• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.155-159
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• 2012

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by cell-mediated immune responses, but the exact cause is unknown. Sulfasalazine has shown efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous lichen planus. Objective Our purpose was to assess the usefulness of sulfasalazine in treatment of OLP resistant to corticosteroid therapy. This study provides a new option for controlling OLP symptoms. Methods Two patients with the symptomatic reticular form of OLP were treated with 30 mg/5 ml of topical sulfasalazine for 8 to 15 weeks and were evaluated for symptom severity using a numerical analog scale during each week of treatment. The lesion size was measured using a 2 $mm^2$ grid. Results After 2 weeks of application, both patients reported improvements in their symptoms and lesions. Most of the lesions disappeared after 8 weeks of treatment without any side effects. Conclusion Topical sulfasalazine can be a successful treatment option for patients with oral lichen planus resistant to steroid therapy.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 1999

Purpose: MCNS is found in approximately $85\%$ of the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children and shows good prognosis with initial steroid therapy. MCNS most commonly appears between the ages of 2 and 10 yr. But the incidence and prognosis in adolescent MCNS are different from those found in young children; the prognosis and the response to therapy is unfavorable with increasing ages. So we compared the prevalence and the clinical manifestations of adolescent MCNS with that of childhood MCNS for management of adolescent MCNS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study with a review of histopathologic findings and clinical manifestations of the 216 cases with MCNS which were divided into children group and adolescent group by their age of onset; under 12 years(childhood) and between 12-18 years(adolescent). Results: 1) The number of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was 245 cases, and that of adolescent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was 55 cases. 188 cases($77\%$) showed MCNS, 30 cases($12\%$) FSGS, 4 cases($1.6\%$) MSPCN in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome; 28 cases($51\%$) showed MCNS, 12 cases($22\%$) FSGS in adolescent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. 2) The mean onset age was $7.53{\pm}5.5$ years, and the male to female ratio was 3.8:1 in childhood onset and 2.5:1 in adolescent onset with male predominance. 3) Hematuria was associated with $17\%$ of childhood onset and $39.3\%$ of adolescent onset disease(P=0.005). Hypertension appeared in $0.5\%\;and\;7\%$ in each group without significant difference between the groups. 4) 24 hour urine protein, SPI, albumin, BUN, cholesterol level showed no significant difference. 5) The response of childhood onset and adolescent onset MCNS to steroid therapy showed complete remission in $11.7\%\;&\;14.7\%$, infrequent relapsing in $29.2\%\;&\;28.5\%$, frequent relapsing in $23.9\%\;&\;14.7\%$, steroid dependent in $21.8\%\;&\;28.6\%$ each. Steroid resistant showed $13.3\%\;&\;14.7\%$ with no significance. 6) Immunosuppresant therapy was performed $57\%$ in childhood onset and $65\%$ in adolescent onset. 7) Mean number of relapse and duration from onset to first relapse showed no significance between two groups. Conclusion : Our results indicate that the incidence of hematuria, the rate of steroid dependent and frequent relapsing, and the recurrence rate were higher in adolescent MCNS; showed poorer steroid responsiveness and prognosis. Our data also point to the need for a more aggressive therapy to treat and make recommendations for the adolescent population as a whole.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2005

Purpose : To determine the histological findings and treatment outcome in cases of child hood nephrotic syndrome which required renal biopsy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, laboratory, pathologic findings and therapeutic outcomes of 159 nephrotic children who received a renal biopsy at the Department of Pediatrics, Kyunghee Medical University Hospital, Seoul from 1984 to 2004 over a period of 21 years. The renal biopsy was performed in nephrotic children who showed atypical features at presentation, or needed cytotoxic therapy because of frequent-relapsing, steroid-dependent, or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS). Results : Minimal change disease(MCD) was found in 52.1$\%$ of the patients, followed by diffuse mesangial proliferation(33.1$\%$), focal segmental gomerulosclerosis(5.3$\%$), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(2.4$\%$), membranous nephropathy(2.4$\%$), and IgA nephropathy(1.8$\%$). In MCD children, 14.8$\%$ had hematuria, 22.7$\%$ had hypertension, 5.7$\%$ showed decreased renal function, and no patient was found to have an abnormal complement level. Among patients diagnosed with diseases other than MCD, 43.2$\%$ had hematuria, 21.0$\%$ was found to be hypertensive, 7.4$\%$ of children showed decreased renal function and only 3(3.7$\%$) had decreased complement level; the rates of hematuria and SRNS were found to be significantly higher than MCD patients. Among 37 SRNS patients, 30(81.0$\%$) showed a final remission state with long-term steroid therapy, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, over 4 months, with or without cytotoxic therapy. Conclusion : Almost half of the cases of childhood nephrotic syndrome requiring renal biopsy were not diagnosed with MCD. Among atypical features, hematuria and steroid-resistance would be the most probable indicators for a diagnosis other than MCD. Even in patients with SRNS, long-term methylprednisolone pulse therapy may result in a good remission rate. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:149-158)

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.37
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• pp.18.1-18.7
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study is to develop a rat model of bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) that would be verified with clinical, radiological and histological examination, and to confirm the influence of concurrent bisphosphonates and steroids use upon the occurrence and aggravation of BRONJ. Methods: Twenty seven rats were divided into 3 groups; Saline group (I), Zoledronate group (II), Zoledronate and Dexamethasone group (III). Rats got weekly intraperitoneal injection for 4 times and extraction of left maxillary and mandibular 1st, 2nd molars were followed. Consecutive injections were performed, and blood sampling for measurements of C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphate 5b rats were performed at the time of 2, 4 and 8 weeks. And then, rats were sacrificed and evaluated clinically, radiologically and histologically. Results: 12/18 (66.6 %) of experimental group were diagnosed as BRONJ. There was no significant difference in incidence between zoledronate alone group (ll) and concurrent use of zoledronate and dexamethasone group (lll). Conclusions: Concurrent use of bisphosphonates and steroids increase incidence of BRONJ compared to saline group (l). Zoledronate alone group (ll) and concurrent use of zoledronate and dexamethasone group (lll) shows same incidence of BRONJ. Based on this study, the rat treated with bisphosphonates and steroids can be considered a novel, reliable and reproducible model to understand pathology of BRONJ.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.590-593
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• 2011

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the third most frequently reported nosocomial infection. Of these SSIs, mostly were confined to the incision associated with underlying disease as diabetes, cigarette smoking, systemic steroid use, obesity, operating room environment, suture and surgical technique. This study has been planned to reduce the SSIs by using Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ (Ethicon, USA) which contains triclosan, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, into the infected wound to evaluate whether or not Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ (Ethicon, USA) is effective to nosocomial bacteria using a zone of inhibition assay. Methods: We did a comparison of Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture (with triclosan) size 2-0, 5-0 with $Vicryl^{(R)}$ suture (without triclosan) size 4-0 each as treatment and control group, applied in Mueller-Hinton agar infected by following mircroorganisms: Methicillin-sensitive $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumanii, $Escherichia$ $coli$, Enterobacter faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans. Cultures were made of the selected mircroorganisms, seeding the study strain in agar plates for 24 and 48-hour period in an oven at $37^{\circ}C$ followed by zone of inhibition assay. Results: Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ group has demonstrated to create a zone of inhibition against MRSA, MSSA and $A.$ $baumanii$, but no effect on $E.$ $faecalis$, $P.$ $aeruginosa$, $C.$ $albicans$. Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture size 2-0 also had antibactericidal effect while Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture size 5-0 did not. $Vicryl^{(R)}$ group had no zones of inhibition showing colonization at all mircroorganisms. Conclusion: Our results seem to warrant the use of Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ as absorbable buried suture when concerning SSIs as a prophylaxis against surgical nosocomial infection.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.189-196
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• 2009

Purpose : The pathophysiologic mechanism of nephrotic syndrome is not yet known clearly. At least in some cases, certain 'circulating factors' are thought to increase the glomerular protein permeability. Considering the systemic effect of the circulating factor on peritoneal membrane, we evaluated the loss of protein through peritoneal membrane in patients on peritoneal dialysis due to the end stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis ensued during the period from 2001 to 2007 at our clinic. Twelve patients had SRNS, while 14 patients had ESRD caused by the congenital anomalies of urinary system. Results : While the other parameters including nPNA indicating the adequacy of protein intake were similar between the two groups, serum albumin was lower in SRNS patients than the non-SRNS patients ($3.7{\pm}0.3$ g/dL vs. $4.0{\pm}0.4$ g/dL, P=0.021). Peritoneal protein loss was higher in SRNS patients than in non-SRNS patients ($3,044.4{\pm}837.6\;mg/m^2$/day vs. $1,791.6{\pm}1,244.0\;mg/m^2$/day, P=0.007). The protein permeability of the peritoneal membrane measured by the ratio of total protein concentration in dialysate to plasma was twice as high in SRNS patients as the non-SRNS ($1.06{\pm}0.46%$ vs. $0.58{\pm}0.43%$, P=0.010). After 1 year, peritoneal protein loss increased in both patient groups, but to a significantly greater degree in non-SRNS patient (P=0.023). Conclusion : The results of our study support the notion that in nephrotic syndrome there are some 'circulating factors' with the systemic effect. Since the greater protein loss through peritoneal membrane in SRNS was confirmed in this study, more meticulous nutritional support and close monitoring on the nutrition are required in these patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the efficacy of infliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor alpha which is used for both treatment of refractory pediatric Crohn disease (CD) and induction of remission. Methods: Among pediatric patients who were diagnosed with CD at Samsung Medical Center between March 2001 and August 2007, a total of 16 patients were given infliximab to treat conventional therapyresistant refractory CD and severe active CD for induction of remission. Patients needing maintenance therapy were treated with an infliximab infusion every 8 weeks, and fistulizing CD patients occasionally received the infusion upon the condition that a fistula developed. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), Hct, ESR, CRP, and serum albumin levels using paired t-test. Results: The male/female ratio was 13:3, and the median age was 13 years (range, 21 months~15 years). The patients included 7 cases of therapy-resistant refractory CD, 7 cases of severe active CD, and 2 cases of fistulizing CD. Mean PCDAI before infliximab therapy was 34.19${\pm}$14.96, and mean follow-up PCDAI within 2 to 4 weeks after the last infusion was significantly lower, at 6.88${\pm}$10.31 (p=0.000). Hematological markers such as ESR (p=0.000), serum albumin (p=0.016), and CRP (p=0.009) also improved significantly after infusion. Remission was achieved in 2 of 4 patients refractory to conventional therapy. Among 3 steroid-dependent patients, 2 were able to discontinue steroid therapy, and dose reduction was possible in 1 patient. Remission after top-down therapy without prior use of other immunomodulators was achieved in 6 weeks in all 7 of the patients who had severe CD. Nine of ten refractory fistulizing CD patients also showed improvement after infliximab therapy. Conclusion: Infliximab was effective in pediatric refractory CD for induction of remission and maintenance therapy, as well as in severe CD for top-down induction therapy. Furthermore, infliximab has contributed to steroid cessation and dose reduction. Long-term follow-up evaluation is needed to determine safety and efficacy of infliximab in the future.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2002

Purpose: As the incidence of non-typhoidal salmonella strains resistant to antibiotics has been increased, we attempted to investigate clinical aspects of non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis and antibiotics resistance. Methods: From January 2000 to June 2002, 99 children with positive stool culture of non-typhoidal salmonella were studied about clinical features, the incidence of antibiotics and multi-drug resistance and the difference of incidence of antibiotics resistance according to immune status. Results: There were 66 males and 33 females. The majority of them were under 5 years of age (71%). 25 children were immunocompromised due to chemotherapy, steroid or immunosuppressive treatment. Serogroup D was the most common isolates (65%) followed by B (16%), C (8%) and E (8%). Resistance rate of 30% to ampicillin, 12% to chloramphenicol, 20% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 11% to cefotaxime and 8% to cefixime were obtained. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacine. Resistance rate to cefotaxime and cefixime in immunocompromised patients was 24% and 14.3% respectively, which were significantly higher compared to that in immunocompetent patients (6.8%, 5.6%, p<0.05). 11 isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. The incidence of multi-drug resistant isolates was significantly higher in immunocompromised patients (24%) than that of immunocompetent patients (6.8%). Conclusion: Because of the high prevalence of non-typhoidal salmonella strains resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and TMP-SMX, third-generation cephalosporin might be the treatment of choice in non-typhoidal salmonella gastroenteritis. In particular, antibiotics should be carefully selected in immunocompromised patients because non-typhoidal salmonellas from them showed the higher incidence of antibiotic resistance and multi-drug resistance.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2001

Purpose : Since Mendoza(1990)'s report that long term methylprednisolone pulse therapy by Mendoza protocol (MP therapy) is a good treatment option in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS), there have been reports of the effects of this therapy in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. However, no studies have been performed on the effects of MP therapy in steroid- dependent nephrotic syndrome and secondary nephrotic syndrome. In this study, we investigated the effects of long term MP therapy in primary and secondary nephrotic syndrome in which previous treatment options were not effective. Methods : We chose 10 children who were diagnosed with steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome(SD-MCNS), who had shown frequent relapse during the immunocompromised or cytotoxic therapy Period, and 6 children with FSGS and 5 children with secondary nephrotic syndrome children, who had shown no response during the previous therapy period. We treated these patients according to Mendoza protocol involving infusions of high doses of methylprednisolone, often in combination with oral cyclophosphamide for 82 weeks. Results : In all the 10 children with SD-MCNS, complete remission was visible on average of $18{\pm}9$ days after MP therapy was started. However, all these children relapsed during or after MP therapy. In these children, the mean relapse rate prior to MP therapy was $2.1{\pm}1.0$ relpases/year, which was reduced to $1.4{\pm}0.9$ relapses/year during MP therapy(P>0.05) and rose to $2.7{\pm}1.0$ relapse/year after MP therapy. Of the 6 children with FSGS, 4 children($67\%$) showed complete remission, of whom 3 children($50\%$) remained in the remission status during the follow up period, $1.2{\pm}0.7$ years, after the end of MP therapy. 2 children($33\%$) showed no response. All of the 5 children with secondary nephrotic syndrome showed remission and remained in the remissiom status during the follow up period, $1.7{\pm}0.6$ years The only side effect of MP therapy was transient hypertension in 10 children of ail subjects during the intravenous infusion of methylprednisolone. Conclusion : We conclude that although long term MP therapy is not effective in the treatment of SD-MCNS, it is an effective therapy against intractable FSGS and secondary nephrotic syndrome. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001 ; 5 : 117-24)

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2009

Experimental induction of polycystic ovary (PCO) resembling some aspects of human PCO syndrome was produced using the long-acting compound estradiol valerate (EV). Our previous study on the role of Korean red ginseng total saponins (GTS) in a steroid-induced PCO rat model demonstrated that electro-acupuncture modulates nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the ovaries. In fact, the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of PCO-related ovarian dysfunction is preceded by an increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovaries. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that therapeutic GTS administration modulates sympathetic nerve activity in rats with PCO. This was done by analyzing NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression involved in the pathophysiological process underlying steroid-induced PCO. EV injection resulted in significantly higher ovarian NGF mRNA expression in PCO rats compared to control rats, and PCO ovaries were counteracted by GTS administration with significantly lower expression of NGF mRNA compared to EV treated ovaries. However, NGF protein was unaffected in both EV and GTS treated ovaries compared to control rats. These results indicate that EV modulates the neurotrophic state of the ovaries, which may be a component of the pathological process by which EV induces cyst formation and anovulation in rodents.