• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.95-107
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• 2012

As BTX-A, which has been known to be the most effective treatment for ADSD, is not effective in treating vocal tremors, voice assessment must be employed to perform differential diagnosis of SD and vocal tremor in an accurate fashion. In this study, the characteristics of vocal changes after botulinum toxin injection were compared by analyzing the voice characteristics resulting from the presence of vocal tremors using objective analysis devices, with the aim of helping to provide prognoses and to determine remedial effects in clinical cases comprising patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia accompanied by voice tremors. Respiratory function tests, aerodynamic analysis, electroglottography (EGG), acoustic analysis, auditory perception tests, and K-VHI had been conducted at intervals of four, eight, and twelve weeks before and after injection, targeting a group of 17 ADSD female patients (a ADSD group of four with vocal tremor and a ADSD group of 13 without voice tremor). For average FVC and FEV1, the T group showed statistically significant low averages compared with the NT group, whereas the T group showed statistically significant high average ATRI compared with the NT group. In addition, the T group showed a statistically significant Fatr, lower than that of the NT group. For the ADSD group of patients with voice tremor, their vocal tremor remained unchanged despite noticeable decrease in wringing voices. In other words, as the vocal tremor and wringing voices are two distinctive features, there is a need for the two features to be targeted separately for differential diagnosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.130-141
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• 1995

Background: Endobronchial tuberculosis is one of the serious complications of pulmonary tuberculosis. Without early diagnosis and proper treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis, bronchostenosis can leave and lead to the collapse of distal lung parenchyme, bronchiectasis, and secondary pneumonia accompanied with moderate to severe dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and localized wheezing. Therefore steroid therapy has been tried to prevent bronchostenosis. But the effect of steroid therapy on the endobronchial tuberculosis is not definite at present. We tried to elucidate the effect of steroid on the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis for prevention of bronchostenosis. Methods: We observed the initial and sequential bronchoscopic findings, pulmonary function tests and simple chest roentgenograms in 58 patients diagnosed as endobronchial tuberculosis and admitted to Chung-Ang university hospital from 1988 to 1992. The patients in nonsteroid group (n=39) were treated with anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy only and steroid group(n=17) with combined steroid therapy. Sequential bronchoscopic findings, pulmonary function tests, and chest roentgenograms were comparatively analyzed between the two groups. Results: 1) The endobronchial tuberculosis was highly prevalent in young females especially in third decade. 2) Both actively caseating type and the stenotic type without fibrosis was the most common in the bronchoscopic classification. 3) The sequential bronchoscopic findings in steroid group 2 months after treatment showed no significant improvements compared with nonsteroid group. 4) There was no significant difference between the two groups in the sequential bronchoscopic improvements according to bronchoscopic types. 5) We did not find any significant difference in improvements on follow-up pulmonary function tests and simple chest roentgenograms between the two groups 2 month after treatment. 6) There was no significant adverse effect of steroid during the treatment. Conclusion: Combined steroid therapy provably would not influence outcome of the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2019

Background: Despite growing concern over occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) such as grain dust and diesel exhaust, information about the exposure level and health implications among workers in small-scale milling enterprises in developing countries like Nigeria has not been adequately documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust and effect on lung function among grain millers in food markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with a comparative approach. Sixteen grain milling shops each were randomly selected from two major food markets in Ibadan metropolis for indoor $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ monitoring. Seventy-two respondents each were proportionately selected from grain millers and shop owners for forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate tests. Results: The $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for both market locations ranged between 1,269.3 and $651.7{\mu}g/m^3$, while $PM_{10}$ concentrations were between 1,048.2 and $818.1{\mu}g/m^3$. The recorded concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limit of $50{\mu}g/m^3$ and $25{\mu}g/m^3$ for $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$, respectively. As compared with control group (2.1 L), significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second value (1.61 L) was observed among the exposed group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate value (186.7 L/min) was recorded among the exposed group than the control group (269.51 L/min) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust accentuated respiratory disorders with declines in lung functions amongst grain millers. Improved milling practices and engaging cleaner milling facilities should be adopted to minimize exposure and related hazards.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to prove the reliability and validity of the Power breath K5 and to compare it with pony FX. Power breathe K5 is one type of device can assess automatically Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), Peak inspiratory pressure, Peak inspiratory flow (PIF). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty-five COPD patients participated in the test to investigate for the intra relater reliability and concurrent validity. The tests MIP, Vital capacity (VC), PIF were measured by Powerbreathe K5 and Pony Fx. Data was analyzed by intraclass correlation reliability (ICC) value and a standard error of measurement and Bland-Altman plots for reliability and pearson correlation for validity. Results: Intra rater reliability of the Powerbreathe K5 was very high at MIP (ICC=0.977 95%CI 0.956~0.989, SEM=8.665, MDC=0.295), PIF (ICC=0.966 95%CI 0.933~0.93, SEM=8.665, MDC=0.295), VC (ICC=0.949 95CI 0.902~0.974, SEM=0.042, MDC=0.116). The Powerbreath K5 was significant correlation compared with Pony Fx in assessment for MIP (r=0.971, p<0.05) and vital capacity (r=0.534, p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, We investigated the clinical usefulness of the Powerbreath K5 in evaulating the MIP, VC and PIF with COPD patients with high reliability and validity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.597-603
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• 1994

Background: Because of the power of HRCT to detect the minute changes in lung parenchyme and the advantage of noninvasiveness, it may be the ideal method of follow-up evaluation of the patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. So the aim of the study is to find out whether the change of HRCT during the course of the disease can represent the change in symptom and pulmonary function test. Method: Thirteen patients with diagnosis of diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis who had more than two times of HRCT during the course of disease were studied. The extent of the disease in HRCT was measured at three levels using image analyzer. The ralationship between the percent change in the disease extent in HRCT, symptom score, and pulmonary function tests were analysed. Results: The change of disease extent in HRCT has good correlation with the change in dyspnea and diffusion capacity(r=0.716, p=0.0012). But there was no correlation between the change of HRCT and FVC or TLC. Also significant inverse correlation was noted between the change in dyspnea and diffusion capacity(r=-0.707, p=0.0047). Conclusion: These data suggest that HRCT may be a good method of follow-up in diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.3
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• pp.234-241
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• 2020

Background: The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) test is useful in asthma patients. However, a few studies on its usefulness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have been reported. We analyzed the FENO level distribution and clinical characteristics according to the FENO level in COPD patients. Methods: From December 2014 to June 2019, COPD patients who underwent pulmonary function and FENO tests at Chonnam National University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated for FENO, comorbidities, asthma history, blood eosinophil, and pulmonary function test. The high FENO group was defined as those with FENO level>25 parts per billion (ppb). Results: A total of 849 COPD patients (mean age, 70.3±9.4 years) were included. The mean forced expiratory volume at 1 second was 66.5±21.7% and the mean FENO level was 24.3±20.5 ppb. Patients with FENO ≤25 ppb were 572 (67.4%) and those with FENO >25 ppb were 277 (32.6%). Blood eosinophil percentage was significantly higher (4.2±4.8 vs. 2.7±2.5, p<0.001) in patients with the high FENO group than the low FENO group. The high FENO group revealed a significantly higher frequency of patients with blood eosinophil percentage >3% (46.9% vs. 34.8%, p=0.001) and asthma history (25.6% vs. 8.6%, p<0.001) than the lower FENO group. Asthma history, blood eosinophil percentage >3%, and positive bronchodilator response (BDR) were independent risk factors for the high FENO level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.85; p<0.001; aOR, 1.46; p=0.017; and aOR, 1.57, p=0.034, respectively) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The FENO level distribution varied in COPD patients and the mean FENO value was slightly elevated. Asthma history, eosinophil percent, and positive BDR were independent risk factors for the high FENO level.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.401-408
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• 2001

Background : Perfusion scans are accurate predictors of postoperative lung function. There are few previous studies aimed at predicting the postoperative exercise capacity using the perfusion scanning and those that did reported contradictory results. Method : We prospectively studied the preoperative spirometric, exercise tests and perfusion scans from in 49 consecutive patients who were admitted to Inha University Hospital with surgically resectable lung cancer from Jan. 1998 to Jun. 1999 29 patients who had any condition affecting the lung function and exercise capacity, or refused a surgical resection or a follow-up study were excluded. Spirometric and exercise tests were performed 6 months after operation in 20 patients. Results : The predicted postoperative $FEV_1$, FVC and TLC correlated well with the following corresponding postoperative values : $r_s$ and p value, 0.809 and 0.000 for the $FEV_1$ 0.895 and 0.000 for the FVC ; 0.741 and 0.006 for the TLC, respectively. The measured postoperative exercise values were slightly higher than the postoperative exercise values predicted, $VO_{2max}$ and $Wr_{max}$, were as 112% of $VO_{2max}$ predicted and 119% of $WR_{max}$ predicted. The change in $FEV_1$, FVC and TLC had a weak correlation with the change in $VO_{2max}$ and $WR_{max}$. Conclusion : The perfusion scan was a useful tool for predicting the postoperative exercise capacity. However, they had a tendency to underestimate the exercise capacity, especially in the patients who had a pneumonectomy. A weak correlation between the change in lung function and exercise capacity was observed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.367-376
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• 1996

Background : The diagnosis of emphysema during life is based on a combination of clinical, functional, and radiographic findings, but this combination is relatively insensitive and nonspecific. The development of rapid, high-resolution third and fourth generation CT scanners has enabled us to resolve pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities with great precision. We compared the chest HRCT findings to the pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis in pulmonary emphysema patients to test the ability of HRCT to quantify the degree of pulmonary emphysema. Methods : From october 1994 to october 1995, the study group consisted of 20 subjects in whom HRCT of the thorax and pulmonary function studies had been obtained at St. Mary's hospital. The analysis was from scans at preselected anatomic levels and incorporated both lungs. On each HRCT slice the lung parenchyma was assessed for two aspects of emphysema: severity and extent. The five levels were graded and scored separately for the left and right lung giving a total of 10 lung fields. A combination of severity and extent gave the degree of emphysema. We compared the HRCT quantitation of emphysema, pulmonary function tests, ABGA, CBC, and patients characteristics(age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts etc.) in 20 patients. Results : 1) There was a significant inverse correlation between HRCT scores for emphysema and percentage predicted values of DLco(r = -0.68, p < 0.05), DLco/VA(r = -0.49, p < 0.05), FEV1(r = -0.53, p < 0.05), and FVC(r = -0.47, p < 0.05). 2) There was a significant correlation between the HRCT scores and percentage predicted values of TLC(r = 0.50, p < 0.05), RV(r = 0.64, p < 0.05). 3) There was a significant inverse correlation between the HRCT scores and PaO2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) and significant correlation with D(A-a)O2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) but no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and PaCO2. 4) There was no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts in patients, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and wbc counts. Conclusion : High-Resolution CT provides a useful method for early detection and quantitating emphysema in life and correlates significantly with pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2006

Background : Cough may be a consequence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness or inflammation. Empirical treatment is important in this context because it difficult to verify the obvious cause of cough using laboratory tests, Corticosteroid has a nonspecific anti-inflammatory effect, and can be used for cough management. However, its response rate has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the short- term effects of inhaled corticosteroid on chronic cough Methods : Patients with chronic cough with a normal chest radiograph and a pulmonary function test were enrolled. Cases with a prior respiratory infection within 8 weeks, a history of bronchial asthma, objective wheezing on examination, subjective symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or taking an ACE inhibitor were excluded. On the first visit, a methacholine bronchial provocation test, spontaneous sputum eosinophil count performed twice and a paranasal sinus radiograph were checked, and the patients were treated with budesonide turbuhaler $800{\mu}g/day$ for ten days. The primary outcome measure was a decrease in the cough score after treatment. Results : Sixty nine chronic coughers were finally analyzed. The final diagnoses by the routine tests were as follows: bronchial asthma 13.0%, eosinophilic bronchitis 18.8%, paranasal sinusitis 23.2% and non-diagnostic cases 53.6%. The following responses to the inhaled corticosteroid were observed: definite responders, 76.8%, possible responders, 2.9% and non-responders, 20.3%. The response rate was not affected by the final diagnosis even in the non-diagnostic cases. There were minimal adverse drug related effects during the empirical treatment. Conclusion : Routine objective tests such as methacholine provocation, sputum eosinophil count and simple radiographs were notare not suitable for diagnosing chronic cough Therefore, empirical treatment is important. Short term inhaled corticosteroid is effective and can guide a further treatment plan for chronic cough.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.56-66
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• 2022

Background: Because the etiologies of bronchiectasis and related diseases vary significantly among different regions and ethnicities, this study aimed to develop a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. Methods: A modified Delphi method was used to develop expert consensus statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. Initial statements proposed by a core panel, based on international bronchiectasis guidelines, were discussed in an online meeting and two email surveys by a panel of experts (≥70% agreement). Results: The study involved 21 expert participants, and 30 statements regarding a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis were classified as recommended, conditional, or not recommended. The consensus statements of the expert panel were as follows: A standardized diagnostic bundle is useful in clinical practice; diagnostic tests for specific diseases, including immunodeficiency and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, are necessary when clinically suspected; initial diagnostic tests, including sputum microbiology and spirometry, are essential in all patients with bronchiectasis, and patients suspected with rare causes such as primary ciliary dyskinesia should be referred to specialized centers. Conclusion: Based on this Delphi survey, expert consensus statements were generated including specific diagnostic, laboratory, microbiological, and pulmonary function tests required to manage patients with bronchiectasis in South Korea.