No abstract available.
Hyperlipidemias* ; Obesity* ; Risk Factors* ; Urolithiasis*

No abstract available.
Hyperlipidemias* ; Obesity* ; Risk Factors* ; Urolithiasis*

PURPOSE: We report clinical and radiologic outcomes after metacarpal extension osteotomy for mild osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2008, 11 patients were diagnosed with mild thumb carpometacarpal arthritis (Eaton stage I, II), and extension osteotomies were performed. Of these, seven patients with at least 6 years follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. Male to female ratio was 2:5, and mean age at time of surgery was 38.9 years old. Symptom onset period was a mean of 11.2 months. Two patients were I, and five patients were II in Eaton stage. Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH) scores were 3.7 points (3-4 points), and 40.1 points (32-51 points). Radial abduction was 38.5degrees (30degrees-45degrees), and volar abduction was 42.1degrees (40degrees-45degrees). Grip strengths and pinch powers, compared with the normal contralateral side were 82% (64%-90%) and 72% (40%-100%), respectively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8.5 years, and all patients except one maintained their occupational activity during the follow-up period. Final VAS and DASH scores were 0.7 points (0-2 points) and 11.7 points (8-16 points), respectively, and were statistically significant. Volar abduction, grip strengths, and pinch power were improved to 45degrees (40degrees-50degrees), 92.3% (73%-117%), and 94.4% (75%-117%) with statistical significances. In five patients, Eaton stages did not change, and two patients advanced to the next stage (stage I to II in one patient, stage II to III in one patient). CONCLUSION: Among the various treatment options for mild thumb carpometacarpal arthritis, metacarpal extension osteotomy may be considered as an effective treatment.
Arm ; Arthritis* ; Carpometacarpal Joints ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Shoulder ; Thumb*

BACKGROUND: The inhibitory effects of nitric oxide(NO) on platelet adhesion and vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) proliferation may have a possible role inhibiting development of neointima following balloon catheter induced injury. We tested the hypothesis that L-arginine, the precursor of NO, would attenuate neointima formation following balloon catheter induced injury via regulation of antagonistic balance between proliferation and apoptosis of VSMC. METHODS: Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats(300 to 400g) were anesthetized with ketamine (100mg/kg intraperitoneally). The left common and external carotid artery were exposed. For endothelial denudation, 2mm angioplasty catheter was introduced through the left external carotid artery into the left common carotid artery. The catheter was inflated at I atm. and withdrawn three times. Animals were randomized to receive 2.25% L-arginine in their drinking water(n=14) or placebo(n=16) from 2 days prior to and 9 days following denudation. VSMC proliferation was quantified by immunohistochemical staining with an antibody to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA). The cells undergoing apoptosis were identified by terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL) method and morphologic changes by computerized planimetry and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: 1) The neointimal area in injured arteries were significantly reduced in L-arginine supplemented animals compared with placebo group(p<0.05). 2) L-arginine administration significantly reduced the number of PCNA positive cells in neointima when compared with placebo at 9 days(p<0.05). 3) Positive TUNEL cells were not influenced by L-arginine supplementation. 4) On transmission electron microscopy, there were no cells showing characteristics of apoptosis in neointima. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the inhibitory effect of L-arginine on neointima formation is due to reduced VSMC proliferation, but is not due to increased VSMC apoptosis at the early time period after initmal injur .
Adult ; Angioplasty ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Arginine* ; Arteries ; Blood Platelets ; Carotid Artery, Common ; Carotid Artery, External ; Catheters ; Drinking ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Ketamine ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Neointima* ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular System Injuries*

Transient synovitis of the hip is non-specific inflammation and self limited condition, which is most common cause of painful limping in children under 10 years of age. Ultrasonography presents some merits, simple, rapid, non-invasive, low cost, repetitive to assess soft structures in and around the hip joint compared to other diagnostic methods. We prospectively studied 32 cases of unilateral transient synovitis at OPD from Jan. 1988 to Oct. 1989 using 5-7.5 MH, probe ultrasonography. 2-times serial check up in symptomatic and asymptomatic stage about capsule thickness and bone-capsule distance in 3 different positions of the both hips were performed for comparision. The following results were obtained; 1. Boys were 25 cases (78%) and 26 cases (83%) were between 3 and 7 years old of age. 2. Bone-capsule distance in ultrasonography revealed abnormal increase in 72%. 3. External rotation position showed wider bone-capsule distance than other position. 4. Capsule thickness was 3.3mm in diseased and 3.0mm in sound, 0.3mm decrease after treatment. 5. Bone-capsule distance was 4.5mm in symptomatic stage, 2.7mm in asymptomatic stage, 1.8mm decrease after treatment in averge.
Child ; Hip Joint ; Hip ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Prospective Studies ; Synovitis ; Ultrasonography

No abstract available.
Tibia*

PURPOSE: To emphasis an effectiveness of the Ilizarov circular external fixator in treatment of the complicated segmental fractures of the tibia MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had analyzed 15 cases in 14 persons, treated from November 1993 to March 2000. We analyzed several considering factors including age, etiology, type of fracture, number of the segmentation, associated injuries, open or closed fracture, healing time, additional bone graft, clinical results and complications. RESULTS: The mean period of follow up was 22 months. The mean age was 45 years. The etiology was traffic accident in 13 persons. Open fracture were 11 cases (73%). Associated injuries were noted in 8 persons (53%). The number of segmentation were three segments in 9 cases (60%) and four segments in 6 cases (40%). Additional manipulations after first application were needed in 10 cases (67%). Bone graft were performed in 5 fracture site (9.8%), proximal fracture site in two and distal in two, middle in one. Mean period of application of external fixator for healing was 8.1 Months. Procedures for soft tissue injuries performed in 3 cases including two split thickness skin graft and distant flap surgery. The results were graded as excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 1 cases, poor in 7 cases. Limitation of motion in ankle joint was major cause of poor results CONCLUSION: We considered that ilizarov circular external fixator is one of effective treatment modality in treatment of the complicated segmental tibia fractures.
Accidents, Traffic ; Ankle Joint ; External Fixators ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Closed ; Fractures, Open ; Humans ; Skin ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Tibia* ; Transplants

The scabies mite is an ectoparasite, which is able to infest humans. The incidence of scabies decreased during the past 20 years in Korea. However, the incidence is likely to increase again, and may be delayed or missed diagnosis recently. Its clinical presentation is typical, although in a host with compromised immune system, like the mentally retarded and elderly patients, the clinical presentation may be altered. Because a delay in diagnosis may induce rapid spread of the scabies mite, immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. We report two cases of scabies in elderly patients from different nursing homes. These patients were transferred to our center for treatment of pneumonia and chronic renal disease. They revealed pruritus and skin rashes after the treatment of further underlying diseases. We consulted to a dermatologist because of worsening symptoms, despite an application of medication with antihistamine and topical steroid, scabies was diagnosed. The symptom improved with topical 1% gamma-benzene hexachloride, an effective scabies drug. We suggest that geriatrists should suspect scabies who presents with pruritus that is persistent or resistant to conventional treatment, especially patients transferred from nursing homes.
Aged ; Chronic Disease ; Exanthema ; Humans ; Immune System ; Immunocompromised Host ; Incidence ; Korea ; Lindane ; Mentally Disabled Persons ; Mites ; Nursing Homes ; Pneumonia ; Pruritus ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Scabies

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish optimal imaging acquisition conditions for the GE Advance(TM) PET imaging system by performing the acceptance tests designed by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) protocol and General Electric Medical Systems (GEMS) test procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Performance tests were carried out with 18FDG radioactivity source and phantoms by using a standard acquisition mode. Transaxial resolution and scatter fraction tests were performed with a line source and axial resolution with a point source, respectively. A cylindrical phantom made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was used to measure sensitivity, count rate losses and randoms, uniformity correction, and attenuation inserts were added to measure remaining tests. The test results were acquired in a diagnostic acquisition mode and analyzed mainly on high sensitivity mode. RESULTS: Transaxial resolution and axial resolution were measured as average of 4.65 mm and 3.98 mm at 0 cm, and 6.02 mm and 6.71 mm at 20 cm on high sensitivity mode, respectively. Average scatter fraction was 9.87%, and sensitivity was 225.8 kcps/micronCi/cc of trues. Activity at 50% deadtime was 4.6 Ci/cc, and the error of count rate correction at that activity was from 1.49% to 3.83%. Average nonuniformity for total slice was 8.37%. The accuracy of scatter correction was -0.95%. The accuracies of attenuation correction were 5.68% for air, 0.04% for water and -6.51% for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). CONCLUSION: The results satisfied most acceptance criteria, indicating that the GE AdvanceTM PET system can be optimally used for clinical applications.
Electrons* ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Positron-Emission Tomography* ; Radioactivity ; Water

BACKGROUND: As a result of the extensive changes in burn care over the last few decades, including prevention of infection, burn survival has greatly increased. However, infection is still one of the main causes of death in severe burn cases, despite the progression in intensive care. But no recent comprehensive survey of infection has been carried out. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study of bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolates from a burn unit was carried out to provide burn care to plan future steps to reduce further the incidence of sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective review of burn wound infection in 623 patients treated in the burn center at the Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, over a 2-year period (1998 - 2000) was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: From wound cultures, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most commonly isolated (24.7%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (14.5%), Enterococcus faecium (10.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (9.1%), coagulase negative staphylococcus (7.7%), Escherichia coli (6.6%), alpha-hemolytic streptococcus (5.3%), Klebsiella spp. (3.9%), Candida (3.2%), Serratia marcescens (2.9%), and Proteus spp. (2.1%). The most common isolate from blood cultures was Staphylococcus aureus (39.9%) followed by Enterococcus faecium (17.2%), coagulase negative staphylococcus (8.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.5%), Enterococcus faecalis (4.7%), Candida (3.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (3.7%), Serratia marcescens (3.5%), Enterobacter aerogens (2.8%), and Enterobacter cloaca (2.8%). The concordance rate of the results of the wound culture and blood culture was 96.0% in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 51.3% in the Staphylococcus aureus, 16.7% in the Enterococcus faecalis, 10.5% in the coagulase negative staphylococcus. Vancomycin and teicoplanin were effective in 100% of gram-positive organism. The drugs effective in gram-negative organism were cefepime, aztreonam, imipenem, piperacillin+tazobactam, ticarcillin+clavulanic acid, and amikacin.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Amikacin ; Aztreonam ; Burn Units ; Burns* ; Candida ; Cause of Death ; Cloaca ; Coagulase ; Enterobacter ; Enterococcus faecalis ; Enterococcus faecium ; Escherichia coli ; Heart ; Humans ; Imipenem ; Incidence ; Critical Care ; Klebsiella ; Proteus ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Serratia marcescens ; Staphylococcus ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Streptococcus ; Teicoplanin ; Vancomycin ; Wound Infection ; Wounds and Injuries