• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1484-1490
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• 2002

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to look at prevalences of abnormal serum aminotransferase levels and abnormal serum total cholesterol levels among adolescents with obesity in Seoul area. Methods : Body mass index[$BMI(kg/m^2)$], serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST) alanine aminotransferase( ALT), and total cholesterol levels were measured in 26,876 adolescents(male : 13,287, female : 13,589) of first grade of high school in Seoul between the ages of 15 and 16 years, enrolled in a large health examination survey by Seoul School Health Center(SSHC) in 2001. Obesity was defined as BMI more than 95th percentile for age and sex and normal weight was defined as BMI between 25th percentile and 75th percentile for age and sex. Abnormal levels of AST, ALT and total cholesterol were defined as more than 95th percentile for age and sex. Results : The BMI at 95th percentile was 28.7 in males and 26.9 in females. The prevalence of abnormal AST levels was higher in obesity group than in normal weight group. In males, those were 23.7% and 3.7%, respectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 529.2). In females, those were 11.8% and 4.9 %, respectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 56.3). The prevalence of abnormal ALT levels was significantly higher in the obesity group compared with the normal weight group. In males, those were 33.9% and 1.7%, respectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 1,693.4). In females, those were 22.3% and 3.9%, repectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 397.6). The prevalence of abnormal total cholesterol levels was higher in the obesity group than in the normal weight group. In males, those were 16.8% and 3.5%, respectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 268.3). In females, those were 9.0% and 5.4%, respectively(P<0.01, $x^2-value$ : 14.2). Conclusion : This study revealed that the prevalences of abnormal AST, ALT and total cholesterol level were higher in the obese group than in the normal weight group.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.996-1002
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• 2003

Purpose : In Rett syndrome patients, the incidence of sudden death is greater than that of the general population, and cardiac electrical instability including fatal cardiac arrhythmia is a main suspected cause. In this study, we are going to find out the possible cause of the higher risk of sudden death in Rett patients by the evaluation of heart rate variability, a marker of cardiac autonomic activity and corrected QT intervals. Methods : Diagnosis of Rett syndrome was made by molecular genetic study of Rett syndrome (MECP2 gene) or clinical diagnostic criteria of Rett syndrome. Heart rate variability and corrected QT intervals were measured by 24 h-Holter study in 12 Rett patients, and in 30 age-matched healthy children with chief complaints of chest pain or suspected heart murmurs. The were compared with the normal age-matched control. Results : Patients with total Rett syndrome, classic Rett syndrome, and Rett variants had significantly lower heart rate variability(especially rMSSD)(P<0.05) and longer corrected QT intervals than age-matched healthy children(P<0.05). Sympathovagal balance expressed by the ratio of high to low frequency(LF/HF ratio) also showed statistically significant differences between the three groups considered(P<0.05). Conclusion : A significant reduction of heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic disarray, suggests a possible explanation of cardiac dysfunction in sudden death associated with Rett syndrome.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.970-975
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• 2007

Purpose : Accurate measurement of defect size is important in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). We performed this study to analyze the difference between the measured ASD size and balloon occlusive diameter (BOD) by transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods : We investigated 78 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of ASD. The defect size and the distance between the surrounding structures were measured by TTE and TEE. The BOD was measured by TEE during cardiac catheterization. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were compared and analyzed. Results : The difference between BOD and diameter by TTE was $4.8{\pm}3.6mm$ on short axis view, $5.4{\pm}3.2mm$ on long axis view. The difference between BOD and diameter by TEE was $3.6{\pm}2.2mm$ on short axis view, $4.2{\pm}3.1mm$ on long axis view. The difference between BOD and the diameter of defects on TTE, TEE had statistically significant positive correlations with the age of the patients, distance between the, defect and posterior atrial septal wall, the distance between the defect and the mitral valve leaflet, and the diameter of defects and the length of the atrial septum on TTE (P<0.05). Conclusion : BOD of ASD can be estimated by the diameter on TTE and TEE. BOD is expected to measure larger, depending on the size of defects, the distance from surrounding structures and the location of defects on echocardiography. Our data offers important information on details of transcatheter ASD closure which can be helpful in predicting suitability and judging the procedural appropriateness during the procedure.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2010

Purpose: It has been reported that children with hypopituitarism have features of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and liver histology of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with hypopituitarism. Methods: We reviewed the clinical data of 11 children diagnosed with NAFLD among patients with hypopituitarism. Results: The mean age at the time of diagnosis of hypopituitarism was 10.4${\pm}$3.2 years, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis of NAFLD was 13.1${\pm}$2.7 years. A craniopharyngioma was the most common cause of pituitary dysfunction. At the time of diagnosis of NAFLD, 9 patients (82%) had a body mass index greater than the 85th percentile, 5 patients (45%) had elevated fasting blood glucose levels, and 9 patients (82%) had hypertriglyceridemia. The mean height SD score was significantly lower at the time of diagnosis of NAFLD than at the time of diagnosis of hypopituitarism. Of the six patients who were biopsied, one had cirrhosis, two had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with bridging fibrosis, two had NASH with mild portal fibrosis, and one had simple steatosis. Conclusion: Children with hypopituitarism are at risk of short stature, obesity, dyslipidemia, and NAFLD. The early diagnosis of NAFLD is important in children with hypopituitarism because advanced fibrosis is common.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2010

Background: The commercially used vascular xenografts have some problems such as calcification, fibrosis and tissue degeneration that are associated with inflammatory and immunologic reactions. We compared two methods of xenograft preservation (fresh cryopreservation versus acellularized cryopreservation) of goat aorta. Material and Method: Aortic valved xenografts were harvested from adult pigs, and these were preserved using fresh cryopreservation (FC group, n=4) or acellularized crypreservation (AC group, n=4). These xenografts were implanted into adult goats. There were 2 short-term survivors (less than 100 days) and 2 long-term survivors in each group. These xenografts were explanted and they underwent microscopic examination. Result: The goats survived 31, 40, 107 and 411 days in the FC group and the other goats survived 5, 40, 363 and 636 days in the AC group. All the short-term survivors in each group expired because of rupture at the proximal anastomosis site. Marked neutrophil infiltration was observed in the FC group FC and lymphocytes were observed in the AC group. There were no differences in the occurrence of calcification, fibrosis and thrombosis among the groups. Conclusion: Some goats survived more than 100 days after the xenograft implantation irrespective of the methods of preservation. Because severe tissue degeneration developed in both groups, we think these methods are not appropriate for xenograft preservation of aorta. It was worth a preliminary trial for improving the preservation method or to modify the processing of xenografts.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.205-215
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• 2013

Most terminally ill cancer patients experience various physical and psychological symptoms during their illness. In addition to pain, they commonly suffer from fatigue, anorexia-cachexia syndrome, nausea, vomiting and dyspnea. In this paper, I reviewed some of the common non-pain symptoms in terminally ill cancer patients, based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to better understand and treat cancer patients. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom in terminally ill cancer patients. There are reversible causes of fatigue, which include anemia, sleep disturbance, malnutrition, pain, depression and anxiety, medical comorbidities, hyperthyroidism and hypogonadism. Energy conservation and education are recommended as central management for CRF. Corticosteroid and psychostimulants can be used as well. The anorexia and cachexia syndrome has reversible causes and should be managed. It includes stomatitis, constipation and uncontrolled severe symptoms such as pain or dyspnea, delirium, nausea/vomiting, depression and gastroparesis. To manage the syndrome, it is important to provide emotional support and inform the patient and family of the natural history of the disease. Megesteol acetate, dronabinol and corticosteroid can be helpful. Nausea and vomiting will occur by potentially reversible causes including drug consumption, uremia, infection, anxiety, constipation, gastric irritation and proximal gastrointestinal obstruction. Metoclopramide, haloperidol, olanzapine and ondansetron can be used to manage nausea and vomiting. Dyspnea is common even in terminally ill cancer patients without lung disease. Opioids are effective for symptomatic management of dyspnea. To improve the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients, we should try to ameliorate these symptoms by paying more attention to patients and understanding of management principles.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.184-191
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• 2004

Purpose: In order to improve the proper use of radiotherapy and breast-conserving treatment (BCT) in the management of breast cancer, current status of breast cancer treatment in Korea was surveyed nationwide and the use of BCT were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Patients characteristics and treatment pattern of 1048 breast cancer patients from 27 institutions diagnosed between January, 1998 and June, 1998 were analyzed. The incidence of receiving BCT was analyzed according to the stage, age, geography, type of hospital, and the availability of radiotherapy facility. Results: Radical mastectomy was peformed in 64.8$\%$ of total patients and 26$\%$ of patients received breast- conserving surgery (BCS). The proportions of patients receiving BCT were 47.5$\%$ in stage 0, 54.4$\%$ in stage I, and 20.3$\%$ in stage II, Some of the patients (6.6$\%$ of stage I, 10.1$\%$ of stage II and 66.7$\%$ of stage III) not received radiotherapy after BCS. Only 45$\%$ of stage III patients received post-operative radiotherapy after radical mastectomy. The proportion of patients receiving BCT was different according to the geography and availability of radiotherapy facilities. Conclusion: Radiotherapy was not fully used in the management of breast cancer, even in the patients received breast-conserving surgery. The proportion of the patients who received BCT was lower than the report of western countries. To improve the application of proper management of breast cancer, every efforts such as a training of physicians, public education, and improving accessibility of radiotherapy facilities should be done. The factors predicting receipt of BCT were accessibility of radiotherapy facility and geography. Also, periodic survey like current research is warranted.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.11
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• pp.820-827
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• 2003

Background: Mitral valve repair rather than replacement for mitral regurgitation (MR) offers a number of well-accepted benefits. However, the surgical results of repair for mitral valve endocarditis remain largely unknown. Material and Method: Fourteen patients who underwent mitral valve repair for MR caused by mitral valve endocarditis from April 1995 through October 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 9 male patients and mean age was 32$\pm$10 years. Four patients had previous embolism and 2 had active infections. The grade of MR were III in 6 patients and IV in 8. Operatively, mitral annuloplasty was performed in 12 patients and various valvuloplasty techniques were applied in all patients. One patient had immediate valve replacement due to residual MR after weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass. Result: There was no early operative death. Early postoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed no or grade I of MR and no or mild mitral stenosis in 13 patients. After the mean follow-up of 36 months, there was no late death, and no or grade I of MR in 11 patients (84.6%) and no or mild mitral stenosis in 12 patients (92.3%). Reoperation required in one patient (7.1%). The cumulative freedom from recurrent MR and valve-related reoperation at 5 years were 91$\pm$9% and 75$\pm$22%, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation caused by endocarditis offers good early and intermediate survival and functional improvement without reinfection, and it is an attractive alternative to valve replacement in selective patients with bacterial endocariditis.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences according to the hospitals of antenatal care in premature infants. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of premature infants with gestational ages <37 weeks and very low birth weights who were admitted immediately after birth to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital between March 2007 and February 2009. The hospitals of antenatal care were divided into two levels (primary antenatal care hospital: hospitals with less than a level 2 NICU, secondary antenatal care hospital: hospitals with a level 3 NICU) based on the level of NICU in hospitals. In addition, total infants were divided into two groups (Immediate group: infants born within 24 hours of maternal admission, Delayed group: infants born after 24 hours of maternal admission). The differences between maternal and neonatal variables in each groups were studied. Results: Neonates in secondary antenatal care hospitals comprised 11.0% of the study neonates (10 of 91). We compared with two groups (primary antenatal care hospital and secondary antenatal care hospital), but there were no differences in all subjects. However, the 1 minute Apgar score ($\leq3$) was lower in the immediate group than the delayed group. Conclusion: Shorter duration of maternal admission to delivery was associated with a lower 1 minute Apgar score of neonates. These findings suggest that if maintenance of pregnancy is difficult when high-risk gravidas are transferred, clinicians must prepare for emergencies of neonates.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing the rescue medication decisions for breakthrough cancer patients and evaluate treatments using the factors. Methods: Based on the results of an online survey conducted by the Korean Society of Hospice and Palliative Care from September 2014 through December 2014, we assessed the level of agreement on nine factors influencing rescue medication preference. The same factors were used to evaluate oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge, oral oxycodone and intravenous morphine. Results: Agreed by 77 physicians, a rapid onset of action was the most important factor for their decision of rescue medication. Other important factors were easy administration, strong efficacy, predictable efficacy and less adverse effects. Participants agreed that intravenous morphine produced a rapid onset of action and strong and predictable efficacy and cited difficulty of administration and adverse effects as negative factors. Oral oxycodone was desirable in terms of easy administration and less adverse effects. However, its onset of action was slower than intravenous morphine. While many agreed to easy administration of oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge, the level of agreement was low for strength and predictability of its efficacy, long-term durability and sleep improvement. Conclusion: Rapid onset of action is one of the important factors that influence physicians' selection of rescue medication. Physicians' assessment of rescue medication differed by medication.