• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.193-200
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• 2007

Purpose: This study evaluated the pretreatment expression patterns of MDM2, p53, and pRb proteins to determine if the expression patterns could predict the outcome of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and aid in the decisions for the selection of treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients that were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for stage $I{\sim}IVa$ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were selected for this study. Radiotherapy was administered with daily $1.8{\sim}2\;Gy$ fractions up to a median dose of 54 Gy for primary tumors, and with four cycles of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil chemotherapy that was administered every 4 weeks, the first two cycles of which were administered concurrently with radiotherapy. Expression of MDM2, p53, and pRb was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis using pretreatment biopsy specimens. Results: MDM2, p53, and pRb were detected with high immunoreactivity in 19.6%, 27.5%, and 66.7% of the patients, respectively. However, there was no significant correlation between expression of these factors and clinical outcome. By the use of multivariate analysis with nine covariates-age, tumor location, tumor length, stage, pathological response, clinical response, MDM2 expression, p53 expression, and pRb expression, only pathological response and stage were significant factors for cause-specific survival. Conclusion: Expression of MDM2, p53, and pRb was not found to be clinically significant for predicting outcomes after CCRT in this study. Further studies with a larger patient population and longer follow-up periods are needed to re-evaluate the expression pattern and to identify new predictors for CCRT response.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.201-205
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• 2007

Purpose: This retrospective study was conducted to assess outcome and to determine the prognostic factors in patients with a desmoid tumor treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with a desmoid tumor who were treated with postoperative radiotherapy between June 1984 and October 2005 were analyzed. There were 13 male and 14 female patients. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 79 years (median age, 28 years). Tumors were located in an extra-abdominal area (21 cases), and in the abdominal walls (6 cases). The tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 25 cm (median size, 7.5 cm) in the largest linear dimension. Thirteen cases received radiotherapy after initial surgery, and 14 recurrent cases received radiotherapy after additional surgery. The total radiation dose given was $45{\sim}66$ Gy (median dose, 59.4 Gy), and the fraction size was $1.8{\sim}2.0$ Gy. Results: The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, $12{\sim}203$ months). Two patients developed local progression and six patients experienced local recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival rate and the 5-year progression-free survival rate were 61 % and 70%, respectively. Wide local excision was associated with better disease free survival with statistical significance (p=0.028). Radiotherapy after initial surgery (p=0.046) and a higher radiation dose of more than 60 Gy (p=0.049) were associated with better progression free survival with statistical significance. At the time of the last follow-up, the number of additional surgeries was higher in patients that received radiotherapy after reoperation (p<0.001). Conclusion: Radiotherapy after the initial operation improved local control and decreased the number of subsequent operations. Thus, postoperative radiotherapy after an initial operation is recommended in patients with a high risk of recurrence for a desmoid tumor.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.213-218
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• 2007

Purpose: To analyze retrospectively the outcome of postoperative radiation therapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy for curatively resected stage II pancreatic cancer with T3 or N1 disease. Materials and Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2005, twenty-eight patients completed adjuvant radiation therapy at Ajou University Hospital. The patients had either pathologic T3 stage or N1 stage. The radiation target volume encompassed the initial tumor bed identified preoperatively, resection margin area and celiac nodal area. In the case of N1 patients, the radiation field extended to the lower margin of the L3 vertebra for covering both para-aortic lymph nodes bearing area. The median total radiation dose was 50 Gy. Ten patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Results: Thirteen patients (46%) showed loco-regional recurrences. The celiac axis nodal area was the most frequent site (4 patients). Five patients showed both loco-regional recurrence and a distant metastasis. Patients with positive lymph nodes had a relatively high probability of a distant metastasis (57.1%). Patients that had a positive resection margin showed a relatively high local failure rate (57.1%). The median disease-free survival period of all patients was 6 months and the 1-and 2-year disease free survival rates were 27.4% and 8.2%, respectively. The median overall survival period was 9 months. The 2-and 3-year overall survival rates were 31.6% and 15.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The pancreatic cancer patients with stage II had a high risk of local failure and a high risk of a distant metastasis. We suggest the concurrent use of an effective radiation-sensitizing chemotherapeutic drug and adjuvant chemotherapy after postoperative radiation therapy for the treatment of patients with stage II pancreatic cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.206-212
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• 2007

Purpose: Heterotopic ossification is a well-known postoperative and post-traumatic complication of the elbow. We reviewed the treatment outcome for the use of low-dose radiation after surgical intervention of the elbow to prevent recurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO). Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients with HO underwent surgical intervention and postoperative radiotherapy of the elbow. The median age of the patients was 29 years ($16{\sim}75$ years), and 27 of the patients were men and 18 were women. The occurrence of HO was mainly due to surgery after fracture (24/45) and traumatic injury (21/45). Limitation of the range of motion (ROM) was the most common symptom of the patients. Thirty-four patients received postoperative radiotherapy with a dose of 8 Gy in 2 fractions; 5 patients received a dose of 10 Gy in 5 fractions and 6 patients received a dose of 7 Gy in 1 fraction. Postoperative radiotherapy was given on the first two postoperative days for most of the patients. Sixteen patients were not given anti-inflammatory medication and 29 patients were given NSAIDs for $1{\sim}8$ months. Results: After a median follow-up period of 18 months (range $6{\sim}72$ months), 41 patients showed clinical improvement and two patients did not show improvement. Assessment of the ROM showed a mean improvement from $0{\sim}135^{\circ}$ to $60{\sim}145^{\circ}$ (p=0.028), and assessment of the functional outcome according to MEPI was from ($15{\sim}95$) to ($80{\sim}100$) (p<0.0001). Two of the 34 patients that were followed-up with radiography had mild radiological recurrence of heterotopic ossification. No complications were observed after the radiotherapy. Conclusion: These results suggested that low-dose radiation administered after surgical intervention is safe and effective to prevent the recurrence of HO in the elbow.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.141-156
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• 2004

Objectives : JianTeng-Yuan(交藤圓) is said to be a prescription for preservation of health in ${\ulcorner}$HuaTuo ZhongZangJing(華陀 中藏經)${\lrcorner}$. It is known to have the effect of Bu-Shen(補腎: strengthening kidney) and Yi-Shou(益壽: prolonging the span of one's life). This study investigates whether JTY is effective on inhibition of oxidation stress. Methods : Sprague-Dawley Rats(12-week-old, weight $300{\pm}20g$) were divided into 3 groups. Normal group(n=8) was injected PBS(1ml/body, s.c) at the back neck's skin. Control group(n=8) was injected D-galactose(50mg/kg, 1ml PBS/body, s.c) to induce pathological animals. JTY group was injected the same treatment for the Control group, and fed containing JTY(10%). The whole groups were treated 1 time per day for 6 weeks. After rats were sacrificed and anti-oxidant enzyme(SOD, CAT, G-px) activity, GSH quantity of RBC and tissue(heart, liver and kidney), plasma Vit-C quantity were examined. Besides, the MDA levels of liver and kidney, lipofuscin of heart and endurance of erythrocyte membrane were measured. Results : In the JTY group, RBC's SOD activity decline was halted by 21% of the normal level, compared to the control group ; G-px activity(unit/g of Hb) increased significantly, compared to the normal group ; and the level of Vit-C in plasma increased by 16%. Heart's SOD activity was kept at the same level as that of the normal group ; and CAT activity decline was halted by 26%. Kidney's CAT and G-px activities were kept at the same level as that shown in the normal group, implying the existence of halting effect. Liver also showed a slight halting effect against the decline of anti-oxidant ability, but the effect was not significant(a=0.05). A comparison between the levels of peroxide in SD rats showed that the level of TBARS in plasma increased significantly in the control group and that it was normal in the JTY group. The livers in the JTY group, compared to those in the control group, showed 36% halting effect of the normal level while their kidney's indicated the level significantly lower than the normal level. Heart's lipofuscin increased significantly in the control group, but was alike in both the JTY and the normal groups. Endurance of erythrocyte membrane(%) decreased significantly in the control group while it was kept at the similar level in both the JTY and the normal groups, indicating the halting effect. Conclusions : This study suggests that JTY is effective to defend oxidation stress caused by D-galactose in the animals. It showed that the anti-oxidant ability was maintained and strengthened. On the other hand, it reduced the level of peroxide in animals. In sum, JTY appeared to have the equilibrium normal physiological function in SD rat.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2009

Purpose: In spite of many reports about Helicobacter pylori infection in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders, there are few reports about the influence of H. pylori infection to functional dyspepsia and gastric motility. Therefore, we studied the influence of H. pylori infection on gastric myoelectrical activity in children with functional dyspepsia. Methods: Between August 2006 and December 2008 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with biopsies, the rapid urease test and/or $^{13}C$ urea breath test, and electrogastrography (EGG) were performed on 63 patients with histologic chronic gastritis; patients with chronic disorders were excluded. Comparisons about gastric myoelectrical activities were made between H. pylori-positive children (n=25) and H. pylorinegative children (n=38). Results: The percentage of pre- and post-prandial normogastria was relatively lower in H. pylori-positive children than H. pylori-negative children (80% vs. 65%, and 80% vs. 68%, respectively). Compared to H. pylori-negative children, H. pylori-positive children had lower postprandial predominant power (8.18${\pm}$22.36 dB and 32.20${\pm}$24.18 dB, respectively; p<0.01) and a lower power ratio (${\delta}P$; -1.28${\pm}$6.18 vs. +4.62${\pm}$5.93, respectively; p<0.01). Conclusion: It was suggested that the gastric myoelectrical activity in children with chronic gastritis can be influenced by H. pylori infection. Thus, this study indicates that H. pylori infection may be predictable in children with functional dyspepsia through analyzing the EGG parameters, and treatment may be considered in H. pylori-positive children with impaired gastric activity, especially in the lower prevalence area.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2010

Purpose: Since there are few studies involving acute pancreatitis in children, we reviewed our experience with this medical condition to describe the clinical features. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 41 patients with AP who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Pusan National University Hospital between January 1996 and June 2007. Results: Twenty males and 21 females (mean age, 8.7${\pm}$4.5 years) were included. In 22 patients (53.7%), no definitive causes were found. The most common etiologies were choledochal cysts (22.0%). Necrotizing pancreatitis was diagnosed in 5 patients (12.2%), and recurrent acute pancreatitis in 4 patients (9.8%). CT findings included pancreatic swelling (43.9%), peripancreatic fluid collection (29.3%), ascites (24.4%), and peripancreatic fat necrosis (12.2%). Serum amylase and lipase levels at diagnosis were 535.3${\pm}$553.2 and 766.2${\pm}$723.6 U/L, respectively, and were normalized within 1 week in 22 and 14 patients, respectively. On the basis of the Balthazar scale, 2 patients were diagnosed with severe AP. In 4 patients (9.8%), a surgical procedure was indicated. Major complications included ascites (32.3%), sepsis (16.1%), and pseudocyst and renal impairments (12.9%). Two patients died from multi-organ failure. Conclusion: The etiologies of AP in children are varied. Most children have a single episode and a self-limited course. However, AP of childhood still carries significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment according to disease severity, and management of complications are important.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.69-78
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• 1998

Purpose : The risk of severe tuberculous disease such as meningitis or miliary tuberculosis increases as younger is the child at the time of infection. Therefore, the early diagnosis and prompt treatment is mandatory for infants with tuberculosis. This study was undertaken to describe the epidemiology, clinical and radiographic manifestations, and response to therapy in infants with tuberculous disease. Methods : Medical records of 29 infants with tuberculosis diagnosed at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital from July, 1985, to April, 1997, were reviewed, retrospectively. A case of tuberculosis was confirmed if M. tuberculosis was isolated from any body site or if there was histologic proof of tuberculosis. Otherwise, the diagnoses were individualized considering history of contact with contagious adult case, clinical manifestations, chest X-ray findings, result of a Mantoux test reaction with 5 tuberculin unit of PPD, and the response to therapy. Results : The mean age at diagnosis was $7.00{\pm}2.65$ months (range, 3 to 12 months). Twelve cases had isolated pulmonary diseases, and the rest had pulmonary disease and meningitis, 5 cases; pulmonary disease and cervical lymphadenitis, 3; isolated meningitis, 3; and miliary tuberculosis, 6. Source case was identified in 19 cases, 7 of which were detected with retrograde manner. Twenty seven of 29 were symptomatic at their initial visit. The presenting symptoms were mainly respiratory or neurologic, and respiratory difficulty was accompanied in 7 cases. Physical examination revealed wheezing in 7 cases and decreased breath sounds in 9. Hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly were frequent. Chest radiographs showed lung parenchymal disease with hilar lymphadenopathy in 18 cases, and focal or generalized emphysematous change in 7 cases. Conclusion : Most of the infants with tuberculosis are symptomatic at diagnosis, and many of infants with intrathoracic tuberculosis presented with symptoms of bronchial obstruction. When tuberculosis is suspected in an infant, the adult source case should be vigorously investigated to aid in diagnosis and for the prevention of further transmission of tuberculous disease. Almost half of infant tuberculosis are preventable if prophylaxis were given when adult cases were diagnosed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2004

Purpose : The serial clinical findings, biochemical results, and serological hepatitis B virus(HBV) markers in Korean children with chronic HBV infection were analyzed to determine the relationships among these factors. Methods : Ninety children have been chosen from those who have visited to the Department of Pediatrics at St. Vincent's Hospital in The Catholic University of Korea from July 1st, 1995 to June 30th, 2000. The sample patients were followed up for over six months. HBV markers and liver function tests were all performed. Results : All children were asymptomatic at presentation. Eighty-three percent of the children had a history of chronic HBV infection in their families. Eighty-one percent were HBeAg positive, 16% were anti-HBe positive, while 3% were all HBeAg and anti-HBe negative. The prevalence of HBeAg among three age groups : 0~5; 6~10; and 11~15 year-old was 90%, 96% and 61% respectively. The prevalence of HBeAg in less than 10 year-old group was significantly higher than 11~15 year-old group(P=0.001). Serum ALT levels were within 40 IU/L in 64% children, 41~80 IU/L in 17%, 81~200 IU/L in 10%, and beyond 201 IU/L in 9%. The percentage of abnormality of ALT levels in HBeAg positive patients was significantly higher than that of HBeAg negative(P=0.036). Eleven of the 73 HBeAg positive children lost their HBeAg and seroconverted to anti-HBe. In these cases, all had transient elevations in ALT levels before HBeAg seroconversions. The annual rates of spontaneous seroconversion of HBeAg and HBsAg were 9.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Conclusion : Recognition of the dynamics of these changes in viral markers and biochemical findings is needed in the selection and evaluation of therapeutic regimens, establishment of treatment, and calling for controlled trials with adequate follow-up. The hepatitis B carrier state may be asymptomatic in children however, continued surveillance of carriers is important to determine the individual adverse prognostic factors of chronic HBV infections.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 1997

Purpose : To clarify the clinical findings, laboratory findings and disease course of EP complicated with CAPD and to find out possible predisposing factors to EP. Methods : The medical records of 34 children who underwent CAPD at our hospital between Jan. '94 and Dec. '96 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features and laboratory findings of EP were analyzed, and several parameters were evaluated as predisposing factors of EP. Results : EP developed in 7(21%) out of 34 patients. The major symptom of EP was turbid peritoneal fluid without fever, abdominal pain or disturbance of drainage in all cases. The microbiologic culture studies of the peritoneal fluid resulted negative in all cases. Patients with peripheral blood eosinophilia before insertion of CAPD catheter had higher risk of EP than those without eosinophilia (P=0.002). And peripheral blood eosinophilia, noted after insertion of hemodialysis catheter in cases with previous hemodialysis before CAPD, showed significant correlation with the occurrence of EP (P=0.016), too. However, there was no significant correlation between peripheral blood eosinophilia noted after insertion of CAPD cathter and the occurrence of EP. Identification of eosinophils in peritoneal fluids was more accurate with cytospin analysis. Conclusions : An early and accurate diagnosis of EP in patients with CAPD can prevent unnecessary treatment of antibiotics. Peripheral blood eosinophilia before insertion of CAPD catheter is one of the predisposing factors of EP. And, cytospin analysis of peritoneal fluid is an accurate method for diagnosis of EP.