• Title/Summary/Keyword: respiratory therapy

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The Efficacy of Nebulized 3 Percent Hypertonic Saline Solution and Fenoterol in Infants with Bronchiolitis (영아 세기관지염에서 3% 고장성 식염액과 Fenoterol 병용흡입 치료의 효과)

  • Park, Joon Young;Jeong, Young Mi;Jeong, Soo Jin;Seo, Son Sang
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.48 no.5
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    • pp.518-522
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    • 2005
  • Purpose : To evaluate the effect of inhaled hypertonic saline solution in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis. Methods : A randomized double blind trial was performed from October 2003 to May 2004. A total of eighty patients <1 year of age with a clinical diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis were enrolled and assigned to receive either of the following : inhalation of 2 mL(0.5 mg) fenoterol added to 2 mL of 0.9 percent saline solution(group 1; n=40) or 2 mL(0.5 mg) fenoterol added to 2 mL of 3 percent saline solution(group 2; n=40). This therapy was repeated at six hours interval after admission. They were evaluated daily just before and 20 minutes after nebulization. The outcome measures included changes in clinical severity score(based on respiratory rate, presence of wheezing, retraction, and general condition) after nebulization and duration of hospitalization. Results : In the clinical severity score, a significant improvement was observed during the 72 hours of hospitalization in both groups(P<0.05). The basic clinical severity scores before inhalation were decreased significantly faster in group 2 as compared to group 1 on each day of treatment(P<0.05). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly reduced in group 2 than group 1($5.9{\pm}1.9days$ versus $7.4{\pm}2.0days$, P<0.05). No adverse effects were associated with inhaled therapy. Conclusion : These results suggest that a nebulized 3 percent saline solution plus 0.5 mg fenoterol may be more effective than a 0.9 percent saline solution plus 0.5 mg fenoterol in accelerating the clinical recovery of infants with viral bronchiolitis.

Prediction of Target Motion Using Neural Network for 4-dimensional Radiation Therapy (신경회로망을 이용한 4차원 방사선치료에서의 조사 표적 움직임 예측)

  • Lee, Sang-Kyung;Kim, Yong-Nam;Park, Kyung-Ran;Jeong, Kyeong-Keun;Lee, Chang-Geol;Lee, Ik-Jae;Seong, Jin-Sil;Choi, Won-Hoon;Chung, Yoon-Sun;Park, Sung-Ho
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.132-138
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    • 2009
  • Studies on target motion in 4-dimensional radiotherapy are being world-widely conducted to enhance treatment record and protection of normal organs. Prediction of tumor motion might be very useful and/or essential for especially free-breathing system during radiation delivery such as respiratory gating system and tumor tracking system. Neural network is powerful to express a time series with nonlinearity because its prediction algorithm is not governed by statistic formula but finds a rule of data expression. This study intended to assess applicability of neural network method to predict tumor motion in 4-dimensional radiotherapy. Scaled Conjugate Gradient algorithm was employed as a learning algorithm. Considering reparation data for 10 patients, prediction by the neural network algorithms was compared with the measurement by the real-time position management (RPM) system. The results showed that the neural network algorithm has the excellent accuracy of maximum absolute error smaller than 3 mm, except for the cases in which the maximum amplitude of respiration is over the range of respiration used in the learning process of neural network. It indicates the insufficient learning of the neural network for extrapolation. The problem could be solved by acquiring a full range of respiration before learning procedure. Further works are programmed to verify a feasibility of practical application for 4-dimensional treatment system, including prediction performance according to various system latency and irregular patterns of respiration.

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Current Use of Dexamethasone Rescue Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (기관지폐 이형성증에 대한 덱사메타손 구제 치료)

  • Jung, Eui-Seok;Ahn, Yo-Han;Lee, Ju-Young;Kim, Yoon-Joo;Son, Se-Hyung;Sohn, Jin-A;Lee, Eun-Hee;Choi, Eun-Jin;Kim, Eun-Sun;Lee, Hyun-Ju;Lee, Jin-A;Choi, Chang-Won;Kim, Ee-Kyung;Kim, Han-Suk;Kim, Beyong-Il;Choi, Jung-Hwan
    • Neonatal Medicine
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.146-153
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    • 2009
  • Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the current use of dexamethasone rescue therapy (DRT) for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: This is a retrospective study of 251 BPD patients managed in the neonatal intensive care units at Seoul National University Childrens Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2004 and August 2008. The demographic data and clinical characteristics of the mothers and infants were analyzed. The infants were compared based on DRT responsiveness. The DRT complications were investigated. Results: Ninety-three patients (37.1%) were classified with severe BPD, DRT was only given to patients with severe BPD. Dexamethasone was administered to 24 patients (9.6%) whose respiratory status had precluded extubation, which indicated that conventional BPD management had failed. Fourteen patients (58.3%) who received DRT were responsive. DRT non-responders required more oxygenation and more complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Responder had shorter length's of hospitalization and lower mortality rates. High dose dexamethasone was no more effective in weaning neonates from the ventilatior than low dose dexamethasone. Sepsis was the most common complication of DRT. Conclusion: DRT is a valuable treatment for severe BPD ahead of PAH development. DRT should not be performed in BPD patients with PAH due to the possibility of complications.

Clinical Outcomes of Corrective Surgical Treatment for Esophageal Cancer (식도암의 외과적 근치 절제술에 대한 임상적 고찰)

  • Ryu Se Min;Jo Won Min;Mok Young Jae;Kim Hyun Koo;Cho Yang Hyun;Sohn Young-sang;Kim Hark Jei;Choi Young Ho
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.38 no.2 s.247
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    • pp.157-163
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    • 2005
  • Background: Clinical outcomes of esophageal cancer have not been satisfactory in spite of the development of surgical skills and protocols of adjuvant therapy. We analyzed the results of corrective surgical patients for esophageal cancer from January 1992 to July 2002. Material and Method: Among 129 patients with esophageal cancer, this study was performed in 68 patients who received corrective surgery. The ratio of sex was 59 : 9 (male : female) and mean age was $61.07\pm7.36$ years old. Chief complaints of this patients were dysphagia, epigastric pain and weight loss, etc. The locations of esophageal cancer were 4 in upper esophagus, 36 in middle, 20 in lower, 8 in esophagogastric junction. 60 patients had squamous cell cancer and 7 had adenocarcinoma, and 1 had malignant melanoma. Five patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Result: The postoperative stage I, IIA, IIB, III, IV patients were 7, 25, 12, 17 and 7, respectively. The conduit for replacement of esophagus were stomach (62 patients) and colon (6 patients). The neck anastomosis was performed in 28 patients and intrathoracic anastomosis in 40 patients. The technique of anastomosis were hand sewing method (44 patients) and stapling method (24 patients). One of the early complications was anastomosis leakage (3 patients) which had only radiologic leakage that recovered spontaneously. The anastomosis technique had no correlation with postoperative leakage, which stapling method (2 patients) and hand sewing method (1 patient). There were 3 respiratory failures, 6 pneumonia, 1 fulminant hepatitis, 1 bleeding and 1 sepsis. The 2 early postoperative deaths were fulminant hepatitis and sepsis. Among 68 patients, 23 patients had postoperative adjuvant therapy and 55 paitents were followed up. The follow up period was $23.73\pm22.18$ months ($1\~76$ month). There were 5 patients in stage I, 21 in stage 2A, 9 in stage IIB, 15 in stage III and 5 in stage IV. The 1, 3, 5 year survival rates of the patients who could be followed up completely was $58.43\pm6.5\%,\;35.48\pm7.5\%\;and\;18.81\pm7.7\%$, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that long-term survival difference was associated with a stage, T stage, and N stage (p<0.05) but not associated with histology, sex, anastomosis location, tumor location, and pre and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Conclusion: The early diagnosis, aggressive operative resection, and adequate postoperative treatment may have contributed to the observed increase in survival for esophageal cancer patients.

Variation of Vital Sign according to Time in Full Immersion of Hot and Cool Bath (온.냉욕 전신침수욕시 기간에 따른 vital sign의 변화)

  • Yi, Seung-Ju
    • Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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    • v.3 no.3
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    • pp.35-49
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    • 1996
  • This study was conducted to see variation of vital sign of hot and cool bath according to time, a questionnair survey and measurement was carried out for 32 students(sophomore) of department of physical therapy Andong Junior College on the 27th of June, 1995. The result were as follows: The average systolic blood pressure(SBP) of stability for 32 college students who were measured was 105.3mmHg, the average diastolic blood pressure(DBP) was 67.3mmHg, the average pulse frequency(PF) was 70.7(frequency/min), the average respiratory frequency (RF) was 15.6 (frequency/min), and the body temperature(BT) was $36.6^{\circ}C$. As time went on, SBP for 32 students who were measured in hot bath according to stability, 3 min, 6 min, 9 min, and 12 min was decreased(105.15 mmHg, 104.69mmHg, 104.24 mmHg, 103.03 mmHg, and 96.69 mmHg)(P=0.3006). SBP was decreased in cool bath, too(105.15 mmHg, 103.33 mmHg, 103.33 mmHg, and 100.91 mmHg), but it at 12 min was a little higher(l03.09 mmHg)(P=0.7566). As time went on, DBP according to stability, 3 min, 6 min, 9 min, and 12 minutes was decreased in hot bath(66.82 mmHg, 65.45 mmHg, 64.54 mmHg, 63.03 mmHg, and 59.39 mmHg)(P=0.0906). It was similar in cool bath(66.82 mmHg, 67.87 mmHg, 68.48 mmHg, 67.87 mmHg, and 68.78)(P=0.9654). As time went on, PF was significantly increased in hot bath(70.42 times, 86.96 times, 93.57 times, 99.30 times, and 101.78 times)(P=0.0001). It was a little increased in cool bath, too (70.42 times, 70.85 times, 71.63 times, 71.06 times, and 71.45 times)(P=0.9803). As time went on, RF was significantly increased in hot bath(15.75 times, 19.09 times, 22.09 times, 24.94 times, and 26.48 times)(P=0.0001). I t in cool bath of stability, 3 min, and 6 min was a little increased(15.75 times, 19.30 times, 19.39 times), but it in 9 min(18.67 times), and 12 min(18.09 times) was a little decreased(P=0.0176). As time went on, BT was significantly increased in hot bath($36.63^{\circ}C,\;37.45^{\circ}C,\;37.81^{\circ}C,\;38.12^{\circ}C,\;38.33^{\circ}C$)(P=0.0001). It was a little increased in cool bath of stability and 3 min($36.63^{\circ}C,\;37.40^{\circ}C$), but others are similar($37.33^{\circ}C,\;37.37^{\circ}C$, and $37.36^{\circ}C$)(P=0.0001). It was revealed by this study, SBP and DBP according to time in hot and cool bath were decreased. PF, RF, and BT in hot bath were higher, RF and BT in cool bath were higher too. but PF was similar.

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The Expression of Adhesion Molecules on BAL Cells and Serum Soluble ICAM-1 Level after the Radiotherapy for the Lung Cancer and Its Relationship to the Development of of Radiation Pneumonitis and Fibrosis (방사선 치료후 기관지-폐포세척액내 폐포대식세포 및 임파구의 접착분자발현 변화와 방사선에 의한 폐렴 및 폐섬유증발생의 예측인자로서의 의의)

  • Kim, Dong-Soon;Paik, Sang-Hoon;Choi, Eun-Kyung;Chang, Hye-Sook;Choi, Jung-Eun;Lim, Chae-Man;Koh, Yun-Suck;Lee, Sang-Do;Kim, Woo-Sung;Kim, Won-Dong
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.43 no.1
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    • pp.75-87
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    • 1996
  • Background: Lung cancer is the second most frequent malignancy in man in Korea. Surgery is the best treatment modality for non-small cell lung cancer, but most patients were presented in far advanced stage. So radiation therapy(RT) with or without chemotherapy is the next choice and radiation-induced pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis is the major limiting factor for the curative RT. Radiation pneumonitis is manifested with fever, cough and dyspnea, 2~3 months after the termination of radiotherpy. Chest X ray shows infiltration, typically limited to the radiation field, but occasionally bilateral infiltration was reported. Also Gibson et al reported that BAL lymphocytosis was found in both lungs, even though the radiation was confined to one lung. The aim of this study is to investigate the change of adhesion molecules expression on BAL cells and serum soluble ICAM-1(sICAM-1) level after the RT and its relationship to the development of radiation pneumonitis. The second aim is to confirm the bilaterality of change of BAL cell pattern and adhesion molecule expression. Subjects: BAL and the measurement of sICAM level in serum and BALF were done on 29 patients with lung cancer who received RT with curative intention. The BAL was done before the RT in 16 patients and 1~2 month after RT in 18 patients. 5 patients performed BAL before and after RT. Result: Clinically significant radiation pneumonitis developed in 7 patients. After RT, total cell count in BAL was significantly increased from $(20.2{\pm}10.2){\times}10^6\;cells/ml$ to $(35.3{\pm}21.6){\times}10^6\;cells/ml$ (p=0.0344) and %lymphocyte was also increased from $5.3{\pm}4.2%$ to $39.6{\pm}23.4%$ (p=0.0001) in all patient group. There was no difference between ipsilateral and contraleteral side to RT, and between the patients with and without radiation-pneumonitis. In whole patient group, the level of sICAM-1 showed no significant change after RT(in serum: $378{\pm}148$, $411{\pm}150\;ng/ml$, BALF: $20.2{\pm}12.2$, $45.1{\pm}34.8\;ng/ml$, respectively), but there was a significant difference between the patients with pneumonitis and without pneumonitis (serum: $505{\pm}164$ vs $345{\pm}102\;ng/ml$, p=0.0253, BALF: $67.9{\pm}36.3$ vs $25.2{\pm}17.9\;ng/ml$, p=0.0112). The expression of ICAM-1 on alveolar macrophages (AM) tends to increase after RT (RMFI: from $1.28{\pm}0.479$ to $1.63{\pm}0.539$, p=0.0605), but it was significantly high in patients with pneumonitis ($2.10{\pm}0.390$) compared to the patients without pneumonitis ($1.28{\pm}0.31$, p=0.0002). ICAM-1 expression on lymphocytes and CD 18 (${\beta}2$-integrin) expression tended to be high in the patients with pneumonitis but the difference was statiastically not significant. Conclusion: Subclinical alveolitis on the basis of BAL finding developed bilaterally in all patients after RT. But clinically significant pneumonitis occurred in much smaller fraction and the ICAM-1 expression on AM and the sICAM-1 level in serum were good indicator of it.

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Antibiotic Resistance for Common Hospital Acquired-pneumonia Pathogens in the Intensive Care Unit of Newly Opened Hospital (새로 개원한 병원 중환자실에서 주요 원내획득 폐렴 감염균의 연도별 항생제 내성율 변화)

  • Lee, Jae-Hyung;Shin, Sung-Joon;Kim, Young-Chan;Oh, Seung-Il;Kim, Mi-Ok;Park, Eun-Joo;Sohn, Jang-Won;Yang, Seok-Chul;Yoon, Ho-Joo;Shin, Dong-Ho;Park, Sung-Soo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.52 no.3
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    • pp.207-218
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    • 2002
  • Background : Intensive care units (ICUs) are generally considered epicenters of antibiotic resistance and the principal sources of multi-resistant bacteria outbreaks. The antibiotic resistance in newly opened intensive care unit that has no microbial colonization on and around the devices was investigated. Materials and Methods : The authors analyzed the antibiotic resistance patterns for common hospital acquired-pneumonia pathogens in the ICUs(Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp.) at the newly opened ICU of Hanyang University Medical Center, Kuri Hospital during 6 years(1995-2000). Results : 1) Regarding Staphylococcus aureus, the resistance rate to methicillin was 15% at 1995, 21% at 1996, 20% at 1997, 23% at 1998, 22% at 1999, 55% at 2000. 2) Regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the resistance rate to $3^{rd}$ cephalosporin was 50% at 1995, 50% at 1996, 78% at 1997, 40% at 1998, 77% at 1999, 39% at 2000. Imipenam was 0% at 1995, 27% at 1996, 65% at 1997, 12% at 1998, 16% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Ciprofloxacin was 0% at 1996, 56% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 57% at 1999, 58% at 2000. Tobramycin was 7% at 1995, 10% at 1996, 67% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 65% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Gentamycin was 14% at 1995, 36% at 1996, 67% at 1997, 36% at 1998, 65% at 1999, 12% at 2000. Amikacin was 14% at 1995, 30% at 1996, 61% at 1997, 16% at 1998, 39% at 1999, 18% at 2000. 3) Regarding Acinetobacter spp., the resistance rate to $3^{rd}$ cephalosporin was 92% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 88% at 1998,84% at 1999, 77% at 2000. Imipenem was 50% at 1996, 48% at 1997, 45% at 1998, 49% at 1999, 50% at 2000. Ciprofloxacin was 0% at 1996, 48% at 1997, 33% at 1998, 27% at 1999, 71% at 2000. Tobramycin was 67% at 1995, 100% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 95% at 1998, 87% at 1999, 77% at 2000. Gentamycin was 67% at 1995, 100% at 1996, 89% at 1997, 95% at 1998, 87% at 1999, 83% at 2000. Amikacin was 33% at 1995, 83% at 1996, 82% at 1997, 88% at 1998, 75% at 1999, 69% at 2000. Conclusion : The S.aureus resistance to methicillin, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to ciprofloxacin, and the Acinetobacter spp. resistance to ciprofloxacin have rapidly increased during 6 years. There is a need to pay speicial attention when using the the antibiotics for the above pathogens. This data may be useful in antibiotic therapy in newly opened intensive care units.

Antitumor and Antimetastatic Effects of Toxoplasma Gondii in Mice with Lewis Lung Carcinoma (Lewis 폐암 마우스 모델에서 톡소포자충에 의한 항암 및 항전이 효과)

  • Kim, Ju-Ock;Jung, Sung-Soo;Park, Hee-Sun;Kim, Myoung-Hoon;Kim, Sun-Young;Lee, Young-Ha
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.52 no.4
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    • pp.317-329
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    • 2002
  • Background : Immunotherapy is another treatment modality for various cancers. There is little information on the antitumor effects of immunotherapy on implanted lung cancer mouse models. Toxoplasma gondii is able to potently induce a nonspecific stimulation of the host immune system. Therefore, this study evaluated the antitumor and antimetastatic effect of nonspecific immune stimulation by T. gondii in a Lewis lung cancer mouse model. Methods : Female C57BL/6 mice were injected with either Lewis lung cancer cells ($1{\times}10^6$ per mouse) or 5 cysts from the T. gondii Me49 strain with various schedules. The number of survival days, the tumor size of the implanted muscle and the histopathological findings of each group were noted. In addition to these mice, the Toxoplasma antigen($50{\mu}g$ per mouse) or a lymphokine (0.5 ml per mouse) was added to boost the immunotherapy. Results : No mouse in the Toxoplasma-infected group had died, whereas the mice receiving only the cancer cells (cancer control) survived for $29.1{\pm}4.4$ days. Cancer cells were revealed from 1 week after cancer cell inceulation in the muscle and from 3 weeks in the lung of the cancer control, whereas cancer cells were found in both the preinfection control and coinfection control groups from 2 weeks and 4 weeks in the lung respectively. The in the number of survival days were $32.4{\pm}3.3$ in the mice receiving T. gondii 2 weeks prior to the cancer cells inoculation (preinfection control), $30.9{\pm}5.1$ in mice received both simultaneously (coinfection control), and $34.9{\pm}2.9$ in mice received T. gondii 2 weeks after cancer cells implantation (postinfection control). These 3 infection groups had significantly longer survival days and suppressed tumor growth than those of the cancer control. In addition to these mice, and injection with the Toxoplasma antigen alone or in combination with lymphokine resulted in a significant increase in the number of survival days. Conclusion : These findings suggest that an injection with T. gondii can induce the antitumor and antimetastatic effects in Lewis lung cancer mouse models. Moreover, these effects were increased with an injection of the Toxoplasma antigen alone or in combination with lymphokine. However, this therapy can not prevent the development of cancer.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in limited small-cell lung cancer : incidence of brain metastasis and survival and clinical aspects (예방적 두강내 방사선 조사후 소세포 폐암 환자의 뇌전이 빈도와 생존율에 대한 연구)

  • Suh, Jae-Chul;Kim, Myung-Hoon;Park, Hee-Sun;Kang, Dong-Won;Lee, Kyu-Seung;Ko, Dong-Seok;Kim, Geun-Hwa;Jeong, Seong-Su;Cho, Moon-June;Kim, Ju-Ock;Kim, Sun-Young
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.49 no.3
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    • pp.323-331
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    • 2000
  • Purpose: Brain metastases are present in approximately 10-16% of small cell lung cancer patients at diagnosis. Brain metastasis is an important clinical problem associated with increasing the survival rate, with a cumulative incidence of up to 80% in patients surviving 2 years. Prophylactic cranial irradiation(PCI) reduces the incidence of brain matastasis and may prolong survival in patients with limited small-cell lung cancer who achieved complete remission. This study was performed to analyze the incidence of brain metastasis, survival and clinical aspects after PCI in patients with limited small-cell lung cancer who achieved complete remission. Methods : Between 1989 and 1999, forty-two patients with limited small-cell lung cancer who achived achieved complete remission after therapy were enrolled into this study retrospectively. All patients received etoposide and cisplatin(VPP) alternating with cytoxan, adriamycin, and vincristine(CAV) every 3 weeks for at least 6 cycles initially. All patients received thoracic radiotherapy: concurrent(38.1%) and sequential(61.9%). All patients received late PCI. Results : Most patients(88.1%) were men, and the median age was 58 years. The median follow-up duration was 18.1 months. During the follow-up period, 57.1% of the patients developed relapse. The most frequent site of relapse was chest(35.7%), followed by brain(14.3%), liver(11.9%), adrenal gland(44%), and bone(2.2%). With the Kaplan-Meier method, the average disease-free interval was 1,090 days(median 305 days). The average time to development of brain relapse after PCI and other sites relapse(except brain) were 2,548 days and 1,395 days(median 460 days), respectively. The average overall survival was 1,233 days(median 634 days, 21.1 months), and 2-year survival rates was 41.7%. The average overall survival in the relapse group was 642 days(median 489 days) and in the no relapse group was 2,622 days(p<0.001). The average overall survival in the brain relapse group was 928 days(median 822 days) and in the no brain relapse group was 1,308 days(median 634 days)(p=0.772). In most patients(85.7%), relapse(except brain) or systemic disease was the usual cause of death. Brain matastasis was the cause of death in 14.3% of the cases. Conclusions : We may conclude that PCI reduces and delays brain metastasis in patients with limited small cell lung cancer who achieved complete remission. We found decreased survival in relapse group but, no significant survival difference was noted according to brain matastasis. And relapse(except brain) or systemic disease was the usual cause of death. In order to increase survival, new treatment strategies for control methods for relapse and systemic disease are required.

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Deep Neck Abscesses in Korean Children (소아 심부 경부 농양에 대한 임상적 고찰)

  • Lee, Dae Hyoung;Kim, Sun Mi;Lee, Jung Hyun;Kim, Jong Hyun;Hur, Jae Kyun;Kang, Jin Han
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.81-89
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    • 2004
  • Purpose : Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses are often distinguishable from other head and neck abscesses on clinical grounds, but these infections can combine and the presentations are similar to one another. Because of the advances of antibiotic therapy, the frequency of the diseases decreased considerably, but recently the incidence of neck abscesses has increased. We sought to describe the clinical presentation of patients with deep neck abscess, and implications on management. Methods : For 10 year periods, 94 cases of charts were reviewed retrospectively, who were diagnosed as neck abscesses aged below 16 years old(between January 1993 to August 2003) in 4 hospitals. Deep neck abscesses were diagnosed by surgical pus drainage, neck CT (homogenous, hypodense area with ring enhancement) and neck sono findings. Results : The annual incidence of deep neck abscess has been increased since 2000. The median age of the patients was 4 years(range, 26 days~15 years); 63% of the patients were younger than 5 years. Abscesses in the submandibular space(34%) were most common, followed by peritonsillar space(29.7%), retropharyngeal space(11.7%), combined(10.8%), parotid space(7.4%) and parapharyngeal space(6.4%). Fever(73.4%), sore throat(37.2%), decreased oral intake(34%) and neck pain(27.7%) were the most common symptoms. In 6 children(6.4%), there was refusal to move neck, in 6(6.4%) headache, and in 4(4.3%) torticollis. Respiratory distress was observed in only 1 patient(2.1%) and stridor in 1 other(2.1%). The most common physical examinations were neck swelling/mass(67%), pharyngitis(46.8%), tonsillitis(36.2 %), and cervical lymphadenopathy(28.7%). Neck stiffness was observed in 4 patients(4.3%). Total 35 organisms were isolated in 33 patients. The most common organisms cultured by patients' blood or pus were S. aureus(34%) and S. pyogenes(28.6%). Most organisms were gram positive, and had sensitivities in vancomycin(96.4%), cefotaxime(88.9%), cephalothin (86.4%), trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole(83.3%), and clindamycin(77.8%). 77 patients(81.9%) underwent surgery plus antibiotics; 17 patients(18.1%) were treated with antibiotics only. There is no significant differences between two groups. In duration of admission, fever after admission, and antibiotic treatment. Conclusion : The incidence of deep neck abscess has increased recently and the major symptoms have been changed. The incidence of respiratory distress or stridor is decreasing, while the incidence of abnormal head and neck symptoms and signs like headache, neck stiffness, refusal to move neck, or torticollis are increasing. Gram positive organisms are predominant, S. aureus is the most common followed by S. pyogenes. 1st generation cephalosporin has high sensitivity on gram positive organisms. Treatment with surgery plus antibiotics dose not significantly decrease total duration of antibiotic treatment or admission compared to treatment with antibiotics alone.

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