BACKGROUND: Unexpected and uncontrolled bleeding remains the principal fear of the surgeon performing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). Many surgeons and anesthesiologists believe the spinal anesthesia reduces blood loss during TURP. This study evaluate the effects of spinal versus general anesthetic technique on the development of postoperative coagulopathies. METHODS: 20 patients undergoing TURP were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group I (n=10) received general anesthesia and group II (n=10), spinal anesthesia. PT (prothrombin time), PTT (partial thromboplstin time), Hb (hemoglobin), FDP (fibrin degradation product), platelet and fibrinogen were measured before induction and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in measured coagulation variables between the two groups, but there was significant decrease in postoperative Hb compared to preoperative values in both groups and the effect was more pronounced in the general anesthesia than in the spinal anethesia group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that coagulopathies after TURP is not affected by the anesthetic technique.
Anesthesia, General* ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Blood Platelets ; Fibrinogen ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate*

A pericardial recess is frequently seen in patients undergoing chest computed tomography (CT). It is important to be aware of the normal anatomy of the pericardium as it is often mistaken for normal variants and/or disease. Therefore, we will describe the anatomy and location of the pericardial recess and the specific findings in various diseases associated with the pericardial recess.

Microalbuminuria is a marker of generalized endothelial dysfunction resulting from arterial stiffness or insulin resistance, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a good measure of arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate whether elevated baPWV is independently associated with microalbuminuria. This study included 1,648 individuals aged over 40 who participated in the baseline Multi-Rural Cohort Study conducted in Korean rural communities between 2005 and 2006. Participants were classified into less than 30 mg/g as normoalbuminuria or 30-300 mg/g as microalbuminuriausing urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR). The median and Q1-Q3 baPWV values were significantly higher in the microalbuminuric group both in men (1,538, 1,370-1,777 cm/s vs. 1,776, 1,552-2,027 cm/s, P < 0.001) and women (1,461, 1,271-1,687 cm/s vs. 1,645, 1,473-1,915 cm/s, P < 0.001). BaPWV was independently associated with microalbuminuria in both genders after adjusting for pulse rate; fasting blood glucose; triglyceride; homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) and, history of hypertension and diabetes. Fasting blood sugar and HOMA(IR) were judged as having nothing to do with multicolinearity (r = 0.532, P < 0.001). Elevated baPWV was independently associated with microalbuminuria regardless of insulin resistance among rural subjects over 40 yr.
Adult ; Aged ; Albuminuria/*diagnosis/etiology/metabolism ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Ankle Joint/*physiopathology ; Blood Chemical Analysis ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Brachial Artery/*physiopathology ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/complications/diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Pulse Wave Analysis ; Risk Factors ; *Rural Population ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Triglycerides/blood ; Vascular Stiffness

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of warm saline and anti-fog solution for preventing fogging of a non-contact wide-field viewing system during vitrectomy. Methods: Five liters of water at 36°C were placed in a transparent container. The fogging areas of wide-field lenses were microscopically measured. We created three groups: lenses soaked in normal saline at 25°C for 1 minute (control), lenses soaked in normal saline at 50°C for 1 minute (warm saline), and lenses that were wiped with a sponge soaked in anti-fog solution (ULTRASTOP pro med. Solution, Sigmapharm, Vienna, Austria) after prior soaking in normal saline at 25°C for 1 minute (anti-fog). Images of fogged areas were acquired at 10 seconds and 1, 3, and 5 minutes. Extent of fogged areas and central lens invasion were determined. All experiments were repeated 10 times. Results: In the control group, the entire areas were always completely fogged. The average fog coverage values were 4.34 ± 1.28, 6.30 ± 1.38, 56.00 ± 25.01, and 93.81 ± 5.88% at 10 seconds and 1, 3, and 5 minutes in the warm saline group and 4.74 ± 0.57, 7.35 ± 0.96, 10.13 ± 1.09, and 11.74 ± 1.74% in the anti-fog group, respectively. There were significant differences at 3 and 5 minutes (p = 0.029, p = 0.012). Fogging of the central lens was detected in 8 tests after 3 minutes and all 10 tests after 5 minutes in the warm saline group, but no fogging was detected in the anti-fog group. Conclusions Application of an anti-fog solution to a wide-field viewing lens prevents lens fogging during vitrectomy.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen of the respiratory tract among school-aged children and adolescents. It can also cause extrapulmonary manifestation that involves the skin, nervous system, digestive system, and hematopoietic system. A 12-year old girl was admitted to Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. Her respiratory symptoms and signs improved after the treatment with macrolide antibiotics, and she was discharged. However, pancytopenia developed 16 days after the first admission date. She was readmitted, and treated successfully with intravenous immunoglobulin. We reported her as the first case of pancytopenia asscociated with M. pnuemoniae pneumonia in Korea.
Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Child ; Digestive System ; Hematopoietic System ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Korea ; Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; Nervous System ; Pancytopenia ; Pneumonia ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; Respiratory System ; Skin

PURPOSE: Although many previous studies have attempted to identify differences between atopic asthma (AA) and non-atopic asthma (NAA), they have mainly focused on the difference of each variable of lung function and airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and the exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels in children with AA and NAA. METHODS: One hundred and thirty six asthmatic children aged 5-15 years and 40 normal controls were recruited. Asthma cases were classified as AA (n=100) or NAA (n=36) from skin prick test results. Lung function, BHR to methacholine and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP), eNO, blood eosinophils, and serum total IgE were measured. RESULTS: The AA and NAA cases shared common features including a reduced small airway function and increased BHR to methacholine. However, children with AA showed higher BHR to AMP and eNO levels than those with NAA. When the relationships among these variables in the AA and NAA cases were evaluated, the AA group showed significant relationships between lung function, BHR to AMP or methacholine and eNO levels. However, the children in the NAA group showed an association between small airway function and BHR to methacholine only. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of NAA may differ from that of AA during childhood in terms of the relationship between lung function, airway inflammation and BHR.
Asthma* ; Child* ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inflammation ; Lung* ; Methacholine Chloride ; Nitric Oxide* ; Skin

PURPOSE: 4-1BB (CD 137) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T-cells. Repression by 4-1BB is thought to attenuate Th2-mediated allergic reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-1BB on allergic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model. METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Hu.4-1BB-Fc was administered 1 day before the first OVA sensitization or 1 day after the second OVA sensitization. Following antigen challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung pathology was also evaluated. RESULTS: In mice treated with Hu.4-1BB-Fc before the first OVA sensitization, there was a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, total cell count, and eosinophil count in the BAL fluid. In addition, Hu.4-1BB-Fc treatment decreased serum OVA-specific IgG1 levels and increased serum IgG2a level significantly compared with the corresponding levels in mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Hu.4-1BB-Fc-treated mice also showed suppressed peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. In contrast, treatment with Hu.4-1BB-Fc 1 day after sensitization had no effect on airway hyperresponsiveness and showed less suppression of inflammation in lung tissue. CONCLUSION: Administration of Hu.4-1BB-Fc can attenuate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. In addition, administration before sensitization may be more effective. These findings suggest that 4-1BB may be a useful therapeutic molecule against asthma.
Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Cell Count ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophils ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins ; Inflammation ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Mice ; Ovalbumin ; Ovum ; Repression, Psychology ; T-Lymphocytes

BACKGROUND: Seizures occur in 2-20% of stroke patients. Recent studies have reported that post-stroke seizures are associated with poorer functional outcomesand higher mortality. However there are no official guidelines on how to use antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in stroke-related seizures. In this study we surveyed neurologists and neurosurgeons and compared the responses of subgroups categorized by department, specialty and workplace discrimination using a questionnaire containing questions concerning the present tendency to use AEDs in stroke patients. METHODS: 256 neurologists and neurosurgeons participated in the survey. The research instrument was a questionnaire comprising 9 parts and 30 questions. The questions concerned stroke mechanism, the prophylactic use of AEDs, and the choice of AED in early and late onset post-stroke seizures. RESULTS: Tendencies to use prophylactic AEDs in stroke differed depending on specialty and workplace(neurologist vs. neurosurgeon; 17.8% vs. 83.1%, p<0.001, hospital vs. university staff; 46.2% vs. 28.4%, p=0.05). The most commonly used prophylactic AEDs were valproic acid (75%) and levetiracetam (60%). Carbamazepine was the most commonly used AED and phenytoin and phenobarbital were still used in all subgroups to treat post-stroke seizures. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences between neurologists (17.8%) and neurosurgeons (83.1%) in the use of prophylactic AEDs after stroke. Valproic acid and levetiracetam are considered first-line prophylactic AEDs by neurosurgeon. Phenytoin and phenobarbital are still used in post-stroke seizure although they have been reported to have an adverse influence on motor recovery. We suggest that proper guidelines should be established for the use of AEDs in stroke-related seizures.
Anticonvulsants ; Carbamazepine ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Humans ; Phenobarbital ; Phenytoin ; Piracetam ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seizures ; Stroke ; Valproic Acid

Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce the production of prostaglandin by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), are widely used in children as antipyretic, analgesic, or anti-inflammatory drugs. They are known to be a major cause of pediatric drug allergies, which are diagnosed by a drug provocation test. The mechanism comprises an immunoglobulin E- or T cell-mediated immune reaction or pseudoallergy caused by the inhibition of COX-1. The diagnosis of NSAIDs drug allergy requires a differential, because there is a high cross-reactivity between NSAIDs. In this study, oral provocation tests with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, diclofenac and celecoxib were carried out, and various types of NSAIDs and acetaminophen allergies were observed. Safe drugs were recommended for each patient according to the test results. We report four cases of NSAIDs and acetaminophen allergy and include the results of oral provocation tests.
Acetaminophen ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Child ; Diclofenac ; Drug Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Ibuprofen ; Immunoglobulins ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Pyrazoles ; Sulfonamides ; Celecoxib

PURPOSE: Probiotic bacteria can induce immune regulation or immune tolerance in allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms have been recently investigated, but are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35) in a mouse model of asthma and to identify its mechanism of action. METHODS: Lcr35 was administered daily by the oral route at a dosage of 1x10(9) CFU/mouse in BALB/c mice for 7 days before the first sensitization. Clinical parameters and regulatory T (Treg) cells were examined. The role of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells was analyzed using a Treg cell-depleting anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb). RESULTS: Airway hyperresponsiveness, total IgE production, pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation were suppressed after Lcr35 treatment. Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) cytokines in the serum were suppressed, and the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in the spleen was significantly increased in the Lcr35 treatment group. Anti-CD25 mAb administration abolished the protective effects of Lcr35, indicating that CD4+ CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells are essential in mediating the activity of Lcr35. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of Lcr35 attenuated the features of allergic asthma in a mouse model and induced immune regulation by a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell-mediated mechanism.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bacteria ; Cytokines ; Eosinophils ; Immune Tolerance ; Immunoglobulin E ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-5 ; Lactobacillus ; Lactobacillus rhamnosus ; Lymphocytes ; Mice ; Negotiating ; Probiotics ; Spleen ; T-Lymphocytes ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory