality of life with the additional administration of omalizumab for 24 weeks in Korean patients with severe persistent allergic asthma. Results: Of the 44 patients, 31.8% were men and the mean age was 49.8 ± 11.8 years. A score improvement of 0.5 points or more in the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Korean Asthmatics (KAQLQ) was noted in 50.0% (22/44) of the patinets. In the improved group, the baseline total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and the amount of omalizumab used were higher, and the day and night asthma symptoms were more severe, compared to those in the non-improved group. According to the Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness, favorable outcomes were found in 78.6% of patients. The Korean asthma control test (p < 0.005) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted (FEV1%; p < 0.01) improved significantly in patients who received omalizumab treatment, compared to that at week 0, and the total dose of rescue systemic corticosteroids significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The improved group on KAQLQ showed a significant improvement in FEV1% (p < 0.001). Conclusions Omalizumab can be considered a biological treatment for Korean patients with severe allergic asthma. It is recommended to consider omalizumab as add-on therapy in patients with high baseline total IgE levels and severe asthma symptoms.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between visual acuity (VA) and the disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) after use of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: The clinical records of 25 patients with DME treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography data were analyzed from each visit. Results: The BCVAs at 1 month and 3 months after treatment were statistically significant with respect to the baseline BCVA of DME patients (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively); however no statistically significant change was evident at the 6 months follow-up (p = 0.062). Also, the DRIL degree at 1 month and 3 months after treatment was statistically significant with respect to baseline DRIL (p = 0.034, p < 0.001); however, there was no statistically significant change at 6 months after treatment (p = 0.052). The BCVA at 6 months after treatment was positively and significantly correlated with the baseline BCVA (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.705), CRT (p = 0.032, R2 = 0.308), and DRIL extent (p = 0.024, R2 = 0.201). Conclusions The BCVA in patients after treatment with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for DME was related to the change in the CRT after treatment. The baseline BCVA and change in the DRIL may be important indicators for predicting VA improvement in DME.

Purpose: To compare the effect on changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and refractive error between subjects after combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe and control subjects after combined phacovitrectomy without posterior capsulotomy. Methods: A total of 20 eyes of 20 subjects who underwent combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe were compared with 20 eyes of 20 control subjects who underwent only phacovitrectomy without posterior capsulotomy. The ACD was measured with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam ® ; OCULUS Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) before and after surgery. Also the preoperative desired refraction and postoperative refraction were compared using an auto keratorefractometor. Results: The preoperative ACD of subjects with posterior capsulotomy was 2.56 ± 0.233 mm. The ACD was 3.54 ± 0.366 mm and 3.71 ± 0.424 mm at one and three months after surgery in subjects with posterior capsulotomy. The preoperative ACD of subjects without posterior capsulotomy was 2.53 ± 0.204 mm. The ACD was 3.09 ± 0.197 mm and 2.95 ± 0.295 mm at one and three months after surgery in subjects without posterior capsulotomy. There was no significant difference between the two groups in preoperative ACD, but ACD at one and three months after surgery was significantly different between the two groups.The desired refractory error was -0.32 ± 0.124 D in subjects with posterior capsulotomy, and -0.33 ± 0.142 D in the control group.The postoperative refraction was -0.62 ± 0.132 D in patients who underwent phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy, and -0.91 ± 0.292 D in the control group. There was a significant difference in refraction three months after the surgery. Conclusions Combined phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulotomy using a vitrectomy probe may be a useful way to prevent myopic change caused by anterior migration of an intraocular lens compared with control subjects, without posterior capsulotomy, for three months after surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between visual acuity (VA) and the disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) after use of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: The clinical records of 25 patients with DME treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography data were analyzed from each visit. Results: The BCVAs at 1 month and 3 months after treatment were statistically significant with respect to the baseline BCVA of DME patients (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively); however no statistically significant change was evident at the 6 months follow-up (p = 0.062). Also, the DRIL degree at 1 month and 3 months after treatment was statistically significant with respect to baseline DRIL (p = 0.034, p < 0.001); however, there was no statistically significant change at 6 months after treatment (p = 0.052). The BCVA at 6 months after treatment was positively and significantly correlated with the baseline BCVA (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.705), CRT (p = 0.032, R2 = 0.308), and DRIL extent (p = 0.024, R2 = 0.201). Conclusions The BCVA in patients after treatment with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for DME was related to the change in the CRT after treatment. The baseline BCVA and change in the DRIL may be important indicators for predicting VA improvement in DME.

PURPOSE: To report the short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab alone, low-dose bevacizumab combined with low-dose triamcinolone injection, and intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) injection in patients with macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: The medical records of 70 patients (70 eyes) with macular edema secondary to CRVO were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, 25 eyes (IVB group) were injected with intravitreal bevacizumab, 23 eyes (intravitreal low-dose bevacizumab and triamcinolone injection [IVB+IVTA] group) were injected with low-dose bevacizumab (0.625 mg/0.025 mL) combined with low-dose triamcinolone (1 mg/0.025 mL), and 20 eyes (intravitreal dexamethasone implant [IVD] group) were injected with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) of treated eyes were measured before injection and at 1 month and 3 months after injection. RESULTS: Groups were similar in age and gender distribution. At 1 month, the CMT of all groups was significantly lower, and the BCVA of all groups had increased significantly in patients with CRVO; there were no significant differences among the three groups (p = 0.246, p = 0.974). At 3 months, the CMT and BCVA had improved significantly only in the IVD and IVB+IVTA groups; the short-term effect was comparable to the IVD group. IOP showed no significant change at 3 months after injection for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Considering various clinical variables in the treatment of macular edema associated with CRVO, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab, low-dose bevacizumab combined with triamcinolone, and dexamethasone implants may be used selectively.
Bevacizumab ; Dexamethasone ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Intravitreal Injections ; Macular Edema ; Medical Records ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinal Vein ; Retrospective Studies ; Triamcinolone ; Visual Acuity