Earticle

HIV 치료를 위한 강력한 항바이러스 약물요법이 널리 사용됨에 따라 HIV에 감염된 상태에서 신장질환 발생 위험성을 지닌 채 오랜 기간 생존하는 환자들이 증가하고 있다. 본 연구는 국립중앙의료원 감염병 센터를 내원한 만18세 이상의 HIV 감염 환자를 대상으로 HIV 감염 환자에게 신기능 장애를 유발하는 위험인자를 평가하고자 환자군 대조 군 연구를 후향적으로 실시하였다. 2006년 1월부터 2011년 3월까지 5년 3개월 동안 신기능이 저하된 모든 HIV 감 염 환자를 환자군으로 하며, 정상 신기능을 가진 HIV 감염 환자들 중 대조군을 무작위로 선정하여 환자군과 대조군 을 1:2의 비율로 하였다. 환자군과 대조군을 비교해 만성신질환을 유발하는 위험인자를 평가하기 위한 분석변수로 성 별, 연령, CD4+ 세포수, 혈중 바이러스 수, HAART 56일 이상 여부, 당뇨병과 C형 간염을 선정하였다. 또한 추가 적으로 개별 antiretroviral 약물들 사용과 신기능이 얼마나 관련되어 있는지 알아보기 위해 각각의 약물과 eGFR의 상관관계를 분석하였다. 환자군은 CD4+ 세포수가 <200×106 cells/l 인 군이 7.7배(OR: 7.7; 95% CI, 1.8-32.9) 단백뇨가 있는 환자의 경우 7.8배(OR: 7.8; 95% CI, 1.6-37.8) 더 유의하게 만성신질환 발생위험이 높았다. 개별 antiretroviral 약 물들과eGFR의 상관관계를 분석한 결과, lamivudine 이 eGFR 과 약한 음적 상관관계를 보이는 것으로 나타났으며(r = - .211, p < .05), 다른 약물들의 경우 통계적으로 유의한 값을 보이지 않았다. 이번 환자군-대조군 연구는 HIV 감염 환 자들이 만성 신질환으로 발전하는데 여러 인자들의 역할에 대해 평가하고자 하였다. 여러 변수들을 평가해 본 결과, 만성 신질환 환자들의 경우 CD4+ 세포수가 <200×106 cells/l 이거나 단백뇨를 동반한 경우가 통계적으로 유의하게 많았다.

Performance of coronary angiography for exact diagnosis and treatments of cardiovascular disease have been increased recently and it also brings increase of the contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) referred from increasing use of radiological contrast agents. The variation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an indicator of CIN, which is known to increase when renal function is decreased. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the affecting factors including concomitant drug on variation of eGFR of patients who underwent coronary angiography according to the conditions of renal function. Medical records of 66 patients were evaluated retrospectively and the patients underwent coronary angiography or angioplasty with nonionic and isotonic contrast media (iodixanol) at Chungnam national university hospital from 1 Jan 2008 to 30 Jul 2010. Patients group was divided into 2 groups; the patients in stages 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the patients in stage 2 CKD. Each group was researched about the effect of concomitant drug and clinical characteristics on eGFR variation. The change of eGFR was compared among baseline and 2 or 3 day after coronary angiography. In results, the eGFR variation in group over age 75 was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure ( p≤0.05). The eGFR variation in anemia was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stage 2 CKD (p > 0.05). The eGFR variation in group under HbA1c 6.5% was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p≤0.05). The eGFR variation by taking statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and nitroglycerin was increased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stage 2 CKD (p≤0.05 ). The eGFR variation by using of diuretics was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p≤0.05 ). The eGFR variation by taking statins, nitroglylcerin was increased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p > 0.05). The eGFR variation in group over contrast dosage 150 ml was significantly decreased after radiological contrast agents exposure in stages 3-4 CKD (p≤0.05 ). Threrefore, when undergoing coronary angiography, contrast dosage should be minimized less than 150 ml, and diuretics should be restricted as possible in stages 3-4 CKD. Patients over age 75 require special attention to prevent CIN, and if patients undergo coronary angiography in stages 3-4 CKD, HbA1c is also requried to maintain below 6.5% to prevent CIN.

ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline recommends for administration dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent (DES) to prevent restenosis and stent thrombosis in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recently triple antiplatelet therapy including cilostazol is known to reduce restenosis and stent thrombosis significantly after DES implantation. However, there is lack of data providing the efficacy of triple antiplatelet therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of the triple therapy after DES implantation compared with the dual therapy. This retrospective study collected data from medical charts of 251 patients who received DES implantation between Jul 2006 and Jun 2008. They received either dual antiplatelet therapy (N = 154 clopidogrel and aspirin; Dual group) or triple antiplatelet therapy (N = 97 cliostazol, clopidogrel and aspirin; Triple group). Major adverse cardiac event rates (MACE, included total death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization) at 12 months, 24 months, stent thrombosis, rates of bleeding complications and adverse drug reactions were compared between these two groups. Compared with the dual group, the triple group had a similar incidence of the MACE rates at 24months (12.3% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.99). There is no difference in overall stent thrombosis between two groups (Dual group 2.6% vs. Triple group 4.1%, p = 0.5). Subgroup analysis showed that diabetic patients got more benefit in reducing MACE rates but, there is no statistical difference. Bleeding complications and adverse drug effects were not different significantly. As compared with dual antiplatelet therapy, triple antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the 12-months, 24-months MACE rates and stent thrombosis. Bleeding complications and adverse drug effects were not different.

거대세포바이러스(Cytomegalovirus; CMV) 감염은 동종조혈모세포이식 환자의 주요 사망원인 중 하나이다. 용량감 소 전처치(Reduced-intensity conditioning; RIC)를 이용한 조혈모세포이식은 골수억제전처치(Myeloablative conditioning; MAC)에 비해 골수억제 및 면역억제가 적으므로 CMV 감염 발생율을 감소시킬 것이라 예상되었으나 예방적 면역억 제요법, T세포 제거 약제의 사용 등으로 서로 상이한 결과가 보고되고 있다. 2007년 1월부터 2009년 12월까지 총 141명의 환자(MAC 113명, RIC 28명)가 동종조혈모세포이식을 받았으며, CMV 감염은 MAC 62.8%, RIC 57.1% (p = 0.310), CMV 질환은 각각 12.4%, 14.3% (p = 0.785)에서 발생하였다. CMV 감염/질환 발생빈도와 CMV 항원 혈증검사 지속기간, 초기/최고치, 생존율은 두 군간 유의한 차이가 없었다. CMV 감염 위험인자에 대한 다변량분석 결과, 환자가 고령일수록(HR 1.024, 95% CI 1.002-1.045; p = 0.031) 또는 grade 2 이상의 급성 이식편대숙주병이 발생한 경우에(HR 1.849, 95% CI 1.031-3.315; p=0.039) CMV 감염 발생 위험율이 유의하게 높았다. 결론적으로, 전처치요법 강도에 따른 CMV 감염의 발생빈도와 발현양상의 차이는 없었으나, 고령이거나 grade 2 이상의 급성 이 식편대숙주병이 발생한 환자의 경우 CMV 감염 발생과 유의한 연관성을 보였다. 이상과 같은 결과에 비춰 봐서 CMV 질환이 대부분 이식 100일 이후에 발생한 점을 고려할 때, 이식 후 CMV 감염 발생 시 ganciclovir 선제요 법과 함께 이들 환자들에게 지속적인 모니터링을 실시하는 것이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Objective: This study evaluated and compared the adherence to the CONSORT for quality of reports on the randomized controlled trials (RCT) abstracts by four major Korean Science Citation Index (SCI) journals and The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Methods: A descriptive analysis of published RCT abstracts in Korean SCI journals and NEJM from 2007/01 to 2011/06 was conducted by two reviewers, independently extracting data from a PubMed search. A modification of CONSORT for abstract was used including 16 checklist items. Reporting of checklist items for individual group was conducted to compare adherence patterns between two groups. Results: We identified the potential 57 RCT abstracts from Korean SCI and 50 from NEJM meeting our inclusion criteria; among them, three abstracts from Korean SCI and one from NEJM were excluded. Among total 16 checklist items based on CONSORT statement, Korean SCI journals and NEJM were statistically equivalent in 4 items; Korean journals were better in three items and NEJM were in nine. The methodological quality domains were inadequately reported in both journals: allocation concealment about 1.9% and 4.0%, and blinding 44.4% and 40.8%. In general, The CONSORT adherence of NEJM was better than that of Korean SCI in the method and result domain (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The quality of NEJM reporting of RCT abstracts was better than that of Korean SCI, in general. This study on adherence of RCT reports from Korean SCI journals and NEJM abstracts to the CONSORT statement reveals that there is a need for improvement, especially Korean SCI. Further investigation on the quality of RCT reports and ways to improve reporting quality is required.

Background & Purpose: It is well known that Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) is induced by atypical antipsychotic agents less frequently than by typical antipsychotic agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in rates of the use of antiparkinson agent, most commonly prescribed for the management of EPS, between patients with atypical agents and those with typical agents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a retrospective way with the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of the 312 patients for whom the Antipsychotics were prescribed by the Psychiatry Department of the Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, from January of 2005 to February of 2011. They received either typical agents (N=15) or atypical agents (N=297) and those 2 groups were compared in terms of antiparkinson agent use. Also, we assessed the difference between individual atypical antipsychotic agents regarding antiparkinson agent use. Results: There was no significant difference in the rates of antiparkinson agent use between the two groups (the typical agent 13.33% vs. the atypical agent 9.76%, p = 0.6512). Meanwhile, the rates of antiparkinson agent use with aripiprazole versus quetiapine (aripirazole 25% vs. quetiapine 3.57%, p = 0.003) were significantly different, Also the rates of antiparkinson agent use with aripiprazole versus risperidone (aripiprazole 25% vs. risperidone 9.52%, p = 0.0216) had a statistical meaning. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the rates of antiparkinson agent use between patients with atypical agents and those with typical agents. However the rate of antiparkinson agent use was significantly lower with aripiprazole compared with quetiapine or risperidone.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore changes in pharmacists’ perceptions of preceptorship in the experiential education and to evaluate the educational effects of a preceptor orientation program. Methods: Code-matched preand post-surveys were conducted for Pharmacists who participated in a preceptor orientation program designed by the Pusan National University (PNU) College of Pharmacy in May and December, 2011. A total of 50 sets of survey responses were analyzed. Results: After a 2-day course of 8-hour preceptor orientation workshop scheduled 1 week apart, the number of respondents who became fully aware and understand toward goals and vision of 6-year pharmacy education was increased from 52% to 96%. The orientation program also improved the understanding of pharmacists on preceptor’s roles and functions, and the number of respondents who reported that their perceptions of preceptorship were changed positively was increased by 40%. In addition, the data demonstrated that the preceptor orientation program improved the overall perceived self-assessed competence of participants as a preceptor by 12.9 points (from 51.76 to 64.66 points, p = 0.0001). Most of the participants agreed the preceptor orientation program was beneficial and ongoing training and education for preceptor development is necessary. Conclusion: This study identified the perceptions of pharmacists on 6-year pharmacy education and preceptorship in the experiential education. Findings from the survey demonstrated that the preceptor orientation program of the PNU College of Pharmacy was effective to improve pharmacist’s competence as a preceptor. This study was a good start in identifying areas where preceptor development is needed, and provides insights into the development and implementation of preceptor orientation programs. In the future, more rigorous research is needed to explore long-term effects of preceptor orientation program and the outcomes of preceptor education in the improvement of the quality of experiential education.

Licorice is a very useful herbal medicine frequently prescribed, but glycyrrhizin, one of its components, can cause pseudoaldosteronism presenting hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypertension as a result of prolonging a biological half-life of systemic steroid by strongly inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. The risk factors for this side effect are still unclear. Here, 479 hospitalized patients taking herbal medicines including licorice for more than five days were recruited to analyze their serum potassium levels, under following parameters ; age and gender of patient, dose and period of licorice, disease state such as hypertension and with or without diuretics. They were divided into the non-occurrence group (over 3.5 mEq/L) and the occurrence group (under 3.5 mEq/L) of hypokalemia based on serum potassium levels during hospitalization. The average ages of the non-occurrence group and the occurrence group were 52.6±17.8 and 68±10.5, respectively (p < 0.001). But there were no noticeable differences in the daily dose of licorice, days of taking, and total dose between groups. Regression analysis showed that odd ratio of age (>60) and taking diuretics inducing hypokalemia was 3.5 (95%CI 1.5-8.1), 4.6 (95%CI 2.0-10.9) that indicates significant correlation with hypokalemia. Based upon this analysis, it is imperative to monitor regularly the risk of pseudoaldosteronism or hypokalemia not only when administered licorice of high dose for long period but also when combined it with diuretics causing hypokalemia to the elderly patients over 60 year old.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of urea, a new potential diagnosis reagent of Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: Considering the mechanism of urea breath test, we determined the excretion of urea in expired air after its oral administration in rats and beagle dogs at the dose of 2 mg/kg (including 50 mCi/mmol 14C-urea 50 μCi/kg for rats and 13.5 μCi/kg for dogs). Results: Urea was rapidly disappeared from the blood circulation by 1 hr after its i.v. bolus injection, followed by a slow disappearance by 24 hr. The half-lives at the distributive phase (t1/2α) and post-distributive phase (t1/2β) were 2 min and 6 hr, respectively. The bioavailability of urea was 64.3% after its oral administration. The values of the volume of distribution (Vdss) and the total body clearance (CLt) after the oral administration were compatible with those after i.v. administration. The recovery of urea in the bile was about 0.1% of the dose by 24 hr after its oral administration. Urea was extensively eliminated in the urine by 48 hr. The recovery ratios of urea in the urine and expired air were about 86.8% and 2.99% of the dose by 48 hr, respectively. Moreover, urea was mostly distributed from the blood circulation to the kidney, followed by being eliminated in the urine without metabolism. The concentration of urea in the kidney was 4.0 times higher than that of plasma at 40 min after its oral administration. Conclusions: These findings indicated that oral route appears to be available for the administration of urea. Orally administered urea, thus, was considered to be useful for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Different studies have been conducted regarding caffeine as psychostimulant drugs and its effects as well as determination in various materials. Since, coffee and tea are most drinkable beverage in the world and their major constituent is caffeine. So, analysis of the effect of equal amount of caffeine in coffee and tea with respect to SD rats was studied. The present methodology was purposed to determine and validate caffeine amount in different brands of coffee and tea, and canvass locomotor and behavioral patterns of SD rats after administrating coffee and tea orally consisting of same amount of caffeine (10, 30 mg/kg). Determination of caffeine in different brands of coffee and tea and validation of caffeine were evaluated using HPLC. Depending upon different brands of tea and coffee, caffeine amount was altered. Meanwhile, amount of caffeine in tea was directly proportional to the temperature of liquid. Coffee and tea (Instant Maxim original coffee® and earl grey black tea®) consisting 10, 30 mg/kg of caffeine were studied in SD rats for locomotor activity and behavioral patterns using Tru Scan 99. The locomotor activities of SD rats were increased after administration of coffee and tea consisting caffeine compared to water. The coffee consisted of higher amount of caffeine exhibited steep movement of SD rats. Similarly, rearing and scratching of SD rats as frequency and duration were increased in coffee and tea consisting caffeine compared with water. The study revealed that coffee and tea had effects in locomotor activity and behavioral patterns of SD rats.

The stability of triamcinolone in three kinds of oral liquid syrups at 4 and 25oC was studied for 21 days. Twenty tablets of 4 mg triamcinolone were mixed with 100 mL of each oral liquid syrup, which is Levotuss®Syrup (levodropropizine 6 mg/mL), Ucerax®Syrup (hydroxyzine 2 mg/mL), and Xyzal®Liquid (levocetirizine 0.5 mg/mL). The chromatographic analysis after deliberate degradation showed no evidence of any breakdown product likely to interfere with the chromatographic peak of the parent substance. The relationship between triamcinolone concentrations and peak areas was linear from 50 to 1000 μg/ mL (r2 = 0.9998). The analysis method was precise, with coefficients of variation no greater than 5.4%. Triamcinolone was stable for up to 14 and 21 days in Levotuss®Syrup at 25 and 4oC, respectively; in Ucerax®Syrup and Xyzal ®Syrup, it was stable for at least 21 days at both temperatures. The percentages of initial triamcinolone concentration remaining after 21 days were 72.3±3.2 and 94.9±6.0% and 93.2±4.9 and 92.4±5.7%, and 92.6±1.2 and 92.7±2.2% in Levotuss®Syrup, Ucerax®Syrup, and Xyzal®Syrup at 25 and 4oC, respectively. The pH variations of all test solutions were within 0.8. Based on the results, it was concluded that triamcinolone in three oral liquid syrups which are Levotuss®syrup, Ucerax®syrup and Xyzal®syrup was chemically and physically stable in both states of refrigeration and room temperature for at least 14 days.

Objective: To report a fatal case of Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) in a patient with interstitial lung disease (ILD) on high-dose glucocorticoids. Case Summary: A 66-year-old man with a history of coniosis was transferred to the hospital with progressive cough and sputum production. This patient has been diagnosed with pneumonia and ILD on admission, requires antimicrobial therapy and systemic immunosuppressants. He received high dose of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide for ILD as well as ceftriaxone and azithromycin for pneumonia. On day 7 in the intensive care units (ICUs), patient had fever and leukocytosis, thus antimicrobials were switched to piperacillin. After 13 days in the ICU, Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were isolated on transtracheal aspirate (TTA) and meropenem was initiated. However, it was revealed a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) species, resistant to carbapenem. Patient was administered colistin but expired due to septic shock on day 84. Discussion: Systemic immunosuppressive therapy can result in infections that may compromise patient’s survival. MDR-AB has emerged as a serious cause of nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients. MDR-AB is resistant to most standard antimicrobials and therapeutic options are limited. Conclusion: We report our recent experience with a fatal MDR-AB pneumonia in a patient with ILD, who had to be treated with high dose glucocorticoids and immunosuppressnts.