Clinical Features of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Caused by Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Changwon City, Korea, during 2006 and 2015

PURPOSE: We investigated the clinical features and epidemiology of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) from year 2006 to 2015 in Changwon city, Korea. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 69 patients diagnosed with SSSS from year 2006 to 2015. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by agar dilution method. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was phenotypically identified by oxacillin susceptibility testing and genotypically confirmed by the existence of the mecA gene. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 2.0 years (range 0.2–6 years). Three (4.3%), 53 (76.8%), and 13 (18.9%) patients showed the generalized type, the intermediate type, and the abortive type, respectively. Patients occurred throughout the year, but most patients occurred between July and October. MRSA was isolated from 54 of the 60 patients regardless of the clinical types. All patients recovered without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: There was a constant occurrence of SSSS patients caused by MRSA in Changwon area during 2006 and 2015. It is needed to constantly monitor the occurrence of patients with SSSS.

Clinical Comparison of Influenza A and B Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of influenza A and B infections and analyze the effect of oseltamivir in hospitalized children. METHODS: We investigated children under the age of 15, who were diagnosed with influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, or B from January to April 2014. The subjects were admitted to the Changwon Fatima Hospital and diagnosed using a rapid antigen test from nasopharyngeal swabs. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 302 pediatric patients with influenza were enrolled. Influenza B infection was the most common type (n=187, 61.9%), followed by A/H3N2 (n=100, 33.1%) and A/H1N1 (n=15, 5.0%). Compared to patients diagnosed with influenza A, patients diagnosed with influenza B were older (P=0.005), and the duration of fever was significantly longer (P=0.001). A total of 161 patients (53.3%) had been vaccinated against influenza during the season, before admission. Among the patients infected with A/H3N2 and B, the duration of fever was shorter in oseltamivir recipients compared to oseltamivir non-recipients (P=0.026 and P=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences between influenza A and B groups in terms of age, demographics, and clinical course. Although the effectiveness of oseltamivir on influenza differs according to the type of influenza, our data provides evidence that oseltamivir is beneficial for both A and B infections.

Clinical Characteristics of Pertussis Epidemic in Changwon

PURPOSE: Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccine. Despite this, there have been an increasing number of cases worldwide, and also in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the recent outbreak in the Changwon area. METHODS: Patients who visited Changwon Fatima Hospital from July 2015 to March 2016 with respiratory symptoms, including spasmodic cough, cough induced vomiting, inspiratory ‘intake’ sound (whooping), and a night-time cough for >1 week were included in this study. Respiratory specimens were collected from patients and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detected anti-pertussis immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit test were performed. Patients with underlying diseases, or those who had received a DTaP or Tdap vaccination in recent 1 year were excluded. RESULTS: Pertussis was diagnosed in 37 of 50 patients, two patients were positive according to the PCR, and 37 patients were positive according to serologic tests. The age distribution of the patients was 1 month to 15 years. After administering antibiotics, all patients recovered without complications. CONCLUSIONS: A pertussis outbreak occurred in Changwon in 2015 and 2016. This data can provide the basis for further study on the epidemiology of pertussis in Korea.

Lateral Osteotomy with Sawing Technique in Open Rhinoplasty

PURPOSE: Lateral osteotomy is an essential step in the correction of nasal bony asymmetry. Direct visualization allows accurate repositioning of the nasal bones compared to blind techniques, which require precision and manual dexterity. We propose direct visualization procedures in open corrective rhinoplasty. METHODS: The technique was used on 16 patients. All patients underwent open rhinoplasty with a columellar incision. The marginal incisions were extended on either side to allow access to the piriform aperture. A double hook was used to caudally retract the lower lateral cartilages and the fibrous connections between the upper and lower lateral cartilages were released until the piriform aperture was visualized. Through the incision, lateral osteotomy was performed using a reciprocating saw at that time with direct visualization. Additional procedures including augmentation rhinoplasty, hump resection, septoplasty and tip plasty were performed simultaneously. RESULTS: This method provided excellent exposure to the lateral nasal bones and allowed the lateral osteotomy to be carried out precisely using the reciprocating saw. CONCLUSION: This extended open rhinoplasty method is suitable for most individuals, allowing a wide surgical field.

Usefulness of Venous Graft in Hand Injury

PURPOSE: In hand injury, pedicle is usually damaged by avulsion injury or crushing injury. Because of postoperative pedicle obliteration, it is often hard to save the injured hand and fingers, even after successful replantation. The author introduces three cases of extensive hand injury, and successful results after applicatoin of multiple venous grafts to these patients. METHODS: In all cases there was no circulation in any finger. In the first case, some vessels were extracted, so venous graft was applied to two sites of severely damaged venous sites. In the second case, venous grafts were applied to all four digital arteries of all fingers except thumb which got severely crushed, and two sites of dorsal veins. In the third case, venous graft was applied to all four digital arteries of all five fingers, and two sites of dorsal veins and palmar veins each. RESULTS: In all cases, survival of hands and fingers was successful. In the second case, however, amputation in thumb and little finger at DIP joint level was inevitable, because of its severe damage, and the large dorsal defect on index finger was filled with DIEP free flap. Thumb was reconstructed with toe-to-thumb free flap, and additional debulking procedures and contracture release is furtherly needed. In the first case, additional surgery was done, as FDP tendon got re-ruptured, but in long term follow-up, satisfactory range of motion was attained. In the third case, FTSG on dorsal skin region was planned. as flap on dorsal area got partial necrosis. CONCLUSION: In hand injury, there are many structures to be repaired, but sometimes venous graft is avoided for its long operating time. Even though the length of damaged vessel is enough for anastomosis, the endothelium is often damaged(zone of injury). In extensive hand injury, successful reconstruction would be possible with active venous graft to all vessels suspicious for damage.

A Case Report: Correction of Facial Asymmetry using Mandible Angle Ostectomy in Patient with Previous Mandible Fracture

PURPOSE: After surgical interventions of mandible fractures, facial asymmetry can be occurred, and it leads to serious problems for patients. This can be solved by mandible angle ostectomy. METHODS: A 19-year-old male underwent percutaneous surgical intervention for left mandibular angle and right parasymphyseal fractures 3.5 years ago. The left angle was protruded compared to the other side. Using a percutaneous approach, 4.5x1cm sized piece of mandible angle was sawed off. For the right angle, intraoral approach was performed for angle ostectomy, and the angle was sawed off by a size of 4x1cm, using a pattern based on the piece from the left side. RESULTS: After surgery, no complications such as subcondylar fractures, refractures, insufficient corrections, secondary angle formations, hematomas, and transient nerve palsies were seen, and symmetric correction of mandible angles were done. CONCLUSION: In facial asymmetries due to mandibular fractures, mandible ostectomy could be a solution. Using the bone section from the contralateral side, measurement of the amount of bone sawed off was possible, and via percutaneous approach on the previously operated site with simultaneous scar revision, and intraoral approach for the contralateral side, cosmetically satisfactory result was obtained.

A Case of Dermoid Cyst in Temporal Fossa

PURPOSE: Dermoid cysts are benign neoplasms that are derived from both ectoderm and mesoderm. Approximately 7 percent of all dermoid cysts occur in the head and neck, as most common sites are the lateral ends of the eyebrows, the midline in the nasal root and neck. Rarely they can be found in the frontal sinus, temporal bone, maxilla and the floor of the mouth. Dermoid cysts in the temporal fossa are extremely rare. We experienced a characteristic dermoid cyst that occupied the temporal fossa. METHODS: A 16-year-old man had a progressive enlarging mass on the left eyebrow. Computerized tomographic scan showed a bulging mass in the temporal fossa, and it had the density similar to that of fat. The size of the mass was 3x3x2cm, and it was composed of high density of fat with clear margin. There was no bony invasion, but the mass was fixed on bone. RESULTS: We performed the surgery through coronal incision under general anesthesia. Because the mass was closely connected with temporal fat pads, we removed this mass with some portion of temporal fat pads, avoiding damage to the facial nerve. The postoperative course was ordinary without complication. CONCLUSION: The reports about dermoid cyst on the temporal fossa is uncommon. However, if there is a mass in the temporal fossa which has the density similar to that of fat in CT scan, we should consider the possibility of dermoid cyst. We suggest that excision through coronal incision with bewaring temporal fat pad can induce good result.

Successful Management with Vincristine after Failure of Prednisolone Therapy for Diffuse Neonatal Hemangiomatosis / 소아과

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of infancy. Fifteen to 30% of these patients have multiple hemangiomas. Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis (DNH) is a disease that often has a fatal outcome if left untreated, and is characterized by multiple cutaneous and visceral hemangiomas. Corticosteroids are the commonly accepted first line treatment, but if no effect is seen, further treatment is required such as interferon, surgical excision, embolization and radiotherapy. Interferon is effective, but the neurologic sequela including spastic diplegia can be a complication. We experienced a case of DHN in a neonate. In this case, the baby presented with multiple cutaneous and visceral hemangiomas with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) that included thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulophthy. The baby was successfully treated with vincristine after the failure of steroid therapy.

Development of Periventricular Leukomalacia and Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very Low Birth Weight Newborns and Relationship with Ventilator Care (Study of Ventilator Care as a Risk Factor of PVL and PV-IVH) / 소아과

PURPOSE: It has been suggested that changes in cerebral blood flow by ventilator care could be a risk factor in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and severe periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PV-IVH). The study aims to assess the relationship between perinatal clinical events, including ventilator care, and the development of PVL and severe PV-IVH; especially, whether ventilator care could be causers of PVL and severe PV-IVH as an individual risk factor. METHODS: Among 255 very low birth weight infants who survived in the Fatima neonatal intensive care unit from January 1999 to December 2003, 15 infants with PVL and eight infants with severe PV-IVH were classified as a study group, while 231 infants were enrolled as a control group. The analysis was performed retrospectively with medical records. RESULTS: Twenty four infants were diagnosed with PVL or severe PV-IVH. Asphyxia, recurrent apnea, sepsis, acidosis and ventilator care were significantly increased in the PVL goup. Asphyxia, recurrent apnea, RDS, acidosis and ventilator care were significantly increased in the severe PV-IVH group. CONCLUSION: Infants with PVL or severe PV-IVH may have multiple perinatal risk factors including asphyxia, recurrent apnea, sepsis, acidosis, RDS and ventilator care. Because most patients with ventilator care have multiple perinatal risk factors, ventilator care does not cause PVL and severe PV- IVH independently. Therefore, incidences of PVL and severe PV-IVH can be decreased by not only gentle ventilation, but also more professional antenatal care.

Expression of CD40 in Gastric Cancer and Its Effect on the Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The expression of CD40 in gastric cancer has not been studied. The aims of this study were to determine the expression of CD40 in gastric cancer and to investigate the effect of CD40 on the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. METHODS: We examined the expression of CD40 by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. CD40 mRNA in 5 gastric cancer cell lines was analyzed by RT-PCR. To assess the effect of CD40 on the viability of gastric cancer cells, we performed MTT assay. The effect of CD40 signaling on the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells was examined by annexin V affinity assay. RESULTS: Twelve of twenty human gastric cancer tissues demonstrated positive staining for CD40. Among 5 gastric cancer cell lines, AGS cell line expressed membrane-bound CD40 antigen and CD40 mRNA. In AGS cells, CD40 stimulation significantly reduced the cell viability. CD40 ligation significantly increased the apoptosis in AGS cells compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: CD40 is expressed in human gastric cancer tissues and gastric cancer cell line, and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. These results suggest that CD40 expression in gastric cancer may play an important role in host defense mechanism against the gastric cancer.

The Effect of the Repeated Subcultures of Helicobacter pylori on Adhesion, Motility, Cytotoxicity, and Gastric Inflammation

In vitro subcultures of bacteria can lead to genetic and phenotypic changes. This study aimed at investigating the effect of repeated subcultures on the adhesion, motility, cytotoxicity, and gastric inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori. H.pylori SS1 strain was subcultured 64 times on agar plates containing Brucella broth and 5% bovine calf serum. The adhesion, motility, cytotoxicity, and gastric inflammation produced in Mongolian gerbils were compared between the first and 64th subcultured strain. The adhesion rates, following 3 hr exposure of AGS cells to either the first strain or the 64th-transferred strain, were 21% and 12%, respectively. The motility of the 64th-transferred strain decreased significantly when compared to the 1st strain (9.1 mm vs. 15.1 mm). The cytotoxicity index tended to be higher in the first strain than in the 64th-transferred strain (73.7% vs. 69.2%). The initial infection rate on the gerbils showed no difference between the two strains. However, chronic gastric inflammation of the first strain-infected gerbils was somewhat more severe than that of the 64th-transferred strain-infected gerbils. Therefore, the use of repeatedly subcultured strains of H. pylori in virulence experiments can lead to different results from thoses of the original strain.

Detection of Helicobacter DNA in bile from bile duct diseases

Several species of Helicobacter colonize the hepatobiliary tract of animals and cause hepatobiliary diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate Helicobacter found in the biliary tract diseases of humans. Thirty-two bile samples (15 from bile duct cancer, 6 from pancreatic head cancer, and 11 from intrahepatic duct stone) were obtained by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Polymerase chain reaction analysis using Helicobacter specific urease A gene and 16S rRNA primers, bile pH measurement, and Helicobacter culture were performed. Helicobacter DNA was detected in 37.5%, and 31.3% by PCR with ureA gene, and 16S rRNA, respectively. The bile pH was not related to the presence of Helicobacter. The cultures were not successful. In conclusion, Helicobacter can be detected in the bile of patients with bile duct diseases. The possibility of pathogenesis of biliary tract diseases in humans by these organisms will be further investigated.

Detection of Helicobacter DNA in the Bile from the Obstructed Bile Duct / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Several newly recognized Helicobacter spp. such as H. hepaticus, H. bilis, H. cholecystus, H. rappini, H. pullorum, can cause persistent hepatitis, hepatoma, cholangiopancreatitis, and cholecystitis in animals. Recently some studies have been reported that Helicobacter DNA can be found in the bile from the patients with diseased bile duct, although its clinical significance is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the existence, and character of Helicobacter in the bile from the obstructed bile duct, and the relationship with pH and the other bacteria found in the bile. METHODS: Twenty-eight bile samples (15 from bile duct cancer, 6 from pancreatic head cancer, 7 from bile duct stones) were obtained from the PTBD route. Bile pH measurement, and Helicobacter culture in microaerophil uric and anaerobic conditions were performed. The primers chosen for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for detection and characterization were ureA (411 bp) and cagA gene (298 bp), respectively. And primer of 16s rRNA for all known bacteria including Helicobacter was used, and the kinds of bacteria were identified by RFLP. RESULTS: Helicobacter DNA was detected in 39.3%. The bile pH was not related with presence of Helicobacter (7.83 +/-0.41 vs 7.78+/-0.48). The prevalence of cagA was 35.7%, and 16s rRNA was found in 46.4%. The specific 16s rRNA band for Helicobacter was observed in 14.3%. All the culture were not successful. CONCLUSION: Although the Helicobacter spp. were not cultured, Helicobacter exists obviously in the bile from the diseased bile duct, and coexist with other bacteria. These results should stimulate studies to ascertain whether these Helicobacter play a role in the pathogenesis of bile duct diseases in human.