• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2009

Purpose : For the past 10 years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been rapidly increased in female population showing current incidence of 12,000 new thyroid cancer patients annually in Korea. Though differentiated thyroid cancer is known to show favorable prognosis and excellent long-term survival from slow growth and late distant metastasis, we re-evaluated prognostic factors of recurrence and mortality following surgical procedures based on our cases. Material and Methods : 954 Patients of DTC surgically treated at Department of Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital between 1980 and 2004 were reviewed in the aspects of the surgical procedures, clinical staging, risk factors, recurrence and their outcome through median follow-up period of 10.5 years. Results : Recurrence in remnant thyroid, cervical nodes, and distant metastasis were observed in 84 paients(8.8%), and 31 patients were confirmed to be died of locoregional recurrence of cancer and distant metasasis. Regarding the risk factors to recurrence, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, nodal metastasis, and capsular invasion were significant predictors(p<0.05). Local recurrence and distant metastasis had no statistical signiicance according to age, sex, pathology, surgery, and lymphovascular invasion. Overall 10-year survival rate was 92.4%, but low, intermediate, and high-risk patient showed 100%, 94.4%, and 70.5% respectively. Conclusion : The significant factors influencing local recurrence and distant metastasis were tumor size, extrathyroidal exension, LN metastasis, capsular invasion. In order to improve survival rate of high-risk group, appropriate and aggressive management should be recommended.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2017

Purpose: The diagnosis of cow's milk (CM) allergy is a challenge. The Cow's Milk-related-Symptom-Score ($CoMiSS^{TM}$) was developed to offer primary health care providers a reliable diagnostic tool for CM related symptoms. The predictive prospective value of the $CoMiSS^{TM}$ was evaluated in three clinical trials. Methods: Pooled analyses of the three studies were conducted based on regressing the results of the month-1 challenge test on the month-1 $CoMiSS^{TM}$, adjusting for baseline $CoMiSS^{TM}$ using a logistic regression model. In addition a logistic regression model was also fitted to the month-1 challenge test result with the change in $CoMiSS^{TM}$ from baseline as a predictor. Results: Results suggest that infants having a low $CoMiSS^{TM}$ (median, 5) after 1 month dietary treatment free from intact CM protein have a significant risk of having a positive challenge test (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.93; p=0.002). Pooled data suggest that the change in $CoMiSS^{TM}$ from baseline to month-1 can predict CM related symptoms as a confirmed diagnosis according to the challenge test at month-1. However, in order to validate such a tool, infants without CM related symptoms would also need to be enrolled in a validation trial. A concern is that it may not be ethical to expose healthy infants to a therapeutic formula and a challenge test. Conclusion: Pooled data analysis emphasizes that the $CoMiSS^{TM}$ has the potential to be of interest in infants suspected to have CM-related-symptoms. A prospective validation trial is needed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.347-354
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• 1993

This is a retrospective analysis of 67 patients with histologically proven invasive carcinoma of uterine cervix treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital between october 1983 and september 1991, Postoperative radiotherapy was carried out in patients with high risks of locoregional recurrence such as positive pelvic lymph node (38 pts), large tumor size more than 3 cm (22 pts), cervical stromal invasion more than 2/3 (46 pts), parametrial involvement (9 pts), positive resection margin (14 pts), endo/myometrial extension (10 pts), and angiolymphatic invasion (13 pts). Stage I A, I B, and IIA were 2 $(3\%),$ 39 $(58.2\%),\;and\;26\;(38.8\%),$ respectively. Median follow-up period was 48 months with ranges from 13 to 115 months. All 67 patients were treated externally with standard pelvic field with radiation dose ranging from 4080 to 6120 cGy in 4~6 weeks period of time. Of these, 45 patients received intracavitary radiotherapy. The overall survival rate and disease free survival rate at 5-year were $88.0\%\;and\;82.1\%,$ respectively. The survival rates by stage were $87.1\%$ in IB and $88.4\%$ in IIA. Local control rate was $80.6\%(58\;pts).$ The treatment failure was noted in 12 of 67 patients $(17.9\%):$ locoregional failure in $7(10.4\%),$ distant metastasis in 3 $(4.5\%),$ and locoregional and distant metastasis in $2(3\%),$ The univariate analysis of prognostic factors disclosed endo/myometrial extension as a significant factor of survival and recurrence $(70.0\%\;vs\;91.1\%\;P<0.05\;&\;30.0\%\;vs\;15.8\%,\;respectively).$ The complication of postoperative radiothrapy was not significant and all patient were well tolerated. In conclusion, postoperative radiotherapy in patients with high risks of locoreginal recurrence is relatively well tolerated and it gives significantly improved survival rate especially in patients with positive lymph nodes, bulky tumor size $(\geqq3\;cm),$ parametrial involvement, cervical stromal invasion more than 2/3, positive resection margin and angiolymphatic invasion.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.40-43
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• 2006

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common disorder, and is characterized by episodic vertigo and nystagmus which was provoked by head motion. However, little is known about the short and long-term outcome and the prognostic factors for recurrence of BPPV. In this pilot study, we tried to identify the prognostic factors of BPPV for short-term outcome. Methods: We analyzed clinical features of 32 patients (men=21, mean $age=60.4^{\circ}{\pm}12.6y$) with BPPV that was diagnosed by typical nystagmus induced by positioning maneuver. The induced nystagmus was recorded using video-oculography (VOG). According to the semicircular canal involved, BPPV patients were classified into horizontal, posterior, or anterior canal type. Univariate analysis for age, sex, and history of vertigo, and Kaplan-Meier analysis for each canal type were performed. Results: Horizontal (n=21, 65.6%) semicircular canal type BPPV was more common than the posterior one (n=11, 34.4%). Median follow-up period was 113 day (from 34 to 216 days). Four patients with horizontal canal type BPPV had recurrent attacks. Age, history of vertigo, and days prior to diagnosis were not different between canal type. Overall recurrence rate of horizontal canal type BPPV by Kaplan-Meier estimation was 19% at 60 days (p=0.13). Conclusions: Horizontal canal type BPPV was more common and recurred more frequently than posterior canal type in the present study. However, we did not find prognostic factors for recurrence of BPPV.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.41-48
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• 2020

Background: Chylothorax after congenital heart surgery is not an uncommon complication, and it is associated with significant morbidity. However, consensus treatment guidelines are lacking. To improve the treatment outcomes of patients with postoperative chylothorax, we implemented a standardized management protocol at Severance Hospital in September 2014. Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated at a single center was done. All corrective and palliative operations for congenital heart disease performed at our institution between January 2008 and April 2018 were reviewed. The incidence and treatment outcomes of postoperative chylothorax were analyzed. Results: The incidence of chylothorax was 1.9%. Sixty-one percent of the patients could be managed with a low-fat diet, while 28% of the patients required complete restriction of enteral feeding. Thoracic duct embolization was performed in 2 patients and chest tube drainage decreased immediately after the procedure. No patient required thoracic duct ligation or pleurodesis. After implementation of the institutional management protocol, the number of chest tube drainage days decreased (median, 24 vs. 14 days; p=0.45). Conclusion: Implementing a strategy to reduce postoperative chylothorax resulted in an acceptable incidence of postoperative chylothorax. Instituting a clinical practice protocol helped to curtail the treatment duration and to decrease the requirement for surgical treatment. Image-guided embolization of the thoracic duct is an effective treatment for postoperative chylothorax.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.3 no.5
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• pp.491-499
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• 1999

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of dynamic parameters, such as correlation dimension $D_2,$ by comparing spectral electroencephalographic (EEG) parameters. These parameters are used to estimate the depth of halothane anesthesia as defined by the presence of body movement in response to a tail clamp. Six rats were used and each of them was exposed to halothane sequentially at the concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% for 30 min. A tail clamp was applied every five min and the movements were recorded at each concentration level. The spectral parameters and the dynamic parameters were derived from 20-sec and 10-sec segments, respectively, from the last 5-mins of EEG recording at each concentration level. Correlation coefficients between the parameters and the movements were calculated. Standardized values of three parameters, betaL power, median power frequency (MPF), and $D_2$ were derived by calculation based on the number of animals showing the movement in response to a tail clamp. The betaL power had the largest correlation coefficient to spontaneous movement and to the response to a tail clamp than any other band parameter. MPF had a better correlation with the movement than 90% spectral edge frequency. Among the dynamic parameters, $D_2$ on the parietal cortex had a better correlation with the movement. The level of deviation and variation of standardized $D_2,$ MPF, and betaL were significant (p<0.01). The order of deviation and variation was; betaL power > MPF > $D_2.$ The correlation dimension serves as a better index for the depth of halothane anesthesia defined in forms of a response to external stimulation.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.87-104
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• 2015

Purpose: To assess real-world treatment patterns, health care utilization, costs, and survival among Medicare enrollees with locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer receiving standard first-line chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database (2000~2009). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) first diagnosed with locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer between July 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007 (first diagnosis defined the index date); (2) ${\geq}65$ years of age at index; (3) continuously enrolled in Medicare Part A and B from 6 months before index through the end of follow-up, defined by death or the database end date (December 31, 2009), whichever occurred first; and (4) received first-line treatment with fluoropyrimidine and/or a platinum chemotherapy agent. Results: In total, 2,583 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at index was $74.8{\pm}6.0years$. Over 90% of patients died during follow-up, with a median survival of 361 days for the overall post-index period and 167 days for the period after the completion of first-line chemotherapy. The mean total gastric cancer-related cost per patient over the entire post-index follow-up period was United States dollar (USD) $70,808{\pm}56,620$. Following the completion of first-line chemotherapy, patients receiving further cancer-directed treatment had USD 25,216 additional disease-related costs versus patients receiving supportive care only (P<0.001). Conclusions: The economic burden of advanced gastric cancer is substantial. Extrapolating based on published incidence estimates and staging distributions, the estimated total disease-related lifetime cost to Medicare for the roughly 22,200 patients expected to be diagnosed with this disease in 2014 approaches USD 300 millions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.4
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• pp.374-380
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• 2012

Background: Delivery of Bacille Calmette-Gur$\acute{e}$in (BCG) Tokyo vaccine, with the multipuncture device, has been much preferred over BCG Pasteur, with the intradermal method, possibly due to the easier manner of administration, a desire to avoid any trouble with scars, as well as side effects and higher profits to providers in South Korea. Methods: To determine BCG scar status in 0~6 year old children vaccinated with two BCG vaccines (Pasteur BCG vaccine with intradermal method and BCG Tokyo vaccine with percutaneous method), the data from the national BCG scar survey in 2006 was analyzed. Results: Based on the national survey, the high proportion that were vaccinated with BCG Tokyo vaccines with the multipuncture method (64.5%) was noted in 0~6 year old Korean children. From inspection of scar formation, as an indicator of vaccination, the median number of the visible pin scars from the percutaneous method was 16 (interquartile range, 12~18) in the Korean children, and pin scars decreased as the age of the children increased (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings in this survey clearly showed a growing preference of parents for the BCG Tokyo vaccines by the multipuncture method in South Korea.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2020

Purpose: D-dimer levels are known to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with various cancers, but their significance at the end of life remains unclear. This study investigated D-dimer levels as a prognostic indicator for terminal cancer patients in the last hours of life. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at a palliative care unit of a tertiary cancer center, using a database to analyze the records of patients treated from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. In total, 67 terminal cancer patients with available data on D-dimer levels were included. Patients' demographic data, clinical information, and laboratory values, including D-dimer levels, were collected. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors of poor survival. Results: The most common site of cancer was the lung (32.8%) and the median survival time was 5 days. Most laboratory results, particularly D-dimer levels, deviated from the normal range. Patients with high D-dimer levels had a significantly shorter survival time than those with low D-dimer levels (4 days vs. 7 days; P=0.012). In the Cox regression analysis, only a high D-dimer level was identified as a predictor of a poor prognosis (hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.09~3.07). Conclusion: Our results suggest that at the very end of life, D-dimer levels may serve as a prognostic factor for survival in cancer patients.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.216-220
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• 2011

Background: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is one of the effective treatments in managing radicular pain. There have been some prospective studies on the depth to the epidural space with the transforaminal approach. However, there have been no studies about the depth in Asians, especially Koreans. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the depth to the epidural space and the oblique angle and factors that influence the depth to the epidural space during lumbar transforaminal epidural injection. Methods: A total of 248 patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections were evaluated. At the L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, and S1 levels, we measured the oblique angle and depth to the epidural space. Results: Needle depth was positively associated with body mass index (correlation coefficient 0.52, P = 0.004). The median depths (in centimeters) to the epidural space were 6.13 cm, 6.42 cm, and 7.13 cm for 50-60 kg, 60-70 kg, and 70-80 kg groups, respectively, at L5-S1. Age and height were not significantly associated with the needle depth. Conclusions: There is a positive association between the BMI (and weight) and transforaminal epidural depth but not with age, sex, and height.