Modern lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia: implications for the tuberculosis control programe

Background

The genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is important to have unique insights into the dissemination dynamics and evolutionary genetics of this pathogen and for TB control as it allows the detection of suspected outbreaks and the tracing of transmission chains.

Objective

To characterize M. tuberculois isolates collected from newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients in Addis Ababa

Methods

One hundred and ninety two sputum samples were cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) slants and isolates were heat killed for molecular genotyping. The isolates were characterized using spoligotyping and were compared with the International SpoIDB4 database.

Result

T genotype constitutes the most predominant in our study (95, 49.5%) followed by the CAS genotype (42, 21.9%). Other genotypes found were Haarlem (H) (24, 12.5%), the LAM (3, 1.5%), the Beijing genotype (1, 0.5%); four (2.1%) isolates were designated as Unknown.

Conclusion

All the isolates belong to the modern lineage and there is high clustering in the genotype of isolates which indicated the presence of recent TB transmission. Therefore, the Tuberculosis Control Programme needs to do more in advocating and strengthening the health system for early detection and treatment of active TB cases as delay in treatment is the key factor in disease transmission.     

Multidisciplinary Team Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the clinical usefulness of decision making by a multidisciplinary heart team for identifying potential candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Materials and Methods

The multidisciplinary team consisted of two interventional cardiologists, two cardiovascular surgeons, one cardiac imaging specialist, and two cardiac anesthesiologists.

Results

Out of 60 patients who were screened as potential TAVI candidates, 31 patients were initially recommended as appropriate for TAVI, and 20 of these 31 eventually underwent TAVI. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 17 patients received only medical treatment. Patients who underwent TAVI and medical therapy were older than those who underwent surgical AVR (p<0.001). The logistic Euroscore was significantly highest in the TAVI group and lowest in the surgical AVR group (p=0.012). Most patients in the TAVI group (90%) and the surgical AVR group (91%) had severe cardiac symptoms, but only 47% in the medical therapy group had severe symptoms. The cumulative percentages of survival without re-hospitalization or all-cause death at 6 months for the surgical AVR, TAVI, and medical therapy groups were 84%, 75%, and 28%, respectively (p=0.007, by log-rank).

Conclusion

TAVI was recommended in half of the potential candidates following a multidisciplinary team approach and was eventually performed in one-third of these patients. One-third of the patients who were initially considered potential candidates received surgical AVR with favorable clinical outcomes.     

Risk factors for early treatment discontinuation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

INTRODUCTION:

In obsessive-compulsive disorder, early treatment discontinuation can hamper the effectiveness of first-line treatments.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical correlates of early treatment discontinuation among obsessive-compulsive disorder patients.

METHODS:

A group of patients who stopped taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or stopped participating in cognitive behavioral therapy before completion of the first twelve weeks (total n = 41; n = 16 for cognitive behavioral therapy and n = 25 for SSRIs) were compared with a paired sample of compliant patients (n = 41). Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained at baseline using structured clinical interviews. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used when indicated. Variables presenting a p value <0.15 for the difference between groups were selected for inclusion in a logistic regression analysis that used an interaction model with treatment dropout as the response variable.

RESULTS:

Agoraphobia was only present in one (2.4%) patient who completed the twelve-week therapy, whereas it was present in six (15.0%) patients who dropped out (p = 0.044). Social phobia was present in eight (19.5%) patients who completed the twelve-week therapy and eighteen (45%) patients who dropped out (p = 0.014). Generalized anxiety disorder was present in eight (19.5%) patients who completed the twelve-week therapy and twenty (50%) dropouts (p = 0.004), and somatization disorder was not present in any of the patients who completed the twelve-week therapy; however, it was present in six (15%) dropouts (p = 0.010). According to the logistic regression model, treatment modality (p = 0.05), agoraphobia, the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale scores (p = 0.03) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.02) scores were significantly associated with the probability of treatment discontinuation irrespective of interactions with other variables.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Early treatment discontinuation is a common phenomenon in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients from our therapeutic setting. Psychiatric comorbidities were associated with discontinuation rates of specific treatments. Future studies might use this information to improve management for increased compliance and treatment effectiveness.     

Analysis of Dysphagia Patterns Using a Modified Barium Swallowing Test Following Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to evaluate specific dysphagia patterns and to identify the factors affecting dysphagia, especially aspiration, following treatment of head and neck cancer.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 57 patients was performed. Dysphagia was evaluated using a modified barium swallow (MBS) test. The MBS results were rated on the 8-point penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) and swallowing performance status (SPS) score.

Results

Reduced base of the tongue (BOT) retraction (64.9%), reduced laryngeal elevation (57.9%), and cricopharyngeus (CP) dysfunction (47.4%) were found. Reduced BOT retraction was correlated with clinical stage (p=0.011) and treatment modality (p=0.001). Aspiration in 42.1% and penetration in 33.3% of patients were observed. Twenty-four patients had PAS values over 6, implying aspiration. Forty-one patients had a SPS score of more than 3, 25 patients had a score greater than 5, and 13 patients had a SPS score of more than 7. Aspiration was found more often in patients with penetration (p=0.002) and in older patients (p=0.026). In older patients, abnormal swallowing caused aspiration even in those with a SPS score of more than 3, irrespective of stage or treatment, contrary to younger patients. Tube feeders (n=20) exhibited older age (65.0%), dysphagia/aspiration related structures (DARS) primaries (75.0%), higher stage disease (66.7%), and a history of radiotherapy (68.8%).

Conclusion

Reduced BOT retraction was the most common dysphagia pattern and was correlated with clinical stage and treatment regimens including radiotherapy. Aspiration was more frequent in patients who had penetration and in older patients. In contrast to younger patients, older patients showed greater risk of aspiration even with a single abnormal swallowing irrespective of stage or treatment.     

Development of a Quantitative Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting the MPT64 Antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Purpose

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease and is responsible for two million deaths annually. For the identification and quantitation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), a causative agent of TB, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against the MPT64 protein of M. tuberculosis, an antigen marker of the M. tuberculosis complex, was developed.

Materials and Methods

The MPT64 protein was expressed, and anti-MPT64 monoclonal antibodies were prepared. A sandwich ELISA was established using recombinant MPT64 protein and anti-MPT64 monoclonal antibodies. The sandwich MPT64 ELISA was evaluated using reference and clinical mycobacterial strains.

Results

The sandwich MPT64 ELISA detected MPT64 protein from 2.1 ng/mL to 250 ng/mL (equivalent to 1.7×10⁴ CFU/mL and 2.0×10⁶ CFU/mL). All 389 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates tested positive in the sandwich MPT64 ELISA (sensitivity, 100%), and the assay showed no cross reactivity to any tested nontuberculous mycobacterial strain (specificity, 100%).

Conclusion

The sandwich MPT64 ELISA is a highly sensitive and quantitative test for MPT64 protein, which can identify M. tuberculosis.     

Endovascular Repair versus Open Repair for Isolated Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with those of open repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA).

Materials and Methods

We compared the outcomes of 114 patients with DTAA and proximal landing zones 3 or 4 after TEVAR to those of 53 patients after conventional open repairs. Thirty-day and late mortality were the primary endpoints, and early morbidities, aneurysm-related death, and re-intervention were the secondary endpoints.

Results

The TEVAR group was older and had more incidences of dissecting aneurysm. The mean follow-up was 36±26 months (follow-up rate, 97.8%). The 30-day mortality in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 3.5% and 9.4% (p=0.11). Perioperative stroke and paraplegia incidences were similar between the groups [5.3% vs. 7.5% (p=0.56) and 7.5% vs. 3.5% (p=0.26), respectively]. Respiratory failure occurred more in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 26.4%, p<0.01). The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was higher in the open repair group (1.8% vs. 9.4%, p<0.01). The cumulative survival rate was higher in the TEVAR group at 2 to 5 years (79.6% vs. 58.3%, p=0.03). The free from re-intervention was lower in the TEVAR group (65.3% vs. 100%, p=0.02), and the free from aneurysm-related death in the TEVAR and open repair groups were 88.5% and 86.1% (p=0.45).

Conclusion

TEVAR is safe and effective for treating DTAAs with improved perioperative and long-term outcomes compared with open repair.     

Genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mbarara, South Western Uganda

Background

We determined the genetic diversity of mycobacteria isolated from tuberculosis patients in Mbarara Uganda, using region of difference (RD) analysis and spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping).

Methods

Sputum samples were cultured on Lowenstein Jensen media. The isolates were characterized using RD analysis and spoligotyping.

Results

The majority (92.8%) of the patients were new cases, 60% were males and 44% were HIV positive with a mean age of 33.7 years. All the 125 isolates were identified as M.tuberculosis sensu stricto. Most (92.8%) of the isolates were modern strains. Spoligotyping revealed 79 spoligotype patterns, with an overall diversity of 63.2%. Sixty (48%) isolates formed 16 clusters each consisting of 2–15 isolates. Mst (59.2 %) of the isolates were Uganda genotype strains. The major shared spoligotypes in our sample were SIT 135 (T2-Uganda) with 12 isolates and SIT 128 (T2) with 5 isolates. Sixty nine (87%) patterns had not yet been defined in the SpolDB4.0.database.

Conclusion

The TB epidemic in Mbarara is caused mainly by modern M.tuberculosis strains of the Uganda genotype. The wide diversity of strains may indicate that the majority of the TB cases are reactivation rather than re-infection. However this needs to be ascertained with more discriminative finger printing techniques.     

Comparison of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Community-Acquired and Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia

Purpose

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is recognized as an important cause of not only healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) but also community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We determined the impact of MRSA on differences in clinical characteristics, courses, and outcomes between CAP and HCAP.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study on 78 adult patients admitted with MRSA pneumonia at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between January 2008 and December 2011. We compared baseline characteristics, chest radiographs, treatment outcomes, and drug resistance patterns between the CAP and HCAP groups.

Results

Of the 78 patients with MRSA pneumonia, 57 (73.1%) were HCAP and 21 (26.9%) were CAP. MRSA infection history in the previous year (29.8% vs. 14.3%, p=0.244) tended to be more common in HCAP than in CAP. Despite similar Pneumonia Severity Index scores (151 in CAP vs. 142 in HCAP), intubation rates (38.1% vs. 17.5%; p=0.072) and intensive care unit admission (42.9% vs. 22.8%; p=0.095) tended to be higher in the CAP group, while 28-day mortality was higher in the HCAP group (14.3% vs. 26.3%; p=0.368), although without statistical significance. All patients showed sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid; meanwhile, HCAP patients showed greater resistance to gentamicin than CAP patients (58.3% vs. 16.6%; p=0.037). The median total hospital charges were 6899 American dollars for CAP and 5715 American dollars for HCAP (p=0.161).

Conclusion

MRSA pneumonia showed significantly differences in baseline characteristics, chest radiographs, treatment outcomes, and medical expenses between HCAP and CAP groups.     

Clinical Characteristics and Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose

Studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the clinical characteristics and prognostic impact of DM in patients with nonvalvular AF have not been well understood in China.

Materials and Methods

Included were 1644 consecutive patients with nonvalvular AF. Endpoints included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, major bleeding, and combined endpoint events (CEE) during a 1-year follow-up.

Results

The prevalence of DM was 16.8% in nonvalvular AF patients. Compared with non-diabetic AF patients, diabetic AF patients were older and tended to coexist with other cardiovascular diseases. Most patients with DM (93.5%) were eligible for anticoagulation, as determined by CHADS₂ scores. However, only 11.2% of patients received anticoagulation. During a 1-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality and CEE rate in the DM group were significantly higher than those of the non-DM group, while the incidence of stroke was comparable. After multivariate adjustments, DM was still an independent risk factor for 1-year all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR)=1.558; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.126-2.156; p=0.007], cardiovascular mortality (HR=1.615; 95% CI 1.052-2.479; p=0.028), and CEE (HR=1.523; 95% CI 1.098-2.112; p=0.012), yet not for stroke (HR=1.119; 95% CI 0.724-1.728; p=0.614).

Conclusion

DM is a common morbidity coexisting with nonvalvular AF and is associated with an increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and CEE. However, no increased risk of stroke was found during a 1-year follow-up in patients with AF and DM.     

Comparison of coronary artery bypass grafting with percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main coronary artery disease

Purpose

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the optimal treatment option for left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). However, LMCAD remains a constant topic of discussion between cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of LMCAD treatments by comparing the mid-term outcomes of CABG and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using bare metal stents or drug-eluting stents (DESs).

Materials and Methods

The study population was comprised of 199 consecutive patients admitted with unprotected LMCAD. All of the patients were assigned to PCI (88 patients) or CABG (111 patients). The primary clinical end point indicated death, stroke of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Results

Patients assigned to PCI were at higher operative risk than patients scheduled for CABG (6.49±4.09 vs. 4.81±2.67, p=0.0032). Comparison of the group that received DESs with the CABG group did not reveal any differences in major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE) occurrence (21% vs. 16%, p=NS). Patients in the CABG and PCI groups died with similar frequency (11% vs. 16%, p=NS). The mortality rate in the CABG group was higher than among those treated with DES (11% vs. 3%, p=0.049). The rate of ACS was higher in the PCI group than in the CABG group (13% vs. 4%, p=0.016).

Conclusion

Despite the fact that patients treated with PCI were at higher operative risk, PCI with DES was shown to be comparable to CABG in terms of mortality, stroke and ACS. However, the frequency of repeat revascularizations remains a constant concern with PCI.     

Charlson Comorbidity Index Is an Important Prognostic Factor for Long-Term Survival Outcomes in Korean Men with Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose

To analyze overall survival (OS), prostate cancer (PCa)-specific survival (PCaSS), and non-PCaSS according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa.

Materials and Methods

Data from 336 patients who had RP for PCa between 1992 and 2005 were analyzed. Data included age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, clinical stage, and pathologic stage. Pre-existing comorbidities were evaluated by the CCI, and patients were classified into two CCI score categories (0, ≥1).

Results

The mean age of patients was 64.31±6.12 years. The median PSA value (interquartile range, IQR) was 11.30 (7.35 and 21.02) ng/mL with a median follow-up period (IQR) of 96.0 (85.0 and 121.0) months. The mean CCI was 0.28 (0-4). Five-year OS, PCaSS, and non-PCaSS were 91.7%, 96.3%, and 95.2%, respectively. Ten-year OS, PCaSS, and non-PCaSS were 81.9%, 92.1%, and 88.9%, respectively. The CCI had a significant influence on OS (p=0.022) and non-PCaSS (p=0.008), but not on PCaSS (p=0.681), by log-rank test. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, OS was independently associated with the CCI [hazard ratio (HR)=1.907, p=0.025] and Gleason score (HR=2.656, p<0.001). PCaSS was independently associated with pathologic N stage (HR=2.857, p=0.031), pathologic T stage (HR=3.775, p=0.041), and Gleason score (HR=4.308, p=0.001). Non-PCaSS had a significant association only with the CCI (HR=2.540, p=0.009).

Conclusion

The CCI was independently associated with both OS and non-PCaSS after RP, but the CCI had no impact on PCaSS. The comorbidities of a patient should be considered before selecting RP as a curative modality for PCa.     

Outcomes of Hemodialysis in Children: A 35-Year Experience at Severance Hospital

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the results of children treated with hemodialysis (HD) at Severance Hospital over 35 years in terms of incidence, etiologies, characteristics, complications, and clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 46 children admitted to Severance Hospital who had undergone HD between January 1979 and December 2013.

Results

The main etiologies of the 23 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who had received HD were chronic glomerulonephritis (7 patients, 30.4%) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (7 patients, 30.4%), whereas the etiology of the 23 acute kidney injury (AKI) patients was hemolytic uremic syndrome (6 patients, 26.1%). Compared with ESRD patients, hemocatheter placement in the femoral vein was preferred over the subclavian or internal jugular vein in the AKI patients (p=0.012). The most common complication was catheter related complication (10 patients, 21.7%). The site of hemocatheter insertion was not related to the frequency of oozing. Placing the hemocatheter in the femoral vein resulted in significantly more events of catheter obstruction than insertion in the internal jugular vein or the subclavian vein (p=0.001). Disequilibrium syndrome occurred more frequently in older patients (p=0.004), as well as patients with a greater body weight (p=0.008) and a higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure before HD (systolic: p=0.021; diastolic: p=0.040).

Conclusion

Based on the 35 years of experience in our center, HD can be sufficiently and safely carried out even in children without significant complications.     

The difference in clinical presentations between healthcare-associated and community-acquired pneumonia in university-affiliated hospital in Korea

Purpose

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) has been proposed as a new category of pneumonia. However, epidemiological studies for HCAP in South Korea are limited. This study aimed to reveal the differences between HCAP and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), especially in elderly patients, in university-affiliated hospital in South Korea.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with HCAP and CAP (older than 60 years old) who were hospitalized between January 2007 and December 2008. We compared the baseline characteristics, comorbidities, severity, pathogen distribution, antibiotics, and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 210 patients were evaluated, including 35 patients with HCAP (17%) and 175 with CAP (83%). The most common causative organism was Streptococcus pneumoniae in CAP (33.3%), whereas, Staphylococcus aureus was most common pathogen in HCAP (40.0%). Initial inappropriate antibiotics (6.3% vs. 22.9%; p < 0.005) and initial treatment failure (15.4% vs. 31.4%; p = 0.018) were more frequent in HCAP than CAP. However, mortality (11.4% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.369) was not different between the two groups.

Conclusion

The present study provides additional evidence that HCAP should be distinguished from CAP, even in elderly patients, in South Korea. Physicians should consider S. aureus and MDR pathogens in selecting initial empirical antibiotics of HCAP in South Korea.     

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of colorectal cancer in renal transplant recipients in Korea

Purpose

Transplant recipients in Asia appear to be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was performed to identify the clinicopathological features and oncologic outcomes of CRC in post-renal transplants in Korea.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 17 patients with CRC out of 2,630 recipients who underwent renal transplantation between 1994 and 2007. These patients (transplant group) were compared with general CRC patients (n=170, control group) matched, based on the closest date of surgery to the transplant group.

Results

During 29.7 months of the median follow-up period, the recurrent and survival rates from recurrence were worse in the transplant group than in the control group (35.2% versus 15.2%; p=0.048 and p=0.025). The 2-year patient survival rate of the transplant group was significantly worse than the control group in advanced cancer (stages III-IV; 45.7% versus 71.6%; p=0.023). In early cancer (stages 0-I), there was no significant difference in 5-year patient survival rate between the two groups (100% versus 92.6%, respectively; p=0.406).

Conclusion

In spite of a poor prognosis of advanced CRC in the transplant group, the early stage CRC of the transplant group showed a comparable oncologic outcome compared with the control group. Regular screening and early detection of CRC are essential in the post-transplant setting.     

The Modified Glasgow Prognostic Scores as a Predictor in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Treated with R-CHOP Regimen

Purpose

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) consisting of serum C-reactive protein and albumin levels, shows significant prognostic value in several types of tumors. We evaluated the prognostic significance of mGPS in 285 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), retrospectively.

Materials and Methods

According to mGPS classification, 204 patients (71.5%) had an mGPS of 0, 57 (20%) had an mGPS of 1, and 24 (8.5%) had an mGPS of 2.

Results

Our study found that high mGPS were associated with poor prognostic factors including older age, extranodal involvement, advanced disease stage, unfavorable International Prognostic Index scores, and the presence of B symptoms. The complete response (CR) rate after 3 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy was higher in patients with mGPS of 0 (53.8%) compared to those with mGPS of 1 (33.3%) or 2 (25.0%) (p=0.001). Patients with mGPS of 0 had significantly better overall survival (OS) than those with mGPS=1 and those with mGPS=2 (p=0.036). Multivariate analyses revealed that the GPS score was a prognostic factor for the CR rate of 3 cycle R-CHOP therapy (p=0.044) as well as OS (p=0.037).

Conclusion

mGPS can be considered a potential prognostic factor that may predict early responses to R-CHOP therapy in DLBCL patients.     

Dexmedetomidine for the prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on shivering during spinal anesthesia.

METHODS:

Sixty patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged 18-50 years), scheduled for elective minor surgical operations under spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine, were enrolled. They were administered saline (group C, n = 30) or dexmedetomidine (group D, n = 30). Motor block was assessed using a Modified Bromage Scale. The presence of shivering was assessed by a blinded observer after the completion of subarachnoid drug injection.

RESULTS:

Hypothermia was observed in 21 patients (70%) in group D and in 20 patients (66.7%) in group C (p = 0.781). Three patients (10%) in group D and 17 patients (56.7%) in group C experienced shivering (p = 0.001). The intensity of shivering was lower in group D than in group C (p = 0.001). Time from baseline to onset of shivering was 10 (5-15) min in group D and 15 (5-45) min in group C (p = 0.207).

CONCLUSION:

Dexmedetomidine infusion in the perioperative period significantly reduced shivering associated with spinal anesthesia during minor surgical procedures without any major adverse effect during the perioperative period. Therefore, we conclude that dexmedetomidine infusion is an effective drug for preventing shivering and providing sedation in patients during spinal anesthesia.     

Randomized trial - oxybutynin for treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis in women after sympathectomy

OBJECTIVE:

Hyperhidrosis is a common disease, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy improves its symptoms in up to 95% of cases. Unfortunately, after surgery, plantar hyperhidrosis may remain in 50% of patients, and compensatory sweating may be observed in 70%. This clinical scenario remains a challenge. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxybutynin in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis and compensatory sweating and its effects on quality of life in women after thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

METHOD:

We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the effects of oxybutynin at 10 mg daily and placebo in women with persistent plantar hyperhidrosis. The assessment was performed using a quality-of-life questionnaire for hyperhidrosis and sweating measurement with a device for quantifying transepidermal water loss. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01328015.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients were included in each group (placebo and oxybutynin). There were no significant differences between the groups prior to treatment. After oxybutynin treatment, there was a decrease in symptoms and clinical improvement based on the quality-of-life questionnaire (before treatment, 40.4 vs. after treatment, 17.5; p = 0.001). The placebo group showed modest improvement (p = 0.09). The outcomes of the transepidermal water loss measurements in the placebo group showed no differences (p = 0.95), whereas the oxybutynin group revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.001). The most common side effect was dry mouth (100% in the oxybutynin group vs. 43.8% in the placebo group; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Oxybutynin was effective in the treatment of persistent plantar hyperhidrosis, resulting in a better quality of life in women who had undergone thoracoscopic sympathectomy.     

Predictors of Sick Sinus Syndrome in Patients after Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter

Purpose

The identification of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) is difficult before the termination of AFL. This study investigated the patient characteristics used in predicting a high risk of SSS after AFL ablation.

Materials and Methods

Out of 339 consecutive patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation for AFL from 1991 to 2012, 27 (8%) had SSS (SSS group). We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with and without SSS (n=312, no-SSS group).

Results

The SSS group was more likely to have a lower body mass index (SSS: 22.5±3.2; no-SSS: 24.0±3.0 kg/m²; p=0.02), a history of atrial septal defects (ASD; SSS: 19%; no-SSS: 6%; p=0.01), a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG; SSS: 11%; no-SSS: 2%; p=0.002), and a longer flutter cycle length (CL; SSS: 262.3±39.2; no-SSS: 243.0±40; p=0.02) than the no-SSS group. In multivariate analysis, a history of ASD [odds ratio (OR) 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-11.4, p=0.02] and CABG (7.1, 95% CI 1.5-32.8, p=0.01) as well as longer flutter CL (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2, p=0.04) were independent risk factors for SSS.

Conclusion

A history of ASD and CABG as well as longer flutter CL increased the risk of SSS after AFL ablation. While half of the patients with SSS after AFL ablation experienced transient SSS, heart failure was associated with irreversible SSS.     

Mitochondrial DNA 4977bp Deletion Mutation in Peripheral Blood Reflects Atrial Remodeling in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose

Recently, mitochondrial DNA 4977bp deletion (mtDNA4977^-mut), a somatic mutation related to oxidative stress, has been shown to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that patient age, as well as electroanatomical characteristics of fibrillating left atrial (LA), vary depending on the presence of mtDNA4977^-mut in peripheral blood among patients with non-valvular AF.

Materials and Methods

Analyzing clinical and electroanatomical characteristics, we investigated the presence of the mtDNA4977^-mut in peripheral blood of 212 patients (51.1±13.2 years old, 83.5% male) undergoing catheter ablation for non-valvular AF, as well as 212 age-matched control subjects.

Results

The overall frequency of peripheral blood mtDNA4977^-mut in patients with AF and controls was not significantly different (24.5% vs. 19.3%, p=0.197). When the AF patient group was stratified according to age, mtDNA4977^-mut was more common (47.4% vs. 20.0%, p=0.019) in AF patients older than 65 years than their age-matched controls. Among AF patients, those with mtDNA4977^-mut were older (58.1±11.9 years old vs. 48.8±11.9 years old, p<0.001). AF patients positive for the mtDNA mutation had greater LA dimension (p=0.014), higher mitral inflow peak velocity (E)/diastolic mitral annular velocity (Em) ratio (p<0.001), as well as lower endocardial voltage (p=0.035), and slower conduction velocity (p=0.048) in the posterior LA than those without the mutation. In multivariate analysis, E/Em ratio was found to be significantly associated with the presence of mtDNA4977^-mut in peripheral blood.

Conclusion

mtDNA4977^-mut, an age-related somatic mutation detected in the peripheral blood, is associated with advanced age and electro-anatomical remodeling of the atrium in non-valvular AF.     

Clinical Significance of Serum CA-125 in Korean Females with Ascites

Purpose

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is endemic in Korea. Because tuberculous peritonitis is characterized by ascites, abdominal pain, abdominal mass and elevation of serum CA-125, it can be confused with ovarian malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of serum CA-125 level in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis and ovarian malignancy in a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-endemic area.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of patients diagnosed with tuberculous peritonitis (n=48) or epithelial ovarian malignancy (n=370) at Samsung Medical Center from January 2000 to October 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Median serum CA-125 level in the epithelial ovarian cancer group was significantly higher than that in the tuberculous peritonitis group (p≤0.01). Only one patient (2.1%) in the tuberculous peritonitis group had a serum CA-125 level over 2000 U/mL. However, 109 patients (29.5%) in the epithelial ovarian cancer group had a serum CA-125 level over 2000 U/mL. At the CA-125 ranges of 400 to 599 and 600 to 799, the proportions of those with tuberculous peritonitis were 24% and 21.9%, respectively. At a serum CA-125 level over 1000 U/mL, however, the proportion of tuberculous peritonitis was much lower (2.1%).

Conclusion

Tuberculous peritonitis should be considered in the evaluation of female patients with ascites and high serum CA-125.