• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2011

Objective : Leukoaraiosis (LA) has been suggested to be related to the poor outcome or the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively investigated the influences of LA on long-term outcome and the occurrence of sICH after thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods : In this study, we recruited 164 patients with AIS and magnetic resonance image (MRI)-detected thrombolysis. The presence and extent of LA were assessed using the Fazekas grading system. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was used to assess the baseline measure of neurologic severity, and the modified Rankin Scale score assessment was used up to 1 year after thrombolysis. Results : Of 164 subjects, 56 (34.2%) showed LA on MRI. Compared to the 108 patients without LA, the patients with LA were of much older age (p<0.01), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p<0.01), and had a much poorer outcome at 90 days (p=0.05) and 1 yr (p=0.01) after thrombolysis. There were no significant differences in sICH between patients with and without LA on MRI. In univariate analysis for the occurrence of poor outcome at 90 days after thrombolysis, the size of ischemic lesion on diffusion weighted images (DWI), [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.01-1.04; p<0.01], recanalization (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.10; p<0.01), sICH (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 1.54-95.8), neurologic severity (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09-1.25; p<0.01), blood glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; p=0.03), and the presence of LA on MRI (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.04-3.01; p=0.04) were statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, neurologic severity (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; p<0.01), recanalization (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.11; p<0.01), lesion size on DWI (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; p=0.02), serum glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI; 1.01-1.02; p=0.03), and the presence of LA on MRI (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.22-8.48; p<0.01) showed statistically significant differences. These trends persisted up to 1 yr after thrombolysis. Conclusion : In this study, we demonstrated that the presence of LA on MRI might be related to poor outcome after use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in AIS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 1996

Circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia is an important auxiliary means for cardiac surgery, especially useful in pediatric patients. However, its clinical safety, particularly with regard to the neurologic outcome after long duration of circulatory arrest, is still not established. This study is a review of the eight years'clinical experience of hypothermic circulatory arrest at the Seoul national University Children's Hospital. During an eight-year period from January 1986 through December 1993, a total of 589 consecutive cardiac operations were done using circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia. Among them, 434 consecutive patients, in whom the duration of arrest was 20 minutes or more, are the subject of this study. The duration of arrest ranged from 20 minutes to 82 minutes (mean = 38.7 minutes) under rectal temperature in the range from 12.5$^{\circ}C$ to 25.8$^{\circ}C$. Early neurologic abnormalities occurred in 47 patients : seizure attacks in 28 patients, motor paralyses with or w thout seizure in 12, blindness in 2, and no recovery of consciousness in 5 patients. The rate of incidence of early neurologic abnormalities was calculated at 15.7%. 25 patients showed late neuropsychologic sequelae, such as motor paralysis (9 patients), recurrent seizures (6), developmental delay (8), and definitely low intelligence (2). The rate of incidence of late neurologic sequelae was 8.5%, By statistical analysis, the following factors were identified as the risk factors for post-arrest neurologic abnormalities ; 1) long duration of circulatory arrest, 2) lower-than-ideal body weight, 3) preexisting neurological abnormalities, 4) associated non-cardiovascular congenital anouialies, and 5) low blood pressure during the early post-arrest period. It is concluded that circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia is a relatively safe means for pediatric cardiac surgery with acceptable risk. However, to warrant maximal safety, it is desirable to limit the duration of arrest to less th n 40 minutes. In addition, it is our contention that the early post-arrest period is a very critical period during which maintenance of adequate perfusion pressure in important for the neurologic outcome.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.146-155
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was to assess the effectiveness of oriental medical therapy (OM) on acute Bell's palsy, comparing its outcome with that of oriental-western medical therapy (OWM). Methods : Subjects were enrolled atKyung Hee Medical Center from March 2007 to December 2007. We prescribed Igigeopung-san and acupuncture therapy to both the OM and OWM groups, and prednisolone only to the OWM group. Effectiveness was assessed by the House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system (HBGS) and Yanagihara's unweighted grading system (YUGS) every week. Results : There were 31 patients in the OM group and 34 in the OWM group. About grading system scores and weekly score gaps, no significant differences were revealed between the two groups, but statistical significant difference was detected at recovery time. After 2 weeks of treatment, the OM group's HBGS score showed significant difference from baseline score, but the OWM group showed it after 1 week. After 3 weeks of medication, pain was reduced in 22% of OM group patients, but 50% in the OWM group (p=0.028). We made the same comparison study for patients treated within 4 days from onset, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. 3 cases of adverse effect of hyperglycemia were found in the OWM group, which could be due to hyperglycemic side-effect of prednisolone. Conclusion : This work could help us to understand the effectiveness of OM compared to OWM on acute Bell's palsy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1 s.69
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• pp.87-93
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was to assess the effectiveness of Oriental medical treatment on carpal tunnel syndrome, comparing its outcome with that of Western medical treatment. Methods : After being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by electromyography, subjects were enrolled in Kyung Hee Medical Center from March 2006 to January 2007. We prescribed Kejibokryung-hwan to the Oriental medical therapy group (OM group) and NSAIDS to the Western medical therapy group (WM group). Effectiveness was assessed by degree of pain using visual analog scale (VAS) before and after 3 weeks' treatment. Adverse effects were also monitored. Results : There were 21 patients in the OM group and 19 in the WM group. No statistical significant difference was detected at the baseline assessment. After 3 weeks of medication, pain was reduced about 26% in the OM group and 46% in the WM group. These findings might be explained by that more than half of the WM group received local steroid injection, which has been known to have more rapid analgesic effect that oral medication. Although pain reduction rate was higher in the WM group than in the OM group, we suggest that Oriental medical treatment is still effective, faking into consideration the fact that completely recovered cases were found only in the OM group. No adverse effect was found in either of the groups. Conclusion : This work could help us to understand the effectiveness of Oriental medical treatment on carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.95-99
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this reports is to describe the influence of continuous external ventricular drainage [EVD] on delayed ischemic neurologic deficit [DIND] after early surgery in ruptured aneurysmal patients. Methods : The authors reviewed 229 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH] who had been treated with clipping at a single institution between 1998 and 2004. Of these, 121 patients underwent continuous EVD [Group A] postoperatively, whereas 108 patients did not [Group B]. EVD was performed at ipsilateral Kocher's point and maintained 2 to 14 days postoperatively. Results : DIND occurred in 15.7% [19 cases] of patients in Group A, 25% [27 cases] from Group B [P value=0.112]. Compared with Group A, Group B was more likely to suffer acute symptom of DIND and showed poor response to 3- H therapy. Major symptoms of DIND in Group A were mild confusion [36.8%] and mild deterioration of mental state [26.3%], contrary to weakness of extremities [59.2%] in Group B. At discharge, Glasgow Outcome Scales [GOS] of Group A were : good recovery [63.2%], moderately disabled [21%], severely disabled [10.5%], dead [5.3%] and Group B : good recovery [48.1%], moderately disabled [37%], severely disabled [14.8%] and dead [0%]. Of 121 patients from group A, 35 patients [28.9%] suffered ventriculitis. Conclusion : Continuous EVD after aneurysmal clipping in patients with SAH reduced the risk of DIND and its sequelae, relieved its symptoms, and improved the outcome.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2009

Seizures are the most common clinical symptom of a neurologic insult and have long been recognized as an obvious marker of brain dysfunction in newborns. Presence of seizures in newborn infants may signify substantial risk for subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment including postneonatal epilepsy and death. The outcomes of seizures in neonates are determined mainly by the etiology of the seizures. Despite the decreasing trend of mortality of neonatal seizures, the prevalence of long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae in survivors has remained unchanged over time. Clinical studies have contributed to identifying significant prognostic factors for neurodevelopmental outcome. The underlying etiology of the seizures and electroencepaphalography background pattern are considered as most reliable early predictors of later neurologic sequelae. However, clinicians managing neonatal seizures are still challenged by difficult therapeutic and prognostic questions because of many unresolved issues in seizure recognition, terminology, relationships to the underlying brain lesion, effect of current management, particularly antiepileptic drugs on long-term outcomes. This review presents the prognosis of neonatal seizures, especially about mortality and neurodevelopmental deficit, and predictors of outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.140-145
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• 2001

Background and Objectives： Intractable aspiration in patients with impaired protective function of the larynx often results in multiple episode of aspiration pneumonia, repeated hospitalizations and expensive nursing care. The purpose of this study was to review the authors’experience and Patient outcome with the laryngotracheal separation (LTS) procedure. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of 9 patients who underwent LTS between 1996 and 2001 was conducted. Ages ranged from 3 to 72 years. Results : Seven patients were expected to have morbid aspiration as a consequence of acquired neurologic injuries and two were congenital neurologic injuries. Two patients had a postoperative fistula, which was well controlled with local wound care and minor procedure. Following LTS, aspiration was effectively controlled in all patients and four were able to tolerate a regular diet. Conclusion : LTS is a low-risk, successful. definitive procedure which decreases the potential for aspiration, pulmonary complication, hospitalizations and increases quality of life, especially in patent with irreversible upper airway dysfunction and Poor speech potential.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.784-788
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• 2003

Purpose : Perinatal asphyxia occurring in newborn is one of the major causes of acute mortality and chronic neurological disability in survivors. We have studied the relationship between early electroencephalography(EEG) findings and clinical course and neurologic outcome in severe asphyxiated neonates. Methods : Between the period of July 1999 and June 2002, 25 neonates who were diagnosed with severe perinatal asphyxia(1-minute Apgar score of ${\leq}3$ and initial pH is less than 7.2) at NICU in Dongsan Medical Center were enrolled. An EEG was recorded and analyzed within three days of life and divided into two groups - group 1(normal or focal change on EEG) and group 2(generalized abnormal EEG). Between the two groups, clinical courses and neurologic outcomes were compared. Results : Fifteen infants(60%) were group 1 and ten infants(40%) were group 2(polyspikes, burst-suppression, generalized low voltage). Associated maternal disease, days of hospitalization, need for ventilator support, delay of oral feeding and convulsion duration are significantly higher and longer in group 2. Also, poor neurologic outcome(expire, developmental delay) was significantly higher in group 2(60%) than group 1(13.3%). Conclusion : Thus, the early neonatal EEG in asphyxiated newborn can be a predictable diagnostic tool in assessment of neurologic outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.36-39
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• 2006

Objective : The present study attempts to address the change of management results over time during the past 13 years in good-grade patients with intracranial aneurysm. Methods : Six hundred twenty five [Hunt-Hess grade I to III] out of 826 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms operated by the same operator within 3 days after the attack from 1990 to 2002 were selected. Since 1998, endovascular aneurysmal occlusion was done in selected cases of 21 patients. The change of management results over time, including rebleeding rate, delayed ischemic neurologic deficit[DIND] as a cause of morbidity and mortality and surgical outcome were examined. Results : The ratio of poor-grade patients in all patients tended to decrease over the years. The early rebleeding rate declined from 5.0% to 1.2% with the use of tranexamic acid and computed tomography angiogram DIND as a cause of mortality and morbidity has decreased from 12.5% in 1990 to approximately 0% currently. Surgical outcome began to improve significantly in 1994 [poor outcome : 25% in 1990, 12.2% in 1994,6.8% in 2002]. Conclusion : These results suggest that the advances in care and increased experience of the operator significantly affect the change of overall outcome, and early detection of the aneurysm is needed for reducing the ratio of poor-grade patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.26-34
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• 2020

Purpose: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) allows for more precise treatment, reducing unwanted radiation to nearby structures. We investigated the safety and feasibility of IMRT for anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age. Materials and Methods: A total of 9 anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age, who received IMRT between October 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The median equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions was 52.0 Gy (range, 48.0 to 60.0 Gy). Treatment outcomes and neurologic morbidities were reviewed in detail. Results: The median patient age was 20.9 months (range, 12.1 to 31.2 months). All patients underwent surgery. The rates of 5-year overall survival, freedom from local recurrence, and progression-free survival were 40.6%, 53.3%, and 26.7%, respectively. Of the 9 patients, 5 experienced recurrences (3 had local recurrence, 1 had both local recurrence and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] seeding, and 1 had CSF seeding alone). Five patients died because of disease progression. Assessment of neurologic morbidity revealed motor dysfunction in 3 patients, all of whom presented with hydrocephalus at initial diagnosis because of the location of the tumor and already had neurologic deficits before radiotherapy (RT). Conclusion: Neurologic morbidity is not caused by RT alone but may result from mass effects of the tumor and surgical sequelae. Administration of IMRT to anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age yielded encouraging local control and tolerable morbidities. High-precision modern RT such as IMRT can be considered for very young patients with anaplastic ependymoma.