BACKGROUND: The technique using target-controlled infusion (TCI) with propofol produces safe intraoperative sedation during regional anesthesia with rapid recovery and high patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to define the blood propofol concentration necessary for conscious sedation in regional anesthesia patients according to age. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled to undergo regional anesthesia were allocated into one of three groups according to age, such as group 1 (n = 20): 16 24 yr, group 2 (n = 20): 30 39 yr, group 3 (n = 20): 40 55 yr. Thirty minutes after performing regional anesthesia, TCI of propofol started at a target plasma level of 1 microgram/ml adjusted in steps of 0.2 microgram/ml to maintain a sedation level 3 on a 5-point sedation scale. RESULTS: The mean target concentration was 0.9 microgram/ml (group 1), 0.8 microgram/ml (group 2), 0.7 microgram/ml (group 3). The mean propofol consumption was 38.5 microgram/kg/min (group 1), 34.3 microgram/kg/min (group 2), and 30.8 microgram/kg/min (group 3). The recovery time was significantly delayed in group 3 (2.8 min) compared to group 1 (1.5 min) and group 2 (1.8 min). CONCLUSIONS: TCI of propofol within at 0.7 0.9 microgram/ml blood concentration range produces safe intraoperative sedation during regional anesthesia with rapid induction, rapid recovery and high patient satisfaction without severe complications in 16 55 yr old patients.
Anesthesia, Conduction* ; Conscious Sedation* ; Humans ; Patient Satisfaction ; Plasma ; Propofol*

OBJECTIVES: This study was done to examine the risk factors for the dyspnea of retired coal miners in Korea. METHODS: Eight hundred and sixteen male workers who took the health examination for retired coal miners in the T hospital were recruited, in this study and their health examination records were employed to assess the risk factors for dyspnea. Both univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the relationship between known risk factors and the presence of dyspnea. RESULTS: Variables in the univariate analysis, which showed a significant relationship with dyspnea were age(>or=60 years) (OR : 2.20, 95% CI : 1.63-3.00), work duration(>or=2 0 years) (OR : 1.67, 95% CI : 1.24-2.25), profusion of small opacity(>or=1/0) (OR : 1.81. 95% CI : 1.30-2.51), large opacity(>or=A) (OR : 2.19, 95% CI : 1.30-3.70), and the ratio of the distance between the start of the first division of the right and left main pulmonary arteries divided by the transverse diameter of the thorax (cor pulmonale index)(>or=0 . 3 6 ) (OR : 2.37, 95% CI : 1.77-3.17). The multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis showed age(>or=60 years)(OR : 1.69, 95% CI : 1.28-2.21), smoking amount(>or=1 filters/day) (OR : 1.61, 95% CI : 1.06-2.45), no experience of having quit smoking (OR : 1.40 95% CI : 1.06-1.84), and the cor pulmonale index(>or=0.36)(OR : 1.75, 95% CI : 1.34-2.29) were associated with an increased risk for dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggests that the cor pulmonale index is the most significant risk factor in predicting dyspnea in retired coal miners. In addition, this study also revealed that workers aged 60 years or more or smokers were more likely to experience dyspnea as compared to those aged 60 years or less and nonsmokers.
Coal* ; Dyspnea* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Heart Disease ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Thorax

In association with facial trauma, fracture of mandibular condyle occurs frequently. From that injury, the dysfunction of temporomandibular joint and the following limitation of mouth opening causing difficult intubation can result. So the anesthesiologists should have the capability of recognizing such problems. But in the case of facial trauma, pain and muscle spasm also cause similar but reversible conditions posing difficulty in differential diagnosis. In this case the patient showed some degree of limitation in mouth opening (1 finger breath) at the preoperative evaluation, so the author performed routine induction expecting the occurrence of full mouth opening after muscle relaxation. But the patient's mouth couldn't be opened any further and the exposure of epiglottis was impossible. Now since we have no reliable predictive criteria of irreversible temporomandibular joint dysfunction, awake fiberoptic intubation should be strongly considered in the case of condylar fracture with any limitations in mouth opening.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Epiglottis ; Fingers ; Humans ; Intubation ; Intubation, Intratracheal* ; Mandibular Condyle ; Mouth ; Muscle Relaxation ; Spasm ; Temporomandibular Joint*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of whole body bone mineral densitometry in the diagnosis of frequent osteopenia of preterm infants by comparison with the wrist radiographs and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to January 1996, we obtained whole body bone mineral density(BMD) studies using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA) and wrist radiographs of 39 preterm infants. They were divided into three groups according to birth weight, under 1500g, 1501g to 2000g and above 2000g, and four grades of skeletal change, as seen on wrist radiography, according to the scoring method of Koo et al. Groups of birth weight and grades of skeletal change were then correlated with whole body BMD and biochemical parameters. For comparison, normal data were obtained from 13 infants born at full term. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variation(ANOVA) and correlation and regression analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESUTLS: Whole body BMDs were significantly lower in the more premature and smaller birth weight infants(r=0.77, p=0.0000), and in the higher grade of skeletal change (r=-0.5276, p=0.0000). Aggravated skeletal changes were found in infants with lower birth weight(r=-0.3822, p=0.01). Interobserver variation in grading skeletal change was 42.9%, and intraobserver variation was 18.4%. Biochemical parameters such as serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathromone, calcitonin and 25-hydroxy-vitamine D did not vary significantly according to either birth weight or skeletal change (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Premature osteopenia is more effectively diagnosed by measuring whole body BMD using DXA than by grading radiographical skeletal change or by biochemical parameters.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Birth Weight ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic* ; Calcitonin ; Calcium ; Densitometry* ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Observer Variation ; Parturition ; Radiography* ; Research Design ; Rickets ; Wrist*

The occurrence of the colonic obstruction secondary to colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has been reported in 7~30% of the CRC patients. It is generally believed that obstructive CRC is associated with a poor prognosis with respect to operative mortality and five-year survival. A series of 1064 cases of the CRC treated surgically at Asan Medical Center from June 1989 to December 1996 has been analyzed to compare clinicopathological findings between obstructive and non-obstructive CRC and to evaluate surgical treatment options in obstructive CRC. Complete obstruction was present in 49 cases (4.6%). There were no differences between obstructive and non-obstructive CRC in tumor location, size, Dukes' stage, and differentiation. In forty-nine obstructive CRC cases, primary resections were performed in 29 cases after peri-operative bowel decompression. In this group, right colon cancer was more prevalent than staged operation group (45% vs. 5%, P<0.05) and hospital stay was significantly short (16 days vs. 38 days, P<0.05). Postoperative complication rate was higher in staged operation group (65% vs. 28%, P=0.01). It may be due to stoma related wound complication. In obstructive left colon cancer, there was a significant difference in complication rate between primary resection and staged operation (P<0.05). Overall 5-year survival rate were 66% and 53% in non-obstructive and obstructive group, respectively. Survival rate according to the Dukes' B and C stages did not show statistical differences, either. Conclusively, primary resection is preferred to the obstructive CRC when supportive care, preoperative bowel decompression, and intraoperative colonic irrigation were performed adequately.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Decompression ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Preoperative Care ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Wounds and Injuries

The leading cause of death of massive hemoptysis is the aspiration of blood into the contralateral normal lung resulting in asphyxia. The management of massive hemoptysis can be performed by the evacuation of the blood, and the protection and ventilation of the uninvolved lung from aspiration. Double-lumen endotracheal tubes provide lung isolation, the ability to ventilate one or both lungs, and suction in case of acute endobronchial hemorrhage. We report a case of blood aspiration and hypoxemia which occurred during one lung ventilation using single lumen endotracheal tube for left pneumonectomy. The patient was treated with a supplement of 100% oxygen, continual suctioning, and positive-pressure ventilation. If we had used a double-lumen endotrachal tube, it would have enabled us to separate both lungs, to clear the left lung, and to apply ventilatory support on the contralateral lung.
Anoxia* ; Asphyxia ; Cause of Death ; Hemoptysis ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lung* ; One-Lung Ventilation* ; Oxygen ; Pneumonectomy ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; Suction ; Ventilation

Alveolar Bone Loss ; Animals ; Dental Implants ; Dogs ; Electrodes ; Femur ; Implants, Experimental ; Osseointegration ; Plasma ; Porosity ; Titanium ; Vacuum

PURPOSE: When MRI and CT of the oral cavity utilize the traditional closed-mouth approach, direct contact between the tongue and surrounding structures may give rise to difficulty in recognizing the anatomy involved and demonstrating the possible presence of pathologic features. we describe a more appropriate scan technique, involving open-mouthed imaging, which may be used to demonstrate the anatomy of the oral cavity in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axial and coronal MR imaging and axial CT scanning were performed in 14 healthy volunteers, using both the closed and open-mouth approach. For the latter, a mouth-piece was put in place prior to examination. In all volunteers, open-mouth MR and CT examinations involved the same parameters as the corresponding closed-mouth procedures. The CT and MR images obtained by each method were compared, particular attention being paid to the presence and symmetry of motion artifact of the tongue and the extent of air space in the oral cavity. Comparative imaging analysis was based on the recognition of 13 structures around the boundaries of the mouth. For statistical analysis, Student 's t test was used and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Due to symmetry of the tongue, a less severe motion artifact, and increased air space in the oral cavity, the open-mouth method produced excellent images. The axial and coronal MR images thus obtained were superior in terms of demarcation of the inferior surface and dorsum of the tongue, gingiva, buccal surface and buccal vestibule to those obtained with the mouth closed (p<0.05). In addition, axial MR images obtained with the mouth open showed better demarcation of structures at the lingual margin and anterior belly of the digastric muscle (p<0.05), while coronal MR images of the base of the tongue, surface of the hard palate, soft palate, and uvula, were also superior (p<0.05). Open-mouth CT provided better images at the lingual margin, dorsum of the tongue and buccal surface than the closed-mouth approach (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Open-mouth MRI and CT are both practical and useful for evaluation of the structures of the oral cavity. The images thus obtained are superior to those acqhired with the month closed.
Artifacts ; Gingiva ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Mouth* ; Palate, Hard ; Palate, Soft ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tongue ; Uvula ; Volunteers

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of lateral radiography of the spine with that of morphometric X-rayabsorptiometry(MXA) in vertebral morphometry, and to evaluate normal vertebral morphometry using MXA in Koreanwomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A spine phantom was constructed using copper pipe. Its anterior and posteriorheights were measured directly, with lateral radiographs and with MXA, and the values thus obtained were compared.Inter -and intra -observer variations were evaluated by three radiologists. The vertebral morphometry of 30 youngwomen volunteers were imaged using thoracic and lumbar lateral radiographs and MXA, and analysis included themeasurement of anterior and posterior heights from T4 to L4. We also obtained the vertebral morphometry of 200normal Korean women who underwent MXA between March 1995 and February 1996, though those with osteoporosis andother spinal lesions were excluded from this study. Thoracolumbar vertebral indexes were statistically correlatedwith age, height and bone mineral. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the heights ofspine phantom measured by MXA compared with actual size (mean difference=0.28mm). Simple radiographs weremagnified by 23.7% at a phantom-table distance of 15cm, and distortion ranged from 0.5% to 22.5%, depending onphantom level and phantom-table distance. In the study of volunteers, the magnification rate between a simpleradiograph and MXA was about 26.6%. Anterior height increased progressively from the thoracic to the lumbar spine,though posterior height peaked at L2, and L4 was less than anterior height. In Korean women, indices of vertebralmorphometry decreased significantly with aging, with the most prominent decrease occurring during the seventhdecade. The mineral density of spinal bone decreased markedly after the sixth decade. CONCLUSION: Radiographsshowed more magnification and distortion than did MXA, though between morphometric X-ray absorptiometry (MXA) andactual size, there was no significant difference. The vertebral morphometric indices of Korean women and referredbone mineral density may provide useful data for determining and evaluating follow-up changes in spinalmorphology.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Aging ; Copper ; Female ; Humans ; Osteoporosis ; Radiography ; Spine* ; Volunteers

PURPOSE: To evaluate incidentally observed thickened mucosa of paranasal sinuses on brain MRI of patients without evidence of sinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed brain MRI of 82 adults aged over 20 ; 45 were males and 37 were females. Brain axial MRI was obtained from the hard palate with 8mm thickness and 2mm gap. The mucosal thickness of incidentally observed paranasal sinuses seen on brain MRI was measured at the mostly thickened portion by T2- and T1-weighted images. RESULTS: The mean mucosal thickness at the most thickened portion of paranasal sinuses, regardless of their location was 3.5mm with S.D. of 1.5mm. The mucosal thickening was observed more commonly in maxillary (79 patients, mean 3.0mm, S.D. 1.4mm) and ethmoid sinuses (80 patients,mean 2.7mm, S.D. 1.1mm) than in sphenoid (39 patients, mean 1.6mm, S.D. 1.4mm) or frontal sinuses (38 patients, mean 1.9mm, S.D. 1.4mm). CONCLUSION: Mucosal thickening of up to 6.5mm was a common finding on brain MRI of patients without evidence of sinusitis ; accuracy was 95%.
Adult ; Brain* ; Ethmoid Sinus ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; Palate, Hard ; Paranasal Sinuses* ; Reference Values* ; Sinusitis