Kyu Hong Kim

Gallbladder wall thickening in patients with acute hepatitis.

Gallbladder wall thickening (GWT) is often observed in patients with acute hepatitis (AH). However, little is known regarding the relationship between AH and GWT. We analyzed the characteristics of GWT in patients with AH.

Effect of Propranolol on Portal Pressure and Systemic Hemodynamics in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS Propranolol can prevent variceal bleeding by ameliorating portal hypertension. We conducted this study to determine the effect of propranolol on portal hypertension and the optimal required dose in Korean cirrhotic patients. METHODS This study prospectively evaluated 50 patients with cirrhosis who exhibited variceal bleeding. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), portal venous flow, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure were assessed both at baseline and at 3 months after the treatment. The initial dose of propranolol (20 mg) was subsequently adjusted until the target HR was reached. Patients in whom HVPG reduced by >20% or to less than 12 mmHg were defined as responders. RESULTS Propranolol significantly (p<0.01) reduced the HVPG (-21+/-26%, mean+/-standard deviation), portal venous flow (-25+/-21%), HR (-20+/-13%), and blood pressure (-3+/-13%). Twenty-nine patients were responders, and the optimal required dose was 154.4 mg. The main complication was dizziness (24%), but this was not serious enough to require medication withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Propranolol is safe and effective at reducing portal pressure in Korean cirrhotic patients. An effective improvement in portal hypertension requires the dose to be increased until the target HR is reached.

Thickening of the gastric wall on transabdominal sonography: A sign of gastric cancer

To determine the value of a thickened gastric wall detected during transabdominal sonography (TAS) in the diagnosis of gastric cancer.