• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.356-364
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• 1999

Backgrounds: Previous reports have revealed a high morbidity and mortality in fatal asthma patients, especially those treated in the medical intensive care unit(MICU). But it has not been well known about the predictable factors for the mortality of fatal asthma(F A) with acute respiratory failure. In order to define the predictable factors for the mortality of FA at the admission to MICU, we analyzed the relationship between the clinical parameters and the prognosis of FA patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all medical records of 59 patients who had admitted for FA to MICU at a tertiary care MICU from January 1992 to March 1997 was performed. Results: Over all mortality rate was 32.2% and 43 patients were mechanically ventilated. In uni-variate analysis, the death group had significantly older age ($66.2{\pm}10.5$ vs. $51.0{\pm}18.8$ year), lower FVC($59.2{\pm}21.1$ vs. $77.6{\pm}23.3%$) and lower $FEV_1$($41.4{\pm}18.8$ vs. $61.l{\pm}23.30%$), and longer total ventilation time ($255.0{\pm}236.3$ vs. $98.1{\pm}120.4$ hour) (p<0.05) compared with the survival group (PFT: best value of recent 1 year). At MICU admission, there were no significant differences in vital signs, $PaCO_2$, $PaO_2/FiO_2$, and $AaDO_2$, in both groups. However, on the second day of MICU, the death group had significantly more rapid pulse rate ($121.6{\pm}22.3$ vs. $105.2{\pm}19.4$ rate/min), elevated $PaCO_2$ ($50.1{\pm}16.5$ vs. $41.8{\pm}12.2 mm Hg$), lower $PaO_2/FiO_2$, ($160.8{\pm}59.8$ vs. $256.6{\pm}78.3 mm Hg$), higher $AaDO_2$ ($181.5{\pm}79.7$ vs. $98.6{\pm}47.9 mm Hg$), and higher APACHE III score ($57.6{\pm}21.1$ vs. $20.3{\pm}13.2$) than survival group (p<0.05). The death group had more frequently associated with pneumonia and anoxic brain damage at admission, and had more frequently developed sepsis during disease progression than the survival group (p<0.05). Multi-variate analysis using APACHE III score and $PaO_2/FiO_2$, ratio on first and second day, age, sex, and pneumonia combined at admission revealed that APACHE III score (40) and $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio (<200) on second day were regarded as predictive factors for the mortality of fatal asthma (p<0.05). Conclusions: APACHE III score ($\geq$40) and $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio (<200) on the second day of MICU, which might reflect the response of treatment, rather than initially presented clinical parameters would be more important predictable factors of mortality in patients with FA.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.74-78
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• 2007

The carbamates are a group of insecticides derived from carbamic acid, with a broad spectrum of uses as agricultural and household garden insecticides. Carbamate insecticides are reversible cholinesterase inhibitors. Their inhibitory action is mediated by reversible carbamylation of acetylcholine, as with the organophosphate insecticides. Carbamates are absorbed by the body through multiple routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Although poisoning can result from occupational exposure or accidental ingestion, in most cases there is suicidal intent. This is particularly true in developing countries, where the highest incidence of morbidity and mortality from this cause occurs. Cardiac complications often accompany poisoning by carbamate compounds, which may be serious and often fatal. The extent, frequency, and pathogenesis of cardiac toxicity from carbamate compounds has not been clearly defined. Possible mechanismsinclude sympathetic and parasymphatetic overactivity, hypoxemia, acidosis, electrolyte derangements, and a direct toxic effect of the compounds on the myocardium. Patients with carbamate poisoning should immediately be transferred to an intensive or coronary care unit where appropriate monitoring and resuscitative facilities are available. We here report a case of acute coronary syndrome resulting from acute carbamate ingestionthat resulted in a healthy discharge.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9853-9857
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• 2014

Background: The morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer continues to rise in China and advanced cases respond poorly to chemotherapy. Ribosomal protein L24 has been reported to be a potential therapeutic target whose depletion or acetylation inhibits polysome assembly and cell growth of cancer. Materials and Methods: Total RNA of cultured amycin-resistant and susceptible HepG2 cells was isolated, and real time quantitative RT-PCR were used to indicate differences between amycin-resistant and susceptible strains of HepG2 cells. Viability assays were used to determine amycin resistance in RPL24 transfected and control vector and null-transfected HepG2 cell lines. Results: The ribosomal protein L24 transcription level was 7.7 times higher in the drug-resistant HepG2 cells as compared to susceptible cells on quantitative RT-PCR analysis. This was associated with enhanced drug resistance as determined by methyl tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation. Conclusions: The ribosomal protein L24 gene may have effects on drug resistance mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.261-266
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• 2012

Purpose: Traumatic pancreatic injury is not common in abdominal trauma injury. However, the morbidity and the mortality rates of patients with pancreatic injury, which are related with difficulties of initial assessment, establishment of diagnosis, and treatment are relatively high. The aim of this study is to review our institution's experience and suggest a diagnosis and therapeutic algorithm for use in cases involving traumatic pancreatic injury. Methods: Eighteen(18) patients with blunt pancreatic injury from January, 2004 to October 2012 were included in this study. We analyzed treatment and diagnosis method, other organ injury, treatment interval, hospital stay and complications retrospectively. Results: Nine patients were treated with conservative medication and another nine patients were treated surgically. Complications occurred in nine patients, and one patient died due to intraventricular hemorrhage and subdural hemorrhage with multiple organ failure. Delayed surgery was performed in three cases. The early and delayed surgery groups showed difference in hospital stay and intensive care unit stay. Delayed surgery was associated with a longer hospital stay (p=0.007) than immediate surgery. Conclusion: In blunt pancreatic trauma, proper early diagnosis and prompt treatment are recommended necessity. Based on this review of our experience, we also suggest the adoption of our institution's algorithm for cases involving traumatic pancreatic injury.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1132-1138
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• 1995

From 1991 to 1994, we experienced 24 cases of neonatal pneumothorax who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit[NICU , Chosun University Hospital. The Following results were obtained.1 The incidence of neonatal pneumothorax was 0.70%, and there were 8 spontaneous pneumothoraces and 16 secondary pneumothoraces. 2 The clinical manifestation of neonatal pneumothorax was as followed. Male infant was dominant[M:F=2:1 , the onset was within 24 hours in the majority[83% , and the right side[62% was more frequent than the left side. The gestation duration and birth weight show no correlation with underlying neonatal pneumothorax. The pulmonary diseases were meconium aspiration syndrome and hyaline membrane disease, and the incidence of those was 58%. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurred earlier than hyaline membrane disease. Symptoms and signs were tachypnea[46% , cyanosis[21% , irritability[13% , chest retraction[8% and apnea[8% .3 The treatments performed were oxygen therapy[17% , thoracentesis[4% and closed thoracostomy with underwater seal drainage[79% . The Mean duration of air leakage was 11.7 hours, and the mean drainage time was 4.35$\pm$1.3day. 4 The overall hospital mortality was 33%, and the rate of complication was 46%. The complications were metabolic acidosis, atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumonia. We concluded that the prognosis was related to the underlying pulmonary disease.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.59-72
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• 2010

Purpose: This study is a descriptive research to analyze prognostic factors of barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) for severe brain damage patients, to develop a critical pathway (CP) based on the results of analysis and to examine the effect of its clinical application. Method: We analyzed medical records of 76 patients who received BCT for more than three days between January 1999 to July 2005. Based on the results of the analysis, we developed a CP and applied it to 12 people during August-December of 2005. Result: By application of BCT CP, the mortality rate decreased from 31.6% to 16.7%. It was found that the period of staying at ICU and total period of hospitalization were shortened by 2.78 (13.9%) days and 16.43 (29.4%) days, respectively. The Glasgow coma scale of the recovery group by CP application was 9.03 (4.64) at 72 hours post of BCT and 14.28 (1.82) at discharge from hospital, and DRS was 6.62 (6.38) points. Conclusion: By verifying clinical validity of the suggested CP, we believe that we have obtained visible effects standardizing the treatment pathway of BCT for brain damage patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.187-191
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• 2018

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a one of the most common cause of respiratory morbidity and mortality in neonates. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for RDS in full-term neonates. Methods: We conducted this retrospective study using medical records. The study group included 80 full-term neonates diagnosed with RDS and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2012 and December 2016, at Yeungnam University Hospital. We analyzed sex, gestational age, birth weight, delivery method, maternal age, number of pregnancy, history of abortion, and complication of pregnancy. The control group included 116 full-time neonates who were hospitalized with jaundice during the same period. Results: The incidence of full-term RDS was more common in males (odds ratio [OR], 3.288; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.446-7.479), cesarean section (OR, 15.03; 95% CI, 6.381-35.423), multiparity (OR, 4.216; 95% CI, 1.568-11.335). The other factors rendered no significant results. Conclusion: The risk factors for RDS in full-tern neonates were identified as male sex, cesarean section, and multiparity. Further studies involving more institutions are needed to clarify the risk factors for RDS in full-term infants.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.245-255
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• 2021

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality that occurs mainly in premature born infants. The pathophysiologic mechanisms indicate that gastrointestinal dysbiosis is a major risk factor. We searched for relevant articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar in the English language up to October 2020. Articles were extracted using subject headings and keywords of interest to the topic. Interesting references in included articles were also considered. Network meta-analysis suggests the preventive efficacy of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp., but even more for mixtures of Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus spp. However, studies comparing face-to-face different strains are lacking. Moreover, differences in inclusion criteria, dosage strains, and primary outcomes in most trials are major obstacles to providing evidence-based conclusions. Although adverse effects have not been reported in clinical trials, case series of adverse outcomes, mainly septicemia, have been published. Consequently, systematic administration of probiotic bacteria to prevent NEC is still debated in literature. The risk-benefit ratio depends on the incidence of NEC in a neonatal intensive care unit, and evidence has shown that preventive measures excluding probiotic administration can result in a decrease in NEC.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.232-239
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• 2022

Purpose: The recent increase in electric scooter (e-scooter) use has been accompanied by an increase in injuries from e-scooter-related accidents. Studies have reported that most such injuries are minor, and physicians may therefore underestimate the severity of such injuries. This study investigated the types and severity of injuries caused by isolated e-scooter accidents (i.e., those that did not involve colliding with other cars or falling from heights). Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from May to December 2021 at Dankook University Hospital tertiary medical center. The demographic data of patients injured in isolated e-scooter-related accidents were collected. All injuries were categorized by body part. Results: Fifty eligible patients visited our emergency department during the study period. Of these, 76% were categorized as nonemergency, and 62% were discharged after initial evaluation and treatment at the emergency department. Another 10% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 18% to the ward, with nine patients receiving at least one operation. The average hospital stays were 2.4 days in the ICU and 9 days in the ward. One death occurred due to traumatic brain injury (overall mortality rate, 2%). Multiple fractures of the left third through ninth ribs combined with lung laceration and fractures of T12 and L4 were noted. Conclusions: Various types and severities of injuries can occur in isolated e-scooter accidents. While most such injuries are minor, some will require ICU admission or surgery, and deaths can occur. Physicians should not underestimate the severity of such injuries.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.6
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• pp.260-263
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• 2013

Invasive aspergillosis has emerged as a major cause of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Recently, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who have been receiving corticosteroids for a long period, and immunocompetent patients in the intensive care unit have been identified as nontraditional hosts at risk for invasive aspergillosis. Here, we report a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after influenza in an immunocompetent patient. The patient's symptoms were nonspecific, and the patient was unresponsive to treatments for pulmonary bacterial infection. Bronchoscopy revealed mucosa hyperemia, and wide, raised and cream-colored plaques throughout the trachea and both the main bronchi. Histologic examination revealed aspergillosis. The patient recovered quickly when treated systemically with voriconazole, although the reported mortality rates for aspergillosis are extremely high. This study showed that invasive aspergillosis should be considered in immunocompetent patients who are unresponsive to antibiotic treatments; further, early extensive use of all available diagnostic tools, especially bronchoscopy, is mandatory.