Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation using Autologous Fat Mixed with Stromal Vascular Fraction

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting evolved over the twentieth century to become a quick, safe, and reliable method for restoring volume. However, autologous fat grafts have some problems including uncertain viability of the grafted fat and a low rate of graft survival. To overcome the problems associated with autologous fat grafts, we used uncultured adipose tissue-derived stromal cell (stromal vascular fraction, SVF) assisted autologous fat grafting. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SVF in a clinical trial. METHODS: SVF cells were freshly isolated from half of the aspirated fat and were used in combination with the other half of the aspirated fat during the procedure. Between March 2007 and February 2008, a total of 9 SVF-assisted fat grafts were performed in 9 patients. The patients were followed for 12 weeks after treatment. Data collected at each follow-up visit included clinical examination of the graft site(s), photographs for historical comparison, and information from a patient questionnaire that measured the outcomes from the patient perspective. The photographs were evaluated by medical professionals. RESULTS: Scores of the left facial area grafted with adipose tissue mixed with SVF cells were significantly higher compared with those of the right facial area grafted with adipose tissue without SVF cells. There was no significant adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective patient satisfaction survey and surgeon survey showed that SVF-assisted fat grafting was a surgical procedure with superior results.

Comparison of Scarclinic-thin(TM) and Scarclinic(TM) in Terms of Scar Improvement: A pilot study

Silicone gel sheets are widely used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars. Scarclinic(TM) is a type of silicone gel sheet developed in Korea, and has been shown to improve the appearance of scars. However, Scarclinic(TM) has demerits that include weak adhesiveness, a color that differs from skin, and too great a thickness. Scarclinic-thin(TM) was recently developed with these disadvantages in mind. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effects of Scarclinic-thin(TM) and Scarclinic(TM) on scar appearance and wearer's comfort. From April 2010 to May 2010, Scarclinic-thin(TM) and Scarclinic(TM) were applied to treat a single scar in each of 8 patients. One half of each scar was treated with Scarclinic-thin(TM) and the other with Scarclinic(TM). After 3 months, scar quality and wearer's comfort were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS) and an objective self-assessment scale (OSAS). Mean Vancouver Scar Scale scores for Scarclinic(TM) and Scarclinic-thin(TM) at 3 months were 3.4+/-1.3 and 3.3+/-2.0, respectively, and mean objective self-assessment scale scores were 21.7+/-4.5 and 22.3+/-2.9, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between Scarclinic(TM) and Scarclinic-thin(TM) in terms of Vancouver Scar Scale or objective self-assessment scale scores(p=0.83 and 0.70, respectively). Scarclinic-thin(TM) and Scarclinic(TM) are similar in terms of their scar improving effects and wearer's comfort.

A study on the bacteriuria in the elderly who reside in a nursing home

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the most common diseases dealt with by primary physicians. UTI is common in the elderly and has a great influence on the quality of the elderly's life. Thus, we conducted a study in one nursing home to find out the prevalence of bacteriuria and epidemiologic characteristics of the elderly. METHODS: The study was performed twice on April 12 and on May 4, 1999 among 108 subjects residing in a nursing home of Hanam City. The authors inquired the subjects pertaining to the history of UTI symptoms, collected urine samples by midstream clean-catch technique and catheterization and performed routine and microscopic urine analysis and urine culture. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bacteriuria in subjects was 23.1%(25/108) ; 20% (3/15) in males and 23.7%(22/93) in females. The prevalence of the bedrriden subjects was 40.9%(9/22). Among the urine samples of 25 cases which were positive in the urine culture, E. Coli was found in 15 cases(60%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of pyuria for bacteriuria were 44.0%(11/25), 87.9%(73/83), 52.3%(11/21) and 83.9%(73/87), respectively, while those of nitrite test for bacteriuria were 64.0%(16/25), 97.5%(81/83), 88.8%(16/18) and 90.0%(81/90), respectively. The prevalence of bacteriuria increased by 16.23% as age increased by ten years using the Cochran-Armitage's linear trend test. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of bacteriuria in the elderly residing in a nursing home was higher than that of the elderly residing in a community. In the elderly over 60 years old, the prevalence of bacteriuria increased as the age increased. Immobility is considered as a risk factor of bacteriuria. Bacteriuria may be treated by antibiotics focused on E. Coli. Thus, we can expect improvement in the quality of life as well as extension of life span.

Usefulness of Thermography in Diabetic Neuropathy

Background : diabetic neuropathy is one of the serious complication of diabetes mellitus and it can cause serious foot problems. These foot problems could be preventable if early detection method of diabetic neuropathy is established. Therefore, essential diagnostic tool is needed. The changes on electrophysiologic studies(EPS) may to be necessarily correlated with clinical neuropathy. Theater has attempted to confirm the thermography as an useful tool for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods : Author has studied 20 patients with diabetes visiting to department of family medicine of Korea University Hospital between December 1, 1998 and June, 30, 1999. All cases were evaluated on clinical criteria. Furthermore, the EPS and thermography have been taken. The author investigated the results of thermograpy and the relation of the clinical diagnosis and EPS. Results : among 20 cases, 12(60.0%) cases have shown abnormality on EPS and 6(30.0%) cases of them was also abnormal on clinical criteria, the other 8(40.0%) cases were normal on EPS. Results of EPS were moderately related to clinical diagnosis. 10(50.0%) cases have shown abnormality on thermography and 6(30.0%) cases of them were also abnormal on clinical criteria, the other 10(50.0%) cases were normal on thermography. Results of thermography were related to clinical diagnosis. Among 12(60.0%) cases were abnormal on EPS, 9(45%) cases also have shown abnormality on thermography. Among 8(40.0%) cases were normal on EPS, 7(35.0%) cases were also normal on thermography. Results of thermography were highly related to EPS. Conclusion : Thermography is a useful diagnostic tool in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.