OBJECTIVES: Over the last 30 years, despite the increasing sophistication in medical care, the mortality of acute renal failure(ARF) has remained virtually unchanged at 40-50%, but the reasons remain unknown. This study intend to identify prognostic risk factors influencing survival and predict the mortality in ARF patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 152 patients with ARF who required renal replacement therapy, or whose serum creatinine level above 5 mg/dl, from Jan. 1988 to May. 1995. Multiple factors which may influence mortality were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 1) Of the 152 patients, 97 were male and 55 were female. The mean age was 47 years and the overall mortality was 36.8%. 2) Based on the univariate analysis, age>60 years, cause of ARF, APACHE II score, number of failing organs, peak serum creatinine level, PaO2, coma, hypotension, ARDS, GI bleeding, ventilatory support, need for antiarrhythmics, DIC, cardiovascular failure, pulmonary failure, neurological failure, and gastrointestinal failure were all significant factors discriminating between survivors and nonsurvivors(p<0.05) 3) By multivariate analysis, hypotension, coma, ventilatory support, and age over 60 years were significant independent predictors influencing survival in ARF patients and logistic equation and logit score were as follows : z=-2.04+1.32(age over 60)+2.18(hypotension)+2.88 (ventilatory support) + 3.28(coma) P=ez/(1+ ez) 4) In ROC(receiver-operating characteristic)curve, when the cutoff point was 0.2, maximum sensitivity was 75% and maximum specificity was 82%. CONCLUSION: In ARF, prognostic risk factors for mortality were age over 60 years, hypotension, assisted ventilation and coma. The logit score by multiple analysis is a reliable predictor of mortality in ARF patients, however the further studies are required to confirm these results.
Acute Kidney Injury* ; APACHE ; Coma ; Creatinine ; Dacarbazine ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Male ; Mortality* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Survivors ; Ventilation

So-called, the double channel pylorus has been, relatively rarely, reported through out the world. All reported cases were almostly those of gastroduodenal fistula as a complication of peptic ulcer disease. The congenital forms of double pylorus were reported even more rarely. We found three cases of double channel pylorus in 25,000 cases endoscopy done at our unit. All those three cases were thought to be acqired form endoscopically, radiographically and histologically. One of those was undergone to operative resection because of uncontrollable bleeding and the others were on medical theraphy with satisfaction.
Endoscopy ; Fistula ; Hemorrhage ; Peptic Ulcer ; Pylorus*

PURPOSE: Conventional indomethacin therapy(0.2mg/kg every 12 hours for three doses) has been used for closure of PDA. The effect of prolonged low dose of indomethacin therapy(0.1mg/kg daily for six days)had been reported in foreign country but, nothing had been reported in our country. So we attempted this study to examine effects of these two methods. METHODS: Forty one infants with PDA of prematurity from January 1992 to July 1995 who were admitted in NICU of Il Sin Christian Hospital were included. 27 of these infants received conventional dose of indomethacin therapy and 14 received prolonged low dose of indomethacin therapy, and we examined with closure rate and complication etc. RESULTS: 1) Closure of PDA was observed in 15(55.6%) and relapse was 3(11.1%) in conventional dose therapy group. In prolonged low dose therapy group, closure was 8(57.1%) and relapse was none. 2) Intraventricular hemorrhage was observed in 20(74.1%), 6(42.9%) and gastrointestinal tract bleeding was 6(22.2%), 13(92.2%) in each group. There was statistically significant between the two groups(p<0.05). 3) The rise of serum BUN, creatinine was observed in 9(33.3%), 6(46.2%), bleeding tendency was 9(33.3%), 8(57.1%), necrotizing enterocolitis was 2(7.4%), 0 and retinopathy of prematurity was 8(29.6%), 3(21.4%) in each group.But there was not statistically significant correlation between the two groups. 4) The development of sepsis and broncopulmonary dysplasia was slightly more in prolonged low dose therapy group. 5) The reduction of urine output was observed in 11(40.7%), 2(14.3%) in each group but, absolute oliguria was not observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Though the closure rate of PDA was similar in both groups, prolonged low dose indomethacin therapy can be recommanded with its effectiveness on preventing the relapse of PDA and the accurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Creatinine ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Indomethacin* ; Infant ; Oliguria ; Recurrence ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Sepsis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (microTBS), failure modes and bonding interfaces of self-etching and three self-adhesive resin cements to dentin and indirect composite resin. Cylindrical composite blocks (Tescera, Bisco Inc.) were luted with resin cements (PA: Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray Medical Inc., RE: RelyX Unicem Clicker, 3M ESPE., MA: Maxem, Kerr Co., BI: BisCem, Bisco Inc.) on the prepared occlusal dentin surfaces of 20 extracted molars. After storage in distilled water for 24 h, 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm composite-dentin beams were prepared. microTBS was tested at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Dentin sides of all fractured specimens and interfaces of resin cements-dentin or resin cements-composite were examined at FE-SEM (Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope). In conclusion, PA and RE showed higher bond strength and closer adaptation than MA and BI when indirect composite blocks were luted to dentin using a self-etching and three self-adhesive resin cements.
Dentin ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; Electrons ; Molar ; Resin Cements ; Water

Neuronal migrational disorders of the brain represent abnormalities in the formation of the neocortex caused by faulty migration of the subependymal neuroblasts. The neuroblasts normally migrate between the sixth and 15th gestational week and in doing so form the six-layered neocortex. When the migration does not occur in a normal fashion the resultant brain anomalies include lissencephaly, pachygyria, schizencephaly, hemimegalencephaly, heterotopia, and polymicrogyria. Neuronal heterotopia is a collection of nerve cells in abnormal locations as a result of arrest of their radial migration, improper formation, or destruction of the radial glial fiber. We reported a case of neuronal heterotopia with brief review of related literatures.
Agenesis of Corpus Callosum ; Brain ; Lissencephaly ; Malformations of Cortical Development ; Neocortex ; Neuronal Migration Disorders ; Neurons*

To elucidate iron utilization patterns of Staphylococcus aureus according to the growth, we checked the residual iron concentration and the production of siderophores at the indicated times while culturing S. aureus ATCC 6538 and 25923 strains in brain heart infusion broth. By using streptonigrin susceptibility test and investigating growth curves in three culture media of which iron concentration is 0.2, 20, 45 uM, respectively, we found out that iron metabolism of 6538 strain was more active than that of 25923 strain. In point of tendency of iron consumption, 6538 strain steeply consumed iron just before the onset of stationary phase, but 25923 strain did gradually iron throughout the growth phase. Nevertheless, total amount of iron consumed by each strain during the growth was almost no difference between the strains. CAS diffusion assay in detecting siderophores showed that siderophore production followed iron consumption. These results suggest that the siderophores play significant role in iron utilization in vitro.
Brain ; Culture Media ; Diffusion ; Heart ; Iron* ; Metabolism ; Siderophores ; Staphylococcus aureus* ; Staphylococcus* ; Streptonigrin

PURPOSE: This study is used to investigate and understand types of meaning in life of matriarch. Methods: This study is based on a Q-methodological approach. Thirty nine statements concerning meaning in life were selected. Twenty seven women were chosen as a subject group for this study. Their opinions were shown in 39 statements divided into 9 scales by forced distribution. Results: TypeIwas named "self-transcendental and future- oriented types". In this types a one pursued attitudinal value by religion. Type II was named "Realistic and responsibility fulfilling types". This type pursued creative and experiential value. Type III was named "Encounter and relationship oriented type". This types pursued experiential value. Type IV was named "Realistic self-actualizing type". This types pursued creative value. Type V was named "Altruistic and commitmental types". This type pursued creative, experiential, and attitudinal value. CONCLUSION: Considering the structure of finding the meaning in life of matriarchs, all types had responsibility and self-control in their lives and lived for present however, only typeI lived for the future. It seem necessary to understand each matriarchs meaning in life and nursing needs to develop appropriate nursing interventions based on the type matriarch she is.
Female ; Humans ; Nursing ; Weights and Measures

PURPOSE: Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of the newborn has been treated with some vasodilators including tolazoline. But these drugs have many side effects, especially systemic hypotension . To investigate the usefulness of the nitroglycerin as a specific vasodilator with few side effects, this study was done. METHODS: Nitroglycerin was administered within 1st one day after birth in 8 newborn infants who were diagnosed as PPHN by echocardiography. They were born at Il Sin hospital from March 1994 to March 1996. Nitroglycerin was started as 2microgram/kg/min and its maximum dose was 6microgram/kg/min. Muscle relaxants and inotropic drugs were used together in all cases. Arterial blood gas analysis, systemic blood pressure, heart rate, renal function and electrolyte were checked in all patients. Alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2) and oxygenation index (OI) were measured. RESULTS: 6 cases (75%) survived but 2 cases expired due to air leak.1) Basal mean AaDO2 was 631.4+/-21.7mmHg. It decreased to 493.9+/-1453.1 mmHg at 10hr after loading infusion and to 373.6+/-217.7mmHg at 48hr (P<0.05). 2) Basal mean OI was 35.1+/-15.7 and it decreased significantly to 12.6+/-14.8 (P<0.05) at 10hr. 3) There was no significant hypotension in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure during treatment of nitroglycerin. 4) There was no significant change in renal function, serum electrolyte and heart rate during treatment of nitroglycerin. CONCLUSIONS: Nitroglycerin produced systemic venodilatation and pulmonary arterial dilatation at the dose that produce only minimal systemic arterial dilatation. Nitroglycerin is an effective and safe drug in the treatment of PPHN.
Blood Gas Analysis ; Blood Pressure ; Dilatation ; Echocardiography ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary* ; Hypotension ; Infant, Newborn* ; Nitroglycerin* ; Oxygen ; Parturition ; Tolazoline ; Vasodilator Agents

We treated 23 patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatinum(M-VAC) chemotherapy from March 1989 to June 1994. The mean age of the patients was 60.0 years old and ranged from 49 years old to 75 years old. They were 18 in male and 5 in female. Complete clinical remission was observed in 5 of 23 patients(21.7%) and 6 patients(26.1%) had a partial remission. An overall objective response rate was 47.8%. The median survival was 12.4 months in all 23 patients, and 20.6 months in 5 complete responder, 8.9 months in non-responder. The duration of survival of the patients with complete remission was prolonged significantly compared to the patients with progression. The progression of disease was in 3 of 4 patients with metastatic bone lesion in effect of M-VAC chemotherapy, but complete clinical remission was 1 of 4 patients. After treatment, complete clinical remission was observed in 5 of 18 patients with metastatic lymph node and 5 patients had a partial remission. The progression of disease was in 1 patient with lung and liver metastatic lesions. Toxicity included moderate to severe myelosuppression that resulted in sepsis in 3 patients and mild to moderately anorexia, vomiting, alopecia and renal dysfunction. It was suggested that M-VAC chemotherapy may be effective as treatment for patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma.
Aged ; Alopecia ; Anorexia ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* ; Doxorubicin* ; Drug Therapy* ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Methotrexate ; Middle Aged ; Sepsis ; Urinary Bladder ; Vinblastine* ; Vomiting

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluated the effects of alcohol on neurocognitive function, psychomotor performance and subjective response in healthy Korean adults with different ALDH2 genotypes. METHOD: A total of 24 males, half with active ALDH2*1/2*1 and the other with inactive ALDH2*1/2*1, was selected through genotyping using restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design, each subject consumed 0.5g/kg dose of alcohol, given as a mixture of 40% vodka and orange juice, and placebo(orange juice) on two separate occasions on an average of weekly intervals. The blood alcohol concentrations(BACs) were measured using a breath analyzer at baseline and at 30, 60 minutes after drinking. P300s were measured at baseline and at 30 minutes after alcohol and placebo intake. Vital signs and psychomotor performance[Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold(CFFT), Choice Reaction Time(CRT), Digit Symbol Substitution(DSS)] were measured at baseline and at 60 minutes after alcohol and placebo intake. Subjective responses were measured at the end of the study. The statistical analysis focused on whether there were any differences between groups with different ALDH2 genotypes. RESULTS: The major results are as follows. 1) BACs in inactive group were overall equivalent to those in the active group. Only in terms of time, BACs were significantly higher overall at 30 minutes than at 60 minutes after alcohol intake. 2) Pulse rates were significantly increased after alcohol intake compared with placebo, and the increase was greater in the inactive than in the active group. 3) P300 latencies in leads Fz(frontal), Cz(cental) and Pz(parietal) were significantly increased after alcohol intake compared to placebo, and the increase was greater in the inactive than in the active group. P300 amplitudes in leads Cz and Pz were significantly decreased overall after alcohol intake compared to placebo. 4) Compared with placebo, alcohol produced significant effect on the psychomotor performance : impairment in the inactive group, improvement in the active group. 5) Compared with placebo, alcohol significantly induced a negative or an intense effect on the subjective responses in the inactive group, but little negative and even a somewhat positive effect in the active group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ALDH isozyme variance might be an important factor to determine the effects of acute dose of alcohol on the various psychobehavioural functions and also to determine the alcohol use pattern and to predict the future development of alcohol overuse and/or abuse.
Adult ; Citrus sinensis ; Cross-Over Studies ; Drinking ; Flicker Fusion ; Genotype* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Psychomotor Performance* ; Vital Signs