• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.425-432
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• 1992

Background: The prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea decreased remarkably for the past 30 years, while for at least the recent 10 years, the frequency of disease attributable to mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) began to increase both in actual numbers and in the proportion of the total burden of mycobacterioses. Method: Twenty nine cases, diagnosed as having pulmonary disease due to MOTT on the basis of repeated isolations of the relevant organisms from sputum specimens and chest X-ray findings from Jan. 1982 throught Dec. 1991 at the Chest Clinic of the Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, were reviewed in terms of clinical features and courses. Results: 1) Nineteen cases (66%) were infected with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, 5 cases (17%) with M. fortuitum, 4 cases (14%) with M. chelonei, and 1 cases (3%) with M. szulgai. 2) The ratio of male versus female patients was 1.9:1. 3) The peak incidence was in the fifth decade. 4) Eighteen cases (62%) had moderately advanced disease and 11 cases (38%) had far advanced disease on chest P-A film. 5) The common symptoms were cough (59%), sputum (52%), and dyspnea (34%). 6) All cases had a previous history of tuberculosis. 7) Most of the isolates were highly resistant to the major antituberculosis drugs and 48~52% showed a sensitivity to cycloserine, kanamycin or enviomycin. 8) Of 19 cases which were treated and followed-up for over 12 months, 3 cases attained negative conversion on cultures (2 M. fortuitum infections, 1 M. szulgai infection). Sixteen cases failed in attaining negative conversion on cultures. However, their clinical courses were chronic and indolent despite of persistant culture positivity. Conclusion: Treatment of these patients has been difficult because of the frequency of severe underlying conditions and the natural resistance of most of the nontuberculous mycobacteria to the presently available drugs.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.265-273
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• 2010

Understanding patients' expectation for health visits and providing appropriate care may increase patients' satisfaction with health care, leading to more positive treatment outcome. The study aimed to investigate expectations of the patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) at their first visit to university-based orofacial pain clinic and to evaluate any relation with duration of pain, presence of previous treatment, pain severity and pain interference. Inclusion criterion was patients aged over and 18 years old and diagnosed as TMD during 3 months' period from Aug to Nov 2010. They were asked to complete the questionnaires for patients' expectation and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) at waiting room prior to consultation. 322 TMD patients participated in the study(M:F=1:1.5, mean age=36 years old). The study indicated that the most important top 3 expectations were 'cure of pain', 'understanding their problem' and 'doctor-patient communication' in order. This finding was not affected by gender, duration and previous treatment history but affected by sub-category of TMD and BPI pain severity and pain interference. 'Pain relief' and 'understanding their problems' were relatively highlighted in the patients with muscle disorders and combination (joint-muscle) disorders of TMD than those with joint disorders who wanted communication and further investigation relatively more (p=0.000). While expectation for pain relief was expected more with increase of pain severity and interference, patients with mild level of pain severity and interference expected communication and further investigation relatively more (p=0.000, 0.017, respectively). Based on the results of the study, though pain relief was the primary concern for TMD patients suffering from pain, their satisfaction with care may be increased by explanation for etiology and mechanism of TMD to make them understand their problems better and doctor-patient communication and collaborative decision-making for treatment. Importance of patient-centered consultations and availability of written material or web sites for patient information should be stressed out.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.988-994
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• 1998

Background: Chest wall tumors can classified into soft tissue tumors and bone tissue tumors and can be subclassified into benign and malignant tumors. Materials and methods: We report an analysis of 68 patients with primary chest wall tumors treated at the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Hanyang University Hospital from January, 1973 to September 1997. Results: Among a total of 68 patients 33(48.5%) were males and 35(51.5%) were females. The ages of the patients ranged from 10 to 79 years with a mean age of 39.3 years. According to the age distribution, 23 patients (33.8%) were from the 4th decade, 12 patients(17.6%) were from the 6th decade, and 10 patients(14.7%) were from the 5th decade. Among the primary chest wall tumors, 53 cases were benign and 15 cases were malignant. Among the benign tumors, 17 cases(32.1%) were in the 4th decade and among the malignant tumors, 6 cases(40%) were in the 4th decade. In both malignant and benign tumors the most common ages were in the 4th decade. The most common tumors were fibrous dysplasia and chondroma, each with a total of 14 cases(26.4%). Osteochondroma and lipoma each had 8 cases(15.1%). Among malignant tumors, osteosarcoma was most common with 8 cases (53.3%). According to location, 49 cases occured in both bone and cartilage tissue, 19 cases occurred in cartilage. Among the presenting symptoms, palpable mass was present in all cases. Fifty-one patients complained of tenderness and among cases with involvement of the lung, 3 patients had complained of respiratory distress. Among the malignant tumors 6 cases underwent a radical operation and 4 cases of benign tumors underwent a radical operation. Postoperativly, there was one case with recurrence from a desmoid tumor. There were no deaths postoperativly and no deaths due to complications(and their postoperative courses were uneventful). Conclusions: Most patients with primary chest wall tumors initially present with mass at admission. Resection is sufficient treatment for benign tumors but in malignant tumors wide resection of the chest wall is needed and mchest wall reconstruction.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.1077-1084
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• 2008

Purpose : Despite the seriousness of bacterial meningitis in children, there is little information on the incidence, causative organisms, mortality rate and age distribution. We studied the frequency by age group and causal pathogens, and clinical characteristics in children with bacterial meningitis in the private sector in Korea. Methods : The medical records containing the data on bacterial meningitis patients under 18 years of age confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were retrospectively analyzed from September, 1993 to August, 2006 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Results : Eighty-one cases of bacterial meningitis were observed. Overall the most common organism was Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) (30 cases, 37.0%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (22 cases, 27.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (12 cases, 14.8%), Escherichia coli (3 cases, 3.7%), Neisseria meningitidis (1 case, 1.2%) and others (13 cases, 16.0%). In neonates and young infants under 2 months, the most common organism was GBS. In children between 3 months, and 5 years, the most common organism was H. influenzae. S. pneumoniae was the most common organism in children over 5 years of age. Thirty-one patients (38.3%) had complications. Of all ages, the mortality rate of bacterial meningitis markedly decreased compared with the previously reported rate. Conclusion : In neonates, GBS meningitis was most common. The frequency of H. influenzae meningitis decreased after the introduction of H. influenzae type b vaccination. A strategy for the prevention of GBS meningitis in neonates should be established. The influence of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on S. pneumoniae meningitis should be studied.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 1997

Purpose : This study is to report experience with Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (FSRT) for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer after curative conventional radiation therapy. Materials and Methods : Three Patients with locally recurrent and symptomatic nasopharynx cancer were given FSRT as reirradiation method between the Period of September of 1995 and August of 1996 For two Patients, application of FSRT is their third radiation therapy directed to the nasopharynx. Two patients were given low dose chemotherapy as radiation sensitizer concurrently with FSRT Authors used 3-dimensional coordinate system by individually made, relocatable Gill-Thomas-Cosman (GTC) stereotactic frame and multiple non-coplanar arc therapy dose Planning was done using Xknife-3. Total of 45 Gy/18 fractions or 50 Gy/20 fractions were given. Results : Authors observed satisfactory symptomatic improvement and remarkable objective tumor size decrease by follow-up MR images taken 1 month Post-FSRT in ali three patients, while no neurologic side effect attributable to reirradiation was noticed. Two died at 7 and 9 months with loco-regional and distant seeding outside FSRT field, while one patient is living for 4 month. Conclusion Authors experienced satisfactory therapeutic effectiveness and safety of FSRT as reirradiatlon method for locally recurrent nasopharynx cancer Development of more effective systemic chemotherapeutic regimen is desired for distant metastasis

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.591-597
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• 2008

Background: Pulmonary endarterectomy is widely accepted as a treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Based on our experiences, we sought to find ways to reduce perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. Material and Method: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy between January 1998 and March 2008. All patients presented with chronic dyspnea. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the major cause of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (55%). Seventeen patients (85%) underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. Thirteen patients underwent surgery under total circulatory arrest, while the others underwent surgery while on low flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was done in 6 patients (66%) whose tricuspid regurgitation was as severe as grade IV/IV. The mean follow-up duration was $45{\pm}32$ months. Result: Using of University of California, San Diego (UCSD), thromboembolism classification, 4 patients (20%) were type 1, 8 patients (40%) were type II, and 8 patients (40%) were type III. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly from $77{\pm}29$ mmHg to $37{\pm}19$ mmHg after pulmonary endarterectomy (p<0.001). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation and the NYHA functional class were all improved postoperatively. Reperfusion edema occurred in 7 cases (35%). The incidence of reperfusion edema was higher in the UCSD type III group than in the other group (25% vs 50%, p=0.25) and the length of postoperative intensive care unit stay was longer in type III group ($5{\pm}2$ days vs $9{\pm}7$ days, p=0.07). The early mortality rate was 10%, and the late mortality rate was 15% (n=3); one death was due to progression of underlying non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the other deaths were related to recurrent thromboembolism and persistent pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary endarterectomy, as a curative surgical method for treating chronic thromboernbolic pulmonary hypertension, should be performed aggressively in patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and an effort should be made to reduce the frequency of perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2009

Objectives : Prevalence of postpartum depressive disorders reaches approximately 10-15% of childbearing women. This preliminary study was intended to explore the relationships between postpartum depressive disorders and family adaptability and cohesion. Methods : Childbearing women(n=24) were assessed for risk factors for postpartum depression before and after childbirth prospectively. At gestational age between 36th and 40th week, the questionnaire about various factors before childbirth, Edinburgh postnatal depression scale(EPDS), Family adaptability-cohesion evaluation scale (FACES), and Beck anxiety inventory(BAI) were assessed. After childbirth, for the diagnosis of postpartum depressive disorders, a structured diagnostic interview according to MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview was performed, furthermore, the questionnaire about various factors after childbirth, EPDS, and BAI were assessed at 4-6 weeks postpartum. Results : Among various factors and scales, family adaptability and cohesion, mood symptom and change during pregnancy were associated with postpartum depressive disorder in comparison with non-postpartum depressive disorder subjects. In addition, low family adaptability and cohesion and mood change during pregnancy were significantly associated factors with postpartum depressive disorder using logistic regression analysis. Conclusion : The results suggest the postpartum depressive disorder could be related with prenatal low family adaptability and cohesion. This preliminary study, however, includes only a few subjects, so that further large-sized study will be needed to replicate our results.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.383-390
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with acute interstitial pneumonia who had presented similar clinical patterns from March to June, 2006 and to describe our experience of treatment and to identify risk factors associated with prognosis. Methods : The clinical characteristics, radiologic and histopathologic findings and response to steroids of 15 patients (non-survival group [n=7] and survival group [control, n=8]) with acute interstitial pneumonia were investigated through the review of medical records. Results : The mean age of the patients was 26 (range: 3-48) months. Cough, cyanosis and fever were frequent symptoms. The most frequent radiologic findings on admission were pneumomediastium and extensive ground glass opacity. Surgical lung biopsy was performed on 8/15 (53.3%) patients and diffuse alveolar damage was found. Mechanical ventilation was applied for 9/15 (60.0%) patients for 40 (range: 1-99) days. Five patients in survival group received steroid treatment and 7 patients in non-survivial group (P=0.20). One patient in survival group received steroid pulse treatment and 4 patients in non-survival group (P=0.12). Seven patients died all of respiratory failure. The survival rate was 53.4%. Conclusion : The patients with acute interstitial pneumonia which occurred on spring 2006 showed high mortality because of rapidly and extensively progressing pulmonary fibrosis and air leakage. Therefore, we should consider surgical lung biopsy and steroid application earlier. We should recognize this acute interstitial pneumonia occurring on spring in domestics and need to investigate the cause and treatment in large scale.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to understand preliminary education. level of understanding and the degrees of educational requirement for cancer patients on radiotherapy and to present the preliminary data to development of effective and practical patients treatment programs. Based on the abovementioned results of this study. Relationship betweendegrees of knowledge and demand for educational requirement for patients who are undertaking radiotherapy could be varied with different factors such as educational background, ages, regions of treatment, experience of symptoms. In general, patients do not have enough information, on the other hand, have very high demand for educational requirement. Customized education patients by patients would not be possible in reality. However, if we could provide standard for patients and establish systematic sessions during treatment based on this study, more and better patients satisfaction and results of treatments could be achieved.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2012

Recurrent aphthous ulcer(RAU) is the most frequent form of oral ulceration with a prevalence in the general population ranging between 5% and 60%. The peak age of onset is between 10 and 19 years of age, and it can persist into adulthood and throughout the patient's lifespan, with no gender predilection. The disease is characterized clinically into three types: minor aphthous ulcer, major aphthous ulcer and herpeticform ulcers. The cause of RAU is unknown and thought to be multifactorial with many triggers or precipitating factors that include familial tendency or genetic predisposition, allergy, medications, hormones, stress or anxiety, and immunologic abnormalities. The need for consideration of psychological factors in the pathogenesis of oral disease has been increasingly acknowledged over the last decades and many studies have highlighted the psycho-social impact of oral conditions. In this study, we tried to evaluate the influence of emotional stress in RAU. There were thirty patients with a clinical diagnosis of RAU and other subjects who did not show any signs of systemic disorders include RAU. They are evaluated by using modified Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). As a result, a significantly higher level of stress was found in the RAU patients than the control group. Therefore it can be concluded that psychological stressors play an important role in the RAU.