In this study, we report arterial spin labelling perfusion, proton MR spectroscopy and susceptibility-weighted MR findings of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in a child with rotavirus infection.
Brain Diseases ; Child ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Perfusion ; Protons ; Rotavirus Infections

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) can be a rare risk factor of cerebral venous thrombosis. We describe a case of isolated cortical vein thrombosis (CVT) secondary to SIH and discuss the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for the detection of isolated CVT.
Humans ; Intracranial Hypotension ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Risk Factors ; Thrombosis ; Veins ; Venous Thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is not clear which mucins are responsible for the mucus hypersecretion in allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Recently, it was found that IL-13 is closely related to allergic inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in in vivo animal models. However, the role of IL-13 in in vitro cellular models has yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of IL-13 on mucin gene expression and mucin secretion in cultured normal human nasal epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Cells were cultured with passage-2 normal human nasal epithelial cells using the air-liquid interface culture method. After treatment with IL-13, the total mucin and MUC5AC mucin levels were measured using the immuno-blotting assay. The MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC8 mRNA expressions were measured using RT-PCR. Immunostaining was also performed using a MUC5AC antibody on histologic and cytospin slides. RESULTS: After treatment with 5 ng/ml or more of IL-13, the level of total mucin and MUC5AC mucin secretion decreased substantially. The expression of MUC2 and MUC8 mRNA increased with higher concentrations of IL-13, but the expression of MUC5AC mRNA decreased. On the 7th day after IL-13 treatment, a significant decrease in the number of MUC5AC-positive cells was confirmed with immunostaining. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that IL-13 suppresses MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin secretion in cultured normal human nasal epithelial cells in vitro.
Asthma ; Epithelial Cells* ; Gene Expression* ; Humans* ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-13* ; Models, Animal ; Mucins* ; Mucus ; Rhinitis ; RNA, Messenger

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients who were 65 years and older between nursing care hospitals versus non-nursing care hospitals in Korea. METHODS: This is a population study enumerating 24,203 IHCA patients registered in Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in 2013. The Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes including survival discharge and 30 day survival rate were analyzed. The main diagnoses of IHCA patients were categorized according to the Korean Standard classification of Disease version 6 (KCD-6). All data of patients who were CPR recipients in nursing care hospitals were compared with those of CPR recipients in non-nursing care hospitals. RESULTS: The overall survival discharge and 30 day survival rate were 29.5% and 28.1%, respectively. However, the survival discharge rate of IHCA patients was significantly low in nursing care hospitals compared to non-nursing care hospitals (20.0% vs. 30.0%, p<0.001). The 30 day survival rate was similarly low in nursing care hospitals (20.1% vs. 28.4%, p<0.001). The most common diagnosis of IHCA patients was respiratory disease in nursing care hospitals and cardiovascular disease in non-nursing care hospitals. The most common respiratory disease leading to IHCA in nursing care hospitals was acute respiratory infections. CONCLUSION: The survival rate after IHCA was lower in nursing care hospitals, and the major diagnosis leading to CPR was acute respiratory infections rather than chronic underlying diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to set higher standards in performing CPR and controlling infections in nursing care hospitals nationwide.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Classification ; Diagnosis ; Heart Arrest* ; Humans ; Insurance, Health* ; Korea* ; Nursing Care* ; Nursing* ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Survival Rate

The primary concern in percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions is occlusion of a side branch after stenting of a main branch, especially in high-risk patients. We describe a novel technique, consecutive jailed- and kissing-Corsair technique, using a Corsair microcatheter for protection of side branches in bifurcation lesions.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Stents

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate suitable tools for an approach to acute fecal impaction by comparison of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn scoring methods in pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS: Children with diagnosis of fecal impaction were included in this study at PED of Seoul National University Hospital. Of them, 50 children were randomly selected and their radiographs were independently scored on two occasions at two weeks intervals using three scoring methods by nine emergency physicians and one radiologist. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement were assessed by calculating intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Likert scale was used to assess the easiness and effectiveness of Leech, Barr and Blethyn scoring methods. RESULTS: (I) Inter-observer agreement: The ICC values of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn were 0.861, 0.887, and 0.821 at first trial and 0.889, 0.891, and 0.827 at second trial, respectively (p<0.001 for all). (II) Intra-observer agreement: Among researchers, the numbers who showed very confident (ICC>0.8) were 5, 6 and 2 in Leech, Barr and Blethyn, respectively. (III) Easiness and effectiveness: The mean Likert scale of the Leech, Barr and Blethyn in easiness was 4.4, 1.4, and 3.9 and in effectiveness, 3.9, 2.9, and 3.2, respectively; it showed significant differences for both attributes (p<0.001, p=0.03, respectively). In post-hoc test, the Leech was assumed to be easier and more effective than Barr (p<0.001). However, no significant differences in easiness and effectiveness were observed between Leech and Blethyn (p=0.37, p=0.14, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Leech, Barr and Blethyn have all good inter-observer agreement. The Leech has been found to carry better intra-observer agreement than the other two, and may be one of the easiest and most effective tools for the evaluation of acute fecal impaction in children in PED.
Child ; Emergencies ; Fecal Impaction ; Humans ; Observer Variation ; Radiography, Abdominal ; Research Design

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no consistent recommendation regarding the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) in CKD patients. Here, we surveyed Korean physicians’ perceptions regarding the diagnosis and management of AHU in CKD patients. METHODS: Questionnaires on the management of AHU in CKD patients were emailed to regular members registered with the Korean Society of Nephrology. RESULTS: A total of 158 members answered the questionnaire. Among the respondents, 49.4%/41.1% were considered hyperuricemic in male CKD patients whereas 36.7%/20.9% were considered hyperuricemic in female CKD patients when defined by serum uric acid level over 7.0/8.0 mg/dL, respectively. A total of 80.4% reported treating AHU in CKD patients. The most important reasons to treat AHU in CKD patients were renal function preservation followed by cerebro-cardiac protection. Majority of respondents (59.5%) thought that uric acid-lowering agents (ULAs) were the most effective method for controlling serum uric acid levels. Approximately 80% chose febuxostat as the preferred medication. A total of 32.3% and 31.0%, respectively, initiated ULA treatment if the serum uric acid level was more than 8.0 or 9.0 mg/dL, respectively. In addition, 39.2% and 30.4% answered that target serum uric acid levels of less than 6.0 or 7.0 mg/dL, respectively, were appropriate. The two major hurdles to prescribing ULAs were concerns of adverse reactions and the existing lack of evidence (i.e., the absence of Korean guidelines). CONCLUSION: Most Korean physicians treat AHU in CKD patients to prevent CKD progression and cerebro-cardiovascular complications.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diagnosis ; Electronic Mail ; Febuxostat ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperuricemia ; Male ; Methods ; Nephrology ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Uric Acid

Purpose: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); there are few specific treatments. Convalescent plasma (CP), donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19, is an investigational therapy for severe or critically ill patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of CP therapy in patients with severe or lifethreatening cases of COVID-19 at two hospitals in Seoul, Korea, between May and September 2020. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in 20 patients with CP therapy in a descriptive manner. Additionally, the changes in cycle threshold (Ct) values of 10 patients with CP therapy were compared to those of 10 controls who had the same (±0.8) initial Ct values but did not receive CP. Results: Of the 20 patients (mean age 66.6 years), 18 received high-dose oxygen therapy using mechanical ventilators or high-flow nasal cannulas. Systemic steroids were administered to 19 patients who received CP. The neutralizing antibody titers of the administered CP were between 1:80 and 1:10240. There were two ABO-mismatched transfusions. The World Health Organization ordinal scale score and National Institutes of Health severity score improved in half of the patients within 14 days. Those who received CP showed a higher increase in Ct values at 24 h and 72 h after CP therapy compared to controls with similar initial Ct values (p=0.002).No transfusion-related side effects were observed. Conclusion CP therapy may be a potential therapeutic option in severe or critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Purpose: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); there are few specific treatments. Convalescent plasma (CP), donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19, is an investigational therapy for severe or critically ill patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effectiveness of CP therapy in patients with severe or lifethreatening cases of COVID-19 at two hospitals in Seoul, Korea, between May and September 2020. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in 20 patients with CP therapy in a descriptive manner. Additionally, the changes in cycle threshold (Ct) values of 10 patients with CP therapy were compared to those of 10 controls who had the same (±0.8) initial Ct values but did not receive CP. Results: Of the 20 patients (mean age 66.6 years), 18 received high-dose oxygen therapy using mechanical ventilators or high-flow nasal cannulas. Systemic steroids were administered to 19 patients who received CP. The neutralizing antibody titers of the administered CP were between 1:80 and 1:10240. There were two ABO-mismatched transfusions. The World Health Organization ordinal scale score and National Institutes of Health severity score improved in half of the patients within 14 days. Those who received CP showed a higher increase in Ct values at 24 h and 72 h after CP therapy compared to controls with similar initial Ct values (p=0.002).No transfusion-related side effects were observed. Conclusion CP therapy may be a potential therapeutic option in severe or critically ill patients with COVID-19.

An anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is rare and surgical intervention is recommended when the patient is symptomatic. We performed coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a 21-year-old male patient with a right coronary artery anomalously originating from the left coronary sinus. The artery was significantly stenosed by external compression between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. However, the graft became occluded 1 year after the operation. In such cases, the dynamic nature of the stenosis can cause relatively intact antegrade competitive flow from the native coronary artery and lead to an occlusion of the grafted artery. Methods for evaluating flow rates or intraluminal pressures of native arteries could be helpful in decision-making in similar cases.
Aorta ; Arteries ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Disease ; Coronary Sinus ; Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; Coronary Vessels ; Humans ; Male ; Mammary Arteries ; Pulmonary Artery ; Transplants ; Young Adult