• Title/Summary/Keyword: Symptomatic review

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Value of Additional Instrumented Fusion in the Treatment of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum

  • Hwang, Sung Hwan;Chung, Chun Kee;Kim, Chi Heon;Yang, Seung Heon;Choi, Yunhee;Yoon, Joonho
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.65 no.5
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    • pp.719-729
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    • 2022
  • Objective : The ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is one of the major causes of thoracic myelopathy. Surgical decompression with or without instrumented fusion is the mainstay of treatment. However, few studies have reported on the added effect of instrumented fusion. The objective of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between surgical decompression without instrumented fusion (D-group) and that with instrumented fusion (F-group). Methods : A retrospective review was performed on 28 patients (D-group, n=17; F-group, n=11) with thoracic myelopathy due to OLF. The clinical parameters compared included scores of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), the Visual analogue scale of the back and leg (VAS-B and VAS-L), and the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI). Radiological parameters included the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), the pelvic tilt (PT), the sacral slope (SS), the thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), the segmental kyphosis angle (SKA) at the operated level, and the lumbar lordosis angle (LLA; a negative value implying lordosis). These parameters were measured preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, and 2 years postoperatively, and were compared with a linear mixed model. Results : After surgery, all clinical parameters were significantly improved in both groups, while VAS-L was more improved in the F-group than in the D-group (-3.4±2.5 vs. -1.3±2.2, p=0.008). Radiological outcomes were significantly different in terms of changes in TKA, SKA, and LLA. Changes in TKA, SKA, and LLA were 2.3°±4.7°, -0.1°±1.4°, and -1.3°±5.6° in the F-group, which were significantly lower than 6.8°±6.1°, 3.0°±2.8°, and 2.2°±5.3° in the D-group, respectively (p=0.013, p<0.0001, and p=0.037). Symptomatic recurrence of OLF occurred in one patient of the D-group at postoperative 24 months. Conclusion : Clinical improvement was achieved after decompression surgery for OLF regardless of whether instrumented fusion was added. However, adding instrumented fusion resulted in better outcomes in terms of lessening the progression of local and regional kyphosis and improving leg pain. Decompression with instrumented fusion may be a better surgical option for thoracic OLF.

Overview of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome (멜라스 증후군의 개요)

  • Ji-Hoon Na;Young-Mock Lee
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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    • v.24 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2024
  • Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episode (MELAS) is a rare maternally inherited disorder primarily caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, notably the m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene. This mutation impairs mitochondrial function crucial for cellular energy production, particularly in high-energy-demanding organs such as the brain and muscles. MELAS manifests as recurrent stroke-like episodes, seizures, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and other multisystemic symptoms that are often present in childhood. The diagnosis combines genetic testing, clinical evaluation, and neuroimaging, with elevated lactate levels and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings as key indicators. Treatment focuses on symptomatic management and enhancement of mitochondrial function through L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, high-dose vitamins, and taurine supplementation. Studies have identified additional genetic variants linked to MELAS, including mutations in POLG and other mitochondrial genes, further complicating the genetic landscape. Emerging therapies, particularly gene therapy and mitochondria-targeting drugs, offer promising avenues for addressing the underlying genetic defects and improving mitochondrial functioning. Furthermore, ongoing studies continue to enhance our understanding and management of MELAS, with the aim of reducing its burden and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genetics, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of MELAS, highlighting the latest advancements and future directions for therapeutic interventions.

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A Review of the Latest Research Trends in Rosacea and Recommendations for More Effective Oriental Medicine Treatments - Focusing on Autonomic Nervous System Regulation - (주사피부염의 최신 연구 동향 및 더욱 효과적인 한방치료를 위한 제언 - 자율신경 기능조절을 중심으로 -)

  • EunKyung Lee;Byunghyun Kim;YeEun Hong;Heejae Lee;Kyuseok Kim;Haejeong Nam;YoonBum Kim
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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    • v.37 no.3
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    • pp.17-28
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    • 2024
  • Objectives : The aim of this study is to explore the potential of oriental medicine in managing rosacea through the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Methods : We reviewed studies on the pathophysiology and medical treatment (both western and oriental medicine) of rosacea, as well as the relationship between rosacea and the autonomic nervous system, using four databases: PubMed, OASIS, RISS, and NDSL. Results : Rosacea is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease characterized by symptoms such as facial flushing, inflammatory papules, and pustules. In Western medicine, symptomatic treatments like vasoconstrictors, doxycycline, and anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily used. According to the pathophysiological mechanisms of rosacea, the autonomic nervous system is closely related, particularly with sympathetic overactivity causing vasodilation and local inflammation in rosacea patients. Additionally, recent studies report that rosacea patients frequently exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which are closely linked to autonomic dysfunction and contribute to the worsening of skin symptoms. However, current studies on the use of oriental medicine for rosacea focus mainly on anti-inflammatory effects at the local level, similar to conventional treatments. Conclusions : Based on the close involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the pathophysiological mechanisms of rosacea and numerous studies showing that oriental medicine can effectively regulate autonomic function, applying such treatments to rosacea patients may improve not only skin symptoms but also the frequently associated neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy after Breast Conserving Surgery for Invasive Breast Cancer: An Intermediate Result (침윤성 유방암에서 유방보존수술 후 방사선치료 및 항암화학 병용치료의 성적 및 위험인자 분석)

  • Lee, Seok-Ho;Choi, Jin-Ho;Lee, Young-Don;Park, Heoung-Kyu;Kim, Hyun-Young;Park, Se-Hoon;Lee, Kyu-Chan
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.16-25
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    • 2007
  • [ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by chemotherapy (CTx.) and radiation therapy (RT) is widely performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate our interim results in terms of failure patterns, survival and relative risk factors. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From January 1999 through December 2003, 129 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and treated with BCS followed by RT were subject to retrospective review. The median age of the patients was 45 years (age distribution, $27{\sim}76$ years). The proportions of patients according to their tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) stage were 65 (50.4%) in stage I, 41 (31.7%) in stage IIa, 13 (10.1%) in stage IIb, 9 (7.0%) in stage III, and 1 patient (0.8%) in stage IIIc. For 32 patients (24.8%), axillary node metastasis was found after dissection. BCS consisted of quadrantectomy in 115 patients (89.1%) and lumpectomy in 14 patients (10.6%). Axillary node dissection at axillary level I and II was performed for 120 patients (93%). For 7 patients (5.4%), only sentinel node dissection was performed with BCS. For 2 patients (1.6%) axillary dissection of any type was not performed. Postoperative RT was given with 6 MV X-rays. A tumor dose of 50.4 Gy was delivered to the entire breast area using a tangential field with a wedge compensator. An aditional dose of $9{\sim}16\;Gy$ was given to the primary tumor bed areas with electron beams. In 30 patients (23.3%), RT was delivered to the supraclavicular node. Most patients had adjuvant CTx. with $4{\sim}6$ cycles of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) regimens. The median follow-up period was 50 months (range: $17{\sim}93$ months). $\underline{Results}$: The actuarial 5 year survival rate (5Y-OSR) was 96.9%, and the 5 year disease free survival rate (5Y-DFSR) was 93.7%. Local recurrences were noted in 2 patients (true: 2, regional node: 1) as the first sign of recurrence at a mean time of 29.3 months after surgery. Five patients developed distant metastases as the first sign of recurrence at $6{\sim}33$ months (mean 21 months). Sites of distant metastatic sites were bone in 3 patients, liver in 1 patient and systemic lesions in 1 patient. Among the patients with distant metastatic sites, two patients died at 17 and 25 months during the follow-up period. According to stage, the 5Y-OSR was 95.5%, 100%, 84.6%, and 100% for stage I, IIa, IIb, and III respectively. The 5Y-DFSR was 96.8%, 92.7%, 76.9%, and 100% for stage I, IIa, IIb, and III respectively. Stage was the only risk factor for local recurrence based on univariate analysis. Ten stage III patients included in this analysis had a primary tumor size of less than 3 cm and had more than 4 axillary lymph node metastases. The 10 stage III patients received not only breast RT but also received posterior axillary boost RT to the supraclavicular node. During the median 53.3 months follow-up period, no any local or distant failure was found. Complications were asymptomatic radiation pneumonitis in 10 patients, symptomatic pneumonitis in 1 patient and lymphedema in 8 patients. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Although our follow up period is short, we had excellent local control and survival results and reaffirmed that BCS followed by RT and CTx. appears to be an adequate treatment method. These results also provide evidence that distant failure occurs earlier and more frequent as compared with local failure. Further studies and a longer follow-up period are needed to assess the effectiveness of BCS followed by RT for the patients with less than a 3 cm primary tumor and more than 4 axillary node metastases.