Independent risk factors for mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who undergo comprehensive cardiac evaluations.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on the prognosis of COPD is not well known.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of cardiovascular comorbidities on the prognosis of COPD.

Graves' disease associated with Klinefelter's syndrome.

Klinefelter's syndrome is one of the most common forms of primary hypogonadism and infertility in males. It is characterized by small and firm testes, gynecomastia, azoospermia, and an elevated gonadotropin level. The frequencies of diabetes mellitus, breast cancer, and germ cell neoplasia increases in Klinefelter's syndrome.

Correlation between midthigh low-density muscle and insulin resistance in obese nondiabetic patients in Korea.

Objective: We investigated the link between lipid-rich skeletal muscle, namely low-density muscle, and insulin resistance in Korea.

Research Design And Methods: Abdominal adipose tissue areas and midthigh skeletal muscle areas of 75 obese nondiabetic subjects (23 men, 52 women; mean age +/- SD, 41.9 +/- 14.

A case of thyroid storm due to thyrotoxicosis factitia.

We describe a case of thyroid storm due to thyrotoxicosis factitia, which was caused by the ingestion of excessive quantities of exogenous thyroid hormone for the purpose of reducing weight. An 18-year-old female was admitted to the hospital 24 hours after taking up to 50 tablets of synthyroid (1 tablet of synthyroid : levothyroxine 100 microg). Because of her stuporous mental state and acute respiratory failure, she was intubated and treated in the intensive care unit.

The effect of iodine restriction on thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is indicated in patients with hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, previous reports have shown that excess iodine induces hypothyroidism in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This study investigated the effects of iodine restriction on the thyroid function and the predictable factors for recovery in patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.