• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2018

Purpose In PET/CT exam, washed-out artifact could occur due to severe motion of the patient and high specific activity, it results in lowering not only qualitative reading but also quantitative analysis. Scatter limitation correction by GE is an algorism to correct washed-out artifact and recover the images in PET scan. The purpose of this study is to measure the threshold of specific activity which can recovers to original uptake values on the image shown with washed-out artifact from phantom experiment and to compare the quantitative analysis of the clinical patient's data before and after correction. Materials and Methods PET and CT images were acquired in having no misalignment(D0) and in 1, 2, 3, 4 cm distance of misalignment(D1, D2, D3, D4) respectively, with 20 steps of each specific activity from 20 to 20,000 kBq/ml on $^{68}Ge$ cylinder phantom. Also, we measured the distance of misalignment of foley catheter line between CT and PET images, the specific activity which makes washed-out artifact, $SUV_{mean}$ of muscle in artifact slice and $SUV_{max}$ of lesion in artifact slice and $SUV_{max}$ of the other lesion out of artifact slice before and after correction respectively from 34 patients who underwent $^{18}F-FDG$ Fusion Whole Body PET/CT exam. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the difference in the SUV between before and after scatter limitation correction by paired t-test. Results In phantom experiment, $SUV_{mean}$ of $^{68}Ge$ cylinder decreased as specific activity of $^{18}F$ increased. $SUV_{mean}$ more and more decreased as the distance of misalignment between CT and PET more increased. On the other hand, the effect of correction increased as the distance more increased. From phantom experiments, there was no washed-out artifact below 50 kBq/ml and $SUV_{mean}$ was same from origin. On D0 and D1, $SUV_{mean}$ recovered to origin(0.95) below 120 kBq/ml when applying scatter limitation correction. On D2 and D3, $SUV_{mean}$ recovered to origin below 100 kBq/ml. On D4, $SUV_{mean}$ recovered to origin below 80 kBq/ml. From 34 clinical patient's data, the average distance of misalignment was 2.02 cm and the average specific activity which makes washed-out artifact was 490.15 kBq/ml. The average $SUV_{mean}$ of muscles and the average $SUV_{max}$ of lesions in artifact slice before and after the correction show a significant difference according to a paired t-test respectively(t=-13.805, p=0.000)(t=-2.851, p=0.012), but the average $SUV_{max}$ of lesions out of artifact slice show a no significant difference (t=-1.173, p=0.250). Conclusion Scatter limitation correction algorism by GE PET/CT scanner helps to correct washed-out artifact from motion of a patient or high specific activity and to recover the PET images. When we read the image occurred with washed-out artifact by measuring the distance of misalignment between CT and PET image, specific activity after applying scatter limitation algorism, we can analyze the images more accurately without repeating scan.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.187-196
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• 1982

The followings are the results of the study on industrial accidents occurred at 12 factories manufacturing metal products during the period of 2 years from January 1980 to December 1981 in the area of Yong-Dung-Po in Seoul. The results of the study are as follows: 1. The incidence rate of industrial injuries was 45.7 per 1,000 workers of the sample group and the rate of male (54.0) was three times higher than that of female (17.5). 2. In age groups, the highest rate was observed in the group of under 19 years old with 83.5, while the lowest in the group of 40s. 3. It was found that those who had short term of work experience produced a higher rate of injuries, particularly, the group of workers with less than 1 year of experience showed the highest rate of it as 48.1%. 4. In working time, the highest incidence rate occurred 3 and 7 hours after the beginning of their working showing the rate of 6.0 and 6.1 per 1,000 workers, respectively. 5. The highest incidence rate was observed on Monday as 8.4 per 1,000 workers, and it was 18.3% in aspect of the days of a week. 6. In aspect of the months of a year, the highest incidence was observed on July 1,000 workers and the next was on March as 4.8. These figures account for 11.8% of total occurrence in respective month. as 5. 4 per and 10.5% 7. In causes of injuries, the accident caused by power driven machinery showed the highest rate with 37.5%, the second was due to handling without machinery with 17.2%, and the third was due to falling objects with 14.2%, and striking against objects with 10.2%, and so on. 8. By parts of the body affected, the most injuries 84.3% of them occurred on both upper and lower extremities with the rate of 58.8% for the former and 25.5% for the latter. Fingers were most frequently injured with a rate of 40.3%. Comparing the sites of extremities affected, rate of injuries on the right side was 55.0% and 45.0% on the left side. 9. In the nature of injury, laceration and open wound were the highest with 34. 0%, the next was fracture and dislocation with 31. 9%, and sprain was the third with 8.1%. 10. On the duration of treatment, it lasted less than one month in 68.9% of the injured cases, of which 14.5% of the cases were recovered within 2 weeks, and 54.4% of them were treated more than 2 weeks. And the duration of the treatment tended to be prolonged in larger industries. 11. The ratio of insured accidents to uninsured accidents was 1 to 4.7.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.225-233
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• 1978

Uptake and distribution of labelled urea, $NH{_4}^+$, and $NO{_3}^-$ by Tongil and Jinheung rice grown with each nitrogen source until ear formation stage under water culture system were as follows. 1. When the previous nitrogen source was same as one tested the uptake rate ($mg^{15}N/g$ d.w. root 2hrs, at $28^{\circ}C$ light) was great in the order of $NH_4$ >urea> $NO_3$ and higher (especially $NH_4$) in Tongil than in Jinheung. Rate limiting step (slowest) seems to be exist at R (root)${\rightarrow}$LS(leaf sheath) for urea, LS${\rightarrow}$LB(leaf blade) for $NH_4$ and M(medium)${\rightarrow}$R for $NO_3$. The fast step of translocation appeare to be at M${\rightarrow}$R for urea R${\rightarrow}$LS for $NH_4$ and LS${\rightarrow}$LB for $NO_3$. 2. The uptake rate of $NH_4$ by the urea-fed plant increased almost linearly from $18^{\circ}C$ via $28^{\circ}C$ to $38^{\circ}C$ in Tongil ($Q_{10}$=1.21 and 1.32 respectively) while no change in Jinheung ($Q_{10}$=0.99 and 1.00 respectively). It decreased by 12% in Jinheung under dark but uo change in Tongil. 3. The uptake rate of nitrogen source by different source-fed plant was great in the order of $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$ $NO_3{\rightarrow}^{15}NH_4$, $urea{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$ and higher (especially $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$) in Tongil. In the case of $urea{\rightarrow}^{15}NH_4$ it was same in $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$ for Tongil and slightly lower than that in $NO_3{\rightarrow}^{15}NH_4$ for Jinheung. It was lower (especially Tongil) in $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$ than in $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NH_4 $ 4. The uptake rate (in $NH_4{\rightarrow}^{15}NO_3$) was higher during 15 minutes than during 2 hours and always higher in Tongil. 5. $^{15}N$ excess % and content in each part, and uptake rate of root seems to have their own significance relatling with metabolism and translocation respectively. The change of nitrogen nutritional environment and source preference of varieties were discussed in relation to field condition and efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.75-99
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• 1983

The herbicidal properties of perfluidone [1,1,1-trifluoro-N-2-methyl-4-(phenylsulponyl) phenyl methanesulfonamide] were investigated in pots and paddy fields. At the rate of 2.0kg prod./10a, perfluidone did not cause any injury to the 4 leaf stage (LS) rice seedlings. Although the crop injury increased with increasing the application rate, the injury caused by 16kg prod. perfluidone/10a gave rise to only 30% yield reduction. The crop injury was greatest when perfluidone was applied 2 days before transplanting and decreased as the application time delayed. Perfluidone showed greater crop injury to the 3 LS seedlings, at more than 7cm water depth, and at high temperature than to the 4 LS seedlings, at 3-5cm water depth, and at low temperature. Indica and indica ${\times}$ japonica rice varieties were generally more sensitive to perfluidone than japonica rice variety. Perfluidone effectively controlled most of annual weeds and such perennial weeds as Sagittaria pygmaea MIQ., Potamogeton distinctus A. BENN, Cyperus serotinus ROTTB, Scirpus maritimus L., Eleocharis kuroguwai OHWL, and Scirpus hotarui OHWL, whereas Sagittaria trifolia L. and Polygonum hydropiper SPACH. were tolerent to perfluidone. The weeding effect decreased with increasing the leaching amount of water and the overflowing of irrigated water within 24 hours after the herbicide application. When the application time was done later than 8 days after transplanting, the perennial weeds were shown at deeper soil layers, and the standing water was deeper than 7cm, the effect tended to decrease. However, there was no difference in the weeding effect between soil types. Downward movement of perfluidone in flooded soil ranged from 2 to 8cm deep. The movement increased with increasing the leaching amount of water and the application rate and at a sandy loam soil which possessed less adsorptive capacity. Residual effect of perfluidone was found at 35 to 80 days after application, which varied such factors as Soil types. Increase in the leaching amount of water resulted in decrease in the period of the residual effect. The period was shorter at non-sterilized soil than at sterilized soil. The 0.75kg ai perfluidone + 1.5kg ai SL-49 (1,3-dimethyl-6-(2,4-dichlor-benzoyl)-5-phenacyloxy-pyrazole)/ha and 1.5kg ai perfluidone + 1.05kg ai bifenox (2,4-dichlorophenyl-3-methoxy carbonyl-4-nitro phenyl ether)/ha showed less crop injury than 1.5kg ai/ha perfluidone alone. However, the weeding effect of the former was similar to that of the later.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.182-188
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• 2003

Background: Although ramicotomy (division of the rami communicantes of the thoracic sympathetic ganglia) is a selective and physiological surgical method for essential hyperhidrosis, it has some problems such as higher recurrence rates and the different surgical results among the patients and between left and right sides in the same individual. As one of the factors that are related to the differences in surgical result and recurrences, we investigated the anatomical variations of the rami communicantes. The purpose of this study is to help develop new surgical methods to decrease surgical differences among the patients or between the left and right sides of the same individual and recurrence rates in the clinical application of ramicotomy. Material and Method: We dissected 118 thoracic sympathetic chains in 59 adult Korean cadavers (male: 33, female: 26) to examine the anatomical variations of the rami communicantes from the second to the fourth thoracic sympathetic ganglia that have major components innervating to the hands. After the dissection of bilateral thoracic sympathetic chains, we compared the anatomy of left and right sides and examined the anatomical variations of rami communicantes. Result: The number and variation of communicating rami connecting the spinal nerves and the second sympathetic thoracic ganglion were much larger than lower levels. There was considerably less variability in the anatomy of the rami communicantes at successive levels. Among the 59 cadavers dissected, only 14.3% (9/59) had similar anatomy of thoracic sympathetic chains at both sides. As the components related to the essential palmar hyperhidrosis, intrathoracic nerve of Kuntz from the second thoracic sympathetic ganglion to the first intercostal nerve or brachial plexus were observed in 55.9% (66/118). The incidence of descending rami communicates from the second thoracic sympathetic ganglion to the third intercostal nerve and from the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion to the fourth intercostal nerve were 49.2% (58/118) and 28.0% (33/118). And the incidence of ascending rami communicates from the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion to the second intercostal nerve and from the fourth thoracic sympathetic ganglion to the third intercostal nerve were 6.8% (8/118) and 3.4% (4/118), respectively. Conclusion: Based on the various anatomical evidences of the rami communicantes from this study, only the ramicotomy at the third sympathetic ganglion level is insufficient for the treatment of the essential palmar hyperhidrosis to decrease the difference of surgical results and recurrences. When one is planning to perform the ramicotomy for the essential palmar hyperhidrosis, it is advantageous to divide the intrathoracic nerve of Kuntz on the second rib and the descending or ascending rami communicantes on the third and the fourth ribs as well as all the communicating rami from the third sympathetic ganglion.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.490-496
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• 1998

Purpose: We evaluated brain perfusion SPECT findings of MELAS syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy in correlation with MR imaging in search of specific imaging features. Materials and Methods: Subjects were five patients (four females and one male; age range, 1 to 25 year) who presented with repeated stroke-like episodes, seizures or developmental delay or asymptomatic but had elevated lactic acid in CSF and serum. Conventional non-contrast MR imaging and Tc-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) brain perfusion SPECT were Performed and imaging features were analyzed. Results: MRI demonstrated increased T2 signal intensities in the affected areas of gray and white matters mainly in the parietal (4/5) and occipital lobes (4/5) and in the basal ganglia (1/5), which were not restricted to a specific vascular territory. SPECT demonstrated decreased perfusion in the corresponding regions of MRI lesions. In addition, there were perfusion defects in parietal (1 patient), temporal (2), and frontal (1) lobes and basal ganglia (1) and thalami (2). In a patient with mitochondrial myopathy who had normal MRI, decreased perfusion was noted in left parietal area and bilateral thalami. Conclusion: Tc-99m ECD SPECT imaging in patients with MELAS syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy showed hypoperfusion of parieto-occipital cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus and temporal cortex, which were not restricted to a specific vascular territory. There were no specific imaging features on SPECT. The significance of abnormal perfusion on SPECT without corresponding MR abnormalities needs to be evaluated further in larger number of patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.634-639
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• 2008

Purpose : There has been considerable disagreement regarding the most appropriate dosage of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in cases of central precocious puberty. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate dosage for suppression of the puberty in girls with central precocious or early puberty. Methods : Twenty-two girls with early puberty were randomly subjected to 3 types of dosages of leuprolide acetate for at least 6 months. The number of cases in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7, 7, and 8, and dosages were 70, 90, and $110{\mu}g/kg/-month$, respectively. Height, weight, bone age, Tanner stage of breast development, and serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone were measured before treatment and after 6 months of treatment. The number of cases of puberty suppression was compared using a modified puberty suppression score with a nonparametric chi-square test. Results : There were no significant differences of chronologic and bone ages among the groups. There was a significant decrease in height SDS gain after 6 months in group 3 (P<0.05) compared with groups 1 and 2. Serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone were all significantly decreased after treatment in all 3 groups (P<0.05). The number of cases of puberty suppression in each group were 4 (57%), 5 (71%), and 8 (100%). There was a significantly increased proportion of suppression of puberty in group 3 (P<0.05). Conclusion : It was necessary to use a higher dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to suppress early puberty in girls; however further longitudinal study will be needed for their prognosis of final adult height.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2004

Purpose : Early degeneration of articular cartilage is accompanied by a loss of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and the consequent change of the integrity. The purpose of this study was to biochemically quantify the loss of GAG, and to evaluate the $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced, and T1, T2, rho relaxation map for detection of the early degeneration of cartilage. Materials and Methods : A cartilage-bone block in size of $8mm\;\times\;10mm$ was acquired from the patella in each of three pigs. Quantitative analysis of GAG of cartilage was performed at spectrophotometry by use of dimethylmethylene blue. Each of cartilage blocks was cultured in one of three different media: two different culture media (0.2 mg/ml trypsin solution, 1mM Gd $(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed trypsin solution) and the control media (phosphate buffered saline (PBS)). The cartilage blocks were cultured for 5 hrs, during which MR images of the blocks were obtained at one hour interval (0 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr, 5 hr). And then, additional culture was done for 24 hrs and 48 hrs. Both T1-weighted image (TR/TE, 450/22 ms), and mixed-echo sequence (TR/TE, 760/21-168ms; 8 echoes) were obtained at all times using field of view 50 mm, slice thickness 2 mm, and matrix $256\times512$. The MRI data were analyzed with pixel-by-pixel comparisons. The cultured cartilage-bone blocks were microscopically observed using hematoxylin & eosin, toluidine blue, alcian blue, and trichrome stains. Results : At quantitation analysis, GAG concentration in the culture solutions was proportional to the culture durations. The T1-signal of the cartilage-bone block cultured in the $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed solution was significantly higher ($42\%$ in average, p<0.05) than that of the cartilage-bone block cultured in the trypsin solution alone. The T1, T2, rho relaxation times of cultured tissue were not significantly correlated with culture duration (p>0.05). However the focal increase in T1 relaxation time at superficial and transitional layers of cartilage was seen in $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed culture. Toluidine blue and alcian blue stains revealed multiple defects in whole thickness of the cartilage cultured in trypsin media. Conclusion : The quantitative analysis showed gradual loss of GAG proportional to the culture duration. Microimagings of cartilage with $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhancement, relaxation maps were available by pixel size of $97.9\times195\;{\mu}m$. Loss of GAG over time better demonstrated with $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced images than with T1, T2, rho relaxation maps. Therefore $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced T1-weighted image is superior for detection of early degeneration of cartilage.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2005

Purpose : Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist(IL-1ra) is an endogenous antiinflammatory agent that binds to IL-1 receptor and thus competitively inhibits the binding of IL-1$\alpha$ and IL-1$\beta$. Allele 2 in association with various autoimmune diseases has been reported. In order to evaluate the influence of IL-1ra gene VNTR polymorphism on the susceptibility to HSP and its possible association with disease severity, manifested by severe renal involvement and renal sequelae, we studied the incidence of carriage rate and allele frequency of the 2 repeats of IL-1ra allele 2($IL1RN^{*}2$) of the IL-1ra gene in children with HSP with and without renal involvement. Methods : The IL-1ra gene polymorphisms were determined in children with HSP with(n=40) or without nephritis(n=34) who had been diagnosed at Busan Paik Hospital and the control groups(n=163). Gene polymorphism was identified by PCR amplification of the genomic DNA. Results : The allelic frequency and carriage rate of $IL1RN^{*}1$ were found most frequently in patients with HSP and in controls. The allelic frequency of $IL1RN^{*}2$ was higher in patients with HSP compared to that of controls($4.7\%\;vs.\;2.5\%$, P=0.794). The carriage rate of $IL1RN^{*}2$ was higher In patients with HSP compared to that of controls($8.1\%\;vs.\;6.8\%$, P=0.916). The allelic frequency of $IL1RN^{*}2$ was higher in patients with HSP nephritis compared to that of HSP($5.3\%\;vs.\;2.9\%$, P=0.356). The carriage rate of $IL1RN^{*}2$ was higher in Patients with HSP nephritis compared to that of HSP($10.0\%\;vs.\;5.9\%$, P=0.523). Among 13 patients with heavy proteinuria(>1.0 g), 11 had $IL1RN^{*}1$, 1 had $IL1RN^{*}2$ and the others had $IL1RN^{*}4$. At the time of last follow up 4 patients had sustained proteinuria and their genotype was $IL1RN^{*}1$. Conclusion : The allelic frequency and carriage rate of $IL1RN^{*}1$ were found most frequently in patients with HSP and in controls. Our study suggests that the carriage rate and allele frequency of the 2-repeats of IL-1lra allele 2($IL1RN^{*}2$) of the IL-1ra gene may not be associated with susceptibility and severity of renal involvement in children with HSP (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:175-182)

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 2001

Purpose : IgA nephropathy(IgAN) and thin glomerular basement membrane disease(TGBMD) are common glomerular diseases that cause hematuria in childhood. IgAN has characteristics of IgA deposit as the sole or predominantly localized to the mesangium Recently, it has been reported that thinning of glomerular basement membrane(GBM) is commonly accompanied with precipitation of electron dense deposits in IgAN. We performed this study to examine the frequency of thinning of GBM among children with IgAN and to analysis tile correlation between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness and furthermore to conduct comparative analysis of the clinical and pathological features of IgAN and TGBMD. Methods : This study summarizes data collected from Department of Pediatrics, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje Medical College. Data include 51 cases who were diagnosed as IgAN from 1995 to 2000, and 26 cases who were diagnosed as TGBMD from 1990 to 2000 by percutaneous renal biopsy. Results : Males accounted for 29/51($56.9\%$) patients with IgAN and 8/26($30.8\%$) of those with TGBMD. The clinical and laboratory features between IgAN and TGBMD were significantly different regarding the incidence of proteinuria(IgAN vs TGBMD: $43.1\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.001), the incidence of co-appearance of proteinuria with hematuria ($41.2\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.001), total amount of protein in 24 hours collected urine ($808{\pm}\;mg\;vs\;251{\pm}200.7\;mg$, p=0.001) and the incidence of proteinuria more than 1 gm in 24 hours collected urine ($23.5\%\;vs\;3.8\%$, p=0.01). On the contrary, there were no significant differences in the levels of serum albumin, creatinine, BUN, and Ccr between two groups. The mean thickness of GBM in patients with IgAN was $293.0{\pm}79.2\;nm$(139.7-461.9 nm) and $180.9{\pm}35.8\;nm$(110.5-229.5 nm) in patients with TGBMD. The mean GBM thickness revealed significantly thinner in TGBMD compared than those with IgAN (P=0.0001). The frequency of thickness being less than 250 nm was $37.4{\pm}34.4\%$ in IgAN and $93.0{\pm}7.0\%$ in TGBMD (P=0.0001). But there were no correlations between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness in patients with IgAN. Conclusion : The thinning of GBM would be one of the common pathological findings in IgAN Moreover, there is no significant correlations between urinary abnormalities and GBM thickness in patients with IgAN, However, patients with IgAN tend to have significantly higher possibilities of proteinuria, co-appearance of proteinuria with hematuria and higher total amount of protein in 24 hours collected urine compared those with TGBMD. These differences might be play all important role as progressive prognostic indicators in patients with IgAN. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001;5 : 136-46)