• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.84-91
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• 2000

Purpose: To improve the recovery of growth deficit after renal transplantation in children, we analysed the factors affecting height growth after renal transplantation. Methods: We reviewed medical records of fifty-six children in whom height data were available for three years after transplantation. All height data were converted into Z-scores. We analyzed the effects of sex, age at transplantation, cumulative mean steroid dose for 3 years, serum creatinine levels, height at transplantation, donor source and history of prior dialysis on patients' z-scores and delta Zs. Results: The Z-scores at transplantation were lower in patients of younger age (P=0.007). When baseline Z-scores were lower, the delta Zs were higher (P<0.01), but the Z-scores after transplantation were still lower (P<0.001). According to the analysis of the partial correlation coefficients, Z-scores and delta Zs at 1 year after transplantation were higher in groups of younger age and of lower steroid dosages (P<0.05). The delta Zs at 6 month and 1 year after transplantation were lower in the group with abnormally higher serum creatinine (P<0.05). There was no difference in Z-scores between groups of different genders, donor sources, and histories of previous dialysis. Conclusion: The children of younger age, on lower steroid dosage, with less growth retardation at transplantation, and with normal graft function had better height growth recoveries after renal transplantation.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.299-307
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• 1992

An antigenic protein in cystic quid of Taenia solium metacestodes (CF) of 150 kDa was measured by antibody-sandwich ELISA in serum and cerebrospinal quid (CSF) of neurocysticercosis patients. Capture antibodies were rabbit antisera against CF (RACF) and a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against 150 kDa protein in CF. Lower limit of antibody-sandwich ELISA was 8 ng/ml of the protein. Except CF, no tested helminthes extracts reacted. Levels of the protein in 351 sera from 255 patients (55 surgery confirmed and 202 antibody and CT/MRl confirmed) were below sensitivity of the assay. Of 276 CSF from 212 patients, 31 samples (11.2%) showed positive findings. This assay, therefore, was not sensitive enough to be a diagnostic. Instead, the 150 kDa protein appeared in CSF in such situations as in 2 days after prasiquantel treatment, or as in a patient infected with a racemose cysticercus with degenerated cyst wall. Of cases whose follow-up CSF were assayed, 2 cases showed that the protein appeared intermittently, These results suggest strongly that appearance of free 150 kDa protein is associated with cyst wall rupture. In CSF which contained the 150 kDa protein over 61 ng/ml, the protein was recognized in 505-PAGE before and after immunoprecipitation.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.113-124
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• 1992

Protective effects of monoclonal antibodies against n. fowleri were comparatively studied. nALB/c mice were treated with two types of monoclonal antibodies, Nf 2 and Nf 154, before and after the infection with N. fowleri. The mortality and mean survival times were then compared. Also, direct effect of the monoclonal antibodies on the N. fewleri trophozoites in vitro were observed. In vitro protective effects of the monoclonal antibodies were also studied in cells infected with N. fowleri. The observed results are summarized as follows: 1. Among mice pretreated twice before the infection with monoclonal antibody Nf 2 (McAb Nf 2), only 15.8% were killed, and the mean survival time was 17, 7 days. This was not much different from the mice pretreated once, as the mortality and mean survival time were 16.7% and 17 days. Those effects were compatible with monoclonal antibody Nf 154 (McAb Nf 154). The above findings contrast with the mortality and mean survival time of the control mice, which were 22.7% and 14.6 days respectively. 2. Mice which received twice the McAb Nf 2 following N. fowleri infection incurred a 19.4% mortality rate with 13.6 days survival time; 17.9% and 15.8 days with on time administration, in contrast to the 25% and 14.6 days in the control group. 3. Marked agglutination effect of McAb Nf 2 or McAb Nf 154 were observed on n. fowkwi, trophogoites. 4. When N, fowleri trophozoites were treated with McAb Nf 2 or McAb Mf 154 combined with comments, the proliferation rate was more significantly suppressed than in that the control, 5. N. fowleri trophozoites treated with McAb Nf 2 or McAb Nf 154 showed an increased number of swollen mitochondria, disfigured cisternal, lipid droplets, and osmiophilic granules in the cytoplasm. 6. A remarkable protective effect of monoclonal antibodies was noticed in CHO cells infected with N. fowleri. More than 90.6% of the infected CHO cells survived, contrasted with 27% of untreated cells. The overall results in this study suggest that N. fewleri treated with monoclonal antibodies against N. fowleri reduce the mortality and prolong the survivial time of the mice when the antibodies are administered before the infection. The protective effect of the monoclonal antibodies is surmised being caused by agglutination of the trophozoites.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2005

Purpose : Children occupy a large proportion of burn victims. So we want to aid to pediatric burn care through the understanding of the bacterial distribution in burn wounds and antibiotic susceptibility against isolated microorganisms from burn wounds. Methods : We analysed the medical records of 213 pediatric burn patients(0~15 years), 406 samples that grew bacteria in burn wound sites. Results : Of the total 213 patients, male were 59.6% and female were 40.4%. Scalding burn was the most common(78.4%), flame burn was the second(16.4%). Pathogens were isolated in 406 samples. The most common was Pseudomonas aeruginosa(58.1%). Next were Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, Acinetobacter species. P. aeruginosa was resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in 100%, cephalothin in 98.1%, ampicillin-sulbactam in 96.2%, ampicillin in 95.3%, ceftriaxone in 95.2%, tobramycin in 93.7%, cefoperazone in 68.9%, ceftazidime in 67.7%. Enterococcus species were resistant to tetracycline in 63.9%, streptomycin in 45.5%, gentamicin in 36.1%, penicillin G in 13.7%. S. aureus was resistant to gentamicin in 89.7%, tetracycline in 86.2%, ciprofloxacin in 86.2%, penicillin G in 84.3%, oxacillin in 78.4%, erythromycin in 76.5%. Acinetobacter species were resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam in 100%, gentamicin in 85.7%, ampicillin in 83.3%, piperacillin in 61.5%. Conclusion : P. aeruginosa was highly resistant to drugs like cefoperazone in 68.9%, ceftazidime 67.7%. S. aureus was highly resistant to penicillin G in 84.3%, oxacillin in 25.9 %, but none to vancomycin in 0%, teicoplanin in 2.2%. According to the study, Acinetobacter species turned out to be multi-resistant strains, so careful attention must be paid to the choice of antibiotics.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was undertaken to analyze the efficacy and sphincter preservation rate of platinum based neoadjuvant chemotherapy Plus radiotherapy versus abdominoperineal resection and Postoperative radiotherapy for anal cancer. Materials and Methods : Data of forty-two patients with anal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Among thirty-eight patients with epidermoid histology, four patients received radiotherapy, and nineteen patients received abdominoperineal resection and adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy $(APR+RT{\pm}CT)$, and fifteen patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRT). The CRT regimen was composed of three cycles of 5-fluorouracil $(1,000\;mg/m^2\;bolus\;on\;D1\~5)$ and cisplatin $(60\;mg/m^2\;bolus\;on\;D1)$ followed by 50.4 Gy to the tumor bed and regional lymphatics over 5.5 weeks. Both inguinal lymphatics were treated with an identical dose schedule. Residual disease was treated with an additional three cycles of identical adjuvant chemotherapy. An identical dose schedule was used for post-operative radiotherapy. Median follow-up period was eighty-five months. Results : Overall five-year survival rates were $80.3\%$, 88.9 and $79.4\%$ for entire patients, $APR+RT{\pm}CT$ group, and the CRT group, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.49). Anus preservation rate for the CRT group was $86.7\%$. Age (0=0.0164) and performance status (p=0.0007) were found to be significant prognostic factors by univariate analysis. Age (p=0.0426), performance status (p=0.0008), and inguinal lymph node metastasis (e=0.0093) were statistically significant prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. No case of RTOG grade 3 complication or higher was reported. Conclusion : This and other recent studies have shown that combined chemotherapy plus radiotherapy for anal cancer results in a high rate of anal sphincter preservation as well as local control and survival. Furthermore, neoadjuvant use of chemotherapy with a cisplatin based regimen rather than a concurrent regimen may lead to a decrease in complications.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.123-127
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical findings, treatment, and outcome of patients with glassy cell carcinoma of cervix. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all cases of glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix confirmed and treated at the Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University, between January 1993 and December 2005. There were 7 cases with histopathologically confirmed gassy cell carcinoma. A tumor was diagnosed as glassy cell carcinoma if over 50% of the tumor cell type displayed glassy cell features. Six patients with stage IB had radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic node dissection, and 2 of them received adjuvant external pelvic irradiation with concurrent chemotherapy. Remaining one patient with stage IIA had curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy with external pelvic irradiation and brachytherapy. Results: There were 7 patients diagnosed as glassy cell carcinoma among the 3,745 (0.2%) patients of carcinoma of uterine cervix. The mean age of 7 patients was 44 years with range of 35 to 53 years of age. The most frequent symptom was vaginal bleeding (86%). By the punch biopsy undertaken before treatment of 7 cases, 2 only cases could diagnose as glassy cell carcinoma of uterine cervix, but remaining of them confirmed by surgical pathological examination. The mean follow up duration was 73 months with range of 13 to 150 months. All 7 patients were alive without disease after treatment. Conclusion: Glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that demonstrates an aggressive biologic behavior. However for early-stage disease, we may have more favorable clinical outcome with radical surgery followed by chemoradiothery.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.223-229
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• 2006

$\underline{Purpose}$: Combined modality therapy including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for the treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of paclitaxel and cisplatin with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIIB NSCLC. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: Between July 2000 and October 2005, thirty-nine patients with stage IIIB NSCLC were treated with two cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The induction chemotherapy included the administration of paclitaxel ($175\;mg/m^2$) by intravenous infusion on day 1 and treatment with cisplatin ($75\;mg/m^2$) by intravenous infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy included the use of paclitaxel ($60\;mg/m^2$) plus cisplatin ($25\;mg/m^2$) given intravenously for 6 weeks on day 43, 50, 57, 71, 78 and 85. Thoracic radiotherapy was delivered with 1.8 Gy daily fractions to a total dose of $54{\sim}59.4\;Gy$ in $6{\sim}7$ weeks (median: 59.4 Gy). $\underline{Results}$: The follow up period was $6{\sim}63$ months (median: 21 months). After the induction of chemotherapy, 41.0% (16 patients) showed a partial response and 59.0% (23 patients) had stable disease. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 10.3% (4 patients) had a complete response, 41.0% (16 patients) had a partial response, and the overall response rate was 51.3% (20 patients). The 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 66.7%, 40.6%, and 27.4% respectively, with a median survival time of 20 months. The 1-, 2-, 3-year progression free survival rates were 43.6%, 24.6%, and 24.6%, respectively, with median progression free survival time of 10.7 months. Induction chemotherapy was well tolerated. Among 39 patients who completed the entire treatment including chemoradiotherapy, 46.3% (18 patients) had esophagitis greater than grade 3 and 28.2% (11 patients) had radiation pneumonitis greater than grade 3. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Paclitaxel and cisplatin with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIIB NSCLC seems to be an effective treatment. Occurrence of esophagitis and pneumonitis represents a significant morbidity and suggests a modification of the treatment regimen, either with the chemotherapy schedule or with radiotherapy treatment planning.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2010

Purpose: We analyzed the incidence and related factors of radiation dermatitis; at first, to recognize whether a decrease in radiation dermatitis is possible or not in breast cancer patients who received radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: Of 338 patients, 284 with invasive breast cancer who received breast conservation surgery with radiotherapy at Chonbuk National University Hospital from January 2007 to June 2009 were evaluated. Patients who also underwent bolus, previous contralateral breast irradiation and irradiation on both breasts were excluded. For patients who appeared to have greater than moderate radiation dermatitis, the incidence and relating factors for radiation dermatitis were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 207 and 77 patients appeared to have RTOG grade 0/1 or above RTOG grade 2 radiation dermatitis, respectively. The factors found to be statistically significant for the 77 patients who appeared to have greater than moderate radiation dermatitis include the presence of lymphocele due to the stasis of lymph and lymph edema which affect the healing disturbance of radiation dermatitis (p=0.003, p=0.001). Moreover, an allergic reaction to plaster due to the immune cells of skin and the activation of cytokine and concomitant hormonal therapy were also statistically significant factors (p=0.001, p=0.025). Conclusion: Most of the breast cancer patients who received radiation therapy appeared to have a greater than mild case of radiation dermatitis. Lymphocele, lymphedema, an allergy to plaster and concomitant hormonal therapy which affect radiation dermatitis were found to be significant factors. Consequently, we should eliminate lymphocele prior to radiation treatment for patients who appear to have an allergic reaction to plaster. We should also instruct patients of methods to maintain skin moisture if they appear to have a greater than moderate case of radiation dermatitis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the incidence and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects in patients who were subjected to either two-dimensional or three-dimensional simulation techniques for early left-sided breast cancer. The myocardial perfusion defects were determined from using single photon emitted computerized tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion images. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: Between January 2002 and August 2003, 32 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were diagnosed as having early (AJCC stage T1-T2N0M0) left-sided breast cancer and were treated with tangential irradiation after breast-conserving surgery and systemic chemotherapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of simulation received: two-dimensional simulation using an X-ray fluoroscope simulator or three-dimensional simulation with a CT simulator. All patients underwent technetium-99m-sestamibi gated perfusion SPECT at least 3 years after radiotherapy. The incidence and area of myocardial perfusion defects were evaluated and were compared in the two groups, and at the same time left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac wall motion were also analyzed. The cardiac volume included in the radiation fields was calculated and evaluated to check for a correlation between the amount of irradiated cardiac volume and aspects of myocardial perfusion defects. $\underline{Results}$: A myocardial perfusion defect was detected in 11 of 32 patients (34.4%). There were 7 (46.7%) perfusion defect cases in 15 patients who underwent the two-dimensional simulation technique and 4 (23.5%) patients with perfusion defects in the three-dimensional simulation group (p=0.0312). In 10 of 11 patients who had myocardial perfusion changes, the perfusion defects were observed in the cardiac apex. The left ventricular ejection fraction was within the normal range and cardiac wall motion was normal in all patients. The irradiated cardiac volume of patients in the three-dimensional simulation group was less than that of patients who received the two-dimensional simulation technique, but there was no statistical significance as compared to the incidence of perfusion defects. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Radiotherapy with a CT simulator (three-dimensional simulation technique) for early left-sided breast cancer may reduce the size of the irradiated cardiac volume and the incidence of myocardial perfusion defects. Further investigation and a longer follow-up duration are needed to analyze the relationship between myocardial perfusion defects and clinical ischemic heart disease.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.34-42
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: We performed a retrospective non-randomized clinical study of locally advanced rectal cancer, to evaluate the anal sphincter preservation rates, down staging rates and survival rates of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From January 2002 to December 2005, patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer with clinical stage T2 or higher, or patients with lymph node metastasis were enrolled in this study. A preoperative staging work-up was conducted in 36 patients. All patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy, and curative resection was performed for 26 patients at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. Radiotherapy treatment planning was conducted with the use of planning CT for all patients. A total dose of $45.0{\sim}52.2\;Gy$ conventionally fractionated three-dimensional radiotherapy was delivered to the whole pelvis. Chemotherapy was given at the first and fifth week of radiation therapy with continuous infusion i.v. 5-FU (Fluorouracil) and LV (Leucovorine). Surgical resection was performed 2 to 4 weeks after the completion of the chemoradiotherapy regimen. $\underline{Results}$: The complete resection rate with negative resection margin was 100% (26/26). However, a pathologically complete response was not seen after curative resection. Surgery was done by LAR (low anterior resection) in 23 patients and APR (abdomino-perineal resection) in 3 patients. The sphincter preservation rate was 88.5% (23/26), down staging of the tumor occurred in 12 patients (46.2%) and down-sizing of the tumor occurred in 19 patients (73%). Local recurrence after surgical resection developed in 1 patient, and distant metastasis developed in 3 patients. The local recurrence free survival rate, distant metastasis free survival rate, and progression free survival rate were 96.7%, 87% and 83.1%, respectively. Treatment related toxicity was minimal except for one grade 3, one grade 4 anemia, one grade 3 leukopenia, and one grade 3 ileus. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Preoperative concurrent chmoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer seems to have some potential benefits: high sphincter preservation and down staging. Treatment related toxicity was minimal and a high compliance with treatment was seen in this study. Further long-term follow-up with a larger group of patients is required.