Purpose: To determine associations of illness symptoms, perception of illness, coping with quality of life (QOL) of thyroid cancer patients and identify factors affecting their QOL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire for 111 thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy. They were recruited from the outpatient clinic of one university hospital.Data collection was conducted from August 2018 to November 2018. Results: The QOL was significantly associated with interpersonal coping (β= 0.31, p< .001), monthly household income (β= 0.30, p< .001), illness symptoms (β= -0.22, p= .017), perception of illness (β= -0.20, p= .031), and education (β= 0.18, p= .037) in stepwise multiple regression. These factors explained 33.1% of QOL of thyroid cancer patients. Conclusion Interpersonal coping is a major contributing factor to QOL. Therefore, thyroid cancer patients need good interpersonal coping for better quality of life.

Recently there has been a progressive increase of thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic symptoms. It has been thought that laminectomy increased instability and was therefore considered a contraindication. Currently, with the development of instrument for posterior stabilization, it is possible to perform posterior fusion and instrumentation, both with and without laminectomy. To compare the effect of neurologic recovery with and without laminectomy, we analyzed the clinical records of 38 patients with neurologic symptoms who were evaluated with plain radiographs and CT before and after surgery from 1989 to 1996 in Gyeong-Sang National University Hospital. We divided our cases into two groups, one group consisted open reduction with laminectomy and instrumentation with posterior fusion. The other group consisted of open reduction without laminectomy and instrumentation with posterior fusion. Twenty three of 38 were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with laminectomy and others were operated without laminectomy. The results were that both groups had improvement of neurologic symptoms after surgery and at follow-up. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups. Depending on the time interval between injury and surgery, patients who were underwent emergency surgery had an marked improvement of neurologic symptoms. Except cases of complete paraplegia, incomplete paraplegic patients who were operated within 24 hours with laminectomy group had greater improvement than those without laminectomy. The improvement was statistically significant(P<0.05).
Emergencies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminectomy* ; Neurologic Manifestations* ; Paraplegia

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of primary bipolar arthroplasty during average 9.8-year period, using a non-cemented Multilock femoral stem and a biarticular acetabular cup. Materials and Methods: This study included 24 patients (29 hips) who underwent primary bipolar hemiarthroplasties with Multilock femoral stems and biarticular cups and who could be followed for more than seven years. Clinically, we evaluated the Harris Hip scores and patient complaints of thigh and inguinal pain. We also evaluated the radiographic measurements around the femoral stems and the bipolar cups. Results: The average Harris Hip score improved from 57.4 points to 91.6 points; and 3 (10.3%) hips were associated with thigh pain and 4 (13.8%) hips with inguinal pain. Around the femoral stem there was a non-progressive radiolucent line less than 1 mm in length in 4 (13.8%) hips and osteolysis was present in 6 (20.6%) hips. With respect to the stability of the fixations, there was osseous ingrowth in 26 (89.7%) hips and fibrous ingrowth in 3 (10.3%) hips. Around the acetabulum there was osteolysis in 5 (17.2%) hips, proximal migration of the cup in 2 (6.9%) hips, and erosion of the acetabular cartilage in 10 (34.5%) hips. There were 3 (10.3%) biarticular cups, which were converted to total hip arthroplasties, but no femoral stems were revised. The overall failure rate of the primary operations was 10.3%. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated favorable results after bipolar hemiarthroplasties with Multilock femoral stems. However, the osteolysis that occurred around the femoral stems and the acetabula emerged as a problem after the total hip arthroplasties. In particular, it is expected that the osteolysis would increase over time and become the main cause for the need for surgical revision.
Acetabulum ; Arthroplasty ; Cartilage ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Hemiarthroplasty* ; Hip ; Humans ; Osteolysis ; Reoperation ; Thigh

Management of diabetic complications has been a worldwide major global health issue for decades. Recent studies from many parts of the world indicate improvement in this area. However, it is unknown if such an improvement is being realized in Koreans. Although there is limited information regarding diabetic retinopathy management among Koreans, recent epidemiologic studies have indicated improved screening rates and less frequent visual impairment among type 2 diabetics. Moreover, results achieved with new diagnostic and treatment modalities aimed to improve diabetic retinopathy management are encouraging for both physicians and patients.
Diabetes Complications ; Diabetic Retinopathy* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Global Health ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Vision Disorders

No abstract available.
Child* ; Humans ; Lupus Nephritis*

Purpose: Epidemiological data on injuries resulting from ice hockey and their management are lacking in Korea. A comprehensive analysis of such data is crucial for the effective prevention and management of ice hockey injuries. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of ice hockey injuries and their management among elite Korean players. Methods: The descriptive epidemiological study involved three semiprofessional male ice hockey teams and used a retrospective self-reported questionnaire for assessment. The data collected included demographic characteristics such as player positions and stick-side preferences, injured body parts, injury types, treatment methods, and the decision-maker for returning to sports. Results: A total of 68 players were included in the study, of whom 58 (85.3%) experienced moderate-to-severe orthopedic injuries. Among the reported injuries, 93 (77.5%) occurred during the games, with player-to-player contact being the most frequent cause of such injuries. The decision to return to sports in 53 cases (44.2%) was made by the medical staff, whereas players and nonmedical staff made that decision in 67 cases (55.8%). The decision-making process of the medical staff for allowing players to return to sports was significantly associated with the player’s position and whether the injury required surgery. Conclusion The study emphasizes the high prevalence of orthopedic injuries among elite ice hockey players in Korea and the importance of injury prevention strategies. It also highlights the need for increased involvement of medical staff in return-to-play decisions to ensure successful recovery of players and their reintegration into the competition.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) according to the timing of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in infantile urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS: The data of 134 infants (1-12 months) with renal cortical defect in 99mTc-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) scan with a diagnosis of UTI in two hospitals from 2000 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The VCUG was performed after 2 weeks from the diagnosis of UTI in Group I (n=68), and the VCUG was performed within 2 weeks from the diagnosis of UTI in Group II (n=66). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the duration of fever, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein levels, and abnormalities in ultrasonography (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the prevelence of VUR, bilateral VUR, and severe VUR. VCUG-induced UTI was detected 16 (23.5%) of patients in whom the procedure was performed 2 weeks after the diagnosis, and none of VCUG-induced UTI occurred in those in whom the procedure was performed 2 weeks within the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the prevalence of VUR according to the timing of VCUG did not differ between the two groups in infantile UTI with renal cortical defect in DMSA scan. We also found that performing VCUG with antibiotics can decrease risk of VCUG-induced UTI.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; C-Reactive Protein ; Fever ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukocyte Count ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Succimer ; Urinary Tract ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux

PURPOSE: To compare posture-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in vitrectomized eyes and normal eyes of patients who had vitrectomy in one eye. METHODS: A total of 31 patients older than 20 years of age who underwent vitrectomy were enrolled in the study. At least six months after vitrectomy, we measured IOP in both eyes using a rebound tonometer 10 minutes after the patient assumed sitting, supine, right lateral decubitus, and left lateral decubitus positions. Patients with a history of ocular surgery (not including vitrectomy) or recent medication use associated with IOP were excluded. IOP and ocular parameters of vitrectomized and normal fellow eyes were compared. For the decubitus position, IOP values of dependent and nondependent eyes were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in IOP between vitrectomized and normal eyes in the sitting and supine positions. The IOP for dependent eyes (on the lower side in the lateral decubitus position) was significantly higher than the IOP for nondependent eyes in both right lateral decubitus (right vitrectomized eye 19.31 ± 4.20 vs. 16.71 ± 4.02 mmHg, p < 0.001; left vitrectomized eye 18.35 ± 1.75 vs. 16.04 ± 3.02 mmHg, p = 0.003) and left lateral decubitus (right vitrectomized eye 17.32 ± 4.63 vs. 19.15 ± 3.83 mmHg, p = 0.004; left vitrectomized eye 16.19 ± 1.81 vs. 18.12 ± 2.29 mmHg, p < 0.001) positions. CONCLUSIONS: IOP was higher in the dependent than the nondependent eye in the lateral decubitus position, for both vitrectomized and nonoperated eyes.
Glaucoma ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure* ; Supine Position ; Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between glomerular basement membrane (GBM) alterations to epithelial cell (EpC) structure and renal function in Alport Syndrome (AS) patients. METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with AS (4-26yrs) were examined. The GBM in AS was categorized as: C1) normal, C2) minor alterations (widening of lamina rara interna or externa without lamina densa change), C3) nonspecific splitting of lamina densa, C4) basket-weaving pattern of lamina densa splitting. The length of each GBM portion along the epithelial side was measured on the systematically obtained electron microscopic photographs. Furthermore to obtain an objective assessment of the degree of glomerular EpC foot process change, the number of slit pores along 10 microm of peripheral GBM in each category was obtained. RESULTS: The percentage of normal GBM portion (C1) correlated inversely with daily protein excretion (g/day/m2, P <0.05) and sum of the percentage of abnormal GBM portion (C2+C3+C4) had direct correlation with daily protein excretion (g/day/m2, P <0.05). There were no significant relationships between the percentages of other categories of GBM alterations and creatinine clearance or protein excretion. There were no significant relationships between of creatinine clearance in relation to normal GBM(C1) portion as well as that in relation to sum of the percentage of abnormal GBM portion (C2+C3+C4). GBM abnormality did not correlate with age at biopsy. CONCLUSION: The extent of GBM structural abnormality is related to proteinuria in AS but the epithelial response is uniform even though the GBM ultrastructural lesions are not.
Creatinine ; Electrons ; Epithelial Cells ; Foot ; Glomerular Basement Membrane ; Humans ; Nephritis, Hereditary ; Phosphorylcholine ; Proteinuria

BACKGROUND: Although considerable efforts have been made to improve the graft patency in coronary artery bypass surgery, the role of biomechanical factors remains underrecognized. The aim of this study is to investigate the influences of geometric configurations of the bypass graft on hemodynamic characteristics in relation to anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Numerical analysis focuses on understanding the flow patterns for different values of inlet and distal diameters and graft angles. The Blood flow field is treated as a two-dimensional incompressible laminar flow. A finite volume method is adopted for discretization of the governing equations. The Carreau model is employed as a constitutive equation for blood. In an attempt to obtain the optimal aorto-coronary bypass conditions, the blood flow characteristics are analyzed using in vitro models of the end-to-side anastomotic angles of 45degrees, 60degrees and 90degrees. To find the optimal graft configurations, the mass flow rates at the outlets of the four models are compared quantitatively. RESULTS: This study finds that Model 3, whose bypass diameter is the same as the inlet diameter of the stenosed coronary artery, delivers the largest amount of blood and the least pressure drop along the arteries. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical factors are speculated to contribute to the graft patency in coronary artery bypass grafting.
Bays ; Computer Simulation ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Vessels ; Hemodynamics ; Transplants