PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to examine the discrepancies between the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score, the CURB-65 [confusion, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate and blood pressure with age (65 years)] and the clinical judgment for making admission decisions, and we also wanted to evaluate the value of the PSI and CURB-65 as the indicators for detecting inappropriate hospitalization among the patients with low risk CAP. METHODS: The medical records of 286 patients who visited the emergency department with CAP were identified by their PSI and their CURB-65, and we reviewed whether there existed a clinical basis to justify their hospitalization. RESULTS: Of a total 286 patients, 225 patients were admitted to the hospital. Sixty five patients with a PSI of I or II, and 117 patients with a CURB-65 of 0 or 1 were admitted by clinical judgment. The factors that justified admission of a lower risk CAP group were medical conditions other than CAP (56.9% vs 70.1%; PSI vs CURB-65), failure of outpatient therapy (24.6% vs 19.6%), social needs (6.2% vs 2.6%) and hypoxemia in 1 patient (1.5% vs 0.9%, respectively). Of the patients in the low risk group according to the CURB-65, one five patient was hospitalized for suspicion of sepsis. The positive predicted values of the PSI and CURB- 65 for inappropriate hospitalization of low risk CAP patients were 10.8% and 5.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PSI and CURB-65 had unacceptably low positive predictive values and this was due to the comorbid conditions that required in-hospital care for the patients with low risk CAP. These indices did not supersede clinical judgment for making the decision to hospitalize low risk patients with CAP.
Anoxia ; Blood Pressure ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Community-Acquired Infections ; Emergencies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Judgment ; Medical Records ; Outpatients ; Pneumonia ; Respiratory Rate ; Sepsis ; Severity of Illness Index

BACKGROUND: Sixty five cases with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) indicated for biventricular repair were operated on between 1984 and september 1998. Comparison between the results of the conventional(classic) connection(LV-PA) and the anatomic repair was done. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective review was carried out based on the medical records of the patients. Operative procedures, complications and the long-term results accoding to the combining anomalies were analysed. RESULT: Mean age was 5.5+/-4.8 years(range, 2 months to 18years). Thirty nine were male and 26 were female. Situs solitus {S,L,L} was in 53 and situs inversus{I,D,D} in 12. There was no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction(LVOTO) in 13(20%) cases. The LVOTO was resulted from pulmonary stenosis(PS) in 26(40%)patients and from pulmonary atresia(PA) in 26(40%) patients. Twenty-five(38.5%) patients had tricuspid valve regurgitation(TR) greater than the mild degree that was present preoperatively. Twenty two patients previously underwent 24 systemic- pulmonary shunts previously. In the 13 patients without LVOTO, 7 simple closure of VSD or ASD, 3 tricuspid valve replacements(TVR), and 3 anatomic corrections(3 double switch operations: 1 Senning+ Rastelli, 1 Senning+REV-type, and 1 Senning+Arterial switch opera tion) were performed. As to the 26 patients with CCTGA+VSD or ASD+LVOTO(PS), 24 classic repairs and 2 double switch operations(1 Senning+Rastelli, 1 Mustard+REV-type) were done. In the 26 cases with CCTGA+VSD+LVOTO(PA), 19 classic repairs(18 Rastelli, 1 REV-type), and 7 double switch operations(7 Senning+Rastelli) were done. The degree of tricuspid regurgitation increased during the follow-up periods from 1.3+/-1.4 to 2.2+/-1.0 in the classic repair group(p<0.05), but not in the double switch group. Two patients had complete AV block preoperatively, and additional 7(10.8%) had newly developed complete AV block after the operation. Other complications were recurrent LVOTO(10), thromboembolism(4), persistent chest tube drainage over 2 weeks(4), chylothorax(3), bleeding(3), acute renal failure(2), and mediastinitis(2). Mean follow-up was 54+/-49 months(0-177 months). Thirteen patients died after the operation(operative mortality rate: 20.0%(13/65)), and there were 3 additional deaths during the follow up period(overall mortality: 24.6%(16/65)). The operative mortality in patients underwent anatomic repair was 33.3%(4/12). The actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 75.0+/-5.6%, 75.0+/-5.6%, and 69.2+/-7.6%. Common causes of death were low cardiac output syndrome(8) and heart failure from TR(5). CONCLUSION: Although our study could not demonstrate the superiority of each classic or anatomic repair, we found that the anatomic repair has a merit of preventing the deterioration of tricuspid valve regurgitations. Meticulous selection of the patients and longer follow-up terms are mandatory to establish the selective advantages of both strategies.
Arteries* ; Atrioventricular Block ; Cardiac Output, Low ; Cause of Death ; Chest Tubes ; Drainage ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Survival Rate ; Tricuspid Valve ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency

PURPOSE: Connective tissue reattachment to periodontally damaged root surfaces is one of the most important goals of periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to develop a root conditioning agent that can demineralize and detoxify the infected root surface. METHODS: Dentin slices obtained from human teeth were treated with a novel root planing agent for 2 minutes and then washed with phosphate-buffered saline. Smear layer removal and type I collagen exposure were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and type I collagen immunostaining, respectively. Cell attachment and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) removal demonstrated the efficiency of the root conditioning agent. RESULTS: SEM revealed that the smear layer was entirely removed and the dentinal tubules were opened by the experimental gel. Type I collagen was exposed on the surfaces of the dentin slices treated by the experimental gel, which were compared with dentin treated with other root planing agents. Dentin slices treated with the experimental gel showed the highest number of attached fibroblasts and flattened cell morphology. The agar diffusion assay demonstrated that the experimental gel also has effective antimicrobial activity. Escherichia coli LPS were effectively removed from well plates by the experimental gel. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that this experimental gel is a useful tool for root conditioning of infected root surfaces and can also be applied for detoxification of ailing implant surface threads.
Agar ; Collagen ; Collagen Type I ; Connective Tissue ; Dentin ; Diffusion ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Escherichia coli ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Root Planing ; Smear Layer ; Tooth

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb), which is characterized by an increased methemoglobin level, is a rare but potentially fatal disorder caused by congenital enzyme deficiencies or exposure to oxidizing agents, including dapsone. Elevation in the methemoglobin level impairs the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, produces functional anemia, and induces tissue hypoxia. Such hypoxia results in microcirculation injury and hypoperfusion in the tissue and organs, including the kidney, and is a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI). This paper reports a case of AKI caused by dapsone-induced MetHb in a patient with chronic kidney disease, in which the patient ingested approximately 1,500 mg of dapsone in a suicide attempt, which was treated with aggressive management, including methylene blue, ascorbic acid, and transfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Escherichia coli (E. coli) O26 has been the most common type of non-O157 human isolates and it has been related with urinary tract infection and its sequelae. So we investigated the clinical significance of E. coli O26 among the cases of urinary tract infection. METHODS: From January, 2005 to December, 2007, the 22 E. coli isolates that were related with urinary tract infection were analyzed. The isolates were identified biochemically by Vitek 1. We performed antisera test by O157, O26, O111 diagnostic antisera about the 22 E. coli isolates. We reviewed clinical history of the same patients retrospectively. RESULTS: 331 E. coli isolates in the urine specimen were isolated from January, 2005 to December, 2007. 175 E. coli isolates that were related with urinary tract infection were analyzed by O157, O26, O111 antisera test. As a result, 22 isolates (13.5%) were O26 antisera positive. There were 8, 3, and 2 cases of watery diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura repectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, because E. coli O26 was pathogenic and developed major complications, we concluded that patients with urinary tract infection with E. coli. should examine the antisera test about E. coli O157 and O26.
Diarrhea ; Escherichia coli ; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome ; Humans ; Immune Sera ; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic ; Urinary Tract ; Urinary Tract Infections

BACKGROUND: The incidence of atherosclerosis is well correlated with the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. High plasma glucose in uncontrolled diabetic patients evokes many vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. Specifically, high glucose was reported to induce thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which activates matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and leads to the invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima. Catechins with antioxidant effects are known to inhibit MMP-2 activity. Therefore, this study was aimed at revealing the effect of epicatechin, one of catechins, on high glucose-induced TSP-1 and the invasiveness of VSMCs. METHODS: VSMCs were primarily isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat aorta. The VSMCs were incubated with different doses (30, 100 and 300 micrometer) of epicatechin under high glucose concentration (30 mM). The TSP-1 protein and mRNA expressions were analyzed by performing Western blotting and Northern blot analyses, respectively. RT-PCR was performed to observe the MMP-2 mRNA expression. Gelatin zymography was performed for the measurement of MMP-2 activity. Invasion assays were performed to evaluate the invasiveness of VSMCs. RESULTS: Epicatechin inhibited the high glucose-induced TSP-1 expression and the MMP-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Also, epicatechin inhibited the high glucose-induced invasiveness of VSMCs across the matrix barrier in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION: Collectively, epicatechin may prevent the high glucose-induced proliferation and invasion of VSMCs by inhibiting the TSP-1 expression and the MMP-2 activity. Therefore, epicatechin appears to play a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Aorta ; Atherosclerosis ; Blood Glucose ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Catechin* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Gelatin ; Glucose ; Humans ; Incidence ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Messenger ; Thrombospondin 1*

BACKGROUND: The incidence of atherosclerosis is well correlated with the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. High plasma glucose in uncontrolled diabetic patients evokes many vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. Specifically, high glucose was reported to induce thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which activates matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and leads to the invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima. Catechins with antioxidant effects are known to inhibit MMP-2 activity. Therefore, this study was aimed at revealing the effect of epicatechin, one of catechins, on high glucose-induced TSP-1 and the invasiveness of VSMCs. METHODS: VSMCs were primarily isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat aorta. The VSMCs were incubated with different doses (30, 100 and 300 micrometer) of epicatechin under high glucose concentration (30 mM). The TSP-1 protein and mRNA expressions were analyzed by performing Western blotting and Northern blot analyses, respectively. RT-PCR was performed to observe the MMP-2 mRNA expression. Gelatin zymography was performed for the measurement of MMP-2 activity. Invasion assays were performed to evaluate the invasiveness of VSMCs. RESULTS: Epicatechin inhibited the high glucose-induced TSP-1 expression and the MMP-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Also, epicatechin inhibited the high glucose-induced invasiveness of VSMCs across the matrix barrier in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION: Collectively, epicatechin may prevent the high glucose-induced proliferation and invasion of VSMCs by inhibiting the TSP-1 expression and the MMP-2 activity. Therefore, epicatechin appears to play a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Aorta ; Atherosclerosis ; Blood Glucose ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Catechin* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Gelatin ; Glucose ; Humans ; Incidence ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Messenger ; Thrombospondin 1*

PURPOSE: A transport of a critically ill infant, especially preterm infant, to an operating room (OR) from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has special dangers like incidental removal of an intravenous line or a chest tube, extubation, stopping of vital sign monitoring, hypothermia and postanesthetic apnea, which could be fatal to the infant. An operation in a NICU, however, has high risk of sepsis and shortage of specialized staffs and equipments. Thus, it is generally favored so far to perform a surgery in an OR. We assessed the safety of surgery in a NICU. METHODS: 66 infants underwent operation in the NICU of Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January of 1995 to April of 2001. There were 30 cases of cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), 17 of peritoneal drainage catheter insertion, 10 of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, 8 of extraventricular drainage, and 1 of laparotomy and peritoneal lavage. This study was conducted focusing on ROP and PDA patients. 28 cases of photocoagulation and 10 cases of PDA ligation conducted in the NICU were compared each other with 10 cases of photocoagulation and 10 cases of PDA ligation in the OR about surgical outcome and complications using retrospective medical record inspection. RESULTS: Regarding ROP, there was no big difference between the two groups in light of the clinical factors and the status of an infant before and after an operation except that inspiratory fraction of oxygen (FiO2) before an operation in the NICU group was higher than that of the other group. A total operation time was longer and there were more variations of weight, body temperature and blood pressure in the OR group. A higher rise of the mean airway pressure (MAP) and higher frequency of intraoperative hypothermia were found in the OR group and there was 1 case of extubation during an operation. The postoperative retinal detachment and the postanesthetic apnea were more frequent in the OR group. Regarding PDA, no big difference was found between the two groups in light of the clinical factors and the status of an infant except that the gestational age at birth was smaller and cardiac failure was more frequent in the NICU group. The total operation time was longer and the rises of FiO2 and MAP were higher in the OR group. There was no significant difference in operation results and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: In light of the safety, the results, and the complications of an operation, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Accordingly, in case of ROP and PDA of a premature baby, We came to a conclusion that a NICU could be used as safe an operation place as an OR.
Apnea ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weight ; Catheters ; Chest Tubes ; Critical Illness ; Cryotherapy ; Drainage ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Gestational Age ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care, Neonatal* ; Laparotomy ; Ligation ; Light Coagulation ; Medical Records ; Operating Rooms* ; Oxygen ; Parturition ; Peritoneal Lavage ; Postoperative Complications ; Retinal Detachment ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Sepsis ; Vital Signs

PURPOSE: A transport of a critically ill infant, especially preterm infant, to an operating room (OR) from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has special dangers like incidental removal of an intravenous line or a chest tube, extubation, stopping of vital sign monitoring, hypothermia and postanesthetic apnea, which could be fatal to the infant. An operation in a NICU, however, has high risk of sepsis and shortage of specialized staffs and equipments. Thus, it is generally favored so far to perform a surgery in an OR. We assessed the safety of surgery in a NICU. METHODS: 66 infants underwent operation in the NICU of Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January of 1995 to April of 2001. There were 30 cases of cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), 17 of peritoneal drainage catheter insertion, 10 of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, 8 of extraventricular drainage, and 1 of laparotomy and peritoneal lavage. This study was conducted focusing on ROP and PDA patients. 28 cases of photocoagulation and 10 cases of PDA ligation conducted in the NICU were compared each other with 10 cases of photocoagulation and 10 cases of PDA ligation in the OR about surgical outcome and complications using retrospective medical record inspection. RESULTS: Regarding ROP, there was no big difference between the two groups in light of the clinical factors and the status of an infant before and after an operation except that inspiratory fraction of oxygen (FiO2) before an operation in the NICU group was higher than that of the other group. A total operation time was longer and there were more variations of weight, body temperature and blood pressure in the OR group. A higher rise of the mean airway pressure (MAP) and higher frequency of intraoperative hypothermia were found in the OR group and there was 1 case of extubation during an operation. The postoperative retinal detachment and the postanesthetic apnea were more frequent in the OR group. Regarding PDA, no big difference was found between the two groups in light of the clinical factors and the status of an infant except that the gestational age at birth was smaller and cardiac failure was more frequent in the NICU group. The total operation time was longer and the rises of FiO2 and MAP were higher in the OR group. There was no significant difference in operation results and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: In light of the safety, the results, and the complications of an operation, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Accordingly, in case of ROP and PDA of a premature baby, We came to a conclusion that a NICU could be used as safe an operation place as an OR.
Apnea ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weight ; Catheters ; Chest Tubes ; Critical Illness ; Cryotherapy ; Drainage ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Gestational Age ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care, Neonatal* ; Laparotomy ; Ligation ; Light Coagulation ; Medical Records ; Operating Rooms* ; Oxygen ; Parturition ; Peritoneal Lavage ; Postoperative Complications ; Retinal Detachment ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Sepsis ; Vital Signs

BACKGROUND: LKB1(STK11) is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as a tumor growth suppressor. The functions of LKB1 in lung cancer are not completely understood. This study evaluated the relationship between LKB1 protein expression and the clinicopathological features in lung cancer tissues. METHODS: The expression of LKB1 was studied in paraffin-embedded tumor blocks, which were obtained from 77 patients who had undergone surgery at Wonkwang University Hospital. The expression of the LKB1 protein was considered positive if the staining intensity in the tumor tissue adjacent to the normal airway epithelium was >30%. RESULTS: The LKB1 expression was positive in 31 (40%) of samples. Loss of LKB1 expression was significantly associated with being male, smoking history, and squamous cell carcinoma. In the peripheral sites, the loss of LKB1 expression was strongly associated with a smoking history. A loss of LKB1 expression was more frequently associated with progression according to TNM staging, particularly more than T2, N progression. CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between the loss of the LKB1 protein and gender, smoking history, and histological type in primary lung cancer. Although LKB1 expression was not found to be a significant prognostic factor, further studies with a larger cohort of patient's lung cancer tissue samples will be needed to confirm this.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cohort Studies ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Phosphotransferases ; Smoke ; Smoking