• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.425-431
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• 1998

Purpose : We retrospectively analyzed the impact of subpleural lesions of early stage non-small cell lung cancer on the patterns of failure to support selection of postoperative adjuvant therapy. Methods and Materials : The study included 91 patients who underwent surgery for early stage non-small cell lung cancer at Dong-A University Hospital from Dec 1990 to Sep 1996. Twenty five patients were excluded due to postoperative mortality (four patients, 4.4$\%$) and stage III (21 patients). Of 66 patients, 22 patients were subpleural lesions (15 patients in stage I, and seven patients in stage II). Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy was given to seven patients with T2Nl disease. The median follow-up duration was 29.5 months (range; 8-84 months). Results : The overall survival rate was 69.5$\%$ at 3 years. For all patients who presented with (22 patients) and without (44 patients) subpleural lesions, 3-year overall survival rates were 35.5$\%$ and 84.6$\%$, respectively (p=0.0017). For stage I patients who presented with (15 patients) and without (29 patients) subpleural lesions, 3-year overall survival rates were 33.1$\%$ and 92.3$\%$, respectively (p=0.001). For stage II patients who presented with (7 patients) and without (15 patients) subpleural lesions, 3-year overall survival rates were 53.3$\%$ and 45.7$\%$, respectively (p=0.911). For patients with T2N0 disease (34 patients) who presented with (11 patients) and without (23 patients) subpleural lesions, 3-year overall survival rates were 27.3$\%$ and 90.3$\%$, respectively (p=0.009). Conclusion : These observations suggest that the subpleural lesion play an important role as a prognostic factor for early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Especially for T2N0 disease, patients with subpleural lesions showed significantly lower survival rate than those without that.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.319-329
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• 2018

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a necessary procedure for diagnosis of various lung diseases. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen delivery was recently introduced. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of HFNC oxygen supply during BAL procedure in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Methods: Patients who underwent BAL while using HFNC at a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/fraction of inspired oxygen ($PaO_2/FiO_2$; PF) ratio of 300 or below among patients who had been admitted from March 2013 to May 2017 were retrospectively investigated. Results: Thirty-three BAL procedures were confirmed. Their baseline PF ratio was $166.1{\pm}46.7$. $FiO_2$ values before, during, and after BAL were $0.45{\pm}0.12$, $0.74{\pm}0.19$, and $0.57{\pm}0.14$, respectively. Flow (L/min) values before, during, and after BAL were $26.5{\pm}20.3$, $49.0{\pm}7.2$, and $40.8{\pm}14.2$, respectively. Both $FiO_2$ and flow during and after the procedure were significantly different from those before the procedure (both p<0.001). Oxygen saturation levels before, during, and after BAL measured by pulse oximeter were $94.8{\pm}2.9$, $94.6{\pm}3.5$, and $95.2{\pm}2.8%$, respectively. There were no significant differences in oxygen saturation among the three groups. Complications of BAL procedure included transient hypoxemia, hypotension, and fever. However, there was no endotracheal intubation within 24 hours. Baseline PF ratio in "without HFNC" group was significantly higher than that in "with HFNC" group. There were no differences in complications between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of HFNC during BAL procedure in ARF patients was effective and safe. However, there were no significant differences in oxygen saturation level and complications comparing "without HFNC" group in mild ARF. More studies are needed for moderate to severe ARF patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.334-338
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• 2008

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs) are relatively rare tumors that originate from the mesenchymal cells of the submesothelial tissue of the pleura. Patients with SFTPs are often asymptomatic, while some patients experience pleuritic chest pain, cough and/or dyspnea. We report here on a case of SFTP, and the patient presented with septic shock and respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. A 68-year-old woman was admitted for the evaluation of her dyspnea and generalized edema. Chest imaging studies showed an 18 cm-sized voluminous mass occupying the right thoracic cavity with anterior displacement of hilar structures and atelectasis of the right lung. Immediately after admission, she developed pneumonia and septic shock that required antibiotics and mechanical ventilation. She displayed a partial response to medical treatment, and then complete excision of the tumor was performed and the pathologic examination revealed benign SFTP. Afterward, she fully improved without evidence of recurrence until now.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.196-205
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• 2023

Purpose: Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is widely used in patients with flail chests, and several studies have reported the efficacy of SSRF even in multiple rib fractures. However, few reports have discussed the hardware failure (HF) of implanted plates. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with HF after SSRF and further investigate the related factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent SSRF for multiple rib fractures at a level I trauma center in Korea between January 2014 and January 2021. We defined HF as the unintentional loosening of screws, dislocation, or breakage of the implanted plates. The baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, and types of HF were assessed. Results: During the study period, 728 patients underwent SSRF, of whom 80 (10.9%) were diagnosed with HF. The mean age of HF patients was 56.5±13.6 years, and 66 (82.5%) were men. There were 59 cases (73.8%) of screw loosening, 21 (26.3%) of plate breakage, 17 (21.3%) of screw migration, and seven (8.8%) of plate dislocation. Nine patients (11.3%) experienced wound infection, and 35 patients (43.8%) experienced chronic pain. A total of 21 patients (26.3%) underwent reoperation for plate removal. The patients in the reoperation group were significantly younger, had fewer fractures and plates, underwent costal fixation, and had a longer follow-up. There were no significant differences in subjective chest symptoms or lung capacity. Conclusions: HF after SSRF occurred in 10.9% of the cases, and screw loosening was the most common. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify risk factors for SSRF failure.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.160-166
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• 2005

Background : Although home oxygen therapy in hypoxemic patients with chronic lung disease has been increasing over the decade in Korea, the present state has not been known well. This study was done to know the situation of home oxygen therapy in a Korean university hospital. Methods : Between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2003, 86 patients prescribed home oxygen therapy by the pulmonary physicians of Asan Medical Center were investigated using their medical record and questionnaire. Results : Patients (52 men, mean age of 61 years) with home oxygen therapy were increasing by every year. Underlying diseases were COPD (n=29), tuberculous destroyed lung (n=18), bronchiectasis (n=15), ILD (n=12), and others. Baseline $FEV_1/FVC$, FVC, and $FEV_1$ of patients were $58.4{\pm}25.2%$, $54.5{\pm}17.1%$ of predicted, and $41.7{\pm}20.6%$ of pred. Mean oxygen flow was 1.5 L/min and mean duration per day was 14.5 hours. During therapy, mean $PaO_2$ values have increased from 51.2 to 77.7 mm Hg and $PaCO_2$ values have increased from 47.5 to 49.6 mm Hg. Only 16.5% of the subjects were monitored by visiting nurses or pulse oximeter. Three year survival rate was 56.6% and hypercapnic patients showed better prognosis. Conclusion : The patients with home oxygen therapy were increasing yearly and a part of them were monitored. The hypercapnea respiratory failure patients would have better prognosis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.72-81
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• 1994

Total 55 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer treated with radiation therapy at Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yeungnam University Hospital, between May-1 1986 and April-30 1993 were retrospectively analyzed by clinical characteristics, failure patterns, follow up duration and survival ratio according to prognostic factors. Obtained results were as follows : 1. Male to female ratio was 17.3 2. Sixth and seventh decades were predominant age group. 3. The patients were 8 in stage I-II, 34 in stage IIIA, 13 in stage IIIb, respectively. 4. Forty five patients out of 55 were squamous cell carcinoma. 5. Primary tumor were originated from upper lobe bronchi predominantly. 6. The size of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement and the degree of differentiation were important in evaluation of prognosis. 7. In conclusion, for patients with poor prognostic factors systemic chemotherapy and multidisciplinary approach were recommended for better treatment outcome and improvement of survival.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.321-330
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• 1995

Purpose : To evaluate whether the early pulmonary irradiation can prevent or decrease the pulmonary damage and contribute to improve ultimate survival in paraquat lung. Materials and Methods : From Jun. 1987 to Aug. 1993, thirty patients with paraquat poisoning were evaluated. Fourteen of these patients were received pulmonary irradiation(RT). All of the patients were managed with aggressive supportive treatment such as gastric lavage, forced diuresis, antioxidant agents and antifibrosis agents. Ingested amounts of paraquat were estimated into three groups(A : minimal 50cc). Pulmonary irradiation was started within 24 hours after admission(from day 1 to day 11 after ingestion of paraquat). Both whole lungs were irradiated with AP/PA parallel opposing fields using Co-60 teletherapy machine. A total of 10Gy(2Gy/fr. x 5days) was delivered without correction of lung density. Results : In group A, all patients were alive regardless of pulmonary irradiation and in group C, all of the patients were died due to multi-organ failure, especially pulmonary fibrosis regardless of pulmonary irradiation. However, in group B, six of 7 patients($86{\%}$) with no RT were died due to respiratory failure, but 4 of 8 patients with RT were alive and 4 of 5 patients who were received pulmonary irradiation within 4 days after ingestion of paraquat were all alive though radiological pulmonary change. One patient who refused RT after 2Gy died due to pulmonary fibrosis. All 3 patients who were received pulmonary irradiation after 4 days after ingestion were died due to pulmonary fibrosis in spite of recovery from renal and hepatic toxicity Conclusion : It is difficult to find out the effect of pulmonary irradiation on the course of the paraquat lung because the precise plasma and urine paraquat concentration were not available between control and irradiation groups. But early pulmonary irradiation within 4 days after paraquat poisoning with aggresive supportive treatment appears to decrease Pulmonary toxicity and contribute survival in patients with mouthful ingestion of paraquat who are destined to have reversible renal and hepatic damage but irreversible pulmonary toxicity.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2001

Purpose : We evaluated retrospectively the outcomes of inoperable squamous cell lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy to find out prognostic factors affecting survival. Materials and methods : Four hundred and eleven patients diagnosed as squamous cell lung cancer between November 1988 and December 1997 were the basis of this analyses. The planned dose to the gross tumor volume was ranged from 30 to 70.2 Gy. Chemotherapy was combined in 72 patients $(17.5\%)$ with the variable schedule and drug combination regimens. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 113 months with the median of 8 months and survival status was identified in 381 patients $(92.7\%)$. Overall survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results : Age ranged from 23 years to 83 years with the median 63 years. The male to female ratio was about 16:1. For all 411 patients, the median overall survival was 8 months and the 1-year survival rate (YSR), 2-YSR, and 5-YSR were $35.6\%,\;12.6\%,\;and\;3.7\%$, respectively. The median and 5-YSR were 29 months and $33.3\%$ for Stage IA, 13 months and $6.3\%$ for Stage IIIA, and 9 months and $3.4\%$ for Stage IIIB, respectively(p=0.00). The median survival by treatment aim was 11 months in radical intent group and 5 months in palliative, respectively (p=0.00). Of 344 patients treated with radical intent, median survival of patients (N=247) who received planned radiotherapy completely was 12 months while that of patients (N=97) who did not was 5 months (p=0.0006). In the analyses of the various prognostic factors affecting to the survival outcomes in 247 patients who completed the planned radiotherapy, tumor location, supraclavicular LAP, SVC syndrome, pleural effusion, total lung atelectasis and hoarseness were statistically significant prognostic factors both in the univariate and multivariate analyses while the addition of chemotherapy was statistically significant only in multivariate analyses. The acute radiation esophagitis requiring analgesics was appeared in 49 patients $(11.9\%)$ and severe radiation esophagitis requiring hospitalization was shown in 2 patients $(0.5\%)$. The radiation pneumonitis requiring steroid medication was shown in 62 patients $(15.1\%)$ and severe pneumonitis requiring hospitalization was occurred in 2 patients $(0.5\%)$. During follow-up, 114 patients $(27.7\%)$ had progression of local disease with 10 months of median time to recur (range : $1\~87\;months$) and 49 patients $(11.9\%)$ had distant failure with 7 months of median value (range : $1\~52\;months$). Second malignancy before or after the diagnosis of lung cancer was appeared in 11 patients Conclusion : The conventional radiotherapy in the patients with locally advanced squamous cell lung cancer has given small survival advantage over supportive care and it is very important to select the patient group who can obtain the maximal benefit and to select the radiotherapy technique that would not compromise the life quality in these patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.241-253
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• 1990

331 patients of stage IIb uterine cervix cancer trated by radiation alone at Kosin Medical Center between June 1980 and Dec. 1985 were analysed to determine parameters of radiotherapy associated to disease states. Survival rate was highest among the reported ($82.8{\%}$ for crude and $82.4{\%}$ for disease free survival). Pelvic control rate in 6 weeks after the end of radiotherapy was $93.6{\%}$ in the patients treated with ICR following total pelvic radiation and $71.6{\%}$ with small field additional external irradiation. 5 year survival rate in those who achieved pelvic control was $98.9{\%}$ and $12.9{\%}$ in those who had pelvic failure and/or metastasis after radiation. The survival rate figured maximal $88.5{\%}$ with dosage of $7500{\~}8500$ cGy to point A with acceptable incidence of complications ($4.9{\%}$) but without increasing survival above it and minimal $74.1{\%}$ with dosage of less than 6500 cGy. The treatment failure was counted $18.7{\%}$ (62 of 331 patients): Local failure $72.6{\%}$ (45 of 62 patients), locoregional failure $3.2{\%}$ (2 of 62 patients) and distant failure $24{\%}$ (15 of 62 patients). Late complications were found in 50 patients ($15.1{\%}$) and $42{\%}$ of them was rectal bleeding and stenosis. The dose of 8500 cGy to point A was found to be critical for complication and $70{\%}$ of complications occurred above it and was more serious one such as fistula. Rectal complications were developed above rectal dose 6500 cGy and bladder complication above bladder dose 7500 cGy. Major cause of death was cachexia due to locoregional failure ($73.7{\%}$ of death), next was due to metastasis to lung, liver and bone, and only 3 patients died of complication of intestinal perforations and obstruction. In conclusion higher external radiation dose for a bulky uterine cervix and barrel shaped uterus was essential for local control.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.621-628
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• 1997

Background : As the pleural inflammation progresses, exudative pleural fluid becomes loculated rapidly with pleural thickening. Complete drainage is important to prevent pleural fibrosis, entrapment and depression of lung function. Intrapleural urokinase instillation therapy has been advocated as a method to facilitate drainage of gelatinous pleural fluid and to allow enzymatic debriment of pleural surface. This study was designed to investigate the predictors of effectiveness of intrapleural urokinase in the treatment of loculated pleural effusion. Method : Thirty-five patients received a single radiographically guided pig-tail catheter ranging in size from 10 to 12 French. Twenty-two patients had tuberculous pleural effusions, and 13 had non-tuberculous postpneumonic empyemas. A total of 240,000 units of urokinase was dissolved in 240 ml of normal saline and the aliquots of 80mL was instilled into the pleural cavity via pig-tail catheter per every 8hr. Effectiveness of intrapleural urokinase instillation therapy was assessed by biochemical markers, ultrasonography, and technical details. A greater than 50% improvement on follow-up chest radiographs was defined as success group. Result : Twenty-seven of 35 (77.1%) patients had successful outcome to urokinase instillation therapy. Duration of symptoms before admission was shorter in success group ($11.8{\pm}6.9day$) than in failure group ($26.62{\pm}16.5day$) (P<0.05). Amount of drained fluid during urokinase therapy was larger in success group ($917.1{\pm}392.7ml$) than in failure group ($613.8{\pm}259.7ml$) (P<0.05). Pleural fluid glucose was higher in success group ($89.7{\pm}35.9mg/dl$) than in failure group ($41.2{\pm}47.1mg/dl$) (P<0.05). Pleural fluid LDH was lower in success group ($878.4{\pm}654.3IU/L$) than in failure group ($2711.1{\pm}973.1IU/L$) (P<0.05). Honeycomb septated pattern on chest ultrasonography was observed in six of eight failure group, but none of success group (P<0.05). Conclusion : Longer duration of symptoms before admission, smaller amount of drained fluid during urokinase therapy, lower glucose value, higher LDH value in pleural fluid examination, and honeycomb septation pattern on chest ultrasonograph were predictors for failure group of intrapleural urokinase instillation therapy.