Comparison of the Accuracies of Intraocular Lens Power Formulae by the Type of Implanted Lens

Purpose@#We compared the accuracies of formulae used to calculate intraocular lens (IOL) powers when predicting postoperative refraction, by the type of lens. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 445 eyes (332 patients) that had undergone phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation between January 2017 and December 2019. Axial length was measured via optical low-coherence reflectometry (Lenstar LS900; Haag-Streit, Bern, Switzerland). The IOLs implanted were all one-piece acrylic IOLs, thus, the ALCON SN60WF (215 eyes), the TECNIS ZCB00 (139 eyes), and the MBI SAL302AC (91 eyes). The mean absolute errors (MAEs) and mean numerical errors (MNEs) were calculated using the SRK-2, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay, Olsen, and Barrett formulae 1-2 weeks after surgery. @*Results@#For the ALCON SN60WF, the Hagis formula yielded the lowest power and thus tended to be myopic, but we found no significant difference in the MAE. For the TECNIS ZCB00, the Olsen formula yielded the lowest power and thus tended to be myopic, and the Barrett formula yielded the lowest MAE. For the MBI SAL302AC, all MAEs and MNEs were similar. @*Conclusions@#Depending on the IOL type, the IOL power calculation formulae differed in terms of predicting postoperative refraction.

Short-term Safety Evaluation of Resident-performed Intravitreal Injection

Purpose@#This study evaluated the short-term safety of resident-performed intravitreal injections. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 503 patients (503 eyes) treated for the first time in our hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 via intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, or triamcinolone acetonide injections by residents or retina specialists. In terms of short-term ophthalmic complications, patients were followed-up 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after injection. @*Results@#A total of 503 eyes of 503 patients were included. Intravitreal injections were given to 211 and 292 eyes by residents (the resident group) and retina specialists (the retina specialist group), respectively. There were no between-group differences in baseline characteristics except in terms of the indications for injection. Intraocular pressure elevation >5 mmHg occurred in two eyes (0.95%) in the resident group and five (1.71%) in the retina specialist group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in 29 eyes (13.74%) of the resident group and 32 eyes (10.96%) of the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not statistically significant. No case of noninfectious endophthalmitis occurred in the resident group but two (0.68%) cases occurred in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. There were two (0.95%) cases of infectious endophthalmitis in the resident group and one (0.34%) case in the retina specialist group; again, the difference was not significant. No corneal erosion, traumatic lens damage, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal tearing or detachment were noted in either group. @*Conclusions@#Resident-performed intravitreal injections appear to be safe.

Comparison of the Accuracies of Intraocular Lens Power Formulae by the Type of Implanted Lens

Purpose@#We compared the accuracies of formulae used to calculate intraocular lens (IOL) powers when predicting postoperative refraction, by the type of lens. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 445 eyes (332 patients) that had undergone phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation between January 2017 and December 2019. Axial length was measured via optical low-coherence reflectometry (Lenstar LS900; Haag-Streit, Bern, Switzerland). The IOLs implanted were all one-piece acrylic IOLs, thus, the ALCON SN60WF (215 eyes), the TECNIS ZCB00 (139 eyes), and the MBI SAL302AC (91 eyes). The mean absolute errors (MAEs) and mean numerical errors (MNEs) were calculated using the SRK-2, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay, Olsen, and Barrett formulae 1-2 weeks after surgery. @*Results@#For the ALCON SN60WF, the Hagis formula yielded the lowest power and thus tended to be myopic, but we found no significant difference in the MAE. For the TECNIS ZCB00, the Olsen formula yielded the lowest power and thus tended to be myopic, and the Barrett formula yielded the lowest MAE. For the MBI SAL302AC, all MAEs and MNEs were similar. @*Conclusions@#Depending on the IOL type, the IOL power calculation formulae differed in terms of predicting postoperative refraction.

Healthcare Utilization and Treatment Patterns in Diabetic Macular Edema in Korea: a Retrospective Chart Review

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on real-world treatment patterns for diabetic macular edema (DME) in Korea. In this study, we investigated DME treatment patterns from 2009 to 2014 and the impact of baseline treatment on healthcare resource utilization and visual acuity (VA) outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort chart review of DME patients treated at 11 hospital ophthalmology clinics between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 was conducted. We collected data on demographics, healthcare resource utilization (clinic visits, treatment visits, and visits for ocular investigations), distribution of DME treatments, and VA. RESULTS: Overall, 522 DME patients (men, 55.2%; mean age, 59 years; mean HbA1c [n = 209], 8.4%) with 842 DME eyes were evaluated. For all treatments, healthcare resource utilization was significantly higher during the first 6 months versus months 7–12, year 2, or year 3 (P ≤ 0.001), but was highest for patients whose first treatment was an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment (visits/quarter; anti-VEGF, 1.9; corticosteroids, 1.7; laser, 1.4). Use of macular laser therapy decreased (44% to 8%), whereas use of anti-VEGF injections increased (44% to 69%) during the study period. However, VA improvement was not commensurate with healthcare resource utilization of anti-VEGF treatment (mean VA gain, 2.7 letters). CONCLUSION: A trend toward increasing use of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for DME treatment was observed in Korea. However, the frequency of dosing and monitoring was lower in clinical practice versus major clinical trials, which may have led to the less-than-favorable improvements in visual outcomes.

Intraocular Lens Power Calculations Using Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer

PURPOSE: To investigate the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculations using simulated keratometry (simK) of dual Scheimpflug analyzer and 5 types of formulas in cataract patients. METHODS: The keratometry (K), axial length (AXL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured using ultrasound biometry (USB) combined with auto-keratometry (Auto-K), parital coherence interferometry (PCI; IOL master®) and dual Scheimpflug analyzer (DSA; Galilei®) in 39 eyes of 39 patients. Predicted refraction was calculated using Auto-K, mean K of PCI, and simK and total corneal power (TCP) of DSA in the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff (SRK-T) formula. The SRK-II, SRK-T, Holladay II, Haigis, and Hoffer-Q formula were used to calculate predicted refraction with the simK of DSA and AXL of USB. Manifest refraction, mean numerical error (MNE) and mean absolute error were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months after cataract surgery. RESULTS: TCP of DSA was lower compared with other keratometric values (p < 0.05). The MNE was not different among Auto-K, mean K and simK. The MNE using TCP was larger compared with Auto-K, mean K and simK at 1 month after surgery (p < 0.05). There was a difference in MNE between simK and TCP of DSA at 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). The MNE of SRK-T formula was the smallest in the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using the simK of DSA. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest using IOL power calculations with simK of DSA and SRK-T formula rather than TCP of DSA in cataract patients with normal corneas.

Oxidative Stress Levels in Aqueous Humor from High Myopic Patients

PURPOSE: To compare oxidative stress status in the aqueous humor of highly myopic eyes and control eyes. METHODS: Aqueous humor samples were collected from 15 highly myopic eyes (high myopia group) and 23 cataractous eyes (control group) during cataract surgery. Central corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density, hexagonality of corneal endothelial cells, and cell area of corneal endothelial cells were measured using specular microscopy. Axial length was measured using ultrasound biometry. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: 8-OHdG level was lower in the aqueous humor of myopic patients than in that of control group (p = 0.014) and was positively correlated with central corneal thickness and negatively correlated with axial length (r = 0.511, p = 0.02; r = -0.382, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between 8-OHdG level and corneal endothelial cell density, hexagonality, or cell area. Malondialdehyde level did not show any correlation with any parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: 8-OHdG might be a sensitive biomarker for evaluating oxidative stress status in the eye. Oxidative stress level was lower in the aqueous humor of highly myopic eyes compared to that in control eyes, which indicates lower metabolic activity in these eyes.

Changes of the Meibomian Gland According to Age in the Normal Korean Population

PURPOSE: To examine the changes in meibomian glands associated with aging in a normal Korean population and to estimate the differences between the upper and lower eyelid in each age group. METHODS: We performed meibography on adult subjects using an infrared charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Each eyelid was scored based on the loss of meibomian glands, and the meiboscores of the upper and lower eyelids were summed to obtain a score for each eye. Meiboscores were evaluated according to age, sex, and upper and lower eyelid meiboscores in each age group. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen eyes of 117 people were enrolled in this study. The study subjects had an average age of 50.4 +/- 19.1 years (range, 20-92; male, 56; female, 61). There was a significant positive correlation between age and total meiboscore, upper and lower eyelid meiboscore (r = 0.578, p < 0.001; r = 0.550, p < 0.001; r = 0.524, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the meiboscores of the upper and lower eyelids in any age group, though meiboscores were significantly higher since 40 year-old group than 20 year-old group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on noncontact meibography in normal adult eyes, the authors concluded that prevalence of changes in the meibomian glands was about 60% and changes in meibomian glands increase with age.

Baseline Predictors of Visual Acuity and Retinal Thickness in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion

This study investigated the baseline predictors of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at 6 months in patients with treatment-naive branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This multicenter, interventional case series included 208 BRVO and 123 CRVO patients with follow-up period of 6 months or more. Outcome measures of BCVA (logMAR) included absolute change from baseline and a gain or loss of > or = 0.3 from baseline. Outcome measures of CRT included absolute change from baseline and a measurement of or = 400 microm at 6 months. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were done to find baseline predictors. For BRVO, younger age, worse baseline BCVA, and shorter duration of symptom were associated with more gain in BCVA. For CRVO, worse baseline BCVA was associated with more gain in BCVA. For CRT outcomes, higher baseline CRT predicted greater decrease at 6 months in both BRVO and CRVO. Younger age and better baseline BCVA were associated with an increased likelihood of measurement of a or = 400 microm at 6 months. In conclusion, several baseline factors including age, symptom duration, and baseline BCVA and CRT are associated with BCVA and CRT outcomes at 6 months, which may help to predict disease course for RVO patients.

Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomographic Patterns and Clinical Courses in Diabetic Macular Edema after Treatment

PURPOSE: To analyze the optical coherence tomographic patterns and clinical courses of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) after treatment. METHODS: The charts of 65 patients with DME were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline optical coherence tomographic patterns of DME were categorized into the 4 groups: group 1 (9 eyes, 13.8%) showed diffuse retinal thickening, group 2 (21 eyes, 32.3%) had cystoid macular edema (CME), group 3 (13 eyes, 20.0%) demonstrated serous retinal detachment (SRD) and group 4 (22 eyes, 33.9%) had combined CME and SRD. Treatments for DME included intravitreal bevacizumab/triamcinolone injection, focal laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy. During 12 months of follow-up, changes in the patterns of DME were assessed. Additionally, the central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: During 12 months of follow-up, 21 eyes (32.3%) showed changes in the DME pattern: 2 eyes (22.2%) in group 1, 3 (14.3%) in group 2, 4 (30.8%) in group 3 and 12 (54.5%) in group 4. A significantly greater proportion of eyes with changes in DME pattern underwent vitrectomy compared with those without changes in DME pattern (p = 0.012). There was a significant difference in CRT among the 4 groups; group 4 demonstrated the largest CRT at baseline, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001, 0.002 and 0.029, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in BCVA among the 4 groups at baseline, 6 or 12 months (p = 0.879, 0.375 and 0.246, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical courses varied according to the tomographic patterns of DME after treatment, and the poorest anatomic outcome was found in group 4. Change in tomographic pattern of DME was correlated with the treatment of DME, which might suggest a poorer outcome in those patients than in the patients who maintained their DME patterns.

The Effect of Pathologic Myopia on the Result of Macular Hole Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the presence of pathologic myopia could affect the result of macular hole surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective comparison of the results of macular hole surgery between a pathologic myopia group (11 eyes) and a non-pathologic myopia group (14 eyes). All patients had undergone PPV, ILM peeling and C3F8 (20%) gas temponade. BCVA, IOP and OCT findings were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery. Postoperative BCVA, IOP and macular hole closure were compared between each groups. RESULTS: The only statistically significant preoperative parameter between the groups was axial length (p < 0.001). Postoperative BCVA was lower in the pathologic myopia group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The rate of macular hole closure was statistically significant higher in the non-pathologic myopia group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pathologic myopia may negatively affect the result of macular hole surgery.

Baseline Characteristics and Risk Factors of Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Study by the Korean RVO Study Group

We investigated the demographic characteristics and risk factors of Korean patients with naIve central or branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO or BRVO). This study enrolled 41 clinical sites throughout Korea and included 557 consecutive patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) from May through November 2010. A total of 557 patients with new-onset RVO participated in this study. Two hundred and three (36.4%) patients were diagnosed with CRVO and 354 (63.6%) patients were diagnosed with BRVO. Comparisons between the two groups showed that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in CRVO patients and hypertension was significantly higher in BRVO patients (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Poor baseline visual acuity was significantly associated with female and old age in BRVO patients (P = 0.002 and 0.013, respectively), whereas the wide intraretinal hemorrhage (CRVO, P = 0.029; BRVO, P < 0.001) and the macular ischemia (CRVO, P < 0.001; BRVO, P < 0.001) were associated with both groups. The study results show the clinical features of RVO in Korean patients. Hypertension is strongly associated with BRVO and diabetes mellitus is more strongly associated with CRVO in Korean patients with RVO. As the first nationwide study performed by the Korean Retinal Society, the results of this study can be applied to future studies on RVO.

A Case of CMV Endotheliitis Treated with Intravitreal Ganciclovir Injection

We report a case of CMV corneal endotheliitis that was treated with intravitreal ganciclovir injection. A 56-year-old man who has suffered from uveitis was referred to our clinic due to corneal endothelial abnormality. Slit lamp examination showed a localized sectoral corneal edema and linear keratic precipitates along the boundary of edema. In spite of treatment with oral steroid and acyclovir, the disease progressed and two new coin-like lesions were developed. After topical ganciclovir and intavitreal injection of ganciclovir, the corneal lesions disappeared.

A Case of CMV Endotheliitis Treated with Intravitreal Ganciclovir Injection

We report a case of CMV corneal endotheliitis that was treated with intravitreal ganciclovir injection. A 56-year-old man who has suffered from uveitis was referred to our clinic due to corneal endothelial abnormality. Slit lamp examination showed a localized sectoral corneal edema and linear keratic precipitates along the boundary of edema. In spite of treatment with oral steroid and acyclovir, the disease progressed and two new coin-like lesions were developed. After topical ganciclovir and intavitreal injection of ganciclovir, the corneal lesions disappeared.

Comparison of Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery According to Incisional Techniques

PURPOSE: In the present study we compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery according to incisional techniques. METHODS: Patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were divided into 2 groups: clear corneal incision group (CC group), and scleral tunnel incision group (ST group). All complicated cases were excluded. IOP was measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (100 eyes) were enrolled in the present study; CC group (28 patients, 33 eyes), ST group (49 patients 67 eyes). Preoperative IOPs in both groups were not significantly different (p = 0.908, student's t-test). IOP in the CC group at 1 week after surgery significantly decreased 2.22 +/- 2.57 mm Hg compared to preoperative IOP (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis), and the IOP of the ST group decreased 2.11 +/- 2.50 mm Hg (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis). The lowered IOP was maintained for 24 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in IOP change after surgery depending on incisional techniques (p = 0.848, repeated measures ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: There may be no difference in IOP lowering effect after surgery depending on incisional techniques.

Photodynamic Therapy of Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Verteporfin: An Analysis of 10 Years of Clinical Results

PURPOSE: To analyze the long-term results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The clinical data of patients treated with photodynamic therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration between April 2000 and December 2000 were analyzed. Patients were followed-up for at least 10 years after PDT. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients were enrolled. Mean visual acuity on the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (log MAR) scale was 0.78 +/- 0.34 at baseline, 1.01 +/- 0.42 at 60 months, and 1.02 +/- 0.41 at 120 months. Predominantly classic, minimally classic, and occult without classic choroidal neovascularization was noted in 51.7%, 17.2%, and 31.1% of patients, respectively. Visual acuity was improved by 1 or more lines in 27.6% of patients and was unchanged in 20.7% of patients, while 51.7% of patients had lost 1 or more lines of visual acuity by 120 months. Baseline visual acuity and age were associated with the final visual prognosis (p < 0.05). Four patients developed neovascular AMD in the contralateral eye. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is safe and effective for neovascular AMD. However, AMD can recur at any time and thus patients should be followed-up for a long period of time.

Comparison of Choroidal Thickness in Eyes with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Asymptomatic Fellow Eyes and Normal Eyes

PURPOSE: To compare the choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretiopathy (CSC) patients and normal controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: The authors compared the choroidal thickness in eyes with CSC, fellow eyes and in normal eyes. In addition, the authors attempted to determine any correlation between choroidal thickness and other factors such as age, height of serous retinal detachment, and spherical equivalent. Choroidal thickness was measured using a perpendicular line from the outer margin of the subfoveal retinal pigment epithelium to the inner surface of the sclera. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 CSC patients, 17 fellow eyes and 29 age-matched normal eyes were examined and categorized as group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was 370.64 +/- 58.06 microm in group 1, 301.85 +/- 47.83 microm in group 2, and 261.84 +/- 48.22 microm in group 3. The choroidal thickness in group 1 was significantly greater than those in group 2 and group 3, and the choroidal thickness in group 2 was significantly greater than that in group 3 (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively), where the choroidal thickness showed a negative correlation with age (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The choroidal thickness was greater in eyes with CSC and in their fellow eyes compared to that in normal eyes. The results suggest that CSC may be caused by choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and increased hydrostatic pressure in the choroid.

Clinical Course of Submacular Hemorrhage Due to Various Chorioretinal Diseases According to Pneumatic Displacement

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical course of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to various chorioretinal diseases with or without pneumatic displacement and the factors related with the final visual outcome. METHODS: The authors of the present study retrospectively reviewed the charts of 12 eyes (group 1) which underwent pneumatic displacement for SMH and the charts of 14 eyes (group 2) which did not receive pneumatic displacement. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline was compared with the BCVA at 1, 3, and 6 months and on the final visit. Association between final BCVA and other clinical features was analyzed including age, baseline BCVA, duration of symptoms, and size of SMH. RESULTS: In group 1, log MAR BCVA was 1.22 +/- 0.66 at baseline and there was a significant BCVA improvement of 0.77 +/- 0.57 at 6 months compared with baseline (p = 0.045). On the final visit, 6 eyes (50%) had gained 2 Snellen lines or more. In group 2, BCVA was significantly improved from 1.29 +/- 0.70 at baseline to 1.06 +/- 0.84 at 1 month (p = 0.045). Ten eyes (71.4%) had gained 2 Snellen lines or more on the final visit. In group 1, there were no factors correlated with final BCVA (p > 0.05), while the final BCVA was significantly correlated with age and baseline BCVA in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians may expect conservative treatment to lead to significant improvement of BCVA in patients with SMH due to various chorioretinal diseases who did not undergo any procedures to displace the hemorrhage.

The effect of milrinone on the intraoperative hemodynamics during off-pump coronary bypass surgery in patients with an elevated echocardiographic index of the ventricular filling pressure / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic derangement during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) is mainly attributed to impaired filling and diastolic dysfunction. An elevated ratio of the mitral velocity to the early-diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e' > 15) is a relatively new indicator of diastolic function, and this was reported to be associated with impaired hemodynamics during OPCAB. We investigated the efficacy of milrinone on the perioperative hemodynamics and short term outcomes of patients with an E/e' > 15 and who underwent OPCAB. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated into either group C (control, n = 31) or group M (n = 31) and they were treated with the same amount of either normal saline or milrinone (0.5 microg/kg/min) without bolus loading after completion of internal mammary artery harvest until the end of operation. Hemodynamic measurements were recorded after the induction of anesthesia (T1), 5 min after starting each distal anastomosis of the left anterior descending artery (T2), left circumflex artery (T3) and right coronary artery (T4), and 5 min after sternum closure (T5). RESULTS: The mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) was lower through T2-T4 compared to the baseline value in both groups, while the degree of the decrease was significantly less in group M than that in group C. The other hemodynamic variables, the operative data and the postoperative outcomes were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative infusion of milrinone did not significantly improve the perioperative hemodynamics and the subsequent short term outcomes for the patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction as represented by an elevated E/e' value, although it reduced the degree of decrease of the SvO2 during OPCAB.

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychiatric Symptoms in North Korean Defectors

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors in North Korean Defectors (NKDs). METHODS: One hundred forty-four NKDs (male: 20; female: 124; average age: 40.4+/-11.7 yrs.) completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate factors associated with the psychiatric symptoms of the participants. RESULTS: NKDs mainly reported somatization (42.4%) and depressive symptoms (38.9%). Female NKDs showed higher prevalence of somatization (p=0.001), anxiety (p=0.020), hostility (p=0.026) and psychoticism (p=0.022) than males. The presence of physical illness was strongly related to most psychiatric symptoms on the SCL-90-R including somatization (p<0.001), obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p=0.020), interpersonal sensitivity (p=0.031), depression (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), hostility (p=0.011), paranoid ideation (p=0.015) and psychoticism (p<0.001). Younger age, unemployment, lower income, and longer duration of defection were found to be the risk factors of psychiatric symptoms. In regard to mental health service utilization, we found that most (83.3%) of the participants had not received any form of psychiatric help. CONCLUSION: Somatization and depression were the most prevalent psychiatric symptoms in NKDs. Our results suggest that psychiatric symptoms accompany certain sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that are associated with susceptibility to acculturation stressors. An understanding of these factors will be helpful providing appropriate mental health services to NKDs.

The effect of postoperative pain on postoperative blood loss after sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Bilateral total knee arthroplasty is generally accompanied by a significant amount of blood loss. We investigated the relationship between the intensity of pain and the amount of blood loss in the early postoperative period after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 91 patients who underwent elective sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. All patients received combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. Patients were divided into three groups based on their scores on the verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) for pain at 6 hours postoperatively. The VNRS was classified as follows; mild pain (n = 34, VNRS score 0-4), moderate pain (n = 24, VNRS score 5-6), and severe pain (n = 33, VNRS score 7-10). We compared the mean arterial pressures and the amount of blood loss during the first 24 postoperative hours in the three groups. Factors influencing postoperative blood loss were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative mean arterial pressures and blood loss were not different among the groups. Of the factors examined, the amount of postoperative blood loss was only dependent on the amount of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative pain has no effect on postoperative blood pressure and the amount of blood loss after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. For postoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood loss is the main determinant.