A prospective study about the discrepancy between postmortem inspections conducted by emergency physicians and forensic pathologists.

Background: In South Korea, most postmortem examination certificates (death certificates) are issued by attending physicians working in the emergency department (ED). However, ED overcrowding has made continuous education and quality control of the postmortem examination certificate difficult. In this context, the National Forensic Service (NFS) is conducting an on-site postmortem inspection (OPI) project.

Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sleeping Practices in Korea.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Korea remains a poorly-understood subject for both professionals and the public. Recent reports have emphasized ethnic differences in SIDS rates, suggesting that making adjustments in child-rearing practices may contribute substantially to SIDS reduction. Two of the three major risk factors for SIDS-vulnerability of the infant and exogenous factors-need to be understood in particular depth due to their broad scope and sociocultural grounding.

Postmortem Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography Angiography: Cardiothoracic Imaging Applications in Forensic Medicine.

With the introduction of modern imaging technology into the forensic field, postmortem imaging, particularly postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), has gained increasing importance in forensic investigations of deaths. In recent years, PMCT, which aims to provide observer-independent, reproducible forensic assessment in a minimally invasive manner, has been incorporated into routine forensic practice in many medicolegal institutions worldwide as a complement to autopsy. To address questions with regard to vascular pathologies, postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) has been developed and has become a useful tool for exploring the vascular system.

Retrospective Genetic Analysis of 200 Cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Its Relationship with Long QT Syndrome in Korea.

Background: There has been a campaign by the National Education on Sleeping Habits and Living Environment, to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, more than 100 infants die suddenly and unexplainably before the age of 1 year in Korea. Long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inheritable cardiac disease, has been reported to likely be associated with up to 14% of SIDS cases.

Characteristics of sauna deaths in Korea in relation to different blood alcohol concentrations.

Although the benefits of sauna bathing have been demonstrated in epidemiological studies, sauna deaths have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in sauna deaths in Korea. In this retrospective analysis, data were collected from a nationwide pool in Korea between January 2008 and December 2015 to determine the role of alcohol intoxication in sauna deaths based on the subjects' BAC and to evaluate the demographic and forensic characteristics associated with different BACs.

Bath-related Deaths in Korea between 2008-2015.

Background: The diagnostic criteria for bathtub drownings are not standardized, and the risk factors associated with bath-related deaths are unclear.

Methods: We analyzed a Korean nationwide database of bath-related deaths that occurred between January 2008 and December 2015. Eighty-four cases were enrolled after reviewing 31,123 autopsy records.

Influence of Epidemiologic and Patient Behavior-Related Predictors on Amputation Rates in Diabetic Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Amputation of patients with diabetic foot is a major issue worldwide, particularly from a medical and economic standpoint. This meta-analysis aimed to identify significant risk factors of high amputation rate among epidemiologic and patient behavior-related predictors in diabetic patients. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.

Estimation of stature from femur length measured using computed tomography after the analysis of three-dimensional characteristics of femur bone in Korean cadavers.

Estimation of stature is a basic and important forensic procedure in identifying decomposed or skeletonized bodies. Due to advances in radiologic equipment, forensic science frequently uses computed tomography (CT) and software to apply these findings to investigations. Technical developments have increased the accuracy of the measurement of various bones.

Iatrogenic Through-and-Through Conchal Defect Secondary to Auricular Cartilage Graft.

Background: Over the past few years, conchal cartilage has been most often used in rhinoplasty. The donor site complications following conchal cartilage graft harvesting are scar formation, hematoma formation, and delayed wound healing, although hematoma is one of the most important and common complications. A complete conchal defect as a complication of auricular cartilage graft harvesting has not been previously reported in the literature.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as Effective and Comfortable Management After Treatment of Osmidrosis.

Unlabelled: Although osmidrosis has been widely discussed in respect to its treatment modalities, there has been no definite consideration of postoperative management after the treatment of osmidrosis. We have tested the 40-125 mmHg range of negative pressure. We present negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) of 70 mmHg for postoperative management in osmidrosis because NPWT has a role in removing fluid, such as blood or seroma, and diminishing the dead space between the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Efficacy of 2 Representative Topical Agents to Prevent Keloid Recurrence After Surgical Excision.

Purpose: Keloids are difficult to remove successfully and there is no universally accepted treatment. After surgical excision of the keloid, there are various management methods for prevention of keloid recurrence, such as intralesional injection, radiation, and topical agents. A few studies have compared topical agents with other treatments.

Osmidrosis Treatment Approaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There are many treatment modalities associated with osmidrosis. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare effective osmidrosis treatments.

Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.

Biomechanical Analysis of Barbed Suture in Flexor Tendon Repair versus Conventional Method: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The barbed suture technique uses newly developed materials for flexor tendon repair. In this study, the authors examine the effectiveness of using barbed sutures in flexor tendon repair compared with conventional methods.

Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

Predisposing factors for poor prognosis of angiosarcoma of the scalp and face: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Angiosarcoma of the scalp and face is an aggressive tumor with a high rate of local recurrence. Although many previous studies have demonstrated risk factors for poor prognosis, debate remains. We identified the predisposing factors for poor prognosis through comprehensive review of selected studies with meta-analysis.

Is obesity a predisposing factor for free flap failure and complications? Comparison between breast and nonbreast reconstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obesity is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity in breast reconstruction. Although existing studies about nonbreast reconstruction are limited, previous research has demonstrated that obesity is not an important factor in poor outcomes in nonbreast reconstruction. Our study evaluates the effects of obesity on postoperative morbidity in nonbreast reconstruction in comparison to breast reconstruction.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Triamcinolone and Radiation Therapy for Ear Keloids after Surgical Excision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The ear is a common site for keloid formation, usually after trauma or ear piercing. This study is a meta-analysis to identify effective treatments for ear keloids after surgical excision.

Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using core databases.

A Rare Case of Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Presenting with Skin Metastasis.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a well-differentiated and rare vascular tumor. Systemic metastases are uncommon. Herein, we present a patient with skin metastasis of pulmonary EHE (PEH) that was treated by wide excision.

Unusual Anatomic Variations Associated With Bilateral Ulnar Artery Hypoplasia.

Variations and anomalies of upper extremities have been commonly reported in routine dissection, clinical practices, and cadaver studies. Despite ongoing research on arterial variations of upper extremities, the absence of bilateral ulnar artery is extremely rare with only 3 patients reported. As the authors are presenting a successfully treated patient, initially prepped for radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap for treatment on oromandibular defect after a wide resection of head and neck cancer lesion, being confirmed to have bilateral ulnar artery hypoplasia and due to this, the patient had to change her surgical plan to fibular osteocutaneous free flap.

Ischemic Necrosis of Upper Lip, and All Fingers and Toes After Norepinephrine Use.

A 68-year-old woman with necrosis of total finger, toe, and upper lip was requested by department of internal medicine. She was diagnosed with septic shock and treated with norepinephrine 10 days ago. Norepinephrine is an often-used medicine for normalizing blood pressure in septic shock patients.