Pancreatoblastoma is an extremely rare pediatric pancreatic tumor that primarily affects children <10 years of age, with a mean age of onset of 5 years. Risk factors such as vascular and lymph node involvement often lead to incomplete resection, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Despite these strategies, the role of radiotherapy in the management of pancreatoblastoma remains unclear. A quantitative literature search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant case reports and series that explicitly documented the use of radiotherapy for pancreatoblastoma. The search covered the period from January 1986 to November 2024. Of the 36 records retrieved, seven case reports comprising eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Six patients underwent radiotherapy at the primary tumor site with external beam therapy doses ranging from 36 to 46.2 Gy. Intraoperative radiotherapy was also administered in two cases, with doses of 15 and 20 Gy. Additionally, stereotactic radiotherapy was administered to two patients with intracranial metastases, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing brain metastases. Although the role of radiotherapy in pancreatoblastoma remains ambiguous, it demonstrates promise in cases of incomplete resection, recurrence, or non-resectable disease. However, pediatric patients require careful consideration because of potential long-term side effects. Further research is required to optimize radiotherapy protocols and integrate emerging therapies.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) leads to increased vascular resistance and progressive right heart failure resulting from occlusion of proximal pulmonary arteries by fibrotic intravascular material. The elective surgical treatment for CTEPH is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), which involves removal of the chronic thromboembolic material from the entire pulmonary arterial tree. This study aimed to verify the effects of acute and subacute postoperative rehabilitation on the functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with CTEPH undergoing PEA. This was a systematic review of seven primary databases. At the end of the selection process, five documents were included in the final analysis. Three of these five studies were conducted in Italy, one in Korea, and one in Germany. Of 204 patients, 95 (47%) were male. This systematic review determined that in patients with CTEPH pre-PEA, the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) ranged between 284.7 m and 371.95 m and that at 6 to 12 weeks post-PEA, after having attended postoperative rehabilitation, the 6MWD was 434.1 m to 483.6 m. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was administered to evaluate QoL 3 and 22 weeks after PEA. At 22 weeks, the SF-36 physical component summary score improved from baseline (42.78±18.37 points) by 19.55±19.42 points (p=0.001), and the SF-36 mental component summary score improved from baseline (55.76±23.94 points) by 6.36±20.44 points (p=0.137).
Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Lung transplantation is an elective treatment option for end-stage respiratory diseases in which all medical therapy options have been exhausted. The current study aimed to identify updated information on the postoperative conditions that may impair rehabilitation after lung transplantation and to provide specific considerations of their clinical relevance during the recovery process. The present study is a systematic review conducted by searching three primary databases: the United States National Library of Medicine PubMed system, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The databases were searched for articles published from database inception until May 2024; at the end of the selection process, 27 documents were included in the final analysis. The retrieved material identified 19 conditions of rehabilitative interest that potentially affect the postoperative course: graft dysfunction, dysphagia, postsurgical pain, cognitive impairment, chronic lung allograft dysfunction-bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, phrenic nerve injury, delayed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning, airway clearance, refractory hypoxemia, mediastinitis, reduced oxidative capacity, sternal dehiscence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), gastroparesis, ossification of the elbow, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, airway dehiscence, recurrent pleural effusion, and scapular prolapse. Although some patients are not amenable to rehabilitation techniques, others can significantly improve with rehabilitation.
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Over the past few decades, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of pediatric obesity, which is a significant public health concern. Children who are obese have a greater risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and adult obesity. Lifestyle modification therapy is typically the initial approach to treat pediatric obesity. For patients who do not achieve success with lifestyle modification therapy alone, pharmacotherapy is the next logical treatment option. When selecting an anti-obesity medication (AOM), it is essential to first ascertain the medical background of the patient, including current medications and obesity-associated comorbidities. Evaluation of obesity phenotypes in patients may also be beneficial. AOMs for pediatric obesity include metformin, orlistat, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, phentermine, and the phentermine/topiramate combination. Sufficient lifestyle modification therapy should be administered before considering pharmacotherapy and continued after the initiation of AOM. To ensure healthy development, monitoring growth and puberty development during anti-obesity treatments is essential.
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Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Antiobesity Medications: Weighing Efficacy, Risks, and Future Directions Justine O. Chinn, Jennifer Woo Baidal, Janey S.A. Pratt, W. Elizabeth Shepard, Gillian L. Fell The Journal of Pediatrics.2025; 283: 114610. CrossRef
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Communication
Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Odynophagia refers to painful swallowing caused by various underlying factors that must be excluded to determine the best treatment approach. Neck pain is a debilitating condition requiring treatment in rehabilitative settings. There are several circumstances in which odynophagia and neck pain coexist, such as tendinitis of the longus colli muscle and paravertebral calcification, prevertebral and retropharyngeal abscess, esophageal perforation, aortic dissection, thyroid cartilage fracture, thyrohyoid ligament syndrome, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, and after physical exercise. Physiotherapists are professionals most likely to encounter individuals with neck pain and provide interventions such as massage, manual therapy, exercise, and electrotherapy. Therefore, it is important to recognize that neck pain can stem from different clinical conditions that require interventions other than physiotherapy. A differential diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate referrals for therapeutic interventions.
Gene therapy involves the introduction of foreign genetic material into host tissue to alter the expression of genetic products. Gene therapy represents an opportunity to alter the course of various diseases. Hence, genetic products utilizing safe and reliable vectors with improved biotechnology will play a critical role in the treatment of various diseases in the future. This review summarizes various important vectors for gene therapy along with modern techniques for potential craniofacial regeneration using gene therapy. This review also explains current molecular approaches for the management and treatment of cancer using gene therapy. The existing literature was searched to find studies related to gene therapy and its role in craniofacial regeneration and cancer treatment. Various databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for English language articles using the keywords “gene therapy,” “gene therapy in present scenario,” “gene therapy in cancer,” “gene therapy and vector,” “gene therapy in diseases,” and “gene therapy and molecular strategies.”
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Integrated cell membrane encapsulated PQDs-TK quantum dot nanoclusters with ROS-responsive triggering for efficient and visualized DNA delivery Tiange Wang, Yanlin Sun, Dong Zeng, Mengying Wang, Yajing Zhang, Gang Liu, Xin Chen, Liang Liu Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.2025; 683: 393. CrossRef
Background Bleeding and thrombosis are major complications associated with high mortality in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) management. Anticoagulant therapy should be adequate to reduce thrombosis. However, related studies are limited.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients supported with ECMO at a single institution between January 2014 and July 2022 and included those on all types of ECMO using the Permanent Life Support System. Patients were classified into two groups according to their measured mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during ECMO management: a high-anticoagulation (AC) group (aPTT, ≥55 seconds; n=52) and a low-AC group (aPTT, <55 seconds; n=79). The primary outcome was thrombotic or bleeding events during ECMO.
Results We identified 10 patients with bleeding; significantly more of these patients were in the high-AC group (n=8) than in the low-AC group (15.4% vs. 2.5%, p=0.01). However, thrombus events and oxygenator change-free times were not significantly different between the two groups. Four patients in the high-AC group died of bleeding complications (brain hemorrhage, two; hemopericardium, one; and gastrointestinal bleeding, one). One patient in the low-AC group developed a thrombus and died of ECMO dysfunction due to circuit thrombosis.
Conclusion Heparin did not significantly improve thrombotic outcomes. However, maintaining an aPTT of ≥55 seconds was a significant risk factor for bleeding events, especially those associated with mortality.
Background The study aimed to evaluate the effect of prehydration solution on hearing thresholds after cisplatin chemotherapy.
Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the data of patients who underwent ≥3 courses of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancers at a tertiary referral center (n=64). The dextrose solution (DW) group (n=26) received 2 L of normal saline and 1 L of 5% dextrose. The Hartmann solution (HS) group (n=38) received 2 L of normal saline and 1 L of HS. Hearing data were measured 1 day before starting the first course of chemotherapy, and again 20 days after the first, second, and third courses of chemotherapy. The severity of hearing loss was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).
Results Thresholds at all frequencies after chemotherapy were greater in the DW group than in the HS group. The increase in thresholds in 1 to 4 kHz after the third course of chemotherapy was greater in the DW group than in the HS group. CTCAE grades after the second and third courses of chemotherapy were greater in the DW group than in the HS group. Logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for CTCAE grade 3 or 4 after the third course of chemotherapy in the DW group was 4.84 on univariate analysis.
Conclusion Prehydration using a solution with salt was associated with a decrease in change in hearing thresholds after cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers.
Background This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between surveillance and adjuvant therapy (AT) groups after R0 resection for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
Methods A total of 154 patients who underwent R0 resection for CCA at the Daegu Catholic University Medical Center between January 2010 and December 2019 were included. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed.
Results The median follow-up duration was 899 days. There were 109 patients in the AT group and 45 patients in the surveillance group. The patients in the AT group were younger (67 years vs. 74 years, p<0.001) and included more males (64.2% vs. 46.7%, p=0.044). The proportion of patients with stage III CCA was larger in the AT group than in the surveillance group (13.8% vs. 2.2%, p=0.005). In addition, AT did not improve OS (5-year OS rate, 69.3% in the AT group vs. 64.2% in the surveillance group, p=0.806) or PFS (5-year PFS rate, 42.6% in the AT group vs. 48.9% in the surveillance group, p=0.113). In multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, stage III CCA (hazard ratio [HR], 10.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.92–40.00; p<0.001) was a significant predictor of OS. American Society of Anesthesiologists classification II (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31–0.81; p=0.005), and American Joint Committee on Cancer stages II (HR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.25–7.89; p=0.015) and III (HR, 8.08; 95% CI, 2.80–23.32; p<0.001) were independent predictors of PFS.
Conclusion AT after R0 resection for CCA did not improve OS or PFS.
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Background Chronic infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic disorders are associated with anemia of chronic disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis may contribute to masked anemia, especially in smokers. This study was aimed at verifying and comparing the efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) for improving anemia among chronic periodontitis patients with and without the habit of smoking.
Methods Thirty systemically healthy individuals with chronic periodontitis were divided into two groups of 15 each, smokers (group A) and nonsmokers (group B). The groups were compared based on hematological parameters such as serum erythropoietin (SE) and serum ferritin (SF) levels at baseline and 3 months after NSPT for anemia evaluation.
Results The baseline SE levels in groups A and B were 11.84 and 15.19 mIU/mL (p=0.031), respectively; the corresponding levels at 3 months after NSPT were 13.00 and 17.74 mIU/mL (p=0.022). The baseline SF levels in groups A and B were 95.49 and 44.86 ng/mL (p=0.018), respectively; the corresponding levels at 3 months after NSPT were 77.06 and 39.05 ng/mL (p=0.009). Group B showed a significant increase and decrease in the SE and SF levels, respectively, at 3 months after NSPT (p=0.035 and p=0.039, respectively), whereas group A showed insignificant changes (p=0.253 and p=0.618, respectively).
Conclusion NSPT led to an improvement in anemia among chronic periodontitis patients. However, the improvement is less in smokers compared to that in nonsmokers. Furthermore, SF and SE levels might serve as effective biomarkers for assessing anemia in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis.
Caloric restriction is a popular approach to treat obesity and its associated chronic illnesses but is difficult to maintain for a long time. Intermittent fasting is an alternative and easily applicable dietary intervention for caloric restriction. Moreover, intermittent fasting has beneficial effects equivalent to those of caloric restriction in terms of body weight control, improvements in glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting are discussed.
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Background The present study evaluated the clinical implications of adjuvant chemotherapy according to the mismatch repair (MMR) status and clinicopathologic features of patients with intermediate- and high-risk stage II colon cancer (CC).
Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 5,774 patients who were diagnosed with CC and underwent curative surgical resection at Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. The patients were enrolled according to the following criteria: (1) pathologically diagnosed with primary CC; (2) stage II CC classified based on the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system; (3) intermediate- and high-risk features; and (4) available test results for MMR status. A total of 286 patients met these criteria and were included in the study.
Results Among the 286 patients, 54 (18.9%) were identified as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient MMR (dMMR). Although all the patients identified as MSI-H/dMMR showed better survival outcomes, T4 tumors and adjuvant chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for survival. For the intermediate-risk patients identified as MSI-low (MSI-L)/microsatellite stable (MSS) or proficient MMR (pMMR), adjuvant chemotherapy exhibited a significantly better disease-free survival (DFS) but had no impact on overall survival (OS). Oxaliplatin-containing regimens showed no association with DFS or OS. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with DFS in intermediate-risk patients identified as MSI-H/dMMR.
Conclusion The current study found that the use of adjuvant chemotherapy was correlated with better DFS in MSI-L/MSS or pMMR intermediate-risk stage II CC patients.
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Background Despite recent advances in first-line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, standard treatment after the failure of initial chemotherapy has not been established. Hence, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Methods We reviewed the clinical data of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who underwent palliative chemotherapy at Kosin University Gospel Hospital between January 2013 and October 2020.
Results Among 366 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who had received palliative chemotherapy, 104 (28.4%) underwent at least one cycle of second-line chemotherapy. The median age of the patients at the time of initiating second-line treatment was 62 years (interquartile range, 57–62 years), and 58.7% (61 patients) of them were male. The common second-line chemotherapy regimens were 5-fluorouracil (FU) plus leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (33 patients, 31.7%); gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (29, 27.9%), gemcitabine±erlotinib (13, 12.5%); and oxaliplatin and 5-FU/leucovorin (12, 11.5%). The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were 6.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5–8.6 months) and 4.5 months (95% CI, 2.7–6.3 months), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, poor performance status (PS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.247; p=0.021), metastatic disease (HR, 2.745; p=0.011), and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (HR, 1.939; p=0.030) at the beginning of second-line chemotherapy were associated with poor OS.
Conclusion The survival outcome of second-line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer remains poor. However, PS, disease extent (locally advanced or metastatic), and CEA level may help determine patients who could benefit from second-line treatment.
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Cancer is the leading cause of death and is on the rise worldwide. Until 2010, the development of targeted treatment was mainly focused on the growth mechanisms of cancer. Since then, drugs with mechanisms related to tumor immunity, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, have proven effective, and most pharmaceutical companies are striving to develop related drugs. Programmed cell death-1 and programmed cell death ligand-1 inhibitors have shown great success in various cancer types. They showed durable and sustainable responses and were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the response to inhibitors showed low percentages of cancer patients; 15% to 20%. Therefore, combination strategies with immunotherapy and conventional treatments were used to overcome the low response rate. Studies on combination therapy have typically reported improvements in the response rate and efficacy in several cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and urogenital cancers. The combination of chemotherapy or targeted agents with immunotherapy is one of the leading pathways for cancer treatment.
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Background This study was aimed at comparing and analyzing the results of FractionLab (Varian/Mobius Medical System) with those of portal dosimetry that uses an electronic portal imaging device. Portal dosimetry is extensively used for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Methods The study includes 29 patients who underwent IMRT on a Novalis-Tx linear accelerator (Varian Medical System and BrainLAB) between June 2019 and March 2021. We analyzed the multileaf collimator (MLC) DynaLog files generated after portal dosimetry to evaluate the same condition using FractionLab. The results of the recently launched FractionLab at various gamma indices (0.1%/0.1 mm–1%/1 mm) are analyzed and compared with those of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm).
Results The average gamma passing rates of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm) and FractionLab are 98.1 (95.5%–100%) and 97.5% (92.3%–99.7%) at 0.6%/0.6 mm, respectively. The results of portal dosimetry (3%/3 mm) are statistically comparable with the QA results of FractionLab (0.6%/0.6 mm–0.9%/0.9 mm).
Conclusion This paper presents the clinical performance of FractionLab by the comparison of the QA results of FractionLab using portal dosimetry with various gamma indexes when performing patient-specific QA in IMRT treatment. Further, the appropriate gamma index when performing patient-specific QA with FractionLab is provided.
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Fistulas between the arteries and the gastrointestinal tract are rare but can be fatal. We present a case of an ilioenteric fistula between the left external iliac artery and sigmoid colon caused by radiotherapy for cervical cancer, which was treated with endovascular management using a stent graft. A 38-year-old woman underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer recurrence. Approximately 9 months later, the patient suddenly developed hematochezia. On her first visit to the emergency room of our hospital, computed tomography (CT) images did not reveal extravasation of contrast media. However, 8 hours later, she revisited the emergency room because of massive hematochezia with a blood pressure of 40/20 mmHg and a heart rate of 150 beats per minute. At that time, CT images showed the presence of contrast media in almost the entire colon. The patient was referred to the angiography room at our hospital for emergency angiography. Inferior mesenteric arteriography did not reveal any source of bleeding. Pelvic arteriography showed contrast media extravasation from the left external iliac artery to the sigmoid colon; this was diagnosed as an ilioenteric fistula and treated with a stent graft. When the bleeding focus is not detected on visceral angiography despite massive arterial bleeding, pelvic arteriography is recommended, especially in patients with a history of pelvic surgery or radiotherapy.
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Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an advanced form of radiotherapy (RT) with a growing interest on its application in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can deliver ablative radiation doses to tumors in a few fractions without excessive doses to normal tissues, with the help of advanced modern RT and imaging technologies. Currently, SBRT is recommended as an alternative to curative treatments, such as surgery and radiofrequency ablation. This review discusses the current status of SBRT to aid in the decision making on how it is incorporated into the HCC management.
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The paradigm of chronic liver diseases has been shifting. Although hepatitis B and C viral infections are still the main causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the introduction of effective antiviral drugs may control or cure them in the near future. In contrast, the burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing for decades, and 25 to 30% of the general population in Korea is estimated to have NAFLD. Over 10% of NAFLD patients may have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of NAFLD. NASH can progress to cirrhosis and HCC. NASH is currently the second leading cause to be placed on the liver transplantation list in the United States. NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. The pathophysiology is complex and associated with lipotoxicity, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and insulin resistance. The only proven effective treatment is weight reduction by diet and exercise. However, this may not be effective for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Therefore, effective drugs are urgently needed for treating these conditions. Unfortunately, no drugs have been approved for the treatment of NASH. Many pharmaceutical companies are trying to develop new drugs for the treatment of NASH. Some of them are in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials. Here, pharmacologic therapies in clinical trials, as well as the basic principles of drug therapy, will be reviewed, focusing on pathophysiology.
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Background We aimed to establish robust histoprognostic predictors on residual rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
Methods Analyzing known histoprognostic factors in 146 patients with residual disease allows associations with patient outcome to be evaluated.
Results The median follow-up time was 77.8 months, during which 59 patients (40.4%) experienced recurrence and 41 (28.1%) died of rectal cancer. On univariate analysis, residual tumor size, ypT category, ypN category, ypTNM stage, downstage, tumor regression grade, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, venous invasion, and circumferential resection margin (CRM) were significantly associated with recurrence free survival (RFS) or/and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (all p<0.005). On multivariate analysis, higher ypTNM stage and CRM positivity were identified as independent prognostic factors for RFS (ypTNM stage, p=0.024; CRM positivity, p<0.001) and CSS (p=0.022, p=0.017, respectively). Furthermore, CRM positivity was an independent predictor of reduced RFS, irrespective of subgrouping according to downstage (non-downstage, p=0.001; downstage, p=0.010) or lymph node metastasis (non-metastasis, p=0.004; metastasis, p=0.007).
Conclusion CRM status may be as powerful as ypTNM stage as a prognostic indicator for patient outcome in patients with residual rectal cancer after preoperative CRT.
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Background This study aimed to assess the in-field lymph node (LN) failure rate according to LN size and to investigate effect of LN size on the survival outcome of patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).
Methods A total of 310 patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with CCRT were enrolled in retrospective study. LN status was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received conventional external beam irradiation and high-dose rate brachytherapy, and concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In-field LN failure rate according to LN size was analyzed.
Results The median follow-up period was 83 months (range, 3-201 months). In-field LN failure rate in patients with pelvic LN size more than 10 mm was significantly higher than that in patients with pelvic LN size less than 10 mm (p<0.001). A similar finding was observed in the in-field para-aortic LN failure rate (p=0.024). The pelvic and para-aortic LN size (≥10 mm) was a significant prognostic factor of overall-survival (OS) and disease-free survival rate in univariate and multivariate analyses. The OS rate was significantly different between groups according to LN size (<10 mm vs. ≥10 mm).
Conclusion A LN of less than 10 mm in size in an imaging study is controlled by CCRT. On the other hand, in LN of more than 10 mm in size, the in-field LN failure rate increase and the prognosis deteriorate. Therefore, a more aggressive treatment strategy is needed.
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Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of non–coplanar whole brain radiotherapy (NC–WBRT) for parotid sparing.
Methods Fifteen cases, previously treated with WBRT were selected. NC–WBRT plans were generated. The beam arrangement for the non–coplanar plans consisted of superior anterior, right, and left beams. After generation of the non–coplanar plans a field–in–field technique was applied to the bilateral parallel opposed beams in order to reduce maximum dose and increase dose homogeneity. The NC–WBRT plans were subsequently compared with the previously generated bilateral WBRT (B–WBRT) plans. A field–in–field technique was also used with the B–WBRT plans according to our departmental protocol. As per our institutional practice a total dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions of WBRT was administered 5 days a week.
Results The mean dose to the parotid gland for the two different plans were 16.2 Gy with B–WBRT and 13.7 Gy with NC–WBRT (p<0.05). In the NC–WBRT plan, the V5Gy, V10Gy, V15Gy, V20Gy, and V25Gy of the parotid were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the B–WBRT plan. The Dmax of the lens was also lower by 10% with NC–WBRT.
Conclusion The use of NC–WBRT plans could be a simple and effective method to reduce irradiated volumes and improve the dose–volume parameters of the parotid gland.
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Bee sting causes mild symptoms such as urticaria and localized pain, and severe symptoms including anaphylaxis, cardiovascular collapse, and death. We reported on a patient with arterial thrombotic occlusion and severe ischemia in the lower limb after multiple bee stings. The patient was stung 5 times and complained of pallor, pain, and coldness in the left toe, and did not have dorsalis pedis pulsation. Computed tomography angiography showed multiple thrombotic occlusion of the anterior and posterial tibial artery below the knee. Local thrombolytic therapy using urokinase was administered and the occluded arteries were successfully recanalized.
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Gouty ulcer can be caused by the accumulation of clumps of uric acid in body tissues that lead to acute or chronic inflammation at sites of accumulation. Furthermore, tophi-inhibiting granulation tissue may form a canal that channels microbial infection from the underlying involved joint space, and thus, presents the risk of osteomyelitis development. Accordingly, gouty ulcer must be treated appropriately. In this case, refractory wounds on gouty ulcers at the left shin and left radial ankle were treated by surgical debridement. Negative-pressure wound therapy was used successfully to prevent post-operative delayed wound healing.
Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is widely used for the treatment of Graves disease. After RAI therapy, 44% become hypothyroid and up to 28% remain hyperthyroid. The development of thyrotoxicosis after RAI therapy is believed to be mediated by 2 different mechanisms: a transient increased release of thyroid hormone due to radiation thyroiditis and the rare development of Graves disease due to the formation of antibodies to the thyroid-associated antigens released from the damaged follicular cells. A 55-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe headache, weight loss, and palpitation. She received a dose of 7 mCi of RAI (I-131) about 6 weeks earlier. Thyroid function test showed 7.98 ng/dL free T4, >8 ng/mL T3, <0.08 microIU/L thyroid stimulating hormone, and high titer thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) (85.8 IU/L). She improved with propylthiouracil, propranolol, and steroid treatment. The TSI, however, was persistently elevated for 11 months.
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BACKGROUND It has been reported that estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) mRNA expression was down-regulated during carcinogenesis and was inversely related to estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression in breast cancer. The association of ERbeta mRNA expression to tamoxifen resistance has also been reported. In this study, the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was prompted, and an attempt was made to find out the relationship between ERbeta expression and recurrence in the hormonal therapy group, and between ERbeta expression and known prognostic factors. METHODS: Tumor specimens were obtained at surgery from 67 female breast cancer patients during the period of September 1995 to December 2000. All the specimens were frozen in liquid nitrogen and kept at -70degrees C until they were used. The medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The expressions of ER were analyzed using IHC and RT-PCR methods. RESULTS: The median follow-up was at 93.0 months (range: 14-157 months). The percentage of ERalpha+/ERbeta+, ERalpha+/ERbeta-, ERalpha-/ERbeta+, and ERalpha-/ERbeta group were 35.9% 9.4%, 47.2%, and 7.5%, respectively, in 53 patients with hormonal therapy. ERbeta was positive in 42 (82.3%) of 51 ER-positive patients. In the hormonal therapy group, the recurrence rates of each group was 15.8%, 0%, 40.0%, and 0%, respectively. In this group, the ERbeta expression tended to recur, but there was no clinical significance (p=0.084). CONCLUSION: The ERbeta expression may be a predictive marker of a poor response to endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients, although this needs to be confirmed in additional studies.
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a rare population of undifferentiated cells that have the capacity of self renewal and the ability to differentiate into mesodermal phenotypes, including osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro. Recently, MSCs have been shown to reside within the connective tissue of most organs, and their surface phenotype has been well analyzed. Many reports showed that transplanted MSCs enhanced regeneration as well as functional improvement of damaged organs and tissues. The wide differentiation plasticity of MSCs was expected to contribute to their demonstrated efficacy in a wide variety of experimental animal models and in human clinical trials. However, new findings suggest that the ability of MSCs to alter the tissue microenvironment via secretion of soluble factors may contribute more significantly than their capacity for differentiation in tissue repair. This review describes what is known about the cellular characteristics and differentiation potential of MSCs, which represent a promising stem cell population for further applications in regenerative medicine.
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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is believed to be one of the best radiation treatment techniques. IMRT is able to deliver fatal doses of radiation to the tumor region with minimal exposure of critical organs. It is essential to have a comprehensive quality assurance program to assure precision and accuracy in treatment, due to the character of IMRT. We applied quality assurance technique to the Eclipse treatment planning system and sought to determine its effectiveness in patient treatment planning. An acrylic phantom, film, and an ionization chamber were used in this study.
Although Lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil are efficacious drugs for preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B patients, their efficacy is far from completely satisfactory. The risk of liver cirrhosis and HCC begins to increase at an HBV DNA level of 10(4) copies/ml. Even with latent or past HBV infection, episomal covalently closed circular DNA(cccDNA) plays a key rolein the persistence, relapse and resistance of HBV in its natural course or during therapy. The annual incidence of HCC in YUMC is 1.8% and 4.7% patients/year in the antiviral treatment and control groups, respectively. The ability to achieve a high rate of sustained HBV suppression with low risk of drug resistance is the ultimate goal in the treatment of chronic HBV infection. The efficacy of universal immunization with striking reductions in the prevalence of HBV in localized countries needs to be spread worldwide. With hepatitis B immunization and effective antiviral therapy, global control of HBV infection and HBV-related complications, including HCC, are possible by the end of the first half of the 21st century.
PURPOSE: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in the formation of cartilage and bone, as well as regulating the growth of chondroblasts and osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated whether recombinant human BMP adenoviruses are available for ex vivo gene therapy, using human fibroblasts and human bone marrow stromal cells in an animal spinal fusion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human fibroblasts and human bone marrow stromal cells were transduced with recombinant BMP-2 adenovirus (AdBMP-2) or recombinant BMP-7 adenovirus (AdBMP-7), referred to as AdBMP-7/BMSC, AdBMP-2/BMSC, AdBMP-7/HuFb, and AdBMP-2/HuFb. We showed that each cell secreted active BMPs by alkaline phosphatase staining. Since AdBMP-2 or AdBMP-7 tranducing cells were injected into the paravertebral muscle of athymic nude mice, at 4 weeks and 7 weeks, we confirmed that new bone formation occurred by induction of spinal fusion on radiographs and histochemical staining. RESULTS: In the region where the AdBMP-7/BMSC was injected, new bone formation was observed in all cases and spinal fusion was induced in two of these. AdBMP-2/BMSC induced bone formation and spinal fusion occurred among one of five. However, in the region where AdBMP/HuFb was injected, neither bone formation nor spinal fusion was observed. CONCLUSION: The osteoinductivity of AdBMP-7 was superior to that of AdBMP-2. In addition, the human bone marrow stromal cells were more efficient than the human fibroblasts for bone formation and spinal fusion. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that AdBMP-7/ BMSC would be the most useful approach to ex vivo gene therapy for an animal spinal fusion model.
Atelectasis is a relatively common complication following surgery in anesthetized patient with respiratory symptoms, but rarely occur in normal healthy patient. Anesthesiologists must be wary to prevent atelectasis, because it may lead to hypoxia during and after the operation. This case reports a healthy patient without previous respiratory symptoms who developed left lower lobar atelectasis after general anesthesia. Vigorous chest physiotherapy including intended coughing, deep breathing, chest percussion and vibration under postural change was effective. Therefore, vigorous chest physiotherapy is essential part of early treatment modalities for atelectasis in postoperative recovery room.
Purpose:This study compared 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in parotid glands sparing in head and neck cancers.
Materials and Methods:Planning target volume (PTV) was outlined on each CT slice. The dose of 50.4 Gy was prescribed to the PTV with the conventional fraction, 5 fractions per week. We also outlined spinal cord and both parotid glands. With Eclipse 3 dimensional planning system, 3DCRT and IMRT planning were done.
Results :After plan optimization, PTV dose distribution was evaluated with dose volume histogram. The 90% isodose curve covered almost all of PTV for both techniques. Maximum and median dose for spinal cord were 36.8 Gy and 34.2 Gy in 3DCRT, 39.9 GY and 37.5 Gy in IMRT. For parotid glands, mean and median dose were 33.6 Gy and 37.6 Gy in 3DCRT, 24.9 Gy and 24.5 Gy in IMRT.
Conclusion :For the non-pharyngeal head and neck cancers, 3DCRT was cost effective radiation modality in prevention radiation therapy induced xerostomia.
Purpose:To investigate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel based chemotherapy as a secondline treatment in patients with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods:Between January 2001 and March 2007, 28 patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer were enrolled. The administered doses of decetaxel was 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5, cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 3, 5-FU 600 mg/m2 over 24 hrs on day 1 to day 5, every 4 weeks. The response was assessed every 2 cycles. The toxicities were evaluated for every course of chemotherapy according to National Cancer Institute-common toxicity criteria (NCI-CTC).
Results :For response rates, 3 (10.7%) partial response, 13 (46.4%) stable disease, and 12 (42.9%) progressive disease, respectively. The overall disease control rate was 57.1%. The median time to progression was 3.0 months (2-8 months). Median overall survival was 8 months (5-11 months). NCI-CTC grade 3 leukocytopenia occurred in 1 cases, grade 3 anemia in 1case and grade 3 nausea/vomiting in 2 cases.
Conclusion :Docetaxel based chemotherapy has a tolerable efficacy with acceptable toxicities in patients with recurrent gastric cancer as a second-line treatment.
Purpose:Although several chemotherapy regimens used against advanced and recurred gastric cancer have been studied extensively in an attempt to further improve the prognosis of patients, no standard chemotherapeutic regimens have been established. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-tumor efficacy and safety of TS-1 or TS-1 plus cisplatin (CDDP).
Materials and Methods:From December 2004 to June 2007, we treated 43 patients with unresectable or recurred gastric cancer either with 80 mg/m2 of TS-1 for 28 days, which was followed by a 2-week rest, or with 80 mg/m2 of TS-1 for 28 days and 60 mg/m2 of CDDP on day 3 every 6 weeks.
Results :Tumor response rates in the primary chemotherapy group and in the recurrent group were 46.7% and 21.4%, respectively. The median survival rates in the primary and the recurrent group were 14 months and 8 months, and it was not significantly different. But the one-year survival rates according to the kinds of regimens (TS-1 or TS-1/CDDP group) were significantly different (P=0.0014). The incidences of grade 3 or 4 adverse effects were 18%, respectively.
Conclusion :The anti-tumor efficacy and safety of TS-1 and TS-1 plus CDDP in unresectable or recurred gastric cancer patients seemed to be high with modest adverse effects, thus suggesting the possible use of this regimen for unresectable or recurred gastric cancer patients.
Although occasionally used as a therapeutic modality, radiotherapy was not a routine part of the treatment of stomach cancer. As a single modality, preoperative radiotherapy showed some benefit, but this was not confirmed in radomized trial. In recent neoadjuvant trials, radiotherapy is usually given concurrently with chemotherapy, and pathologic complete response rates was about 30%. There were small studies of radiotherapy as an adjuvant, either alone or with chemotherapy, but the randomized studies using postoperative radiotherapy alone did not show a survival benefit. The results of intergroup gastric adjuvant trial(INT 0116) were presented in May 2000 at American Society of Clinical Oncology. In that report, postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy showed survival benefit. INT 0116 has established postoperative chemoradiotherapy as the standard care for high risk patients with resected stomach cancer. But, INT 0116 had several weak points including lack of standardized nodal dissection and delivery rates of treatments. So, Asian and European investigators did not agree. Korean study showed benefit of postoperative chemoradiotherapy after D2 dissection, but this study was not randomized. Recently, Korean investigators started randomized trial of chemoradiotherapy in D2 dissected patients. This trial may give answer to us about the benefit of postoperative chemoradiotherapy in resected stomach cancer.
Curative surgery is the most common and desirable treatment for advanced gastric cancer(AGC), but macroscopically curative resection of AGC dose not always mean a curative outcome. For the tailored management of AGC, accurate preoperative stage are made by using abdominal CT, FDG PET and laparoscopy is necessary. In case of T3/T4 lesion, neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(NACR) are effective therapeutic approaches with acceptable toxicity without increasing surgical morbidity and mortality. I recommend the use of a multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy for treatment of AGC. Future applications of newer cytotoxic drugs such as oxaliplatin, capecitabine, irinotecan, and docetaxel or targeted therapies may help to improve the management of AGC.
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancer is curable at early stages with local-regional therapy. However, most patients are diagnosed with advanced stage disease that requires combination therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy, in patients with advanced head and neck cancer by evaluating the response, survival and organ preservation rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 39 patients with advanced head and neck cancer who received docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy from March 2000 to July 2004. RESULTS: The average age of the 39 patients was 53.4 (range 30 to 73 years) years and the most common primary site was the hypopharynx (23.0%). There were 36 patients who had stage IV disease and three patients with stage III disease. The overall response rate was 76.9% (30/39), including 12 complete responses (30.8%) and 18 partial responses (46.1%). The response rate based on the primary cancer and neck metastasis was 74.4% and 69.3%; the differences were not significant. Among 16 patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, 13 (81.2%) had their larynx preserved after chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and a survival rate of 61.5%; three patients (18.8%) received a total laryngectomy and had a survival rate of 66.7%. The overall survival rate from the start of chemotherapy was 56.4% with a median survival of 30 months. The common toxicities observed were alopecia, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity and anemia but they were all generally manageable. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy is an effective regimen with a relatively high response rate and acceptable toxicity
In the past decade, the median duration of survival among patients with advanced colorectal cancer has increased from 12 months to about 18 months, primarily as a results of the introduction of irinotecan and oxaliplatin. Advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer have resulted in the discovery of new therapeutic interventions that target specific molecular abnormalities. Their specificity, and therefore their potential to bind preferentially and modify tumor-specific targets, sparing normal tissues and causing fewer side-effects compared to conventional cytotoxic agents, makes them an attractive therapeutic option. The future of this approach for the treatment of solid tumors is promising
PURPOSE: Various postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimens have been proposed for the patients with advanced gastric cancer. The majority of clinical trials have shown no significant difference in the survival benefit. The aim of this study was to compare the survival rates of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapies used in stage III gastric cancer patients who received curative gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1999, a survival analysis was performed in 260 patients who received curative gastric resection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were divided into four groups according to the chemotherapeutic regimens received. The groups were: the F group: furtulon alone, FM group: furtulon and mitomycin, FAM group: 5-FU, adriamycin and mitomycin, FLEP group: 5-FU, leucovorin, etoposide and cisplatin. The survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: There were no differences among the groups of patients with regard to tumor characteristics except for lymph node metastasis and the ratio of metastasis to lymph nodes. In the FLEP group, the ratio of metastasis to lymph nodes was higher than in the other groups. The five and ten year survival rates of F, FM, FAM and FLEP were 51.9%, 28.9%, 59.5%, 49.8%, 66.1%, 57.4% and 30.0%, 27.5%, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that age, Borrmann type, lymph node metastasis, ratio of metastasis to lymph nodes, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence were significant factors for survival. For the multivariate analysis, recurrence, age, Borrmann type, ratio of lymph node metastasis and lymph node dissection were independent prognostic factors; however, the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was not an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The FAM regimen was the most beneficial postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for improved survival rates; the FM regimen was the second and the FLEP regimen was the last. In order to determine the effectiveness of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III gastric cancer, well designed prospective studies including a surgery only group will be needed.
Heart failure is a clinical syndrome comprised of a number of symptoms and signs associated with congestion and/or hypoperfusion. Specific pharmacologic therapies have been developed to slow disease progression from early to more advanced stages. Once symptoms have developed, aggressive multimodality interventions are instituted to alleviate symptoms and improve clinical status and quality of life; especially in those patients that present symptoms. Recently, an evolving adjunctive therapeutic modality, that involves using implanted electrical devices: cardiac resynchronization with or without implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). has been used for management. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a proven treatment for selected patients with heart failure-induced conduction disturbances and ventricular dyssynchrony. When used in combination with stable, optimal medical therapy, CRT is designed to reduce symptoms and improve cardiac function by restoring the mechanical sequence of ventricular activation and contraction. This review summarizes the rationale, procedure, clinical trials, and clinical indications for CRT.
BACKGROUND To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel and cisplatin against advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a second-line chemotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. The patients received 200 mg/m2 paclitaxel as a 3-hour intravenous infusion and 60 mg/m2 cisplatin as 30-minute intravenous infusion with vigorous hydration on day 1 every 28 days. The response was assessed every 2 cycles. RESULTS: All 25 patients were assessed for their response and toxicity. Partial responses were observed in 5 patients. The overall response rate was 20% (95% confidence interval, 4%~36%) and the median response duration was 4.5 (range, 2-11) months. The median time to progression was 3.3 (range, 0-14) months. The median overall survival of all patients was 7.4 (range, 1.3-39) months. The hematologic toxicities were minor and easily controlled. CONCLUSION: The combination chemotherapy of paclitaxel and cisplatin as a second-line treatment has a moderate efficacy with an acceptable toxicity in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Thallium-201 scintigraphy is used to discriminate the malignant bone tumor from the benign by qualitatively and quantitatively, and to predict the response of preoperative chemotherapy in osteosarcoma, by comparing the changes of thallium uptake ratio after chemotherapy to the tumor necrosis ratio. Thallium-201 scintigraphy scan should be done prior to surgical biopsy. PICKER Prism 2000 gamma camera with high resolution parallel hole collimator is usually used for scanning. The patient is injected with 2-3mCi of Tl-201 and the early phase is checked in 30 minutes and delayed phase in 3 hours. The scan images are visually evaluated by a blinded nuclear medicine physician. We could evaluate true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative by the comparison of results with those of biopsy, and calculate positive and negative predictive value(%), sensitivity(%), specificity(%) and diagnostic accuracy(%). For the quantitative analysis of thallium uptake, we drew the region of interest on the tumor side and contralateral normal side as mirror image, and calculated the uptake ratio with dividing the amount of gamma count in tumor side by normal side. We could calculate the percent changes of thallium uptake ratio in early and delayed phase, and compare them to the ratio of tumor necrosis. Thallium-201 scintigraphy proved as useful imaging study to discriminate malignant bone tumor from benign, but had exception in giant cell tumor and low grade malignant bone tumors. We can use T1-201 scan to differentiate the benign from the malignant tumor, and to evaluate the response of preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and to determine the residual tumor or local recurrence. For the better result, we need to have a more detail information about false positive cases and a more objective and quantitative reading technique.
The efficacy of injection sclerotherapy for treatment of acute esophageal variceal bleeding is well established. But several complications of endoscopic sclerotherapy have been reported. One of the complications is mesenteric venous thrombosis which develops when vasopressin is user for the sclerotherapy. We report a case of superior mesenteric venous thrombosis with developed after endoscopic sclerotherapy for control of esophageal variceal bleeding.
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinomal(HCC) has been considered to be relatively radioresistant. The role of radiotherapy(RT) in the treatment of HCC is controversial. But RT has a role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma as a single or combination modalities. The effect of radiotherapy on HCC was evaluated. Patients and METHODS: From January 1984 through January 2000, a total of 18 patients with unresectable HCC underwent radiotherapy alone or in conjunction with transarterial embolization(TAE). We reviewed the medical ecords of patients treated with RT and measured the tumor size using measured the tumor size using planimetry method. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate. RESULTS: The RT patients were 15 men and 3 women. The mean age was 51 years. four(22.2%) of them were accompanied with ascites. Eleven(61.1%) of them were accompanied with liver cirrhosis and their functions were 6, 3, 2 in each Child-Pugh A, B, C, respectively. A partial response(PR) was observed in 2 patients(11.1%), minimal response(MR) in 4 patients (22.2%) and no change(NC), in 11 patients(61.1%), whereas progressive disease(PD) was seen in 1 patients(6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the radiotherapy in HCC did not improve the survival rate. it decreased the tmor size. Radiotherapy strengthens the therapeutic efficacy when combined with TAE, but more studies are needed.
PURPOSE: This study was aimed to develop a new vaginal applicator(Shin's Applicator) for 2-channel high-dose rate vaginal brachytherapy to evaluate uniformity of surface dose, and to present 3-dimensional dose distribution of the applicator. METHODS: Shin's Applicator was inexpensively constructed using human soft tissue equivalent acrylic bar. We evaluated dose uniformity along the applicator surface using film densitometer and performed vaginal intracavitary brachytherapy after insertion of the applicator using HDR brachytherapy planning software and brachytherapy unit(Ralstron-20B). RESULTS: Shin's Applicator allows improved dose distribution than the existing 1-channel cylinder and achieves diminished urinary bladder and rectal dose by 20%. CONCLUSIONS: From the above results, it can be concluded that Shin's Applicator may be an improved form of a vaginal applicator. Furthermore, it can be suggested that this applicator has an advantage, for it prevents vaginal stenosis after radiation therapy and can be used as a disposable vaginal dilator. Further follow up examination with radiological study may be helpful to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this applicator.
BACKGROUND We sought to examine the use and outcomes with early intraaortic balloon couterpulsation(IABP) combined early reperfusion therapy in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction. The use of IABP in patients with cardiogenic shock is widely accepted. however, there is a paucity of information on the use of this technique in patients with cardiogenic shock who are treated with reperfusion therapy in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight Patients presented with cardiogenic shock were classified into two groups: the early IABP group (insertion within 12 hours after AMI onset time) and late IABP group (insertion after 12 hours). We compared In-hospital mortality in two group (early IABP group vs late IABP group). RESULTS: Two groups show no significant difference at clinical feature and coronary angiographic results. Among total 28 patients, 7 patients were treated with thrombolytic therapy and 21 patients with PTCA. Insertion site bleeding, fever, thrombocytopenia were reported as some of the complications of IABP insertion. In-hospital mortality of early IABP group and late IABP group were 4 patients(25%) and 8 patients(66%), respectively(p<0.05). Early IABP insertion and early PTCA showed lower hospital mortality rates. There was significant difference in the time to PTCA after AMI onset between the to groups(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: IABP appears to be useful in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock unresponsive medical therapy. Early IABP insertion and early Reperfusion therapy may reduce In-hospital mortality rates in PostMI Cardiogenic shock patients.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of MRI in the management of cervical cancer treated by conventional four-field whole pelvic irradiation. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Between 1993-march and 1994-february, 20 patients(4 Stage I B, 3 Stage U A, 13 Stage U B) with invasive cervical cancer were eligible for evaluation of accuracy of conventionally designed lateral treatment field without MRI determination. RESULTS: 5 out of 20 Patients had inadequate margin without MRI. The position of uterine fundus was more important than cervix in correction of field size and the center of treatment field. CONCLUSION: This Preliminary date show MRI determination of uterine position prior to radiotherapy planning is essential in the case of four-field whole pelvic irradiation technique.
A clinical and histopathological study was performed on ninety-four patients with nephrotic syndrome (91 idiopathic and 3 secondary) who were admitted to Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Hospital during the period of nine years, from January 1985 to May 1994. The results were as following. 1. the ratio of male to female was 1.76:1. In young age group, minimal change was the most predominant type. In old age group, membranous glomerulonephritis and focal glomerulosclerosis were predominant types. 2.- The primary nephrotic syndromes were 96.8% and secondary nephrotic syndromes were 3.2%. Histopathologic findings of 94 renal biopsy tissue were classified into minimal change (43.6%) mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (29.8%), membranous glomerulonephritis (12.8%), Typel membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis (4.3%), focal glomerulosclerosis (3.2%) .and others (6.4%). 3. The response of eighty-six patients treated with steroid showed complete remission in 51.2%, partial remission in 20.9%, steroid dependent in 2.3%, and no effect in 25.6% of cases respectively. The response to steroid therapy was most effective in the patients with minimal change lesion. 4. In the patient with membranous proliferative glomerulonephlitis, long-term angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor treatment showed less deterioration of renal function.