• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1264-1273
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• 2022

Posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PcomAAs) are the second most common type of aneurysm. Large cerebral aneurysms show various neurological symptoms, especially oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP), due to PcomAAs. Recent research has shown that stent-assisted coil embolization has many side effects. We report the effectiveness of Korean medicine in the treatment of ONP due to PcomAAs after stent-assisted coil embolization. A patient with ptosis and limitation of eye movement was treated with Korean medicine, including herbal medicine (Samlyeongbaegchul-san-byeonbang [參苓白朮散變方] and Uwhangchungsim-won [牛黃淸心元]), acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. Clinical symptoms were observed by images of the inter-palpebral fissure and eyeball movement. After the treatment, the inter-palpebral fissure and eyeball movement were noticeably improved. These findings suggest that treatment with Korean medicine can be an effective option for the treatment of ONP due to PcomAAs after stent-assisted coil embolization.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.45-59
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• 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the trends of researches on oriental medicine treatments for supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods We used five databases for searching researches; Korean studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Research Information Sharing Service, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Only randomized controlled trials suitable for the subject were selected. The methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results Twenty randomized controlled trials were analyzed. There were 9 types of treatment interventions; acupuncture, acupotomy, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, fire needling, warming needle, catgut-embedding therapy, herbal medicine, cupping. The most frequently used treatment intervention was acupuncture and acupotomy. There were 9 outcome measurements including visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and range of motion. The most used measurement was VAS. As a result of meta-analysis, acupuncture was more effective than control group in VAS. Additionally, acupotomy was clinically significant compared to control groups in VAS and CMS. Conclusions In this review, we analyzed researches on effectiveness of oriental medicine for supraspinatus tendinopathy. A provisional conclusion can be produced that acupuncture and acupotomy showed beneficial effect to supraspinatus tendinopathy. Although there were some RCT studies, many of them had a high risk of bias, so it is hard to conclude that our study can include overall clinical status. Further well-designed trials are needed.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medical treatment with Temporomandibular Joint Balancing Therapy (TBT) on Tic disorder patient who often glancing up when feels nerves, frightened or tired. Methods: In this study, Tic disorder patient was treated to △△ Korean medicine Hospital from June 12nd, 2022 to July 26th, 2023 by outpatient way. During the clinic period, the patient was treated by Korean medical treatment (acupuncture, cupping, herb medicine), especially using TBT. YGTSS (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale), NDI (Neck Disability Index) and VAS were used for measuring the Tic disorder and neck pain. Results: After treatment for 46 days, the YGTSS showed a decrease from 17 to 3, the VAS associated with Tic disorder also decreased from 6 to 1 and NDI associated with neck pain decreased from 7 to 4. Conclusions: These results showed that Korean medical treatment especially using TBT may have an effect on reducing symptoms of Tic disorder and neck pain. But the further researches are needed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.85-100
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• 2024

Objectives This study aims to analyze clinical studies on subacromial-subdeltoid (SA-SD) bursitis and propose future directions for clinical research on SA-SD bursitis. Methods We searched eight databases to investigate research trends in Korean medicine treatments for SA-SD bursitis up to November 2023. A total of thirty-one studies were included in this analysis. Results Among the included studies, there were six case reports from Korea, fifteen case reports, and ten randomized controlled trials from abroad. Various interventions were uesd, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, manual therapy, electro-acupuncture, cupping, physiotherapy, acupotomy, warm-acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion. The evaluation tools used in these studies included the total effective rate, visual analogue scale, range of motion, and numeral rating scale. Conclusions This study provides an overview of the research trends in Korean medicine treatments for SA-SD bursitis. However, given the low quality and small sample sizes of the studies, the evidence supporting effect of Korean medicine treatments for SA-SD bursitis was insufficient. Further clinical trials and systematic reviews are required.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.75-88
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the current use of Korean medicine for obesity and its effect for women in climacteric period. Methods: We studied women aged 45-55 who visited Daejeon Korean medicine Hospital of Daejeon University to lose body weight from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 via an analysis of the medical records. The treatment duration was continuous for more than 2 weeks, and a body composition was measured by Inbody 770 at 2 to 4 weeks after the first visit. Results: 28 patients were finally selected and their average age was 49.32±3.38 years. Based on the body mass index (BMI) classification, 19 were in the 1st obesity group, 5 in the 2nd obesity group, 3 in the overweight group and 1 in the normal group. Patients usually complained comcomitant symptoms, and the symptoms of menopausal disorder was the most frequent. The average treatment duration was 3.68±0.67 weeks and the average treatment frequency was 3.93±0.98 times. All patients took herbal medicines Gambi-tang and 23 took modified fasting therapy including Gamro-su. 14 were treated by whole body far-infrared therapy and 6 were gotten partial obesity treatment. Among patients treated for accompanying symptoms, menopausal disorders were the most common (35.71%), and herbal medicine such as Gamisoyou-san, Hominis Placenta Pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and cupping were used. After treatment, on average, body composition changed significantly; body weight 3.28±1.82 kg, BMI 1.36±1.04 kg/m², body fat 1.70±1.67 kg, skeletal muscle mass 0.81±0.91 kg, abdominal circumference 2.04±2.6 cm, and visceral fat area 8.91±12.83 cm². Conclusions: We analyzed general characteristics, BMI distribution, types of Korean medicine treatment and change of body composition. This study could be used as reference to provide practical data of treatment for obese women in climacteric period.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.208-218
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• 2024

We report a case of generalized dystonia that developed from oromandibular dystonia and improved following Korean medicine treatment. The patient was hospitalized for 18 days and treated with herbal medicine, mainly Hyeongbangsabaek-san and Soyangbowi-tang, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. To evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment, we used the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) and Global Dystonia Severity Rating Scale (GDS) and checked dyskinesia occurrence in a diary recorded by the patient's guardian. After 18 days of hospitalization, the UDRS for the trunk, upper extremities, and lower face improved by more than 50%, and the GDS for the whole region, except the larynx and lower face, also improved. In addition, the maximum duration of dystonia decreased from 6 hours to 3 hours, and the pain and numbness associated with dystonia disappeared. This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment is effective in treating generalized dystonia.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.497-507
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the treatment response to Korean medicine of a paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) patient with dysarthria and weakness of distal extremity. Case presentation: A 53-year-old female diagnosed with PCD complained of dysarthria and weakness of distal extremity. During 32-day hospitalization, she was treated with Korean medicine, namely, herbal medicine (modified Gamiguibi-tang), acupuncture (15 minutes twice a day at CV23, HT7, LI4, LR3, ST36, SP6, GB20, TE17, PC6, GV20, Ex-HN1, GV24 etc.), moxibustion, and cupping, combined with Western medicine (prednisolone, azathioprine) and physical therapy. Post-treatment, the patient global assessment (PGA) score of dysarthria fell from 100 to 60; grasp power rose from 15 kg to 19 kg and 13 kg to 17 kg in the right and left hands, respectively; and the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), and Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) scores changed from 10 to 8, 0 to 80, and 34 to 7 respectively. Follow-up visits continued for about a month after discharge, improvement in symptoms maintained, and there were no significant side effects. Conclusions: Given the lack of standard treatment for PCD, Korean medicine can be tried clinically for the treatment of PCD patients with dysarthria and weakness of distal extremity. However, further studies with control groups are needed.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.195-204
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• 2004

Purpose: Hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease, characterized by hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting, impaired renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$, rachitic bone deformities and impaired growth. The purpose of this study is to provide clinical profiles of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets in our hospital. Methods: Between July 1983 and February 2004, 56 patients were diagnosed as having hypophosphatemic rickets. The medical records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestations, family histories, laboratory data, treatment outcomes were described. Results: Fifty six patients were enrolled in this study. The average age at symptom onset and diagnosis were 20 months and 5 years respectively. Fourteen patients had family histories. The main clinical manifestations were bow legs and short stature. There was a significant negative correlation between the ages and the height z-scores at the time of diagnosis(r=-0.47, P=0.005). Initial laboratory data showed normocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate and a normal range of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ Radiographic examinations of bone revealed fraying, widening and cupping of the metaphyseal ends. Treatment consisted of Joulie solution and vitamin D metabolites, and resulted in improved biochemical and radiographic findings. However, height z-scores remained essentially unchanged(P=0.224). Complications of treatment were frequently observed, including hyperparathyroidism, nephrocalcinosis, and hypercalciuria. Sixteen patients had corrective osteotomy and 4 of them underwent leg lengthening together. Conclusion: There was a gap of several years between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. Early treatment seems to be essential to growth. For the earlier treatment, the offsprings of affected parents should be followed up closely.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.213-223
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• 2013

Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reason for people in Korea to visit Korean medical institutions. To assess actual amounts of use in the treatment of LBP in Korean medicine and to provide objective base line data for policy decision making, research regarding the current state of LBP patients' treatment in Korean medical institutions are in need. Methods The current study was designed as a retrospective chart review to investigate descriptive characteristics of LBP patients. The clinical records of 304 patients who were hospitalized for the treatment of LBP in Korean rehabilitation medicine inpatient clinics of five different Korean medicine hospitals were analyzed. The percentage of patient characteristics such as sex, age, average duration of admission, insurance type, diagnosed LBP related disease code, and rates of interventions applied were assessed. Results 1. The female sex was significantly predominant among patients with LBP : 105 patients (34.5%) were male and 199 patients (65.5%) were female. Percentage of the patients' age appeared as followed : 76 people (25.0%) were in their 50s, 64 people (21.1%) were in their 40s, 51 people (16.8%) were in their 30s, 37 people (12.2%) were in their 60s, and 33 people (10.9%) were in their 70s. Approximately half of the total LBP patients investigated were older than 50. 2. The average duration of admission was 16.2 days. Approximately one third (30.3%) of the patients were hospitalized for 8 to 14 days. 3. Female patients tended to stay admitted in hospitals slightly longer than male patients. Elderly (age 60~79) patients stayed in hospitals longer (17.8 days) compared to younger (age 20~39) patients (13.5 days). 4. More than half of the patients (171 cases, 56.3%) had their hospital bills covered with automobile insurance. 40.1% (122 cases) of the patients had medical insurance to cover their hospital bills. The average duration of admission of patients who had automobile insurance was 14.2 days, while that of the patients who had medical insurance was 18.4 days. 5. "Sprain and strain of the lumbar spine and pelvis" was the most commonly used (195 cases, 64.1%) disease code in patients with LBP. Patients diagnosed as "lumbar and other intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy" required the longest admission duration (22.1 days). 6. Herbal medication was applied to all of the patients during admission. Acupuncture was applied to all of the patients except one case diagnosed as spinal stenosis. Physical therapy, cupping therapy, moxibustion therapy, chuna therapy, and pharmacopuncture therapy were applied to 94.7, 92.8, 85.2, 83.9, and 49.7% of the patients, respectively. 7. There were certain differences among Korean medicine hospitals in terms of the LBP patients' duration of admission, type of insurance, frequency of the disease code use, type of intervention applied. Conclusions It is thought that the current study can be used as reference data in assessing the current state of LBP treatment in Korean rehabilitation medicine and a basis for future research. Provided improvements of certain limitations of the current study in future researches, such data would act as better base line data in policy decision making.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.512-519
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• 2009

Among patients who visited each clinical department for oriental medical treatments, anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and blood lipid profile level were measured at their first initial visit. 55 subject patients who were diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome and 150 mg/dL or more of triglyceride were selected as subjects whose fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were measured after fasting. According to each patient's disease, the subject received treatments such as herb medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, physical therapy and rehabilitation therapy from each clinical department, and after an average of 4.10${\pm}$0.31 weeks, another test was performed yielding the following results. Serum triglyceride was 243.72${\pm}$13.05 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and 188.11${\pm}$12.17 mg/dL after the treatment where although it continued to show an abnormal value even after the treatment, there was statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). Serum total cholesterol was 207.50${\pm}$5.89 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and 192.37${\pm}$5.53 mg/dL after the treatment which was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). Serum HDL cholesterol was 51.19${\pm}$3.95 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and increased to 52.53${\pm}$1.49 mg/dL after the treatment although it was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). Serum LDL cholesterol was 110.66${\pm}$5.86 mg/dL before the oriental medical treatment and decreased to 106.12${\pm}$4.82 mg/dL after the treatment although it was statistically insignificant compared to pre treatment(P>0.05). In regards to the change of triglyceride for each sex, it was 221.84${\pm}$14.01 mg/dL before the treatment and 187.00${\pm}$15.47 mg/dL after the treatment for men, and it was 271.50${\pm}$22.78 mg/dL and 189.53${\pm}$19.76 mg/dL respectively for women where even though men and women showed the decrease of 34.84${\pm}$12.79 mg/dL and 81.96${\pm}$20.01 mg/dL respectively, both men and women continue to show abnormal values after the treatments. However, there was statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). In regards to the change of total cholesterol for each sex, with 198.24${\pm}$7.60 mg/dL for men before the treatment and 188.93${\pm}$7.45 mg/dL after the treatment, values for both before and after the treatment were within the normal range where the change value was 9.30${\pm}$5.86 mg/dL and statistically insignificant(P>0.05). For women, it was 219.26${\pm}$8.87 mg/dL and 196.73${\pm}$8.43 mg/dL respectively for women where with 22.53${\pm}$7.60 mg/dL, it decreased to the normal level after the treatment, and there was a statistically significant decrease compared to pre treatment(P<0.05). With such results, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels of patients who have been diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome were observed to decrease after the oriental medical treatment. Especially, for both men and women, abnormally high triglyceride level decreased while the effect of lipid profile improvement for women was more significant compared to men.