• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.99-110
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• 2008

Objectives: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has become an assisted reproductive technique for couples carrying genetic conditions that may affect their offspring. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterized by bone fragility and low bone mass. At least 95% of cases are caused by dominant mutations in the COL1A1 or COL1A2. In this study, we report on our experience clinical outcomes with 5 PGD cycles for OI in two couples. Methods: Before clinical PGD, we assessed the amplification rate and allele drop-out (ADO) rate of alkaline lysis and nested PCR protocol using heterozygous patient's single lymphocytes in the pre-clinical diagnostic tests for OI. We performed 5 cycles of PGD for OI by nested PCR for the causative mutation loci, COL1A1 c.2452G>A and c.3226G>A, in case 1 and case 2, respectively. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with HaeIII restriction enzyme in the case 1 and direct DNA sequencing. Results: We confirmed the causative mutation loci, COL1A1 c.2452G>A in case 1 and c.3226G>A in case 2. In the pre-clinical tests, the amplification rate was 94.2% and ADO rate was 22.5% in case 1, while 98.1% and 1.9% in case 2, respectively. In case 1, a total of 34 embryos were analyzed and 31 embryos (91.2%) were successfully diagnosed in 3 PGD cycles. Eight out of 19 embryos diagnosed as unaffected embryos were transferred in all 3 cycles, and in the third cycle, pregnancy was achieved and a healthy baby was delivered without any complications in July, 2005. In case 2, all 19 embryos (100.0%) were successfully diagnosed and 4 out of 11 unaffected embryos were transferred in 2 cycles. Pregnancy was achieved in the second cycle and the healthy baby was delivered in March, 2008. The causative locus was confirmed as a normal by amniocentesis and postnatal diagnosis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, these two cases are the first successful PGD for OI in Korea. Our experience provides a further demonstration that PGD is a reliable and effective clinical techniques and a useful option for many couples with a high risk of transmitting a genetic disease.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 1996

Purpose: The traditional approach with surgery and/or radiotherapy(RT) for advanced head and neck cancer Provides anticipated cure rates of $10-65\%$ depending on stages and sites. Recently, combined modality with chemotherapy have been extensively investigated in attempts to improve survival and local control. We retrospectively analysed our experience of 31 patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods : November 1983 to October 1994. 31 Patients with Stage III and IV squamous cell head and neck cancer were treated with RT. Sixteen patients were treated with RT alone, and IS patients were treated with combined RT plus chemotherapy. All patients were treated with 4-MV LINAC and radiation dose ranged from 5000 cGy to 7760 cGy (median 7010 cGy). In combined group, 7 patients were treated with cisplatin plus 5-FU 2 patients were treated with methotrexate plus leucovorin plus 5-FU plus cisplatin or carboplatin, and 6 patients were treated with cisplatin as a radiosensitizer. Results : Median follow up period was 16 months (range 4-134 months). The major responses (CR+PR) were noted in 10 patient ($66.6\%$) of the RT alone group and 14 patient ($93.3\%$) of the chemoradiation group. There was no statistical difference in CR rate between the two groups The overall survival rates at 5 years were $23.4\%$ in the radiation alone group, $23.5\%$ in the chemoradiation group Disease-free survival rates at 3 years were $44.5\%$ in the radiation alone group, $40\%$ in the chemoradiation group. There was no statistical differences in overall survival rates and disease-free survival rates between the two groups. Local recurrences occurred in $71.5\%$ of the radiation alone group, $72.7\%$ of the chemoradiation group and distant metastasis occurred in $14.4\%$ of radiation alone group, $9.1\%$ of the chemoradiation group. The frequencies of complications were comparable in both groups except hematologic toxicity Conclusion : Total response rates in the combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy was relatively higher than radiotherapy alone. But our result failed to show any survival benefit of the combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The accrual of large number of patients and long term follow-un may be necessary to confirm the present result of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.65-87
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• 1981

The study is aimed at exploring concept held by clinical nurses of nursing. The data were collected from 225 nurses conviniently selected from the population of nurses working in Kang Won province. Findings include. 1) Nurse's Qualification. The respondents view that specialized knowledge is more important qualification of the nurse. Than warm personality. Specifically, 92.9% of the respondents indicated specialized knowledge as the most important qualification while only 43.1％ indicated warm personality. 2) On Nursing Profession. The respondents view that nursing profession as health service oriented rather than independent profession specifically. This suggests that nursing profession is not consistentic present health care delivery system nor support nurses working independently. 3) On Clients of Nursing Care The respondents include patients, family and the community residents in the category of nursing care. Specifically, 92.0％ of the respondents view that patient is the client, while only 67.1％ of nursing student and 74.7％ of herself. This indicates the lack of the nurse's recognition toward their clients. 4) On the Priority of Nursing care. Most of the respondents view the clients physical psychological respects as important component of nursing care but not the spiritual ones. Specially, 96.0% of the respondents indicated the physical respects, 93% psychological ones, while 64.1% indicated the spiritual ones. This means the lack of comprehensive conception on nursing aimension. 5) On Nursing Care. 91.6% of the respondents indicated that nursing care is the activity decreasing pain or helping to recover illness, while only 66.2% indicated earring out the physicians medical orders. 6) On Purpose of Nursing Care. 89.8% of the respondents indicated preventing illness and than 76.6% of them decreasing 1;ai of clients. On the other hand, maintaining health has the lowest selection at the degree of 13.8%. This means the lack of nurses' recognition for maintaining health as the most important point. 7) On Knowledge Needed in Nursing Care. Most of the respondents view that the knowledge faced with the spot of nursing care is needed. Specially, 81.3% of the respondents indicated simple curing method and 75.1%, 73.3%, 71.6% each indicated child nursing, maternal nursing and controlling for the communicable disease. On the other hand, knowledge w hick has been neglected in the specialized courses of nursing education, that is, thinking line among com-w unity members, overcoming style against between stress and personal relation in each home, and administration, management have a low selection at the depree of 48.9%,41.875 and 41.3%. 8) On Nursing Idea. The highest degree of selection is that they know themselves rightly, (The mean score measuring distribution was 4.205/5) In the lowest degree,3.016/5 is that devotion is the essential element of nursing, 2.860/5 the religious problems that human beings can not settle, such as a fatal ones, 2,810/5 the nursing profession is worth trying in one's life. This means that the peculiarly essential ideas on the professional sense of value. 9) On Nursing Services. The mean score measuring distribution for the nursing services showed that the inserting of machine air way is 2.132/5, the technique and knowledge for surviving heart-lung resuscitating is 2.892/s, and the preventing air pollution 3.021/5. Specially, 41.1% of the respondents indicated the lack of the replied ratio. 10) On Nurses' Qualifications. The respondents were selected five items as the most important qualifications. Specially, 17.4% of the respondents indicated specialized knowledge, 15.3% the nurses' health, 10.6％ satisfaction for nursing profession, 9.8% the experience need, 9.2% comprehension and cooperation, while warm personality as nursing qualifications have a tendency of being lighted. 11) On the Priority of Nursing Care The respondents were selected three items as the most important component. Most of the respondents view the client's physical, spiritual: economic points as important components of nursing care. They showed each 36.8%, 27.6%, 13.8% while educational ones showed 1.8%. 12) On Purpose of Nursing Care. The respondents were selected four items as the most important purpose. Specially,29.3% of the respondents indicated curing illness for clients, 21.3% preventing illness for client 17.4% decreasing pain, 15.3% surviving. 13) On the Analysis of Important Nursing Care Ranging from 5 point to 25 point, the nurses' qualification are concentrated at the degree of 95.1%. Ranging from 3 point to 25, the priorities of nursing care are concentrated at the degree of 96.4%. Ranging from 4 point to 16, the purpose of nursing care is concentrated at the degree of 84.0%. 14) The Analysis, of General Characteristics and Facts of Nursing Concept. The correlation between the educational high level and nursing care showed significance. (P < 0.0262). The correction between the educational low level and purpose of nursing care showed significance. (P < 0.002) The correlation between nurses' working yeras and the degree of importance for the purpose of nursing care showed significance (P < 0.0155) Specially, the most affirmative answers were showed from two years to four ones. 15) On Nunes' qualification and its Degree of Importance The correlation between nurses' qualification and its degree of importance showed significance. (r = 0.2172, p< 0.001) 0.005) B. General characteristics of the subjects The mean age of the subject was 39 ; with 38.6% with in the age range of 20-29 ; 52.6% were male; 57.9％ were Schizophrenia; 35.1% were graduated from high school or high school dropouts; 56.l％ were not have any religion; 52.6% were unmarried； 47.4% were first admission; 91.2% were involuntary admission patients. C. Measurement of anxiety variables. 1. Measurement tools of affective anxiety in this study demonstrated high reliability (.854). 2. Measurement tools of somatic anxiety in this study demonstrated high reliability (.920). D. Relationship between the anxiety variables and the general characteristics. 1. Relationship between affective anxiety and general characteristics. 1) The level of female patients were higher than that of the male patient (t = 5.41, p < 0.05). 2) Frequencies of admission were related to affective anxiety, so in the first admission the anxiety level was the highest. (F = 5.50, p < 0.005). 2, Relationship between somatic anxiety and general characteristics. 1) The age range of 30-39 was found to have the highest level of the somatic anxiety. (F = 3.95, p < 0.005). 2) Frequencies of admission were related to the somatic anxiety, so .in first admission the anxiety level was the highest. (F = 9.12, p ＜ 0.005) 0. Analysis of significant anxiety symptoms for nursing intervention. 1. Seven items such as dizziness, mental integration, sweating, restlessness, anxiousness, urinary frequency and insomnia, init. accounted for 96％ of the variation within the first 24 hours after admission. 2. Seven items such as fear, paresthesias, restlessness, sweating insomnia, init., tremors and body aches and pains accounted for 84% of the variation on the 10th day after admission.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.162-169
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• 2008

Purpose : Oxcabarzepine (OXC), newly recommended antiepileptic drug, has been prescribed for patients with partial seizures and generalized tonic clonic seizures in Korea from 1999. There are limited reports about an efficacy of OXC therapy in epileptic children in Korea. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OXC in the light of our experience. Methods : The patients, who had visited the pediatric neurology clinic of Korea University Guro Hospital from January 2001 to December 2006, were included. The data of 144 patients who were administrated OXC as monotherapy or polytherapy, was summarized retrospectively and we evaluated the efficacy and safety of OXC. Results : After 6 months of OXC therapy, 77 patients (53.5%, n=144) achieved seizure freedom, 48 patients (33.3%) experienced >50% improvement. After 12 months of OXC therapy, cessation of seizure was observed in 88 patients (61.1%, n=133), and 27 patients (18.8%) manifested an improvement. Monotherapy group showed superior efficacy to polytherapy one. The frequent side effects of OXC were drowsiness (20.1%), headache (12.5%), dizziness (9.7%) and rash (8.3%). They did not related to patient's age or sex, and dosage of OXC. Twenty four patients (16.7%) experienced hyponatremia, but which were neither symptomatic nor significant one. Conclusion : The efficacy and safety of OXC in our patients were excellent and had less significant side effects than established international one. We expect this report contributes toward OXC therapy in epileptic children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.404-410
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• 2003

Different treatment options are available according to the stage and duration of the empyema. Stage I empyema (exudate stage) is treated concurrently by the administration of appropriate antibiotics and chest tube drainage. Stage III empyema (organized stage) is considered for decortication through an open thoracotomy. However, the treatment of fibrinopurulent, stage II empyema remains controversial. Recently, debridement with the use of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) has been proposed for the treatment of stage II empyema. We analyzed and report our initial experience of 5 cases of stage II empyema, treated with the use of VATS. Material and Method: Between June 2001 and February 2002, 5 patients with fibrinopurulent empyema that did not respond to antibiotics, chest tube drainage or Percutaneous Catheter drainage (PCD), and instillation of fibrinolytic agent were treated by debridement and irrigation with the use of VATS. A CT scan was performed in all patients before the operation to confirm the diagnosis of loculated empyema and to detect additional lung parenchymal diseases. Result: All 5 patients underwent successful debridement and irrigation with the use of VATS and the chest tube was inserted properly. And no patients needed conversion to open thoracotomy. The ratio of sex was 4 : 1 (male : female), the mean age was 53 years old (range, 26~73 years), the mean operative time was 73.4 minutes (range, 52~95 minutes), the mean duration of postoperative chest tube placement was 12.4 days (range, 6~19 days), and the mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 20.8 days (range, 10~36 days). In all patients, clinical symptoms such as pain and fever subsided and simple chest PA view revealed satisfactory lung expansion. No major postoperative complication was observed during the hospital course and no patient suffered from the recurrence of empyema in the follow-up period. Conclusion: We think that early operation with the use of VATS is safe and efficient for stage II empyema which did not respond to medical treatment(antibiotics and chest tube drainage), therefore, it can prevent stage II empyema from advancing to stage III, organized empyema.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.635-641
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• 2010

Background: Radiofrequency endovenous ablation of incompetent saphenous vein has gaining popularity over the conventional ligation and stripping as a minimally invasive technique. The latest version of radiofrequency endovenous catheter, $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast VNUS medical Technologies, San Jose, CA, adopted a segmental ablation system, instead of continous pullback, is designed to reduce treatment time in comparison with the previous model $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ plus VNUS medical Technologies, San Jose, CA. The purpose of this study is to compare the difference between two endovenous radiofrequency ablation systems in terms of treatment efficacy and complication rates. We analyze the initial efficacy and complication rates of $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast with $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ plus. Material and Method: Between June 2006 and August 2009, $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ plus was performed to treat varicose vein on 59 limbs in 41. patients and $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast was performed on 76 limbs in 67 patients. We retrospectively compared in both group with sex, mean treatment time, mean treatment diameter, conjugated treatment, and complications after the procedure. Result: All patient were symptomatic and diagnosed as varicose vein and underwent level 2 clinical classification with color duplex scan. The mean treatment time for the great saphenous vein was significantly less with $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast ($17.0{\pm}6.5min$) than $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ plus ($62.7{\pm}9.8min$). There was no significant difference in 1 yr closure rate between groups (p=0.32). Minor complications such as skin burn, thrombophlebitis, ecchymosis, hematoma, cellulitis, tenderness, and there were not different between the groups. Conclusion: Both $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast and $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ plus are effective methods of endovenous saphenous ablation. $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast is superior to the previous model with less treatment time preserving compatible efficacy and complications. The efficacy of $VNUS^{\circledR}Colosure$ fast for long term closure rate remains to be established.

• Korean Journal of Hospice Care
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.46-69
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• 2001

Hospice Care is the best way to care for terminally ill patients and their family members. However most of them can not receive the appropriate hospice service because the Korean health delivery system is mainly be focussed on acutly ill patients. This study was carried out to clarify the situation of hospice in Korea and to develop a hospice care delivery system model which is appropriate in the Korean context. The theoretical framework of this study that hospice care delivery system is composed of hospice resources with personnel, facilities, etc., government and non-government hospice organization, hospice finances, hospice management and hospice delivery, was taken from the Health Delivery System of WHO(1984). Data was obtained through data analysis of litreature, interview, questionairs, visiting and Delphi Technique, from October 1998 to April 1999 involving 56 hospices, 1 hospice research center, 3 non-government hospice organizations, 20 experts who have had hospice experience for more than 3 years(mean is 9 years and 5 months) and officials or members of 3 non-government hospice organizations. There are 61 hospices in Korea. Even though hospice personnel have tried to study and to provide qualified hospice serices, there is nor any formal hospice linkage or network in Korea. This is the result of this survey made to clarify the situation of Korean hospice. Results of the study by Delphi Technique were as follows: 1.Hospice Resources: Key hospice personnel were found to be hospice coordinator, doctor, nurse, clergy, social worker, volunteers. Necessary qualifications for all personnel was that they conditions were resulted as have good health, receive hospice education and have communication skills. Education for hospice personnel is divided into (i)basic training and (ii)special education, e.g. palliative medicine course for hospice specialist or palliative care course in master degree for hospice nurse specialist. Hospice facilities could be developed by adding a living room, a space for family members, a prayer room, a church, an interview room, a kitchen, a dining room, a bath facility, a hall for music, art or work therapy, volunteers' room, garden, etc. to hospital facilities. 2.Hospice Organization: Whilst there are three non-government hospice organizations active at present, in the near future an hospice officer in the Health&Welfare Ministry plus a government Hospice body are necessary. However a non-government council to further integrate hospice development is also strongly recommended. 3.Hospice Finances: A New insurance standards, I.e. the charge for hospice care services, public information and tax reduction for donations were found suggested as methods to rise the hospice budget. 4.Hospice Management: Two divisions of hospice management/care were considered to be necessary in future. The role of the hospice officer in the Health & Welfare Ministry would be quality control of hospice teams and facilities involved/associated with hospice insurance standards. New non-government integrating councils role supporting the development of hospice care, not insurance covered. 5.Hospice delivery: Linkage&networking between hospice facilities and first, second, third level medical institutions are needed in order to provide varied and continous hospice care. Hospice Acts need to be established within the limits of medical law with regards to standards for professional staff members, educational programs, etc. The results of this study could be utilizes towards the development to two hospice care delivery system models, A and B. Model A is based on the hospital, especially the hospice unit, because in this setting is more easily available the new medical insurance for hospice care. Therefore a hospice team is organized in the hospital and may operate in the hospice unit and in the home hospice care service. After Model A is set up and operating, Model B will be the next stage, in which medical insurance cover will be extended to home hospice care service. This model(B) is also based on the hospital, but the focus of the hospital hospice unit will be moved to home hospice care which is connected by local physicians, national public health centers, community parties as like churches or volunteer groups. Model B will contribute to the care of terminally ill patients and their family members and also assist hospital administrators in cost-effectiveness.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 1991

Between January 1980 and September 1988,08 patients with advanced T3 & T4 glottic carcinoma were treated with RT and surgery/RT in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center and ENT, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The mean age was 60 years old (range 33 to 79 years old). The 34 patients were treated with irradiation alone, and the remaining 34 patients with surgery and irradiation. Initial nodal presentation was $37\% (25/68);\;31\%$ (l1/34) in RT alone group and $41\%$ (14/34) in combined treatment group. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. The local control rate after treatment was $47\%$ in RT alone group and $65\%$ in combined treatment group; $57\%$ for node negative and $27\%$ for node positive patients treated with RT alone; $65\%$ for node negative and $54\%$ for node positive patients treated with combined treatment. The treatment failure was observed in 30 patients; 14 patients for primary local failure, 6 patients for regional nodal failure,5 patients for local and regional failure, 26 patients for primary failure and/or distant metastasis, and 2 patient for regional failure and/or distant metastasis. The overall 5-year suwival rate was $57\%;\;37\%$ in RT alone group and $70\%$ in combined treatment group; $55\%$ for node negative and $20\%$ for node positive patients treated with RT alone; $73\%$ for node negative and $77\%$ for node positive patients treated with combined treatment. In conclusion, the combined treatment groups in the treatment of advanced 73 and 74 glottic cancer showed the better results in local control rates and S-year actuarial survival rates than RT alone group. We suggest that total laryngectomy and postoperative RT in the most patients of advanced glottic cancer were performed. However, in cases of node negative patints, RT alone is prefer as a treatment modality over combined surgery and RT since the treatment results were comparable and furthermore functional preservation could be achieved.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.63-79
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• 1974

1. The purpose of this study. The purpose of this study is to plan and investigate short-term nursing education of two-years associate degree program to produce middle-level professional nurses which are needed by-society and nation. Current nursing education in Korea is divided into four years degree program, three years diploma program Even (though) there are differences in the aims of their education, the curriculums are not much different between the education for producing leaders which is its basic purpose and training middle-level professional nurses. Therefore the purpose of associate degree program lies in minimizing the waste of time and finance which are invested for long-term education for middle-level professional nurses. And also this coincide with the policy of national technical training and definite supply of nurse manpower according to health policy for effective role and ability of nurse. 2. The method of study. This is based on the study of literature, research on the actual condition and investigation of opinion- through questionnaire. L) The study of literature: Domestic and foreign literatures for two years associate degree program were studied and investigated. 2) Research on the actual condition : Current three years nursing education program was collected and analysed. 3) Investigation of opinion. The problem of curried nursing education system and the possibility of two years associate degree program were investigated through questionnaire. 3. The result of the study. 1) The trend of recent nursing education. a. The aims of nursing in past chiefly taking care of physical disease of patient has recently changed to nursing of character including physical, mental, socio-economic, educational and psychological condition. b. For the performing systematic and effective nurse's duty according to her role, the-change of educational system which is classified as a range of education the period of education and certificate after graduation has been enforced or fulfilled. c. Nursing education also has a trend to become a collage or two years associate degree program which can get same legal protection as other educational institutions whose basic purpose is education. Attached nursing school to hospital is getting disappeared because of disadvantage of educational system. 2) Problems. Depending upon research on actual condition of current 3 years nursing education program. a. There are too many subjects. b. Contents of education could be doubled because major subjects are subdivided in detail. c. The credits for graduation are too heavy comparing to the period of study or the ability of students. (The necessary credits are 150.8 for three years according to actual investigation 4. There is no certain standard in organizing curriculum therefore there are too much differences between schools. 4. Basic Plan. The plan for two years associate degree program in nursing education depending on demand of professional nursing field of society is based on following items. 1) Training middle-level professional nurse lay emphasis on liberal arts and basic major field. 2) Liberal arts are divided into required and optional subjects and students could take courses by choice. 3) Major subjects are compound together by fields and they become the sciences of nursing Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ and every items has its educational purposes and contents major study includes laboratory practice and clinical experience. 4) The required credits for graduation are to which means 17-18 credits a semester. The above has been planned to solve the problems of current three years nursing education program. In conclusion for the achievement of this system, following items are needed. 1) It is necessary to change educational administration and system such as amendment of educational law or order of educational application of law. 2) Qualified professors should be available to understand and develope the idea or purpose of this educational system. 3) Local medical institutions should be opened widely and educational for clinical training. 4) The job after graduation should he secured positively.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2014

Purpose: We investigated the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent PICC at the hospice-palliative division of KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) Medical Center between January 2013 and December 2013. All PICCs were inserted by an interventional radiologist. Results: A total of 30 terminally ill cancer patients received the PICC procedure during the study period. Including one patient who had had two PICC insertions during the period, we analyzed a total of 31 episodes of catheterization and 571 PICC days. The median catheter life span was 14.0 days (range, 1~90 days). In 25 cases, catheters were maintained until the intended time (discharge, transfer, or death), while they were removed prematurely in six other cases (19%; 10.5/1000 PICC days). Thus, the catheter maintenance success rate was 81%. Of those six premature PICC removal cases, self-removal due to delirium occurred in four cases (13%; 7.0/1000 PICC days), and catheter-related blood stream infection and thrombosis were reported in one case, each (3%; 1.8/1000 PICC days). Complication cases totaled eight (26%; 14.1/1000 PICC days). The time to complication development ranged from two to 14 days and the median was seven days. There was no PICC complication-related death. Conclusion: Considering characteristics of terminally ill cancer patients, such as a poor general condition, vulnerability to trivial damage, and a limited period of survival, PICC could be a safe intravenous procedure.