Efficacy of Levofloxacin-Based Third-Line Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The resistance rate of Helicobacter pylori is gradually increasing. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2014, 110 patients in 14 medical centers received levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease. Of these, 88 were included in the study; 21 were excluded because of lack of follow-up and one was excluded for poor compliance. Their eradication rates, treatment regimens and durations, and types of peptic ulcers were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall eradiation rate was 71.6%. The adherence rate was 80.0%. All except one received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. One received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin, and the eradication was successful. Thirty-one were administered the therapy for 7 days, 25 for 10 days, and 32 for 14 days. No significant differences were observed in the eradication rates between the three groups (7-days, 80.6% vs 10-days, 64.0% vs 14-days, 68.8%, p=0.353). Additionally, no differences were found in the eradiation rates according to the type of peptic ulcer (gastric ulcer, 73.2% vs duodenal/gastroduodenal ulcer, 68.8%, p=0.655). CONCLUSIONS: Levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication showed efficacy similar to that of previously reported first/second-line therapies.

Risk Factors of Nonunion Demanding Surgical Treatment after Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study for radiographically and clinically assessing nonunion after lumbar spine fusion. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to analyze the risk factors for nonunion that requires surgical treatment after lumbar spine fusion SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: A diagnosis of the nonunion after lumbar spine fusion was made by using only the only radiologic images. The incidence of nonunion has been underreported because there are many asymptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plain X-ray films were evaluated for 1317 patients who could be followed up more than 1 year after lumbar fusion. Nonunion was diagnosed at 1 year after fusion by instability seen on the flexion-extension radiograph and the clinical findings like as sustained pain and local tenderness at the surgical site. The risk factors we reviewed included age, the number of levels fused, associated diseases, smoking, alcohol drinking, the initial diagnosis, a previous history of spinal operation, infection, a clear zone and malposition of pedicle screws and metal failure. The relations between nonunion and the factors mentioned above were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were diagnosed as having nonunion underwent reoperation and all had surgically confirmed nonunion. Smoking, infection and a previous history of spine operation had a significant influence on nonunion (p < 0.05). Clear zones persisting more than 1 year and metal failure also had a significant influence on nonunion (p < 0.05). Age, the number of fused levels, the initial diagnosis and alcohol drinking were not shown to influence the rate of nonunion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A through clinical and radiologic evaluation is essential to diagnose nonunion, and this should not be done according to the radiologic images only. Risk factors such as a previous history of spine operation, infection, smoking, the development of a clear zone and metal failure all showed a statistically significant influence on nonunion. Additionally, preoperative and postoperative evaluation of these parameters is needed to achieve bone union.

Treatment Outcome of Lower Lumbar Fracture with Neurological Deficit

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of surgical treatment for a lower lumbar fracture with a neurological deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are several methods for treating lower lumbar fractures with neurological deficits but no definitive guidelines have been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2008, this study reviewed 26 patients who had undergone surgery to treat a lower lumbar fracture with a neurological deficit and could be followed up for more than 12 months. The changes in the kyphotic angle, changes in the vertebral body height, compromise ratio of the spinal canal, recovery of neurological deficit, and clinical results were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 15, 7 and 4 cases with a third, fourth and fifth lumbar fracture, respectively. There are 19, 2 and 5 cases of an unstable bursting fracture, chance fracture and translational injury, respectively. The compromise ratio of the spinal canal improved from 67.2+/-9.4% to 16.4+/-4.6%, and the changes in the kyphotic angle improved from 14.5+/-3.2degrees to 7.6+/-2.4degrees postoperatively and 9.7+/-4.3degrees at the last follow-up. The changes in the vertebral body height improved from 41.3+/-8.4% to 23.4+/-6.3% and the bone union rate was 92.3%. The neurological deficit recovered with 1.27degrees according to the Frankel classification and good functional results were obtained in 84.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of the neurological deficit and good clinical results were obtained with the recovery of the kyphotic angle and bone union with posterior decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion in lower lumbar fractures with a neurological deficit.

Traumatic Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

Survival after traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation is rare. Severe persistent neurological deficits are common in the survivors, but early resuscitation and the use of the newer diagnostic techniques have contributed to improved outcomes. We present here the case of a 42 year old man with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation combined with a dens fracture, and the patient obtained good clinical results after we applied a Halo-vest and performed posterior fusion.

Colorectal Neoplasm in Asymptomatic Average-risk Koreans: The KASID Prospective Multicenter Colonoscopy Survey

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in Korea, but the epidemiology of colorectal neoplasm is not clearly defined. We aimed to elucidate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in average-risk Koreans and explore the underlying risk factors. METHODS: A large-scale, multicenter, prospective study was conducted. Of the 19,460 subjects who underwent colonoscopy at 11 university hospitals, we analyzed 3,951 consecutive asymptomatic adults with no risk factors for colorectal cancer. RESULTS: The subjects were aged 52.1+/-11.6 years (mean+/-SD) and 60.1% of them were men. The prevalences of colorectal neoplasm and advanced neoplasm were 33.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The prevalence of a neoplasm increased with age (trend: p<0.001) and was higher in males (p<0.001). The prevalence of a proximal neoplasm was higher in subjects with a distal neoplasm than in those without a distal neoplasm (11.9% vs. 5.4%, p<0.001). However, 150 (52.1%) of the 288 subjects with a proximal neoplasm had no distal neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of colorectal neoplasm in asymptomatic average-risk Koreans is comparable with that in Western countries. Being male and older are associated with a higher risk of colorectal neoplasm. Over half of proximal neoplasms are not associated with any distal sentinel lesions.

Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Heparin on Tissue Adhesion in Flexor Tenorrhaphy of Chicken / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The role of the amniotic membrane with or without heparin was investigated with regard to the prevention of adhesion formation following flexor tenorrhaphy of chicken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We classified twelve chickens into four groups of three chickens. In group A, the flexor tendon was partially cut and the tendon was repaired. In group B, The repaired tendon was covered with heparin. In group C, the repaired tendon was covered with amniotic membrane. In group D, the repaired tendon was covered with amniotic membrane and heparin. Histologic and gross findings of the repaired tendon were evaluated at postoperative 3, 6 and 9 weeks. RESULTS: In group D, there were less inflammatory cell infiltration and fibroblasts proliferation in all stages. At postoperative 9 weeks of all groups, there were less inflammation and fibroblasts proliferation than those in postoperative 3 and 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: The use of amniotic membrane transplantation and heparin is effective in the prevention of inflammation and adhesion formation following flexor tenorrhaphy of chicken.

Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Heparin on Tissue Adhesion in Flexor Tenorrhaphy of Chicken / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The role of the amniotic membrane with or without heparin was investigated with regard to the prevention of adhesion formation following flexor tenorrhaphy of chicken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We classified twelve chickens into four groups of three chickens. In group A, the flexor tendon was partially cut and the tendon was repaired. In group B, The repaired tendon was covered with heparin. In group C, the repaired tendon was covered with amniotic membrane. In group D, the repaired tendon was covered with amniotic membrane and heparin. Histologic and gross findings of the repaired tendon were evaluated at postoperative 3, 6 and 9 weeks. RESULTS: In group D, there were less inflammatory cell infiltration and fibroblasts proliferation in all stages. At postoperative 9 weeks of all groups, there were less inflammation and fibroblasts proliferation than those in postoperative 3 and 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: The use of amniotic membrane transplantation and heparin is effective in the prevention of inflammation and adhesion formation following flexor tenorrhaphy of chicken.

The Influence of the Degree of Lumbar Disc Degeneration on MRI and the Amount of Removed Disc on Clinical Outcomes / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: The influence of lumbar disc degeneration, the space-occupying ratio on MRI and the amount of removed disc on the clinical outcomes of an open discectomy were analyzed retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the pre and post-operative factors associated with the clinical outcome of an open discectomy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Much controversy still exists regarding the factors that influence the clinical outcome following an open discectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 207 patients who had been treated with an open discectomy for a lumber disc herniation, between April 1997 and December 2003, 161 patients who underwent MRI with the same apparatus, with at least 6 months of follow-up, were analyzed. The study group was composed of 111 men and 50 women, with a mean age at the time of surgery of 33.1 years old. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. The degree of disc degeneration was classified according to the Thompson's classification, and the extent of the discectomy was measured by the volume. The postoperative outcomes were judged using Nayer's classification. RESULTS: The highest frequency of disc herniation occurred at the L4-5 level, with being of the subligamentous extrusion type. The disc degeneration observed on MRI had a high statistical correlation with age (p0.05). Clinically, 123 cases were more than fair, and 4 cases underwent reoperation due to recurrence. The clinical outcome, sex, age and space-occupying ratio were of little statistical value (p>0.05). Statistically, the greater the amount of disc removed, the better the clinical outcome (p<0.05). Those with disc degeneration classified as grade 3 from the MRI had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Those with disc degeneration classified as grade 3 from the MRI had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The greater the amount of disc removed the more satisfactory the clinical outcomes. No statistical relationships were found between the space-occupying ratio and the clinical outcome.

The Influence of the Degree of Lumbar Disc Degeneration on MRI and the Amount of Removed Disc on Clinical Outcomes / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: The influence of lumbar disc degeneration, the space-occupying ratio on MRI and the amount of removed disc on the clinical outcomes of an open discectomy were analyzed retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the pre and post-operative factors associated with the clinical outcome of an open discectomy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Much controversy still exists regarding the factors that influence the clinical outcome following an open discectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 207 patients who had been treated with an open discectomy for a lumber disc herniation, between April 1997 and December 2003, 161 patients who underwent MRI with the same apparatus, with at least 6 months of follow-up, were analyzed. The study group was composed of 111 men and 50 women, with a mean age at the time of surgery of 33.1 years old. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. The degree of disc degeneration was classified according to the Thompson's classification, and the extent of the discectomy was measured by the volume. The postoperative outcomes were judged using Nayer's classification. RESULTS: The highest frequency of disc herniation occurred at the L4-5 level, with being of the subligamentous extrusion type. The disc degeneration observed on MRI had a high statistical correlation with age (p0.05). Clinically, 123 cases were more than fair, and 4 cases underwent reoperation due to recurrence. The clinical outcome, sex, age and space-occupying ratio were of little statistical value (p>0.05). Statistically, the greater the amount of disc removed, the better the clinical outcome (p<0.05). Those with disc degeneration classified as grade 3 from the MRI had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Those with disc degeneration classified as grade 3 from the MRI had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The greater the amount of disc removed the more satisfactory the clinical outcomes. No statistical relationships were found between the space-occupying ratio and the clinical outcome.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Gastric Ulcer Complicated with Bleeding

Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers through suppression of fibrinolysis. This study was designed to investigate associations of t-PA and PAI-1 genes with clinical features of the patients with bleeding gastric ulcers. Eighty-four patients with peptic ulcers and 100 controls were studied between January 1998 and April 2000. We used polymerase chain reaction and endonuclease digestion to genotype for 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter region of the PAI-1 gene and the Alurepeat insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron h of the t-PA gene. Various clinical features, including lesion site, bleeding event, recurrence of ulcer, and rebleeding, were assessed using a multiple logistic regression model. The genotype distributions of both the t-PA and PAI-1 genes did not differ between the patient and control groups. The occurrence of the I/D or D/D genotype of t-PA was significantly higher in cases of duodenal ulcer (adjusted OR=4.39, 95% CI=1.12-17.21). When a dominant effect (i.e., 4G/4G or 4G/5G versus 5G/5G) of the 4G allele was assumed, the PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was independently associated with rebleeding after hemostasis (adjusted OR=5.07, 95% CI=1.03-24.87). Our data suggest that t-PA gene polymorphism is associated with duodenal ulcers, and that the PAI-1 gene may be a risk factor leading to recurrent bleeding after initial hemostasis.

Surgical Results for Perforated Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: Perforated gastric cancer (PGC) is rare and occurs in 1~4% of all gastric cancers. Possible dissemination of tumor cells at the time of perforation of the gastric carcinoma has been a matter of concern. The intraoperative determination of what kind of operation should be done and how extensive the lymphnode dissection should be still remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors influencing the survival and to determine the optimal treatment for PGC. MATENRIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients were operated on for a perforated gastric carcinoma at Soonchunhyang University Chunan Hospital from 1983 to 2000. the age and the sexes of the patients, the location of perforation, the diameter of perforation, the histologic type of the tumor, the depth of wall invasion, the absence or presence of lymph node metastasis / distant metastasis, the stage of disease, the type of operation, and the outcomes were examined. Statistically significant differences were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The stage distributions according to the UICC classification were 1 case of stage I, 6 cases of stage II, 17 cases of stage III, and 11 cases of stage IV. An emergency gastrectomy was done in 26 patients (61.9%), with a 5-yr survival rate of 44%. The survival of patients was significantly influenced by the depth of wall invasion, the lymphnode metastasis, distant metastasis, the stage of disease, and the type of operation. CONCLUSION: an emergency gastrectomy is the treatment of choice for most patients with resectable PGC. Choosing more a optimistic surgical approach for potentially curative cases of PGC should be one way to increase the patient's survival rate.

Perforated Early Gastric Cancer: A case report

An exceedingly rare case of perforated early gastric cancer is reported. A 68-year-old man developed peritonitis due to perforation of early gastric cancer. An emergency radical operation was performed and was followed by an uneventful recovery. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen showed type III early gastric cancer composed of a signet ring cell carcinoma. Five years after surgery, the patients was alive with no evidence of tumor recurrence. The rarity of this complication in early gastric cancer is discussed, and a review of the literature is presented.

Steroid-resistant Ulcerative Colitis in Acute Exacervation Phase Remitted by Cyclosporine and Azathioprine: A case report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ulcerative colitis is chronic inflammatory disease of bowel without definite cause. Standard therapy of ulcerative colitis consists of aminosalicylates and glucocorticoid. In recent years, the effectiveness of cyclosporine in inflammatory bowel disease has been reported. Cyclosporine is useful in inducing remission in patients with acute exacervation phase who do not achieve remission with an intensive intravenous steroid therapy. We report a case of steroid-resistnat ulcerative colitis, treated with cyclosporine in 45-year-old man. Remission was not achieved with treatment of sulfasalazine and intensive intravenous glucocorticoid therapy for 10 days. We administered cyclosporine parenterally in dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 10 days. He improved dramatically without significant side effects of drug and avoided colectomy. He was discharged with oral cyclosporine and azathioprine and has been followed up outpatients department remained in clinically remission. Cyclosporine seems to be an effective treatment for patients with steroid-resistnat severe ulcerative colitis in whom colectomy seems inevitable.

Effect of Rebamipide (Mucosta(R)) in Eradication of Helicobacter pylori / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BAKGROUND/AIMS: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is highly efficacious in preventing the recurrence of peptic ulcer. Rebamipide (Mucosta(R)) is known to have the ability to inhibit neutrophil activity, to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, to scavenge oxygen radical, and to stimulate prostaglandin production. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of rebamipide on the eradication of H. pylori, and decrease of the infilatration of inflammatory cells. METHODS: Eighty two patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers with H. pylori infection were allocated to two treatment groups. The patients were treated either with omeprazole 40 mg, clarithromycin 1.0 g, amoxicillin 2.0 g, rebamipide 300 mg (OCAR group) or omeprazole 40 mg, clarithromycin 1.0 g, amoxicillin 2.0 g (OCA group) for two weeks. RESULTS: H. pylori was eradicated 56 out of 62 patients (90%) in OCAR group and 16 out of 20 patients (80%) in OCA group. The infiltration of inflammatory cells decreased in both treatment groups. No significant side effects had been noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that rebamipide may be useful to decrease gastric mucosal inflammation in peptic ulcer disease. However, further detailed study will be reqiured to determine the potentially beneficial effect whether rebamipide can prevent the recurrence of peptic ulcer diseases with H. pylori infection.