To define the risk factors affecting the early major morbidity and mortality after multiple-valve operations, the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative informations were retrospectively collected on 124 consecutive patients undergoing a multiple-valve operation between October 1985 and July 1996 at the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Pusan Paik Hospital. The study population consists of 53 men and 71 women whose mean age was 37.9+/-11.5 (mean+/-SD) years. Using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 41 patients (33.1%) were in functional class II, 60 (48.4%) in class III, and 20 (16.1%) in class IV preoperatively. Seven patients (5.6%) had undergone previous cardiac operations. Atrial fibrillations were present in 76 patients (61.3%), a history of cerebral embolism in 5 (4.0%), and left atrial thrombus in 13 (10.5%). The overall early mortality rate and postoperative morbidity was 8.1% and 21.8% respectively. Among the 124 cases of multiple-valve operation, there were 57 (46.0%) of combined mitral valve replacement (MVR) and aortic valve replacement (AVR), 48 (38.7%) of combined MVR and tricuspid annuloplasty (TVA), 12 (9.7%) of combined MVR, AVR and TVA, 3 (2.4%) of combined MVR and aortic valvuloplasty, 2 (1.6%) of combined MVR and tricuspid valve replacement, and others. The patients were classified according to the postoperative outcomes; Group A (27 cases) included the patients who had early death or major morbidity such as low cardiac output syndrome, mediastinitis, cardiac rupture, ventricular arrhythmia, sepsis, and others; Group B (97 cases) included the patients who had the good postoperative outcomes. The patients were also classified into group of early death and survivor. In comparison of group A and group B, there were significant differences in aortic cross-clamping time (ACT, group A:153.4+/-42.4 minutes, group B:134.0+/-43.7 minutes, p=0.042), total bypass time (TBT, group A:187.4+/-65.5 minutes, group B:158.1+/-50.6 minutes, p=0.038), and NYHA functional class (I:33.3%, II:9.7%, III:20%, IV:50%, p=0.004). In comparison of early death (n=10) and survivor (n=114), there were significant differences in age (early death:45.2+/-8.7 years, survivor:37.2+/-11.6 years, p=0.036), sex (female:12.7%, male:1.9%, p=0.043), ACT (early death:167.1+/-38.4 minutes, survivor:135.7+/-43.7 minutes, p=0.030), and NYHA functional class (I:0%, II:4.9%, III:1.7%, IV:35%, p=0.001). In conclusion, the early major morbidity and mortality were influenced by the preoperative clinical status and therefore the earlier surgical intervention should be recommended whenever possible. Also, improved methods of myocardial protection and operative techniques may reduce the risk in patients with multiple-valve operation.
Aortic Valve ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Busan ; Cardiac Output, Low ; Classification ; Female ; Heart ; Heart Rupture ; Humans ; Intracranial Embolism ; Male ; Mediastinitis ; Mitral Valve ; Mortality* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Sepsis ; Survivors ; Thrombosis ; Tricuspid Valve

PURPOSE: The olecranon osteotomy in intra-articular comminuted distal humerus fractures is a suggested technique for excellent exposure of articular fractures. However, complications including delayed union, nonunion of osteotomy site have been reported. Authors have applied predrilling for cannulated screw before osteotomy for achievement of rapid and accurate reposition of separation part and added wire fixation for secure stability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of this fixation procedure following the olecranon osteotomy during the internal fixation of intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 14 cases (9 women and 5 men) of intra-articular distal humerus fractures in which the olecranon osteotomy was applied. The mean age of patients was 53.4 years (range, 25 to 83 years), and the average follow-up period was 15.9 months. Eleven cases were classified as AO 13-C3, and the other 3 cases were AO 13-C2. Reduction accuracy, union period of osteotomy site on follow-up radiographs and postoperative complications related to olecranon osteotomy were evaluated. RESULTS: All osteotomized parts showed no position change and solid union with normal alignment at the last follow-up. The mean period of bony union was 3.5 months (range, 2 to 5 months). There were no complications related to olecranon osteotomy except one case of non-displaced fracture of the proximal ulnar shaft at the level of cannulated screw tip caused by forceful passive physical therapy. It was managed by conservative treatment without further problem. CONCLUSION: Predrilled cannulated screw and wire fixation following the olecranon osteotomy during internal fixation of intra-articular comminuted distal humerus fractures showed satisfactory results in the union of osteotomy site and it could be a recommendable procedure when fractures require olecranon osteotomy.
Elbow ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Humerus* ; Intra-Articular Fractures ; Olecranon Process* ; Osteotomy* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

Basal cell nevus syndrome(BCNS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by variable developmental anomalies and predisposition to cancers. The main manifestations include multiple basal cell carcinomas of skins, odontogenic keratocysts, facial dysmorphism, skeletal abnormalities including scoliosis and bifid ribs, palmar and plantar pits, calcification of the falx cerebri, and biparietal frontal bossing. We experienced a case of 12-year-old girl with the clinical features of basal cell nevus syndrome.
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Child ; Humans ; Nevus ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Ribs ; Scoliosis ; Skin

PURPOSE: Fracture of the distal radius is one of the most common fractures encountered in the emergency room. The incidence of distal radius fracture has increased substantially according to several studies that estimated the overall incidence in various general populations. However, there is a paucity of epidemiological data regarding distal radius fracture in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures in the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of the 432 patients who visited the emergency room for distal radius fractures from January 2012 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Authors analyzed the epidemiologic parameters including age, gender, injury mechanism, fracture classification, combined fracture, treatment method and monthly incidence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 53 years (41.6 years in 171 men, 64.5 years in 261 women). The highest incidence in age distribution was the sixth and seventh decade (45.2%) and male to female ratio was 1.0:2.5. Most fractures (78.4%) were caused by a lower energy fall and the most common combined fractures were the ulnar styloid fracture (38.6%). According to the AO classification, 54.5% were type A, 14.5% were type B and 31.0% were type C and 39.2% of the patient underwent surgery for treatment. The incidence of fracture began to rise in November (12.1%) and peaked in December (14.2%). CONCLUSION: This study examined the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures from the patient records of a single University hospital. The epidemiological data gathered in this study could be added to our knowledge of distal radius fractures in the Korean population, thus it enables the Korean surgeon to determine the best management for individual patients.
Age Distribution ; Classification ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Korea ; Male ; Medical Records ; Radius Fractures* ; Radius* ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons*

PURPOSE: Soft tissue reconstruction of a defect around the foot and ankle is a particularly challenging procedure due to the anatomical and functional characteristics of this area. Hence, only a limited number of treatment options are available. Moreover, if patients wish to avoid additional scars on the ipsilateral lower leg for cosmetic reasons, even fewer options are available for treatment. The authors used an anterolateral thigh perforator flap for soft tissue defects in this area, when other surgical options were inadequate. The aim of this study was to report the clinical results and the efficacy of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen cases of soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle were included. Participants included 12 male and 4 female subjects, and the mean age was 34 years. The most common cause of defect was acute trauma, and the average follow-up period was 33 months. Flap survival time, surgical complications, and ambulation status at the final follow-up stage were evaluated. RESULTS: All 16 flaps successfully survived, except for one case with partial flap necrosis that was thought to be due to weight bearing earlier than scheduled. All patients were able to walk independently without any aid at the final follow-up stage. No patients showed other significant surgical complications. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh perforator flap is a good alternative for soft tissue defects of the foot and ankle, when other options are not applicable. This study also demonstrated that surgery using an anterolateral thigh perforator flap is safe and highly reliable.
Ankle* ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot* ; Humans ; Leg ; Male ; Necrosis ; Operative Time ; Perforator Flap* ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Thigh* ; Walking ; Weight-Bearing

A 61-year-old man who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer 9 years ago and had been treated with pelvic irradiation and intermittent androgen deprivation therapy visited the emergency room because of back pain and weakness in both legs. Spine magnetic resonance imaging showed a lumbar epidural mass and spine metastasis. The whole-body workup revealed multiple metastases to the lymph nodes, bone, liver, and lung. The serum prostate-specific antigen was 0.02 ng/ml. He underwent laminectomy, posterior fixation, and epidural mass excision, and metastatic adenocarcinoma from the prostate was diagnosed. The patient underwent 1 cycle of docetaxel-based chemotherapy. More chemotherapy could not be done because of his general weakness. The patient died one month later of multiple organ failure.
Adenocarcinoma ; Back Pain ; Disease Progression ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Leg ; Liver ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Organ Failure ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Spine

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that modified or oxidized lipoproteins play a key role in the process of atherogenesis, particularly in hyperlipidemic individuals. Low density lipoprotein(LDL) is modified by oxygen free radical from damaged tissue or inflammatory cells. Further changes in the LDL molecule lead to an oxidized form (oxidized LDL), which is recognized by the macrophage scavenger receptor. Scavenger receptors on macrophages recognize and bind oxidized LDL. As uptake continues, the macrophages change to lipid-laden foam cells, the components of the fatty streak, which is the precursor atherosclerotic lesion. Antioxidants are known to prevent modification of LDL by free radicals and possibly also atheroma formation. This study was designed to compare the total antioxidant status and other lipid profiles in vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups in Korean adults to see the effect of diet modification on antioxidant status. METHODS: 174 vegetarian and 150 non-vegetarian male adults were recruited for lipid test including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and total antioxidant status during annual routine physical examination. RESULT: 1) Total antioxidant status was significantly high in vegetarian group(1.390+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-vegetarian group(1.155+/-0.290 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 2) In non-vegetarian group, total antioxidant status was significantly low in smokers(1.041+/-0.288 mmol/L) compared to non-smokers(1.227+/-0.328 mmol/L)(p< 0.001). 3) Correaltions between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status in vegetarian and combined groups were not significant. CONCLUSION: Total antioxidant status in vegetarian group was significantly higher compared to non-vegetarian group. Among non-vegetarian group, smoker group showed lower total antioxidant status compared to non-smoker group. And there was no significant correlations between lipid profiles and total antioxidant status.
Adult ; Antioxidants ; Atherosclerosis ; Cholesterol ; Foam Cells ; Food Habits ; Free Radicals ; Humans ; Lipoprotein(a) ; Lipoproteins ; Macrophages ; Male ; Oxygen ; Physical Examination ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Receptors, Scavenger ; Triglycerides

OBJECTIVES: The stress response involves the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Corticosteroids have been clearly demonstrated to cause anti-inflammatory and/or immnosuppressive effects in man including granulocytosis in part by decreasing migration into tissue, especially damaged tissues(myocardium), and circulating relative lymphocytopenia. To test whether automated measurements of the the increased serum cortisol-induced hematologic changes in the leukocyte differential significance or not in the initial differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in acute chest pain syndromes. METHODS: 101 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction or myocardial ischemia presenting to the emergency room of Seoul Adventist Hospital with acute chest pain from January 1993 to August 1995(Retrospective group) and from December 1995 to March patients compatible with exclusion criteria in myocardial infarction were excluded. We measured automated leukocyte differential and serial CK-MB level in both groups, and the intial serum cortisol levels in prospective infarction group. RESULTS: 1) Total leukocyte and granulocyte counts were increased in acute myocardial infarction(p<0.01). 2) In acute myocardial infarction group, lymphocyte counts were slightly increased(p<0.05), but relative lymphocytes percentage more significantly decreased(p<0.01). 3) Serum cortisol levels are significantly raised early in the course of the acute myocardial infarction and prior to the elevation of the specific cardiac enzymes on the basis of analytic results of prospective infarction group. 4) Cortisol-induced changes in leukocyte differential were noted with time passes into reverse approximately 4 days later in our study. 5) The leukocyte differential does not shows significant changes in the retrospective myocardial ischemia group, so we arrive in careful conclusion that serum cortisol level seems does not increase. 6) No sexual differences were noted in leukocyte differential. CONCLUSIONS: The serum cortisol level and cortisol-induced leukocyte differential are helpful for initial differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in acute chest pain sysdrome.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Chest Pain* ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Granulocytes ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone* ; Infarction ; Leukocytes* ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocytes ; Lymphopenia ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Sympathetic Nervous System ; Thorax*

PURPOSE: Acute immume thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is relatively common hematologic disease in children. Most acute ITP is recovered within 6 month spontaneously and the complication is rare. But 10~20% of the ITP patient became a chronic form. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EB virus) in developing country usually occurs during infancy and early childhood. Acute ITP associated with EB virus is likely to develop chronic ITP in current literatures. We studied the pattern of laboratory findings in long term follow up of ITP with EB virus infection. METHODS: One hundred and seventy nine patients diagnosed with ITP admitted to the division of pediatric hematology, Gachon Medical Center and Hanyang University Hospital between Mar. 1991 and Jun. 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Serologic test for EB virus was available for 57 patients and 25 of them were follow up at least 6 months. Evidence of acute EB virus infection was defined as a positive Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) IgM or positive Anti VCA IgG and negative Ebstein-Barr virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA). Complete remission (CR) was defined as a recovery of platelet count of more than 100 109/L and partial remission (PR) as a recovery of platelet count of 50~100 109/L, maintained for at least 6 months. RESULTS: Sixteen out of 57 patients were associated acute EB virus infection. Of this group, 8 patients were follow up at least 6 months. Forty one of 57 with no evidence of acute EB virus infection, 17 were follow up at least 6 months. The clinical and laboratory data was not different significantly in children with and without acute EB virus infection in admission. In EB virus infection group of 6 months follow up, platelet count was significantly lower than control group in 6 months follow up (P=0.006). Five patients of 8 (63%) with acute EB virus infection had chronic ITP and 2 of 17 (12%) with no evidence of EB virus infection had chronic ITP in follow up 6 months. CONCLUSION: Patients with EB virus associated ITP tended to resolved more slowly than those without EB virus infection and also showed tendency to become chronic ITP.
Capsid ; Child ; Developing Countries ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematologic Diseases ; Hematology ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Platelet Count ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* ; Remission, Spontaneous ; Retrospective Studies ; Serologic Tests

BACKGROUND: Despite continous efforts to improve the prehospital trauma care system in Korea, the preventable death rate has been reported to be high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prehospital trauma care system in Seoul by analyzing 119 rescue databases. METHODS: The 119 rescue data bases of 22,275 trauma patients, who were transported to the secondary and tertiary hospital in Seoul by Seoul 119 rescue services from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000, were analyzed. RESULTS: The response time(mean 3.7 min.) showed no time, weekly, and regional variations. However, the transport time from field to hospital showed was high in the morning rush hour(7:00 to 10:00 am), and was gradually decreased and the lowest between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. There was also a regional variation in the transport time, which was short in the central area and long in the peripheral area of Seoul. Prehospital cares were given to the 10,999 trauma patients(49.4%). Of the 464 unresponsive patients(2%), only 236 patients were identified in transported hospitals. The outcomes of these unresponsive patients were DOA(54%), survival(19%), death in ER(14%), transfer to other hospitals(8%), and death after admission(5%) in order. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this study may be helpful to the establishment and improvement of the prehospital trauma care system as well as the determination of the adequate numbers and locations of trauma center in Seoul.
Humans ; Korea ; Mortality ; Reaction Time ; Seoul* ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Trauma Centers