• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.30 no.10
• /
• pp.966-972
• /
• 1997

Between June 1994 to August 1996, 13 patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass operations. There were 3 males and 10 females and ages ranged from 56 to 80 years with the mean of 65.5 years. The indications for emergency operations were cardiogenic shock in 12 cases and intractable polymorphic VT(ve'ntricular tachycardia) in 1 case. The causes of cardiogenic shock were acute evolving infarction in 6 cases, PTCA failure in 4 cases, acute myocardial infarction in 1 case, and post-AMI VSR(ventricular septal rupture) in 1 case. Pive out of 13 patients could go to operating room within 2 hours. However, the operations were delayed from 3 to 10 hours in 8 patients due to non-medical causes. In 12 patients, 37 distal anastomoses were constructed with only 3 LITA's(left internal thoracic arteries) and 34 saphenous veins. In a patient with post-AMI VSR, VSR repair was added. In a patient with intractable VT and critical sten sis limited to left main coronary artery, left main coronary angioplasty was performed. Pive patients died after operation with the operative mortality of 38.5%. Three patients died in the operating room due to LV pump failure, one patient died due to intractable ventricular tachycardia on postoperative second day, and one patient died on postoperative 7th day due to multi-organ failure with complications of mediastinal bleeding, low cardiac output syndrome, ARF, and lower extremity ischemia due to IABP. In 8 survived patients, 3 major complications (mediastinitis, PMI, UGI bleeding) developed but eventually recovered. We think that the aggressive approach to critically ill patients will salvage some of such patients and the most important factor for patient salvage is early surgical intervention before irreversible damage occurs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.58 no.6
• /
• pp.562-569
• /
• 2005

Background : The severity scoring system is useful for predicting the outcome of critically ill patients. However, the system is quite complicated and cost-ineffective. Simple serologic markers have been proposed to predict the outcome, which include troponin-I, lactate and C-reactive protein(CRP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic values of troponin-I, lactate and CRP in critically ill non-cardiac patients. Methods : From September 2003 to June 2004, 139 patients(Age: $63.3{\pm}14.7$, M:F = 88:51), who were admitted to the MICU with non-cardiac critical illness at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. This study evaluated the severity of the illness and the multi-organ failure score (Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health EvaluationII, Simplified Acute Physiologic ScoreII and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and measured the troponin-I, lactate and CRP within 24 hours after admission in the MICU. Each value in the survivors and non-survivors was compared at the 10th and 30th day after ICU admission. The mortality rate was compared at 10th and 30th day in normal and abnormal group. In addition, the correlations between each value and the severity score were assessed. Results : There were significantly higher troponin-I and CRP levels, not lactate, in the non-survivors than in the survivors at 10th day($1.018{\pm}2.58ng/ml$, $98.48{\pm}69.24mg/L$ vs. $4.208{\pm}10.23ng/ml$, $137.69{\pm}70.18mg/L$) (p<0.05). There were significantly higher troponin-I, lactate and CRP levels in the non-survivors than in the survivors on the 30th day ($0.99{\pm}2.66ng/ml$, $8.02{\pm}9.54ng/dl$, $96.87{\pm}68.83mg/L$ vs. $3.36{\pm}8.74ng/ml$, $15.42{\pm}20.57ng/dl$, $131.28{\pm}71.23mg/L$) (p<0.05). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the abnormal group of troponin-I, lactate and CRP than in the normal group of troponin-I, lactate and CRP at 10th day(28.1%, 31.6%, 18.9% vs. 11.0%, 15.8 %, 0%) and 30th day(38.6%, 47.4%, 25.8% vs. 15.9%, 21.7%, 14.3%) (p<0.05). Troponin-I and lactate were significantly correlated with the SAPS II score($r^2=0.254$, 0.365, p<0.05). Conclusion : Measuring the troponin-I, lactate and CRP levels upon admission may be useful for predicting the outcome of critically ill non-cardiac patients.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.31-39
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and to evaluate the influence of PCP prophylaxis in pediatric patients. Methods: From January 2002 to April 2015, patients aged <18 years with a diagnosis of confirmed PCP at our institute were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared according to the groups with or without PCP prophylaxis. Risk factors associated with PCP-related death were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results: During study period, a total of 24 patients were diagnosed with PCP by immunofluorescence assay and/or PCR. The median age of the patients was 5 years (range, 3 months-18 years) and 23 (96%) had immunocompromised conditions including hematologic disorders with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n=15), solid organ transplantation (n=4), and primary immune deficiency (n=4). Most common presenting symptoms were tachypnea and cough (92%, each). At the time of diagnosis, 79% (19/24) and 25% (6/24) suffered from respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), respectively. Mechanical ventilation was required in 8 (33%) patients and 5 (21%) patients died of PCP. Multivariate analysis showed that MODS at initial presentation was an indicator of poor prognosis (OR, 17.1 [95% CI 1.13-257.67]; P=0.04). Compared to the patients without PCP prophylaxis, the frequency of MODS at diagnosis, need for mechanical ventilation and length of hospital days were significantly less common in the children who received PCP prophylaxis. Conclusions: MODS at presentation was a significant predictor for poor outcome and PCP prophylaxis could alleviate the clinical courses of pediatric PCP. Prospective study will be mandatory to determine the risk factors for development and deterioration of PCP in children.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.465-473
• /
• 2018

Objective: We evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognoses of patients with septic shock who transferred to the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary referral center. Methods: This study was performed using a prospective, multi-center registry of septic shock, with the participation of 11 tertiary referral centers in the Korean Shock Society between October 2015 and February 2017. We classified the patients as a transferred group who transferred from other hospitals after meeting the inclusion criteria upon ED arrival and a non-transferred group who presented directly to the ED. Primary outcome was hospital mortality. We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to assess variables related to in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 2,098 patients were included, and we assigned 717 patients to the transferred group and 1,381 patients to the non-transferred group. The initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was higher in the transferred group than the non-transferred group (6; interquartile range [IQR], 4-9 vs. 6; IQR, 4-8; P<0.001). Mechanical ventilator (29% vs. 21%, P<0.001) and renal replacement therapy (12% vs. 9%, P=0.034) within 24 hours after ED arrival were more frequently applied in the transferred group than the non-transferred group. Overall hospital mortality was 22% and there was no significant difference between transferred and non-transferred groups (23% vs. 22%, P=0.820). Multivariable analysis showed an odds ratio for in-hospital mortality of 1.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.28; P=0.999) for the transferred group compared with the non-transferred group. Conclusion: The transferred group showed higher severity and needed more organ support procedures than the non-transferred group. However, inter-hospital transfer did not affect in-hospital mortality.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.72 no.6
• /
• pp.481-485
• /
• 2012

Background: Tracheostomy is a common procedure for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, the timing of tracheostomy is quite variable. This study was performed to find out the factors determining the timing of tracheostomy in medical intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Patients who were underwent tracheostomy between January 2008 and December 2009 in the medical ICU of Seoul National University Hospital were included in this retrospective study. Results: Among the 59 patients, 36 (61.0%) were male. Median Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores on the admission day were 28 and 7, respectively. The decision of tracheostomy was made on 13 days, and tracheostomy was performed on 15 days after endotracheal intubation. Of the 59 patients, 21 patients received tracheostomy before 2 weeks (group I) and 38 were underwent after 2 weeks (group II). In univariate analysis, days until the decision to perform tracheostomy (8 vs. 14.5, p<0.001), days before tracheostomy (10 vs. 18, p<0.001), time delay for tracheostomy (2.1 vs. 3.0, p<0.001), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (19.0% vs. 2.6%, p=0.049), existence of neurologic problem (38.1% vs. 7.9%, p=0.042), APACHE II scores (24 vs. 30, p=0.002), and $PaO_2/FiO_2$ <300 mm Hg (61.9% vs. 91.1%, p=0.011) were different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, APACHE II scores${\geq}20$ (odds ratio [OR], 12.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14~136.19; p=0.039) and time delay for tracheostomy (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.11~3.55; p=0.020) were significantly associated with tracheostomy after 2 weeks. Conclusion: APACHE II scores${\geq}20$ and time delay for tracheostomy were associated with tracheostomy after 2 weeks.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.102-108
• /
• 2016

Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS) syndrome is one of mitochondrial encephalopathy. As the early clinical manifestations can be variable, it is important to suspect the disease, especially in patients with multiple organ dysfunctions. A boy was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 9 years old. Two years later, severe headache and blurred vision developed suddenly. On examination, left homonymous hemianopsia was detected with corresponding cerebral parenchymal lesions in right temporo-occipito-parietal areas. MELAS syndrome was confirmed by genetic test, which showed m.3243 A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation. Multivitamins including coenzyme Q10 were added to anticonvulsant. He experienced 4 more events of stroke-like episodes over 5 years, but he is able to perform normal daily activities. A 13-year-old boy was brought to the hospital due to suddenly developed respiratory arrest and asystole associated with pneumonia. Past medical history revealed that he had multiple medical problems such as epilepsy, failure-to-thrive, optic atrophy, and deafness. He has been on valproic acid as an anticonvulsant which was prescribed from local clinic. He recovered after the resuscitation, but his cognition and motor function were severely damaged. He became bed-ridden. He was diagnosed with MELAS syndrome by brain MRI, muscle biopsy, and clinical features. Genetic test did not reveal any mitochondrial gene mutation. Four years later, he expired due to suddenly developed severe metabolic acidosis combined with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma. The clinical features of MELAS syndrome are variable. Early diagnosis before the presentation to the grave clinical course may be important for the better clinical outcome.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.353-360
• /
• 2019

Background: Controlled hypotension (CH) provides a better surgical environment and reduces operative time. However, there are some risks related to organ hypoperfusion. The EV1000/FloTrac system can provide continuous cardiac output monitoring without the insertion of pulmonary arterial catheter. The present study investigated the efficacy of this device in double jaw surgery under CH. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent double jaw surgery between 2010 and 2015. Patients were administered conventional general anesthesia with desflurane; CH was performed with remifentanil infusion and monitored with an invasive radial arterial pressure monitor or the EV1000/FloTrac system. We allocated the patients into two groups, namely an A-line group and an EV1000 group, according to the monitoring methods used, and the study variables were compared. Results: Eighty-five patients were reviewed. The A-line group reported a higher number of failed CH (P = 0.005). A significant correlation was found between preoperative hemoglobin and intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion (r = 0.525; P < 0.001). In the EV1000 group, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly lower 2 h after CH (P = 0.014), and the cardiac index significantly decreased 1 h after CH (P = 0.001) and 2 h after CH (P = 0.007). Moreover, venous oxygen saturation (ScVO₂) decreased significantly at both 1 h (P = 0.002) and 2 h after CH (P = 0.029); however, these values were within normal limits. Conclusion: The EV1000 group reported a lower failure rate of CH than the A-line group. However, EV1000/FloTrac monitoring did not present with any specific advantage over the conventional arterial line monitoring when CH was performed with the same protocol and same mean blood pressure. Preoperative anemia treatment will be helpful to decrease intraoperative transfusion. Furthermore, ScVO₂ monitoring did not present with sufficient benefits over the risk and cost.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.182-192
• /
• 1985

[here are so many reports that pulsatile blood flow provides physiologic organ perfusions during cardiopulmonary bypass. So, we compared the recent 30 cases undergoing cardiac surgery by Cobe-Stckert pulsatile roller pump with another 30 cases by Polystan nonpulsatile roller pump. Pulsatile flow was applied during aortic-cross clamping period when synchronized to internal EKG simulator, and perfusion mode was changed to continuous nonpulsatile flow after declamping of aorta. Age, sex, weight, and disease entities were comparable and operative techniques were similar between two groups. 1. There were no differences in average ACC time, ECC time, and Operation time. 2. Postoperative artificial respiration time was 6hrs 30mins in nonpulsatile group and 4hrs 48mins in pulsatile group, and detubation time after ventilator weaning was 2hrs 44mins in nonpulsatile group and 1hrs 43mins in pulsatile group. 3. Average pulse pressure was 8mmHg in nonpulsatile group and 55mmHg in pulsatile group, and a mean arterial pressure was 66.0mmHg in nonpulsatile group and 60.7mmHg in pulsatile group. 4. Mean urine-output during ACC;ECC period was 9.717.3;9.913.2ml/kg/hr in nonpulsatile group and 14.215.0;15.817.5 in pulsatile group [p<0, 05], and thereafter progressive decrease of differences in urine output between two groups until POD 2, and lesser amounts of diuretics was needed in pulsatile group during same postoperative period. Serum BUN/Cr level showed no specific difference and urine concentration power was well preserved in both groups. 5. Plasma proteins and other Enzymes showed no differences between two groups, but serum GOT/GPT level was higher in nonpulsatile group till POD 2. 6. Serum Electrolytes showed no differences between two groups. 7. WBC, RBC, Platelet counts, Hgb and Hct were not different and Coagulogram was well preserved in both groups. 8. Plasma free Hgb level was 7.09mg% in pulsatile group compared with 3.48mg% in pulsatile group on POD 1 but was normalized on POD 2. Gross hemoglobinuria after ECC was noted in 6 cases [20%] of pulsatile group and 4 cases [13%] of nonpulsatile group. 9. In both groups, most patients were included in NYHA class III to IV [28 cases;93% in nonpulsatile group, 22 cases;73% in pulsatile group] preoperatively, and well improved to class I to 11[22 cases; 73% in nonpulsatile group, 30 cases; 100% in pulsatile group] postoperatively. There were 7 operative mortalities in nonpulsatile group only, which were 5 cases of TOF with hepatic failure, 1 case of multiple VSDs with low out-put syndrome, and 1 case of mitral valvular heart disease with cardiomyopathy. We concluded that the new, commercially available Cobe-Stckert pulsatile roller pump device was safe, simple, and reliable.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.387-391
• /
• 2007

An oxygenator is a very important artificial organ and widely used for patients with lung failure or during open heart surgery. Although an oxygenator has been widely studied worldwide to enhance its efficiency, studies on oxygenators, in particular when using a pulsatile blood flow, are domestically limited. Therefore, a new oxygenator was developed in the lab and animal experimental results are described in the paper. The oxygenator is composed of polycarbonate housing and polypropylene hollow fibers. It has a total length of 400 mm and a surface area of $1.7 m^2$. The animal experiment lasted for 4 hours. The blood flow rate was set to 2 L/min and a pulsatile blood pump, T-PLS (Twin-Pulse Life Support), was used. Samples were drawn at the oxygenator's inlet and outlet. The total hemoglobin (Hb), saturation oxygen ($sO_2$), and partial oxygen pressure ($pO_2$), partial $CO_2$ pressure ($pCO_2$), and plasma bicarbonate ion concentration ($HCO_3^-$) were measured. The oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer rates were also calculated based on the experimental data in order to estimate the oxygenator's gas transfer efficiency. The oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer rates were $16.4{\pm}1.58$ and $165.7{\pm}10.96 mL/min$, respectively. The results showed a higher carbon dioxide transfer rate was achieved with the oxygenator. Also, the mean inlet and outlet blood pressures were 162.79 and 137.92 mmHg, respectively. The oxygenator has a low pressure drop between its inlet and outlet. The aim of own preliminary study was to make a new oxygenator and review its performance when applying a pulsatile blood pump thus, confirming the possibility of a new oxygenator suitable for pulsatile flow.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.17 no.7
• /
• pp.265-275
• /
• 2017

The aim of this study was to examine fluid excretions and changes in deceased bodies depending on type, location of, and causes of death for hygienic management of funeral homes. Based on the 858 cadavers studied, the average age at the time of death is 68.6 years, 83.0% had illness as the cause of death, and 79.5% passed away in a medical facility. Fluid excretion was observed in 46.2% of the cadavers. In manner of death, 78.8% of deaths -highest percentage- was due to an accident and 10.8% of deaths - lowest percentage- was due to age. Fluid excretion was observed in 46.3% of cadavers from medical facilities, 38.6% of cadavers from homes and 77.4% of cadavers from miscellaneous locations. There were various number of cadavers with recorded immediate, secondary and underlying cause of death; however, the fluid excretion rate was similar. In analyzing the immediate, secondary and underlying cause of death, respiratory and heart disease were the most common causes of death in categories of body organ and system. In terms of fluid excretion, liver disease followed by digestive and circulatory diseases were most common in immediate cause of death. Accidents and miscellaneous circumstances were most common amongst secondary and underlying causes of death for cadavers with fluid excretion. Based on the recorded illnesses of the cadavers, cardiopulmonary failure was most common as evident in 96 cadavers followed by pneumonia and sepsis. Cholangiocarcinoma (73.3%) had the highest rate of fluid excretion followed by pancreatic cancer, severe brain injury and liver cancer amongst categories of illnesses with more than 15 cadavers.