PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of guided imagery on stress including cognitive, affective, marital and social, and anxiety among women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: Data were collected between April, 21 and June, 17, 2008. The participants in this study were 57 women (26 for the experimental group, 31 for the control group) receiving IVF for primary or secondary infertility in one of the outpatient infertility centers in Seoul. The guided imagery (Suk, 2001) was provided through audio CD to the experimental group by themselves 8 minutes per day for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS 12.0 windows program. RESULTS: After guided imagery, the experimental group showed significantly lower affective stress and total stress scores. Anxiety scores increased significantly in the control group, but not in the experimental group after treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that guided imagery is an effective nursing intervention for reducing stress especially affective stress and anxiety among infertile women receiving IVF in outpatient infertility center.
Anxiety ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Imagery (Psychotherapy) ; Infertility ; Outpatients

PURPOSE: Patients with hematologic diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) are known to have an increased chance of acquiring a secondary neoplasm. Stomach cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in Korea, and we investigated whether the incidence of secondary stomach cancer in patients with a hematologic disease increases, in order to determine if a more intensive screening program for detecting secondary gastric cancer was required. We also investigated the safety of performing a gastrectomy in hematologic disease patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2006, the medical records of 8376 patients diagnosed with one of the six common hematologic diseases were reviewed. RESULTS: Nine secondary stomach cancers were found among the 8376 patients during the 15-year observation period. No surgical-related complications occurred, and there was no recurrence of stomach cancer if detected early. CONCLUSION: It seems that a more intensive screening program for detecting secondary gastric cancer in hematologic disease patients is not required, and surgery is not risky in these patients.
Gastrectomy ; Hematologic Diseases* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Leukemia ; Leukemia, Lymphoid ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; Mass Screening ; Medical Records ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Stomach*

BACKGROUND: The loss of bone mass is usually detected after bone marrow transplantation(BMT), particularly during the early post-transplant period. We recently reported that enhanced bone resorption following BMT was related to both the steroid dose and increase in IL-6. It was also suggested damage of the marrow microenvironment due to myeloablation and changes in bone growth factors contribute to post-BMT bone loss. Recently, the interactions of OPG and RANKL have been reported to be crucial in osteoclastogenesis and therefore in bone homeostasis. There are few data on the changes in RANKL/OPG status during the post-BMT period. This study investigated the changes in the levels of RANKL and OPG during the post-BMT period, and also assessed whether the changes in these cytokine levels actually influenced bone turnover and post-BMT bone loss. METHODS: We prospectively investigated 110 patients undergoing allogenic BMT and analyzed 36 (32.4+/-1.3 years, 17 men and 19 women) where DEXA was performed before and 1 year after the BMT. The serum bone turnover marker levels were measured before and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12 wks, 6 Ms, and 1 yr after the BMT. The serum sRANKL and OPG levels were measured in all patients before and 1, 3 and 12 wks after the BMT. RESULTS: The mean bone losses in the lumbar spine and total proximal femur, which were calculated as the percent change from the baseline to 1 yr, were 5.2(P<0.01) and 11.6%(P<0.01), respectively. The mean serum ICTP, a bone resorption marker, increased progressively until 3 and 6 months after the BMT, but decreased gradually thereafter, reaching the basal values after 1 year. The serum osteocalcin levels decreased progressively until 3 wks after the BMT, then increased transiently at 3 and 6 Ms, but returned to the basal level by 1 yr. The serum sRANKL and OPG levels had increased significantly by weeks 1 and 3 compared with the baseline(P<0.01), but decreased at 3 months. The sRANKL/OPG ratio increased progressively until 3 weeks, but then decreased to the basal values. During the observation period, the percent changes from the baseline in the serum RANKL levels and RANKL/OPG ratio showed positive correlations with the percent changes from the baseline serum ICTP levels. Patients with higher RANKL levels and RANKL/OPG ratio during the early post-BMT period lost more bone mass at the lumbar spine. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, dynamic changes in the sRANKL and OPG levels were observed during the immediate post-BMT period, which were related to a decrease in bone formation and loss of L-spine BMD during the year following the BMT. Taken together, these results suggest that increased sRANKL levels and sRANKL/OPG ratios could be involved in a negative balance in bone metabolism following BMT.
Bone Density ; Bone Development ; Bone Marrow Transplantation* ; Bone Marrow* ; Bone Resorption ; Femur ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Male ; Metabolism* ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Osteoporosis ; Prospective Studies ; Spine

BACKGROUND: Osteoblasts originate from osteoprogenitor cells in bone marrow stroma, termed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or bone marrow stromal cells. Each MSC forms colonies (colony forming units-fibroblasts [CFU-Fs]) when cultured ex vivo. There are some reports about the age-related changes of the number and osteogenic potential of osteoprogenitor cells, but any relationship has not been clearly established in humans. In this study, we counted MSCs using CFU-Fs count and examined the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of osteoprogenitor cells. Finally, we analyzed how these parameters varied with donor age. METHODS: Bone marrow was obtained from the iliac crest of young (n=6, 27.2+/-8.6 years old) and old (n=10, 57.4+/-6.7 years old) healthy donors. Mononuclear cells, including MSCs, were isolated and cultured in osteogenic medium. In primary culture, we compared the colony-forming efficiency of MSCs between the two groups and determined the matrix calcification. When primary culture showed near confluence, the cells were subcultured. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcinexpression by RT-PCR and proliferative potential by MTT assay were examined by the time course of secondary culture. RESULTS: At the 15th day of primary culture, the mean number of CFU-Fs was significantly higher in the younger donors (young: 148.3+/-28.9, old: 54.3+/-9.1, p=0.02) and the mean size of CFU-Fs was also larger in the younger donors than the older donors. However, matrix calcification was not different between the two groups (young: 103.6+/-50.6, old: 114.0+/-56.5, p=NS). In secondary culture, alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly lower in the older donors. The younger donors showed peak alkaline phosphatase activity at day 10, while the older donors didn't showed a remarkable peak (young: 935.5+/-115.0U/mg, old: 578.4+/-115.7U/mg, p<0.05). Total cell number as a proliferative index increased progressively during the secondary culture and a significantly greater cell number was noted in the younger donors. Osteocalcin expression was generally upregulated in the younger donors, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the number of osteoprogenitor cells is decreased during aging and that the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of osteoprogenitor cells seem to be reduced during aging.
Aging* ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Bone Marrow ; Cell Count ; Humans* ; Insulin Resistance ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells* ; Osteoblasts* ; Osteocalcin ; Tissue Donors

BACKGROUND: Chronic graft-versus-host disease(GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors of bone marrow transplantation, an increasingly used therapeutic option for hematological disorders. Cutaneous manifestations are frequently the presenting feature; therefore, the dermatologist needs to be aware of the wide spectrum of chronic cutaneous GVHD, enabling early diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinical and histological features of chronic cutaneous GVHD in recipients receiving allogenic BMT. METHODS: On the basis of the patients' charts, photographs and biopsy specimens, we investigated the occurring interval, clinical manifestations and histological characteristics of chronic cutaneous GVHD in 37 patients from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2000. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 1. The chronic cutaneous GVHD was preceded by the acute form of GVHD in 56.7% of patients, and occurred as an extension(18.9%) of acute GVHD, after a disease-free interval(37.8%), or with no precedent(43.2%). The disease usually developed at a mean 251days after transplant. 2. The chronic cutaneous GVHD mainly presented as maculopapular(37.8%), lichenoid(37.8%), or sclerodermoid(13.5%) patterns. 3. Histologically, 35.1% of biopsy specimens showed characteristic acute GVHR-like change, 40.5% showed lichen planus-like, and 13.5% was scleroderma-like histology. Lichen planus-like feature mixed with scleroderma-like was 2.7%, and 8.1 % was non-specific. 4. Appearing after day 100, the acute GVHD other than chronic GVHD was detected in some cases, and the lichenoid rash of chronic GVHD in one case was observed as early as day 60. 6. Our opinions are that the time of occurrence is not a reliable parameter for the clinical picture of GVHD and histologic parameters do not absolutely separate between acute and chronic GVHD as defined by days after BMT. 7. Mortality rate was 21 % in our cases.
Biopsy ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Early Diagnosis ; Exanthema ; Graft vs Host Disease* ; Humans ; Lichens ; Mortality ; Survivors ; Transplants*

It is generally agreed that euthyroid sick syndromes (ESS) are associated with an increased production of cytokines. However, there has been scarce data on the relationship thyroid hormone changes and cytokines among the patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Because interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been identified as a potent proinflammatory and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as an antiinflammatory cytokine, we studied the relation between thyroid hormone parameters and these cytokines following BMT. We studied 80 patients undergoing allogeneic BMT. Serum T3 decreased to nadir at post-BMT 3 weeks. Serum T4 was the lowest at the post-BMT 3 months. Serum TSH sharply decreased to nadir at 1 week and gradually recovered. Serum free T4 significantly increased during 3 weeks and then returned to basal level. Mean levels of serum IL-8 significantly increased at 1 week after BMT. Mean levels of serum IL-10 significantly increased until 4 weeks after BMT. No significant correlation was found between serum thyroid hormone parameters and cytokines (IL-8, IL-10) after adjusting steroid doses during the entire study period. In conclusion, ESS developed frequently following allogeneic BMT and cytokine levels were increased in post-BMT patients. However, no significant correlation was found between serum thyroid hormone parameters and these cytokines.
Adult ; *Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Euthyroid Sick Syndromes/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-10/*blood ; Interleukin-8/*blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thyroxine/blood ; Time Factors ; Triiodothyronine/blood

Loss of bone mass is usually detected after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) during the early post-transplant period. However, little is known about the long-term effects of BMT on bone metabolism. We have prospectively investigated 11 patients undergoing BMT. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured before BMT, and 1, 2, and 3 yr after BMT. Serum markers of bone turnover were serially measured before BMT and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 yr after BMT. The mean change in the lumbar spine (L2-4) BMD, calculated as the percent change from the baseline to the level at 1, 2, and 3 yr was -4.7% (NS), -1.1% (NS), and +6.4% (p<0.05), respectively. The mean change in the total proximal femur BMD from the baseline to the level at 1, 2, and 3 yr was -8.5% (p<0.01), -8.7% (p<0.05) and -5.6% (p<0.05), respectively. In summary, there was little decline in lumbar BMD at 1 yr following BMT and gradual recovery until 3 yr. In contrast, femoral BMD decreased much more than the lumbar area at 1 yr and did not recover until 3 yr. The mechanism of skeletal site-selective differences in the changes of BMD needs to be elucidated.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Anemia, Aplastic/therapy ; *Bone Density ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Bone and Bones/drug effects/*metabolism/radiation effects ; Collagen/blood ; Collagen Type I ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use ; Estradiol/blood ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood ; Humans ; Leukemia/therapy ; Luteinizing Hormone/blood ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes/therapy ; Peptides/blood ; Prospective Studies ; Time Factors

BACKGROUND: A loss of bone mass is usually detected after a bone marrow transplantation (BMT), especially during the early post-transplant period. We recently reported that enhanced bone resorption following a BMT was related to both the steroid dose and the increase in IL-6. We also suggested damage to the marrow stromal microenvironment, by myoablation, partly explains the impaired bone formation following a BMT. It is well known that some growth factors play important role in bone growth and osteogenesis. However, the pathogenetic role of bone growth factors in post-BMT bone loss is unknown and data on the changes in the growth factors, in accordance with bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) changes are scarce. We investigated changes in bone growth factors such as IGF-I (Insulin-like growth factor-I), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), during the post-BMT period, and assessed whether the growth factor changes influenced the bone turnover and post-BMT bone loss. The present study is the first prospective study to describe the changes in bone growth factors following a BMT. METHODS: We prospectively investigated 110 patients undergoing a BMT, and analyzed 36 patients (32.4+/-1.3 years, 17 men and 19 women) whose BMDs were measured before, and 1 year after, the BMT. The serum biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured before, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year, after the BMT. The serum FGF-2, IGF-I and M-CSF levels were measured before and 1 and 3 weeks, and 3 months after the BMT. The correlation between the changes of growth factors and various bone parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean bone losses in the lumbar spine and total proximal femur, calculated as the percentage change from the baseline to the level at 1 year, were 5.2 (p<0.05) and 11.6% (p<0.01), respectively. The serum type I carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP), a bone resorption marker, increased progressively until 6 months after the BMT, but thereafter decreased, to the base value after 1 year. Serum osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, decreased progressively, until 3 weeks after the BMT but then increased transiently, and finally returned to the base level at 1 year. The serum IGF-I and FGF-2 also decreased progressively until 3 weeks and 1 week after the BMT, respectively, then increased to the base values at 3 months. The serum M-CSF increased briskly at 1 week post-BMT, then decreased to the base level. There were positive correlations between the percentage changes from the baseline proximal femur BMD and the IGF-I levels 3 weeks and 3 months (r=0.52, p<0.01, r=0.41, p<0.05) post BMT. A Significant correlation was found between the IGF-I and osteocalcin levels pre-BMT, and 3 weeks after the BMT. Another positive correlation was found between the M-CSF and the ICTP levels at 3 weeks post BMT (r=0.54, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there were significant changes in the serum IGF-I, FGF-2 and M-CSF levels in the immediate post-BMT period, which were related to a decrease in bone formation and loss in the proximal femoral BMD during the year following the BMT
Biomarkers ; Bone Density ; Bone Development ; Bone Marrow ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Bone Resorption ; Colony-Stimulating Factors ; Femur ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells* ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins* ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Macrophages ; Male ; Metabolism* ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Osteoporosis ; Prospective Studies ; Spine

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the effects of cisapride tartrate on gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric emptying times in diabetic patients with dysmotility like dyspeptic symptoms. METHODS: Cisapride was administered before each meal in 61 patients for 4 weeks. The intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms before and after cisapride administration was scored from 0 to 4, in the order of increasing severity of symptoms. In addition, a gastric emptying test was performed. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the total intensity score of symptoms was observed during the first two weeks, from 8.5+/-2.1 to 4.0+/-3.0 (p < 0.05), and a further reduction was noted during the next two weeks, to 2.8+/-2.8 (p < 0.05). Good to excellent improvement was obtained in 70.4% of the patients, but the improvement in symptoms was not related to age, duration of diabetes, glucose, Hb A1c, neuropathy, or retinopathy. Treatment with cisapride induced a significant regression of symptoms and a significant improvement of delayed gastric emptying from 104.0+/-31.7 minutes to 79.5+/-17.1 (p < 0.05). However, there was a lack of association between the changes in gastric emptying times and improvements in symptoms(r(2)=0.00186). Only 3 patients complained of loose stool, nausea, or dizziness. CONCLUSIONS: Cisapride was effective in improving dysmotility like dyspeptic symptoms in diabetic patients without serious side effects.
Cisapride* ; Dizziness ; Dyspepsia ; Gastric Emptying ; Glucose ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Humans ; Meals ; Nausea

Tuberculous involvement of the esophagus is very rare even in the presence of extensive pulmonary tuberculosis or in the endemic area. This is resulted from local extension to the esophagus from contiguous tuberculosis organs or miliary spread. Such secondary involvement is more common than primary tuberculosis, in which there is no evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere. The diagnosis of esophageal tuberculosis may be difficult. So the radiologic, endoscopic, histologic findings and clinical feature including the response to chemotherapy may be needed to avoid misdiagnosis. Most cases can be treated successfully with antituberculosis medication. A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of swallowing difficulty for 2 months. On the gastrofibroscopic examination, 22 cm sized protruding mass with central deep ulceration was discovered at the mid-esophagus. The biopsy showed the ulcer with chronic granulomatous inflammation and multinucleated giant cells consistent with tuberculosis. After antituberculosis medication, the lesion of esophageal tuberculosis was healed completely remaining minimal ulcer scar.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Cicatrix ; Deglutition ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Errors ; Drug Therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms* ; Esophagus ; Giant Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; Ulcer