Objective: The objective of this prospective, observational multicenter study (NCT03264703) was to compare the effectiveness of single conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (cDMARD) plus anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy versus multiple cDMARD treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following cDMARD failure in the real-world setting in South Korea. Methods: At the treating physicians’ discretion, patients received single cDMARD plus anti-TNF therapy or multiple cDMARDs. Changes from baseline in disease activity score 28-joint count with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), corticosteroid use, and Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ-20) scores were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Of 207 enrollees, the final analysis included 45 of 73 cDMARD plus anti-TNF and 91 of 134 multiple-cDMARD recipients. There were no significant between-group differences (BGDs) in ANCOVA-adjusted changes from baseline in DAS28-ESR at 3, 6 (primary endpoint), and 12 months (BGDs −0.18, −0.38, and −0.03, respectively). More cDMARD plus anti-TNF than multiple-cDMARD recipients achieved a >50% reduction from baseline in corticosteroid dosage at 12 months (35.7% vs 14.6%; p=0.007). Changes from baseline in KHAQ-20 scores at 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly better with cDMARD plus antiTNF therapy than with multiple cDMARDs (BGD −0.18, −0.19, and −0.19 points, respectively; all p≤0.024). Conclusion In the real-world setting, relative to multiple cDMARDs, single cDMARD plus anti-TNF therapy significantly improved quality-of-life scores and reduced corticosteroid use, with no significant BGD in disease activity, in RA patients in whom previous cDMARD therapy had failed.

Objective: To analyze the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP), identify a suitable location and timing for percutaneous thrombin injection (PTI) based on this analysis, and report our clinical experience with the procedure. Materials and Methods: CFD can be used to analyze the hemodynamics of the human body. An analysis using CFD recommended that the suitable location of the needle tip for PTI is at the center of the aneurysm sac and the optimal timing for starting PTI is during the early inflow phase of blood into the sac. Since 2011, seven patients (three male and four female; median age, 60 years [range, 43–75 years]) with FAP were treated with PTI based on the devised suitable location and time. Prior to the procedure, color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to determine the location and timing of the thrombin injection. Results: The technical success rate of the PTI was 100%. The amount of thrombin used for the procedure ranged from 200 IU to 1000 IU (median, 500 IU). None of the patients experienced any symptoms or signs of embolic complications during the procedure. Follow-up CT images did not reveal any embolism in the lower extremities and showed complete thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm. Conclusion Based on our study of CFD, PTI administered centrally in the FAP during early inflow, as seen on color Doppler, can be an effective technique.

The objective of this study was to compare changes in the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) between biologic (b) and conventional (c) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) users with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice. Methods: This was a nationwide multicenter observational study. Patients who had three or more active joint counts and abnormal inf lammatory marker in blood test were enrolled. The selection of DMARDs was determined by the attending rheumatologist. Clinical parameters, laboratory findings, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores were obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Serial SDAI changes and clinical remission rate at 6 and 12 months were assessed. Results: A total of 850 patients participated in this study. The mean baseline SDAI score in bDMARD group was higher than that in cDMARD group (32.08 ± 12.98 vs 25.69 ± 10.97, p < 0.0001). Mean change of SDAI at 12 months was –19.0 in the bDMARD group and –12.6 in the cDMARD group (p < 0.0001). Clinical remission rates at 12 months in bDMARD and cDMARD groups were 15.4% and 14.6%, respectively. Patient global assessment and HAQ at 12 months were also significantly improved in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that baseline HAQ score was the most notable factor associated with remission. Conclusions: There was a significant reduction in SDAI within 12 months after receiving DMARDs in Korean seropositive RA patients irrespective of bDMARD or cDMARD use in real-world practice. Clinical remission was achieved in those with lower baseline HAQ scores.

Ischemic colitis is the consequence of a sudden reduction in colon blood supply, which in turn results in ischemic injury. The splenic flexure and rectosigmoid junction are the areas most often affected. Ischemic colitis occurs with greater frequency in the elderly and is caused by various medications and procedures. Pseudoephedrine acts as a vasoconstrictor directly affecting adrenal receptors of nasal mucous membrane. Pseudoephedrine occasionally causes vascular insufficiency due to intense vasoconstriction, even at standard doses. Ischemic colitis associated with pseudoephedrine has been reported in other countries,, but it has never been reported in Korea. In this paper, we describe 3 cases of ischemic colitis that occurred after taking pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion.
Aged ; Colitis, Ischemic* ; Colon ; Colon, Transverse ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Korea ; Mucous Membrane ; Pseudoephedrine* ; Vasoconstriction

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the results of internal fixation for stable femoral neck fractures occurring in patients over 65 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2014, we evaluated 25 patients over 65 years old with Garden type 1 and 2 femoral neck fractures that were treated with internal fixation after a minimum follow up of 1 year. There were 5 males and 20 females and the average age was 72.3 years (range, 65-84 years) at the time of surgery. Fracture site union, horizontal shortening and complications were evaluated as radiographic parameters and change of walking ability (as measured using Koval walking ability score) was investigated as a clinical parameter. RESULTS: Union of fracture site was achieved in 24 out of the 25 cases (96.0%). The average length of horizontal shortening was 6.5 mm (range, 0.2-19.7 mm). At final follow up, 3 cases experienced complications: nonunion (n=1), avascular necrosis (n=1), and subtrochanteric fracture after minor trauma (n=1). Walking ability decreased an average of 1 step at the final follow up. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation for stable femoral neck fractures occurring in patients over 65 years showed satisfactory union rates. However, care should be taken with this technique given the possibility of decreased walking ability resulting from horizontal shortening.
Aged* ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures* ; Femur ; Femur Neck* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Necrosis ; Walking

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results of revision total hip arthroplasty with constrained liner in patients with abductor insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 30 patients treated with constrained liner during revision total hip arthroplasty due to abductor insufficiency were evaluated after minimum 2-year follow-up. There were 14 men and 16 women and the mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. Re-dislocation and aseptic loosening of the implant were defined as a failure of the constrained liner. Harris hip score and ambulatory function were evaluated as a clinical parameter and osteolysis, aseptic loosening of the implant and other complications were evaluated as a radiologic parameter. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, there were 4 cases (13.3%) of constrained liner failure including two cases of re-dislocation and two cases of acetabular cup aseptic loosening. The average Harris hip score was improved from 38.3 points preoperatively to 73.4 points at last follow up. At the final follow-up, there were 20 cases (66.7%) of improvement in ambulatory function. There was 1 case of infection and 1 case of periprosthetic fracture. CONCLUSION: Use of a constrained liner during revision total hip arthroplasty showed satisfactory results for prevention of re-dislocation in patients with abductor insufficiency. However longer term studies on loosening of implants are needed.
Acetabulum ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Male ; Osteolysis ; Periprosthetic Fractures

BACKGROUND: Although skin cancer incidence has recently increased, there has been little research into the incidence, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of skin cancers in Korea, especially in Daegu City and the Kyungpook Province. OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes over the recent two decades in incidence and clinical patterns, including recurrence of skin cancers diagnosed at a university hospital in Daegu City. METHODS: We reviewed 1,566 skin cancer cases from 1994 to 2013 at the Department of Dermatology in Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH). We also divided them into first (1994~2003) and second group (2004~2013) to examine changes over the years. RESULTS: The average incidence of skin cancers among the total number of outpatients was 1.39% through whole study period including 0.38% in the first and 2.10% in the second decade. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer (total:1st:2nd=0.60%:0.16%:0.91%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (0.43%:0.12%:0.65%) and malignant melanoma (MM) (0.22%:0.05%:0.34%). The most common skin cancer site was the face in each decade. The recurrence of three major skin cancers (BCC, SCC and MM) was diagnosed in 49 of the 1,402 patients (3.50%). In each disease, the recurrence rate (1st:2nd) was 1.64% (BCC, 4.11%:1.34%), 3.51% (SCC, 11.11%:2.55%), and 8.57% (MM, 4.35%:9.01%). CONCLUSION: This epidemiological study provided useful information about the incidence and prognosis of skin tumors in Korea, especially in Daegu City and Kyungpook Province.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Daegu* ; Dermatology ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Gyeongsangbuk-do* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Melanoma ; Outpatients ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the structural chromosomal aberrations, such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI), at multiple tumor suppressor gene loci in gastric epithelial neoplasia categorized by the revised Vienna classification. METHODS: All tissue samples were excised by endoscopic mucosal resection. Sixty category 3 (low-grade adenoma) tissue samples and 51 category 4 samples (high-grade adenoma and intramucosal carcinoma with adenoma) were examined at the 7 sets of microsatellite loci linked to the tumor suppressor gene locus. RESULTS: For category 3 and 4 tissue samples, there were no differences in the frequencies of LOH-positive chromosomes or the extent of chromosomal loss. The Helicobacter-pylori (H. pylori)-positive rate was significantly higher in MSI-positive category 4 samples than in category 3 samples (p=0.04). The frequency of MSI positivity was significantly higher in category 4 samples than in category 3 samples (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection is associated with genetic instability of the premalignant lesion. MSI occurs in the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis and its occurrence increases during malignant transformation. Detection of MSI in premalignant gastric lesions may be a surveillant of risk of malignant transformation.
Adenoma ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Loss of Heterozygosity ; Microsatellite Instability ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Succinimides

PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignancy that develops from the thyroid gland and its prognosis is quite excellent. One of the characteristic behaviors of PTC is that it often occurs at multiple foci. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features and risk factors of multifocal papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on 624 patients with PTC and who underwent surgery from January 2005 to December 2007. Two hundred twenty-nine of them were found to have multiple tumor foci (≥2 foci). The risk factors that included gender, age at diagnosis, tumor size, capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), cervical lymph node (LN) involvement, the TNM classification, local recurrence and distant metastasis were comparatively analyzed between the solitary PTC and multifocal PTC groups. RESULTS: The enrolled patients were 59 male and 565 females. The mean age was 46 years (range: 15~77 years). Age (P=0.025), tumor size (P=0.027), capsular invasion (P<0.001), ETE (P<0.001) and cervical LN metastasis (P=0.002) were the significantly related factors for multifocal papillary thyroid cancer. However, gender was not significantly related with multifocality. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that multifocal tumors were significantly associated with age, tumors size, capsular invasion, ETE and cervical LN metastasis in patients with PTC. LN metastasis was mostly influenced by multifocality in the PTC patients. It seems certain that total thyroidectomy and formal central node dissection with postoperative adjuvant therapy are essential treatment for these patients, and closely surveying the nodal status is needed on the follow up of patients with multifocal PTC.
Classification ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in moxibustion-induced immunomodulation, the effects of chemical sympathectomy on moxibustion-induced changes in splenic NK cell cytotoxicity, T and B cell proliferation were studied in Sprague-Dawley male rats. METHODS: Chemical sympathectomy was achieved with intraperitoneal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine 50 mg/kg/day for 3 successive days. Direct moxibustion (6-minute interval, 9 moxa ball, each of which weighing 0.007 g and burning for 40 seconds) was applied on unilateral anterior tibial muscle region where Zusanli (ST36) acupoint is located, once a day for 7 successive days. NK cell cytotoxicity was measured by 4hr-51Cr release assay. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation was analyzed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay. RESULTS: NK cell cytotoxicity was suppressed by moxibustion, more in sympathectomized rats than in vehicle-treated rats. T cell proliferation induced by concanavalin A was not affected by moxibustion. B cell proliferation induced by lipopolysaccharide showed no significant change in vehicle- treated rats, but an increase in sympathectomized rats by moxibustion. Sympathectomy alone induced augmentation of NK cell cytotoxicity and suppression of T cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SNS has no direct relation with moxibution-induced immunomodulation but has an important role in the mechanism to keep the homeostasis of immune system by tonically inhibiting excessive changes of various immune components.
Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; B-Lymphocytes ; Burns ; Cell Proliferation ; Concanavalin A ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Immune System ; Immunomodulation* ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Oxidopamine ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spleen* ; Sympathectomy ; Sympathectomy, Chemical* ; Sympathetic Nervous System ; T-Lymphocytes