• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.123-133
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI) who were born at the Asan Medical Center and evaluate the recent status of neonatal intensive care and associated problems. Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 120 inborn ELBWI who were admitted to the NICU of the Asan Medical Center between 2003 and 2006. The survival rate, neurodevelopmental outcomes, maternal and infant factors, and infant mordibities were evaluated and the relationships with survival and catch-up growth were investigated. Results:The survival rate of the ELBWI was 82% at a mean gestational age of 27+2 weeks, and with a mean birth weight of 801.3${\pm}$129.0 g. The duration of hospitalization was 85.7${\pm}$27.2 days, the duration of O2 use was 43.9${\pm}$35.4 days, and the duration of ventilatory support was 20.9${\pm}$20.9 days among the survivors. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia were 41.8%, 61.2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. The mean mental developmental index and psychomotor development index of Bailey Scales of Infant Development (II) at follow-up were 83.4${\pm}$18.2 and 83.3${\pm}$20.3, respectively. Among the infants who had >18 months of follow-up, 50.8% had catch-up growth at 12 months. Conclusion:The survival rate of ELBWI has improved; however, the morbidities remain high, thus indicating further efforts must be implemented to reduce morbidity and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2014

Background: The recently known analgesic action mechanisms of nefopam (NFP) are similar to those of anticonvulsants and antidepressants in neuropathic pain treatment. It is difficult to prescribe high doses of oral neuropathic drugs without titration due to adverse effects. Unfortunately, there are few available intravenous analgesics for the immediate management of acute flare-ups of the chronic neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to determine the additional analgesic effects for neuropathic pain of NFP and its adverse effects during the titration of oral medications for neuropathic pain among inpatients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: Eighty inpatients with PHN were randomly divided into either the NFP or normal saline (NS) groups. Each patient received a 3-day intravenous continuous infusion of either NFP with a consecutive dose reduction of 60, 40, and 20 mg/d, or NS simultaneously while dose titrations of oral medications for neuropathic pain gradually increased every 3 days. The efficacy of additional NFP was evaluated by using the neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) score for 12 days. Adverse effects were also recorded. Results: The median NPSI score was significantly lower in the NFP group from days 1 to 6 of hospitalization. The representative alleviating symptoms of pain after using NFP were both spontaneous and evoked neuropathic pain. Reported common adverse effects were nausea, dizziness, and somnolence, in order of frequency. Conclusions: An intravenous continuous infusion of NFP reduces spontaneous and evoked neuropathic pain with tolerable adverse effects during the titration of oral medications in inpatients with PHN.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.117-127
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• 2014

Purpose: In order to provide a systematic and standardized treatment course for MVD patients, a critical pathway (CP) program was developed and the results of its long term application were analyzed. Methods: This was a methodological study. The CP was established and applied to 75 (step I) and 1,216 (step II). Another group of 56 with similar features was used as a control group. Results: The application of CP turned out to be useful in many regards: the rate of hearing loss was reduced from 1.8% to 0% (step I) and 0.5% (step II), and low cranial nerve palsy was reduced from 1.8% to 1.3% and 0.7%, respectively. The length of hospitalization decreased by 2.56 days (25.2%) for step I and 3.05 days (30.0%) for step II. Days of ICU stay were reduced by 7.9% and 1.8%. The total cost per patient was reduced by 14.8% (step I). The cost per day was increased by 13.7% and 52.4%. An increase in the patient satisfaction index was noted, as shown in the ICU information guide (p=.002). Conclusion: The development and application of CP was found to improve the quality of medical treatment and the efficacy of hospital management in MVD patients. Well organized and efficient system and multidisciplinary teamwork are the key component of the successful application of CP.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.438-448
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify nursing activities and to analyze patient outcomes related to indwelling urinary catheterization. Method: A review was done of 628 medical records from five units for patients admitted between January 1 and June 30, 2006. Twelve nurses who worked in the same units were interviewed. Results: In the interviews, nurses reported considering several non-invasive interventions prior to catheterization but there were no medical records of this activity. Results from the in-depth interviews showed that infection control activities such as urinary bag management were conducted but again there were no medical records. Seventy-five percent of the catheters were removed without prescription. In the medical records there were no notes for approximately 15%, on the time of first voiding and 80%, on volume of first voiding after removal of catheter. There was a significant difference in hospitalization days between the group catheterized for 5 days or less and the group catheterized for 6 days or more. Conclusion: Results indicate a need to close the gap between recorded and described activities and between current and best evidence based practice. Further study is needed to develop a standard recording system and guidelines related indwelling catheterization to decrease the gaps identified in this research.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.83-89
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• 2002

Purpose: To analyze the postoperative functional and radiographic follow-up results in patients who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy after the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Materials and Methods: Seven patients, who were clinically and radiographically diagnosed with osteoid osteoma from July 1999 to January 2001, and received percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy. The average follow-up period was 15.5 months(range, 8~25 months). For the diagnosis and accurate localization of the lesion, simple radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) were performed preoperatively. Simple radiographs and MRI were taken periodically for the follow-up studies. Results: In all 7 patients, symptoms completely disappeared within 3 days after the operation. The average period of hospitalization was 2.4 days, excluding 1 patient who needed an additional burn treatment. The average postoperative night and day pain scores were 1.8 and 1.3, respectively. The average vocational and recreational activity scores were 1 and 0.6, respectively. Conclusions: Satisfactory functional results were obtained with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy for the elimination of osteoid osteoma. Compared to conventional treatment, the advantages of this therapy were short hospitalization period, no internal fixation and bone graft for preventing fracture, and no limitation of joint motion by long fixation period.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.6 s.251
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• pp.415-420
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• 2005

Recently the cases of varicose veins are increasing because the patients with latent disease have come to realize that they want a positive treatment. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to compare and analyze two methods the conventional phlebectomy (CP) and transiliuminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP). Material and Method: From March 200f to December 2004, 114 patients (167 legs) with varicose vein were operated in Pusan National University Hospital. A retrospective review was performed on the clinical records. We analyzed age, sex, duration of illness, chief complaints, duplex doppler findings, number of skin incisions, operative time, length of hospitalization, complications, and remnant lesions. Result: Operative time was significantly shorter in the TIPP group than CP group (for one leg $108.4\pm27.6\;min\;vs\;83_4\pm24.4\;min,\;for\;both\;legs\;184.7\pm28.4\;min\;vs\; 137.8\pm24.4\;min)$. There was signifcant statistical difference in average number of skin incisions per leg between the CP group and the TIPP group $(5.9\pm2.2\;vs\;4.2\pm1.6)$. Mean duration of hospitalization was Significantly shorter in the TIPP group than CP group $(4.4\pm1.0\;days\;vs\;5.8\pm1.9\;days)$. Complications were pain $(15.9\%)$, remnant lesion $(9.5\%)$, and ecchymosis $(4.8\%)$ in the CP group and ecchymosis $(19.6\%),\;pain\;(7.8\%),\;and\;remnant\;lesion\;(7.8\%)$ in TIPP group. Sclerotherapy or reopertaion was done for the patients who had remnant lesions. Conclusion: Transilluminated powered phlebectomy in varicose vein could reduce operative time and number of skin incisions, and almost completely removed the multiple lesions. Although there were postoperative complications such as ecclymosis, they were absorbed within 2 months and patients were satisfied. Therefore, TIPP is a more effective operative technique than conventional phlebectomy in varicose veins.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.56-71
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• 1996

Background : Review of readmissions in health care facilities is necessary from the viewpoint of both economic concerns and quality considerations. To identify the characteristics, factors, and causes of multiple admissions in comparison with single admissions is essential for both providers and payers in order to assure quality care and efficient use of medical resources. Methods: All discharges from an university hospital in 1993 were analyzed, and the characteristics of multiple admissions were identified and were compared with those of single admissions by using the data bases of the discharge abstract and billing for reimbursement. Medical records of patients readmitted within 6 days after the previous discharge were reviewed to identify the reasons for such prompt readmission. Statistical analysis between groups of patients were performed by using SPSS. Result : The mean age was higher in multiple admissions than those of single admissions, and the average length of stay was longer in multiple admissions than in single admissions. The hospital cost per day is higher in single admissions while the cost per case is higher in multiple admissions. More than half of readmissions occurred within one month after the preceding discharges. Above 15% of the readmission within 6 days after the preceding discharges seemed to have close relationship with quality of care provided during the preceding hospitalization. The death rate of the patients readmitted within 6 days was the highest in comparison with multiple admissions and single admissions. Conclusion : Potential preventable readmissions should be reduced by identifying characteristics of multiple admissions, especially unplanned readmission, and by applying some interventions such as standard predischarge assessment or careful follow-up care after discharge for high risk readmission groups. As the results of these efforts, health care facilities could achieve quality improvement in medical care, and effective use of hospital resources.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.110-119
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• 2014

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to identify interventions and to analyze the characteristics of headaches among hospitalized patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage with moderate or severe headaches. Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 210 patients who received treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage was conducted. Data collection was done using a structured headache record sheet. Data analysis was carried out using the PASW 18.0 version program. Results: There were significant differences in number and duration of headaches of headaches according to the presence of vasospasm, increased intracranial pressure, extraventricular drainage, use of hypertonic solution, and hospitalization period (p<0.05). Patients with vasospasm and extraventricular drainage experienced the most severe headache for a duration of 3 to 7 days. Other patients experienced the most severe headache for around 1-2 days. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who had vasospasms experienced more headaches and the duration of these headaches were longer. In particular, the assessment and interventions for headaches should increase and be carried out actively during this time because the intensity of these headaches is severe and lasts for 3-7 days. Additionally, we emphasize the need for regular administration of analgesics in order to promote patients' well-being. On the basis of the results of this study,we suggest that evidence-based interventions for the care of headaches among hospitalized patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage should be developed.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2020

■ Objectives This case report is reported to show the effect of Ukgansan and Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang on a patient who complaining myoclonic seizure due to psychogenic non epileptic seizure, occurred after traumatic stress event. ■ Methods A female patients with myolconic seizure was treated with Ukgansan and Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang during 5 days. Then we assessed dyskinesia severity by AIMS(Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) every two days til discharge. ■ Results Seizure decreased two days after hospitalization, then disappeared third day. There was no recurrence till discharge. When she revisited outpatients clinic, there was no symptom. ■ Conclusion This case showed the effect of Ukgansan and Hwangnyeonhaedok-tang on psychogenic epileptic seizure.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.338-342
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• 2012

Objective : The aim of this study is to implement a critical pathway (CP) for patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy and describe the results before and after the CP in terms of length of hospital stay and cost. Methods : From March 2008 to February 2009, 61 patients underwent lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy due to stenosis or one- or two-level disc herniation in our department and were included in the prepathway group. After development and implementation of the CP in March 2009, 58 patients were applicable for the CP, and these were classified as the postpathway group. Results : The CP, which established a 6-day hospital stay (5 bed-days), was fulfilled by 42 patients (72.4%) in the postpathway group. The mean length of stay was 5.4 days in the postpathway group compared to 6.9 days in the prepathway group, demonstrating a 20% reduction, which was a statistically significant difference ($p{\leq}0.000$). There was a statistically significant reduction in charges for bed and nursing care (p=0.002). Conclusion : Implementation of a CP for lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy produced significant decreases in length of hospitalization and charges for bed and nursing care. We believe that this CP reduces the unnecessary use of hospital resources without increasing risk of adverse events.