• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.158-164
• /
• 1994

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by the accumulation of PAS positive lipoproteinaceous material in the alveolar spaces sparing septum. The therapy which has enjoyed the greatest success is whole lung lavage. The authors reported here, a case of 44 year old male patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and this is the 7th case in Korea. The patient underwent whole lung lavage but expired due to brain edema complicated by the procedure. He complained exertional dyspnea and cyanotic lips, and presented fine inspiratory crackle at both lower lung fields, decreased arterial oxygen pressure, and diffuse infiltration at whole lung field. Light microscopic finding of lung tissue obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy revealed PAS positive amorphous, granular material filled in the alveolar spaces, and electron microscopy of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid concentrate showed many electron-dense multi-lamellated structures. To treat the disease, the authors tried whole lung lavage of left lung with $37^{\circ}C$ isotonic saline under general anesthesia. However, he expired due to brain edema probably due to dilutional hyponatremia complicated by the procedure, 11 days after the procedure. Whole lung lavage is known relatively safe, but fatal complication may occur like this case.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.376-379
• /
• 2009

We report a case of a premature newborn baby who presented with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis accompanied by severe polyhydramnios in utero. The baby was diagnosed with pseudohypoaldosteronism on the basis of normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, elevated aldosterone, and clinical symptoms. His serum electrolyte levels were corrected with sodium chloride supplementation. Sodium supplementation was reduced gradually and discontinued at 5 months of age. At 5 months, the child was able to maintain normal serum electrolyte levels without oral sodium chloride supplementation, and showed normal physical and neurological development. This case illustrates that pseudohypoaldosteronism must be considered if a newborn infant with an antenatal history of severe polyhydramnios shows excessive salt loss with normal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.46-51
• /
• 2009

This study examined how differing triathlon durations effect weight, serum sodium concentration, and hematological levels, and investigated relationships between these variables and finishing time as well as between body weight changes and serum sodium following Ironman distance triathlons (IDT) and Olympic distance triathlons (ODT). All eight athletes successfully completed ODT and IOT. We found that the mean body weight decreased following both IDT and ODT and that serum sodium was significantly (p<0.05) increased immediately after IDT, RBC, Hb, Hct, and MCH were significantly (p<0.05) increased immediately after IDT. Hct was significantly (p<0.05) decreased immediately after ODT. MCHC was significantly (p<0.01) increased immediate1y after ODT. In IDT, the percentage of change in body weight correlated to the percentage of change in serum sodium concentrations (r=0.75, p=0.05). In conclusion, our srudy showed that serum sodium concentraion increased in IDT and maintained in ODT, despite significant body weight loss during the races. The percentage of change in body weight was related to serum sodium concentration but unrelated to performance in the triathlon. The changes of RBC, Hb, and Hct values from two different length triathlons were depending on race distance.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.137-142
• /
• 2013

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) is a condition characterized by renal salt wasting, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis due to renal tubular resistance to aldosterone. Systemic PHA1 is a more severe condition caused by defective transepithelial sodium transport due to mutations in the genes encoding the ${\alpha}$ (SCNN1A), ${\beta}$ (SCNN1B), or ${\gamma}$ (SCNN1G) subunits of the epithelial sodium channel at the collecting duct, and involves the sweat glands, salivary glands, colon, and lung. Although systemic PHA1 is a rare disease, we believe that genetic studies should be performed in patients with normal renal function but with high plasma renin and aldosterone levels, without a history of potassium-sparing diuretic use or obstructive uropathy. In the present report, we describe a case of autosomal recessive PHA1 that was genetically diagnosed in a newborn after severe hyperkalemia was noted.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.190-198
• /
• 2024

Introduction: Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a rare neurological disorder marked by symmetric nerve fiber damage, commonly following rapid hyponatremia correction, with no established treatment and a poor prognosis. The condition, often linked to alcoholism, malnutrition, and various diseases, lacks comprehensive studies on its impact on gait. This research aims to quantitatively analyze gait changes in CPM patients receiving both traditional Korean and conventional rehabilitation treatments, addressing a gap in current understanding of CPM management. Case presentation: A 56-year-old male diagnosed with CPM following an initial misdiagnosis underwent combined electoracupuncture and rehabilitative treatment at ○○ university Korean medical center, resulting in significant gait improvements. A treadmill gait analysis system was used to measure changes in key gait parameters at 2-week intervals, and the patient's progress was documented. Conclusions: The quantitative analysis revealed significant gait improvements. Foot rotation decreased from 8.9° to 6.4° (right) and from 11.1° to 7.2° (left); lateral symmetry improved from -7.8 to 0.8; step length increased from 21 cm to 44 cm (right) and from 19 cm to 44 cm (left); and velocity increased from 1.2 m/s to 2.7 m/s. These findings highlight decreased foot rotation and lateral symmetry, along with increased step length and velocity, suggesting a positive outcome of the treatment regimen. Notably, the patient experienced no adverse effects related to the treatments. Despite limitations, including the singe case focus and lack of prior gait-focused CPM research, this case report provides valuable insights into effective CPM management strategies, paving the way for future research in this domain.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.162-169
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Oxcabarzepine (OXC), newly recommended antiepileptic drug, has been prescribed for patients with partial seizures and generalized tonic clonic seizures in Korea from 1999. There are limited reports about an efficacy of OXC therapy in epileptic children in Korea. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OXC in the light of our experience. Methods : The patients, who had visited the pediatric neurology clinic of Korea University Guro Hospital from January 2001 to December 2006, were included. The data of 144 patients who were administrated OXC as monotherapy or polytherapy, was summarized retrospectively and we evaluated the efficacy and safety of OXC. Results : After 6 months of OXC therapy, 77 patients (53.5%, n=144) achieved seizure freedom, 48 patients (33.3%) experienced >50% improvement. After 12 months of OXC therapy, cessation of seizure was observed in 88 patients (61.1%, n=133), and 27 patients (18.8%) manifested an improvement. Monotherapy group showed superior efficacy to polytherapy one. The frequent side effects of OXC were drowsiness (20.1%), headache (12.5%), dizziness (9.7%) and rash (8.3%). They did not related to patient's age or sex, and dosage of OXC. Twenty four patients (16.7%) experienced hyponatremia, but which were neither symptomatic nor significant one. Conclusion : The efficacy and safety of OXC in our patients were excellent and had less significant side effects than established international one. We expect this report contributes toward OXC therapy in epileptic children.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.58-65
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Some hormonal and electrolyte abnormalities have been reported in pediatric patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the imbalance of electrolytes and the severity of infection and associated urologic anomalies in children with febrile UTI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 267 patients with febrile UTI who were admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital during the period from January, 2007 until February, 2010. According to the presence of hyponatremia or hyperkalemia, clinical parameters and associated renal anomalies, such as hydronephrosis, cortical defects and vesicoureteral reflux, were compared. Results: 42.7% of all patients had decreased concentration of serum sodium. In patients with decreased concentration of serum sodium, cortical defects were significantly increased compared to normal patients (40.4% vs. 14.4%, P <0.05). White blood cell (WBC) counts ($15,721{\pm}6,553/uL$ vs. $12,885{\pm}5,367/uL$, P <0.05), C-reactive protein (CRP) ($61.8{\pm}56.1$ mg/L, vs. $29.9{\pm}39.8$ mg/L, P <0.05), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ($43.9{\pm}34.3$ mm/hr vs. $27.4{\pm}26.8$ mm/hr, P <0.05) in peripheral blood showed significant increases in the group with decreased concentration of serum sodium. Duration of fever, presence of gastrointestinal symptom, the incidence of hydronephrosis and vesicoureteral reflux did not differ between the two groups. None of the patients had significant hyperkalemia. Conclusion : We suggest that decreased concentration of serum sodium in febrile UTI might be a helpful marker for leukocytosis and increased CRP and ESR in peripheral blood, and acute pyelonephritis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.144-151
• /
• 1994

Background: Miliary tuberculosis almost always results from the discharge of infected caseous material into the blood stream, usually from a well hidden lymph node in the presentation of this disease in the past four decades, and although it is seen less frequent1y today than previously, its presentation and manifestation may require greater suspicion and diligence by the physician. We investigated the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors and accompanying diseases of miliary tuberculosis and tried to acquire the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: A retrospective clinical study was done on 40 cases of miliary tuberculosis admitted to Hanyang University Hospital from Mar. 1989 to Dec.1992. The study investigated age and sex distribution, seasonal distribution, duration of symptoms before admission, pre-disposing factors, clinical symptoms, biochemical findings, chest X-ray findings, extrapulmonary tuberculosis associated with miliary tuberculosis, prognosis and mortality rate. Results: 1) The patients were most common in the age group between 20 and 29(23%) and the ratio of male to female was 1.4:1(male 23 : female 17). 2) Sputum smears for tubercle bacilli were positive in 5 cases(13%). 3) The most common clinical symptoms were fever with chilling(47.5%), coughing(47.5%), second most common symptom was dyspnea(32.5%), and the physical findings on admission were tachycardia(30%), weight loss(27.5%), meningeal signs(17.5%) in order. 4) The predisposing factors were heavy alcohol drinking(6 cases), steroid use(3 cases), pregnancy(2 cases) etc. 5) The chest X-ray findings on admission were miliary shadow only(40%), in addition pneumonic infiltration, pleurisy, and calcification in order. 6) The extrapulmonary tuberculosis associated with miliary tuberculosis were tuberculous meningitis(30%), bone and joint tuberculosis(17.5%), intestinal tuberculosis(15%) in order. 7) Biochemical findings were increased SGOT/SGPT(32.5%), increased alkaline phosphatase(32.5%), hypoalbuminemia(15%), hyponatremia(15%) etc. 8) About 4-6 weeks later after treatment(INH, RFP, PZA, EMB), 26 cases(65%) were improved on clinical symptoms or chest X-ray, 12 cases(30%) were stationary or aggravated, and 2 cases(5%) were died. Conclusion: For the early diagnosis and treatment of miliary tuberculosis, we must see its presentation and manifestation with greater interest and suspicion and investigate its predisposing factors and accompanying diseases.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.128-137
• /
• 1991

Peritoneal dialysis has been widely considered to be the dialytic treatment of choice for acute renal failure in infants and young children, because the technique is simple, safe and easily adapted for these patients. Also peritoneal dialysis in infants might have more effective ultrafiltration and clearance than in adults. In certain circumstances associated with hemodynamic instability, ordinary volume peritoneal dialysis(30-50 ml/kg body weight per exchange) or hemodialysis may not be suitable unfortunately. But frequent cycled, low volume, high concentration peritoneal dialysis may be more available to manage the hemodynamically untable acute renal failure of newborns and infants. Seven infants underwent peritoneal dialysis for hemodynamically unstable acute renal failure with low exchange volume($14.2{\pm}4.2ml/kg$), short exchange time(30 to 45 minutes) and hypertonic glucose solution(4.25% dextrose). Age was $1.9{\pm}1.3$ months and body weight was $4.6{\pm}1.6kg $. Etiology of acute renal failure was secondary to sepsis with or without shock(5 cases) and postcardiac operation(2 cases). Catheter was inserted percutaneously with pigtail catheter or Tenkhoff catheter by Seldinger method. Dialysate was commercially obtained Peritosol which contained sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, lactate and calcium. Net ultrafiltration(ml/min) showed no difference between low volume dialysis and control($0.27{\pm}0.09$ versus $0.29{\pm}0.09$) Blood BUN decreased from $95.7{\pm}37.5$ to $75.7{\pm}25.9mg/dl$ and blood pH increased from $7.122{\pm}0.048$ to $7.326{\pm}0.063$ after 24 hours of peritoneal dialysis. We experienced hyperglycemia which were controlled by insulin(2 episodes), leakage at the exit site(2), mild hyponatremia(1) and Escherichia coli peritonitis(1). Two children of low volume dialysis died despite the treatment. In our experience, low volume and high concentration peritoneal dialysis with frequent exchange may have sufficient ultrafiltration and clearance without significant complications in the certain risked acute renal failure of infants.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.178-183
• /
• 2007

Purpose: The prevalence and mortality of gastric lancer is high. We studied clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of the advanced gastric canter patients who had died in the hospice care unit. and our study is the basic report for efficient hospice and palliative care for the terminally ill patients with gastric cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 advanced gastric cancer patients who had died in a hospice rare unit from May 2004 to August 2007. The survival days during the hospice and palliative care were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method of SPSS version 13.0. Results: There were 62 males (63%) and 37 females (37%). Median age of patients was 60.9 years and liver metastasis was as high as 38 patients (38%) of all. The most prevalent symptom of admission was general weakness (97%) and poor or intake (86%). There were also bypoalbuminemia (88%), anemia (73%), and hyponatremia (61%). Palliative procedure was performed on 17 (63%) out of 27 patients with intestinal obstruction. Of these stents were inserted to 11 patients. The stores of ECOGPS and dyspnea were significantly correlated with the length of survival. The duration of median survival and hospitalization in the hospice and palliative care was 22 days and was 20 days respectively. Conclusion: We need to study more about clinical characteristics of advanced gastric rancor patients to predict the length of survival for an effective hospice and palliative care.