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Yong Chan Kim,
Min Hyung Kim,
Je Eun Song,
Jin Young Ahn,
Dong Hyun Oh,
Oh Mee Kweon,
Dongsuk Lee,
Sun Bean Kim,
Hye-Won Kim, Su Jin Jeong,
Nam Su Ku,
Sang Hoon Han,
Eun Suk Park,
Dongeun Yong,
Young Goo Song,
Kyungwon Lee,
June Myung Kim,
Jun Yong Choi
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a concern across the worldwide. METHODS: Antibiotic stewardship and hand hygiene programs were reinforced in a 2,000-bed tertiary hospital in South Korea where the methicillin resistance rate of Staphylococcus aureus is about 65%. The computerized prescription restriction was implemented in August 2008. "Hand hygiene program," consistent with World Health Organization guideline, was reinforced in December 2008. We assessed the effect of the infection control programs on the incidence of MRSA bloodstream infection (BSI) from January 2006 through November 2011. RESULTS: Incidence of MRSA BSI was reduced from 0.171 per 1,000 patient-days in 2009 to 0.116 per 1,000 patient-days in 2011 (P = .009). Monthly mean antibiotic consumption decreased from 690.54 ± 28.33 defined daily dose per 1,000 patients-days in 2008 to 652.47 ± 20.77 (P = .015) in 2011. The rates of performance in hand hygiene increased from 43% in 2008 to 83% in 2011 (P = .043). CONCLUSION: Although we did not implement all components of "MRSA bundle," efforts to reinforce antibiotic stewardship and hand hygiene program for 3 years had beneficial effects on the decrease in MRSA BSI in this institute with high rate of MRSA.
American journal of infection control 03/2013; · 3.01 Impact Factor
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Sang Hoon Han,
Seung Up Kim,
Chang Oh Kim, Su Jin Jeong,
Jun Yong Park,
Jun Yong Choi,
Do Young Kim,
Sang Hoon Ahn,
Young Goo Song,
Kwang-Hyub Han,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography (Fibroscan®) can identify individuals with potential underlying liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of abnormal LSM values as assessed using LSM and its predictors in HIV-infected asymptomatic patients receiving combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) without HBV/HCV coinfection.
We prospectively recruited 93 patients who had consistently been undergoing cART for more than 12 months at Severance Hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from June to December 2010. LSM values >5.3 kPa were defined as abnormal.
Thirty-nine (41.9%) had abnormal LSM values. On multivariate correlation analysis, the cumulative duration of boosted and unboosted protease inhibitors (PIs) were the independent factors which showed a negative and positive correlation to LSM values, respectively (β = -0.234, P = 0.023 and β = 0.430, P<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the cumulative exposure duration of boosted-PIs and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels were selected as the independent predictors which showed a negative and positive correlation with abnormal LSM values, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.889-0.997; P = 0.039 and OR, 1.032; 95% CI, 1.004-1.060; P = 0.023).
The high percentage of HIV-infected asymptomatic patients receiving cART without HBV/HCV coinfection had abnormal LSM values. The cumulative exposure duration of boosted-PIs and γ-GT level were independent predictors which showed a negative and positive correlation with abnormal LSM values, respectively.
PLoS ONE 01/2013; 8(1):e52720. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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Su Jin Jeong,
Bum Sik Chin,
Yun Tae Chae,
Sung Joon Jin,
Nam Su Ku,
Ji Hyeon Baek,
Sang Hoon Han,
Chang Oh Kim,
Jun Yong Choi,
Young Goo Song,
Hyun Chul Lee,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Metabolic syndrome is an important long term complication in chronic asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), because it can contribute to morbidity and mortality via cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, a predictive marker for early detection of metabolic syndrome may be necessary to prevent CVD in HIV-infected subjects. Retinol-binding protein- 4 (RBP-4) has been shown to be associated with metabolic syndrome in various non-HIV-infected populations. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate whether serum RBP-4 levels are correlated with metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART. In total, 98 HIV-infected Koreans who had been receiving HAART for at least 6 months were prospectively enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and serum RBP-4 concentrations were measured using human RBP-4 sandwich enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Serum RBP-4 levels were significantly higher in HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART with metabolic syndrome (n=33, 33.9±7.7 μg/mL) than in those without it (n=65, 29.9±7.2 μg/mL) (p=0.012). In multivariate linear regression analysis, the number of components of metabolic syndrome presented and waist circumference were independently, significantly correlated with RBP-4 (p=0.018 and 0.030, respectively). In conclusion, we revealed a strong correlation between RBP-4 and the number of components of metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected subjects receiving HAART.
Yonsei medical journal 11/2012; 53(6):1211-5. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract The effects of tuberculosis (TB) on the kinetics of CD4(+) T cells among HIV-infected individuals with early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) after TB therapy initiation are poorly characterized. We conducted a case-control study with 15 HIV-TB-coinfected patients who initiated TB treatment and early cART, and 30 controls without TB who had similar CD4(+) T cell counts and viral loads at the time of starting cART. We compared the rate of CD4(+) T cell increase for 5 years after cART. The time to CD4(+) T cell increase >250 cells/mm(3) was significantly slower in HIV-TB-coinfected patients (p=0.015, by log rank test). HIV-TB-coinfected patients had significantly lower median CD4(+) T cell counts at 5 years after cART (p=0.048). The difference in CD4(+) T cell increase was observed only during the first 6 months after cART initiation (p=0.002). These data suggest that TB slows the rate of CD4(+) T cell recovery at an early period after cART. The effects of TB on the long-term immunity of HIV-infected patients should be further evaluated.
AIDS research and human retroviruses 08/2012; · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The number of HIV-infected individuals susceptible to Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is increasing in Korea; however, it has proven difficult to devise a vaccination policy therefore because limited seroepidemiologic data exists for them. Accordingly, anti-HAV IgG was measured in 188 HIV-infected adults between July 2008 and July 2010. The nadir CD4+ T lymphocyte counts were not different between the HAV-positive and -negative groups (197 ± 138 vs 202 ± 129, P = 0.821). The only factor independently associated with seropositive status was age under 40 yr old (OR 0.017, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that HAV vaccination in HIV-infected adults should be targeted at persons under the age of 40 yr.
Journal of Korean medical science 08/2012; 27(8):969-71. · 0.84 Impact Factor
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Su Jin Jeong,
Beom Jin Lim,
Sungha Park,
Donghoon Choi,
Hye Won Kim,
Nam Su Ku,
Sang Hoon Han,
Chang Oh Kim,
Jun Yong Choi,
Young Goo Song,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Inhibition of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) may attenuate the systemic inflammatory response and ensuing severe sepsis. We report an investigation into the effect of soluble RAGE (sRAGE)-Fc fusion protein in severe sepsis induced by a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure.
The experiment was performed using CLP control mice, mice treated with 0.5 or 1.0 μg sRAGE-Fc fusion protein, and sham surgery mice.
Survival benefits over the CLP control group were evident (P = 0.036) in mice given 1.0 μg sRAGE-Fc fusion protein. In addition, the pulmonary inflammation score in the sRAGE-Fc fusion protein-treated group was significantly lower than that in the CLP control group (P < 0.05). Lung tissue in the sRAGE-Fc fusion protein-treated group revealed a significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in sRAGE-Fc fusion protein treated groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, IL-6 levels showed a significant difference between CLP control and sRAGE-Fc fusion protein treated groups (P < 0.01).
sRAGE-Fc fusion protein has beneficial effects in a standard murine model of polymicrobial, intra-abdominal severe sepsis.
Agents and Actions 07/2012; 61(11):1211-8. · 1.59 Impact Factor
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Nam Su Ku,
Hye-Won Kim,
Hyung Jung Oh,
Yong Chan Kim,
Min Hyung Kim,
Je Eun Song,
Dong Hyun Oh,
Jin Young Ahn,
Sun Bean Kim, Su Jin Jeong,
Sang Hoon Han,
Chang Oh Kim,
Young Goo Song,
June Myung Kim,
Jun Yong Choi
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ABSTRACT: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is known to be a predictor of severe morbidity and mortality in some chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure. However, to our knowledge, little is known about RDW as a predictor of mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia, a major nosocomial cause of intra-abdominal infections, urinary tract infections, and primary bacteremia. Therefore, we investigated whether RDW is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and outcomes of 161 patients with Gram-negative bacteremia from November 2010 to March 2011 diagnosed at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcome measure was 28-day all-cause mortality. The 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the increased RDW group compared with the normal RDW group (P < 0.001). According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, RDW levels at the onset of bacteremia (per 1% increase, P = 0.036), the Charlson index (per 1-point increase, P < 0.001), and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (per 1-point increase, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. Moreover, the nonsurvivor group had significantly higher RDW levels 72 h after the onset of bacteremia than did the survivor group (P = 0.001). In addition, the area under the curve of RDW at the onset of bacteremia, the 72-h RDW, and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for 28-day mortality were 0.764 (P = 0.001), 0.802 (P < 0.001), and 0.703 (P = 0.008), respectively. Red blood cell distribution width at the onset of bacteremia was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia. Also, 72-h RDW could be a predictor for all-cause mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.) 06/2012; 38(2):123-7. · 2.87 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract We evaluated factors influencing time to CD4(+) T cell counts >200 cells/mm(3) in HIV-infected individuals with CD4(+) T cell <50 cells/mm(3) starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We included a total of 29 patients on successful cART for more than 1 year. In a logistic regression model, higher pre-cART CD4(+) T cell counts were significantly associated with shorter time to CD4(+) T cell counts >200cells/mm(3) in HIV-infected individuals with baseline CD4(+) T cell <50 cells/mm(3). In survival analysis, patients having higher pre-cART CD4(+) T cell counts, especially 40-49 cells/mm(3), were at significantly higher risk of achieving CD4(+) T cell counts >200 cells/mm(3).
AIDS research and human retroviruses 05/2012; · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The plasma level of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1) has been shown to be helpful in identifying critically ill patients with infection. However, it remains unknown whether it can be used to predict prognosis in patients with severe sepsis. This study investigated whether various inflammatory mediators, including sTREM-1, could be used as reliable markers to predict the prognosis of patients receiving early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). We prospectively enrolled patients 18 years or older with severe sepsis from April 2009 to May 2010 at a 2,000-bed university hospital. Patients were eligible if the initial resuscitation according to EGDT protocol was immediately performed at the emergency department. Plasma sTREM-1, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin concentrations were measured on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Soluble TREM-1 concentrations were significantly higher at admission and pre-EGDT in nonsurvivors (n = 16) than in survivors (n = 47) (514.1 pg/mL [interquartile range, 412.7-1,749.5 pg/mL] vs. 182.4 pg/mL [interquartile range, 54.3-327.0 pg/mL]; P = 0.001). Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels did not significantly differ, whereas central venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels at admission were significantly different between the two groups. The only sTREM-1 level remained significantly higher in nonsurvivors until death. On multivariate regression analysis, log(sTREM-1) (P = 0.028), central venous oxygen saturation (P = 0.022), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (P = 0.048) values at admission were independently significant. These results suggest that plasma sTREM-1 level at admission could be used as a marker to identify patients with a poor prognosis despite complete initial resuscitation in severe sepsis.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.) 03/2012; 37(6):574-8. · 2.87 Impact Factor
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Su Jin Jeong,
Chang Oh Kim,
Sang Hoon Han,
Jun Yong Choi,
Min Ja Kim,
Young Hwa Choi,
Seung-Kwan Lim,
Joon-Sup Yeom,
Yoon Soo Park,
Young Goo Song,
Hee Jung Choi,
Kyong Ran Peck,
Cheol-In Kang,
Hyo-Youl Kim,
Young-Keun Kim,
Seung Soon Lee,
Dae-Won Park,
Yeon-A Kim,
Suk-Hoon Choi,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a potentially morbid and costly complication of surgery. We conducted a multicentre case-control study to determine the risk factors for SSI in patients undergoing gastric surgery and to establish strategies to reduce the risk of SSI.
Between January 2007 and December 2008, 121 patients who developed an SSI after gastric surgery were matched with controls who had undergone surgery on the dates closest to those of the cases, at 13 centres in Korea.
The results of multivariate analyses showed that the independent risk factors for SSI after gastric surgery were older age (p = 0.016), higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.033), male gender (p = 0.047), and longer duration of prophylactic antibiotic use (p < 0.001).
Older age, higher BMI, male gender, and longer duration of prophylactic antibiotic use were independently associated with significant increases in the risk of SSI. Additional prospective randomized studies are required to confirm these results.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases 03/2012; 44(6):419-26. · 1.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The serum galactomannan assay (GMA) has been widely used for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). GMA is mainly used in patients with haematological malignancies or in those who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, there are few data from non-haematological patients. We evaluated whether GMA is useful for the diagnosis of IA in non-haematological patients.
Patients who were subjected to serum GMA testing from January 2007 to December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with haematological diseases or who underwent HSCT were excluded from our analysis. According to the criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group revised in 2008, the patients were categorized as proven, probable, possible, or non-IA. Proven and probable cases were defined as IA in this study.
Out of 778 patients, 13 (1.6%) had proven (n =9) or probable (n =4) IA. The sensitivity of the GMA was 23.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1-54.0%) and the specificity was 76.1% (95% CI 72.9-79.0%). The positive predictive value was 1.6% (95% CI 0.4-5.0%) and the negative predictive value was 98.3% (95% CI 96.8-99.1%). The likelihood ratios of a positive and negative test were 0.96 (95% CI 0.35-2.62) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.75-1.36), respectively.
In this study, the sensitivity of the GMA for the diagnosis of IA was very low in non-haematological patients. Although the GMA test is considered useful for the diagnosis of IA in haematological patients, it had low diagnostic value for IA in non-haematological patients.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases 03/2012; 44(8):600-4. · 1.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Despite advances in therapy, sepsis still has a high mortality rate. To improve the treatment outcome, early diagnosis and treatment is essential, as reflected in many publications about biomarkers for sepsis. Recent models of automatic cell analyzers provide the delta neutrophil index (DN), which corresponds to the fraction of immature granulocytes in circulating blood. This study investigated DN as a prognostic marker in patients with bacteraemia.
We retrospectively collected data on adult patients with bacteraemia admitted to an urban hospital between November 2009 and April 2010. The DN was measured at the onset of bacteraemia and at 24 and 72 h later. Factors associated with 28-day mortality were assessed using logistic regression.
A total of 102 patients were included in the analysis, and 24 patients died within 28 days. In the univariate analysis, appropriate antibiotic treatment, multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, history of intensive care unit (ICU) stay before the onset of bacteraemia, healthcare-associated infection, DN at 72 h after the onset of bacteraemia (DN-72 h), and platelet count at the onset of bacteraemia were significantly associated with survival. In multivariate analysis, DN-72 h (odds ratio (OR) 1.246, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.030-1.508; p = 0.023), platelet count at the onset of bacteraemia (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.977-0.995; p = 0.003), and history of ICU stay before the onset of bacteraemia (OR 4.907, 95% CI 1.045-23.051; p = 0.044) were the independent factors associated with survival.
DN at 72 h after bacteraemia may be valuable to assess the prognosis of patients with bacteraemia.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases 02/2012; 44(7):475-80. · 1.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Over the last 2 decades, Burkholderia cepacia complex has emerged as a serious human pathogen, especially in critically ill patients. B. cepacia complex has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit patients. However, in our literature search, we could not find studies on risk factors for mortality in patients with B. cepacia complex bacteraemia. Therefore, we investigated risk factors for mortality in B. cepacia complex bacteraemia.
Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of 27 patients with 1 or more blood cultures positive for B. cepacia complex from January 2006 to October 2010 in Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcome measure was overall 28-day mortality. Appropriate initial empirical antimicrobial use was defined as administration of agent(s) to which the organism was susceptible within 24 h of obtaining blood for culture.
The overall 28-day mortality rate was 41% (11/27). In univariate analysis, underlying diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033), inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy (p = 0.033), and an elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy and an elevated SOFA score were independent risk factors for increased mortality (p = 0.032 and p = 0.028, respectively).
An elevated SOFA score and inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy were significantly associated with adverse outcome in patients with B. cepacia complex bacteraemia.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases 10/2011; 43(10):792-7. · 1.72 Impact Factor
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Su Jin Jeong,
Chang Oh Kim,
Young Goo Song,
Ji-hyeon Baek,
Sun Bean Kim,
Sung Joon Jin,
Nam Su Ku,
Sang Hoon Han,
Jun Yong Choi,
Hyun Chul Lee,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly improved the survival rate and quality of life for HIV-infected subjects, but it contributes to the development of metabolic complications including coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent studies have reported that high plasma levels of the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) were associated with a lower incidence of CAD in non-HIV infected patients. However, there has been no report of an association of sRAGE and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients receiving cART.
We examined the association of circulating sRAGE in HIV-infected patients with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and other metabolic variables. We prospectively enrolled 76 HIV-infected patients receiving cART for ≥ 6 months.
sRAGE had a significantly negative correlation with body mass index (r = -0.324, p = 0.005), waist-to-hip ratio (r = -0.335, p = 0.003), systolic blood pressure (BP) (r=-0.359, p=0.002), diastolic BP (r = -0.343, p = 0.004), total cholesterol (r = -0.240, p = 0.037), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r=-0.284, p=0.024), log(homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) (r = -0.380, p = 0.002) and carotid IMT including max-IMT and mean-IMT (r = -0.358, p = 0.001 and r = -0.329, p = 0.004, respectively). By the use of multiple stepwise regression analyses, systolic BP (p=0.001) and log[HOMA-IR] (p = 0.001) remained significant independently.
These results suggest that sRAGE may have a protective effect against subclinical atherosclerosis by preventing inflammatory responses mediated by the activation of cell surface RAGE in HIV-infected patients receiving cART.
Atherosclerosis 08/2011; 219(2):778-83. · 3.79 Impact Factor
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Hee Kyoung Choi,
Young Goo Song,
Sang Hoon Han,
Nam Su Ku, Su Jin Jeong,
Ji-Hyeon Baek,
Hyewon Kim,
Sun Bean Kim,
Chang Oh Kim,
June Myung Kim,
Jun Yong Choi
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ABSTRACT: Although acute hepatitis A is usually self-limited, the clinical manifestations can vary from mild to severe liver dysfunction. However, little is known about risk factors for and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in acute hepatitis A.
To identify the risk factors for and outcomes of AKI in acute hepatitis A.
We identified 396 patients with acute hepatitis A, which registered between January 2006 and June 2009 at a tertiary care university hospital. Retrospective case-control studies were conducted in order to identify risk factors for AKI.
Thirty patients (7.6%) developed AKI. On multivariate analysis, fulminant hepatitis, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP were independent risk factors for AKI associated with hepatitis A, and higher total bilirubin, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP were independent risk factor for AKI within nonfulminant hepatitis A. Of the 30 patients with AKI, 23 (76.7%) patients fully recovered, 2 patients maintained hemodialysis after hospital discharge and 5 patients died due to hepatic failure without recovery from AKI. Among 20 patients with AKI in nonfulminant subgroup, 19 patients (95%) recovered without hemodialysis.
AKI is not a rare complication of acute hepatitis A and severity of hepatitis and hepatic injury influence the development of AKI in acute hepatitis A.
Journal of clinical virology: the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology 08/2011; 52(3):192-7. · 3.12 Impact Factor
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Kyu Sik Chung,
Young Keun Kim,
Young Goo Song,
Chang Oh Kim,
Sang Hoon Han,
Bum Sik Chin,
Nam Su Gu, Su Jin Jeong,
Ji-Hyeon Baek,
Jun Yong Choi,
Hyo Youl Kim,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: To identify the clinical features and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis in Korea.
We reviewed 18 patients with endogenous endophthalmitis at 2 Korean hospitals, treated over a 14 year period between January 1993 and December 2006.
The comorbidities observed in these cases were diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis. The most common pathogens, which were found in 7 patients each (38.9%), were Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All patients were treated with systemic antibiotics and fortified topical antibiotics. A surgical approach including vitrectomy was performed in 9 cases (50.0%). The prognosis was generally poor, and visual acuity improved slightly in 6 patients (33.3%).
In this study, diabetes mellitus and Klebsiella pneumonia showed a close relationship with endogenous endophthalmitis, respectively. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a serious risk to sight and careful attention to establishing the diagnosis and management may decrease the ocular morbidity.
Yonsei medical journal 07/2011; 52(4):630-4. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies and our own clinical experience suggest that concurrent corticosteroid treatment for severe rickettsial disease with multiorgan failure may improve the clinical course or reduce mortality. However, the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive treatment for rickettsial diseases is controversial. We attempted to determine the influences of corticosteroid on the growth of Orientia tsutsugamushi in vitro to justify and evaluate the clinical applicability of corticosteroid in rickettsial disease.
L929 cells were infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi Gilliam. Dexamethasone was added to the cells at final concentrations of 10¹ and 10⁷ pg/mL. Cultures were incubated at 35°C and processed for flow cytometry on the 6th day after addition of dexamethasone.
Observation on the 6th day after treatment with dexamethasone in infected cultures revealed that there was no difference in fluorescence intensity among the treatment wells. Treatment of the cells with dexamethasone at concentrations of 10¹ and 10⁷ pg/mL showed no influence on the growth of Orientia tsutsugamushi.
Our results to show that isolated corticosteroid does not enhance the replication of Orientia tsutsugamushi in vitro. Concurrent use of anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids in conjunction with antibiotics may not have detrimental effects on the course of scrub typhus.
Yonsei medical journal 07/2011; 52(4):624-9. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G IT) test is based on the cellular immune response, and this assay can result in indeterminate results for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The occurrence of indeterminate results may decrease the clinical usefulness of this test. Therefore, we investigated possible predictive factors that can influence the occurrence of indeterminate results from the QFT-G IT test.
We conducted a case-control study with 162 case patients who had indeterminate results from a QFT-G IT test at a tertiary hospital in South Korea, from September 2006 to September 2009.
Of the 1276 patients, 162 (12.7%) cases that underwent QFT-G IT testing were reported as indeterminate results. Severe lymphopenia (odds ratio [OR] = 8.839; p < 0.001), chronic renal disease (OR = 2.838; p = 0.007), autoimmune disease (OR = 2.527; p = 0.017) and chronic lung disease (OR = 3.169; p = 0.007) were independent predictive factors for indeterminate results from a QFT-G IT test.
The patients with lower lymphocyte counts or immunosuppressive conditions showed a higher probability of indeterminate results from the QFT-G IT test. Careful attention to the pre-analytical conditions may be able to minimize this proportion.
The Journal of infection 03/2011; 62(5):347-54. · 4.13 Impact Factor
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Bum Sik Chin,
Sang Hoon Han,
Suk Hoon Choi,
Han Sung Lee, Su Jin Jeong,
Hee Kyung Choi,
Jun Yong Choi,
Young Goo Song,
Chang Ki Kim,
Dongeun Yong,
Kyungwon Lee,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production usually results in high-level resistance to most β-lactams, and a rapid spread of MBL producing major gram-negative pathogens is a matter of particular concern worldwide. However, clinical data are scarce and most studies compared MBL producer (MP) with MBL non-producer (MNP) strains which included carbapenem susceptible isolates. Therefore, we collected clinical data of patients in whom imipenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) were isolated from sputum or urine, and investigated MBL production and the risk factors related with MBL acquisition. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were also compared between MPs and imipenem-nonsusceptible MNPs (INMNP). Among the 176 imipenem-nonsusceptible isolates, 12 MPs (6.8%) were identified. There was no identifiable risk factor that contributed to the acquisition of MPs when compared to INMNPs, and case-fatalities were not different between the two groups. The percentage of susceptible isolates was higher among MPs for piperacilin/tazobactam and fluoroquinolones while that of ceftazidime was higher in INMNPs (p < 0.05). As regards to aztreonam, which has been known to be a uniquely stable β-lactam against MBLs, susceptibility was preserved in only two isolates (16.7%) among MPs, and was not higher than that of INMNPs (23.2%). In conclusion, the contribution of MBLs to imipenem non-susceptibility in PA/ABs isolated from sputum and urine was relatively limited, and there was no significant risk factor associated with acquisition of MPs compared with INMNPs. However, limited susceptibility to aztreonam implies that MPs may hold additional resistance mechanisms, such as extended spectrum β-lactamases, AmpC β-lactamases, or other non-enzymatic mechanisms.
Yonsei medical journal 03/2011; 52(2):351-7. · 0.77 Impact Factor
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Sang Hoon Han,
Kyoung Min Kim,
Bum Sik Chin,
Suk Hoon Choi,
Han Sung Lee,
Myung Soo Kim, Su Jin Jeong,
Hee Kyoung Choi,
Chang Oh Kim,
Jun Yong Choi,
Young Goo Song,
June Myung Kim
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ABSTRACT: Mycobacteruim kansasii occasionally causes disseminated infection with poor outcome in immunocompromised patients. We report the first case of disseminated M. kansasii infection associated with multiple skin lesions in a 48-yr-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome. The patient continuously had taken glucocorticoid during 21 months and had multiple skin lesions developed before 9 months without complete resolution until admission. Skin and mediastinoscopic paratracheal lymph node (LN) biopsies showed necrotizing granuloma with many acid-fast bacilli. M. kansasii was cultured from skin, sputum, and paratracheal LNs. The patient had been treated successfully with isoniazid, rifampin, ethmabutol, and clarithromycin, but died due to small bowel obstruction. Our case emphasizes that chronic skin lesions can lead to severe, disseminated M. kansasii infection in an immunocompromised patient. All available cases of disseminated M. kansasii infection in non HIV-infected patients reported since 1953 are comprehensively reviewed.
Journal of Korean medical science 02/2010; 25(2):304-8. · 0.84 Impact Factor
