Outcome of patients with neuroblastoma aged less than 1 year at diagnosis / 소아과

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patie nts with neuroblastoma aged less than 1 year. METHODS: From January 1997 to December 2007, 41 patients aged less than 1 year were diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Patients were divided into 3 risk groups according to the stage of the disease and N-myc amplification. Low-risk patients underwent surgery with (stage 2) or without (stage 1) short-term chemotherapy. Intermediate-risk patients underwent chemotherapy and surgery with or without local radiation therapy. High-risk patients underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy/autologous stem cell rescue (HDCT/ASCR). RESULTS: While tumor relapse occurred in only 1 patient, 7 patients died of treatment-related toxicities. Causes of treatment-related death included infection during conventional chemotherapy in 5 patients and acute myocarditis during HDCT/ASCR in 2 patients. The overall 5-year survival (+/-standard error) and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates after diagnosis for all 41 patients were 82.8+/-5.9% and 80.0+/-6.3%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 58 (9-137) months. The 5-year EFS rates for low-risk, interme diate-risk, and high-risk patients were 100%, 68.4+/-10.8%, and 66.7+/-19.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased efforts to reduce infection-associated toxicity deaths during conventional chemotherapy are needed to further improve the survival of patients with neuroblastoma aged less than 1 year.

ERRATUM: Outcome of patients with neuroblastoma aged less than 1 year at diagnosis / 소아과

No abstract available.

Peritoneal Dialysis Associated Peritonitis and Empirical Antibiotics Therapy in Korean Children with Chronic Renal Failure

PURPOSE: This study aims to verify the effectiveness of initial empirical antibiotic choice recommended by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis(ISPD) guide among Korean children. METHODS: We have collected data on peritonitis from January 2001 to December 2007 in Samsung Medical Center. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, 48 episodes of peritonitis had occurred in 21 patients. The rate of peritonitis was one episode over 35.3 patient-months. Mean dialysis duration before peritonitis was 18.06+/-15.81 months. Gram-positive organisms accounted for 58.3% of all episodes. Of the gram-positive organisms, the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus(29.2 %), the next common pathogens were Coagulase negative staphylococcus(14.6%) and Streptococcus species(6.3%). 35.7% of gram-positive pathogens were resistant to 1st cephalosporin. However, in patients younger than 4 years old, 50% of gram-positive pathogens were resistant to 1st generation cephalosporin. 10 episodes of peritonitis were methicillin-resistant and were treated by vancomycin. Of the gram-negative organisms, E. coli was the most common (8.3%). 64.8% of all pathogens were sensitive to cephalothin or ceftazidime. CONCLUSION: The empirical therapy with 1st generation cephalosporin and ceftazidime can be also effective to peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis in Korean children. However, in patients younger than 4 years old, glycopeptide should be considered as the first empirical therapy in Korean children.

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Liver in a 13-year-old Boy: A Case Report / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the liver is a rare disease with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. We report a case of a PNET of the liver in a 13-year-old boy. The patient was admitted to the hospital with fever and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT and MRI revealed a 5.5 cm sized, septated, non-enhancing mass in the hepatic hilum. The patient was initially diagnosed with an inflammatory pseudotumor. Despite 9 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient's clinical symptoms did not improve. A liver biopsy was performed in the interest of formulating a differential diagnosis. This procedure revealed tumor cells positive for CD99 on immunohistochemistry. The patient was diagnosed with a PNET.

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Liver in a 13-year-old Boy: A Case Report / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the liver is a rare disease with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. We report a case of a PNET of the liver in a 13-year-old boy. The patient was admitted to the hospital with fever and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT and MRI revealed a 5.5 cm sized, septated, non-enhancing mass in the hepatic hilum. The patient was initially diagnosed with an inflammatory pseudotumor. Despite 9 days of antibiotic therapy, the patient's clinical symptoms did not improve. A liver biopsy was performed in the interest of formulating a differential diagnosis. This procedure revealed tumor cells positive for CD99 on immunohistochemistry. The patient was diagnosed with a PNET.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Renal Dysfunction after Liver Transplantation in Adult / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Patients survival after liver transplantation continue to improve, and renal dysfunction is not uncommon complication in the posttransplant setting and influences to prognosis. But this important complication has not been extensively evaluated in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of renal insufficiency and to identify the risk factors associated with renal insufficiency in long-term survivor over 6 months after liver transplantation at Seoul National University Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was done of 62 adult (44 males, 18 females; mean age 45 years, range 16-64) patients surviving more than 6 months (mean 17 months, range 6-63) after liver transplantation in the period of November 1996 to July 2001. Renal function of patients was classified by estimated endogenous creatinine clearance using Cockcroft-Gault formula. Potential risk factors for renal insufficiency were investigated. In addition, in the cases of patient who received mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in reduced dosages for presumed CNI-induced nephrotoxicity, the change of renal function was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The underlying diseases leading to transplantation included HBV-related cirrhosis in 43, hepatoma in 11, HCV-related cirrhosis in 2, alcoholic cirrhosis in 2, Wilson's disease in 1, and biliary atresia in 1 case (s). The immunosuppressive therapy included tacrolimus in 48 cases and cyclosporine in 14 cases combined with prednisolone. In all, 26 patients among study period, received MMF. Of all patients, 8 (13%) kept normal renal function (Ccr> or = 90), 27 (43.5%) developed mild dysfunction (60 60), renal dysfunction patients (Ccr< 60) had a lower preoperative creatinine clearance (p=0.007) and a lower 3-month creatinine clearance (p=0.032). But there were no differences seen among groups in age, sex, immunosuppresive protocol (tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine), mean tacrolimus serum level, developement of postoperative acute renal failure (ARF), and frequency of ARF among 6 months after transplantation. There was no statistically significant (p=0.057) but some recovery of renal function in the cases of patient who received MMF with low dose CNI. CONCLUSION: Patients who are more than 6 months after liver transplantation have renal dysfunction at a high rate (87%). Patients who develop moderate renal dysfunction have a lower preoperative and 3-month creatinine clearance. For renoprotective effect of MMF with reduced dosage of CNI, long-term randomized controlled studies are warranted.

The Clinical Manifestation and Outcome of Adult Patients with FSGS in Korea / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Recently, it was reported that the incidence of FSGS has increased and that the corticosteroid treatment could improve its prognosis in the case of the adult patients. However, little is known about the clinical outcome and prognosis of patients with FSGS especially in Korean Adults. We performed a retrospective clinical study in 92 Korean adults with primary FSGS to determine clinical factors that have influence on the prognosis. METHODS: The subjects of this study were all adult patients(age >or=16 years) who had been diagnosed as primary FSGS through a renal biopsy between 1985 and 1999, and the patients affected by the secondary cause were excluded. We analyzed the clinical manifestation of all patients at that time of renal biopsy. In addition, in the case of patients who were followed more than 10 weeks, the rate of deterioration of renal function was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients, 47(51%) patients were nephrotic and 45(49%) were non-nephrotic. In terms of gender, 58(63%) of the patients were male, and 34(37%) were female. At that time of renal biopsy, 51% were in the state of renal insufficiency, and 45% were hypertensive. There was no significant difference in clinical findings of nephrotic and non-nephrotic patients at biopsy except the amount of proteinuria. Among them, 88 patients were followed up at least 10 weeks. The median of the follow-up was 37 months(from 2.5 to 185). Of the 88 patients, the renal function of 14 patients deteriorated during the follow-up; at least 50% increment of plasma creatinine over the baseline values. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between 14 patients and the others. The result of a multivariate analysis on clinical factors(age, hypertension, the degree of proteinuria, advanced renal insuffiency, steroid therapy) showed that nephrotic range of proteinuria, advanced renal insufficiency, and no steroid treatment were independent predictors for poor renal outcome. Overall, 80% of the 88 patients maintained stable state of a renal function for five years irrespective of steroid treatment. In the case of nephrotics, 34 patients(77%) were treated with corticosteroid. Only one out of 34 patients experienced the deterioration of renal function. On the other hand, 6 out of 10 nephrotic patients who did not launch steroid treatment, revealed worsening of renal function. CONCLUSION: The above findings suggest that corticosteroid treatment would be helpful for nephrotic adults with FSGS. Furthermore, these findings underscore the need for a controlled trial in patients with FSGS to confirm the responsiveness of corticosteroid treatment and to establish guidelines of therapy.

Clinical Features and Effects on Prognosis of ARF that Occurred after Liver Transplantation / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: One of the major complications of liver transplantation is acute renal failure(ARF). The outcome in patients who develop postoperative renal failure has been dismal. But there are few reports on ARF after liver transplantation in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of ARF in patients undergoing liver transplantation. METHODS: The records of 35 adult patients who received liver transplantation at the Seoul National University Hospital between october 1992 and June 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: 22 patients were male and 13 were female, with an age range of 15 years to 65 years(median, 49 years). The 35 recipients included 18 with liver cirrhosis, 10 with liver cirrhosis and hepatoma, 3 with hepatoma, 3 with fulminant hepatitis, and 1 with biliary atresia. Death occurred in 10 patients (29%) overall. ARF was developed in 25 cases(71%), and 8 cases(32%) expired. Among the 9 patients with peak serum creatinine level > or = 2.0 mg/dL, 7 patients expired. 2 patients required hemodialysis following liver transplantation and all of them expired. ARF was developed within 1day(0-39 days). Of 25 ARF cases, 21 cases of hypotension, 6 acute rejection, 10 spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP), and 8 massive packed RBC transfusion were associated. Renal function at latest follow-up was improved in patients who were suffered with ARF. CONCLUSION: ARF is a frequent complication of liver transplantation, and the strategy of management and prevention of ARF needs to be developed.

The Risk Factors for Rebleeding with Heat Probe Thermocoagulation in Bleeding Peptie Ulcer Patients / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The precise rebleeding rate and risk factors of rebleeding after heat probe thermocoagulation in peptic ulcer patients with bleeding are not clear and still need to be evaluated. If we could identify the pre-dictors for rebleeding, the mortality rate might be loweted with early retreatment or surgery in these high risk group. METHODS: The 94 patients in whom heat probe was applied were enrolled and the 18 patients with bleeding tendencies. Initial hemostasis was defined as hemostasis persisting for 24 hours post-treatment and permanent hemostasis as absence of bleeding for 7 days after therapy. Rebleedig was defined as oozing or spurting hemorrhage in the ulcer base and/or unstable vital signs and continuting tarry or bloody stool or hematemesis after therapy. RESULTS: In 35 patients with active bleeding sign, initial hemostasis was obtained in 30 (85.7%) patients. After having achieved initial hemostasis, 9 (30.0%) patients rebled. In 41 ulcer patients with non-bleeding visible vessel, 40 cases (97.6%) achieved successful pre-vention of rebleeding. No evident complication was observed. With univariate analysis, bleeding ulcer patients with spurting and oozing hemorrhage had a higher re-bleeding rate than those with non-bleeding visible vessel. CONCLUSIONS: The heat probe thermocoagulaton is relative safe and effective procedure to protect bleeding in pectic ulcer patients with non-bleeding visible vessel, but insufficient to hemostasis in bleeding peptic ulcer patients with spurting or oozing in ulcer base. Spurting and oozing hemorrhage are the only risk factors of rebleeding after initial hemostasis with heat probe thermocoagulation in peptic ulcer patients with bleeding.

Clinical Features of Hepatitis A in Korean Adults / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to characterize the clinical features and course of acute hepatitis A in Korean adults. METHODS: One-hundred and thirteen cases of acute hepatitis A, diagnosed between Jan. 1995 to July 1998 at 6 medical centers in Korea, were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical course of 94 cases with follow-up duration longer than 3 months were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 26 (16-65) years and 97.3% of the patients were under 40 years. The presumed sources of infection were identifed in 62 cases (54.9%). Among those, the leading source was ingestion of raw food. All patients showed normalization of bilirubin level within 8 weeks. The ALT levels normalized within 8 weeks in all patients except three patients (3.2%). Three patients with prolonged elevation of ALT showed second rise of ALT, suggesting a possibility of relapsing hepatitis. Prolonged fever (>38 degree C) more than 10 days was observed in 3 patients (3.2%). One case showed prolonged elevation of alkaline phosphatase (> x3 upper normal limit). No case of fulminant hepatic failure or death was observed. CONCLUSION: The majority of cases with acute hepatitis A in Korean adults showed self-limited course with full recovery.

Cardiovascular Regulation of GABAB Receptor in the Spinal Cord of the Rats / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of present study is to investigate the influence of a spinal gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor on a central regulation of blood pressure(BP) and heart rate(HR), and to define its mechanism in the spinal cord. METHODS: In urethane-anesthetized, d-tubocurarine- paralyzed and artificially ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats, intrathecal administration of drugs were carried out using injecton cannula(33-gauge stainless steel) through the guide cannula(PE 10) which was inserted intrathecally at lower thoracic level through the puncture of a atlantooccipital membrane. RESULTS: Intrathecal injection of an GABAB receptor agonist baclofen(30, 60, 100 nmol) decreased both blood pressure and heart rate dose-dependently. Pretreatment with 8-bromo-cAMP(50 nmol), a cAMP analog or glipizide(50 nmol), a ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker attenuated the depressor and bradycardic effects of baclofen (100 nmol) but not with 8-bromo-cGMP(50 nmol) a cGMP analog. CONCLUSIONS: The GABAB receptor in the spinal cord plays an inhibitory role in central cardiovascular regulation and that this depressor and bradycardic actions are mediated by the decrease of cAMP via the inhibition of adenylate cyclase and the opening of K+ channel.

A clinical study and short-term outcame of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma / 대한내과학회지

Low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma arises from long-standing Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection. High remission rates for these lymphoma have been observed after H. pylori eradication. There was debates on the optimal treatment of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical and endoscopic characteristics of primary low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma and to assess short-term clinical outcome of various modalities of treatment. METHODS: 30 patients(14 male, 16 female, mean age 44.9 years, range 26-76, mean follow-up 22.9 months) with primary low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma, diagnosed at the Samsung Medical Center from March 1995 to September 1998, were evaluated in a retrospective study. We evaluated patient's presenting symptoms, endoscopic finding, Hp status, staging by Musshoff system, and recurrence rate according to treatment mordalities. RESULTS: The most common symptom is epigastric discomfort or pain(36.7%). Endoscopic appearances of gastric MALT lymphoma shows the wide variation from mucosal thickening to overt malignancy. The most common site of gastric MALT lymphoma is the gastric antrum and lower body(9 and 6 patients). Histologically, 70% were found to be Hp infected. Of 21 Hp(+) patients, 11 patients were clinical stage IE and received Hp eradication by PPI-based triple regimens. 81.8%(9/11) showed complete remission. Among 11 patients, 6 patients studied by PCR. After Hp eradication, 5 in 6 patients showed persistent IgH rearangement by PCR. The mean follow-up time is 22.8 months(range 3 to 36 months), One patient, who showed complete histologic regression during second endoscopy, relapsed MALT lymphoma after 6 months. The other one patient showed no change of lymphoma and underwent surgery. 12 patients underwent surgical treatment and showed no evidence of relapse. The mean follow-up time is 35.9 months. 2 patients received chemotherapy with CHOP regimen and showed complete remission. The mean follow-up time is 6.7 months. 2 patients received radiotherapy and showed no evidence of relapse. The mean follow-up time is 15 months. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that complete remission rate after Hp eradication is as high as some studies recently reported. This suggest that Hp eradication may be considered as first-line therapy of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma of stage IE.

Difference in Early Postoperative Recurrence Rate of Hepatocellular Carcinoma According to the Imaging Modalities Used for Preoperative Staging : Comparison Between CTAP and CTHA, Lipiodol CT and Three Phase Helical CT / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Computed tomography during arterial portography and computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CTAP and CTHA), one of the most sensitive method in detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules , is reported to reduce unnecessary operation of HCC. However, it is not clear whet her CT AP and CT HA can reduce early post operative recurrence rate of HCC. We performed this study to find any differences in early postoperative recurrence rate of HCC according to the imaging modalities used for preoperativest aging. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with HCC who had underg one curative hepat icres ection from Dec.1994 to Mar. 1998 were included (median age = 52 years (26-78), M:F = 85:12). They were classified into 3 groups according to the imaging methods used for preoper ative staging: CTAP & CTHA group (n=56), Lipiodol CT group (n=24), and three phase helical CT group (n=16). No significant inter-group difference was found in preoperative status of the patients or characteristics of HCC. One-year recurrence rates were compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: HCC recurred in 17 of 97 patients (18.7%) within 12 months. A significant difference in 1- year recurrence rate was observed between the groups: helical CT , may be a superior imaging modality for preoperative staging of HCC that can reduce early postoperative recurrence rate.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome In Adults / 대한신장학회잡지

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) occurs rarely in adults and its clinical manifestations are not well studied in Korea. We analyzed data from 14 adult patients admitted from 1987 to 1996 who fulfilled three criteria (Coombs negative microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, no artificial heart valve, and creatinine level>1.4mg/dL). No patient died, 3 patients needed dialysis for ESRD at first episode, 2 patients developed CRF, 1 patient had recurrence and progressed to ESRD at the second episode. 7 patients completely recovered their renal function without proteinuria nor hypertension. HUS secondary to other disease had the worst renal survival and patients with colitis had better renal survival. Patient age, sex, platelet counts, white blood cell counts, hemoglobin level, treatment modalities were not significantly associated with renal survival.

Rifampin Induced Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis / 대한신장학회잡지

Most cases of acute renal failure induced by rifampin are due to acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and usually resolve spontaneously after discontinuation of rifampin. But there were a few reports that rifampin could cause crescentic glomerulonephritis. We present a 67 year-old male patient who has suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis and taken antituberculosis drugs including rifampin. The medication was interrupted two times because of anorexia and nausea. Azotemia, lower extremity edema and palpable purpura on both legs developed after administering antituberculosis drugs for two months. We performed the skin and kidney biopsy. The skin biopsy showed necrotizing vasculitis and kidney biopsy showed crescentic IgA nephropathy. He was tentatively diagnosed as rifampin induced rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and underlying Henoch-Sch nlein purpura. The antituberculosis regimen was switched excluding rifampin and prednisolone was administered orally. His renal function was improved slowly over 4 months.

Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome in Patients with HBs Antigenemia / 대한신장학회잡지

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome is the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome in Korea as well as in Asia. Even though hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been infrequently noted in patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome, and even though there is a controversy in using steroid in patients with hepatitis B virus infections, impacts of HBV infection on the clinical course and the therapeutic modalities has not been evaluated. To elucidate this, we analysed clinicopathologic manifestations of 21 minimal change nephrotic syndrome patients with HBs antigenemia(HB-MCNS), in comparision with 25 minimal change nephrotic syndrome patients without any evidence of HBV infection(MCNS). The prevalence rate of HBs antigenimia among minimal change nephrotic syndrome was 8.7%. Age at diagnosis(median; HB-MCNS, 28 vs. MCNS, 22years : P<0.05), serum albumin level(median; HB- MCNS, 2.1 vs. MCNS, 1.8g/dL : P<0.05) and serum IgG level(median; HB-MCNS, 541 vs. MCNS, 271mg/dL : P<0.05) of HB-MCNS were higher than MCNS. C4(median; HB-MCNS, 36 vs. MCNS, 55mg/ dL : P<0.05) was lower. Other clinical findings including sex ratio, amount of 24HU protein, degree of hypercholesterolemia, seropositive rates for serologic markers such as rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulin, and ANA were not different between HB-MCNS and MCNS. The cumulative remission rates of 17 HB-MCNS patients who received steroid or cytotoxic therapy were 85% at 8th weeks and 100% at 11th weeks. Nephrotic syndrome was relapsed in 8% at 8th weeks and 38% at 70th weeks. These remission and relapse rate were not different from that of MCNS. During the course of steroid treatments, serum aspartate/alanine aminotransferase levels were elevated in 6 patients. Among those, 2 patients showed abnormal liver function persistent more than 4 weeks. One of them had positive seroconversion of HBeAg, and the other was proved to have liver cirrohsis. The negative seroconversion of HBeAg was not associated with clinical remission. Clinical finding suggested that HBV infection is unlikely a cause for most HB-MCNS. Even though steroids and cytotoxic agents was effective in HB-MCNS as much as in MCNS, careful monitoring of liver function and HBV marker is needed.

The Effect of Prostaglandin and its Inhibitor on the Antibody - dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Against Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck / 대한면역학회지

The effects of chimeric monoclonal antibodies (cMAbs), prostaglandin E, (PGE,), and indomethacin (INDO) on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against human squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) cell line were examined. Using the PCI-50 SCCHN cell line as target and normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as effector, ADCC was enhanced by the treatment of cMAbs (1.25 p,g/ml), but was inhibited by exogenous PGE (5 X 10' M). The effects of cMAb and PGE were dose-dependent. Maximal suppression of activity occured when PGE was present during the entire 4-hr 'Cr-release assay period, whereas pretreatment of effector cells with PGE had minimal inhibitory effect after washing. These results indicate that decreased ADCC seen with SCCHN targets treated with PGE is related to post-binding events, such as binding of effector and target cells. Pre-treatment of effector cells with INDO (1 ug/ml) resulted in restoration of NK activity which was inhibited by PGE. Our in vitro results suggest that INDO can increase tumor cell killing by the reversal of the suppression for many imrnune functions by PGE.

A Telemedicine System Using B-ISDN / 대한의료정보학회지

The telemedicine is emerging as a new way of medical practice. It will provide more cooperative activity between hospitals and more comfortable access for disabled patients home. We developed a telemedicine system which is aimed to be run on the broadband-intergrated services digital network (B-ISDN). The multimedia database is adjusted to those information about patients that is directly relevant to a doctor's diagnosis. The user interface is designed to help doctors to communicate easily. The key elements of telemedicine systems were designed for user friendly interface and We implemented the pilot system to confirm the usefulness of the system.

A Phase II Trial of Combination Chemotherapy with Cisplatin & Etoposide in Small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The objective responses of cisplatin and etoposide (PVP) combination chemotherapy as second-line therapy following CAV was high (40~50%) and, in several reports, PVP yields survival results that are at least as good as those obtained with cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin-based regimens and with less host-related toxicity in chemotherapy-naive patients. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the effect of a combination of cisplatin and etoposide as a first-line therapy in patients with small cell lung cancer. METHODS: Sixty-one previously untreated small cell lung cancer patients with measurable lesion(s) received cisplatin(30 mg/m2 IV, day 1~3) and etoposide(100 mg/m2 IV, day 1~3). In patients with limited disease, after completion of 6 cycles of PVP chemotherapy, chest and prophylatic brain irradiation was performed in case of complete responder, chest irradiation only in partial responder. RESULTS: 1) Of 55 evaluable patients, 13(24%) had a complete response and 29(53%) had a partial response. 2) The median survival time was 55.8 weeks for all patients(N=55), 61.1 weeks for limited disease(N=31), 51.3 weeks for extensive disease(N=24). 3) The response duration was 29.1 weeks for responders(N=42). 4) There was no significant prognostic factors iufluencing response rates. 5) The toxicity was tolerable and there was no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION: The PVP combination chemotherapy as a first-line therapy was effective and well-tolerated in patients with small cell lung cancer.

Pain Relief from Dorsal Root Entry Zone(DREZ) Lesions Made with CO2 Laser in Brachial Plexus Injury Patients

Treatment of pain related to various types of deafferentation remains a neurosurgical challenge. Medical therapy and conventional surgical techniques for pain relief have not been effective due to this problem. Six patients with intractable pain following a brachial plexus injury were treated with dorsal root entry zone(DREZ) lesions. These lesions were made with CO2 laser. All patients were followed from 5 months to 5 years after surgery. Two-third of the patients were relieved of more than 50% of their preoperative pain. Post-operative neurosurgical complications were ipsilateral leg weakness and loss of proprioception in 2 cases. The laser technique is exact, makes uniform lesion, shortens the duration of the procedure, lessens cord manipulation and makes shalow penetration into the surrounding spinal cord. Dorsal root entry zone(DREZ) lesions made with CO2 laser appeared to be a satisfactory treatment for brachial plexus injury patients who have failed to respond to more conservative modes of therapy.