• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.445-450
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• 2008

Background: As the number of older-aged people increases, the number of elderly patients who receive critical care services is expected to increase substantially. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients who receive mechanical ventilation for more than 30 days in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) at a university hospital. Methods: We retrospectively examined forty-one elderly patients (${\geq}65$ years old) who were receiving mechanical ventilation, from April 2004 to March 2007, for periods exceeding 30 days at the MICU at Eulji University Hospital. Results: The MICU and hospitalmortality rate were 60.9% and 65.9%, respectively. The mean length of the ICU stay was 57.5 days and the mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 49.3 days. The most common reason for MICU admission was acute respiratory failure (73.2%), followed by sepsis (12.2%), neurological problems (9.8%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (4.9%). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were higher for the nonsurvivors than for the survivors (28.0 vs. 25.0, respectively, p=0.03). The nonsurvivors received more red blood cell (RBC) transfusions during their ICU stay than did the survivors (84.0% vs. 43.8%, respectively p=0.007). The factors associated with hospital death were the APACHE II score and if the patient had received a RBC transfusion. Conclusion: The APACHE II score and a RBC transfusion were predictors of increased hospital mortality for the elderly patients who were on prolonged mechanical ventilation. These predictors may assist physicians to make clinical decisions for this patient population.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.323-328
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• 2010

Purpose : To verify the effect of hyperglycemia on mortality rates in critically ill children and to identify the blood glucose level that influences prognosis. Methods : From July 2006 to June 2008, a total of 206 patients who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Asan Medical Center and who survived for more than 7 days were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the maximum glucose value within 7 days in PICU, PRISM-III score and SOFA score within 24 hours, and mortality. We did not perform an adjustment analysis of drugs affecting glucose level. Results : The maximum glucose level within 7 days in PICU was higher in the nonsurvival group than in the survival group. Using 4 cutoff values (125, 150, 175, and 200 mg/dL), the mortality of patients with hyperglycemia was found to be 13.0 %, 14.4%, 19.8%, and 21.1%, respectively, and the cutoff values of 175 and 200 mg/dL revealed significant differences in mortalities between the hyperglycemic and normoglycemic groups. The PRISM-III score was not significantly different between the hyperglycemic and normoglycemic groups under a glucose cutoff value of 175 mg/dL, but the SOFA score was higher in the hyperglycemic group. Under a glucose cutoff value of 200 mg/dL, the PRISM-III score was higher in the hyperglycemic group, and the SOFA score did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusion : Hyperglycemia with a maximal glucose value ${\geq}175\;mg/dL$ during the first 7 days after PICU admission was associated with increased mortality in critically ill children.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.362-368
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• 2023

Purpose: Clinical reports on treatment outcomes of sternal fractures are lacking. This study details the clinical features, treatment approaches, and outcomes related to traumatic sternal fractures over a 10-year period at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to a regional trauma center between January 2012 and December 2021. Among 7,918 patients with chest injuries, 266 were diagnosed with traumatic sternal fractures. Patient data were collected, including demographics, injury mechanisms, severity, associated injuries, sternal fracture characteristics, hospital stay duration, mortality, respiratory complications, and surgical details. Surgical indications encompassed emergency cases involving intrathoracic injuries, unstable fractures, severe dislocations, flail chest, malunion, and persistent high-grade pain. Results: Of 266 patients with traumatic sternal fractures, 260 were included; 98 underwent surgical treatment for sternal fractures, while 162 were managed conservatively. Surgical indications ranged from intrathoracic organ or blood vessel injuries necessitating thoracotomy to unstable fractures with severe dislocations. Factors influencing surgical treatment included flail motion and rib fracture. The median length of intensive care unit stay was 5.4 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1.5-18.0 days) for the nonsurgery group and 8.6 days (IQR, 3.3-23.6 days) for the surgery group. The median length of hospital stay was 20.9 days (IQR, 9.3-48.3 days) for the nonsurgery group and 27.5 days (IQR, 17.0 to 58.0 days) for the surgery group. The between-group differences were not statistically significant. Surgical interventions were successful, with stable bone union and minimal complications. Flail motion in the presence of rib fracture was a crucial consideration for surgical intervention. Conclusions: Surgical treatment recommendations for sternal fractures vary based on flail chest presence, displacement degree, and rib fracture. Surgery is recommended for patients with offset-type sternal fractures with rib and segmental sternal fractures. Surgical intervention led to stable bone union and minimal complications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.11
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• pp.1158-1166
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to make a diagnostic classification and discuss a diagnostic strategy of floppy infants by investigating clinical, neurological, electrophysiological, and genetic analysis of infants admitted to intensive care units with the complaint of hypotonia. Methods : A retrospective study was performed from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 2005 in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Clinical features and all tests related to hypotonia were investigated. Results : There were 21 cases of floppy infants admitted to intensive care units. Final diagnosis was classified as centra (7 cases[33.3 percent]), peripheral (11 cases [52.4 percent]), and unspecified (3 cases [14.3 percent]). Among the central group, three patients were diagnosed as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, two patients as Prader-Willi syndrome, one patient as chromosomal disorder, and one patient as transient hypotonia. Among the peripheral group, four patients were diagnosed as myotubular myopathy, three patients as SMA type 1, two patients as congenital myotonic dystrophy, one patient as congenital muscular dystrophy, and one as unspecified motor-neuron disease. Motor power was above grade 3 on average, and deep tendon reflex was brisk in the central group. Among investigations, electromyography showed 66 percent sensitivity in the peripheral group, and muscle biopsy was all diagnostic in the peripheral group. Brain image was diagnostic in the central group, and Prader-Willi FISH or karyotyping was helpful in diagnosis in central group. Morbidity and mortality was more severe in the peripheral group Conclusion : Classification of diagnosis by clinical characteristics in this study, and application of investigations step by step, may provide an effective diagnostic strategy.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2005

Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical pattern of the patients with penetrating torso injury. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical symptoms, mechanism of injury, injury type including injured organ, and ultimate outcome of treatment. Our purpose of the study was to establish guideline of management in penetrating torso injury. Methods: This study consists of an analysis of a consecutive series of 94 patients with penetrating injury of trunk treated at one general hospital during 7year period (from January 1995 to April 2003) who was admitted through in our emergency department. All data were collected from the medical records and entered in a database for analysis on the following: age, sex, mechanism of injury, vital sign at admission, clinical outcome including hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, requirement of crystalloid fluid and blood product. Results: Among 94 patients, there were 68 men and 26 women, with ages ranging from 19 to 82 years (average 38.2 years). The most frequent mechanism of injury was violence by others including rob (n=54, 57.4%) followed by suicidal attempt (n=24, 25.5%) and accidental injury (n=16, 17.0%). No injury was inflicted from gun. In 37 patients, systolic blood pressure at admission was under 90mmHg. The time interval from injury to admission, and from admission to operation was 57.8minutes and 4hour 12minutes each. Laparotomy was required in 70 patients, thoracotomy in 5 patients, and 3 patients required thoracotomy and laparotomy. Among 94 patients, an average of 1.7 organs were injured. The small bowel and colon were the organs most commonly wounded followed by liver, mesentery, pleura. Of the 94 patients, 6 died for an overall mortality rate of 6.4%, and two of them were not related with hemorrhage. The average length of hospital stay was 18.1 days, and 40 patients required ICU care. Conclusion: Of the 94 patients who were admitted from penetrating torso injury, no patient was injured from firearm. Overall mortality rate was 6.4%. In our hospital, firearm injury was relative rare.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.12-19
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• 2023

Purpose: Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal death accounting for 30-50% of mortality annually in developing countries. This study was to determine the prognostic factors of neonatal sepsis mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted in Dr. R. Sosodoro Djatikoesoemo Governor Hospital from April 2021 to September 2021 on 121 neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) diagnosed with sepsis. The inclusion criteria were neonates aged 0-28 days, admitted to the NICU, and diagnosed with sepsis. The exclusion criteria were incomplete data and the presence of congenital abnormalities. A χ² test was performed on the sex, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, APGAR score, birthplace, and blood culture. A normality test was performed on leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and length of stay. Then performed a Mann-Whitney test. Results: Birth weight (P=0.038), gestational age (P=0.009), and blood culture (P=0.014) showed a significant relationship with the neonatal sepsis outcome while Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences in the platelets (P=0.018), CRP (P=0.002), and length of stay (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that 3 prognostic factors associated with neonatal sepsis mortality were prematurity (odds ratio [OR], 3.906; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.344-11.356; P=0.012), low birth weight (LBW, OR, 2.833; 95% CI, 1.030-7.790; P=0.044), and gram-negative bacteria (OR, 4.821; 95% CI, 1.018-22.842; P=0.047). Conclusions: Prematurity, LBW, and gram-negative bacteria were associated with the prognostic factors of neonatal sepsis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.291-296
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• 2020

Background: We report our 10-year experience with traumatic peripheral arterial injury repair at an urban level I trauma center. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2016, 28 adult trauma patients presented with traumatic peripheral arterial injuries. Data were retrospectively collected on demographic characteristics, the mechanism of injury, the type of vascular injury, and physiological status on initial assessment. The analysis also included the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), Injury Severity Score, surgical procedures, and outcome variables including limb salvage, hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative vascular complications. Results: Four (14.3%) patients required amputation due to failed revascularization. MESS significantly differed between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005). The amputation rate was not significantly different between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (20% vs. 0%, respectively; p=0.295). The overall mortality rate was 3.6% (1 patient). Conclusion: Blunt trauma was associated with higher MESS than penetrating trauma, and amputation was more frequent. In particular, patients with blunt trauma had significantly higher MESS than patients with penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005), and amputation was performed when revascularization failed in cases of blunt trauma of the lower extremity. Therefore, particular care is needed in making treatment decisions for patients with peripheral arterial injuries caused by blunt trauma.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.61-65
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• 2021

Although re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is rare (incidence rate <1%), it is associated with a mortality rate of >20%; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important. We report a case of RPE following chest tube insertion in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. We have specifically focused on the mechanism underlying RPE and the possible etiology. An 82-year-old man with a history of chronic anemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was referred to the emergency department for management of recurrent right-sided pneumothorax. We performed emergency closed thoracostomy for suspected tension pneumothorax, which led to stabilization of the patient's vital signs; however, he coughed up frothy pink sputum accompanied by severe right-sided chest pain 30 min postoperatively. The patient showed new-onset right pulmonary consolidation on chest radiography, as well as desaturation, tachycardia, and tachypnea and was diagnosed with RPE. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation and supportive treatment using diuretics, ionotropic agents, and prophylactic antibiotics. RPE gradually resolved, and the patient was extubated 3 days after admission. He has not experienced recurrent pneumothorax or pulmonary disease for 4 months. We emphasize the importance of RPE prevention and that aggressive ventilator care and supportive treatment can effectively treat RPE following an accurate understanding of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.881-887
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• 2009

Purpose : The survival rate of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI) had increased as a result of advances in neonatal intensive care. We evaluated the changes in outcomes of VLBWI who admitted to the neonatal care unit of Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital. Methods : Retrospective review of 339 VLBWI who were born from 1st January 1997 to 31th December 2008 were performed. Outcomes including survival rate, birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), morbidities, and mortality between period I (1997- 2003) and period II (2004-2008) were compared. Results : Overall incidence of VLBWI was 2.3% and it was significantly higher in period II(3.3%). Mean BW and GA were significantly decreased in period II (P<0.001, P=0.01). The survival rate increased from period I (59.1%) to period II (74.2%). BW-specific survival rate increased in 1,000-1,249 gm and GA-specific survival rate significantly increased in 27-28 weeks and 29-30 weeks. The incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and necorotizing enterocolitis were same except patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusion : The survival rate of VLBWI was increased in period II, especially in less than 1,000 gm and below 27 weeks. This may be due to recent dramatic improvement of neonatal care. But more efforts are needed to improve outcome during initial phase and to reduce long term complication such as BPD and ROP.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2019

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of how the trauma care system applied on the management of trauma patient within the region. Methods: We divided the patients in a pre-trauma system group and a post-trauma system group according to the time when we began to apply the trauma care system in the Halla Hospital after designation of a trauma center. We compared annual general characteristics, injury severity score, the average numbers of the major trauma patients, clinical outcomes of the emergency department, and mortality rates between the two groups. Results: No significant differences were found in the annual patients' average age ($54.1{\pm}20.0$ vs. $52.8{\pm}18.2$, p=0.201), transportation pathways (p=0.462), injury mechanism (p=0.486), injury severity score (22.93 vs. 23.96, p=0.877), emergency room (ER) stay in minutes (199.17 vs. 194.29, p=0.935), time to operation or procedure in minutes (154.07 vs. 142.1, p=0.767), time interval to intensive care unit (ICU) in minutes (219.54 vs. 237.13, p=0.662). The W score and Z score indicated better outcomes in post-trauma system group than in pre-trauma system group (W scores, 2.186 vs. 2.027; Z scores, 2.189 vs. 1.928). However, when analyzing survival rates for each department, in the neurosurgery department, in comparison with W score and Z score, both W score were positive and Z core was higher than +1.96. (pre-trauma group: 3.426, 2.335 vs. post-trauma group: 4.17, 1.967). In other than the neurosurgery department, W score was positive after selection, but Z score was less than +1.96, which is not a meaningful outcome of treatment (pre-trauma group: -0.358, -0.271 vs. post-trauma group: 1.071, 0.958). Conclusions: There were significant increases in patient numbers and improvement in survival rate after the introduction of the trauma system. However, there were no remarkable change in ER stay, time to ICU admission, time interval to emergent procedure or operation, and survival rates except neurosurgery. To achieve meaningful survival rates and the result of the rise of the trauma index, we will need to secure sufficient manpower, including specialists in various surgical area as well as rapid establishment of the trauma center.