No abstract available.
Leukemia* ; Sweet Syndrome*

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the possible role of stem cell and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the metabolic activation of styrene, hydroquinone and trichloroethylene, by investigating the effects of stem cell from umbilical cord blood and MPO on the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronuclei (MN) induction in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes exposed to these chemicals. METHODS: Isolated lymphocytes from whole blood were cultured for 72 hours. The cells were treated with 1.50 mM styrene, 50 microM hydroquinone and 1.50 mM trichloroethylene dissolved with acetone (30 microl in total volume) at 24 hours after the beginning of culture. Control group was treated with acetone only. Immediately after adding these chemicals, 1.3X1 06 cells/ml and 2.6X1 06 cells/ml stem cell or 1.0 and 2.0 unit MPO with H2O2 (for substrate) were added to the cultures. Slides were stained with Giemsa's solution, and acridine orange for sister chromatid exchange, and for micronucleus analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) Myeloperoxidase and stem cell did not significantly affect the frequencies of SCE or MN in the control group. 2) The frequency of SCE or MN with exposure to styrene did not different from control in the absence of stem cell or MPO. Sister chromatid exchange induced by styrene was significantly increased by adding stem cell or MPO in dose-dependent relationship. The frequency of MN induced by styrene significantly increased in the presence of 2.0 unit MPO. 3) The frequency of SCE was significantly increased with exposure to hydroquinone than acetone treated control in the absence of stem cell or MPO. Sister chromatid exchange induction by hydroquinone significantly increased dose-dependently in the presence of stem cell or MPO. There was a tendency of increase of the MN frequency induced by hydroquinone in the presence of stem cell or MPO, but not significant. 4) It was found that trichloroethylene itself did not increase SCE or MN frequency. Frequency of SCE induced by trichloroethylene was significantly increased with adding stem cell (low and high) and 2.0 unit MPO. Even though stem cell or MPO increased the frequency of MN of lymphocyte exposed to trichloroethylene, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Authors found that the frequencies of both sister chromatid exchange and micronucleus induced by styrene, hydroquinone, and trichloroethylene were increased significantly with the treatment of stem cell or myeloperoxidase. It was suggested that myeloperoxidase may therefore play an important role in the metabolic activation of styrene, hydroquinone, and trichloroethylene and myeloperoxidase probably be involved in the myelotoxicity of these chemicals.
Acetone ; Acridine Orange ; Biotransformation ; Fetal Blood ; Humans ; Lymphocytes* ; Peroxidase* ; Siblings* ; Sister Chromatid Exchange* ; Stem Cells* ; Styrene* ; Trichloroethylene*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficiency of the cervical cerclage for preventing preterm birth in asymptomatic women who showed a shortened cervix at the second trimester ultrasound METHODS: From January 1996 to December 2005, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pregnant women who received routine second trimester ultrasound (16~24 gestational weeks) without abdominal pain or bleeding at Cheil general hospital. Women with a short cervical length < or =25 mm were classified into cerclage and expectant group. Women who received cervical cerclage within 1 week after detection of cervical shortening without any change of cervical length and shape were included in cerclage group. Primary outcome was the frequency of delivery before 34 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcome was the most important risk factor for preterm delivery in pregnant women with short cervix. Chi-square test, t-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at ultrasound was 21.6 weeks' gestation. A total of 111 women had short cervix, including 26 that were treated by cerclage and 85 managed expectantly. The proportion of preterm delivery before 34 weeks' gestation was higher in the cerclage group [38% (10 of 26)] than that of the expectant group [20% (17 of 85)], but there was no significant difference (P=0.069). In the univariate analysis, funneling (38% vs 16%, P=0.012) and cervical length < or =15 mm (47% vs 15%, P=0.069) were associated with preterm delivery before 34 weeks' gestation. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, a cervical length < or =15 mm had an adjusted odd ratio of 3.7 (95% CI 1.3~10.6) for preterm delivery before 34 weeks's gestation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that cerclage in asymptomatic woman with a short cervix in the second trimester ultrasound does not prevent preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. Woman with extremely shortened cervical length < or =15 mm needs intensive management for prevention of preterm delivery.
Abdominal Pain ; Cerclage, Cervical ; Cervical Length Measurement ; Cervix Uteri ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Medical Records ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnant Women ; Premature Birth ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Silicone(polydimethylsiloxane) is a liquid polymer, widely used for medical purpose, especially breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures, with a minimal tissue reaction and a high degree of thermal stability. Illegal injections of slilicone in human beings, however have been associated with many adverse effects, including migration of the silicone, skin hypopigmentation, granulomatous hepatitis, mastitis, human adjuvant disease (progressive systemic sclerosis, SLE, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, morphea, etc.). Pulmonary involvement has rarely been mentioned in the literature. We experienced the unusual four cases of respirtory difficulty after injection of liquid silicone in the breast, vigina, uterus, hip. They were all young adult female and previously healthy, one of them died of the injection, and the others survived with health. Two patients were admitted because of dypena, cough, chest discomfort and bilateral pulmonary infiltration after injection of silicone. Transbrochial lung biopsy and autopsy disclosed numerous oil like materials filling the alveolar septal capillaries and marcrophages. High resolution C.T. disclosed multiple alveolar lesion in the peripheral lesion of both lung. Transbronchial lung biopsy, autopsy, high resolution C.T. lung scan disclosed abnormalities compatible with silicone fluid induced pulmonary embolism, which is followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome, especially after injection of liquid silicone in the vagina, uterus. The other patients had mild dypnea, cough, pulmonary function test initially showed mild restrictive pattern in one patient. Lung scan disclosed abnormalities compatible with silicone induced pulmonary embolism, after injection in the hip, breast. It is strongly suggested that illegal injection of slilicone fluid carries pulmonary problem and can induce acute pulmonary embolism followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome, especially after silicone injection in vigina and uterus surrounded by numerous blood vessels.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Autopsy ; Biopsy ; Blood Vessels ; Breast ; Capillaries ; Cough ; Female ; Hepatitis ; Hip ; Humans ; Hypopigmentation ; Lung ; Mastitis ; Mixed Connective Tissue Disease ; Polymers ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Scleroderma, Localized ; Scleroderma, Systemic ; Silicones* ; Skin ; Thorax ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroiditis ; Uterus ; Vagina ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with adnexal masses that were managed surgically during pregnancy and their effect on fetal outcome. METHODS: The data were reviewed concerning pregnant women who required surgery at Samsung Cheil hospital between January 1996 to December 2001. Among 50,126 deliveries, 255 cases of ovarian tumors were evaluated for clinical aspects, histologic patterns, and obstetrics and fetal outcome. RESULTS: 1. The prevalence of ovarian mass in pregnancy was 0.5% (255 cases in 50,126 deliveries). 14 cases of malignant tumors were founded. 2. The maternal mean age was 28.7+/-3.6 years old, mean gavida was 1.8+/-1.1, and mean parity was 0.3+/-0.5. 3. The mean gestational weeks of diagnosis was 11.9+/-8.6 weeks. Prenatal operations were performed in 160 cases, and 95 cases of ovarian masses were operated at delivery time by cesarean section. 4. In the group of prenatal operation, preterm delivery and caesarian section rate were decreased at operation before 23 gestational weeks (P<0.05). 5. In 42 cases, Emergency operations were done. Mean delivery weeks was 36.7+/-7.2 weeks and was earlier than elective operation group (P<0.05). 6. The mean size of ovarian mass was 9.5+/-3.8 cm. The pathologic features of the 255 lesions were as follows: 98 benign cystic teratomas, 43 mucinous cystadenomas, 31 endometriomas, 20 serous cystadenomas, 14 simple cysts, 14 paraovarian cysts, 6 follicular cysts, 5 corpus luteal cysts, 5 theca luteal cysts, 3 hydrosalpinx, 2 fibromas, and 14 malignant tumors. 7. The 231 patients for whom the outcome of pregnancy was available, 18 (7%) gave birth before 37 weeks of gestation, while 3 (1.2%) experienced spontaneous abortions, 2 artificial abortions, and 1 hysterotomy. CONCLUSION: Most adnexal masses identified by sonography during pregnancy were small, simple cysts that did not pose a risk a pregnancy. However the percentage of malignant tumors or tumors of low malignant potential was 1.8 fold greater than previously reported. Surgical intervention at <23 weeks of gestation might have not been adverse outcomes.
Abortion, Spontaneous ; Cesarean Section ; Cystadenoma, Mucinous ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; Diagnosis ; Emergencies ; Endometriosis ; Female ; Fibroma ; Follicular Cyst ; Humans ; Hysterotomy ; Obstetrics ; Parity ; Parturition ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women ; Prevalence ; Teratoma

OBJECTIVE: To show the patterns of changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover and ultrasound bone mineral density (BMD) during pregnancy and postpartum in Korean women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study between February 2004 and February 2005. Forty-one healthy singleton pregnant women were included. We used quantitative ultrasonography for BMD measurement which is advantageous to pregnant women because it is radiation-free and it provides very accurate BMD that correlates highly with BMD measured by conventional dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. We measured marker of bone resorption (beta-Crosslaps), bone formation [total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC)], total calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) during and after pregnancy. RESULTS: During pregnancy, BMD slightly decreased in the third trimester. Bone resorption marker (beta-Crosslaps) increased steadily during pregnancy and immediate postpartum. Markers of bone formation (ALP, osteocalcin) increased from late pregnancy. Total calcium decreased slightly as bone resorption peaks in second trimester. PTH and phosphorus increased steadily throughout pregnancy and postpartum. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy is characterized by high bone turnover in Korean women with resorption preceding formation.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Biomarkers ; Bone Density ; Bone Resorption ; Calcium ; Female ; Humans ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Phosphorus ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnant Women ; Prospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of epidural analgesia on labor progress and perinatal outcomes in nulliparous women. METHODS: Between June 2004 and December 2004, we included total one hundred and thirty-two normal near term nulliparous women in early spontaneous labor or rupture of membranes for a prospective analysis. Patients were divided into those who received epidural analgesia (study group n=66) and those who did not (control group n=66). In order to evaluate the effects of epidural analgesia on labor progress, we compared the duration of active phase of labor and second stage of labor, cervical dilatation on admission, Bishop score and labor interval between the groups. We also compared perinatal outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The duration of active phase of labor was 4.7+/-2.0 hours in the study group and 3.6+/-1.9 hours in the control group showing a statistically significant prolongation in the duration of active phase of labor and significant slowing in the rate of cervical dilatation (p<0.05). The second stage of labor was also prolonged slightly in the study group (65.1+/-39.0 minutes) compared to the control group (54.1+/-33.5 minutes) but no statistical significance was noted. There was no significant difference in perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia may prolong active phase of labor. Therefore, we should always consider the effect of epidural analgesia before we decide to perform cesarean section.
Analgesia, Epidural* ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Humans ; Labor Stage, First ; Membranes ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Rupture

OBJECTIVE: Uterine compression sutures such as modified B-Lynch suture or multiple square-shaped sutures of uterine body are simple methods for control of postpartum hemorrhage refractory to medical treatment. We evaluated the treatment outcome and morbidity of uterine compression sutures and analyzed clinical findings of patients undergone uterine compression sutures and postpartum hysterectomy. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2008, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergone uterine compression sutures or postpartum hysterectomy. We analyzed success rates of preserving uterus of uterine compression sutures according to operative indications and mode of delivery and compared maternal characteristics, operative findings, morbidities and mortality with those of postpartum hysterectomy. RESULTS: The frequency of uterine compression sutures for control of massive postpartum hemorrhage was 0.24% (73/30,677). The success rates of preserving uterus were 85.1% in uterine atony, 80.9% in placenta previa, and 40.0% in placenta accreta (P=0.051). The rates of preserving uterus of uterine compression sutures after vaginal delivery and cesarean section were 50.0% and 82.6%, respectively (P=0.164). The frequencies of postoperative morbidities such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary edema, ileus were not different between immediate hysterectomy and hysterectomy after uterine compression sutures. There was no maternal mortality. CONCLUSION: Uterine compression suture was successful method for control of postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony and placenta previa. We suggest the use of uterine compression sutures as the first-line operation for control of postpartum hemorrhage.
Cesarean Section ; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Ileus ; Maternal Mortality ; Medical Records ; Placenta Accreta ; Placenta Previa ; Postpartum Hemorrhage ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Pulmonary Edema ; Retrospective Studies ; Sutures ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Inertia ; Uterus

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a novel technique for an en bloc resection of mucosal tumors over 2 cm in diameter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, resection time and complications of ESD using a needle knife (needle-ESD) with a comparison those encountered using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) after a circumferential mucosal incision with a needle knife (needle-EMR). METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with early gastric cancer or gastric adenoma who underwent needle-ESD at the Asan Medical Center between December 2004 and March 2005 were retrospectively reviewed, and compared with the data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent needle-EMR between March 2001 and June 2001. RESULTS: Both the enbloc resection and complete resection could be achieved by needle-ESD in all the patients, while the corresponding percentages were 76% (en bloc resection, 25/33) and 94% (complete resection, 31/33) in the needle-EMR group. The resection time was longer (22.7 vs. 11.6 min) in the needle-ESD group than in the needle-EMR group. However, there was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the needle-EMR, needle-ESD has significant benefits, particularly regarding the en bloc and complete resection rate despite the technical difficulty and longer resection time.
Adenoma ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Humans ; Needles* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate planned pregnancy rate and associated factors related planned pregnancy. METHODS: We surveyed 1,396 cases from May 2002 to December 2002. The cases were derived from the Maternity school. They filled out questionnaire including planned pregnancy, medico-social-economic status. Then, we assessed the planned pregnancy rate with associated medico-social-economic state, through the prospective study. RESULTS: The planned pregnancy rate is 51.4%. The major factor which affected the planned pregnancy rate is the income of the family. The association with the planned pregnancy rate and the parity, age, and educational attainment of the women are not statistically significant. In unplanned group, exposure to alcohol, X-ray and medication is significantly increased in early pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The planned pregnancy can prevent induced abortion and reduce the birth defects due to early exposure to teratogen. Therefore it is important to make an effort to raise the planned pregnancy rate.
Abortion, Induced ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Family Planning Services* ; Female ; Humans ; Parity ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaire