Recent Updates of Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease / 전남의대학술지

In recent years, epidemiological studies, genome-wide association studies, and Mendelian randomization studies have shown a strong association between increased levels of lipoproteins and increased risks of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was an independent risk factor for ASCVD, the latest international clinical guidelines do not recommend direct reduction of plasma Lp(a) concentrations. The main reason was that there is no effective clinical medicine that directly lowers plasma Lp(a) concentrations. However, recent clinical trials have shown that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9) and second-generation antisense oligonucleotides can effectively reduce plasma Lp(a) levels.This review will present the structure, pathogenicity, prognostic evidences, and recent advances in therapeutic drugs for Lp(a).

Comparison of Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics between Cardiac Myxomas and Masses Mimicking Myxoma

Background and Objectives@#Cardiac myxoma is the most frequent benign cardiac tumor that can result in cardiac and systemic symptoms. We investigated clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with cardiac masses suggesting myxoma. @*Methods@#We investigated 265 consecutive patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac myxomas in 4 teaching hospitals in Korea. @*Results@#The mean age was 61±16 years and 169 patients (63.8%) were female. The most frequent referral reason for echocardiography was an evaluation of cardiac symptoms (43.4%). Tumors were incidentally detected in 82 patients (30.9%). Left atrium (LA) was the most frequently involved site (84.5%) and 19 patients (7.2%) had non-atrial tumors. The mean tumor size was 38.7×26.0 mm (range, 4–96 mm). Of 186 patients (70.2%) who had pathological diagnosis, 174 (93.5%) were confirmed with myxoma, 8 (4.3%) with other tumors and 4 (2.2%) with thrombi. Compared to myxoma, smaller size (20.4×12.6 mm vs. 41.4×27.6 mm, p<0.01) and non-LA location (87.5% vs. 10.5%, p<0.001) were associated with non-myxoma tumors, and more frequent atrial fibrillation (AF, 75.0% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001) and larger LA diameter (55.0±14.6 mm vs. 41.3±7.7 mm, p=0.001) were related to thrombi. @*Conclusions@#Of 265 patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis with cardiac myxomas, 174 (65.7%) were surgically confirmed with myxomas. Compared with cardiac myxoma, other tumors were smaller and more frequently found in non-atrial sites. Thrombi were associated with AF and larger LA diameter.

Multiple Skeletal Involvement of Multiple Myeloma Associated Amyloidosis Presented with Pathologic Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Amyloidosis, which refers to amyloid deposits accumulated in various organs, belongs to the same category as multiple myeloma; it can be accompanied by pathologic fracture. It is important to find out the exact cause of amyloidosis in order to decide treatment options and to predict prognosis. The authors described an amyloidosis case with multiple musculoskeletal involvements presented with pathologic fracture and arthrosis, and also reviewed the related articles.

Ideal Insertion Point and Angle of Cervical Pedicular Screws in Korean

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: Using computed tomography, it is to measure pedicle size of lower cervical spine in Koreas to find ideal insertion point and angle in fixating pedicular screws. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Although techniques in pedicular screw fixation and pedicle's anatomical shape in foreign populations have been well documented and studied, no anatomical study on lower cervical pedicle in Korean population has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients with computed tomography taken at our institution were selected for the study. Width, total length, and length of pedicle, insertion point and angle, and safe insertion angles were measured on axial view. On sagittal view, height of pedicle, insertion point and angle, and safe insertion angles were determined. RESULTS: Mean height of study subject was 164.2cm. Mean width of pedicle was 5.5mm, mean height 7.2mm, mean total length 31.2mm, and mean length 14.8mm. Mean insertion point from 3rd to 7th cervical spines was medially 3.3mm from lateral mass and downward 4.7mm from margin of upper facet. Mean insertion angles from 3rd to 7th cervical spines were 41.6degrees axially and 6.4degrees sagittally. Calculated safe insertion angles were 8degrees on medial and lateral sides and 14degrees on superior and inferior sides. CONCLUSIONS: Using computed tomography images, ideal insertion point and angle were measured for pedicular screw insertion, but, due to individual variation, preoperative measurement of insertion point and angle on computed tomography is necessary.

Simultaneous Bilateral Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: a Minimum 17-year Follow-up Study - Comparison Study with Unilateral Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty - / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Long-term follow-up results of concurrent bilateral or unilateral cementless hip arthroplasty were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty eight and 49 patients with concurrent bilateral and unilateral hip artrhoplasties who had more than a 17-year follow-up time were selected. At final follow-up, mean ages were 69.1 and 66.7 years old in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively. Mean follow-up times were 21.5 and 22.4 years in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively. Clinical results were attained using Harris hip score and standardized anteroposterior and lateral view X-rays. RESULTS: The bilateral group had mean Harris scores of 44.3(standard deviation 3.78) preoperatively, and 81.2 (10.75) at final follow-up. For the unilateral group, the mean scores were 46.5(3.27) preoperatively, and 80.1 (12.05) at final follow-up. At final follow-up, an acetabular cup was securely located in 78.9% and 82.8% of the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively, and all cases showed firm fixation of the femoral stem in both groups. Osteolysis around the cup and stem were found in 26.3% and 31.4% of the bilateral group and 16.6% and 17.1% of the unilateral group, respectively. Polyethylene wear rate was 0.17 mm/yr and 0.16 mm/yr in the unilateral and bilateral groups, respectively. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, 17-year survival rates for cup and stem were 78% and 89% in the bilateral group, respectively, and 78% and 86% in the unilateral group, respectively. CONCLUSION: In 17-year long-term follow-up, concurrent bilateral hip arthroplasty was insignificantly different clinically and radiologically from the result of unilateral hip arthroplasty.

Ankle Arthrodesis Using Auto Fibula Bone Graft: Two Cases Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Recently, development and improvement in joint replacement therapy, the need for arthrodesis has been decreasing. However, result of joint replacement is not always satisfactory, and most cases are rather indicative to ankle arthrodesis than ankle replacement. Often, ankle arthrodesis can be more beneficial salvage method to treat cases with failure in joint replacement therapy, talar avascular necrosis with massive bone defect, talus fracture with severe comminution and bone defect and ankle dislocation. In cases with large bone defect that need to be treated with ankle arthrodesis using internal fixation, it is difficult to fill the defect with conventional auto-iliac bone or all-bone graft. Thus, we make a report on our experience in treating 2 cases with ankle arthrodesis using auto-fibular bone graft and plate fixation.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in three pregnancies / 대한산부인과학회지

Thromobotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS), characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, central nervous system abnormalities, and renal dysfunction, is severe multisystem disorder. TTP-HUS occurs predominantly in the reproductive aged-women, associated with poor prognosis. Although the morbidity and mortality have been significantly decreased by using plasma exchange therapy, refractory TTP-HUS remains a tremendous problem. It is crucial to differentiate other microangiopathic hemolytic anemia disease with a confusing presentation and to perform the immediate plasmapheresis. We have experienced three cases, which were initially diagnosed as HELLP syndrome or immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Despite of aggressive plasmapheresis, two women died. We present these cases with a review of the literature on pregnancy-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, including ADAMTS-13 activity assay as a new diagnostic test.

A Case Report of Acute Hepatitis A Infection in Pregnancy / 대한주산의학회잡지

Hepatitis A virus infection is the most common cause of acute hepatitis but is rarely reported during pregnancy. We report a case of acute hepatitis A in a 28-year old pregnant woman at 40 weeks of gestation. Her initial complaint was fever. Three days after, she developed spontaneous labor and delivered a healthy baby vaginally. Her laboratory examination showed thrombocytopenia, elevated D-dimer and decreased Fibrinogen level as well as markedly elevated liver enzymes. In addition, oliguria and pulmonary effusion were also noted. Hepatitis A infection during pregnancy may be associated with development of labor. And the differential diagnosis with preeclampsia and acute fatty liver of pregnancy is very important for the management.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Intrauterine Fetal Femur Fracture / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Intrauterine fetal fracture is rare and hardly ever is a diagnosis made before the baby is born. A 32-years-old, woman at 37(+6) weeks gestation was admitted in labor. The patient had no history of abdominal trauma and disease. The length of fetal femur was shorter than average in antenatal care. Fetus was delivered by Cesarean delivery. He was diagnosed intrauterine femur fracture by radiologic evaluation. We therefore are reporting the prenatal diagnosis of an intrauterine fetal fracture of the femur in this case.

Clinical Analysis of Female Sexual Assault Victims / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate female victims of sexual assault and assess the similarities and differences between them. METHODS: Case files and photographs of 59 women examined at Holy Family hospital for sexual assault during Jan 1, 1991 to Dec 31 2001 were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 17.12 (+/-11.50). 45 (76.3%) of assailants were strangers to the victims. 35 (59.3%) had genital injuries and 8 (13.6%) needed surgical treatments. No victim was pregnant and 17 (28.8%) was reported to police. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic concern in the treatment of women who come forward to report the experience of sexual assaults will result in more reporting of rape. The victims need to be educated at home, at school, and by their primary care providers to avoid situations in which they could make themselves vulnerable to sexual assault, and they should be taught the importance of immediately reporting their assault and seeking medical care.

Clinical Course of The Patient who Had the Gynecologic Operation Using Minilaparotomy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical course of the patient who had the gynecologic operation using minolaparotomy. METHODS: We reviewed the chart of the patient who had the gynecologic operation using minilaparotomy in department of obstetrics and gynecology of St. Mary's hospital during Jan. 2000 Sept. 2002. RESULTS: Postopertive diagnosis is myoma (154 cases), adenomyosis (41 cases), ovary cyst (89 cases) and so on. We had performed hysterectomy (225 cases), myomectomy (86 cases), cystectomy or adenexectomy (85 cases) for these patient. There is no significant difference in clinical course between two total hysterecomized groups, one who had the operation history and the other who had not the operation history. CONCLUSION: In gynecological operations, minilaparotomy is the useful methods in any kind of the indication of operation, and show good clinical course.

A case of neonatal lupus syndrome with congenital complete heart block / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The neonatal lupus syndrome is characterized by skin lesions, hepatic and hematologic abnormalities and congenital heart block. Congenital heart block which is believed to be caused by transplacental passage of the anti-Ro (SSA)/La (SSB) antibodies from mother to infant, is known to occur in 1 in 20,000 live births. In contrast to other manifestation of neonatal lupus syndrome, which usually subside within 6 months after birth, congenital heart block is a permanent and potentially fatal complication. We experienced a case of neonatal lupus syndorme with congenital complete heart block in a newborn of asyptomatic mother with anti-Ro (SSA)/ La (SSB) antibodies.