Surface characteristics of plasma electrolytic oxidized Ti-mesh for dental use / 대한치과재료학회지

In this study, surface characteristics of plasma electrolytic oxidized Ti-mesh for dental use were studied using various experimental instruments. The titanium mesh was used as a substrate for PEO. Using a pulsed DC power supply, PEO treatment was carried out at 280 V for 3 min in the electrolytic solution containing Ca, Mg, and P ions. And the electrolyte used for PEO was prepared by mixing with Ca(CH 3COO)2·H 2O, C 3H 7CaO 6P, and (CH 3COO) 2Mg·4H 2O. The PEO-treated surface was observed by using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nanoindentation tester.PEO-treated Ti-mesh in solution containing Ca, Mg, and P ions (CaMgP) sample showed the active spark discharge reaction compared to in solution containing Ca and P ions (CaP) sample. In CaP and CaMgP samples, the PEO surface of Ti-mesh showed mainly circular, irregular, and oval shapes of pores. In the case of CaMgP, the defects and precipitates such as MgO were formed on the surface. On the sample surface, the distribution of the desired element was detected homogeneously.The PEO-treated CaP and CaMgP specimens were mainly composed of anatase, Mg, and hydroxyapatite. From the AFM result, the average roughness was 0.247 µm for CaP and 0.226 µm for CaMgP, respectively. The hardness of CaMgP containing Mg ions was increased compared to CaP containing without Mg ions, also, the elastic modulus of CaMgP sample was higher than that of CaP sample.

Early Detection and Successful Treatment of Vertically Transmitted Fulminant Enteroviral Infection Associated with Various Forms of Arrhythmia and Severe Hepatitis with Coagulopathy

Enteroviral infections are common in neonates. One important infection pathway is vertical transmission from an infected mother to her neonate. Here, we report the early detection and successful treatment of a vertically transmitted fulminant enteroviral infection associated with myocarditis and hepatitis. The patient had a sudden onset of high fever on the fourth day of life and developed severe, rapidly progressing symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), hepatitis, and myocarditis accompanied by tachyarrhythmia. As it was the peak season for enteroviral infections and both the mother and the patient's 36-month-old sibling had a high fever around the time of delivery, we suspected an enteroviral infection. Thus, we initiated prompt evaluation of enteroviral infection, as well as close observation and intensive care of the neonate. We strongly recommend evaluation for the possibility of vertical enterovirus infection in neonates when the mother is suspected of having a viral infection (e.g., high fever and negative results from bacterial infectious studies) around the time of delivery and when the neonate shows some early symptoms of infectious diseases such as thrombocytopenia, DIC, hepatitis, and myocarditis. Early detection of enteroviral infections and prompt implementation of proper treatment are key to reduce the risk of complications and mortality associated with enteroviral infections in neonates.

Curcumin attenuates the middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced reduction in gamma-enolase expression in an animal model / 한국실험동물학회지

Curcumin exerts a protective effect in cerebral ischemia through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. gamma-enolase is a glycolytic enzyme expressed in neurons that is known to exerts a neuroprotective effect. We investigated whether curcumin regulates gamma-enolase expression in focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to induce focal cerebral ischemia. Adult male rats were injected intraperitoneally with either vehicle or curcumin (50 mg/kg) 1 h after MCAO and cerebral cortex tissues were isolated 24 h after MCAO. We found that MCAO-induced injury resulted in a reduction in gamma-enolase expression in vehicle-treated animals using a proteomics approach. However, this reduction was attenuated in animals with MCAO treated with curcumin. Reverse-transcription PCR and Western blot analyses also showed that curcumin treatment prevented the MCAO injury-induced reduction in gamma-enolase expression. The results of this study suggest that curcumin exerts its neuroprotective function in focal cerebral ischemia by regulating the expression of gamma-enolase.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Early Tube Exchange in Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a widely-performed procedure for patients undergoing enteral feeding. Due to frequent complications, careful management after the PEG is required. In this study, we investigated the risk factors associated with early exchange of PEG tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a retrospective survey of 72 patients who received a PEG between January 2009 and April 2014. All patients underwent a tube exchange or removal after the first PEG. Patients who had an exchange within 6 months were defined as 'early exchange' group and the others, as 'late exchange' group. We analyzed the relationship between early exchange and pre-PEG status. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 67.5+/-18.3 years. The most frequent mental status and performance status before the first procedure, was 'alert' (n=48, 66.7%) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was 4 (n=28, 39.8%). Mean BMI was 20.2+/-3.7 kg/m2 and the majority of PEG cause was cerebrovascular accidents (n=23, 31.9%). Many patients had a tube exchange (or removal) because of tube dysfunction (n=32, 44.4%). The 'early exchange' group showed a lower BMI than 'late exchange' group (19.7+/-3.57 kg/m2 vs. 22.4+/-3.87 kg/m2, P value 0.009). 'Underweight' (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2) group was more frequently observed in 'early exchange' group. There was no significant difference in pre-PEG status and post-PEG complication between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A lower BMI was associated with early exchange of PEG. Health providers should pay attention to the nutritional status of PEG patients.

Metastatic thyroid C-cell carcinoma in a beagle dog / 대한수의학회지

An adult beagle dog was presented with a cervical mass detected by palpation and computed tomography. Fine needle aspirates revealed numerous epithelial cells with plasmacytoid appearance and frequent naked nuclei. Histologically, the mass consists of multiple packets of neoplastic cells and extensive areas of necrosis and fibrosis. Neoplastic cells were also found in submandibular lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry showed that neoplastic cells were positive for calcitonin and negative for thyroglobulin. Based on these findings, the cervical mass was diagnosed as thyroid C-cell carcinoma. Almost one year after the surgical excision, the dog remains healthy without any symptom of recurrence or metastasis.

Reliability and Validity of Korean Version of the Conners Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale in General Population / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to determine the validity and reliability of the Korean Version of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales-42 items & 26 items (K-CAARS-42 & K-CAARS-26) in nonclinical adult subjects. METHODS: The K-CAARS-42 & K-CAARS-26 was tested in non-clinical (n=270) native Korean-speakers. Internal consistency reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability was measured using Pearson correlations. To see validity, we performed the confirmatory factor analysis for determination of whether the four-factor model fit the data. RESULTS: The results showed that the subscales had acceptable internal consistency reliability and high test-retest reliability ; and the second-order scores showed significant correlation with the Korean version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire. The Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure of both K-CAARS-42 and K-CAARS-26. CONCLUSION: The K-CAARS-42 & K-CAARS-26 is reliable and has possible utility for symptom assessment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in nonclinical adult subjects. Further research is needed in order to determine the cutoff score for administration of the K-CAARS-42 & K-CAARS-26 to clinical adult subjects.

The Study on Reliability and Validity of Korean Version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised in Nonclinical Adult Subjects / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to determine the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised (K-BIS-11-R) in Nonclinical Adult Subjects. METHODS: The K-BIS-11-R was tested in non-clinical (n=270) native Korean-speakers. Internal consistency reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability was measured using Pearson correlations. To see external validity, we performed confirmatory factor analysis for determination of whether the three-factor model, proposed by the previous report, fit the data. RESULTS: According to the results, the K-BIS-11-R had an acceptable test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability. In addition, the K-BIS-11-R total score and second-order subscale score showed significant correlation with Conners' Adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Rating Scale-Korean and Buss & Durkee Hostility Inventory. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the K-BIS-11-R total score and demographic variables. Thus, the K-BIS-11-R total score was transformed to standard score. CONCLUSION: K-BIS-11-R is a reliable and valid measure and has possible utility for assessment of impulsiveness in nonclinical adult subjects. Further research is needed in order to determine the cutoff score for administration of K-BIS-11-R to clinical adult subjects.

Everolimus-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Patient with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Case Report / 대한내과학회지

Everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, is an active agent against metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Treatment with everolimus prolongs progression-free survival in patients with clear cell-type renal cell carcinoma that has progressed on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib and/or sorafenib. Everolimus-induced interstitial pneumonitis is not rare and is sometimes fatal. Due to the potential for pulmonary toxicity due to everolimus, it is recommended that pulmonary complications be periodically evaluated. We report a case of everolimus-associated interstitial pneumonitis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Development of Community Health Center-Based Hospice Management Model: Pilot Project at a Community Health Center in Busan / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: This study was a part of a drive to develop a community health center-based hospice management model which is concerned with hospice care at a community health care setting and available resources of the local community. METHODS: Development of a community health center-based hospice management model involved evaluation of existing hospice-related research, including literature review, and research on hospice facilities at the study site, as well as evaluation of model operation. The latter involved community health center-based hospice test operation, and evaluation of test operation by a research team, including of a nursing professor majoring in hospice care and staffs from a community health center in Busan metropolitan city, regional cancer center, and regional terminal cancer patient medical institute. The study was conducted in the 2008 calendar year. RESULTS: The community health center-based hospice management model provides service linked with local community resources, focusing on the local community health center. Financial and administrative assistance is provided by the regional cancer center, with collaboration from academic health care professionals who guide the operation management. The community health center hospice nurse in consultation with a visiting nurse team registers terminally-ill cancer patients and, after assessment, the hospice team prioritize hospice care during team meeting. Care is delivered by staffs and volunteers. CONCLUSION: The developed community health center-based hospice operation management model maximally utilizes available community health resources to produce qualitative improvement of regional health and welfare policy through improving the lives of home-based cancer patients and their family who are in medical blind spot.

A Case of Mosaic Tetrapaloidy

Tetraploidy of human chromosome(92, XXYY) has been described very rarely. Liveborn infant with tetraploidy was reported in only 17 cases(complete 7 cases, mosaicism 10 cases) in the world, and no cases have been reported in Korea. The diploid-tetraploid mosaicism could arise during the early mitosis of the zygote. In one blastomeric cell, the chromosomes replicate but the cytoplasrn does not divide. We report a case of live infant with mosaic tetraploidy detected in lymphocyte(30%) and amniotic cell culture(25%), who presented with multiple congenital anomalies. A brief review of the literature is included.

Effect of Body Position on Gastric Emptying / 대한주산의학회잡지

No abstract available.

The Protective Effect of Vitamin E and Desferrioxamine on Cultured Cerebral Neurons of Neonatal Mouse Damaged by Ischemic Condition

PURPOSE: Perinatal asphyxia is an important cause of neurologic morbidity. Experiments in animal models of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury demonstrate that brain damage starts during hypoxia-ischemia. In order to evaluate the ischemic condition-induced neurotoxic effect in view of oxi-dative stress, we examined the cytotoxic effect in cultured cerebral neurons of neonatal mouse. METHODS: Dissociated cell cultures were prepared from cerebrum of neonatal mouse. Tissues were diced into small pieces and were incubated in phosphate buffered saline at 37degrees C. Isolated cells were resuspended in the medium and plated in poly-L-lysine coated 96 well multichambers at a cell density of 5x104cells/well. Cells were grown in a 5% CO2/95% air atmosphere at 37degrees C. Cytotoxic effects were examined in the cultured cerebral neurons with time interval in the ischemic condition with a 95% nitrogen/5% CO2. And the protective effect of vitamin E and desferrioxamine as an antioxidant was examined by MTT assay and neurofilament enzymeimmunoassay(EIA). Microscopic examinations were also done. RESULTS: Ischemic condition markedly decreased the cell viability in a time-dependent manner in cultured cerebral neurons. MTT50 value was estimated at 10 minutes, when cerebral neurons were incubated for various time intervals in ischemic condition. Under light microscopy, the number of cells and neurites were decreased when cerebral neurons were cultured for 10 minutes in the ischemic condition. Vitamin E was an effective antioxidant in blocking ischemic condition-induced neurotoxicity, while desferrioxamine was not in these cultures. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that ischemic conditions are neurotoxic and selective antioxidant such as vitamin E is effective in protecting against the neurotoxicity induced by ischemic condition in cultured cerebral neurons of neonatal mouse.

Correlation Between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme(ACE) Inhibitor Induced Dry Cough and ACE Gene Insertion/Deletion(I/D) Polymorphism / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Persistent nonproductive cough is a major adverse effect encountered with ACE inhibitor treatment and the most frequent reason for withdrawal of the drug. The mechanism of cough was postulated to be associated with accumulation of bronchial irritants which are substrates of ACE. It has been speculated that occurrence of this adverse effect is genetically predetermined; in particular, variants of the genes encoding ACE. To investigate this relationship, we determined ACE gene Insertion/Deletion polymorphism in subjects with and without a history of ACE inhibitor-induced cough. METHODS: Among the 339 patients with ACE inhibitor treatment, subjects who developed cough that resolved when not taking medication were designated to cough group and other subjects who did not complain cough were designated to non-cough group. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected by review of medical records. ACE genotypes were determined by PCR amplification of DNA from peripheral blood RESULTS: 37 patients complained of dry cough(cough group) and 302 patients did not complained of cough(non-cough group). The incidence of ACE inhibitor induced dry cough was 10.9%. There was a preponderance of females in the cough group (M:F=24.3%:75.7%) compared to the non-cough group(M:F=49.7%:50.3%, p=0.004). There was no significant difference in mean age, underlying diseases, and kinds and frequencies of ACE inhibitors and their mean dosage between the both groups. ACE genotypic frequencies were I/I : I/D : D/D = 16.2%:18.9%:64.9% in the cough group and 18.9%:18.2%:62.9% in the non-cough group which showed no significant difference between the both groups(p=0.926). Allelic frequencies were I : D = 25.7%:74.3% and 28.0%:72.0% in the cough and non-cough group respectively and the difference was not significant(p=0.676). CONCLUSION: The incidence of ACE inhibitor-induced cough are 10.9%, and women are more susceptible to ACE inhibitor-induce cough. ACE inhibitor induce dry cough is not associated with ACE gene Insertion/Deletion polymorphism.

The Effects of Dexamethasone on Blood Pressure in Premature Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone(D) on blood pressure(BP) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 infants with BPD(mean birth weight: 1,383+/-17 gm, mean gestational age: 29.0+/-1.7 weeks) treated with D at Wonkwang University Hospital from January 1994 to June 1998. D was started at 0.5 mg/kg/day intravenously for first week, followed by 0.3 and 0.1 mg/kg/day for second and third week, respectively. Changes in BP during pre-D, 1st wk(D1), 2ndwk(D2), 3rd wk(D3), and post-D periods were compared using Turkey Kramer multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Mean systolic pressure(sBP) significantly increased in Dl, D2, D3 compared to pre-D(63+1.3, P0.05). The sBP and dBP significantly increased from day 2 after initiation of D and were highest on day 17 and 17-18 of 3rd week, respectively. The number of hypertensive infants who were considered for antihypertensive medications were 2(20%) for sBP >or= 80-90 mmHg, 3(30%) for dBP >or= 50 mmHg and 1(10%) for dBP> or =60 mmHg. These infants, however, remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Significant elevation of BP was observed during dexamethasone therapy for infants with BPD especially after 2nd day. However, BP elevation was transient, not requiring antihypertensive medications.

Association between beta2 adrenoceptor polymorphisms and atopy/serum IgE in asthmatic patients / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The beta2 adrenergic receptor (beta2 AR) polymorphisms occurring at amino acid position 16 (Arg to Gly), 27 (Gln to Glu), 34 (Val to Met), and 164 (Thr to Ile) are known to be functionally relevant and also disease-modifying in subjects with asthma. However the contribution of these polymorphisms to the development of the asthmatic phenotype or other markers for allergic disease remains to be established. METHODS: 109 patients with bronchial asthma and 42 healthy person were included. Serum total IgE, allergen specific IgE, and skin prick test were performed to all of the subjects. beta2 AR polymorphisms were checked by mutated allele specific amplification (MASA) method. RESULTS: The results were as follows. The frequencies of beta2 AR polymorphisms in asthmatic patients and healthy person were not statistically different(p>0.05). There was no association between beta2 AR polymorphisms of amino acid position 16, 27, 34 and the existence of atopy among asthmatic patients (p>0.05). Between asthmatic patients with or without elevated IgE level and beta2 AR polymorphisms of amino acid position 16, 27, 34, there was no statistically significant association(p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in frequency of the beta2 AR polymorphism between asthmatic patients and healthy person. In the bronchial asthma, association of beta2 AR polymorphism and atopy/serum total IgE was not found.

The Bronchial Biopsies and Steroid Response in Unexplained Chronic Non-Productive Cough / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the causes and pathologic process of chronic non-productive cough as an isolated symptom with a normal spirometry and chest radiograph by investigating clinicopathologic findings. METHOD: We studied 25 adults with chronic non-productive cough over a 3-week period with a normal chest radiograph and pulmonary function tests without any other symptoms. Clinical assessment, cough score, chest and sinus radiograph, pulmonary function tests, methacholine challenge, allergic skin prick test, and bronchoscopy for bronchial biopsies were performed. Subjects were then treated with prednesolone 20 to 30 mg/day for 1 to 2 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental group was divided into two subgroups - those infiltrated with eosinophils, and those infiltrated with lymphocytes depending on eosinophil and lymphocyte counts, both of which were respectively higher than those of the control group. Eosinophils infiltrated group had mean numbers of eosinophil of 89.8 cells/mm(2) while control group's mean was 0.4 cells/mm(2)(P=0.005). Lymphocyte infiltrated group was 4 patients whose mean was 84.3 cells/mm(2) with 28.4 cells/mm(2) of control group(P=0.026). In addition, the mean thickeness of the basement membrane of experimental group was 14.20+/-5.20microM in contrast of control group whose mean was 3.50+/-1.37microM(P=0.001). With the methacholine challenge test, 7 of the 21 eosinophil infiltrated subjects were diagnosed with cough asthma; the other 14 with eosinophilic bronchitis. Three subjects with eosinophilic bronchitis were atopic positive(21.4%) with the skin prick test. In the lymphocyte dominant group, all four subjects were diagnosed with lymphocytic bronchitis. Cough score was improved after steroid treatment in 22 of 25 subjects in the experimental group (88.0%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest chronic non-productive cough as an isolated symptom with a normal spirometry and chest radiograph was associated with airway inflammation by eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. The causes for chronic non-productive cough were eosinophilic bronchitis, cough variant asthma, and lymphocytic bronchitis(written in frequency). They further suggest that therapeutic treatment with steroids can provide effective symptomatic relief.

The effects of treatment with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone on expression of endothelin-1 in unilateral instillation of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in guinea pigs / 결핵

BACKGROUND: The herbicide paraquat can cause severe lung injury and fibrosis in experimental animals. In this study we have investigated the changes in lung endothelin-1 levels and immunohistochemical localization in relation to treatment with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone in paraquat induced pulmonary fibrosis in guinea pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 29 male Hartley guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups. Group I was normal control. Paraquat was instilled into the lung of guinea pig of group II, III and IV unilaterally. Group II was treated with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone. Group III was treated with methlprednisolone. Group IV was not treated. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by H-E stains and Masson's trichrome stains and cell activity was assessed by endothelin-1 immunohistochemical stains. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Kruskawallis oneway analysis. RESULTS: Paraquat induced an increase in numbers of fibroblasts and total amount of lung collagen in Group IV compared to the normal controls. There was no significant difference in total numbers of fibroblasts between any of paraquat instilled groups, but there was significant increase in total amount of collagen in Group IV compared to group II and III (p<0.05).The treatment of cyclophosphamide and methyprednisolone suppressed the growths of both fibroblasts and collagen, but this suppression was stastically significant only in the case of collagen. ET-1(endothelin 1) immunoreactivities of bronchial epithelium, type II pneumocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblast in group II and III were decreased compared to those in group IV. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that ET-1 is an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. ET-1 is synthesized and released by bronchial epithelium, Type II pneumocyte, endothelial cells, alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts.Especially they are associated with alveolar macrophage and fibroblasts. We conclude that combined therapy of cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone are more effective in the control of ET-1 expression and collagen deposition.

Clinical Investigation of Women with Asthma Worsened during Pregnancy / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common respiratory crisis encountered in clinical practice, occurring in up to 4% of all pregnancies. Pregnancy often appears to alter the course of asthma. But the mechanisms responsible for variable changes in the asthma course during pregnancy remain unknown. Poor control and exacerbations of asthma during pregnancy may result in serious maternal and fetal complications. To investigate the course of asthma during pregnancy in korean women, we did a retrograde study of 27 pregnant women who had been admitted to Korea University Hospital for asthma worsened. METHOD: Twenty seven pregnant women who had been visited to Korea University Hospital for asthma worsened were enrolled in our retrospective study. We reviewed medical recordings and interviewed patients with asthma. RESULTS: Twenty seven pregnant women with asthma were evaluated, and 25 patients were enrolled to our study. Two patients experienced abortions at 6 weeks and 25 weeks gestation, respectively. The period of asthma worsened was commonly during weeks 20 to 28 of gestation. And all patients wosened were improved during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Twenty(80%) of 25 women whose asthma worsened during pregnancy reverted toward their prepregnancy status after delivery(p<0.002). The causes of asthma worsened during pregnancy are reduction or even complete cessaton of medication due to fears about its safety(40%), worsening after upper respiratory infection(28%), and unknown(32%). There were no adverse perinatal outcomes in 25 pregnant asthma subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A major problem of therapy for asthma during pregnancy is reduction or even complete cessation of medication due to fears of fetal effects. Therefore, maternal education and optimal clinical and pharmacologic management is necessary to mitigate maternal and fetal complications.

Clinical Investigation of Women with Asthma Worsened during Pregnancy / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common respiratory crisis encountered in clinical practice, occurring in up to 4% of all pregnancies. Pregnancy often appears to alter the course of asthma. But the mechanisms responsible for variable changes in the asthma course during pregnancy remain unknown. Poor control and exacerbations of asthma during pregnancy may result in serious maternal and fetal complications. To investigate the course of asthma during pregnancy in korean women, we did a retrograde study of 27 pregnant women who had been admitted to Korea University Hospital for asthma worsened. METHOD: Twenty seven pregnant women who had been visited to Korea University Hospital for asthma worsened were enrolled in our retrospective study. We reviewed medical recordings and interviewed patients with asthma. RESULTS: Twenty seven pregnant women with asthma were evaluated, and 25 patients were enrolled to our study. Two patients experienced abortions at 6 weeks and 25 weeks gestation, respectively. The period of asthma worsened was commonly during weeks 20 to 28 of gestation. And all patients wosened were improved during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Twenty(80%) of 25 women whose asthma worsened during pregnancy reverted toward their prepregnancy status after delivery(p<0.002). The causes of asthma worsened during pregnancy are reduction or even complete cessaton of medication due to fears about its safety(40%), worsening after upper respiratory infection(28%), and unknown(32%). There were no adverse perinatal outcomes in 25 pregnant asthma subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A major problem of therapy for asthma during pregnancy is reduction or even complete cessation of medication due to fears of fetal effects. Therefore, maternal education and optimal clinical and pharmacologic management is necessary to mitigate maternal and fetal complications.

Effects of pranlukast on ovalbumin induced early-phase bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Leukotriene (LT) C4, D4, and E4, the main components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), have been suggested to play an important role in bronchial asthma such as antigen- induced bronchoconstriction, airway hyperreactivity, and pulmonary eosinophil accumulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of treatment with the cysteinyl-LTs (cys-LTs) antagonist, pranlukast on allergen-induced guinea pig asthma model. METHODS: Guinea pigs of treatment and placebo groups were sensitized by subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged by inhalation of aerosolized OVA (1% weight/volume OVA). Normal control group did not sensitize with OVA. Oral ingestion of pranlukast and normal saline to the treatment and placebo groups was performed. In the treatment and placebo groups, airway resistance was measured before and after oral ingestion. Serum LTC4 and eosinophilic infiltration of the bronchiolar and peribronchiolar tissues were measured after ingestion in the treatment and placebo groups. RESULTS: Allergen-induced airway constriction developed in 20 (8 in treatment group, 12 in placebo group) among 35 guinea pigs. Airway resistance was significantly decreased at 3 and 6 minutes after OVA challenge in the pranlukast treatment group. In the placebo group, there was no difference of airway resistance between before and after saline ingestion. Serum LTC4 levels showed 348.4 pg/ml in the treatment group, 373.9 pg/ml in the placebo group, and 364.4 pg/ml in the control group. There were no statistically significant difference between treatment and placebo group (p=0.232), and treatment and control group (p=0.501). Eosinophilic infiltrations in the peribronchiolar region per one-microscopic field (X400 high power fields) demonstrated 7.06 in the treatment group, 19.2 in the placebo group, and 4.50 in the control group. There was significant decrement of eosinophilic infiltration in the treatment group which was compared with placebo group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that pranlukast, a cys-LTs receptor antagonist, can attenuate allergen induced early-phase bronchoconstriction and eosinophilic infiltration in the bronchiolar tissues.