Cardiac Toxicities Associated with Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors:Mechanisms, Manifestations and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) associated cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) have become more frequent with the growing use of cancer immunotherapy. CVAEs include a wide spectrum of diseases such as myocarditis, pericarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The induction of cardiovascular side effects by ICI use is hypothesized to occur due to inflammation and immune dysregulation of normal tissue in response to immunotherapy. Management of ICI-associated CVAEs mitigates an overactive immune response by utilizing steroids, immunomodulatory drugs and hemodynamic stabilization. However, few controlled studies on the cardiovascular safety of ICIs exist and treatment of their side effects are mostly from limited case series. Our review seeks to provide the most recent understanding of ICI-associated CVAEs and their management.

Cardiac Toxicities Associated with Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors:Mechanisms, Manifestations and Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) associated cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) have become more frequent with the growing use of cancer immunotherapy. CVAEs include a wide spectrum of diseases such as myocarditis, pericarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The induction of cardiovascular side effects by ICI use is hypothesized to occur due to inflammation and immune dysregulation of normal tissue in response to immunotherapy. Management of ICI-associated CVAEs mitigates an overactive immune response by utilizing steroids, immunomodulatory drugs and hemodynamic stabilization. However, few controlled studies on the cardiovascular safety of ICIs exist and treatment of their side effects are mostly from limited case series. Our review seeks to provide the most recent understanding of ICI-associated CVAEs and their management.

Clinical accuracy of impression technique using digital superimposition ofcustomized abutment with subgingival margin: A case report / 대한치과보철학회지

Traditionally, gingival retraction has been performed to obtain customized abutment impressions with subgingival margins of the implant supported prosthesis. However, gingivalretraction may have side effects such as gingival recession and bleed, leading to an inaccurate impression. In order to prevent these problems, in this case, the new techniquehas been introduced; a customized abutment which is designed for superimposition is used. Before the connection of the abutment to the implant fixture, pre-scannedshape data are stored, and then the optical impression without gingival retraction is obtained after connecting to the fixture. The suprastructure is fabricated by superimposingthe two data. This technique showed the clinical efficacy of fabricating the implant supported prosthesis with subgingival margin, which satisfied the aesthetics, convenience,and clinically acceptable marginal and internal fit. (J Korean Acad Prosthodont 2020;58:169-75)

Hemodynamic effects of different types of pneumatic compression of the lower extremities during anesthesia induction: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The current study evaluated the hemodynamic effects of different types of pneumatic compressions of the lower extremities during anesthesia induction. In addition, the hemodynamic effects were compared between patients older than 65 age years and those aged 65 years or younger. METHODS: One hundred and eighty patients (90: > 65 years and 90: ≤ 65 years) were enrolled. Each age group of patients was randomly assigned to one of three groups; Group 1 (no compression), Group 2 (sequential pneumatic compression), and Group 3 (sustained pneumatic compression without decompression). Invasive blood pressure, cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume variation (SVV) were measured. RESULTS: In patients aged ≤ 65 years, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CI were significantly higher and SVV was lower in Group 3 compared to Group 1 before tracheal intubation, but there were no differences between Groups 1 and 2. However, there were no differences in MAP, CI, and SVV among the three groups in patients aged > 65 years. The number of patients who showed a MAP 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained pneumatic compression of the lower extremities has more hemodynamic stabilizing effects compared to sequential compression during anesthesia induction in patients aged 65 years or younger. However, no difference between methods of compression was observed in patients older than 65 years.

Effect of Robot-Assisted Game Training on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of combining robot-assisted game training with conventional upper extremity rehabilitation training (RCT) on motor and daily functions in comparison with conventional upper extremity rehabilitation training (OCT) in stroke patients. METHODS: Subjects were eligible if they were able to perform the robot-assisted game training and were divided randomly into a RCT and an OCT group. The RCT group performed one daily session of 30 minutes of robot-assisted game training with a rehabilitation robot, plus one daily session of 30 minutes of conventional rehabilitation training, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The OCT group performed two daily sessions of 30 minutes of conventional rehabilitation training. The effects of training were measured by a Manual Function Test (MFT), Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) and a questionnaire about satisfaction with training. These measurements were taken before and after the 2-week training. RESULTS: Both groups contained 25 subjects. After training, both groups showed significant improvements in motor and daily functions measured by MFT, MMT, and K-MBI compared to the baseline. Both groups demonstrated similar training effects, except motor power of wrist flexion. Patients in the RCT group were more satisfied than those in the OCT group. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in changes in most of the motor and daily functions between the two types of training. However, patients in the RCT group were more satisfied than those in the OCT group. Therefore, RCT could be a useful upper extremity rehabilitation training method.

Predictors for Ambulatory Recovery after Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail in the Elderly / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare with general characteristics affecting ambulatory recovery at one-year after the fixation of intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail (PFN) of elderly patients over the age of 65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2008 and September 2015, 152 patients were diagnosed with femoral intertrochanteric fracture in Dong-Eui Medical Center. Of these patients, 75 were available in this retrospective study. Multivariate linear regression analysis, using a stepwise selection method, were performed to identify the prognostic factors affecting one-year postoperative recovery of ambulatory status, such as pre-injury ambulatory status, gender, age, fracture type, associated underlying disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, dementia, and complication. RESULTS: A decrease in the one-year postoperative ambulatory status was 68% and pre-injury ambulatory status was regained in 32% of patients. The pre-injury ambulatory status was the most important determinant of one-year postoperative recovery of ambulatory status. The ASA grade and complication were also predictors of recovery of ambulatory status. CONCLUSION: Pre-injury ambulatory status, ASA grade and complication were prognostic factors associated with one-year postoperative recovery of ambulatory status after fixating the intertrochanteric fracture using PFN in elderly patients over the age of 65 years.

Ossification of the Coracoacromial Ligament in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report

Here, a case of a 59-year-old man with rotator cuff tear and impingement syndrome caused by an ossified coracoacromial ligament is presented. Ossification of the coracoacromial ligaments can occur because of degenerative changes due to trauma or repeated stress, which can lead to impingement syndrome. Therefore, when coracoacromial ligament ossification is present, rotator cuff damage due to impingement syndrome should be considered. Here, we conducted arthroscopic subacromial decompression, removal of the ossified coracoacromial ligament, and supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon repairs. We achieved satisfactory surgical outcomes without relapse; therefore, we report this case with a literature review.

Ossification of the Coracoacromial Ligament in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report

Here, a case of a 59-year-old man with rotator cuff tear and impingement syndrome caused by an ossified coracoacromial ligament is presented. Ossification of the coracoacromial ligaments can occur because of degenerative changes due to trauma or repeated stress, which can lead to impingement syndrome. Therefore, when coracoacromial ligament ossification is present, rotator cuff damage due to impingement syndrome should be considered. Here, we conducted arthroscopic subacromial decompression, removal of the ossified coracoacromial ligament, and supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon repairs. We achieved satisfactory surgical outcomes without relapse; therefore, we report this case with a literature review.

Effects of intraoperative single bolus fentanyl administration and remifentanil infusion on postoperative nausea and vomiting / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although the use of postoperative opioids is a well-known risk factor for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), few studies have been performed on the effects of intraoperative opioids on PONV. We examined the effects of a single bolus administration of fentanyl during anesthesia induction and the intraoperative infusion of remifentanil on PONV. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty women, aged 20 to 65 years and scheduled for thyroidectomy, were allocated to a control group (Group C), a single bolus administration of fentanyl 2 microg/kg during anesthesia induction (Group F), or 2 ng/ ml of effect-site concentration-controlled intraoperative infusion of remifentanil (Group R) groups. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and 50% N2O. The incidence and severity of PONV and use of rescue antiemetics were recorded at 2, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Group F showed higher incidences of nausea (60/82, 73% vs. 38/77, 49%; P = 0.008), vomiting (40/82, 49% vs. 23/77 30%; P = 0.041) and the use of rescue antiemetics (47/82, 57% vs. 29/77, 38%; P = 0.044) compared with Group C at postoperative 24 h. However, there were no significant differences in the incidence of PONV between Groups C and R. The overall incidences of PONV for postoperative 24 h were 49%, 73%, and 59% in Groups C, F, and R, respectively (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: A single bolus administration of fentanyl 2 microg/kg during anesthesia induction increases the incidence of PONV, but intraoperative remifentanil infusion with 2 ng/ml effect-site concentration did not affect the incidence of PONV.

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Severe Flexion Contracture in Rheumatoid Arthritis Knees

Flexion contracture deformities, as well as severe varus and valgus deformities of the knee joint, accompany osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, severe flexion contracture deformity of the knee joint is often found in patients with RA, which renders them nonambulatory. This report describes a 26-year-old female patient diagnosed with RA 10 years ago. She had chronic joint pain, severe flexion contracture, valgus deformity in both knees, and limited range of motion in both knees and became nonambulatory. She underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and serial casting and physical therapy to restore stable joint movement and correct knee joint deformity. Her pain was successfully relieved, and she was able to walk after surgery. Here, we report the excellent results of TKA in this RA patient with severe flexion contracture of both knees.

Atypically Large Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Case Report

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder joint is common disease causing acute pain, mainly involving the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscle, and less frequently the teres minor or subscapularis muscle. This study reports on the satisfactory arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits as well as infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle repair without relapse via minimal incision using suture anchors. This was a case of atypically extensive calcific tendinitis involving the infraspinatus muscle, with a bursal side partial rupture of the supraspinatus muscle in a 61-year-old female whose chief complaint was chronic pain of the right shoulder exacerbated by limited movement.

Atypically Large Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Case Report

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder joint is common disease causing acute pain, mainly involving the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscle, and less frequently the teres minor or subscapularis muscle. This study reports on the satisfactory arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits as well as infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle repair without relapse via minimal incision using suture anchors. This was a case of atypically extensive calcific tendinitis involving the infraspinatus muscle, with a bursal side partial rupture of the supraspinatus muscle in a 61-year-old female whose chief complaint was chronic pain of the right shoulder exacerbated by limited movement.

Treatment of Avulsion Fracture of Proximal Rectus Femoris with Suture Anchor / 대한스포츠의학회지

Avulsion injuries of the anterior inferior iliac spine, which is the origin of the rectus femoris muscle, are sometimes reported in children and adolescents, but acute avulsion injuries with complete rupture of the rectus femoris are very rare in adults. We treated a case of avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine with suture anchors in an adult and achieved a favorable outcome. Thus, we report the case with a review of literature.

A Comparison of Two Techniques for Ultrasound-guided Caudal Injection: The Influence of the Depth of the Inserted Needle on Caudal Block

BACKGROUND: Caudal epidural injections have been commonly performed in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy. Although caudal injection has generally been accepted as a safe procedure, serious complications such as inadvertent intravascular injection and dural puncture can occur. The present prospective study was designed to investigate the influence of the depth of the inserted needle on the success rate of caudal epidural blocks. METHODS: A total of 49 adults scheduled to receive caudal epidural injections were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 to receive the caudal injection through a conventional method, i.e., caudal injection after advancement of the needle 1 cm into the sacral canal (n = 25), and Group 2 to receive the injection through a new method, i.e., injection right after penetrating the sacrococcygeal ligament (n = 24). Ultrasound was used to identify the sacral hiatus and to achieve accurate needle placement according to the allocated groups. Contrast dyed fluoroscopy was obtained to evaluate the epidural spread of injected materials and to monitor the possible complications. RESULTS: The success rates of the caudal injections were 68.0% in Group 1 and 95.8% in Group 2 (P = 0.023). The incidences of intravascular injections were 24.0% in Group 1 and 0% in Group 2 (P = 0.022). No intrathecal injection was found in either of the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The new caudal epidural injection technique tested in this study is a reliable alternative, with a higher success rate and lower risk of accidental intravascular injection than the conventional technique.

Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Streptococcus sanguis in a Patient with Osteoarthritis of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis) is a gram positive streptococcus bacteria which is found in the normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract. It has low virulence, but it can cause bacterial endocarditis through the blood circulation when dental calculus are removed from the teeth or during surgical treatment. Septic arthritis caused by S. sanguis has been reported as infecting the sternoclavicular joint and the knee joint, but it is a quite rare infectious disease that has not been reported in Korea. Therefore, the authors report a case of the septic arthritis in the knee joint caused by S. sanguis in a patient with osteoarthritis of the knee, who has the history of periodontitis.

Treatment of a 3rd Lumbar Vertebra Translational Injury Combined with Incomplete Cauda Equina Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rheumatic disease in which mainly the spinal and sacroiliac joints are affected. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at significant risk for spinal fracture when exposed to even minor trauma. Most spinal fractures with ankylosing spondylitis occur in the cervical spine, whereas spinal fractures in thoracic or lumbar spine are rare, especially in the lower lumbar spine. Furthermore, neurologic symptoms in cases of lower lumbar spine fracture are rarer than in cases of cervical and thoracic spinal fracture. We have experienced a case of translation injury of the 3rd lumbar vertebra accompanied by incomplete cauda equine syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis and the authors gained good clinical results with surgical treatment. We have reported here on this case and have included a review of the relevant literature.

Ipsilateral Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures Associated with Posteromedial Dislocation of the Elbow Joint: A Case Report

Arm injuries occurring from high energy injuries such as falls or traffic accidents can be accompanied by wrist and elbow injuries. Monteggia fracture, Galeazzi fracture, and Essex-Lopresti fracture-dislocation are known some examples of such injuries. However, there are no reports on the dislocation of the elbow occurring from a distal radius fracture accompanied by scaphoid fracture, and there is nothing published about its prognosis. The authors report on the treatment and outcomes of a case of a 42-year-old male who had a distal radius and scaphoid fracture associated with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow on the same side of his arm along with a literature review.

Treatment of Triple Fracture of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex (SSSC) is a bony and soft tissue ring comprising the glenoid process, the coracoid process, the coracoclavicular ligaments, the distal clavicle, the acromioclavicular joint, and the acromion. The SSSC maintains a normal stable relationship between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton. High-energy injury, such as traffic accident or a fall, can cause disruption of the SSSC. Single traumatic disruption of the SSSC is common. However, double disruption of the SSSC is infrequent and surgical management is generally necessary. We have experienced a case of triple fracture involving the coracoid process, the acromion, and the distal end of the clavicle. Such disruption of the SSSC has not been previously reported in our country and only one case has been reported in the Western literature; the authors obtained positive clinical results with surgical treatment. We report here on this case and include a review of the relevant literature.

Operative Treatment of Nonunion after Intra-articular Calcaneal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Nonunion of intra-articular fractures of calcaneus is rarely reported complication. We present our experiences with 4 patients (5 cases) treated operatively for nonunion after intra-articular fracture of calcaneus. MATERIALS AND METHODS:4 patients (5 cases) with nonunion of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus after operative treatment were followed for 4 years (from 2002 to 2006). For assessment, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were assessed for clinical outcome and the union of fracture site, the talocalcaneal height and the angle of talar declination were determined for radiologic outcome. RESULTS:The mean talocalcaneal height was 6.94 cm (range, 5.9~7.6 cm) preoperatively and 7.34 cm (range, 6.0~8.3 cm) at last follow-up. The mean angle of talar declination was 5.68 degrees (range, 4.6~8 degrees) preoperatively and 13.1 degrees (range, 5.7~21 degrees) at last follow-up. The mean preoperative AOFAS score and VAS were 20.4 (range, 14~36) and 4 (range, 3~6), respectively. At last follow-up, these scores improved to a mean of 59.6 (range, 54~68) and 3 (range, 2~4), respectively. Unions of previous nonunion site of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus were achieved in all 4 patients (5 cases). CONCLUSION: The reconstructive procedure for nonunion of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus showed good results in terms of bone union, radiologic results and functional improvement than preoperative state. Because the plantar pain for the inferior angular formation in nonunion site may happen, we will pay attention to reduction of fragment.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty Using the Greater Trochanter Reattachment Device (GTRD) for Comminuted Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of the greater trochanter reattachment device (GTRD) as firm fixation method for displaced greater trochanter fragment in bipolar hemiarthroplasty for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to January 2008, 32 patients above 70 years old treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the GTRD as fixation method for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture with greater trochanter bone fragment displaced above 1 cm. They were followed up for more than one year. Clinically, the postoperative Harris hip score (HHS) and daily activities of life of Johnston et al were evaluated, and radiological, any displacement of greater trocharter bone fragments and/or GTRD. RESULTS: The mean postoperative HHS was 71.6 (range, 53~82) points. In rating the daily activity of life, twenty seven (84.4%) patients` postoperative results were above fair. Two patients (6.3%) had displacement of the greater trochanter bone fragment above 1 cm. One patient had a deep infection, so we removed the bipolar head and inserted antibiotics-loaded cement block instead, and after the infection was controlled, conversion to total hip arthroplasty was done. CONCLUSION: In bipolar hemiarthroplasty for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture with displaced greater trochanter bone fragment, GTRD produced satisfactory results and early rehabilitation.