Background: Several cases of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology related to adenoviral infections have been reported in Europe since January 2022. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, severity, possible etiology, and prognosis of the disease with those in the past in Korea. Methods: The surveillance group collected data between May and November 2022 using a surveillance system. Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology was defined in patients aged < 16 years with a serum transaminase level > 500 IU/L, not due to hepatitis A-E or other underlying causes. For comparison, data from 18 university hospitals were retrospectively collected as a control group between January 2021 and April 2022. Results: We enrolled 270 patients (mean age, 5 years). The most common symptom was fever. However, the incidence was similar between 2021 and 2022. Liver function test results, number of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), death, and adenovirus detection rates did not differ between the two groups. None of the adenoviruspositive patients in either group experienced ALF, LT, or death. In the surveillance group, adenovirus-associated virus-2 was detected in four patients, one of whom underwent LT. Patients with an unknown etiology showed significantly higher bilirubin levels, a lower platelet count, and a higher LT rate than patients with a possible etiology. Conclusion The incidence of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and adenovirus detection rate have not increased in Korea.

STUDY DESIGN: A noninterventional, multicenter, cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the quality of life (QoL) and functional disability in Korean adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Among patients with CLBP, 20%–55% had NP. METHODS: Patients older than 20 years with CLBP lasting for longer than three months, with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score higher than four, and with pain medications being used for at least four weeks before enrollment were recruited from 27 general hospitals between December 2014 and May 2015. Medical chart reviews were performed to collect demographic/clinical features and diagnosis of NP (douleur neuropathique 4, DN4). The QoL (EuroQoL 5-dimension, EQ-5D; EQ-VAS) and functional disability (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, QBPDS) were determined through patient surveys. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to compare PROs between the NP (DN4≥4) and non-NP (DN4 < 4) groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,200 patients (females: 65.7%; mean age: 63.4±13.0 years) were enrolled. The mean scores of EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, and QBPDS were 0.5±0.3, 55.7±19.4, and 40.4±21.1, respectively. Among all patients, 492 (41.0%; 95% confidence interval, 38.2%–43.8%) suffered from NP. The prevalence of NP was higher in male patients (46.8%; p < 0.01), in patients who had pain based on radiological and neurological findings (59.0%; p < 0.01), and in patients who had severe pain (49.0%; p < 0.01). There were significant mean differences in EQ-5D (NP group vs. non-NP group: 0.4±0.3 vs. 0.5±0.3; p < 0.01) and QBPDS (NP group vs. non-NP group: 45.8±21.2 vs. 36.3±20.2; p < 0.01) scores. In the multiple linear regression, patients with NP showed lower EQ-5D (β=−0.1; p < 0.01) and higher QBPDS (β=7.0; p < 0.01) scores than those without NP. CONCLUSIONS: NP was highly prevalent in Korean patients with CLBP. Patients with CLBP having NP had a lower QoL and more severe dysfunction than those without NP. To enhance the QoL and functional status of patients with CLBP, this study highlights the importance of appropriately diagnosing and treating NP.
Adult* ; Back Pain ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diagnosis ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Low Back Pain* ; Male ; Neuralgia* ; Prevalence* ; Quality of Life ; Visual Analog Scale

Aged ; Contrast Media ; adverse effects ; Electrocardiography ; Heart Arrest ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; therapy

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a genetically determined, chronic relapsing skin disease. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and the course is unpredictable. Atopy is an important risk factor for the development of AD. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) were implicated in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, and are being targeted for their diagnosis and treatments. Early detection of tissue inflammation of target organ is important to enable early prevention and management of allergic diseases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the differences in urinary leukotrienes E4 (LTE4) levels, according to AD symptom score and aeroallergen sensitization in children with AD by using noninvasive techniques. METHODS: We recruited 46 children with AD, using predetermined criteria. Clinical features of AD were evaluated by a physician, using scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Aeroallergen sensitization was measured by using a skin prick test and UniCap. Urine samples were also collected on day of the 1st and 2nd visits, and were analyzed for LTE4 with an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. RESULTS: SCORAD indeces of children with AD were correlated with urinary LTE4 levels. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil counts also had significant correlation with urinary LTE4 levels. Especially, aeroallergen sensitization of atopic AD significantly correlated with urinary LTE4 of these patients. CONCLUSION: Urinary LTE4 levels significantly correlated with serum total IgE and number of sensitized aeroallergen in children with AD. Clinical features of AD evaluated with SCORAD index related with urinary LTE4 level. Urinary LTE4 might be a valuable, noninvasive marker for different pathogenesis of AD.
Child ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Inflammation ; Leukotriene E4 ; Leukotrienes ; Risk Factors ; Skin ; Skin Diseases

It is important to identify therapeutic compounds with no adverse effects for use in the chemotherapy of patients with bone-related diseases. The aim of this study was to identify a new compound that inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Herein, we examined the effects of 1',2'-dihydrorotenone on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. 1',2'-dihydrorotenone inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation of cultured bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in a dose-dependent manner. However, 1',2'-dihydrorotenone did not exert cytotoxic effect on BMMs. 1',2'-dihydrorotenone suppressed the expression of c-fos and NFATc1 as well as osteoclast-specific genes in BMMs treated with RANKL. Treatment with RANKL inhibited the expression of inhibitors of differentiation/DNA binding (Id)1, 2, and 3; however, in the presence of 1',2'-dihydrorotenone, RANKL did not suppress the expression of Id1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, 1',2'-dihydrorotenone inhibited bone resorption and considerably attenuated the erosion of trabecular bone induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that 1',2'-dihydrorotenone has the potential to be applied in therapies for bone-related diseases.
Bone Marrow ; Bone Resorption ; Humans ; Macrophages ; Osteoclasts ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; Rotenone

PURPOSE: To assess the affecting factors of results after the operation of Crescent fracture-dislocation in sacro-iliac joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 19 patients (mean age, 47.4 year-old) of open reduction and internal fixation for Crescent fracture-dislocation, there were seven type I, 9 type II, and 3 type III fractures according to Day's classification. We assessed affecting factors of radiological and functional results, such as patients' ages, surgical approaches, the fixation extent of pelvic ring, and fracture patterns. RESULTS: Seventeen of 19 cases united at 14.5 weeks in average, and 2 non-unions occurred with the fixation failure of posterior ring. Satisfactory results were 14 and 15 in radiological and functional evaluation, respectively. In complications, three cases of leg length discrepancy were from an imperfect reduction and two fixation failures. Surgical approach did not show any difference of results, but all cases of unsatisfactory reduction occurred from posterior ring fixation through the anterior approach. Fixation of both rings seemed to have satisfactory results, comparing to posterior ring only. Older patients over 60 year-old had more complications and a tendency to show an unsatisfactory result. CONCLUSION: In operative treatment of Crescent fracture-dislocation of sacro-iliac joint, it is better to fix both anterior and posterior rings. But, caution is needed to prevent complications in old-aged patients.
Humans ; Joints ; Leg

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of bone transport using external fixator over an intramedullary nail for defects of long bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 14 cases of bone defect after chronic osteomyelitis or trauma of tibia (12 cases) and femur (2 cases) using this method. The mean age of index procedure was 46.9 years, and all of them had follow-up study for a mean of 3 years. After the corticotomy and insertion of intramedullary nail, bone transport was done by external fixators. Then, the segment was moved and bone graft was done at docking site. RESULTS: The mean transported amount was 5.8 cm, and the external fixator was removed after 141 days. The mean external fixation index was 25.6 days/cm. Primary union of distraction and docking site was achieved in all, but one had failure in union of docking site. According to the Mekhail's functional criteria, there were 5 excellent, 6 good, and 3 fair results. Among 15 complications, there were 2 major complications with residual sequelae, and they were 1 recurred osteomyelitis and 1 flexion contracture of knee. CONCLUSION: Bone transport using external fixator over an intramedullary nail, can successfully solve defects of long bone. Since this method can remove external fixators earlier than the conventional method, it has fewer complications and makes patients to return to daily life earlier.
Bone Nails ; Contracture ; External Fixators ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Nails ; Osteomyelitis ; Tibia ; Transplants

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review the results of internal bone transport in the management of tibial bone defect using ilizarov fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 39 cases of tibial bone defect (16 of traumatic bone loss, 23 after treatment of osteomyelitis). The mean age of index procedure was 33.8 years (range, 13~66 years), and all of them had follow-up study for a mean of 3.5 years (range, 1.6~8 years). The mean transported amount was 6.3 cm (range, 2.7~20 cm), and the external fixator was removed after 345 days (range, 120~700 days). The mean external fixation index was 60.3 days/cm (range, 13.1~121.3 days/cm). RESULTS: Primary union of distraction and docking site was achieved in all, but two patients had failure in union of docking site. Functional results showed 6 excellent, 19 good, 10 fair, and 4 fair. The patients under age 20 showed better functional outcomes than the others. Among 73 complications (incidence, 1.87 cases/ patient), 27 of major complications with residual sequelae occurred in 20 patients. The residual sequelae were more common in the patients who had the concomitant injuries in the same leg. CONCLUSION: Internal bone transport can solve the large amount of tibial bone defect. However, the complications are not uncommon, which might be related to the concomitant injures in the same leg.
External Fixators ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibia

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to determine the optimal cutoff value for the TDx-FLM assay for predicting fetal lung maturity and its clinical efficiency. METHODS: We reviewed records of 81 pregnant women (117 fetuses), who had TDx-FLM assay performed from 1996 through 2000 at Ajou University Hospital. All were delivered between 28 and 37 weeks' gestation. Women treated with steroids after fetal lung maturity test were excluded in this study. In neonatal respiratory outcomes, result of fetal lung maturity was defined as neonates who were not affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). All neonates were divided into mature and immature group according to their respiratory outcomes and clinical characteristics of both groups were evaluated. The predictive values for maturity and immaturity were calculated as previously defined. RESULTS: Among 117 newborns, RDS developed in 8 cases (immature group), and 109 cases were unaffected (mature group). In mature and immature group, mean gestational age was 35.0 weeks and 33.1 weeks (p=0.038), mean fetal birth weight 2313.4 gm and 2036.3 gm respectively (p=0.279). Preterm deliveries were due to preterm labor (32.1% vs 25.0%, p=0.676), premature rupture of membranes (11.9% vs 12.5% p=0.962), preeclamsia (17.4% vs 37.5%, p=0.384), intrauterine growth restriction (11.0% vs 0%, p=0.211), discordant twin (16.5% vs 0%, p=0.212) and other maternal complications (35.8% vs 37.5%, p=0.922) And also, frequencies of twin were 0% vs 64.2% (p<0.001), gestational diabetes 3.7% vs 12.5% (p=0.233), steroid usage 67.0% vs 12.5% (p=0.002), and median TDx-FLM level 59.2 mg/g (range 13.8 - 120.4 mg/g) vs 13.1 mg/g (range 1.20-27.9 mg/g) (p=0.004). The best cutoff point to calculate predictive value for a mature result was >or=24.7 mg/g which gave a sensitivity 93.6%, specificity 87.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) 99.0%, negative predictive value (NPV) 50.0% and efficiency 93.1. CONCLUSION: The best cutoff value of TDx-FLM levels for assessment of fetal lung maturation was 24.7 mg/g in our study group.
Birth Weight ; Diabetes, Gestational ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung* ; Membranes ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Rupture ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Steroids

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to determine the optimal cutoff value for the TDx-FLM assay for predicting fetal lung maturity and its clinical efficiency. METHODS: We reviewed records of 81 pregnant women (117 fetuses), who had TDx-FLM assay performed from 1996 through 2000 at Ajou University Hospital. All were delivered between 28 and 37 weeks' gestation. Women treated with steroids after fetal lung maturity test were excluded in this study. In neonatal respiratory outcomes, result of fetal lung maturity was defined as neonates who were not affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). All neonates were divided into mature and immature group according to their respiratory outcomes and clinical characteristics of both groups were evaluated. The predictive values for maturity and immaturity were calculated as previously defined. RESULTS: Among 117 newborns, RDS developed in 8 cases (immature group), and 109 cases were unaffected (mature group). In mature and immature group, mean gestational age was 35.0 weeks and 33.1 weeks (p=0.038), mean fetal birth weight 2313.4 gm and 2036.3 gm respectively (p=0.279). Preterm deliveries were due to preterm labor (32.1% vs 25.0%, p=0.676), premature rupture of membranes (11.9% vs 12.5% p=0.962), preeclamsia (17.4% vs 37.5%, p=0.384), intrauterine growth restriction (11.0% vs 0%, p=0.211), discordant twin (16.5% vs 0%, p=0.212) and other maternal complications (35.8% vs 37.5%, p=0.922) And also, frequencies of twin were 0% vs 64.2% (p<0.001), gestational diabetes 3.7% vs 12.5% (p=0.233), steroid usage 67.0% vs 12.5% (p=0.002), and median TDx-FLM level 59.2 mg/g (range 13.8 - 120.4 mg/g) vs 13.1 mg/g (range 1.20-27.9 mg/g) (p=0.004). The best cutoff point to calculate predictive value for a mature result was >or=24.7 mg/g which gave a sensitivity 93.6%, specificity 87.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) 99.0%, negative predictive value (NPV) 50.0% and efficiency 93.1. CONCLUSION: The best cutoff value of TDx-FLM levels for assessment of fetal lung maturation was 24.7 mg/g in our study group.
Birth Weight ; Diabetes, Gestational ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung* ; Membranes ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Rupture ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Steroids