• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.36-43
• /
• 2024

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute respiratory failure, which frequently necessitates invasive mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the limited availability of ECMO resources poses challenges to patient selection and associated decision-making. Consequently, this retrospective single-center study was undertaken to evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. Methods: Between March 2020 and July 2022, 65 patients with COVID-19 were treated with ECMO and were subsequently reviewed. Patient demographics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were examined, and statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Results: Of the patients studied, 15 (23.1%) survived and were discharged from the hospital, while 50 (76.9%) died during their hospitalization. The survival group had a significantly lower median age, at 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47.5-61.5 years), compared to 64 years (IQR, 60.0-68.0 years) among mortality group (p=0.016). However, no significant differences were observed in other underlying conditions or in factors related to intervention timing. Multivariable analysis revealed that the requirement of a change in ECMO mode (odds ratio [OR], 366.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92-69911.92; p=0.0275) and the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR, 139.15; 95% CI, 1.95-9,910.14; p=0.0233) were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Changes in ECMO mode and the initiation of CRRT during management were associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 who were supported by ECMO. Patients exhibiting these factors require careful monitoring due to the potential for adverse outcomes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.130-136
• /
• 2007

Objectives : Recent educational efforts have concentrated on patient's early hospital arrival after symptom onset. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time interval between symptom onset and hospital arrival and to investigate its relation with clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods : A prospective registry of patients with signs or symptoms of acute ischemic stroke, admitted to the OO Medical Center through emergency room, was established from September 2003 to December 2004. The interval between symptom onset and hospital arrival was recorded for each eligible patient and analyzed together with clinical characteristics, medication type, severity of neurologic deficits, and functional outcomes. Results : Based on the data of 256 patients, the median interval between symptom onset and hospital arrival was 13 hours, and 22% of patients were admitted to the hospital within 3 hours after symptom onset. Patients of not-mild initial severity and functional status showed significant differences between arrival hours of 0-3 and later than 3 in terms of their functional outcomes on discharge. Logistic regression models also showed that arrival within 3 hours was a significant factor influencing functional outcome (OR=5.6; 95% CI=2.1, 15.0), in addition to patient's initial severity, old age, cardioembolism subtype, and referral to another hospital. Conclusions : The time interval between symptom onset and hospital arrival significantly influenced treatment outcome for patients with acute ischemic stroke, even after controlling for other significant clinical characteristics. The findings provided initiatives for early hospital arrival of patients and improvement of emergency medical system.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.84-89
• /
• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two methods for stabilization and fusion : Postero-Lateral Fusion [PLF, pedicle screw fixation with bone graft] and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion [PLIF, cage insertion] for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation except degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods : Seventy one patients who underwent PLF [n=36] or PLIF [n=35] between 1997 and 2001 were evaluated prospectively. These two groups were compared for the change of interbody space, the range of segmental angle, the angle of lumbar motion, and clinical outcomes by Prolo scale. Results : The mean follow-up period was 32.6 months. The PLIF group showed statistically significant increase of the interbody space after surgery. However, the difference in the change of interbody space between two groups was insignificant [P value=0.05]. The range of segmental angle was better in the PLIF group, but the difference in the change of segmental angle was not statistically significant [P value=0.0l7]. Angle of lumbar motion was similar in the two groups. Changes of Prolo economic scale were not statistically significant [P value=0.193]. The PLIF group showed statistically significant improvement in Prolo functional scale [P value=0.003]. In Prolo economic and functional scale, there were statistically significant relationships between follow-up duration [P value<0.001]. change of interbody space [P value<0.001], and range of segmental angle [P value<0.001]. Conclusion : Results of this study indicate that PLIF is superior to PLF in interbody space augmentation and clinical outcomes by Prolo functional scale. Analysis of clinical outcomes showed significant relationships among various factors [fusion type, follow-up duration, change of interbody space, and range of segmental angle]. Therefore, the authors recommend instrumented PLIF to offer better clinical outcomes in patients who needed instrumented lumbar fusion for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.195-204
• /
• 2024

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention for severe heart and lung failure; however, it poses the risk of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Comprehensive analyses of GIB in patients undergoing ECMO are limited, and its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included 484 patients who received venovenous and venoarterial ECMO between January 2015 and December 2022. Data collected included patient characteristics, laboratory results, GIB details, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors and assess the outcomes. Results: GIB occurred in 44 of 484 patients (9.1%) who received ECMO. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.0130) and need to change the ECMO mode (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.75-7.96; p=0.0006) were significant risk factors for GIB, whereas no association was found with antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation therapies during ECMO management. Half of the patients with GIB (22/44, 50%) underwent intervention, with endoscopy as the primary modality (19/22, 86.4%). Patients who underwent ECMO and developed GIB had higher rates of mortality (40/44 [90.9%] vs. 262/440 [59.5%]) and ECMO weaning failure (38/44 [86.4%] vs. 208/440 [47.3%]). Conclusion: GIB in patients undergoing ECMO is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risks of mortality and weaning failure. Even in seemingly uncomplicated cases, it is crucial to avoid underestimating the significance of GIB.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.136-142
• /
• 2015

Objective: Smoking has been reported to harm nearly every organ of the body, but conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of smoking on assisted conception. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of positive urinary cotinine tests in infertile couples and whether cotinine positivity was associated with infertility treatment outcomes. Methods: A qualitative urinary cotinine test was administered to 127 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF, n=92) or intrauterine insemination (IUI, n=35). Results: The overall prevalence of positive urinary cotinine test was 43.3% (55/127) in the male partners and 10.2% (13/127) in the female partners with similar prevalence rates in both genders in the IUI and IVF groups. Semen characteristics, serum markers of ovarian reserve, and number of retrieved oocytes were comparable among cotinine-positive and cotinine-negative men or women (with the exception of sperm count, which was higher among cotinine-positive men). The results of urinary cotinine tests in infertile couples were not associated with IVF and IUI outcomes. Conclusion: The presence of cotinine in the system, as indicated by a positive urinary cotinine test, was not associated with poorer outcomes of infertility treatment.

• Hip & pelvis
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.260-268
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes following one-stage hip reconstruction, consisting of open reduction femoral shortening and pelvic osteotomy, for neglected developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 77 hips in 65 patients (46 females and 19 males; 12 had bilateral dislocations), operated at a Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital in Pakistan between 2013 and 2015. The average age at surgery was $11.02{\pm}3.43$ years. According to the Tonnis classification, there were 10, 14, 22, and 31 patients in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The pelvic procedure utilized in this study was triple osteotomy (47 hips) followed by double and Salter osteotomy (18 and 12 hips, respectively). Postoperative evaluations were conducted using the modified MacKay's scoring system (functional outcomes) and Severin's scoring method (radiological assessment). Results: Postoperatively, there were 38 (49.4%), 19 (24.7%), 14 (18.2%), and 6 (7.8%) hips in Severin grade I, II, III and IV, respectively. According to the modified McKay criteria, there were 22 hips (28.6%) in excellent condition, 44 (57.1%) in good condition, 9 (11.7%) in fair condition and 2 (2.6%) in poor condition. Both patients with poor outcomes had an unstable, painful hip with evidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion: Based on the results presented here, we recommend the single stage procedure of open reduction, femoral shortening and pelvic osteotomy for treatment of DDH in older children with good to excellent functional and radiological outcomes.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.420-428
• /
• 2023

Objective: Intraprocedural rupture (IPR) is a fatal complication of endovascular coiling for cerebral aneurysms. We hypothesized that contrast leakage period may be related to poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between clinical outcomes and contrast leakage period. Methods: Data from patients with cerebral aneurysms treated via endovascular coiling between January 2010 and October 2018 were retrospectively assessed. The enrolled patient's demographic data, the aneurysm related findings, endovascular treatment and IPR related findings, rescue treatment, and clinical outcome were analyzed. Results: In total, 2,859 cerebral aneurysms were treated using endovascular coiling during the study period, with IPR occurring in 18 (0.63 %). IPR occurred during initial frame coiling (n=4), coil packing (n=5), stent deployment (n=7), ballooning (n=1), and microcatheter removal after coiling (n=1). Tear sites included the dome (n=14) and neck (n=4). All IPRs were controlled and treated with coil packing, with or without stenting. Flow arrest of the proximal balloon was not observed. Temporary focal neurological deficits developed in two patients (11.1%). At clinical follow-up, 14 patients were classified as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0, three as mRS 2, and one as mRS 4. The mean contrast leakage period of IPR was 11.2 min (range: 1-31 min). Cerebral aneurysms with IPR were divided into late (n=9, mean time: 17.11 min) and early (n=9, mean time: 5.22 min) control groups based on the criteria of 10 min of contrast leakage period. No significant between-group differences regarding clinical outcomes were observed after IPR (p=1). Conclusions: In our series, all patients with IPR were controlled with further coil packing or stenting without proximal balloon occlusion within 31 min of contrast leakage. There was no difference in clinical outcomes when the long contrast leakage period group and short contrast leakage period group were compared.

• Child Health Nursing Research
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.43-52
• /
• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for suitable neonate blood glucose maintenance by investigating and analyzing the blood glucose level of post cardiovascular surgery neonates in the ICU for the effect of blood glucose levels on the following outcomes; ICU stay, hospital stay, mechanical ventilation time, morbidity, and mortality. Methods: The participants were 143 neonates in the ICU after having had cardiovascular surgery. The design for this study was an investigation of the blood glucose levels of the neonates and retrospective analysis of patient outcomes according to blood glucose level. Results: The results for the neonate groups showed that the factors of hospital stay, ICU stay, mechanical ventilation time and mortality, for the group with a blood glucose level over 140 mg/dL were longer and higher than for the group with blood glucose of less than 100 mg/dL or the group between 100-139 mg/dL. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that when caring for neonates after cardiovascular surgery, it is important to recognize the influence of blood glucose levels on patient outcomes like hospital days, ICU stay, length of time on mechanical ventilation and mortality. Further, care guidelines for neonates' glucose level management need to be developed.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.17-26
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the recovery outcomes between a normal weight group (BMI<25) and an overweight group ($$BMI{\geq_-}25$$), who received laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer, to provide information for effective decision making. Methods: Data from 76 patients who received laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in a university hospital were reviewed retrospectively from September 2004 to March 2007. Collected data were analyzed using Win SPSS 12.0. The recovery outcomes related to the operation were the length of the operation, the amount of bleeding during the operation, the length of stay in the recovery room, first bowel movement, the length of hospital stay, and complications. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to the recovery outcomes. Conclusion: From the above results, nursing information can be offered to help make effective decisions before the operation for overweight patients with rectal cancer who prefer laparoscopic surgery.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.85-89
• /
• 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the insemination method on the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of elective blastocyst culture performed between January 2011 and December 2014. Results: There were 2,003 cycles of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 336 cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), including 25,652 and 4,164 embryos that underwent sequential blastocyst culture, respectively. No significant differences were found in the female patients' age, basal follicle-stimulating hormone level, basal luteinizing hormone level, body mass index, number of oocytes, maturity rate, fertilization rate, or good-quality embryo rate. However, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate were significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group (54.70% vs. 50.94% and 51.09% vs. 47.65%, respectively, p<0.05). The implantation/pregnancy rate (IVF, 50.93%; ICSI, 55.10%), miscarriage rate (IVF, 12.57%; ICSI, 16.29%), and live birth rate (IVF, 42.12%; ICSI, 44.08%) were similar (p>0.05). No cycles were canceled due to the formation of no usable blastocysts. Conclusion: Although the fertilization method had no effect on clinical outcomes, the blastocyst formation rate and embryo utilization rate in the ICSI group were significantly lower than those observed in the conventional IVF group. Therefore, more care should be taken when choosing to perform blastocyst culture in ICSI patients.