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Herpes zoster (HZ) is one of the most common cutaneous adverse reactionsassociated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and has been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate HZ following COVID-19 vaccination from the viewpointof pain management.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 42 patients with HZ who visited the painclinic between August 2021 and October 2021. Medical records were reviewed to comparepain severity, treatment methods, treatment duration, and incidence rate of postherpeticneuralgia (PHN) in patients who received COVID-19 vaccination within 6 weeks prior to developing symptoms compared with other patients with HZ.Results: Fourteen patients developed HZ within 6 weeks after vaccination and were significantly younger than the other HZ groups. There were no significant differences in the frequency of prodromal pain, location of pain, pain severity, treatment methods, treatmentduration, or incidence of PHN compared with the other HZ groups.Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination-related HZ showed clinical features similar to those ofthe other HZ.
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Background@#Topical recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is effective in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, burns, and scars. Binding of EGF to EGF receptors results in cell proliferation and differentiation. @*Objective@#This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical rhEGF ointment compared with that of topical mupirocin in healing herpes zoster (HZ) lesions. @*Methods@#Thirty patients diagnosed with typical HZ were recruited in August, 2018. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: topical mupirocin and topical rhEGF ointment. HZ lesions were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) at the initial visit, 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks. @*Results@#The total number of recruited patients (n=30) included males (n=16, 53.3%) and females (n=14, 46.7%) with a mean age of 58.2. The proportion of patients with a 50% reduction in the VSS score (VSS 50) at 2nd week was significantly higher in the rhEGF group (33.0% vs. 72.0%, respectively, p=0.035). The complete resolution rate (VSS=0, 1) at 4th week was also higher in the rhEGF group (17.5% vs. 50.0%, p=0.03). @*Conclusion@#Topical rhEGF showed a more rapid treatment response and anti-scarring effect than topical mupirocin in patients with HZ lesions.
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no abstract available.
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Study DesignA cross-sectional study.PurposeTo examine the influence of restrictive pulmonary dysfunction on osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures.Overview of LiteratureOsteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures generally result in an increased kyphotic angle, which in turn may lead to pulmonary function impairment. Impaired pulmonary function could be associated with vertebral fractures. However, an association between osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures and pulmonary function remains controversial.MethodsA total of 96 patients were enrolled in this study, 30 of whom had osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures (group 1), 30 with chronic back pain (group 2), and 36 with chronic pulmonary diseases (group 3). Radiologic study of prevalent vertebral fractures, thoracic kyphotic angle, bone mineral density, relaxed expiratory vital capacity, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in spirometry was investigated.ResultsThe mean FVC and FEV1 were 75.66%±20.23% and 79.93%±22.48%, respectively, in group 1; 84.50%±16.25% and 91.87%±21.65%, respectively, in group 2; and 91.64%±17.53% and 91.03%±23.71%, respectively, in group 3. Group 1 (patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fracture) had the lowest FVC among the three groups (p=0.01). Group 1 revealed worse result of pulmonary dysfunction than group 3 (patients with chronic pulmonary diseases) (p=0.01). The average kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was 26.95°±15.17°, 36.47°±20.08°, and 28.58°±10.58° in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was a negative correlation between thoracic kyphosis and FEV1 (r=−0.309, p=0.01).ConclusionsThe results suggest that osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fracture burden could be affected by restrictive pulmonary dysfunction.
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Background@#The direct entry of the camera under the epiglottis may provide a better view of the glottis than the indirect lifting of the epiglottis by placing the Macintosh blade tip on the vallecula when using the video laryngoscope. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of two different methods of lifting the epiglottis during the visualization of glottis using video laryngoscopy in the same patient. @*Methods@#This prospective study enrolled 60 patients who underwent general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. In each patient, glottic views were obtained by directly (group DE) and indirectly lifting the epiglottis (group IE). These two methods were compared using the modified Cormack and Lehane grade and the percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score as assessment parameters. @*Results@#Modified Cormack and Lehane grade showed a significant difference between the groups DE and IE (P = 0.004). The difference in the POGO score between the groups DE and IE was also statistically significant (87.5% and 64.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Our results, therefore, revealed that the method of directly lifting epiglottis was better at exposing glottis than the method of indirectly lifting epiglottis using a video laryngoscope.
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Background@#The direct entry of the camera under the epiglottis may provide a better view of the glottis than the indirect lifting of the epiglottis by placing the Macintosh blade tip on the vallecula when using the video laryngoscope. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of two different methods of lifting the epiglottis during the visualization of glottis using video laryngoscopy in the same patient. @*Methods@#This prospective study enrolled 60 patients who underwent general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. In each patient, glottic views were obtained by directly (group DE) and indirectly lifting the epiglottis (group IE). These two methods were compared using the modified Cormack and Lehane grade and the percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score as assessment parameters. @*Results@#Modified Cormack and Lehane grade showed a significant difference between the groups DE and IE (P = 0.004). The difference in the POGO score between the groups DE and IE was also statistically significant (87.5% and 64.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Our results, therefore, revealed that the method of directly lifting epiglottis was better at exposing glottis than the method of indirectly lifting epiglottis using a video laryngoscope.
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A 36-year-old female amateur cyclist developed mononeuropathy of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve due to nerve compression adjacent to the ulnar tunnel (type II Guyon’s canal syndrome) caused by prolonged bicycle riding.The patient’s signs and symptoms persisted even after refraining from cycling for 4 weeks; thus, she underwent decompression of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve in the palm and wrist. Three months postoperation, she recovered nearly full power and function of her left hand.
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Objectives@#To evaluate the association between L1 slope and thoracolumbar spinal parameters of sagittal balance in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Summary of Literature Review: Recently, interest has emerged in the sagittal parameters of the thoracolumbar spine in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. @*Materials and Methods@#Eighty-five patients were enrolled in this study, including 36 patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral fractures (group 1) and 49 patients who did not have vertebral fractures (group 2). Radiographic parameters including L1 slope, C7 plumb line (C7 PL), sagittal imbalance (C7 PL >50 mm), lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, S1 slope, local kyphotic angle were evaluated on standing lateral radiographs of the whole spine. We analyzed correlations between L1 slope and these parameters. @*Results@#Of the sagittal parameters of the spine, the mean L1 slope, C7 PL, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, S1 slope, pelvic tilt, and local kyphotic angle were 10.43°, 92.43 mm, 29.30°, 30.31°, 25.27°, 27.27°, 9.90° in group 1 and 9.41°, 68.50 mm, 20.09°, 23.25°, 22.03°, 31.43°, 8.21° in group 2, respectively. There were significant differences in thoracic kyphosis (p=0.01) and lumbar lordosis (p=0.04) between the two groups. L1 slope was positively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (r=0.46, p=0.01), lumbar lordosis (r=0.51, p=0.01), and local kyphotic angle (r=0.29, p=0.04) in group 1. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that L1 slope is a central indicator for the evaluation of thoracolumbar sagittal balance in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
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Objectives@#To evaluate the association between L1 slope and thoracolumbar spinal parameters of sagittal balance in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Summary of Literature Review: Recently, interest has emerged in the sagittal parameters of the thoracolumbar spine in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. @*Materials and Methods@#Eighty-five patients were enrolled in this study, including 36 patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral fractures (group 1) and 49 patients who did not have vertebral fractures (group 2). Radiographic parameters including L1 slope, C7 plumb line (C7 PL), sagittal imbalance (C7 PL >50 mm), lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, S1 slope, local kyphotic angle were evaluated on standing lateral radiographs of the whole spine. We analyzed correlations between L1 slope and these parameters. @*Results@#Of the sagittal parameters of the spine, the mean L1 slope, C7 PL, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, S1 slope, pelvic tilt, and local kyphotic angle were 10.43°, 92.43 mm, 29.30°, 30.31°, 25.27°, 27.27°, 9.90° in group 1 and 9.41°, 68.50 mm, 20.09°, 23.25°, 22.03°, 31.43°, 8.21° in group 2, respectively. There were significant differences in thoracic kyphosis (p=0.01) and lumbar lordosis (p=0.04) between the two groups. L1 slope was positively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (r=0.46, p=0.01), lumbar lordosis (r=0.51, p=0.01), and local kyphotic angle (r=0.29, p=0.04) in group 1. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that L1 slope is a central indicator for the evaluation of thoracolumbar sagittal balance in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
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Isolated fractures of lower sacrum are commonly treated conservatively in most cases because of low energy damage and stable fracture. However, surgical treatment is required in displaced unstable fracture. But the surgical technique is not established and even case reports are not common. We reported a case of displaced transverse fracture of the lower sacrum that was treated with an open reduction and dual plate fixation.
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OBJECTIVE: Alcohol-induced blackout (blackout) is a typical early symptom of cognitive impairment caused by drinking. However, the first onset age of blackout or the duration after onset of blackout has not been directly compared in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in cognitive function to the first start age of blackouts and their duration. METHODS: Thirty-one male subjects were included in this study. Their age at the first blackout and the duration after the onset of blackout were investigated. Neuropsychological tests were conducted to determine their attention, memory, and executive function. Subjects were divided into three groups according to their age of the first onset blackout (group O1, 40 years). Subjects were also divided into three groups by duration after the onset of blackout (P1, 30 years). We then examined differences in neurocognitive function among these groups. RESULTS: O1 tended to have a lower memory score than O2 (F = 3.28, p = 0.053). Significant differences were observed in attention and executive function between groups P1 and P3 (Digit Span_backward: F = 6.07, p < 0.05; visual span_forward: F = 4.19, p < 0.05; executive intelligence quotient: F = 3.55, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Greater memory impairment was detected in subjects having an earlier age of the first blackout. The longer the duration after the onset of blackout, the more impaired their attention and executive function skills.
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Humans , Male , Age of Onset , Alcohol-Induced Disorders , Amnesia, Retrograde , Cognition Disorders , Cognition , Drinking , Executive Function , Intelligence , Memory , Neuropsychological TestsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess union and complication rates associated with the use of 2 small diameter headless compression screws and volar wedge bone grafting for the treatment of scaphoid fracture waist nonunions with collapse. METHODS: A total of 12 patients (11 male and 1 female) at an average age of 32.5 years were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with 2 small diameter headless compression screws for scaphoid nonunions with a mean follow-up of 11 months. Tricortical wedge shaped autograft were harvested from the iliac crest and placed into the nonunion site to restore length and alignment in all patients. Union was determined by radiographs and computed tomography, and scapholunate and radiolunate angles, and height-to-length ratio were calculated on final radiographs and follow-up computed tomography. RESULTS: All 12 scaphoids united with a mean time for 2.8 months. The mean postoperative scapholunate angle was significantly reduced from 73° preoperatively to 56° postoperatively. The mean radiolunate angle was significantly improved from 21° from neutral preoperatively to 12° postoperatively. The height-to-length ratio was also demonstrated significant improvement from 0.73 preoperatively to 0.60 postoperatively. No hardware problems were identified and no revision procedures have been necessary. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the use of 2 small diameter headless compression screws with volar structural bone graft stabilizes the fracture for predictable union, while reducing the deformity reliably from a collapsed scaphoid nonunion. The presented technique is safe and effective, and may provide superior biomechanical stability, especially against the torsional force.
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Humans , Male , Autografts , Bone Transplantation , Congenital Abnormalities , Follow-Up Studies , Torsion, Mechanical , TransplantsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported that both preference for spicy food and drinking behavior are associated with the activity of the opioid system in the central nervous system. The relationship between the preference for spicy food and the risk of alcohol dependence by comparing spicy food preference in alcohol-dependent patients vs. healthy controls was investigated. Also the association between the preference for spicy food and OPRM1 A118G was studied. METHODS: A total of 150 Korean male patients with alcohol dependence and 100 normal male control subjects were included in this study. Preference for spicy food was measured using the Food Preference Scale (FPS). DNA analysis was conducted to detect the A118G polymorphism. RESULTS: The mean FPS score was significantly higher in the alcohol-dependent patients (61.2±24.2) than in the normal control subjects (53.0±22.0). FPS scores differed significantly between alcohol-dependent patients and normal control subjects who had the G allele in OPRM1 A118G, but not between the two groups with the AA genotype. CONCLUSION: A strong preference for spicy food can be assumed to be a risk factor for alcohol dependence, particularly in those carrying the G allele in OPRM1 A118G.
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Humans , Male , Alcoholism , Alleles , Central Nervous System , DNA , Drinking Behavior , Food Preferences , Genotype , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of spino-pelvic sagittal parameters and back muscles on osteoporotic vertebral fracture. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Low bone mass is not the only important component of the risk on osteoporotic vertebral fracture; many other risk factors also contribute to skeletal fragility. METHODS: Seventy-two patients who had a lateral radiograph of the whole spine, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, and bone densitometry, were enrolled. The spino-pelvic sagittal parameters (pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt [PT], sacral slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis), age, lumbar bone mineral density, and amount of back muscle around the lumbar spine were analyzed. RESULTS: There was higher sagittal imbalance of the spine in the vertebral fracture group (p=0.011). In spinopelvic parameters, the average of PT was 22.13degrees in vertebral fracture group and 13.70degrees in the non-fracture group (p=0.002). The amount of lower back extensor muscle in the vertebral fracture group was 2,170 mm2, which was lower than the non-fracture group (3,040 mm2, p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis for the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture was significant in lumbar bone mineral density (odds ratio [OR], 0.313; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.139-0.706, p=0.005) and the muscle ratio of extensor back muscle (OR, 0.902; 95% CI, 0.826-0.984; p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that osteoporotic vertebral fracture could be developed easily by weakness of extensor back muscle in sagittal imbalance of the spine with high pelvic tilt.
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Humans , Back Muscles , Bone Density , Case-Control Studies , Densitometry , Incidence , Kyphosis , Logistic Models , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Osteoporosis , Risk Factors , SpineABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objects of this study were to examine the thickness of labial plate of anterior maxillary teeth and the gingival biotype in Koreans and to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the gingival biotype and the thickness of labial plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 335 teeth of 57 subjects at the Pusan National University Dental Hospital. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the thickness of labial plate at 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm from the cementoenamel junction and the gingival biotype was determined by the visibility of periodontal probe. RESULTS: Thin facial bone less than 1 mm was observed in 87% at 4 mm, 88% at 6 mm and 90% at 8 mm. In 21% of total objects, thin gingival biotype was observed. There is no correlation between the thickness of labial plate and gingival biotype. CONCLUSION: Additional thorough radiographic examination such as CBCT was mandatory for aesthetic dental implant in the anterior dentition besides clinical oral examination.
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Humans , Asian People , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Dental Implants , Dentition , Diagnosis, Oral , Facial Bones , Maxilla , Periodontium , Tooth , Tooth CervixABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical results of fixation using Sirus(R) nail in patients with femoral subtrochanteric and shaft fracture and the difference in the frequency of complications according to the entry portal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2006 to August 2013, at least 1-year clinical follow-up, we retrospectively analyzed 36 cases with femoral subtrochanteric (15 cases) and shaft fracture (21 cases) who underwent surgery using Sirus(R) nail. We reviewed the records of operation time, intra-operative amounts of bleeding and complications. At last follow-up, we reviewed clinical results by Ray-Sanders criteria and analyzed the periods of bone union on the radiograph. We also measured changing of the femoral neck-shaft angle in the subtrochanteric fractures and angulation in the shaft fractures, respectively. Considering anatomical variation of the trochanter and fracture position of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft, entry points were divided into subgroups, and the clinical results were compared. RESULTS: The mean Ray-Sanders score was 27.4, 27 cases (75.0%) were good or excellent. The mean periods of bone union was 21.1 weeks in 31 cases. The mean neck-shaft angles were 135.7o preoperatively, 130.2o postoperatively. The mean angulation of the femur was 24.4o preoperatively, 2.4o postoperatively in patients of femoral shaft fractures. Despite no statistical significance, greater trochanter tip entry point and lateral entry point had a higher rate of frequency than medial entry point, with respect to the occurrence of iatrogenic fracture and malalignment. CONCLUSION: Using Sirus(R) nail for femoral subtrochanteric and shaft fractures showed good clinical and radiographic results and a high rate of union. Medial entry point yielded slightly better results in the occurrence of iatrogenic fracture and malalignment, compared to greater trochanter tip entry point and lateral entry point.
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Humans , Femoral Fractures , Femur , Follow-Up Studies , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary , Hemorrhage , Hip Fractures , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled animal study. PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of fusion and new bone formation induced by demineralized bone matrix (DBM) strips with jelly strengths. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The form of the DBM can make a difference to the outcome. The effect of different jelly strengths on the ability of DBM to form new bone is not known. METHODS: Forty-eight rabbits were randomized into a control group and two experimental groups. In the control group (group 1), 1.4 g of autologous iliac crest bone was placed bilaterally. In the experimental groups, a high jelly strength DBM-hyaluronic acid (HA)-gelatin strip (group 2) and a low jelly strength DBM-HA-gelatin strip (group 3) were used. The fusion was assessed with manual manipulation and radiographs. The volume of the fusion mass was determined from computed tomographic images. RESULTS: The fusion rates as determined by manual palpation were 37.5%, 93.8% and 50.0% in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively (p<0.05). By radiography, the fusion rate of High jelly strength DBM strip was statistically significantly greater than that of the other alternatives (p<0.05). The mean bone volume of the fusion mass as determined by computed tomography was 2,142.2+/-318.5 mm3, 3,132.9+/-632.1 mm3, and 2,741.5+/-380.4 mm3 in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that differences in the structural and mechanical properties of gelatin that are associated with jelly strength influenced cellular responses such as cell viability and bony tissue ingrowth, facilitating greater bone fusion around high jelly strength implants.
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Animals , Rabbits , Bone Matrix , Cell Survival , Gelatin , Osteogenesis , Palpation , Radiography , Spinal FusionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ketorolac has been used as a postoperative analgesia in combination with opioids. However, the use of ketorolac may produce serious side effects in vulnerable patients. Propacetamol is known to induce fewer side effects than ketorolac because it mainly affects the central nervous system. We compared the analgesic effects and patient satisfaction levels of each drug when combined with fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups, each with n = 46. The patients in each group were given 60 mg of ketorolac or 2 g of propacetamol (mixed with fentanyl) for 10 minutes. The patients were then given 180 mg of ketorolac or 8 g of propacetamol (mixed with fentanyl and ramosetron) through PCA. We assessed the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) at the time point immediately before administration (baseline) and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes, and 24 hours after administration. Also, the side effects of each regimen and each patient's degree of satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant decline in the VAS score in both groups (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the VAS scores between the groups at each time point. Satisfaction scores between the groups showed no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of propacetamol is comparable to that of ketorolac in postoperative PCA with fentanyl.
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Humans , Analgesia , Analgesia, Patient-Controlled , Analgesics, Opioid , Central Nervous System , Fentanyl , Ketorolac , Pain Measurement , Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis , Patient SatisfactionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays an important role in the postoperative morbidity of organs, which is related to the activation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Ulinastatin (Urinary trypsin inhibitor, UTI) is a serine protease inhibitor found in human urine or serum that inhibits the activation of human leukocyte elastase. This study examined the effect of UTI on the inflammation response in patients undergoing a gastrectomy. METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled to undergo a gastrectomy were divided into two groups as follows: Control group (untreated, n = 15) and UTI group (100,000 units of UTI were continuously injected intravenously for 2 hours, n = 15). Arterial blood was sampled before surgery (T0), 10 minutes after its onset (T1), at its end (T2), and 1 hour after surgery (T3) to measure the level of cytokines. RESULTS: Both the control and treatment groups had higher interleukin (IL)-6 levels at T2 and T3 than T0, and the level increased with time. However, the increase was smaller in the treatment group. The IL-8 levels were not activated significantly in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: UTI inhibits the secretion of IL-6, which is an inflammatory cytokine produced after a gastrectomy. This shows that UTI can decrease the inflammation reaction caused by surgical stress.
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Humans , Cytokines , Gastrectomy , Glycoproteins , Inflammation , Interleukin-6 , Interleukin-8 , Interleukins , Leukocyte Elastase , Serine Proteases , TrypsinABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Schwannoma is one of common neoplasm in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, schwannoma of sciatic nerve is rare, especially large schwannoma arising in sciatic nerve is extremely rare. This is a report of our experience with large schwannoma arising in sciatic nerve with minimal neurologic symptoms. METHODS: A 65-year-old man presented with palpable mass in middle portion of posterior thigh. No definitive neurologic deficits were detected on physical examinations. CT and sonography showed well-defined mass with large dimension. The mass was excised and confirmed histologically as a schwannoma. In postoperative period, NCS and EMG were followed. RESULTS: The patient complained of difficulty in dorsiflexion of ipsilateral ankle joint postoperatively. NCS and EMG obtained immediately and showed sciatic neuropathy. After 2 months postoperatively, NCS and EMG were followed and abnormal findings of previous NCS and EMG were not found. Dorsiflexion of ankle joint was improved to normal range of motion. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of large schwannoma arising in sciatic nerve with no definitive neurologic symptoms.