Rock Bum Kim

Analysis of factors that influence the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for predicting response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict residual lesion size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to determine the factors that influence the accuracy of response prediction.MethodsThis study comprised 166 patients who underwent MRI before and after NAC, but before surgery. The longest diameter of the residual cancer was measured using MRI and correlated with pathologic findings. Patients were further divided into subgroups according to various radiologic and histopathologic factors. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as the absence of residual invasive cancer cells. The Pearson correlation was used to correlate tumor size as determined by MRI and pathology, and the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare MRI-pathologic size discrepancies according to various clinical, histopathologic factors, and MRI findings.ResultsOf the 166 women, 40 achieved pCR. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing invasive residual disease by using MRI were 96, 65, and 89xa0%, respectively. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the tumor sizes measured using MRI and pathology was 0.749 (Pxa0<xa00.001). The size discrepancy was significantly greater in patients with estrogen receptor-positive cancer (Pxa0=xa00.037), in cancers with low nuclear grade (Pxa0=xa00.007), and in cancers shown as diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on MRI (Pxa0=xa00.001).ConclusionsSize prediction is less accurate in cases with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, low nuclear grade, and diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on initial MRI.

Trends in the Incidence of Hospitalized Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Korea, 2006-2010

This study attempted to calculate and investigate the incidence of hospitalized acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke in Korea. Using the National Health Insurance claim data, we investigated patients whose main diagnostic codes included AMI or stroke during 2006 to 2010. As a result, we found out that the number of AMI hospitalized patients had decreased since 2006 and amounted to 15,893 in 2010; and that the number of those with stroke had decreased since 2006 and amounted to 73,501 in 2010. The age-standardized incidence rate of hospitalized AMI, after adjustment for readmission, was 41.6 cases per 100,000-population in 2006, and had decreased to 29.4 cases in 2010 (for trend P < 0.001). In the case of stroke was estimated at 172.8 cases per 100,000-population in 2006, and had decreased to 135.1 cases in 2010 (for trend P < 0.001). In conclusion, the age-standardized incidence rates of both hospitalized AMI and stroke in Korea had decreased continuously during 2006 to 2010. We consider this decreasing trend due to the active use of pharmaceuticals, early vascular intervention, and the national cardio-cerebrovascular disease care project as the primary and secondary prevention efforts.

Analysis of Clinical Feature and Management of Fish Bone Ingestion of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Objectives Fish bone impaction in the upper gastrointestinal tract is a common reason for patients to seek emergent care. The aim of this study was to find a clinical characteristics of patients with fish bone impaction in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods The study was conducted on 286 fish bone ingestion patients who complained of dysphagia and irritation after eating fish. The patients were treated according to the hospital protocol regarding the removal of fish bone. The parameters for the analysis included the age and sex of the patients, location and characteristics of the foreign body, method of removal, and type of fish. Results The fish bone could be observed by the physical examination in the oral cavity and laryngopharynx in 198 patients (69.23%). For those patients in whom the foreign body could not be observed in oral cavity and laryngopharynx, noncontrast computed tomography (CT) (from nasopharynx to diaphragm) was performed. The fish bone was discovered in the esophagus of 66 patients (23.08%). The esophageal fish bone was successfully removed by transnasal flexible esophagoscopy (TNE) in 55 patients, the fish bone moved to the stomach in 10 patients and one fish bone was removed by rigid esophagoscopy due to esophageal abscess. The esophageal fish bone was mostly found in patients aged 50 years and older. Conclusion Fish bone foreign body ingestion in the esophagus appeared to be more common in older patients. Incorporating noncontrast CT and TNE can facilitate decision-making and adequate treatment for patients with fish bone impactions.

Effectiveness of an i-PTH Measurement in Predicting Post Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia: Prospective Controlled Study

Purpose Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) level in thyroidectomy patients could predict hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods We performed a prospective study of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Serum concentration of i-PTH, total calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (P), magnesium (Mg), and albumin were measured preoperatively and at 0 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours postoperatively. Results 108 patients were recruited to the study. A total of 50 patients (46%) experienced hypocalcemia. The serum i-PTH concentration was linearly related to the time of measurement, while concentrations of P, Mg, albumin, Ca, and Ca2+ were not. We compared odds ratios, and found that the concentration of i-PTH at 6 hours post operation was the most closely related to the occurrence of hypocalcemic symptom. On ROC analysis using i-PTH level at 6 hours, an i-PTH level of 10.6 mg/dL was found to maximize both sensitivity and specificity at the same time point. Conclusion We found that i-PTH was a predictor of hypocalcemia, and that the earliest predictor of hypocalcemic symptoms was an i-PTH concentration lower than 10.6 mg/dL obtained 6 hours after total thyroidectomy.

Prevalence of and Sociodemographic Factors Related to Voice Disorders in South Korea.

OBJECTIVESnStudies on the prevalence of and the sociodemographic factors related to voice disorders are rare. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of voice disorders and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with an increased risk of voice disorder.nnnMETHODSnA cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011. Subjects consisted of 19xa0636 men and women aged ≥19xa0years. Sociodemographic factors including occupation, level of education, health status, and economic activity were assessed by means of individual interviews, and health behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and subjective voice problems were assessed with the use of self-administered questionnaires. Laryngology interviews and vocal fold examinations were also conducted.nnnRESULTSnThe prevalence of voice disorders was 8.12% (nxa0=xa01594). Subjective perception of the presence of voice problems was significantly higher in individuals with vocal nodules and vocal polyps (27.7% and 23.0%, respectively; Pxa0<xa00.001). Among sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, voice disorders were found to be associated with age, gender, education level, and health status (Pxa0<xa00.05) but were not associated with occupation, household income, smoking, or alcohol consumption.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe results of this large epidemiologic study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of voice disorders, and the specific data regarding sociodemographic factors and health behaviors suggest potential ways of targeting counseling and prevention efforts to control voice disorders.

Prevalence of laryngeal disease in South Korea: data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesion (polyp, cysts, nodules) and Leukoplakia in Korea. Materials and Methods The data from the 2008 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which were cross-sectional survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of South Korea. A survey team that included an otolaryngology residents, nurses, and interviewers moved with a mobile examination unit and performed laryngologic interviews and examinations of vocal folds using rigid telescopic laryngoscopy on survey participants over 19 years old (n=19636). Results Laryngoscopic examination revealed normal results in 19251 (98.04%) of those included in the survey. Abnormal laryngoscopic findings were observed in 1.96% of the population examined, and vocal cord nodules were the most common abnormal finding. The prevalence of vocal cord nodules was 0.99-1.72%, the prevalence of vocal cord polyps was 0.31-0.55%, the prevalence of vocal cysts was 0.04-0.17%, and the prevalence of vocal cord leukoplakia was 0.07-0.21%. There was no significant correlation of linear trend of prevalence by year, and there were no significant differences in prevalence between males and females. Conclusion This is the first nationwide epidemiologic study to assess the prevalence of Benign Vocal Fold Lesion (polyp, cysts, nodules) and Leukoplakia by both the Korean Otolaryngologic Society and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The results of this large epidemiologic study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of voice disorders and the management of laryngologic diseases.

Comparison of natural drainage group and negative drainage groups after total thyroidectomy: prospective randomized controlled study.

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare a negative pressure drain with a natural drain in order to determine whether a negative pressure drainage tube causes an increase in the drainage volume. Materials and Methods Sixty-two patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were enrolled in the study between March 2010 and August 2010 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital. The patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to two groups, a negative pressure drainage group (n=32) and natural drainage group (n=30). Every 3 hours, the volume of drainage was checked in the two groups until the tube was removed. Results The amount of drainage during the first 24 hours postoperatively was 41.68±3.93 mL in the negative drain group and 25.3±2.68 mL in the natural drain group (p<0.001). After 24 additional hours, the negative drain group was 35.19±4.26 mL and natural drain groups 21.53±2.90 mL (p<0.001). However, the drainage at postoperative day 3 was not statistically different between the two groups. In addition, the vocal cord palsy and temporary and permanent hypocalcemia were not different between the two groups. Conclusion These results indicate that a negative pressure drain may increase the amount of drainage during the first 24-48 hours postoperatively. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a closed suction drain when only a total thyroidectomy is done.

The prognostic value of immunohistochemical markers for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

AbstractThe objective of the study was to examine the prognostic nvalue of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), carbonic anhydrase-IX (CA-IX), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Ki-67, and erythropoietin receptor in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of marker expression was performed on tissue samples from 25 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The Kaplan–Meier method, univariate and multivariate analyses, and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to examine associations between patient and tumor characteristics, and the immunohistochemical results and disease-specific survival. There was no association between the expression of the five markers and disease-specific survival, and there was no statistically significant difference in the hazards ratio according to postoperative radiotherapy. There was no correlation between marker expression and prognosis. There was no association between marker expression and radioresistance or disease-specific survival. Therefore, HIF-1α, CA-IX, COX-2, Ki-67, and erythropoietin receptor are not suitable prognostic markers for tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

The General Public’s Awareness of Early Symptoms of and Emergency Responses to Acute Myocardial Infarction and Related Factors in South Korea: A National Public Telephone Survey

Background Prompt treatment affects prognosis and survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) onset. This study evaluated the awareness of early symptoms of AMI and knowledge of appropriate responses on symptom occurrence, along with related factors. Methods Participants’ knowledge of the early symptoms of and responses to AMI onset were investigated using a random digit dialing survey. We included 9600 residents of 16 metropolitan cities and provinces in Korea. Results The proportions of respondents who were aware of early symptoms of AMI ranged from 32.9% (arm or shoulder pain) to 79.1% (chest pain and discomfort). Of the respondents, 67.0% would call an ambulance if someone showed signs of AMI, 88.7% knew ≥1 symptom, 10.9% knew all five symptoms, and 3.1% had excellent knowledge (correct identification of all five AMI symptoms, not answering “Yes” to the trap question, and correctly identifying calling an ambulance as the appropriate response when someone is exhibiting AMI symptoms). The odds ratio (OR) for having excellent knowledge was significantly higher for those who graduated college or higher (OR 3.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–10.76) than for those with less than a primary school education, as well as for subjects with AMI advertisement exposure (OR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.10–2.02) and with knowledge of AMI (OR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.16–2.27). The 60- to 79-year-old group had significantly lower OR for excellent knowledge than the 20- to 39-year-old group (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28–0.99). Conclusions Awareness of AMI symptoms and the appropriate action to take after symptom onset in South Korea was poor. Therefore, educational and promotional strategies to increase the overall awareness in the general public, especially in the elderly and those with low education levels, are needed.

Thyroid Nodules with Repeat Nondiagnostic Cytologic Results: The Role of Clinical and Ultrasonographic Findings

ObjectivesUltrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the most valuable procedure in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. One possible result of FNA of thyroid nodules, however, is “nondiagnostic” cytology. In these cases, consensus guidelines suggest repeating FNA with ultrasound guidance, but the results obtained may continue to be nondiagnostic. These results cause confusion due to the fact that there exist conflicting potential treatment modalities, such as performing diagnostic surgery or recommending follow-up. Hence, the present study aimed to establish a protocol for performing diagnostic operations for thyroid nodules with repeat nondiagnostic cytology.Materials and methodsThis study was performed on patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA and molecular testing for BRAF gene mutation. Out of 1,203 patients, 84 had nondiagnostic cytology and were BRAF negative, and ultrasound-guided FNA was repeated on these patients. Out of this group, 54 patients once again had nondiagnostic cytology, and 51 of these underwent diagnostic surgery. We analyzed the characteristics and ultrasonographic findings of the group of patients with repeat nondiagnostic cytology.ResultsOn the initial ultrasound-guided FNA, the percentage of patients with nondiagnostic cytology was 6.98xa0%, and on repeat ultrasound-guided FNA, the percentage of patients with nondiagnostic cytology was 67.5xa0%. The majority of these patients underwent diagnostic surgery, and 36 (70.6xa0%) patients were diagnosed as having a malignant thyroid nodule, while15 (29.4xa0%) patients were diagnosed with a benign nodule. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in the size of the nodule, hypoechogenicity, and microcalcification in the ultrasonography findings. Multivariate analysis revealed only hypoechogenicity as a factor that showed a significant difference (p value 0.017, 95xa0% confidence interval 1.494-62.426).The diagnostic accuracy of the ultrasonography was 76.5xa0%.ConclusionsHypoechogenicity on ultrasonography represents an excellent parameter for the selection of those who should be referred for diagnostic operation among patients with thyroid nodules and repeat nondiagnostic cytology.