• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.87-100
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• 1988

The authors evaluated 200 cases of primary carcinoma of lung in terms of the cell type, operability, resectability and survival rate, that proved by histopathologic examination at the Dept. of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Catholic Medical College during the period of 11 years from Jan., 1977 to Dec., 1987. The results are as follows; 1] The peak incidence was observed in the 7th decade of life [34%] and followed by 6th [30%] 8 5th decade [25%]. Male to female ratio was 3.4:1. 2] Histopathologic classifications were squamous cell carcinoma 48% [96 cases], adenocarcinoma 27% [34 cases], small cell carcinoma 13%[26 cases], ;bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma 5% [10 cases], large cell carcinoma 4.5% [9 cases], adenosquamous cell carcinoma 1.5% [3 cases] and adenoalveolar cell carcinoma 0.5% [1 case]. 3] Among 200 cases of primary lung cancer, the operability was 47.5% [95 cases], refusal of operation 6.0% [12 cases] and inoperability 46.5% [93 cases]. 4] Ninety five cases [47.5%] were operated. Of these, post-surgical stage I was 18.9% [18 cases], stage II 24.2% [23 cases] and stage III 56.8% [54 cases]. Among 54 cases of stage III, 32 cases were unresectable, while 22 cases were resectable. Consequently, the resectability was 31.5% [63 cases] from the total numbers of 200 cases, and the resectability for the operable 95 cases was 66.3% [63 cases]. 5] Surgical complications were empyema with bronchopleural fistula [4 cases], G-I bleeding [1 case], tedious pleural effusion [1 case] and acute respiratory insufficiency [1 case]. Operative mortality was 3.2% [2 cases], which caused by massive G-I bleeding [1 case] and respiratory insufficiency [1 case]. 6] On the long term follow-up of resectable 63 cases, overall 3 year survival rate was 35%, 5 year 22% and 9 year 2%. Five year survival rate was 39% in stage l, 30% in stage II and 0% in stage III. As for the cell types, the higher 5 year survival rate was observed in resectable squamous cell carcinoma [35%] as compared to adenocarcinoma [15%], alveolar cell carcinoma [14%], small cell carcinoma [0%] and large cell carcinoma [0%].

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2010

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that is a parasite to humans. The infecting filariform larvae of S. stercoralis enters the host body via the bloodstream, passes through the lungs, penetrates the alveoli, and then ascends the airway to transit down the esophagus into the small bowel. The infection can persist for decades without causing major symptoms and can elicit eosinophilia of varying magnitudes. Of note, this infection can also develop into a disseminated, often fatal, disease (hyperinfection) in patients receiving immunosuppressive corticosteroids. A 65-year-old man who was receiving corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of spinal stenosis was admitted to the emergency room with complaints of abdominal pain and severe dyspnea. We detected many S. stercoralis larvae in the sputum and in the bronchoalveolar-lavage sample collected by bronchoscopy. Here, we report a fatal case of strongyloidiasis with acute respiratory failure and intestinal perforation. In addition, we provide a brief review of the relevant medical literature.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2018

Acute exacerbation(s) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) tend to be critical and debilitating events leading to poorer outcomes in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment modalities, and contribute to a higher and earlier mortality rate in COPD patients. Besides pro-active preventative measures intended to obviate acquisition of AECOPD, early recovery from severe AECOPD is an important issue in determining the long-term prognosis of patients diagnosed with COPD. Updated GOLD guidelines and recently published American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society clinical recommendations emphasize the importance of use of pharmacologic treatment including bronchodilators, systemic steroids and/or antibiotics. As a non-pharmacologic strategy to combat the effects of AECOPD, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is recommended as the treatment of choice as this therapy is thought to be most effective in reducing intubation risk in patients diagnosed with AECOPD with acute respiratory failure. Recently, a few adjunctive modalities, including NIV with helmet and helium-oxygen mixture, have been tried in cases of AECOPD with respiratory failure. As yet, insufficient documentation exists to permit recommendation of this therapy without qualification. Although there are too few findings, as yet, to allow for regular andr routine application of those modalities in AECOPD, there is anecdotal evidence to indicate both mechanical and physiological benefits connected with this therapy. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is another supportive strategy which serves to improve the symptoms of hypoxic respiratory failure. The therapy also produced improvement in ventilatory variables, and it may be successfully applied in cases of hypercapnic respiratory failure. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal has been successfully attempted in cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome, with protective hypercapnic ventilatory strategy. Nowadays, it is reported that it was also effective in reducing intubation in AECOPD with hypercapnic respiratory failure. Despite the apparent need for more supporting evidence, efforts to improve efficacy of NIV have continued unabated. It is anticipated that these efforts will, over time, serve toprogressively decrease the risk of intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation in cases of AECOPD with acute respiratory failure.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 1985

The effect of graded increments in positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] on hemodynamics required to ventilate 8 critically ill patients is reported. Acute respiratory insufficiency was a cause of death in only one patient of drug inoxication among the 8 patients studied. The cardiac output was not changed significantly after the increment of PEEP to the level of 20 cm H2O. The heart rate was increased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01] as compared to 0 cm H2O PEEP; and the stroke volume was decreased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.05]. The blood pressure was not affected at any level of PEEP, but the pulmonary artery pressure was elevated significantly at 10 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01]. The right ventricular transmural filling pressure was not affected at the level of 10 cm H2O PEEP, but from 15 cm H2O PEEP it was increased significantly. With the increment of PEEP, the left ventricular stroke work index was decreased slightly; and at 20 cm H2O PEEP, it was decreased significantly. The right ventricular stroke work index was increased only at 10 cm H2O PEEP. The systemic vascular resistance was decreased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01].

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.417-423
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• 2013

Vitamin D is an essential component of bone and mineral metabolism; its deficiency causes growth retardation and skeletal deformities in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. Hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency) is observed not only in adults but also in infants, children, and adolescents. Previous studies suggest that sufficient serum vitamin D levels should be maintained in order to enhance normal calcification of the growth plate and bone mineralization. Moreover, emerging evidence supports an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and immune function, respiratory diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, infection, allergy, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases in pediatric and adolescent populations. The risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the pediatric population are season (winter), insufficient time spent outdoors, ethnicity (non-white), older age, more advanced stage of puberty, obesity, low milk consumption, low socioeconomic status, and female gender. It is recommended that all infants, children, and adolescents have a minimum daily intake of 400 IU ($10{\mu}g$) of vitamin D. Since the vitamin D status of the newborn is highly related to maternal vitamin D levels, optimal vitamin D levels in the mother during pregnancy should be maintained. In conclusion, given the important role of vitamin D in childhood health, more time spent in outdoor activity (for sunlight exposure) and vitamin D supplementation may be necessary for optimal health in infants, children, and adolescents.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.88-94
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• 2009

Background: From November 2006, The national health insurance system in the Republic of Korea began to cover prescribed long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. This study examined the current status of LTOT after national health insurance coverage. Methods: Between November 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008, the medical records of patients who were prescribed LTOT by chest physicians were reviewed. The data was collected from 13 university hospitals. Results: 197 patients (131 male and 66 female) were prescribed LTOT. The mean age was 64.3${\pm}$13.0 years. The most common underlying disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=103, 52.3%). Chest physicians prescribed LTOT using arterial blood gas analysis or a pulse oxymeter (74.6%), symptoms (14%), or a pulmonary function test (11.2%). The mean oxygen flow rate was 1.56${\pm}$0.68 L/min at rest, 2.08${\pm}$0.91 L/min during exercise or 1.51${\pm}$0.75 L/min during sleep. Most patients (98.3%) used oxygen concentrators. Only 19% of patients used ambulatory oxygen supplies. The oxygen saturation before and after LTOT was 83.18${\pm}$10.48% and 91.64${\pm}$7.1%, respectively. After LTOT, dyspnea improved in 81.2% of patients. The mean duration of LTOT was 16.85${\pm}$6.71 hours/day. The rental cost for the oxygen concentrator and related electricity charges were 48,414${\pm}$15,618 won/month and 40,352${\pm}$36,815 won/month, respectively. Approximately 75% of patients had a regular visit by the company. 5.8% of patients had personal pulse oxymetry. 54.9% of patients had their oxygen saturation checked on each visit hospital. 8% of patients were current smokers. The most common complaint with LTOT was the limitation of daily activity (53%). The most common complaint with oxygen concentrators was noise (41%). Conclusion: The patients showed good compliance with LTOT. However, only a few patients used an ambulatory oxygen device or had their oxygen saturation measured.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.3
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• pp.158-164
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• 2016

Background: One to three percent of cases of acute tuberculosis (TB) require monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of this study is to establish and determine the mortality rate and discuss the causes of high mortality in these cases, and to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of TB patients admitted to the pulmonary ICU. Methods: The data of patients admitted to the ICU of Yedikule Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Education and Research Hospital due to active TB were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. Results: Thirty-five TB patients (27 males) with a median age of 47 years were included, of whom 20 died within 30 days (57%). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were significantly higher, and albumin and $PaO_2/FIO_2$ levels were significantly lower, and shock, multiple organ failure, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and drug resistance were more common in the patients who died. The mortality risk was 7.58 times higher in the patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The SOFA score alone was a significant risk factor affecting survival. Conclusion: The survival rate is low in cases of tuberculosis treated in an ICU. The predictors of mortality include the requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation and multiple organ failure. Another factor specific to TB patients is the presence of drug resistance, which should be taken seriously in countries where there is a high incidence of the disease. Finding new variables that can be established with new prospective studies may help to decrease the high mortality rate.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.6
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• pp.350-353
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• 2010

Here we report the first fatality caused by H1N1 influenza virus infection with acute respiratory distress syndrome in Korea. A 55-year-old man presented at our emergency department with dyspnea, fever, diffuse myalgia and malaise. Bilateral lung air-space consolidation was detected on his initial chest radiograph combined with severe hypoxemia. He was supported by mechanical ventilation and treated with antibiotics. A nasopharyngeal aspirate was positive for influenza A rapid antigen and oseltamivir was started on day 3 of admission. The nasal swab sample was positive for influenza H1N1 virus by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Despite aggressive treatment, he had refractory hypoxemia and uncontrolled septic shock. On day 5 of admission he went into cardiac arrest and expired.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.297-300
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• 2012

Symptomatic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) is rare during infancy. We report a case of isolated ASD with severe PAH in an infant who developed airway obstruction as cardiomegaly progressed. The patient presented with recurrent severe respiratory insufficiency and failure to thrive before the repair of the ASD. Echocardiography confirmed volume overload on the right side of heart and severe PAH (tricuspid regurgitation [TR] with a peak pressure gradient of 55 to 60 mmHg). The chest radiographs demonstrated severe collapse of both lung fields, and a computed tomography scan showed narrowing of the main bronchus because of an intrinsic cause, as well as a dilated pulmonary artery compressing the main bronchus on the left and the intermediate bronchus on the right. ASD patch closure was performed when the infant was 8 months old. After the repair of the ASD, echocardiography showed improvement of PAH (TR with a peak pressure gradient of 22 to 26 mmHg), and the patient has not developed recurrent respiratory infections while showing successful catch-up growth. In infants with symptomatic isolated ASD, especially in those with respiratory insufficiency associated with severe PAH, extrinsic airway compression should be considered. Correcting any congenital heart diseases in these patients may improve their symptoms.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.381-386
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• 1995

In our hospital we have seen 20 cases of congenital diaphragmatic anomalies from June 1984 until December 1993. These were classified into 10 cases of diaphragmatic eventration, 8 cases of Bochdalek hernia, 1 case of Morgagni hernia, and 1 case of esophageal hiatal hernia. Diaphragmatic eventration cases were composed of 8 males and 2 females with ages varing from 3 hour to 42 year. They were discovered by symptoms: 5 cases of respiratory insufficiency; 3 cases of frequent respiratory infection; and 2 cases by chance; 6 cases involved the left side, 4 cases involved right side. Emergency operations were done to 4 patients. Among the 10 patients, only one operative mortality occurred; 3 hour old female.Bochdalek hernia cases composed 6 females and 2 males, 5 patients were less than 6 hour old. All patients were operated on an emergency status and three of them expired due to the vicious cycle of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vasoconstriction, persistent fetal circulation, hypoxia, and metabolic acidosis. Morgagni hernia was seen in one 69 year old female patient, she had no complaint of symptoms and was incidentally detected. Hernia was repaired through right thoracotomy. She was discharged with healthy appearence. Esophageal hiatal hernia was seen in a 10 month old male patient, his symptoms were persistent vomiting and coughing since birth. Sliding type of esophageal hiatal hernia repair was completed through left thoracotomy.