• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2015

Purpose: Stool exams are a useful tool for the early presumptive diagnosis of infectious bacterial diarrhea in the Emergency Department (ED). CT scans are often used to increase the physician's level of certainty and to facilitate patient triage by identifying the source of pain in most patients with an acute abdomen in the ED. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between stool exams and abdominal CT in patients with acute diarrhea visiting the ED. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in the emergency department of a national university hospital from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The subjects consisted of 156 patients with acute diarrhea and abdominal pain who had stool exam results and abdominal CT findings. We divided the patients into three groups according to the stool exam results. Simultaneously, we evaluated their CT findings of the bowel and adjacent structures. Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled. Frequency of abnormal CT findings showed statistically significant correlation with stool exams (p-value <0.001). Abnormal CT findings increased as WBCs and RBCs in stool increased (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The stool exam was a statistically significant predictive variable in indirectly determining the severity of acute diarrhea and it showed correlation with the frequency of abnormal CT findings. It is suggested that stool exams can be used as a susceptible marker for predicting the probability of severe infectious colitis, and for making an early decision regarding close medical attention.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2018

Purpose: Rome criteria are considered the gold standard for diagnosing functional constipation. The modified Bristol stool form scale (m-BSFS) was validated to measure stool form in children. However, neither the potential use of the m-BSFS as a tool to facilitate the diagnosis of potential constipation, nor the agreement between m-BSFS and stool consistency by Rome has been studied. Our objective is to determine if m-BSFS is a reliable tool to facilitate detection of constipation; and the agreement between stool form by m-BSFS and hard stool criteria in Rome. Methods: A survey tool with the Rome III criteria and the m-BSFS was developed. A Likert-scale addressed frequency of each stool form on the m-BSFS. Responses to Rome III and m-BSFS were compared. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the m-BSFS was 79.2% and 66.0% respectively; and in children <4 years. improved to 81.2% and 75.0% respectively. There was poor agreement between hard stools by m-BSFS and the painful or hard bowel movement question of Rome Criteria. Conclusion: The potential utility of m-BSFS as a reasonably good tool to facilitate the diagnosis of potential constipation in children is shown. The poor agreement between painful or hard stool question in Rome III, and ratings for hard stool on the m-BSFS illustrates that one's perception may differ between a question and a picture. A useful pictorial tool to appraise stool form may, thus, be a favorable complement in the process of enquiry about bowel habits in well-child care.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.1006-1011
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• 2010

Purpose: This study aimed to identify 'objective' differential factors for normal frequent loose stool (NFLS) and diarrheal illness with dehydration and nutritional deficiency (DIDN) among infants with chronic frequent loose stool (CFLS). Methods: Data were analyzed from infants under 2 years of age with CFLS who had been transferred from general pediatricians. These 46 patients were divided into 2 groups (NFLS versus DIDN). Nocturnal stool was defined as evacuation between 10 pm and 6 am. Maximal stool amount/day (measured using the mother's hand) was specified as the highest score during the period of CFLS obtained by adding up each evacuation's score (range, 0-2 points). Results: There were 36 cases of NFLS and 10 of DIDN. A failure to gain weight ($P$=0.0001), fever ($P$=0.0079), colic/abdominal pain ($P$=0.0014), gross blood in stool (except allergic proctocolitis) ($P$=0.0113), nocturnal stool ($P$=0.0001), and the score of stool amount ($P$=0.0001) were found to significantly differentiate the groups. A failure to gain weight was observed in 39% of even NFLS. The frequency, mucus content, and microbiological findings of stools, as well as diaper dermatitis were not found to significantly differentiate the groups. Conclusion: NFLS was more common than DIDN in infants with CFLS. The most 'objective' differential factors were nocturnal stool and the score of stool amount (${\geq}7$ points/day).

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was aimed to describe a case of a patient with FOLFIRI-induced diarrhea, which was improved by treatment with Korean herbal medicine, modified Wiryeong-tang. Methods : The patient with metastatic rectal cancer recieved FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as a palliative chemotherapy and showed repetitive diarrhea despite administration of loperamide, which was treated with modified Wiryeong-tang. To evaluate the effect of the treatment, the Bristol Stool Form Scale and bowel movement frequency were checked. Results : During the treatment, the stool form using Bristol Stool Form Scale was improved from diarrhea to normal stool, and the bowel movement frequency was decreased. Conclusions : The result suggest that modified Wiryeong-tang may be an effective treatment for FOLFIRI-induced diarrhea.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.121-131
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report a therapeutic effects of a Korean herbal prescription for antibiotics-associated diarrhea. Methods : Modified Hyangsayukgunja-tang was prescribed once or twice a day to a antibiotics-associated diarrhea patient. To observe the therapeutic effects, the frequency of defecation was counted and Bristol Stool Form Index was used. Laboratory tests were conducted periodically. Results : The frequency of defecation was decreased from 9 times a day to once a day. According to Bristol Stool Form Index, stool form was improved from Type 7 to Type 5. The level of red blood cell, hemoglobin and albumin increased slightly from the day of admission to discharge. Conclusions : Hyangsayukgunja-tang can be a choosable treatment option for a serious antibiotics-associated diarrhea.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.3-13
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• 2000

Objectives : In oriental medicine, Daeseungki-tang is one of the most useful prescriptions for the therapy of constipation. And we also frequently use this prescription for constipated stroke patients. Methods : In order to identify the effects of Daeseungki-tang on constipated stroke patients, we administrated the extract of Daeseungki-tang(code number, HH264) to constipated stroke patients. We gave the medicine in two ways, one-pack group and two-pack group by random allocation and investigated the amount of stool, the frequency of defecation, the stool-form and the changes of blood pressure and body temperature before and after defecation. We also tried to examine the difference of symptoms between defecation-group and non-defecation group. Results : 1. There were no distinct symptoms between defecation-group and non-defecation-group in one-pack group. 2. After defecation, body temperature decreased significantly(P<0.05) in one-pack group and blood pressure decreased significantly(P<0.05) in two-pack group. 3. As for the stool-form, watery-soft was 41.9% in the firstt defecation and 47.1 % in the second defecation. 4. In one-pack group(23 cases), 13 cases(57%) defecated and 10 cases(43%) didn't defecate. And in two-pack group(24 cases), 19 cases(80%) defecated and 5 cases(20%) didn't defecate. These results meant that the effect of Daeseungki-tang was dose dependent. The amount of stool and the frequency of defecation were also dose dependent.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.213-224
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Leejung-tang plus Oryung-san Gamibang on functional diarrhea.Method : We treated a 72-year-old male who had severe watery diarrhea and bowel sounds. The patient was treated with Korean medicine including Oryung-san Gamibang from March 31, 2016 to May 23, 2016. Defecation frequency, Bristol stool scale, Bowel sound, Patient's condition were measured.Result : After oriental medical treatment, clinical symptoms of functional diarrhea (defecation frequency, stool form, bowel sounds) were recoverd normally.Conclusions : Leejung-tang plus Oryeong-san Gamibang effects on the functional diarrhea of a patient diagnosed as Deficiency Cold (虛寒). This case study shows that Oryeong-san Gamibang is clinically effective for functional diarrhea. So that, it is helpful in decreasing the symptoms of a patient and in improving quality of life.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.37-48
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• 2023

Background: Commensal bacteria play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and probiotics have been used as treatment options. We aimed to explore the current use of probiotics and factors associated with their prescription in patients with IBD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a single hospital-based cohort. Patients were eligible if they were ≥18 years old, visited the IBD clinic as an outpatient more than twice during the study period, and had a confirmed diagnosis of IBD. Patients were divided into two groups based on the prescription of probiotics. Clinical assessments were compared between the two groups. Results: In total, 217 patients were enrolled in this study. In patients with Crohn disease (CD), moderate or severe abdominal pain; prior use of methotrexate (MTX), iron, thiopurines, or biologics; history of IBD-related surgery; and stool frequency were independently associated with the prescription of probiotics. In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), moderate or severe abdominal pain, hematochezia, stool frequency, and moderate or severe physician global assessment score were independently associated with the prescription of probiotics. Conclusion: Increased disease activity may be associated with fewer prescriptions of probiotics in patients with IBD. However, physicians prescribed probiotics to control symptoms, such as abdominal pain and increased stool frequency in patients with UC and CD, and hematochezia in patients with UC. Additionally, the use of MTX and iron, and a history of IBD-related surgeries were associated with more frequent probiotic prescriptions in patients with CD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.260-268
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• 2023

Objectives: This study reported a clinical case of a chronic diarrhea patient who showed improvement with Korean medicine treatment. Methods: A patient with chronic diarrhea was treated with herbal medicine (Omae-hwan and Omae-hwan-ryo), acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. Changes in stool form were measured using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). The frequency of defecation was checked every day. The Short Form 36-Item (SF-36) was used to compare patients' quality of life before and after treatment. Results: Korean medicine treatment improved the stool form, frequency of defecation, and quality of life. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment containing Omae-hwan and Omae-hwan-ryo improves clinical symptoms and quality of life.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.511-520
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• 2020

Purpose: Thickened infant formulas reduce regurgitation frequency and volume. Because the digestive tolerance of locust bean gum-containing formulas is controversial, the effectiveness and tolerance of a locust bean gum-thickened formula in infants presenting with regurgitation was evaluated. No other interventions were allowed during the 1 month follow-up period. Methods: We conducted an open, prospective, observational study of a locust bean gum-thickened formula administered to infants presenting with moderate to severe regurgitation according to parents during 1 month. Effectiveness and tolerance were assessed by evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life indicators. Results: A total of 2,604 infants with an average age of 9.3±4.3 weeks were included in this 1 month trial. Regurgitation frequency and estimated volume decreased significantly (p<0.001) and the episodes were resolved completely in 48% of the infants. A significant decrease in duration of crying and episodes of gas (p<0.001), with improvement in quality of life parameters, was observed. Stool frequency increased and stool consistency softened (p<0.001) to levels within the physiologic range, consistent with the increased fiber load (0.42 g/100 mL). Conclusion: Locust bean gum-thickened formula decreased infant regurgitation, was well tolerated, and improved parental quality of life. Stool composition and frequency of the infants remained within the physiologic range.