Neurocritical patients who can self-report pain use the 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS, verbal or visual form). However, critically ill patients whose nervous systems cannot express pain use the behavioral pain scale (BPS) and the critical care pain observation tool (CPOT) behavioral pain assessment tools. These tools reveal pain-related changes in movement, facial expression, posture, and physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. In pain control, it is first essential to reduce unnecessary painkillers through non-drug therapy and maximize the effect of the administered analgesics. For nonneuropathic pain, narcotic analgesics such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, and remifentanil are administered intravenously. Gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine are recommended along with narcotic analgesics for neuropathic pain control. In addition, nonnarcotic analgesics for multi-modal analgesia are used to reduce the use of narcotic analgesics or the side effects of narcotic analgesics. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the sedation-agitation scale (SAS) and the Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) are used to determine the depth of sedation to be maintained during shallow or deep sedation, considering the condition of the critically ill patient. When selecting sedatives for critically ill patients, preferentially consider nonbenzodiazepines such as propofol or dexmedetomidine rather than benzodiazepines such as midazolam or lorazepam. In addition, patients use painkillers or sedatives for over a week, and neurological changes or physiological dependence may occur. Therefore, clinicians should evaluate the critically ill patient’s condition, and sedatives and painkillers should be reduced or discontinued.

Tolvaptan reduces height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) and renal function decline in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study was aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in Korean patients with ADPKD during the titration period. Methods: This study is a multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase 4 study. We enrolled 108 patients with ADPKD (age, 19–50 years) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and factors defined as indicative of rapid disease progression. After tolvaptan titration, we evaluated efficacy and side effects and assessed factors associated with the effects. Results: After titration for 4 weeks, eGFR and htTKV decreased by 6.4 ± 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 16 ± 45 mL/m, respectively. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed during the titration period. The greatest eGFR decline was observed in the first week, with a starting tolvaptan dose of 45 mg. Multivariate linear regression for htTKV decline showed that the greater the change in urine osmolality (Uosm), the greater the decrease in htTKV (β, 0.436; p = 0.009) in the 1D group stratified by the Mayo Clinic image classification. Higher baseline eGFR was related to a higher htTKV reduction rate in the 1E group (β, –0.642; p = 0.009). Conclusion: We observed short-term effects and safety during the tolvaptan titration period. The decline of htTKV can be predicted as a short-term effect of tolvaptan by observing Uosm changes from baseline to end of titration in 1D and baseline eGFR in 1E groups.

Mayo imaging classification (MIC) is a useful biomarker to predict disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study was performed to validate MIC in the prediction of renal outcome in a prospective Korean ADPKD cohort and evaluate clinical parameters associated with rapid disease progression. Methods: A total of 178 ADPKD patients were enrolled and prospectively observed for an average duration of 6.2 ± 1.9 years. Rapid progressor was defined as MIC 1C through 1E while slow progressor was defined as 1A through 1B. Renal composite outcome (doubling of serum creatinine, 50% decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], or initiation of renal replacement therapy) as well as the annual percent change of height-adjusted total kidney volume (mHTKV-α), and eGFR decline (mGFR-α) were compared between groups. Results: A total of 110 patients (61.8%) were classified as rapid progressors. These patients were younger and showed a higher proportion of male patients. Rapid progressor was an independent predictor for renal outcome (hazard ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–13.54; p = 0.02). The mGFR-α was greater in rapid progressors (–3.58 mL/min per year in 1C, –3.7 in 1D, and –4.52 in 1E) compared with that in slow progressors (–1.54 in 1A and –2.06 in 1B). The mHTKV-α was faster in rapid progressors (5.3% per year in 1C, 9.4% in 1D, and 11.7% in 1E) compared with that in slow progressors (1.2% in 1A and 3.8% in 1B). Conclusion: MIC is a good predictive tool to define rapid progressors in Korean ADPKD patients.

Tetrasomy 18p is a genetic syndrome caused by an isochromosome consisting of two copies of the short arm of chromosome 18. Clinically, pediatric cases of tetrasomy 18p manifest with global developmental delay, similar to most cases of chromosomal abnormality. In addition, it causes various symptoms including abnormal muscle tone. We report a case of an infant with global developmental delay and remarkable spasticity, the typical phenotype of bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. However, she had a subtle anomaly in her face, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were inconsistent with her strong upper motor neuron signs. Upon genetic testing, she was determined to have an 18p isochromosome, confirming de novo non-mosaic tetrasomy 18p. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that includes developmental delay caused by a non-progressive lesion in the developing brain. During diagnostic workup in patients with cerebral palsy, genetic testing should be considered when there are minor physical anomalies or equivocal MRI findings.

Objective: Recent studies have shown that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) reduces pain in various conditions. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of rPMS depending on the pain characteristics. Method: Adult patients aged 19∼85 years evaluated at our institution between September 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018 for subacute to chronic musculoskeletal pain equivalent to a numeric rating scale of 3 or higher for at least one month were enrolled. Pain scores as determined using a numeric rating scale at baseline and at the end of treatment were set as the primary outcome. Additionally, we classified the pain into nociceptive, intermediate, or neuropathic pain using the PainDETECT questionnaire and compared the responsiveness to rPMS according to the type of pain. Results: The average pain scores significantly decreased after the 2-week rPMS treatment in all enrolled subjects (p＜0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in pain reduction between groups divided by PainDETECT questionnaire. Conclusion This study suggests that rPMS could safely relieve various types of pain.

Objective: Recent studies have shown that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) reduces pain in various conditions. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of rPMS depending on the pain characteristics. Method: Adult patients aged 19∼85 years evaluated at our institution between September 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018 for subacute to chronic musculoskeletal pain equivalent to a numeric rating scale of 3 or higher for at least one month were enrolled. Pain scores as determined using a numeric rating scale at baseline and at the end of treatment were set as the primary outcome. Additionally, we classified the pain into nociceptive, intermediate, or neuropathic pain using the PainDETECT questionnaire and compared the responsiveness to rPMS according to the type of pain. Results: The average pain scores significantly decreased after the 2-week rPMS treatment in all enrolled subjects (p＜0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in pain reduction between groups divided by PainDETECT questionnaire. Conclusion This study suggests that rPMS could safely relieve various types of pain.

Objective: To determine the relationship between line bisection test (LBT) performance time and prognosis of hemispatial neglect (HSN) in stroke patients. Methods: Data on stroke patients with HSN were prospectively collected. After patient recruitment and eligibility screening, the LBT, Motor-Free Visual Perception Test 3rd edition, and Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination were performed at the time of admission and 4 weeks thereafter. The LBT performance time was also measured. All patients received conventional rehabilitation for 4 weeks. Based on the improvements in their LBT grades, the patients were divided into improved and non-improved groups. The evaluation results of the two groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U-tests and logistic regression was performed to predict the independence of each outcome. Results: In total, 26 stroke patients with HSN were included, with 13 patients in each group. Significant differences were observed in the baseline LBT performance times between the improved and non-improved groups (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed associations between HSN prognosis, and baseline LBT performance time (odds ratio=0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.00; p<0.05) and baseline Motor-Free Visual Perception Test 3rd edition (odds ratio=1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.43; p<0.05). Conclusion A significant relationship was observed between the baseline LBT performance time and HSN prognosis.

The KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) was developed to investigate various clinical courses and risk factors for progression of Korean chronic kidney disease (CKD). The KNOW-CKD study consists of nine clinical centers in Korea, and patients aged between 20 and 75 years with CKD from stage 1 to 5 (predialysis) were recruited. At baseline, blood and urine samples were obtained and demographic data including comorbidities, drugs, quality of life, and health behaviors were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-calibrated serum creatinine measured at a central laboratory. As a dynamic cohort, a total of 2,341 patients were enrolled during the enrollment period from 2011 until 2015, among whom 2,238 subjects were finally analyzed for baseline profiles. The mean age of the cohort was 53.7 ± 12.2 year and 61.2% were men. Mean eGFR was 50.5 ± 30.3 mL/min/1.73 m². The participants with lower eGFR had a tendency to be older, with more comorbidities, to have higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and pulse pressure, with lower income level and education attainment. The patients categorized as glomerulonephritis (GN) were 36.2% followed by diabetic nephropathy (DN, 23.2%), hypertensive nephropathy (HTN, 18.3%), polycystic kidney disease (PKD, 16.3%), and other unclassified disease (6.1%). The KNOW-CKD participants will be longitudinally followed for 10 years. The study will provide better understanding for physicians regarding clinical outcomes, especially renal and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients.
Blood Pressure ; Cohort Studies* ; Comorbidity ; Creatinine ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Diet ; Education ; Epidemiology ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Glomerulonephritis ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Spectrometry ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases ; Quality of Life ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: Recent studies have reported that loss of bone mass is associated with renal function decline and increased fracture risks in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the best estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation to detect osteopenia in CKD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, and 780 patients aged 50 years or above were classified into normal bone mass or osteopenia groups according to the -1.0 of T-scores at total hip and femur neck. Comparisons of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) were performed to investigate significant differences among three eGFR formulas: Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration (EPI) creatinine, and CKD-EPI cystatin C (CKD-EPI-Cys). RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years old and the proportion of females was 37.3%. The total hip osteopenia group showed lower CKD-EPI-Cys eGFR levels (osteopenia group, 33.3±19.0 mL/min/1.73 m²; normal group, 48.1±26.2 mL/min/1.73 m², p<0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, CKD-EPI-Cys eGFR was independently associated with osteopenia at the total hip (per 1 mL/min/1.73 m² increase, odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.97–0.99, p=0.004) after adjusting for confounding variables. ROC curve analyses indicated that CKD-EPI-Cys shows the largest AUC for osteopenia at the total hip (AUC=0.678, all p<0.01) and the femur neck (AUC=0.665, all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Decreased renal function assessed by CKD-EPI-Cys equation correlates with osteopenia better than creatinine-based methods in CKD patients, and the CKD-EPI-Cys formula might be a useful tool to assess skeletal-related event risks.
Area Under Curve ; Bone Diseases ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic* ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Cooperative Behavior ; Creatinine* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Cystatin C* ; Diet ; Female ; Femur Neck ; Glomerular Filtration Rate* ; Hip ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Odds Ratio ; Renal Insufficiency ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; ROC Curve

BACKGROUND: Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, is associated with iron metabolism imbalance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, serum hepcidin level in anemic patients with CKD presents a contradictory picture. We investigated the relationship between serum hepcidin-25 level and iron parameters in patients with CKD. METHODS: We defined and categorized patients with CKD according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines. We analyzed the relationship between serum hepcidin-25 level and iron parameters [serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unbound iron-binding capacity (UIBC), transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels] according to the CKD stage and clinical and laboratory characteristics. RESULTS: Hb level, TIBC, and UIBC decreased and ferritin level increased (Ptrend<0.001) (stage 1-2, 28; stage 3, 40; stage 4, 36; stage 5, 42) as the CKD stage progressed. Serum hepcidin-25 level showed no significant trend with the progressing CKD stage [stage 1-2, 13.7 (3.7-25.0) ng/mL; stage 3, 14.0 (0.8-26.5) ng/mL; stage 4, 13.9 (2.0-32.1) ng/mL; stage 5, 13.8 (0.5-42.4) ng/mL; Ptrend=0.618]. No significant relationship was noted between serum hepcidin-25 level and kidney function parameters, Hb levels, or iron parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum hepcidin-25 level was not found to be associated with iron parameters or clinical status of CKD patients in our study. Determination of hepcidin-25 levels may not provide more information than conventional iron parameters in monitoring iron metabolism in CKD patients. However, further studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of hepcidin measurement in CKD patients.
Anemia ; Ferritins ; Hepcidins* ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Iron* ; Kidney ; Kidney Diseases ; Metabolism ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; Transferrin