Clinical and Lifestyle Determinants of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics in Insulin-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background@#There was limited evidence to evaluate the association between lifestyle habits and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics. Thus, we aimed to depict the behavioral and metabolic determinants of CGM metrics in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). @*Methods@#This is a prospective observational study. We analyzed data from 122 insulin-treated patients with T2DM. Participants wore Dexcom G6 and Fitbit, and diet information was identified for 10 days. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed for the simultaneous achievement of CGM-based targets, defined by the percentage of time in terms of hyper, hypoglycemia and glycemic variability (GV). Intake of macronutrients and fiber, step counts, sleep, postprandial C-peptide-to-glucose ratio (PCGR), information about glucose lowering medications and metabolic factors were added to the analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of the distribution of energy and macronutrient during a day, and snack consumption on CGM metrics. @*Results@#Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, participants with high PCGR, low glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and daytime step count had a higher probability of achieving all targets based on CGM (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] which were 0.24 [0.09 to 0.65], 1.34 [1.03 to 1.25], 0.95 [0.9 to 0.99], and 1.15 [1.03 to 1.29], respectively). And participants who ate snacks showed a shorter period of hyperglycemia and less GV compared to those without. @*Conclusion@#We confirmed that residual insulin secretion, daytime step count, HbA1c, and women were the most relevant determinants of adequate glycemic control in insulin-treated patients with T2DM. In addition, individuals with snack consumption were exposed to lower times of hyperglycemia and GV.

Sleep Duration and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Community-Based Cohort Study with a 16-Year Follow-up

Background@#We aimed to investigate the moderating effects of obesity, age, and sex on the association between sleep duration and the development of diabetes in Asians. @*Methods@#We analyzed data from a cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study conducted from 2001 to 2020. After excluding shift workers and those with diabetes at baseline, 7,407 participants were stratified into three groups according to sleep duration: ≤5 hoursight, >5 to 7 hoursight (reference), and >7 hoursight. The Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subgroup analyses were performed according to obesity, age, and sex. @*Results@#During 16 years of follow-up, 2,024 cases of T2DM were identified. Individuals who slept ≤5 hight had a higher risk of incident diabetes than the reference group (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.33). The subgroup analysis observed a valid interaction with sleep duration only for obesity. A higher risk of T2DM was observed in the ≤5 hoursight group in non-obese individuals, men, and those aged 7 hoursight group in obese individuals (HRs were 1.34 [95% CI, 1.11 to 1.61], 1.22 [95% CI, 1 to 1.49], and 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.39], respectively). @*Conclusion@#This study confirmed the effect of sleep deprivation on the risk of T2DM throughout the 16-year follow-up period. This impact was confined to non-obese or young individuals and men. We observed a significant interaction between sleep duration and obesity.

Null Association between BRAF V600E Mutation and Tumor Recurrence in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma in South Korea

Background and Objectives@#The clinical implications of the BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), defined as ≤1.0 cm of tumor size, remain controversial. We investigated the association between the BRAFV600E mutation and PTMC recurrence in a retrospective cohort of patients with thyroid cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 2319 patients with PTMC (median age, 50 years [interquartile range (IQR), 41-57 years]) who underwent thyroid surgery from 2010 to 2019 at a single tertiary medical center. The median follow-up time was 75 months (IQR, 30-98 months). Tumor recurrence was confirmed by histological, cytological, radiographic, and biochemical criteria, combined with persistent and recurrent disease. @*Results@#A total of 60.2% (1395/2319) patients with PTMC had the BRAF V600E mutation. The tumor recurrence rate was 2.1% (19/924) in BRAF mutation-negative patients and 2.9% (41/1395) in BRAF mutation-positive patients, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-1.84) after adjusting for clinicopathological risk factors. Similar results were found in patients with high-risk PTMC (adjusted HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.56-2.11) who had lymph node metastasis (LNM), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), or distant metastasis (DM) at diagnosis and in patients with low-risk PTMC (adjusted HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.35-2.83) who had no LNM, ETE, or DM. @*Conclusion@#The finding that the BRAF V600E mutation was not associated with tumor recurrence in our cohort of Korean patients with PTMC, especially in patients with low-risk PTMC, suggests that its value in the prediction of disease progression is limited.

How Can We Adopt the Glucose Tolerance Test to Facilitate Predicting Pregnancy Outcome in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Background@#We investigated how 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results can be used to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. @*Methods@#We analyzed 1,059 pregnant women who completed the 100-g OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. We compared the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes according to OGTT patterns by latent profile analysis (LPA), numbers to meet the OGTT criteria, and area under the curve (AUC) of the OGTT graph. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as a composite of preterm birth, macrosomia, large for gestational age, low APGAR score at 1 minute, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. @*Results@#Overall, 257 participants were diagnosed with GDM, with a median age of 34 years. An LPA led to three different clusters of OGTT patterns; however, there were no significant associations between the clusters and adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjusting for confounders. Notwithstanding, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome increased with an increase in number to meet the OGTT criteria (P for trend=0.011); odds ratios in a full adjustment model were 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 2.23), 2.16 (95% CI, 1.21 to 3.85), and 2.32 (95% CI, 0.66 to 8.15) in those meeting the 2, 3, and 4 criteria, respectively. The AUCs of the OGTT curves also distinguished the patients at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; the larger the AUC, the higher the risk (P for trend=0.007). @*Conclusion@#The total number of abnormal values and calculated AUCs for the 100-g OGTT may facilitate tailored management of patients with GDM by predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Time to Reach Target Glycosylated Hemoglobin Is Associated with Long-Term Durable Glycemic Control and Risk of Diabetic Complications in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 6-Year Observational Study

Background@#To evaluate the association of time to reach the target glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with long-term durable glycemic control and risk of diabetic complications in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). @*Methods@#In a longitudinal observational cohort, 194 patients with T2DM newly diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2013 were followed up over 6 years. Patients were classified according to the time needed to reach the target HbA1c (<7.0%): <3, 3 to 6 (early achievement group), and ≥6 months (late achievement group). Risks of microvascular complications including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy as well as macrovascular events including ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. @*Results@#During a median follow-up of 6.53 years, 66 microvascular and 14 macrovascular events occurred. Maintenance of durable glycemic control over 6 years was more likely in the early achievement groups than in the late achievement group (34.5%, 30.0%, and 16.1% in <3, 3 to 6, and ≥6 months, respectively, P=0.039). Early target HbA1c achievement was associated with lower risk of composite diabetic complications (adjusted hazard ratio [HR, 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.86 in <3 months group) (adjusted HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.23 to 1.10 in 3 to 6 months group, in reference to ≥6 months group). Similar trends were maintained for risks of microvascular and macrovascular complications, although statistical significance was not reached for macrovascular complications. @*Conclusion@#Early target HbA1c achievement was associated with long-term durable glycemic control and reduced risk of diabetic complications in newly diagnosed T2DM.

Time to Reach Target Glycosylated Hemoglobin Is Associated with Long-Term Durable Glycemic Control and Risk of Diabetic Complications in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 6-Year Observational Study

Background@#To evaluate the association of time to reach the target glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with long-term durable glycemic control and risk of diabetic complications in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). @*Methods@#In a longitudinal observational cohort, 194 patients with T2DM newly diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2013 were followed up over 6 years. Patients were classified according to the time needed to reach the target HbA1c (<7.0%): <3, 3 to 6 (early achievement group), and ≥6 months (late achievement group). Risks of microvascular complications including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy as well as macrovascular events including ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. @*Results@#During a median follow-up of 6.53 years, 66 microvascular and 14 macrovascular events occurred. Maintenance of durable glycemic control over 6 years was more likely in the early achievement groups than in the late achievement group (34.5%, 30.0%, and 16.1% in <3, 3 to 6, and ≥6 months, respectively, P=0.039). Early target HbA1c achievement was associated with lower risk of composite diabetic complications (adjusted hazard ratio [HR, 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.86 in <3 months group) (adjusted HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.23 to 1.10 in 3 to 6 months group, in reference to ≥6 months group). Similar trends were maintained for risks of microvascular and macrovascular complications, although statistical significance was not reached for macrovascular complications. @*Conclusion@#Early target HbA1c achievement was associated with long-term durable glycemic control and reduced risk of diabetic complications in newly diagnosed T2DM.

Statin Therapy and the Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: a Nested Case-Control Study

Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association between statin use and the risk of major osteoporotic fractures in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). @*Methods@#A nested case-control study was performed in patients with MetS (≥50 years) who had no history of osteoporotic fracture using the Korean National Health Insurance ServiceHealth Screening Cohort. This study included 17,041 patients diagnosed with new-onset osteoporotic fractures and controls matched in a 1:1 ratio by age, sex, body mass index, cohort entry date, and follow-up duration. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate covariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). @*Results@#During a 4-year follow-up period, the risk of major osteoporotic fractures was significantly reduced by 9% (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.97) in statin users compared with that in non-users. Among subtypes of major osteoporotic fracture, a risk reduction with statin therapy was significant for vertebral fracture (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79–0.94) but not for non-vertebral fracture (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.88–1.06). Longer duration (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99, per 1-year increase) and higher cumulative dose (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99, per 365 defined daily doses) of statins were negatively associated with the risk of major osteoporotic fracture. @*Conclusion@#This study supports the hypothesis that statin therapy has a beneficial effect on major osteoporotic fractures, especially vertebral fractures, in patients with MetS.

Ten-Year Mortality Trends for Adults with and without Diabetes Mellitus in South Korea, 2003 to 2013

BACKGROUND: To estimate and compare the trends of all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates for subjects with and without diabetes in South Korea, from 2003 to 2013. METHODS: Using a population-based cohort (2003 to 2013), we evaluated annual mortality rates in adults (≥30 years) with and without diabetes. The number of subjects in this analysis ranged from 585,795 in 2003 to 670,020 in 2013. RESULTS: Age- and sex-adjusted all-cause mortality rates decreased consistently in both groups from 2003 to 2013 (from 14.4 to 9.3/1,000 persons in subjects with diabetes and from 7.9 to 4.4/1,000 persons in those without diabetes). The difference in mortality rates between groups also decreased (6.61 per 1,000 persons in 2003 to 4.98 per 1,000 persons in 2013). The slope associated with the mortality rate exhibited a steeper decrease in subjects with diabetes than those without diabetes (regression coefficients of time: −0.50 and −0.33, respectively; P=0.004). In subjects with diabetes, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease decreased by 53.5% (from 2.73 to 1.27 per 1,000 persons, P for trend < 0.001). Notably, the decrease in mortality from ischemic stroke (79.2%, from 1.20 to 0.25 per 1,000 persowns) was more profound than that from ischemic heart disease (28.3%, from 0.60 to 0.43 per 1,000 persons). CONCLUSION: All-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates decreased substantially from 2003 to 2013, and the decline in ischemic stroke mortality mainly contributed to the decreased cardiovascular mortality in Korean people with diabetes.

Bibliographical Characteristics of North Korean Medical Journals and Articles

The aim of our work was to analyze the bibliographical characteristics of 9 North Korean medical journals and articles. All journals show only ten pieces of information, such as publication dates and table of contents, and do not provide submission guidelines and journal policy. Most of the journals were published four times a year. Editorials often share government policy. Research articles are very short and compressed. The journals often publish articles on oriental medicine and medical information useful to the public. In conclusion, the journals were published in their own unique style and format, which are far from the global standard.

The Status and Distinct Characteristics of Endocrine Diseases in North Korean Articles Published between 2006 and 2015

BACKGROUND: Past decades of division have led to substantial differences in medical environments between South and North Korea. However, little is known about North Korea's medical status and research field, especially regarding endocrinology. In this study, we report the characteristics of North Korea's articles regarding endocrine-related diseases. METHODS: Among the nine medical journals, articles published in Internal Medicine between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed. A total of 2,092 articles were included; among them, 96 articles were associated with endocrinology. We analyzed these articles according to the disease categories they focused on and evaluated their features. RESULTS: Articles related to diabetes mellitus accounted for 55.2% (n=53) and those to thyroid disease accounted for 28.1% (n=27). Other disease categories, including adrenal gland (n=1), pituitary gland (n=1), and osteoporosis (n=3), comprised minor portions. Regarding diabetes mellitus, more than half the articles (n=33) focused on treatment and complications. Experimental studies were conducted with old hypoglycemic drugs or natural substances for the treatment of hyperglycemia. Regarding thyroid disease, articles related to hyperthyroidism were the most common (51.9%, n=14), followed by thyroid nodule/cancer (18.5%, n=5). Unique article features were short length, no figures, and less than five references. CONCLUSION: North Korea's endocrinology articles mainly focused on diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. Persistent studies have been carried out in North Korea with dedication despite the poor medical environment. We hope that this study will be the beginning of mutual medical exchange and collaboration between North and South Korea.

Determinants of Long-Term Durable Glycemic Control in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: Long-term durable glycemic control is a difficult goal in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We evaluated the factors associated with durable glycemic control in a real clinical setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 194 new-onset, drug-naïve patients with T2DM who were diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2013, and were followed up for >2 years. Glycemic durability was defined as the maintenance of optimal glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7.0%) for 2 years without substitution or adding other glucose-lowering agents. Clinical factors and glycemic markers associated with glycemic durability were compared between two groups: a durability group and a non-durability group. RESULTS: Patients in the durability group had a higher baseline body mass index (26.1 kg/m² vs. 24.9 kg/m²) and lower HbA1c (8.6% vs. 9.7%) than the non-durability group. The initial choice of glucose-lowering agents was similar in both groups, except for insulin and sulfonylureas, which were more frequently prescribed in the non-durability group. In multiple logistic regression analyses, higher levels of education, physical activity, and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) were associated with glycemic durability. Notably, lower HbA1c (<7.0%) at baseline and first follow-up were significantly associated with glycemic durability (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51 to 22.3) (adjusted OR, 9.27; 95% CI, 1.62 to 53.1, respectively), after adjusting for confounding variables including the types of glucose-lowering agents. CONCLUSION: Early achievement of HbA1c level within the glycemic target was a determinant of long-term glycemic durability in new-onset T2DM, as were higher levels of education, physical activity, and HOMA-β.

Effects of Vildagliptin or Pioglitazone on Glycemic Variability and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled with Metformin Monotherapy: A 16-Week, Randomised, Open Label, Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Glycemic variability is associated with the development of diabetic complications through the activation of oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, or a thiazolidinedione, pioglitazone, on glycemic variability and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this open label, randomised, active-controlled, pilot trial, individuals who were inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy were assigned to either vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily, n=17) or pioglitazone (15 mg once daily, n=14) treatment groups for 16 weeks. Glycemic variability was assessed by calculating the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), which was obtained from continuous glucose monitoring. Urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F₂α, serum oxidised low density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were used as markers of oxidative stress or inflammation. RESULTS: Both vildagliptin and pioglitazone significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin and mean plasma glucose levels during the 16-week treatment. Vildagliptin also significantly reduced the MAGE (from 93.8±38.0 to 70.8±19.2 mg/dL, P=0.046), and mean standard deviation of 24 hours glucose (from 38±17.3 to 27.7±6.9, P=0.026); however, pioglitazone did not, although the magnitude of decline was similar in both groups. Markers of oxidative stress or inflammation including urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F₂α did not change after treatment in both groups. CONCLUSION: In this 16-week treatment trial, vildagliptin, but not pioglitazone, reduced glycemic variability in individuals with type 2 diabetes who was inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy, although a reduction of oxidative stress markers was not observed.

Simultaneous Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites Due to Tuberculosis / 감염과화학요법

Chylothorax or chylous ascites is rare manifestation of tuberculosis. We report a case of simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites due to tuberculosis. A 17-year-old girl was admitted with fever, abdominal distention and dyspnea. Chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed bilateral pleural effusion, multifocal nodular consolidation on both lung fields and copious ascites and multiple necrotic lymphadenopathy in the abdominal cavity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from sputum and pleural fluid. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculosis medication. Pleural effusion and ascites improved with the medication.

Acute Precursor T Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Associated with Behcet's Disease: A Case Report

Behcet's disease is an inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. A few cases of hematologic disease in patients with Behcet's disease have been reported in the literature. However, acute precursor T cell lymphoblastic leukemia has never been described in association with Behcet's disease. We recently encountered a case of acute precursor T cell lymphoblastic leukemia in a 62-year-old man with a prior diagnosis of Behcet's disease. The patient presented with febrile neutropenia and his bone marrow biopsy revealed acute precursor T cell lymphoblastic leukemia. He was scheduled to undergo therapeutic chemotherapy, but unfortunately he died from pneumonia prior to treatment.

A Case of Ileal Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Accompanied by Luminal Stricture and Arterial Spurting / 대한소화기학회지

Primary small intestinal lymphoma is relatively uncommon. Small bowel tumors are difficult to diagnose, because they are usually asymptomatic in the initial phase, and they are not easily detected by traditional methods of investigating the small intestine. This case shows a successfully detected and treated gastrointestinal bleeding from rare ileal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, using double balloon endoscopy.

A Case of Jejunal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Diagnosed by Videocapsule Endoscopy and Single-Balloon Enteroscopy / 이화의대지

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are common mesenchymal tumors that arise in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding due to a GIST of the jejunum successfully documented by videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE). A 36-year-old man with hematochezia was referred for further evaluation of no evidence of bleeding focus on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A VCE showed a suspicious ulcerative hyperemic mass that located in about 1 hour apart from duodenal second portion. SBE revealed a nonbleeding 4x2 cm mass with an ulcer at the proximal jejunum. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection without complication. Histological examination revealed a well circumscribed, dumbbell-shaped firm mass comprised of spindle cells. Immunohistochemical staining for CD 117 was diffusely positive, whereas staining for S-100, CD 34 and MIB-1 was all negative. It was confirmed to be a low-grade GIST at the proximal jejunum.

Intraoperative Endoscopic Resection of Small Bowel Polyps through Trocar in Patient with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps. This syndrome is clinically important because of the complications caused by polyps and of an increased risk of cancer. We experienced a typical case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in a 24-year-old female patient who presented with jejunojejunal intussusception. With the use of combined surgery and intraoperative endoscopy through trocar, 60 polyps were removed, performing only 2 enterotomies. We apply a modified endosocopic technique of intraoperative endoscopic resection of small-bowel polyps using conventional 10 mm metal trocar in conjunction with a corrugated anesthetic tube. This allows fully visualized and optically controlled removal of all small intestnal polyps without air leakage. The usefulness of this technique reduces the complications associated with multiple laparotomies and resections.

Desmoid Tumor and Duodenal Adenoma in a Patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Case Report / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder due to germline mutation of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Multiple large bowel polyps usually develop in adolescence or early adulthood with inevitable progression to colorectal carcinoma. It is well known that patients with FAP are at considerable risk of developing extracolonic manisfestations of the disease. Particularly, desmoid tumors of the abdominal cavity, and duodenal adenomas and carcinomas are the most serious ones. Desmoid tumors and duodenal carcinomas are major causes of death in those patients in whom a prophylactic (procto) colectomy has been performed. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with desmoid tumor and duodenal adenoma developing after total colectomy with ileostomy due to FAP, and literatures were reviewed.

Neural Injury and Recovery of the Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

1. Evaluation of the Neural Injury For evaluation of neural injury from the thoracolumbar spine fracture, we should know the type and extent of injury. In case of the complete Spinal Cord Injury( SCI - Frankel classification A), they will not only lose the spinal cord function permanently distal to the injury site, but also show the probability 0~9% from Frankel A to D or E. But in case of the incomplete SCI, they will show sacral sparing and some kind of function will be recovered. The anticipation of recovery from the SCI depend on the results of neurologic examination after the spinal shock. If they have motor sparing, 86% of patients show the recovery of motor function during the first 6 month. The factor that influence to neurologic recovery are the initial kyphosis angle and canal compromising pattern, and do not influenced by treatmet methods. 2. The Factor of the Neural Injury Recovery 1) Conservative treatment in acute stage The inital pathophysiology of SCI is the mechanical injury, but secondary injury will be occur by impairment of blood supply and biochemical alteration, formation of free radial, release of glutamic acid, calcium influx, lipid peroxidation. Immediate methylprednisolone could minimize the spinal cord inury during the first 8 hours, and other GM-1 ganglioside, naloxone, TRH, spinal cord cooling, hyperbaric theraphy will be helpful. 2) Surgical treatment The factor influence the recovery of SCI (1) time interval injury to operation, (2)decompression of neural element, (3) reduction of fractured fragment. 3) Management of the Residual chronic stage Most common cause of death in SCI is urinary complication. We always should consider the improvement bladder function in SCI and the maintenance of low bladder pressure and feel free a bladder symptom.

Related Clinical Finding Result on Complication of Tsutsugamushi Patients

BACKGROUND: Tsutsugamushi disease is an acute, rashed febrile disease that shows widely varying prognoses from unsymptomatic infection to death. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to speedy recovery. Otherwise, many complications develop. This research was carried out to analyze the factors that affect the development of complications by comparing Tsutsugamushi patients with complicaions with those without complications. METHODS: Among the acute febrile disease patients who visited the emergency center of Chosun University Hospital from January to December 2000, 41 patients were clinically and serologically confirmed as having Tsutsugamushi disease. They were divided into two groups; 14 patients with complications and 27 patients without complications. We analyzed the two groups for correlations between complications and sex, age, period of occurrence, transfer or not, vital signs, laboratory findings, period before treatment, and checks for the existence of underlying disease, eschar, eruption, chest Xrays, and early diagnosis. RESULTS: 1) The aged have a high incidence of the disease, but there was no correlation between age and complications. Also, there was no correlation based on sex. 2) Although fall has a high incidence of the disease, the other seasons have higher complication rates. 3) The complication incidence rate has no correlation with either blood pressure or heart rate, also it does no correlate with eschar and skin rashes. 4) In the laboratory findings, hemoglobin and platelet, and Bun/Cr correlate with the complicaton incidence rate, but the white blood cell count and AST/ALT do not. 5) The complication incidence rate was high when treatment was started 10 days after the onset of Tsutsugamushi disease and no early diagnosis had been given. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment are most important in preventing complications of Tsutsugamushi disease because the factors that affect the developement of complications of Tsutsugamushi disase are found during early diagnosis. Patients with doubtful clinical symptoms and abnormal lab findings should be started on a program of antibiotic treatment.