Effects of Providing Animated Information on Anxiety and the Nursing Satisfaction of Children who have Received Strabismus Surgery and their Guardians

PURPOSE: This study was designed to test the effects of providing animated information on preoperative anxiety and postoperative nursing satisfaction of children who had received strabismus surgery as well as any effects on their guardians. METHODS: The subjects of the study consisted of hospitalized school-aged children and their guardians who were waiting for strabismus surgery in the P university hospital in B metropolitan city. There were 20 pairs of experimental groups and 20 pairs of control groups. The animated information was provided twice before and after the surgery. The data was analyzed using χ2-test, t-test and ANCOVA using the SPSS program. RESULTS: The preoperative anxiety of children and their guardians was significantly improved in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. Postoperative nursing satisfaction was also significantly increased in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that providing such animated information may reduce preoperative anxiety and increase nursing satisfaction after the performance of strabismus surgery operations on children as well as effects on their guardians. Therefore, animated information is recommended for use in clinical fields for children who are to receive strabismus surgery child in addition to their guardians as an efficient nursing intervention.

Adult intussusception caused by inverted Meckel's diverticulum treated with operation / 영남의대학술지

Intussusception is a serious disease where part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. Adult intussusception is mainly due to benign or malignant neoplasm. Therefore, in most cases of adult intussusception, treatment by surgery would be preferable to conservative therapy. However, we report on a 28-year-old female patient who underwent intussusception operation delayed 3 months. Abdominal computed tomography 3 months ago showed a small bowel intussusception measuring 20 cm long. Three months later, the previously identified small bowel intussusception appeared without change. The patient underwent surgery, and ectopic gastric mucosa was observed in the biopsy. Therefore, Meckel's diverticulum was diagnosed.

A Case of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in an Elderly Patient / 임상당뇨병

Insulin deficiency due to destruction of pancreatic beta-cells is a typical characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). In 2000 Imagawa proposed a novel diagnostic model defining "fulminant type 1 DM" as developing rapidly without any evidence of autoimmunity, and ever since there have been many reports regarding the matter in Japan. In 2004, the first fulminant type 1 diabetes case was reported in Korea; however, there have been few reports since then. We present a case of a 60-year-old man who suffered from excessive thirst and polyuria after myalgia. Laboratory findings revealed a high blood glucose level and evidence of diabetic ketoacidosis, but the HbA1c level was within the normal range. The serum C-peptide level was very low and antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase were negative. These findings suggested fulminant type 1 diabetes. This patient has shown improvement in symptoms and examination results without complications after being treated with insulin therapy with hydration, throughout 6-months follow-up period.

Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty with Buechel and Pappas Knee: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Clinical and radiologic evaluation and analyses of the surgeries using Buechel and Pappas (B-P) knee implants. METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent 94 total knee replacement arthroplasty with B-P knee implants from May 2009 to December 2010. The results were compared to the results of 41 patients who underwent 60 knee joint surgeries using NexGen-LPS implants from January 2008 to August 2009. RESULTS: The American Knee Society score of the B-P knee group increased from an average of 66.9 (clinical score) and 65.5 (functional score) to 93.4 and 90.3, respectively; while those for the NexGen-LPS group increased from an average of 68.8 (clinical score) and 62.4 (functional score) to 86.3 and 76, respectively. The average ranges of motion of the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group were 119.1degrees and 114.8degrees, respectively, before surgery and improved to 121.0degrees and 123.0degrees at final follow-up after the surgery. The visual analogue scale scores for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group improved from 4.7 and 4.6 to 1.4 and 1.8, respectively. The flexion contracture also improved from 5.1degrees and 6.3degrees to 0.64degrees and 1.72degrees. The tibio-femoral angle for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group also improved greatly after the surgery, from varus 0.34degrees and 0.73degrees each to valgus 6.7degrees and 6.9degrees, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of more than 2 years of total knee replacement arthroplasty using B-P knee implants showed good results. B-P knee implants showed a relatively higher degree of satisfaction in clinical knee score and less intraoperative bone mass removal than NexGen-LPS implants.

Case Reports of Severe Coronary Artery Spasm Associated with Three Different Endocrine Hyperfunction

Disorders of the endocrine system including hormone hyperfunction and hypofunction have multiple effects on cardiovascular system. However, in clinical practice, there are many cases of delayed or overlooked diagnosis of underlying endocrine dysfunction in patients presenting chest pain or other cardiac symptoms. Herein, we report three cases of endocrine hyperfunction presenting as coronary spasm; Graves' hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism. Chest pains disappear after treatment for these endocrine diseases. Endocrine hyperfunctions such as the three cases described above should be considered as possible diagnosis in patients with complaint of chest pain. High index of suspicion are needed.

Retraction: Eosinophilic Enteritis with Eosinophilic Ascites without Eosinophilia / 이화의대지

This article has been retracted at the authors' request.

Restoration of Lumbar Lordosis After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with 4 Degree Cage in Degenerative Spinal Disease

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective radiological evaluation. OBJECTIVES: This purpose of this study is to determine how much lumbar lordosis and disc heights are restored after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with cage in degenerative spinal disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Restoration of lumbar lordosis in lumbar spine surgery is crucial for clinical outcomes, but there are few studies about the relationship between restoration of lumbar lordosis and cage. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty-one patients with degenerative spinal diseases underwent PLIF using metal cage with 4degrees lordotic angle. The mean age was 61 year-old (range 38-83 years). Cases with late complications including nonunion, subsidence of cage and instrument failure were excluded in this study. Lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, disc height, and sagittal alignment were analyzed on radiographs. RESULTS: The fused level was one segment in 62 patients and two segments in 19 patients. All patients had the fusion from L3 to the sacrum. Preoperative lumbar lordosis was 34.2degrees, improved to 34.6degrees after surgery, and then changed to 32.2degrees at the final follow-up, demonstrating that the cage with 4degrees lordotic angle was not effective to restore lumbar lordosis. Segmental lordosis at the level of cage decreased at the final follow-up as compared to preoperative value at all segments. Disc height was improved at the final follow-up as compared to preoperative value. CONCLUSION: Disc height was restored after PLIF using cage in the surgery for degenerative lumbar spine. However, lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis were decreased at the final follow-up as compared to preoperative lordosis.

Clostridium difficile Colitis after Topical Ophthalmic Use of Levofloxacin / 이화의대지

Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) has been associated with virtually all available antibiotics. It is well known that administration of drugs by the ocular route can result in systemic absorption with the possibility of systemic effect. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman who was treated with 0.5% levofloxacin eyedrops for ten weeks running for the post operative management of two separate bilateral cataract surgeries. Toxin assay for C. difficile was positive and the endoscopic findings were compatible with CDC. The plasma concentrations reached after intraocular administration of levofloxacin seem so trivial, but the administration of topical agents could make accumulated effect and be a potential cause of systemic toxicity.

Clostridium difficile Colitis after Topical Ophthalmic Use of Levofloxacin / 이화의대지

Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) has been associated with virtually all available antibiotics. It is well known that administration of drugs by the ocular route can result in systemic absorption with the possibility of systemic effect. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman who was treated with 0.5% levofloxacin eyedrops for ten weeks running for the post operative management of two separate bilateral cataract surgeries. Toxin assay for C. difficile was positive and the endoscopic findings were compatible with CDC. The plasma concentrations reached after intraocular administration of levofloxacin seem so trivial, but the administration of topical agents could make accumulated effect and be a potential cause of systemic toxicity.

Eosinophilic Enteritis with Eosinophilic Ascites without Eosinophilia / 이화의대지

Eosinophilic enteritis is an uncommon disease of unknown cause characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in various areas of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms. It is generally classified according to the layer of the gastrointestinal tract involved. Eosinophilic infiltration of the serosa is the rarest form of presentation and may manifest eosinophilic ascites. We report a case of a 47-year-old man who experienced progressing abdominal pain. A diffuse erythematous change of the gastric mucosa was observed on gastrofibroscopy. An abdominal computed tomography and colonoscopy showed diffuse wall thickening of the small bowel and colon with a small amount of ascites. Eosinophilic infiltration was confirmed by multiple biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract and peritoneal fluid analysis. The patient was treated with corticosteroid and responded dramatically.

Eosinophilic Enteritis with Eosinophilic Ascites without Eosinophilia / 이화의대지

Eosinophilic enteritis is an uncommon disease of unknown cause characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in various areas of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms. It is generally classified according to the layer of the gastrointestinal tract involved. Eosinophilic infiltration of the serosa is the rarest form of presentation and may manifest eosinophilic ascites. We report a case of a 47-year-old man who experienced progressing abdominal pain. A diffuse erythematous change of the gastric mucosa was observed on gastrofibroscopy. An abdominal computed tomography and colonoscopy showed diffuse wall thickening of the small bowel and colon with a small amount of ascites. Eosinophilic infiltration was confirmed by multiple biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract and peritoneal fluid analysis. The patient was treated with corticosteroid and responded dramatically.

Association Study between Folate Pathway Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Gastric Cancer in Koreans

Gastric cancer is ranked as the most common cancer in Koreans. A recent molecular biological study about the folate pathway gene revealed the correlation with a couple of cancer types. In the folate pathway, several genes are involved, including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR), and methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR). The MTHFR gene has been reported several times for the correlation with gastric cancer risk. However, the association of the MTRR or MTR gene has not been reported to date. In this study, we investigated the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MTHFR, MTRR, and MTR genes and the risk of gastric cancer in Koreans. To identify the genetic association with gastric cancer, we selected 17 SNPs sites in folate pathway-associated genes of MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR and tested in 1,261 gastric cancer patients and 375 healthy controls. By genotype analysis, estimating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI), rs1801394 in the MTRR gene showed increased risk for gastric cacner, with statistical significance both in the codominant model (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.85) and dominant model (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.75). Especially, in the obese group (body mass index > or = 25 kg/m2), the codominant (OR, 9.08; 95% CI, 1.01 to 94.59) and recessive model (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 0.92 to 16.59) showed dramatically increased risk (p < 0.05). In conclusion, rs1801394 in the MTRR gene is associated with gastric cancer risk, and its functional significance need to be validated.

Analysis of the Factors Involved in Failed Fixation in Elderly Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture

PURPOSE: To analyze the causes of internal fixation failure in elderly intertrochanteric femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 93 intertrochanteric femoral fractures that were treated by internal fixation. The follow-up period was at least 24 months. The mean age was 73 years. We analyzed the classification of the fracture, screw position, reduction state of the fracture, and neck-shaft angle. RESULTS: Internal fixation failure occurred in 12 cases (12.9%). The causes of internal fixation failure were one case (1.0%) of head perforation, 7 cases (7.5%) of excessive slippage of a screw, and 4 cases (4.3%) of varus deformity. Significant factors infixation failure were displacement of the posterolateral fragment more than 8 mm in anteroposterior radiograph, anterior displacement of a fragment, or more than 20-degree angulation in lateral radiography. Thirty-three cases had a screw in the middle position and 4 of these cases (12.1%) had fixation failure. Notably, 14 cases had a screw in the posteromedial position and 6 of these cases had fixation failure (42.8%). CONCLUSION: Accurate reduction of the posteromedial fragment is essential in unstable intertrochanteric fracture and anterior displacement or angulation should be avoided to prevent fixation failure. The tip apex distance of the screw and central location of the screw in the femoral head is also an important factor.

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome associateed with pedunculated subserosal myoma and elevated CA-125 level / 대한산부인과학회지

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome consists of pleural effusion, ascites, and benign tumors of the ovary other than fibromas. These benign tumors include those of the fallopian tube or uterus and mature teratomas, struma ovarii, and ovarian leiomyomas. Although uterine leiomyomas are frequent gynecological finding, they are rarely cause pseudo-Meigs' syndrome with elevated serum CA 125 levels. A case of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome associated with subserosal leiomyoma is presented with a brief review of literatures.

The Effects of Deferoxamine on the Oxygen Free Radical and Neutrophil in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Adequate circulation is indispensable for flap survival. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the causes of flap necrosis. Current evidence suggests that tissue damage associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammatory responses may be mediated by oxygen free radicals and neutrophils. Oxygen free radicals can directly alter structural component of tissue, attack membrane phospholipids and produce the chemotactic factor for neutrophil which is main cell in inflammatory reactions and an important source of oxygen free radicals. Deferoxamine is well known as a powerful chelator of iron and free radical scavenger. It is also known to decrease the skin flap necrosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of deferoxamine on the oxygen free radicals and neutrophils after ischemia-reperfusion injury of skin flaps. A 6 x 3 cm sized island skin flap was made on the left abdomen of rat and the epigastric pedicle was occluded for 6 hours. Thirty minutes before reperfusion, the flaps were perfused with normal saline or deferoxamine. The flap survival rates were assessed by computerized planimetry on the fifth day after reperfusion. Tissues for assay of MDA and MPO were obtained at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours after reperfusion. The results were as follows: 1. Deferoxamine administration groups improved flap survival rates significantly compared to control groups (78.3+/-13.2%, 54.6+/-6.35%) (p = 0.0011). 2. The level of MDA was significantly lowered in deferoxamine administration groups compared to control groups(p<0.05). The levels of MDA were increased over time in each group but, the ircrement was steeper in control groups than that in deferoxamine administration groups. In control groups, the increment between 6 and 12 hours was argest. 3. MPO content was increased over time in each group but significantly low in deferoxamine administration groups compared to control groups(p<0.05). The increment of control groups was steeper than that of deferoxamine administration groups. We conclude that deferoxamine improve the flap survival rates after reperfusion injury by inhibition of production of oxygen free radicals and neutrophil influx via a free radical scavenger 8 anti-inflammatory action.

A Case of Favre-Racouchot Syndrome Treated with Retinoic Acid and Surgical Excision / 대한피부과학회지

Favre-Racouchot syndrome is a disease of senile or actinic processes and another name is nodular elastosis with cysts and comedones. Clinically, facial skin shows, especially lateral to the eyes, multiple open and cystically dilatated comedones and can be defined as cutaneous disturbances characterized by a degenerative process of the dermis associated with cysts and comedones. Sunlight is a strong causative factor and dermal degenerative processes result in this condition. We report the case of a 78-year-old man who showed multiple yellowish papules on both sides of cheeks, the periorbital and, malar areas. He had had this condition for 25-years. His job used to involve physical labor and much exposure to sunlight. An excisional biopsy specimen from the facial malar lesion showed cystically dilated comedones with basophilically degenerated dermal tissue. We performed a therapeutic excision on the two large nodular lesions on both malar areas and applied topical tretinoin. The Patients clinical appearance was much improved 2 months later.

Angiokeratoma Circumscriptum: Successful Treatment with the Flashlamp Pulsed Tunable Dye Laser / 대한피부과학회지

Angiokeratoma circumscriptum is present at birth or early childhood and is an uncommon dermatosis characterized by papules and small nodules that may coalesce to form plaques. Histopathologically, there are varying degrees of hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and irregular acanthosis. In the papillary dermis, greatly dilated capillaries are observed, The acanthotic epidermis encircles the vascular spaces(blood cysts) where, occasionally, organized thrombi may be found. The use of pulsed-dye lasers to treat cutaneous vascular lesions is based on the theory of selective photothermolysis. We report a case of an angiokeratoma circumscriptum in an 48-year-old woman for whom the flashlamp pulsed tunable dye laser proved to be a highly successful means of treatment.

First stage reconstruction of ambiguous external genitalia in children

The criteria for the identification of sex are as follows; sex chromosome and chromatin, gonadal structure, morphology of the external genitalia, morphology of the internal genitalia, hormonal status, sex of rearing and gender role. During these steps, any disturbance may be presented clinically as a disorder of intersexuality. Hermaphroditism is a state of having ambiguous genitalia due to abnormal sexual differentiation. We experienced three children with ambiguous external genitalia. Two patients were male pseudohemaphrodites, who had a normal male chromosomal constitution of 46XY with incomplete masculinization of the external genitalia and hypospadia. One patient was female pseudohemaphrodite, who had a normal female chromosomal constitution of 46XX with male phallus-like enlarged clitoris associated with posterior labial fusion and single perineal urogenital orifice. There was elevated urinary 17 ketosteriod and hypertrophied adrenal gland on CT scan. We planned staged reconstruction because they were children. First stage reconstruction were surgical restoration of the ambiguous external genitalia to normal appearance and removal of contradictory gonadal structure as early as possible. Second stage reconstruction includes reconstruction of secondary sex characteristics after puberty such as mammaplasty, vaginoplasty, and facial plasty. Hormonal therapy was necessary for normalization of hormonal status and promotion of expression of secondary sex characteristics. In first stage reconstruction, we performed clitoroplasty by use of glans penis island flap with dorsal neurovascular bundle, labioplasty and orchiectomy in two male hermaphroites. All neoclitoris survived well with good preservation of sensation.

A Case of Inflammatory Metastatic Carcinoma of the Breast

A 51-year-old Korean woman presented with a non-tender, well-demarcated, reddish, edematous patch on the right anterior chest where a previous mastectomy and radiation therapy had been performed. She had been diagnosed as having infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast about 1 year ago. Histopathological findings of the skin lesions were consistent with inflammatory metastatic carcinoma of the breast. Inflammatory carcinoma or carcinoma erysipeloides is a well-established entity most frequently associated with carcinoma of the breast. It is characterized by dermal lymphatic invasion by malignancy and clinically should be distinguished from erysipelas or cellulitis. We describe a case of inflammatory metastatic carcinoma derived from an infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast which can be clinically confused with radiation dermatitis.

A Case of Umbilical Omphalomesenteric Duct Polyp / 대한피부과학회지

A umbilical omphalomesenteric duct polyp is the result of incomplete closure of the omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the midgut with the yolk sac of the embryo. It may be associated with underlying embryologic anomalies such as Meckels diverticulum and umbilical enteric fistula, the complications of which may at times be fatal. This rare malformation should be clinically discerned from persistent granulation tissue or pyogenic granuloma. Histologically, it shows a polypoid lesion consisting of ectopic gastrointestinal epithelium with the appearance of gastric, intestinal, or colonic mucosa. We report a case of an umbilical omphalomesenteric duct polyp in an 8-year-old male patient, who had had a bright-red polyp on the umbilicus from the age of 1 month and had not had any other types of underlying abnormalities.