• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.143-154
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this research is to suggest basic materials for the practical infection precaution program to protect health care workers from hospital infection by grasping their compliance level of Universal Precautions and examining the factors affecting them. The number of the health care workers we studied were 486, including the doctors, the nurses, and the lab technicians who were working in a university hospital. The period of this research was from Aug. 18th, 1997 to Aug. 30th, 1997. The method of the study was to measure the compliance level of Universal Precautions with the item of "Universal Precautions" established by CDC in 1987, and examine the questionnaire of 52 questions dividing related factors into socio-populational, individual, socio-psychological and organizational management ones. The data was analyzed by t-test. ANOVA, and chi-square test. The results were as follows : 1. An the compliance level of Universal Precautions, hand washing had the highest score(85.4%), and doctors(18.9%), nurses(44.0%), and lab technicians(7.6%), had a low compliance level in the safe handling of an injection syringe, and item not to handle patients and their samples when the subject suffered from dermatitis or injury had the lowest score of 17.1%. 23.3% of them said that they wear protection gown, goggles and mask. 2. Female's Compliance level of Universal Precautions Was higher than male. 3. The health care workers who had high recognition on Universal Precautions got significantly higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than those have low recognition on Universal Precautions(P<0.001). 4. The health care workers experienced a needle stick injury had a significantly higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than those who had not(P<0.000). 5. The health care workers who had infection protection education got a significantly higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than those who didn't(P<0.000). 6. The health care workers who had a firm belief in the effect of Universal Precautions got a higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than those who didn't. 7. The health care workers who had less conflicts between treating patient arid protecting them-selves got a higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than others with many conflicts. 8. The health care workers who had a high score in organizational management factors got a significantly higher compliance level of Universal Precautions than those with a low score(P<0.000). 9. Only 16.9 percent of the all respondents(82 in number) answered that they knew well or a little about the Universal Precautions, which is very low rate of recognition. 10. The variables which affected the score in organizational management factors were age, sex, education period, work experience, the kind of work, recognition on Universal Precautions, the experience of needle stick injury, revealing dangerous circumstance related to infection, and training on precaution again infection. According to the result above, compliance level of Universal Precautions showed high correlation with sex, the recognition on Universal Precautions, the experience of needle stick injury, training on precaution against infection, the belief in the effect of Universal Precautions, the recognition degree of conflicts and organizatinal management factors. These results could be used as the basic materials for the developing infection protection programs. Also, There should have a systematic training course to elevate a effective compliance level of Universal Precautions as well as the manageeent of infection protection programs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.295-301
• /
• 1995

Background: The serious problems in retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis are a significant proportion of drug resistance. Preferably retreatment should contain the drugs which has never used before, so drug retreatment is limited in selection. A new antibacterial substance, ofloxacin(OFX) is the activity against mycobacterium tuberculosis and it has been used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. The present report concerns the result of retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients containing OFX treated at National Kongju Tuberculosis Hospital. Method: A retrospective study was made through the regular follow up of 92 smear positive cases, who were treated by four drugs regimen between Mar 1991 and June 1994 at National Kongju Tuberculosis Hospital. Four drugs were, namely prothionamide, cycloserine, ofloxacin and streptomycin(kanamycin or tuberactinomycin). The duration of follow up was over one year. Results: 1) Out of 92 cases with positive sputum AFB smear, 67(73%) achieved the negative conversion. 2) Considering the negative sputum conversion in all the groups, the vast majority(85%) of sputum conversion occurred within the first 4 months. 3) The roentgenological improvement occurred in 49 percent on the whole and when the extent of disease was minimal, moderately, far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 100%, 93%, 68%, respectively. 4) When the duration of patient's illness was less than 1 year, 1 to 3 years, 3 to 5 years and more than 5 years, sputum AFB smear negative response to retreatment was 87%, 76%, 65% and 55%, respectively. 5) Adverse reaction to prothionamide, with complaints of gastrointestinal troubles was common and hepatic dysfunction without jaundice was observed in 7 percent, convulsion in 1 percent, that to cycloserine occurred renal dysfunction & psycosis & convulsion, 2%, 1%, 1%, respectively. Tinnitus with KM occurred in 1% and dirrhea with OFX in 4%. Conclusion: The duration of patient's illness was shorter, sputum AFB smear negative response rate was better. Radiologic responses were not remarkable, but extent of disease by national tuberculosis association was smaller, the result of retreatment was better. Adverse reaction of the secondary antituberculosis agent was mainly observed gastrointestinal troubles, as regard to tolerance to the secondary drugs the role of the physician is of very important value and toxic effects can be overcome by the strong confidence.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.844-852
• /
• 1997

Background : Recent studies have documented increased release of endothelin(ET) during acute attack of asthma. The purpose of this study is to observe the link between plasma level and urinary excretion of each and changes during acute exacerbation. Method : Plasma and 24 hour urine were collected from sixteen asthmatics during acute exacerbation, twice ; first day of symptomatic exacerbation and two weeks after treatment. Controls were ten healthy normal subjects. All patients were treated with corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist on admission. ET was determined by radioimmmunoassay and had 100% cross reactivity with ET-1, 67% with ET-2, 84% with ET-3, and 8% with Big-ET. Results : Plasma ETs were significantly elevated during acute attack of asthma compared with those in remission and controls.,However, there was no significant changes in urine ET concentrations or total ET amounts in 24 hour urine during exacerbation upto two weeks. Those levels of urine ET in asthmatics were still higher than controls. ET concentrations in plasma or urine were not correlated with pulmonary functional parameters and hypoxemia. Conclusion : The findings suggests that increased plasma ETs are related with exaggerated release during acute asthma. Urinary ET excretion is increased in asthma. However, urine ET changes during exacerbation should be observed in a larger and longer scale.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.210-222
• /
• 2000

Background: Endothelin(ET) is the most potent vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor. The plasma ET-1 level is elevated in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism(APTE). This finding suggest that ET-1 may be an important mediator in the cardiopulmonary derangement of APTE. But whether ET-1 is a pathogenic mediator or a simple marker of APTE is not known. The role of ET-1 in the pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary dysfunction in APTE(delete) was investigated through an evaluation of the effects of $ET_A$-receptor antagonist on APTE. The increase in local levels of preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 peptide in the embolized lung was also demonstrated. Methods: In a canine autologous blood clot pulmonary embolism model, $ET_A$-receptor antagonist(10 mg/kg intravenously, n=6) was administered one hour after the onset of the embolism. Hemodynamic measurements, blood gas tensions and plasma levels of ET-1 immunoreactivity in this treatment group were compared with those in the control group(n=5). After the experiment., preproET-1 mRNA expression(using Northern blot analysis) and the distribution of ET-1(by immunohistochemical analysis) in the lung tissues were examined. Results: The increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance of the treatment group were less than those of the control group. Decrease in cardiac output was also less in the treatment group. Complications such as systemic arterial hypotension and hypoxemia did not occur with the administration of $ET_A$-receptor antagonist The plasma level of ET-1 like(ED: what does 'like' mean?) immunoreactivity was increased after embolization in both groups but was significantly higher in the treatment group. The preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 peptide expressions were increased in the embolized lung. Conclusion: ET-1 synthesis increases with embolization in the lung and may plays play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary derangement of APTE. Furthermore, $ET_A$-receptor antagonist attenuates cardiopulmonary alterations seen in APTE, suggesting a potential benefit of this therapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.155-165
• /
• 2000

Background: The phagolysosomal function of alveolar macrophage against M. tuberculosis infection is influenced by Nramp1, which is encoded by the NRAMP1 gene. There are several genetic polymorphisms in NRAMP1, and these polymorphisms affect the innate host resistance through the defect in production and function of Nramp1. To investigate this relationship, the NRAMP1 genetic polymorphism in patients with primary tuberculous pleurisy was determined. Methods: Fifty-six primary tuberculous pleurisy patient, who were diagnosed by pleural biopsy, were designated to the pleurisy group and 45 healthy adults were designated to the healthy control group. Three genetic polymorphisms of NRAMP1, such as a single point mutation in intron 4(469+14G/C, INT4), a nonconservative single-base substitution at codon 543 that changes aspartic acid to asparagine(D543N) and a TGTG deletion in the 3' untranslated region(1729+55delI4, 3'UTR), were determined. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) were used. Results: The frequencies of mutant genotypes of INT4 and 3'UTR were significantly high in pleurisy group(p=0.001, p=0.023). But the frequencies of D543N were not significantly different between the two groups(p=0.079). The odds ratios, which are a comparison with wild genotype for determining mutant genotypes, were 8. 022(95% confidence interval=2.422-26.572) for INT4 and 5.733(95% confidence interval = 1.137~28.916) for 3'UTR ; these were statistically significant But the ratio for D543N was not significant In the combined analysis of the INT4 and 3'UTR polymorphisms, the odds ratios were 6.000(95% confidence interval = 1.461~24.640) for GC/++ genotype and 14.000(95% confidence interval=1.610~121.754) for GC/+del when compared with GG/++ homozygotes ; these were statistically significant. Conclusion: Among the NRAMP1 genetic polymorphisms, a single point mutation in intron 4(469+14G/C, INT4) and a TGTG deletion in the 3' untranslated region(1729+55del4, 3'UTR) were closely related to the primary tuberculous pleurisy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.519-526
• /
• 1996

Background : Clinical and Radiographic studies to differentiate benign from malignant pulmonary nodules have previously focused on clinical status and the morphologic and the computed tomographic attenuation characteristics of the lung nodules. Distinctive differences in the vascularity and pathophysiology of malignant versus benign pulmonary nodules were identified. We evaluated the diagnostic method for differentiating malignant from benign solitary pulmonary nodule by contrast enhancement on the spiral CT. Method : Sixteen patients with solitary pulmonary nodule were examined(Tuberculoma 8, primary lung cancer 8). Serial thin section on the spiral CT was performed before and after(45second, 2min, 5min) the onset of the injection of 100mL of nonionic contrast material(2mL/sec). Results : There was no difference in size of nodule and pre-contrast CT number (Hounsfield unit) between benign and malignant nodules. At forty-five second after the onset of the injection, malignant neoplasms($19.6{\pm}7.9$ HU) enhanced significantly more than tuberculomas($4.9{\pm}9.4$ HU, p=0.008). At 2minute and 5 minute after, malignant neoplasms($34.0{\pm}19.2$HU, $34.0{\pm}15.4$HU) enhanced significantly more than tuberculomas ($6.7{\pm}9.7$HU, p=0.007 and $7.7{\pm}11.5$HU, p=0.011). On cut-off value 20HU(contrast enhancement) 2minute after the injection of contrast media, sensitivity was 87% and specificity was 87%. No correlation between the contrast enhancement and size of the nodules was observed. Conclusion : Studies with the use of an intravenously administered noniodinated contrast medium in examining the enhancement properties of lung nodules was performed. The contrast enhancement was useful in differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.83 no.1
• /
• pp.31-41
• /
• 2020

Background: Chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting more than 8 weeks and socio-economic burden of chronic cough is enormous. The characteristics of chronic cough in Korea are not well understood. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (KATRD) published guidelines on cough management in 2014. The current study evaluated the clinical characteristics of chronic cough in Korea and the efficacy of the KATRD guidelines. Methods: This was a multi-center, retrospective observational study conducted in Korea. The participants were over 18 years of age. They had coughs lasting more than 8 weeks. Subjects with current pulmonary diseases, smokers, exsmokers with more than 10 pack-years or who quit within the past 1 year, pregnant women, and users of cough-inducing medications were excluded. Evaluation and management of cough followed the KATRD cough-management guidelines. Results: Participants with chronic cough in Korea showed age in the late forties and cough duration of more than 1 year. Upper airway cough syndrome was the most common cause of cough, followed by cough-variant asthma (CVA). Gastro-esophageal reflux diseases and eosinophilic bronchitis were less frequently observed. Following the KATRD cough-management guidelines, 91.2% of the subjects improved after 4 weeks of treatment. Responders were younger, had a longer duration of cough, and an initial impression of CVA. In univariate and multivariate analyses, an initial impression of CVA was the only factor related to better treatment response. Conclusion: The causes of chronic cough in Korea differed from those reported in other countries. The current Korean guidelines proved efficient for treating Korean patients with chronic cough.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2000

Purpose : Spine is one of the most common sites of the metastatic bone tumors. Conservative management such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been preferred in most cases. However, the neurologic deficit has not been usually improved, and the quality of life was poor. The purpose of this study was to show the efficacy of the surgical treatments for metastatic spinal tumors in terms of postoperative improvements of neurologic deficit and survival time. Materials and Methods : Authors have reviewed the literatures and analyzed 14 patients of metastatic spinal tumors who were received operative treatments between August 1991 and June 1999 at the our department of orthopaedic surgery. Results : The most frequent primary tumor was breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. The thoracic region was the most common site. There was a preponderance of females over males, and the age ranged between 4th and 8th decade. The indications of surgical treatment comprised instability, progressive neurologic findings, resistance to radiotherapy, pathological fracture, long life expectancy( >6weeks), isolated metastasis and need for pathological diagnosis. The degree of preoperative neurological deficit might influence on the improvement of clinical symptoms after surgery. Conclusion : The surgical treatment reduced the neurological deficit and pain regardless of the operative methods. In the early stage of neurological deficit, the surgical treatment was important for better prognosis. Recently early active operative treatment was performed for metastatic spinal tumor to minimize the intractable pain and to prevent the progression of the neurologic deficit. Early intervention can improve the quality of life and long term survival.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.61-68
• /
• 2000

Purpose : We examined the patients to evaluate the radiologic findings of solitary plasmacytoma of the bone. Materials and Methods : We retrospectively reviewed radiologic findings of 9 cases with solitary plasmacytoma of the bone (SPB) for recent 5 years, but 2 cases were not included this study due to an abnormal finding of bone marrow and another 2 cases were not included due to an abnormal manifestations of computed tomography (n=1) and MRI (n=1). Results : Among 5 cases, 4 cases had an osteolytic bone destruction and 1 case had an osteosclerotic bone destruction on the plain radiograph. Computed tomography and MRI showed more informations about trabeculated bone destruction and the soft-tissue extension of the lesion comparing to plain radiographs. The MRI finding of SPB in 4 cases showed a relatively high signal intensity on T1-weighted image and intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted image, on which the signal intensity of the lesion is slightly higher than that of the muscle. One case had an extensive soft-tissue involvement and multiple necrosis, which presented iso to low signal intensity on T1-weighted image and high heterogeneous signal intensity on T2-weighted image. The Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images of 5 cases showed diffusely strong enhancement of the lesion except on the necrosis areas. Conclusion : Computed tomography and MRI may present some characteristics of SPB and demonstrate another foci of plasma cell infiltrates, so these can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of SPB.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.118-125
• /
• 2005

Purpose: The expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as survivin, bcl-2, and bax has been examined in the human osteosarcoma and then evaluated the correlation with clinical data of patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty human osteosarcoma specimens were established from incisional biopsy and examination of survivin, bcl-2, and bax by immunohistochemical study was performed. We investigated the correlation of survivin, bcl-2, bax and their two or three combined expressions with clinical data including the response of chemotherapy, local recurrence, distance metastasis, and oncologic outcome. Results: Survivin was showed in 26 cases (52%), bcl-2 in 23 cases (46%), and bax in 21 cases (42%) osteosarcoma. And coexpression of survivin and bcl-2 was showed in 19 cases (38%), survivin and bax in 13 cases (26%), bcl-2 and bax in 8 cases (16%), and all three expression was showed in 8 cases (16%). There was no correlation between their apoptosis related gene and histologic difference, the presence of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Whereas neoadjuvant chemotherapy response correlated with bcl-2 expression (P=0.04), and survivin and bcl-2 coexpression (P=0.044) with poor chemoresponse. The rate of died of disease was correlated with bcl-2 (P=0.001), survivin and bcl-2 coexpression (P=0.027) with bad outcome. Survival curves of bcl-2 (P=0.0075), survivin and bcl-2 (P=0.0012) was showed negative correlation in the Kaplan-Meier method. Conclusion: The apoptosis related gene expression was relatively high in osteosarcoma, bcl-2 expression was correlated with poor chemotherapy response and poor survival rate, but survivin was correlated with this oncologic outcome only in the bcl-2 coexpression. The examination of immunohistochemical stain of apoptosis related gene in osteosarcoma could be helpful in the judgment of osteosarcoma prognosis.