PURPOSE: We tried to evaluate the long term efficacy and positive predictive factors of interferon-alpha treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: The study population included 113 children who received interferon therapy between May 1982 and July 2002 (20 years) for chronic hepatitis B in Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine. Male to female ratio was 2.3:1 and the mean age at diagnosis was 11.1+/-4.1 years old. Response to treatment was defined as normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), disappearance of HBeAg and HBV-DNA Eighty two children responded while 32 did not. Interferon-alpha was given intramuscularly for 6 months at a dosage of 3x106 unit, 3 times weekly. In relapsed cases, lamivudine or interferon retreatment was done. RESULTS: Seroconversion rate was 77.0% in terms of HBeAg, 74.3% in terms of HBV-DNA, and 80.5% in terms of ALT normalization after treatment. Seroconversion rate of both HBeAg and HBV-DNA was 72.6%. Analyzed by life table method, the effect of the treatment had been maintained over 10 years after cessation of therapy. Pre-treatment ALT level was the only significant positive predictive factor of response. Eleven cases (13.4%) relapsed, and 2 out of 3 showed response when treated with lamivudine and 1 out of 3 with interferon retreatment. CONCLUSION: Interferon-alpha showed significant efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in our study. Further studies about the effect of interferon therapy on complications of hepatitis such as hepatocarcinoma, cirrhosis are warranted.
Alanine Transaminase ; Child* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B, Chronic* ; Hepatitis, Chronic* ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha* ; Interferons ; Lamivudine ; Life Tables ; Male ; Pediatrics ; Retreatment

PURPOSE: We investigated the spontaneous seroconversion rate of hepatitis B viral markers and predictive factors affecting seroconversion in children with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: The study population included 214 children diagnosed as chronic hepatitis B, with positive HBsAg, HBeAg and HBVDNA over six months, and all patients had a family history of chronic Hepatitis B. They were followed between May 1982 and Febrary 2003 in the Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine. Serum HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, HBVDNA, and AST/ALT were measured every six months. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 7.4+/-4.5 years. The loss of HBeAg, HBVDNA and HBsAg were observed in 44(19.2%), 34(15.9%) and 3(1.4%) children respectively. The patients with serum ALT levels over three times normal and with HBVDNA less than 1,000 pg/dL showed significantly higher seroconversion rates of HBeAg and HBVDNA(P<0.001). By analyzing with the life table method, the cumulative seroconversion rate of HBeAg was 11% at 10 and 35% at 19 years of age, while HBVDNA was 9% at 10 and 32% at 19 years of age. In cases of HBsAg, the cumulative seroconversion rate was only 1.5% at 19 years of age. The age of patients, serum ALT and HBVDNA levels were proven as signifincant factors influencing the seroconversion of HBeAg and HBVDNA(P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In children with chronic hepatitis B, the seroconversion rate of HBeAg and HBVDNA are expected to be 35% and 32%, respectively, by the age of 19 years. The age of patients, serum ALT and HBVDNA levels seem to have significant influence on HBeAg and HBVDNA seroconversion.
Biomarkers ; Child* ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; Hepatitis B Antigens ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B, Chronic* ; Hepatitis, Chronic* ; Humans ; Life Tables ; Natural History* ; Pediatrics

BACKGROUND: Slim patients or those with large breasts may be ineligible for breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap, as the volume of the flap may be insufficient. This study aimed to establish that abdominal tissue–based breast reconstruction can be well suited for Korean patients, despite their thin body habitus. METHODS: A total of 252 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap from October 2006 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and body mass index were analyzed, and a correlation analysis was performed between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial abdominal flap. RESULTS: The average weights of the mastectomy specimen and initial abdominal flap were 451.03 g and 644.95 g, respectively. The ratio of the weight of the mastectomy specimen to that of the initial flap was 0.71±0.23. There was a strong positive linear relationship between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial flap (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.728). Thirty nulliparous patients had a final-to-initial flap weight ratio of 0.66±0.11. The 25 patients who underwent a contralateral procedure had a ratio of 0.96±0.30. The adjusted ratio of the final flap weight to the initial flap weight was 0.66±0.12. CONCLUSIONS: Breast weight had a strong positive relationship with abdominal flap weight in Koreans. Abdominal flaps provided sufficient soft tissue for breast reconstruction in most Korean patients, including nulliparous patients. However, when the mastectomy weight is estimated to be >700 g, a contralateral reduction procedure may be considered.
Body Mass Index ; Breast* ; Female ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Korea ; Mammaplasty* ; Mastectomy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Weights and Measures

We report a case of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which had a history of spontaneous resorption of late seroma before diagnosis. A 47-year-old woman with a history of augmentation mammoplasty with round textured implants in January 2013 presented with a swelling on her right breast 6 years later, which was diagnosed as late seroma with suspected intracapsular rupture using ultrasonography (USG). Although aspiration was not done at the time of the initial USG, the seroma resolved spontaneously within weeks. A further workup proceeded with USG-guided aspiration followed by magnetic resonance imaging. Cytology of the aspirated fluid showed atypical cells. Cell block cytology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. En bloc resection with total capsulectomy and explantation was performed as curative surgery. Pathologic stage pT2N0M0 was confirmed and the patient was followed up without further treatment. Although the classic presentation of BIA-ALCL is known as late persistent seroma, an atypical manifestation such as spontaneous resorption may occur, as in the current case. A high level of suspicion and a thorough investigation with appropriate modalities will make it possible to detect this rare and potentially devastating disease.

Background: The increasing number of bilateral breast cancer patients has been accompanied by a growing need for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. However, little research has investigated the complications and aesthetic outcomes related to bilateral reconstruction. Therefore, we analyzed retrospective data comparing the outcomes of bilateral reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps or implants. Methods: This study included 52 patients (24 DIEP group and 28 implant group) who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complications were recorded. The difference between the left and right position of the nipple-areolar complex with respect to the sternal notch point at the clavicle was measured, and breast symmetry was evaluated. Results: The average weight of breasts reconstructed with DIEP flaps (417.43±152.50 g) was higher than that of breasts with implants. The hospitalization period and operation time were significantly longer in the DIEP group. Early complications were significantly more common in the implant group (36.53%) than in the DIEP group. The angles between the nipples and the horizontal line were 1.09°±0.71° and 1.75°±1.45° in the DIEP and implant groups, respectively. Conclusions Although the surgical burden is lower, breast reconstruction using implants requires greater attention with respect to implant positioning, asymmetry, and complications than DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has a prolonged operation time and a high risk of flap failure, but yields excellent cosmetic results and does not require intensive follow-up. Patients should be consulted to determine the most suitable option for them.

Background: The increasing number of bilateral breast cancer patients has been accompanied by a growing need for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. However, little research has investigated the complications and aesthetic outcomes related to bilateral reconstruction. Therefore, we analyzed retrospective data comparing the outcomes of bilateral reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps or implants. Methods: This study included 52 patients (24 DIEP group and 28 implant group) who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complications were recorded. The difference between the left and right position of the nipple-areolar complex with respect to the sternal notch point at the clavicle was measured, and breast symmetry was evaluated. Results: The average weight of breasts reconstructed with DIEP flaps (417.43±152.50 g) was higher than that of breasts with implants. The hospitalization period and operation time were significantly longer in the DIEP group. Early complications were significantly more common in the implant group (36.53%) than in the DIEP group. The angles between the nipples and the horizontal line were 1.09°±0.71° and 1.75°±1.45° in the DIEP and implant groups, respectively. Conclusions Although the surgical burden is lower, breast reconstruction using implants requires greater attention with respect to implant positioning, asymmetry, and complications than DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has a prolonged operation time and a high risk of flap failure, but yields excellent cosmetic results and does not require intensive follow-up. Patients should be consulted to determine the most suitable option for them.

PURPOSE: Using the implant for the breast reconstruction still remains the options, despite the breast reconstruction using autologous tissue is an ideal method. In this study, we used AlloDerm(R) to extend subpectoral pocket for covering implants to reduce implant related complications. METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2007, 18 breasts in 16 patients were reconstructed using implant and AlloDerm(R) immediately after mastectomy. Hospital records, database files, and clinical photographs were reviewed. A ten-point scale was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction, with a range from 2(poor) to 10 (excellent). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 38.7 years at the time of operation. Mean weight of removed breast tissue was 287g. AlloDerm(R) was used to extend subpectoral coverage. Any systemic complication was not reported. Breast complication was developed in 4 cases. Implant removal or change was not experienced. CONCLUSION: Immediate breast reconstruction using Implant is useful methods for certain conditions, when donor tissue is insufficient and breast is non ptotic with round shape. In those cases, extension of muscle coverage using AlloDerm(R) could reduce complications and lead more acceptable results.
Breast ; Collagen ; Female ; Hospital Records ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Mastectomy ; Muscles ; Tissue Donors

Pulmonary thromboembolism is often clinically silent and difficult to diagnose, and can be fatal to patients with belated treatment. This complication is seen in patients who underwent TRAM breast reconstruction. Multiple factors are involved in this disease such as the presence of malignancy itself, major surgery and therapy-related interventions. TRAM surgery is a lengthy procedure involving mastectomy, flap surgery and abdominoplasty. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and the correlation between presurgical risk factors(BMI and age) of symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism after TRAM surgery and the incidence. From July 2001 to March 2005 a total of 384 pedicled TRAM reconstruction of breast was performed in 382 patients at Asan Medical Center. The average of Body mass index was 21.9kg/m(2) and mean age of the patients was 37.9 years old. We diagnosed symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism using ventilation/perfusion lung scan and pulmonary embolism computed tomography. Incidence of in-hospital symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism was 1.3%. BMI and age showed no significant statistical relationship to pulmonary thromboembolism. But the incidence of symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism in obese patients (BMI>25) was 3.75%. According to the guideline of the 7th American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy, the incidence of 3.75% was classified as high risk group. The prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in cases of obese patients with low molecular weight heparin(BMI>25).
Abdominoplasty ; Body Mass Index ; Breast* ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Consensus ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Lung ; Mammaplasty* ; Mastectomy ; Molecular Weight ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Risk Factors* ; Thorax ; Thrombolytic Therapy

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is gaining popularity due to its superior aesthetic results. When reconstructing the breast with free abdominal tissue transfer, we must readdress the recipient vessel, because NSM can cause difficulty in access to the chest vessel. METHODS: Between June 2006 and March 2011, a total of 92 women underwent NSM with free abdominal tissue transfer. A lateral oblique incision was used for the nipple-sparing mastectomy. For recipient vessels, the internal mammary vessels were chosen if the mastectomy flap did not block access to the vessels. If it did, the thoracodorsal vessels were used. Age, degree of breast ptosis, weight of the mastectomy specimen, and related complications of the internal mammary vessel group and the thoracodorsal vessel group were compared. RESULTS: Thoracodorsal vessels were used as recipient vessels in 59 cases, and internal mammary vessels in 33 cases including 4 cases with perforators of the internal mammary vessels. Breast reconstruction was successful in all cases except one case involving a total flap failure, which was replaced by a silicone gel implant. The internal mammary group and the thoracodorsal group were similar in terms of age, height, breast weight, and degree of ptosis. The flap related complications such as flap loss and take-back operation rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of nipple necrosis was higher in the internal mammary group. CONCLUSIONS: The thoracodorsal vessels could produce comparable outcomes in breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomies. If access to internal mammary vessels is difficult, the thoracodorsal vessel can be a better choice.
Breast ; Female ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Glycosaminoglycans ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Mastectomy ; Necrosis ; Nipples ; Silicone Gels ; Thorax

Very little research has been carried out on safflower seed for the prevention and treatment of the bone deficiency diseases, including osteoporosis, which are supported by scientific evidences. In the present study, 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract or 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction were shown to significantly accelerate the rate of differentiation of osteoblast. Also, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells: 3microliter of 0.1% dried crude extract and 2microliter of 0.1% dried aqueous fraction significantly increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells (8x104) to the extent that it deserves a considerable attention. Furthermore, the crude extract and aqueous fraction increased the [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells, and 300microM Cd2+, specific calcium channel blocker, completely blocked the increase. Therefore, the increased [Ca2+]i of the cultured osteoblast cells by safflower seed component continued to activate calcium channel.
Calcium Channels ; Calcium* ; Carthamus tinctorius* ; Deficiency Diseases ; Osteoblasts* ; Osteoporosis