Preoperative high-sensitivity troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide, alone and in combination, for risk stratification of mortality after liver transplantation / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Given the severe shortage of donor liver grafts, coupled with growing proportion of cardiovascular death after liver transplantation (LT), precise cardiovascular risk assessment is pivotal for selecting recipients who gain the greatest survival benefit from LT surgery. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of pre-LT combined measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) in predicting early post-LT mortality. @*Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated 2,490 consecutive adult LT patients between 2010 and 2018. Cut-off values of BNP and hsTnI for predicting post-LT 90-day mortality were calculated. According to the derived cut-off values of two cardiac biomarkers, alone and in combination, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of post-LT 90-day mortality were determined using multivariate Cox regression analysis. @*Results@#Mortality rate after 90 days was 2.9% (72/2,490). Rounded cut-off values for post-LT 90-day mortality were 400 pg/ml for BNP (aHR 2.02 [1.15, 3.52], P = 0.014) and 60 ng/L for hsTnI (aHR 2.65 [1.48, 4.74], P = 0.001), respectively. Among 273 patients with BNP ≥ 400 pg/ml, 50.9% of patients were further stratified into having hsTnI ≥ 60 ng/L. Combined use of pre-LT cardiac biomarkers predicted post-LT 90-day mortality rate; both non-elevated: 1.0% (21/2,084), either one is elevated: 9.0% (24/267), and both elevated: 19.4% (27/139, log-rank P < 0.001; aHR vs non-elevated 4.23 [1.98, 9.03], P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Concomitant elevation of both cardiac biomarkers posed significantly higher risk of 90-day mortality after LT. Pre-LT assessment cardiac strain and myocardial injury, represented by BNP and hsTnI values, would contribute to prioritization of LT candidates and help administer target therapies that could modify early mortality.

Preoperative high-sensitivity troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide, alone and in combination, for risk stratification of mortality after liver transplantation / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Given the severe shortage of donor liver grafts, coupled with growing proportion of cardiovascular death after liver transplantation (LT), precise cardiovascular risk assessment is pivotal for selecting recipients who gain the greatest survival benefit from LT surgery. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of pre-LT combined measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) in predicting early post-LT mortality. @*Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated 2,490 consecutive adult LT patients between 2010 and 2018. Cut-off values of BNP and hsTnI for predicting post-LT 90-day mortality were calculated. According to the derived cut-off values of two cardiac biomarkers, alone and in combination, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of post-LT 90-day mortality were determined using multivariate Cox regression analysis. @*Results@#Mortality rate after 90 days was 2.9% (72/2,490). Rounded cut-off values for post-LT 90-day mortality were 400 pg/ml for BNP (aHR 2.02 [1.15, 3.52], P = 0.014) and 60 ng/L for hsTnI (aHR 2.65 [1.48, 4.74], P = 0.001), respectively. Among 273 patients with BNP ≥ 400 pg/ml, 50.9% of patients were further stratified into having hsTnI ≥ 60 ng/L. Combined use of pre-LT cardiac biomarkers predicted post-LT 90-day mortality rate; both non-elevated: 1.0% (21/2,084), either one is elevated: 9.0% (24/267), and both elevated: 19.4% (27/139, log-rank P < 0.001; aHR vs non-elevated 4.23 [1.98, 9.03], P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Concomitant elevation of both cardiac biomarkers posed significantly higher risk of 90-day mortality after LT. Pre-LT assessment cardiac strain and myocardial injury, represented by BNP and hsTnI values, would contribute to prioritization of LT candidates and help administer target therapies that could modify early mortality.

Korean clinical practice guideline for perioperative red blood cell transfusion from Korean Society of Anesthesiologists / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Considering the functional role of red blood cells (RBC) in maintaining oxygen supply to tissues, RBC transfusion can be a life-saving intervention in situations of severe bleeding or anemia. RBC transfusion is often inevitable to address intraoperative massive bleeding; it is a key component in safe perioperative patient management. Unlike general medical resources, packed RBCs (pRBCs) have limited availability because their supply relies entirely on voluntary donations. Additionally, excessive utilization of pRBCs may aggravate prognosis or increase the risk of developing infectious diseases. Appropriate perioperative RBC transfusion is, therefore, crucial for the management of patient safety and medical resource conservation. These concerns motivated us to develop the present clinical practice guideline for evidence-based efficient and safe perioperative RBC transfusion management considering the current clinical landscape. METHODS: This guideline was obtained after the revision and refinement of exemplary clinical practice guidelines developed in advanced countries. This was followed by rigorous evidence-based reassessment considering the healthcare environment of the country. RESULTS: This guideline covers all important aspects of perioperative RBC transfusion, such as preoperative anemia management, appropriate RBC storage period, and leukoreduction (removal of white blood cells using filters), reversal of perioperative bleeding tendency, strategies for perioperative RBC transfusion, appropriate blood management protocols, efforts to reduce blood transfusion requirements, and patient monitoring during a perioperative transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline will aid decisions related to RBC transfusion in healthcare settings and minimize patient risk associated with unnecessary pRBC transfusion.

Preoperative echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac systolic and diastolic function in liver transplant recipients with diabetes mellitus: a propensity-score matched analysis

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases risk of heart failure. It has been shown that diabetes leads to DM-cardiomyopathy, characterized by systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Pre-transplant diastolic dysfunction, has been associated with poor graft outcome and mortality. We assessed the hypothesis that end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients with diabetes (DM-ESLD), have more advanced cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction, compared to ESLD patients without diabetes (Non DM-ESLD).METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated preoperative echocardiography of 1,319 consecutive liver transplant recipients (1,007 Non DM-ESLD vs. 312 DM-ESLD [23.7%]) January 2012–May 2016. Systolic and diastolic indices, such as left ventricular ejection fraction, transmital E/A ratio, tissue doppler s′, e′ velocity, and E/e′ ratio (index of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure), were compared using 1:2 propensity-score matching.RESULTS: DM-ESLD patients showed no differences in systolic indices of left ventricular ejection fraction and s′ velocity, whereas diastolic indices of E/A ratio ≤ 1 (49.0% vs. 40.2% P = 0.014), e′ velocity (median = 7.0 vs. 7.4 cm/s, P < 0.001) and E/e′ ratio (10.9 ± 3.2 vs. 10.1 ± 3.0, P < 0.001), showed worse diastolic function compare with Non DM-ESLD patients, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: DM-ESLD patients suffer higher degree of diastolic dysfunction compared with Non DM-ESLD patients. Based on this, careful preoperative screening for diastolic dysfunction in DM-ESLD patients is encouraged, because poor transplant outcomes have been noted in patients with preoperative diastolic dysfunction.

Korean clinical practice guideline for perioperative red blood cell transfusion from Korean Society of Anesthesiologists / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#Considering the functional role of red blood cells (RBC) in maintaining oxygen supply to tissues, RBC transfusion can be a life-saving intervention in situations of severe bleeding or anemia. RBC transfusion is often inevitable to address intraoperative massive bleeding; it is a key component in safe perioperative patient management. Unlike general medical resources, packed RBCs (pRBCs) have limited availability because their supply relies entirely on voluntary donations. Additionally, excessive utilization of pRBCs may aggravate prognosis or increase the risk of developing infectious diseases. Appropriate perioperative RBC transfusion is, therefore, crucial for the management of patient safety and medical resource conservation. These concerns motivated us to develop the present clinical practice guideline for evidence-based efficient and safe perioperative RBC transfusion management considering the current clinical landscape.@*METHODS@#This guideline was obtained after the revision and refinement of exemplary clinical practice guidelines developed in advanced countries. This was followed by rigorous evidence-based reassessment considering the healthcare environment of the country.@*RESULTS@#This guideline covers all important aspects of perioperative RBC transfusion, such as preoperative anemia management, appropriate RBC storage period, and leukoreduction (removal of white blood cells using filters), reversal of perioperative bleeding tendency, strategies for perioperative RBC transfusion, appropriate blood management protocols, efforts to reduce blood transfusion requirements, and patient monitoring during a perioperative transfusion.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This guideline will aid decisions related to RBC transfusion in healthcare settings and minimize patient risk associated with unnecessary pRBC transfusion.

Endotracheal intubation using semi-rigid optical stylet in simulated difficult airways of high grade modified Cormack and Lehane laryngeal views

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation in patients with compromised cervical vertebrae and limited mouth opening is challenging, however, there are still limited options available. Among devices used for managing difficult airways, the Clarus Video System (CVS) might have considerable promise due to its semi-rigid tip. We evaluated the performance of CVS in patients with simulated difficult airways. METHODS: Philadelphia cervical collars were applied to 74 patients undergoing general anesthesia. The degree of simulated difficult airway was assessed by observing laryngeal view using McCoy laryngoscope; modified Cormack and Lehane grade (MCL) ≥ 3a (high-grade group, n = 38) or ≤ 2b (low-grade group, n = 36). Subsequently, patients were intubated using CVS by a blinded practitioner. We evaluated total time to intubation, intubation success rate, and conditions of intubation. RESULTS: Intubation took significantly longer time for the high-grade group than that for the low-grade group (38.2 ± 25.9 seconds vs. 27.9 ± 6.2 seconds, time difference 10.3 seconds, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–19.2 seconds, P < 0.001). However, CVS provided similar high intubation success rates for both groups (97.4% for the high-grade and 100% for the low-grade group). During intubation, visualization of vocal cords and advancement into the glottis for the high-grade group were significantly more difficult than those for the low-grade group. CONCLUSIONS: Although intubation took longer for patients with higher MCL laryngeal view grade, CVS provided high intubation success rate for patients with severely restricted neck motion and mouth opening regardless of its MCL laryngeal view grade.

Pretransplant diastolic wall strain assessed by transthoracic echocardiography and its implication on posttransplant survival rate in liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: In cirrhotic patients, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes. Diastolic wall strain (DWS) is a new index of left ventricular diastolic function that correlates with the myocardial stiffness. In this study, we aimed to determine whether DWS calculated from preoperative transthoracic echocardiography can predict the survival of liver transplantation recipients. METHODS: A total of 981 patients who underwent liver transplantation were enrolled. We collected the clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data retrospectively. The left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-systole (LVPWs) and end-diastole (LVPWd) were measured using M-mode imaging. DWS was calculated as follows: DWS = (LVPWs – LVPWd) / LVPWs. As previously reported, DWS ≤ 0.33 was defined as low DWS and DWS > 0.33 was defined as normal DWS. The primary outcome of this study was 2-years survival after liver transplantation. RESULTS: The 2-years mortality rate following liver transplantation was higher in low DWS group than normal DWS group (14.6% vs.10.0%, P = 0.038). In univariate Cox regression analysis, age, model for end-stage liver disease score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, creatinine, b-type natriuretic peptide, heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, left ventricular stroke volume index, left ventricular ejection fraction, E/A ratio, e′, E/e′ ratio, and DWS were associated with 2-years survival after liver transplantation. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, DWS was an independent predictor of 2-years survival after adjusting significant univariate covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study results indicated that the DWS is an independent prognostic predictor in liver transplantation recipients.

Arrhythmogenic potential develops rapidly at graft reperfusion before the start of hypotension during living-donor liver transplantation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Detailed profiles of acute hypothermia and electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations of arrhythmogenicity were examined to analyze acute hypothermia and ventricular arrhythmogenic potential immediately after portal vein unclamping (PVU) in living-donor liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed electronically archived medical records (n = 148) of beat-to-beat ECG, arterial pressure waveforms, and blood temperature (BT) from Swan-Ganz catheters in patients undergoing living-donor LT. The ECG data analyzed were selected from the start of BT drop to the initiation of systolic hypotension after PVU. RESULTS: On reperfusion, acute hypothermia of < 34degrees C, < 33degrees C and < 32degrees C developed in 75.0%, 37.2% and 11.5% of patients, respectively. BT decreased from 35.0degrees C +/- 0.8degrees C to 33.3degrees C +/- 1.0degrees C (range 35.8degrees C-30.5degrees C). The median time to nadir of BT was 10 s after PVU. Difference in BT (DeltaBT) was weakly correlated with graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR; r = 0.22, P = 0.008). Compared to baseline, arrhythmogenicity indices such as corrected QT (QTc), Tp-e (T wave peak to end) interval, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were prolonged (P < 0.001 each). ST height decreased and T amplitude increased (P < 0.001 each). However, no correlation was found between DeltaBT and arrhythmogenic indices. CONCLUSIONS: In living-donor LT, regardless of extent of BT drop, ventricular arrhythmogenic potential developed immediately after PVU prior to occurrence of systolic hypotension.

A comparison of systolic and diastolic time variation with pulse pressure variation as a predictor of fluid responsiveness during pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: In pediatric patients, dynamic preload indices to predict fluid responsiveness remain controversial. Because each beat of blood pressure (BP) - waveform - contains evidence of a systolic and diastolic time interval (STI, DTI), we compared pulse pressure variation (PPV) with respiratory STI and DTI variation (STV, DTV) as predictors of fluid responsiveness during pediatric liver transplantation. METHODS: A total of 61 datasets from 16 pediatric liver transplant patients (age range one month to seven years), before and after an inferior vena cava clamp was applied, were retrospectively evaluated from electronically archived BP and central venous pressure (CVP) waveforms. STI and DTI were separated by a beat-to-beat blood pressure waveform. STV, DTV and PPV were calculated by averaging three consecutive respiratory cycles. Averaged CVP was used as a static preload index. A PPV threshold of > or =16%, a known cutoff value in pediatric surgery, was used to discriminate fluid responsiveness in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: PPV showed correlations with STV and DTV (r = 0.65 and 0.57, P < 0.001, respectively), but not with CVP (r = -0.30, P = 0.079). The area under the ROC curves (AUC) of STV, DTV and CVP were 0.834, 0.872, and 0.613, respectively. Cut-off values of STV and DTV were 7.7% (sensitivity/specificity, 0.80/0.83) and 7.7% (sensitivity/specificity, 0.70/0.88), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that STV and DTV from a BP waveform showed the potential to predict fluid responsiveness as a surrogate of PPV during pediatric surgery.

Endotracheal intubation by inexperienced trainees using the Clarus Video System: learning curve and orodental trauma perspectives

BACKGROUND: The ideal alternative airway device should be intuitive to use, yielding proficiency after only a few trials. The Clarus Video System (CVS) is a novel optical stylet with a semi-rigid tip; however, the learning curve and associated orodental trauma are poorly understood. METHODS: Two novice practitioners with no CVS experience performed 30 intubations each. Each trial was divided into learning (first 10 intubations) and standard phases (remaining 20 intubations). Total time to achieve successful intubation, number of intubation attempts, ease of use, and orodental trauma were recorded. RESULTS: Intubation was successful in all patients. In 51 patients (85%), intubation was accomplished in the first attempt. Nine patients required two or three intubation attempts; six were with the first 10 patients. Learning and standard phases differed significantly in terms of success at first attempt, number of attempts, and intubation time (70% vs. 93%, 1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3, and 71.4 ± 92.3 s vs. 24.6 ± 21.9 s, respectively). The first five patients required longer intubation times than the subsequent five patients (106.8 ± 120.3 s vs. 36.0 ± 26.8 s); however, the number of attempts was similar. Sequential subgroups of five patients in the standard phase did not differ in the number of attempts or intubation time. Dental trauma, lip laceration, or mucosal bleeding were absent. CONCLUSIONS: Ten intubations are sufficient to learn CVS utilization properly without causing any orodental trauma. A relatively small number of experiences are required in the learning curve compared with other devices.

Point-of-care monitoring of perioperative intraocular pressure using portable tonometry in a patient with Posner-Schlossman syndrome: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 56-year-old man with a rotator cuff injury, scheduled for arthroscopic reconstruction surgery, had a history of recurrent symptoms of eyeball pain and blurred vision for several years. After close examination, he was diagnosed with Posner-Schlossman syndrome. Three weeks before the scheduled surgery, his intraocular pressure (IOP) increased (> 30 mmHg) and he became extremely anxious about the surgery. We monitored his IOP intraoperatively and successfully completed general anesthesia without any sequelae. As Posner-Schlossman syndrome can present with severe complications that may lead to postoperative visual loss, intraoperative monitoring of intraocular monitoring and careful anesthetic management are crucial to protect vision.

Misdiagnosis of pneumothorax by ultrasonography after central venous catheterization in a patient with pleural adhesion / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

The Effect of Water Exercise Program for Treating the Gestational Edema / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: To confirm the effect of water exercise program for treating the gestational edema. METHODS: Both low leg volume, body weight and urine specific gravity were measured in thirty women with gestational edema before and after water exercise program. Fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate and maternal blood pressure were measured before and after water exercise program. RESULTS: Right leg volume was decreased by 286 ml from 1714 to 1428 mL (P<.0001), left leg volume was decreased by 267 mL from 1,644 to 1,377 mL (P<0.0001), and total leg volume was decreased by 553 mL from 3,359 to 2,805 mL (P<0.0001). Urine specific gravity was decreased by 0.0047 from 1.0197 to 1.0150 (P=0.004). Maternal body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate were showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: Water exercise program is effective and safe method for treating the gestational edema.

A Case of the Complete Hydatidiform Mole with Two Coexisting Fetuses / 대한주산의학회잡지

Hydatidiform mole with a coexisting fetus is rare, but this condition has recently shown an increased incidence because of assisted reproduction technology. In most of the reported cases, termination at diagnosis was preferred due to poor fetal survival and maternal risk factors such as vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, hyperthyroidism, potential of malignant change. However, considering the value of pregnancy by assisted reproduction technology, whether to continue or to terminate this condition is a dilemma. Based on currently available information, it seems that it is reasonable to allow the pregnancy to continue in the absence of maternal complications. We report on a case of the complete hydatidiform mole with two coexisting fetuses with a brief reviews of the literature.

Ovarian Thecoma with Virilizing Manifestations

A 29-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea, primary infertility, and virilization, which had developed over the past 2 years was suspected to have a virilizing tumor at her left ovary. Her serum testosterone level was markedly elevated (380 ng/dL). Left salpingooophorectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a thecoma of the left ovary. The postoperative serum testosterone level returned to 65 ng/dL. The patient did not have regression of virilism soon. However, the patient had a normal menstruation 29 days after surgery and gave birth to a baby 13 months after surgery.

A Case of Placenta Increta Complicating a First Trimester Abortion / 대한주산의학회잡지

Placenta increta is a life threatening complication of pregnancy, causing severe post-curettage bleeding. It is usually presented in the postpartum period with hemorrhage during difficult placental removal. It is especially rare in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, which is not easy to find and diagnose. We have confirmed a case of placenta increta after emergency hysterectomy due to severe vaginal bleeding following the dilatation and curettage during the 1st trimester of her pregnancy. So we report it with a brief case history and review of the concerned literatures.

A Case of Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Presenting as Pelvic Mass / 대한산부인과학회지

Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults and accounts for 9.8% to 16% in all soft tissue sarcomas. The common sites include limbs, buttocks, and retroperitoneum, et al. The early diagnosis of retroperitoneal liposarcoma may be difficult because of due to the late onset of symptoms and the tumors are frequently noted in a large size with the involvement of adjacent structures. Surgical therapy remains the most effective modality for the treatment of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. But, complete surgical resection of these tumors is often challenging and, at times, may be impossible. So, adjuvant radiation therapy is necessary for the improvement of prognosis in many cases. We report a case of retroperitoneal liposarcoma which was treated with complete surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.

The Change of Urinary Microalbumin During Pregnancy / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a frequent cause of maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality. There have been many trials to use microalbuminuria as a predictor for preeclampsia, but the usefulness is controversial. Authors have studied the changes in urinary microalbumin excretion during normal pregnancy to help establish a reference interval in which physiologic alteration during pregnancy is reflected. METHODS: During the period from January to April 1999 and from December 1999 to January 2000, urinary albumin and creatinine levels were measured in the 151 spot urine samples from pregnant women visiting Hanyang University Kuri Hospital for prenatal care. They were free of hypertension, proteinuria, and renal diseases at the time of sampling for the medical records. A homemade ELISA and the Cobas Integra 700 were used to measure the urinary albumin and urinary creatinine levels. The analysis of the data was performed as urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). RESULTS: In the 146 urine samples from normotensive pregnant women, urine ACR was 1.36+/-1.72 g/mol (mean+/-standard deviation). The urine ACR was 0.83+/-1.12 g/mol in the first trimester, 1.06+/-1.38 g/mol in the second trimester, and 1.82+/-1.06 g/mol in the third trimester. The urine ACR of the third trimester was significantly different from that of the first or second trimester (3rd vs 1st, P=0.026 and 3rd vs 2nd, P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: During the course of normal pregnancy, urinary microalbumin excretions increased significantly in the third trimester. It is necessary that the reference interval for urinary microalbumin excretions be established based on gestational weeks.

Transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage during pregnancy: The strength of cerclage band and the pregnancy outcomes / 대한산부인과학회잡지

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: After introducing transabdominal approach of cervical cerclage since 1965, several authors have reported significant increases in fetal survival rate. However, this procedure has not been widely used because its complexity of procedure and serious complications. Furthermore, there is a dilemma on the strength of the cerclage bands knots. Yet, there is no standard guidance in this approach. The purpose of this study was to suggest degree of adequate tension on the knot when tying the cerclage band on the cervico-isthmic junction during post-conceptional transabdominal cerclage and to assess whether the strength of the band is associated with uterine blood flow or pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-five transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclages during pregnancy were performed for 7 years since 1989 in patients of incompetent cervix who could not be taken transvaginal cerclage. The procedures were performed with our own technique, modified technique from original Novys procedure. The cerclage used a 5mm-Mersilene band and knot was placed on the anterior side. Pre- and post-operative uterine blood flow were evaluated with Doppler velocimetry. After cesarean section at term, cerclage bands were removed and collected for measurement of bands length if they do not want further pregnancies. The relationships between strength of cerclage, length of band and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. The effects of the bands length on the uterine blood flow were also analyzed. RESULTS: To date there have been 56 completed pregnancies in 50 patients. Among these, 21 cerclage bands were removed and collected for measurement of bands length. All pregnancies (27 pregnancies from 21 patients) were successful; the average gestational age at delivery was 38.4 weeks (range: 37-43) and mean birth weight was 3178gm (range:2670-4370). Average length of cerclage bands was 7.01cm(range:5.0-9.4), thus diameter of cerclage bands was calculated as 2.2cm. Statistically, significant positive correlation was found between the bands' length and birth weights (r=0.614, p=0.002). There were no differences between pre- and post-operative uterine blood flow regardless of cerclage bands length. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest 7cm is adequate bands length when performing transabdominal cerclage during pregnancy. Uterine blood flow was not influenced by operation. It was interesting that bands length was correlated with birth weight. It seems that tightened cerclage might preclude the adequate formation of lower uterine segment during pregnancy. Recently we use the specific Mersilene bands after marking of each centimeter interval on it, and bands are tied with 7cm in length for adequate strength of the cerclage. We propose this result also could be used when performing the pre-conceptional transabdominal cerclage.

Expression analysis of genes related to multidrug resistance (MDR) in ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and cisplatinum resistant cell line A2780cp / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Expressions of P-glycoprotein, the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and the lung resistance protein (LRP) with the MDR phenotype widely divergent in human cancer cell lines. This study focused on the altered gene expression related drug transport. METHODS: To examine correlations between MDR-associated genes and PKC isozyme with cisplatin resistance on the level of the mRNA expression, we analyzed MDR-associated gene (LRP, MDR1/P-gp and MRP) expression and PKC isozyme, topoisomerase II alpha and beta in cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and cisplatin - resistant cell line A2780cp using cDNA-PCR approach. RESULTS: LRP mRNA levels were significantly increased in A2780cp compared to the drug sensitive variant. In contrast, MRP mRNA levels were not significantly correlated with drug sensitivity. A modest increase in PKC(eta) and MDR1/P-gp mRNA expression activity was also observed in ovarian cancer A2780cp cell lines that were resistant to CDDP. The level of topoisomerase II alpha and beta were not affected. CONCLUSION: These results showed that MDR1/P-gp expression may be an important determinant of the MDR phenotype in cell lines intrinsically resistant to cancer chemotherapeutic agents and a multifactorial emergence of MDR phenotype of tumor with a possible involvement of the PKC isozymes may be associated with CDDP resistant ovarian cancer cell line.