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Biomedical subjects

H C Kim

Publications and source records attributed to H C Kim.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Variations in globin synthesis in delta-beta-thalassaemia.

Peripheral blood globin synthesis studies were done in 11 patients with delta beta-thalassaemia trait, Hb S-delta beta-thalassaemia or delta beta/betao-thalassaemia from two black and two Caucasian families. All patients had elevated Hb F and normal or decreased Hb A2 levels and 10 had family studies confirming the diagnosis. In addition, four unrelated non-thalassaemic patients with elevated Hb F levels also had peripheral blood globin synthesis studies. The beta/alpha specific activity globin synthesis ratios in the three blacks with delta beta-thalassaemia trait were 0.60--1.04. In the four Caucasians with delta beta-thalassaemia traint, the beta/alpha ratios were 0.58--1.02. These results demonstrate a wide range of ratios overlapping those of normal controls (0.99 +/- 0.06). The betas/alpha ratios in three blacks with Hb S-delta beta-thalassaemia ranged from 0.66 to 1.00, similar to those of patients with delta beta-thalassaemia trait. In the black patient with delta beta/betao-thalassaemia, the gamma/alpha ratio was 0.67. The beta/alpha peripheral blood ratios in the four non-thalassaemia patients with elevated Hb F ranged from 1.00 to 1.11, similar to those of normal controls. These studies indicate that a decreased beta/alpha ratio is not an invariable finding in delta beta-thalassaemia in blacks or Caucasian patients and that globin synthesis data alone is insufficient to diagnose definitively heterozygotes for delta beta-thalassaemia or to distinguish this trait from non-thalassaemic haematological disorders associated with a normal percentage of Hb A2 and an elevated level of Hb F.

Adolescent↗

Globin biosynthesis in sickle cell, Hb SC, and Hb C diseases.

The wide range of globin synthesis ratios reported in patients with sickle cell disease casts doubt on whether the presence of genes for alpha- or beta-thalassemia in combination with Hb S can be detected by globin synthesis studies. We have studied globin synthesis in 20 patients with Hb SS who had a mean betaA/alpha ratio of 1.05+/-0.04, similar to that of 28 control children. In nine of these patients the percentage of newly synthesized radioactive alpha-chains in dimer or monomer forms was 16.3%+/-1.3, also similar to the control subjects. The remainder of alpha-chain was in hemoglobin tetramer. In nine patients with Hb SC, the (non-alpha)/alpha ratio was 0.97+/-0.04, and the free alpha-chain pool radioactivity in four patients was 14.1%+/-4.2. In three patients with Hb CC, betac/alpha ratios were 0.99, 1.07, and 1.10. These results indicate that globin synthesis ratios and alpha-chain radioactivity in the free alpha-chain pool of peripheral blood of patients with Hb SS, Hb SC, and Hb CC have narrow ranges, close to those of nonthalassemic controls. The data provide a basis for detecting syndromes with Hb S or Hb C associated with alpha- or beta-thalassemia. This precise differentiation is important for clinical studies of severity in sickle cell disease and for genetic counseling.

Adolescent↗

Detection of sickle alpha- or beta0-thalassemia by studies of globin biosynthesis.

Globin synthesis studies are useful in the analysis of thalassemia syndromes. We have applied globin synthesis and free alpha-chain pool studies of peripheral blood to characterize hematologic disorders where alpha- or beta-thalassemia was present in combination with HbS or HbC. In 60 non-thalassemic controls, the beta/alpha specific activity ratio was 1.01 +/- 0.06 (SD). In three patients with HbS-beta0-thalassemia, the (betas + gamma)/alpha ratios were 0.48-.067. In four patients with HbSS-alpha-thalassemia, the (BETAS/ALPHA RATIO was 1.26 +/- 0.18 (1.13-1.53). The radioactive free alpha-chain pool in three patients with HbS-beta0-thalassemia was elevated (35.1%-53.0%), while three patients with HbSS-alpha-thalassemia had decreased free radioactive alpha-chain pools (3.2%-6.4%); both were significantly different from the mean (15.1% +/- 2.6%) of the 17 iron-sufficient controls. Simultaneous studies of the fraction of newly synthesized alpha chain contained in the free alpha-chain pool in peripheral blood and bone marrow demonstrated that this fraction was larger in peripheral blood than in marrow, and that the differences between thalassemia patients and controls previously found in bone marrow using these methods were also present in peripheral blood. The results indicate that even when family studies are not possible, patients with HbS in combination with alpha- or beta0-thalassemia can be differentiated from those with homozygous sickle cell disease by globin synthesis and free alpha-chain pool studies using peripheral blood.

Child↗

Erythroleukemia-like syndrome due to busulfan toxicity in polycythemia vera.

Over a 19-year period, a patient with polycythemia vera who had undergone a splenectomy received six courses of busulfan for recurrent thrombocytosis. The total dose of busulfan given for the sixth course was greater than that used for the previous ones. Severe pancytopenia followed, which persisted for 4 months. During this period there was marked erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow with striking dyserythropoiesis; PAS-positive red cell precursors, as well as moderate numbers of circulating normoblasts and evidence of chronic and acute hemolysis, were present. All of these findings reverted to normal without therapy, and the polycythemic state eventually recurred. These events are interpreted as an unusual marrow reaction following busulfan overdosage rather than a transient erythroleukemia.

Adult↗

Isolation and in vitro differentiation of human erythroid precursor cells.

There is decreased beta-globin production in beta-thalassemic reticulocytes and nucleated erythroid cells. In this study, we have examined whether unbalanced globin synthesis is expressed at all stages of human erythroid cell maturation. In order to determine the pattern of globin synthesis in early erythroid cells during erythroid cell maturation, an in vitro culture system using human bone marrow erythroid precursor cells has been developed. Early erythroid precursor cells (proerythroblasts and basophilic erythroblasts) have been isolated from nonthalassemic and thalassemic human bone marrows by lysing more mature erythroid cells, using complement and a rabbit antiserum prepared against normal human red cells. In the presence of erythropoietin, differentiation and proliferation of erythroid cells in demonstrable in liquid suspension culture for 24-48 hr, as determined by morphological criteria and by an increase in globin synthesis. The ratio of alpha- to beta-globin chain synthesis in nonthalassemic cells in approximately 1 at all stages of erythroid cell differentiation during culture. In cells from four patients with homozygous beta- thalassemia there is decreased beta-globin synthesis compared to alpha-globin synthesis, both in early erythroid precursor cells and during their maturation in culture. These findings indicate that unbalanced globin chain synthesis is expressed at all stages of red cell maturation in homozygous beta-thalassemia.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma of the liver: sonography, CT, angiography, and iodized-oil CT with pathologic correlation.

To evaluate the characteristics of combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma of the liver by imaging techniques, six patients (five male and one female), aged 46-60 years, with proved combined tumors were selected for this study from the review of 500 resected specimens of liver tumors. Images obtained from sonography, computed tomography (CT), angiography, and CT after intraarterial injection of iodized oil (iodized-oil CT) were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with the appearance of pathologic specimens. Sonographic findings were round or ovoid hypoechoic masses with central hyperechoic area (target appearance) in all patients. On CT scans, tumors were relatively well-defined low-and/or iso-attenuation masses in all patients. Angiography showed hypovascular masses in five patients. In one patient, the tumor appeared as a hypovascular mass with a central hypervascular area. On iodized-oil CT scans, all patients showed partial retention of iodized oil in tumors. Echogenicity in tumors at sonography or attenuation in tumors at CT could not be correlated with histologic difference in tumors at pathologic specimens. However, the hypervascular area at angiography and the compact retention areas of iodized oil at iodized-oil CT corresponded to portions of hepatocellular carcinoma within the combined tumor. On the basis of our results, imaging features, including target appearance at sonography, hypovascular mass with central hypervascular portions at angiography, and partial retention of iodized oil in tumors at iodized-oil CT, might be helpful in making accurate diagnosis of these rare tumors.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Afferent loop obstruction after gastric cancer surgery: helical CT findings.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the computed tomographic (CT) findings of afferent loop obstruction and assessed the value of helical CT in determining the underlying cause. METHODS: Helical CT scans of 18 patients (12 men and six women; age range = 35-67, mean age = 50 years) with afferent loop obstruction were reviewed. All patients had gastric cancer. Ten patients had undergone radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy, and eight had undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. CT images were analyzed retrospectively, and the presumed cause of obstruction on CT was compared with surgical findings (n = 8) and clinical courses (n = 10). RESULTS: Local recurrence (n = 15), peritoneal seeding (n = 1), internal hernia (n = 1), and adhesion (n = 1) were the presumed causes of obstruction on CT. In all eight patients who underwent a second operation, the cause of afferent loop obstruction was correctly suggested on CT (local recurrence in six patients and adhesion and internal hernia in one patient). In 10 patients who were not re-explored, the clinical findings or biopsy indicated recurrent tumor as suggested on CT. CONCLUSION: Recurrent tumors and other potential causes of afferent loop obstruction can be correctly predicted with CT in most cases.

Adult↗

Pancreatic carcinoid tumor with obstructive pancreatitis: multislice helical CT appearance: case report.

Carcinoid tumor of the pancreas is rare. Moreover, obstructive pancreatitis secondary to a pancreatic carcinoid tumor is extremely rare. We report a case of pancreatic carcinoid tumor in a 50-year-old male who presented with pancreatitis. On multislice helical computed tomography, the main pancreatic duct was obstructed by a small round tumor, and the main pancreatic duct proximal to the tumor was dilated. The correlation between the main pancreatic duct and the tumor was well depicted on minimum intensity projection image. This is the first report of multislice helical computed tomorgraphic and minimum intensity projection image findings of a pancreatic carcinoid tumor presenting with pancreatitis.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Isolated bladder metastases from stomach cancer: CT demonstration.

Isolated metastatic tumors of the urinary bladder are extremely rare. We report three cases of isolated bladder metastasis from stomach cancer, which were proved at transurethral biopsy or total cystectomy. The lesions appeared as focal or diffuse thickening of the bladder wall on computed tomography. No other metastatic lesion was detected on imaging studies, which made the diagnosis of bladder metastasis difficult. The possibility of metastatic bladder tumor should be considered when the bladder wall is thickened focally or diffusely in a patient treated with stomach cancer.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor in the serum of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with platelet and leukocyte counts.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic peptide expressed in a wide variety of tumors, and it stimulates angiogenesis and increases vascular permeability. Increased expression of VEGF may be associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of VEGF were determined in serum from 41 patients with untreated NSCLC (Stage: IIB, 3; IIIA, 6; IIIB, 17; IV, 15; HISTOLOGY: squamous cell carcinoma, 18; adenocarcinoma. 14; undetermined, 9). RESULTS: The median VEGF level was 312 pg/ml, ranging from 70 to 1440 pg/ml. Patients were divided into high VEGF (>312 pg/ml) and low VEGF (< or =312 pg/ml) groups using the median value as a cut-off. There were no significant associations between the serum VEGF levels and various clinicopathologic characteristics including age, gender, histologic type, stage and treatment. A significant positive correlation was found between serum VEGF levels and platelet counts (r=0.495; P=0.001). In addition, serum VEGF levels also correlated with leukocyte counts (r=0.478; P=0.002). In seven patients with measurement of follow-up serum VEGF levels at the end of treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy), the median serum VEGF level significantly decreased after the treatment (416 pg/ml; range, 96-812 pg/ml vs. 185 pg/ml; range, 49-487 pg/ml; P=0.028). However, the median platelet count (317,000/microl; range, 190,000-395,000/microl vs. 246,000/microl; range, 72,000-271,000/microl; P=0.028) and leukocyte count (10,000/microl; range, 8700-17,200/microl vs. 5100/microl; range, 3900-9500/microl; P=0.018) also decreased after the treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the median survival of the patients between high VEGF group and low VEGF group (8 months vs. 9 months, P=0.647). CONCLUSIONS: Although serum VEGF level was significantly associated with platelet and leukocyte counts in NSCLC patients, it did not correlate with tumor burden and prognosis of the patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗