• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제59권5호
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• pp.478-484
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• 2016

Objective : To assess the clinical and radiological factors as predictors for successful outcomes in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) treatment. Methods : Two groups of patients with single level LDH (L4-5) requiring treatment were retrospectively studied. The surgery group (SG) included 34 patients, and 30 patients who initially refused the surgery were included in the nerve blocks group (NG). A visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg and back pain and motor deficit were initially evaluated before procedures, and repeated at 1, 6, and 12 months. Radiological factors including the disc herniation length, disc herniation area, canal length-occupying ratio, and canal area-occupying ratio were measured and compared. Predicting factors of successful outcomes were determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis after the optimal cut off values were established with a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results : There was no significant demographic difference between two groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with radiological and clinical (12 months follow-up) data revealed that the high disc herniation length with cutoff value 6.31 mm [odds ratio (OR) 2.35; confidence interval (CI) 1.21-3.98] was a predictor of successful outcomes of leg pain relief in the SG. The low disc herniation length with cutoff value 6.23 mm (OR 0.05; CI 0.003-0.89) and high baseline VAS leg (OR 12.63; CI 1.64-97.45) were identified as predictors of successful outcomes of leg pain relief in the NG. Conclusion : The patients with the disc herniation length larger than 6.31 mm showed successful outcomes with surgery whereas the patients with the disc herniation length less than 6.23 mm showed successful outcomes with nerve block. These results could be considered as a radiological criteria in choosing optimal treatment options for LDH.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.202-208
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• 2016

Background: Our study aimed to make a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes of arthroscopic decompression for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis by location of calcific deposits and by its size. Methods: We enrolled a total of 38 patients, comprising 39 affected shoulders, who underwent arthroscopic decompression for calcific tendinitis. As our clinical scores, we evaluated the UCLA, the ASES, and the VAS scores and analyzed them by calcific location, by calcific deposit size, by the presence or absence of calcific remnants, and by whether concomitant cuff repair was performed. Results: The clinical scores of those whose calcific deposit had an area greater than $77.0mm^2$ and of those whose calcific deposit had an area smaller than $77.0mm^2$ did not significantly differ (p=0.21 in ASES; p=0.19 in UCLA; p=0.17 in VAS). Nor did the clinical scores significantly differ with respect to the location of calcification (p=0.23). Further, the clinical scores did not significantly differ between those who had calcific remnants and those who did not and between those who received additional cuff repair and those who did not. Conclusions: We found that the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis were not significantly associated with the cuff tendon in which the calcium deposits are found; the location of the calcium deposits in the supraspinatus tendon (if found in this tendon); the size of calcific deposits; the presence of calcific remnants; and concomitant cuff repairs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.148-153
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• 2006

Objective : The authors conducted this study to present the long-term treatment outcomes [minimum 2 years] of Gamma knife radiosurgery[GKS] for trigeminal neuralgia[TN] and to demonstrate the correlation of treatment outcomes and the anatomical characteristics of TN. Methods : From 1997 to 2003, 44 consecutive patients suffering from medically intractable pain underwent GKS for TN. A single 4mm collimator was used with a median maximum dose of 80Gy [range $75{\sim}80Gy$] prescribed to the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve. Median follow up duration was 30 months [range $24{\sim}78\;months$]. Anatomical measurements of trigeminal nerve in magnetic resonance images during GKS planning were correlated with clinical outcome. Results : Twenty-two patients [50%] achieved an excellent outcome [BNI grade I & II], 20 patients [45.5%] a good outcome [grade IIIa & IIIb], and only 2 patients [4.5%] a poor outcome [grade IV & V]. Eleven patients [25.0%] experienced pain recurrence after initial pain relief. Smaller volume of trigeminal nerve area irradiated more than 40Gy was significantly correlated with excellent outcome in both univariate and multivariate analyses respectively [P=0.033 and 0.040]. Conclusion : Anatomical considerations during the planning of GKS would be helpful for predicting clinical outcome in TN.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권13호
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• pp.5389-5393
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• 2014

Background: A clinical pathway (CP) can standardize and improve perioperative care for a number of interventions. In hepatic surgery, however, pertinent evidence is very limited. This study was conducted to implement a CP for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing hepatectomy, and to evaluate its effects on hospital costs, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and early clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Medical records for HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy were retrospectively reviewed before implementation of a CP (the non-CP group) from March 2012 to August 2012. This information was compared with the data collected prospectively from patients after implementation of the CP (the CP group) between September 2012 and April 2013. Hospital costs, LOHS and early clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between groups. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of patient clinical characteristics between the two groups. For clinical outcome measures, no significant differences were found in postoperative complications, mortality and readmission rate. The hospital costs were significantly reduced from 24,844 RMB in the non-CP group to 19,761 RMB in the CP group (p<0.01). In addition, patients of the CP group also had shorter LOHS compared with the non-CP group (8.3 versus 12.3 days, p<0.001). Conclusions: The CP proved to be an effective approach to minimize hospital costs and LOHS with hepatectomy for HCC without compromising patient care.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.44-50
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• 2016

Objective: This study was performed to assess our clinical experience with single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic cystectomy and myomectomy and the surgical outcomes of those procedures at our institution. Methods: The authors evaluated the surgical outcomes of SPA laparoscopic cystectomy in 293 patients and SPA laparoscopic myomectomy in 246 patients. The surgical outcomes comprised operation time, the amount of blood loss during the operation, the change in hemoglobin (before and after the operation), the change in hematocrit (before and after the operation), switching to the multi-port access method, complications, transfusions, and the duration of the postoperative hospital stay. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient and the Spearman correlation coefficient between the operation time and the amount of blood loss were 0.312 and 0.321 for SPA laparoscopic cystectomy, respectively, and 0.706 and 0.674 for SPA laparoscopic myomectomy, respectively. The drops in hemoglobin and hematocrit were $1.33{\pm}0.78g/dL$ and $4.14%{\pm}2.45%$, respectively, in SPA laparoscopic cystectomy, while the corresponding figures were $1.34{\pm}1.13g/dL$ and $4.17%{\pm}3.24%$ in SPA laparoscopic myomectomy, respectively. Conclusion: This study reported the surgical outcomes of SPA laparoscopic cystectomy and myomectomy and compared them to previously published findings on traditional laparoscopic cystectomy and myomectomy. No significant differences were found in the surgical outcomes between SPA and traditional laparoscopic cystectomy and myomectomy.

• 중환자간호학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.12-23
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• 2020

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of direct interhospital transfers (IHTs) of patients with acute aortic syndrome (AAS) led by advanced practice nurses (APNs). Methods : From September 2014 to June 2017, the study retrospectively investigated 183 patients with AAS who were transferred to a high-volume tertiary hospital. Results : One hundred forty-eight (81%) patients were admitted through direct IHTs, and 35 (19%) patients were admitted through non-direct IHTs. The direct IHT group had a significantly shorter time from symptom onset to hospital arrival than the non-direct IHT group (11.4 vs. 32.1 h, p=.043). There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes, such as peri-transfer status, mortality, hospital length of stay, and readmission, between the two groups. In the direct IHT group, 55% of transfers were led by APNs. There was no significant difference in outcomes between APN- and physician-led transfers. Conclusions : Implementation of direct IHTs markedly shortened the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival in patients with AAS. Finally, direct IHTs can potentially improve the outcomes of patients with AAS, a condition with time-dependent mortality and morbidity. In addition, APNs can effectively lead the direct IHT of patients with AAS.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.116-122
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• 2004

Purpose: Several risk factors related with chronic complications and mortality related with liver injury of mushroom poisoning were reported. But, there were few reports about the long term outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the long term clinical outcomes in mushroom poisoning regarding the risk factors. Methods: Clinical data were reviewed and outcomes were evaluated with medical records and/or telephone interviews. The patients who had one or more risk factors such as markedly elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) were classified into high risk group. Patients had no risk factor classified into low risk group. Results: From June 1989 to December 2003, nineteen mushroom poisoning patients admitted to Asan Medical Center, seven were male, and mean age was $58\pm9$ years old. All the patients accidentally ingested and the interval from ingestion to symptom onset was $9\pm4$ hours. There were four patients in high risk group, and fifteen in low risk group. In high risk group, peak AST was $2,263.3\pm1,303.0IU/L$most prolonged PT was $38.0\pm27.4\%$, and stuporous mental status was shown in one patient. In low risk group, laboratory values returned to the normal values but histological evaluation revealed specific features of toxic hepatitis on sixth hospital day. Chronic complications such as persistent or chronic hepatitis, mortality was not occurred during follow up period (from 10 months to 16 years) in both groups. Conclusion: Although the number of patients were small, there were no chronic complications or mortality related with liver injury after mushroom poisoning regardless risk factors of chronic complications and mortality.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제57권11호
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• pp.489-495
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• 2014

Purpose: The aims of this study were to document our single-center experience with pediatric acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) and to investigate its clinical features and short-term outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children <18 years old who were diagnosed with AFM between October 2008 and February 2013. Data about patient demographics, initial symptoms, investigation results, management, and outcomes between survivors and nonsurvivors were collected. Results: Seventeen of 21 patients (80.9%) with myocarditis were diagnosed with AFM. Eleven patients (64.7%) survived to discharge, and 6 (35.3%) died. Electrocardiography on admission revealed dysrhythmia in 10 patients (58.8%); of these, all 7 patients with a complete atrioventricular block survived. Fractional shortening upon admission was significantly different between the survivors (16%) and nonsurvivors (8.5%) (P=0.01). Of the serial biochemical markers, only the initial brain natriuretic peptide (P=0.03) and peak blood urea nitrogen levels (P=0.02) were significantly different. Of 17 patients, 4 (23.5%) required medical treatment only. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed in 13 patients (76.5%); the survival rate in these patients was 53.8%. ECMO support was initiated >24 hours after admission in 4 of the 13 patients (30.7%), and 3 of those 4 patients (75%) died. Conclusion: AFM outcomes may be associated with complete atrioventricular block upon hospital admission, left ventricular fractional shortening at admission, time from admission to the initiation of ECMO support, initial brain natriuretic peptide level, and peak blood urea nitrogen level.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.120-126
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• 2018

Background: Treatment of distal humerus fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients is often challenging. For non-reconstructible fractures with open reduction and internal fixation, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an acceptable alternative. However, the relatively high complication rates and lifelong activity restrictions make TEA less ideal for elderly or low-demand patients. Efforts to identify or develop alternate procedures that benefit relatively young, high-demand patients have resulted in increased interest in hemiarthroplasty. This systematic review reports the clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures. Methods: We systematically reviewed the databases of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. All English-language studies published before June 2017 were considered for possible inclusion. Search terms included 'distal humerus fracture' and 'hemiarthroplasty'. Studies reporting outcomes (and a minimum of 1 year clinical follow-up) in human subjects after hemiarthroplasty (Latitude system) for distal humeral fractures were assessed for inclusion. Patient demographics, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications were recorded, and homogenous outcome measures were analyzed. Results: Nine studies with a total of 115 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, the weighted mean follow-up time was 35.4 months. Furthermore, the weighted mean of the postoperative range of motion ($107.6^{\circ}$ flexion-extension, $157.5^{\circ}$ for pronation-supination) and functional outcomes (Mayo elbow performance scores: 85.8, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score: 19.6) were within the acceptable range. Conclusions: Our study indicates that hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for comminuted distal humerus fracture. Satisfactory functional outcomes were observed in most patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.183-189
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of the current study was to investigate short- to mid-term outcomes and complications following radial head replacement (RHR) for complex radial head fractures and to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes. Methods: Twenty-four patients with complex radial head fractures were treated by RHR. The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years (range, 19-73 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 58.9 months (range, 27-163 months) using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) score, and serial plain radiographs. Complications were also evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score, MEPS, and Quick-DASH score were 0.6±1.1, 88.7±11.5, and 19.4±7.8, respectively. The mean range of motion was 132.7° of flexion, 4.7° of extension, 76.2° of pronation, and 77.5° of supination. Periprosthetic lucency was observed in six patients (25%). Heterotopic ossification was observed in four patients (16.7%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint developed in seven patients (29.2%). Capitellar wear was found in five patients (20.8%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint was significantly correlated with MEPS (P=0.047). Four cases of complications (16.6%) were observed, including two cases of major complications (one stiffness with heterotopic ossification and progressive ulnar neuropathy and one stiffness) and two cases of minor complications (two transient ulnar neuropathy). Conclusions: RHR for the treatment of complex radial head fractures yielded satisfactory short- to mid-term clinical outcomes, though radiographic complications were relatively high.