Nutritional status and plasma amino acid profile in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many studies document the presence of abnormalities in amino acids metabolism in chronic uremia. These abnormalities have been attributed to low protein intake, deficiency of excretory and metabolic functions of the diseased kidneys, toxic effects of uremia on the intermediary metabolism of amino acids and in dialysis patients, loss of protein and amino acids by the dialytic procedure. METHODS: This study was designed to compare anthropometric measurement, biochemical characteristics and plasma amino acid concentration between patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and normal controls. A cross sectional study of overnight fasting plasma amino acids and plasma albumin, prealbumin, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, transferrin concentration were performed on 20 hemodialysis patients and 20 normal controls, matched by age and sex. RESULTS: The concentrations of prealbumin (25.60+/-7.05 mg/dL vs 35.08+/-8.11 mg/dL, p<0.005), transferrin (158.30+/-39.66 mg/dL vs 275.50+/-55.46 mg/dL, p<0.001) were found to be lower in HD patients. No differences in albumin, cholesterol and TG were observed between the two groups. Several amino acids (taurine, cystine, phosphoserine) were found to be higher in the HD patients, while the concentrations of other five amino acids (serine, alanine, valine, leucine, tyrosine) were lowered in HD patients. No differences in nine amino acids (asparagine, glutamine, proline, glycine, methionine, isoleucine, lysine, histidine, arginine) were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chronic renal failure patients have malnutrition and amino acids abnormalities. To correct the amino acids abnormalities and improve nitrogen utilization in hemodialysis patients, correction of acidosis and supplementation of the diet with serine should be considered.

Clinical Application of N+7 Method for the Solution of Graft: Tibial Tunnel Discrepancy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to prevent the graft-tunnel mismatching by N+7 method and to present the experience of the authors in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using the patellar ten- don by N+7 method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors analyzed 34 cases who had taken the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction from April 1998 to July 1999, at Asan Medical Center, by N+7 method. By measuring the patellar tendon length(N), tibial guide was set an angle of N+7 degree. We analyzed the results by dividing the cases into 3 groups by the degree of extrusion of the bone plug from the tibial tunnel. RESULTS: Clinical results were acceptable in 79.4%(27 cases), protrusion in 8.8%(3 cases) and recession in 11.8%(4 cases). When the angle of tibial tunnel was less than 50 degrees, there wasn't a protruded case in 19 cases. Comparing with 15 cases of the angle which was larger than 50 degrees, there were three protruded cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the patellar tendon, with N+7 method is superior to empirical methods which was performed by authors, previously at the point of positioning of ideal tibial tunnel and conveniency of the technique. Especially, if the graft tendon length is shorter than 43mm, N+7 method is preferable.

Analysis of 1,000 Cases of Total Knee Arthroplasty: Preliminary Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze the results and complications arising from 1,000 cases of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKRA), as performed by one surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February, 1992 to June, 2000, 1,000 cases of primary TKRA were performed by a single surgeon. Among the 1,000 cases, 573 cases followed up for more than one year (average 2.9 years) were evaluated try allocating special surgery (HSS) scores and by determining the range of motion (ROM), and presence of complications retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 872 cases of primary osteoarthritis, 70 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 32 cases of osteonecrosis, and 26 cases of miscellaneous diseases. The HSS score increased from 57.8 preoperatively to 90.4 postoperatively, ROM increased from 111degrees to 113degrees and flexion contracture decreased from 9degrees to 2degrees, but no statistical differences in results were observed between diseases. Common causes of complications were superficial infection (3.6%), deep infection (2.4%) and deep vein thrombosis (1.8%). Two patients died, one due to myocardial infarct and the other due to an unknown etiology. Revision arthroplasties were performed in 19 cases. CONCLUSION: After primary TKRA, ROM and functional score improved satisfactorily. No statistical differences were apparent between diseases. Infection was the most common complication.

A Radiological Analysis of the Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We intend to provide more objective data for diagnosis of the patellofemoral pain syndrome by analyzing the positional changes of the patella radiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 42 normal knees and in 91 knees of patients with the patellofemoral pain syndrome, the following 6 parameters were analyzed using a 30 degree flexion lateral view and a Merchant axial view: 1) the Insall and Salvati method, 2) the Blackburne and Peel method, 3) the Saille method, 4) the depth of the trochlea, 5) the sulcus angle, 6) and the congruence angle. RESULTS: Using the Blackburne and Peel method of assessing the height of patella, the ratio was 0.86 in the control group, in contrast to 0.92 in the patellofemoral pain syndrome group (P<0.05). The average value of the congruence angle was 2.9 in the control group, while it was -9.2 in patellofemoral pain syndrome group (P<0.05). The other parameters showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This indicates that the patella alta by the Blackburne and Peel method and the increase of congruence angle are useful in the diagnosis of the patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Effect of Declining Small Solute Clearance on Protein Intake and Nutritional Status in Progressive Renal Failure / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUNDS: Malnutrition is common in patients with chronic renal failure(CRF) and various signs of malnutrition are strong predictors of increased morbidity and mortality. Monitoring of protein intake and nutritional status is therefore important in the clinical management of CRF patients. Few studies have demonstrated direct correlations among renal function, protein intake, and nutritional status in a prospective study although clinical experiences suggest such relationship. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate correlations between renal function, protein intake, and nutritional status during progressive renal failure. METHODS: A total of 431 studies on renal function, protein intake, and nutritional status was carried out in 282 patients with normal renal function and varying degrees of renal failure before beginning dialysis. Renal functional indices included weekly Kt/Vurea, total weekly creatinine clearance(Ccr, L/week/1.73m2), creatinine clearance(Ccr, mL/min/1.73m2), urea clearance(Curea, mL/min) and residual renal function(RRF, mL/min). Protein intake was assessed from the protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance normalized by standard weight(nPNA, g/kg/day) by DOQI formula[nPNA(D)], Bergstr m formula 1[nPNA(B1)] and Bergstr m formula 2[nPNA(B2)]. Nutritional indices were fat free edema free body mass(FFEFBM, kg) by creatinine kinetics, %lean body mass(LBM, %) and serum albumin(g/dL). We evaluated correlations between renal function, protein intake and nutritional status by linear regression analysis. In a separate analysis, 237 studies from 94 patients with follow-up studies were analyzed for correlations among renal function, protein intake, and nutritional status. RESULTS: There was a highly significant correlation among weekly Kt/Vurea, weekly creatinine clearance, and residual renal function, among nPNA(D), nPNA (B1), nPNA(B2), and between FFEFBM and %LBM. Significant correlation was also observed between weekly Kt/Vurea and nPNA, between weekly Kt/ Vurea and FFEFBM, between weekly Kt/Vurea and %LBM, between nPNA and FFEFBM, and between nPNA and %LBM. The results were the same in patients with follow-up studies. CONCLUSION: These results clearly demonstrate that renal urea and creatinine clearance is closely correlated with protein intake and nutritional status in predialysis patients. With declining small solute clearances, protein intake decreased and nutritional status became worse. Starting dialysis before malnutrition becomes apparent may improve patient morbidity and mortality after dialysis.

The Significance of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Symptoms in Patients with Reflux Esophagitis / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The relationship between the symptoms and severity of GERD may be difficult to prove. The intensity and frequency of reflux induced symptoms are poor predictors of the presence or severity of an endoscopic mucosal break. The aim of this study was to determine which factors can be predicted by the presence of GERD symptoms among esophageal sensitivity to acid, abnormal acid reflux, and severity of esophagitis in pateints with reflux esophagitis. METHODS: Fourty-four patients who were diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by an endoscopy at a tertiary medical facility, were given a validated questionnaire, and underwent an acid perfusion test, 24 hr ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry. These patients were divided into a symptomatic group and asymptomatic group according to the questionaire. Comparisons between the two groups for each factor were analyzed by Chi-square. RESULT: Of 44 patients, 26 had symptoms and 18 did not. The positive and equivocal rates of the acid perfusion test were not different between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (47% vs. 39%). The abnormal reflux rate (DeMeester score > 14.72) from pH monitoring was significantly higher in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (65% vs. 28%, p < 0.05). The severity of esophagitis, presence of a hiatal hernia, and abnormal esophageal manometric findings were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It would be impossible to predict esophageal sensitivity to acid, severity of the esophagitis grade, and the presence of hiatal hernia with GERD symptoms, but it could be possible to predict abnormal gastroesophageal reflux.

Diagnostic Usefulness of Eedoscopic Ultrasongraphy for Extraluminal Compressions Mimicking Submucosal Tumors / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: When a submucosal lesion is discovered through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, it may be often difficult to differentiate an extra-gastric compression from a true submucosa1 tumor (SMT). An endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) provides information about the relationship between a lesion and the gastric or esophageal wall. Furthermore, EUS helps in identifying the compression caused by surrounding organs. The diagnostic usefulness of EUS for extralumina1 compressed lesion was assessed. METHODS: The 261 patients who received an endoscopic diagnosis of submucosal tumors had EUS examinations performed. The results of EUS to additional diagnostic procedures such as UGI, USG, CT scan or tissue biopsy were then compared. RESULTS: Of 261 patients who received endoseopic diagnosis as SMT, extraluminal compression existed in 46 (17.6%) cases and true intramural lesion were found in 215 (82.4%) cases on EUS. The causes of extraluminal compression are lymph nodes (2 case.), the gallbladder (12 cases), the pancreas (9 cases), the spleen (6 cases), a pancreatic pseudocyst (5 cases), pancreatic cancer (2 cases), a hepatic cyst (2 cases), the left lobe of the liver (4 cases), hepatoma (1 case), a mesenteric tumor (2 caws) and a splenic vein (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: EUS is considered to be a useful diagnostic method not only for differential diagnosis of extraluminal compression from true SWT, but also for clarifying the cause of extraluminal compressed lesions.

Endosonographic Findings of Submucosal Tumor-like Gastric Lesion Caused by Fibrotic Ulcer Healing / 대한소화기내시경학회지

It is known that multiple ulcers of the gastric antrum are often accompanied by marked submucosal fibrosis during the healing process, and that this may result in a deformity of the gastric wall. Thus, benign antral ulcers may be misinterpreted as intramural tumors, or even malignant ulcers when the surrounding edema is pronounced and sharply defined. It is possible for an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to detect which layer has a submucosal tumor (SMT) in the five-layer structures of the digestive tract wall. In the diagnosis of SMT of the upper digestive tract, EUS allows for the visualization of the structures underlying the gastrointestinal wall in a noninvasive manner and has a great advantage over conventional modalities such as endoscopy and X-ray examination. The EUS findings of 2 cases of submucosal tumor-like gastric lesion caused by fibrotic ulcer healing are herein reported with a brief review of relevant literature.