No abstract available.
Toluene* ; Xylenes*

PURPOSE: Ventricular late potentials have been shown to predict malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in patients with myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. Low amplitude and high frequency potentials at the end of the QRS complex can be detected on the body surface using signal-averaged electrocardiogram(SAECG). This study determines the age-related criteria of SAECG parameters and age-related differences. METHODS: SAECGs were obtained in 58 healthy children in five age groups(<1mo, 1-11mo, 1-5yr, 6-11yr, and 12-15yr). Three orthogonal leads(X, Y, Z) triggered with R-waves were amplified. In all recordings, a minimum of 250 beats were averaged after filtering with a 40Hz high- pass filter and 250Hz low-pass filter with noise level less than 0.7microvolt. RESULTS: The filtered QRS(f-QRS) duration was low, and the root mean square amplitude of terminal 40ms of f-QRS(RMS40) was high before 6years of age. The duration of low amplitude signal under 40microvolt(LAS) and late duration(LD) changed little during childhood. The criteria for significant ventricular late potential were as follows : f-QRS>98ms, RMS40<105microvolt, LAS>27ms, and LD>40ms for <1mo; f-QRS>109ms, RMS40<98microvolt, LAS>20ms, and LD>49ms for 1-11mo; f-QRS>114ms, RMS40<33microvolt, LAS>33ms, and LD>39ms for 1-5yr; f-QRS>112ms, RMS40<39 microvolt, LAS>30ms, and LD>45ms for 6-11yr; f-QRS>117ms, RMS40<18microvolt, LAS>37ms, and LD>30ms for 12-15yr. RMS40 and LAS correlated with f-QRS duration(r=-0.75, and 0.45 respectively, P<0.05), suggesting that these parameters are associated with ventricular muscle thickness and ventricular conduction time. CONCLUSION: Age-related differences in SAECG parameters may be due to ventricular muscle thickness and ventricular conduction time. This should be considered for the evaluation of ventricular late potential.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Cardiomyopathies ; Child* ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac ; Electrocardiography* ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Noise

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on sexual function after finasteride, tamsulosin, doxazosin single or combination therapy according the sexual function state before these therapies. Materials and Methods: This study included 192 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who had neither diabetes mellitus nor hypertension. All patients were classified into 2 groups according to their erectile dysfunction (ED) severity based on IIEF-5 before treatment; the above mild ED group (severe + moderate + mild to moderate) and mild or no ED group. The patients were assessed by IIEF inventory at the baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after finasteride, tamsulosin, doxazosin single or combination therapies, respectively. Results: In the above mild erectile dysfunction group the mean IIEF score was significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months with finasteride single therapy, at 6 months with finasteride-tamsulosin combination therapy and at 3 and 6 months with finasteride-doxazosin combination therapy (p<0.05). In the mild or no erectile dysfunction group the mean IIEF score did not change significantly with any of the medications. Conclusions: Sexual function tended to decrease in the above mild ED group with finasteride single or combination therapy. Therefore, the patients in this group should be treated carefully at the beginning of these therapies.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Doxazosin* ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Finasteride* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia*

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is a condition that can lead to serious complications and even to death in newborn. Although the temperature control is essential in neonatal care, it is often neglected during urgent transfer from local private hospitals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and clinical outcomes of transfer induced neonatal hypothermia. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In this retrospective study, subject is limited to transferred outborn babies with age less than 24 hours from June 1996 to May 1999. A total of 3,086 patients were admitted in NICU during the study period and inborn and outborn babies were 1,743(56%) and 1,343(44%) respectively. Among the 1,343 outborn babies, 212 babies were transferred from the private hospital within 24 hours of birth and were eligible for the study. Rectal temperature on arrival, transfer time, birth weight, gestational age, initial arterial gas study, and clinical outcome were compared. Statistical analysis has been done with chi-sqaure test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 84 cases(39.6%) hypothermia(<36degrees C> among the 212 babies and the rate of hypothermia in transfered babies have not decreased over the study period. There were significantly more hypothermia in lower gestational age (less than 28 weeks) and lower birth weight (less than 2,000gm) caused hypothermia significantly more than normal gestational age or normal range of birth weight. And time interval (less than 12 hour) from birth to arrival at emergency department was also significant factor in hypothermia. The mortality rate was three fold higher in hypothermia than normothermic or hyperthermic babies. CONCLUSION: This study shows that hypothermia during neonate transportation is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in prehopital care. Body temperature control during transport of neonates under 24 hours of age should be emphasized for the better outcome of treatment.
Birth Weight ; Body Temperature ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Gestational Age ; Hospitals, Private ; Humans ; Hypothermia* ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Infant, Newborn* ; Logistic Models ; Mortality ; Parturition ; Reference Values ; Retrospective Studies ; Transportation*

Prediction of acetabular development after reduction in treatment of developmental dysplasia of thc hip (DDH) is earlier, the hetter results because it would help ensure optimal timing of additional procedure if necessary. In this respect, authors reviewed retrospectively the radiographs of the hips of 35 children with DDH who had unilateral involvement and treated hy senior author (S.H.Lee) from the heginning with single successful attempt of reduction. The radiographs which were made at the time of initial diagnosis, one, two year nfter reduction und final follow up were assessed of teardrop figures. The results of treatment were classified as satisfactory group(CE > 10degrees ) and unsatisfactory group(CE < 10degrees) judged hy center-edge angle(CE degrees) at final follow-ups. 1. The teardrop figures were classifiable into 4 distinct groups as i)absent. ii)V-shaped, iii)Ushaped, iv) inverted D-shaped. 2. The teardrop figures in normal sides of hip were all U-shaped. 3. In dislocated but with satisfactory result group(24 cases), absent at 2 cases(8%), U-shaped teardrop was seen at 13 cases(54%), V-shaped in 9 cases(38%), and inverted 2-shaped in 0 case at I year after reduction. 4. In dislocated but with unsatisfactory result group( 11 cases), they were mostly of V-shaped(7 cases, 64%). The rest were of ahsent in 4 cases(36%) . hut none of U-shaped and inverted 2-shaped. In conclusions, teardrop figures appeared as significant predictor of future development of hip joint. Teardrop figure which stay as V-shaped at one year after reduction seems suggestive of insufficient reduction of DDH, therehy calls for early additional procedure.
Acetabulum ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Dislocations* ; Dronabinol ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Joint ; Hip* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

Distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by weakness and wasting of distal limb muscles without overt sensory abnormalities. Recently, autosomal dominant dHMN has been mapped to chromosome 12q24 and 7q11-q21. We present a family with autosomal dominant adult onset dHMN type II consisting of fi ve affected individuals spanning three generations. They developed mild symmetrical distal lower limb weakness, muscle wasting, and severe foot deformity after the third decade. Genetic analysis showed no support for linkage to chromosome 12q24 and 7q11-q21 in our family. These fi ndings further demonstrate a genetic heterogeneity within dHMN type II.

BACKGROUND: Pertechnetate ( Tc) has been widely employed for thyroid imaging. While pertechnetate and radioiodide have usually similar results in identifying thyroid nodules, occasionally differences have been noted. We intended to observe that the thyroid nodules which appeared to be hot on pertechnetate and to compare them with the images by radioiodide. METHODS: 'I scan was performed to thirty-eight cases (mean age: 48.9 +/- 13.2) presenting as hot nodule on Tc scan. Thyroid function test and pathologic diagnosis were obtained in all patients. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 24 had euthyroidism, 13 had hyperthyroidism, and 1 had hypothyroidism. Thirty patients had adenomatous goiter, 4 papillary carcinoma, 3 Hashimotos thyroiditis, and 1 had HQrthle cell tumor. 28 of 38 patients showed similar images, but the remaining 10 patients(26.3%) revealed discordant images on Tc and 131I scan. Among the concordant cases, 23 had adenomatous goiter, 3 had papillary carcinoma, and 2 had Hashimotos thyroiditis. Among the discordant cases, 7 had adenomatous goiter, 1 had papillary carcinoma, 1 had Hashimotos thyroiditis, and 1 had HQrthle cell tumor. The incidence of malignancy was 10.7% of concordant cases, and 20% of discordant cases and was revealed statistically insignificant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We observed higher incidence of malignancy in patients presenting hot nodules on 99mTc scan than ever reported. Fine needle aspiration should be performed to all patients with hot nodules and the 'I scan would not be recommended for further diagnostic study.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Diagnosis ; Goiter ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; Hypothyroidism ; Incidence ; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyroiditis

Heorrhage and infarct-like necrosis of anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is one of the characteristic pathologic findings of the autopsied cases of Korean Hemorrhagic Fever (KHF) patients, but there has been rare reports of hypopituitarism in patients with KHF. Recently we have experienced a patient with hyponatremia who had recovered from KHF. He was admitted to our hospital due to nausea, vomiting, and epigastric discornfort. To determine the function of the anterior pituitary gland, hormonal levels of target galnds and pituitary gland were measured, and combined pituitary stimulation test was performed. ACTH, GH, and prolactin deficiency were confirmed by combined pituitary stimulation test in this patient. There was no evidence of hypothalamic or other pituitary diseases by brain MRI. Our experience shows that KHF can be a cause of hypopituitarism and these findings should alert physicians the possibility of hypopituitarisrn in patients who had recovered from KHF.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; Brain ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome* ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Hypopituitarism* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Nausea ; Necrosis ; Pituitary Diseases ; Pituitary Gland ; Pituitary Gland, Anterior ; Prolactin ; Vomiting

PURPOSE: Unilateral testicular torsion, while harming the ipsilateral testis, may also affect the contralateral testis. A reduction in testicular blood flow, immune reactions and biochemical changes have been reported to affect spermatogenesis. However, physiologic fertility, spermatogenesis, the production of sex hormones and the testicualr blood flow might vary according to age. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of testicular torsion on the contralateral testis at various ages in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats, 2, 5 and 8 weeks old were divided into 4 experimental subgroups in the torsion only, detorsion (torsion followed by detorsion at 1 hour), orchiectomy (torsion followed by an orchiectomy at 24 hours) and a control group. Six weeks later, the changes in the testicular weight, the mean tubular diameter, spermatogenesis and apoptosis of the contralateral testicle were determined. RESULTS: The changes in the testicular weight, mean tubular diameter and spermatogenesis were similar in the 2 weeks group regardless of the experimental methods (p>0.05). In the 5 weeks group, the tubular diameter had decreased significantly in the orchiectomy and torsion only group (p< 0.05), and incomplete spermatogenesis was observed in the torsion only group. In the 8 weeks group, the testicular weight and tubular diameter was significantly lower in the orchiectomy and torsion only group (p< 0.05), but spermatogenesis was relatively well preserved. The apoptotic cell index was significantly higher in the orchiectomy and torsion only group at 5 and 8 weeks group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral testicular torsion causes histological changes and incomplete spermatogenesis in the contralateral testicle. These results suggest that the effect of a unilateral testicualr torsion was predominant in untreated and pubertal rats, but is rarely observed in infantile rats.
Animals ; Apoptosis* ; Fertility ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Orchiectomy ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatic Cord Torsion* ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis*

PURPOSE: Unilateral testicular torsion, while harming the ipsilateral testis, may also affect the contralateral testis. A reduction in testicular blood flow, immune reactions and biochemical changes have been reported to affect spermatogenesis. However, physiologic fertility, spermatogenesis, the production of sex hormones and the testicualr blood flow might vary according to age. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of testicular torsion on the contralateral testis at various ages in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats, 2, 5 and 8 weeks old were divided into 4 experimental subgroups in the torsion only, detorsion (torsion followed by detorsion at 1 hour), orchiectomy (torsion followed by an orchiectomy at 24 hours) and a control group. Six weeks later, the changes in the testicular weight, the mean tubular diameter, spermatogenesis and apoptosis of the contralateral testicle were determined. RESULTS: The changes in the testicular weight, mean tubular diameter and spermatogenesis were similar in the 2 weeks group regardless of the experimental methods (p>0.05). In the 5 weeks group, the tubular diameter had decreased significantly in the orchiectomy and torsion only group (p< 0.05), and incomplete spermatogenesis was observed in the torsion only group. In the 8 weeks group, the testicular weight and tubular diameter was significantly lower in the orchiectomy and torsion only group (p< 0.05), but spermatogenesis was relatively well preserved. The apoptotic cell index was significantly higher in the orchiectomy and torsion only group at 5 and 8 weeks group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral testicular torsion causes histological changes and incomplete spermatogenesis in the contralateral testicle. These results suggest that the effect of a unilateral testicualr torsion was predominant in untreated and pubertal rats, but is rarely observed in infantile rats.
Animals ; Apoptosis* ; Fertility ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Orchiectomy ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatic Cord Torsion* ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis*