BACKGROUND: Today, patients with fatty liver have increased by several factors. Some patients with fatty liver have abnormal liver function tests, by the way they have interpreted unwisely and made wrong therapeutic approach about abnoimal liver function tests. So we conducted this study to evaluate the factors related to patients with fatty liver and make basic concept for management. METHODS: We selected 96 patients(71 men, 25 women) who were diagnosed as fatty liver by ultrasound in Asan Medical Health Examination Center, also selected 91 controls(68 men, 23 women) who had similar sex and age distribution from January to December, 1993. We excluded toxic and viral hepatitis cases or patients. We surveyed by questionnaires that composed of 3 day-dietary diary and life style. Nutrient and alcohol intakes were analyzed by nutrient-analysis program that was derivated from Food Composition Table, and we analyzed several biochemical variables. RESULTS: There were 71 men and 25 women with fatty liver, 68 men and 23 women in controls. In cases of men, the mean age was 47 years-old in patient group, 44 years-old in control group. The obesity index was 112.7% in patients, 102.6% in controls, the mean level of triglyceride was 205mg/dl in patients, 150mg/dl in controls. The mean level of serum HDL-C was 46mg/dl in patients, 50mg/dl in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of obesity was 66.2% in patients, 27.9% in controls, hypertriglyceridemia was 42.3% in patients, 22.1% in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of patients who had increased AST was 26.8% in patients, 11.8% in controls, and the frequency of patients or cases who had increased ALT was 26.8%, in patients, 7.4% in controls(p<0.05). There were no significant statistical differences in the nutrient intakes, alcohol drinking and exercise between the male patients and controls. In cases of women, the mean age was 53 years in patient gr oup or among patients, 51 years in controls. The obesity index was 112.2% in patients, 102.1% in controls, and the mean level of serum triglyceride was 198.3mg/dl in patients, 136.4mg/dl in controls(p<0.05). The frequency of obesity was 76.0% in patients, 30.4% in controls, and the frequency of hypertriglyceridemia was 36.0% in patients, 13.0% in controls. There were statistically significant differences in the frequency of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia between patients and controls(p<0,05). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of increased AST and ALT, nutrient intakes, alcohol drinking, and excercise between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty liver disease was attributed either to obesity or hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, it is very important to control of weight and hypertriglyceridemia in the management of patients with fatty liver.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Alcohol Drinking ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Fatty Liver* ; Female ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Hypertriglyceridemia ; Life Style ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; Triglycerides ; Ultrasonography ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The goals of this study were 1) to present pre-surgical naso-alveolar molding(PNAM) appliance for bilateral cleft lip and palate treatment and 2) To evaluate the effects of the PNAM appliance on the alveolar molding of the premaxilla and the lateral segments. Subjects consisted of 8 bilateral cleft lip and palate infants (7 males and 1 female, mean age at first visit = 61.6 days after birth) who were treated with PNAM appliances in Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Average alveolar cleft gap between the premaxilla and lateral segment was 8.09+/- 5.03mm and average duration of alveolar molding treatment was 8.8+/-3.1weeks. These patients' models were obtained at initial visit (T0) and after alveolar molding (T1). 20 linear and 14 angular variables were measured by using photometry and digital caliper. All statistical analyses were performed by Microsoft Excel 97 program. Paired t-test was used to discriminate the effect of alveolar molding by PNAM appliance. 1. Closure of the alveolar cleft gap in bilateral cleft cases by molding therapy was completed successfully. 2. Alveolar molding inhibited outward growth of lateral segments and produced inward bending of lateral segments. 3. By bending the anterior part of the vomer, the premaxilla could be rotated and moved posteriorly via alveolar molding. Conclusion : This appliance can be applied to bilateral cleft lip and palate infants with satisfactory result before cheiloplasty.
Cleft Lip* ; Female ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Infant* ; Male ; Orthodontics ; Palate* ; Photometry ; Seoul ; Vomer

BACKGROUND: Viral myocarditis is considered as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. At present, two pathogenic mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis and subsequent cardiomyopathy. First, the virus infection of myocyte may directly lead to either cell death or persistent metabolic dysfunction. Second, virus-induced immune or autoimmune mechanism may play a role. METHODS: To test the therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppression with cyclophophamide(CYP) on coxsackievirus B3(CB3) myocarditis, 10-14 week-old Balb/c mice were inoculated with 4000 plaque-forming units of CB3. In experiment 1, CYP (100mg/kg/day subcutaneous injection, s.c) was administrated daily on days 1-7(group 2, n=16). In experiment 2, CYP 30mg/kg/day s.c(group 3, n=32) or CYP 100mg/kg/day s.c(group 4, n=32) were administrated on days 8-14. The animals of infected controls(group 1, n=26) and group 2, 3, 4 were dissected at days 4, 7, 15, 22 and spleen, heart, thymus and body weights were measured. RESULTS: In experiment 1. survival rate in group 2 on day 7, 15 were low compared with group 1(85%, 0% vs 100%, p<0.05). and myocardial virus titers in group 2 on day 4 was 50 times, and on day 7, 1000 times higher compared with group 1, Histologically, on day 7, focal cellular infiltrations were prominent findings in group 1, but diffuse myocardial necrosis without cellular infiltration were observed in group 2. In experiment 2, survival rate, cardiac histopathology myocardial virus titer and serum neutralizing antibody titers did not differ among groups 1, 3 and 4. In experiment 1 and 2, the spleen-to-body-weight and thymus-to-body-weight ratios were significantly lower in CYP treated groups than those in controls and marked cellular depletions in spleens and thymus were observed in CYP treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: As the results of above, it can be concluded that the immunosuppression during viremic phase of murine viral myocarditis aggravated the myocardial necrosis, and during aviremic phase, the administration of CYP didnot affect the process of viral myocarditis. Thus, direct viral mechanisms in the production of cardiomyocyte injury in CB3-infected mice appear to bo more important than cell mediated immune mechanism. To understand relevant pathogenic mechanisms of clinical myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy resulting from viral infection, the experimental study expanding into nonmurine animals and into various models using other infectious agents may be required.
Animals ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; Body Weight ; Cardiomyopathies ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; Cell Death ; Cyclophosphamide* ; Heart ; Immunosuppression ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Mice ; Muscle Cells ; Myocarditis* ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Necrosis ; Spleen ; Survival Rate ; Thymus Gland ; Viral Load

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscope guided intubation is an important method of difficult airway management. The use of specific airways has been devised to assist the fiberoptic intubation. The authours compared effectiveness of separated airway with fiberoptic bronchoscope guided intubation and the hemodynamic responses. METHODS: 104 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists grading (ASA) I-II who scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into the Laryngoscope group (L group, n = 30) or the Fiberoptic bronchoscope group (F group, n = 36) or the Fiberoptic bronchoscope with separated airway (MF group, n = 38). A Fiberoptic bronchoscope guided intubation and a fiberoptic bronchoscope with separated airway and a direct laryngoscope was performed after inducing anesthesia. Intubation time, Jaw thrust incidence, mean blood pressure and heart rate after anaesthesia induction, at intubation and every two minute for a further 7 min were recorded. RESULTS: The intubation time was significantly shorter in the MF group (58.3 +/- 13.7 sec) than F group (71.9 +/- 22.1 sec). Jaw thrust incidence was lower in the MF group (60.5%) than F group (100%). The changes of MAPs and HRs during the observation were not significantly different in three group. CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic intubation using separated airway reduced intubation time and the incidence of jaw thrust.
Adult ; Airway Management ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Blood Pressure ; Bronchoscopes ; Heart Rate ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intubation ; Jaw ; Laryngoscopes

PURPOSE: The use of prophylactic antibiotics is the current standard of care after elective colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis with dual antibiotic therapy and triple antibiotic therapy after elective colorectal surgery. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients underwent elective colorectal surgery from January to June, 2007. Patients of triple-therapy group were administered second cephalosporin, metronidazole, and aminoglycoside for early 3 mo and dual-therapy group were administered second cephalosporin and metronidazole for next 3 mo. The prophylactic antibiotics were administered 2-3 doses for 24 hr after surgery. The surgery for diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon obstruction were excluded. Wound conditions were checked on alternate days during the hospital stay and follow up at least for 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: Over 6 mo, 110 patients were enrolled (59 dual-therapy group, 51 triple-therapy group). In two group, sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiology score, body mass index, combined diseases, and location of disease were similar. Wound infection rate were 1.7% in dual-therapy group and 2.0% in triple-therapy group (P=1.0). Anastomotic leakage rate were 5.1% in dual-therapy group and 2.0% in triple-therapy group (P=0.622). CONCLUSION: The addition of aminoglycoside to dual antibiotic therapy, second cephalosporin-metronidazole showed on advantage in prevention of postoperative wound complications. Further studies are required to establish appropriate guideline of antibiotic prophylaxis after elective colorectal surgery.
Anastomotic Leak ; Anesthesiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Body Mass Index ; Colon ; Colorectal Surgery ; Diverticulitis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Length of Stay ; Metronidazole ; Nitro Compounds ; Standard of Care ; Wound Infection

PURPOSE: Tumor downstaging after preoperative chemoradiation has been associated with an intent to improve anal sphincter preservation, resectability, local control, and possibly survival in locally advanced rectal cancer. We performed this study to evaluate the outcome of preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 82 patients who had been treated by using preoperative chemoradiation combined with surgery for adenocarcinoma of the rectum between January, 1995, and December, 2002. All patients had fixed or locally advanced lesions, which had been detected by using digital rectal examination. No distant metastasis was proven before preoperative chemoradiation. All of the patients received the full scheduled dose of radiation (range, 3,000~5,400 cGy). Concurrent intravenous chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (450 mg/m2/day) and leucovorin (45 mg/day) was administered continuously on days 1~5 and 29~33. The mean interval between chemoradiation and surgery was 5.6 weeks (2.7~9.6 weeks). The survival rate was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. We compared the survival of locally advanced rectal cancers treated by using preoperative chemoradiation with surgery with that of 444 patients with resectable rectal cancers treated by using curative surgery alone during same period. RESULTS: A curative resection could be performed on 64 of the 82 patients (78.2%). A sphincter-preserving surgery was performed on 42 patients (51.2%). A pathologic complete response (pCR) occurred in 6 patients (7.3%). The 5-year survival rates of patients with a pCR was 66.7%. In the comparison of the 5-year survival rates between patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated by using preoperative chemoradiation with curative surgery and patients with rectal cancer treated by using curative surgery alone, those of stage I, stage II, and stage III cancers were 100% vs. 89.5%, 86.9% vs. 86.3%, and 52.9% vs. 63.3%, respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates for patients with locally advanced rectal cancers, which are expected to be unresectable or non-curative, treated by using preoperative chemoradiation with surgery were similar to those for patients with resectable rectal cancers treated by using curative surgery alone. We think that preoperative chemoradiation with surgery improves the survival of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. J Korean Soc Coloproctol 2004;20:277-282
Adenocarcinoma ; Anal Canal ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Drug Therapy ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Leucovorin ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Rectum ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of preparation with GT files and profiles .04 in shaping of root canals and reconstruct the three-dimensional root canal system using micro computed tomography. 40 canals of the extracted human mandibular molars were used, and randomly distributed into two experimental groups. In group 1, canals were prepared by GT files. In group 2, Profiles .04. were used. Apical preparation size was #30. For each tooth pre and post operative cross-sectional images were obtained by the micro CT at 50 micron intervals. Pre and post operative cross-sectional images of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8mm from the apex were compared. For each section, canal area and centering ratio were determined. For each tooth pre- and post-operative root canal volume from the furcation to the apex of the roots was calculated by three-dimensional image software. Following results were obtained: 1. At 8mm from the apex, area of dentin removed by GT rotary file was significantly larger than that by Profile .04. And at the other levels there was not a significant difference. 2. There was a trend for GT rotary file to remain more centered in the canals than Profile .04 at all levels. But at 3mm level, there was a statistically significant difference. 3. In root canal volume increments after instrumentation, there was no significant difference between two groups.
Dental Pulp Cavity ; Dentin ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Molar ; Tooth

PURPOSE: Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) uses a new energy source, microwave, in the treatment of solid neoplasms. We evaluated the efficacy of PMCT for nodular hepatic tumors in nine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1998 and June 1999, we performed PMCT in six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two with one and three metastatic nodules each from colon cancer, and one with adenomatous hyperplasia. Four patients were female and five were male, and their age ranged between 44 and 71 (mean, 58.8) years. Under sonographic guidance a 14-gauge guiding needle was inserted percutaneously toward the lesion, and within it a needle electrode was precisely positioned. Microwave 2450MHz in frequency and with 60 or 80 watt emission was generated for 80~90 seconds. We evaluated the ultrasound findings obtained during the procedure, pre-PMCT and follow-up CT images, changes in tumor marker(AFP or CA19-9) levels and the results of liver function tests, and complications arising during the six-month period following PMCT. RESULTS: Immediately after microwave emission, characteristic hyperechogenicity appeared on the realtime sonogram. Two patients with HCC underwent CT before PMCT, and typical enhancement during the arterial phase and washout during the portovenous phase was observed. In one patient, two metastatic lesions from colon cancer showed delayed enhancement on pre-PMCT CT. Initial follow-up CT, performed between 1 and 4 weeks after the PMCT procedure, showed that eight lesions-including two HCCs which were highly enhanced on CT before PMCT-showed no contrast enhancement, and three others showed delayed enhancement. Two of the eight lesions which showed no contrast enhancement at initial follow-up CT were markedly decreased in size (from 2.9 and 4.0 cm to 1.0 and 2.0 cm, respectively) at subseqent follow-up 3 months and 6 months later, respectively. One of the three lesions showing delayed enhancement had increased in size from 4.1 to 5.5 cm at subsequent follow-up CT, 2 months later. Serum AFP or CA19-9 levels decreased in four of six patients (66.7%) who were followed up for 6 months. Transient elevation of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels were noted in all patients. PMCT-related complications included intrahepatic arterioportal shunt in two patients, pleural effusion in one, skin burn in one, intraperitoneal hemorrhage in one, and mild fever, abdominal pain and nausea in seven. No complications were serious, however. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experiences suggest that PMCT is a safe and effective treatment modality for nodular hepatic tumors.
Abdominal Pain ; Aspartic Acid ; Burns ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Electrodes ; Female ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Neoplasms ; Male ; Microwaves* ; Nausea ; Needles ; Pleural Effusion ; Skin ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate usefulness of volume rendering technique using 3D visualization software on PC in patients with suspected intracranial aneurysm on brain MRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively 21 patients with suspected aneurysms on the routine MIP images which were obtained 15 degree increment along axial and sagittal plane, among 135 patients in whom brain MRA was done due to stroke symptoms for recent 5 months. The locations were the anterior communicating artery (A-com) in 8 patients, the posterior communicating artery (P-com) in 3, the ICA bifurcation in 5, the MCA bifurcation in 4, and the basilar tip in one. Male to female ratio was 14:7 and mean age was 62 years. MRA source images were sent to PC through LAN, and the existence of aneurysm was evaluated with volume rendering technique using 3D visualization software on PC. The presence or absence of aneurysm on MIP and volume rendering images was decided by the consensus of two radiologists. RESULTS: We found the aneurysms with volume rendering technique, from 1 patient among 8 patients with suspected aneurysm at A-com and also 1 patient among 3 patients with suspected aneurysm at P-com on routine MIP images. Confirmative angiography and interventional procedures were done in these 2 patients. The causes for mimicking the aneurysm on MIP were flow displacement artifact in 9, normal P-com infundibulum in 2, and overlapped or narrowed vessels in 8 patients, and among them confirmative angiography was done in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Volume rendering technique using visualization software on PC is useful to scrutinize the suspected aneurysm on routine MIP images and to avoid further invasive angiography.
Aneurysm* ; Angiography ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Arteries ; Artifacts ; Brain* ; Consensus ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Local Area Networks ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been suggested that oxidative stress is one of the pathomechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and thus antioxidants such as uric acid (UA) that could reduce oxidative stress might be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this disease. The objective of this study was to prospectively investigate serum UA levels in Korean ALS patients and to relate them to disease progression. METHODS: ALS patients and healthy controls who were individually well-matched for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) underwent blood testing for serum UA levels, and analyzed whether UA levels were correlated with the disease status of the patients, as defined by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). RESULTS: The study included 136 ALS patients and 136 matched controls. The UA level was lower in the ALS patients (4.50+/-1.17 mg/dL, mean+/-SD) than in the controls (5.51+/-1.22 mg/dL; p<0.001). Among the ALS patients, the level of UA acid was inversely correlated with the rate of disease progression (decrease in ALSFRS-R score). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that a better survival rate was more strongly correlated with top-tertile levels of serum UA than with bottom-tertile levels (log-rank test: p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: ALS patients had lower serum UA levels than did healthy individuals. UA levels in ALS were negatively correlated with the rate of disease progression and positively associated with survival, suggesting that UA levels contribute to the progression of ALS. UA levels could be considered a biomarker of disease progression in the early phase in ALS patients.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* ; Antioxidants ; Body Mass Index ; Disease Progression ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Oxidative Stress ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Uric Acid*