• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.152-161
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• 2006

Purpose : In Korea, the school urine screening program is a useful tool for screening urine abnormalities. It is particularly useful in early detection of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis(MPGN) I, which frequently progresses to chronic renal failure. In this study, we studied the medical history, laboratory findings, and histologic findings of MPGN to gain helpful information on early detection and treatment. Methods : The subjects were 19 children, who were diagnosed with MPGN from kidney biopsies that were performed in ten nationwide university hospitals because of abnormal urine findings from school urine screening programs conducted from July 1999 to April 2004. We divided the patients into 2 groups, a nephrotic range proteinuria group(n=8) and a non-nephrotic proteinuria group(n=11), and retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, laboratory findings, histologic findings, treatment, and clinical course. Results : The mean age at the first abnormal urinalysis was $10.6{\pm}2.2$ years in the nephrotic proteinuria group and $9.6{\pm}3.2$ years in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group. The mean age at the time of kidney biopsy was $11.3{\pm}2.3$ years in the nephrotic range proteinuria group and $10.4{\pm}3.2$ years in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean age and sex between the two groups. In the nephrotic proteinuria group, 6 children had a low plasma C3 level and in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group, 8 children had a low plasma C3 level, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the laboratory test results(including WBC count, RBC count, platelet count and other serologic tests) between the 2 groups except for 24 hour urine protein secretion. There was no difference between the 2 groups with regard to the acute and chronic changes in the glomerulus on light microscopic findings, IgG, IgA, Ig M, C1q, C3, C4, fibrogen deposition on immunofluoroscence findings, and mesangial deposits, subendothelial deposits, and subepithelial deposits on electron microscopic findings. The children were treated with corticosteroids, ACE(angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, dipyridamole and other immunosuppressive agents. During the course of treatment, there were no children whose clinical condition worsened. Among 19 children, 3 children went into remission(2 in the nephrotic proteinuria group, 1 in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group) and 9 children went into a partial remission(4 in the nephrotic proteinuria group, 5 in the non-nephrotic proteinuria group) on urinalysis. There was no significant difference in the treatment results between the two groups. Conclusion : The 73.7% of children who were incidentally diagnosed with MPGN by the school urine screening program had reduced C3. 42.1% of the children had nephrotic range proteinuria. There were no significant differences in clinical features, laboratory test results, light microscopic, immunofluorescence microscopic, and electron microscopic findings between the nephrotic proteinuria group and the non-nephrotic proteinuria group except for the 24 hour urine protein secretion. Therefore, for early detection of MPGN during the school urine screening program, we strongly recommend a kidney biopsy if children have abnormal urine findings such as persistent proteinuria and persistent hematuria, or if the serum C3 is reduced.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2017

Background and Objectives : This study evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and steroid inhaler (SI), with or without botulinum toxin injection (BTX) for contact granuloma. Subjects and Methods : Fourteen contact granuloma patients were enrolled in this study. Combination therapy of PPI and SI were used for the first line treatment. When combination therapy was not effective, BTX was performed as the second method. Treatment results were recorded as responsible or non-responsible. Farwell grade, size, history of voice abuse, gender, and reflux finding score (RFS) were compared between responsible group and non-responsible group. Results : Initial response rate was 28.6% after treatment of PPI and SI. BTX was performed on three un-responsible patients. After BTX injection, three patients had complete remission of granuloma. Final response rate was 50.0%. Un-responsible group had significantly higher RFS than responsible group. Conclusion : The efficacy of PPI and SI was limited for contact granuloma in this study. Botulium toxin injection was recommended in early phase when PPI and SI did not effective for contact granuloma. Prospective studies evaluating the effects of PPI and SI are warranted.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.96-105
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• 2016

Purpose: The standard radiation dose for patients with locally rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy is 45-50 Gy in 25-28 fractions. We aimed to assess whether a difference exists within this dose fractionation range. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to compare three dose fractionation schedules. Patients received 50 Gy in 25 fractions (group A), 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions (group B), or 45 Gy in 25 fractions (group C) to the whole pelvis, as well as concurrent 5-fluorouracil. Radical resection was scheduled for 8 weeks after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Results: Between September 2010 and August 2013, 175 patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy at our institution. Among those patients, 154 were eligible for analysis (55, 50, and 49 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively). After the median follow-up period of 29 months (range, 5 to 48 months), no differences were found between the 3 groups regarding pathologic complete remission rate, tumor regression grade, treatment-related toxicity, 2-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, or overall survival. The circumferential resection margin width was a prognostic factor for 2-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, whereas ypN category was associated with distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival. High tumor regression grading score was correlated with 2-year distant metastasis-free survival and disease-free survival in univariate analysis. Conclusion: Three different radiation dose fractionation schedules, within the dose range recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, had no impact on pathologic tumor regression and early clinical outcome for locally advanced rectal cancer.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2021

Neonatal diabetes mellitus can be categorized as transient, permanent, or syndromic, and approximately half of the cases are transient. We present a case involving a term newborn who showed overt progression of transient neonatal diabetes mellitus, with complete remission within 6 months. On the second day of life, the patient presented with tachypnea, hyperglycemia, and decreased serum levels of C-peptide and insulin. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin and continuous glucose monitoring were well tolerated. The patient showed a normal growth pattern, with no hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episodes at 6 months of age. As it is rare and often asymptomatic, hyperglycemia may be attributed to various factors, including intrauterine environment, perinatal stress, and diverse genetic background. Therefore, consistent blood glucose monitoring and prompt early insulin therapy are crucial for any term newborns with persistent hyperglycemia, to prevent further diabetic complications. Moreover, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and the utilization of continuous glucose monitoring devices are the most effective and practical management strategies.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.42-44
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• 2019

Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare and underdiagnosed neuropsychiatric illness. We present the case of a 17-year-old girl who was admitted to a tertiary-care psychiatric center with acute onset psychosis and fever. Her psychotic symptoms were characterized by persecutory and referential delusions, as well as tactile and visual hallucinations. Her acute behavioral disturbance warranted admission and treatment in a psychiatric setting (risperidone tablets, 3 mg/day). She had experienced an episode of fever with a unilateral visual acuity defect approximately 3 years before admission, which was resolved with treatment. Focused clinical examination revealed an enlarged thyroid, and baseline blood investigations, including thyroid function test results were normal. Abnormal laboratory investigations revealed elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) levels (anti-TPO of 480 IU/mL; anti-TG of 287 IU/mL). Results of other investigations for infection, including cerebrospinal fluid examination, electroencephalography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. She was diagnosed with HE and was treated with intravenous corticosteroids (methylprednisolone up to 1 g/day; tapered and discontinued after a month). The patient achieved complete remission of psychotic symptoms and normalization of the anti-thyroid antibody titers. Currently, at the seventh month of follow-up, the patient is doing well. This case highlights the fact that in the absence of well-defined clinical diagnostic criteria, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of HE. Psychiatrists need to explore for organic etiologies when dealing with acute psychiatric symptoms in a younger age group.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2001

Purpose : We investigated the incidence and predisposing factors of pulmonary embolism in minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS). Methods : Lung perfusion scan using 99mTC-MAA were done on 14 patients who were diagnosed to minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Group h: Five patients who had perfusion defects on scan, Group B; Nine patients who had no perfusion defect on scan. Between the two groups, the differences of platelet number, hematocrits, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, proteinuria were evaluated. Results : Five patients were found to have perfusion defect consistent with pulmonary embolism($35.7\%$). However, there were minimal or no respiratory symptoms and signs. In our laboratory studies, the mean proteinuria on admissions was $676{\pm}31\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, and $313{\pm}28\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were more severe proteinuria in group with pulmonary embolism(P<0.05). The mean platelet count at early stage of remission after steroid treatment was $746,600{\pm}280,000/mm3$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, $511,890{\pm}90,000/mm3$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were significant difference of platelet count between the two groups(P<0.01). In patients with pulmonary embolism, there were more higher and sustained increasement of platelet count. All cases of pulmonary embolism were treated with dipyridamole(5 mg/kg). In 4 cases the perfusion defects were improved in two weeks, however, one case showed persistent perfusion defect after 1 month. Conclusion : Our study suggested that pulmonry embolism might be one of tile major complications in childhood MCNS The occurrence rate was correlated with severity of proteinuria before treatment and sustained increasement of platelet counts in early remission state after steroid treatment. Therefore, the scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion study is mandatory in childhood MCNS, especially in the high risk patients, such as the patients with severe proteinuria and sustained increasement of platelet count. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001;5 : 100-8)

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.390-395
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• 2008

Background: Since the early 1980s, interferon-alpha ($IFN-{\alpha}$) has been used as adjuvant therapy in pediatric patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). However, its efficacy in adults needs to be validated. Since 2002, Samsung Medical Center's guidelines have mandated regular injection of $IFN-{\alpha}$ in patients with RRP to prevent recurrence. To evaluate these guidelines, patient data were investigated. Methods: Five patients diagnosed as having RRP by bronchoscopy and histopathology were included. After initial bronchoscopic intervention, including laser cauterization, all patients received subcutaneous injection of 6 million units of $IFN-{\alpha}$ every 2 months. Further bronchoscopic intervention was carried out as needed. Patients were regularly evaluated using bronchoscopy or computed tomography. Results: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range 13~68), and the median duration of papillomatosis was 31 years (range 1~45). Three and two patients had juvenile-onset and adult-onset disease, respectively. Two patients had a history of tracheostomy at the time of diagnosis. The median duration of $IFN-{\alpha}$ therapy was 56 months (range 12~66). Two patients showed complete remission at 12 and 36 months after $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection, respectively. The other three patients showed partial remission, and the number of laser therapy sessions was significantly reduced.Conclusion: Intermittent $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection is effective in patients with long-standing RRP and can reduce the number of laser therapy sessions required in their treatment.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.535-542
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was performed to know whether [$^{18}F$]Fluorothymidine (FLT) positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to monitor early response to radiotherapy in comparison with [$^{18}F$]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and to establish the optimal imaging time for prediction of therapy response. Materials and Methods: Two patients with nasopharyngeal cancer underwent serial FLT PET and FDG PET before and during radiotherapy. Three on-treatment FLT and FDG PET scans were performed on 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks (at each time of 10 Gy, 20 Gy and 30 Gy delivered). The peak standardized uptake values ($SUV_{peak}$) of primary tumors were measured on FLT and FDG PET. Then, percent changes of $SUV_{peak}$ after therapy were calculated. Results: In two patients, baseline values of $SUV_{peak}$ on FDT PET were higher than those on FLT PET (FLT vs FDG; 3.7 vs 5.0, and 5.7 vs 15.0). In patient 1, FLT $SUV_{peak}$ showed 78%, 78% and 84% of decrease on 1 week, 2 and 3 weeks after treatment, whereas FDG $SUV_{peak}$ showed 18%, 52% and 66% of decrease, respectively. In patient 2, FLT $SUV_{peak}$ showed 75%, 75% and 68% of decrease, whereas FDG $SUV_{peak}$ showed 51%, 49% and 58% of decrease, respectively. Both patients reached to complete remission after radiotherapy. Conclusion: After radiotherapy, the decrease of FLT tumor uptake preceded the decrease of FDG tumor uptake in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, and 1 week after therapy may be appropriate time for the assessment of early response. FLT PET might be more useful than FDG PET for monitoring early response to radiotherapy.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.247-252
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• 1998

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome(NMS) is an acute, potentially fatal, idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic medication. Early recognition and intensive care are crucial. An important issue is whether NMS will recur after initial recovery and subsequent use of neuroleptic medication. The authors presented with a male adolescent who had suffered a bipolar disorder manic episode and been taking clozapine after recovering from MNS. He had been admitted into a psychiatric ward once before and similarly diagnosed. On the second admission, he showed muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, mild fever, severe diaphoresis, and altered mental status on the fourth hospital day following a haloperidol injection. He was diagnosed with NMS, according to the clinical signs and laboratory data. After the use of antipsychotics was discontinued, he was moved to intensive care unit and given dantrolene. His condition began to improve about 48 hours after the onset of NMS. Due to manic behavior, he returned to the psychiatric ward. On the 21 st hospital day, clozapine was administered to counter the manic symptoms. The final dose was 350mg and showed good remission signs without further recurrence of NMS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 1996

From June 1989 to May 1994, 23 patients with myasthenia gravis underwent thymectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Asan Medical Center. For the evaluation of the effect of thymectomy, clinical analysis including age and sex distribution, preoperative disease severity, duration of the symptoms, thymic pathology, and postoperative clinical improvement was performed. The mean follow-up period was 15 mon hs(range : 5∼60mon1hs). The effectiveness of thymectomy according to the postoperative symptoms and drug dose was graded as follow : a) complete remission in 5 cases (21.7%), b) clinical improvement with dose reduction in II cases (47.9%), c) clinical improvement without dose reduction in 3 cases(13.0%), 4) unchanged in 2 cases (8.8%), e) early death in 1 case(4.3%) and f) recurrence in 1 case(4.3%). According to the preoperative disease stage by Modified Osserman classification, 6(66.7%) of the 9 patients in stage I and 13 (92.9%) of 14 patients in stage II were clinically improved after thymectomy. although there was no significant statistical differences between these two groups (p> 0.05). According to the thymic pathology, 4 (100%) of 4 cases with normal thymus were clinically improved. Ten (90.9%) of 11 cases with thymic hyperplasia and 5 (62.5%) of 8 cases with thymoma were clinically improved, but there was no significant statistical differences in these three groups (p> 0.05 . The thymectomy resulted in dramatic clinical improvement in 19 (82.5%) out of 23 patients. According to the preoperative disease stage by Modified Osserman classification or the thymic pathology, there was no significant statistical differeneces in the effect of thyinectomy (p> 0.05).