PURPOSE: Postoperative wound infection accounts for approximately 15% of all hospital infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are 14% of the domestic hospital infections and this is increasing in incidence over time. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between wound dehescence after urologic surgery and MRSA infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (25 males and 5 females) who experienced wound dehescence after urologic surgery were subdivided into two separate groups; the MRSA group and non-MRSA group, and they were retrospectively analyzed via a chart review according to the age of the patients, the associated disease, the hepatic or renal functional status, the admission duration, the use of preoperative antibiotics and the number and duration of inserted catheters. RESULTS: The mean age of the MRSA group and the non-MRSA group was 62.6+/-12.4 years and 59.3+/-19.9 years, respectively (p=0.235). The elapsed operative time in the MRSA group and non-MRSA group was 355.8+/-99.5 minutes and 305.8+/-90.2 minutes, respectively (p=0.021). Contrary to 35.2+/-23.6 days of catheter duration in the MRSA group, that of the non-MRSA group was 14.6+/-8.5 days (p=0.007). The tendency for MRSA infection was observed for an increased duration of drain placement, a decreased hepatic or renal function and the preoperative antibiotic use. The extent of admission was obviously longer for the MRSA group (39.6+/-23.5 days) than for the non-MRSA group (28.9+/-9.9 days) (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Wound dehescence assocated with MRSA infection is intimately related to the elapsed operative time and the period of catheter-insertion, which in turn increases the number of admission days.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Catheters ; Cross Infection ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Surgical Wound Infection ; Wound Infection ; Wounds and Injuries*

Background:Ghrelin is a new endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It activates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary and it also participates in the regualtion of energy homeostasis. The aims of the study were to characterize the changes in plasma ghrelin levels in obese subjects compared with lean control or overweight subjects, and their relationship to various parameters in obese subjects. METHODS:In this study, 121 elementary school children were divided into 3 groups according to their body mass index (BMI). The lean control subjects consisted of 28 children who had less than 85 percentile of BMI. The overweight subjects consisted of 22 children who had 85-95 percentile of BMI. The obese subjects consisted of 71 children who had over 95 percentile of BMI. All subjects in 3 groups were evaluated according to their age, height, weight, obesity index, plasma ghrelin, serum lipid, glucose and insulin levels. Leu72Met mutation of prepro-ghrelin gene was directly detected by digesting the PCR fragments with Bsrl. RESULTS:Among antropometric data, body weight, BMI and obesity index were higher in obesity and overweight subjects than those of lean control subjects (P<0.05). The plasma ghrelin levels were significantly lower in overweight and obese subjects (P<0.05). In addition, serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in these groups compared to the control subjects (P<0.05). The concentrations of plasma ghrelin were significantly negatively correlated with BMI, obesity index, serum triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and insulin in all the children. However, there was no significant relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and any various parameters in obese subjects. Leu72Met mutation was detected in about 30% of obese children. However, we could not find any differences between lean control and obese children. CONCLUSION: We proved a significantly lower plasma ghrelin levels in overweight and obese subjects. Further studies are now needed to establish the role of ghrelin in the pathogenesis of human obesity.
Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Child* ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Ghrelin* ; Glucose ; Growth Hormone ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Insulin ; Obesity* ; Overweight ; Plasma* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, Ghrelin ; Triglycerides

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic features of juxtafacet cyst and determine the correlation between these features and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 23 patients. The degree of facet joint degeneration was classified using the Fujiwara method. The facet joint angles were measured with an magnetic resonance imaging to determine whether there was a difference between the cystic lesion that was occupied and the cystic lesion that was not occupied. Disc degeneration was measured by the Pfirrmann classification method. The clinical result was evaluated using the Oswestry disability index score and visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The L4–5 level of juxtafacet cyst was mostly affected, as found in previous studies. Facet joint arthritis was more severe within the side with the cystic lesion. Significant correlation was found between disc degeneration and juxtafacet joint cyst. All patients underwent wide decompression and fusion. Clinical result was excellent. No patients had signs of recurrence during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Juxtafacet cyst has a significant correlation with facet joint degeneration. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment—not just simple cyst excision—should be considered as the treatment option for juxtafacet cyst associated with degenerative lumbar disease.
Arthritis ; Classification ; Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Recurrence ; Zygapophyseal Joint

A rapid response to corticosteroid treatment and a generally favourable outcome are characteristic features of BOOP (Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia). However, with increasing experience of the clinical spectrum of this disease, it is now recognized that some patients are refractory to steroid, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Here, two cases of BOOP initially treated with predinisone and antibiotics without effects, but subsequently responded to secondary cyclosporine treatment, are reported.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bronchiolitis Obliterans* ; Bronchiolitis* ; Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia* ; Cyclosporine* ; Humans ; Prognosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ventricular pacing electrodes are customarily placed into the right ventricular muscle because there is easily accessible. However detailed physiologic studies have shown that the single stimulation of right ventricular sites causes dysynchronous ventricular contraction due to early depolarization of the right ventricle and delayed depolarization of the left ventricle. In contrast, normal human ventricular activation, which is conducted by the Purkinje system, spreads transmurally from the endocardium to multiple paraseptal epicardial regions and results in more synchronous contraction of the ventricle. Therefore, the hypothesis that producing biventricular activation by simultaneously pacing ventricles across the septum might confer hemodynamic benefits over those of conventional right ventricular pacing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute hemodynamic changes of different pacing modes (right ventricular : RV, biventricular : BV, atrio-right ventricular : A-RV, and atrio-biventricular : A-BV pacing). MATERIALS AND METHOD: In 9 open chest dogs anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, sinus node crushing was done, and then hemodynamic data (QRS width, femoral arterial pressure : FAP, pulmonary arterial pressure : PAP, and Cardiac output : CO) were acquired after 5 minutes of pacing at a fixed rate during each pacing mode. RESULTS: Results were as follow : 1. BV pacing significantly increased cardiac output compared with RV pacing (P<0.01). BV pacing significantly shortened QRS width compared with RV pacing (P<0.01). 2. A-BV pacing significantly increased cardiac output compared with A-RV pacing (P<0.01). A-BV pacing significantly shortened QRS width compared with A-RV pacing (P<0.01). 3. A-RV pacing significantly increased systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac output compared with BV pacing (P<0.01). CONCULSION: These results support the use of atrio-biventricular pacing to improve acute hemodynamic performance.
Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Cardiac Output ; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy* ; Chloralose ; Dogs* ; Electrodes ; Endocardium ; Heart Ventricles ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Sinoatrial Node ; Thorax*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The degree of diastolic dysfunction may explain the difference in clinical symptoms between patients with similar degrees of systolic dysfunction. Pseudonormal mitral filling pattern with increased left ventricular filling pressure is a transitional stage of diastolic dysfunction and is difficult to distinguish from normal. Preload is one of factors affecting the diastolic filling patterns and mitral flow patterns may be influenced by changes in preload in the absence of changes in the left ventricular pressure-volume curve. The changes in the mitral flow velocities caused by preload reduction may be useful in distinguishing patients with a pseudonormal pattern from those with normal. The aim of this study was to establish whether the effect of changes in pulmonary venous flow pattern by preload reduction may be useful in distinguishing pseudonormal pattern from normal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 40 patients (men 25, female 15, average age 51.0+/-11.2 years) underwent left side cardiac catheterization among patients with normal or pseudonormal patterns. All patients with pseudonormal group had increased LVEDPr (>15 mmHg). The Doppler mitral inflow & pulmonary venous flow parameters at baseline and during reduction of preload using Valsalva maneuver were recorded. RESULTS: 1) There were no difference in sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and lipid profiles between both groups. The left ventricular systolic function was better and mean age was younger in normal than pseudonormal group (p<0.05). The incidence of coronary artery disease was more frequent and LV mass was more increased in pseudonormal than normal group (p<0.05). 2) E and A velocities were significantly decreased but E/A ratio was still <0A65B> 1.0 during Valsalva maneuver in normal group (p<0.05). In pseudonormal group, E velocity was significantly decreased but A velocity was not significantly changed and the E/A ratio was <1.0 during Valsalva (p<0.05). Therefore the change revealed masked LV relaxation abnormality pattern. 3) S and D velocities of pulmonary venous flow were significantly decreased and S/D ratio was significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05). The % changes before and after Valsalva maneuver showed that S velocity was less decreased, D velocity was more decreased and S/D ratio was more significantly increased in pseudonormal than normal group (p<0.05). That revealed masked LV relaxation abnormality pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The Valsalva maneuver for preload reduction is a relatively simple, easily applicable, safe and reproducible method of acutely reducing venous return. The assessment of changes in pulmonary venous flow pattern by preload reduction may be helpful in distinguishing pseudonormal and normal diastolic function in addition to changes in mitral inflow pattern.
Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Masks ; Relaxation ; Valsalva Maneuver

Supravalvular aortic stenosis is an uncommon congenital narrowing of the ascending aorta that may be localized or diffuse, originating at the superior margin of the sinuses of Valsalva just above the level of the coronary arteries. The most common complication of supravalvular aortic stenosis is early onset of intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. The coronary arterial lesions of supravalvular aortic stenosis are dilatation or coronary artery ostial obstruction. We experienced a case of supravalvular aortic stenosis combined with right coronary artery ostial obstruction. A 21 year-old female patient was admitted because of exertional dyspnea and chest pain for 2 months. Cardiac catheterization showed a narrowing of ascending aorta with prominent calcification in the lesion and moderate aortic valve insufficiency. The peak to peak left ventricular-supravalvular aortic pressure gradient was 54 mmHg. Selective coronary angiography revealed as a complete obstruction of the ostium of the right coronary artery. Surgical correction was performed successfully. Postoperative left ventricular-supravalvular aortic pressure gradient was decreased to 22 mmHg. Postoperative clinical course was favorable and she was discharged with good condition. We present a case of supravalvular aortic stenosis combined with right coronary artery ostial obstruction with a review of literatures.
Aorta ; Aortic Stenosis, Supravalvular* ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Arterial Pressure ; Atherosclerosis ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Chest Pain ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessels* ; Dilatation ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (Af) after open heart surgery may result in hypotension, heart failure, embolic complication and prolongation in length of hospital stay. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of pharmacological prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of Af after cardiac surgery. The pericardial sac represents a natural physical barrier and provides a drug receptacle to restrict drug delivery to the heart. The overall objective of this study was to determine whether the pericardial sac could function as a delivery chamber for antiarrhythmic drugs. We investigated whether quinidine delivered into the pericardial sac exerted an effect on atrial and ventricular refractoriness, impulse generation, and conduction. METHODS: All animals were anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. After a sternotomy, the pericardium was opened and cradled to produce a "container" of approximately 30 ml. Experimental animals received quinidine, 3.33 mg/ml, dissolved in Krebs-Henseleit solution instilled into their pericardial sacs for 30 minutes. Baseline and 5, 10 and 30 minutes postinstillation electrophysiologic studies were performed. Plasma quinidine levels were measured at each of the time intervals in three different sites i.e., right ventricle (RV), aortic root and femoral vein (FV). RESULTS: Baseline systolic (SAP) and diastolic aortic pressure (DAP) were 148+/-16.8 mmHg, and 111+/-23.9 mmHg, respectively. Both SAP and DAP were significantly decreased at 5, 10 and 30 minutes after instillation of quinidine solution into pericardial sac. In electrocardiographic parameters, the increase in sinus cycle length and corrected QT interval were significantly greater compared with baseline at each of the time intervals after instillation of quinidine solution into pericardial sac. All electrophysiologic parameters including 1:? AV conduction, effective refractory period (ERP) of RA and RV were significantly increased compared with baseline at three time points. Quinidine concentrations in RV and aorta were significantly higher than in FV at three time points. In RV and aorta, quinidine concentrations at 30 min were significantly lower than those at 5 and 10 min postinstillation periods. There were significant correlations between plasma quinidine levels and corrected QT interval or RAERP. CONCLUSION: Above results showed that quinidine instilled into the pericardial sac migrates transmurally and produces significant prolongation of effective refractory period and may appear to prevent various arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Animals ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; Aorta ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Arterial Pressure ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Chloralose ; Electrocardiography ; Electrophysiology ; Femoral Vein ; Heart ; Heart Failure ; Heart Ventricles ; Hypotension ; Incidence ; Length of Stay ; Pericardium ; Plasma ; Quinidine* ; Sternotomy ; Thoracic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Lung pericytes are important constituent cells of blood-air barrier in pulmonary microvasculature. These cells take part in the control of vascular contractility and permeability. In this study, it was hypothesized that change of lung pericytes might be attributable to pathologic change in microvasculature in acute lung injury. The purpose of this study was how hypoxia change proliferation and genetic expression in lung pericytes. METHODS: From the lungs of several Sprague-Dawley rats, performed the primary culture of lung pericytes and subculture. Characteristics of lung pericytes were confirmed with stellate shape in light microscopy and immunocytochemistry. 2% concentration of oxygen and 200muM CoCl2 were treated to cells. Tryphan blue method and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were done. RESULTS: 1. We established methodology for primary culture of lung pericytes. 2. Hypoxia inhibited cellular proliferation in pericytes. 3. Hypoxia could markedly induce vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and smad-2. 4. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha)was also induced by 2% oxygen. CONCLUSION: Viability of lung pericytes are inhibited by hypoxia. Hypoxia can stimulate expression of hypoxia-responsive genes. Pericytic change may be contributed to dysfunction of alveolar-capillary barrier in various pulmonary disorders.
Acute Lung Injury ; Anoxia ; Blood-Air Barrier ; Cell Proliferation ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung* ; Microscopy ; Microvessels ; Oxygen ; Pericytes* ; Permeability ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

BACKGROUND: In general, pulse pressure of a VPC depends on its prematurity and the site of origin. The pulse pressure of a VPC with a short coupling interval or originating from the left ventricle tends to be smaller. However, the hemodynamic change of a VPC originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is not well elucidated. In addition to their prematurity and the site of the origin of VPCs, the left ventricular filling profile (Ei/Ai ratio) during preceding control beats may affect the occurrence of a subsequent pulse deficit. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic change of different coupling intervals of VPCs originating from the RVOT. Furthermore, this study evaluates whether the left ventricular filling profile during preceding control beats significantly affects the occurrence of pulse deficits by VPCs. METHODS: In 12 open-chest dogs anesthetized with a -chloralose, sinus node crushing was done, and then a single bipolar ventricular pacing using sutured epicardial electrodes was done at 3 different sites: left ventricular apex (LVA), right ventricular apex (RVA), RVOT. At each site, a single bipolar pacing was done with a different coupling interval: 500 msec, 450 msec, 400 msec, 350 msec, 300 msec. During the production of VPCs, the mitral filling flow velocity and aortic TVI (time-velocity integral) using pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography, the femoral arterial pressure, the pulmonary arterial pressure, the electrocardiogram, and the intracardiac electrocardiogram were simultaneously recorded. RESULTS: The arterial pressure during VPC with a short coupling interval was significantly smaller regardless of the site of origin (p<0.05). The arterial pressure with VPCs originating from the RVOT was significantly more reduced than those from the RVA at a same coupling interval (p<0.05). However, the arterial pressure with originating from the LVA was insignificantly reduced than those from the RVOT. The pulmonary arterial pressure with originating from the RVOT was significantly reduced more than those from the LVA at a same coupling interval, except at the coupling interval of 500 msec (p<0.05). However, the pulmonary arterial pressure with VPCs originating from the RVA was insignificantly reduced than those from the RVOT. The aortic TVI during VPCs originating from the LVA was significantly reduced than those from the RVA or the RVOT at a same coupling interval (p<0.05). However, when the aortic TVI during VPCs originating from the RVOT was compared to that during VPCs from RVA, the former was significantly reduced at certain coupling interval (450 msec, p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the Ei/Ai ratio of preceding control beats and the pulse deficit coupling intervals during VPCs (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The above results show that the origin of the site and the coupling interval of VPCs play a major role in determining hemodynamic outcomes during the occurrence of VPCs. The hemodynamic changes during VPCs originating from the RVOT seem to be similar with those during VPCs originating from the RVA. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the left ventricular filling pattern (Ei/Ai ratio) of preceding sinus beats and the pulse deficit coupling intervals of VPCs.
Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Blood Pressure ; Dogs* ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Electrocardiography ; Electrodes ; Heart Ventricles ; Hemodynamics* ; Sinoatrial Node ; Ventricular Premature Complexes*