• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권2호
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• pp.153-162
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• 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating conditions and many SCI patients suffer neurological sequelae. Stem cell therapies are expected to be beneficial for many patients with central nervous system injuries, including SCI. Adult stem cells (ASCs) are not associated with the risks which embryonic stem cells have such as malignant transformation, or ethical problems, and can be obtained relatively easily. Consequently, many researchers are currently studying the effects of ASCs in clinical trials. The environment of transplanted cells applied in the injured spinal cord differs between the phases of SCI; therefore, many researchers have investigated these phases to determine the optimal time window for stem cell therapy in animals. In addition, the results of clinical trials should be evaluated according to the phase in which stem cells are transplanted. In general, the subacute phase is considered to be optimal for stem cell transplantation. Among various candidates of transplantable ASCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are most widely studied due to their clinical safety. MSCs are also less immunogenic than neural stem/progenitor cells and consequently immunosuppressants are rarely required. Attempts have been made to enhance the effects of stem cells using scaffolds, trophic factors, cytokines, and other drugs in animal and/or human clinical studies. Over the past decade, several clinical trials have suggested that transplantation of MSCs into the injured spinal cord elicits therapeutic effects on SCI and is safe; however, the clinical effects are limited at present. Therefore, new therapeutic agents, such as genetically enhanced stem cells which effectively secrete neurotrophic factors or cytokines, must be developed based on the safety of pure MSCs.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.108-115
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• 2021

본 연구는 기립성 저혈압이 동반된 경수부 척수손상 환자에서 플루드로코티손의 치료 효과에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 기립경사도 검사를 통해 기립성 저혈압으로 진단된 경수부 척수손상 환자 26명을 무작위로 배정하였고, 보존적 치료 혹은 추가로 플루드로코티손 치료 중 한가지를 시행하였다. 플루드로코티손은 주마다 0.1mg에서 0.2mg로 증량하여 총 2주간 투약하였고, 초기 및 2주 후의 혈압 및 심박수, 혈액학적 검사 수치의 변화를 평가하였다. 치료 2주 후에 치료군에서 기저 혈압의 유의미한 상승이 나타났다(p<.05). 기립성 혈압 감소의 비율 분석에서 치료군의 기립성 혈압 감소가 덜 나타나는 경향성을 보였다. 플루드로코티손 치료군의 7.69%에서 경증의 이상 반응을 보고하였다. 이를 통해 플루드로코티손이 기저 혈압의 상승 및 기립성 저혈압 감소를 통해 심혈관계 합병증 방지 및 재활치료 지속 등의 치료 효과를 나타내었음을 알 수 있으며, 척수손상 환자의 기립성 저혈압에서 하나의 치료 방안으로 고려해볼 수 있다고 생각된다.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.177-186
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• 2018

Background and Objectives: Glial scarring and inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) interfere with neural regeneration and functional recovery due to the inhibitory microenvironment of the injured spinal cord. Stem cell transplantation can improve functional recovery in experimental models of SCI, but many obstacles to clinical application remain due to concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of stem cell transplantation for SCI patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) that were genetically modified to express Olig2 in a rat model of SCI. Methods: Bone marrow-derived hMSCs were genetically modified to express Olig2 and transplanted one week after the induction of contusive SCI in a rat model. Spinal cords were harvested 7 weeks after transplantation. Results: Transplantation of Olig2-expressing hMSCs significantly improved functional recovery in a rat model of contusive SCI model compared to the control hMSC-transplanted group. Transplantation of Olig2-expressing hMSCs also attenuated glial scar formation in spinal cord lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that transplanted Olig2-expressing hMSCs were partially differentiated into Olig1-positive oligodendrocyte-like cells in spinal cords. Furthermore, NF-M-positive axons were more abundant in the Olig2-expressing hMSC-transplanted group than in the control hMSC-transplanted group. Conclusions: We suggest that Olig2-expressing hMSCs are a safe and optimal cell source for treating SCI.

• 재활복지공학회논문지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.89-103
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• 2015

본 연구는 척수손상 환자를 대상으로 병원기반 사회복귀 지원프로그램을 개발하고, 프로그램 시행 전 후를 비교 분석함으로써 프로그램의 효과성을 평가하고자 하였다. 재활병원에 입원해 있는 25명의 척수손상 환자를 대상으로 2~3개월 동안 일주일에 2번 평균 6.1개의 프로그램을 실시하였다. 프로그램 시행 전, 후 COPM, HADS, AD-R, WHOQOL-BREF를 통해 작업 수행도 및 만족도, 불안과 우울, 장애수용, 삶의 질을 비교하였으며, 퇴원 시 CIQ로 지역사회통합 수준과 퇴원 후의 사회복귀여부를 측정하였다. 자료분석은 기술통계와 대응표본 t검정(paired t-test)을 실시하였다. 연구결과 병원기반 사회복귀 지원프로그램 실시 후 작업 수행도 및 만족도, 장애수용, 삶의 질에 향상을 보였다(p<0.05). 또한 퇴원 후 25명의 척수손상 환자 중에서 10명이 가정, 학업, 직업으로 복귀하였다. 이를 통해 병원기반 사회복귀 지원프로그램이 척수손상 환자들이 퇴원 후 그들이 속한 지역사회로 돌아가는데 효과적임을 알 수 있었다. 척수손상 환자들이 가정과 사회로의 빠른 복귀를 위해서는 사회복귀를 위한 다양한 프로그램 개발과 더불어 체계적인 사회복귀 연계시스템이 이루어져야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.15-25
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• 2014

Objective: This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance (DSB), biomechanical characteristics, and physical characteristics in spinal cord injuries (SCI) patients. Background: Virtual ski training systems, ski equipment, and training protocols for disabled skiers are being studied to spread awareness. However, few studies have been reported on the sitting balance ability associated with chair mono skiing. Method: A dynamic sitting balance border system was built to investigate the ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance in SCI patients. Trunk muscle activity was evaluated by electromyogram while conducting dynamic sitting balance tests. The trunk muscle strength was tested with a portable handheld dynamometer. Physical activity scores were measured with the physical activity recall assessment. Results: There were high levels of correlation between the ability to maintain DSB and trunk flexor strength, extensor strength, rotator strength, and physical activity score. However, height, weight, and injury level in SCI patients were not correlated with the ability to maintain DSB. Additionally, strong negative correlations were found between muscle activities of the external oblique and lumbar erector spinae muscles and the ability to perform the backward tilt test. Trunk extensor muscle activity during the ball lifting test was significantly higher than in other tests. Conclusion: The results indicate that improving trunk muscle strength and physical activity can increase the ability to maintain DSB. Application: The findings of a close relationship between trunk strength, physical activity, and the ability to maintain DSB need to be reflected in the chair mono ski training program.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.220-224
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• 2013

Objective : This study aimed to determine the optimal time for tracheostomy by evaluating the benefits and safety of early versus late tracheostomy in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed a total of 254 patients with spinal cord injury. Of them, we selected 21 spinal cord injury patients who required tracheostomy due to long-term mechanical ventilation and analyzed their medical records. The patients were categorized into two groups. Early tracheostomy was performed day 1-10 from intubation in 10 patients and the late tracheostomy was performed after day 10 in 11 cases. We also evaluated the duration of mechanical ventilation, stay in the ICU and complications related to tracheostomy, the injury level of and clinical severity. All data was analyzed using SPSS 18.0/WIN. Results : The early tracheostomy offered clear advantages for shortening the total ICU stay (20.8 day vs. 38.0 day, p=0.010). There was also statistically significant reduction in the total length of time on mechanical ventilation (5.2 day vs. 29.2 day, p=0.009). However, the reductions in the incidence of pneumonia (40% vs. 82%) and the length of ICU stay post to tracheostomy (6 day vs. 15 day) were found to be statistically not significant. There were also no statistically significant differences in the injury level and clinical severity between the groups. Conclusion : We concluded that the early tracheostomy (at least 10 days) is beneficial for SCI patients who are likely to require prolonged mechanical ventilation.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.151-156
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• 2013

Purpose: Traumatic cervical SCI is frequently accompanied by dural tear and the resulting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after surgery can be troublesome and delay rehabilitation with increasing morbidity. This study evaluated the incidence of intraoperative CSF leaks in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent anterior cervical surgery and described the reliable management of CSF leaks during the perioperative period. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records and radiological images was done on patients with CSF leaks after cervical spine trauma. Results: Seven patients(13.2%) were identified with CSF leaks during the intraoperative period. All patients were severely injured and showed structural abnormalities on the initial magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the cervical spine. Intraoperatively, no primary repair of dural tear was attempted because of a wide, rough defect size. Therefore, fibrin glue was applied to the operated site in all cases. Although a wound drainage was inserted, it was stopped within the first 24 hours after the operation. No lumbar drainage was performed. Postoperatively, the patients should kept their heads in an elevated position and early ambulation and rehabilitation were encouraged. None of the patients developed complications related to CSF leaks during admission. Conclusion: The incidence of CSF leaks after surgery for cervical spinal trauma is relatively higher than that of cervical spinal stenosis. Therefore, one should expect the possibility of a dural tear and have a simple and effective management protocol for CSF leaks in trauma cases established.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.299-306
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• 2008

Sometimes, spinal cord injury (SCI) results in various chronic neuropathic pain syndromes that occur diffusely below the level of the injury. It has been reported that behavioral signs of neuropathic pain are expressed in the animal models of contusive SCI. However, the observation period is relatively short considering the natural course of pain in human SCI patients. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the time course of mechanical and cold allodynia in the hindpaw after a spinal cord contusion in rats for a long period of time (30 weeks). The hindpaw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation was applied to the plantar surface of the hindpaw, and the withdrawal frequency to the application of acetone was measured before and after a spinal contusion. The spinal cord contusion was produced by dropping a 10 g weight from a 6.25 and 12.5 mm height using a NYU impactor. After the injury, rats showed a decreased withdrawal threshold to von Frey stimulation, indicating the development of mechanical allodynia which persisted for 30 weeks. The withdrawal threshold between the two experimental groups was similar. The response frequencies to acetone increased after the SCI, but they were developed slowly. Cold allodynia persisted for 30 weeks in 12.5 mm group. The sham animals did not show any significant behavioral changes. These results provide behavioral evidence to indicate that the below-level pain was well developed and maintained in the contusion model for a long time, suggesting a model suitable for pain research, especially in the late stage of SCI or for long term effects of analgesic intervention.

• International Neurourology Journal
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.268-274
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• 2018

Purpose: To describe a technique for urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) using urethral pressure measurements and examine potential associations between urethral pressure and bladder physiology among patients with DSD. Methods: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with known DSD diagnosed on videourodynamics (via electromyography or voiding cystourethrography) were retrospectively identified. Data from SCI and MS patients with detrusor overactivity (DO) without DSD were abstracted as control group. Urodynamics tracings were reviewed and urethral pressure DSD was defined based on comparison of DSD and control groups. Results: Seventy-two patients with DSD were identified. Sixty-two (86%) had >20 cm $H_2O$ urethral pressure amplitude during detrusor contraction. By comparison, 5 of 23 (22%) of control group had amplitude of >20 cm $H_2O$ during episode of DO. Mean duration of urethral pressure DSD episode was 66 seconds (range, 10-500 seconds) and mean urethral pressure amplitude was 73 cm $H_2O$ (range, 1-256 cm $H_2O$). Longer (>30 seconds) DSD episodes were significantly associated with male sex (81% vs. 50%, P=0.013) and higher bladder capacity (389 mL vs. 219 mL, P=0.0004). Urethral pressure amplitude measurements during DSD were not associated with significant urodynamic variables or neurologic pathology. Conclusions: Urethral pressure amplitude of >20 cm $H_2O$ during detrusor contraction occurred in 86% of patients with known DSD. Longer DSD episodes were associated with larger bladder capacity. Further studies exploring the relationship between urethral pressure measurements and bladder physiology could phenotype DSD as a measurable variable rather than a categorical observation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.180-189
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to emphasize the strategy of the home visiting physical therapy for elderly patients who have joint and musculoskeletal problems, disabled person who staying in home and early discharged person who staying in home with replacement of artificial hip joint and central nerve system problems with CP, CVA, SCI etc. Home visiting physical therapist can provide evaluation and diagnosis, treatment with their special knowledge and techniques, treatment council and education for the patients and family member and refer the patients to other specialist. Home visiting physical therapy can expects that patients will have better treatment with emotionally, economically and for long term care patients.