Effectiveness of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter in patients with chronic spinal stenosis accompanying mild spondylolisthesis: a longitudinal cohort study

Background@#Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is frequently associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and conservative treatments such as epidural steroid injection do not have long-term benefits in LSS patients with DLS. This study evaluated the effectiveness of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter in patients with LSS and DLS. @*Methods@#Patients’ sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, stenosis grading, pain duration, location, pain intensity, and medications were retrieved from electronic medical records. At 1, 3, and 6 months following the procedure, data on pain severity, medication usage, and physical functional status were analyzed. A generalized estimating equations model was used at the six-month follow-up. Patients were divided into those with DLS (the spondylolisthesis group) and those without DLS (the no spondylolisthesis group) to evaluate whether the effects of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter were different. @*Results@#A total of 826 patients were included (spondylolisthesis: 433 patients, 52.4%; no spondylolisthesis: 393 patients, 47.6%). Age, body mass index, hypertension, pain location, and stenosis grading were statistically different between the two groups. The generalized estimating equations analyses with unadjusted and adjusted estimation revealed a significant improvement in the estimated mean numerical rating scale of pain intensities compared to that at baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Any adverse events that occurred were minor and temporary. @*Conclusions@#Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter may be an alternative treatment option for patients with chronic LSS, regardless of accompanying DLS, who have had failed conservative management.

Factors associated with successful response to neurolytic celiac plexus block in patients with upper abdominal cancer-related pain: a retrospective study

Background@#Prior studies have reported that 40%-90% of the patients with celiac plexus-mediated visceral pain benefit from the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB), but the predictive factors of response to NCPB have not been evaluated extensively. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the immediate analgesic effectiveness of NCPB in patients with intractable upper abdominal cancer-related pain. @*Methods@#A retrospective review was performed of 513 patients who underwent NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Response to the procedure was defined as (1) a decrease of ≥ 50% or ≥ 4 points on the numerical rating scale (NRS) in pain intensity from the baseline without an increase in opioid requirement, or (2) a decrease of ≥ 30% or ≥ 2 points on the NRS from the baseline with simultaneously reduced opioid consumption after NCPB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with successful responses to NCPB. @*Results@#Among the 513 patients included in the analysis, 255 (49.8%) and 258 (50.2%) patients were in the non-responder and responder group after NCPB, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.644, P = 0.035), history of upper abdominal surgery (OR = 0.691, P = 0.040), and celiac metastasis (OR = 1.496, P = 0.039) were the independent factors associated with response to NCPB. @*Conclusions@#Celiac plexus metastases, absence of diabetes, and absence of prior upper abdominal surgery may be independently associated with better response to NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain.

Factors associated with successful response to neurolytic celiac plexus block in patients with upper abdominal cancer-related pain: a retrospective study

Background@#Prior studies have reported that 40%-90% of the patients with celiac plexus-mediated visceral pain benefit from the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB), but the predictive factors of response to NCPB have not been evaluated extensively. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the immediate analgesic effectiveness of NCPB in patients with intractable upper abdominal cancer-related pain. @*Methods@#A retrospective review was performed of 513 patients who underwent NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain. Response to the procedure was defined as (1) a decrease of ≥ 50% or ≥ 4 points on the numerical rating scale (NRS) in pain intensity from the baseline without an increase in opioid requirement, or (2) a decrease of ≥ 30% or ≥ 2 points on the NRS from the baseline with simultaneously reduced opioid consumption after NCPB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with successful responses to NCPB. @*Results@#Among the 513 patients included in the analysis, 255 (49.8%) and 258 (50.2%) patients were in the non-responder and responder group after NCPB, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.644, P = 0.035), history of upper abdominal surgery (OR = 0.691, P = 0.040), and celiac metastasis (OR = 1.496, P = 0.039) were the independent factors associated with response to NCPB. @*Conclusions@#Celiac plexus metastases, absence of diabetes, and absence of prior upper abdominal surgery may be independently associated with better response to NCPB for upper abdominal cancer-related pain.

Preventive vaccination against cervical cancer: Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Guideline / 부인종양

After human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine guidelines published by Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) in 2011, new studies have been published, leading to additional data regarding efficacy, safety, number of vaccination rounds, and ideal age of vaccine administration. We searched and reviewed the literatures focused on the efficacy of 2-dose schedule vaccination, the efficacy of 3-dose schedule vaccination in middle-aged women, the ideal age of 3-dose schedule vaccination, the safety of HPV preventive vaccine, and the ability of cross-protection of each HPV preventive vaccine. The KSGO has revised the previous guideline based on the results of the above studies.

Sclerosing Sromal Tumor of the Ovary in Postmenopausal Women: A Report of Two Cases

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) was first delineated as a distinct ovarian sex cord stromal tumor in 1973 by Chalvardjian and Scully. It is a benign neoplasm, distinguished from other ovarian stromal tumors by the production of collagen and a pseudolobular pattern, and it tends to occur in the second and third decades of life in diagnosed patients. We discovered two rare cases of SST in post-menopausal women which are the topic of this report. These case studies are accompanied by a brief review of the literature.

Erratum to: Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of the Ovary in Postmenopausal Women: A Report of Two Cases

In this article, on page 115, the title has been spelled incorrectly in this article.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Survival in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Controversy remains regarding the effect of obesity on the survival of patients with ovarian cancer in Asia. This study examined the impact of obesity on the survival outcomes in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using Asian body mass index (BMI) criteria. The medical records of patients undergoing surgery for advanced (stage III and IV) EOC were reviewed. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis. Among all 236 patients, there were no differences in overall survival according to BMI except in underweight patients. In a multivariate Cox analysis, surgical optimality and underweight status were independent and significant prognostic factors for survival (HR, 2.302; 95% CI, 1.326-3.995; P=0.003 and HR, 8.622; 95% CI, 1.871-39.737; P = 0.006, respectively). In the subgroup of serous histology and optimal surgery, overweight and obese I patients showed better survival than normal weight patients (P = 0.012). We found that underweight BMI and surgical optimality are independent risk factors for the survival of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. High BMI groups (overweight, obese I and II) are not associated with the survival of advanced EOC patient. However, in the subgroup of EOC patients with serous histology and after optimal operation, overweight and obese I group patients show better survival than the normal weight group patients.

A Novel Balloon-Inflatable Catheter for Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis and Decompression

Epidural adhesions cause pain by interfering with the free movement of the spinal nerves and increasing neural sensitivity as a consequence of neural compression. To remove adhesions and deliver injected drugs to target sites, percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) is performed in patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatments. We describe four patients who were treated with a newly developed inflatable balloon catheter for more effective PEA and relief of stenosis. In the present patients, treatments with repetitive epidural steroid injection and/or PEA with the Racz catheter or the NaviCath did not yield long-lasting effects or functional improvements. However, PEA and decompression with the inflatable balloon catheter led to maintenance of pain relief for more than seven months and improvements in the functional status with increases in the walking distance. The present case series suggests that the inflatable balloon catheter may be an effective alternative to performing PEA when conventional methods fail to remove adhesions or sufficiently relieve stenosis.

Clinical experiences of performing transforaminal balloon adhesiolysis in patients with failed back surgery syndrome: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Epidural fibrosis is a contributing factor to the persistent pain that is associated with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and other pathophysiologies, particularly as it inhibits the passage of regional medications to areas responsible for pain. Therefore, effective mechanical detachment of epidural fibrosis can contribute to pain reduction and improve function in FBSS patients. In this report, we describe the successful treatment of FBSS patients with epidural adhesiolysis using a Fogarty catheter via the transforaminal approach.

A New Approach to Neuroplasty

No abstract available.

Survey on the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Korea; Multicenter Study of 1,414 Patients

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a serious complication resulting from herpes zoster infections, and it can impair the quality of life. In order to relieve pain from PHN, various treatments, including pharmacological and interventional methods have been used. However, little information on the recommendations for the interventional treatment of PHN, along with a lack of nation-wide surveys on the current status of PHN treatment exists. This multicenter study is the first survey on the treatment status of PHN in Korea. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on the entire patients who visited the pain clinics of 11 teaching hospitals from January to December of 2011. Co-morbid disease, affected site of PHN, routes to pain clinic visits, parenteral/topical medications for treatment, drugs used for nerve block, types and frequency of nerve blocks were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 1,414 patients' medical records were reviewed. The most commonly affected site was the thoracic area. The anticonvulsants and interlaminar epidural blocks were the most frequently used pharmacological and interventional methods for PHN treatment. For the interval of epidural block, intervals of 5 or more-weeks were the most popular. The proportion of PHN patients who get information from the mass media or the internet was only 0.8%.The incidence of suspected zoster sine herpete was only 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment methods for PHN vary among hospitals. The establishment of treatment recommendation for PHN treatment is necessary. In addition, public relations activities are required in order to inform the patients of PHN treatments by pain clinicians.

Effect of Ethyl Pyruvate on Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats

BACKGROUND: Although paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of solid cancers, side effects such as neuropathic pain lead to poor compliance and discontinuation of the therapy. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is known to have analgesic effects in several pain models and may inhibit apoptosis. The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic effects of EP on mechanical allodynia and apoptosis in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells after paclitaxel administration. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) a control group, which received only vehicle; 2) a paclitaxel group, which received paclitaxel; and 3) an EP group, which received EP after paclitaxel administration. Mechanical allodynia was tested before and at 7 and 14 days after final paclitaxel administration. Fourteen days after paclitaxel treatment, DRG apoptosis was determined by activated caspase-3 immunoreactivity (IR). RESULTS: Post-treatment with EP did not significantly affect paclitaxel-induced allodynia, although it tended to slightly reduce sensitivities to mechanical stimuli after paclitaxel administration. After paclitaxel administration, an increase in caspase-3 IR in DRG cells was observed, which was co-localized with NF200-positive myelinated neurons. Post-treatment with EP decreased the paclitaxel-induced caspase-3 IR. Paclitaxel administration or post-treatment with EP did not alter the glial fibrillary acidic protein IRs in DRG cells. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of apoptosis in DRG neurons by EP may not be critical in paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia.

Computed Tomography (CT) Simulated Fluoroscopy-Guided Transdiscal Approach in Transcrural Celiac Plexus Block

Conventional transcrural CPB via the "walking off" the vertebra technique may injure vital organs while attempting to proximally spread injectate around the celiac plexus. Therefore, we attempted the CT-simulated fluoroscopy-guided transdiscal approach to carry out transcrural CPB in a safer manner, spreading the injectate more completely and closely within the celiac plexus area. A 54-year-old male patient with pancreatic cancer suffered from severe epigastric pain. The conventional transcrural approach was simulated, but the needle pathway was impeded by the kidney on the right side and by the aorta on the left side. After simulating the transdiscal pathway through the T11-12 intervertebral disc, we predetermined the optimal insertion point (3.6 cm from the midline), insertion angle (18 degrees), and advancement plane, as well as the proper depth. With the transdiscal approach, we successfully performed transcrural CPB within a narrow angle, and the bilateral approach was not necessary as we were able to achieve the bilateral spread of the injectate with the single approach.

Protective effects of propofol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human kidney proximal tubular cells / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We investigated the protective effects of propofol in the HK-2 cell line of human kidney proximal tubular cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. METHODS: After pretreatment with different concentrations of propofol (0 microM, 10 microM, 25 microM and 50 microM) for 30 minutes, HK-2 cells were exposed to 8 mM H2O2 for 4 hours. Cell death was assessed by measuring the percentage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and by counting viable cells. The nature of cell death was assessed by doubles-taining cells with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Annexin V and propidium iodide, and then analyzing the cells using flow cytometry. RESULTS: After exposure to 8 mM H2O2 for 4 hours, the percentage of LDH release was 45.1 +/- 4.2% and the number of viable HK-2 cells was 5.2 +/- 6.0%. Pretreatment with propofol suppressed H2O2-induced LDH release in a concentration-dependent manner, reducing the percentage of LDH release to 38.1 +/- 5.6%, 33.5 +/- 6.3%, and 26.2 +/- 3.8% of the controls at 10 microM, 25 microM and 50 microM propofol, respectively. Numbers of viable cells increased following propofol pretreatment, with 11.4 +/- 10.9%, 19.5 +/- 16.1%, and 32.4 +/- 23.3% cell survival rates after pretreatment with 10 microM, 25 microM and 50 microM propofol, respectively. Analyses of flow cytometry showed that the propofol pretreatment decreased the percentage of necrotic and late apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol protects HK-2 human kidney proximal tubular cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress.

Is Epidurogram a Reliable Tool for the Diagnosis of Epidural Adhesion?

No abstract available.

Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate on Allodynia, TNF-alpha Expression, and Apoptosis in the Dorsal Root Ganglion after Spinal Nerve Ligation Injury

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and apoptotic cell death in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following spinal nerve constriction injury play a role in the initiation and continuation of hyperalgesia and allodynia. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on mechanical and cold allodynia, TNF-alpha expression, and apoptosis in DRG after spinal nerve ligation injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into 3 groups: control, pre-EP, and post-EP. EP (50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 minutes before (pre-EP) or after (post-EP) surgery. Behavioral tests to determine mechanical and cold allodynia were conducted before surgery and 4 and 7 days after surgery. Seven days after surgery, TNF-alpha protein levels in DRG were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and DRG apoptosis was determined by immunohistochemical detection of activated caspase-3. RESULTS: Treatment with EP significantly reduced mechanical and cold allodynia following spinal nerve ligation injury. TNF-alpha protein levels in the pre-EP (4.7 +/- 1.2 pg/200 microg; P < 0.001) and post-EP (6.4 +/- 1.8 pg/200 microg; P < 0.001) groups were 2-3 times lower than the control group (14.4 +/- 1.2 pg/200 microg). The percentages of neurons and satellite cells that co-localized with caspase-3 were also significantly lower in the pre-EP and post-EP groups than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that EP has a strong anti-allodynic effect that acts through the inhibition of TNF-alpha expression and apoptosis in DRG after spinal nerve ligation injury.

Preconsent Video-Assisted Instruction Improves the Comprehension and Satisfaction in Elderly Patient Visiting Pain Clinic

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients visiting pain clinic may be at greater risk of misunderstanding the explanation because of age-related cognitive decline. Video instruction may provide a consistent from of teaching in a visual and realistic manner. We evaluated the effect of educational video on the patient understanding and satisfaction in a group of geriatric patients visiting pain clinic. METHODS: Ninety two patients aged more than 60 years old who were scheduled for transforaminal epidural block were recruited. After exposure to either video or paper instruction process, each patient was asked 5-item comprehension questions, overall satisfaction and preference question. During follow-up period, number of outpatient referral-line call for further explanation was counted. RESULTS: We observed significantly better comprehension in the video education compared with paper instruction (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was also higher in the video group (P = 0.015), and patients visiting pain clinic were more preferred video instruction (P < 0.001). Proportion of referral-line call for further explanation were similar (P = 0.302). CONCLUSIONS: Video approach to instruction process before consent improves treatment comprehension in geriatric patient visiting pain clinic.

Clinical Experiences of Transforaminal Balloon Decompression for Patients with Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a commonly treated with epidural injections of local anesthetics and corticosteroids, however, these therapies may relieve leg pain for weeks to months but do not influence functional status. Furthermore, the majority of patients report no substantial symptom change over the repeated treatment. Utilizing balloon catheters, we successfully treated with three patients who complained persistent symptoms despite repeated conventional steroid injections. Our results suggest that transforaminal decompression using a balloon catheter may have potential in the nonsurgical treatment of spinal stenosis by modifying the underlying pathophysiology.

Radiation therapy with chemotherapy for patients with cervical cancer and supraclavicular lymph node involvement / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the outcomes of cervical cancer patients with supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) involvement and who received radiation therapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy. METHODS: From August 2001 to April 2009, nine cervical cancer patients with SCLN involvement were treated by RT and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Most of the patients (8/9, 88.9%) also had a positive para-aortic lymph node (PALN). The RT field was designed to include the whole pelvis, the involved PALNs and the SCLN area. The median SCLN RT dose was 66.6 Gy (range, 60 to 70 Gy). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 13 to 98 months). The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.7% and 55.6%, respectively and the 3- and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 66.7% and 44.4%, respectively. The acute hematologic toxicities according to the criteria of Radiation Therapy of Oncology Group (RTOG) were G1/2 leucopenia in 3 (33.3%), G3/4 leukopenia in 6 (66.7%), G1/2 anemia in 7 (77.8%), G3 anemia in 1 (11.1%), G2 thrombocytopenia in 2 (22.2%), and G3/4 thrombocytopenia in 2 (22.2%). Within 6 months after RT, most of the patients (5/6, 83.3%) recovered from the G3/4 leukopenia, except for 1 patient who received chemotherapy after completing RT due to subsequent bone metastasis. CONCLUSION: For patients with advanced cervix cancer and SCLN involvement, RT with chemotherapy as active therapy can be expected to provide favorable results, although there is an increased risk of G3/4 hematologic toxicity.

Value of Bone Scintigraphy and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in Lumbar Facet Disease and Prediction of Short-term Outcome of Ultrasound Guided Medial Branch Block with Bone SPECT

BACKGROUND: Facet joint disease plays a major role in axial low-back pain. Few diagnostic tests and imaging methods for identifying this condition exist. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is reported that it has a high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing facet disease. We prospectively evaluated the use of bone scintigraphy with SPECT for the identification of patients with low back pain who would benefit from medial branch block. METHODS: SPECT was performed on 33 patients clinically suspected of facet joint disease. After SPECT, an ultrasound guided medial branch block was performed on all patients. On 28 SPECT-positive patients, medial branch block was performed based on the SPECT findings. On 5 negative patients, medial branch block was performed based on clinical findings. For one month, we evaluated the patients using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index. SigmaStat and paired t-tests were used to analyze patient data and compare results. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, the ones who showed more than 50% reduction in VAS score were assigned 'responders'. SPECT positive patients showed a better response to medial branch blocks than negative patients, but no changes in the Oswestry disability index were seen. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT is a sensitive tool for the identification of facet joint disease and predicting the response to medial branch block.