OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factor XII deficiency in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and its relation to aPTT. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Factor XII was analyzed by clotting method. RESULTS: Of 70 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion, there were 35 cases of factor XII deficiency. Among them, there were only 3 cases of prolonged aPTT. CONCLUSIONS: It is still unclear whether factor XII deficiency is related to recurrent spontaneous abortion. Molecular approaches should be used to understand further the causal relationship. But based on this result, in the workup of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion, factor XII should be included. aPTT is not likely to represent the abnormality of factor XII.
Abortion, Spontaneous* ; Factor XII Deficiency* ; Factor XII* ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy

Transient synovitis of the hip is non-specific inflammation and self limited condition, which is most common cause of painful limping in children under 10 years of age. Ultrasonography presents some merits, simple, rapid, non-invasive, low cost, repetitive to assess soft structures in and around the hip joint compared to other diagnostic methods. We prospectively studied 32 cases of unilateral transient synovitis at OPD from Jan. 1988 to Oct. 1989 using 5-7.5 MH, probe ultrasonography. 2-times serial check up in symptomatic and asymptomatic stage about capsule thickness and bone-capsule distance in 3 different positions of the both hips were performed for comparision. The following results were obtained; 1. Boys were 25 cases (78%) and 26 cases (83%) were between 3 and 7 years old of age. 2. Bone-capsule distance in ultrasonography revealed abnormal increase in 72%. 3. External rotation position showed wider bone-capsule distance than other position. 4. Capsule thickness was 3.3mm in diseased and 3.0mm in sound, 0.3mm decrease after treatment. 5. Bone-capsule distance was 4.5mm in symptomatic stage, 2.7mm in asymptomatic stage, 1.8mm decrease after treatment in averge.
Child ; Hip Joint ; Hip ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Prospective Studies ; Synovitis ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) occasionally fails due to surgically altered anatomy, difficult cannulation, or poor general condition. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic papillary balloon dilatation (PTPBD) for managing extrahepatic bile duct stones. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2010, 17 out of 509 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones and acute cholangitis were enrolled retrospectively. After PTPBD of the sphincter, the stones were extracted using an occlusion balloon to push the stone over a guidewire into the duodenum. The procedure success was evaluated based on residual stones. In addition, the size and number of stones and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, nine had a previous gastrectomy, four had poor general condition, and four had unsuccessful cannulation. The stone diameter ranged from 8 to 25 mm. Seven, five, and five patients had one, two, or three or more stones, respectively. The results were successful in 16 out of 17 patients, with no residual stones. Treatment failed in one patient, who was then treated with the rendezvous technique with endoscopy. No procedure-related major complication occurred. Three patients had mild transient elevations of the serum amylase levels. CONCLUSIONS: PTPBD was safe and effective for managing extrahepatic bile duct stones in patients with unsuccessful or contraindicated ERCP.
Amylases ; Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic ; Catheterization ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Cholangitis ; Choledocholithiasis ; Dilatation ; Duodenum ; Endoscopy ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

Hysteroscopy is an established gynecologic procedure that has been used for the past 20 years as a diagnostic technique. It is also used therapeutically. Hysteroscopy is commonly performed with CO2insufflation and its complications are rare. The sudden decrease of end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, associated with mill-wheel murmur, loss of cardiac output and sinus tachycardia on the ECG are highly suggestive of massive gas embolism during laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. We report 2 cases of cardiac arrest and severe bradycardia. The second patient's expired CO2 concentration fell rapidly to 7 mmHg and blood pressure and heart rate dropped suddenly after resection of the uterine septum and adhesiolysis. We performed cardiac resuscitation with cardiotonic drugs, cardiac compression, defibrillator and resulted in good recovery. At the time of discharge 10 days and 2 days later, the patients had recovered almost completely.
Blood Pressure ; Bradycardia ; Carbon Dioxide ; Cardiac Output ; Cardiotonic Agents ; Defibrillators ; Electrocardiography ; Embolism, Air ; Endoscopy* ; Heart Arrest ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hysteroscopy ; Laparoscopy ; Partial Pressure ; Resuscitation ; Tachycardia, Sinus

Crohn's disease is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases and is characterized by the involvement of the entire depth of the intestinal wall from the anus to the mouth. Neurological complications rarely occur in Crohn's disease and recurrent transverse myelitis has not yet been described in association with it. We report a 50-year-old man with Crohn's disease accompanied by recurrent transverse myelitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases and demyelinating disorders may share an autoimmune pathophysiology.
Anal Canal ; Crohn Disease ; Demyelinating Diseases ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Middle Aged ; Mouth ; Myelitis ; Myelitis, Transverse

An open clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of isradipine in 30 cases (male 16, female 14 cases, average age 52.6+/-7.94) of mild to moderate essential hypertension using 1.25-2.5mg twice a day for 8 weeks of active treatment. Blood pressure was significantly reduced from 168.5+/-14.33/108.3+/-6.37mmHg, 163.7+/-9.74/105.5+/-7.1mmHg to 141.0+/-13.69/92.0+/-9.27mmHg, 138.8+/-13.46/92.3+/-11.16mmHg in sitting and standing position respectively. The extent of reduction was 27.5/16.3mmHg in sitting position and 29.9/13.2mmHg in standing position. This comprised the mean response rate in terms of reduction of DBP of 10mmHg or more being 90% and the normalization rate, deficed as DBP lowering to 90mmHg or below, being 70%. Heart rate, hematology and blood chemistry including blood sugar and lipids were not changed significantly after treatment with isradipine. No significantl side effect was observed except 2 cases of mild transient facial flushing and nausea during the treatment, so could proceed the trial without drug discontinuation in all 30 cases. The results suggest that isradipine is one of the useful and safe drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Chemistry ; Female ; Flushing ; Heart Rate ; Hematology ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Isradipine* ; Nausea

An open trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of isosorbide 5-mononitrate(Elantan(R)) in 30 patients diagnosed as angina pectoris at Pusan national university hospital. Drugs were given 20mg two times daily for 2 to 3 weeks and the results were assessed in terms of effects on anginal pain and untoward side effects experienced during administration of medication. Treament resulted in an overall improvement in 25 patients(83.4%), complete abolition of anginal attacks in 17 patients(56.7%) and reduction in frequency of attacks in 8 patients(26.7%). So called "Nitrated headache" was observed in 5 patients(16.6%) but improved with proceeding of administration in 3 patients. This trial indicates that isosorbide 5-mononitrate should be efficacious as well as tolerated in patients with coronary heart disease.
Angina Pectoris* ; Busan ; Coronary Disease ; Humans ; Isosorbide*

BACKGROUND: Smaller guiding catheter had a problem with poor backup support during the transradial coronary intervention which resulted in higher failure rate. This study sought to prove the usefulness of deep seating technique which improves the backup support of the guiding catheter required to deliver interventional materials during the transradial coronary intervention. METHODS: Thirthy-five patients(23 males) were included in this study since March 1998 to August 1999. Clinical presentation of these patients were stable angina(7 patients), unstable angina(17 patients), acute myocardial infarction(11 cases). The mean age was 68+/-8 years. The treated vessel was left anterior descending artery in 22, left circumflex artery in 2 and right coronary artery in 11 of 35 vessels. RESULT: Twenty-six lesions were treated with stents, 3 with PTCA, and 6 with rotablator. Procedural success were achieved in 33 out of 35 cases(94%). Guiding catheters were used mostly with 6 Fr(30/35). In the left coronary system, usual Judkins left type was used in most of the patients(24/26, 92%), and in right coronary Judkins, Amplatz and multipurpose catheters were used similiarly. Hypotension and sinus bradycardia was encountered in one case without clinical significance and there was no dissection in all patients. CONCLUSION: Deep seating technique is a safe and effective technique without major adverse event during the transradial coronary intervention in selected cases.
Arteries ; Bradycardia ; Catheters ; Coronary Vessels ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Stents

BACKGROUND: Smaller guiding catheter had a problem with poor backup support during the transradial coronary intervention which resulted in higher failure rate. This study sought to prove the usefulness of deep seating technique which improves the backup support of the guiding catheter required to deliver interventional materials during the transradial coronary intervention. METHODS: Thirthy-five patients(23 males) were included in this study since March 1998 to August 1999. Clinical presentation of these patients were stable angina(7 patients), unstable angina(17 patients), acute myocardial infarction(11 cases). The mean age was 68+/-8 years. The treated vessel was left anterior descending artery in 22, left circumflex artery in 2 and right coronary artery in 11 of 35 vessels. RESULT: Twenty-six lesions were treated with stents, 3 with PTCA, and 6 with rotablator. Procedural success were achieved in 33 out of 35 cases(94%). Guiding catheters were used mostly with 6 Fr(30/35). In the left coronary system, usual Judkins left type was used in most of the patients(24/26, 92%), and in right coronary Judkins, Amplatz and multipurpose catheters were used similiarly. Hypotension and sinus bradycardia was encountered in one case without clinical significance and there was no dissection in all patients. CONCLUSION: Deep seating technique is a safe and effective technique without major adverse event during the transradial coronary intervention in selected cases.
Arteries ; Bradycardia ; Catheters ; Coronary Vessels ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Stents

Low back pain in computer terminal operators is a very common but important symptom. While the occupational risk factors of low back pain were approved obscurely, there have been few studies on analysis or understanding of occupational risk factors. Therefore, we studied occupational risk factors of low back pain, especially for ergonomic factors as well as general characteristics of workers. We selected 98 subjects for this study, computer terminal operators ordinary using computers in Pusan. We calculated the subjective severity of low back pain of each operator by the Low Back Pain Scoring System. The relation of low back pain score to general characteristics of worker was also analyzed. We analyzed the relationship between low back pain score and individual efforts to prevent low back pain. We measured the ergonomic factors of each computer terminal operator - Trunk Jnclination(TI), Arm Flexion(AF), Elbow Angle(EA), Head Tilting(HT), Knee Angle(KA), using of foot plate and gap between the popliteum and chair. The correlations between these ergonomic factors and low back pain score were then analyzed. And the results are as follows: 1. The prevalence rate of low back pain in computer terminal operators was 39.8% in this study, when low back pain score was converted by the low back pain scoring system. 2. According to general characteristics of workers related to low back pain, the scores were higher in the older age group, the married and the longer work carriers. (p < 0.05) 3. In the analysis of the relationship between low back pain score and individual effort to prevent low back pain, regular exercise, history of schooling for prevention of low back pain, and declaration of intention to participate in low back pain education or exercise were stastistically significant(p < 0.05). And the more severe the low back pain, the higher the intention to participate in low back pain education they had in this study. 4. In the analyses of relationships or correlations between low back pain score and each of the 7 categories of ergonomic factors, only head tilting had a weak reverse correlation with low back pain(r=-0.2999, p < 0.01). From now on, cohort studies for the risk factors of low back pain of workers, who have been forced to work in non-ergonomical positioning at the work site, will be necessary. On the background of these ergonomic studies, the occupational health profession should be required to manage ergonomic working conditions.
Arm ; Busan ; Cohort Studies ; Computer Terminals* ; Education ; Elbow ; Foot ; Head ; Human Engineering ; Humans ; Intention ; Knee ; Low Back Pain* ; Occupational Health ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors* ; Workplace