Analysis of Recurrence and Prognostic Factors after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Hepatocelular Carcinoma / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with very poor prognosis if left untreated after diagnosis. However, recent advances in digital subtraction imaging techniques and superselective catheterization seem to have somewhat increased the survival rate in patients with HCC after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). This study analyzed the relationship between prognostic factors and recurrence after TACE, an aspect which has not attracted much attention. METHODS: This investigation included 258 cases of HCC with 100% lipiodol uptake who received TACE for a duration of 13 years from 1985 to 1997. Clinical characteristics, biochemical factors, tumoral factors, angiographic characteristics, embolization technique, degree of lipiodol uptake, response, and recurrence factors were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Significant differences in survival were noted among 3 groups according to cancer-free interval (p<0.01). The different factors between early recurrence group (within 6 months) and late recurrence group (after 18 months) were initial tumor size (8.8+/-4.1/6.1+/-3.7cm, p<0.01), tumor type (multinodular,massive/single nodule, p<0.01), ill-defined margin (51.4/22.0%, p<0.01), response after TACE (NC/CR,PR, p<0.01), ALP level (196.1+/-124.5/144.4+/-72.0 IU/L, p<0.05), absence of encapsulation (42.3/25.0%, p<0.05), portal vein thrombosis (64.3/14.3%, p<0.05), nonsegmental embolization (46.6/25.0%, p<0.05), post-TACE AFP level (180.5+/-252.1/76.6+/-329.8 ng/mL, p<0.05), and recurrence pattern (revascularization of initial lesion/single nodule, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence factors were significant in the survival of patients with HCC after TACE. Therefore, an understanding of the relationship between prognostic factors and recurrence is very important for early detection of recurrence and the timely provision of further TACE treatment.

Weiss Syndrome by 0-ring Band Ligation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mallory-Weiss syndrome refers to a laceration or lacerations in the region of the gastroesophageal junction due to vomiting, retching, or coughing induced by several causes, and preceding hematemesis. In the last several years, endoscopic therapies have dramatically changed the need for emergency surgery in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. There is only little information however, regarding the indication criteria and the efficacy of endoscopic therapies in severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding, due to Mallory-Weiss syndrome. This study was designed to assess the usefulness and the indications of endoscopic O-ring band ligation. METHODS: Thirty patients with Mallory- Weiss syndrome who were experiencing a related hemorrhage were studied. Among these, 5 patients with active bleeding or a visible vessel revealed during an endoscopic examination were treated with O-ring band ligation. Patients with blood clots or linear tears received only conservative treatment.

The Effect of Paracentesis on Pulmonary Function in Patients with Cirrhosis / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paracentesis is an acceptable therapeutic modality for the symptomatic relief of dyspnea or abdominal fullness due to tense ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Whereas studies about the effects of paracentesis focused on the changes about hemodynamics, electrolytes and renal function in great detail, the effects of paracentesis on the changes about respiratory system have undergone limited investigations which are defined large-volume paracentesis. METHODS: We performed pulmonary function tests with arterial blood gas analysis just before and 24 hr after paracentesis. The paracentesis of average 2,300ml was carried out in ten liver cirrhosis patients with tense ascites who were free from underlying cardiopulmonary impairment. RESULTS: 1. The results of pulmonary function test just before paracentesis were as followings; FVC( functional vital capacity), FEV1(forced expiratory volume in 1 sec), FEF25 75(forced expiratory effort 25% 75%) and TLC(total lung capacity) were decreased as 78%, 79%, 62.3% and 89% of normal control value respectively, whereas RV(residual volume) was not decreased. DLCO(lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide)was decreased as 61.6%. 2. The results of pulmona function test 24 hr after paracentesis were as followings,' The symptomatic relief of dyspnea was achieved in all participated ten patients. Among lung volume parameters, FVC and VC were increased significantly(p=0.003, p=0.004). Whereas TLC was increased without statistical significance(p=0.228), and RV and FRC(functional residual capacity) showed no change. FEV1 was increased significantly(p=0.039), but FEF25 75 and the ratio of FEF1/FVC showed no change. DLCO was not increased. PaOy(partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) was impr'oved without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the patients of liver cirrhosis with ascites have restrictive ventilatory impairment with additional obstructive ventilatory impairment. After paracentesis, the restrictive ventilatop impairment is improved by the relief of diaphragmatic motion limitation caused by ascites. Also, paracentesis of(not large volume, like 5000ml, but) relatively small volume, of 2000 3000ml can achieve objective improvement of dyspnea due to tense ascites.