• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.25-30
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• 2013

Hyponatremia, the most common electrolyte disorder, has been rarely reported as causing rhabdomyolysis. Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), a demyelinating disease of the central pons and/or other areas of the brain, is infrequently reported as associated with rapid correction of hyponatremia. This paper reports a case of ODS after correction of severe hyponatremia complicated by rhabdomyolysis. A 47-year-old female with a history of chronic alcoholism presented herself at the hospital with altered consciousness after three days of nausea and vomiting. She was on a thiazide diuretic for essential hypertension. Her blood tests upon her hospital admission showed hyponatremia ($Na^+$ 98 mEq/L), hypokalemia ($K^+$ 3.0 mEq/L), and elevation of her serum creatine phosphokinase (3,370 IU/L) with an increase in her serum myoglobin level 11,267 ng/mL). She was treated with intravenous fluid therapy that included isotonic and hypertonic salines along with potassium chloride. She became more alert, and her neurological condition gradually improved after the first five days of her therapy. On the ninth day after her admission, she developed progressive quadiaresis associated with dysarthria, dysphagia, and dystonia despite the resolution of her hyponatremia. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain on 16th day revealed symmetrical areas of signal hyperintensity in her central pons, basal ganglia, and precentral gyrus in T2-weighted images, which are consistent with ODS. Her neurological symptoms steadily improved after six weeks with only supportive treatment and rehabilitation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권14호
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• pp.6007-6010
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• 2015

Background: Chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is a malignant hematopoietic disorder, the most common of all adult leukemias with a distinctive immunophenotype. It is well established that CLL patients can have autoimmune complications, amongst them autoimmune hemolytic anemia as the most frequent. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of direct Coombs Test positivity in CLL patients and its possible correlation with Rai staging, hematological parameters and biochemical markers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried at Liaquat National Hospital from January 2011 to June 2013. Sixty untreated patients with B- chronic lymphoid leukemia were enrolled. Complete blood count, direct Coombs test, serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and LDH levels were determined. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of 60 patients, 42(70%) were males and 18(30%) were females. Mean age was $59{\pm}9.2years$. Male to female ratio was 2.1: 1. The frequency of direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity was found to be 23.3%. The monospecific IgG was positive in 11 patients (18.3%); C3d positivity was evident in 1 patient (1.6%) and 2 patients (3.3%) had dual IgG and C3d positivity. The mean hemoglobin was $10.8{\pm}2.4gm/dl$. Significantly low mean hemoglobin of $8.3{\pm}3.0gm/dl$ was seen in Coombs positive patients compared with negative patients having a mean hemoglobin level of $11.7{\pm}1.6gm/dl$ (P<0.001). DAT positivity also demonstrated a positive association with advanced Rai stage III disease (P<0.01). No associations were noted with age, gender and biochemical markers. Conclusions: Direct Coombs test positivity in CLL in our patients, unlike in Western studies, appears relatively high, indicating significant autoimmune hemolytic anemia and advanced Rai stage in our setting. DAT positivity can be considered as a surrogative marker for advanced clinical disease.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.7-12
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• 2005

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that often causes functional disability. There have been very few investigations about the clinical characteristics of ET in Korea. Therefore, we performed a study showing the clinical features and electrophysiological findings of ET. Methods: We analyzed medical records and accelerometry data of 152 patients (male vs female; 79 vs 73) with ET, who visited the Neurology Clinic of Hospital from 2000 to 2003. Clinical characteristics of ET were summarized including the age of onset, family history, tremor type, body part involved, and associated symptoms. The frequency of tremor was recorded and the spectral analysis of tremor was performed. Results: The age of tremor onset showed bimodal distribution with peaks in the 2nd and 5th decades. Family history was found in 46 patients (30.3%). The patients with the family history presented earlier onset of tremor than patients without the history (mean age of onset, y: 35.2 vs. 49.9, P < 0.001). Tremor appeared most frequently in hands (94%), and followed by head (25%). In head tremor, "no-no" pattern was mainly observed and the head tremor was more frequently observed in female. The frequency of tremor was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.49, P<0.001). Conclusions: The present study indicated some important findings about ET: (1) bimodal distribution for an age of onset, (2) younger age of onset in patients with a family history, (3) decreasing frequency of the tremor according to age, and (4) higher prevalence of head tremor in female patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.1247-1250
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• 2015

Background: Psoriasis, a common cutaneous disorder characterized by inflammation and abnormal epidermal proliferation with a prevalence of 2-3% in the general population, may be linked to certain types of cancer. Several studies have reported an association between interleukin 10 (IL-10) variant polymorphisms and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis vulgaris although the results vary according to the population studied. No studies have been performed in the Saudi population. The present study concerned novel variants and other genetic polymorphisms of the promoter and exonic regions of the IL10 gene in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and potential differences in genotype compared to a group of healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and healthy controls with no personal or family history of psoriasis were selected from the central region of Saudi Arabia. Polymorphisms of the IL 10 gene of both groups were genotyped. Results: We observed two novel variants in 5'UTR region of the promoter precursor with higher prevalence of the genotype with both wild-type alleles in patients compared to the healthy control group. The differences at positions -377 and -150 were significantly associated with disease, both the variants conferred strong protection against psoriasis in Saudi patients. Conclusions: This observation provides further support for the importance of the part that IL10 plays in the pathophysiology of this disease. Confirmation of our findings in larger populations of different ethnicities would provide evidence for the role of IL-10 in psoriasis.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.85-91
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• 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of insidious onset that causes gradual loss of memory and cognitive function, and it is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. AD is characterized by neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, together with loss of neuronal cells. The major neuropathological hallmark of AD is the accumulation of extracellular neurotoxic ${\beta}-amyloid$ ($A{\beta}$) peptides, such as $A{\beta}1-42$, in the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sargachromenol (SCM), sargaquinoic acid (SQA) and sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA) isolated from Sargassum serratifoilum ethanol extract (SSE) on $A{\beta}$ production in vitro using APP751-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-751). CHO-751 cells were treated with various concentrations of SSE, SCM, SQA and SHQA, and the level of extracellular $A{\beta}1-42$ was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SSE and SHQA reduced the production of $A{\beta}1-42$ in CHO-751 cells. Therefore, SHQA isolated from S. serratifolium has potential as an inhibitor of neurotoxic $A{\beta}$ peptide production.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.152-160
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• 2004

Backgrounds : Androgenetic alopecia is a relatively common disorder, but its precise mechanism is not elucidated. There are two commercial drugs approved by FDA. One(finasteride) has an inhibition activity of 5$\alpha$-reductase(type 2) and the other(minoxidil) has a vasodilation activity. Objectives : A verified herbal remedy for baldness is needed for medicinal treatment or preventing alopecia, which could be demonstrated by alopecia-related in vitro & in vivo tests Methods : On the basis of oriental pharmacognosy, we classified many herbal medicines into four groups (malnutrition, aging, alopecia and gray hair) according to its effect. The mitosis induction of hairy dermal papillae cell and the metabolic inhibition for type 2 $5{\alpha}-reductase$ were tested with five herbal extracts. Also, five herbal extracts were added to the normal essence formulation (HHRHG0202-80) in ranges of 0.1~0.3%, which was applied two-mouse models to validate each hair growing activity in vivo. Results : Stimulation of follicular papillae cell proliferation was observed in treatment of three herbal extracts (Glycyrrhizae radix:159.7%, Corni fructus : 144.7%, and Coicis semen : 136.6%) at a dose of $10\mu\textrm{g}/ml$. Three herbal extracts (Biotae semen. Glycyrrhizae radix and Coicis semen) showed inhibitory activity for $5{\alpha}-reductase$(type 2) at 93.18%, 73.36% and 47.6%, respectively at the same dose. We observed the enhancement of hair growth activity in C57b1/6 mouse and the inhibition of alopecia in AGA mouse after topical administration of the hair essence. Conclusions : Hair essence product, which contains five medicinal plants, would be used for the remedy for male pattern baldness (MPB) and the other alopecia diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제59권5호
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• pp.205-211
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• 2016

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children is characterized by massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is the most common form of INS in children. The pathogenesis of MCNS still remains unclear, however, several hypotheses have been recently proposed. For several decades, MCNS has been considered a T-cell disorder, which causes the impairment of the glomerular filtration barrier with the release of different circulating factors. Increased levels of several cytokines are also suggested. Recently, a "two-hit" theory was proposed that included the induction of CD80 (B7-1) and regulatory T-cell (Treg) dysfunction, with or without impaired autoregulatory functions of the podocyte. In contrast to the well-established involvement of T cells, the role of B cells has not been clearly identified. However, B-cell biology has recently gained more attention, because rituximab (a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20-bearing cells) demonstrated a very good therapeutic response in the treatment of childhood and adult MCNS. Here, we discuss recent insights into the pathogenesis of MCNS in children.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.192-196
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• 2015

Objective : Tremor is a common movement disorder that interferes with daily living. Since the medication for tremor has some limitations, surgical intervention is needed in many patients. In certain patients who cannot undergo aggressive surgical intervention, Gamma Knife thalamotomy (GKT) is a safe and effective alternative. Methods : From June 2012 to August 2013, 7 patients with an intractable tremor underwent GKT. Four of these 7 patients had medical comorbidities, and 3 patients refused to undergo traditional surgery. Each patient was evaluated with the modified Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale (TRS) along with analysis of handwriting samples. All of the patients underwent GKT with a maximal dose of 130 Gy to the left ventralis intermedius (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus. Follow-up brain MRI was performed after 3 to 8 months of GKT, and evaluation with the TRS was also performed. Results : Six patients showed objective improvement in the TRS score. Excluding one patient who demonstrated tremor progression, there was 28.9% improvement in the TRS score. However, five patients showed subjective improvement in their symptoms. On comparing the TRS scores between follow-up periods of more and less than 4 months, the follow-up TRS score at more than 4 months of GKT was significantly improved compared to that at less than 4 months of GKT. Follow-up MRI showed radiosurgical changes in 5 patients. Conclusion : GKT with a maximal dose of 130 Gy to the VIM is a safe procedure that can replace other surgical procedures.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.242-248
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• 2007

Purpose. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor disabilities and increasing dependence on others for daily life activities with consequent impact on patients' and caregivers' quality of life. The aim of this study was to elucidate the burden on primary caregivers of patients with PD, and identify related factors. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Seventy-six primary caregivers of PD patients in a neurology out-patient clinic, Seoul, Korea completed structured questionnaires, of which 68 were analyzed. The structured self-report questionnaire included (1) demographic information on the caregivers, (2) information regarding the disease characteristics of the patients, and (3) the subjective and objective caregiver burdens as assessed on Montgomery, Gonyea, & Hooyman's scale. Results. The mean age of the caregivers was 54.56 years, and spouses represented the largest proportion (47.0%). Caregivers of PD patients experienced high levels of burden (mean scores on the subjective and objective burdens were 45.22 and 34.90, respectively), which were comparable to the caregiver burdens in stroke, and higher than the caregiver burdens in general chronic disease. Older caregivers and spousal caregivers experienced significantly higher burdens (p=.004 and p=.019, respectively). A greater motor disability and higher modified Hoehn and Yahr grade were related to higher caregiver burden (p=.001 and p=.018, respectively). Conclusion. Caring for PD patients is associated with a high level of caregiver burden. Therefore, healthcare professionals should identify the burden of caregivers who look after PD patients and develop comprehensive management strategies both for patients and their caregivers.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.399-405
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• 2012

The brain is the body's most organized and controlled organ, and it governs various psychological and mental functions. A brain abnormality could greatly affect one's physical and mental abilities, and consequently one's social life. Brain disorders can be broadly categorized into three main afflictions: stroke, brain tumor, and dementia. Among these, stroke is a common disease that occurs owing to a disorder in blood flow, and it is accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness and motor paralysis. The main types of strokes are infarction and hemorrhage. The exact diagnosis and early treatment of an infarction are very important for the patient's prognosis and for the determination of the treatment direction. In this study, texture features were analyzed in order to develop a prototype auto-diagnostic system for infarction using computer auto-diagnostic software. The analysis results indicate that of the six parameters measured, the average brightness, average contrast, flatness, and uniformity show a high cognition rate whereas the degree of skewness and entropy show a low cognition rate. On the basis of these results, it was suggested that a digital CT image obtained using the computer auto-diagnostic software can be used to provide valuable information for general CT image auto-detection and diagnosis for pre-reading. This system is highly advantageous because it can achieve early diagnosis of the disease and it can be used as supplementary data in image reading. Further, it is expected to enable accurate medical image detection and reduced diagnostic time in final-reading.