Posterior segment injuries due to non-penetrating ocular trauma have protean ocular manifestations. Vision may be unaffected or completely lost according to the injured area. Although most cases require no specific treatment, early accurate diagnosis and appropriate prophylactic treatment will prevent some patients from late visual loss. We analyzed retrospectively 36 eyes of 36 patients with non-penetrating posterior segment trauma who had visited our clinic from August, 1994 to February, 1997. Thirty two of the patients(88.8%) were male and the peak age group was in the third decade. Thirteen of the patients(21%) had Berlin`s edema, which was one of the most common findings seen in the posterior segment. The most common anterior segment finding associated with non-penetrating ocular trauma was hyphema(20%). The most common cause of non-penetrating trauma was violence(first, foot)(38.8%). Final visual acuity was better in eyes without the lesion involving the macula.
Diagnosis ; Edema ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity

To investigate the correlation of peripapillary atrophy with optic disc dupping and disc hemorrhage in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) patients, tomographic measurements were performed with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph(HRT, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). We analyzed cup to disc area ratio(C/D ratio) and peripapillary atrophy to disc area ratio(P/D ratio) from 28 eyes of 14 POAG patients with peripapillary atrophy(Group A), only C/D ratio from 28 eyes of 14 POAG patients without peripapillary atrophy(Group B), and only P/D ratio from 28 eyes of non-glaucomatous subjects with peripapillary atrophy(Group C). Group A was subclassified into thos with disc hemorrhage (Group A-1) and those without dixd hemorrhage(Group A-2), and changes of visual field defects were also analyzed from each subgroup witn Humphrey automated perimetry (Allergan Humphrey, USA, C24-2) at the six-month follow-up. Cup to disc area ratio(0.54+/-0.160)in the Group A was signifcantly higher than that(0.406+/-0.130) in the Group B, and P/D ratio was higher in Group A(0.619+/-0.203) than in the Group C(0.484+/-0.130). P/D ratio was also higher in Group A-1(0.725+/-0.34) than in the Group A-2(0.605+/-0.273). There was no significant difference in mean deviation(M/D) and corrected pattern standard deviation(CPSD) between Group A-1 and Group A-2. The results led us to the conclusion that peripapillary atrophy had significant correlation with glaucomatous damage on optic disc and disc hemorrhage in glaucoma patients. Therefore more attention should be paid tod a glaucoma patient especially when he or she presents with peripapillary atrophy.
Atrophy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle* ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Retina ; Visual Field Tests ; Visual Fields

This study was undertaken to identify the protein antigens reacting with IgM antibodies in the sera of various stages of syphilis before and after treatment, employing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), immunoblotting and immunoperoxidase stain. The results were as follows : 1. Before treatment, the most strongly reacting antigens of T. pallidam precipitated by IgM antibodies in the sera of patients were polypeptides of molecular weights 47,000, 34,000 and 29,500. So it was observed that those were the major antigens of T. pallidum reacting with IgM antibodies. 2. After observing protein antigens of T. pallidum reacting with IgM antibodies in the sera of patients with syphilis before and after treatment, it was seen that in primary, secondary and early latent syphilis there was a loss of several antigens and s decrease in reactivity, but no changes occurred in late latent and reinfected syphilis. 3. From the observation of the reaction between serum antibodies of patients with trested syphilis and major antigens of T. pallidum, an evident decrease in reactivity was observed only with protein antigen of molecular weight 47,000 which reacts with IgM antibody. From the above results, it could be concluded that of molecular weight 47,000 could contribute to the assessment of the diagnosis of syphilis and the efficacy of treatment.
Antibodies* ; Diagnosis ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin M* ; Molecular Weight ; Peptides ; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate ; Syphilis* ; Syphilis, Latent ; Treponema pallidum* ; Treponema*

This study was conducted to identify the protein antigens reacting with IgG antibodies in the sera of variaus stages of syphilis before treatment, the antigens common to both Treponema pallidum and Treponema phagedenis, and the antigens specific only to T. pzllidum, employing sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS PAGE) and immunoblotting. Before treatment, the most strongly reacting antigens of T. pallidum precipitated by IgG antibodies in the sera of patients were polypeptides of molecular weights 47, 000, 36,500, 15,500 and 14,000. Eleven antigens common to both T. palbdum and T. phagedenis were observed, and antigens of molecular weights 86,500, 68,500,15,500 and 14,000 showed to be specific only to T. pallidum. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that of the major antigens of T. pallidum, the antigens of molecular weights 15,500 and 14,000 could serve to develop newer serologic tests for syphilis.
Antibodies* ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin G* ; Molecular Weight ; Peptides ; Serologic Tests ; Sodium ; Syphilis* ; Treponema ; Treponema pallidum

The aim of this study is to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects and side effects of 1%brinzolamide in its single use, and also in combined use with beta-blocker. Eighty normal eyes of 40 persons were randomized and divided into two groups: group A and B,20 persons each. In group A, patients had brinzolamide on unilateral eyes (subgroup A-1), and normal saline on the contralateral eyes (subgroup A-2). In group B, patients had 0.5% timolol and 1%brinzolamide on unilateral eyes and 0.5% timolol only on the contralateral eyes. IOP was measured before, 1/2,1,2,4 and 8 hours after instillation, respectively, and adverse effects were monitored. In both subgroups A-1 and B-1, the decrease of IOP was statistically significant compared with controls between 30minutes and 8 hours after instillation. Subgroup A-1 showed maximal decrease of IOP (22.2%) at 4 hours after instillation,while subgroup B-1 showed maximal decrease of IOP (48.3%) at 2 hours after instillation. Moreover,subgroup B-1 showed 12.1% of additional IOP-lowering effect on the average, compared with subgroup B-2. Out of the few adverse effects reported reported, bitter taste was the most common complaint. Brinzolamide might be used as a single agent or as an adjunct to betablocker for decreasing IOP in glaucoma patients. But further evaluation on more controls and patients of glaucoma or ocular hypertension through longer follow-up is required to support its clinical use.
Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure* ; Ocular Hypertension ; Timolol

BACKGROUND: The obese patients increased recently in Korea due to excessive energy intake and decreased physical activity. We are well known that obesity is associted with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, but not known to influence of weight gain to change in cardio-vascular risk factors. Once, the study of obesity are many but the study of influence of weight gain are small in Korea. This study investigated to influence of weight gain in cardio-vascular risk factors. METHODS: We gatherd case and control group among persons who has taken twice medical examination except disease person from October 1990 to October 1995 at SungAe General hospital. In our study, total 167 case, compare weight gain group(>3kg) with control group to change in cardiovascular risk factor. RESULTS: Sex, age, smoking history, obesity index were not statistically significant difference between two group in the first medical examination. systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, HDL, total cholesterol/HDL were not statistically significant difference between two group for weight gain. Total cholesterol and triglyceride, LDL were stastistically significant increased. CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain was increased of total cholestrol and triglyceride, LDL, so weight control was important.
Angina Pectoris ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Energy Intake ; Fasting ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Motor Activity ; Obesity ; Risk Factors* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Triglycerides ; Weight Gain*

PURPOSE:Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, and stomach is the major site of ghrelin secretion. The purpose of this study is to compare the serum ghrelin concentrations between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and normal adults. We studied also whether serum ghrelin levels in the patients with type 2 DM are correlated with body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, lipid profiles, and creatinine levels. METHODS:Forty patients with type 2 DM and forty normal adults were included in this study. We measured heights and weights of the subjects and calculated their BMIs. Blood samples were obtained to measure the ghrelin concentration and their sera were stored at -20degreeC until used. In all subjects, serum ghrelin levels were measured using the commercially available Ghrelin(human) EIA kit. RESULTS:No differences of mean values were detected between the control group and the type 2 diabetic group for age, body weight, BMI, and the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and creatinine. But ghrelin level of the type 2 diabetic group (71.1+/-30.5 ng/L) was significantly lower than the control group (139.7+/-36.9 ng/L). In the control group, the ghrelin level showed positive correlation with HDL cholesterol (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.37, P<0.05). In the diabetic group, the ghrelin level showed weakly positive correlation with insulin concentration. However, there was no significant relationship between serum ghrelin and various parameters in the diabetic patients group. CONCLUSION: In this study, ghrelin concentration in type 2 diabetic patients was lower than that in the control group. In the control group, serum ghrelin concentrations were positively correlated with HDL cholesterol. In the type 2 diabetic group, there was no significant correlation between insulin and ghrelin concentrations.
Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Creatinine ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* ; Ghrelin* ; Humans ; Insulin ; Receptors, Ghrelin ; Stomach ; Triglycerides ; Weights and Measures

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Lumbar OPLL with neurologic symptoms is very rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 49-year-old female had experienced weakness in both lower extremities and radiating pain for 1 day prior to presentation. Simple radiography and CT showed OPLL at the L1-L2 level. We performed a total laminectomy and posterolateral fusion at the L1-L2 level using a posterior approach. RESULTS: After treatment, the patient showed improvement of symptoms and is currently living without discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar OPLL is rare; however, rapid neurologic recovery can be achieved through early diagnosis and surgery.
Cauda Equina* ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Longitudinal Ligaments* ; Lower Extremity ; Middle Aged ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; Polyradiculopathy* ; Radiography

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes between short and long segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Short segment instrumentation has been recommended in thoracolumbar burst fractures with a load sharing score of 6 or less, and long segment instrumentation has been recommended for those with a score of 7 or more. However, this standard is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to January 2014, 45 patients with thoracolumbar fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more were treated with posterior instrumentation. They were divided into two groups: short (group S) and long segment (group L) groups. Radiologic results were evaluated on the basis of the kyphotic angle and anterior column height. Complications were also reviewed. RESULTS: Groups S and L consisted of 13 and 32 patients and had mean ages of 48.3 and 47.3 years, respectively. In group S, the anterior column height increased from 56.62% to 76.23% postoperatively, and remained at 71.15% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 16.27degrees to 7.55degrees postoperatively, and was 13.17degrees at follow-up. In group L, the anterior column height recovered from 49.67% to 70.52% postoperatively, and was 63.73% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 20.08degrees to 6.80degrees postoperatively, and was 14.18degrees at follow-up. The changes in the anterior column height and kyphotic angle were not significantly different between groups S and L. Seven cases had complications and the number of cases with complications was not significantly different between groups S and L. CONCLUSIONS: Short and long segment instrumentation of thoracolumbar fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more did not achieve significantly different results.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE:To report the results of spine surgery for patients refusing allotransfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The operations were performed for 24 patients who were scheduled to undergo posterolateral fusion with internal fixation between January 2004 and March 2006. There were 7 male and 17 female patients, and the average age of the patients was 54 (range: 12~71) years. All fo these patients were indicated for posterolateral fusion with internal fixation requiring intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion. In the whole study group, all of the patients refused to receive conventional transfusion therapy because of religious convictions. To categorize the patients by disease, there were 17 cases of spinal stenosis, two cases of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, four cases of spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and one case of neurofibromatosis scoliosis. In order to increase hemoglobin level, recombinant human erythropoietin was administered before the operation, and controlled hypotensive anesthesia, acute normovolemic hemodilution, a cell saving system, and reducing operating time methods were intraoperatively used to spare blood in spine surgery. Postoperatively, recuperative techniques were used to decrease blood loss and maximize blood production. RESULTS: In the entire study group, there were no side effects or associated symptoms following bloodless surgery. In the followup period, there were no side effects or a lack of blood. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that bloodless spinal surgery is an important method that can be used for decreasing the side effects of blood transfusion, and can be considered one of the good modalities with which to satisfy medical demands in spinal surgery.
Anesthesia ; Blood Transfusion ; Bloodless Medical and Surgical Procedures ; Erythropoietin ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemodilution ; Humans ; Male ; Neurofibromatoses ; Scoliosis ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine* ; Spondylolisthesis