A review of all 919 perinatal deaths occurring in II Sin Christian Hospital From 1985 to 1989 was carried out. The results of clinical analysis were as follows: 1) The overall perinatal mortality rate was 26.30 per 1,000 birth. 2) The perinatal mortality rate was lowest in the gestation group between 37~41 week and in the weight group between 2,501~4,000 gm. 3) The perinatal mortality rate was high in the age group under 20 and 40 and more. 4) The perinatal mortality rate was increased with an increasing number of parity. 5) The majority of neonatal deaths occurred within 24 hours of life, and the most common cause of death was prematurity. 6) The most common congesital anomaly was multiple anomaly, and the most common single anomaly was anencephaly. 7) In pregnancy, the most common maternal complication was anemia.
Anemia ; Anencephaly ; Cause of Death ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality* ; Parity ; Parturition ; Perinatal Mortality ; Pregnancy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, contact history, and status of tuberculosis contact investigations in school-age children and adolescents with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at two centers. METHODS: This study was conducted with 54 patients in the age ranging from 10 to 18 years, who were diagnosed with pulmonary TB at the Pusan National University Hospital and Pusan National University Children's Hospital, January 2008 to December 2012. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 16 years old; 11 patients were aged 10 to 14 and 43 patients were aged 15 to 18. Among 54 patients, 19 had history of contact with pulmonary TB, 10 had contact with house members (household), and remaining 9 had contact with classmates (non-household). One out of 10 patients who had household contacts and 6 out of 9 patients who had non-household contacts were evaluated with contact investigation after the exposure to pulmonary TB. Among 7 patients who were evaluated with contact investigation, 3 were diagnosed with active pulmonary TB, 1 had latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and 3 had no evidence of TB or LTBI. The median period of diagnosis after the exposure to active pulmonary TB was 2 years in patients with household contacts and 0.23 years in patients with non-household contacts. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that if the contact investigation conducted properly, it would be helpful for early diagnosis and prevention of pulmonary TB.
Adolescent* ; Busan ; Child* ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Latent Tuberculosis ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

Animal models for human chronic pain syndromes were developed and widely used for pain research. One of thsese neuropathic pain model by Kim and Chung[1992] has many advantages for operation and pain elicitation. We have examined the c-fos protein, substance P, CGRP immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn in this neuropathic model. About 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. L5 and L6 spinal nerve were ligated tightly to produce neuropathic pain model. After 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 hours and 1 week of surgery, rats were anesthesized and sacrificed by perfusion through the left ventricle with saline followed by 0.1M phosphate buffer[pH 7.4] containing 3% paraformaldehyde, 3% glutaraldehyde, and 0.1% picric acid. After confirmation of the roots transected by the surgery, the L5 and L6 dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord were removed and processed for immunohistochemistry. All tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained for substance P, CGRP and c-fos by using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase[PAP] method. Count the number of immunostained substance P and CGRP dorsal root ganglion cells and c-fos immunoreactive dorsal horn cells and analyzed statistically with Mann-Whitney U test. The results are as follows. 1. The number of c-fos protein immunoreactive neurons in the superficial layer of dorsal horn were increased markedly at 2 hours after operation, gradually decreased to normal level 1 week after operation. 2. The number of c-fos protein immunoreactive neurons in the deep layer of dorsal horn were gradually increased to the peak 24 hours after operation, decreased to normal level 1 week after operation. 3. The number of substance P and CGRP immunoreactive L5 and L6 dorsal root ganglion neurons were decreased markedly at 1 week after pain model operation. In conclusion, after neuropathic pain model operation, c-fos protein were immediately expressed in the superficial layer of spinal dorsal horn, thereafter c-fos protein in the deep layer of spinal dorsal horn were expressed. CGRP and substance P immunoreactive neurons were decreased markedly 1 week after neuropathic pain model operation.
Animals ; Chronic Pain ; Ganglia, Spinal* ; Glutaral ; Heart Ventricles ; Horns* ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Models, Animal ; Neuralgia ; Neurons* ; Perfusion ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* ; Posterior Horn Cells ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Nerve Roots* ; Spinal Nerves ; Substance P

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bilateral visual feedback training with visual targets on the postural balance and fall efficacy of stroke patients with hemiparesis. Methods: A total of 24 stroke patients with hemiparesis were randomly assigned to either a bilateral visual feedback training (BVFT, n = 8) group, unilateral visual feedback training (UVFT, n = 8) group, or a control group (n = 8). The BVFT and UVFT groups performed weight-bearing training on the bilateral (less-affected and affected side) or unilateral side (affected side) with visual feedback using visual targets. The control group performed squat training without visual feedback using visual targets. The training program was conducted in the form of 3 sets a day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. The participants were evaluated using the Berg balance scale (BBS), lateral reaching test (LRT), timed up and go test (TUG), and the activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC). Results: In the intra-group comparison after the intervention, the BVFT group showed a significant difference in the BBS, TUG, affected and less-affected side LRT, and ABC (p < 0.05). The UVFT group showed a significant difference in the BBS and ABC (p < 0.05). In the inter-group comparison after the intervention, the BVFT group showed significant improvements in their BBS, affected side LRT, and TUG, when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings show that bilateral visual feedback training with visual targets during bilateral weight-bearing exercises can improve the postural balance function in stroke patients.

While there is a high prevalence of patent foramen ovale in adults, paradoxical embolism via a patent foramen ovale is rare. Previous echocardiographic studies indicated that paradoxical embolism might only occur in patients with high-risk features of patent foramen ovale (i.e., large defect size, presence of a Eustachian valve, and high right atrial pressure). Here, we present a case of patent foramen ovale with high-risk CT features for paradoxical embolism.

While there is a high prevalence of patent foramen ovale in adults, paradoxical embolism via a patent foramen ovale is rare. Previous echocardiographic studies indicated that paradoxical embolism might only occur in patients with high-risk features of patent foramen ovale (i.e., large defect size, presence of a Eustachian valve, and high right atrial pressure). Here, we present a case of patent foramen ovale with high-risk CT features for paradoxical embolism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been reported to be effective reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the very thrombotic environment of AMI, primary PCI, with heparin-coated stents, has been known to reduce the early reocclusion of the stented vessel by preventing thrombosis. However, little data exist regarding the long-term clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and long-term efficacy of heparin-coated stents in AMI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 1998 and July 2002, primary PCI with heparin-coated stents was performed in 132 consecutive patients (98 males, with a mean age of 56.3+/-0.7 years) admitted with the diagnosis of AMI within 12 hours from the onset of the chest pain. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, MI, TLR (target lesion revascularization) and CABG, were recorded during hospitalization and the follow-up period. Angiograms were obtained at the baseline, after stent implantation and at 6 months following implantation. RESULTS: The angiographic and procedure success rate was 96.2%. During hospitalization, there was no evidence of reocclusion of stented vessel, but 1 patient underwent a repeat PCI due to dissection. There were no bleeding complications. A six-month angiographic follow-up was completed in 47.2% of eligible patients and binary restenosis was present in 20.1%. During the long-term clinical follow-up (mean follow-up period 37.2+/-7.2 months), there were 12 deaths, 1 myocardial infarction and 18 TLR. The MACE free survival rate was 76.5%. CONCLUSION: Primary PCI, with heparin-coated stents, shows favorable long-term clinical outcomes.
Chest Pain ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Reperfusion ; Stents* ; Survival Rate ; Thrombosis

PURPOSE: The aim of this report is to investigate the efficacy of anorganic bovine bone xenograft(Bio-Oss(R) ) at maxillary sinus floor augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two male patients who missed maxillary posterior teeth were included. They were performed maxillary sinus floor augmentation using anorganic bovine bone xenograft(Bio-Oss(R) ). After 10 or 13 months, the regenerated tissues were harvested using trephine drills with 2 or 4mm diameter and non-decalcified specimens were made. The specimens were examined histologically and histomorphometrically to investigate graft resorption and new bone formation. RESULTS: Newly formed bone was in contact with Bio-Oss(R) particles directly without any gap between the bone and the particles. The proportions of newly formed bone were 23.4~25.3% in patient 1(Pt.1) and 28.8% in patient 2(Pt.2). And the proportions of remained Bio-Oss(R) were 29.7~30.2% in Pt.1 and 29.2% in Pt.2. The fixtures installed at augmented area showed good stability and the augmented bone height was maintained well. CONCLUSION: Anorganic bovine bone xenograft(Bio-Oss(R) ) has high osteoconductivity and helps new bone formation, so that it can be used in maxillary sinus floor augmentation.
Humans ; Male ; Mandrillus ; Maxillary Sinus ; Osteogenesis ; Sinus Floor Augmentation ; Tooth ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: The SF-6D, derived from the SF-36, is a preference-based instrument measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Using this tool, we measured the HRQOL of persons disabled by stroke dwelling in Gyeongju city and identified factors affecting the HRQOL. METHODS: As of March 2008, 991 persons who had had a stroke and were aged 50 and over were identified on the Gyeongju city disabled registry. Interviewers specifically trained for this face-to-face survey gathered pertinent information including general and clinical characteristics from June to October 2008. In addition, the health status was measured using the Modified Rankin Scale, the Barthel ADL index, and the SF-36. The SF-6D index was derived from the SF-36. We analyzed the known-group construct validity and convergent validity. Finally, we performed multiple regression analyses to identify factors affecting the HRQOL. RESULTS: Of the 991 potential subjects, 498 persons participated in the interviews (response rate: 50.3%). The SF-6D indices for females and those aged 70 and over were lower than indices for males and those aged 60 and less. Correlation coefficients between the Modified Rankin Scale, the Barthel index, and the SF-6D index were relatively high (-0.533 and 0.555, respectively) and statistically significant (P<0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that sex, age, smoking, alcohol use, comorbidity, the Modified Rankin Scale, and the Barthel index had an effect on the SF-6D index of persons with stroke, and the Barthel index was the most important factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the SF-6D can be a valid tool for evaluating health states of persons disabled by stroke, and functional limitation was the main factor affecting the HRQOL.
Activities of Daily Living ; Aged ; Comorbidity ; Disabled Persons ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stroke ; Value of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon passive autoimmune disease in which there is a transplacental passage of anti-Ro or anti-La maternal autoantibodies. The cutaneous lupus lesions are commonly observed and usually resolve spontaneously. The cardiac involvement which sometimes needs the permanent pacemaker, however, is the most clinically significant manifestation of NLE. In addition, the hepatic and hematologic abnormalities are observed in approximately 10% of infants with NLE. Therefore, in the way of the evaluation of hematologic disorders in neonate, NLE should be included. We present a case of NLE in an infant born to a mother with anti-Ro, and he had skin rash, pancytopenia and mildly abnormal liver functions without cardiac manifestation.
Autoantibodies ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Exanthema ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Liver* ; Mothers ; Pancytopenia*