• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권2호
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• pp.315-324
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• 2022

Objective : The aim of this study was to verify the equivalence and effectiveness of the tablet-administered Korean Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (K-RBANS) for the prevention and early detection of dementia. Methods : Data from 88 psychiatry and neurology patient samples were examined to evaluate the equivalence between tablet and paper administrations of the K-RBANS using a non-randomly equivalent group design. We calculated the prediction scores of the tablet-administered K-RBANS based on demographics and covariate-test scores for focal tests using norm samples and tested format effects. In addition, we compared the receiver operating characteristic curves to confirm the effectiveness of the K-RBANS for preventing and detecting dementia. Results : In the analysis of raw scores, line orientation showed a significant difference (t=-2.94, p<0.001), and subtests showed small to large effect sizes (0.04-0.86) between paper- and tablet-administered K-RBANS. To investigate the format effect, we compared the predicted scaled scores of the tablet sample to the scaled scores of the norm sample. Consequently, a small effect size (d≤0.20) was observed in most of the subtests, except word list and story recall, which showed a medium effect size (d=0.21), while picture naming and subtests of delayed memory showed significant differences in the one-sample t-test. In addition, the area under the curve of the total scale index (TSI) (0.827; 95% confidence interval, 0.738-0.916) was higher than that of the five indices, ranging from 0.688 to 0.820. The sensitivity and specificity of TSI were 80% and 76%, respectively. Conclusion : The overall results of this study suggest that the tablet-administered K-RBANS showed significant equivalence to the norm sample, although some subtests showed format effects, and it may be used as a valid tool for the brief screening of patients with neuropsychological disorders in Korea.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2023

Background An increasing number of nonbinary patients are receiving gender-affirming procedures due to improved access to care. However, the preferred treatments for nonbinary patients are underdescribed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the goals and treatments of nonbinary patients. Methods A retrospective study of patients who self-identified as nonbinary from our institutional Gender Health Program was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical goals, and operative variables were analyzed. Results Of the 375 patients with gender dysphoria, 67 (18%) were nonbinary. Over half of the nonbinary patients were assigned male at birth (n = 57, 85%) and nearly half preferred the gender pronoun they/them/theirs (n = 33, 49%). A total of 44 patients (66%) received hormone therapy for an average of 2.5±3.6 years, primarily estrogen (n = 39). Most patients (n = 46, 69%) received or are interested in gender-affirming surgery, of which, almost half were previously on hormone therapy (n = 32, 48%). The most common surgeries completed or desired were facial feminization surgery (n = 15, 22%), vaginoplasty (n = 15, 22%), mastectomy (n = 11, 16%), and orchiectomy (n = 9, 13%). Nonbinary patients who were assigned male at birth (NB-AMAB) were more often treated with hormones compared to nonbinary patients assigned female at birth (NB-AFAB) (72% vs. 30%, p = 0.010). Conversely, patients who were AFAB weremore likely to complete or desire surgical intervention than those who were AMAB (100% vs. 63.0%, p < 0.021). Conclusion Majority of nonbinary patients were assigned male at birth. NB-AFAB patients all underwent surgical treatment, whereas NB-AMAB patients were predominantly treated with hormone therapy.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제36권4호
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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.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권9호
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• pp.901-910
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제82권4호
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• pp.923-935
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• 2021

목적 흉부 외상에 의해 발생한 혈흉에 대해 동맥 색전술의 임상적 효용성을 보고하고자 한다. 대상과 방법 2015년부터 2019년까지 68명의(남자 56명; 평균 나이 58.2세) 흉부 출혈에 대한 동맥색전술을 시행 받은 환자가 포함되었다. 후향적으로 환자군의 특징, 혈관조영술 소견, 색전술에 사용한 기법, 기술적 및 임상적 성공률과 합병증을 조사하였다. 결과 출혈 부위는 늑간동맥(50%)이 가장 많았고, 그다음은 내흉동맥(29.5%)이었다. 한 명을 제외한 나머지 환자에서는 즉각적인 출혈 정지로 정의된 기술적 성공을 획득할 수 있었다. 첫 동맥 색전술 이후 네 명의 환자에서 지연 출혈 또는 혈흉의 증가 소견이 있었고, 이에 대해 반복적 동맥 색전술을 시행하여 성공적인 결과를 얻었다. 동맥 색전술 후 지혈 목적의 개흉술이 필요하지 않은 것으로 정의된 임상적 성공은 92.6%로 보고되었다. 다섯 명의 환자는 지혈을 위해 색전술 후 개흉술을 시행하였다. 뇌경색이나 사지 마비와 같은 동맥 색전술과 관련한 주요 합병증은 발생하지 않았다. 결론 외상성 흉벽 및 흉곽 내 장기 손상에 의한 동맥 출혈에 대해 시행하는 동맥 색전술은 안전하고 효과적인 최소 침습적 시술이다. 외상성 혈흉 환자에서 응급 수술을 필요로 하지 않는 혈흉만 있거나, 또는 동반된 복부나 골반 손상의 지혈을 위해 응급 동맥 색전술을 시행하는 경우, 흉부 영역의 동맥 색전술을 고려할 수 있다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제62권3호
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• pp.203-210
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• 2007

연구배경: 원발성 폐 선암은 다른 비소세포암에 비해 흡연과의 연관성이 상대적으로 적고 최근 증가 추세에 있으며 여성에서 많이 발생하는 특징을 가진 암종으로 폐 선암의 남녀 차이를 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1999년 1월부터 2005년 12월까지 고신대학교 병원에 내원하여 폐 선암으로 처음으로 진단된 환자 438명을 대상으로 혈액학적, 흡연력, 돌연변이, 병리조직, 생존 기간 및 치료방법에 따른 반응등을 조사하여 폐 선암으로 진단받은 환자의 남녀간 차이를 비교분석하였다. 결 과: 총 438명의 환자 중 남성이 259명(59.1%), 여성이 179명(40.1%)으로 남성이 많았고, 50세 이전에서의 남녀 유병률은 여성이 25.8%로 남성의 17.7%에 비해 유의하게 높았다(p=0.02). 흡연율은 남성이 86%, 여성이 18%로 남성에서 월등히 높았고(p=0.000), 전체 중간 생존기간은 남성이 639일, 여성이 823일로 여성에서 높았다(p=0.01). 전혈구검사상 혈색소가 12 g/dL 미만인 경우는 여성이 64.6%로 남성의 32.4% 비해 유의하게 높았고(p=0.001), 종양 표지자 중 CEA가 5 ng/ml 이상인 경우는 여성이 68.1%로 남성의 32.1%에 비해 유의하게 높았다(p=0.000). 병기에 따른 남녀 구성비의 차이는 보이지 않았고, EGFR 및 K-ras 돌연변이도 남녀 간 차이는 보이지 않았으며, 조직학적 소견상 기관지 폐포암의 성분을 포함하고 있었던 경우는 여성에서 20명(11.2%), 남성에서 13명(5.0%)으로 여성에서 유의하게 높았다(p=0.035). 수술을 받은 76명의 환자를 다시 항암치료를 받은 군(57명)과 항암치료를 받지 않은 군(19명)으로 나누어 생존기간을 비교한 결과 남녀 모두 항암치료를 병행한 군에서 생존기간이 유의하게 연장되었음을 확인할 수 있었고(p<0.001), 수술만 받은 환자군에서는 남녀간 생존기간의 차이를 보이지 않았지만, 수술과 항암 치료를 병행한 군에서는 통계적 유의성은 가지지 못했으나 남성에 비해 여성에서 생존기간이 더 연장되는 경향을 보였다(p=0.054). 결 론: 폐 선암 환자에서 남녀 성별에 따라 혈액학적, 흡연력, 기관지 폐포암의 구성 비율, 전체 중간 생존 기간 및 치료 방법에 따른 남녀 생존 기간의 차이를 보였다. 따라서 폐 선암의 진단 및 치료에 있어서 이러한 성별에 따른 차이를 반드시 고려해야 할 것이다.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제3권2호
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• pp.79-85
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• 2005

Purpose: With the recent boom in 'eating healthy', many adults are interested in dieting to prevent future diseases. However only well trained experts can distinguish between what are edible vegetables and herbs from their poisonous look-alikes. In cases where a patient unknowingly ingests a poisonous herb, is caught off guard by the poisonous side effects that occur because of their lack of knowledge of what they have ingested. This paper will focus on the need to educate the public about the risks involved with ingesting wild vegetables and herbs and study the emergency diagnosis and treatment of poisoned patients that enter the emergency room. Method: This study was done in the spring of 2004 (from March to May) in the Kangwon Young-Seo districts of Korea. 15 subjects used in this study, entered the emergency room showing signs of toxic symptoms. Data was collected by examining subject's records. Additional data was collected by collaborating with physicians in the hospital that diagnosed and treated the subjects. Identifying the poisonous vegetable or herb is the first step to proper diagnosis and treatment. Subjects admitted to the emergency room, underwent a battery of tests: laboratory examination, ECG, radiological exam and etc. Results: The demographics of the study encompassed subjects with the average age of $50{\pm}19$ years old. There were 10 men and 5 women. Common symptoms of this study included; gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain and so on. In the case of Caltha palustris ingestion, additional symptoms were present; bradycardia and hypotension which lasted for a long time. While cases that ingested Scopolia parviflora had little effect on vital signs but manic episodes lasted for about three days. Veratrum patulum ingestion showed signs of bradycardia and hypotension but contrary to Caltha palustris recovery was shorten by treating with dopamine. However, dizziness, headache and paresthesia of the extremities continued for a long time. Finally Sium ninsi ingestion showed visual disturbance, paresthesia of the extremities, dizziness as their initial symptoms. Conclusion: The risks involved with ingesting wild plants without the proper knowledge can lead to serious side effects and steps need to be taken to educate the public. In addition, all emergency physicians need to have a working knowledge of the symptoms and signs associated with ingesting toxic wild plants and need to treat accordingly.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권2호
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• pp.95-102
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• 2010

Background: The increasing rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a threat to the public health and TB control. In Korea, about 75~80% of TB patients are treated in private hospitals and the rate has been continuously increasing since 2000. Methods: On a retrospective basis, we enrolled 170 newly diagnosed with or retreated for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 2004 from 21 private hospitals. We extracted the following demographics and treatment history from patient medical records: initial treatment outcomes, cumulative survival rates, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors. Results: Of the 170 patients, the majority were male (64.1%), the mean age was 44.5 years old, and mean body-mass-index was $20.2kg/m^2$. None of the patients tested positive for HIV. Eleven (6.5%) were confirmed to have extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) at treatment initiation. Treatment success rates were not different between XDR-TB (36.4%, 4/11) and non-XDR MDR-TB (51.6%, 82/159). Default rate was high, 21.8% (37/170). Far advanced disease on X-ray was a significant negative predictor of treatment success; advanced disease and low BMI were risk factors for all-cause mortality. Conclusion: In private hospitals in Korea, the proportion of XDR-TB in MDR-TB was comparable to previous data. The treatment success rate of MDR-/XDR-TB remains poor and the failure rate was quite high. Adequate TB control policies should be strengthened to prevent the further development and spread of MDR-/XDR-TB in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• 제33권52호
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• pp.346.1-346.11
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• 2018

Background: To evaluate the therapeutic benefits of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy for Asian patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. Methods: In a 1-year, multicenter, open-label strategy trial, 346 patients with early RA were recruited from 20 institutions across Korea and stratified into 2 groups, depending on whether they were recruited by rheumatologists who have adopted the T2T strategy (T2T group) or by rheumatologists who provided usual care (non-T2T group). Data regarding demographics, rheumatoid factor titer, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody titer, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), and Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ) score were obtained at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. In the T2T group, the prescription for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was tailored to the predefined treatment target in each patient, namely remission (DAS28 < 2.6) or low disease activity (LDA) ($2.6{\leq}DAS28$ < 3.2). Results: Data were available for 163 T2T patients and 162 non-T2T patients. At the end of the study period, clinical outcomes were better in the T2T group than in the non-T2T group (LDA or remission, 59.5% vs. 35.8%; P < 0.001; remission, 43.6% vs. 19.8%; P < 0.001). Compared with non-T2T, T2T was also associated with higher rate of good European League Against Rheumatism response (63.0% vs. 39.8%; P < 0.001), improved KHAQ scores (-0.38 vs. -0.13; P = 0.008), and higher frequency of follow-up visits (5.0 vs. 2.0 visits/year; P < 0.001). Conclusion: In Asian patients with early RA, T2T improves disease activity and physical function. Setting a pre-defined treatment target in terms of DAS28 is recommended.