Minoxidil Regulates Aging-Like Phenotypes in Rat Cortical Astrocytes In Vitro

Mainly due to the slanted focus on the mechanism and regulation of neuronal aging, research on astrocyte aging and its modulation during brain aging is scarce. In this study, we established aged astrocyte culture model by long-term culturing. Cellular senescence was confirmed through SA-β-gal staining as well as through the examination of morphological, molecular, and functional markers. RNA sequencing and functional analysis of astrocytes were performed to further investigate the detailed characteristics of the aged astrocyte model. Along with aged phenotypes, decreased astrocytic proliferation, migration, mitochondrial energetic function and support for neuronal survival and differentiation has been observed in aged astrocytes. In addition, increased expression of cytokines and chemokine-related factors including plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) was observed in aged astrocytes. Using the RNA sequencing results, we searched potential drugs that can normalize the dysregulated gene expression pattern observed in long-term cultured aged astrocytes. Among several candidates, minoxidil, a pyrimidine-derived anti-hypertensive and anti-pattern hair loss drug, normalized the increased number of SA-β-gal positive cells and nuclear size in aged astrocytes. In addition, minoxidil restored up-regulated activity of PAI-1 and increased mitochondrial superoxide production in aged astrocytes.We concluded that long term culture of astrocytes can be used as a reliable model for the study of astrocyte senescence and minoxidil can be a plausible candidate for the regulation of brain aging.

Survival and Prognostic Analysis of Adjacent Segments after Spinal Fusion

BACKGROUND: To examine the survival function and prognostic factors of the adjacent segments based on a second operation after thoracolumbar spinal fusion. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 3,188 patients (3,193 cases) who underwent a thoracolumbar spinal fusion at the author's hospital. Survival analysis was performed on the event of a second operation due to adjacent segment degeneration. The prognostic factors, such as the cause of the disease, surgical procedure, age, gender and number of fusion segments, were examined. Sagittal alignment and the location of the adjacent segment were measured in the second operation cases, and their association with the types of degeneration was investigated. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients, 112 cases (3.5%), underwent a second operation due to adjacent segment degeneration. The survival function was 97% and 94% at 5 and 10 years after surgery, respectively, showing a 0.6% linear reduction per year. The significant prognostic factors were old age, degenerative disease, multiple-level fusion and male. Among the second operation cases, the locations of the adjacent segments were the thoracolumbar junctional area and lumbosacral area in 11.6% and 88.4% of cases, respectively. Sagittal alignment was negative or neutral, positive and strongly positive in 47.3%, 38.9%, and 15.7%, respectively. Regarding the type of degeneration, spondylolisthesis or kyphosis, retrolisthesis, and neutral balance in the sagittal view was noted in 13.4%, 36.6%, and 50% of cases, respectively. There was a significant difference according to the location of the adjacent segment (p = 0.000) and sagittal alignment (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The survival function of the adjacent segments was 94% at 10 years, which had decreased linearly by 0.6% per a year. The likelihood of a second operation was high in those with old age, degenerative disease, multiple-level fusion and male. There was a tendency for the type of degeneration to be spondylolisthesis or kyphosis in cases of the thoracolumbar junctional area and strongly positive sagittal alignment, but retrolisthesis in cases of the lumbosacral area and neutral or positive sagittal alignment.

Treatment for Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femur Fractures Following Total Knee Arthroplasty -Comparative Study of Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing and Locking Compression Plate Fixation-

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to compare the clinical and radiological results of retrograde intramedullary nailing and locking compression plate fixation. Both of these are surgical procedures for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures that occur subsequent to total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subject population consisted of 23 cases: there were 10 cases that underwent retrograde intramedullary nailing fixation (group 1) and 13 cases that underwent use of a locking compression plate (group 2), and in both groups supracondylar femur fracture subsequent to total knee replacement occurred during the period between January 2004 and December 2008. The range of joint motion, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the tibio-femoral angle and the time to achieve bone union in each group were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean range of the knee joint motion decreased from 124.5degrees to 116.2degrees in group 1, and from 118.2degrees to 110.1degrees in group 2. The mean HSS knee score declined from 84.4 points to 75.8 points in group 1, and from 82.3 points to 79.0 points in group 2. The mean tibio-femoral angle changed from 6.3degrees eversion to 5.8degrees in group 1, and from 6.1degrees to 7.2degrees in group 2. The mean time to achieving bone union was 2.7 months in group 1 and 3 months in group 2. CONCLUSION: Both retrograde intramedullary nailing and locking compression plate fixation, as surgical procedures for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures that occur subsequent to total knee replacement, allow solid fixation and early resumption of joint movement without any statistically significant differences between the two procedures. So, both procedures appear to be good methods of treatment.

The 'beta-wire Technique' for the Fixation of Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture: Surgical Technique

For the fixation of ulnar styloid process fracture, we want to introduce the 'beta-wire technique', which is easy to learn and practice and thought to give a compressive force to the fracture site.

A Comparison of Accuracy between the Sonography-guided Extramedullary and Intramedullary Alignment Systems for the Femoral Component in Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: We wanted to compare the accuracy between a newly suggested sonography-guided extramedullary alignment guide system and an ordinary intramedullary alignment guide system for the femoral component alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients who underwent TKA from December 2006 to May 2007, an intramedullary technique was applied in 50 cases (the IM group) and an extramedullary technique was used in 50 cases (the EM group). The femoral component alignment angle was measured and compared postoperatively by using an anteroposterior (AP) radiograph of the knee. RESULTS: The average femoral component alignment angle was 94.96degrees (92~98degrees) in the IM group and 95.36degrees (90~99degrees) in the EM group. Both groups didn't show a significant difference. 45 cases (90%) in the IM group and 43 cases (86%) in the EM group were included in the optimal range of the femoral coronal angle (95degrees+/-2). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference regarding the accuracy of the sonography-guided extramedullary and intramedullary femoral component alignment guide systems for performing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The Effect of Demineralized Bone Matrix as a Graft Enhancer in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Cage and Local Bone Chips / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled study OBJECTIVES: We wanted to investigate whether osteogenesis can be enhanced when a small amount of demineralized bone matrix (1 cc/segment) is mixed with local bone chips. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been used for spinal arthrodesis. However, there are only a few reports about its use as a composite graft with local bone chips for posterior lumbar interbody fusion MATERIALS AND METHODS: Degenerative spine patients, who would normally be treated by decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion with using a pedicle screw system and one cage, were randomly, prospectively selected for whether they would be treated with using local bone chips mixed with 1cc of DBM (Group I: 15 patients and 19 segments) or local bone chips (Group II: 12 patients and 13 segments) for graft material. The sampling bias was investigated for gender, age, endocrine diseases, previous operation, habits (alcohol drinking, smoking), steroid medication, bone mineral density and the amount of local bone. The amount of bone formation was measured at 6 months after operation. On the sagittal and coronal reconstruction CT images, the bone formation outside of the cage was measured, and this was interpreted in a "blinded"fashion by 2 independent doctors who did not take part in the operations. RESULTS: There was no sampling bias between the 2 groups except for age (Group I= 65.3+/-7.1, Group II=58.9+/-6.0, p=0.010). The ratio of local bone chips and DBM was 5.98:1 in Group I. There was moderate concurrence between the 2 interpreters (kappa coefficiency= 0.494, p<0.001 for the sagittal plain images and kappa co-efficiency=0.467, p<0.001 for the coronal plain images) and Group I showed significantly more bone formation (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: DBM that is mixed with local bone chips, even with small amount, enhanced bone formation in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion. This is regarded to act as a graft enhancer to increase the fusion rate, even when using local bone chips for graft material, for the cases that show unfavorable conditions for fusion or for the cases that are prone to loosening of hardware.

Ceramic on Ceramic Hybrid Type Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with more than 65 years of Age -Minimum 5-year Follow-up Results

Purpose: This study examined the minimum five-year results of hybrid type total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement in patients older than 65 years. Materials and Methods: From February 1999 to November 2002, a hybrid type THA with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement were performed in 47 patients (47 hips) older than 65 years of age. Among the 47 patients, 29 patients were followed up for more than 5 years. The mean age of these patients was 68.9 years (65~73years). The mean follow-up period was 74.6 months (61~107 months). The postoperative diagnosis included AVN of the femoral head in 21 hips, Osteoarthritis in 2 hips, rhematoid arhthritis in 1 hip, femoral neck fracture in 4 hips and Tuberculosis in 1 hip. The clinical results were analyzed retrospectively by the Harris hip score (HHS), hip and thigh pain, and radiologically by the level of osteolysis around acetabular cup and femoral stem, bone reabsorption by stress shielding, instability, acetabular and femoral stem anteversion, acetabular inclination and the femoral stem fixation site. Results: After surgery, the overall HHS improved from 56.3 +/- 1.4 to 92.3 +/- 1.1 points (p=0.013). Excellent and good results were obtained in 21 (72.4%) and 8 hips (27.6%), respectively. There was no case of thigh pain. Radiologically, there was no acetabular and femoral component osteolysis. Absorption by stress shielding was observed in 6 cases (20.7%) with an acetabular cup and 3 cases (10.3%) with a femoral stem. Bony stability was observed in all cases treated with an acetabular cup and possible loosening in 1 case (3.4%) treated with a femoral stem. Acetabular and femoral stem anteversion was 18.4degrees+/- 1.1 and 13.1degrees+/- 0.9 respectively. Acetabular inclination was 41.5degrees+/- 1.3. The femoral stem was inserted centrally in all cases. Complications included posterior dislocation of 1 hip (3.4%) and periprosthetic fracture of the femur in 1 hip (3.4%). There was no fracture of the ceramic component Conclusion: The mid-term results of hybrid type THA with ceramic-on-ceramic articulation and femoral stem fixation using cement were effective both clinically and radiologically in patients older than 65 years.

The Result of Early Decompression of Progressive Neurologic Deficit after Spine Surgery: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

Two percent of neurological complications after spine surgery for various reasons have been reported. Most are static or improve with time. We encountered two cases of newly developed, progressive neurological deficits with severe pain radiating along the exiting root after posterior decompression, adhesiolysis, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with a cage for spinal stenosis after previous lumbar spine surgery. When explored, the severely tightened and less movable, edematous exiting root was entrapped by a pedicle without evidence of pedicle violation, direct injury, epidural hematoma or iatrogenic foraminal stenosis. A wider decompression with a resection of the pedicle reduced the root course and made it more movable. Immediately, the severe radiating pain subsided and the neurological deficit recovered. A progressive neurological deficit after spinal surgery for spinal diseases with foraminal stenosis can develop as a result of the inordinate manipulation of the root, which may provoke root edema, root self-entrapment around a pedicle and local ischemia. An image test and exploration should be performed immediately in cases of progressive single root neurological deficits immediately after spine surgery. Total decompression, even with a pedicle resection, should be considered to resolve the neurological deficits.

Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting Degeneration of the Acetabular Cartilage after Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty

PURPOSE: This study attempted to investigate the rate of acetabular cartilage wear, as well as the risk factors that are related to degeneration, for patients who were diagnosed with femur neck or intertrochanteric fracture and who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 34 patients who were diagnosed with femur neck or intertrochanteric fracture and who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty were selected as the study subjects, and they were followed up for more than 2years. We examined potential relationships between the degeneration of acetabular cartilage and the various risk factors by comparing radiographs taken before and after operations. RESULTS: After bipolar hemiarthroplasty, the average degenerative change in the acetabular cartilage was 0.20 mm/yr. Specifically, the average appeared significantly different according to gender (p=0.039, Male: 0.26 mm/yr, Female: 0.19 mm/yr), age (p=0.02, the under 70-year olds: 0.29 mm/yr, the upper 70-year olds: 0.13 mm/yr), the life style, (p=0.037, the stand-up life style: 0.18 mm/yr, the sit-down life style: 0.24 mm/yr), (ED note: stand up and sit down made no sense.) and using femoral stem cementing (p=0.237, cement: 0.22 mm/yr, non-cement: 0.21 mm/yr). The bone mineral density score (p=0.254), activity score (p=0.041), HHS (p=0.027) and femoral stem alignment (p=0.438) were shown to be -3.7, 3.2, 87 and varus 1 degree for people with less than average degeneration of the acetabular cartilage and -3.9, 4.3, 75 and varus 2 degrees for people with more than average degeneration of the acetabular cartilage, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed no significant relationship between degeneration of the acetabular cartilage and patient gender, the presence of osteoporosis and using femoral stem cement. The degeneration of acetabular cartilage was faster for young patients, for patients with a sit-down life style, for a higher activity score or for a lower HHS. It is strongly recommended for surgeons to consider the patients' various conditions such as age, activity and a sit-down lifestyle when deciding between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty.

A Case of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with dic(9;12) and Additional Trisomy 8 / 대한진단검사의학회지

A 16-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with dic(9;12). Physical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Hemoglobin was 5.1 g/dL, WBC was 4,400/microL and the platelet count was 3,000/ L. Immunophenotyping showed positivity of HLA-DR, CD34, CD10, CD19, CD20, and CD22. The chromosome analysis of bone marrow aspirate showed 46,XY,+8,dic(9;12)(p11-13;p11-12). There has been a complete remission by induction chemotherapy as of the 62nd day.

Phenotype and Genotype of Cis-AB Family in Chonnam Area / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Cis-AB is a rare blood ABO with unusual inheritance on the same chromosome that result from a point mutation. It is relatively common in Korean and Japanese populations. We analyzed serological and molecular genetic characteristics of the family with cis-AB who had visited Chonnam National University Hospital (CNUH) for 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects of this study comprised 88 samples derived from cis-AB family of 17 propositi with A2B3 phenotype diagnosed at CNUH between January 1993 and May 2002. Serologic tests for cis-AB were performed in detail on the ABO antigens of 49 samples, polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method for cis-AB genotyping was additionally performed in peripheral blood DNA samples from 19 cases. RESULTS: The phenotypes of 49 cases were composed of 39 cases of A2B3, 7 of A2B, 2 of A1B3 and 1 of A1. ABO genotype on the blood samples from 19 cis-AB cases showed 11 cases of cis-AB/O with phenotype A2B3, 6 of cis-AB/B with phenotype A2B, 1 of cis-AB/A with phenotype A1B3 and 1 of cis-AB/A with phenotype A1. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrated that the most frequent type of cis-AB cases in Chonnam area was cis-AB/O with phenotype A2B3 and a case of cis-AB/A with unusual A1 phenotype was found.

The Effect of Collateral Circulation on Myocardial Perfusion during PTCA in Patients with Angina Pectoris

BACKGROUND: The coronary collateral circulation has been frequently observed in significant coronary artery disease and its protective role in ischemic myocardium is still remained unclear. But the study on the anti-ischemic effect in human model of ischemic myocardium is rare. METHODS: To observe the anti-ischemic role of coronary collateral circulation in ischemic myocardium, perfusion defect areas were measured during PTCA(percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) in angina patients with single vessel disease and analyzed according to the grade of collateral circulation. The 99mTc-MIBI myocardial scanning images were obtained at 24 hours before PTCA with dipyridamole stress, at ballooning during PTCA and at 24 hours after the opening of the artery and perfusion defect volume ratios(DVR) were measured in each of the images of the patient with angina and single vessel disease. RESULTS: 1) Studied subjects were 14 patients(10 male, 4 female, mean age : 56.6+/-103) and subdivided into two groups. All patients had angina with single vessel disease, 7 proximal left anterior descending artery(LAD) stenosis, 4 middle LAD stenosis, 1 middle right coronary artery(RCA) stenosis and 2 proximal left circumflex artery(LCX) stenosis. Group A was composed of 7 patients with angina and coronary collateral circulation more than grade 1. Group B was 7 patients with angina and grade 0 collateral. 2) Mean age of group A was 62.4+/-8.2 years, 5 male and 2 female patients, That of group B was 56.6+/-8.9 years and all male patients. Group A was composed of 7 patients ; 5 unstable and 2 stable angina ; 2 proximal LAD stenosis, 3 midddle LAD stenosis, 1 middle RCA stenosis and 1 proximal LCX stenosis. One patients had grade 1, two patients grade 2 and four patients grade 3 coronary collateral circulation. All of the patients were unstable angina in group B showing 5 proximal LAD stenosis, 1 middle RCA stenosis and 1 proximal LCX stenosis. No collateral circulation was demonstrated in group B. 3) In group A, DVR was 17.5+/-13.9% on stress image before PTCA and 7.1+/-1.4% on the ballooning image during PTCA. DVR was smaller in ballooning image than in stress image(p<0.01). 4) In group B, DVR was 12.4+/-16.0% on stress image before PTCA and 26.6+/-10.0% on ballooning image during PTCA. DVR was larger in ballooning image than in stress image(p<0.001). 5) DVR on stress image and open image were not different in both groups, but DVR on ballooning image were 7.1+/-4.7% in group A and 26.6+/-10.0% in group B, which was larger than in group A(p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that myocardial perfusion defect area may be smaller in angina patients with good collateral circulation than patients with no collateral, and coronary collateral circulation have a protective role on the jeopardized myocardium during coronary artery occlusion.

Clinical Effect of Penbutolol(Betapressin(R))on Hypertensive Patients

The only clinically avilable levo-isomer type of beta-recepter blocker is penbutolol sulfate, and it is already accepted as one of beta-receptor blockers for initial antihypertensive drug therapy according to the report of 1988 Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Tratment of High Blood Pressure. To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy, effect on the quqlity of life, and side effects of penbutolol recently introduced into Korea, penbutolol was administered to 29 essential hypertensive(mild 9, moderate10, and severe 10) patients for 12 weeks or longer. The result of the clinical analysis are as follows; 1) The mean age was 50.0+/-10.9(M+/-SD), and the sex distribution between male and female was16:13. 2) The blood pressure lowering effects of penbutolol as a monotherapy were marked in 16, moderate in 6, and insignificant in 2 cases. The systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased from 179.1+/-20.2 to 135.4+/-16.5mmHg(P<0.005), and the diastolic blood pressure from 112.6+/-13.5 to 84.0+/-11.9mmHg(P<0.005)after 12 weeks' penbutolol therapy. 3) The heart rate was significantly decreased from70.3+/-13.3 to 65.5+/-9.1 per minute(P<0.05). 4) The quality of life was improved markely in 5(17.2%) and slightly in 8 cases(29.6%). 5) There were no significant laboratory changes after 12 weeks' penbutolol therapy. 6) Two out of three cases with non-specific ST segment and T wave changes in EKG and two out of 9 cases with EKG were normalized, 2 cases of LAH with strain were improved. 7) The side effects of penbutolol were dizziness in 4, sexual dysfunction in 2, and skin rash in 1 case. 8) Final multifarious assessment of penbutolol therapy showed that it was very useful in 11(37.9%), useful in 4(13.8%) and slightly useful in 7 cases(24.1%). These reult suggest that penbutolol is a first-line antihypertensive agent with an effective antihypertensive action, improving quality of life, with no significant laboratory changes and few side effects.

A Case of Recurrent Pacemaker Twiddler's Syndrome

Pacemaker twiddler's syndrome is reported as a very rare complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. There was a recent report suggesting that the incidence of pacemaker twiddler's syndrome increase recently presumably as a result of the implantation of thinner and smaller pacemaker system than before. We experienced a case of pacemaker twiddler's syndrome complicated 3 times with the conventional method of implantation or replacement during 14 months after the first implantation(Optims MP 158C and Pacing lead 400, Telectronic)on June 13th 1987. This case was an 18 year-old high school girl who had suffered frequent syncope for 2 years and extertionl dyspnea for 5 years due to congenital complete heart block, of which block site was proved to be AV nodal by His bundle electrogram. Pacemaker twiddler's syndrome developed 3 times;firstly 6 weeks after the first implantation in the right subclavicular fossa, secondly 10 weeks after the replacement of the twisted pacing lead, thirdly 10 months after the change of implantation site to the left subcalvicular fossa with the replacement of the twisted and fractured lead. Finally, the pacemaker generator was anchored to the clavicular periostium and pectoralis fascia at several points by using Dacron pouch.

A Clinical Study for the Captopril Effects on Hypertensive Patients

Catopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, was administrated in 30 hypertensive patients(mild 8, moderate 12, severe 10 cases)for 12 weeks or longer in order to observe the hypertensive effects. Changes in quality of life, side effects, electrocardiogram and left ventricular mass index(LVMI) by 2D-guided M-mode echocardiography were also evaluated before and after captopril. 1) After 12 weeks treatment with 25 to 150mg of captopril alone, blood pressures were lowered markedly in 16(53%), moderatly in 5(17%) and midly in 2(7%), while the addition of 25mg hydrochlorthiazide to captopril in the patients who showed no satisfactory responses the blood pressure were lowered markly in 21(70), moderately in 6(20%) and mildly 3(10%) out of 30 patients studied. The average of blood pressure of the 30 subjects were systolic 180.7+/-20.7mmHg(M+/-SD) and diastolic 113.2+/-12.5 before treatment, which were lowered to 148+/-15.8 and 92.5+/-8.0mmHg respectively after 12 weeks(P<0.005). 2) Heart rates were not changed with captopril and/or hydrochlorothiazide. 3) Quality of life improved markedly in 5(17%) and slightly in 12(40%) out of 30 subjects. 4) Complete blood cell count, urinalysis and serum enzymes followed revealed no significant changes. 5) By electrocardiographic follow-up studies 1 out of 13 subjects with LVH, 1 out of 4 LAH, 1 out of 2 ST-T changes were revealed to improved to normal. 6) In 25 out of 30 cases left ventricular mass indices(LVMI) were above 125g/m2 before treatment, among which 15 cases were followed with satisfactoriness good quality of the echocardiographic recorings and the LVMI was reduced from 169.6+/-40.7 to 141.7+/-40.9g/m2(P<0.01). 7) Undesirable side effects were dry cough 3, skin rash 2, dysgeusia 1 and renal dysfunction 1. 8) Considering the blood pressure lowering effects, life quality changed and side effects together the captopril was considered very useful in 8(27%) and useful in 16(53%) out of 30 subjects. Above results suggest that captopril can be prescribed as an effective initial single agent or with in combinations with thiazide for the treatment of hypertensive of various severities with acceptably low side effects.

The Evaluation of the Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in the Patients with Essential Hypertension by Phonocardiogram and Doppler Echocardiogram

There is no doubt that the diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricular plays an important role in the pathophysiogy of clinical heart faliure in some patients, if not all, and that many hypertensive subjects manifest diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in its early hypertensive stage. But yet, it is not clear which paramenter is most sensitive and/or specific, and consistent with pathophysiologic states. In order to have an insight into the problems, 30 hypertensives and 30 normotensive subjects were studied by phonocardiogram and pulsed Doppler echocardiogram at the left ventricular inflow and then isovolumic relaxation time(A2D time), early diastolic deceleration time(EDDT), early diastolic deceleration rate(EDDR), late diastolic time(LDT), E.A velocity ratio[E/A(v)]and E/A area ratioA(a)] were measured and calculated. And the values of each parameters of different groups were subgrouped according to the severity of the hypertension(Group A:mild, B:moderate and C:severe hypertension) and according to the LV mass(Group D:LVMI or =125g/m2) were compared with those of the normal control subjects and also between each subgroups. The results were as follows : 1) In the 30 normotensive subjects, A2D time was averaged out 60.8+/-12.5msec, E/A(v) 1.55+/-0.59, E/A(a) 2.61+/-1.35, EDDT 1.35+/-37.8msec, EDDR8.3+/-4, 6m/sec2 and LDT 151+/-42.2msec. 2) In group A, A2D time was significantly prolonoged(82.5+/-26.0msec, pD and EDDT were significantly prolonged(p<0.005), while E/A(v), E/A(a) and EDDR wer significantly decreased(p<0.005, p<0.05 respectively). 6) In group E, A2D and EDDT were significantly increased(p<0.005, p<0.05 respectively), while E/A(v) and EDDR significantly decreased(p<0.005, p<0.05 respectively). Above results suggest that diastolic function of the left ventricle can be deteriorated in the hypertensive subjects before systolic dysfunction is apparent even in the mild hypertensives and in the patients devoid of hypertensive hypertrophy of the left ventricle.

The Difference of the Rate of Regression of the left Ventricular Mass between the Age Groups in the Hypertensive Patients with the Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with the Control of Blood Pressure by Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor

The left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) in the hypertensive patients is known to be associated with relatively higher risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this sense the reversal of LVH with blood pressure control, if attained, could yeild an additional benefit of reducing cardiovascular morbidity and/or mortaility associated with hypertension. However pathogenesis of LVH, the attitude of the LVH to regerss with blood pressure control in a particular patient and whether the regression is really beneficial are not clear. In order to see the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitors on LVH and the age group difference of the LVH regresion, if attainable, 26 hypertensive patients with LVH(LVMI:Left Ventricular Mass Index>125g/m2) were treated with enalapril or captopril for more than 12 weeks and the LVMI followed and the regression rates in younger group "A"(less than 50 years of age) and elder group "B" were compared(LVMI, level of blood pressure, kinds and dosage of enalapril or captopril were not different between the two groups). The LVMI was significantly decreased in both groups, in group A from 191.6+/-74.9g/m2 to 139.7+/-52.0g/m2, and in group B from 185.5+/-58.7g/m2 to 163.9+/-58.7g/m2. In group A the percent decrease of LVMI was significantly higher than that of group B(25.3+/-14.9% versus 10.3+/-8.6%, p<0.005). Above results suggest that enalapril and captopril are equally effective in reducing LVMI in hypertensive patients with LVH and the regression of the LVMI is more marked in the younger age group in this relatively short-term treated small population study.

A Study for the Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Mild to Moderate Hypertensive Patients without Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

For the evaluation of the left ventricular diastolic function in mild to moderate hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy, 15 hypertensive patients (group A) and 15 normotensive subjects (group B) were examined by 2-D guided M-mode echocardiography. Various systolic and diastolic indices were derived from computer-assissted analysis of differential curves of left ventricular dimension and posterior wall thickness. The systolic and diastolic function indices of each of the two groups were compared. The results were as follows : 1) There were no significant differences in ejection fraction, left ventricular peak ejection rate and posterior wall thickening rate between two groups. 2) There were no significant differences in % ventricular A wave, left ventricular peak filling rate and posterior wall peak relaxation rate between two groups. 3) One third filling rate was 2.07+/-0.41 EDD/sec in group A and which was significantly lower than 3.29+/-0.88 EDD/sec of group B. Above result suggests that computer-assisted analysis of differential curves of left ventricular dimension and posterior wall thickness could be helpful in the early detection of diastolic dysfunction, and that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in its early filling period may develop in the mild to moderate hypertensive patients even before left ventricular hypertrophy develops.

A Clinical Study on the Antihypertensive Effects of Enalapril

A new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, was administered in 20 hypertensive patients (7 mild, 6 moderate and 7 severe hypertensives) for 8 weeks or longer in order to see the blood pressure lowering effects. Additionally the left ventricular mass index was measured by 2-D guided M-mode echocardiography before and after enalapril therapy, and subjective symptoms and laboratory findings were also followed. The results were as follows: 1) After 8 weeks of enalapril treatment (the doses form 10 mg to 20mg once a day) blood pressure were lowered markedly in 10, moderately in 4, mildly in 4 cases, but the blood pressures were not lowered in 2 cases with severe hypertension. The means of the blood pressures of the group were lowered form 182.1+/-19.2 to 148.0+/-26.0mmHg in systolic and from 111.9+/-14.7 to 95.1+/-17.1mmHg in diastolic after 8 weeks of treatment (p<0.001). 2) Heart rates were not changed significantly with enalapril. 3) The symptoms of insomnia and headache were reported to be improved after enalapril in 13 cases. 4) No discernable changes in CBC and serum level of creatinine were observed. But the random urine protein was decreased in 6 cases with proteinuria in routine urinalysis. The serum lipid profile was not significantly changed, but in the 2 cases in which the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol was above 5.0, the ratio fell to below 5.0. 5) There was no significant EKG change after enalapril. 6) In 9 cases out of 13 cases with the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) above 125g/m2 BSA, LVMI was followed by echocardiography after enalapril. LVMI was significantly decreased in 8 of 9 cases and mean values after enalapril was decreased from 183.1+/-88.0g/m2 BSA to 150.8+/-61.3g/m2 BSA (p<0.0025). 7) Side effects after enalapril administration were transient dizziness in 4 cases and ageusia in 2 cases. Above results suggest that the enalapril could be an initial choice in the treatment of essential hypertension as a single oral agent in once a day regimen resulting in good antihypertensive effects, improvement of subjective symptoms, regreassion of the left ventricular hypertrophy and few side effects.

Pulsed Doppler Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Inflow Velocity Patterns of Mitral Stenosis and Severity Grading

42 patients with mitral stenosis(MS), diagnosed by M-mode, 2-D sector scan and pulsed Doppler echocardiography, were evaluated. Among them 28 patients were complicated with atrial fibrillation and one foruth was normal sinus rhythm. Pulsed Doppler echocardiographic left ventricular inflow velocity patterns(PELVIVP) were compaired with the EF slop of anterior mitral valve leaflet. The results were as follows; The normal PELVIVP showed a biphasic pattern during diastole. PEVIVP in MS were classified into 5 types and measured EF slop of anterior mitral valve leaflet in each type. Type I was characterized by a biphasic flow pattern showing a relative increase in the atrial contraction wave compared with the rapid filling wave and the prolonged deceleration time. EF slop was 24.7+/-6.1mm/sec. Type II was turbulent scaphoid pattern during diastole. EF slop was 14.5+/-4.4mm/sec. Type IIIa was monophasic with gradual descending slop during diastole. EF slop was 16.9+/-4.0mm/sec. Type IIIb was also turblent monophasic with gradual ascending slop during diastole. EF slop was 8.1+/-2.3mm/sec. Type IV was diastolic turblent and was characterized by dome shaped pattern. EF slop was 7.9+/-1.9mm/sec. There was a significant correlation between the 3 groups(I, II and IIIa, IIIb and IV) of LVIVP in MS and EF slop(P<0.005). This result indicated that type I of the flow pattern was well observed in mild MS, type II and IIIa in moderate MS, and type IIIb and IV in severe MS. Pulsed Doppler flow pattern in MS was alterable in the atrial fibrillation.