Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disease that produces a variety of tumors and cysts in the central nervous system and visceral organs, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC in patients with VHL disease does not frequently metastasize, therefore, the response to treatment and prognosis of metastatic RCC developed in patients with VHL disease has not been reported. Sunitinib is an oral, multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antitumor activity. Here, we report on four patients with metastatic RCC in VHL disease who received sunitinib and achieved partial responses that have lasted for a prolonged period of time.
Abstract Background Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) significantly impacts prognosis, leading to high mortality rates. Although lung transplantation is a life-saving treatment for selected patients with ILD, its outcomes in those presenting with AE-ILD have yielded conflicting results compared with those with stable ILD. This study aims to investigate the impact of pre-existing AE on the prognosis of ILD patients who underwent lung transplantation. Method We conducted a single-center retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of 108 patients who underwent lung transplantation for predisposing ILD at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, between 2008 and 2022. The primary objective was to compare the survival of patients with AE-ILD at the time of transplantation with those without AE-ILD. Results Among the 108 patients, 52 (48.1%) experienced AE-ILD at the time of lung transplantation, and 81 (75.0%) required pre-transplant mechanical ventilation. Although the type of ILD (IPF vs. non-IPF ILD) did not affect clinical outcomes after transplantation, AE-ILD was associated with worse survival outcomes. The survival probabilities at 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years post-transplant for patients with AE-ILD were 86.5%, 73.1%, and 60.1%, respectively, while those for patients without AE-ILD were higher, at 92.9%, 83.9%, and 79.6% (p = 0.032). In the multivariable analysis, pre-existing AE was an independent prognostic factor for mortality in ILD patients who underwent lung transplantation. Conclusions Although lung transplantation remains an effective treatment option for ILD patients with pre-existing AE, careful consideration is needed, especially in patients requiring pre-transplant mechanical respiratory support.
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is currently unknown which factors are associated with an increase of VTE in patients with IPF. Objectives: We estimated the incidence of VTE in patients with IPF and identified clinical characteristics related to VTE in patients with IPF. Design and methods: De-identified nationwide health claim data from 2011 to 2019 was collected from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database. Patients with IPF were selected if they had made at least one claim per year under the J84.1 [ International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10)] and V236 codes of rare intractable diseases. We defined the presence of VTE as at least one claim of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis ICD-10 codes. Results: The incidence rate per 1000 person-years of VTE was 7.08 (6.44–7.77). Peak incidence rates were noted in the 50–59 years old male and 70–79 years old female groups. Ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and malignancy were associated with VTE in patients with IPF, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.25 (1.01–1.55), 1.36 (1.04–1.79), and 1.53 (1.17–2.01). The risk for VTE was increased in patients diagnosed with malignancy after IPF diagnosis (aHR = 3.18, 2.47–4.11), especially lung cancer [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.78, 2.90–4.96]. Accompanied VTE was related to more utilization of medical resources. Conclusion: Ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and malignancy, especially lung cancer, were related to higher HR for VTE in IPF.
This study was performed to select cultivation systems best-suited for cultivation of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) cultivar ‘Atlas’ in Korea. Bud break, spear yield, and underground part growth characteristics under two different cultivation systems (rain-shelter and open field) were investigated. Asparagus grown in the rain-shelter greenhouse emerged from dormancy about 10 days earlier than that grown in the open field, and demonstrated a 3-fold higher yield in terms of the number and weight of spears, which increased with increasing plant age. In the analysis of the growth characteristics of the underground part, the mean bud diameter of asparagus grown in the rain-shelter greenhouse was 1.7-fold thicker than those of grown in the open field. Roots of asparagus grown in the open field were lighter but longer than those of asparagus grown in the rain-shelter greenhouse. The higher fresh and dry weight of the roots and larger bud size of asparagus grown in the rain-shelter greenhouse are expected to lead to higher yield in the following year. Selection of cultivation systems that can accelerate bud break and increase spear yield will contribute to increasing farming income. Therefore, growing the ‘Atlas’ cultivar in the rain-shelter house is expected to lead to higher yield, and will contribute to increasing farming income.
Since vascular abnormalities are common features of interstitial lung disease, not only structural images but also functional images such as perfusion maps are required to accurately evaluate vascular abnormalities including pulmonary hypertension. In this preliminary study, we proposed a method of evaluating an interstitial lung disease (ILD) patient particularly with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) using 3D perfusion maps as well as high-resolution 3D structural images, both of which were obtained from 3D ultrashort echo-time imaging. Fibrotic areas were well identified in the structural UTE images as well as in the perfusion maps showing increased perfusion signals in the corresponding lesions.
Background/Aims Few studies have attempted to interpret unusually high predicted pulmonary function test results. This study aimed to investigate the demographic features of patients with an unusually high predicted pulmonary function. Methods The demographic data of subjects who underwent pulmonary function testing at a tertiary referral hospital during between January 2011 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Of the 68,693 included patients, 55 (0.08%) had a percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second or forced vital capacity ⥠140%. These patients had a relatively older median age (72 years vs. 54 years, p < 0.001), female predominance (65.5% vs. 42.5%, p = 0.001), lower body weight (52.5 kg vs. 64.5 kg, p < 0.001) and shorter height (148.4 cm vs. 164.2 cm, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 6.1% of women older than 80 years with weight < 50 kg and height < 150 cm had a high predicted pulmonary function. Conclusions A high predicted pulmonary function is not rare among elderly subjects with a small body size. Physicians should consider the demographics of the examinees, especially those of minority populations, particularly as the test results might be determined using an incorrect reference equation.
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