Trends in the Incidence and Etiology of Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study From 2007 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Although patients with non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) have distinct epidemiological characteristics compared to those with traumatic spinal cord injury, no previous study has reported the incidence of NTSCI on a national scale in Korea. In this study, we examined the trend in incidence of NTSCI in Korea and described the epidemiological characteristics of patients with NTSCI using nationwide insurance data. METHODS: National Health Insurance Service data were reviewed for the period from 2007 to 2020. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, was used to identify patients with NTSCI. Inpatients with newly diagnosed NTSCI on their first admission during the study period were included. Crude incidence was calculated using the annual number of NTSCI cases divided by the mid-year population estimates. Age-specific incidence was calculated by dividing the number of cases in 10-year age groups by the total number of individuals in that age group. Age-adjusted incidence was calculated using direct standardization. Annual percentage changes were calculated using Joinpoint regression analysis. The Cochrane-Armitage trend test was conducted to examine the trends of NTSCI incidence according to the types or etiologies of NTSCI. RESULTS: The age-adjusted incidence of NTSCI increased continuously from 24.11 per million in 2007 to 39.83 per million in 2020, with a significant annual percentage change (4.93%, P < 0.05). The age-specific incidence for those in their 70s and 80s or older was the highest and rapidly increased from 2007 to 2020. According to the types of paralysis in NTSCI, the proportion of tetraplegia decreased, whereas those of paraplegia and cauda equina increased significantly from 2007 to 2020. The proportion of degenerative diseases was the largest among all etiologies and increased significantly during the study period. CONCLUSION: The annual incidence of NTSCI in Korea is increasing significantly, particularly among older adults. As Korea is one of the countries with most rapidly aging population in the world, these results have significant implications, indicating that preventive strategies and sufficient rehabilitation medical services are warranted for the population of older adults.

Ultrasonographic Findings of the Ulnar Nerve Following Elbow Flexion in Patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ultrasonographic findings obtained following various degrees of elbow flexion in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: General teaching hospital, rehabilitation unit. SUBJECTS: Electrophysiological and ultrasonographic assessments were performed on 11 elbows of healthy controls and 21 elbows of 17 patients with CuTS. METHODS: Dynamic movement of the ulnar nerve during elbow motion was measured. To measure ulnar nerve dynamic movement during elbow motion, the distance from the medial epicondyle (ME) to the nearest surface of the ulnar nerve toward the ME was measured at the cubital tunnel inlet at elbow extension (0°), elbow flexion to 60°, and elbow flexion to 90°. RESULTS: The distance between the ME and ulnar nerve was lower in CuTS patients than in healthy patients at all elbow flexion angles. This difference was statistically significant at 0° and 60° elbow flexion (P < 0.05). When calculating the cutoff value, the distance between the ME and ulnar nerve at full elbow extension for CuTS diagnosis was 0.53 cm (sensitivity = 71.4%, specificity = 90.7%). The distance ratio between the ME and ulnar nerve for diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow was 24.4% (sensitivity = 76.2%, specificity = 100%). CONCLUSION: Measurement of the distance between the ME and ulnar nerve in full elbow extension may facilitate the diagnosis of patients with CuTS. These findings may be important for CuTS diagnosis, as they were also observed in patients with mild-stage CuTS.

The Feasibility and Outcome of Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding in Patients with Various Etiologies.

The oro-esophageal tube (OE tube) is widely used in dysphagia patients although its success rate for transition to oral feeding is reported only in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of OE tube feeding for patients with dysphagia resulting from various etiologies. The authors reviewed the medical records of 1995 dysphagic patients that had undergone videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) in a tertiary hospital from April 2002 through December 2009. Of these, 97 patients were recommended to use OE tube feeding based on the VFSS findings. Follow-up VFSS were performed on 54 patients. The mean duration of tube use at the time of follow-up VFSS was 274 days. We evaluated clinical information including age, sex, diet, etiology of dysphagia, location of lesions, duration of intervention, and complications of OE tube feeding. Initially, all 54 patients were fed using the OE tube. After their last follow-up evaluation, 19 patients (35.2 %) resumed full oral feeding without the OE tube, 12 patients (22.2 %) used partial OE tube feeding, and 23 patients (42.6 %) continued OE tube feeding only. Full oral feeding was achieved again most often in brain tumor, stroke, and head and neck cancer patients (54.5, 27.3, and 20.0 %, respectively). Mild adverse events, such as blood-tinged sputum, nausea, dyspepsia, and regurgitation of food, were reported in 4 patients. OE tube feeding is a feasible feeding method also in conditions other than stroke such as brain tumors, and head and neck cancers.

Influence of the chin-down and chin-tuck maneuver on the swallowing kinematics of healthy adults.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the chin-tuck maneuver on the movements of swallowing-related structures in healthy subjects and formulate standard instructions for the maneuver. A total of 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women) swallowed 10 mL of diluted barium solution in a "normal and comfortable" position (NEUT), a comfortable chin-down position (DOWN), and a strict chin-tuck position (TUCK). Resting state anatomy and kinematic changes were analyzed and compared between postures. Although angles of anterior cervical flexion were comparable between DOWN (46.65 ± 9.69 degrees) and TUCK (43.27 ± 12.20), the chin-to-spine distance was significantly shorter in TUCK than in other positions. Only TUCK showed a significantly shorter anteroposterior diameter of the laryngeal inlet (TUCK vs. NEUT, 14.0 ± 4.3 vs. 16.3 ± 5.0 mm) and the oropharynx (18.8 ± 3.1 vs. 20.5 ± 2.8 mm) at rest. The maximal horizontal displacement of the hyoid bone was significantly less in TUCK (9.6 ± 3.0 mm) than in NEUT (12.6 ± 2.6 mm; p < 0.01) or DOWN (12.1 ± 3.0 mm; p < 0.01). TUCK facilitated movement of the epiglottic base upward (TUCK vs. NEUT, 15.8 ± 4.7 vs. 13.3 ± 4.5 mm; p < 0.01). In contrast, DOWN increased the horizontal excursion of the epiglottic base and reduced movement of the vocal cords. These results quantitatively elucidated the biomechanical influences of the chin-tuck maneuver including reduced horizontal movement of the hyoid bone, facilitation of vertical movement of the epiglottic base, and narrowing of the airway entrance. Comparing DOWN and TUCK, only TUCK induced significant changes in the airway entrance, hyoid movement, and epiglottic base retraction.

Validation of the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale in various etiologies.

The videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) was developed as an objective predictor of the prognosis of dysphagia after stroke. We evaluated the clinical validity of the VDS for various diseases. We reviewed the medical records of 1,995 dysphagic patients (1,222 men and 773 women) who underwent videofluoroscopic studies in Seoul National University Hospital from April 2002 through December 2009. Their American Speech­Language­Hearing Association's National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) swallowing scale, clinical dysphagia scale (CDS), and VDS scores were evaluated on the basis of the clinical and/or videofluoroscopic findings by the consensus of two physiatrists. The correlations between the VDS and the other scales were calculated. The VDS displayed significant correlations with the ASHA NOMS swallowing scale and the CDS in every disease group (p < 0.001 in all groups, including central and peripheral nervous system disorders), and these correlations were more apparent for spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve system disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases (correlation coefficients between the VDS and the ASHA NOMS swallowing scale: −0.603, −0.602, and −0.567, respectively). This study demonstrated that the VDS is applicable to dysphagic patients with numerous etiologies that cause dysphagia

Establishing Reference Values for a New Computerized Cognitive Function Test Program for Children.

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for the computerized cognitive test and evaluate cognitive function improvements across different age groups, we introduce the computerized Cognitive Function Test program (eCFT), specifically designed for children. We aimed to establish eCFT reference values and assess cognitive function improvements across different age groups. METHODS: We included children aged 3-6 years with confirmed normal cognition based on the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II. The eCFT consists of 8 subtests for visual perception, attention, memory, and executive function. RESULTS: A total of 66 participants (36 males and 30 females) with an average age of 4.4 years participated. The age 6 group consistently outperformed both age group 3 and 4 in terms of correct responses. With regard to the completed stage, the "selective auditory stimulus" test findings were 2.0 and 3.9 for the age 3 and age 6 groups, respectively (p<0.05). The "trail-making" test findings were 1.7, 2.1, 2.6, and 2.8, respectively (between ages 3 and 6, p<0.01; between ages 4 and 6, p<0.05); moreover, the age 5 group surpassed the age 3 group (2.6 and 1.7, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The eCFT is an easily accessible tool to evaluate cognitive function in young children. We introduce reference values with a cutoff range for preschool-aged children, enabling early intervention for those with cognitive impairment. Given its accessibility and relatively short evaluation time, the eCFT has potential for clinical use.

Reference Standard of Median Nerve Conduction Study in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the reference standard of the median nerve conduction study (NCS) in Korea. METHODS: A total of 648 median motor and 602 median sensory NCSs from 349 Korean healthy volunteers were tested and analyzed prospectively. Equipment calibration, assessment of intraand inter-rater reliability, and the NCSs per se were conducted according to a predetermined protocol. A reference standard was established from uncertainty components for the following parameters: the onset and peak latencies; the baseline-to-peak and peak-to-peak amplitudes; the area and duration of the negative wave; and the nerve conduction velocity. The effects of sex, age and stimulation intensity were analyzed. RESULTS: Each measured value of 648 median motor and 602 median sensory nerves were obtained and presented with both mean and expanded uncertainties, as well as mean and standard deviations. The cut-off values with expanded uncertainty were determined for different age and sex groups. After adjusting for anthropometric covariates, all parameters except duration were affected by age, and sex appeared to influence both duration and area. While stimulation intensity significantly affected some parameters including latencies, the effect sizes were negligible. CONCLUSION: We propose the median NCS reference standard using the largest Korean dataset ever available. The use of the traceable and reliable reference standard is anticipated to promote more accurate and dependable diagnosis and appropriate management of median neuropathies in Korea.

Reference Standards for Nerve Conduction Studies of Individual Nerves of Lower Extremity With Expanded Uncertainty in Healthy Korean Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a set of reference standards for tibial motor, common peroneal motor, sural sensory, and superficial peroneal sensory nerve conduction studies (NCSs) with expanded uncertainty in a healthy Korean population. METHODS: Standardized procedures were conducted for individual lower extremity NCSs of 199 healthy participants in their 20s (n=100) and 50s (n=99). Mean values and expanded uncertainties for parameters were analyzed with thorough consideration of multiple uncertainty factors under the International Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. In addition, side-to-side differences in onset latency, amplitude, and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean (reference range) for distal onset latency, baseline to negative peak amplitude, NCV of tibial motor nerve in males in their 20s were 4.3 ms (3.1-5.4 ms), 7.1 mV (3.4-10.9 mV), and 50.7 m/s (42.2-59.3 m/s), respectively; sural sensory nerve baseline to negative peak amplitude in males in their 20s was 21.7 µV (8.3-35.2 µV). Including the aforementioned data, we present a vast dataset of normative mean values and expanded uncertainties for NCSs of the leg in a healthy Korean population. Furthermore, upper limits for normal side-to-side differences for onset latency, amplitude, and NCV of each nerve are suggested. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to present the reference standards of leg NCSs with consideration for multifactorial uncertainties in an Asian population. We expect these results to help practitioners make reliable and reproducible clinical decisions.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Rehabilitation in Older Patients With Hip Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. METHODS: Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. CONCLUSION: This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Epiglottic Retroflexion is a Key Indicator of Functional Recovery of Post-stroke Dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the longitudinal changes of swallowing kinematics based on videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs) in subacute stroke patients grouped according to the method of dietary intake. METHODS: Sixty-nine subacute stroke patients who had taken at least 2 successive VFSSs were included. Subjects were allocated into 3 groups according to the degree of swallowing function recovery-not improved group (tube feeding recommended to patients at both studies), improved group (tube feedings recommended initially to patients and oral feeding recommended at follow-up study), and well-maintained group (oral feeding at both studies recommended to patients). Initial VFSS was performed during the subacute stage of stroke, 1 to 12 weeks after the onset of stroke, and follow-up VFSS was performed at least once. Kinematic variables were calculated by two-dimensional motion analysis of multiple structures, including the hyoid bone, epiglottis, and vocal cord. Changes of kinematic variables were analyzed in serial VFSSs. RESULTS: At the initial VFSS, the well-maintained group showed significantly larger angles of epiglottic folding than the not improved group, while at the follow-up VFSS, the improved and the well-maintained groups showed significantly larger epiglottic folding angles than the not improved group. The distribution of epiglottic folding angles was in a dichotomous pattern, and each cluster was related to the swallowing function. CONCLUSION: This study showed that improved epiglottic folding angles are associated with the recovery of the swallowing process and suitability for oral feeding among various kinematic variables in subacute stroke patients.

Factors Affecting Compliance With Weight-Bearing Restriction and the Amount of Weight-Bearing in the Elderly With Femur or Pelvic Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors affecting the amount of weight-bearing during gait training in the elderly patients who underwent internal fixation after femur or pelvic fractures and how well they performed the weight-bearing restriction as directed by the physiatrist. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review study, we measured the amount of weight-bearing on the affected side in 50 patients undergoing internal fixation surgery and rehabilitation after femur or pelvic fracture using a force plate. Patients receiving non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing education were considered to perform weight-bearing restriction well when the amount of weight-bearing was <50 lb. Furthermore, regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of postoperative complications, age, cognitive function, and pain on weightbearing restriction. RESULTS: Variables affecting the amount of weight-bearing were age (r=0.581, p<0.001), weight-bearing education type (r=0.671, p<0.001), manual muscle strength of hip flexion on the non-affected side (r=-0.296, p=0.037), hip abduction (r=-0.326, p=0.021), knee extension (r=-0.374, p=0.007), ankle plantar flexion (r=-0.374, p=0.008), right hand grip strength (r=-0.535, p<0.001), Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (r=-0.496, p<0.001), Clinical Dementia Rating (r=0.308, p=0.03), and pain visual analog scale scores (r=0.318, p=0.024). The significant predictor of the amount of weight-bearing among these variables was age (ß=0.448, p=0.001). The weight-bearing restriction adherence rate was significantly lower, at 22%, for patients aged ≥65 years as compared to 73% for those <65 years. CONCLUSION: Age was a major variable affecting the amount of weight-bearing. Compliance with weight-bearing restriction was significantly lower in patients aged ≥65 years than in patients <65 years.

Nurse-Led Computerized Cognitive Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: This preliminary study aimed to compare the outcomes of an occupational therapist-led and a nurse-led computerized cognitive training (CCT) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. METHODS: Participants 65 years of age and older with MCI were randomly assigned to a group led by an occupational therapist or by a nurse. Both groups received CCT for 4 weeks. FINDINGS: Six participants in the occupational therapist-led group and nine in the nurse-led group completed CCT. The nurse-led group showed significant improvement in scores on the Seoul Verbal Learning Test-Elderly's version immediate recall scores (p = .030) and the Korean-Boston Naming Test (p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led CCT demonstrated improvement in some language and memory areas in older adults with MCI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the idea of educating nurses to use a CCT program for treating older adults with MCI to improve their cognitive function.

Effects of Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Preventing Deltoid Muscle Atrophy after Rotator Cuff Repair: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in preventing deltoid atrophy during the first 12 weeks after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Eighteen patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of a medium-sized rotator cuff tear by a single surgeon, were randomized into two groups: NMES and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Each group used the respective device for 6 weeks after surgery. Pain was measured at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively, using the visual analogue scale (VAS); range of motion (ROM), abduction strength and functional scores were measured at baseline and 12 weeks postoperatively. Deltoid thickness and cross-sectional areas were measured using magnetic resonance imaging at 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: At 12 weeks post-surgery, no statistically significant difference was observed between the NMES and TENS groups in the pain VAS, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, ROM, and abduction strength. Postoperative decrease in the thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid, at the level just below the coracoid, was -2.5%, -0.7%, and -6.8%, respectively, in the NMES group, and -14.0%, -2.6%, and -8.2%, respectively, in the TENS group (p=0.016, p=0.677, and p=0.791, respectively). At the level of the inferior glenoid tubercle, postoperative decrease in area of the deltoid was -5.4% in the NMES group and -14.0% in the TENS group, which was significantly different (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: NMES has the potential for reducing deltoid atrophy after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, suggesting that NMES might help minimize postoperative atrophy after various shoulder surgeries.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea: Recommendations for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention after Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular (CV) disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of thirty-three authors-primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers CV mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and three additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. METHODS: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors-primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and two general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, three rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Though clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are an effective and widely used treatment method worldwide, they are as yet not widely accepted in Korea. Given that cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Korea, it is urgent that CR programs be developed. In 2008, the Government of Korea implemented CR programs at 11 university hospitals as part of its Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Center Project, and 3 additional medical facilities will be added in 2019. In addition, owing to the promotion of CR nationwide and the introduction of CR insurance benefits, 40 medical institutions nationwide have begun CR programs even as a growing number of medical institutions are preparing to offer CR. The purpose of this research was to develop evidence-based CPGs to support CR implementation in Korea. METHODS: This study is based on an analysis of CPGs elsewhere in the world, an extensive literature search, a systematic analysis of multiple randomized control trials, and a CPG management, development, and assessment committee comprised of 33 authors-primarily rehabilitation specialists, cardiologists, and thoracic surgeons in 21 university hospitals and 2 general hospitals. Twelve consultants, primarily rehabilitation, sports medicine, and preventive medicine specialists, CPG experts, nurses, physical therapists, clinical nutritionists, and library and information experts participated in the research and development of these CPGs. After the draft guidelines were developed, 3 rounds of public hearings were held with staff members from relevant academic societies and stakeholders, after which the guidelines were further reviewed and modified. RESULTS: CR involves a more cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to that of general treatments, and the exercise component of CR lowers cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, regardless of the type of coronary heart disease and type and setting of CR. CONCLUSION: Individualized CR programs should be considered together with various factors, including differences in heart function and lifestyle, and doing so will boost participation and adherence with the CR program, ultimately meeting the final goals of the program, namely reducing the recurrence of myocardial infarction and mortality rates.

Nonsurgical treatments for patients with radicular pain from lumbosacral disc herniation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal diseases causative of sick leave in the workplace and morbidity in daily activities. Nonsurgical managements are considered as first line treatment before surgical treatment. PURPOSE: This clinical practice guideline (CPG) is intended to provide physicians who treat patients diagnosed with LDH with a guideline supported by scientific evidence to assist in decision-making for appropriate and reasonable treatments. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A systematic review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Studies of human subjects written in Korean or English that met the following criteria were selected: patients aged ≥18 years, clinical presentation of low back and radicular leg pain, diagnosis of LDH on radiological evaluation including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Pain and functional evaluation scales such as visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and Oswestry disability index METHODS: The MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and KoreaMed databases were searched for articles regarding non-surgical treatments for LDH published up to July 2017. Of the studies fulfilling these criteria, those investigating clinical results after non-surgical treatment including physical and behavioral therapy, medication, and interventional treatment in terms of pain control and functional improvements were chosen for this study. RESULTS: Nonsurgical treatments were determined to be clinically effective with regards to pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with LDH. Nevertheless, the evidence level was generally not evaluated as high degree, which might be attributed to the paucity of well-designed randomized controlled trials. Exercise and traction were strongly recommended despite moderate level of evidence. Epidural injection was strongly recommended with high degree of evidence and transforaminal approach was more strongly recommended than caudal approach. CONCLUSIONS: This CPG provides new and updated evidence-based recommendations for treatment of the patients with LDH, which suggested that, despite an absence of high degrees of evidence level, non-surgical treatments were clinically effective.

Usefulness of polydeoxyribonucleotide as an alternative to corticosteroids in patients with lateral epicondyitis: A case series.

RATIONALE: Local corticosteroid injections are commonly used as an easy, cost-effective treatment for patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Despite their strong anti-inflammatory effect, repeated injections of corticosteroids are not recommended in LE because they can aggravate tearing of the tendons. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 65-year-old (Case1) man and a 59-year-old (Case2) man had a 2-month history of right lateral elbow pain exacerbation. DIAGNOSES: Lateral epicondylitis with hypervascularity of the common extensor tendon. INTERVENTION: After informed consent was provided, ultrasound (US)-guided polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injections were made into on the common extensor tendons of both patients. OUTCOMES: After 2 weeks from PDRN injection, both patients reported significant pain relief. The US 2 weeks after the PDRN injection showed that the hypervascularity of the common extensor tendon in both patients had been completely cured, although there was no significant change in the findings of tendinosis. LESSONS: PDRN may be useful for patients with LE because there were no negative effects on tendon cells and tissues in previous in vitro and in vivo studies, despite its anti-inflammatory effects.

Bilateral sciatic neuropathy with severe rhabdomyolysis following venlafaxine overdose: A case report.

RATIONALE: Venlafaxine is an antidepressant and anxiolytic agent that functions by inhibiting central serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, and it is a relatively recently introduced drug. In particular, overdose of venlafaxine has been reported to cause severe cardiac toxicity including ventricular tachycardia, prolongation of QT interval, and seizure or severe muscular injury. However, reports describing venlafaxine-induced rhabdomyolysis with neuropathy remain scarce. Accordingly, we report such a case involving a 49-year-old woman with bilateral sciatic neuropathy combined with rhabdomyolysis following venlafaxine overdose. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient complained of severe pain and tenderness in both thighs, weakness in both ankle flexor and extensor muscles, and a tingling sensation in the toes of both feet. DIAGNOSES: Bilateral sciatic neuropathy combined with rhabdomyolysis following venlafaxine overdose. INTERVENTION: Needle electromyography revealed fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves, with absent recruitment in all the major muscles innervating the sciatic nerve bilaterally. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was performed after electromyography and revealed multifocal enhancement of signal intensity, suggesting muscle necrosis in the gluteus and thigh muscles, and swelling of both sciatic nerves on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) imaging sequences. OUTCOMES: Two months later, the patient's ankle dorsiflexion strength, measured with manual muscle test, was grade 0/0, and ankle plantar flexion was grade 0/0. The patient reported little sensation at the lateral and posterior aspects of her lower leg, and dorsum and sole of the foot. A follow-up electromyography study revealed improvement in the long head of the right biceps femoris; polyphasic motor unit action potentials with diminished recruitment were observed, but otherwise unchanged. LESSONS: When encountering patients who have overdosed on venlafaxine, it is very important to detect and treat severe complications such as cardiac toxicity, seizure, and rhabdomyolysis, among others. However, if rhabdomyolysis has already materialized, it should not be forgotten that the secondary damage caused by it. Physicians should rapidly detect and be minimized to mitigate future complications.

A comparison of the effects between 2 computerized cognitive training programs, Bettercog and COMCOG, on elderly patients with MCI and mild dementia: A single-blind randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A computerized cognitive rehabilitation program can be used to treat patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. We developed a new computerized cognitive rehabilitation program (Bettercog) that contained various treatment programs for cognitive training for mild cognitive impairment or dementia. This study was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy of Bettercog and computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (COMCOG) that has had clinical efficacy previously proven in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. METHODS: Randomized, single-blind comparison pilot study of 20 elderly patients with cognitive decline-eight men and 12 women-with an average age of 74.3 years. Bettercog trains not only memory and attention but also orientation, calculation, executive function, language, comprehension, and spatiotemporal abilities. To retain subjects' interest, pictures, animations, and game elements were introduced. The subjects were divided into COMCOG and Bettercog groups by random assignment and underwent 12 sessions of a computerized cognitive rehabilitation program for three weeks. In a separate space, an independent clinical psychologist conducted the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery 2nd edition (SNSB-II), Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) before and after treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline age, sex, illiteracy, years of education, and scores on the K-MMSE, CDR, SNSB-II, and K-MBI. In the posttreatment cognitive assessment, the K-MMSE scores of patients treated with Bettercog improved from 19.2 ±â€Š3.9 to 21.3 ±â€Š4.0 (P = .005). In the memory domain of the SNSB-II, the percentile score improved from 15.3 ±â€Š24.5 to 24.2 ±â€Š30.7 (P = .026). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the final K-MMSE, CDR, and SNSB-II scores between the two treatment groups. In both groups, K-MBI scores improved statistically significantly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Through this preliminary study, we verified that the newly developed computerized cognitive rehabilitation program is effective in improving cognitive function. However, 12 sessions are not enough to administer a variety of cognitive rehabilitation content to patients. It is, therefore, necessary to conduct a large-scale study using a computerized cognitive rehabilitation program that has various cognitive content.