Purpose: To investigate the usefulness of atropine (Isopto atropine 1% eye drops®; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) for cycloplegic refraction in patients with partially accommodative esotropia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with partially accommodative esotropia who underwent cycloplegic refraction using both cyclopentolate and atropine at Pusan National University Hospital between November 2017 and December 2020. Patients who replaced their glasses after cycloplegic refraction with atropine were included in group 1 and all other patients were included in group 2. Clinical features and the angle of ocular deviation were compared between the two groups. Results: This study included 23 patients with a mean age of 58.2 ± 22.3 months and mean interval between the two examinations of 5.2 ± 4.1 months. Spherical equivalent was larger after cycloplegic refraction using atropine compared to cyclopentolate (+3.04 ± 1.70 and +2.31 ± 1.75 diopters, respectively; p = 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 included 19 (83%) and 4 (17%) patients, respectively. Clinical characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. In group 1, the angle of ocular deviation at near fixation significantly decreased from 28.7 ± 14.0 to 20.7 ± 11.6 prism diopters (p = 0.002) after correction of the refractive error. Conclusions Cycloplegic refraction with atropine may be useful for detecting latent hyperopia and managing strabismus in patients with partially accommodative esotropia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of incidentally found unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) on the brain MR angiography (MRA) from a community-based general hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospectively collected retrospective study, carried out from January 2004 to December 2004. The subjects included 3049 persons from a community-based hospital in whom MRA was performed according to a standardized protocol in an outpatient setting. Age- and sex-specific prevalence of UIAs was calculated. The results by MRA were compared with intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings. RESULTS: Unruptured intracranial aneurysms were found in 137 (5%) of the 3049 patients (M:F = 43:94; mean age, 60.2 years). The prevalence of UIAs was 5% (n = 94) in women and 4% (n = 43) in men, respectively (p = 0.2046) and showed no age-related increase. The most common site of aneurysm was at the distal internal carotid artery (n = 64, 39%), followed by the middle cerebral artery (n = 40, 24%). In total, 99% of aneurysms measured less than 12 mm, and 93% of aneurysms measured less than 7 mm. Direct comparisons between MRA and DSA were available in 70 patients with 83 UIAs; the results revealed two false positive and two false negative results. CONCLUSION: This community-hospital based study suggested a higher prevalence of UIAs observed by MRA than previously reported. These findings should be anticipated in the design and use of neuroimaging in clinical practice.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnosis ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Cerebral Angiography ; Female ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Intracranial Aneurysm/*diagnosis/radiography ; *Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDING AND AIM: Recent reports have suggested that preoperative biliary drainage increases the perioperative morbidity and mortality rates of pancreaticoduodenectomy. We reviewed retrospectively 150 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy to examine the relationship between preoperative biliarydrainage and the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Peri-operative morbidity and mortality were evaluated in 150 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at Pusan National University Hospital for 10 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done to evaluate the relationship between preoperative biliary decompression and the following end points: any complication, any major complication, infectious complications, intraabdominal abscess, pancreaticojejunal anastomotic leak, wound infection, and postoperative death. RESULTS: Preoperative prosthetic biliary drainage was performed in 86 patients (57.3%) (stent group), 17 patients (11.3%) underwent surgical biliary bypass performed during prereferral laparotomy, and the remaining 47 patients(31.3%) (no-stent group) did not undergo any form of preoperative biliary decompression. The overall surgical death rate was 1.3% (two patients); the number of deaths was too small for multivariate analysis. By multivariate logistic regression, no differences were found between the stent and no-stent groups in the incidence of all complications, major complications, infectious complications, intraabdominal abscess, or pancreaticojejunal anastomotic leak. Wound infections were more common in the stent group than the no-stent group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative biliary decompression increases the risk for postoperative wound infections after pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, there was no increase in the risk of major postoperative complications or death associated with preoperative stent placement. Patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction do not necessarily require immediate laparotomy to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates; such patients can be treated by endoscopic biliary drainage without concern for increased major complications and death associated with subsequent pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Abscess ; Anastomotic Leak ; Busan ; Decompression ; Drainage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparotomy ; Logistic Models ; Mortality ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents ; Surgical Wound Infection ; Wound Infection

Purpose: To report a case of traumatic optic neuropathy aggravated by orbital emphysema after an orbital fracture.Case summary: A 19-year-old man with no specific medical history was referred for a right orbital fracture caused by blunt trauma to the supraorbital rim of the right eye. Computed tomography (CT) showed a right orbital fracture involving the inferomedial wall and inferomedial strut. The corrected visual acuity was 0.4 in the right eye (RE) and 1.0 in the left and the intraocular pressure was 15 and 18 mmHg, respectively. Restriction on downgaze, abduction, and an indefinite relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) were observed in the RE. Fundus exam was non-specific other than commotio retinae on the temporal side of the macula in the RE. After 12 hours post trauma, the visual acuity of the RE had decreased to light perception. Definite RAPD was observed with optic disc swelling on the fundus photo and optical coherence tomography. Orbital CT showed air shadows, which were not seen on the initial evaluation, adjacent to the optic disc. We diagnosed traumatic optic neuropathy aggravated by orbital emphysema. High-dose intravenous steroid was given for 3 days. Despite a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis to decompress the right orbit, visual acuity did not improve above counting fingers. Conclusions Increased intraorbital pressure and congestion caused by orbital emphysema may exacerbate traumatic optic neuropathy. Therefore, close observation is required.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the incidence of hepatitis A is on the increase in Korea. Although there is emphasis on contact precautions, the nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in healthcare personnel has increased within endemic areas because these workers inevitably come in close contact with patients and work under suboptimal hygiene conditions. In this study, we evaluated the necessity of immunization against HAV for healthcare personnel. METHODS: We investigated the seropositivity of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-HAV antibody (Ab) in 672 healthcare personnel on the basis of their age-group, sex, and occupation in Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital and Soon Chun Hyang University Bucheon Hospital. RESULTS: The subjects were divided into 6 groups on the basis of their ages to identify differences among the various age groups in the number of cases with HAV Ab seropositivity. Significant intergroup differences were noted in this respect: 21-25 years, 2/152 (1.3%); 26-30 years, 33/245 (13.5%); 31-35 years, 70/148 (47.3%); 36-40 years, 52/79 (65.8%); >40 years, 44/48 (91.7%). CONCLUSION: The number of seropositive cases was low among young healthy personnel: low seropositivity is an emerging risk for vulnerable population. With the increase in the incidence of hepatitis A, healthcare personnel have become a risk population for hepatitis A, as are community residents. Therefore, for healthcare personnel working in hospitals, immunization against HAV should be recommended for personnel younger than 30 years, and serological testing for older personnel.
Delivery of Health Care ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis A ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; Hepatitis A Vaccines ; Hepatitis A virus ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulin G ; Incidence ; Korea ; Occupations ; Serologic Tests ; Vulnerable Populations

OBJECTIVES: It has been known that there is a difference in anogenital distance (AGD) in the animals and newborn depending on the exposure of androgenic hormones. The anatomical changes occur in the female genitalia in women after menopause. This was pilot study to find out whether the menopause affects AGD. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 50 women targeted for premenopausal and postmenopausal group in each 25 people. AGD was defined as a length between the posterior commissure of labia and anal center. AGD was measured in lithotomy position using sterile paper ruler. In order to control bias of the height and weight, which could influence the AGD, anogenital index (AGI) is defined as the weight divided by the AGD value. We used a Mann-Whitney U test to analyze the relationship between AGD and menopause for statistical analysis. RESULTS: AGD was significantly longer in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women (34.8 +/- 6.4 vs. 30.3 +/- 6.6, P = 0.019). AGI was significantly higher in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women (1.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3, P < or = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The changes of AGD and AGI in postmenopausal women demonstrated to have potential to be used as on scale predicting the physical changes that may occur after menopause. This study could be used as the cornerstone of a large-scale studies in the future.
Animals ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Female ; Genitalia, Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Menopause* ; Perineum ; Pilot Projects*

PURPOSE: Intussusception is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in children under the age of 2 years, especially in male. In this study, we compared the results of pressure reductions for various treatment methods and identified the factors related to reduction failure. METHODS: From Jan. 1996 to Dec. 1997, 87 barium reductions and 127 air reductions were performed for childhood in tussusception. Success rates of these non-operative managements and factors affecting those rates were analyzed. RESULTS: 1) When only ileocolic intussusceptions were considered in order to exclude the effect of different type of intussusceptions, the success rate for air reduction (AR) was 83.5%, which was significantly higher than 71.8% in barium reduction (BR). 2) Factors affecting reduction failure were history of preceding upper respiratory infection, fever (> or =38oC) and symptom duration in BR, and abdominal distension, leukocytosis (> or =10,000/mm3), and symptom duration in AR. 3) Bowel perforations were occurred in 3 cases of AR, but all of these cases showed bowel wall infarction requiring bowel resection, and complications due to perforations were minimal. There were no BR-related complications in BR. 4) Intussuception recurred in 7.4% of all cases; 4.9% after BR, 9.3% after AR. The mean intervals between previous reduction and recurrence were 37.0 (range 1-88) days in BR and 64.3 (range 2-283) days in AR. Recurrences occurred within 48 hours after reduction in 2 cases of BR and in 3 cases of AR. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional barium reduction, air reduction had a relatively higher success rate in managing childhood intussusception, in spite of a slightly higher risk of bowel perforation. However, perforation did not significantly affect the clinical course. Therefore, air reduction is one of the good alternative of conventional barium reduction for managing childhood intussusception.
Barium ; Child ; Fever ; Humans ; Infarction ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intussusception* ; Leukocytosis ; Male ; Recurrence

The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Angelica gigas (EAG) were investigated in vitro and in vivo using croton oil-induced inflammation models. Croton oil (20 microgram/mL) up-regulated mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-I and COX-II in the macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, resulting in the release of high concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). EAG (1~10 microgram/mL) markedly suppressed croton oil-induced COX-II mRNA expression and PGE2 production. Application of croton oil (5% in acetone) to mouse ears caused severe local erythema, edema and vascular leakage, which were significantly attenuated by oral pre-treatment with EAG (50~500 mg/kg). Croton oil dramatically increased blood levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and PGE2 without affecting tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nitric oxide (NO) levels. EAG pre-treatment remarkably lowered IL-6 and PGE2, but did not alter TNF-alpha or NO concentrations. These results indicate that EAG attenuates inflammatory responses in part by blocking the COX-PGE2 pathway. Therefore, EAG could be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Angelica/*immunology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics/*immunology ; Cyclooxygenase 2/genetics/*immunology ; Dinoprostone/genetics/immunology ; Inflammation/drug therapy/enzymology/*immunology ; Interleukin-6/blood ; Macrophages ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitric Oxide/blood ; Phytotherapy/*methods ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Plant Roots/immunology ; RNA, Messenger/chemistry/genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of implant removal based on fusion by radiological change analyses and non-fused segment motion angle after open reduction, multi-segment fixation, and single segment fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There have been reports that discuss possible fracture of fixator, loss of reduction, or failure of fixation in certain cases of single segment fixation consistent with thoracolumbar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 83 patients who had undergone treatment by fixation of the top 2 segments and the bottom segment. The posterolateral fusions were performed for the top segment for thoracolumbar fractures. The mean follow-up was 21.3 months. Wedge and local kyphotic angles, anterior, and posterior heights of the vertebral body were measured on plain radiograph. The range of motion of each segment was recorded by flexion-extension lateral radiographs at 6 month after the removal of implants. RESULTS: Radiologic assessments performed on 83 patients demonstrated preoperative mean wedge angle, kyphotic angle, mean anterior body height of 20.1degrees, 18.5degrees and 62.0%, respectively, and, postoperatively, these were corrected by 9.0degrees, 9.3degrees and 24.6%, respectively. In the 44 cases that had the implants removed, the correction losses were 0.4degrees(P=0.258) and 3.7degrees(P=0.000), 0.5%(P=0.756), and at the last follow-up, compared to measurements prior to the removal. There was no statistical significance in wedge angle or anterior body height. The range of motion measured on the non-fused segment was 3.9degrees on average at 6-months after the hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-segments fixation and single-segment fusion for the thoracolumbar fracture can preserve correction and the motion of non-fusion segment. Although the implant removal after union can sustain motion, further studies regarding degenerative change of the non-fused segment are necessary.
Body Height ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies

Both genetic and environmental factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease (PD). The contribution of many environmental factors including dietary factor remains unproven. The purpose the study was to investigate the dietary habits, nutrient intake and dietary quality of Korean PD patients according to the duration of disease. PD patients were recruited from K and S university hospitals from May 2005 to January 2006. This study was carried out after approval by the Institute Review Board (IRB). British Brain Bank criteria was used to diagnose PD. The subjects were classified into 2 groups based on the duration of PD: < 25 months and > or = 25 months groups. General characteristics, anthropometric measurements, food habits and dietary intakes were investigated. The results of this study were as follows: 1) The mean age of < 25 months group (66.9 +/-8.0 yr) was significantly higher than that of > or = 25 months group (62.2 +/- 8.8 yr) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for academic background, occupation, living status and social activity, however, numbers of diseases, exercise and family history of PD were significantly different. 2) Anthropometric measurements were not different between the two groups. 3) The frequency of taking snacks was significantly higher in <25 months group and the amounts of alcohol consumption were significantly higher in > or = 25 months group. 4) Daily intakes of most nutrients were very low compared with DRI. 5) The MAR score was significantly lower in < 25 months group (p < 0.05;) however, the scores of DVS, DDS and DQI were not significantly different. As a conclusion an overall nutrient intake and dietary quality of the Parkinson's Disease patients need to be improved regardless of duration of the disease and a well-balanced diet should be emphasized.
Alcohol Drinking ; Brain ; Diet ; Food Habits ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Nutritional Status ; Occupations ; Parkinson Disease ; Snacks