Ruptured Fusiform Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in an Infant : Case Report and a Literature Review

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms in infants are rare and infantile fusiform anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms are much rarer. In this report, we described the case of a 7-month-old infant with a ruptured fusiform ACA aneurysm who presented with seizure and underwent endovascular treatment. The patient was initially in a coma and the neurologic condition did not improve after treatment. The clinical characteristics of the case and literature review were discussed.

Multi-Layer Onlay Graft Using Hydroxyapatite Cement Placement without Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion for Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction

Objective@#: The skull base reconstruction step, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, is one of the most challenging steps in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and complications of a reconstruction technique for immediate CSF leakage repair using multiple onlay grafts following ESS. @*Methods@#: A total of 230 consecutive patients who underwent skull base reconstruction using multiple onlay grafts with fibrin sealant patch (FSP), hydroxyapatite cement (HAC), and pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNF) for high-flow CSF leakage following ESS at three institutions were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiological records to analyze the preoperative features and postoperative results. @*Results@#: The diagnoses included craniopharyngioma (46.8%), meningioma (34.0%), pituitary adenoma (5.3%), chordoma (1.6%), Rathke’s cleft cyst (1.1%) and others (n=21, 11.2%). The trans-planum/tuberculum approach (94.3%) was the most commonly adapted surgical method, followed by the trans-sellar and transclival approaches. The third ventricle was opened in 78 patients (41.5%). Lumbar CSF drainage was not performed postoperatively in any of the patients. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in four patients (1.7%) due to technical mistakes and were repaired with the same technique. However, postoperative meningitis occurred in 13.5% (n=31) of the patients, but no microorganisms were identified. The median latency to the diagnosis of meningitis was 8 days (range, 2–38). CSF leakage was the unique risk factor for postoperative meningitis (p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#: The use of multiple onlay grafts with FSP, HAC, and PNF is a reliable reconstruction technique that provides immediate and complete CSF leakage repair and mucosal grafting on the skull base without the need to harvest autologous tissue or perform postoperative CSF diversion. However, postoperative meningitis should be monitored carefully.

Multi-Layer Onlay Graft Using Hydroxyapatite Cement Placement without Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion for Endoscopic Skull Base Reconstruction

Objective@#: The skull base reconstruction step, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, is one of the most challenging steps in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and complications of a reconstruction technique for immediate CSF leakage repair using multiple onlay grafts following ESS. @*Methods@#: A total of 230 consecutive patients who underwent skull base reconstruction using multiple onlay grafts with fibrin sealant patch (FSP), hydroxyapatite cement (HAC), and pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNF) for high-flow CSF leakage following ESS at three institutions were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiological records to analyze the preoperative features and postoperative results. @*Results@#: The diagnoses included craniopharyngioma (46.8%), meningioma (34.0%), pituitary adenoma (5.3%), chordoma (1.6%), Rathke’s cleft cyst (1.1%) and others (n=21, 11.2%). The trans-planum/tuberculum approach (94.3%) was the most commonly adapted surgical method, followed by the trans-sellar and transclival approaches. The third ventricle was opened in 78 patients (41.5%). Lumbar CSF drainage was not performed postoperatively in any of the patients. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in four patients (1.7%) due to technical mistakes and were repaired with the same technique. However, postoperative meningitis occurred in 13.5% (n=31) of the patients, but no microorganisms were identified. The median latency to the diagnosis of meningitis was 8 days (range, 2–38). CSF leakage was the unique risk factor for postoperative meningitis (p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#: The use of multiple onlay grafts with FSP, HAC, and PNF is a reliable reconstruction technique that provides immediate and complete CSF leakage repair and mucosal grafting on the skull base without the need to harvest autologous tissue or perform postoperative CSF diversion. However, postoperative meningitis should be monitored carefully.

Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline. METHODS: Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline.@*METHODS@#Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

Growth Pattern and Prognostic Factors of Untreated Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are often detected as incidental findings. However, the natural history remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the natural history and growth pattern of untreated PAs. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2014, 59 PAs were managed with clinico-radiological follow up for longer than 12 months without any kind of therapeutic intervention. Tumor volumes were calculated at initial and last follow-up visit, and tumor growth during the observation period was determined. Data were analyzed according to clinical and imaging characteristics. RESULTS: The mean initial and last tumor volume and diameter were 1.83±2.97 mL and 13.77±6.45 mm, 2.85±4.47 mL and 15.75±8.08 mm, respectively. The mean annual tumor growth rate was 0.33±0.68 mL/year during a mean observation period of 46.8±32.1 months. Sixteen (27%) PAs showed tumor growth. The initial tumor size (HR, 1.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–1.295; p=0.045) was the independent predictive factor that determined the tumor growth. Six patients (11%) of 56 conservatively managed non-symptomatic PAs underwent resection for aggravating visual symptoms with mean interval of 34.5 months from diagnosis. By Cox regression analysis, PAs of last longest diameter over 21.75 mm were a significant prognostic factor for eventual treatment. CONCLUSION: The initial tumor size of PAs was independently associated with the tumor growth. Six patients (11%) of conservatively managed PAs were likely to be treated eventually. PAs of last follow-up longest diameter over 21.75 mm were a significant prognostic factor for treatment. Further studies with a large series are required to determine treatment strategy.

Growth Pattern and Prognostic Factors of Untreated Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are often detected as incidental findings. However, the natural history remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the natural history and growth pattern of untreated PAs.METHODS: Between 2003 and 2014, 59 PAs were managed with clinico-radiological follow up for longer than 12 months without any kind of therapeutic intervention. Tumor volumes were calculated at initial and last follow-up visit, and tumor growth during the observation period was determined. Data were analyzed according to clinical and imaging characteristics.RESULTS: The mean initial and last tumor volume and diameter were 1.83±2.97 mL and 13.77±6.45 mm, 2.85±4.47 mL and 15.75±8.08 mm, respectively. The mean annual tumor growth rate was 0.33±0.68 mL/year during a mean observation period of 46.8±32.1 months. Sixteen (27%) PAs showed tumor growth. The initial tumor size (HR, 1.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–1.295; p=0.045) was the independent predictive factor that determined the tumor growth. Six patients (11%) of 56 conservatively managed non-symptomatic PAs underwent resection for aggravating visual symptoms with mean interval of 34.5 months from diagnosis. By Cox regression analysis, PAs of last longest diameter over 21.75 mm were a significant prognostic factor for eventual treatment.CONCLUSION: The initial tumor size of PAs was independently associated with the tumor growth. Six patients (11%) of conservatively managed PAs were likely to be treated eventually. PAs of last follow-up longest diameter over 21.75 mm were a significant prognostic factor for treatment. Further studies with a large series are required to determine treatment strategy.

Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma: Preliminary Analysis of the Role of Radiation Therapy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of our optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) case series in terms of preventing tumor growth and preserving vision in ONSM patients. METHODS: Between July 2003 and March 2015, 1,398 patients with intracranial meningioma were diagnosed at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Among them, only 13 patients (0.93%) were diagnosed with ONSM and enrolled in the present study. Tumor volume changes of ONSM patients and their visual acuity were evaluated before and after treatments. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 50 months (range, 12–133 months). Visual acuity was evaluated in 12 of 13 patients, and visual acuity was found to be preserved in 9 of 12 patients (75%). Tumor volume was reduced in all patients. The tumor control rate was 100% in the present study. The difference in tumor volume between pretreatment and last follow-up was statistically significant (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) could maintain visual acuity and stabilize tumor volume in ONSM patients, suggesting that IMRT and GKS may be effective therapies for ONSM. However, which treatment is the more effective modality must be confirmed by prospective studies and longer-term follow-up.

The Effects of Remifentanil on Expression of High Mobility Group Box 1 in Septic Rats

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a pivotal mediator of sepsis progression. Remifentanil, an opioid agonist, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in septic mice. However, it is not yet known whether remifentanil affects the expression of HMGB1. We investigated the effects of remifentanil on HMGB1 expression and the underlying mechanism in septic rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; a sham group, a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, and a CLP with remifentanil treatment (Remi) group. The rat model of CLP was used to examine plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, tissue HMGB1 mRNA and the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the liver, lungs, kidneys, and ileum. Pathologic changes and immunohistochemical staining of NF-κB in the liver, lungs, and kidneys tissue were observed. We found that remifentanil treatment suppressed the level of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α 6 hours after CLP, and serum HMGB1 24 hours after CLP. HMGB1 mRNA levels and the activity of NF-κB in multiple organs decreased by remifentanil treatment 24 hours after CLP. Remifentanil treatment also attenuated nuclear expression of NF-κB in immunohistochemical staining and mitigated pathologic changes in multiple organs. Altogether, these results suggested that remifentanil inhibited expression of HMGB1 in vital organs and release of HMGB1 into plasma. The mechanism was related to the inhibitory effect of remifentanil on the release of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of NF-κB.

The Role of Adjuvant Treatment in Patients with High-Grade Meningioma

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of adjuvant treatment in patients with high-grade meningioma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for patients with high-grade meningioma, World Health Organization grade 2 or 3, in a single center between 2003 and 2014. The patients were reviewed according to age at diagnosis, sex, the location of meningioma, degree of tumor resection, histological features, and type of adjuvant treatment. These factors were analyzed by Firth logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with high-grade meningioma were enrolled. Thirty-four patients received adjuvant treatment; conventional radiotherapy or radiosurgery. Clinical follow-up ranged from 13–113 months with a median follow-up of 35.5 months. Gross total removal (GTR), Simpson grade 1 or 2, was achieved in 29 patients and, among them, 13 patients received adjuvant treatment. In the other 24 patients with non-GTR, conventional adjuvant radiotherapy and radiosurgery were performed in 11 and 10 patients, respectively. The other 3 patients did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Radiation-related complications did not occur. Of the 53 patients, 19 patients had suffered from recurrence. The recurrence rate in the adjuvant treatment group was 23.5% (8 out of 34). On the other hand, the rate for the non-adjuvant treatment group was 57.9% (11 out of 19) (odds ratio [OR]=0.208, p=0.017). In the GTR group, the recurrence rate was 7.5% (1 out of 13) for patients with adjuvant treatment and 50% (8 out of 16) for patients without adjuvant treatment (OR=0.121, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant treatment appears to be safe and effective, and could lead to a lower recurrence rate in high-grade meningioma, regardless of the extent of removal. Our results might be used as a reference for making decisions when planning adjuvant treatments for patients with high-grade meningioma after surgery.

Outcomes in 20 Gynecologic Cancer Patient with Brain Metastasis: A Single Institution Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: The incidence of brain metastasis (BM) in gynecologic cancers has risen recently, due to prolonged survival times and an early diagnosis. We analyzed treatment outcomes of patients with BM from gynecologic cancers. METHODS: Among 951 patients with BM who were treated in neurosurgical department from July 2003 to February 2016, a total of 20 (2%) patients were from gynecologic cancers. The patients' clinical characteristics were collected by using medical records. There were 14 (66.7%) ovarian cancers, 4 (19.0%) uterine cancers, and 2 (9.5%) cervical cancers. As a primary treatment modality, 11 patients were treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), 6 with surgical resection followed by whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and 3 with WBRT only. Overall and progression-free survival according to the primary origin and the primary treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Median overall survival time was 28 months, and progression-free survival was 15 months. In patients with ovarian cancer, median overall survival did not reach during the follow-up periods and progression-free survival time was 15 months. Median overall survival time in patients who received GKS as the primary treatment was 17 months and that in patients who underwent surgical resection followed by WBRT was 37.3 months (p=0.16). The median value of progression-free survival time in patients who received GKS as the primary treatment was 12 months and that in patients who underwent surgical resection with WBRT was 42 months (p=0.042). Median follow up period of over all patients was 13 months. CONCLUSION: BM from gynecologic cancer is rare (2%), but our findings suggest that the prognosis might not always be poor. In our small series, surgical resection with WBRT was a treatment modality significantly associated with a longer progression-free survival. Additional studies with more cases and multi-institutional cooperation are needed to determine which treatment modality leads to better outcomes.

Hypothalamic Extraventricular Neurocytoma (EVN) in a Pediatric Patient: A Case of EVN Treated with Subtotal Removal Followed by Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Extra ventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is a rare brain tumor with histologic features similar with a central neurocytoma, but located outside of the ventricular system. In this study, we present an unusual case of hypothalamic EVN in a 14-year-old patient. The patient underwent subtotal removal and had tumor relapse. The patient was then treated using intensity modulated radiation therapy, and the tumor remained stable for 24 months. This case report may be important in that this is the first pediatric case of EVN located in the hypothalamic region. EVN has similar radiologic features with pilocytic astrocytomas and therefore a hypothalamic EVN may be misdiagnosed as a hypothalamic glioma. Also, the pathologic-radiologic-clinical correlation of EVN located in the hypothalamic area may be different from that of EVNs originating from other usual sites.

Hypothalamic Extraventricular Neurocytoma (EVN) in a Pediatric Patient: A Case of EVN Treated with Subtotal Removal Followed by Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Extra ventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is a rare brain tumor with histologic features similar with a central neurocytoma, but located outside of the ventricular system. In this study, we present an unusual case of hypothalamic EVN in a 14-year-old patient. The patient underwent subtotal removal and had tumor relapse. The patient was then treated using intensity modulated radiation therapy, and the tumor remained stable for 24 months. This case report may be important in that this is the first pediatric case of EVN located in the hypothalamic region. EVN has similar radiologic features with pilocytic astrocytomas and therefore a hypothalamic EVN may be misdiagnosed as a hypothalamic glioma. Also, the pathologic-radiologic-clinical correlation of EVN located in the hypothalamic area may be different from that of EVNs originating from other usual sites.

Comparison of an Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine, Fentanyl, and Remifentanil on Perioperative Hemodynamics, Sedation Quality, and Postoperative Pain Control

We aimed to compare fentanyl, remifentanil and dexmedetomidine with respect to hemodynamic stability, postoperative pain control and achievement of sedation at the postanesthetic care unit (PACU). In this randomized double-blind study, 90 consecutive total laparoscopic hysterectomy patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned to receive fentanyl (1.0 µg/kg) over 1 minute followed by a 0.4 µg/kg/hr infusion (FK group, n = 30), or remifentanil (1.0 µg/kg) over 1 minute followed by a 0.08 µg/kg/min infusion (RK group, n = 30), or dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) over 10 minutes followed by a 0.5 µg/kg/hr infusion (DK group, n = 30) initiating at the end of main procedures of the operation to the time in the PACU. A single dose of intravenous ketorolac (30 mg) was given to all patients at the end of surgery. We respectively evaluated the pain VAS scores, the modified OAA/S scores, the BIS, the vital signs and the perioperative side effects to compare the efficacy of fentanyl, remifentanil and dexmedetomidine. Compared with other groups, the modified OAA/S scores were significantly lower in DK group at 0, 5 and 10 minutes after arrival at the PACU (P < 0.05), whereas the pain VAS and BIS were not significantly different from other groups. The blood pressure and heart rate in the DK group were significantly lower than those of other groups at the PACU (P < 0.05). DK group, at sedative doses, had the better postoperative hemodynamic stability than RK group or FK group and demonstrated a similar effect of pain control as RK group and FK group with patient awareness during sedation in the PACU. (World Health Organization registry, KCT0001524).

Spontaneous Involution of Rathke’s Cleft Cysts without Visual Symptoms

BACKGROUND: There have been various reports in the literature regarding the conservative management of pituitary apoplexy, pituitary incidentalomas and Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs). However, to the best of our knowledge, spontaneous involution of cystic sellar mass has rarely been reported. We report 14 cases of cystic sellar masses with spontaneous involution. METHODS: A total of 14 patients with spontaneous regression of cystic sellar masses in our hospital were included. The median age was 35 years (range, 5–67), and 8 patients were male. Clinical symptoms, hormone study and MRI were evaluated for all patients. The initial MRI showed all 14 patients with RCCs. Eight patients were presented with sudden onset of headache, and 1 patient with dizziness. Another patient, a 5-year-old child, was presented with delayed growth. Three patients had no symptoms via regular medical work up. All 14 patients had no visual symptoms. The follow-up period ranged from 5.7 to 42.8 months, with the mean of 17.3 months. RESULTS: The mean initial tumor size was 1.29 cm³ (range, 0.05 to 3.23). After involution, the tumor size decreased to 0.23 cm³ (range, 0 to 0.68) without any treatments. Repeated MRI showed a spontaneous decrease in tumor volume by 78% (range, 34 to 99). The initial MRI showed that the tumor was in contact with the optic chiasm in 7 patients, while compressing on the optic chiasm in 3 patients. Five patients were initially treated with hormone replacement therapy due to hormone abnormality. After the follow-up period, only 2 patients needed a long-term hormone replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: The spontaneous involution of RCCs is not well quantified before. Their incidence has not been well demonstrated, but this phenomenon might be underreported. Conservative management can be a treatment option in some RCCs without visual symptoms, even in those that are large in size and in contact with the optic nerve via imaging study.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Brain Tumor Patients Treated with Surgery: Preliminary Result of a Single Institution

BACKGROUND: Alongside the extent of removal and patients’ survival in the management of brain tumors, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important consideration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change of HRQOL in brain tumor patients before and after surgery and to assess the associated factors that contribute to the change of HRQOL. METHODS: A total of 258 patients who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the 20-item EORTC QLQ-Brain Neoplasm (QLQ-BN20) were used to assess HRQOL. Patients were asked to fill out the questionnaires before and 3-6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Global QOL (p<0.001) and emotional function (p<0.018) were significantly improved after surgery. Physical function (p=0.015) was significantly aggravated. Among the symptoms, headache, pain and nausea and vomiting were significantly decreased (p<0.01, p=0.041, p<0.001, respectively), while dyspnea, communication deficit and weakness of the legs were increased (p=0.005, p=0.040, and p=0.014, respectively). Preoperative neurologic deficit (p=0.019) and tumor diameter (p=0.016) were significantly related to the patients who showed aggravation of global QOL after brain tumor surgery. In the aggravated global QOL group, common complaints and concerns included role function, appetite loss, financial difficulty and future uncertainty. CONCLUSION: In brain tumor patients, HRQOL has improved after surgery. Role function, appetite loss, financial difficulty and future uncertainty were important factors for HRQOL in brain tumor patients treated with surgery. Although there is National Health Insurance and Medical Aid program in Korea, financial difficulty and future uncertainty are much more important in influencing QOL than previously thought. The results of this short-term follow up preliminary study suggest that several factors were related to HRQOL, Further research is needed to evaluate the long term change of HRQOL and enhance the global QOL by analyze related factors.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine Infusion on the Recovery Profiles of Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection

Transurethral resection has been the gold standard in the operative management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder tumor; however, it is associated with several complications that may cause patient discomfort. We evaluated the usefulness of continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation, hemodynamic status, and recovery profiles in patients undergoing elective surgery by a randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients aged 30 to 80 yr who were scheduled for elective transurethral resection under general anesthesia were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (control group, group C; dexmedetomidine group, group D). A total of 60 male patients were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to group C (n=30) or group D (n=30). The quality of emergence in group D was marked by a significantly lower incidence of emergence agitation than in group C (P=0.015). Patients in group D therefore felt less discomfort induced by the indwelling Foley catheter than those in group C (P=0.022). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to side effects including bradycardia (P=0.085), hypotension (P=0.640), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (P=0.389). Our study showed that intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion effectively reduced the incidence and intensity of emergence agitation and catheter-induced bladder discomfort without delaying recovery time and discharge time, thus providing smooth emergence during the recovery period in patients undergoing transurethral resection (Clinical Trial Registry No. KT0001683).

Validation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Temozolomide during and after Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastomas: 10-year Experience of a Single Institution

This study was performed to validate the effectiveness and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant therapy with temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme as a standard treatment protocol. Between 2004 and 2011, patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma who were treated with temozolomide during concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy were included from a single institution and analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, response, and safety. A total of 71 patients were enrolled in this study. The response rate was 41% (29/71), and the tumor control rate was 80% (57/71). In the 67 patients who completed the concurrent chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival was 19 months and the 1- and 2-yr overall survival rates were 78.3% and 41.7%, respectively. The median progression free survival was 9 months, and the 1- and 2-yr progression free survival rates were 33.8% and 14.3%, respectively. The mean duration of survival after progression of disease in salvage treatment group was 11.9 (1.3-53.2) months. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide resulted in grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxic effects in 2.8% of the patients. The current protocol of temozolomide during and after radiation therapy is both effective and safe and is still appropriate as the standard protocol for treatment of glioblastoma. An active salvage treatment might be required for a better prognosis.

Aminophylline Partially Prevents the Decrease of Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1+/-0.38 vs. 35.7+/-0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0+/-0.39 vs. 35.6+/-0.28, P=0.053), T75 (35.9+/-0.34 vs. 35.5+/-0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8+/-0.35 vs. 35.3+/-0.33, P=0.011), and T105 (35.8+/-0.36 vs. 35.1+/-0.53, P=0.017) and index finger temperatures at T15 (35.8+/-0.46 vs. 34.9+/-0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7+/-0.36 vs. 35.0+/-0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8+/-0.34 vs. 35.2+/-0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7+/-0.33 vs. 34.9+/-0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6+/-0.36 vs. 34.8+/-0.67, P=0.028), T90 (35.4+/-0.55 vs. 34.4+/-0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9+/-0.53 vs. 33.9+/-0.85, P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group. Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.

Aminophylline Partially Prevents the Decrease of Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1+/-0.38 vs. 35.7+/-0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0+/-0.39 vs. 35.6+/-0.28, P=0.053), T75 (35.9+/-0.34 vs. 35.5+/-0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8+/-0.35 vs. 35.3+/-0.33, P=0.011), and T105 (35.8+/-0.36 vs. 35.1+/-0.53, P=0.017) and index finger temperatures at T15 (35.8+/-0.46 vs. 34.9+/-0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7+/-0.36 vs. 35.0+/-0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8+/-0.34 vs. 35.2+/-0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7+/-0.33 vs. 34.9+/-0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6+/-0.36 vs. 34.8+/-0.67, P=0.028), T90 (35.4+/-0.55 vs. 34.4+/-0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9+/-0.53 vs. 33.9+/-0.85, P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group. Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.