• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2016

Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) shows a variety of clinical signs of multi-system involvement, including clinical diagnostic criteria. It is unknown that the severity of the clinical signs is associated with the risk of coronary artery lesions (CALs). We wanted to evaluate clinical characteristics and the risk of CALs in the patient groups who had severe skin lesions or those with arthritis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 220 KD patients who were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We compared clinical and laboratory data between the group with severe skin lesions (n=52) and those with mild or no skin lesions (n=168), and between the group with arthritis (n=6) and those without arthritis (n=214). Results: The mean age of total patients was $2.23{\pm}1.87years$ of age, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1 (138/82). Among 220 patients, 52 patients had CALs (23.6%), and 29 patients (13.2%) showed incomplete KD. The patients with CALs had a higher mean age, longer total fever duration, and higher rate of IVIG non-responsiveness. The patient group with severe skin lesions showed a higher mean age (P<0.001), more prolonged fever duration (P=0.041), higher frequency of CALs (P=0.033), higher WBC, neutrophil, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels, compared to the patient group without severe skin lesions. The patients with arthritis had a tendency of further treatment with methylprednisolone or infliximab. Conclusions: The frequency of CALs was higher in patient group with severe skin lesions. Our results suggest that the intensity of clinical signs of KD such as skin rash, cervical lymphadenopathy and possibly arthritis may be associated the risk of CALs.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.762-767
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• 2004

With the developement of non-invasive surgical techeniques, coronary artery bypass graft without cardiopulmonary bypass has become popular. We compared the preoperative risk factors and in-hospital outcomes of patients having off-pump CABG with these having on-pump CABG. Material and Method： From January 2001 to June 2003, 87 patients underwent CABG. Thirty-sin patients underwent on-pump CABG, fifty-one patients under-went off-pump CABG. Preoperative risk factors, extent of coronary disease, operative time, postoperative endotracheal intubation time, duration of ICU stay & hospital stay, the amount of bleeding and postoperative levels of cardiac enzymes were compared in both groups, Result: The were no differences in their sex ratios, ages, preoperative risk factors, preoperative Ml, Canadian classes, extent of coronary artery diseases and, echocardio-graphic ejection fraction between Off-pump CABG and On-pump CABG groups. Off-pump CABG group had significantly lower mean operative time (270$\pm$79.3 min vs 372$\pm$142.2 min, p＜0.001), mean ventilation time (17.1$\pm$13.4 hr vs 24.3$\pm$17.8 hr) and CK-MB level (8,9$\pm$18.7 IU/L vs 25.7$\pm$8.4 IU/L) than on-pump CABG groups, On-pump CABG group had more distal grafts (2.2$\pm$0.5 vs 1.7$\pm$0.71 than Off-pump CABG groups did. There were no differences in their postoperative complications and outcomes including amount of postoperative bleeding for 24 hrs, reoperation for bleeding control, mean in-hospital days, postoperative infection, renal failure and neurologic complications between Off-pump CABG and On-pump CABG groups. Conclusion: This study showed that patients who underwent Off-pump CABG had less operation time & intubation time and lower CK-MB level; however, they also have less distal graft. Even though CABG without CPB provided satisfactory results, more clinical experience & longer follow-up is required.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.205-208
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• 2007

Purpose : Vascular endothelial cell damage and alteration of a fibrinolytic system was suggested to play a role in the development of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease (KD). D-dimer is one of the markers of endothelial damage and fibrinolysis. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of D-dimer to differentiate KD from other febrile diseases and predict coronary artery abnormalities in KD. Methods : Sixty eight patients diagnosed as KD and twenty eight patients presented with acute febrile illnesses other than KD from September 2005 to July 2006 were included. Blood levels of D-dimer and various inflammatory markers were measured before treatment and the clinical course of KD was followed. Serial echocardiography was performed at the onset of disease and thereafter at a monthly interval for at least 2 months. Results : KD patients showed a higher D-dimer level than febrile controls, but the difference was not significant ($1.21{\pm}0.77{\mu}g/mL$ vs $0.92{\pm}0.71{\mu}g/mL$, P=0.083). Neither was the difference between KD patients who had coronary artery abnormalities and those who had not ($1.49{\pm}0.98{\mu}g/mL$ vs $1.15{\pm}0.71{\mu}g/mL$, P=0.169). D-dimer was significantly correlated with other inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in both KD patients and febrile controls. Conclusion : D-dimer was not specific for KD. But it may be useful as an inflammatory marker to assess the severity of KD.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.7
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• pp.425-451
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• 2023

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, longterm anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.87-103
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• 2023

Backgrounds and objectives: Cardiotonic Pills^® (CP) are used for vascular diseases such as coronary diseases, atherosclerosis, and cerebral infarction. This study aimed to determine the transient effects of CP on cerebrovascular CO₂ reactivity (CVR) and erythrocyte deformability in normal subjects. Methods: This study had a crossover design and included 10 participants who were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The experimental group was given CP with water, while the control group was given only water. CVR was measured by hyperventilation-induced CVR of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Erythrocyte deformability was measured using a Rheoscan-D microfluidic ektacytometer. All measurements were performed prior to and 1, 2, and 3 hours after CP or water administration. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured before and after administration. Results: CP significantly improved CVR 3 hours after administration in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.042). The corrected blood flow velocity at partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO₂) = 40mmHg (CV40) was also significantly improved 2 and 3 hours after administration in the CP group compared to the control group (p = 0.036 and p = 0.021, respectively). CP significantly improved erythrocyte deformability 3 hours after administration in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.027). Mean heart rate and mean blood pressure showed no change. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that CP increases CVR and erythrocyte deformability. These results suggested that CP improves cerebral microcirculation which provide evidence for the future use of CP for prevention of ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.230-240
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• 1987

Cardioplegia and myocardial protection were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass during open-heart surgery with the use of cold St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution [4=C] for the coronary artery perfusion and normal saline solution [4- C] for the topical cardiac cooling. To maintain the state of myocardial protection, coronary artery reperfusion was carried out using St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution at the interval of 30 minutes. A total number of patients studied were 57 cases, including 37 cases of correction for congenital cardiac anomalies and 20 cases for acquired heart valvular diseases. Cardiopulmonary bypass time during the surgery was observed to be average of 87.89*47.55 hours, aortic cross-clamping time to be average of 76.68~44.27 hours raging from 30 to 191 minutes. In order to evaluate the effects of myocardial protection in the surgery, serum enzyme levels were determined. To observe the relationship between aortic cross-clamping time and myocardial protection effects, patients studied were divided into the following 3 groups. I group: aortic cross-clamping time, 60 minutes, II group: aortic cross-clamping time, 90 minutes, III group: aortic cross-clamping time, over 91 minutes. 1. Changes in serum enzyme levels in postoperative period. [1] SCOT; The postoperative value [increased over 200 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 11 cases [19.3% of the total] of the total patients studied, of which 4 cases [13.3%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group, and 6 cases [35.3%] in III group. [2] LDH; The positive value [increased over 900 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 9 cases [15.7% of the total] of the total patients studied, of which 2 cases [6.6%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group, and 6 cases [35.3%] in III group. [3] CPK; The positive value [increased over 800 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 10 cases [17. 5% of the total] of the total patients studied, including 4 cases [13. 3%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group, and 5 cases [29.4%] in III group. 2. The myocardial protection method used in the present study was demonstrated to be effective for the myocardial protection in the surgery with aortic cross-clamping time of up to 90 minutes. A few ischemic myocardial injury were observed in the surgery with aortic cross-clamping time over 91 minutes, but no significant cardiac dysfunction was noted. The surgery with aortic cross-clamping time of up to 191 minutes did not appear to give rise any significant interference with postoperative recovery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.225-233
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• 1989

Cardioplegia and myocardial protection were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass during open heart surgery with the use of St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution [4 [C] for the coronary artery perfusion and normal saline solution [4[ c] for the topical cardiac cooling. To maintain the state of myocardial protection, coronary artery reperfusion was carried out using St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution at the interval of 30 minutes. A total number of patients studied were 57 cases, including 37 cases of correction for congenital anomalies and 20 cases for acquired heart diseases. Cardiopulmonary bypass time during the surgery was observed to be average of 87.89*47.55 hours, aortic cross-clamping time [ACCT] to be average of 76.68*44.27 hours raging from 30 to 191 minutes. In order to evaluate the effects of myocardial protection in the surgery, serum enzyme levels were determined. To observe the relationship between ACCT and myocardial protection effects, patients studied were divided into the following 3 groups. I group: ACCT 60 minutes, II group: ACCT 90 minutes, III group: ACCT over 91 minutes [1] SGOT; The positive value [increased over 200 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 11 cases [19.3% of the total] of the total patients studied, of which 4 cases [13.3%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group, and 6 cases [35.3%] in III group. [2] LDH; The positive value [increased over 900 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 9 cases [15.7% of the total] of the total patients studied, of which 2 cases [6.6%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group and 6 cases [35.3%] in III group. [3] CPK; The positive value [increased over 800 units] for ischemic myocardial injury during operation was observed in 10 cases [17.5% of the total] of the total patients studied, including 4 cases [13.3%] in I group, 1 case [10.0%] in II group, and 5 cases [29.4%] in III group [4] The myocardial protection method used in the present study was demonstrated to be effective for the myocardial protection in the surgery with ACCT of up to 90 minutes. A few ischemic myocardial injury were observed in the surgery with ACCT over 91 minutes, but no significant cardiac dysfunction was noted. The surgery with ACCT of up to 191 minutes did not appear to give rise any significant interference with postoperative recovery.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.141-145
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• 2017

Purpose: Clinical and laboratory features of two Kawasaki disease (KD) groups were evaluated; the patient with pyuria and those without pyuria. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2016, the medical records of 140 (86 males and 54 females) inpatients with KD were retro-spectively analyzed. Results: Forty-eight KD patients (34.3%) presented with pyuria. KD patients with pyuria showed a higher level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and a higher proportion of elevated liver enzymes than those without pyuria. There were no differences in the proportions of unresponsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulin and coronary artery lesions between the two groups. Six KD patients (12.5%) with pyuria underwent a renal imaging study to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infections. Thirty-two KD patients (66.7%) with pyuria received treatment with antibiotics in addition to the standard treatment for KD. Conclusions: KD patients with pyuria showed a higher level of CRP and elevated levels of liver enzymes than those without pyuria. These findings suggest that KD patients with pyuria have more severe systemic inflammation than those without pyuria.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.66-81
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• 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been continuously spreading throughout the world. As of July 15, 2021, there have been more than 188 million confirmed cases and more than 4.06 million deaths. Although the incidence of severe infections is relatively low in children and adolescents compared to adults, a complication called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may occur in some cases at approximately 2-6 weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. MIS-C can be seen in patients of various ages, from young infants to adolescents, and may present with diverse clinical manifestations. While fever present in a great majority of patients, symptoms suggesting the involvement of the digestive or nervous system and the skin and mucous membranes (Kawasaki disease-like symptoms) also appear in many cases. Cardiac involvement may also be observed, including left ventricular dysfunction, myocarditis, coronary artery dilatation, and coronary aneurysm. In some cases, hypotension or shock can occur, and mechanical ventilation or treatment in the intensive care unit may be necessary. Fortunately, recovery is generally reported after appropriate treatment. MIS-C is a rare but important complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents. As such, it is important to recognize the clinical symptoms and provide appropriate treatment at an early stage. In this review, the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, suggested pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment of MIS-C will be discussed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2021

After initial reports of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in April 2020 in Europe, this disease has been known to occur in children with recent history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and most cases have been reported in Europe and the Unites States of America. We report a case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with MIS-C with acute myocarditis and successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), methylprednisolone, and anakinra. At initial presentation, she had persistent high fever, generalized rash, generalized swelling, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. She showed a remarkably elevated level of inflammation and cardiac enzyme markers and had a previous history of COVID-19 5 weeks before the initial presentation. After extensive work up, other infectious and non-infectious causes were excluded. She was diagnosed with MIS-C and initially treated with IVIG and high-dose methylprednisolone; however, despite treatment, her heart function deteriorated and coronary artery dilatation progressed. Therefore, anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, was administered on hospital day 6, after which her cardiac function exhibited improvement. She was discharged on hospital day 19 without any symptoms, and follow-up echocardiography after 1 month revealed fully recovered heart function with normal coronary arteries.