Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia particularly in the elderly and a potent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Screening for AF in asymptomatic individuals might prevent strokes by earlier detection and anticoagulation therapy. We investigated the prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly and its clinical characteristics. Methods: This study included 1,483 participants (839 males, 644 females) ≥60 years (72.9±5.4 years) who had undergone electrocardiogram (ECG) screening at the senior health promotion center, Gwangju, from March 2014 to June 2014. Their assessments included 12 lead electrocardiograms, questionnaires and physical examinations. Results: AF was detected in 46 individuals (3.1%), and newly detected in 20 of these 46 (43.4%). The prevalence of AF increased sharply with age-1.0% in 60-69 years group, 3.3% in 70-79 years group, and 7.2% in ≥80 years group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.17; p< 0.001), male gender (OR 5.28, 95% CI 2.04-13.66; p=0.001), obesity (body mass index>25kg/m
Hypocalcemia is relatively uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome. Only one case of hypocalcemia has been reported in a patient with chondrosarcoma. We herein report a case of a 32-year-old woman with metastatic chondrosarcoma with tetany. Her imaging findings revealed multiple calcific metastatic lesions in the lungs, pancreas, left atrium, and pulmonary vein. A laboratory examination showed hypocalcemia with no evidence of any other disease that could induce hypocalcemia. On the basis of the laboratory and clinical findings, we concluded the etiology of her severe hypocalcemia to be excessive calcium consumption by the tumor itself.
Background:The QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay and tuberculin skin test (TST) have been useful test for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI). However, there are few reports on the efficacy of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay and TST in evaluating the response after the treatment of LTBI. This study examined the changes in the TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay before and after a treatment for latent tuberculosis in health care workers (HCWs) at a local tertiary hospital. Methods: A cohort of volunteers working as nurses and doctors who underwent a TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay was established. The volunteers positive for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay had been treated with 3 months of isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RFP). After completing treatment, the TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay were repeated. Results: Of the 48 participants (14 doctors, 34 nurses, M: F=11:37, mean age=29.9±5.5 years, mean employment period=74.9±64.3 months), 19 (39.6%) tested positive to the TST (mean induration=19.1±9.7 mm) and 8 (16.7%) were QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay. Among them, one had active pulmonary tuberculosis. Seven volunteers were consistently positive to both the TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay after being medicated with INH and RFP for 3 months. Conclusion: TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay are unsuitable for evaluating the treatment response of LTBI because they were consistently positive both before and after the anti-tuberculosis medication. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2007; 62: 270-275)
Background: The levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) are increased in most tuberculous pleural effusions, and this is very useful for differentiating tuberculous pleurisy from non-tuberculous pleural effusion. However, some cases of tuberculous pleural effusion show decreased levels of ADA. This study aimed to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics between high and low ADA level groups. Methods: From January 2004 to September 2008, 139 adult patients with tuberculous pleurisy admitted to the Gyeongsang National University Hospital were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based upon their pleural fluid ADA levels; a low ADA (<40IU/L) group (n=17) and a high ADA (≥40 IU/L) group (n=122). The medical records were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 139 patients were enrolled in this study (mean age=51.2±20.4, M: F=92:47). The mean age was higher in the low ADA group than the high ADA group(64.8±8.6:49.5±20.9, P<0.001) and showed a significant negative correlation with ADA levels (r=-0.271, p=0.001). In addition, the percentages of patients with a history of tuberculosis (47.1%:14.6% P=0.004) and current smokers (52.9%:28.5%, P=0.003) were higher in the low ADA group than the high ADA group. There were no significant differences for sex, radiologic finding, pulmonary function and treatment outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: Tuberculous pleurisy patients with low ADA levels tend to be older and there is a higher percentage of current smokers and past history of tuberculosis in this group compared with the high ADA group.
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