Prediction of renal recovery following sepsis-associated acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

Microcirculatory dysfunction plays a critical role in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) development; however, its impact on renal recovery remains uncertain. We investigated the association between cortical microcirculatory function assessed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and renal recovery after S-AKI needing renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methods: This retrospective study included 23 patients who underwent CEUS among those who underwent acute RRT for S-AKI. In addition, we acquired data from 17 healthy individuals and 18 patients with chronic kidney disease. Renal recovery was defined as sustained independence from RRT for at least 14 days. Results: Of the CEUS-derived parameters, rise time, time to peak, and fall time were longer in patients with S-AKI than in healthy individuals (p = 0.045, 0.01, and 0.096, respectively). Fourteen patients (60.9%) with S-AKI receiving RRT experienced renal recovery; and these patients had higher values of peak enhancement, wash-in area under the curve (AUC), wash-in perfusion index, and washout AUC than those without recovery (p = 0.03, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.046, respectively). We evaluated the receiver operating characteristic curve and found that the peak enhancement, wash-in AUC, wash-in perfusion index, and wash-out AUC of CEUS derivatives estimated the probability of renal recovery after S-AKI requiring RRT (p = 0.03, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: CEUS-assessed cortical microvascular perfusion may predict renal recovery following S-AKI that requires RRT. Further studies are essential to validate the clinical utility of microcirculatory parameters obtained from CEUS to estimate renal outcomes in various etiologies and severities of kidney disease.

De Novo ANCA-Negative Pauci-Immune Crescentic Glomerulonephritis After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination: A Case Report

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines have been authorized for emergency use and implemented worldwide. We present a case of de novo glomerulonephritis (GN) after use of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2.A 48-year-old man with no relevant medical history was referred for sudden and persistent worsening of renal insufficiency 1.5 months after the second vaccine dose. He had arthralgia and skin rash a week after vaccination. Abdominal pain and diarrhea started 2 weeks later, and he was admitted to the hospital for enteritis treatment. Colonoscopy showed multiple ulcerations and petechiae suggestive of vasculitis in the terminal ileum. After prednisolone therapy, his gastrointestinal symptoms improved, but his renal function continued to deteriorate. Based on kidney biopsy findings and nephrotic-range proteinuria (5,306 mg/24 hours), he was diagnosed with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-negative pauci-immune crescentic GN (CrGN). He received high-dose steroid pulse therapy and oral cyclophosphamide, and then, gradually underwent steroid tapering, with improvement in proteinuria and renal function over several weeks. Several cases of GN suspected to be related to COVID-19 vaccines have been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of ANCA-negative pauci-immune crescentic CrGN with extrarenal involvement after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Our finding expands the spectrum of COVID-19 vaccine-associated GN.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using a new bipolar electrode in a canine model: a new endovenous radiofrequency electrode

Purpose@#This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a newly developed endovenous radiofrequency (RF) catheter compared with that of the existing RF catheter in a canine model. @*Methods@#Seven dogs underwent ablation using 1 control catheter (ClosureFAST, CF; Covidien) and 1 experimental catheter (VENISTAR, VS; STARmed Co., Ltd.) in the femoral and cephalic veins. The ablated vein was evaluated macroscopically (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, TTC), microscopically (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and ultrasonographically. Vessel injury score was used to evaluate the ablating effect objectively. Veins from 1 dog were evaluated on the day of ablation, while in the remaining 6 dogs, the ablated veins were evaluated 2 weeks later. @*Results@#A total of 23 veins (CF, 11 veins; VS, 12 veins) were ablated in 7 dogs. Non–TTC-stained vein wall areas were identified in all ablated veins. No significant difference was observed in the mean vessel injury score (2.54 ± 1.16 vs. 2.42 ± 1.13, P = 0.656) and the mean vessel wall thickness (0.32 ± 0.03 mm vs. 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, P = 0.212) between CF and VS. There was no blood flow in all veins ablated with VS, whereas there was remaining blood flow in 1 vein ablated with CF. Perivenous complication was not observed. @*Conclusion@#Endovenous RF ablation using a newly developed VS RF catheter seems to provide comparable occlusion rate and degree of vein wall injury without perivenous adverse events compared to the most commonly used RF catheter (CF).

Hydrophilic guidewire usage under ultrasound guidance in facilitating catheter advancement during endovenous treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins

Purpose@#This study was performed To investigate the use of hydrophilic guidewires for facilitating catheter advancement during varicose vein treatment using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyanoacrylate closure (CAC). @*Methods@#From March 2016 to April 2019, 463 limbs of 285 with incompetent great saphenous veins were subjected to RFA (321 limbs of 197 patients) or CAC (142 limbs of 88 patients). Procedure records were reviewed for the use of a hydrophilic guidewire, reason for the guidewire usage, and diameter of the guidewire. @*Results@#A hydrophilic guidewire was used to facilitate catheter advancement to treat 92 of 463 limbs (19.9%). For RFA, a guidewire was used to treat 53 of 321 limbs (16.5%). Among them, 15 limbs (28.3%) had vasospasm, and 38 limbs (71.7%) had venous tortuosity. For CAC, guidewire was used for 39 of 142 limbs (27.5%). Among them, 10 limbs (25.6%) had vasospasm, 23 limbs (59.0%) had venous tortuosity, and 6 limbs (15.4%) had repeated engagement of a J-tip guidewire into the varicose tributaries. In CAC, the frequency of hydrophilic guidewire usage was higher than that in RFA (P = 0.006). All varicose vein treatment sessions were technically successful. @*Conclusion@#Hydrophilic guidewire usage could facilitate catheter advancement when hindered by vasospasm, tortuosity of the saphenous vein, or repeated engagement into the varicose tributaries.

Risk Factors for Liver Function Deterioration after Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Child-Pugh Class A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A switch to systemic therapy, such as sorafenib, should be considered for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). On the other hand, treatment changes are difficult if the liver function worsens to Child-Pugh B or C. Therefore, predicting the risk factors for non-responsiveness to TACE and deteriorating liver function may be helpful.METHODS: Newly diagnosed Child-Pugh A HCC patients who underwent TACE from January 2012 to June 2018 were included. After 1 year, this study evaluated whether there was a treatment response to TACE and whether the Child-Pugh class had worsened.RESULTS: Among 121 patients, 65 were refractory and 56 responded to TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the tumor size, tumor number, and albumin at the time of the diagnosis of HCC were significant prognostic factors for the treatment response to TACE. Among 65 patients who presented TACE-refractoriness, 27 showed liver function deterioration from Child-Pugh class A to class B or C after TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC was a significant prognostic factor for liver function deterioration. A predictive algorithm based on the regression equations revealed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 74.1%, 74.5%, 45.5%, and 90.9%, respectively, for TACE-refractoriness and liver function deterioration.CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic model incorporating the tumor size, tumor number, albumin, and bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC may help identify patients who show a poor response to TACE and aggravation of liver function after TACE, who may benefit from early switching into systemic therapy before liver function aggravation.

Management of Complications during Below-the-Knee Endovascular Treatment: A Technical Note

We retrospectively reviewed the cases in which complications occurred during below-the-knee (BTK) endovascular treatmentsthat were performed at our hospital from 2005 to 2014. Several interesting cases have been described herein. All the patientshad diabetes and non-healing wounds on their feet and/or rest pain in their foot or leg, and therefore, endovascular treatmentwas performed for the BTK arteries of the affected lower extremity. The complications that occurred during the procedure wereclassified into six categories—vascular spasm, flow limiting dissection, perforation, broken guidewire, distal thromboembolism,and unusual puncture site bleeding. Each complication has its own solutions and management. We discuss these different classesof complications and describe how cases of each type were managed.

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Improvement of Mental Health and Clinical Parameters in Depressed Hemodialysis Patients: a Pilot Study

Background@#This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a nonpharmacologic treatment in depressed hemodialysis patients. @*Methods@#Patients who scored ≥ 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were randomized to either the rTMS (n = 7) or sham group (n = 7). The rTMS group was stimulated with a 110% motor threshold and 10 Hz on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 20 minutes, three times a week, for 4 weeks. In the sham group, the “1-wing 90-degree method” was used. We analyzed clinical indices before and after the intervention, as well as data from quantitative electroencephalography (frontal alpha asymmetry [FAA]), and various psychiatric questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Somatization Subscale [SCL-90R-SOM]), and Perceived Stress Scale. @*Results@#One month after rTMS, the changes in hemoglobin A1c levels in the rTMS group were significantly greater than those in the sham group (F = 6.687, P = 0.032). The changes in BAI scores in the rTMS group were significantly greater than those in the sham group (F = 6.700,P = 0.025), and the changes in SCL-90R-SOM scores in the rTMS group were greater than those in the sham group (F = 4.943, P = 0.048). In addition, the changes in the FAA value at the F7 and F8 electrodes in the rTMS group were greater than those in the sham group (F = 6.468, P = 0.027). @*Conclusion@#In depressed hemodialysis patients, rTMS may improve anxiety and somatization symptoms, which may lead to improvements in clinical measures.

Impacts of Coronary Artery Calcification on Intradialytic Blood Pressure Patterns in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis / 전남의대학술지

Intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. Vascular calcification is a common complicating feature, but whether this complication results in intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between coronary artery calcium score and intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Thirty-six patients who received nongated chest computed tomography scans were included. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a minimum intradialytic systolic blood pressure of <100 mmHg or a pre-dialysis blood pressure – minimum intradialytic systolic blood pressure >30 mmHg. Intradialytic hypertension was defined as >10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure (pre- to post-dialysis). Patients were classified as 22 (61.1%) with coronary artery calcium score <400 and 14 (38.9%) with coronary artery calcium score ≥400. Median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were equivalent, but median pulse pressure was higher in patients with coronary artery calcium score ≥400 than in those with scores <400. Coronary artery calcium score was comparable according to both intradialytic hypotension and hypertension, and had no correlation with systolic blood pressure fall and nadir systolic blood pressure. Coronary artery calcium score predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.001 and 1.001; p=0.058 and 0.010). Coronary vascular calcification could be irrelevant to intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Radiofrequency Ablation with Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ineligible for Curative Treatment / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical resection or ablation is recommended for the treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is frequently used in early HCC ineligible for curative resection. We evaluated the clinical effects and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) shortly after TACE in patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage A HCC. METHODS: Sixty-seven BCLC stage A HCC patients who failed to achieve complete response to TACE as either a first line treatment and who subsequently received RFA at the Konkuk University Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2017 were included. Evaluation indices included treatment response, overall survival rate, recurrence-free survival, prognostic factors, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 46.9 months. Fifty-four (80.6%) patients were of Child-Pugh class A, and 13 (19.4%) were of class B. Modified UICC stages were I in 10 (14.9%), II in 46 (68.7%), and III in 11 (16.4%) patients. In the 67 study subjects, cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 86.8%, 55.9% and 29.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, and overall survival rates were 100%, 93.4%, and 83.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Tumor size significantly predicted recurrence. No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of RFA was an efficient and safe treatment for BCLC stage A HCC patients that failed to achieve complete response to initial TACE. We suggest TACE plus RFA be considered as a curative option for early HCC patients ineligible for curative resection of RFA.

Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS) is a minimally invasive spinal surgery, which is basically similar to microscopic spinal surgery in terms of the use of floating technique and technically similar to conventional percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgery in terms of the use of endoscopic or arthroscopic instruments. Using two independent portals (viewing and working) and maintaining a certain distance from the bony and neural structures allow closer access to the target lesion through a panoramic view by free handling of the scope and instruments rather than through a fixed view by docking into the Kambin's triangle. Minimally invasive surgery allows for reduced dissection and inevitable muscle injury, preserving stability and reducing risks of restabilization. The purpose of fusion surgery is the same as that of the three surgical techniques stated above. Its wider range of view helps to overcome limitations of conventional endoscopic spinal surgery and to supplement the weak points of microscopic spinal surgery, such as limited working space in a tubular retractor and difficulty in accessing the contralateral area. This technique provides an alternative to unilateral or bilateral decompression of lumbar central spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, low-grade spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment degeneration. Early clinical outcomes are promising despite potential for complications, such as dural tearing and postoperative epidural hematoma, similar to other procedures. Merits of BESS include decreased postoperative infection rate due to continuous irrigation throughout the procedure and decreased need for fusion surgery for one- or two-level lumbar stenosis by wide sublaminar and foraminal decompression with minimal sacrifice of stabilizing structures.

Prostate Artery Embolization: Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an emerging treatment option for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PAE is a minimally invasive technique and provides good results in BPH patients with moderate-to-severe LUTS. Most patients with BPH are old and have atherosclerosis. PAE can be technically challenging in these patients because of the tortuosity and small diameters of prostatic arteries. Therefore, patient selection is essential for successful results. To perform a safe procedure with no non-target embolization, precise knowledge of the prostatic arterial anatomy and meticulous techniques are important. A multidisciplinary approach by interventional radiologists and urologists is essential to achieve better outcomes.

Influence of Major Coping Strategies on Treatment Non-adherence and Severity of Comorbid Conditions in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence and comorbidities are prevalent among hemodialysis patients and are associated with increased mortality and financial burden. We aimed to investigate the influence of major coping strategies (CSs) on non-adherence and comorbidities in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A total of 49 patients were enrolled. We collected participant data including CS measured by a Korean version of the ways of coping questionnaire (K-WCQ), comorbidities measured by age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and adherence measured by the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8). RESULTS: Regarding major CS, 61.2% of participants reported use of support-seeking CS (SUP group), 14.3% reported use of problem-focused CS (PRO group), and 24.5% reported use of hopeful-thinking CS (HOP group). The mean MMAS-8 score was higher in the PRO group than in the HOP group (P = 0.024). The mean CCI score was lower in the PRO group than in the HOP group (P = 0.017). In the HOP group, the severity of somatic symptoms was positively correlated with the scores for the emotion-focused CS subscale (r = 0.39, P = 0.029) and the hopeful-thinking CS subscale (r = 0.38, P = 0.036) of the K-WCQ. The level of life satisfaction positively correlated with the score for the problem-focused CS subscale in the HOP group (r = 0.40, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: We should pay more attention to the CSs of hemodialysis patients and provide interventions that promote problem-focused CSs, especially for nonadherent patients with high comorbidity rates who mainly use a hopeful-thinking CS.

Utility of Volume Assessment Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: Fluid overload prior to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an important prognostic factor. Thus, precise evaluation of fluid status is necessary to treat such patients. In this study, we investigated whether fluid assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can predict outcomes in critically ill patients requiring CRRT. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and who required CRRT. BIA was conducted before CRRT; then, the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW) was derived to estimate volume status. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients treated with CRRT were included. There were 18 men (58.1%), and the median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 51 to 78 years). Fourteen patients (45.2%) died within 28 days after CRRT initiation. Patients were divided into 16 with ECW/TBW ≥0.41 and 15 with ECW/TBW <0.41. Survival rate within 28 days was different between the two groups (P = 0.044). Cox regression analysis revealed a relationship between ECW/TBW ≥0.41 and 28-day mortality, but it was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 9.8; P = 0.061). Lastly, the area under the curve of ECW/TBW for 28-day mortality was analyzed. The area under the curve of ECW/TBW was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.92), and this was significant (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Fluid status can be assessed using BIA in critically ill patients requiring CRRT, and BIA can predict mortality. Further large trials are needed to confirm the usefulness of BIA in critically ill patients.

Utility of Volume Assessment Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Fluid overload prior to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an important prognostic factor. Thus, precise evaluation of fluid status is necessary to treat such patients. In this study, we investigated whether fluid assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can predict outcomes in critically ill patients requiring CRRT. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and who required CRRT. BIA was conducted before CRRT; then, the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW) was derived to estimate volume status. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients treated with CRRT were included. There were 18 men (58.1%), and the median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 51 to 78 years). Fourteen patients (45.2%) died within 28 days after CRRT initiation. Patients were divided into 16 with ECW/TBW ≥0.41 and 15 with ECW/TBW <0.41. Survival rate within 28 days was different between the two groups (P = 0.044). Cox regression analysis revealed a relationship between ECW/TBW ≥0.41 and 28-day mortality, but it was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 9.8; P = 0.061). Lastly, the area under the curve of ECW/TBW for 28-day mortality was analyzed. The area under the curve of ECW/TBW was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.92), and this was significant (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Fluid status can be assessed using BIA in critically ill patients requiring CRRT, and BIA can predict mortality. Further large trials are needed to confirm the usefulness of BIA in critically ill patients.

Retrograde Endovenous Laser Ablation through Saphenopopliteal Junctional Area for Incompetent Small Saphenous Vein: Comparison with Antegrade Approach

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and to compare it with the conventional antegrade EVLA for incompetent small saphenous vein (SSV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small saphenous vein was cannulated via two approaches under ultrasound-guidance. One method involved puncturing the SSV cranially at mid-calf (the antegrade group). If the antegrade puncture into the SSV failed twice, the other approach for puncture was selected that involved puncturing the SSV toward the ankle (the retrograde group). Patients were evaluated in terms of technical & clinical success, closure rates of the SSV, and complications including pain, bruising, or paresthesia at all follow-up visits. RESULTS: The 1470 nm endovenous laser was used in all limbs. Technical success was seen in all limbs in both groups (100%). Closure rate in both groups showed about 95%, without significant difference (p = 0.685). Similar linear endovenous energy density was supplied during the EVLA in both groups (p = 0.876). Three frequent complications including bruising, pain, and paresthesia did not show statistical significance between groups (p = 0.465, 0.823, 1.000, respectively). Major complications were absent in both groups. CONCLUSION: The EVLA for the incompetent SSV using a retrograde approach is safe and effective and should be considered the alternative method if the antegrade access fails due to vasospasm or small SSV diameter.

Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis includes scoliosis diagnosed from three to ten years old according to the chronological age. Spine growth in juveniles does not occur at a rapid rate spinal deformity does not show rapid progress. However, because of the intimate relationship between chest wall growth and the spine, decrease of chest wall capacity due to scoliosis could lead to development of cardiovascular and pulmonary complication, especially in early age. In scoliosis in early age, other causes of the deformity including neurological problems should be evaluated. If the scoliosis angle is more than 25 degrees, it could progress very easily, thus aggressive treatment is needed. A new growing-sparing surgical technique (growing rod and growth modulation) is introduced for improvement of spine and chest growth, and for prevention of crankshaft phenomenon.

Changes in Dynamic Pedobarography after Extensive Plantarmedial Release for Paralytic Pes Cavovarus

PURPOSE: Plantarmedial release and first ray extension osteotomy are often combined to treat paralytic cavovarus foot deformity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of additional first ray extension osteotomy in terms of dynamic pedobarography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed findings of pre- and postoperative plain radiography and dynamic pedobarography for 25 patients in whom the flexibility of the hindfoot was confirmed by the Coleman block test. The results of treatment by extensive plantar medial release with first ray osteotomy (group I) were compared with the results of treatment by extensive plantar medial release alone (group II). RESULTS: Plain radiographs obtained pre- and postoperatively showed no statistically significant improvement in each group. Only in group I, peak forces at the 1st metatarsal head, 2nd metatarsal head and medial calcaneus were increased after operation. CONCLUSION: In paralytic hindfoot flexible cavovarus, extensive plantarmedial release with first ray osteotomy improve foot pressure distribution more than extensive plantarmedial release alone.

The Pattern of Occurrence of Fractures in Children and Adolescents and Its Managements Based on the Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to report on the pattern of medical process and relative frequencies of fractures in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed the database of the health insurance review and assessment service regarding children and adolescents under 20 years old treated from 2008 to 2010. Newly registered numbers of fractures in children and adolescents according to sex, month, institution, and anatomical location were also reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1,893,416 fractures occurred during three years; approximately 630,000 cases were treated during one year (approximately 562 cases among 10,000 people during one year). During one year, the most fractures occurred in June and the least in February. Senior general hospital consisted of 5.72%, 12.30% in general hospital, 19.28% in hospital, and 62.70% in clinics. Among the fracture sites, 0.05% were cervical fractures, 0.91% in sternum and thoracic vertebra, 1.35% in lumbar vertebra and pelvis, 12.79% in shoulder and upper extremities, 26.87% in lower extremities, 38.10% in wrist and hand, 1.01% in femur, 10.40% in lower extremities including ankle, and 8.52% in foot excluding ankle. The maximal incidence was age 14 years in male and 12 years in female. CONCLUSION: The authors reviewed the pattern of medical process and relative frequencies of fractures in children and adolescents.

Is There Relationship between Brain Atrophy and Higher Incidence of Hip Fracture in Old Age?: A Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: The studies on the correlation between incidence of fall and brain atrophy have been going on to find out the cause of fall and its prevention. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between incidence of hip fracture and brain volume, measured by magnetic resonance image. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 subjects with similar conditions (age, height, weight, and past history) were selected for this study. Fracture group (FG) was consisted of 5 subjects with intertrochanteric fracture. Control group (CG) had 9 subjects without intertrochanteric fracture. MRI-based brain volumetry was done in FG and CG with imaging software (V-works, CyberMed Co., Korea). Total brain (tBV), absolute cerebellar volumes (aCV) and relative cerebellar volumes (rCV) were compared between two groups. Student t-test was used to statistically analyze the results. RESULTS: In FG, average tBV, aCV and rCV were 1034.676+/-38.80, 108.648+/-76.80 and 10.50+/-0.72 cm3, respectively. In CG, average tBV, aCV and rCV were found to be 1106.459+/-89.15, 114.899+/-98.06 and 10.39+/-0.53 cm3, respectively, having no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the fracture and control groups. Patients with neurologic disease such as cerebellar ataxia definitely have high incidence of fall that causes fractures and have brain changes as well. However, FG without neurologic disease did not have brain volume change. We consider that high risk of fall with hip fracture might decrease brain function which is not obvious to pickup on MRI.

Outcomes of Gleason Score < or =8 among High Risk Prostate Cancer Treated with 125I Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy Based Multimodal Therapy

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy-based multimodal therapy in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) and analyze its optimal indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 50 high-risk PCa patients [clinical stage > or =T2c, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/mL, or biopsy Gleason score > or =8] who had undergone 125I LDR brachytherapy since April 2007. We excluded those with a follow-up period or =9 and Gleason score or =9 (p or =9 was observed to be significantly associated with BCR (p=0.021). Acute and late grade > or =3 toxicities were observed in 20% (10/50) and 36% (18/50) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that 125I LDR brachytherapy-based multimodal therapy in high-risk PCa produced encouraging relatively long-term results among the Asian population, especially in patients with Gleason score or =9 was a significant predictor of BCR among high risk PCa patients after brachytherapy.