Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a negative impact on growth and development in children and is a risk factor for neurocognitive impairment; however, there is limited research on the cognitive function of children and adolescents with CKD. This study therefore aimed to investigate the mean intelligence and risk factors for low intelligence in children and adolescents with CKD. Methods: Eighty-one patients with CKD under 18 years old were included in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-Ped CKD). Participants completed either the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (6–16 years), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (> 16 years). Results: The mean full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was 91 ± 19; 24.7% of participants scored a full-scale IQ below 80. Participants with a short stature (height Z scores < −1.88), failure to thrive (weight Z scores < −1.65), more severe CKD stage (≥ IIIb), longer duration of CKD (≥ 5 years), and those who were Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, had significantly lower mean full-scale IQs. Conclusion On linear regression analysis, the association between the full-scale IQ, and longer duration of CKD and growth failure, remained significant after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. It is therefore necessary to investigate cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with CKD who exhibit growth failure or for a longer postmorbid period. It is believed that early interventions, such as kidney transplantation, will have a positive effect on IQ in children with CKD, as the disease negatively affects IQ due to poor glomerular filtration rate over time.

Background: and Purpose We aimed to develop a model predicting early recanalization after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) treatment in large-vessel occlusion. Methods: Using data from two different multicenter prospective cohorts, we determined the factors associated with early recanalization immediately after t-PA in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion, and developed and validated a prediction model for early recanalization. Clot volume was semiautomatically measured on thin-section computed tomography using software, and the degree of collaterals was determined using the Tan score. Follow-up angiographic studies were performed immediately after t-PA treatment to assess early recanalization. Results: Early recanalization, assessed 61.0±44.7 minutes after t-PA bolus, was achieved in 15.5% (15/97) in the derivation cohort and in 10.5% (8/76) in the validation cohort. Clot volume (odds ratio [OR], 0.979; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.961 to 0.997; P=0.020) and good collaterals (OR, 6.129; 95% CI, 1.592 to 23.594; P=0.008) were significant factors associated with early recanalization. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model including clot volume was 0.819 (95% CI, 0.720 to 0.917) and 0.842 (95% CI, 0.746 to 0.938) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The AUC improved when good collaterals were added (derivation cohort: AUC, 0.876; 95% CI, 0.802 to 0.950; P=0.164; validation cohort: AUC, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.886 to 1.000; P=0.036). The integrated discrimination improvement also showed significantly improved prediction (0.097; 95% CI, 0.009 to 0.185; P=0.032). Conclusions The model using clot volume and collaterals predicted early recanalization after intravenous t-PA and had a high performance. This model may aid in determining the recanalization treatment strategy in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a negative impact on growth and development in children and is a risk factor for neurocognitive impairment; however, there is limited research on the cognitive function of children and adolescents with CKD. This study therefore aimed to investigate the mean intelligence and risk factors for low intelligence in children and adolescents with CKD. Methods: Eighty-one patients with CKD under 18 years old were included in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-Ped CKD). Participants completed either the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (6–16 years), or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (> 16 years). Results: The mean full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was 91 ± 19; 24.7% of participants scored a full-scale IQ below 80. Participants with a short stature (height Z scores < −1.88), failure to thrive (weight Z scores < −1.65), more severe CKD stage (≥ IIIb), longer duration of CKD (≥ 5 years), and those who were Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, had significantly lower mean full-scale IQs. Conclusion On linear regression analysis, the association between the full-scale IQ, and longer duration of CKD and growth failure, remained significant after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. It is therefore necessary to investigate cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with CKD who exhibit growth failure or for a longer postmorbid period. It is believed that early interventions, such as kidney transplantation, will have a positive effect on IQ in children with CKD, as the disease negatively affects IQ due to poor glomerular filtration rate over time.

Background: and Purpose We aimed to develop a model predicting early recanalization after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) treatment in large-vessel occlusion. Methods: Using data from two different multicenter prospective cohorts, we determined the factors associated with early recanalization immediately after t-PA in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion, and developed and validated a prediction model for early recanalization. Clot volume was semiautomatically measured on thin-section computed tomography using software, and the degree of collaterals was determined using the Tan score. Follow-up angiographic studies were performed immediately after t-PA treatment to assess early recanalization. Results: Early recanalization, assessed 61.0±44.7 minutes after t-PA bolus, was achieved in 15.5% (15/97) in the derivation cohort and in 10.5% (8/76) in the validation cohort. Clot volume (odds ratio [OR], 0.979; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.961 to 0.997; P=0.020) and good collaterals (OR, 6.129; 95% CI, 1.592 to 23.594; P=0.008) were significant factors associated with early recanalization. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model including clot volume was 0.819 (95% CI, 0.720 to 0.917) and 0.842 (95% CI, 0.746 to 0.938) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The AUC improved when good collaterals were added (derivation cohort: AUC, 0.876; 95% CI, 0.802 to 0.950; P=0.164; validation cohort: AUC, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.886 to 1.000; P=0.036). The integrated discrimination improvement also showed significantly improved prediction (0.097; 95% CI, 0.009 to 0.185; P=0.032). Conclusions The model using clot volume and collaterals predicted early recanalization after intravenous t-PA and had a high performance. This model may aid in determining the recanalization treatment strategy in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Alzheimer's continuum (a comprehensive of preclinical Alzheimer's disease [AD], mild cognitive impairment [MCI] due to AD, and AD dementia), cognitive dysfunctions are often related to cortical atrophy in specific brain regions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between anatomical pattern of cortical atrophy and specific neuropsychological deficits. METHODS: A total of 249 participants with Alzheimer's continuum (125 AD dementia, 103 MCI due to AD, and 21 preclinical AD) who were confirmed to be positive for amyloid deposits were collected from the memory disorder clinic in the department of neurology at Samsung Medical Center in Korea between September 2013 and March 2018. To analyze neuropsychological test-specific neural correlates representing the relationship between cortical atrophy measured by cortical thickness and performance in specific neuropsychological tests, a linear regression analysis was performed. Two neural correlates acquired by 2 different standardized scores in neuropsychological tests were also compared. RESULTS: Cortical atrophy in several specific brain regions was associated with most neuropsychological deficits, including digit span backward, naming, drawing-copying, verbal and visual recall, semantic fluency, phonemic fluency, and response inhibition. There were a few differences between 2 neural correlates obtained by different z-scores. CONCLUSIONS: The poor performance of most neuropsychological tests is closely related to cortical thinning in specific brain areas in Alzheimer's continuum. Therefore, the brain atrophy pattern in patients with Alzheimer's continuum can be predict by an accurate analysis of neuropsychological tests in clinical practice.
Alzheimer Disease ; Atrophy ; Brain ; Cognition ; Dementia ; Humans ; Korea ; Linear Models ; Memory Disorders ; Mild Cognitive Impairment ; Neuroanatomy ; Neurology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Plaque, Amyloid ; Semantics

PURPOSE: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been suggested to be a prognostic marker of mortality in severe sepsis. Currently, there are limited data on biomarkers including PTX3 that can be used to predict mortality in severe sepsis patients who have undergone successful initial resuscitation through early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 83 severe sepsis patients with fulfillment of all EGDT components and the achievement of final goal. Plasma PTX3 levels were measured by sandwich ELISA on hospital day (HD) 0, 3, and 7. The data for procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and delta neutrophil index were collected by electric medical record. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: 28-day all-cause mortality was 19.3% and the median (interquartile range) APHCH II score of total patients was 16 (13–19). The non-survivors (n=16) had significantly higher PTX3 level at HD 0 [201.4 (56.9–268.6) ng/mL vs. 36.5 (13.7–145.3) ng/mL, p=0.008]. PTX3 had largest AUC(ROC) value for the prediction of mortality among PTX3, procalcitonin, delta neutrophil index, CRP and APACHE II/SOFA sore at HD 0 [0.819, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.677–0.961, p=0.008]. The most valid cut-off level of PTX3 at HD 0 was 140.28 ng/mL (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 73.8%). The PTX3 and procalcitonin at HD 0 showed strong correlation (r=0.675, p<0.001). However, PTX3 at HD 0 was the only independent predictive marker in Cox's proportional hazards model (≥140 ng/mL; hazard rate 7.16, 95% CI 2.46–15.85, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: PTX3 at HD 0 could be a powerful predictive biomarker of 28-day all-cause mortality in severe septic patients who have undergone successful EGDT.
APACHE ; Biomarkers ; C-Reactive Protein ; Cohort Studies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Mortality* ; Neutrophils ; Plasma ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Resuscitation ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sepsis

The original version of this article contained wrong informations of some authors which should be changed.

BACKGROUND: Midface concavity is a relatively common facial feature in East Asian populations. Paranasal augmentation is becoming an increasingly popular procedure for patients with mild concavity and normal occlusion. In this study, we evaluate clinical outcomes following a series of paranasal augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for patients with Class I occlusion who had undergone bilateral paranasal augmentation using custom-made silicone implants, between October 2005 and September 2013. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, concomitant operations, and postoperative complications. Preoperative and postoperative (1-month) photographs were used to evaluate operative outcome. RESULTS: The review identified a total of 93 patients meeting study criteria. Overall, aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Five-millimeter thick silicone implant was used in 81 cases, and the mean augmentation was 4.26 mm for this thickness. Among the 93 patients, 2 patients required immediate implant removal due to discomfort. An additional 3 patients experienced implant migration without any extrusion. Nine patients complained of transient paresthesia, which had resolved by 2 weeks. There were no cases of hematoma or infection. All patients reported improvement in their lateral profile and were pleased at follow-up. Complications that arose postoperatively included 9 cases of numbness in the upper lip and 3 cases of implant migration. All cases yielded satisfactory results without persisting complications. Sensations were fully restored postoperatively after 1 to 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Paranasal augmentation with custom-made silicone implants is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method that can readily improve the lateral profile of a patient with normal occlusion. When combined with other aesthetic procedures, paranasal augmentation can synergistically improve outcome and lead to greater patient satisfaction.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Lip ; Paresthesia ; Patient Satisfaction ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensation ; Silicon* ; Silicones*

OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder showing many neuropsychological deficits. Many environmental risk factors have been thought to increase the risk for the disorder. We examined blood iron levels in children with ADHD and a control group to find an association between iron deficit and diagnosis, neuropsychological characteristics and clinical features. METHODS: An ADHD group (n=50) and control group (n=45) of children 6-12 years of age were recruited. Both groups were diagnosed by semi-structured interview, and they were evaluated using the Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS), Korean version of IOWA Conner's Rating Scale (K-IOWA), intelligence quotient (IQ), and neurocognitive function tests (continuous performance test, children's color trails test, Stroop color-word test). Iron levels in blood were determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument. Independent t-test and correlation were used to determine the relation of blood iron levels with symptom ratings and neurocognitive function. Logistic regression was performed to determine the diagnostic value of blood iron levels. RESULTS: Blood iron levels were significantly lower in ADHD than in control and showed negative correlation with K-ARS and K-IOWA scores. Blood iron levels showed positive association with IQ and Stroop color-word test results and negative association with results of continuous performance testing. Low blood iron levels predicted the diagnosis of ADHD. CONCLUSION: Lower levels of blood iron were associated with ADHD symptom severity, IQ, and frontal lobe-mediated neurocognitive function. As blood iron levels may influence ADHD, measurement of iron levels in blood may be useful for evaluation of symptoms and neurocognitive function in ADHD.
Child* ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Iowa ; Iron* ; Logistic Models ; Mass Spectrometry ; Plasma ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemicraniectomy is a decompressive surgery used to remove a large bone flap to allow edematous brain tissue to bulge extracranially. However, early indicators of the decompressive effects of hemicraniectomy are unclear. We investigated whether reduction of midline shift following hemicraniectomy is associated with improved consciousness and survival in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions. METHODS: We studied 70 patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions (MMI) who underwent hemicraniectomies. Midline shift was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using computed tomography (CT). Consciousness level was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Scale on postoperative day 1. Patient survival was assessed six months after stroke onset. RESULTS: The median time interval between preoperative and postoperative CT was 8.3 hours (interquartile range, 6.1–10.2 hours). Reduction in midline shift was associated with higher postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P<0.05). Forty-three patients (61.4%) were alive at six months after the stroke. Patients with reductions in midline shifts following hemicraniectomy were more likely to be alive at six months post-stroke than those without (P<0.001). Reduction of midline shift was associated with lower mortality at six months after stroke, after adjusting for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and preoperative midline shift (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.81; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in midline shift following hemicraniectomy was associated with improved consciousness and six-month survival in patients with MMI. Hence, it may be an early indicator of effective decompression following hemicraniectomy.
Brain ; Consciousness ; Decompression ; Decompressive Craniectomy ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Infarction ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery* ; Middle Cerebral Artery* ; Mortality ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; Stroke