Background: It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment. Results: After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events. Conclusion The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a shortage of medical resources and the need for proper treatment guidelines for brain tumor patients became more pressing. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, has undertaken efforts to develop a guideline that is tailored to the domestic situation and that can be used in similar crisis situations in the future. As part II of the guideline, this consensus survey is to suggest management options in specific clinical scenarios during the crisis period. Methods: The KSNO Guideline Working Group consisted of 22 multidisciplinary experts on neuro-oncology in Korea. In order to confirm a consensus reached by the experts, opinions on 5 specific clinical scenarios about the management of brain tumor patients during the crisis period were devised and asked. To build-up the consensus process, Delphi method was employed. Results: The summary of the final consensus from each scenario are as follows. For patients with newly diagnosed astrocytoma with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant and oligodendroglioma with IDH-mutant/1p19q codeleted, observation was preferred for patients with low-risk, World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≥60, while adjuvant radiotherapy alone was preferred for patients with high-risk, WHO grade 2, and KPS ≥60. For newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma, the most preferred adjuvant treatment strategy after surgery was radiotherapy plus temozolomide except for patients aged ≥70 years with KPS of 60 and unmethylated MGMT promoters. In patients with symptomatic brain metastasis, the preferred treatment differed according to the number of brain metastasis and performance status. For patients with newly diagnosed atypical meningioma, adjuvant radiation was deferred in patients with older age, poor performance status, complete resection, or low mitotic count. Conclusion It is imperative that proper medical care for brain tumor patients be sustained and provided, even during the crisis period. The findings of this consensus survey will be a useful reference in determining appropriate treatment options for brain tumor patients in the specific clinical scenarios covered by the survey during the future crisis.

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for appropriate treatment guidelines for patients with brain tumors was indispensable due to the lack and limitations of medical resources. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, has undertaken efforts to develop a guideline that is tailored to the domestic situation and that can be used in similar crisis situations in the future. Methods: The KSNO Guideline Working Group was composed of 22 multidisciplinary experts on neuro-oncology in Korea. In order to reach consensus among the experts, the Delphi method was used to build up the final recommendations. Results: All participating experts completed the series of surveys, and the results of final survey were used to draft the current consensus recommendations. Priority levels of surgery and radiotherapy during crises were proposed using appropriate time window-based criteria for management outcome. The highest priority for surgery is assigned to patients who are life-threatening or have a risk of significant impact on a patient’s prognosis unless immediate intervention is given within 24–48 hours. As for the radiotherapy, patients who are at risk of compromising their overall survival or neurological status within 4–6 weeks are assigned to the highest priority. Curative-intent chemotherapy has the highest priority, followed by neoadjuvant/adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy during a crisis period. Telemedicine should be actively considered as a management tool for brain tumor patients during the mass infection crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion It is crucial that adequate medical care for patients with brain tumors is maintained and provided, even during times of crisis. This guideline will serve as a valuable resource, assisting in the delivery of treatment to brain tumor patients in the event of any future crisis.

PURPOSE: The most common risk factor for fecal incontinence (FI) is obstetric injury. FI affects 1.4%–18% of adults. Most patients are unaware when they are young, when symptoms appear suddenly and worsen with aging. Autologous fat graft is widely used in cosmetic surgical field and may substitute for injectable bulky agents in treating FI. Authors have done fat graft for past several years. This article reports the effectiveness of the fat graft in treating FI and discusses satisfaction with the procedure. METHODS: Fat was harvested from both lateral thighs using 10-mL Luer-loc syringe. Pure fat was extracted from harvests and mixed with fat, oil, and tumescent through refinement. Fats were injected into upper border of posterior ano-rectal ring, submucosa of anal canal and intersphincteric space. Thirty-five patients with FI were treated with this method from July 2016 to February 2017 in Busan Hangun Hospital. They were 13 male (mean age, 60.8 years) and 22 female patients (mean age, 63.3 years). The Wexner score was checked before procedure. We evaluated outcome in outpatients by asking the patients. For 19 patients we checked the Wexner score after procedure. RESULTS: Symptom improved in 29 (82.9%), and not improved in 6 (17.1%). In 2 of 6 patients, they felt better than before procedure, although not satisfied. No improvement in 4. Mean Wexner score was 9.7 before procedure. There were no serious complications such as inflammation or fat embolism. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat graft can be an effective alternative treatment for FI. It is safe and easy to perform, and cost effective.
Adult ; Aging ; Anal Canal ; Busan ; Embolism, Fat ; Fats ; Fecal Incontinence ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Methods ; Outpatients ; Risk Factors ; Syringes ; Thigh ; Transplants

PURPOSE: Circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (CSH) is widely used to treat patients with grades III–IV hemorrhoids because of less pain and short hospital stay. However, this procedure is associated with some complications, such as urge to defecate, anal stenosis, staple line dehiscence, abscess and sepsis. To avoid these complications, surgeons perform a partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PSH). The aim of this study is to present our early experience with the PSH. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 58 patients with hemorrhoids who were treated with a PSH at Busan Hang-Un Hospital from January 2016 to June 2016. A specially designed tri-window anoscope was used, and a purse string suture was made at the mucosae of the protruding hemorrhoids through the window of the anoscope. The hemorrhoidopexy was done by using a circular stapler. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients included in this study, 34 were male and 24 were female patients (mean age, 50.4 years). The mean operation time was 12.4 minutes, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 days. Three patients experienced bleeding (5.1%) 5 urinary retention (8.6%) and 5 skin tags (8.6%). Urge to defecate, tenesmus, abscess, rectovaginal fistula, anal stricture, incontinence, and recurrence did not occur. CONCLUSION: PSH is a minimally invasive, feasible, and safe technique for treating patients with grades III–IV hemorrhoids. A PSH, instead of a CSH, can be used to treat certain patients with hemorrhoids.
Abscess ; Busan ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhoids* ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Medical Records ; Mucous Membrane ; Rectovaginal Fistula ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Skin ; Surgeons ; Sutures ; Urinary Retention

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare lesion in the wrist, but some cases in the distal radioulnar joint have been reported and previous case reports emphasize joint calcifications, shown on preoperative plain radiographs. We report an extremely uncommon case of synovial chondromatosis in the pisotriquetral joint, in which radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging did not demonstrate apparent calcified bodies. In our case, for the accurate diagnosis and treatment, surgical exploration of the joint and synovectomy with removal of loose bodies was performed.
*Chondromatosis, Synovial/diagnosis/physiopathology/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Wrist Joint/physiopathology/surgery

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the subcellular localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) in term human fetal membranes and myometrium during labor. METHODS: Fetal membranes and myometrial tissue were collected from term pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery after labor (n=4) and before labor (n=4). An immunostaining was done with NF-kappa B p65 antibody. The intensity and distribution of nuclear immunostaining of NF-kappa B p65 subunit were evaluated visually using a semiquantitative analysis. RESULTS: NF-kappa B p65 was present in all tissues studied, and it was localized principally in the cytoplasm of cells of amnion and chorion. But, NF-kappa B p65 was localized more abundant in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm in myometrial cells. In amnion, chorion and myometrium, the staining scores of nuclear NF-kappa B did not show any difference between the after-labor group and before-labor group. CONCLUSION: In human term gestational tissues, subcellular localization of NF-kappa B showed cytoplasmic predominance in amnion and chorion, and nuclear predominance in myometrium. But these subcellular localizations did not change during labor.
Amnion ; Animals ; Chorion ; Cytoplasm ; Extraembryonic Membranes* ; Female ; Humans* ; Mice ; Myometrium* ; NF-kappa B* ; Pregnant Women ; Transcription Factor RelA

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) twins with those of spontaneous twins based on their chorionicities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 598 twin pregnancies beyond 24 weeks of gestation delivered from October 1994 to December 2003. Subjects were grouped into the spontaneous group (n=392) and the IVF group (n=206) and then subgrouped into dichorionic (n=193, spontaneous vs. n=156, IVF) and monochorionic (n=154, spontaneous vs. n=34, IVF) subgroups. First, the obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared between the spontaneous group and the IVF group regardless of their chorionicity. Second, the same outcome variables were compared between the spontaneous and the IVF group with same chorionicity. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the incidence of preterm deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation in IVF twins (74.5% spontaneous vs. 82.5% IVF, p=0.031). However, the gestational age at delivery was not significantly different (34.5+/-2.86 weeks vs. 34.2+/-0.28 weeks). Antepartum admission was also significantly increased in IVF group (4.6% vs. 9.2%, p<0.001). We were unable to observe any significant difference in perinatal outcomes between the two groups other than increased in utero fetal demise in utero in the IVF group (0.3% vs. 1.5%, p<0.05). When we reanalyzed pregnancy outcomes based on chorionicity, there were more frequent admission to neonatal intensive care unit (42.7% vs. 52.6%, p<0.05) and necrotizing enterocolitis (0.5% vs. 3.5%, p<0.05) in dichorionic twins of the IVF group. In monochorionic twins, the incidence of placenta previa was increased in the IVF twin group (0% vs. 11.8%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the IVF twins, the incidence of placenta previa was increased in monochrionic twins and the incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission and necrotizing enterocolitis were also increased in dichorionic twins.
Chorion* ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Placenta Previa ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical applicability and safety of absorbable synthetic suture materials (Safil(R)/Safil(R)Quick/Monosyn(R)) in obstetrical surgeries. METHODS: This clinical trial includes 100 patients who delivered vaginally and 198 patients who were undergone cesarean section from April 2004 to September 2004. In cases of vaginal delivery, patients were divided with the same number into the study group in which Safil(R) Quick was used and the control group in which chromic catgut was used for episiotomy and perineal laceration repair. In case of cesarean delivery, patients were divided into two groups. The first group which included 100 patients was subdivided with the same number into the study group in which Monosyn(R) was used and the control group in which chromic catgut was used for uterine repair. The second group which included 98 patients was subdivided with the same number into the study group in which Safil(R) was used and the control group in which Vicryl was used for rectus fascia repair. Wound healing status and complications are assessed during postoperative stage, at hospital discharge, and at postpartum out-patients follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with chromic catgut groups, Safil(R) Quick group showed no difference in hospital stay from vaginal delivery, wound healing status and surgical complications and Monosyn(R) group showed no difference in operating time, decrease in hemoglobin at postoperative day 3 and surgical complications. Safil(R) group showed no difference in operating time, postoperative pain and surgical complications compared with Vicryl group. CONCLUSION: Safil(R)/Safil(R) Quick/Monosyn(R) were equivalent with regard to most aspects of their clinical suitability and may be useful alternative suture materials in obstetrical surgeries.
Catgut ; Cesarean Section ; Episiotomy ; Fascia ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lacerations ; Length of Stay ; Obstetric Surgical Procedures* ; Outpatients ; Pain, Postoperative ; Polyglactin 910 ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Sutures* ; Wound Healing

BACKGROUND: Isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis is uncommon, and it can be seen in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. In Korea, twenty cases have been described thus far. METHODS: We report six additional cases of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis, which were diagnosed by surgical biopsies or fine needle aspiration cytology. We also reviewed the clinicoradiologic and pathologic findings of all the previously published Korean cases of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis. RESULTS: Only two patients out of six cases exhibited mild cough and/or fever. Radiologically, three cases presented with multiple subpleural nodules, two with a solitary pulmonary nodule, and one with patchy pneumonic infiltration. On systemic steroid therapy, one case was in severe immunocompromised status at the time of the diagnoses; but three cases had histories of gastric or uterine cervix carcinomas, raising the initial clinical impression of hematogeneous pulmonary metastatic nodules, and one case was accompanied by synchronous pulmonary adenocarcinoma. After reviewing all twenty-six cases of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis (twenty reported in Korea and our six additional cases), the most common radiologic finding was solitary pulmonary nodule (50%), followed by subpleurally located, multiple nodules (26.9%), pneumonic infiltrates (19.2%), and pleural effusion with thickened pleura (3.8%). Two cases were also accompanied by hilar lymphadenopathy (7.7%). Clinically, presenting symptoms varied: 18 of 26 cases (69.2%) were accompanied by cough and mild fever, but 8 of 26 cases (30.8%) were entirely asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Since isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis presents itself with nonspecific clinicoradiologic findings, early recognition and differentiation from malignant tumors and pulmonary tuberculosis -the most common causes of solitary pulmonary nodules in Korea- are important to avoiding unnecessary treatment.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Cervix Uteri ; Cough ; Cryptococcosis* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Korea ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Pleura ; Pleural Effusion ; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary