Surgical Management and Long-Term Results of Rathke’s Cleft Cyst

Objective@#: Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs) are nonneoplastic cysts. Most of them are asymptomatic and stable; when symptomatic, RCCs are surgically fenestrated and drained. However, the outcomes remain unclear. The authors evaluated the outcomes of RCC decompression. @*Methods@#: Between 2004 and 2019, 32 RCCs were decompressed in a single tertiary institution. The clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and endocrinological and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent sequential imaging at least twice and at least 12 months after surgery were included in the analysis. @*Results@#: Patients’ mean age was 40.8±14.9 years, and 62.5% were women. The mean follow-up duration was 62.3±48.6 months. In 21 patients (65.6%), no residual cysts were identified on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 18 patients with preoperative visual field defects, 17 (94.4%) experienced postoperative visual improvement. Postoperative complications included endocrinological deterioration in 11 patients (34.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus in 11 (34.4%), infection in four (12.5%), intrasellar hemorrhage in three (9.4%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak in two (6.3%). Follow-up images revealed cyst recurrence in nine patients (28.1%), an average of 20.4 months after surgery; in three patients, the cysts were symptomatic, and resection was repeated. Multivariable analysis revealed that postoperative endocrinological deterioration was the only independent factor associated with cyst recurrence (p=0.028; hazard ratio, 6.800). @*Conclusion@#: Our findings showed that although only cyst fenestration for decompression was performed to preserve pituitary function, more pituitary dysfunction occurred than expected. Besides, the postoperative hormonal deterioration itself acted as a risk factor for cyst recurrence. In conclusion, surgery for RCC should be more careful.

Prediction of Stent Failure for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction in Non-Urological Cancer

Purpose@#To analyze prognostic factors associated with ureteral stent failure and to develop a prediction model for malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) in patients with non-urological cancers. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed patients with non-urological cancers who underwent ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for MUO between 2006 and 2014. Variables predicting stent failure were identified using Cox regression analysis. @*Results@#Of the 743 patients, 468 (63.0%) underwent ureteral stenting only, and 275 (37.0%) underwent PCN owing to technical (n=215) or functional (n=60) stent failure. The median overall survival was 4 [interquartile range (IQR) 1–11] months, and the median interval duration to stent failure was 2 (IQR 0–7) months. In univariate analysis, lower gastrointestinal cancer, previous radiotherapy to the pelvis, bladder invasion, lower ureteral obstruction, and low previous estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) were significantly associated with a decreased survival rate. In multivariate analysis, bladder invasion and previous eGFR were significant predictors. With these two predictors, we divided patients into three groups based on their presence: low-risk (neither factor; n=516), intermediate-risk (one factor; n=206), and high-risk (both factors; n=21). The median stent failure-free survival rates of patients in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 26 (8-unreached), 1 (0–18), and 0 (0–0) months, respectively (p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#In cases of ureteral obstruction caused by non-urological cancers, patients with bladder invasion and a low eGFR showed poor stent failure-free survival. Therefore, PCN should be considered the primary procedure for these patients.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Arising from Biliary Hamartomas in Patients with Recurrent Acute Cholangitis: A Case Report and Literature Review / 대한소화기학회지

Biliary hamartomas are tumor-like malformations of the liver. Biliary hamartomas are a type of fibrocystic disorder originating from ductal plate malformation and are typically considered benign, but with the risk of malignant transformation. In this case report, we present a rare occurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) that developed from biliary hamartomas, along with a literature review. A 76-year-old man with a diagnosis of biliary hamartomas had a history of recurrent cholangitis for 12 years, necessitating cholecystectomy, ERCP, and repeated antibiotic treatments. During his last episode, imaging studies revealed a hypervascular infiltrative mass in the right posterior liver segment. A liver biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma and subsequent surgical pathology revealed ICC originating from biliary hamartomas. Chronic inflammation in the bile duct associated with biliary hamartomas may serve as a potential trigger for malignant transformation, as observed in this case. Therefore, close surveillance is essential for patients with biliary hamartomas presenting with infectious complications.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography during Pregnancy / 대한췌담도학회지

Physiological changes caused by pregnancy promote the formation of gallstones, increasing the risk of acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and cholelithiasis that occur during pregnancy. Since these diseases can be fatal to both mother and fetus, active treatment is critical. Biliary gallstones are preferably treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), even during pregnancy. While there is no alternative, safer and easier treatment method, complications from ERCP are lethal; therefore, several risks and benefits must be considered. First, various tests should be conducted and considered to determine whether ERCP is necessary. The risk of congenital disabilities from radiation exposure to the fetus during ERCP should be considered and minimized. Furthermore, clinicians should be aware of and use safe anesthetic agents and antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy. Finally, ERCPists should be familiar with various technical methods, such as the recently introduced ERCP technique without radiation exposure, stent drainage without complete removal of gallstones in the case of large biliary stones, and removal of biliary stones after childbirth. Pregnancy is not a contraindication for ERCP; as a lifesaving procedure, it should be performed when necessary. Even though the safety of ERCP is considered an acceptable risk in pregnancy, clinicians should continue to try and find safer ways for pregnant women and fetuses being treated for cholelithiasis.

Transfusion support in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Transfusion support for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an essential part of supportive care, and compatible blood should be transfused into recipients. As leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching is considered first and as the blood group does not impede HSCT, major, minor, bidirectional, and RhD incompatibilities occur that might hinder transfusion and cause adverse events. Leukocyte reduction in blood products is frequently used, and irradiation should be performed for blood products, except for plasma. To mitigate incompatibility and adverse events, local transfusion guidelines, hospital transfusion committees, and patient management should be considered.

Exoskeleton-assisted Gait Training in Spinal Disease With Gait Disturbance / 대한신경손상학회지

Objective@#Gait impairment reduces a patient’s quality of life. Exoskeletons and wearable robotics enable patients with gait disturbance to stand up and walk. An exoskeleton was developed for use in patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) in spine diseases with gait disturbance. @*Methods@#This was a single-group preliminary study. Five participants with gait disorders because of root dysfunction accompanying spinal stenosis were included in this study. All participants underwent surgical treatment and an exoskeleton training protocol scheduled for 2 or 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Each session was 60 minutes. Clinical tests were performed before (T1) and at the end of the training (T2). @*Results@#One patient dropped out of the study because of medical issues that were not associated with the exoskeleton. Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation was feasible for all participants. All participants showed positive changes in gait performance, balance, proximal muscle strength, psychological state, and satisfaction with the rehabilitation. However, there was no significant improvement in neurological deficits. @*Conclusion@#OEGT is a feasible rehabilitation method for patients with gait disorders caused by degenerative spinal disease.

The stimulatory effect of Angelica tenuissima Nakai in osteoblastic/odontoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells / 대한치과재료학회지

Angelica tenuissima Nakai (ATN) is an herbal medicine used to treat toothache, headaches, and cold symptoms. However, the therapeutic effects of ATN have not been thoroughly identified. The purpose of this research was to explore the effect of ATN in osteo/odontoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). The influences of ATN on the differentiation and proliferation of hPDLSCs were evaluated using alizarin red S staining, real-time PCR, western blot and MTT assay. ATN promoted osteo/odontoblastic differentiation of hPDLSCs, accelerated mineral nodule formation in vitro, and displayed no toxicity at higher concentrations. The mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen (COL1), osteopontin (OPN), dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP-1), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in hPDLSCs and the protein levels of osteocalcin (OCN), DSPP, DMP-1, and Runx2 were significantly higher after ATN treatment. HEK293 cells overexpressing the osterix (OSX) gene and treated with ATN (100 µg/mL) showed an increase in BSP promoter activity.Those results suggest that ATN enhances the osteo/odontoblastic differentiation of hPDLSCs. These therapeutic properties of ATN can serve as a theoretical basis for further research on the applicability of ATN in periodontal tissue regeneration.

Application of Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Postnatal Growth Failure in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Purpose@#The aims of the study were to develop and evaluate a machine learning model with which to predict postnatal growth failure (PGF) among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. @*Materials and Methods@#Of 10425 VLBW infants registered in the Korean Neonatal Network between 2013 and 2017, 7954 infants were included. PGF was defined as a decrease in Z score >1.28 at discharge, compared to that at birth. Six metrics [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score] were obtained at five time points (at birth, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days after birth, and at discharge). Machine learning models were built using four different techniques [extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest, support vector machine, and convolutional neural network] to compare against the conventional multiple logistic regression (MLR) model. @*Results@#The XGB algorithm showed the best performance with all six metrics across the board. When compared with MLR, XGB showed a significantly higher AUROC (p=0.03) for Day 7, which was the primary performance metric. Using optimal cut-off points, for Day 7, XGB still showed better performances in terms of AUROC (0.74), accuracy (0.68), and F1 score (0.67). AUROC values seemed to increase slightly from birth to 7 days after birth with significance, almost reaching a plateau after 7 days after birth. @*Conclusion@#We have shown the possibility of predicting PGF through machine learning algorithms, especially XGB. Such models may help neonatologists in the early diagnosis of high-risk infants for PGF for early intervention.

Incidence of acute cholecystitis underwent cholecystectomy in incidence dialysis patients: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea

Patients on dialysis have numerous gastrointestinal problems related to uremia, which may represent concealed cholecystitis. We investigated the incidence and risk of acute cholecystitis in dialysis patients and used national health insurance data to identify acute cholecystitis in Korea. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance Database was used, with excerpted data from the insurance claim of the International Classification of Diseases code of dialysis and acute cholecystitis treated with cholecystectomy. We included all patients who commenced dialysis between 2004 and 2013 and selected the same number of controls via propensity score matching. Results: A total of 59,999 dialysis and control patients were analyzed; of these, 3,940 dialysis patients (6.6%) and 647 controls (1.1%) developed acute cholecystitis. The overall incidence of acute cholecystitis was 8.04-fold higher in dialysis patients than in controls (95% confidence interval, 7.40–8.76). The acute cholecystitis incidence rate (incidence rate ratio, 23.13) was especially high in the oldest group of dialysis patients (aged ≥80 years) compared with that of controls. Dialysis was a significant risk factor for acute cholecystitis (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.94; 95% confidence interval, 8.19–9.76). Acute cholecystitis developed in 3,558 of 54,103 hemodialysis patients (6.6%) and in 382 of 5,896 patients (6.5%) undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Conclusion: Patients undergoing dialysis had a higher incidence and risk of acute cholecystitis than the general population. The possibility of a gallbladder disorder developing in patients with gastrointestinal problems should be considered in the dialysis clinic.

Clinical features and signaling effects of RET D631Y variant multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)

Background/Aims@#Germline mutations of the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). About 85% of RET mutations in MEN2 occur in codon Cys634. The RET D631Y mutation has recently been discovered, and we have studied its molecular expression and clinical consequences. @*Methods@#We analyzed the clinical characteristics of a total of 34 D631Y variant MEN2 individuals from seven families. We also constructed wild-type and mutant C630Y, D631Y, and C634R/W expression vectors and investigated their effects on signaling pathways and ability to correct the phenotypes of RET mutant cells. @*Results@#The median ages at diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) were higher in patients with RET D631Y variant MEN2 than in those with the C634R/W variant (49:53.5 years vs. 33.5:27 years, respectively), and the penetration of the D631Y mutation with respect to MTC was lower than that of the C634R/W mutation (32.3% vs. 90%). The effects of the mutant vectors on phosphorylation of RET signaling molecules and focus formation were significantly different from those of wild type, but there were no significant differences between the mutants. D631Y scored significantly higher for chemotaxis and wound healing than C630Y, but lower than C634R and C634W. @*Conclusions@#We suggest that the tumorigenic potential conferred by the D631Y mutation is lower than that conferred by the C634R/W mutation, but higher than that conferred by C630Y. Thus, the risk level of the RET D631Y variant appears to be higher than that of C630Y and lower than that of C634R/W.

Induction of apoptotic cell death in human bladder cancer cells by ethanol extract of Zanthoxylum schinifolium leaf, through ROS-dependent inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Zanthoxylum schinifolium is traditionally used as a spice for cooking in East Asian countries. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of ethanol extracts of Z. schinifolium leaves (EEZS) against human bladder cancer T24 cells.MATERIALS/METHODS: Subsequent to measuring the cytotoxicity of EEZS, the anti-cancer activity was measured by assessing apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, we determined the underlying mechanism of EEZS-induced apoptosis through various assays, including Western blot analysis. @*RESULTS@#EEZS treatment concentration-dependently inhibited T24 cell survival, which is associated with apoptosis induction. Exposure to EEZS induced the expression of Fas and Fas-ligand, activated caspases, and subsequently resulted to cleavage of poly (ADPribose) polymerase. EEZS also enhanced the expression of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm by suppressing MMP, following increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and truncation of Bid. However, EEZS-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly diminished by a pan-caspase inhibitor. Moreover, EEZS inhibited activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and the apoptosis-inducing potential of EEZS was promoted in the presence of PI3K/Akt inhibitor. In addition, EEZS enhanced the production of ROS, whereas N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, markedly suppressed growth inhibition and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by EEZS. Furthermore, NAC significantly attenuated the EEZS-induced apoptosis and reduction of cell viability. @*CONCLUSIONS@#Taken together, our results indicate that exposure to EEZS exhibits anticancer activity in T24 bladder cancer cells through ROS-dependent induction of apoptosis and inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The analysis of the status of emergency department-based screening clinic according to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective single-center study

Objective@#Emergency department-based screening clinic (ED-BSC) is a new concept. It is a multifunctional clinic at the entrance of the emergency department (ED) that serves as a screening center for suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and triaging patients and provides basic emergency treatment. We aimed to analyze the current status of the COVID-19 ED-BSC and determine the factors when assigning suspected COVID-19 patients to the negative pressure isolation rooms (NPIRs) at the ED. @*Methods@#Data of patients who visited the ED-BSC between February 7, 2020, and April 30, 2020, were obtained retrospectively. The data of the patients who underwent the COVID-19 screening test per the standards of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency were analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 1,378 patients who visited the ED-BSC were included in the study. Of these, 1,226 patients were allowed to go home after the COVID-19 screening test, and 152 patients were assigned to the NPIRs. In univariate analysis, factors influencing the allocation of NPIRs were old age, history of overseas travel within the last 14 days, fever and peripheral oxygen saturation. The multivariate regression analysis confirmed that older adults, history of overseas travel within the last 14 days and fever influenced the allocation of patients to NPIRs. @*Conclusion@#This study elucidates the current status of suspected COVID-19 patient visits to an ED-BSC. This study may serve as a basis for the establishment and revision of clinical guidelines for ED-BSC.

Growth Pattern With Morbidities From Birth to 5 Years of Age in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Comparison of the Korean National Network and National Health Insurance Service

Background@#Long-term growth data of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are currently collected in the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) and National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. However, variance in the number of infants, check-up time, and check-up parameters led to decreased credibility of cumulated data. We aimed to compare the data on serial growth outcomes by major morbidities from birth to 5 years in VLBW infants between the KNN and NHIS databases. @*Methods@#We combined the NHIS and KNN data of VLBW infants born between 2013 and 2015. The check-up times in the NHIS database were at 4–6, 9–12, 18–24, 30–36, 42–48, and 54–60 months of age, whereas in the KNN were at 18–24 months of corrected age and at 36 months of age.Result: Among 8,864 VLBW infants enrolled based on the birth certificates from the Statistics Korea, 6,086 infants (69%) were enrolled in the KNN, and 5,086 infants (57%) participated in the NHIS health check-up. Among 6,068 infants, 3,428 infants (56%) were enrolled at a corrected age of 18–24 months and 2,572 infants (42%) were enrolled at a chronological age of 33–36 months according to the KNN follow-up registry. However, based on the national birth statistics data, the overall follow-up rate of the KNN at 36 months of age was as low as 29%. The NHIS screening rate was lower at first (23%); however, it increased over time to exceed the KNN follow-up rate. Growth failure (weight under 10th percentile) at corrected ages of 18–24 months and 36 months were more common in the NHIS than KNN (42% vs. 20%, 37% vs. 34.5%). Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and periventricular leukomalacia showed similar rates of growth failure at 2 years but varying rates at 3 years between the KNN and NHIS. @*Conclusion@#By integrating the KNN and NHIS data indirectly at continuous time points according to morbidities, we found that there are discontinuities and discrepancies between the two databases among VLBW infants. Establishing an integrated system by patient level linking the KNN and NHIS databases can lead to better understanding and improved neonatal outcomes in VLBW infants in Korea.

Surgical Outcome of Revision Operation for Recurrent Aural Cholesteatoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#To investigate surgical outcomes of revision operation for recurrent cholesteatoma.Subjects and Method From 1989 to 2018, 5245 cases of middle ear surgeries were performed at Kangdong and Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. A total of 138 clinical records of the subjects who underwent revision cholesteatoma surgery, and whose follow-up durations were more than 3 months, were reviewed. Hearing outcomes were analyzed in accordance with the 2005 Korean otology society guideline. Postoperative perforation was defined to be present if perforation exists after three months of surgery. Postoperative infection or recurrence was defined if patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics or underwent reoperation. @*Results@#Among 138 cases, surgical approaches used were canal wall up mastoidectomy in 38 (28%), canal wall down mastoidectomy in 89 (64%), and exploratory tympanotomy in 11 (8%). Air conduction and air bone gap showed statistically significant differences before and after the surgery. The number of patients who met at least 1 criteria was 70, accounting for 51%. Patients were classified into four groups according to the Postoperative ABG grade, where 43% of patients were included in “Excellent” or “Good” results group. When the results were compared according to the surgical method, canal wall up group showed significantly higher hearing success rate compared to CWDM group. Patients without postoperative perforation, infection or recurrence were considered successful and there were 122 such cases, accounting for 88%. @*Conclusion@#CWDM more frequently underwent revision than CWUM and ET, and showed worse hearing results than other groups. These analyses can be used for preoperative counseling.

A Case of Fourth Branchial Cleft Cyst Occurred on the Right Side / 대한이비인후과학회지

Branchial cleft cyst (BCC) is a relatively common congenital malformation in the neck. However, the fourth BCC is very rare and frequently unknown to clinicians. Failure to appropriately recognize this anomaly may result in misdiagnosis, insufficient treatment, and continued recurrence. Even though its rarity, it usually occurs on the left side. Here, we present an unusual case of fourth branchial cleft cyst that occurred on the right side.

The Importance of Lamina Size Measurement and Proper Implants Selection before Laminoplasty : Two Case Reports / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Open door laminoplasty using plates is a safe and effective procedure for multi-level cord compression. To achieve stable laminar arch, various types of plate have been developed and used. Now, we introduce two rare complications related to the laminar shelf of plate. In the first case, we used the wider laminar shelf plate because the elevated lamina did not fit well into the usual laminar shelf. During follow-up, cord compression due to laminar shelf was observed. And in the second case, the laminar shelf of plate did not fit into the elevated lamina, so we inserted it with a little bit of force. But the patient’s symptom was not improved. On CT image, the inner cortical bone of the lamina was fractured. To prevent these complications, surgeons need to consider the thickness of the lamina and the size of the laminar shelf before surgery.

Clinical Characteristics of Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest During Cancer Surgery

Purpose@#Intraoperative cardiac arrest (IOCA) is rare, unpredictable, and may result in a poor outcome. The features of IOCA during cancer surgery and factors related to survival following an IOCA were examined. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective study of patients who had cancer surgery under general anesthesia between March 2009 and March 2021 (n = 84,615) to determine the number of patients who had an IOCA. Patients’ clinical information, cause of IOCA, hypoxemia during anesthesia, and the duration of hypotension and CPR were analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 22 cases of IOCA occurred during cancer surgery (overall incidence: 2.6 per 10,000 surgeries). Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 17 patients, but only 13 survived until discharge. There were statistically significant differences between the deceased and the survival cancer patient groups in; (1) duration of hypoxemia (survival group: 5 minutes, range: 2-18 minutes; deceased group: 60 minutes, range, 22.5-120 minutes; p = 0.019); (2) duration of hypotension (survival group: 35 minutes, range, 15-55 minutes; deceased group 160 minutes, range, 140-185 minutes; p = 0.007); and (3) total duration of CPR (survival group: 3 minutes, range: 1-15 minutes; deceased group: 40 minutes, range: 19-149 minutes; p = 0.005). @*Conclusion@#The duration of hypoxemia and hypotension prior to the onset of IOCA, as well as the duration of CPR were associated with the prognosis of IOCA, highlighting the need to reduce multiorgan damage caused by hypoxemia and hypotension during surgery in high-risk patients.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a case report with a history of spontaneously resolved late seroma

We report a case of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which had a history of spontaneous resorption of late seroma before diagnosis. A 47-year-old woman with a history of augmentation mammoplasty with round textured implants in January 2013 presented with a swelling on her right breast 6 years later, which was diagnosed as late seroma with suspected intracapsular rupture using ultrasonography (USG). Although aspiration was not done at the time of the initial USG, the seroma resolved spontaneously within weeks. A further workup proceeded with USG-guided aspiration followed by magnetic resonance imaging. Cytology of the aspirated fluid showed atypical cells. Cell block cytology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. En bloc resection with total capsulectomy and explantation was performed as curative surgery. Pathologic stage pT2N0M0 was confirmed and the patient was followed up without further treatment. Although the classic presentation of BIA-ALCL is known as late persistent seroma, an atypical manifestation such as spontaneous resorption may occur, as in the current case. A high level of suspicion and a thorough investigation with appropriate modalities will make it possible to detect this rare and potentially devastating disease.

The Nationwide Incidence of Retinal Vein Occlusion Following Dialysis due to End-stage Renal Disease in Korea, 2004 through 2013

Background@#We investigated the incidence and risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in endstage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis in Korea. @*Methods@#In this nationwide cohort study, we used Korean National Health Insurance Service data between 2004 and 2013 for analysis. ESRD patients who started dialysis from 2004 to 2013 and an equal number of controls were selected through propensity score matching. RVO incidence in both cohorts were calculated for 2004–2013 using washout data from 2003. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the risk of RVO in dialysis cohort. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate the cumulative RVO incidence curve.Whether the dialysis modality affects the development of RVO was also evaluated. @*Results@#In this study, 74,551 ESRD patients on dialysis and the same number of controls were included. The incidence of RVO was significantly higher in the dialysis cohort than in the control cohort (dialysis = 7.3/1,000 person-years [PY]; control = 1.9/1,000 PY; P < 0.001). The cumulative-incidence of RVO was also significantly higher in the dialysis cohort than in the control cohort (P < 0.001; log-rank test). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of RVO between the two dialysis methods (P = 0.550; log-rank test). @*Conclusion@#This study provided epidemiological evidence that receiving dialysis for ESRD could increase the risk of developing RVO. We also found a rapid increase in the incidence of RVO with a longer dialysis period. These results strengthen the relationship between retinal vascular disease and renal function.

Objective photographic assessments and comparisons of immediate bilateral breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and implants

Background@#The increasing number of bilateral breast cancer patients has been accompanied by a growing need for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. However, little research has investigated the complications and aesthetic outcomes related to bilateral reconstruction. Therefore, we analyzed retrospective data comparing the outcomes of bilateral reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps or implants. @*Methods@#This study included 52 patients (24 DIEP group and 28 implant group) who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complications were recorded. The difference between the left and right position of the nipple-areolar complex with respect to the sternal notch point at the clavicle was measured, and breast symmetry was evaluated. @*Results@#The average weight of breasts reconstructed with DIEP flaps (417.43±152.50 g) was higher than that of breasts with implants. The hospitalization period and operation time were significantly longer in the DIEP group. Early complications were significantly more common in the implant group (36.53%) than in the DIEP group. The angles between the nipples and the horizontal line were 1.09°±0.71° and 1.75°±1.45° in the DIEP and implant groups, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Although the surgical burden is lower, breast reconstruction using implants requires greater attention with respect to implant positioning, asymmetry, and complications than DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has a prolonged operation time and a high risk of flap failure, but yields excellent cosmetic results and does not require intensive follow-up. Patients should be consulted to determine the most suitable option for them.