[Effects of Aging and Sex Differences on the Median Nerve: Relationship Between Nerve Conduction Study and Ultrasonographic Cross-Sectional Nerve Area].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nerve conduction and sonographic measurements of the median nerve, and to investigate the effects of aging and sex on nerve structure. METHODS: Measurements from both hands of 82 healthy volunteers were included in this study (45 men and 37 women, 38.9 ?17.7 years). The cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve was evaluated at the carpal tunnel inlet (MA) and at the midpoint of the forearm (MB). RESULTS: The CSA of the median nerve at the MA was significantly correlated with age (r=0.501, P< 0.001), and distal motor latency (r=0.269, P<0.001). Although this study demonstrated the effects of the sex dif- ferences and aging on the CSA of the median nerve at MA, there was no significant effect at the MB. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that aging could affect median nerve structure, especially at the anatomical entrapment point. [Original].

[Nutritional assessment using MUST(Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) in outpatient chemotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: We set out to see if nutritional assessment(management)using MUST could be useful for patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 197 patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy between June 2010 and November 2010. The results of MUST, serum albumin levels, and nutritional intervention were investigated. RESULTS: High- and medium-risk patients requiring nutritional therapy was comprised of 17/78 breast cancer(21. 8%), 16/63 hematologic malignancy(25. 4%), and 26/56 colonic cancer(46. 4%)patients.Moreover, the serum albumin level in high- and medium-risk patients was likely to decrease compared to low-risk patients, suggesting the usefulness of MUST. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is important to assess nutritional status focusedon simplicity, objectivity, andspeedin outpatient chemotherapy. Assessment of patients' nutritional status and cancer treatment compliance are expected to be improved using MUST.