PURPOSE: There are many methods for the evaluation of the renal function. The proximal tubule of the nephrons have a role of reabsorption of the materials such as water, electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and small molecular weight protein through the glomerular filtration. Therefore if abnormality is in the proximal tubule, these materials can be changed both in serum & urine. It is very useful to know the normal value of the materials for the age related concentration in serum & urine. METHODS: A study of age related serum & urine calcium, phosphorus, uric acid concentration & Ca/Cr ratio, Cua/Ccr ratio & TRP(tubular reabsorption of phophorus) levels was carried on 178 prematures, neonates, infants & children who were admitted to hallym university hospital from Jul. 1994 through Jan. 1995. RESULTS: The results obtained were as follows, 1)The mean serum calcium levels were the premature 9.8+/-1.3mg/dl, neonate 9.1+/- 1.3mg/dl, 2-12mo 9.8+/-1.2mg/dl, 13-24mo 9.8+/-0.9mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 9.1+/-1.4mg/dl, and 6-15yr 9.2+/-0.8mg/dl. 2)The mean urine calcium levels were the premature 1.0+/-0.8mg/dl, neonate 1.0+/-0.8mg/dl, 2-12mo 2.7+/-1.7mg/dl, 13-24mo 3.0+/-2.2mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 4.1+/-1.9mg/dl, and 6-15yr 4.5+/-2.9mg/dl. 3)The mean serum phosphorus levels were the premature 6.7+/-1.6mg/dl, neonate 6.0 +/-1.3mg/dl, 2-12mo 5.5+/-0.7mg/dl, 13-24mo 5.0+/-0.7mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 4.5+/-0.8mg/dl, and 6-15yr 4.5+/-0.6mg/dl. 4)The mean urine calcium levels were the premature 9.1+/-6.4mg/dl, neonate 10.5+/-7.9mg/dl, 2-12mo 25.9+/-11.2mg/dl, 13-24mo 26.1+/-12.6mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 24.4+/-13.7mg/dl, and 6-15yr 20.3+/-10.7mg/dl. 5)The mean serum uric acid levels were the premature 6.0+/-3.1 mg/dl, neonate 4.7+/-1.4mg/dl, 2-12mo 4.6+/-1.6mg/dl, 13-24mo 4.7+/-1.9mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 4.5+/-1.2mg/dl, and 6-15yr 4.2+/-1.6mg/dl. 6)The mean urine uric acid levels were the premature 27.2+/-18.1mg/dl, neonate 24.3+/-12.8mg/dl, 2-12mo 27.1+/-15.8mg/dl, 13-24mo 27.5+/-14.5mg/dl, 25mo-5yr 28.8+/-14.1 mg/dl, and 6-15yr 26.1+/-9.2mg/dl. 7)The mean levels of the 24hours urine Ca/Cr ratio were the premature 0.1+/-0.08, neonate 0.12+/-0.1, 2-12mo 0.2+/-0.1, 13-24mo 0.2+/-0.1, 25mo-5yr 0.2+/-0.1, and 6-15yr 0.14+/-0.07. 8)The mean levels of the Cua/Ccr(Fractional urate excretion) ratio were premature 83.2+/-115.3%, neonate 19.3+/-41.5%, 2-12mo 19.8+/-9.4%, 13-24mo 19.3+/-13.4%, 25mo-5yr 15.7+/-5.5%, and 6-15yr 16.1+/-4.9%. 9)The mean level of the TRP ratio were premature 88.3+/-8.2%, neonate 111.7+/-129.4%, 2-12mo 84.5+/-8.9%, 13-24mo 85.0+/-9.9%, 25mo-5yrs 86.9+/-7.5, 6-15yrs 89.1+/-6.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study was performed to understand the develpoment renal function.
Amino Acids ; Calcium ; Child ; Electrolytes ; Filtration ; Glucose ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Molecular Weight ; Nephrons ; Phosphorus* ; Reference Values ; Uric Acid*

No abstract available.
Atrial Fibrillation*

Although stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCMP) is a reversible disease and the prognosis is usually excellent, several complications can occur and can result in fatal adverse events. The formation of left ventricular (LV) thrombus is one of these critical complications of SCMP. This report describes a case of SCMP complicated by formation of a LV thrombus that became increasingly mobile as LV contractility recovered, and for which surgical removal was performed. Here, we report a case of SCMP complicated by LV thrombus and review the literature regarding this topic.
Cardiomyopathies* ; Echocardiography ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ; Thrombosis*

We report the case of a 64-year-old male with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) terminated by ethanol infusion into vein of Marshall as add-on therapy. Three-dimensional automated complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) during AF revealed clustering of CFAE at perimitral isthmus (PMI) and its unipolar mapping showed rotor-like activation, which was suggested to be critical in the perpetuation of AF. AF was organized to atrial tachycardia (AT) by 100% ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall. Adjunctive radiofrequency ablation at PMI successfully terminated AT and led to bidirectional block of PMI.
Atrial Fibrillation* ; Catheter Ablation ; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac ; Ethanol* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tachycardia ; Veins*

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical significance of concomitant specific cardiomyopathies in subjects with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1186 adults with BAV (850 males, mean age 56±14 years) at a single tertiary center were comprehensively reviewed. Left ventricular non-compaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were confirmed when patients fulfilled current clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, including comorbidities, heart failure presentation, BAV morphology, function, and aorta phenotypes, in BAV subjects with or without specific cardiomyopathies were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 67 subjects (5.6%) had concomitant cardiomyopathies: 40 (3.4%) patients with left ventricular non-compaction, 17 (1.4%) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 10 (0.8%) with dilated cardiomyopathy. BAV subjects with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had higher prevalences of diabetes mellitus and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and tended to have type 0 phenotype, while BAV subjects with dilated cardiomyopathy showed higher prevalences of chronic kidney disease and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. BAV subjects with left ventricular non-compaction were significantly younger and predominantly male, and had greater BAV dysfunction and a higher prevalence of normal aorta shape. In multiple regression analysis, cardiomyopathy was independently associated with heart failure (odds ratio 2.795, 95% confidential interval 1.603–4.873, p<0.001) after controlling for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Concomitant cardiomyopathies were observed in 5.6% of subjects with BAV. A few different clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were found. The presence of cardiomyopathy was independently associated with heart failure.
Adult ; Aorta ; Aortic Valve ; Bicuspid ; Cardiomyopathies ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; Comorbidity ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Echocardiography ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Male ; Phenotype ; Prevalence ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Body fluid monitoring and management are essential to control dyspnea and prevent re-hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). There are several methods to estimate and monitor patient’s volume status, such as symptoms, signs, body weight, and implantable devices. However, these methods might be difficult to use for reasons that are slow to reflect body water change, inaccurate in specific patients’ condition, or invasive. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a novel method for body water monitoring in patients with HF, and the value in prognosis has been proven in previous studies. We aim to determine the efficacy and safety of home BIA body water monitoring-guided HF treatment in patients with chronic HF. This multi-center, open-label, randomized control trial will enroll patients with HF who are taking loop diuretics. The home BIA group patients will be monitored for body water using a home BIA device and receive messages regarding their edema status and direction of additional diuretics usage or behavioral changes through the linked application system once weekly. The control group patients will receive the usual HF management. The primary endpoint is the change in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels from baseline after 12 weeks. This trial will provide crucial evidence for patient management with a novel home BIA body water monitoring system in patients with HF.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. The Steady Movement with Innovating Leadership for Heart Failure (SMILE HF) aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute HF in South Korea. Methods: This prospective, observational multicenter cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients hospitalized for acute HF in nine university hospitals since September 2019. Enrolment of 2000 patients should be completed in 2024, and follow-up is planned through 2025. Results: Interim analysis of 1,052 consecutive patients was performed to understand the baseline characteristics. The mean age was 69±15 years; 57.6% were male. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39±15%. The prevalences of HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction were 50.9%, 15.3%, and 29.2%. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) was the most common etiology (32%), followed by tachycardia-induced CMP (12.8%) and idiopathic dilated CMP (9.5%). The prescription rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor/ neprilysin inhibitor, beta-blockers, spironolactone, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at discharge were 76.8%, 66.5%, 50.0%, and 17.5%, respectively. The post-discharge 90-day mortality and readmission rates due to HF aggravation were 2.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Our analysis reveals the current state of acute HF in South Korea. Conclusions Our interim analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, management, and early outcomes of acute HF patients in South Korea, highlighting the current state and treatment patterns in this population.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..