• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.552-561
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• 2023

Objective : A chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a collection of bloody fluid located in the subdural space and encapsulated by neo-membranes. An inner subdural hygroma (ISH) is observed between the inner membrane of a CSDH and the brain surface. We present six cases of CSDH combined with ISH treated via endoscopy. Methods : Between 2011 and 2022, among the 107 patients diagnosed with CSDH in our institute, six patients were identified as presenting with CSDH combined with ISH and were included in this study. Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed simultaneously, and endoscopic surgery for aspiration of the hematoma was performed in all cases of CSDH combined with ISH. Results : The mean age of patients was 71 years (range, 66 to 79). The patients were all male. In two cases, the ISH was not identified on CT, but was clearly seen on MRI in all patients. The inner membrane of the CSDH was tense and bulging after draining of the CSDH in endoscopic view due to the high pressure of the ISH. After fenestration of the inner membrane of the CSDH and aspiration of the ISH, the membrane was sunken down due to the decreasing pressure of the ISH. There was one recurrence in post-operative 2-month follow up. The symptoms improved in all patients after surgery, and there were no surgery-related complications. Conclusion : CSDH combined with ISH can be diagnosed on imaging, and endoscopic surgery facilitates safe and effective treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.149-162
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• 2023

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a multifactorial condition that affects a significant proportion of patients undergoing surgery. The prevention and management of CPSP require the identification of preoperative risk factors to screen high-risk patients and establish appropriate perioperative pain management plans to prevent its development. Active postoperative pain management should be provided to prevent CPSP in patients with severe pain following surgery. These tasks have become important for perioperative team members in the management of CPSP. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the role of perioperative team members in preventing and managing CPSP. Additionally, it highlights practical strategies that can be employed in clinical practice, covering the definition and risk factors for CPSP, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors, as well as a risk prediction model. The article also explores various treatments for CPSP, as well as preventive measures, including preemptive analgesia, regional anesthesia, pharmacological interventions, psychoeducational support, and surgical technique modification. This article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive perioperative pain management plan that includes multidisciplinary interventions, using the transitional pain service as an example. By adopting a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, perioperative team members can improve patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs. However, further research is necessary to establish targeted interventions to effectively prevent and manage CPSP.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2024

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol), a prominent cholesterol metabolite present in the bloodstream and peripheral tissues, is a kind of immune oxysterol that elicits immune response. Recent research indicates the involvement of 27OHChol in metabolic inflammation (meta-inflammation) characterized by chronic responses associated with metabolic irregularities. 27OHChol activates monocytic cells such that they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and increase the expression of cell surface molecules such as pattern-recognition receptors that play key roles in immune cell-cell communication and sensing metabolism-associated danger signals. Levels of 27OHChol increase when cholesterol metabolism is disrupted, and the resulting inflammatory responses can contribute to the development and complications of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Since 27OHChol can induce chronic immune response by activating monocyte-macrophage lineage cells that play a crucial role in meta-inflammation, it is essential to understand the 27OHChol-induced inflammatory responses to unravel the roles and mechanisms of action of this cholesterol metabolite in chronic metabolic disorders.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.194-201
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• 2024

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the combination of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance in transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TESIs) to manage lumbosacral chronic radicular pain. Methods : Using the combination of nerve stimulator and ultrasound guidance, TESIs were performed in 125 segments of 78 patients who presented with chronic lumbar radicular pain. Demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes were recorded on admission, pre-procedural and post-procedural for 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. The result was measured using the Numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results : Patients who received TESIs showed significant improvements on two evaluation tools (NRS, ODI), compared to that before procedure (p<0.001). No significant complications were observed for 6 months' follow-up. Conclusion : The result suggests that a combination of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance in transforaminal epidural injections is safe, reliable and effective for short-term management of lumbar disc herniation. It is a promising technique and has shown good results in providing intermediate pain relief.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.51-58
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• 2024

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) bear a significant financial burden and face numerous complications and higher mortality rates. The progression of CKD is associated with glomerular injury caused by glomerular hyperfiltration and oxidative stress. Factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, elevated urine protein levels, anemia, and underlying glomerular disease, contribute to CKD progression. In addition to conservative treatment, several medications are available to combat the progression of CKD to end-stage kidney disease. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers could slow the progression of CKD by reducing glomerular hyperfiltration, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing inflammation. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists inhibit the mineralocorticoid receptor signaling pathway, thereby attenuating inflammation and fibrosis. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors exhibit protective effects on the kidneys and against cardiovascular events. Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist, decelerates the rate of increase in total kidney volume and deterioration of kidney function in patients with rapidly progressive autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The protective effects of AST-120 remain controversial. Due to a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of these medications in children, it is imperative to weigh the benefits and adverse effects carefully. Further research is essential to establish the efficacy and safety profiles in pediatric populations.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.416-420
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• 1990

The strictured esophagus is not removed usually in corrosive injury. But corrosion carcinoma and the late complications such as esophago-bronchial fistula, chronic mediastinal abscess, diverticulum can occur in case that strictured & inflamed esophagus be remained. Recently transhiatal esophagectomy is being done with low mortality and morbidity. So we are reporting 2 cases of esophageal stricture in young patients which were treated with transhiatal esophagectomy and esophagocologastrostomy. All of 2 cases were successfully treated and recovered. Postoperative esophageal function tests showed the mild reflux but it did not count clinically.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.461-463
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• 2002

Pharmacological ablation of the ciliary body by intravitreal injection of a cytotoxic dose of gentamicin was utilized for the treatment of absolute glaucoma in 13 dogs. Complications of this procedure were hyphema(2), corneal opacity(2), iris bombe(1), cataract(1) and chronic inflammation(1). Injection time was one time in 10 dogs, two times in 2 dogs and 3 times in a dog. Intravitreal injection of gentamicin was thought as a economic salvage procedure and has resulted in successful lowering of intraocular pressure.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2011

Botulinum toxin has been used for the treatment of many clinical disorders by producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation. In pain management, botulinum toxin has demonstrated an analgesic effect by reducing muscular hyperactivity, but recent studies suggest this neurotoxin could have direct analgesic mechanisms different from its neuromuscular actions. At the moment, botulinum toxin is widely investigated and used in many painful diseases such as myofascial syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to understand the exact analgesic mechanisms, efficacy and complications of botulinum toxin in chronic pain disorders.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.198-207
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of total body irradiation (TBI), as a conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), in pediatric acute leukemia patients. Materials and Methods: From January 2001 to December 2011, 28 patients, aged less than 18 years, were treated with TBI-based conditioning for allo-SCT in our institution. Of the 28 patients, 21 patients were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL, 75%) and 7 were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, 25%). TBI was completed 4 days or 1 day before stem cell infusion. Patients underwent radiation therapy with bilateral parallel opposing fields and 6-MV X-rays. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival outcomes. Results: The 2-year event-free survival and overall survival rates were 66% and 56%, respectively (71.4% and 60.0% in AML patients vs. 64.3% and 52.4% in ALL patients, respectively). Treatment related mortality rate were 25%. Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease was a major complication; other complications included endocrine dysfunction and pulmonary complications. Common complications from TBI were nausea (89%) and cataracts (7.1%). Conclusion: The efficacy and toxicity data in this study of TBI-based conditioning to pediatric acute leukemia patients were comparable with previous studies. However, clinicians need to focus on the acute and chronic complications related to allo-SCT.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2014

Background: Diabetes is accompanied by complications. One of the chronic complications, diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of the loss of eyesight and thus has enormous impacts on the quality of life to the patients. It has been reported that thorough glucose regulation can prevent or postpone the outset of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients and that the patients who received anti-diabetic manage & care education would be capable of more thorough glucose-level regulation than those who did not. Method: This study set out to investigate the current state of education on anti-diabetic manage & care in South Korea and connections between anti-diabetic manage & care education and occurrence of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2011. Results: Of the 410 diabetes patients, 74 received anti-diabetic manage & care education, which means that only 15% of diabetic patients benefited from the education in the nation. The occurrence rate of diabetic retinopathy was 28% in the education group and 24% in the non-education group with no significant differences between them. The anti-diabetic manage & care education group recorded a higher occurrence rate of diabetic retinopathy, one of the chronic diabetic complications, than the non-education group contrary to the hypothesis. One of the reasons was that the educated group had a significantly longer duration of diabetes and significantly higher HbA1c than the noneducated group, which indicates that anti-diabetic manage & care education is provided to those who have progressed farther along the course of diabetes instead of the early stage and cannot regulate their glucose-level well in the nation. Conclusion: Those findings raise a need for active educational policies in order to provide anti-diabetic manage & care education under the goals of preventing complications through anti-diabetic education for many patients in early stages of diabetes.