Local Postoperative Complications after Surgery for Intertrochanteric Fractures Using Cephalomedullary Nails / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are commonly used for the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to evaluate overall postoperative local complications by reviewing patients who received surgical treatment using three different types of implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 353 patients (107 males, 246 females) who underwent surgery using CMN for intertrochanteric fractures. Three different types of implants were used: i) the Gamma3® (Stryker) in 80 cases, ii) the Targon® PF (Aesculap) in 225 cases, and iii) the Compression Hip Nail® (Trademedics) in 48 cases. The mean age was 82.6 (range, 60–109) years and the average follow-up period was 15 (range, 6–80) months. Postoperative local complications and risk factors of cut-out were assessed. RESULTS: The most common complication was cut-out (n=26). Other complications included non-union (n=3), periprosthetic fracture (n=2), avascular necrosis (n=1), heterotopic ossification (n=1), and sleeve pull out (n=1). Multivariate analysis revealed that the cut-out group had a higher rate of poor reduction compared to the non-complicated group (P < 0.001). Although the mean tip-apex distance (TAD) was 18.4 mm in the non-complicated group, lower than that of the cut-out group (P=0.001), multivariate analysis revealed that TAD was not a significant risk factor for cut-out (P=0.065). CONCLUSION: Cut-out is the most common local complication associated with surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using CMN. Proper reduction appears to be important in lowering the risk of cut-out. Maintaining low TAD is another critical factor in achieving sufficient fixation of lag screw to the subchondral bone of the femoral head.

Result of Modular Necks in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty with a Average Follow-up of Four Years / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of modular neck-utilization in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (34 hips) who had modular stem THA between April 2011 and January 2013 were evaluated. There were 19 men and 11 women with a mean age of 61.2 years at the time of surgery. There were 20 cases of osteonecrosis of femoral head, 7 cases of osteoarthritis, 6 cases of femur neck fracture, and 1 case of rheumatoid arthritis. No patients presented with anatomical deformity of hip. Patients were operated on using a modified Watson-Jones anterolateral approach. All patients underwent clinical and radiological follow-up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, and every year postoperatively. The mean duration of follow-up was 48.2 months (range, 39 to 59 months). RESULTS: The average Harris hip score improved from 63.7 to 88.1 at the final follow-up. Radiographically, mean acetabular cup inclination was 45.3°(range, 36°-61°) and anteversion was 21.7°(range, 11°-29°). All were neutral-positioned stems except 5 which were varus-positioned stems. In only 3 cases (8.8%), varus or valgus necks were required. A case of linear femoral fracture occurred intraoperatively and 1 case of dislocation occurred at postoperative 2 weeks. No complications at modular junction were occurred. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the use of modular necks had favorable clinical and radiographic results. This suggests that the use of modular neck in primary THA without anatomical deformity is safe at a follow-up of 39 months.

A Case of Primary Subpleural Pulmonary Microcystic Myxoma Coincidentally Occurred with Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma

No abstract available.

Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures Using the Compression Hip Nail / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and radiologic outcomes following treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using the Compression Hip Nail(R) (CHN), which has a sliding lag screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight cases of intertrochanteric fractures treated with CHN from November 2012 to October 2013 and followed-up for >6 months were included. The patient population consisted of 11 men and 17 women with a mean age of 75.2 years at the time of surgery. For the initial 11 cases, 10 mm sliding lag screws were used; the remaining 17 cases used 20 mm sliding lag screws. Clinical variables including operation time, amount of transfusion, weight-bearing start time, postoperative physical activity, and complications were investigated. The average sliding of lag screws and the average union were investigated radiologically at 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In an analysis of 23 cases (exclusion of 3 cases of lag screw cutout and 2 cases of nonunion), 11 (48%) recovered their pre-injury activity level. In an analysis of 25 cases (exclusion of 3 cases of cutout), 17 (68%) and 23 (92%) showed radiological union at postoperative months 3 and 6, respectively. Seven complications were noted. Cutout of the lag screw and the lateral protrusion of barrels were significantly greater in the group with 10 mm sliding lag screws as compared to the group using 20 mm sliding lag screws. CONCLUSION: The use of CHN for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture yielded poor results. However, results from patients in the 20 mm sliding lag screw group were better than for the 10 mm sliding lag screw group. Therefore, use of the 20 mm sliding lag screw is advisable.

Assessment of Carotid Geometry by Using the Contrast-enhanced MR Angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the geometry of carotid artery by assessing the images of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and interrelationships between the geometry of carotid artery and clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 216 consecutive patients who performed supraaortic CE-MRA with fast spoiled gradient-echo imaging were included. Their medical records were reviewed for variable information including risk factors predictive of generalized atherosclerotic disease (age, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidema, and smoking), sex, body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). We reviewed the CE-MRA with carotid origin (3 types), carotid artery tortuosity, angle of internal carotid artery bifurcation, the type of aortic arch branching, and the presence of the coiling of carotid artery. RESULTS: Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that significantly contributed clinical backgrounds for carotid origin were the age and the BMI. With an increase of age at 1, the probability that the type of carotid origin become from type 1 to type 2 was 0.9 times (p=0.004) in right carotid artery (RCA), 0.9 times (p=0.031) in left carotid artery (LCA), 0.9 times that are likely to be type3 from type 2 (p<0.001) in RCA and 0.9 times in LCA (p=0.009). Increase in BMI at 1 increased odds of becoming type 2 as 1.1 times (p=0.067) in RCA, 1.1 times (p=0.009) in LCA and increased chance of becoming type 3 as 1.2 times (p=0.001) in RCA, 1.2 times (p=0.003) in LCA. Mean value of right and left carotid tortuosity were 240.9+/-69.0degrees and 154.4+/-55.0degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BMI, age, sex and presence of HTN affects the geometry of carotid arteries, the site of origin and tortuosity of carotid artery specifically.

Assessment of Carotid Geometry by Using the Contrast-enhanced MR Angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the geometry of carotid artery by assessing the images of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and interrelationships between the geometry of carotid artery and clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 216 consecutive patients who performed supraaortic CE-MRA with fast spoiled gradient-echo imaging were included. Their medical records were reviewed for variable information including risk factors predictive of generalized atherosclerotic disease (age, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidema, and smoking), sex, body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). We reviewed the CE-MRA with carotid origin (3 types), carotid artery tortuosity, angle of internal carotid artery bifurcation, the type of aortic arch branching, and the presence of the coiling of carotid artery. RESULTS: Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that significantly contributed clinical backgrounds for carotid origin were the age and the BMI. With an increase of age at 1, the probability that the type of carotid origin become from type 1 to type 2 was 0.9 times (p=0.004) in right carotid artery (RCA), 0.9 times (p=0.031) in left carotid artery (LCA), 0.9 times that are likely to be type3 from type 2 (p<0.001) in RCA and 0.9 times in LCA (p=0.009). Increase in BMI at 1 increased odds of becoming type 2 as 1.1 times (p=0.067) in RCA, 1.1 times (p=0.009) in LCA and increased chance of becoming type 3 as 1.2 times (p=0.001) in RCA, 1.2 times (p=0.003) in LCA. Mean value of right and left carotid tortuosity were 240.9+/-69.0degrees and 154.4+/-55.0degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BMI, age, sex and presence of HTN affects the geometry of carotid arteries, the site of origin and tortuosity of carotid artery specifically.

Deep Vein as a Graft Conduit: 2 case reports / 대한흉부외과학회지

The ideal graft requires acceptable size, less tissue toxicity, resistance to infection, and long-term durability. Great saphenous veins are gaining popularity as acceptable graft conduits, but they require time to grow in caliber. We report 2 cases of graft bypass and reconstruction using superficial femoral veins to acheive immediate high-flow patency.

A Case of Bladder Cancer Found during a Workup for Urge Incontinence / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Irritative urinary symptoms may suggest the possibility of bladder cancer. We report a case of metastatic bladder cancer that was discovered during a workup for urge incontinence in a 65-year-old woman with a history of stomach cancer. She had a medical history of gastrectomy due to stomach cancer 4 years previously. The patient complained of urgency unresponsive to anticholinergic therapy. Cystoscopy revealed the presence of suspicious bladder mucosal lesions that were biopsied. The pathology was consistent with metastatic signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma. This case suggests that irritative urinary symptoms can be the first clinical manifestation in patients with bladder cancer.

Comparison of Outcomes after Curative Resection of Primary Lung Cancer between 50 Year or Younger and 70 Year or Older Patients / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous series have suggested that younger patients with primary lung cancer exhibit a more aggressive disease course with a worse prognosis, as compared to older patients, although this issue is still debatable. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 79 patients (32 patients 50 years and younger (Group I) and 47 patients 70 years and older (Group II)) who underwent curative resection for primary lung cancer between July 2000 and June 2008. RESULT: The median age of the patients was 46.5 years in Group I and this was 73 years in Group II. The older patients were more likely to have major comorbidities (44% versus 77%, respectively; p=0.003). Histological examinations identified that the minor histological types (excluding non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)) were predominantly found in the Group I patients (16% versus 2%, respectively; p=0.037). For the TNM staging of the NSCLC, with excluding the minor histologic types, a higher proportion of patients had stage III disease in Group I (33% versus 13%, respectively; p=0.038). There was no significant difference in major morbidity (16% versus 30%, respectively; p=0.148) and operative mortality (0% versus 4.3%; p=0.512) between the groups. The mean follow-up interval was 33 months (range: 1~98 months) for patients in both groups. For the patients with NSCLC, the five-year overall survival rate was 52.3% for Group I and 53.7% for Group II (p=0.955). The rate of freedom from recurrence at five years was significantly lower for the Group I patients than for the Group II patients (39.4% versus 70.4%, respectively; p=0.027), and only being a member of Group I impacted recurrence, based on the Cox proportional hazard analysis (p=0.034). Of the patients who had recurrence, four patients in Group I underwent aggressive surgical treatment. All of these patients exhibited long-term survival (range: 46~87 months). CONCLUSION: In our study, the early outcome and long-term survival were similar for the younger and older patients after curative resection of primary lung cancer. However, we think that younger patients require meticulous follow-up as they had a tendency to proceed to surgery with advanced stage disease, a higher recurrence rate than did the older patients and the survival rates were improved, even for the recurred cases, with early aggressive treatment.

Short Term Results of Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To report the results of Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty after short term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty nine knees from 26 patients who had undergone Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty from March 2002 to February 2006 were reviewed. There were 25 females (28 knees) and 1 male (1 knee) and the average age was 65.9 years. The preoperative diagnosis was 22 cases of medial osteoarthritis and 7 cases of osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle. We evaluated the intraoperative complications. The clinical evaluation was accomplished by assessing the pre-and postoperative knee society pain and function scores, Lysholm score and HSS score. The radiologic evaluation was accomplished using the weight bearing AP view and lateral films. RESULTS: The postoperative knee society pain and function score, Lysholm score and HSS score were improved compared with the preoperative scores. The tibiofemoral angle was improved from varus 2.8degrees preoperatively to valgus 6.6degrees. Three cases of medial tibial condyle fracture occurred and 1 case of overhang of the tibial component were observed. Three cases were revised due to component loosening. CONCLUSION: Even though a high incidence of complications and loosening were observed, the clinical results of Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were improved during the short term follow up. We thought that thorough preparations should be done prior to surgery and there is room to improve femoral component design for the stability against rotational torque such as two pegs on the femoral component.

The Effects of Additional Tetracycline Pleurodesis during Thoracoscopic Procedures for Treating Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing additional tetracycline pleurodesis during the thoracoscopic treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between March 2004 and December 2007, 91 cases of primary spontaneous pneumothorax were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The thoracoscopic procedures included resection of the blebs and mechanical pleurodesis by scrubbing the parietal pleura. For 27 cases (Tetracycline group, group I), 20 mg/kg tetracycline was instilled into the pleural space through a trocar before closing the chest. The control group (group II) consisted of 64 cases of primary spontaneous pneumothorax for which the same thoracoscopic procedures alone were performed during the same study period. RESULT: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the demographic data, the operative findings and the operation time. The percentage of cases that needed intravenous analgesics and the duration of intravenous analgesics were comparable in both groups. There was no significant difference in the duration of air leaks and complications between the two groups. The patients treated with tetracycline pleurodesis had a longer period of postoperative chest drainage (4.2 days vs 3.5 days, respectively, p=0.03) and hospitalization (5.0 days vs 4.0 days, respectively, p=0.006). During the follow up period, the ipsilateral recurrence rate was much lower for the patients who were treated with tetracycline pleurodesis (0% vs 10.9%, respectively, p=0.099), and freedom from recurrence tended to be more favorable for group I (p=0.077), although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Additional tetracycline pleurodesis during thoracoscopic treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax caused prolongation of chest drainage and a prolonged hospital stay. However, further investigations are needed because tetracycline pleurodesis can be performed safely without serious complications and it showed a distinct tendency to reduce the rate of recurrence.

Extended Unroofing Procedure for Creation of a New Ostium for an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery Originating from the Left Coronary Sinus: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

An anomalous origin of the coronary artery with subsequent coursing between the great vessels is a rare congenital heart defect that may cause myocardial ischemia and sudden death. Several surgical techniques have been described to address this defect. An extended unroofing procedure to create an alternative ostium for the right coronary artery was successfully carried out in a patient having an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. The newly constructed orifice was widely patent 3 months later, without any episodes of myocardial ischemia or aortic regurgitation.

Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fracture using Ollier Approach / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical results of the intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated using Ollier approach by inexperienced orthopaedic surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2003 and May 2007, Of the total 46 cases, 12 cases (9 patients) of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using Ollier approach were evaluated. The means of age was 50.5 years. According to the Sanders classification, there was no type I case and 8 cases of type II, 1 case of type III, and 3 cases of type IV. We evaluated the treatment result by assessing radiologic parameters (Bohler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal height/width) and clinical outcomes (VAS and AOFAS score). RESULTS: The means of follow-up period was 25.3 months. The means of Bohler angle was improved from 2.4degrees to 26.1degrees. Radiologic and clinical union was achieved in all cases without additional procedures. Excellent result were noted in 2 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case. We experienced 2 cases of minor complications; 1 case of mild wound infection and 1 case of hypoesthesia on foot dorsum. Radiologic findings of subtalar arthritis were present in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Ollier approach seems to be helpful to inexperienced orthopaedic surgeons for the treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures in that it enables them to achieve considerable clinical outcomes without serious complications.

Targon(R) Proximal Femoral Nail Used for Treatment of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes related to use of the Targon(R) proximal femoral nail for repairing femoral intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2004 and November 2005, the records of 56 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with the proximal femoral nail, were analyzed. The mean patient age was 75.2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 32 months. There were 26 stable fractures and 30 unstable fractures. Clinical assessment included parameters of operating time, transfusion rate, pain analysis by visual analogue scale (VAS), timing of maximum tolerable weight-bearing, functional evaluation by modified Koval index, and complications. Radiological assessment was directed toward adequacy of reduction, union time, and changes observed between immediate postoperative and final follow-up roentgenograms in various parameters. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 37 minutes. Visual analogue scale at final follow-up was 2.8 on average, and 38 of 43 preoperative ambulators (88%) were able to bear weight as much as tolerable within 6 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative mobility recovered to pre-injury levels in 40 cases (71%). Radiologic evaluation showed adequate reduction in all cases. Mean union time was 8.9+/-2.5 weeks. The neck-shaft angle changed at final follow-up an average of 3.6+/-1.9(R). The femoral shaft displaced medially an average of 2.8+/-0.9 mm, and the lag screw slid an average of 4.7+/-0.6 mm. Complications such as cutting through, Z-effect, and femoral shaft fracture were not observed in any cases. CONCLUSION: The Targon(R) proximal femoral nail showed excellent results in terms of early ambulation, clinical recovery, and radiologic parameters and may be a useful implant for treating femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Anterior Neck Approach for 4-vessel Occlusion in Rats: A Study for Immunohistological Changes and the Effects of Aminoguanidine on Neuronal Cell Death in the Hippocampus

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant cerebral ischemia is encountered most frequently as a cardiac arrest or as single or multiple occlusions of the intracranial or extracranial cerebral arteries. Yamaguchi et al. has introduced a one-stage anterior approach to occlude the common carotid arteries (CCAs) and vertebral arteries (VAs). METHODS: We used a 2-stage anterior approach for producing transient global ischemia by 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO). Four to five days after electrocauterization of two VAs using the anterior neck approach, two CCAs were clipped for 10 min under anesthesia. Aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally immediately after 4-VO, and then twice a day for three consecutive days. Cresyl violet staining and immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of GFAP, CD11b, nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and Bax were performed, using brain slices obtained from the rats that were sacrificed 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after reperfusion. RESULTS: Aminoguanidine reduced neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Expression of GFAP, CD11b, nitrotyrosine, iNOS, and Bax were significantly increased in the CA1 region of the hippocampus three days after 4-VO. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that modified 4-VO is a good method to study transient forebrain ischemia as it is simple and inexpensive to perform and can be utilized without stereotaxis, a pivoting dissection microscope, EEG, a laser flowmeter or the use of Mongolian gerbils.

Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in an Adult: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) has rarely been reported on in adults because 90% of the untreated infants die in the first year of life. We report here on a case of ALCAPA that was detected in a 41-year-old woman and she was successfully treated by direct re-implantation of the anomalous coronary artery into the aorta.

Traumatic Systemic Artery to Pulmonary Vessel Fistula: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Systemic artery to pulmonary vessel fistula (SAPVF) is an abnormal communication between the systemic arterial circulation and the pulmonary circulation. Most SAPVF are congenital, but some SAPVF may also develop as a consequence of trauma, neoplasm, and inflammation of pleura or lung parenchyma. A 38-year-old man was referred to our department for hemoptysis. He underwent an operation for traumatic diaphragm rupture 16 years ago. Chest CT scan and angiography revealed SAPVF between several intercostal arteries and pulmonary vessels. He had an angiographic transcatheter embolization and the SAPVF disappeared at follow-up chest CT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of traumatic SAPVF in Korea.

The Position of Proximal Reference Point of Tibial Plateau to Prevent Varus Tibial Cutting in Total Knee Replacement : Prospective Randomized Study

PURPOSE: When there is a varus deformity in proximal tibia, the extension of a tibial shaft axis usually passes through the lateral intercondylar eminence. We performed prospective randomized study to find out whether the lateral eminence of tibia could be used as a reference point for proximal tibial cutting during total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly divided fifty patients who received TKR from April to December 2004 into two groups. For a proximal tibial cutting, we located the proximal tibial reference point at the center of intercondylar eminences for group I and at the lateral eminence for group II. Along with the clinical assessment, we measured the angles between the axis of the prostheses and both the mechanical and shaft axis of tibiae. RESULTS: There were no differences in clinical results between two groups. The angles between the axis of the prostheses and the mechanical / shaft axis of tibiae were varus 2.14 / 2.22 degrees in group 1 and valgus 0.20 / 0.14 degrees in group 2(p=0.02, 0.01). CONCLUSION: With moving the reference point laterally, we could prevent the varus tibial osteotomy and achieve more reliable alignment of the tibial component.

Normal Adult Hip Range of Motion Focusingon Hip Flexion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We performed this study to ascertain the range of hip motion during the activities of daily living in Koreans and determine the value of the clinical measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one volunteers were enrolled in this study. The hip range of motion was measured with three-dimensional CT and fluoroscopy of the hip in the supine, sitting cross-legged and squatting position. Hip flexion and extension in various conditions were also measured. The reference lines were defined in the pelvic bone. RESULTS: The supine hip reflected the anatomic structure of the proximal femur rather than 0 degree. Symmetrical 114.1 degrees of flexion and 41.0 degrees of external rotation were observed in the sitting cross-legged position. The sum of the abductions was 70.4 degrees. In the squatting position, the measured hip flexion was 87.4 degrees. The hip flexion increased when hip abduction was combined. An average hip extension of 17.0 degrees was noted during the Thomas test. CONCLUSION: More than 120 degrees of hip flexion does not occur in neutral rotation and abduction. More than 100 degrees of hip flexion is observed only with a hip abduction. A large amount of spinal movements appears to be needed for both squatting and sitting cross-legged positions. Less than 17 degrees of measured flexion contracture in the Thomas test means an extension block rather than a real flexion contracture.

Nicotinamide Reduces the Infarct Volume in a Rat Model of Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND: Cerebral ischemia depletes ATP and causes irreversible tissue injury. Nicotinamide is a precursor of NAD+ and it is also a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that increases the neuronal ATP concentration and so protects against stroke. Therefore we examined whether nicotinamide could protect against cerebral ischemia by using a model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (reperfusion 2 h post ischemia) in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Nicotinamide (500 mg/kg) or normal saline was administered intraperitoneally 24 and 0 h before and after MCAO, respectively. The infarction volumes were determined with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining 24 h after reperfusion. The nitrotyrosine, PAR polymer and PARP-1 expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry with using brain slices obtained from the rats that were sacrificed at 0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: The infarction volumes were significantly attenuated (21.8%, p<0.05). The nitrotyrosine expressions were increased at 0, 15 and 30 min, and those expressions for PARP polymer and PARP-1 were increased at 60 and 120 min, respectively. Nicotinamide partly reduced the expressions for nitrotyrosine and PAR polymer except for PARP-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that nicotinamide may attenuate ischemic brain injury through its antioxidant activity and the inhibition of PARP-1.