Purpose: We evaluated the treatment outcomes of intravitreal 0.625% povidone-iodine (PI) injection in patients with exogenous and endogenous endophthalmitis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 21 patients (23 eyes) who received intravitreal 0.625% PI injections for endophthalmitis between March 2021 and December 2023. Results: Of the 21 patients, 19 (19 eyes) had exogenous endophthalmitis, with the most common etiology being post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis in 14 eyes (58.3%). The mean number of intravitreal PI injections administered was 1.6 ± 0.7. The mean time to hypopyon resolution was 2.5 ± 2.1 days. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was required in 16 eyes (84.2%), with an average of 1.1 ± 0.5 surgical interventions. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR) improved significantly from 2.06 ± 0.52 before treatment to 1.00 ± 0.96 after treatment (p < 0.001). Four eyes of two patients with endogenous endophthalmitis received a mean of 2.5 ± 1.0 intravitreal PI injections (range: 2-4). Clinical improvement was observed in all cases. Conclusions Intravitreal 0.625% PI injection appears to be a potentially effective alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy for the treatment of endophthalmitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy for vitreoretinal diseases in patients who have undergone glaucoma drainage implant surgery for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. Methods: We retrospectively examined the preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications of patients with previous Ahmed valve implantation surgery who underwent vitrectomy and were available for follow-up for at least 6 months. Results: A total of 20 eyes had Ahmed valve implantation for neovascular glaucoma, of which 16 eyes (80%) had proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 4 eyes (20%) had central retinal vein occlusion. All eyes underwent 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage unresponsive to conservative treatment. BCVA (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution, logMAR) improved from 1.08 ± 0.29 preoperatively to 0.61 ± 0.32 (p = 0.004) postoperatively. Mean IOP increased from 16.2 ± 3.4 mmHg preoperatively to 17.4 ± 2.8 mmHg at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.569), with no significant change. There were no cases of exposed body or tube of Ahmed valve after surgery, and vitreous hemorrhage (7 eyes, 31.8%) was the most common complication. Conclusions With a carefully chosen incision site, 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy is an effective treatment method to treat vision-threatening complications such as vitreous hemorrhage in eyes previously implanted with a glaucoma drainage device, with minimal impact on elevated intraocular pressure.

Purpose: Natural medicinal plant extracts have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and potential therapeutic agents for prevention of various diseases. This study was undertaken to measure the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol-water fraction obtained from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora, a wild-growing plant in Korea. The final fraction used in this study was the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60), which had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined in previous studies. Methods: The amounts of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to SP60. Western blot was performed to measure the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Results: SP60 exerted no cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 125 μg/mL. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were significantly decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells exposed to SP60. In addition, the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylated p65 showed a concentration-dependent decrease subsequent to SP60 treatment. These results indicate that SP60 inhibits the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2, by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which is responsible for the expression of inflammatory mediators. Conclusion The results presented in this study indicate that the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60) extracted from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora has

Background: Due to its abuse potential, propofol has been classified as a controlled substance since February 2011 in South Korea. Healthcare workers are exposed to propofol abuse considering their easy access to this substance in hospitals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate propofol abuse among healthcare workers through the database of the Supreme Court in South Korea. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adjudicated criminal cases related to propofol abuse among healthcare workers from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020, using the database of the Supreme Court of South Korea’s judgments. We collected the clinical characteristics and punishment-related information of healthcare workers who abused propofol. Results: Of the 194 cases collected using the search term ‘propofol,’ 20 were included in the final analysis. The most common healthcare workers who abused propofol were nursing aides (n = 15). Among them, 40% (n = 8) of the defendants had previously been punished for substance abuse, and 35% (n = 7) had a history of psychological disease. Of the defendants, 65% (n = 13) self-administered propofol more than twice, and the median number of self-administrations was three. Except for two, the defendants were sentenced to imprisonment, including suspended sentences, and the median values of their duration of prison and probation were 9 months and 24 months. Conclusions Despite propofol being strongly regulated as a controlled substance in South Korea, its abuse among healthcare workers remains. Healthcare workers should be vigilant against its abuse among themselevs.

Purpose: We aimed to develop a novel method for orthotopic colon cancer model, using tissue adhesive in place of conventional surgical method. Materials and Methods: RFP HCT 116 cell line were used to establish the colon cancer model. Fresh tumor tissue harvested from a subcutaneous injection was grafted into twenty nude mice, divided into group A (suture method) and group B (tissue adhesive method). For the group A, we fixed the tissue on the serosa layer of proximal colon by 8-0 surgical suture. For the group B, tissue adhesive (10 μL) was used to fix the tumor. The mortality, tumor implantation success, tumor metastasis, primary tumor size, and operation time were compared between the two groups. Dissected tumor tissue was analyzed for the histology and immunohistochemistry. Also, we performed tumor marker analysis. Results: We observed 30% increase in graft success and 20% decrease in mortality, by using tissue adhesive method, respectively. The median colon tumor size was significantly increased by 4 mm and operation time was shortened by 6.5 minutes. The H&E showed similar tumor structure between the two groups. The immunohistochemistry staining for cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 20, and Ki-67 showed comparable intensities in both groups. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription analysis showed eight out of nine tumor markers are unchanged in the tissue adhesive group. Western blot indicated the tissue adhesive group expressed less p-JNK (apototic marker) and more p-MEK/p-p38 (proliferation marker) levels. Conclusion We concluded the tissue adhesive method is a quick and safe way to generate orthotopic, colon cancer model.

Purpose: We aimed to develop a novel method for orthotopic colon cancer model, using tissue adhesive in place of conventional surgical method. Materials and Methods: RFP HCT 116 cell line were used to establish the colon cancer model. Fresh tumor tissue harvested from a subcutaneous injection was grafted into twenty nude mice, divided into group A (suture method) and group B (tissue adhesive method). For the group A, we fixed the tissue on the serosa layer of proximal colon by 8-0 surgical suture. For the group B, tissue adhesive (10 μL) was used to fix the tumor. The mortality, tumor implantation success, tumor metastasis, primary tumor size, and operation time were compared between the two groups. Dissected tumor tissue was analyzed for the histology and immunohistochemistry. Also, we performed tumor marker analysis. Results: We observed 30% increase in graft success and 20% decrease in mortality, by using tissue adhesive method, respectively. The median colon tumor size was significantly increased by 4 mm and operation time was shortened by 6.5 minutes. The H&E showed similar tumor structure between the two groups. The immunohistochemistry staining for cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 20, and Ki-67 showed comparable intensities in both groups. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription analysis showed eight out of nine tumor markers are unchanged in the tissue adhesive group. Western blot indicated the tissue adhesive group expressed less p-JNK (apototic marker) and more p-MEK/p-p38 (proliferation marker) levels. Conclusion We concluded the tissue adhesive method is a quick and safe way to generate orthotopic, colon cancer model.

Background: Medical malpractice during endotracheal intubation can result in catastrophic complications. However, there are no reports on these severe complications in South Korea. We aimed to investigate the severe complications associated with endotracheal intubation occurring in South Korea, via medicolegal analysis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the closed judicial precedents regarding complications related to endotracheal intubation lodged between January 1994 and June 2020, using the database of the Supreme Court of Korea. We collected clinical and judicial characteristics from the judgments and analyzed the medical malpractices related to endotracheal intubation. Results: Of 220 potential cases, 63 were included in the final analysis. The most common event location was the operating room (n = 20, 31.7%). All but 3 cases were associated with significant permanent or more severe injury, including 31 deaths. The most common problems were failed or delayed intubation (n = 56, 88.9%). Supraglottic airway device was used in 5.2% (n = 3) cases of delayed or failed intubation. Fifty-one (81%) cases were ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the claims for damages, with a median payment of Korean Won 133,897,845 (38,000,000, 308,538,274). The most common malpractice recognized by the court was that of not attempting an alternative airway technique (n = 32, 50.8%), followed by violation of the duty of explanation (n = 10, 15.9%). Conclusion Our results could increase physicians’ awareness of the major complications related to endotracheal intubation and help ensure patient safety.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of 23-gauge (g) micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and 25-g MIVS for lens fragments that dropped into the vitreous cavity during cataract surgery. Methods: This study was a comparative, retrospective, and interventional case series study based on a medical records review. Sixty-six eyes of 66 patients with dropped lens fragments in the vitreous cavity during MIVS, performed between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017, were included. The characteristics of the patients and their visual acuity, operation time duration, and complication rate were analyzed retrospectively. Results: 23-MIVS and 25-g MIVS were performed on 41 and 25 eyes, respectively. The mean value of best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved significantly from 1.79 ± 1.12 to 0.36 ± 0.63 in the 23-g group and from 1.82 ± 1.15 to 0.31 ± 0.53 in the 25-g group (p < 0.001). The mean operation time was 33.0 ± 6.8 minutes in the 23-g group and 32.3 ± 6.9 minutes in the 25-g group, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.694). There were two cases of postoperative cystoid macular edema in the 23-g group; however, no significant difference with regard to postoperative complications was found between the two groups (p = 0.262). Conclusions 23- and 25-g MIVS for lens fragments dropped into the vitreous cavity during cataract surgery is a comparably safe and effective method for reducing the size of the incision and shortening the operation time.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors (TNFis), which are the main treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), have been reported not only to reduce the incidence of anterior uveitis (AU) but also to induce it, and these effects differ among the various types of TNFis in clinical use. The present study investigated the effect of TNFis on uveitis by analyzing the long-term clinical course of AU in AS patients treated with TNFi therapy. METHODS: Patients treated with at least one TNFi between January 2007 and July 2017 were reviewed, and 54 patients with at least one episode of AU were included in this study. The TNFis included anti-TNF-α antibodies (adalimumab, infliximab, and golimumab), and a soluble TNF receptor molecule (etanercept). The effect of prevention of AU, the likelihood of new-onset uveitis after the initiation of TNFi therapy, and the effects of drug switching and dose escalation were assessed. RESULTS: The first uveitis flare was observed before TNFi therapy in 39 patients and after TNFi therapy in 15 patients. Anti-TNF-α antibodies were more efficacious in decreasing the recurrence of AU than etanercept. Among patients in which uveitis first occurred after beginning TNFi therapy, patients on etanercept tended to first develop AU less than 1 year after starting the drug, and their AS tended to be well-controlled at the time of uveitis flares. Patients with a uveitis flare before their medication was switched did not recur afterwards, and five of eight patients showed no relapse after dose escalation. CONCLUSION: TNFis have various effects on AU. TNFis, particularly anti-TNF-α antibodies, should be considered in patients with AS and frequent AU relapse. Additionally, clinicians should consider whether AU is due to an absence of a therapeutic response of AS to TNFi treatment or to TNFi treatment itself, and appropriate treatment changes should be made accordingly.
Adalimumab ; Antibodies ; Drug Substitution ; Etanercept ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infliximab ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; Recurrence ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Uveitis ; Uveitis, Anterior

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) involves severe pain and it is difficult to identify the exact cause or pathogenesis. Therefore, there are controversies regarding legal issues related to the establishment of damage in medical malpractice lawsuits involving CRPS. This study aimed to analyze malpractice lawsuits involving CRPS, which occurred after the disputed medical treatment, to provide information on the courts' opinion and characteristics of the cases. METHODS: This study analyzed 23 lawsuit judgments involving CRPS that were sentenced from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 12 of the 23 cases were partially ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The average amount (KRW) claimed was 470,638,385 ± 860,634,092 (21,000,000 to 4,020,000,000), and that awarded was 72,906,843 ± 53,389,367 (15,000,000 to 181,080,803). Sixteen of the 23 cases had CRPS type I. In 11 of 23 cases, the site of the pain was located in the lower limb and in 14 cases there was no presence of trauma or event prior to medical treatment. CONCLUSION: Nerve injury was the most frequent reason for taking responsibility in compensating damage in malpractice cases involving CRPS. Physicians should consider various possibilities of such complications in medical practices. It is important to identify and improve areas which need to be improved for patient safety through analyzing the lawsuit judgment cases.
Awards and Prizes ; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes ; Judgment ; Jurisprudence ; Lower Extremity ; Malpractice ; Patient Safety