• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.631-638
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• 2016

Radiation proctitis is a common complication after radiotherapy for pelvic malignant tumors. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of novel almagate enemas in hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and evaluate risk factors related to rectal deep ulcer or fistula secondary to CRP. All patients underwent a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of CRP and symptoms were graded. Typical endoscopic and pathological images, risk factors, and quality of life were also recorded. A total of 59 patients were enrolled. Gynecological cancers composed 93.1% of the primary malignancies. Complete or obvious reduction of bleeding was observed in 90% (53/59) patients after almagate enema. The mean score of bleeding improved from 2.17 to 0.83 (P<0.001) after the enemas. The mean response time was 12 days. No adverse effects were found. Moreover, long-term successful rate in controlling bleeding was 69% and the quality of life was dramatically improved (P=0.001). The efficacy was equivalent to rectal sucralfate, but the almagate with its antacid properties acted more rapidly than sucralfate. Furthermore, we firstly found that moderate to severe anemia was the risk factor of CRP patients who developed rectal deep ulcer or fistulas (P= 0.015). We also found abnormal hyaline-like thick wall vessels, which revealed endarteritis obliterans and the fibrosis underlying this disease. These findings indicate that almagate enema is a novel effective, rapid and well-tolerated method for hemorrhagic CRP. Moderate to severe anemia is a risk factor for deep ulceration or fistula.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.305-311
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• 2017

Objectives: TNM staging, especially for lymph node metastasis, is the scoring system most widely used among prognostic factors for cancer survival. Several biomarkers have been studied as serologic markers, but their specificity is low and clinical applications are difficult. This study aimed to establish a scoring system for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using platelet (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels measured postoperatively and to evaluate their significance as prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: We studied 40 patients admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Dankook University Hospital who were diagnosed with primary OSCC histopathologically between May 2006 and May 2012. Clinical pathological information obtained from the medical records of each patient included age, sex, height, weight, tumor location, degree of differentiation, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and other test values including white blood cell, MPV, PLT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and albumin obtained through a test conducted within 7 days before surgery. Count of platelet (COP)-MPV Score: Patients with both PLT and MPV values below the cut-off values were defined as score 0 (group A). Patients with at least one of the two higher than the cut-off value were defined as score 1 (group B). Results: Univariate analyses showed N-metastasis, COP-MPV (A vs B), PLT, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP were statistically significant prognostic factors. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed N-metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] 6.227, P=0.016) and COP-MPV (A vs B) (HR 18.992, P=0.013) were independent prognostic factors with a significant effect on survival. Conclusion: COP-MPV score is a simple and cost-effective test method and is considered a more effective prognostic factor than other considered factors in predicting the prognosis of OSCC patients.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.859-868
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the value of initial CT quantitative analysis of ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, and total lesion volume and its relationship with clinical features for assessing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: A total of 84 patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed from January 23, 2020 to February 19, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: severe group (n = 23) and non-severe group (n = 61). Clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and CT findings on admission were analyzed. CT quantitative parameters, including GGO, consolidation, total lesion score, percentage GGO, and percentage consolidation (both relative to total lesion volume) were calculated. Relationships between the CT findings and laboratory data were estimated. Finally, a discrimination model was established to assess the severity of COVID-19. Results: Patients in the severe group had higher baseline neutrophil percentage, increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and procalcitonin levels, and lower baseline lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.001). The severe group also had higher GGO score (p < 0.001), consolidation score (p < 0.001), total lesion score (p < 0.001), and percentage consolidation (p = 0.002), but had a lower percentage GGO (p = 0.008). These CT quantitative parameters were significantly correlated with laboratory inflammatory marker levels, including neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage, hs-CRP level, and procalcitonin level (p < 0.05). The total lesion score demonstrated the best performance when the data cut-off was 8.2%. Furthermore, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 93.8% (confidence interval [CI]: 86.8-100%), 91.3% (CI: 69.6-100%), and 91.8% (CI: 23.0-98.4%), respectively. Conclusion: CT quantitative parameters showed strong correlations with laboratory inflammatory markers, suggesting that CT quantitative analysis might be an effective and important method for assessing the severity of COVID-19, and may provide additional guidance for planning clinical treatment strategies.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.590-596
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• 2016

Objective : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that can affect the cervical spine, especially the atlantoaxial region. The present study evaluated the risk factors for atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) development and progression in patients who have undergone surgical treatment. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the data of 62 patients with RA and surgically treated AAS between 2002 and 2015. Additionally, we identified 62 patients as controls using propensity score matching of sex and age among 12667 RA patients from a rheumatology registry between 2007 and 2015. We extracted patient data, including sex, age at diagnosis, age at surgery, disease duration, radiographic hand joint changes, and history of methotrexate use, and laboratory data, including presence of rheumatoid factor and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Results : The mean patient age at diagnosis was 38.0 years. The mean time interval between RA diagnosis and AAS surgery was $13.6{\pm}7.0$ years. The risk factors for surgically treated AAS development were the serum CRP level (p=0.005) and radiographic hand joint erosion (p=0.009). The risk factors for AAS progression were a short time interval between RA diagnosis and radiographic hand joint erosion (p<0.001) and young age at RA diagnosis (p=0.04). Conclusion : The CRP level at RA diagnosis and a short time interval between RA diagnosis and radiographic hand joint erosion might be risk factors for surgically treated AAS development in RA patients. Additionally, a short time interval between RA diagnosis and radiographic hand joint erosion and young age at RA diagnosis might be risk factors for AAS progression.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.126-131
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• 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the Vesikari Scoring System (VSS) as an early predictor of pathogens in children with acute gastroenteritis (AG). Methods: In this retrospective study, the VSS score, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were analyzed in 107 hospitalized children with AG, aged 6 months to 17 years. Patients were divided into nonspecific, viral, and bacterial groups according to the pathogens detected using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Results: Patients in the bacterial group had significantly higher CRP values and VSS scores compared to those in the viral group and significantly higher VSS scores compared to those in the nonspecific group (P<0.05). Patients in the viral group had significantly higher VSS scores than those in the nonspecific group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that VSS was the most effective diagnostic tool for predicting the type of pathogen (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of VSS was significantly greater than that for ANC and CRP (P<0.05). At a cutoff point of 10 in the VSS, an acceptable diagnostic accuracy could be achieved for distinguishing between bacterial and viral pathogens in AG. Conclusion: VSS can be considered a useful and reliable infectious marker for pediatric gastroenteritis. VSS may be a good early predictor of the type of pathogen, enabling development of a treatment plan before results from a stool culture or PCR test are available.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.11
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• pp.359-364
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• 2017

Purpose: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been shown to be associated with systemic inflammation in obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its relation to inflammatory markers in obese Thai children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Children with history of endogenous obesity, chronic diseases, drug ingestion, and any acute illness within 2 weeks prior to enrollment were excluded. Their fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin, lipid profiles, and selected inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, were tested. Results: In this study, 58 obese Thai children (female, 20; male, 38) with a mean body mass index z score of $5.1{\pm}2.2$ were enrolled. The prevalence of MetS and prediabetes was 31% and 17.2%, respectively. None of the children had diabetes. FBG levels, 2-hour glucose levels, and lipid profiles were not statistically different between those with and without MetS. However, obese children with MetS had higher insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values. Elevated hs-CRP levels were found in 69% of the cases, although it was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: We described a substantial prevalence of MetS in Thai obese children. Regardless of MetS status, two-thirds of the obese children had elevated hs-CRP level, indicating subtle ongoing inflammatory process. This chronic inflammation feasibly predisposes them to CVD in the future, even in children without MetS.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.856-867
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this case study was to report the effect of Korean Medicine treatment on a patient diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Methods: A 61-year-old female patient with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease was admitted to the clinic from October 15th, 2018 to November 7th, 2018. The patient was treated using Korean medical treatments of Jinhae-tang-gami, Ssanghwa-tang-gami, Haeyeol-tang, Jinhae-tang plus Ssanghwa-tang-gami, and Jinhae-tang plus Bojungikgi-tang-gami. We evaluated the improvement of symptoms by a numeric rating scale (NRS) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and body temperature. Results: After Korean medicine treatment, the patient's cough and sputum amounts were decreased as measured by the NRS score. CRP levels and ESR were also decreased and fever was relieved. Conclusion: This study suggested that Korean medicine treatment might be effective in treating patients diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.776-784
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of traditional Korean medicine treatments on a patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Case Summary: A 29-year-old male patient suffering from lower back pain and chest pain was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Korean medicine treatments, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine, were applied. The treatment effect was evaluated with a numeral rating scale (NRS) for pain and by changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). After 44 days of treatment, the patient's symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis were improved. The NRS score for lower back pain decreased from 3 to 2, and the NRS score for chest pain decreased from 10 to 1. In addition, the ESR level decreased from 13 to 10 and the CRP level decreased from 1.39 to 0.84. Conclusion: The integrative Korean medicine treatments appeared to be effective in relieving pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.197-208
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the variables associated with length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, intensive care unit (ICU) use, and treatment outcomes in patients hospitalized for maxillofacial infections at a tertiary medical center in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients admitted for treatment of maxillofacial infections at Dankook University Hospital from January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2020. A total of 390 patient charts were reviewed and included in the final statistical analyses. Results: Average LOS and hospital bill per patient of this study was 11.47 days, and ₩4,710,017.25 ($4,216.67), respectively. Of the 390 subjects, 97.3% were discharged routinely following complete recovery, 1.0% expired following treatment, and 0.8% were transferred to another hospital. In multivariate linear regression analyses to determine variables associated with LOS, admission year, infection side, Flynn score, deep neck infection, cardiovascular disease, admission C-reactive protein (CRP) and glucose levels, number and length of surgical interventions, tracheostomy, time elapsed from admission to first surgery, and length of ICU stay accounted for 85.8% of the variation. With regard to the total hospital bill, significantly associated variables were age, type of insurance, Flynn score, number of comorbidities, admission CRP, white blood cell, and glucose levels, admission temperature, peak temperature, surgical intervention, the length, type, and location of surgery, tracheostomy, time elapsed from admission to first surgery, and length of ICU use, which accounted for 90.4% of the variation. Age and ICU use were the only variables significantly associated with unfavorable discharge outcomes in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: For successful and cost-effective management of maxillofacial infections, clinicians to be vigilant about the decision to admit patients with maxillofacial infections, perform appropriate surgery at an adequate time, and admit them to the ICU.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.114-119
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the result of arthroscopic treatment in septic knee arthritis and evaluate the prognostic factor over 50 years old. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients were treated by arthroscope for septic knee arthritis from January, 2002 to August, 2005. The mean follow-up period was 27.5months. We assessed Lysholm score as functional result, CRP normalized period as laboratory result, and knee range of motion as clinical result. We evaluated patient's age, underlying disease, causative organism, previous knee status (Kellgren stage), clinical status of septic arthritis (G$\ddot{a}$chter stage) and history of intra-articular injection as prognostic factor. Results: Mean Lysholm score was improved from 40.7 to 67.1. And the mean CRP normalized period was 38.7days. At last follow-up, almost patient (92%) were recovered to prior knee full range of motion and 45 patient (74%) were completely cured by one stage operation. The microorganism isolated were MSSA (n=13), MSSE (n=3), MRSA/MRSE (n=4),no microorganism (n=27) and others (n=5). In Lysholm score, young age (42.8(preop.)$\rightarrow$83.5(postop.)), Kellgren stage 0 ($45.5{\rightarrow}84.2$), G$\ddot{a}$chter stage I ($39.3{\rightarrow}73.1$) and no microorganism (442.1{\rightarrow}72.6$) were more increased than old age (439.3{\rightarrow}61.7$), Kellgren IV ($28.3{\rightarrow}43.7$), G$\ddot{a}$chter stage IV ($40.2{\rightarrow}67.1$) and MRSA/MRSE ($40{\rightarrow}58.75$). In case of old age (42.3days), G$\ddot{a}$chter stage IV (55.5), Kellgren stage IV(43.7), DM patient (42.1) and intra-articular injection history (52.1), the CRP titer normalized period was longer than mean period. MRSA/MRSE(n=3,75%) were not normalized in CRP titer at last follow-up. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment of septic knee would be an effective and satisfactory procedure. Age, previous knee status (Kellgren stage), underlying disease (DM), intra-articular injection history, microorganism and Ga¨chter stage effect end result outcome.