• International journal of advanced smart convergence
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2021

Patients with Pressure injuries (PIs) may have pain and discomfort, which results in poorer patient outcomes and additional cost for treatment. This study was a part of larger research project that aimed at prediction modeling using a big data. The purpose of this study were to describe the characteristics of patients with PI in critical care; and to explore comorbidity and diagnostic and interventive procedures that have been done for patients in critical care. This is a secondary data analysis. Data were retrieved from a large clinical database, MIMIC-III Clinical database. The number of unique patients with PI was 2,286 in total. Approximately 60% were male and 68.4% were White. Among the patients, 9.9% were dead. In term of discharge disposition, 56.2% (33.9% Home, 22.3% Home Health Care) where as 32.3% were transferred to another institutions. The rest of them were hospice (0.8%), left against medical advice (0.7%), and others (0.2%). The top three most frequently co-existing kinds of diseases were Hypertension, not otherwise specified (NOS), congestive heart failure NOS, and Acute kidney failure NOS. The number of patients with PI who have one or more procedures was 2,169 (94.9%). The number of unique procedures was 981. The top three most frequent procedures were 'Venous catheterization, not elsewhere classified,' and 'Enteral infusion of concentrated nutritional substances.' Patient with a greater number of comorbid conditions were likely to have longer length of ICU stay (r=.452, p<.001). In addition, patient with a greater number of procedures that were performed during the admission were strongly tend to stay longer in hospital (r=.729, p<.001). Therefore, prospective studies focusing on comorbidity; and diagnostic and preventive procedures are needed in the prediction modeling of pressure injury development in ICU patients.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

Purpose: Inferior vena cava (IVC) collapse is related to hypovolemia. Sonography has been used to measure the IVC diameter, but there is variation depending on the skill of the operator and it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements in patients who have a large amount of intestinal gas or are obese. As a modality to obtain accurate measurements, we measured the diameters of the IVC and aorta on trauma computed tomography scans and investigated the correlation between the IVC to aorta ratio and the shock index in blunt trauma patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 588 trauma patients who were transferred to the regional trauma center (level 1) of Wonkang University Hospital from March 2020 to February 2021. We included trauma patients 18 years or older who met the trauma activation criteria and underwent trauma computed tomography scans with intravenous contrast within 40 minutes of admission. The shock index was calculated from vital signs before trauma computed tomography scan, and measurements of the anteroposterior diameter of the IVC (AP), the transverse diameter of the IVC (T), and aorta were made 10 mm above the right renal vein in the venous phase. Results: Overall, 271 patients were included in this study, of whom 150 had a shock index ≤0.7 and 121 had a shock index >0.7. The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio were significantly different between groups. Cutoffs were identified for the T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio (2.37 and 0.62, respectively) that produced clinically useful sensitivity and specificity for predicting a shock index >0.7, demonstrating moderate accuracy (T to AP ratio: area under the curve, 0.71; sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 87% and AP to aorta ratio: area under the curve, 0.70; sensitivity, 55%; specificity, 91%). Conclusions: The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio are useful for predicting hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2022

Purpose: The present study measured changes in arteriolar and venular capillary flow and structure in the gingival tissues during the development of plaque-induced gingival inflammation by combining dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT), laser perfusion, and capillaroscopic video imaging. Methods: Gingival inflammation was induced in 21 healthy volunteers over a 3-week period. Gingival blood flow and capillary morphology were measured by dynamic OCT, laser perfusion imaging, and capillaroscopy, including a baseline assessment of capillary glycocalyx thickness. Venular capillary flow was estimated by analysis of the perfusion images and mean blood velocity/acceleration in the capillaroscopic images. Readings were recorded at baseline and weekly over the 3 weeks of plaque accumulation and 2 weeks after brushing was resumed. Results: Perfusion imaging demonstrated a significant reduction of gingival blood flow after 1 and 2 weeks of plaque accumulation (P<0.05), but by 3 weeks of plaque accumulation there was a more mixed picture, with reduced flow in some participants and increased flow in others. Participants with reduced flux at 3 weeks also demonstrated venular-type flow as determined by perfusion images and evidence of the development of venular capillaries as assessed by the velocity/acceleration ratio in capillaroscopic images. After brushing resumed, these venular capillaries were broken down and replaced by arteriolar capillaries. Conclusions: After 3 weeks of plaque accumulation, there was wide variation in microvascular reactions between the participants. Reduced capillary flow was associated with the development of venular capillaries in some individuals. This is noteworthy, as an early increase in venous capillaries is a key vascular feature of cardiovascular disease, psoriasis, Sjögren syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis-diseases with a significant association with the development of severe gingival inflammation, which leads to periodontitis. Future investigations of microvascular changes in gingival inflammation might benefit from accurate capillary flow velocity measurements to assess the development of venular capillaries.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 2022

Background Dermal backflow (DBF), which refers to lymphatic reflux due to lymphatic valve insufficiency, is a diagnostic finding in lymphedema. However, the three-dimensional structure of DBF remains unknown. Photoacoustic lymphangiography (PAL) is a new technique that enables the visualization of the distribution of light-absorbing molecules, such as hemoglobin or indocyanine green (ICG), and can provide three-dimensional images of superficial lymphatic vessels and the venous system. This study reports the use of PAL to visualize DBF structures in the extremities of patients with lymphedema after cancer surgery. Methods Patients with a clinical or lymphographic diagnosis of lymphedema who previously underwent surgery for cancer at one of two participating hospitals were included in this study. PAL was performed using the PAI-05 system. ICG was administered subcutaneously in the affected hand or foot, and ICG fluorescence lymphography was performed using a near-infrared camera system prior to PAL. Results Between April 2018 and January 2019, 21 patients were enrolled and examined using PAL. The DBF was composed of dense, interconnecting, three-dimensional lymphatic vessels. It was classified into three patterns according to the composition of the lymphatic vessels: a linear structure of lymphatic collectors (pattern 1), a network of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic collectors in an underlying layer (pattern 2), and lymphatic capillaries and precollectors with no lymphatic collectors (pattern 3). Conclusions PAL showed the structure of DBF more precisely than ICG fluorescence lymphography. The use of PAL to visualize DBF assists in understanding the pathophysiology and assessing the severity of cancer-related lymphedema.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.395-403
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• 2021

Background Groin wounds occurring after vascular surgical site infection, oncologic resection, or occasionally orthopedic surgery and trauma may represent a surgical challenge. Reconstruction of these defects by the usual workhorse flaps may be contraindicated following previous surgery and in patients with lower limb lymphedema or extreme morbidity. Methods This study included 15 consecutive patients presenting with inguinal wounds after vascular or general surgery that required debridement and soft tissue coverage. All cases had absolute or relative contraindications to conventional reconstructive techniques, including a compromised deep femoral artery network, limb lymphedema, scarring of potential flap harvesting sites, or poor overall condition. Abdominal adipocutaneous excess enabled the performance of adipocutaneous advancement flaps in an abdominoplasty-like fashion. Immediate and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results Soft tissue coverage was effective in all cases. Two patients required re-intervention due to flap-related complications (venous congestion and partial flap necrosis). All patients fully recovered over a mean±standard deviation follow-up of 2.4±1.5 years. Conclusions Abdominal flaps can be an effective and simple alternative technique for inguinal coverage with reproducible outcomes. In our experience, the main indications are a compromised deep femoral artery network and poor thigh tissue quality. Relative contraindications, such as previous open abdominal surgery, should be considered.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 2022

Background: We investigated surgical outcomes after the surgical repair of cor triatriatum sinister (CTS). Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent surgical repair of CTS from 1993 through 2020 were included in this study. The morphological characteristics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were described and analyzed. Results: The median age and body weight at operation were 9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3-238 months) and 7.5 kg (IQR, 5.8-49.6 kg), respectively. There were 16 males (50%). According to the modified Lucas classification, type IA (classical CTS) was most common (n=20, 62.5%). Atrial septal defect was associated in 22 patients (68.8%) and anomalous pulmonary venous return in 8 patients (25%). Pulmonary hypertension was preoperatively suspected with a high probability in 18 patients (56.3%). There was 1 early death (3.1%) after emergent membrane excision and hybrid palliation in a high-risk hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient. There were no late deaths. The overall survival rate was 96.9% at 15 years post-repair. No early survivors required reoperation during follow-up. Most survivors (31 of 32 patients, 96.9%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I at a median follow-up of 74 months (IQR, 39-195 months). At the latest echocardiography performed at a median of 42 months (IQR, 6-112 months) after repair, no residual lesion was observed except in 1 patient who had moderate pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 36 mm Hg). Conclusion: Surgical repair of cor triatriatum could be performed safely and effectively with an extremely low risk of recurrence.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2022

Background Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. Results In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. Conclusions In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.16-22
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• 2021

[Purpose] Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is a well-known condition among endurance athletes at low altitudes. The incidence of EAH during ultramarathons at high altitudes warrants further investigation. This prospective observational study was conducted on the participants of the Leadville Trail 100 run, a 161-km race held at a high altitude (2,800 m-3,840 m). [Methods] Venous blood samples were collected before and immediately after the race. The participants completed an electronic survey after the race. Our main outcome measure was the post-race serum sodium ([Na⁺]) level. [Results] Of the 672 athletes who started the race, 351 (52%) successfully completed the event within the 30-hour cut-off. Post-race blood samples were collected from 84 runners (66 finishers). Both pre- and post-race blood samples were collected from 37 participants. Twenty percent of the post-race participants had EAH. Only one post-race participant had a [Na⁺] level of <130 mmol/L. All participants with EAH were asymptomatic. One participant had an abnormal pre-race [Na⁺] level (134 mmol/L). Female participants had a significantly higher rate of EAH than male participants (40% vs. 16%; p=0.039). Age, body mass index, weight changes, race completion status, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and urine specific gravity were not associated with the development of EAH. Lower postrace [Na⁺] levels were associated with higher serum creatine kinase values (R²=0.1, p<0.005). [Conclusion] High altitude (3,840 m peak) does not appear to enhance the incidence of EAH after an ultramarathon footrace. This suggests that ambient temperature (low temperatures reduce risk), sex (female predilection), endurance running, and overhydration are more prominent risk factors for EAH than high altitude.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.180-193
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• 2022

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is a multisystem disorder characterized by intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations and complications. Cerebrovascular events (CVE) are rare extraintestinal complications in patients with PIBD. Statistics show that 3.3% patients with PIBD and 1.3-6.4% adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience CVE during the course of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to review the records of children with IBD who developed CVE during the course of the disease. We retrospectively reviewed 62 cases of PIBD complicated by CVE. The mean patient age at the time of thrombotic events was 12.48±4.13 years. The incidence of ulcerative colitis was significantly higher than that of Crohn's disease (43 [70.5%] vs. 13 [21.3%] patients). Most patients (87.93%) were in the active phase of IBD at the time of CVE. The mean time interval between the onset of IBD and CVE was 20.84 weeks. Overall, 11 (26.83%) patients showed neurological symptoms of CVE at disease onset. The most frequent symptom on admission was persistent and severe headaches (67.85%). The most common site of cerebral venous thrombosis was the transverse sinuses (n=23, 53.48%). The right middle cerebral artery (n=3, 33.34%) was the predominant site of cerebral arterial infarction. Overall, 41 (69.49%) patients who were mostly administered unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (56.09%) recovered completely. Patients with IBD are at a risk of thromboembolism. CVE may be the most common type of thromboembolism. Based on these findings, the most common risk factor for CVE is IBD flares. In patients with CVE, anticoagulant therapy with heparin, followed by warfarin, is necessary.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.6-13
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• 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to cause life-threatening respiratory failure, which can progress to irreversible lung damage. Lung transplantation can be a life-saving treatment in patients with terminal lung disease (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by infection). This study aimed to present the clinical course and results after initial lung transplantation in patients with severe COVID-19 who did not recover even with optimal medical care. Methods: From August 2019 to February 2022, this study enrolled 10 patients with COVID-19 (5 men; median age, 55.7 years) who underwent lung transplantation at a single center in Korea. All patients' characteristics, clinical pathway, overall survival, complications, and operative data were collected and analyzed. Results: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or an oxygenator in a right ventricular assist device circuit was applied to 90% of the patients, and the median length of extracorporeal life support before operation was 48.5 days. There were no cases of mortality after a median follow-up of 372.8 days (interquartile range, 262.25-489 days). The major complications included the requirement for postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in 2 cases (20%), re-transplantation in 1 case (10%), and re-exploration due to bleeding in 2 cases (20%). During the follow-up period, 3 out of 10 patients died. Conclusion: Excellent early outcomes were observed for patients who underwent lung transplantation. Thus, lung transplantation can be an effective and feasible treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease caused by COVID-19.