• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.158-162
• /
• 2018

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most intractable complications after surgery. Patients suffer from physical impairment, as well as psychological depression. Moreover, a recent study revealed that cellulitis significantly increased the risk of BCRL, and cellulitis has been suggested as a risk factor of BCRL development. We describe a patient treated with stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) without steroid for relief of symptoms and reduction of the arm circumference of breast cancer-related infectious lymphedema in a month. We measured the arm circumference at four locations; 10 cm and 5 cm above and below the elbow crease, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, lymphedema and breast cancer questionnaire (LBCQ) score on every visit to the pain clinic. A serial decrease of the arm circumference and pain score were observed after second injection. In the middle of the process, cellulitis recurred, we performed successive SGBs to treat infectious lymphedema. The patient was satisfied with the relieved pain and swelling, especially with improved shoulder range of motion as it contributes to better quality of life. This case describes the effects of SGB for infectious BCRL patients. SGB could be an alternative or ancillary treatment for infectious BCRL patients.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.163-174
• /
• 2002

Background : To delineate the changes in the causative agents of neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in the neonatal intensive care unit and nursery of Hanyang University Hospital during the past 10 years. Methods : Hospital records of 15,144 patients hospitalized at the NICU and nursery of Hanyang University Hospital from 1989 to 1998 were reviewed and neonates diagnosed of neonatal sepsis were sorted and included in the study. The study period was divided into Period A(the first 5 years) and Period B(the second 5 years) to analyse causative agents and their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Results : Neonatal sepsis was diagnosed in 170 patients(1.1%{Period A 1.2%, Period B 1.0%}) among the total of 15,144 inpatients. Two hundred isolates(Period A 109 isolates, Period B 91 isolates) were identified in 186 blood cultures(Period A 99 cultures, Period B 87 cultures) from 170 patients(Period A 91 patients, Period B 79 patients). The average age at the onset of the disease, when the initial blood culture was drawn, was 12.3 days old(Period A 8.8 days, Period B 16.3 days), and the proportion of the early onset disease was 34.7% in Period A and 23.0% in Period B, indicating that neonatal sepsis developed earlier during Period A. Among the isolated organisms including Gram positive bacteria[132(66.0%)], Gram negative bacteria [60(30.0%)], and fungi[8(4.0%)], coagulase negative Staphylococcus(CNS) was the most common organism(69/34.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus(36/18.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(17/8.5%), Enterococcus(12/6.0%), Enterobacter cloacae(8/4.0%), Escherichia coli(6/3.0%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosae(5/2.5%). The isolated fungi were Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Trichosporon pullulans. CNS, S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated more frequently in Period A compared to Period B. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of CNS and S. aureus to methicillin and the first generation cephalo sporins were decreased in Period B compare to Period A, those to aminoglycosides were increased in Period B, and vancomycin resistant strains were not identified. K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were isolated less frequently in Period B, compared to Period A. For K. pneumoniae, antimicrobial susceptibilities to the first generation cephalosporins were low in both Periods A and B, those to tobramycin and gentamicin were increased in Period B, and those to amikacin, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were high in both Periods A and B. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Enterococcous to ampicillin, penicillin, and the first generation cephalosporins were decreased in Period B, but vancomycin resistant strains were not identified. Conclusion : The occurrence rate of neonatal sepsis during the past 10 years in the NICU and nursery of the Hanyang University hospital was 1.1%, and the most common causitive agents were CNS and S. aureus, to which the antimicrobial susceptibilities to the first line drugs decreased in the later half of the study period with no vancomycin resistant isolates identified. Group B Streptococcus known to be the most common agent causing neonatal sepsis was not identified, and K. pneumoniae was isolated more commonly during the later half of the study period without decreased antimicrobial susceptibilities.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.473-475
• /
• 2015

A 12-year-old intact male, Alaskan Malamute dog, which lives in the countryside, was presented with inflammation and pain around perineal areas. Thorough examination revealed maggots and punched-out round holes lesion around the perineal region. Complete blood counts (CBC) and serum biochemical examinations showed no remarkable findings except mild anemia and mild thrombocytosis. The diagnosis was easily done, based on clinical signs and maggots identification. Cleaning with chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine lavage and hair clipping away from the lesions were performed soon after presentation. SNAP 4Dx Test (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA) was performed to rule out other vector-borne diseases since the ticks were found on the clipped area and vector-borne pathogens. The test result was negative. The dog in this case was treated with ivermectin (300 mcg/kg SC) one time. Also, treatments with amoxicillin clavulanate (20 mg/kg PO, BID) was established to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Then, myiasis resolved with 2 weeks and the affected area was healed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.785-788
• /
• 1996

Pericardial abscess due to liver abscess is a very rare disease, the result of which is usually fatal when untreated. But a combination of antibiotics therapy and pericardial drainage has broug t good result. A 32-year-old man was admitted to the emergency room because of fever and chilling sensation. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly and a mass lesion In the left lobe of liver on ultrasonography. The echocardiography revealed impending cardiac tamponade. Pus drainage of the liver abscess through per- foration of right diaphram and pericardiotomy were performed. The pericardium was thickened and 600 ml of purulent fluid and necrotic debris were drained. Fibrin clots were firmly attached to the undelying myocradium. Histological examination of the pericardium showed acute inflammation with microabsscess and Escherichia soli was cultured from pericardial pus. He was discharged after 4 weeks on antibiotics, but Doppler echocardiograpy revealed a slightly thickened pericardium with a mild constrictive physiology.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.138-141
• /
• 1999

Purpose : This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic management for septic elbows. Materials and Methods : The subjects were 7 patients ranged in age from 6 to 32 years. All patients were diagnosed as having septic arthritis of the elbow after arthrocentesis. Emergency arthroscopic lavage, debridement, and selective synovectomy for infective and necrotic tissue were performed. All patients had a follow-up period of more than 12 months by checking leukocyte count, ESR, CRP and range of motion. Results : For children, we found a return to normal of laboratory tests for infection after an average of 8.4 days while for adults, it required 12.3 days. After 12 months all patients showed normal elbow function as well as normal blood tests. Conclusion : We found arthroscopic management for septic arthritis of the elbows made it possible to visualize the pathologic findings directly and protect further articular damage. In conclusion, arthroscopic management is one of the efficient methods for controlling the joint infection.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.50-54
• /
• 2013

Nocardiosis is an uncommon Gram-positive bacterial infection caused by aerobic actinomycetes in the genus Nocardia. Nocardia spp. have the ability to cause localized or systemic suppurative disease in humans and animals. Nocardiosis is typically regarded as an opportunistic infection, but approximately one-third of infected patients are immunocompetent. We report a rare case of pulmonary nocardiosis and a brain abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides in an elderly woman with a history of Crohn's disease. Radiographic imaging revealed a contrast-enhancing lesion with perilesional parenchymal edema that was preoperatively thought to be a neoplasm. The patient experienced aggressive disease progression simulating a metastatic brain tumor. Early diagnosis of norcadiosis, the absence of underlying disease, and the administration of appropriate antibiotics has a positive impact on prognosis. Familiarity with the magnetic resonance and computed tomography findings associated with CNS nocardiosis, such as those presented here, is essential for making an early diagnosis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Veterinary Pathology Conference
• /
• 2002.11a
• /
• pp.150-150
• /
• 2002

40두 규모의 농장에서 사육된 홀스타인 종, 4개월령의 수컷 송아지에서 거세 후 고열, 식욕부진, 기침 등의 증상과 함께 전신 체표 림프절의 종대가 관찰되어 백혈병으로 잠정진단 하고 도태를 권유하였으나 축주가 치료를 원해 항생제와 해열제 및 기타 대증요법을 실시한 후 치료반응이 없어 폐사하여 부검을 실시하였다. 혈액 검사상 이상핵과 다형핵을 가진 다수의 림프구 및 백혈구, 호중구, 림프구 및 단핵구의 증가가 관찰되었다. 또한 백혈병 바이러스에 대한 분리 및 PCR 검사는 음성이었다. 부검 소견으로 체표 림프절, 슬관절 부위 및 비장과 간의 종대가 관찰되었으며 비장 중심에 12x11 cm의 종괴와 폐의 전엽부 유착 및 폐문, 종격동 림프절의 심한 종대가 관찰되었다. 견갑전 림프절을 비롯하여 대퇴골 전, 서혜, 폐문, 이하림프절 등 전신 림프절의 종대 및 소성의 연한 황색의 매끄러운 절단면을 보였다. 전지 관절의 종대와 관절강 내부는 증가된 농성 활액을 보였으며 고관절 강 내에 농성 활액의 증가와 공기 노출 후 젤리양 응고를 보였다. 심장은 장액성 위축과 함께 섬외막성 점상출혈이 나타났다. 병리조직학적 소견으로 비장은 지주 주변에 미성숙형의 세포들의 침윤이 보이며 유사분열상이 다수 관찰되었고 백색 수질에도 유사분열상의 증가와 함께 림프아구성 세포들이 다수 나타났다. 이들 주요한 비정상 세포들은 다형성의 큰 핵을 가진 다양한 림프아구의 형태를 지녔으며 핵내 공포가 인정되었다. 비장의 종괴 주변에는 증식된 섬유조직으로 둘러싸여 있었으며 미세농양 형성되어 있고, 일부 석회화가 진행된 부위도 있었다. 간소엽성 중심성 울혈과 가벼운 간세포내 지방침윤, 혈관 내 림프아구 형태의 세포와 소수의 호중구가 관찰되었다. 간삼조 주변에는 가볍거나 중등도의 단핵세포의 침윤이 미만성으로 관찰되었다. 폐에서는 중등도의 기관지 폐렴과 함께 일부는 무기폐가 관찰되었으며 폐포강과 세기관지내에는 염증성 삼출물이 다량 들어 있었다. 다병소성 미세농양과 함께 괴사가 있었고 실질의 섬유화가 진행되어 있었다. 또한 중등도의 간질성 신장염과 림프절은 지주 주변에 간극 내 비정상 림프구 세포의 형태는 비장의 그것과 유사하였으며 적수와 백수의 구이 힘들며 림프소절이 증가되어 있었다. 한 시야에서 유사분열상이 6-8 개로 그 지수가 매우 높으며 이와 더불어 큰 림프구가 전반에 걸쳐 침윤되어 있었다. 주변부 동(sinus)에는 많은 물질들이 침윤되어 있으며 렴프소절내 미만성의 성상현상이 관찰되었다. 회장은 파이어판내 심한 림프구 소실이 나타났다. 이상의 소견을 바탕으로 본 증례는 산재성 송아지 백혈병으로 진단되었다

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.208-211
• /
• 2004

The patient with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection and articular disease who does not fulfill the modified Jones criteria for a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever(ARF) have been classified as poststreptococcal reactive arthritis/arthralgia. A 10-year-old girl had presented with fever and arthralgia. She had pain in her left knee for 7 days but no swelling. A throat culture showed no growth but antistreptolysin O titer and C-reactive protein were elevated. A clinical follow up one month later showed neither arthralia nor sequelae as acute rheumatic fever. Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis/arthralgia seems to be part of the disease spectrum of ARF and to prevent subsequent development of ARF and carditis in these patient, it is recommended that antistreptococcal prophylaxis should be administered for 1 year and then could be discontinued if there is no evidence of cardiac involvement.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.202-207
• /
• 2004

Group A streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is a common bacterial pathogens of the upper respiratory tract and skin infections in children, but this organism is a less common cause of pneumonia, pericarditis. However, pneumonia that is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, may be rapidly progressive course with developing severe consequences. It may be focal but often is bilateral and diffuse involvement of lung. Empyema is commonly developed, and pleurocentesis often yields thin, watery fluid that continues to flow out when a chest tube is inserted. Antimicrobial resistance to the ${\beta}$-lactam antibiotics has not been reported against group A streptococci, whereas increasing resistance to the macrolides seems to be directly related to the consumption of specific antimicrobial agent use in the community. Clindamycin resistance is uncommon but does occur. We experienced one case of group A streptoccoccal pneumonia with empyema and pericardial effusion, and treated successfully with amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin and roxithromycin.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.174-179
• /
• 2006

Tuberculosis still ranks as one of the three most important infectious diseases in the world in terms of morbidity and mortality. In Korea, an increased incidence of tuberculosis has been observed in recent years. With the resurge of tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis has increased, too. From this point of view, tuberculous arthritis affecting knee is rare in all forms of tuberculosis, but we can consider tuberculous arthritis in patients with osteomyelitis. We report the case of a 14-month-old male child who presented with fever and swelling on the left knee joint. Histologic examination of knee joint fluid showed consistent with tuberculosis. Ziehl-Neelsen stain of joint fluid was positive for acid-fast bacilli(AFB). The outcome was favorable after treatment with anti-tuberculosis medication. Because clinical signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal tuberculosis in children is more indolent, we can misdiagnose or delay diagnosis. The diagnosis of tuberculous arthritis can be elusive, necessitating a high index of suspicion.