The beneficial effect of glycerophosphocholine to local fat accumulation: a comparative study with phosphatidylcholine and aminophylline

Injection lipolysis or mesotherapy gained popularity for local fat dissolve as an alternative to surgical liposuction. Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and aminophylline (AMPL) are commonly used compounds for mesotherapy, but their efficacy and safety as lipolytic agents have been controversial. Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is a choline precursor structurally similar to PPC, and thus introduced in aesthetics as an alternative for PPC. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GPC on adipocytes differentiation and lipolysis and compared those effects with PPC and AMPL using in vitro and in vivo models. Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 was measured by Oil Red O staining. Lipolysis was assessed by measuring the amount of glycerol released in the culture media. To evaluate the lipolytic activity of GPC on a physiological condition, GPC was subcutaneously injected to one side of inguinal fat pads for 3 days. Lipolytic activity of GPC was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining in adipose tissue. GPC significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 in a concentration-dependent manner (22.3% inhibition at 4 mM of GPC compared to control). Moreover, when lipolysis was assessed by glycerol release in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 6 mM of GPC stimulated glycerol release by two-fold over control. Subcutaneous injection of GPC into the inguinal fat pad of mice significantly reduced the mass of fat pad and the size of adipocytes of injected site, and these effects of GPC were more prominent over PPC and AMPL. Taken together, these results suggest that GPC is the potential therapeutic agent as a local fat reducer.

The beneficial effect of glycerophosphocholine to local fat accumulation: a comparative study with phosphatidylcholine and aminophylline

Injection lipolysis or mesotherapy gained popularity for local fat dissolve as an alternative to surgical liposuction. Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and aminophylline (AMPL) are commonly used compounds for mesotherapy, but their efficacy and safety as lipolytic agents have been controversial. Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is a choline precursor structurally similar to PPC, and thus introduced in aesthetics as an alternative for PPC. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GPC on adipocytes differentiation and lipolysis and compared those effects with PPC and AMPL using in vitro and in vivo models. Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 was measured by Oil Red O staining. Lipolysis was assessed by measuring the amount of glycerol released in the culture media. To evaluate the lipolytic activity of GPC on a physiological condition, GPC was subcutaneously injected to one side of inguinal fat pads for 3 days. Lipolytic activity of GPC was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining in adipose tissue. GPC significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 in a concentration-dependent manner (22.3% inhibition at 4 mM of GPC compared to control). Moreover, when lipolysis was assessed by glycerol release in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 6 mM of GPC stimulated glycerol release by two-fold over control. Subcutaneous injection of GPC into the inguinal fat pad of mice significantly reduced the mass of fat pad and the size of adipocytes of injected site, and these effects of GPC were more prominent over PPC and AMPL. Taken together, these results suggest that GPC is the potential therapeutic agent as a local fat reducer.

Benefits of Palliative Office-Based Hyaluronic Acid Injection Laryngoplasty in Cancer-Related Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of palliative injection laryngoplasty in cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis patients on voice and swallowing function is uncertain and there are few previous studies of its suitability, benefits as a palliative treatment option. The purpose of this study is to confirm the objective results of voice and swallowing function after palliative office-based hyaluronic acid injection laryngoplasty in cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 36 patients who had unilateral vocal cord paralysis from non-thyroidal, extralaryngeal neoplasms were included in this study. To evaluate the clinical outcome, we analyzed perceptual GRBAS grading, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic study, Electroglottography (EGG), Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) about voice function and disability rating scale (DRS), gastric tube dependency, aspiration pneumonia about swallowing function and 36-Item Short Form Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) about quality of life. RESULTS: In GRBAS scale, G (p < 0.001), R (p=0.004), B (p=0.001), A (p=0.011), and S (p=0.007) showed significant improvement. Jitter, shimmer, speaking fundamental frequency, maximal phonation time, VHI-30, DRS score, gastric tube dependency, aspiration pneumonia, and SF-36v2 were significantly improved after injection (p=0.016, p=0.011, p=0.045, p=0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 p=0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: From this study we concluded office-based hyaluronic acid injection can be used as a useful palliative treatment option in cancer-related ill patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Palliative hyaluronic acid injection laryngoplasty avoids the need for tube feeding, thus reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. These outcomes are accompanied by significant improvement in voice quality.

The effect of an improvement of experience and training in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management on clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is spreading rapidly, with successful procedures reported in the ECMO for Severe Adult Respiratory failure (CESAR) trial and treatment of the H1N1 pandemic. However, ECMO is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to show that increased experience and improved teamwork through education may reduce the mortality rate associated with ECMO.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was performed. Data were collected from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011. The data were divided into two periods: 2009/2010 (period 1) and 2011 (period 2). The protocol and training program were applied during period 2.@*RESULTS@#Seventy-six patients were included. The most common disease requiring ECMO support was pneumonia (43.4%). ECMO was applied within 7 days in 76.3% of patients. The primary outcomes, such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital mortality rates, were higher during period 1 (91.3%) than period 2 (66.7%, p = 0.013). A multivariate analysis revealed that ECMO weaning failure was the only factor associated with ICU and hospital mortality (ICU mortality: hazard ratio [HR], 11.349; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.281 to 100.505; p = 0.029; hospital mortality: HR, 17.976; 95% CI, 2.263 to 142.777; p = 0.006).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The mortality rate associated with the ECMO procedure decreased following the ECMO training program. However, applying the training program to ECMO management is not an independent factor for the mortality rate. Further studies should be performed to help reduce the mortality rate associated with ECMO.

Clinical Characteristics of Epidermoid Cysts of the External Auditory Canal

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The epidermoid cyst is a common benign disease of the skin caused by inflammation of hair cortex follicles and proliferation of epidermal cells within the dermis or superficial subcutaneous tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of epidermoid cysts of the external auditory canal (EAC) by analyzing the clinical and radiologic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients diagnosed with epidermoid cyst of the EAC from March 2004 to December 2013. The epidermoid cysts were diagnosed clinically by endoscopy and microscopy examinations and by temporal bone CT images, and were confirmed by histopathologic examination. Characteristics of epidermoid cysts in bony EAC and cartilaginous EAC were compared. RESULTS: Eight patients had an epidermoid cyst in the bony EAC and nine patients had one in the cartilaginous EAC. Swelling and otalgia were common symptoms, but 47% of cysts were found incidentally. The mean age of patients was 49.6 years (age range, 26-67 years) in the bony EAC cases and 26.1 years (age range, 6-57 years) in the cartilaginous EAC cases. The mean size of the epidermoid cyst was 3.50 mm (size range, 2-7 mm) in the bony EAC cases and 9.55 mm (size range, 2-20 mm) in the cartilaginous EAC cases. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of epidermoid cysts of the bony EAC and the cartilaginous EAC revealed that epidermoid cysts of the bony EAC is usually found incidentally, arose in older patients and had smaller size.

A Case of Acute Inner Ear Dysfunction as a Prodrome of Transient Ischemic Attack Caused by Vertebral Artery Stenosis / 대한이비인후과학회지

A sudden hearing loss with vertigo may originate from vascular insufficiency and sometimes presents as an initial manifestation of posterior brain circulation infarction. However, it is unusual that sudden hearing loss and vertigo present as a prodrome of transient ischemic attack. Here we describe the case of a 54-year-old male patient with hypertension who presented with a sudden onset of hearing loss in his right ear and recurrent severe, whirling type dizziness without associated neurological signs or symptoms. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal on initial presentation. Ten days later, however, the patient developed dysarthria. A follow-up MRI including the diffusion-weighted images was normal but cerebral angiography showed severe narrowing of right vertebral artery. Transient ischemic attack caused by vertebrobasilar artery stenosis should be considered in sudden hearing loss and vertigo, especially patients with vascular risk factors, even though images of brain MRI are normal.

A Case of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the External Auditory Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a vascular tumor of endothelial origin that commonly occurs in the deep soft tissue, bone, lung and liver. This vascular tumor rarely occurs within the external auditory canal (EAC). Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma has a biologic behavior that is an intermediate between a hemangioma and an angiosarcoma. Here, we present a case of 57-year-old female patient with an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in her EAC. She underwent tympanomastoidectomy and histopathological examination revealed an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

Cognitive Intervention in a Patient with Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

BACKGROUND: Cognitive intervention (CI) is a nonpharmacological approach used to compensate for cognitive impairment. It is categorized into cognitive training, cognitive stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation. Several studies showed that CI could induce cognitive enhancement and reduction of risk for future cognitive decline in patients with brain injury. We investigated effects of CI on cognitive functions and brain glucose metabolism based on serial cognitive assessments and [18F]-Fluorodexoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in a patient with carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. METHODS: A 40-year-old man presented with memory impairment and abnormal behaviors such as apathy, indifference, and perseveration 2-month after CO intoxication. Brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) demonstrated high signal changes in the bilateral basal ganglia, hippocampus and the subcortical white matter on T2 weighted images. FDG-PET also showed glucose hypometabolism in the bilateral hippocampus, basal ganglia, and the subcortical white matter. A detailed neuropsychological evaluation revealed multiple cognitive impairments in memory, language and frontal functions. He received twice a week sessions of 60-minute group-based cognitive intervention for 12 weeks. Several neuropsychological examinations and FDG-PETs were conducted at baseline and after CI. RESULTS: After CI, he showed improvements in memory and frontal functions compared with baseline performances. These cognitive improvements persisted by the 7-month follow-up. The extent of glucose hypometabolism was decreased 1-month after CI, however increased 8-month after CI. CONCLUSIONS: This case study suggested that CI could enhance cognitive functions and improve glucose metabolism in a patient with CO intoxication. Also, the effects of CI on cognitive functions seem to be last at least 7-month after training.

Does Medical Emergency Team Intervention Reduce the Prevalence of Emergency Endotracheal Intubation Complications?

PURPOSE: Emergency endotracheal intubation (EEI) is a complex process that leads to various complications. Previous studies mainly demonstrated that the Medical Emergency Team (MET) intervention reduced the incidence of cardiac arrest, however, the impact of a MET on airway management has not been investigated in detail. Our purpose was to confirm the impact of a MET on airway management and compare the incidence of complications of EEI before and after MET intervention in a general ward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational study and reviewed 318 patients intubated by a MET in a general ward. RESULTS: The patients enrolled during the control (2007) and study (2009) periods were 103 and 215, respectively. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation requiring emergency intubation in a general ward was reduced after MET intervention at the Asan Medical Center (39.8% vs. 19.1%, p<0.001). Pre-intubation and post-intubation oxygen saturation levels were higher after MET intervention (pre-intubation, 80% before vs. 92% after MET, p<0.001; post-intubation, 95% before vs. 99% after MET, p<0.001). The use of vasopressors after intubation decreased as a result of MET intervention (62.1% before vs. 36.7% after MET, p<0.001). Hypotension was also reduced (34% before vs. 8.8% after MET, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Early interventions of a MET changed the causes of emergency intubation in a general ward from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to respiratory distress or shock and improved hypoxemia and hypotension related to emergency intubation. The MET intervention is safe and effective system for emergency intubation in a general ward.

Nectandrin A Enhances the BMP-Induced Osteoblastic Differentiation and Mineralization by Activation of p38 MAPK-Smad Signaling Pathway

Osteoblastic activity of nectandrin A was examined in C2C12 cells. Nectandrin A enhances the BMP-induced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization, manifested by the up-regulation of differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteogenic genes) and increased calcium contents. In C2C12 cells co-transfected with expression vector encoding Smad4 and Id1-Luc reporter, nectandrin A increased Id1 luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, when compared to that in BMP-2 treated cells, indicating that Smad signaling pathway is associated with nectandrin A-enhanced osteoblastic differentiation in C2C12 cells. In addition, nectandrin A activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in time- and concentration-dependent manners, and phosphorylated form of pSmad1/5/8 and alkaline phosphatase activity were both decreased when the cells were pretreated with SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, suggesting that p38 MAPK might be an upstream kinase for Smad signaling pathway. Taken together, nectandrin A enhances the BMP-induced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of C2C12 cells via activation of p38 MAPK-Smad signaling pathway, and it has a therapeutic potential for osteoporosis by promoting bone formation.

A Case of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Infarction Presenting with Sudden Hearing Loss and Vertigo / 대한평형의학회지

Sudden hearing loss and vertigo are the typical presentation of anterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction, but may rarely occur in posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) infarction. Here we describe a 65-year-old man who presented with sudden hearing loss in his left ear and severe vertigo. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute infarction in the territory of PICA and cerebral angiography showed non-visualization of left vertebral artery. Sudden hearing loss and vertigo may be a presentation of PICA infarction.

The Treatment of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) / 결핵및호흡기질환

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support to tissue oxygenation has been shown to improve survival in patients with life threatening respiratory distress syndrome or cardiac failure. Extracorporeal life support such as ECMO, including extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R), is used as temporary support until successful recovery of organs. A recently published multicentre randomized controlled trial, known as the CESAR (conventional ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe adult respiratory failure) trial, was the first trial to demonstrate the utility of ECMO in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). During the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, there were many reports of patients with severe ARDS related to H1N1 infection treated with ECMO. These reports revealed a high survival rate and effectiveness of ECMO. In this review, we explain the indication of ECMO clinical application, the practical types of ECMO, and complications associated with ECMO. In addition, we explain recent new ECMO technology and management of patients during ECMO support.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage during Mechanical Ventilation / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious disease associated with high mortality and morbidity, and develops suddenly without warning. Although there were known risk factors, it is difficult to prevent brain hemorrhage from critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). There are several reports that brain hemorrhage, in critically ill patients, occurred in connection with respiratory diseases. The aim of our study is to describe the baseline characteristics and prognosis of patients with intracranial hemorrhage during mechanical ventilation in the ICU. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients, who developed intracranial hemorrhage in a medical ICU, from May 2008 to December 2011. During the mechanical ventilation in the ICU, patients were implemented with a weaning process, following ACCP (American College of Chest Physicians) criteria. Also, we compared patients with brain hemorrhage to those without brain hemorrhage. RESULTS: Thirty two of the 56 patients (57.1%) were male, and median ages were 63 (17-90) years. The common type of brain hemorrhage confirmed was intracerebral hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage (52.2%). The duration from mechanical ventilation to brain hemorrhage was 6 (0-58) days. Overall hospital mortality was 57.1%, and ICU mortality was 44.6%. The most common cause of death was brain hemorrhage (40.6%). In comparison to patients without brain hemorrhage, study patients showed less use of anticoagulants and lower ventilator pressure. Our study showed that the use of vasopressor, systolic blood pressure, peak airway pressure, and platelet count were associated with brain hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial hemorrhage showed high mortality in critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation. In the future, large case-control study will be needed to evaluate the risk factors of cerebral hemorrhage.

A case involving the use of nafamostat mesilate as an anticoagulant during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute myocardial infarction / 대한내과학회지

It is essential during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to extend the activated clotting time (ACT) using anticoagulants to prevent blood clot formation. Traditionally, heparin has been used as an anticoagulant during ECMO. Hemorrhaging due to systemic heparinization is considered a major complication of ECMO. A 48-year-old man was admitted due to cardiogenic shock with acute myocardial infarction. ECMO was instituted because of recurrent ventricular tachycardia and refractory shock. We used nafamostat mesilate (Futhan) as an anticoagulant to reduce hemorrhagic complications. The total bypass time was 153 h. The average dose of nafamostat mesilate was 2.64+/-1.11 mg/kg/h; the average ACT was 128.68+/-21.24 seconds. Only a few units were transfused, and there was no oxygenator failure or hemorrhagic complications. Thus, nafamostat mesilate may reduce the need for transfusions and hemorrhagic complications during ECMO.

Comparison of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease and hepatic venous pressure gradient for predicting survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study compared the prognostic values of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in the prediction of death within 3 and 12 months in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We used data from 136 consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis who underwent HVPG between January 2006 and June 2008. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the independent relationships with death of MELD and HVPG. The prognostic accuracies of MELD and HVPG were analyzed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the occurrence of death within 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Both MELD and HVPG were independent predictors of death [hazard ratio (HR)=1.11 and 1.12, respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04~1.20 and 1.08-1.16]. Analysis of the AUROC demonstrated that the prognostic power did not differ between MELD and HVPG for predicting the 3-month survival (HR=0.76 and 0.68, respectively; 95% CI=0.62~0.89 and 0.52~0.84; P=0.22) or the 12-month survival (HR=0.72 and 0.73, 95% CI=0.61~0.83 and CI=0.61~0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Both MELD and HVPG are independent prognostic factors of death within 3 and 12 months in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, and their accuracies are similar. However, HVPG has a limited role in the prediction of death in decompensated cirrhosis due to its invasiveness and limited use.

A Correlation between Pulmonary Involvement of Acute Febrile Illness with High Incidence during the Fall and C-reactive Protein / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Tsutsugamushi, leptospirosis and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are the prevalent diseases among the acute febrile illnesses in Korea. Pulmonary involvement in the patients with these diseases remains poorly recognized in endemic regions, and this is despite reports of recent outbreaks and epidemic episodes. Pulmonary involvement and a higher CRP level as clinical manifestations show a more severe form of infection. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation of pulmonary involvement and the CRP level in patients with acute febrile illnesses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 105 patients who were diagnosed with tsutsugamushi, HFRS and leptospirosis from January 2002 to May 2008 in Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital. The radiographic images were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. We analyzed the pulmonary complications of the patients with these febrile diseases and we checked the CRP level at admission. RESULTS: The study included 105 patients who were diagnosed with febrile diseases. Of these patients, 32 patients had hantaan, 10 patients had leptospirosis and 63 patients had tsutsugamushi disease. 42 (40%) patients had pulmonary complications, 20 patients had pulmonary edema, 20 patients had pleural effusion and 2 patients had interstitial pneumonitis. The patients with pulmonary involvement showed a more severe form of infection and a higher CRP level than that of those patients without pulmonary involvement (p=0.0073). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary involvement in patients with acute febrile diseases might be correlated with a higher CRP level. Identification of this factor on admission might provide useful selection criteria for the patients who need early intensive care.

Reproducibility of asymmetry measurements of the mandible in three-dimensional CT imaging / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements representing asymmetry of the mandible and to identify which landmarks would be more useful in 3-dimensional (3D) CT imaging. METHODS: Facial CT images were obtained from forty normal occlusion individuals. Eighteen landmarks were established from the condyle, gonion, and menton areas, and 25 measurements were constructed to represent asymmetry of the mandible; 8 for ramus length, 12 for mandibular body length, 1 for condylar neck length, 2 for frontal ramal inclination, and 2 for lateral ramal inclination. Inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility of the measurements was evaluated. RESULTS: Inter-examiner reproducibility of the measurements proved to be high except for 3 measurements. Intra-examiner reproducibility also proved to be high except for 2 measurements. Inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility of the measurements including Gonion proved to be low. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that the landmarks and measurements constructed in 3D CT images can be used for the diagnosis of facial asymmetry.

Anatomic Study of Injection Point of Piriformis Muscle on Cadaver Study

OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal site for piriformis muscle injection, using easily detectable sacroiliac joint as a landmark, under fluoroscopic guidance. METHOD: We examined the anatomic relationships of the sciatic nerve, piriformis muscle and sacroiliac joint in 18 buttocks from 9 cadavers. The distance from the inferior margin of the sacroiliac joint to the piriformis muscle at the crossing point with the sciatic nerve, and the width of the sciatic nerve at that point were measured. We assessed the depth of the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve using ultrasonography in asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: The mean distance from the inferior margin of the sacroiliac joint to the piriformis muscle at the crossing point with the sciatic nerve was 15.7+/-3.4 (12~22) mm laterally and 16.5+/-4.1 (10~25) mm caudally. The mean width of the sciatic nerve at that point was 15.4+/-3.7 (12~22) mm. Ultrasonographic findings revealed the mean distance as 4.48+/-0.49 cm from the skin to the surface of the piriformis muscle and as 5.68+/-0.62 from the skin to the surface of the sciatic nerve. CONCLUSION: The most optimal injection site for piriformis syndrome was located 15.6+/-3.4 (12~22) mm laterally and 16.5+/-4.1 (10~25) mm caudally from the inferior margin of the sacroiliac joint.

A Case of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated with Extracorporeal Life Support / 결핵및호흡기질환

The incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been estimated worldwide to range from 1.7 to 75 cases per 100,000. There are many treatments for ARDS, but only the low tidal volume strategy is based on strong clinical evidence from randomized clinical trials. The efficacy of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in adults remains controversial. Ongoing clinical trials and research have shown a benefit for its use to salvage severe ARDS patients that are in failure with conventional treatment. We encountered a 41-year-old woman who developed ARDS induced by pneumococcal pneumonia. Despite conventional mechanical ventilation in the emergency room, severe hypoxia remained. We treated the patient immediately with ECLS. The patient has almost fully recovered, and was discharged from a 177-day stay at our hospital.

A Case of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated with Extracorporeal Life Support / 결핵및호흡기질환

The incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been estimated worldwide to range from 1.7 to 75 cases per 100,000. There are many treatments for ARDS, but only the low tidal volume strategy is based on strong clinical evidence from randomized clinical trials. The efficacy of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in adults remains controversial. Ongoing clinical trials and research have shown a benefit for its use to salvage severe ARDS patients that are in failure with conventional treatment. We encountered a 41-year-old woman who developed ARDS induced by pneumococcal pneumonia. Despite conventional mechanical ventilation in the emergency room, severe hypoxia remained. We treated the patient immediately with ECLS. The patient has almost fully recovered, and was discharged from a 177-day stay at our hospital.