Background/Aims: Evidence suggests comparable outcomes between endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the biliary drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the EUS with ERCP in the management of MDBO. Methods: We performed a literature search using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, including randomized controlled trials comparing EUS and ERCP in patients with MDBO. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model using the STATA ver. 17.0 software. Results: Both procedures were comparable in technical (risk ratio [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1.30) and clinical (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85–1.41) success. No difference was identified in total adverse events (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.42–1.35), acute cholangitis (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.43–1.62), stent patency (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.87–1.46) and mean stent patency time (mean difference, –0.01; 95% CI: –0.21 to 0.19). ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.68) and statistically non-significant higher risk for reintervention (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–1.01). Conclusions Although EUS and ERCP were comparable in terms of efficacy and safety, ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis and reintervention, with the latter finding not reaching statistical significance.

Background/Aims: Evidence suggests comparable outcomes between endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the biliary drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the EUS with ERCP in the management of MDBO. Methods: We performed a literature search using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, including randomized controlled trials comparing EUS and ERCP in patients with MDBO. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model using the STATA ver. 17.0 software. Results: Both procedures were comparable in technical (risk ratio [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1.30) and clinical (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85–1.41) success. No difference was identified in total adverse events (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.42–1.35), acute cholangitis (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.43–1.62), stent patency (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.87–1.46) and mean stent patency time (mean difference, –0.01; 95% CI: –0.21 to 0.19). ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.68) and statistically non-significant higher risk for reintervention (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–1.01). Conclusions Although EUS and ERCP were comparable in terms of efficacy and safety, ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis and reintervention, with the latter finding not reaching statistical significance.

Background/Aims: Evidence suggests comparable outcomes between endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the biliary drainage of malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the EUS with ERCP in the management of MDBO. Methods: We performed a literature search using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, including randomized controlled trials comparing EUS and ERCP in patients with MDBO. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model using the STATA ver. 17.0 software. Results: Both procedures were comparable in technical (risk ratio [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1.30) and clinical (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85–1.41) success. No difference was identified in total adverse events (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.42–1.35), acute cholangitis (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.43–1.62), stent patency (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.87–1.46) and mean stent patency time (mean difference, –0.01; 95% CI: –0.21 to 0.19). ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.68) and statistically non-significant higher risk for reintervention (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–1.01). Conclusions Although EUS and ERCP were comparable in terms of efficacy and safety, ERCP was associated with a higher risk of procedure-related pancreatitis and reintervention, with the latter finding not reaching statistical significance.

Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery appointed a Task Force to provide guidance on the implementation of a surgical treatment of oral cancer. MEDLINE databases were searched for articles on subjects related to “surgical management of oral cancer” published in English. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. The quality of evidence was rated with use RoBANS (Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies) and AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews). Evidence-based recommendations for practice were ranked according to the American College of Physicians grading system. Additional directives are provided as expert opinions and Delphi questionnaire when insufficient evidence existed. The Committee developed 68 evidence-based recommendations in 34 categories intended to assist clinicians and patients and counselors, and health policy-makers. Proper surgical treatment selection for oral cancer, which is directed by patient- and subsite-specific factors, remains the greatest predictor of successful treatment outcomes. These guidelines are intended for use in conjunction with the individual patient's treatment goals.
Advisory Committees ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Counseling ; Expert Testimony ; Humans ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Neck ; Republic of Korea

Evans syndrome is a rare complication that develops in adults after liver transplantation. The possible etiologies include ABO mismatch, viral infection, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease, graft-versus-host disease, and the use of certain immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., calcineurin inhibitors). Here, we present a case of Evans syndrome that developed after an ABO-matched liver transplant. Glucocorticosteroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, and alternative immunosuppressant therapies all failed. Weekly rituximab (375 mg/m2) was then administered for 4 weeks. The cytopenia improved transiently after the second dose of rituximab, but soon worsened again. However, the cytopenia normalized after a splenectomy.
Adult ; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune ; Calcineurin ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver* ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; Splenectomy* ; Rituximab

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although increasing evidence has indicated that radial access is a beneficial technique, few studies have focused on Korean subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate current practice of coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using radial access in South Korea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 6338 subjects were analyzed from Korean Transradial Intervention prospective registry that was conducted at 20 centers in Korea. After evaluating the initial access, subjects intended for radial access were assessed for their baseline, procedure-related, and complication data. Subjects were categorized into three groups: group of overall subjects (n=5554); group of subjects who underwent PCI (n=1780); and group of subjects who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) (n=167). RESULTS: The rate of radial artery as an initial access and the rate of access site crossover was 87.6% and 4.4%, respectively, in overall subjects. Those rates were 82.4% and 8.1%, respectively, in subjects who underwent PCI, and 60.1% and 4.8%, respectively, in subjects who underwent PPCI. For subjects who underwent CAG, a 6-F introducer sheath and a 5-F angiographic catheter was the most commonly used. During PCI, a 6-F introducer sheath (90.6%) and a 6-F guiding catheter were standardly used. CONCLUSION: The large prospective registry allowed us to present the current practice of CAG and PCI using radial access. These data provides evidence to achieve consensus on radial access in CAG and PCI in the Korean population.
Catheters ; Consensus ; Coronary Angiography* ; Korea ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Prospective Studies* ; Radial Artery ; Registries

The prognostic value of the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been questioned even though it is an accurate marker of left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the prognostic impact of LVEF in patients with AMI with or without high-grade mitral regurgitation (MR). A total of 15,097 patients with AMI who received echocardiography were registered in the Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) between January 2005 and July 2011. Patients with low-grade MR (grades 0-2) and high-grade MR (grades 3-4) were divided into the following two sub-groups according to LVEF: LVEF < or = 40% (n = 2,422 and 197, respectively) and LVEF > 40% (n = 12,252 and 226, respectively). The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), cardiac death, and all-cause death during the first year after registration. Independent predictors of mortality in the multivariate analysis in AMI patients with low-grade MR were age > or = 75 yr, Killip class > or = III, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide > 4,000 pg/mL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein > or = 2.59 mg/L, LVEF < or = 40%, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, PCI was an independent predictor in AMI patients with high-grade MR. No differences in primary endpoints between AMI patients with high-grade MR (grades 3-4) and EF < or = 40% or EF > 40% were noted. MR is a predictor of a poor outcome regardless of ejection fraction. LVEF is an inadequate method to evaluate contractile function of the ischemic heart in the face of significant MR.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease/mortality/*pathology/surgery ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart/radiography ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/*pathology ; Myocardial Infarction/mortality/*pathology/surgery ; Myocardium/pathology ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Prospective Studies ; Stroke Volume/*physiology ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/*surgery ; Ventricular Function, Left/physiology

PURPOSE: We evaluated the prognostic significance of T3 subtypes and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with resected the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IIB T3N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: T3N0 NSCLC patients who underwent resection from January 1990 to October 2009 (n = 102) were enrolled and categorized into 6 subgroups according to the extent of invasion: parietal pleura chest wall invasion, mediastinal pleural invasion, diaphragm invasion, separated tumor nodules in the same lobe, endobronchial tumor <2 cm distal to the carina, and tumor-associated collapse. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 55.3 months and 51.2 months, respectively. In postoperative T3N0M0 patients, the tumor size was a significant prognostic factor for survival (OS, p = 0.035 and DFS, p = 0.035, respectively). Patients with endobronchial tumors within 2 cm of the carina also showed better OS and DFS than those in the other T3 subtypes (p = 0.018 and p = 0.016, respectively). However, adjuvant radiotherapy did not cause any improvement in survival (OS, p = 0.518 and DFS, p = 0.463, respectively). Only patients with mediastinal pleural invasion (n = 25) demonstrated improved OS and DFS after adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 18) (p = 0.012 and p = 0.040, respectively). CONCLUSION: The T3N0 NSCLC subtype that showed the most favorable prognosis is the one with endobronchial tumors within 2 cm of the carina. Adjuvant radiotherapy is not effective in improving survival outcome in resected T3N0 NSCLC.
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* ; Diaphragm ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Joints ; Pleura ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant* ; Thoracic Wall

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional supplements on periodontal health and tooth mobility after surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group who consumed nutritional supplement drinks for 8 weeks, while the placebo group did not receive any such supplements. The gingival index (GI) and tooth mobility were measured at baseline and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks. In addition, the oral health impact profile-14 and anthropometric measurements along with loss of appetite and dietary intake were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: At 1 week, GI values were reduced in the intervention group (P<0.05), and tooth mobility had increased, but to a lesser extent in the intervention group (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the intakes of protein, vitamins A and B1, and niacin were increased in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that nutritional supplementation improves early periodontal healing after surgery.
Appetite ; Humans ; Niacin ; Nutrition Therapy ; Oral Health ; Periodontal Index ; Periodontics ; Tooth Mobility ; Vitamins ; Wound Healing

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of vascular access on in-hospital major bleeding (IHMB) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We analyzed 995 patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina at the Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines (CRUSADE) moderate- to very high-bleeding risk scores in trans-radial intervention (TRI) retrospective registry from 16 centers in Korea. A total of 402 patients received TRI and 593 patients did trans-femoral intervention (TFI). The primary end-point was IHMB as defined in the CRUSADE. There were no significant differences in in-hospital and 1-yr mortality rates between two groups. However, TRI had lower incidences of IHMB and blood transfusion than TFI (6.0% vs 9.4%, P = 0.048; 4.5% vs 9.4%, P = 0.003). The patients suffered from IHMB had higher incidences of in-hospital and 1-yr mortality than those free from IHMB (3.1% vs 15.0%, P < 0.001; 7.2% vs 30.0%, P < 0.001). TRI was an independent negative predictor of IHMB (odds ratio, 0.305; 95% confidence interval, 0.109-0.851; P = 0.003). In conclusions, IHMB is still significantly correlated with in-hospital and 1-yr mortality. Our study suggests that compared to TFI, TRI could reduce IHMB in patients with ACS at moderate- to very high-bleeding risk.
Acute Coronary Syndrome/mortality/*pathology ; Aged ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; *Hemorrhage ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Radial Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome