A Case of Sick Sinus Syndrome in a Patient with Systemic Sclerosis / 대한내과학회지

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by the presence of microvascular disease and various patterns of cutaneous and parenchymal fibrosis. Manifestation of SSc may occur in numerous tissues and organs and can be particularly problematic when present in the lungs, kidneys or heart. Cardiac involvement in SSc includes pericarditis, myocardial disease, conduction abnormalities, and arrhythmia. Sick sinus syndrome is described as a combination of symptoms (dizziness, confusion, fatigue, syncope and congestive heart failure) caused by sinus node dysfunction and manifested by marked sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial block, or sinus arrest. Sinus node dysfunction is most often seen in the elderly but also, rarely, in systemic amyloidosis and connective tissue disease. Sick sinus syndrome is rarely found in patients with SSc, of which there has been only one case report, according to a review of the literature. Therefore, we report a case of sick sinus syndrome in a 71-year-old female with SSc.

Regional Difference of Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori Strains in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was performed to compare the prevalence rates of primary antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) isolates among different regions of Korea. METHODS: H. pylori were isolated from gastric mucosal biopsy specimens of 99 Koreans who lived in Gyeonggi (n=40), Kangwon province (n=40) and Busan (n=19) from April to August in 2008. All the patients had no history of H. pylori eradication therapy. The susceptibilities of the H. pylori isolates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were tested according to the agar dilution method. RESULTS: There was a difference in resistance to clarithromycin in three institutes located among Gyeonggi (32.5%), Kangwon province (12.5%) and Busan (42.1%) by One way ANOVA test (p=0.027) and nonparametric Kruskal Wallis test (p=0.027). However, by post-hoc analysis, there was no statistically significant difference among three regions. Similarly, the other 7 antibiotics (amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin) did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant regional difference of the primary antibiotic resistance of H. pylori. However, the included patient number might not be enough for this conclusion demanding further evaluations.

Regional Difference of Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori Strains in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was performed to compare the prevalence rates of primary antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) isolates among different regions of Korea. METHODS: H. pylori were isolated from gastric mucosal biopsy specimens of 99 Koreans who lived in Gyeonggi (n=40), Kangwon province (n=40) and Busan (n=19) from April to August in 2008. All the patients had no history of H. pylori eradication therapy. The susceptibilities of the H. pylori isolates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were tested according to the agar dilution method. RESULTS: There was a difference in resistance to clarithromycin in three institutes located among Gyeonggi (32.5%), Kangwon province (12.5%) and Busan (42.1%) by One way ANOVA test (p=0.027) and nonparametric Kruskal Wallis test (p=0.027). However, by post-hoc analysis, there was no statistically significant difference among three regions. Similarly, the other 7 antibiotics (amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin) did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant regional difference of the primary antibiotic resistance of H. pylori. However, the included patient number might not be enough for this conclusion demanding further evaluations.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on the Development of Reflux Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Nationwide Multi-Center Prospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A two-year, prospective, nationwide multicenter study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the development of reflux esophagitis (RE) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in the Korean population. METHODS: In total, 1,489 subjects without RE were enrolled at the outpatient clinics of 12 tertiary hospitals nationwide, and 452 subjects underwent follow-up (F/U) for 2 years to evaluate the development of RE and GERD symptoms. RESULTS: RE was found in 33 subjects (7.3% of 452 subjects) and 14 subjects (7.3% of 192 subjects) during the first and second year of F/U, respectively. H. pylori status was not associated with the development of RE. RE was found in six (9.0%) of 67 H. pylori-negative patients, in 26 (11.2%) of 233 eradicated subjects and in eight (7.0%) of 114 noneradicated subjects (p=0.532). Multivariate analysis showed that age > or =60 years (odds ratio [OR], 7.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92 to 26.41), alcohol consumption (OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 1.03 to 19.19) and F/U cholesterol levels > or =200 mg/dL (OR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.32 to 19.17) were significant risk factors for the development of RE. There was no significant difference in the development of GERD symptoms or weight according to H. pylori status during the 2-year F/U. CONCLUSIONS: Eradication of H. pylori did not affect the development of reflux esophagitis or GERD symptoms among patients in outpatient gastroenterology clinics in South Korea.

Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate Induced Colonic Necrosis in Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease / 대한소화기학회지

A 63-year-old woman was admitted due to right upper quadrant abdominal pain. She was going through hemodialysis due to end stage renal disease and taking calcium polystyrene sulfonate orally and rectally due to hyperkalemia. Colonoscopy showed a circular ulcerative mass on the proximal ascending colon. Biopsy specimen from the mass showed inflammation and necrotic debris. It also revealed basophilic angulated crystals which were adherent to the ulcer bed and normal mucosa. These crystals were morphologically consistent with calcium polystyrene sulfonate. She was diagnosed with calcium polystyrene phosphate induced colonic necrosis and improved with conservative treatment.

Gastric Polyposis Associated with Gastric Cancer

Gastric polyps encompass a wide variety of lesions that most commonly arise from the gastric epithelium. However, coincidental gastric carcinomas have rarely been reported, being found in only 2~3% of patients with hyperplastic polyps. A 68-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for bleeding control of a gastric polyp. The gastroscopy shows numerous polyps in the entire gastric mucosa and a huge ulcer with bleeding. The bleeding of the gastric ulcer could not be controlled by gastroscopic procedures. So, we performed total gastrectomy for bleeding control. The pathologic findings shows poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with hyperplastic polyps. We performed treatment with Cisplatin and 5-FU for two cycles. Two months postoperative, he was admitted due to dyspnea associated with ascites. We performed a ckeckup by computer tomography. It revealed cancer recurrence with lymphatic and liver metastasis, and diffuse massive ascites with mesenteric cake, and it suggested cancer peritonei.

Effect of Sleep Quality and Health in Emergency Medical Doctors on Duty at Night

PURPOSE: Emergency medical doctors face a working environment full of various types of stresses and often must work the night shift. This research is focused on the influences between night shift work, sleep, and physical and psychiatric health. METHODS: The subjects of research in the Internet-based survey were 51 emergency medical doctors working in four university hospitals, regional emergency medical centers, and hospitals of emergency medicine located in Honam District, Gwangju, Korea. RESULTS: Of the 51 respondents, 41.2% worked two night shifts per week and 45.1% worked three night shifts per week. Comparison of specialists and resident doctors did not reveal statistical differences between the quality of sleep and the prevalence of cardiovascular and psychiatric symptoms. However, there was a significantly higher prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases among resident doctors. Comparisons based on hospital size revealed significantly higher prevalence of gastrointestinal disease in university hospitals. The number of weekly night shifts did not significantly influence outcomes. CONCLUSION: Resident doctors and emergency medical doctors working in university hospitals may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases. While no significant differences were evident concerning the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the known similar mechanisms between gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease indicates that continued exposure to stressful situations may prelude severe diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease and hepatic venous pressure gradient for predicting survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study compared the prognostic values of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in the prediction of death within 3 and 12 months in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We used data from 136 consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent HVPG between January 2006 and June 2008. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the independent relationships with death of MELD and HVPG. The prognostic accuracies of MELD and HVPG were analyzed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the occurrence of death within 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Both MELD and HVPG were independent predictors of death [hazard ratio (HR)=1.11 and 1.12, respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04~1.20 and 1.08-1.16]. Analysis of the AUROC demonstrated that the prognostic power did not differ between MELD and HVPG for predicting the 3-month survival (HR=0.76 and 0.68, respectively; 95% CI=0.62~0.89 and 0.52~0.84; P=0.22) or the 12-month survival (HR=0.72 and 0.73, 95% CI=0.61~0.83 and CI=0.61~0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Both MELD and HVPG are independent prognostic factors of death within 3 and 12 months in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, and their accuracies are similar. However, HVPG has a limited role in the prediction of death in decompensated cirrhosis due to its invasiveness and limited use.

Spontaneous Subdural Hematoma at Thoracolumbar spine: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

A 63 year-old female was brought to our hospital with severe lower back pain. She received antihypertensive drugs for 2 years but her blood pressure was normal upon arrival. She could not stand up or even walk. The MRI showed a subdural hematoma at the thoracolumbar region, which was extremely rare. The treatment applied was decompression through a spinal tap without surgery. After this, her pain subsided considerably. Two weeks later, MRI confirmed that there was no hematoma in the same region. She was discharged and has enjoyed her daily activities free of pain. A spontaneous subdural hematoma is an extremely rare disease. The condition was treated successfully in a conservative manner.

Thrower's Fracture on the Shaft of the Humerus: 4 Cases Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

A fracture of the shaft of the humerus in young adults is known to occur as a result of high energy injuries such as traffic accidents and falls from a height. In baseball, which is one of the popular sports in the world, the incidence of a fracture of the shaft of the humerus during pitch motion is increasing even in non-professional players. Over the course of a year, we analyzed four cases of humeral shaft fractures that occurred during pitch motion through the pitch count, type of pitch, duration of playing, and prodromal pain. It was found that these fractures can easily occur through the torsion developed by the uncoordinated contraction of the muscle. The mechanism of the fracture should be recognized in order to prevent this type of fracture while playing baseball.

Comparison of the hemostatic effect between argon plasma and heat probe for peptic ulcer bleeding / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic heat probe coagulation (HP) and argon plasma coagulation (APC) are considered to be safe and effective for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of APC and HP for treating bleeding peptic ulcer. METHODS: Between May 2004 and November 2006 we conducted a prospective randomized trial on 99 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding and for whom a visible vessel or active bleeding was identified. The patients were randomized into two groups: the APC group that was comprised of 56 patients who received argon plasma coagulation and HP group that was comprised of 43 patients who received heat probe coagulation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the study groups in terms of age, risk factors, the initial hemoglobin values, the number of patients who showed signs of hemodynamic impairment, the location of ulcer and the bleeding activity. The initial hemostatic rate was 89.3% in the APC group and 93% in the heat probe group (p=0.521). After successful initial endoscopic treatment, rebleeding was observed in 4 cases of the APC group (7.1%) and in 4 cases of heat probe coagulation group (9.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Argon plasma coagulation and heat probe coagulation are equally effective for controlling bleeding from peptic ulcer.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Peptic Ulcer Disease in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the prevalence and relationship of peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori infection to liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We examined 288 patients with liver cirrhosis, 322 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia, and 339 patients with peptic ulcer disease. Rapid urease test and Wright-Giemsa staining were used for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of peptic ulcer disease in patients with cirrhosis was 24.3%. The prevalence of peptic ulcer disease in patients with cirrhosis divided into Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 22.3%, 21.0%, and 31.3%, respectively (p>0.05). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in the patients with cirrhosis, non-ulcer dyspepsia, and peptic ulcer without chronic liver disease were 35.1%, 62.4%, and 73.7%, respectively (p0.05). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with hepatitis virus-related liver cirrhosis and in the patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis was 42.5% and 22.0%, respectively (p<0.001). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C liver cirrhosis was 51.5%, 30.5%, and 20.0%, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Factors other than H. pylori may be involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease in the setting of liver cirrhosis.

The Efficacy of Cimetropium Bromide as a Premedication before Esophagogastroduodenoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cimetropium bromide has been used widely as a premedication for endoscopy; however, there are no subjective data pertaining to the effects of cimetropum bromide as a premedication. Thus, the current study was undertaken to compare the effects of cimetropum bromide with placebo as a premedication for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). METHODS: Two hundred ninety-nine consecutive outpatients who had undergone EGD were enrolled in this study. Thirty minutes before EGD, the patients were randomly given an intramuscular injection of cimetropium bromide (5 mg) or saline using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized technique. Immediately after EGD, all the patients and endoscopists were requested to fill out the questionnaire form. RESULTS: One-hundred patients were injected with cimetropium bromide and 150 patients were injected with placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of residual gastric secretions, the peristaltic activity detected by endoscopists, and the comfort experienced by the patients in each study group. CONCLUSIONS: The intramuscular injection of cimetropium bromide (5 mg) as a premedication for EGD was not significantly superior to placebo, at least with respect to subjective parameters, in spite of its broad use.

The crude incidence rate of stomach cancer in Chuncheon-si during 2000-2002 / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stomach cancer is the most common cancer in Korea, and it can be easily diagnosed by performing endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with stomach cancer, and there has been much recent interest in the epidemiology of stomach cancer. Therefore, we estimated the incidence of stomach cancer in Chuncheon-si during 2000-2002. METHODS: From July 1st, 2000 through June 30th, 2002, we investigated the subjects who were confined to be newly diagnosed cases living in Chuncheon-si. The data was collected from the medical records from all the medical facilities located in Chuncheon-si. RESULTS: The total number of cases of newly diagnosed stomach cancer during this period (2000-2002) was 186 (117 males and 69 females). The annual crude incidence rate of stomach cancer was estimated to be 37.0 per 100,000 persons overall, and 47.0 and 27.2 in the males and females, respectively. The annual age standardized incidence rate for the Korean population was 33.7 per 100,000 persons overall, and 42.2 and 25.1 for the males and females, respectively. The major symptoms of stomach cancer patients were epigastric pain (61.8%) and weight loss (31.2%). The proportion of early gastric cancer was 34.9% (60 among 172 persons) of the cases of stomach cancer. 64 patients (74%) were H. pylori positive. CONCLUSIONS: We report here on the estimated incidence rate of the stomach cancer and the characteristics of the stomach cancer patients in Chuncheon-si during 2000-2002. This study has generated basic epidemiologic data to identify the effect of H. pylori eradication on the future incidence rate of stomach cancer.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Comminuted Subtrochanteric Fracture of the Femur

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with comminuted subtrochanteric femoral fractures using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with a mean age of 38.2 years, who sustained comminuted subtrochanteric femoral fractures, were treated using MIPO technique. All patients suffered these fractures either from traffic accidents (6) or falls from height (6). Average follow-up was 4.3 years (range, 29~78 months). Patients were assessed radiographically and clinically with regards to time to union, malunion, and complications. According to the Seinsheimer's classification, there were 1 type III, 7 type IV, and 4 type V. Type C fractures were ten according to AO-OTA classification. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 7 of 12 cases, in an average of 23.4 weeks (range, 12~42 weeks). Three definite non-unions with implant failures, needed the procedure of implant change and bone graft. In other two patients, early bone graft was performed for anticipated nonunion of comminuted area. The most common complication was metal failures (2 plate failures and 3 screw breakages). Limb length shortening of 1.5 cm occurred in one patient, and external rotation malunion of 15 degrees was noted in one patient. No patients developed infection. CONCLUSION: Preserving biology of the fracture fragments, the use of MIPO technique using DCS has proven to be less successful in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures, comparing to fractures in other areas. To avoid mechanical failure, the careful and protective weight bearing is needed until the callus-bridging is seen in the commniuted area.

Femoral Lengthening with External Fixator over the Intramedullary Nail / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The results and complications of femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail with a external fixator in patients with limb length discrepancy were retrospectively reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After lengthening 22 femoral segments, all patients were followed-up for a mean of 3.2 years (range, 2 to 5.2 years). They ranged in age from 13 to 35 years (average age, 22.2 years) at the time of the index procedure. The mean lengthening was 5 cm (2.7 to 8.1 cm), and the external fixator was removed after a median 135.9 days (range, 59 to 210 days). The mean external fixation index was 23.8 days/cm of lengthening (range, 11.1 to 34.7 days/cm of lengthening). RESULTS: Nineteen patients achieved the length of their pre-operative goal. However, there were 3 failures with osteomyelitis and the removal of the nail, which had a past history of infection or open trauma. There were 4 knee joint complications when the lengthening was over 20%. These included three cases of a patella subluxation and one case of a posterior knee subluxation. In the other complications, there was one case of a collapse in the lengthened segment with a breakage of the locking screws. CONCLUSION: Although lengthening over a nail can reduce the duration of external fixation, caution is needed in order to prevent complications.

Rebamipide Protects Colonic Damage Induced by Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid (TNBS) via Down-Regulation of TNF-alpha IL-1beta and ICAM-1 / 대한해부학회지

During inflammation of the colon, cells of the gut mucosa produce or express numerous inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). These mediators have been implicated as contributory factors to the inflammatory process, which results in colitis during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Rebamipide is an anti-gastric ulcer drug with anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro. The effects of Rebamipide on IBD have not been largely evaluated. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of Rebamipide to regulate the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and ICAM-1. Mice with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis (IBD animal model), were treated intrarectally with 2 mM Rebamipide. Body weight, macro- and micro-histological scores, and activity were evaluated. As an index of tissue edema, the thickness of the colonic wall was measured between the serosal surface and the luminal surface of the mucosa. TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and ICAM-1 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Rebamipide treatment of mice exhibiting TNBS-induced colitis dramatically improved the clinical and histopathological findings of inflammation. In addition, Rebamipide suppressed TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and ICAM-1 expression in TNBS-treated animals. Taken together, these findings suggest that Rebamipide is a potential therapeutic agent for treating patients with IBD.

Comparison of Withdrawal Responses Associated with Temperature and Gender on the Injection of Rocuronium / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Rocuronium produces various withdrawal responses if administered after loss of consciousness. We investgated the incidence of withdrawal response after injecting rocuronium in female and male patients, and also evaluated the effect of injecting rocuronium at room and low temperature (4-5oC). METHODS: We evaluated 240 in-patients undergoing various elective general surgeries. Patients were randomized into two groups of 120 patients in a blinded, prospective study; group I (rocuronium was stored at ambient temperature [20-24oC], n = 120 [60 male patients, 60 female patients]), group II (rocuronium was stored in a refrigerator [4-5oC], n = 120 [60 male patients, 60 female patients]). Ten seconds after the induction of anesthesia with 5 mg/kg of thiopentothal sodium, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected over 10 seconds using on intravenous cannula. Patient's response on injecting rocuronium was graded using a four-point scale. RESULTS: The incidence of withdrawal response was 29.2% (female 31.7%, male 26.7%) in group I and 31.7% (female 31.7%, male 31.7%) in group II. Moderate to severe movement was 18.4% (female 20%, male 16.7%) in group I and 142% (female 15%, male 13.2%) in group II. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and the degree of withdrawal response on injecting rocuronium were no different in groups I or II, or between males and females.

Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation for the Acute Pulmonary Edema due to Upper Airway Obstruction: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

The etiology of pulmonary edema are myriad. Pulmonary edema is a complication of acute upper airway obstruction secondary to laryngospasm. When pulmonay edema occurs, it usually follows relief of the obstruction. Acute pulmonary edema must be treated promptly among the patients who recover from acute upper airway obstruction. The treatments are fluid restriction, diuretics, steroids, ventilatory assistance to maintain oxygenation. Ventilatory assistance is important and has various methods, but we chosed intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV). It is of benefit to adequate oxygenation without ventilatory induced lung linjury (VILI), easy removal of secretion, intratracheal nebulization with bronchodilator, and patient's comfortness. We present a case of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that occured in an adult patient following extubation of the trachea caused by a laryngospasm.

Treatment of Proximal Shaft Fracture of Tibia with Intramedullary Nail: Analysis According to AO Classification and the Poller Screw

PURPOSE: This was a retrospective study to evaluate the results of intramedullary nailing in proximal shaft fracture of tibia. We analyzed those results according to AO classification and Poller screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three proximal tibial shaft fractures (32 patients) were followed for more than one year. In AO classification, there were 6 cases of type A, 14 cases of type B, and 13 cases of type C. We used Poller screws in 14 operations. We evaluated translation, angulation and nonunion after surgeries. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases (85%) were united primarily, but nonunions occurred in 5 cases. Malalignment (angulation>5degree or translation>5 mm) was found in 14 cases (42%). In Poller screw used and non-used groups, the malalignment was respectively showed in 2 cases (14%) and 12 cases (63%). According to AO classification, nonunion was found in only type B with 5 cases (36%). CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing of proximal shaft fracture of tibia showed relatively lower rate of primary union. Especially, when initial fractures have a butterfly fragment, it showed the higher rate of nonunion. Moreover, the malalignment rate was relatively higher, yet it is possible to reduce the rate of malalignment by using Poller screw.