• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.152-155
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• 2005

Purpose: The lower extremity edema (LEE) is a common distressful symptom in advanced cancer patients and is hard to manage. We analyze the characteristics of LEE in patients with advanced cancer to provide the basic information of causes and adequate management. Methods: Physical examination, assessment of the location and severity of edema, blood chemistry (albumin, creatinine), Doppler Sono for patients with suspecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and abdomen CT scan for patient with suspecting lymph edema were performed. Severity of edema was classified according to NCI lymph edema scaling and improvement was defined as lowering at least 1 grade of edema after management. Results: Among 154 patient who had been admitted to Hospice Ward from Mar 2003 to Jan 2004, 33 had LEE, and 6 had both upper extremity edema and LEE except generalized edema. Their underlying cancers were stomach (7), lung (6), biliary tract (5), liver (5), colorectal (5), pancreas (2), and others (9). There were 12 patient with grade I, 20 patients with grade II, and 7 patients with grade III edema. The causes were hypoalbuminemia (11), lymph edema (10), DVT (7), obstruction of inferior vena cava (IVC) or portal vein (6), and dependent edema (5). The common managements were including leg elevation and diuretics. Elastic stocking was applied for patients with DVT and leg massage and pneumatic compression was used for lymph edema. The 2/3 patients were improved after management. Conclusion: The incidence of LEE in terminal cancer pts was high (25.3%) and their causes were variable including lymph edema, DVT, hypoalbuminemia and dependent edema. Active noninvasive management according to causes could result in good palliation.

• 재활복지
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.83-102
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for effective management and prevention of chronic diseases and secondary complications as elderly spinal cord injuries(SCI). The subjects were 200 spinal cord injuries admitted to S hospital from April, 2013 to April, 2018. We investigated the occurrence of chronic diseases and secondary complication through medical records. The results showed that SCI were affected chronic diseases and secondary complications over 50years. The prevalence of chronic diseases and secondary complications over 50 years of age had the odds ratio 11.8 times higher in hypertension and 6.7 times diabetes mellitus. Secondary complications had the odds ratio Osteoporosis 7.5 times, Pneumonia 5.2 times, and central pain 0.4 times. We suggest that continuous management and service of chronic diseases and secondary complications of elderly SCI are necessary. It will be necessary to expand the target population and to study various characteristics including.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.107-119
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was aimed to report changes in clinical symptoms and signs after treatment with Korean medicine in patients who suffered from calf edema due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: A 46-year-old male patient, who discharged home after receiving standardized treatment for acute DVT in the right leg, suffered pain and heat sense due to edema of the affected calf. Oral administration of herbal medicine (Gyejibongnyeong-hwan 4 g, twice daily) and acupuncture therapy were given to him for 6 weeks. The change in chief complaints, Villalta score, the right and left side difference of the circumference and the skin surface temperature of both calves, and blood level of D-dimer were observed before and after treatment. Results: The patient's chief complaints began to significantly improve from 2 weeks after treatment, and disappeared completely within 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, a substantial decrease in the difference between the right and left calves in the circumference and skin surface temperature was observed. This effect was maintained even at the time of follow-up 3 months after the end of treatment, and the patient completely recovered indoor and outdoor life to the level before onset. Conclusions: This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment, including Gyejibongnyeong-hwan administration and acupuncture therapy, can be a viable option to improve edema and related clinical problems in the affected limbs due to DVT.