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.

Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate the oral beclomethasone dipropionate’s (BDP) efficacy as an add-on therapy and to clarify the predictive factor for response to oral BDP in Korean ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Methods: Patients with a stable concomitant drug regimen with exposure to oral BDP (5 mg/day) within 30 days before BDP initiation were included. Partial Mayo score (pMS) was used to evaluate response to oral BDP. Clinical remission (CREM) was defined as a post-treatment pMS ≤ 1 point. Clinical response (CRES) was defined as an at least 2-point decrease in post-treatment pMS and an at least 30% decrease from baseline pMS. Patients without CREM or CRES were considered nonresponders (NRs). Results: Of all, 37 showed CREM, 19 showed CRES, and 44 were NRs. The CREM group included more patients with mild disease activity (75.7% vs. 43.2%, p = 0.011) than NRs. In contrast to NRs, CREM and CRES patients showed significant improvement of post-treatment erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (ESR with p = 0.001, CRP with p = 0.004, respectively). Moreover, the initial rectal bleeding subscore (RBS) was significantly different between CREM and CRES, or NR (both with p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, initial stool frequency subscore (SFS) of 0 and RBS of 0 were predictive factors for CREM (odds ratio [OR], 15.359; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.085 to 217.499; p = 0.043 for SFS, and OR, 11.434; 95% CI, 1.682 to 77.710; p = 0.013 for RBS). Conclusions Oral BDP is an efficacious add-on therapy in Korean UC patients. Patients with initial SFS or RBS of 0 may be particularly good candidates for oral BDP.

Objectives: It is important that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients adhere to their prescribed medication regimens to avoid the repeat exacerbations, complications, or surgeries associated with this disorder. However, there are few studies on medication adherence in patients with IBD, especially in Asian populations. So, we analyzed the factors associated with medication adherence in Korean IBD patients. Methods: Patients who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) more than 6 months previously and receiving oral medications for IBD were enrolled. Medication adherence was measured using the Medical Adherence Reporting Scale (MARS-5), a self-reported medication adherence measurement tool. Results: Among 207 patients in the final study population, 125 (60.4%) had CD and 134 (64.7%) were men. The mean age was 39.63 years (SD, 13.16 years) and the mean disease duration was 10.09 years (SD, 6.33 years). The mean medication adherence score was 22.46 (SD, 2.86) out of 25, and 181 (87.4%) patients had score of 20 or higher.In multiple linear regression analysis, self-efficacy (β=0.341, P<0.001) and ≥3 dosing per day (β=–0.192 P=0.016) were revealed to be significant factors associated with medication adherence. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between self-efficacy and medication adherence (r=0.312, P<0.001). However, disease related knowledge, depression, and anxiety were not significantly associated with medication adherence. Conclusion To improve medication adherence among patients with IBD, a reduction in the number of doses per day and an improved self-efficacy will be helpful.

Background: Prior studies have reported that 40%-90% of the patients with celiac plexus-mediated visceral pain benefit from the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB), but the predictive factors of response to NCPB have not been evaluated extensively. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the immediate analgesic effectiveness of NCPB in patients with intractable upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 513 patients who underwent NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Response to the procedure was defined as (1) a decrease of ≥ 50% or ≥ 4 points on the numerical rating scale (NRS) in pain intensity from the baseline without an increase in opioid requirement, or (2) a decrease of ≥ 30% or ≥ 2 points on the NRS from the baseline with simultaneously reduced opioid consumption after NCPB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with successful responses to NCPB. Results: Among the 513 patients included in the analysis, 255 (49.8%) and 258 (50.2%) patients were in the non-responder and responder group after NCPB, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.644, P = 0.035), history of upper abdominal surgery (OR = 0.691, P = 0.040), and celiac metastasis (OR = 1.496, P = 0.039) were the independent factors associated with response to NCPB. Conclusions Celiac plexus metastases, absence of diabetes, and absence of prior upper abdominal surgery may be independently associated with better response to NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain.

Background: Prior studies have reported that 40%-90% of the patients with celiac plexus-mediated visceral pain benefit from the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB), but the predictive factors of response to NCPB have not been evaluated extensively. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the immediate analgesic effectiveness of NCPB in patients with intractable upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 513 patients who underwent NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Response to the procedure was defined as (1) a decrease of ≥ 50% or ≥ 4 points on the numerical rating scale (NRS) in pain intensity from the baseline without an increase in opioid requirement, or (2) a decrease of ≥ 30% or ≥ 2 points on the NRS from the baseline with simultaneously reduced opioid consumption after NCPB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with successful responses to NCPB. Results: Among the 513 patients included in the analysis, 255 (49.8%) and 258 (50.2%) patients were in the non-responder and responder group after NCPB, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.644, P = 0.035), history of upper abdominal surgery (OR = 0.691, P = 0.040), and celiac metastasis (OR = 1.496, P = 0.039) were the independent factors associated with response to NCPB. Conclusions Celiac plexus metastases, absence of diabetes, and absence of prior upper abdominal surgery may be independently associated with better response to NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) represents a rare but clinically challenging differential diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures which can be mistaken for cholangiocarcinoma. We present a case of a 73-year-old male presented with abdominal discomfort and weight loss. Biliary images showed long-segment luminal narrowing of extrahepatic bile duct associated with prominent enhanced wall thickening, but luminal patency was preserved. Pancreatic images revealed segmental irregular narrowing of main pancreatic duct without upstream duct dilatation. His liver function tests and CA19-9 level were normal. Putting all findings together, IgG4-SC associated with autoimmune pancreatitis was strongly suspected. However, endobiliary biopsy of extrahepatic bile duct revealed adenocarcinoma which was not resectable due to celiac axis involvement. Because there is an overlap in biliary imaging findings between IgG4-SC and cholangiocarcinoma, biopsy is essential for adequate differential diagnosis. We present a case of cholangiocarcinoma masquerading as IgG4-SC based on clinical and imaging findings.
Adenocarcinoma ; Aged ; Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic ; Biopsy ; Cholangiocarcinoma* ; Cholangitis, Sclerosing* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dilatation ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Phenobarbital ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: In IgA nephropathy (IgAN), crescent formation appears to represent a nonspecific response to severe injury to the glomerular capillary wall. This study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathological manifestations of the crescents and their effects on the clinical courses of IgAN. METHODS: The patients diagnosed IgAN were included and the information about their renal biopsies, chemistries and immunohistochemistry findings were collected retrospectively. Some patients that have similar renal function and protenuria were followed up for 12 months to examine the effects of crescents on the renal prognosis. RESULTS: 38 patients with crescents and 177 patients without crescents were enrolled. The patients with IgAN with crescents showed significantly lower renal function (MDRD eGFR 58.5 vs 88.4 ml/min/1.73m2), higher blood pressure, larger amount of proteinuria and more severe hematuria than those patients without crescents. In pathologic findings, HS Lee grades were higher (2.9 vs 1.9). When we selected patients with mildly decreased renal function (serum creatinine <2.5 mg/dL, PCR 0.5-8 g/gCr), the patients with crescents presented lower renal function and higher proteinuria but no statistical significance. After 12 months of treatment, the patients with crescents showed significantly lower renal function (MDRD eGFR 78.6 vs 96.5 ml/min/1.73m2) and higher proteinuria (0.9 vs 0.6 g/gCr). CONCLUSION: The patients with IgAN with crescents showed more deteriorated clinicopathological findings than those without crescents. Despite aggressive treatments, they presented a significantly decreased renal function and larger amount of proteinuria after 1 year. So crescents are supposed to have poor effects on the clinical course.
Biopsy ; Blood Pressure ; Capillaries ; Creatinine ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunohistochemistry ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proteinuria ; Retrospective Studies