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Background: Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea.Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma–COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed.Results: We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016).Conclusion: Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.

Background: Many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients receiving monotherapy continue to experience symptoms, exacerbations and poor quality of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of direct switch from once-daily tiotropium (TIO) 18 μg to indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) 110/50 μg once daily in COPD patients in Korea. Methods: This was a randomized, open-label, parallel group, 12-week trial in mild-to-moderate COPD patients who received TIO 18 μg once daily for ≥12 weeks prior to study initiation. Patients aged ≥40 years, with predicted post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥50%, post-bronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity

BACKGROUND: Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have different pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and outcomes than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The intention of this study was to identify unknown differences between CPFE and IPF by a retrospective comparison of clinical data including baseline and annual changes in pulmonary function, comorbidities, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics and cause of hospitalization. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients with CPFE and IPF who had undergone PFTs once or several times per year during a follow-up period of three years. Baseline clinical characteristics and the annual changes in the pulmonary function during the follow-up period were compared between 26 with CPFE and 42 patients with IPF. RESULTS: The baseline ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) in patients with CPFE was lower than that in patients with IPF (78.6±1.7 vs. 82.9±1.1, p=0.041). The annual decrease in FEV1/FVC in the CPFE was significantly higher than in the IPF. The annual decreases in diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and FVC showed no significant differences between the two groups. The symptom durations of cough and sputum were in the CPFE significantly lower than in the IPF. The serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate level at the acute stage was significantly higher than in the IPF. There were no significant differences in the hospitalization rate and pneumonia was the most common cause of hospitalization in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The annual decrease of FEV1/FVC was in patients with CPFE significantly higher than in the patients with IPF.

BACKGROUND: Limited data on the incidence and clinical characteristics of adult pertussis infections are available in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-one hospitals and the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of pertussis infections among adults with a bothersome cough in non-outbreak, ordinary outpatient settings. Nasopharyngeal aspirates or nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture tests. RESULTS: The study enrolled 934 patients between September 2009 and April 2011. Five patients were diagnosed as confirmed cases, satisfying both clinical and laboratory criteria (five positive PCR and one concurrent positive culture). Among 607 patients with cough duration of at least 2 weeks, 504 satisfied the clinical criteria of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (i.e., probable case). The clinical pertussis cases (i.e., both probable and confirmed cases) had a wide age distribution (45.7±15.5 years) and cough duration (median, 30 days; interquartile range, 18.0~50.0 days). In addition, sputum, rhinorrhea, and myalgia were less common and dyspnea was more common in the clinical cases, compared to the others (p=0.037, p=0.006, p=0.005, and p=0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: The positive rate of pertussis infection may be low in non-outbreak, ordinary clinical settings if a PCR-based method is used. However, further prospective, well-designed, multicenter studies are needed.

Background: Asian dust storms can be transported across eastern Asia. In vitro, Asian dust particle-induced inflammation and enhancement of the allergic reaction have been observed. However, the fibrotic effects of Asian dust particles are not clear. Production of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin were investigated in the bronchial epithelial cells after exposure to Asian dust particulate matter (AD-PM10). Methods: During Asian dust storm periods, air samples were collected. The bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to AD-PM10 with and without the antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Then TGF-β1 and fibronectin were detected by Western blotting. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by the measurement of dicholorodihydrofluorescin (DCF), using a FACScan, and visualized by a confocal microscopy. Results: The expression of TGF-β1, fibronectin and ROS was high after being exposed to AD-PM10, compared to the control. NAC attenuated both TGF-β1 and fibronectin expression in the AD-PM10-exposed the bronchial epithelial cells. Conclusion: AD-PM10 may have fibrotic potential in the bronchial epithelial cells and the possible mechanism is AD-PM10-induced intracellular ROS.

Background Recent studies show that mitophagy, the autophagy-dependent turnover of mitochondria, mediates pulmonary epithelial cell death in response to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure and contributes to the development of emphysema in vivo during chronic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods In this study, we investigated the role of mitophagy in the regulation of CSE-exposed lung bronchial epithelial cell (Beas-2B) death. We also investigated the role of a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, roflumilast, in CSE-induced mitophagy-dependent cell death. Results Our results demonstrated that CSE induces mitophagy in Beas-2B cells through mitochondrial dysfunction and increased the expression levels of the mitophagy regulator protein, PTEN-induced putative kinase-1 (PINK1), and the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-1-like protein (DRP1). CSE-induced epithelial cell death was significantly increased in Beas-2B cells exposed to CSE but was decreased by small interfering RNA-dependent knockdown of DRP1. Treatment with roflumilast in Beas-2B cells inhibited CSE-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy by inhibiting the expression of phospho-DRP1 and -PINK1. Roflumilast protected against cell death and increased cell viability, as determined by the lactate dehydrogenase release test and the MTT assay, respectively, in Beas-2B cells exposed to CSE. Conclusion These findings suggest that roflumilast plays a protective role in CS-induced mitophagy-dependent cell death.

Methotrexate (MTX) has been established as a standard disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. If adequate disease control is achieved for a reasonable period of time, tapering the MTX dosage is recommended because the chronic use of MTX can result in opportunistic infection. We present here a case of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis taking MTX, and the woman developed actively caseating endobronchial Mycobacterium intracellulare disease with pulmonary infiltrations. After discontinuing the MTX, the patient was able to tolerate 18 months of antimycobacterial treatment without flare ups of rheumatoid arthritis, and she completely recovered from nontuberculous mycobacterial respiratory disease.

A 23-year old woman was admitted to our hospital with hemoptysis. The chest X-ray showed reticulonodular opacity and multiple cysts throughout the entire lung field. The chest CT scan revealed numerous bilateral cysts with various sizes, some of them with thickened walls. An open lung wedge resection was performed. The resected specimen showed scattered small nodules, 0.3 to 0.6 cm in size. Microscopically, each nodule was composed of atypical glands with an occasional papillary architecture spreading to the alveolar septa, which were morphologically consistent with a papillary adenocarcinoma with a bronchioloalveolar carcinoma growth pattern. Immunochemically, the tumor cells were negative for the S-100 protein. The patient was diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the lung. A variety of diseases can produce or mimic multiple, thin-walled cysts in the lung. Lung cancer with multiple cysts is quite rare. Nevertheless, adenocarcinoma should be a diagnostic consideration. We report a case of a multiple cystic adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Background: Dust clouds blown by the wind from the arid deserts of Mongolia and Northeast China are known as Asian dust storms. Ambient particulate matter with a diameter

Results: IPF patients and control subjects differed in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus as assessed by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes mellitus and obesity were associated with IPF. The adjusted odds ratios for diabetes mellitus were 2.733 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.282∼5.827) and 2.001 (95% [CI], 1.063∼3.766) for obesity. The remaining factors tested showed no differences between the patient group and the control. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus and obesity may be associated with IPF development.

On 7 December 2007, the Hebei Spirit ran aground near Taean and released approximately 10,900 tons of oil into the sea. Crude oil on the coastal areas and fumes in the a ir increased the number of health problems among the local population. We report a case of respiratory failure a fter the oil spill clean-up work. A 66-year-old female was admitted to hospital with cough, sputum, and dyspnea of 1-m onth duration after the oil spill clean-up. She was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia and treated with empirical antibiotics. However, she had progressive respiratory failure without identification of the p athogen. Respiratory failure due to chronic inhalation of hydrocarbons from the crude oil spill clean-up was suspected . After mechanical ventilation care, she recovered from respiratory failure and was discharged. We report a case o f severe respiratory toxic effects after an oil spill clean-up. We concluded that long-term hydrocarbon inhalation during the oil spill clean-up may have induced respiratory failure in this case.Key Words: Petroleum, Hydrocarbons, Respiratory insufficiency

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is characterized by idiopathic acute febrile illness, diffuse pulmonary infiltration, severe hypoxemia, and pulmonary eosinophilia. We report a case of AEP associated with intramuscular administration of progesterone as luteal phase support after in vitro fertilization. A 33-year-old woman presented to our emergency room with tachypnea and hypoxemia, complaining of fever and cough for 4 days, and dyspnea for 2 days. The symptoms began 9 days after the first injection of progesterone. Chest radiograph showed bilateral infiltrates, located predominantly in the periphery of the lungs, with blunting of the costophrenic angle. Symptoms and chest radiograph dramatically improved after corticosteroid therapy and shifting the progesterone from an intramuscular form of administration to a vaginal form of administration.

연구배경: 황사는 동북아시아에서 자연 발생하는 현상으로, 지름 10μm 이하의 미세먼지(particulate matter 10, PM10)를 다수 포함하여, 흡입하면 하부기관지 및 폐의 가스-교환부분까지 침착 가능하여 호흡기계에 손상을 일으킬 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 황사에 포함된 PM10을 기관지상피세포에 작용시켜 활성산소 및 NF-κB, TGF-β, fibronectin이 증가 여부를 확인하고 섬유화의 신호경로를 규명하고자 하였다. 방법: 공기포집기로 포집한 PM10 입자를 추출하여 기관지 상피세포인 WI-26 VA4 cells (KCLB)에 PM10을 농도에 맞게 노출시켰다(0, 50, 100μg/ml). ROS는 DCF-DA를 세포에 반응시킨 후 생성된 DCF를 FACScan을 이용해 측정하였다. TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB는 western blotting으로 분석하였다. 항산화제인 NAC를 이용하여 각 물질의 발현 억제 여부를 측정하였다. 결과: PM10을 가했을 때 대조군에 비하여 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml에서 ROS, TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB 발현이 유의하게 증가하였고, 항산화제인 NAC를 처리한 세포는 ROS, TGF-β, fibronectin, NFκB의 발현이 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml에서 유의하게 감소하였다. 결론: 황사의 PM10은 WI-26 VA4 cells에서 ROS 생성을 증가시키고 NF-κB, TGF-β, fibronectin 생성을 증가시켜 섬유화에 기여할 것으로 사료된다.

Background: Residual pleural thickening (RPT) is the most frequent complication of tuberculous pleurisy (TP), and this can happen despite of administering adequate anti-tuberculous (TB) therapy. Yet there was no definite relation between RPT and other variables. The aim of this study was to examine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and to identify the factors that can predict the occurrence of RPT. Methods: The patients with newly-detected pleural effusions were prospectively enrolled in this study from January 2004 to June 2005. The levels of MMP-1, -2, -8 and -9, and TIMP-1 and -2 were determined in the serum and pleural fluid by ELISA. The residual pleural thickness was measured at the completion of treatment and at the point of the final follow-up with the chest X-ray films. Results: The study included 39 patients with pleural fluid (PF). Twenty-three had tuberculous effusion, 7 had parapneumonic effusion, 7 had malignant effusion and 2 had transudates. For the 17 patients who completed the anti-TB treatment among the 23 patients with TP, 7 (41%) had RPT and 10 (59%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-1 in the patients with RPT () was significantly higher than that of those patients without RPT () at the completion of treatment (p=0.032). In 13 patients who were followed-up until a mean of months after treatment, 2 (15%) had RPT and 11 (85%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-2 in the patients with RPT () was lower than that of those patients without RPT () at the point of the final follow-up (p=0.038). Conclusion: The residual pleural thickening in TP might be related to the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in the pleural fluid.

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. Methods : Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. Results : One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of . The 24 hour average PM10 level was . There was a significant difference in the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. Conclusions : Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.

Background : According to the 2002 consensus report of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was classified as biopsy proven or probable IPF. Probable IPF is defined as those with distinctive features that allow for a confident diagnosis of IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) within an appropriate clinical setting. The determination of the clinical course of probable IPF, as diagnosed by the ATS/ERS criteria, was studied. Methods : Between March 1995 and August 2002, 36 patients with probable IPF, from two tertiary referral hospitals, were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment efficacy of these patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results : The mean age of the subjects was years. The one and 3 year survival rates were 82.4 and 50.3%, respectively, and a median survival period of 42.0 months. The total cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in the death than the survival group (p

Background : There have been several studies showing that the angiotensin II and angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) contributes to the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and the activation of fibroblasts during the process of pulmonary fibrosis. These results suggest that the pulmonary fibrosis can be inhibited by the angiotensin II receptor antagonist(AGIIRA). This study was performed to identify the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Method : Thirteen patients with IPF, who were diagnosed with an open lung biopsy(6 patients) and furfilling the ATS criteria(7 patients) between March 1999 and October 2001 at the Gachon medical center, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, eight patients were treated with a regimen including AGIIRA(AT group), and five were treated without AGIIRA(NT group). The pulmonary function tests and dyspnea(ATS scale) were measured at diagnosis and 1 year after treatment. All the data was collected to analyze the therapeutic effect of AGIIRA on the patients with IPF. Results : The AT group contained 8 patients(M:F=4:4) and the NT group contained 5 patients

배 경 : 황사는 주로 $10{\mu}m$ 이하의 미세먼지( $PM_{10}$ )로서 $PM_{10}$ 의 증가는 황사현상의 증가와 매우 밀접한 관련이 있다. $PM_{10}$ 은 그 크기로 보아 호흡기에 침착이 가능하고 따라서 호흡기 증상 및 폐기능에 영향을 미칠 수 있올 것으로 생각되나 아직 이에 대한 연구는 없었다. 이에 연구자들은 천식으로 확진된 환자를 대상으로 황사 기간 중에 $PM_{10}$ 을 포함한 대기오염물질이 호흡기증상 및 폐기능에 미치는 영향을 알아 보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 인천지역 거주자이고 천식으로 확진된 환자를 대상으로 2002년 3월 2일부터 6월 14일까지 매일 최소 2회 이상의 최대호기유속 측정, 속효성 기관지 확장제 사용회수, 야간 증상, 증상 점수, 설외활동량 등을 기록하였다. 또한 대기오염지수인 $PM_{10}$ , $SO_2$ , $NO_2$ , $O_3$ , 황사발생일, 기온 및 습도를 측정하여 이들과 최대호기유속 및 변동률, 증상과의 관련성, 야간 증상 및 속효성 기관지확장제 사용회수 등의 연관성을 분석하였다. 결 과 : 대상환자는 남자 31 명, 여자 33명으로 평균 연령은 $46.1{\pm}14.1$ 세, FEV1은 $2.2{\pm}0.9L$ , FEV1%는 $71.5{\pm}24.9%$ 이었다. 연구 기간 중 황사 발생일은 총 14일이었으며, $PM_{10}$ 수치는 황사발생일에 $188.5{\pm}163.0{\mu}g/m^3$ , 비황사발생일에 $60.1{\pm}19.9{\mu}g/m^3$ 로 황사 발생기간 동안에 높게 측정되었다(p $PM_{10}$ 이 높은 날에는 대상 환자의 오전 및 오후 최대 호기유속이 낮아지는 경향을 보였으며(p $SO_2$ , $NO_2$ , $O_3$ 등 다른 대기오염지수와 증상 및 최대호기유속의 변화는 상관성이 없었다(p>0.05). CO는 황사와 관계없이 천식환자에서 최대 호기유속 변동률 및 평균 최대호기유속에 영향을 미치고 있었다(p 【Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually sized less than $10{\mu}m$ , known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general populations. But, there has been no considerable evidence linking these particles to the adverse effects on airways. The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of Asian dust events on respiratory function and symptoms in subjects with bronchial asthma. Patients and Methods : From march to June 2002, Asthmatic patients who were diagnosed with bronchial challenge test or bronchodilator response were enrolled. We divided them into three groups; mild, moderate, and severe, according to the severity. Subjects with other organ insufficiency such as heart, kidney, liver, and malignancy were excluded. All patients completed twice daily diaries and recorded peak flow rate, respiratory symptom, and daily activity. Daily and hourly mean pollutant levels of particulate matter $10{\mu}m$ in diameter( $PM_{10}$ ), nitrogen dioxide( $NO_2$ ), sulphur dioxide( $SO_2$ ), ozone( $O_3$ ) and carbon monoxide(CO) were measured at the 10 different monitoring sites. Results : Dust events occured 14 times during the study period. Daily averages of 4 air pollutant were measured with an increased level of $PM_{10}$ , decreased level of $NO_2$ and $SO_2$ , and no change in CO during dust days compared to those during control days. An increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration was associated with an increase of subjects with PEF variability of >20% (p $PM_{10}$ level and bronchodialtor inhaler, and daytime respiratory symptoms. Conclusion : This study shows evidence that ambient air pollution, especially $PM_{10}$ , during Asian dust events, could be one of the many aggravating factors at least in patients with airway diseases. This data can be used as a primary source to set up a new policy on air environmental control and to evaluate the safety of air pollution index. We also expect that this research will help identify precise components of dust, which are more linked to the adverse effects.】

배 경: 폐 결핵종은 흉부 방사선 사진에서 고립성 폐 결절 또는 종괴 형태로 나타나는 병변으로 임상적으로는 폐암과 감별이 필요한 병변이다. 폐 결핵종의 치료에 대하여 아직 확립된 기준이 없으며 폐 결핵종의 치료에 대하여 아직 확립된 기준이 없으며 폐 결핵종의 항결핵제 치료 후 임상상의 변화에 관한 보고는 드물...

Systemic lupus erythematosus frequently has thoracic involvement among connective tissue diseases. One of the pleuropulmonary manifestations is diffuse interstitial lung disease including nonspecific interstitial pneumonia(NSIP). NSIP is a newly classified disease among interstitial lung diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus has a better prognosis than usual interstitial peumonia(UIP) and responds well to steroids. In this report, a 34 year-old woman who complained of a dry cough, and exertional dyspnea for 2 months is described. The chest X-ray showed fine reticular opacities and a mild honeycomb appearance in both basal lungs. High resolution computed tomography(HRCT) showed bilateral patchy areas of ground-glass attenuation and a mild honeycomb appearance in the subpleural of both the lower and the middle portion of the lung fields. An open lung biopsy showed prominent lymphocytic interstitial inflammation and fibrosis with small areas with a honeycomb appearance. This case was diagnosed as NSIP associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and was managed with oral steroids. Here we report a case of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus confirmed by HRCT and an open lung biopsy with a review of the relevant literature.

Background : In the severe community-acquired pneumonia, it has been known that the immune status is occasionally suppressed. This study was performed to identify the immunologic markers related with the prognostic factors in severe community-acquired pneumonia. Methods : 23 patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia were involved in this study, and divided into survivor (16) and nonsurvivor (7) groups. In this study, the medical history, laboratory tests(complete blood counts, routine chemistry profile, immunoglobulins, complements, lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, sputum and blood culture, urine analysis), and chest radiographs were scrutinized. Results : 1) Both groups had lymphopenia(total lymphocyte count in the survivor and in the nonsurvivor group). 2) The T-lymphocyte count of the nonsurvivor group() was lower than the survivor group() (p in the survivor and in the nonsurvivor group. The BUN of the nonsurvivor group() was higher than that of the survivor group()(p) than that in the survivor group()(p) than in the nonsurvivor group() (p level was in the survivor group and in the nonsurvivor group. 6) A cytokine study showed an insignificant difference in both groups. 7) Chronic liver disease, DM, and COPD were major underlying diseases in both groups. Conclusion : These results suggest that decreased a T-lymphocyte count and immunoglobulin G level, and an increased BUN and creatinine level may be associated with the poor prognosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is one of the rare manifestation of amyloid disease. It is known to be caused by amyloid L fibrils in the majority of cases. We experienced an unusual case of a forty-one year-old woman who was presented with multiple nodular lesion on the chest X-ray. CT-guided core needle biopsy, performed on the lesion, showed apple green birefringes, when stained Congo red and examined under polarized light, Ultrastructurally, there are randomly oriented, forming densed networks, and consists of fine, 7.5 to 10nm diameter, rigid, non-branching filaments of various lengths in electron-microscopic finding. We report a case of primary diffuse nodular pulmonary amyloidosis only localized in the lung, which was confirmed by CT guided core needle biopsy.

Background: The evaluation of candidates for successful lung resection is important. Our study was conducted to determine the preoperative predictors of postoperative mortality and morbidity in lung cancer patients with impaired lung function. Method; Between October 1, 1995 and August 31, 1997, 36 lung resection candidates for lung cancer with of less than 2L or 60% of predicted value were included prospectively. Age, sex, weight loss, hematocrit, serum albumin, EKG and concomitant illness were considered as systemic potential predictors for successful lung resection. Smoking history, presence of pneumonia, dyspnea scale(l to 4), arterial blood gas analysis with room air breathing, routine pulmonary function test were also included for the analysis. In addition, predicted postoperative(ppo) pulmonary factors such as ppo- ppo-diffusing capacity(DLco), predicted postoperative product(PPP) of ppo-ppo-DLco% and ppo-maximal uptake(max) were also measured. Results: There were 31 men and 5 women with the median age of 65 years(range, 44 to 82) and a mean of . Pneumonectomy was performed in 14 patients, bilobectomy in 8, lobectomy in 14. Pulmonary complications developed in 10 patients; cardiac complications in 3, other complications(empyema, air leak, bleeding) in 4. Twelve patients were managed in the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours. Two patients died within 30 days after operation. The ppo-max was less than 10 ml/kg/min in these two patients. MVV was the only predictor for the pulmonary complications. However, there was no predictor for the post operative death in this study. Conclusions: Based on the results, MVV was the useful predictor for postoperative pulmonary complications in lung cancer resection candidates with impaired lung function In addition, ppo-max value less than 10 ml/kg/min was associated with postoperative death, so exercise pulmonary function test could be useful as preoperative test. But further studies are needed to validate this result.

Purpose : This study was undertaken to determine the preoperative predictors of mortality and morbidity after lung cancer resection. Method: During the period from October 1, 1995 to August 31, 1996, a prospective study was conducted in 92 lung resection candidates diagnosed as lung cancer. For preoperative predictors of nonpulmonary factors, we considered age, sex, weight loss, hematocrit, serum albumin, EKG and concomitant illness, and for those of pulmonary factors, smoking history, presence of pneumonia, dyspnea scale(1 to 4), arterial blood gas analysis with room air breathing, routine pulmonary function test. And predicted postoperative(ppo) pulmonary factors such as PPO-, ppo-diffusing capacity(DLco), predicted postoperative product(PPP) of ppo--DLco% and ppo-maximal uptake(max) were also considered. Results: There were 78 men and 14 women with a median age of 62 years(range 42 to 82) and a mean of . Twenty nine patients had a decreased less than 2.0L. Pneumonectomy was performed in 26 patients, bilobectomy in 12, lobectomy in 54. Pulmonary complications developed in 10 patients, cardiac complications in 9, other complications(empyema, air leak, bleeding) in 11, and 16 patients were managed in intensive care unit for more than 48hours. Three patients died within 30 days after operation. The ppo-max was less than 10ml/kg/min in these three patients, but its statistical significance could not be determined due to small number of patients. In multivariate analysis, the predictor related to postoperative death was weight loss(pmax value less than 10ml/kg/min is associated with death after lung cancer resection but further studies are needed to validate this result.

Approximately 100 drugs have been reported to affect the lungs adversely. Among these, pulmonary toxicity caused by antieneoplastic agent. is being recognized more frequently. Cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive alkylating agent used for the treatment of a wide variety of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The incidence of pulmonary toxicity is probably less than 1 percent The first case was reported in 1967. Since then, more than 20 well-documented cases of pulmonary toxicity associated with cyclophosphamide have been reported in the literature. In Korea, three patients were identified with cyclophosphamide-induced lung disease. The typical features of toxicity include dyspnea, fever, cough, new parenchymal infiltrates, gas exchangs abnormalities on pulmonary function tests, and pleural thickening on chest roentgenogram. The best approach to management is early diagnosis, discontinuation of the offending drug and administration of corticosteroid therapy. Recently, we experienced a case of diffuse alveolar damage induced by cyclophosphamide. The patient presented with early-onset pulmonary toxicity and died of repiratory failure despite early use of corticosteroid.

The complications of endotracheal intubation are inevitable, of which postintubation tracheal stenosis may be required for surgical resection with primary reconstruction. Before surgery, several less invasive therapeutic modalites including bougie dilatation, stenting, and Nd-YAG laser incision are still available in use. Especially, good results were noted in selected patients with lengthy scars of less than 1cm and without tracheomalacia using endoscopic laser incision and dilatation. We report a case of a 54 yr-old woman with postintubation tracheal stenosis who was successfully treated by endoscopic Nd-YAG laser incision and esophageal balloon catheter.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a disease occuring predominantly in patients with defects in immunity such as neutropenia, hematologic malignancies or with defects in cell-mediated immunity. The isolation of Aspergillus from respiratory tract of normal host usually signifies tracheobronchial colonization, making this diagnosis difficult. There are isolated case reports occuring in normal hosts but most of them were diagnosed postmortem at autopsies indicating that early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in normal host is difficult. We describe here a case of invasive aspergillosis in a immunocompetent host diagnosed by lung biopsy which was successfully treated with Amphotericin-B. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be included as one of the differential diagnosis if a patient with pneumonic consolidation does not respond to usual therapy, even if the patient does not have any defect in immunity.

Background : Isoniazid(INH) and rifampicin(RFP) are potent antituberculous drugs which have made tuberculous disease become decreasing. In Korea, prescribed doses of INH and RFP have been different from those recommended by American Thoracic Society. In fact they were determined by clinical experience rather than by scientific basis. Even there has been. few reports about pharmacokintic parameters of INH and RFP in healthy Koreans. Method : Oral pharmacokinetics of INH were studied in 22 healthy native Koreans after administration of 300 mg and 400mg of INH to each same person successively at least 2 weeks apart. After an overnight fast, subjects received medication and blood samples were drawn at scheduled times over a 24-hour period. Urine collection was also done for 24 hours. Pharmacokinetics of RFP were studied in 20 subjects in a same fashion with 450mg and 600mg of RFP. Plasma and urinary concentrations of INH and RFP were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Results : Time to reach peak serum concentration (Tmax) of INH was at 300mg dose and at 400mg dose. Half-life was and , respectively. They were not different significantly(p > 0.05). Peak serum concentration(Cmax) after administration of 400mg of INH was which was significantly higher than Cmax () by 300mg of INH(p . At 400mg dose it was which was significantly lower(p ) was significantly lower than CLnr () by 300mg dose(p at 450mg dose and at 600mg dose. Half-life was and , respectively. They were not different significantly(p > 0.05). Cmax after administration of 600mg of RFP was which was significantly higher than Cmax() by 450mg of RFP(p . At 600mg dose it was which was significantly lower(p ) was significantly lower than CLnr() by 450mg dose(p

Background : We have recently reported that airway epithelial cells can produce RANTES and IL-8 in response to the stimulation of tubercle bacilli suggesting a certain role of airway epithelial cells in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The pathogenesis of tuberculosis is determined by several factors including phagocytosis, immunological response of host, and virulence of tubercle bacilli. Interestingly, there have been reports suggesting that difference in immunological response of host according to the virulence of tubercle bacilli may be related with the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. We, therefore, studied the expressions and productions of RANTES and IL-8 in airway epithelial cells in response to tubercle bacilli(H37Rv, virulent strain and H37Ra, avirulent strain), in order to elucidate the possible pathophysiology of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods : Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from normal volunteers. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) were stimulated with LPS(), H37Rv, or H37Ra( bacilli/well) along with normal control for 24 hours. A549 cells were stimulated with supernatants of cultured PBM for 24 hours. ELISA kit was used for the measurement of and IL- production in supernatants of cultured PBM and for the measurement of RANTES and IL-8 in supernatants of cultured A549 cells. Northern blot analysis was used for the measurement of RANTES and IL-8 mRNA expression in cultured A549 cells. Results : and IL- productions were increased in cultured PBM stimulated with LPS or tubercle bacilli(H37Rv or H37Ra) compared with the control. There was, however, no difference in and IL- production between cultured PBM stimulated with H37Rv and H37Ra. RANTES and IL-8 expressions and productions were also increased in cultured A549 cells stimulated with LPS or tubercle bacilli compared with the control. RANTES and IL-8 mRNA expressions were significantly increased in cultured A549 cells stimulated with H37Ra-conditioned media(CM) compared with A549 cells stimulated with H37Rv-CM (p