• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.166-175
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• 2004

Purpose: Present study has been undertaken to determine the distribution of various renal diseases causing asymptomatic hematuria in children and to evaluate the benefit of doing renal biopsy in these children. Methods: Study population consisted of 146 children with asymptomatic primary hematuria who had been admitted to the pediatric departmen of Kyungpook National University Hospital for the past 4 years from 1999 to 2002. In 122 out of 146 cases, renal biopsy was performed percutaneously and in 24 out of 146 cases, diagnosed as idiopathic hypercalciuria, oral calcium loading test was performed. Results: The age$(mean{\pm}SD)$ at onset or discovery of hematuria of the 146 children in-cluded in this study was $8.0\pm3.2$ years and the proportion of boys and girls was 54.8% and 45.2%, respectively. In 76 out of 146 cases(52%), asymptomatic hematuria was first diagnosed by school urinalysis screening. The proportion of histopathologic findings based on 122 biopsies was as follows : Thin Glomerular Basement Membrane(TGBM) 73 cases(50%): IgA nephropathy 20 cases(14%): Alport syndrome 6 cases(4%), Membranous Glomerulonephropathy(MGN) 4 cases(3%): Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis(MPGN) 2 cases(1%); IgA nephropathy with TGBM 3 cases(2%): 'normal' glomeruli 14 cases(10%) Twenty four cases (16%) were diagnosed as idiopathic hypercalciuria. During follow-up periods, 15% of 146 cases became hematuria-free and renal function did not deteriorate in any cases. Conclusion: Unless hematuric children manifest poor prognostic indicators for renal survival, we would recommend long term regular follow-up prior to a renal biopsy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.19-28
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of oriental medical treatment and oriental-western medical treatment on Bell's palsy. Methods : From 1st June, 2006 to 31th August, 2007, 30 Bell's palsy patients who visited the Facial palsy center at East-West Neo Medical Center within 7days of onset and treated for more than 4weeks were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with oriental medical therapy(Acupuncture, Herb, Physical therapy) and Group B with both oriental and western medical therapy(Acupuncture, Herb, Physical therapy, Administration of prednisone). We evaluated the treatment effect of each group with the House-Brackmann Gross Grading System before treatment, after 1week, 2weeks, 3weeks and 4weeks of treatment. Results : After 1week of treatment, Group A showed better performance compared with Group B. After 3weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, Group B showed better performance than Group A. Conclusions : These results proved that combination treatment of oriental and western medicine was more effective than just oriental medical treatment in long term treatment of Bell's palsy. But we discovered that there were no significant differences between the two groups.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2011

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) are thought to share a similar pathophysiology, compression of the median and plantar nerve by the carpal tunnel and flexor retinaculum. A few reports introduced the relationship between idiopathic CTS and TTS without definite evidence of coexistence. The current study was designed to analyze the electrophysiologic characteristics of combined idiopathic CTS and TTS by comparing with each idiopathic CTS or TTS. Methods: We retrospectively collected patients with combined idiopathic CTS and TTS (CTS-TTS group) from June 2001 to February 2009. Patients with each idiopathic CTS or TTS were collected as controls. Electrophysiologic data of median and plantar nerves were compared between CTS-TTS group and controls. Results: CTS-TTS group was composed of 31 patients. Control group of each CTS or TTS were 50 CTS and 49 TTS patients. In comparison of median nerve conduction study between CTS-TTS group and CTS control group, decreased compound muscle action potential amplitude (p<0.001), decreased median sensory nerve action potential amplitude (p<0.001) and sensory nerve conduction velocity at finger stimulation (p=0.013) were prominent in CTS-TTS group. Decreased medial plantar sensory nerve action potential amplitude (p=0.034) was indicated when CTS-TTS groups and TTS control group were compared. Conclusions: If the electrophysiology study of patients with CTS or TTS was suggestive of severe degree of nerve injury, concerns about the possibility of combined CTS and TTS would be helpful.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.111-119
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• 2009

Objectives : To assess the characteristics of electropyography(EMG) and heart rate variability(HRV) values in idiopathic facial palsy inpatients of different Sasang constitutions. Methods : Medical records of 103 idiopathic facial palsy inpatients who underwent facial EMG testing and HRV testing were retrospectively reviewed. All subjects had been consulted to the department of Sasang constitution for constitution differentiation. The Sasang constitutional and age distribution were initially analyzed, and axonal loss percentage values on EMG were correlated with Sasang constitution and sex. HRV results were also correlated with Sasang constitution and sex. Results : 1. 24.4 percent of idiopathic facial palsy inpatients were of the Soyang constitution, 52.4 percent were of the Taeum, and 23.3 percent were of the Soeum. Patients in their fifties were most common in all constitutions(27.8%). 2. Mean axonal loss values for the temporal, zygomatic, and buccal branches were all statistically significantly lower in the Taeum constitution compared with Soyang or Soeum(p<0.05). 3. Mean axonal loss values for the temporal, zygomatic, and buccal branches were all statistically significantly lower in men than women(p<0.05). 4. The mean LF/HF ratio was significantly lower in idiopathic facial palsy inpatients of the Soeum constitution compared with Soyang and Taeum(p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in mean MHRT, SDNN, TP, VLF, LF, and HF of different constitutions. 5. The mean SDNN was significantly lower in women inpatients compared with men(p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in mean MHRT, TP, VLF, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio. Conclusions : The Sasang constitutional composition of idiopathic facial palsy inpatients closely adheres to the composition proposed in Dong-eui-su-se-bo-won, but the Taeum and Soeum proportion is slightly larger and the Soyang proportion slightly smaller. Axonal loss value on EMG was significantly lower in the Taeum constitution, and in men(p<0.05, <0.05). Mean LF/HF ratio was significantly lower in the Soeum constitution compared with Soyang and Taeum(p<0.05), and mean SDNN was significantly lower in women(p<0.05).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.163-174
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on Heart Rate Variability(HRV) of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Subjects were voluntarily recruited through newspaper and internet advertisement. All the subjects were confirmed as idiopathic Parkinson's disease by a neurologist. Patients were divided into three groups. Experimental group was acupunctured based on Sasang Constitution. Standard group was acupunctured on $LR_3$, $GB_{34}$ and $ST_{36}$. Control group was sham-acupunctured. Acupuncture was applied 2 times a week for four weeks by an oriental medical doctor at Kyung-hee Oriental Medical Hospital. The patients were assessed by HRV before and 4 weeks after the treatment. Results : The results were as follows 1. In experimental group, increase in SDNN, TP, LF, HF Nonn were statistically significant after 4 weeks compared to the pre-treatment. 2. In standard group, increase in SDNN, TP, LF were statistically significant after 4 weeks compared to the pre-treatment. 3. After 4 weeks of treatment SDNN, LF showed statistically significant cufferences among three groups. Conclusions : This study suggests that acupuncture treatment based on Sasang Constitution and other specific acupuncture treatment can be beneficial for patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Further study on various acupuncture treatment for Parkinson's disease is required.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.11-23
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients admitted for Bell's palsy in a Korean medicine hospital to identify whether admission is necessary and beneficial. Methods : A semi-structured interview was conducted on 9 patients who had experience in both the inpatient and the outpatient treatment for Bell's palsy. Their experiences from inception of first symptoms to admission into the Facial Palsy Center in Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital were interviewed along with their thoughts and feelings. The interviews took place after discharge home at a pre-scheduled date and time in a quiet room at the hospital between July 2013 and August 2013. The subjects were purposefully selected until saturation of information was met. Results : Nine participants were interviewed and patients' concerns and priorities were identified. At the acute stage, patients experienced anxiety and all of the female patients and one male patient felt embarrassed of their facial disfigurement. With time, the patients felt impatient of their symptoms and turned to Korean medicine for additional treatment. Providing psychological stability seemed to be an important factor for patients. Conclusions : This study provides insight into the experiences of patients with Bell's palsy, and is significantly the first ever qualitative report to focus on the patient's needs and concerns during admission care for symptoms of Bell's palsy. Admission care can provide many physical and psychological benefits for the patients especially during the acute stage.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.395-398
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• 2011

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a disorder characterized by sinus node dysfunction. Although the condition is most common in the elderly, it can occur in children including neonates and its recognition and treatment are important. The diagnosis of SSS is based on the presence of sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest or exit block, combinations of sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal conduction disturbances, and atrial tachyarrhythmias documented in the Holter recordings. In most children with SSS, previous history of congenital heart malformation or cardiac surgery is noted. SSS is also seen in the children including neonates without heart disease or other contributing factors, however SSS is most often idiopathic. The treatment of SSS depends on the basic rhythm problem, but generally involves the placement of a cardiac pacemaker. We report a case of SSS in extremely low birth weight infant without congenital heart disease and suggest that the treatment system is necessary for preterm infants with SSS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.59-68
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture with various scales on symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods : Subjects were voluntarily recruited by newspapers and internet. All the subjects are confirmed as idiopathic parkinson's disease by a neurologist. The acupuncture therapy was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. Acupuncture points for EA group were GB34, and LR3, electrical stimulation frequency was 120Hz, duration 15 minutes, and intensity is up to pain threshold according to patients. The patient's symptoms were assessed before, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks treatments by unified Parkinson's disease rating scale(UPDRS), modified Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y) stage, Schwab & England activity of daily living and freezing of gait questionnaire(FOGQ). Results : UPDRS I, II, III, IV and total UPDRS scores were significantly improved after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05) compared to the pre-treatment. The scores of ADL were significantly improved after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05). There were significant changes in H-Y stage after 4 weeks(p<0.05), but There were no significant changes in H-Y stage after 8 weeks. There were significant changes in FOGQ scale after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05). Conclusion : This study suggests that electroacupuncutre treatments can be applicable to improve symptoms in the patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.109-118
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue. Methods : A randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted. Twenty-four participants were randomized into one of the two groups: an acupuncture group(n=12) and wait-list group(n=12). The treatment group received 12 sessions of acupuncture over 4 weeks. Eight points($GV_{20}$; bilateral GB20, $BL_{11}$, $BL_{13}$, $BL_{15}$, $BL_{18}$, $BL_{20}$, and $BL_{23}$) were selected for needling. The control group did not receive acupuncture treatment during study period and follow-up were done in the $5^{th}$ and $9^{th}$ weeks after randomization in both groups. The primary outcome was fatigue severity scale(FSS) and the secondary outcomes included a short form of stress response inventory(SRI-short form), beck depression inventory(BDI), and insomnia severity index(ISI). Safety was assessed at every visit. Results : There were statistically significant differences in the between group values of FSS at $5^{th}$ weeks after randomization(p=0.0002), SRI-short form, BDI, and ISI at $5^{th}$, $9^{th}$ weeks after randomization(p<0.01). There were no adverse events. Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture is associated with benefits on the short-term outcomes in chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.43-54
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture with various scales on symptoms of Idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods: Subjects were voluntarily recruited through newspapers and internet advertisement. All the subjects were confirmed as idiopathic parkinson's disease by a neurologist. The acupuncture therapy was performed twice a week for 4 weeks by oriental medical doctor at Kyung-hee University hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups : sham acupuncture group, acupuncture treatment group and Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment group. Acupun cture points used in acupuncture treatment group were $GB_{34}$, $LR_3$, and $ST_{36}$, which were proven to be effective in rat Parkinson's disease study. Acupuncture points used in sham treatment were non-acupoints near $GB_{34}$, $LR_3$, and $ST_{36}$. In Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment, we classfied Sasang constitution of patients by QSCCII. Acupuncture was applied based on theory of Korean medicine. The patient's symptoms were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment by one evaluator with Unified Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), modified Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y) stage, and Schwab & England activ ity of daily living and freezing of gait questionnaire (FOGQ). Results : The results were as follows ; 1. UPDRS IV score differences between sham group and Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment were statistically significant(p=0.001). 2. UPDRS total score differences between Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and acupuncture treatment group, Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and sham group were statistically significant(p=0.041, p=0.014). 5. FOGQ score differences between Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and acupuncture treatment group, Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment and sham group were statistically significant(p=0.001, p=0.001). Conclusion : The results suggest Sasang-Constitution acupuncture treatment can be applicable to improve symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.