Background: The risk of device thrombosis and device-oriented clinical outcomes with bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) was reported to be significantly higher than with contemporary drug-eluting stents (DESs). However, optimal device implantation may improve clinical outcomes in patients receiving BVS. The current study evaluated mid-term safety and efficacy of Absorb BVS with meticulous device optimization under intravascular imaging guidance. Methods: The SMART-REWARD and PERSPECTIVE-PCI registries in Korea prospectively enrolled 390 patients with BVS and 675 patients with DES, respectively. The primary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF) at 2 years and the secondary major endpoint was patientoriented composite outcome (POCO) at 2 years. Results: Patient-level pooled analysis evaluated 1,003 patients (377 patients with BVS and 626 patients with DES). Mean scaffold diameter per lesion was 3.24 ± 0.30 mm in BVS group.Most BVSs were implanted with pre-dilatation (90.9%), intravascular imaging guidance (74.9%), and post-dilatation (73.1%) at proximal to mid segment (81.9%) in target vessel.Patients treated with BVS showed comparable risks of 2-year TVF (2.9% vs. 3.7%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.283, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.487–3.378, P = 0.615) and 2-year POCO (4.5% vs. 5.9%, adjusted HR, 1.413, 95% CI, 0.663–3.012,P = 0.370) than those with DES. The rate of 2-year definite or probable device thrombosis (0.3% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.424) was also similar. The sensitivity analyses consistently showed comparable risk of TVF and POCO between the 2 groups. Conclusion With meticulous device optimization under imaging guidance and avoidance of implantation in small vessels, BVS showed comparable risks of 2-year TVF and device thrombosis with DES.

Background and Objectives: The outcome benefits of β-blockers in chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been fully assessed. We evaluated the prognostic impact of β-blockers on patients with chronic CAD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 3,075 patients with chronic CAD were included from the Grand DrugEluting Stent registry. We analyzed β-blocker prescriptions, including doses and types, in each patient at 3-month intervals from discharge. After propensity score matching, 1,170 pairs of patients (β-blockers vs. no β-blockers) were derived. Primary outcome was defined as a composite endpoint of all-cause death and myocardial infarction (MI). We further analyzed the outcome benefits of different doses (low-, medium-, and high-dose) and types (conventional or vasodilating) of β-blockers. Results: During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 3.1 (3.0–3.1) years, 134 (5.7%) patients experienced primary outcome. Overall, β-blockers demonstrated no significant benefit in primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–1.24), all-cause death (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.60–1.25), and MI (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.49–3.15). In subgroup analysis, β-blockers were associated with a lower risk of all-cause death in patients with previous MI and/ or revascularization (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.14–0.99) (p for interaction=0.045). No significant associations were found for the clinical outcomes with different doses and types of β-blockers. Conclusions Overall, β-blocker therapy was not associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with chronic CAD undergoing PCI. Limited mortality benefit of β-blockers may exist for patients with previous MI and/or revascularization.

Background/Aims: While switching strategies of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (RIs) have sometimes been used in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, the current status of in-hospital P2Y12RI switching remains unknown. Methods: Overall, 8,476 AMI patients who underwent successful revascularization from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (KAMIR-NIH) were divided according to in-hospital P2Y12RI strategies, and net adverse cardiovascular events (NACEs), defined as a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding during hospitalization were compared. Results: Patients with in-hospital P2Y12RI switching accounted for 16.5%, of which 867 patients were switched from clopidogrel to potent P2Y12RI (C-P) and 532 patients from potent P2Y12RI to clopidogrel (P-C). There were no differences in NACEs among the unchanged clopidogrel, the unchanged potent P2Y12RIs, and the P2Y12RI switching groups. However, compared to the unchanged clopidogrel group, the C-P group had a higher incidence of non-fatal MI, and the P-C group had a higher incidence of TIMI major bleeding. In clinical events of in-hospital P2Y12RI switching, 90.9% of non-fatal MI occurred during pre-switching clopidogrel administration, 60.7% of TIMI major bleeding was related to pre-switching P2Y12RIs, and 71.4% of TIMI major bleeding was related to potent P2Y12RIs. Only 21.6% of the P2Y12RI switching group switched to P2Y12RIs after a loading dose (LD); however, there were no differences in clinical events between patients with and without LD. Conclusions In-hospital P2Y12RI switching occurred occasionally, but had relatively similar clinical outcomes compared to unchanged P2Y12RIs in Korean AMI patients. Non-fatal MI and bleeding appeared to be mainly related to pre-switching P2Y12RIs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the results of skin prick test using 55 allergens at 20 centers in the Republic of Korea in 2006, 2010, and 2014–2015. The aim was to assess changes in the positive rate of allergens according to temporal, regional, and environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 20 hospitals were selected based on the population distribution in the Republic of Korea. A skin prick test panel comprising 55 aeroallergens was distributed to 18 hospitals for this prospective study. The 2006 and 2010 skin prick test results were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 20 hospitals, while the 2014/2015 skin prick test results (from June 2014 to May 2015) were collected prospectively from 18 hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 14,897 SPT test results were analyzed: 4,319 in 2006, 7,431 in 2010, and 1,852 in 2014/2015. The overall rate of skin prick test positivity to more than two allergens was significantly higher in males than females. The positive rates of alder pollens and birch, oak and ragweed pollen positivity were increased in older patients. Several positive rates were increased according to the temperature in spring. The positive rates for beech pollen, birch pollen, hazel pollen, oak pollen, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, mugwort, cat, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae were significantly increased, while those of Cult rye pollen and dandelion were significantly decreased over the three test periods. The overall positive rate for allergens in Jeju province varied significantly from Seoul and other cities. CONCLUSION: Change in the positive rate of multiple aeroallergens was evaluated in the Republic of Korea over time. Our findings can be used to recommend aeroallergens suitable for inclusion in skin prick test panels in the Republic of Korea and will facilitate further investigation of changes in the patterns of allergic diseases.
Allergens* ; Alnus ; Ambrosia ; Animals ; Artemisia ; Betula ; Cats ; Demography ; Fagus ; Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Mites ; Pollen ; Prospective Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Secale ; Seoul ; Skin* ; Taraxacum

STUDY DESIGN: This is a multicenter, open-label prospective, non interventional study. PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the impact of fentanyl matrix on the pain and function of patients with spinal disorder-related chronic, non-malignant pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Patients with severe non-malignant chronic low back pain may require opioid analgesics for effective pain management. METHODS: A total of 1,576 patients with severe pain (numeric rating scale = 7) were evaluated for their pain intensity at the initial visit and at weeks 4 and 8 (Visits 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Disturbances in sleep, daily living and social activities, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the researchers' and patients' global assessment and the patients' treatment preference were also assessed. RESULTS: The pain intensity score significantly decreased from 8.1 at Visit 1 to 5.4 and 4.4 at Visits 2 and 3, respectively. Sleep disturbance also significantly decreased and the extent of disturbance of daily and social activities was also significantly improved. The ODI significantly decreased from 61.9% to 45.8% and 38.2% at Visits 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Adverse events were reported by 197 (12.5%) patients and severe adverse events were reported by 12 (0.76%) patients. Overall, 76.3% of the patients and 78.4% of the investigators rated the test drug as effective. CONCLUSIONS: The fentanyl matrix is believed to be effective for the treatment of pain, sleep disturbance and the impact upon daily and social activities, yet physicians should pay attention to the risks of abuse and the adverse events.
Analgesics, Opioid ; Chronic Pain ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Korea ; Low Back Pain ; Prospective Studies ; Research Personnel ; Spine

STUDY DESIGN: A review of literature including definition, diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVES: To review and discuss the treatment guideline for neuropathic pain. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Neuropathic pains are characterized by partial or complete somatosensory change caused by various disorders affecting central and peripheral nervous system, and are especially problematic because of their severity, chronicity and resistance to simple analgesics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS: Tricyclic antidepressants and the anticonvulsants gabapentin and pregablin were recommended as first-line treatments for neuropathic pain. Opioid analgesics and tramadol were recommended as second-line treatments that can be considered for first-line use in selected clinical circumstances. Other medications such as dual reuptake inhibitors of both serotonin and norepinephrine would be used in severe cases. More invasive interventions (e.g., spinal cord stimulation) may sometimes be helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment must be individualized for each patient and aggressive, combinatory pharmacotherapy and multidisciplinary approach are recommended for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Amines ; Analgesics, Opioid ; Anticonvulsants ; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic ; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Humans ; Neuralgia ; Norepinephrine ; Peripheral Nervous System ; Serotonin ; Spinal Cord ; Tramadol

PURPOSE: We studied which structures were compressed in 1 rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to determine the optimal compression site on infants. METHODS: Charts and multidirectional computed tomography of infants who presented in the hospitals from March, 2004 to March, 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. We measured the length of the sternum (Stotal), the index finger` s mark (L1) and the two fingers` mark (L2) that were located on the sternum during one rescuer CPR simulation. We studied those structures located at the following points: the lower half of the sternum (Stotal/2), the sternum at the inter-nipple line (Xn), the point of maximal anterior-posterior heart diameter (Xm), and the lower margin of L1 and L2 from Stotal/2, Xn, Xm. RESULTS: Of 75 enrolled infants, Stotal was 5.68+/-2.00 cm; Xn was 2.11+/-1.47 cm; Xm was 1.43+/-1.18 cm; L1 was 1.25+/- 0.21 cm; L2 was 2.88=/-0.33 cm; the ratio of Xm to Stotal was 0.24+/-0.19. 16(21.3%) had ascending aorta, 31(41.3%) had aortic root, and 14(18.7%) had a left ventricular outflow tract in Stotal/2. 14(18.7%) had aortic root, 35(46.7%) had left ventricular outflow tract in Xn. All had left ventricle in the Xm. 12(16.0%) had liver in the lower margin of L1 from Xm. All had liver in the lower margin of L2 from Xm. CONCLUSION: We knew that we had compressed the aortic root, left ventricular outflow tract as we complied with the 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. However, the left ventricle was located at the lower quarter of the sternum.
American Heart Association ; Aorta ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Emergencies ; Heart ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Infant ; Liver ; Retrospective Studies ; Sternum

Intramyocardial hematoma is known to be associated with myocardial infarction, chest trauma, coronary artery bypass operation, and complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We describe here a rare case of 50-year-old man with a huge right ventricular (RV) wall hematoma which was newly developed two hours after PCI. The patient was treated conservatively with a successful outcome. We discuss plausible mechanisms for the development of RV wall hematoma and treatment options for the case.
Coronary Artery Bypass ; Heart Ventricles ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Thorax

An intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is an uncommon tumor characterized by the production of mucin in the pancreatic duct that occasionally involves the formation of fistulas with surrounding organs, including the stomach, duodenum and common bile duct. The mechanism underlying the formation of such fistulas is direct invasion by a tumor or a combination of high pressure in the main pancreatic duct and inflammatory stimulation. A 73-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to the presence of a gastric ulcer detected on screening gastroscopy. Endoscopic findings showed the presence of a whitish thick mucin coated ulcerative lesion that appeared as a perforation or fistula opening. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated the presence of an IPMN of the pancreas and multiple fistula formation with the neighboring organs. An endoscopic biopsy was carried out to obtain pancreatic tumor tissue through the pancreatogastric fistula and the mass was confirmed as a mucinous adenocarcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an IPMN associated with a pancreatojejunal fistula and duodenal ulcer bleeding due to fistula formation.
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Common Bile Duct ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Duodenum ; Fistula ; Gastroscopy ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Mucins ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Stomach ; Stomach Ulcer ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic upper airway obstruction attributable to adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of adenotonsillectomy on the degree of SDB and growth in children with SDB. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Forty-three children (mean age, 6.1+/-2.4 years) clinically diagnosed as SDB were enrolled, and they were scheduled for adenotonsillectomy (T&A ) based on their response to the validated, 22-item sleep related breathing disorder (SRBD) scale and a physical examination that showed adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Weight, height, and BMI (body mass index) were evaluated before and three years after T&A. RESULTS: SRBD scales decreased significantly after T&A(p<0.001). Their Z scores (standard deviation scores) for weight, height, and BMI of 43 children were significantly higher three years after T&A compared with before T&A (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Children with SDB who underwent adenotonsillectomy showed significant long-term increases in weight, height, and BMI as well as a significant long-term improvement in quality of the sleep.
Adenoidectomy ; Airway Obstruction ; Child ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Physical Examination ; Respiration ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Tonsillectomy ; Weights and Measures