• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제55권1호
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• pp.1-4
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• 2014

Objective : The case fatality rate of nonlesional intracerebral hemorrhage (n-ICH) was high and not changed. Knowing the causes is important to their prevention; however, the reasons have not been studied. The aims of this study were to determine the cause of death, to improve the clinical outcomes. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed consecutive cases of nonlesional intracerebral hemorrhage in a prospective stroke registry from January 2010 to December 2010. Results : Among 174 patients ($61.83{\pm}13.36$, 28-90 years), 29 patients (16.7%) died during hospitalization. Most common cause of death was initial neurological damage (41.4%, 12/29). Seventeen patients who survived the initial damage may then develop various potentially fatal complications. Except for death due to the initial neurological sequelae, death associated with immobilization (such as pneumonia or thromboembolic complication) was the most common in eight cases (8/17, 47.1%). However, death due to early rebleeding was not common and occurred in only 2 cases (2/17, 11.8%). Age, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, and diabetes mellitus were statistically significant factors influencing mortality (p<0.05). Conclusion : Mortality of n-ICH is still high. Initial neurological damage is the most important factor; however, non-neurological medical complications are a large part of case fatality. Most cases of death of patients who survived from the first bleeding were due to complications of immobilization. These findings have implications for clinical practice and planning of clinical trials. In addition, future conduct of a randomized study will be necessary in order to evaluate the benefits of early mobilization for prevention of immobilization related complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권5호
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• pp.631-639
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• 2020

Objective : Traditionally, staged surgery has been preferred in the treatment of compound comminuted depressed fracture (FCCD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and involves the removal of primarily damaged bone and subsequent cranioplasty. The main reason for delayed cranioplasty was to reduce the risk of infection-related complications. Here, the author performed immediate reconstruction using a titanium mesh in consecutive patients with FCCD after TBI, reported the surgical results, and reviewed previous studies. Methods : Nineteen consecutive patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD of the skull from April 2014 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic and radiological characteristics of the patients with FCCD were investigated. The characteristics associated with surgery and outcome were also evaluated. Results : The frequency of TBI in men (94.7%) was significantly higher than that in women. Most FCCDs (73.7%) occurred during work, the rest were caused by traffic accidents. The mean interval between TBI and surgery was 7.0±3.9 hours. The median Glasgow coma scale score was 15 (range, 8-15) at admission and 15 (range, 10-15) at discharge. FCCD was frequently located in the frontal (57.9%) and parietal (31.6%) bones than in other regions. Of the patients with FCCDs in the frontal bone, 62.5% had paranasal sinus injury. There were five patients with fractures of orbital bone, and they were easily reconstructed using titanium mesh. These patients were cosmetically satisfied. Postoperatively, antibiotics were used for an average of 12.6 days. The mean hospital stay was 17.6±7.5 days (range, 8-33). There was no postoperative seizure or complications, such as infection. Conclusion : Immediate bony fragments replacement and reconstruction with reconstruction titanium mesh for FCCD did not increase infectious sequelae, even though FCCD involved sinus. This suggests that immediate single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD is a suitable surgical option with potential benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and cosmetic and psychological outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.325-333
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• 2001

Objective : To clarify the benefits and therapeutic effects of intra-arterial papaverine infusion on the symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, we analyzed the results of treatment in 32 patients retrospectively. Methods : A total of 510 patients underwent surgical clipping or endovascular intra-aneurysmal treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysm between May, 1996 and June, 1999. The delayed ischemic deficit(DID) was developed in 90 of 510 patients. Of these 90 patients, 32 developed symptomatic vasospasm inspite of using modest "3H therapy". The brain CT scan was taken before the intra-arterial infusion of papaverine. The 32 patients underwent 42 intra-arterial papaverine infusion. The symptomatic vasospasm was divided into three groups : deterioration of mental status(Group 1), appearance of a focal neurologic deficit(Group 2), or both(Group 3). We measured Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS), arterial diameters, and cerebral circulation time(CCT) at the time of pre- and postangioplasty. Results : The number of patients in group 1, 2 and 3 were 26, 7, 9 respectively. Eighteen cases showed improvement of GCS more than 2 scores, 16 more than 1, and 8 showed no change of GCS. Average cerebral circulation time(CCT) was decreased ranging from 0.0%-67.5%, and arterial diameters were increased in 21 cases ranging from 1 to 4 folds. Conclusion : Intra-arterial papaverine infusion seemed to have therapeutic effects on symptomatic vasospasm by improving the neurological signs and increasing the arterial diameter. We suggest that intra-arterial papaverine infusion would be an useful adjunctive therapeutic modality in symptomatic vasospasm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.93-100
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• 2015

Objective : Optimal treatment decision and estimation of the prognosis in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently based on demographic and clinical predictors. But sometimes, there are limitations in these factors. In this study, we analyzed three central nervous system biomarkers in TBI patients, will discuss the roles and clinical applications of biomarkers in TBI. Methods : From July on 2013 to August on 2014, a total of 45 patients were included. The serum was obtained at the time of hospital admission, and biomarkers were extracted with centrifugal process. It was analyzed for the level of S-100 beta (S100B), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1). Results : This study included 33 males and 12 females with a mean age of 58.5 (19-84) years. TBI patients were classified into two groups. Group A was severe TBI with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 3-5 and Group B was mild TBI with GCS score 13-15. The median serum concentration of S100B, GFAP, and UCH-L1 in severe TBI were raised 5.1 fold, 5.5 fold, and 439.1 fold compared to mild injury, respectively. The serum levels of these markers correlated significantly with the injury severity and clinical outcome (p<0.001). Increased level of markers was strongly predicted poor outcomes. Conclusion : S100B, GFAP, and UCH-L1 serum level of were significantly increased in TBI according to severity and associated clinical outcomes. Biomarkers have potential utility as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic adjuncts in the setting of TBI.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.131-136
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• 2015

Objective : To investigate the incidence of corpus callosum injury (CCI) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) using brain MRI. We also performed a review of the clinical characteristics associated with this injury. Methods : A total of 356 patients in the study were diagnosed with TBI, with 94 patients classified as having mild TBI. We included patients with mild TBI for further evaluation if they had normal findings via brain computed tomography (CT) scans and also underwent brain MRI in the acute phase following trauma. As assessed by brain MRI, CCI was defined as a high-signal lesion in T2 sagittal images and a corresponding low-signal lesion as determined by axial gradient echo (GRE) imaging. Based on these criteria, we divided patients into two groups for further analysis : Group I (TBI patients with CCI) and Group II (TBI patients without CCI). Results : A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study (including 16 patients in Group I and 40 patients in Group II). Analysis of clinical symptoms revealed a significant difference in headache severity between groups. Over 50% of patients in Group I experienced prolonged neurological symptoms including dizziness and gait disturbance and were more common in Group I than Group II (dizziness : 37 and 12% in Groups I and II, respectively; gait disturbance : 12 and 0% in Groups I and II, respectively). Conclusion : The incidence of CCI in patients with mild TBI was approximately 29%. We suggest that brain MRI is a useful method to reveal the cause of persistent symptoms and predict clinical prognosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권6호
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• pp.710-716
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• 2017

Objective : Among pediatric injury, brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability. To improve outcomes, many developed countries built neurotrauma databank (NTDB) system but there was not established nationwide coverage NTDB until 2009 and there have been few studies on pediatric traumatic head injury (THI) patients in Korea. Therefore, we analyzed epidemiology and outcome from the big data of pediatric THI. Methods : We collected data on pediatric patients from 23 university hospitals including 9 regional trauma centers from 2010 to 2014 and analyzed their clinical factors (sex, age, initial Glasgow coma scale, cause and mechanism of head injury, presence of surgery). Results : Among all the 2617 THI patients, total number of pediatric patients was 256. The average age of the subjects was 9.07 (standard deviation${\pm}6.3$) years old. The male-to female ratio was 1.87 to 1 and male dominance increases with age. The most common cause for trauma were falls and traffic accidents. Age (p=0.007), surgery (p<0.001), mechanism of trauma (p=0.016), subdural hemorrhage (SDH) (p<0.001), diffuse axonal injury (DAI) (p<0.001) were statistically significant associated with severe brain injury. Conclusion : Falls were the most common cause of trauma, and age, surgery, mechanism of trauma, SDH, DAI increased with injury severity. There is a critical need for effective fall and traffic accidents prevention strategies for children, and we should give attention to these predicting factors for more effective care.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.95-102
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• 2015

Purpose: Drug overdose is easily found in the emergency department (ED). Sedative-hypnotics overdose causes the aspiration pneumonia in patients with decreased mental status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of aspiration pneumonia in patients poisoned with sedative-hypnotics. Methods: One hundred seventy eight patients who were poisoned with sedative-hypnotics and who visited ED between 2009 and 2015 were included. This study was conducted retrospectively, with collection of data by review of medical records. We collected the data concerning the characteristics of patients and classified them into two groups based on the development of aspiration pneumonia. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors for the development of aspiration pneumonia. Results: Thirty five patients had an aspiration pneumonia during their hospital stay in 178 patients. The age, amount of ingestion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission, a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the hypotension at admission were significantly different between two groups in univariate analysis. The age, amount of ingestion and GCS score at admission were associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.028 (95%CI, 1.002-1.056, p=0.037), 1.026 (95%CI, 1.004-1.043, p=0.001), 0.737 (95%CI, 0.683-0.915, p=0.002)). All patients with aspiration pneumonia were discharged without a sequelae. Conclusion: The development of aspiration pneumonia in the patients of sedative-hypnotics overdose is associated with old age, amount of drug ingestion, and GCS score at admission.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.107-114
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• 2012

사고로 인해 응급실을 내원한 중증외상환자로 등록된 환자 중 혈관조영술을 시행 받고, 동맥 출혈이 진단되어 동맥색전술을 시행 받은 환자를 대상으로 생존군과 사망군을 비교하여 생존의 영향을 미치는 인자와 치료방법으로 혈관조영술 및 색전술의 유용성과 적절한 시행 시점을 연구하였다. 2006년 7월부터 2010년 12월에 경기도에 위치한 H병원 응급실에 중증외상환자로 분류된 환자 중 혈관조영술과 동맥색전술을 시행한 환자 45명을 대상으로 하여 후향적 분석을 실시하였다. 주요 지표로 ISS(Injury Severity Score)와 RTS(Revised Trauma Score), 적혈구 용적률 (Hematocrit)를 삼았다. 다발성 손상의 의한 중증외상환자의 경피적 동맥색전술은 모두 성공적으로 시술되었고, 환자의 사망률과 합병증을 줄이는데 도움을 줄 수 있으며, RTS, ISS, Hematocrit, 쇼크 등이 사망률 조기 인자로써 예측이 가능하였으며 생체활력증후가 안 좋은 환자는 색전술 시행 시점을 가능한 빠르게 진행시켜야 한다.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.26-32
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• 2016

Purpose: Aspiration pneumonia is an important complication of drug intoxication with decreased mental status. The purpose of the study is to investigate the risk factors of aspiration pneumonia in the patients of benzodiazepine overdose with or without co-ingestion of other drugs. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who visited the emergency department between January 2012 and December 2014 was conducted. Demographic data, time from ingestion to visit, initial vital signs, symptoms, mental status, medical history, laboratory results, chest radiological findings and co-ingested medications were recorded. Multiple logistic analyses were performed to verify the association between variables and the development of aspiration pneumonia. Results: A total of 249 patients presented to the emergency department with benzodiazepine overdose. Aspiration pneumonia had developed in 24 patients (9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed time from ingestion to visit was longer, Glasgow coma scale score was lower, hypoxia was presented, leukocytosis was shown, types of ingested drugs was high, less activated charcoal was applied and tricyclic antidepressants was taken in patients that developed aspiration pneumonia. Time from ingestion to visit (odds ratio (OR) 1.121, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.057-1.189, p=0.000), GCS score (OR 0.724. 95% CI, 0.624-0.839, p=0.000), oxygen saturation (OR 0.895, 95% CI, 0.835-0.959, p=0.002), and co-ingestion of TCA (OR 4.595, 95% CI, 1.169-18.063, p=0.029) were identified as risk factors of morbidity of aspiration pneumonia upon multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Time from ingestion to visit, low GCS score, low oxygen saturation and co-ingestion of TCA were risk factors of the development of aspiration pneumonia in benzodiazepine overdose patients.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.89-92
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• 2006

Penetrating facial wounds are uncommon and are usually life threatening because of the possibility of brain damage. There are three possible pathways for penetrating the cranium through the orbit: via the orbital roof, via the superior orbital fissure, or between the optic canal and lateral wall of the orbit. Brain injuries resulting from the penetrating wounds show extensive parenchymal damage, hemorrhage, and brain edema. Transorbital penetrating wounds can lead to diverse lesions of the optical apparatus, including the eye globe, the optical nerve, and the chiasm. Moreover, intracerebral structures may be hurt, and bleeding and infection may occur. Early diagnosis and prompt debridement are the fundamental factors affecting the outcome of a penetrating facial wound. An 87-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with a grinder impacted into the medial aspect of the right eye. On presentation, the man was fully conscious with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 and complained of a visual disturbance of the right eye. Computed tomography demonstrated a right orbital medial and inferior wall fracture, a frontal bone fracture, and a contusional hemorrhage in frontal lobe of the brain. A craniotomy with hematoma removal and repair of the orbital floor was done. He showed no neurological deficits except right visual loss. This appears to be the first report of a man with a penetrating facial wound caused by a grinder, who presented with a potentially disastrous craniocerebral injury that did not lead to any serious neurological seguelae.