• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.145-156
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• 2021

Purpose: Despite the fact that emergency medical centers (ED) are used by emergency patients, more than 50% of non-emergency patients have been reported to be admitted in EDs, of which more than 10% of them used the 119 ambulance. Therefore, this study investigated whether there was a change in the severity of patients visiting EDs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who visited the ED through the 119 ambulance in 2019 (13,735) and 2020 (11,015). Patient data were analyzed using the medical information system. Results: There was an increase in non-emergency patients at the emergency departments (KTAS levels 4-5) in 2020 with a rate of 58.0% (6,393), as compared to the 2019 data with a rate of 44.9% (6,169). However, the 2020 median length of stay in the emergency department was 188 minutes (IQR: 0-5,909minutes) (p=.000), which was decreased as compared to the 2019 median length of stay of 231 minutes (IQR: 5-6,211minutes) (p=.003). Conclusion: Providing emergency ambulance guidelines for selecting proper hospitals and educating patients to refrain from using the ED for non-emergency patients should be taken into consideration to prevent overcrowding and construct a more effective emergency medical system (EMS).

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients who canceled their ED visits and to determine the factors that influence ED cancellation. Methods: Retrospective study that analyzed data from the electronic medical records(EMR) and Prehospital Care Reports(PCRs) of 305 patients who cancelled their appointments at a single emergency medical center over a six-month period from October 12, 2022, to April 12, 2023. Results: ED cancellations were 2.287 times higher if the patient presented to the ambulance after outpatient hours(09:00~17:00) (p=.007), and ED cancellations were 3.712 times higher if the patient presented to the ambulance under the influence of alcohol(p=.011). For patients' symptoms, medical diseases were associated with a 1.965 times increase in cancelled ED visits compared to other modes of transport (p=.005), while mental and chronic diseases were associated with a 67.3% decrease in cancelled ED visits compared to other modes of transport (OR=0.327, CI=[0.130-0.822], p=.018). symptomatic improvement was associated with a 2.482 times increase in presentations to a 119 ambulance compared to delayed waiting time(p=.022). Conclusion: Emergency medical centers should consider improving the legal system, such as increasing emergency medical care fees, to reduce the number of patients who cancel their appointments.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.5
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• pp.966-978
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• 2022

Jaundice in children have various etiologies. Among them, physiological jaundice is a very common disease observed in more than half of full-term neonates. When jaundice persists or develops after 2 weeks of age, the total/direct bilirubin is measured in consideration of the possibility of cholestasis. In case of cholestasis, imaging studies differentiate biliary atresia and other disorders of the extrahepatic bile ducts. In this review, we briefly presented the major differential diseases of cholestasis in children and introduced diagnostic imaging techniques, including normal findings.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.207-212
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• 2013

Objectives : We investigated the long-term tolerability of escitalopram in Korean adolescents. Methods : The subjects were 37 adolescents, who had been diagnosed with depressive disorder in accordance to DSM-IV. Clinical effectiveness was assessed by Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale at the final follow-up visit. Tolerability was assessed through a medical record of the reason for discontinuation of escitalopram and documented adverse events. Results : The mean duration of treatment was $78.1{\pm}89.5$ days, and the mean dosage was $10.0{\pm}4.4$mg/day. Out of the total 37 patients, two (5%) patients sustained use of escitalopram. Twelve patients (32.4%) discontinued use of escitalopram due to target symptom remission, and 23 patients (61.9%) due to insufficient efficacy. Six patients (16.2%) had at least one documented adverse event. However, no suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior was reported. Significant differences in clinical symptom improvement efficacy were seen between the patients who were receiving escitalopram for less than 8 weeks (4.3%, 1/13) and those for more than 8 weeks (92.9%, 13/14). There was no significant difference between the tolerability of monotherapy compared to the concomitant use group. Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that long-term use of escitalopram may result in superior efficacy than shortterm use, and is tolerable in Korean adolescents with depression.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.282-290
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• 2013

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a health needs assessment (HNA) tool for persons with brain disorders and to assess the unmet needs of persons with brain disorders using the developed tool. Methods: The authors used consensus methods to develop a HNA tool. Using a randomized stratified systematic sampling method adjusted for sex, age, and districts, 57 registered persons (27 severe and 30 mild cases) with brain disorders dwelling in Seoul, South Korea were chosen and medical specialists investigated all of the subjects with the developed tools. Results: The HNA tool for brain disorders we developed included four categories: 1) medical interventions and operations, 2) assistive devices, 3) rehabilitation therapy, and 4) regular follow-up. This study also found that 71.9% of the subjects did not receive appropriate medical care, which implies that the severity of their disability is likely to be exacerbated and permanent, and the loss irrecoverable. Conclusions: Our results showed that the HNA tool for persons with brain disorders based on unmet needs defined by physicians can be a useful method for evaluating the appropriateness and necessity of medical services offered to the disabled, and it can serve as the norm for providing health care services for disabled persons. Further studies should be undertaken to increase validity and reliability of the tool. Fundamental research investigating the factors generating or affecting the unmet needs is necessary; its results could serve as basis for developing policies to eliminate or alleviate these factors.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.238-243
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• 2013

Background Primary malignant tumors of the hand, although unusual, may present varied and often complex clinical problems. The main treatment modality of skin cancer of the hand has changed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 43 patients who underwent surgery for malignant skin tumors of the hand during an 18-year period, from September 1994 to February 2012. The characteristics of the tumor, methods of reconstruction, and long-term results were reviewed. Results We had 43 patients with 27 melanomas, 14 squamous cell carcinomas, and 2 sarcomas. Their ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (mean, $53.4{\pm}14.5$ years), from 46 to 79 years (mean, $59.7{\pm}9.6$ years), and from 15 to 43 years (mean, $29{\pm}19.8$ years), respectively. Thirty-four cases occurred on the fingertip (16 of those cases on the thumb), 5 cases occurred on the palm, and 4 cases on the dorsum of the hand. Amputation was most frequently used in early cases, but recently, tissue-sparing excision has been performed frequently. The incidence of local recurrence was 3 cases and distant metastasis was 1 case, and the 5-year survival rate was 100%, except in 4 cases due to follow-up loss. Conclusions The principles of treatment-to be curative and to preserve function and appearance-are important points. "Preservative surgery" preserves function and cosmesis of the involved finger or hand dorsum or palm. Preservative surgery not only emphasizes less resection and surgery of a smaller scale, but also optimal reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the digit.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.345-356
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• 2013

Purpose: To provide clear estimates of the adoption and use of electronic nursing records (ENRs) with standard terminology in Korea and identification of the scope and use as well as perceived or potential benefits of ENRs. Methods: A survey was done of 733 hospitals at three levels: tertiary advanced hospitals, general hospitals, and community hospitals. After performing a literature review a modified version of an existing survey tool was used for 2 months in 2012. The collected information related to EHR functionality and coverage of nursing documentation and nursing process, application of standard terminology, and perceived satisfaction and benefits of ENRs. Results: The response rate was 39.4% (289/733), and 202 hospitals (70.1%, 95% CI64.8~75.5%) of the respondents had ENR systems (82.5% of tertiary hospitals, 66.7% of general hospitals, and 70.1% of community hospitals). Out of these hospitals less than 10% had ENRs fully covering nursing documentation. The adoption rate of standard terminology was 55%, and hospital satisfaction with ENRs was 70%. But personalized care was identified as needing improvement in ENRs. Conclusion: The ENR adoption rate was high but there are many potential opportunities for improving ENR systems in terms of the data standardization and personalized care.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.663-668
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• 2010

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon disorder with few cases reported. It usually occurs in young males and has benign self-limiting course without any apparent concomitant factor. It is seen after intrathoracic pressure changes leading to alveolar rupture. The clinical experiences of two medical centers were reviewed to aid in optimal management. Material and Method: Retrospective review between March 2003 and August 2010 with spontaneous pneumomediastinum patients was performed. Result: 24 patients were identified with a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. These 24 patients were comprised of 18 men and 6 women with mean age 18.9 years (range 10 ~ 33). The major initial complaints were chest pain (79.2%), throat pain (62.5%), and subcutaneous emphysema (41.7%). The triggering events were exercise (16.7%), coughing (12.5%) and vomiting (12.5%). No apparent triggering event was noted in 54.2% of patients. In all cases, chest radiograph and computed tomography was done. Diagnostic computed tomography was required in 25%. White blood cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) were checked, and their initial mean values were $9,790{\pm}3,240/{\mu}L$ Land $1.31{\pm}1.71mg/dL$, final mean values were $5,440{\pm}1,665/{\mu}L$ Land $0.72{\pm}0.73mg/dL$, respectively. 23 patients were admitted (average $5.0{\pm}1.8$) and the symptoms were self-limiting in all cases without complications. Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a benign condition with mild inflammatory signs that often presents with chest or throat pain. Secondary causes must be ruled out to avoid an unfavorable outcome with less invasive study. Because of very rare complications and recurrence, outpatient basis and shortened hospitalization may be feasible.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.67-70
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• 2019

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of muscular dystrophies that has extremely heterogeneous clinical features and genetic background. The caveolin-3 gene (CAV3) is one of the causative genes. LGMD appears as a clinical continuum, from isolated skeletal muscle involvement to long QT syndrome. Here we report two patients without apparent muscle weakness in a family with CAV3 mutation. A 7-month-old Korean boy visited our muscle clinic because of an incidental finding of elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration (680 IU/L, reference range, 20-270 IU/L) without clinical symptoms. The patient was born after an uneventful pregnancy and showed normal developmental milestones. He developed pseudohypertrophy of his calf muscle during the follow-up. We obtained a muscle biopsy at age 14 months, which showed size variations and degenerating/regenerating myofibers with endomysial fibrosis and immunohistochemical evidence of normal dystrophin. Under the impression of LGMD, we performed target panel sequencing and identified a heterozygous in-frame mutation of CAV3, c.307_312delGTGGTG (p.Val103_Val104del). Immunohistochemical staining of muscle indicated complete loss of caveolin-3 compared with normal control muscle, which supported the variant's pathogenicity. We performed segregation analysis and found that the patient's mother had the same variant with elevated serum CK level (972 IU/L). We report on autosomal dominant familial caveolinopathy caused by a pathogenic variant in CAV3, which was asymptomatic until the fourth decade. This case highlights the utility of next generation sequencing in the diagnosis of muscular dystrophies and the additive role of muscle biopsy to confirm the variants.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.232-239
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Increased consumption of instant noodles has recently been reported to be positively associated with obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome in South Korea, which has the highest per capita instant noodle consumption worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the association between instant noodle consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors among college students in Seoul. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 3,397 college students (1,782 male; 1,615 female) aged 18-29 years who participated in a health checkup. Information on instant noodle consumption was obtained from the participants' answers to a question about their average frequency of instant noodle intake over the 1 year period prior to the survey. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using a general linear model that adjusted for age, body mass index, gender, family income, health-related behaviors, and other dietary factors important for cardiometabolic risk, showed a positive association between the frequency of instant noodle consumption and plasma triglyceride levels, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in all subjects. Compared to the group with the lowest frequency of instant noodle intake (${\leq}1/month$), the odds ratio for hypertriglyceridemia in the group with an intake of ${\geq}3/week$ was 2.639 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.393-5.000] for all subjects, while it was 2.149 (95% CI, 1.045-4.419) and 5.992 (95% CI, 1.859-21.824) for male and female students, respectively. In female students, diastolic blood pressure was also higher among more frequent consumers of instant noodles. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that frequent consumption of instant noodles may be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors among apparently healthy college students aged 18-29 years.