BACKGROUND: Left ventricular dysfuction is common in immediate postoperative periods after surgical correction of heart diseases with chronic left ventricular volume overload. We speculated postoperative changes of left ventricular volume and unction in patients with patent ductus osus(PDA) who had underwent surgical repair at ages older than 16 years. Factors influencing postoperative left ventricular volume and function were also analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1989 to August 1999 thirty-siz adult patients with PDA 28 females and 8 males. were enrolled in this study. Their age ranged from 16 years to 57 years(mean :32 years). Types of surgical repair were division with primary closure in 22, division with patch closure in 6, internal obliteration using cardiopulmonary bypass in 4 and ligation in 4. Aortic clamping was combined during surgical repair in 22(61%) and cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 8(22%) Two-dimensional echocardiography studies were performed in 34(94%) preoperatively and in 25(66%) immediate postoperatively to assess postoperative changes of left ventricular internal dimensions. left ventricular volume and ejection fraction. Duration of postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 month to 99 months (mean:22 months) and 10 patients underwent 16 echocardiographic evaluation during this period. RESULT: Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular systolic dimensions(LVIDs) were 42+/-8.0mm and 42+/-8.3mm left ventricular diastolic dimensions(LVIDd) were 64+/-10.0mm and 56+/-7.4mm left ventricular end systolic volumes(LVESV) were 62+/-19cc (z=1.87+/-0.06) and 59+/-24cc(z=1.78+/-0.08) left ventricular end diastolic volumes(LVEDL) were 169+/-40cc(z-1.17+/-0.1) and 112+/-29cc(z=0.85+/-0.1) and ejection fractions(EF) were 66+/-6.7% and 48+/-12.6% respectively. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values in LVDIDd(p=0.001) LVEDV(p=0.001) and EF(p=0.0001) while no significant difference is LVIDs and LVESV. Postoperative depression of ejcection fraction was significantly related with z-score of preoperative LVESV and LVEDV by univariateanalysis while LVEDV only was significant risk factor for postoperative LV dysfunction by multiple regressioin analysis (deltaLVEF=-13.3-4.62xLVEDV(z), p=0.001) During the follow-up periods ejection fractions become normalized in all except one patients. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular function is usually deteriorated after the surgical correction of PDA in adult age and preoperative LVEDV is a major determinant of postoperative LV function.
Adult* ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Constriction ; Depression ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Ligation ; Male ; Postoperative Period ; Risk Factors ; Ventricular Function, Left

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate operative and late mortality in aortic valve surgery and to identify risk factors for operative and late mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined operative mode, operative and late mortality, and survival rate of aortic valve surgery performed at Asan Medical Center between June 1989 and December 1996. RESULTS: 227 patients (148 men) with a mean age 49+/-15 years underwent aortic valve surgery. Aortic valvular lesions were classified as dominant stenosis (n=66), dominant regurgitation (n=133), and balanced stenoinsufficiency (n=28) according to the echocardiographic findings. Surgical procedures were aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis in 180 (79 %) and with bioprosthesis in 27 (12 %) and aortic valve repair in 20 (9 %). The overall operative mortality was 4.8 %. Bacterial endocarditis and long bypass time were independent factors associated with high operative mortality (p < 0.05). During follow up (mean 33+/-24 months) of operative survivors, there were 9 late deaths, 12 re-do operations, and 11 clinical events (bacterial endocarditis, stroke, major bleeding, and admission for heart failure). There was no single identifiable risk factor for late mortality but age was significantly associated with development of clinical event and late mortality (p < 0.05). One-, Three-, and Seven-years survival rate after successful operation were 98+/-1 %, 96+/-2 %, and 92+/-3 %, respectively. Late clinical event-free survival rate was 67+/-8 % at seven years after aortic valve surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve surgery could be done with low operative and late mortality. Complications related with bacterial endocarditis and long-term anticoagulation therapy following valve replacement surgery still remained high, which needs further improvement.
Aortic Valve* ; Bioprosthesis ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Disease-Free Survival ; Echocardiography ; Endocarditis ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Mortality ; Prostheses and Implants ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; Survival Rate ; Survivors ; Thoracic Surgery*

BACKGROUND: We assessed the intermediate-term result of tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) for tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) associated with congenital heart disease in adults. Risk factors for residual TR were also analysed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1989 to June 2001, seventy three adult patients, 51 females and 22 males, underwent TAP for TR associated with various congenital heart disease. Their age ranged from 16 years to 73 years (mean:43). Associated heart anomalies were atrial septal defect (55), ventricular septal defect (6), partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (4) and others (8). Preoperative and postoperative TR velocities were 3.25 m/sec and 2.56 m/sec respectively, and the types of TAP were De Vega in 43, Kay in 18 and Ring annuloplasty in 12. Postoperative follow-up duration was 2,347 patient-month (mean: 32.6 months), and 134 two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were done during this period. Residual TR greater than III/IV was considered as TAP failure. RESULT: TAP failure was observed in 7 patients (9.6%), and one patient among them underwent tricuspid valve replacement. Risk factors for TAP failure were diagnosis other than atrial septal defect (p=0.001), preoperative (p=0.038) and postoperative (p=0.028) high TR velocity. There was no statistical significance in terms of TAP methods. CONCLUSION:Careful evaluation of valve morphology and aggressive surgical intervention are mandatory for the repair of TR with preoperative or residual RV pressure overload.
Adult* ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart ; Heart Defects, Congenital* ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Heart Valve Diseases ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Scimitar Syndrome ; Tricuspid Valve ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency*

BACKGROUND: We analysed differences in operative methods and postoperative outcome according to the severity of preoperative cyanosis in adult ToF (Tetralogy of Fallot) patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1989 to June 2001, thirty three adult patients, 18 females and 15 males, underwent total correction for ToF. Their age ranged from 15 years to 54 years (median: 34). Patients were divided into 2 groups by preoperative SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation): group I (n=cyanotic, SaO2 < or =94%) and group II (acyanotic, SaO2 > or =95%). Preoperative median hemoglobin level was higher in group I compared to group II (17.5 g/dl vs 15 g/dl). Postoperative follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 94 months (670 patient-month, median: 14 months), and 63 two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were done during this period. RESULT: There were no early or late mortality. With regard to RVOT (right ventricular outflow tract) reconstruction, trans-annular patch and RV-PA extracardiac conduit were used in 7 and 3 patients respectively, and all of them belonged to group I. In group I, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time, ICU day, hospital day were significantly longer than in group II, and postoperative inotropic support was significantly greater than in group II. There was no ventricular arrhythmia in both groups, and one patient in group I suffered from atrial arrhythmia, which was resolved spontaneously after tricuspid and pulmonary valve replacement. During follow-up periods, functional class, residual RVOT stenosis and pulmonary regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, occurrence of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias were comparable between two groups. CONCLUSION: In adult ToF patients with severe preoperative cyanosis, more aggressive RVOT reconstruction and careful postoperative care are mandatory. However intermediate-term outcome of this group of patients is comparable to the patients with minimal or no preoperative cyanosis.
Adult ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Cyanosis* ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Mortality ; Oxygen ; Postoperative Care ; Pulmonary Valve ; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency ; Tetralogy of Fallot* ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency

PURPOSE: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays an important role in the development and progression of chronic allograft vasculopathy. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) inhibits various mesenchymal cell proliferation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the anti-pro-liferative effect of MPA. In this study, we investigated the effects of MPA on oleic acid (OA)-induced VSMC proliferation and also the role of ROS in these processes. METHODS: Primary cultured rat VSMCs from Sprague-Dawley were stimulated with OA 100micrometer. MPA 0.1~10micrometer and N-acetylcystein (NAC) 5 mM were administered 1 hour before adding the OA. Cell proliferation was measured by Methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression by Western blot analysis, and dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-sensitive cellular ROS by flow cytometry. RESULTS: OA at 100micrometer significantly increased MTT level by 1.6-fold as well as PCNA expression at 48 hours in rat VSMCs. OA also induced DCF-sensitive cellular ROS by 1.6-fold at 5 minutes and the increment of cellular ROS remained for up to 1 hour. MPA at above 1micrometer inhibited OA- induced VSMC proliferation and cellular ROS in a dose-ependent manner. NAC 5 mM also inhibited OA-induced rat VSMC activation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MPA inhibits OA-induced VSMC proliferation partially through the inhibition of cellular ROS.
Allografts ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Proliferation* ; Flow Cytometry ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Mycophenolic Acid* ; Oleic Acid ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species

BACKGROUND: We performed surveillance cultures of the surfaces of X-ray cassettes to assess contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: The surfaces of 37 X-ray cassettes stored in a radiology department were cultured using mannitol salt agar containing 6 microg/mL oxacillin. Suspected methicillin-resistant staphylococcal colonies were isolated and identified by biochemical testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed to determine the clonal relationships of the contaminants. RESULTS: Six X-ray cassettes (16.2%) were contaminated with MRSA. During the isolation procedure, we also detected 19 X-ray cassettes (51.4%) contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH), identified as yellow colonies resembling MRSA on mannitol salt agar. PFGE analysis of the MRSA and MRSH isolates revealed that most isolates of each organism were identical or closely related to each other, suggesting a common source of contamination. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray cassettes, which are commonly in direct contact with patients, were contaminated with MRSA and MRSH. In hospital environments, contaminated X-ray cassettes may serve as fomites for methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Diagnostic Equipment/*microbiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Humans ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/*isolation & purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Oxacillin/pharmacology ; Staphylococcus haemolyticus/drug effects/*isolation & purification

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among psycho-social well-being, and health perception and behavior in clinical nurses. METHODS: The data were collected from 362 nurses employed at five general hospitals. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess demographics and job characteristics, health perception and behavior, depression, and psycho-social stress. The data were analysed using Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: While nurses perceived themselves to be in good health, represented by a high mean for health perceptions, actual health behavior was poor as the mean for health behavior was low. Forty two percents of the subjects were categorized as having major depression and high-stress levels. There were statistically significant differences in psycho-social well-being according to age, marital status, years of employment, and monthly salary. Also, there were significant differences in psycho-social well-being according to health perception, regular meals and exercise, sufficient sleep, job related injury and accident, and absences for ill. CONCLUSION: In order to prevent depression and improve psycho-social well-being among clinical nurses, organizational support and health management needs to be focused on high-risk nurses. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the health perception and behavior of clinical nurses.
Demography ; Depression ; Employment ; Health Behavior ; Hospitals, General ; Marital Status ; Meals ; Mental Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Salaries and Fringe Benefits

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among psycho-social well-being, and health perception and behavior in clinical nurses. METHODS: The data were collected from 362 nurses employed at five general hospitals. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess demographics and job characteristics, health perception and behavior, depression, and psycho-social stress. The data were analysed using Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: While nurses perceived themselves to be in good health, represented by a high mean for health perceptions, actual health behavior was poor as the mean for health behavior was low. Forty two percents of the subjects were categorized as having major depression and high-stress levels. There were statistically significant differences in psycho-social well-being according to age, marital status, years of employment, and monthly salary. Also, there were significant differences in psycho-social well-being according to health perception, regular meals and exercise, sufficient sleep, job related injury and accident, and absences for ill. CONCLUSION: In order to prevent depression and improve psycho-social well-being among clinical nurses, organizational support and health management needs to be focused on high-risk nurses. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the health perception and behavior of clinical nurses.
Demography ; Depression ; Employment ; Health Behavior ; Hospitals, General ; Marital Status ; Meals ; Mental Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Salaries and Fringe Benefits

BACKGROUND: Some differences exist among various Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA quantification assays due to lack of standardization and besides clinical usefulness has not been firmly elucidated in Korean HBV patients. METHODS: We compared Bayer VERSANT HBV DNA 3.0 Assay (VERSANT 3.0) with Digene Hybrid Capture II HBV DNA Test (HC-II) according to HBeAg status and ALT levels in 232 HBV-infected Korean patients. One hundred and seventeen sera with undetectable DNA levels by HC-II were further analyzed by Real-Q HBV quantification assay (BioSewoom). RESULTS: Although VERSANT 3.0 and HC-II showed an excellent correlation (r=0.9739), the results (copies/mL) by VERSANT 3.0 were 0.45 log10 higher than those by HC-II. HBV DNA levels were higher in HBeAg-positive group than in HBeAg-negative group (P=0.002), and in abnormal ALT group than in normal ALT group (P<0.0001). The detection rate of HBV DNA by VERSANT 3.0 was lower in HBeAg-negative and normal ALT group (n=68) than in HBeAg-positive or abnormal ALT group (n=164) (35.3% vs 89.6%, P<0.0001). Fifty two sera out of 61 sera with undetectable DNA by VERSANT 3.0 were measurable by Real-Q with mean value of 3.26 log10 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS: VERSANT 3.0 and HC-II showed an excellent correlation, but a little difference (0.45 log10) existed. VERSANT 3.0 effectively measured clinically relevant HBV DNA levels in most HBVinfected patients in Korea. However, more sensitive assays are needed for patients with negative HBeAg and normal ALT to see the low copies of HBV DNA levels.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alanine Transaminase/blood ; DNA, Viral/*analysis/genetics ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/metabolism ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization/*methods ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Regression Analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

No abstract available.
Pulmonary Atresia*