• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.147-152
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• 2024

There have been several case reports of neurological manifestations in pediatrics as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection in children is being increased. We report a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented febrile seizure during follow-up in a negative pressure isolation room after confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, which has not yet been reported in Korea. He has no symptoms other than fever. The seizure was controlled after one dose of intravenous lorazepam, and there was no respiratory support during the hospitalization. He was discharged 12 days later without neurological sequelae.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.36-43
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• 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.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제87권2호
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• pp.145-154
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• 2024

The consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are particularly severe in older adults with a disproportionate number of severe and fatal outcomes. Therefore, this integrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics, management approaches, and prognosis of older patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Common clinical presentations in older patients include fever, cough, and dyspnea. Additionally, preexisting comorbidities, especially diabetes and pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, were frequently observed and associated with adverse outcomes. Management strategies varied, however, early diagnosis, vigilant monitoring, and multidisciplinary care were identified as key factors for enhancing patient outcomes. Nonetheless, the prognosis remains guarded for older patients, with increased rates of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. However, timely therapeutic interventions, especially antiviral and supportive treatments, have demonstrated some efficacy in mitigating the severe consequences in this age group. In conclusion, while older adults remain highly susceptible to severe outcomes from COVID-19, early intervention, rigorous monitoring, and comprehensive care can play a pivotal role in improving their clinical outcomes.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.178-185
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• 2013

Objective: Cytopenia is a common hematologic complication of viral infections. However, information regarding hematologic effects of common respiratory virus infections is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate hematologic complications and the clinical course of patients infected with common respiratory viruses. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 496 patients with respiratory tract infections admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Wonkwang University Hospital from November 2011 to March 2012 using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of respiratory viruses and hematologic abnormalities. Results: Respiratory viruses were identified in 379 patients. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was most frequently detected (55.7%), followed by influenza A (Flu-A, 23.0%). Further, cytopenia was observed in 35.5% of RSV-infected patients, 25.0% of Flu-A-infected patients, and 34% of patients infected by other viruses. Each virus caused a decrease in 3 blood cell component values, which corresponded with cytopenia frequency. Of the 379 infected patients, 83 had anemia ($9.71{\pm}1.09g/dL$); 46 had neutropenia ($803.70{\pm}263.09cells/mm^3$); and 23 had transient thrombocytopenia ($142,434.78{\pm}86,835.18cells/mm^3$). However, no patient required treatment. A comparison of clinical characteristics between RSV- and Flu-A-positive patients with anemia revealed that RSV-infected patients had significantly longer duration of hospitalization. RSV was detected more commonly in young neutropenic patients, who had a shorter duration of fever. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that infections, particularly RSV and Flu-A, result in varying degrees of cytopenia, which usually improves without treatment and does not affect the clinical course of the infection.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.160-164
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• 2016

A Turkish angora cat with a one-week history of anorexia and vomiting was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. During hospitalization and treatment, the cat suddenly showed respiratory-related clinical signs, including coughing and dyspnea, 13 days after initial diagnosis. Due to the poor response to treatment, the patient was euthanized at the owner's request. A postmortem histopathologic examination of the cat's heart showed dilation and wall thinning of the right atrium and ventricle, with fibrofatty infiltration corresponding to an arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This is a case report of ARVC concurrent with hepatic lipidosis in a cat; both diseases are related to disturbances in lipid metabolism.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.68-74
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• 2000

The treatment of chronic chest wounds should be focused on eradicating the infection and obliterating the dead space thus providing improved pulmonary function. Chronic chest wounds, although the incidence has decreased over the years, is still associated with high morbidity and prolong hospitalization. In cases where the disease is advanced and conventional measures fail, aggressive approaches achieve adequate resolution or significant improvement. This paper reports four cases of chronic chest wound including bronchopleural fistula and osteomyelitis managed by debridement followed by muscle coverage using latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, and omental flap. The intrathoracic reconstruction entails thorough debridement of empyema cavities, bronchpleural fistulas and infection focus. The infection must be completely eradicated prior to or at the time of flap transposition. The flaps used for obliteration of dead spaces provided adequate bulk, abundant blood supply, and minimal donor morbidity. The results were satisfactory with improved respiratory function without complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권4호
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• pp.359-362
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• 2013

Chronic hypoventilation due to injury to the brain stem respiratory center or high cervical cord (above the C3 level) can result in dependence to prolonged mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy, frequent nosocomial pneumonia, and prolonged hospitalization. Diaphragm pacing through electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve is an established treatment for central hypoventilation syndrome. We performed chronic phrenic nerve stimulation for diaphragm pacing with the spinal cord stimulator for pain control in a quadriplegic patient with central apnea due to complete spinal cord injury at the level of C2 from cervical epidural hematoma. After diaphragmatic pacing, the patient who was completely dependent on the mechanical ventilator could ambulate up to three hours every day without aid of mechanical ventilation during the 12 months of follow-up. Diaphragm pacing through unilateral phrenic nerve stimulation with spinal cord stimulator was feasible in an apneic patient with complete quadriplegia who was completely dependent on mechanical ventilation. Diaphragm pacing with the spinal cord stimulator is feasible and effective for the treatment of the central hypoventilation syndrome.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.46-49
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• 2011

Background and Objectives Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant disease associated with necrosis of connective tissue, spread along the fascial plane, and high mortality. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of this rare fatal disease. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 patients treated for cervical necrotizing fasciitis from January 1999 to January 2009. Mean age was 53.7 years. Results The most common predisposing illness was tonsillitis (36.8%), followed by odontogenic infection (15.7%). Diabetes mellitus was most common underlying disease. Liver cirrhosis and chronic renal failure were found in 2 patients each. All patients were treated with combination of parenteral antibiotics and wide surgical debridement by transcervical and/or thoracotomy approach. Multiple surgical debridements were performed in 7 patients. Tracheotomy was performed in most of the patients (88.8%). Period of total hospitalization and Intensive care unit was 23 days and 10.1 days. Two patients died of disease and overall survival rate was 89.4%. Conclusion Early surgical management and care in intensive care unit are essential for cervical necrotizing fasciitis. Possible complications such as respiratory failure, mediastinitis or sepsis should be carefully evaluated.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제59권9호
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• pp.347-354
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• 2016

An apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is defined as the combination of clinical presentations such as apnea, marked change in skin and muscle tone, gagging, or choking. It is a frightening event, and it predominantly occurs during infancy at a mean age of 1-3 months. The causes of ALTE are categorized into problems that are: gastrointestinal (50%), neurological (30%), respiratory (20%), cardiovascular (5%), metabolic and endocrine (2%-5%), or others such as child abuse. Up to 50% of ALTEs are idiopathic, where the cause cannot be diagnosed. Infants with an ALTE are often asymptomatic at hospital and there is no standard workup protocol for ALTE. Therefore, a detailed initial history and physical examination are important to determine the extent of the medical evaluation and treatment. Regardless of the cause of an ALTE, all infants with an ALTE should require hospitalization and continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring and evaluation for at least 24 hours. The natural course of ALTEs has seemed benign, and the outcome is generally associated with the affected infants' underlying disease. In conclusion, systemic diagnostic evaluation and adequate treatment increases the survival and quality of life for most affected infants.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.139-143
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• 2006

Peripheral gangrene, characterized by distal ischemia of the extremities, is a rare complication in patients with falciparum malaria. Patients with this complication have generally undergone early amputation of the affected areas. In this report, we describe 3 adult Thai patients presented at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok, with high grade of fever ranged 6-9 days, jaundice, acute renal failure, respiratory failure, alteration of consciousness and shock. Two patients had gangrene developed at the lower extremities on day 1 of hospitalization and 1 patient had gangrene developed on day 3. Blood smears revealed hyperparasitemia with Plasmodium falciparum. These patients were diagnosed as having severe malaria with peripheral gangrene. The resolution of gangrene was successfully achieved by treatment with artesunate and conservative treatment in 2 of 3 cases.