• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.166-170
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• 2015

Background: Primary warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a relatively rare hematologic disorder resulting from autoantibody production against red blood cells. There has been very few studies about primary warm AIHA in South Korea because of its low incidence. We retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcome of primary warm AIHA. Method: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 9 primary warm AIHA patients from December 2002 to January 2015. We analyzed the causes and clinical characteristics of primary warm AIHA patients. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data in electronic medical records for 9 Korean patients with AIHA patients who were diagnosed during the period from December 2002 to January 2015 at the Regional University Hospital in Korea. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB #2015-08-007, Chosun University Hospital IRB). Results: The mean age was 52 years (range 27~78), the mean hemoglobin level was 5.0 g/dL (range 2.5~6.4 g/dL). All patients received steroids at therapeutic dosages (corticosteroid 1 mg/Kg) as first line treatment. Eight of them showed complete response (5/8, 62.5%) and partial response (3/8, 37.5%), one patient required second-line treatment with rituximab. Two patients who responded first line treatment were relapsed at 86 weeks and 24 weeks after response, respectively. Only one patient of them was retreated with corticosteroid because of anemic symptoms. Conclusion: This study indicates that oral corticosteroid is an effective therapy for primary warm AIHA.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1063-1080
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• 2019

Objectives: With the aging of the population, the incidence of a variety of diseases is increasing. Cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide and therefore requires timely treatment and management. We aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating cerebrovascular disease by screening the most frequently prescribed herbal medicines and analyzing the clinical data of patients with cerebrovascular disease taking these medicines. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the electronic medical records of patients with cerebrovascular disease who received herbal medication at the Pusan National University Korean Medical Hospital from 10 March 2010 to 31 March 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, use of frequently prescribed herbal medicines, available records of laboratory tests and functional evaluation that was conducted within two weeks before and after admission and discharge, and herbal medicine usage exceeding half the period of hospitalization. Results: Of the total patients with cerebrovascular disease, the number of patients analyzed in this study was 49. There were some changes in the various variables examined after frequently used herbal medicines had been taken, such as complete blood count, liver function test, lipid test, and functional evaluation. No serious adverse events related to herbal medicine were found in this study. Conclusions: We concluded that herbal medicines frequently used for cerebrovascular disease may have some clinical effectiveness. However, because of the retrospective nature of this study and only one hospital involved, the generalizability of our findings is limited.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.34.1-34.9
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• 2023

Dogs exhibit patterns of health issues that vary by life stage. An understanding of disease incidence with respect to breed and age/life stage could be an important component of canine health management and welfare. This study aimed to describe the age-specific disease incidence of 3 small dog breeds that attended veterinary clinics in the Republic of Korea, based on data from electronic veterinary medical records (EVMRs). A total of 40,785 EVMRs from Maltese (n = 21,355), Miniature Poodle (n = 11,658) and Shih Tzu dogs (n = 7,772) were analyzed. Common health problems in 3 small dog breeds were 'diseases of the skin' and 'diseases of the ear,' respectively. Among dogs aged ≤ 3 years, 'preventive medicine' was the most common cause cited for veterinary clinic visits. Among dogs aged 4 to 8 years, the most frequent health problems were 'diseases of the skin.' Among dogs aged 9 to 13 years, 'heart diseases,' 'kidney diseases,' 'mammary gland tumor,' and 'neoplasia (unspecified)' were considerably more frequent, compared to the rates in dogs ≤3 years. Among dogs aged ≥ 14 years, 'heart diseases' and 'sneezing/cough' were the main health problems. In all breeds, the frequencies of 'diseases of circulatory system,' 'diseases of respiratory system,' 'diseases of the nervous system,' 'endocrine' and 'neoplasia' increased rapidly with aging. This surveillance could inform strategies for disease screening tests and management based on life stage in these dog breeds and enable more effective health management.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.63-73
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• 2017

Purpose: Data on operable gastric cancer from India is sparse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical details, histopathological demographics, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) associated with operable, non-metastatic gastric cancer in a dedicated upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgical unit in India. Materials and Methods: Data for patients diagnosed with operable gastric cancer between January 2006 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected from electronic hospital records in addition to mail and telephonic interviews when possible. Results: A total of 427 patients were included. The tumor was located in the pyloro-antral region in 263 patients (61.7%). Subtotal gastrectomy was performed in 291 patients and total gastrectomy in 136 patients. Tumor stage classification revealed 43 patients (10.0%) with stage I, 40 patients (9.4%) with stage IIA, 59 patients (13.9%) with stage IIB, 76 patients (17.8%) with stage IIIA, 96 patients (22.5%) with stage IIIB, and 113 patients (26.4%) with stage IIIC disease. Follow-up data were available for 71.6% of the patients with a mean duration of 32.4 months. Five-year DFS and OS were 39% and 59%, respectively. Conclusions: Despite presenting at an advanced stage, the 5-year DFS and OS of patients with operable gastric cancer treated at a dedicated upper GI unit of a tertiary care center in India was good.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.83-95
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aims to identify perception, performance, and the related factors of performance in regards to patients' medical information protection among allied health college students. Methods: Four hundred twelve subjects from three colleges located in Jeonbuk and Kyungbuk province consented to participate. Data was collected from November 28 to December 15, 2012. To assess perception and performance in regards to patients' medical information protection, a self-reporting questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed via SPSS 18.0 program. Results: The score of perception and performance about patients' medical information protection were 4.07 and 3.56, respectively. All item's scores of performance were significantly lower than those of perception. The perception score was significantly different according to recognition of hospital ethics code (t=1.95, p=.052), and recognition of association ethics code (t=2.88, p=.004). The performance score was significantly different according to gender (t=-3.32, p=001), major (F=14.41, p<.001), clinical practicum hospitals (F=8.22, p<.001), and method of electronic medical record access (F=3.23, p=.023). The factors influencing performance were perception(${\beta}=.46$, p<.001), duration of clinical practice(${\beta}=-.36$, p<.001), and gender(${\beta}=.09$, p=.033). Conclusion: In order to improve performance in regards to patients' medical information protection of allied health college students, we should develop ethical education programs and standardize them through multidisciplinary collaboration.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.7-17
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to head injuries among drivers of personal mobility devices and provide insights into safety perceptions. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data of 221 trauma patients obtained from electronic medical records and the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) over one year, from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. The patients, all in their 20s and 30s, presented to a single emergency medical center following personal mobility device accidents (motorcycles, electric scooters, and bicycles). Results: Among motorcycle riders, 18.2% were not wearing helmets, while the percentage of e-scooter riders not wearing helmets was 87.5%. Wearing a helmet was associated with a 71.2% lower likelihood of head injuries (OR=0.288, CI=0.163 to 0.509, p=0.000). Of the personal mobility devices, motorcycles had a 0.431 times lower odds ratio for head injury compared to e-scooters (p=0.009), and there was no significant difference between e-scooters and bicycles (p=0.776). Conclusion: It is imperative to strengthen safety regulations by mandating helmet use for riders of personal mobility devices. A system to enhance driving enforcement for electric scooters, which are increasingly popular among young adults, should also be established.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.184-194
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• 2023

Background: Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is frequently associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and conservative treatments such as epidural steroid injection do not have long-term benefits in LSS patients with DLS. This study evaluated the effectiveness of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter in patients with LSS and DLS. Methods: Patients' sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, stenosis grading, pain duration, location, pain intensity, and medications were retrieved from electronic medical records. At 1, 3, and 6 months following the procedure, data on pain severity, medication usage, and physical functional status were analyzed. A generalized estimating equations model was used at the six-month follow-up. Patients were divided into those with DLS (the spondylolisthesis group) and those without DLS (the no spondylolisthesis group) to evaluate whether the effects of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter were different. Results: A total of 826 patients were included (spondylolisthesis: 433 patients, 52.4%; no spondylolisthesis: 393 patients, 47.6%). Age, body mass index, hypertension, pain location, and stenosis grading were statistically different between the two groups. The generalized estimating equations analyses with unadjusted and adjusted estimation revealed a significant improvement in the estimated mean numerical rating scale of pain intensities compared to that at baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Any adverse events that occurred were minor and temporary. Conclusions: Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a balloon catheter may be an alternative treatment option for patients with chronic LSS, regardless of accompanying DLS, who have had failed conservative management.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.111-118
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• 2015

Objectives Through the clinical records of Seungjeongwon Ilgi, we reviewed the usage of Bi-Jeung to know the concept of the word and studied therapeutic strategies for managing Bi-Jeung. Methods We investigated the clinical records of the mid-Chosun dynasty containing the key word "Bi" from electronic database (Seungjeongwon Ilgi). Results Of 4,039 records, 249 articles thought to have medicinal value were lastly selected. We subdivided the cases into 13 categories according to time, the connection of contents and the change of associated symptoms. "Bi" was not used alone but used in combination with body parts or other symptoms. Etiological causes of "Bi" involved dampness, phlegm, fire, heat and qi disorders. We suggested that "Bi" of the mid-Chosun dynasty meant a symptom group mainly of sensory impairment and additionally pain or motor disturbance. Among the 22 herbal medicine formulas used, 15 were based on internal medical pattern identifications and 7 were symptomatic treatments. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy were primarily applied to adjacent acupoints. In addition, External therapies were used together, such as washing therapy, plaster therapy, cupping therapy and thermotherapy. Conclusions "Bi" principally indicated sensory impairment on limbs and the main etiological cause was considered to be dampness. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and external therapies were used to cure Bi-Jeung.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.117-129
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• 2014

Objective : To study current status on characteristics of allergic rhinitis patients by using the electronic medical record (EMR) data and to explore the feasibility of clinical studies using the EMR data in three different Korean medical hospitals. Methods : We studied allergic rhinitis patients who visited the department of ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology in the three different Korean hospitals from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. We retrospectively collected medical history and characteristics of study subjects using data of EMR. Results : In hospital A, we were able to collect data of 18 years of age or older. In hospital C, we could only collect data after July 1, 2012. Therefore, each hospital's data had different settings in measuring them. Men and women were accounted for similar percentage, and teens were the highest in the age group. J30.4, unspecified allergic rhinitis, was the highest in diagnosis of the allergic rhinitis. Most of the patients have received acupuncture treatments. Moreover, 74.6 percent of the total patients were prescribed with Chinese medicine. Conclusions : Based on this exploratory study, further studies were needed on clinical studies using data of systematic EMR.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.217-229
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• 2018

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are widely adopted worldwide in hospitals for generating and exchanging records of patient information. Recent developments are moving towards implementing interoperable EHR systems that enable information to be shared seamlessly across healthcare organizations. In this context, this paper explores the factors that cause medical information privacy concerns, identifies how people react to privacy invasion and what their perceptions are towards the acceptance of the EHR system. Interviews were conducted to draw a grounded theory on medical information privacy concerns in the use of EHRs. Medical information privacy concerns are caused by perceived sensitivity of medical information and the weaknesses in security technologies. Trust in medical professionals, medical institutions and technologies plays an important role in determining people's reaction to privacy invasion and their perceptions on the use of EHRs.