• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.89-115
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• 2021

Korea's health care delivery system is based on the Medical law and the National Health Insurance Act. In order to efficiently operate limited medical resources, it is classified to use medical institutions according to the severity of the disease. The question is whether a tertiary care hospital can terminate a medical contract for a patient, if treatment for severe diseases has already been performed at a tertiary care hospital. In the case of termination of treatment, the Korean court has both a judgment that recognizes the right to terminate and a judgment that denies the termination. Among the U.S. rulings, there are rulings that order transfer to a skilled nursing facility or nursing home or home if acute treatment is no longer needed. Considering that medical resources are limited, it is necessary to acknowledge the right to terminate the contract of the medical institution when treatment by a medical institution is completed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.184-194
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• 2022

The face and the external nose define an individual's physical appearance. Nasal deformities can cause facial disfigurement along with unwanted psychological repercussions. Nasal deformities range in severity, with the most severe cases being indications for a rhinectomy, due to the complexity of the nasal defect. According to published literature, there is no consensus among otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons on which technique or flap use is preferred in terms of complications, aesthetic outcome, or patient satisfaction. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of published studies on nasal reconstruction following rhinectomy. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines for writing systematic reviews, a systematic review was conducted. Four databases were searched using a search strategy. These articles were then imported into the COVIDENCE software and went screening and thorough article review. After screening 2,237 articles, 23 studies were then extracted for data collection analysis. We collected data from 12 case series, 4 case studies, 1 prospective case series, and 4 retrospective chart review studies. The most commonly reported flaps were forehead flaps, superior extended nasal myocutaneous island, forearm free flaps, anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, medial femoral condyle free flap (n = 8), and zygomaticus implants (n = 6), and retained nasal prosthesis. Although not specifically indicated by a certain number, the most common indication for the rhinectomy was malignancy, followed by traumas, postsurgical complications, radionecrosis, and congenital nasal malformations.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.27.1-27.8
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• 2018

Purpose: Various complications occur when a maxillofacial fracture is malunionized or improperly resolved. Malocclusion is the most common complication, followed by facial deformity, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and neurological symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dental treatment of postoperative complications after maxillofacial fracture. Materials and methods: In this study, nine patients with a postoperative complication after maxillofacial fracture who had been performed the initial operation from other units and were referred to the authors' department had been included. Of the nine patients, six had mandibular fractures, one had maxillary fractures, one had maxillary and mandibular complex fractures, and one had multiple facial fractures. All the patients had tooth fractures, dislocations, displacements, and alveolar bone fractures at the time of trauma, but complications occurred because none of the patients underwent preoperative and postoperative dental treatment. Malocclusion and TMD are the most common complications, followed by dental problems (pulp necrosis, tooth extrusion, osteomyelitis, etc.) due to improper treatment of teeth and alveolar bone injuries. The patients were referred to the department of dentistry to undergo treatment for the complications. One of the nine patients underwent orthognathic surgery for a severe open bite. Another patient underwent bone reconstruction using an iliac bone graft and vestibuloplasty with extensive bone loss. The other patients, who complained of moderate occlusal abnormalities and TMDs such as mouth-opening limitation, underwent occlusal treatment by prosthodontic repair and temporomandibular joint treatment instead of surgery. Results: One patient who underwent orthognathic surgery had complete loss of open bite and TMD after surgery. One patient who underwent reconstruction using an iliac bone graft had a good healing process. Other patients were treated with splint, injection, and physical therapy for mouth-opening limitation and temporomandibular joint pain. After treatment, the TMDs were resolved, but the remaining occlusal abnormalities were resolved with prosthetic restoration. Conclusions: Considering the severity of malocclusion and TMJ symptom and the feasibillity of reoperation, nonsurgical methods such as orthodontic and prosthodontic treatments and splint therapy can be used to manage the dental and TMD complication after the trauma surgery. However, reoperation needs to be strongly considered for severe malocclusion and TMD problem.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.208-218
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• 2024

We report a case of generalized dystonia that developed from oromandibular dystonia and improved following Korean medicine treatment. The patient was hospitalized for 18 days and treated with herbal medicine, mainly Hyeongbangsabaek-san and Soyangbowi-tang, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. To evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment, we used the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) and Global Dystonia Severity Rating Scale (GDS) and checked dyskinesia occurrence in a diary recorded by the patient's guardian. After 18 days of hospitalization, the UDRS for the trunk, upper extremities, and lower face improved by more than 50%, and the GDS for the whole region, except the larynx and lower face, also improved. In addition, the maximum duration of dystonia decreased from 6 hours to 3 hours, and the pain and numbness associated with dystonia disappeared. This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment is effective in treating generalized dystonia.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.1 s.246
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• pp.56-62
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• 2005

Because of high morbidity and mortality, traumatic diaphragm injury remains a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we evaluate that some factors and scores can be used as predictors. Material and Method: From May 1995 to June 2003, 23 patients with traumatic diaphragm injury were enrolled. We examined the clinical features of patients. RTS, TRISS, ISS and APACHE II scores for each patient are calculated for analyzing the relationship of mortality and ICU duration. Result: The study identified 15 men $(65.2{\%})$ and 8women $(34.8{\%})$. There are right sided diaphragmatic injury in 11 patients $(47.8{\%})$, left sided in 11 $(47.8{\%})$, and both sided in 1 ($0.4{\%}$). Plain X-ray, CT, upper GI contrast study and esophagogastroscopy were used as diagnostic tools. Age, hemodynamic status, early diagnosis are not associated with outcome. As prognostic factor, RTS and ISS are associated with mortality and there was negative relationship between RTS and ICU duration (r=0.737, p=0.026). Conclusion: An early diagnosis of traumatic diaphragm injury can frequently be missed in the acute trauma setting. So high index of suspicion and a careful examination are important in multiple trauma patients. An RTS can probably be used effectively as a predictor for the severity and prognosis in patients with traumatic diaphragm injury.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.205-210
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• 2012

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical profile, efficacy, and safety of long-term treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in Korean autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) patients. Methods Effectiveness was assessed through a retrospective review of self-reported target symptom improvement at the last follow-up visit. Changes in illness severity and improvement were measured using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) of illness and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scales. Tolerability was assessed through a review of the reason for discontinuation of SSRI and documented adverse events. Results A total of 21 ASDs patients (aged 9 to 19 years) treated with SSRI during July 2010 to July 2011 in department of child and adolescent psychiatry of Seoul National Hospital were identified. The mean duration of SSRI treatment was 47.9 (standard deviation = 36.9) months (range 0.7-114.5), and the mean fluoxetine equivalent dosage of SSRIs was $27.1{\pm}10.8$ mg. Nineteen (90.5%) patients were using concomitant medication. We found that SSRIs were prescribed for symptoms of agitation, stereotyped behavior, aggression, depression, impulsivity and self-injury in ASDs. Ten patients (47.6%) reported improvement in their target symptom after SSRI treatment based on CGI-I scores (CGI-I ${\leq}$ 2). The side effects were reported in 5 patients (23.8%) ; vomiting (n = 2, 9.5%), excessive mood elevation (n = 1, 4.8%), insomnia (n = 1, 4.8%), somnolence (n = 1, 4.8%) and decreased appetite (n = 1, 4.8%). Self-injurious behavior was reported in one patient (4.8%). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that SSRIs may be used effectively in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASDs. However, safety issues need to be considered carefully when choosing SSRIs for treatment. Future controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.44-51
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• 2003

Objectives: Antidepressants are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction. Especially, there were few report of sexual dysfunction related with venlafaxine and mirtazapine in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunction related with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), venlafaxine and mirtazapine by the use of specific questionaires. Methods: In one hundred twenty two patients, sexual dysfunction was investigated cross-sectionally by using The questionaires for sexual dysfunction, which includes questions about decreased libido, delayed orgasm or ejaculation, premature ejaculation or orgasm, absence of orgasm or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in men/vaginal lubrication dysfunction in women, sexual pain and patient's tolerance of the sexual dysfunction. BDI was also measured. Sexual dysfunction was analyzed in association with the duration and the dose of medications and the severity of depression. Results: The incidence of sexual dysfunction during antidepressants use in our survey was 37.7%. There were no difference of incidence in sexes(p=.746). In comparison of paroxetine, venlafaxine and mirtazapine, there were no significant differences of the incidence(p=.065) and the severity of any type of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Although there were no significant differences of sexual dysfunction in our survey, sexual dysfunction may be closely associated with antidepressants. Further prospective study of sexual dysfunction should be needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2010

Background: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is not common, but it requires swiftly performing an emergency operation. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic factors for mortality after surgically treating traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Material and Method: From Jan 2001 to Dec. 2008, we experienced 37 cases of multiple traumas with diaphragmatic injuries that were confirmed by surgical procedures. We evaluated various factors, including the type of injury, the associated injuries, the preoperative vital signs, the ISS, the time until surgery and the rupture size. Result: There were 30 patients with blunt trauma and 7 patients with penetrating trauma. Thirty-four patients had associated injuries and the mean ISS was 20.8. Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients and hospital mortalities occurred in 6 patients. The prognostic factors that had an influence on the postoperative mortalities were the preoperative intubation state, the patient who exhibited hypotension and a high ISS. Conclusion: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is just one part of multiple traumas. The postoperative mortalities might depend on not only on the diaphragmatic rupture itself, but also on the severity of the associated injuries.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.215-218
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• 2012

Objective: Traumatic epidural hematomas (EDHs) in children are a relatively unusual occurrence. The cause and outcome vary depending on period and reg ion of study. The aims of this analysis were to review the cause and outcome of pediatric EDHs nowadays and to discuss outcome-related variables in a large consecutive series of surgically treated EDH in children. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 29 patients with surgically treated EDHs between Jan 2000 and February 2010. Patients' medical records, computed tomographic (Cl) scans, and, if performed, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed to define variables associated with outcome. Variables included in the analysis were age, associated severe intracranial injury, abnormal pupillary response, hematoma thickness, severity of head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score), parenchymal brain injury, and diffuse axonal injury. Results: The mean (SO) age of the patients was 109 months (0-185 months). Most of the injuries with EDHs occurred in traffic accident (14 cases, 48.2%) and followed by slip down in 6 cases and falls in 6 cases. There were one birth injury and one unknown cause. EDHs in traffic accidents occurred in pedestrians hit by a motor vehicle, 9 cases; motorbike and car accidents, 5 cases and bicycle accidents, 1 case. The locations of hematoma were almost same in both sides (left side in 15 cases). Temporal lobe is the most common site of hematomas (13 cases, 44%). The mean size of the EDHs was 18 mm (range, 5-40 mm). Heterogeneous hematomas in CT scans were 20 cases (67%). Two patients were referred with unilateral or bilateral dilated pupil(s). There was enlargement of EDH in 5 patients (17%). All of them were heterogeneous hematomas in CT scans. Except for 4 patients, all EDHs were associated with skull fracture(s) (87%). There was no case of patient with major organ injury. CT or MRI revealed brain contusion in 5 patients, and diffuse axonal injury in one patient The mortality was zero, and the outcomes were excellent in 26 and good in 2 patients. None of the tested variables were found to have a prognostic relevance. Conclusion: Regardless of the EDH size, the clinical status of the patients, the abnormal pupillary findings, or the cause of injury, the outcome and prognosis of the patients with EDH were excellent.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.649-659
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the level of MMP-1 in the healthy or inflamed gingival tissue of patients with or without type 2 diabetic mellitus. We investigated whether mean amount of MMP-1 was changed by chronic periodontitis and type 2 DM. Gingival tissue samples were obtained during periodontal surgery or tooth extraction. According to the patient's systemic condition & clinical criteria of gingiva, each gingival sample was divided into the three group. Group 1(n=8) was clinically healthy gingiva without bleeding and no evidence of bone resorption or periodontal pockets, obtained from systemically healthy 8 patients. Group 2(n=8) was inflamed gingiva from patients with chronic periodontitis. Group 3(n=8) was inflamed gingiva from patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes. Tissue samples were prepared and analyzed by Western blotting. The quantitative analysis of MMP-1 was performed using a densitometer and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. MMP-1 was expressed in all samples and an increased MMP-1 level was observed in group 2 compared to group 1 and decreased MMP-1 level was found group 3 compared to group 2, but the differences among 3 groups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MMP-1 levels of inflamed gingiva of systemically healthy patient(group 2) were higher than normal gingiva of systemically health patients and although the severity of gingival inflammation in group 2 and 3 were similar, MMP-1 expression was decreased in diabetic patients than systemically healthy periodontal patients.