Background/AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been found to be a novel component of metabolic syndrome (MS), which is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are suggested to affect liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance. We assessed the associations of serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges with MS and NAFLD.MethodsIn total, 1,069 subjects enrolled at the health promotion center of Wonkwang University Hospital were divided into 4 groups according to serum ALT and GGT concentrations levels within the reference ranges. We performed biochemical tests, including liver function tests and lipid profiles, and diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography. Associations of ALT and GGT concentrationgrading within the reference range with fatty liver and/or MS were investigated.ResultsThe presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities [except for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose] increased with the ALT level, while the presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities (except for HDL-C) increased with the GGT level. The odds ratios for fatty liver and MS increased with the ALT level (P<0.001 and P=0.049, respectively) and the GGT level (P=0.044 and P=0.039, respectively).ConclusionsSerum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges correlated with the incidence of NAFLD and MS in a dose-dependent manner. There associations need to be confirmed in large, prospective studies.
Background : In contrast to tuberculous pleurisy, tuberculous empyema is a chronic active infectious disease of the pleural cavity that is frequently accompanied by cavitary or advanced pulmonary lesions. The condition requires long-term anti-tuberculous medication with external drainage. The clinical features and treatment outcome of tuberculous empyema are unclear despite the high prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea. Methods : From January 1991 through April 2004, 17 patients diagnosed with tuberculous empyema in Kyungpook National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Their medical records and chest radiographs were reviewed. Results : Twelve patients(71%) had a history of tuberculosis and six of the 12 patients were under current anti-tuberculous medication. Productive cough, fever, and dyspnea were the main complaints. There was no predominance between the right and left lungs. Nine patients(53%) had far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, two(12%) had a cavitary lesion, and seven(41%) had a pyopneumothorax on the chest radiograph. All eight cases in whom the data of pleural fluid WBC differential count was available showed polymorphonuclear leukocyte predominance. Eight patients(47%) had other bacterial infections as well. The overall rates of a positive sputum AFB smear and culture for M. tuberculosis were 71% and 64%, respectively. The positive AFB smear and culture rates for M. tuberculosis from the pleural fluid were 33% and 36%, respectively. Twelve of the 16 patients(75%) were treated successfully. Three underwent additional surgical intervention. Two patients (12%) died during treatment. Conclusion : Tuberculous empyema is frequently accompanied by advanced pulmonary lesions, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes are predominant in the pleural fluid. Other accompanying bacterial infections in the pleural cavity are also common in tuberculous empyema patients. Therefore, tuberculous empyema should be considered in differential diagnosis of patients with polymorphonuclear leukocyte-predominant pleural effusion. In addition, more active effort will be needed to achieve a bacteriological diagnosis in the pleural fluid.
Background:Chest wall deformities such as kyphoscoliosis, thoracoplasty, and fibrothorax cause ventilatory insufficiency that can lead to chronic respiratory failure, with recurrent fatal acute respiratory failure(ARF). This study evaluated the frequency and outcome of ARF, the physiologic status, and the long-term prognosis of these patients. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with chest wall disorders, who experienced the first requirement of ventilatory support from ARF were examined. The mortality and recurrence rate of ARF, the pulmonary functions with arterial blood gas analysis, the efficacy of home oxygen therapy, and the long-term survival rate were investigated. Results: 1) The mortality of the first ARF was 24.1%. ARF recurred more than once in 72.7% of the remaining 22 patients, and overall rate of successful weaning was 73.2%. 2) Twenty-two patients who recovered from the first ARF showed a restrictive ventilatory impairment with a mean FVC and TLC of 37.2% and 62.4 % of predicted value, respectively, and a mean PaCO2 of 57mmHg. Among the parameters of pulmonaty functions. the FVC(p=0.01) and VC(p=0.02) showed a significant correlation with the PaCO2 level. 3) There were no significant differences between the patients treated with conservative medical treatment only and those with additional home oxygen therapy due to significant hypoxemia in the patients with recurrent ARF and the mortality. 4) The 1, 3, 5-year survival rates were 75%, 66%, and 57%, respectively, in the 20 patients who had recovered from the first ARF, excluding the two patients managed by non-invasive nocturnal ventilatory support. Conclusion: These results suggest that active ventilatory support should be provided to patients with ARF and chest wall disorders. However, considering recurrent ARF and weak effect of home oxygen therapy, non-invasive domiciliary ventilation is recommended in those patients with these conditions to achieve a better long-term prognosis. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2006; 61: 265-272)
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