National Trends in Pediatric CT Scans in South Korea: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Purpose@#This study evaluated the rates and annual trends of pediatric CT scans in South Korea using a nationwide population-based database. @*Materials and Methods@#Data regarding pediatric CT scan usage between 2012 and 2017 were retrieved from the health insurance review and assessment service. Data on the age, sex, diagnosis, and the anatomical area of involved patients were also extracted. @*Results@#A total of 576376 CT examinations were performed among 58527528 children aged below 18 years (9.8 scans/1000 children), and the number of CT examinations per 1000 children was noted to have increased by 23.2% from 9.0 in 2012 to 11.0 in 2017. Specifically, the number of CT examinations increased by 32.9% for the 6–12 years of age group (7.4/1000 to 9.8/1000) and by 34.0% for the 13–18 years of age group (11.4/1000 to 15.3/1000). Moreover, majority of the CT scans were limited to the head (39.1%), followed by the extremities (32.5%) and the abdomen (13.7%). Notably, the number of extremity CT scans increased by 83.6% (2.3/1000 to 4.2/1000), and its proportion as compared to other scans increased from 25.3% to 37.7%. @*Conclusion@#CT scans in the pediatric population increased continuously from 2012 to 2017 at an annual rate of 4.4%. Therefore, physicians should balance the benefits of CT with its potential harms from associated radiation exposure in pediatric patients.

Blood Loss and Related Laboratory Changes after Single-Event Multilevel Surgery and Hip Reconstructive Surgery in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Background@#Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) and hip reconstructive surgery (HRS) often cause intraoperative bleeding, consequently increasing the probability of transfusion and postoperative laboratory changes. Therefore, it is important to assess risk factors to predict the amount of blood loss. This study aimed to evaluate blood loss, its influencing factors, and the related laboratory changes during SEMLS and HRS in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). @*Methods@#We retrospectively examined consecutive CP patients who underwent SEMLS and HRS. Surrogate markers of blood loss, including preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, and changes in Hb concentration, were assessed. Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine levels were also analyzed for related laboratory changes. Risk factors were analyzed using multiple regression and logistic regression models. @*Results@#The overall cohort comprised 1,188 patients. Of them, 1,007 and 181 underwent SEMLS and HRS, respectively. Furthermore, 72 of 181 patients underwent a concomitant Dega osteotomy. The regression model showed that low preoperative Hb concentration (p < 0.001), high albumin level (p = 0.007), low body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.002), and bilateral HRS (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors of postoperative anemia. Valproate medication was associated with Hb drop, and the risk factors for Hb level < 8 g/dL on postoperative day 2 were bilateral HRS and Dega osteotomy in the HRS subgroup. In total, 21.6% had elevated AST levels on postoperative day 2, and bilateral HRS (p < 0.001), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (p = 0.041), Dega osteotomy (p < 0.001), and high preoperative AST level (p < 0.001) increased the risk of AST elevation. @*Conclusions@#We have summarized the estimated blood loss and related laboratory changes after SEMLS and HRS in patients with CP and identified the risk factors. Clinical guidelines should be accordingly developed to include assessment of these risk factors and their impact in the outcomes of CP patients undergoing SEMLS and HRS.

Blood Loss and Related Laboratory Changes after Single-Event Multilevel Surgery and Hip Reconstructive Surgery in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Background@#Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) and hip reconstructive surgery (HRS) often cause intraoperative bleeding, consequently increasing the probability of transfusion and postoperative laboratory changes. Therefore, it is important to assess risk factors to predict the amount of blood loss. This study aimed to evaluate blood loss, its influencing factors, and the related laboratory changes during SEMLS and HRS in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). @*Methods@#We retrospectively examined consecutive CP patients who underwent SEMLS and HRS. Surrogate markers of blood loss, including preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, and changes in Hb concentration, were assessed. Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine levels were also analyzed for related laboratory changes. Risk factors were analyzed using multiple regression and logistic regression models. @*Results@#The overall cohort comprised 1,188 patients. Of them, 1,007 and 181 underwent SEMLS and HRS, respectively. Furthermore, 72 of 181 patients underwent a concomitant Dega osteotomy. The regression model showed that low preoperative Hb concentration (p < 0.001), high albumin level (p = 0.007), low body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.002), and bilateral HRS (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors of postoperative anemia. Valproate medication was associated with Hb drop, and the risk factors for Hb level < 8 g/dL on postoperative day 2 were bilateral HRS and Dega osteotomy in the HRS subgroup. In total, 21.6% had elevated AST levels on postoperative day 2, and bilateral HRS (p < 0.001), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (p = 0.041), Dega osteotomy (p < 0.001), and high preoperative AST level (p < 0.001) increased the risk of AST elevation. @*Conclusions@#We have summarized the estimated blood loss and related laboratory changes after SEMLS and HRS in patients with CP and identified the risk factors. Clinical guidelines should be accordingly developed to include assessment of these risk factors and their impact in the outcomes of CP patients undergoing SEMLS and HRS.

Correlation between Accelerometer and Questionnaire-Based Assessment of Physical Activity in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND: Precise measuring and monitoring of physical activity (PA) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are critical for assessing their PA participation and its potential health benefits. Accelerometer-based assessment of PA has been considered valid, reliable, and practical in children with CP. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between accelerometer- and questionnaire-based assessment of PA in CP patients.METHODS: Nineteen patients with CP who were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System level I–III and 84 normally developed participants were included in the study. Study participants wore an accelerometer for seven days, after which they visited the hospital and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). CP patients and their caregivers completed the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities, respectively. The concurrent validity of the questionnaires was assessed.RESULTS: In the accelerometer-based assessment, time spent in PA was significantly shorter at every intensity level in CP patients than in normally developed participants. However, PA assessed by the IPAQ was significantly higher in patients with CP, indicating that they tend to exaggerate their participation in PA. On the correlation of the assessment by the accelerometer and by the PODCI, transfer/basic mobility, sports/physical function, and happiness increased significantly as the number of steps taken and the distance travelled increased.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CP, happiness and quality of life are associated with higher levels of PA. Thus, programs for patients with CP should focus on improving their PA.

Factors Affecting Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers Undergoing Surgical Drainage without Major Amputation

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting length of hospital stay and mortality of a specific group of patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer who underwent surgical drainage without major amputation, which is frequently encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Data on length of hospital stay, mortality, demographics, and other medical information were collected for 79 consecutive patients (60 men, 19 women; mean age, 66.1 [SD, 12.3] yr) with infected diabetic foot ulcer who underwent surgical drainage while retaining the heel between October 2003 and May 2013. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine factors affecting length of hospital stay, while multiple Cox regression analysis was conducted to assess factors contributing to mortality. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, P=0.034), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (P=0.021), body mass index (BMI, P=0.001), and major vascular disease (cerebrovascular accident or coronary artery disease, P=0.004) were significant factors affecting length of hospital stay, whereas age (P=0.005) and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (P=0.024) were significant factors contributing to mortality. In conclusion, as prognostic factors, the length of hospital stay was affected by the severity of inflammation, the recent control of blood glucose level, BMI, and major vascular disease, whereas patient mortality was affected by age and renal function in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer undergoing surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Progression of Hip Displacement during Radiographic Surveillance in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Progression of hip displacement is common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). We aimed to investigate the rate of progression of hip displacement in patients with CP by assessing changes in radiographic indices according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level during hip surveillance. We analyzed the medical records of patients with CP aged < 20 years who underwent at least 6 months interval of serial hip radiographs before any surgical hip intervention, including reconstructive surgery. After panel consensus and reliability testing, radiographic measurements of migration percentage (MP), neck-shaft angle (NSA), acetabular index (AI), and pelvic obliquity (PO) were obtained during hip surveillance. For each GMFCS level, annual changes in radiographic indices were analyzed and adjusted for affecting factors, such as sex, laterality, and type of CP. A total of 197 patients were included in this study, and 1,097 radiographs were evaluated. GMFCS classifications were as follows: 100 patients were level I-III, 48 were level IV, and 49 were level V. MP increased significantly over the duration of hip surveillance in patients with GMFCS levels I-III, IV, and V by 0.3%/year (P < 0.001), 1.9%/year (P < 0.001), and 6.2%/year (P < 0.001), respectively. In patients with GMFCS level IV, NSA increased significantly by 3.4°/year (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that periodic monitoring and radiographic hip surveillance is warranted for patients with CP, especially those with GMFCS level IV or V. Furthermore, physicians can predict and inform parents or caregivers regarding the progression of hip displacement in patients with CP.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis and Contributing Factors to Current Arthritic Pain in South Korean Older Adults

PURPOSE: Although previous studies have focused on risk factors for osteoarthritis, there is some debate on this issue. Furthermore, associated factors with arthritic symptom (arthralgia) have not been sufficiently investigated, despite its clinical importance in the management of osteoarthritis. This study was performed to examine the risk factors for osteoarthritis and the contributing factors to current arthritic pain in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys was conducted in 2009. Therein, 720 males and 1008 females aged 65 years and older were included. Comprehensive data on habitual, socioeconomic, medical, nutritional, and psychological factors were collected along with the presence of osteoarthritis and arthritic pain. After univariate analysis, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for osteoarthritis and contributing factors to current arthritic pain. RESULTS: Age (p=0.005), female gender (p<0.001), higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001), and osteoporosis (p<0.001) were significant risk factors for osteoarthritis, while higher education level (p=0.025) was a protective factor for osteoarthritis. Higher BMI (p=0.047), lack of weekly moderate intensity activity (p<0.001), and unfavorable subjective health status (p<0.001) were significant factors contributing to current arthritic pain among subjects with osteoarthritis. Both osteoarthritis and current arthritic pain adversely affected health related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI, lack of weekly moderate intensity activity, and unfavorable subjective health status were significant factors contributing to current arthritic pain. More attention needs to be paid to psychiatric effects on osteoarthritis and joint related pain.

Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Major Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgery: Analysis of a Nationwide Claim Registry

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the nationwide incidence and risk factors for symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after major lower limb orthopedic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was used to retrospectively identify International Classification of Disease-10 codes for DVT and operation codes representing hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, and hip fracture surgeries. The age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of DVT, rates of major lower limb orthopedic surgeries, and the postoperative incidence of DVT according to the surgical procedure were assessed. RESULTS: The age- and gender-adjusted annual incidence of DVT was 70.67 per 100000 persons/year. Compared to patients aged 70 years (p<0.001). Females showed a greater relative risk for DVT than males (1.08; p<0.001). The incidence of postoperative DVT, according to the type of surgery, was significantly greater for knee replacement arthroplasty than for other forms of surgery (p<0.002). The relative risk of postoperative DVT was higher in females in knee replacement arthroplasty (1.47) and hip fracture surgery (2.25) groups, although relatively lower in those who underwent hip replacement arthroplasty (0.97). CONCLUSION: Among major lower limb surgeries, advanced age, female gender, and undergoing a knee replacement arthroplasty were found to be risk factors for developing postoperative DVT. These findings further emphasize the need for orthopedic surgeons to consider the development of DVT after surgery in high-risk patients.

Perioperative Complications of Orthopedic Surgery for Lower Extremity in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Because complications are more common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), surgeons and anesthesiologists must be aware of perioperative morbidity and be prepared to recognize and treat perioperative complications. This study aimed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for perioperative complications of orthopedic surgery on the lower extremities in patients with CP. We reviewed the medical records of consecutive CP patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Medical history, anesthesia emergence time, intraoperative body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, immediate postoperative complications, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, Cormack-Lehane classification, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification were analyzed. A total of 868 patients was included. Mean age at first surgery was 11.8 (7.6) yr. The incidences of intraoperative hypothermia, absolute hypotension, and absolute bradycardia were 26.2%, 4.4%, and 20.0%, respectively. Twenty (2.3%) patients had major complications, and 35 (4.0%) patients had minor complications postoperatively. The incidences of intraoperative hypothermia, absolute hypotension, and major postoperative complications were significantly higher in patients at GMFCS levels IV and V compared with patients at GMFCS levels I to III (P<0.001). History of pneumonia was associated with intraoperative absolute hypotension and major postoperative complications (P<0.001). These results revealed that GMFCS level, patient age, hip reconstructive surgery, and history of pneumonia are associated with adverse effects on intraoperative body temperature, the cardiovascular system, and immediate postoperative complications.

Geographic Distribution of Urologists in Korea, 2007 to 2012

The adequacy of the urologist work force in Korea has never been investigated. This study investigated the geographic distribution of urologists in Korea. County level data from the National Health Insurance Service and National Statistical Office was analyzed in this ecological study. Urologist density was defined by the number of urologists per 100,000 individuals. National patterns of urologist density were mapped graphically at the county level using GIS software. To control the time sequence, regression analysis with fitted line plot was conducted. The difference of distribution of urologist density was analyzed by ANCOVA. Urologists density showed an uneven distribution according to county characteristics (metropolitan cities vs. nonmetropolitan cities vs. rural areas; mean square=102.329, P<0.001) and also according to year (mean square=9.747, P=0.048). Regression analysis between metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities showed significant difference in the change of urologists per year (P=0.019). Metropolitan cities vs. rural areas and non-metropolitan cities vs. rural areas showed no differences. Among the factors, the presence of training hospitals was the affecting factor for the uneven distribution of urologist density (P<0.001).Uneven distribution of urologists in Korea likely originated from the relatively low urologist density in rural areas. However, considering the time sequencing data from 2007 to 2012, there was a difference between the increase of urologist density in metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities.

Incidental Findings on Knee Radiographs in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Despite the wide use of knee radiography in children and adolescent patients visiting the outpatient clinic, there has been no analysis about the prevalence and type of incidental findings yet. This study was performed to investigate the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents according to age. METHODS: A total of 1,562 consecutive patients younger than 18 years of age were included. They who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital's outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of knee pain or malalignment between 2010 and 2011. We reviewed the knee radiographs and analyzed the prevalence and type of incidental findings, such as metaphyseal lucent area, epiphyseal cortical irregularity, osteochondroma and Harris growth arrest line. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 10.2 years (range, 1 month to 18 years). We identified 355 incidental findings in 335 patients (21.4%) and 98 abnormal findings (6.3%). The most common incidental finding was metaphyseal lucent area (131, 8.4%), followed by epiphyseal cortical irregularity (105, 6.7%), Harris growth arrest line (75, 4.8%), and osteochondroma (44, 2.8%). An epiphyseal cortical irregularity tended to have a higher prevalence at younger age (p < 0.001) and the prevalences of metaphyseal lucent area and Harris growth arrest line were also higher at a younger age (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the osteochondroma tended to have a higher prevalence at an older age (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents and provides effective information from a viewpoint of an orthopedic doctor. The authors recommend considering those incidental findings if unfamiliar findings appear on a knee radiograph in the pediatric outpatient clinic.

Bevacizumab Monotherapy Versus Combined Therapy with Photodynamic Therapy for Occult Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes between intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined therapy with half-fluence rate verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Medical records were reviewed in consecutive patients who underwent IVB monotherapy or combined therapy with PDT for occult CNV secondary to AMD and had a 12-month follow-up period. After 3 consecutive monthly IVB injections, both groups were eligible for additional IVB injections when necessary. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and number of additional IVB injections were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Thirty-nine eyes underwent IVB monotherapy (IVB group) and 25 eyes underwent combined therapy (PDT+IVB group). Mean BCVA improved significantly in the PDT+IVB group (p = 0.046) and not in IVB group (p = 0.213). A significant reduction in mean CMT occurred in both groups (p < 0.001). The mean number of additional IVB injections was 1.6 +/- 1.33 in the IVB group and 0.5 +/- 1.01 in the PDT+IVB group (p = 0.001). There were no serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy with half-fluence rate PDT improved BCVA and reduced the number of additional IVB injections in the eyes with occult CNV secondary to AMD.

Prognostic Factors of Community-acquired Bacteremic Patients with Severe sepsis: A Prospective, Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Characterization of clinical features of bacteremic severe sepsis acquired from the community has been inadequate; therefore, our goal in this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with outcome in patients with community-acquired bacteremic severe sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients (> or =18 years) with community-acquired severe sepsis in whom pathogens were identified from blood cultures were included in the study. Data were collected prospectively from 12 teaching hospitals between May, 2005, and February, 2009. Data included demographic characteristics, co-morbid medical conditions, primary infection sites, sepsis severity, mortality, causative microorganisms, and the appropriateness of initial empirical antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: During the study period, 1,152 patients were diagnosed with community-acquired severe sepsis and 422 patients were found to harbor pathogens in their blood. Among the 422 patients analyzed, 253 (60.0%) patients went into shock and 121 patients (28.7%) died during hospitalization. Risk factors, including respiratory tract infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-6.09), number of organ dysfunctions (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13-1.71), and higher APACHE II scores (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13) showed an association with poor survival, whereas Escherichia coli as a pathogen (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16-0.64) showed an association with lower mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to severity of illness, the primary site of infection and causative microorganisms were also identified as important prognostic factors in patients with community-acquired bacteremic severe sepsis.