• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.92-103
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• 2018

Background: Currently, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is used for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis, but it is associated with frequent adverse effects. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the current protocol and proposes an individualized risk-based prophylaxis protocol. Methods: The PJP incidence and risk factors during the first 6 months (early PJP) and afterwards (late PJP) was assessed in renal transplant recipients with (prophylaxis group) and without (no-prophylaxis group) 6-month PJP prophylaxis. Results: In 578 patients, there were 39 cases of PJP during a median follow-up of 51 months. Renal adverse events were encountered frequently during trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis, leading to premature discontinuation. Patients without the prophylaxis had a significantly higher incidence of early PJP (n=27, 6.6%) compared to patients with the prophylaxis (n=0). The incidence of late PJP was 2.2%, without between-group differences. The factors associated with early PJP were preoperative desensitization and acute rejection within 1 month, whereas late PJP was associated with age, deceased donor transplant, and acute rejection requiring antithymocyte globulin treatment. Conclusions: Based on the simulation results of several risk-based scenarios, the authors recommend universal prophylaxis up to 6 months post-transplant and extended selective prophylaxis in patients aged ${\geq}57$ years and those with a transplant from deceased donors.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2017

Background No consensus exists on the optimal treatment protocol for orofacial clefts or the optimal timing of cleft palate closure. This study investigated factors influencing speech outcomes after two-stage palate repair in adults with a non-syndromal complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with a UCLP who underwent two-stage palate closure and were treated at our tertiary cleft centre. Patients ${\geq}17$ years of age were invited for a final speech assessment. Their medical history was obtained from their medical files, and speech outcomes were assessed by a speech pathologist during the follow-up consultation. Results Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 21 years (standard deviation, 3.4 years). Their mean age at the time of hard and soft palate closure was 3 years and 8.0 months, respectively. In 40% of the patients, a pharyngoplasty was performed. On a 5-point intelligibility scale, 84.4% received a score of 1 or 2; meaning that their speech was intelligible. We observed a significant correlation between intelligibility scores and the incidence of articulation errors (P<0.001). In total, 36% showed mild to moderate hypernasality during the speech assessment, and 11%-17% of the patients exhibited increased nasalance scores, assessed through nasometry. Conclusions The present study describes long-term speech outcomes after two-stage palatoplasty with hard palate closure at a mean age of 3 years old. We observed moderate long-term intelligibility scores, a relatively high incidence of persistent hypernasality, and a high pharyngoplasty incidence.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2022

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory lesion of the periodontium surrounding an endosseous implant, with progressive loss of the supporting peri-implant bone. The main purposes of treatment for peri-implantitis due to biological factors include addressing the inflammation and restoring a healthy but reduced periodontium around the implant, similar to the treatment of periodontitis in natural teeth. The proposed treatment protocol includes surgical treatment, mainly resective surgery, after non-surgical treatment such as oral hygiene instructions, mechanical cleansing of the fixture, and general or topical antiseptic or antibiotic application according to the extent of inflammation. In this article, we present a 6-year follow-up case showing unusual marginal bone regeneration after resective surgery and decontamination of an implant surface for the treatment of peri-implantitis and discuss the possible reasons.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.280-287
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized single-blind controlled trial was to elucidate the clinical and antimicrobial effects of daily phototherapy (PT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study was conducted from December 2013 to May 2014 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Forty-one patients with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis were randomly divided into two therapeutic groups in a 1:1 ratio: SRP+PT and SRP (control) groups. All participants underwent full-mouth SRP. PT was performed thrice a day for a month by using electric toothbrushes with embedded light-emitting diodes. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing were assessed before (baseline) and four weeks after (follow-up) the treatment. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus levels were detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction at the same points in time. Results: The clinical parameters improved in both the groups. At the follow-up assessment, PPD was significantly decreased in the SRP+PT group (P=0.00). Further, PPD and CAL showed significantly greater changes in the SRP+PT group than in the SRP group (PPD, P=0.03; CAL, P=0.04). P. gingivalis and T. forsythia levels decreased in this group, but no significant intergroup differences were noted. Conclusions: Adjunctive PT seems to have clinical benefits, but evidence of its antimicrobial effects is not sufficient. Long-term studies are necessary to develop the most effective PT protocol and compare the effectiveness of PT with and without exogenous photosensitizers.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.208-217
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• 2003

Introduction: Soft-tissue impingement syndrome is now increasingly recognized as a significant cause of the chronic ankle pain. As a method to detect soft-tissue ankle impingement, a characteristic history and physical examination, routine MR imaging, and direct MR arthrography were used. The efficacy of routine MR imaging has been controversial for usefulness because of low sensitivity and specificity. Direct MR artrhography was recommaned for diagnosis because of the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, but it requires an invasive procedure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of Fat suppressed, contrast enhanced, three-dimensional fast gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state with rediofrequency spoiling magnetic resonance imaging(CE 3D-FSPGR MRI) and to evaluate the clinical outcome of the arthroscopic treatment in assessing soft-tissue impingement associated with trauma of the ankle. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 38 patients who had arthroscopic evaluations and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies(3D-FSPGR MRI) for post-traumatic chronic ankle pain between January 2000 and August 2002. Among them, 24 patients had osteochondral lesion, lateral instability, loose body, malunion of lateral malleoli, and peroneal tendon dislocation. The patient group consisted of 23 men and 15 women with the average age of 34 years(16-81 years). The mean time interval from the initial trauma to the operation was 15.5 months(3 to 40 months), The mean follow-up duration of the assessment was 15.6months(12-48 months). MRI was simultaneously reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI was obtained from radiologic and arthroscopic finding. Arthroscopic debridement and additional operation for associated disease were performed. We used a standard protocol to evaluate patients before the operation and at follow-up which includes American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score. Results: For the assessment of the synovitis and soft tissue impingement, fat suppressed CE 3D-FSPGR MR imaging had the sensitivity of 91.9%, the specificity of 84.4 and the accuracy of 87.5%. AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score of preoperative state was 69.2, and the mean score of the last follow-up was 89.1. These were assessed as having 50% excellent(90-100) and 50% good(75-89). The presence of other associated disease didn't show the statistically significant difference(>0.05). Conclusion: Fat suppressed CE 3D-FSPGR MR imaging is useful method comparable to MR arthrography for diagnosis of synovitis or soft-tissue impingement, and arthroscopic debridement results in good clinical outcome.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

In 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Approximately 70 000 Koreans are estimated to have been exposed to radiation from atomic bombs at that time. After Korea's Liberation Day, approximately 23 000 of these people returned to Korea. To investigate the long-term health and hereditary effects of atomic bomb exposure on the offspring, cohort studies have been conducted on atomic bomb survivors in Japan. This study is an ongoing cohort study to determine the health status of Korean atomic bomb survivors and investigate whether any health effects were inherited by their offspring. Atomic bomb survivors are defined by the Special Act On the Support for Korean Atomic Bomb Victims, and their offspring are identified by participating atomic bomb survivors. As of 2024, we plan to recruit 1500 atomic bomb survivors and their offspring, including 200 trios with more than 300 people. Questionnaires regarding socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, past medical history, laboratory tests, and pedigree information comprise the data collected to minimize survival bias. For the 200 trios, whole-genome analysis is planned to identify de novo mutations in atomic bomb survivors and to compare the prevalence of de novo mutations with trios in the general population. Active follow-up based on telephone surveys and passive follow-up with linkage to the Korean Red Cross, National Health Insurance Service, death registry, and Korea Central Cancer Registry data are ongoing. By combining pedigree information with the findings of trio-based whole-genome analysis, the results will elucidate the hereditary health effects of atomic bomb exposure.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.63-76
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify effects of intensive sensory integration (SI) treatment and home-program for a child who has a sensory integration disorder. This study also examined whether the positive effect is long-lasting by a follow-up test. Method : A boy with sensory integration dysfunction underwent an intensive SI treatment for 2 weeks. The intervention was consisted of 9 sessions and duration of the each session was 40 minutes. Sensory diet and Wilbarger protocol was provided as home program. The child's sensory function was evaluated before and after the SI intervention. Five month later, re-evaluation was executed for follow-up purpose. Results : In the evaluation after the Si intervention, the child's sensory defensiveness was decreased. Praxis, visual perception, sensory regulation dysfunction (sleep function), affective stabilization and performance of activities of daily living are also improved. In the re-evaluation after the 5 month later, the self-regulation ability, especially sleep function, has been maintained and the visual perception was developing continually. However, the child showed some affective regulation such as bothering his mother and losing his temper. Conclusions : The intensive SI intervention showed positive effects in terms of SI function improvement and the effect lasted long without any additional therapeutic intervention.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.84-98
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of recruiting women into a clinical trial designed to examine the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in treating overactive bladder (OAB) in menopause women. We tried to determine if there was preliminary evidence to suggest that acupuncture may be effective in reducing OAB symptoms and improving disease-specific quality of life. We also tried to determine the appropriate treatment duration of OAB, with safety of performing acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatment. Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. 7 menopause women were randomly assigned to a electroacupuncture group (EA group) (n=4) or acupuncture group (AC group) (n=3) and received electroacupuncture or acupuncture treatment twice a week (16 sessions) in 8 weeks, and follow up assessment was performed after the end of treatment. Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), 3-day bladder diary, and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were performed 4 times (at baseline (visit 0), the middle of treatment (visit 8), after the end of treatment (visit 16), and at 4 weeks of follow-up (visit 17)) and analyzed. 2 subjects were dropped out, and finally 5 subjects completed the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 for window program. Results: There was an significant improvement in night-time frequency after the treatment (visit 17) in PP (Per-protocol) group analysis (p=0.042). In additional ITT (Inter-to-treat) group analysis, the OABSS (p=0.042) and night-time frequency (p=p=0.017) were improved significantly after the treatment (visit 17). But there was no significant difference of KHQ before and after the treatment. Also there was no significant difference between EA and AC group after the treatment (visit 16, 17). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggested that it was feasible to recruit subjects and perform the study procedures, after reconstructing several details of study protocol in performing further clinical trial.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.317-324
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• 2017

Background: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT) has long been used for the treatment of severe weakness caused by general fatigue, loss of appetite, or indigestion. The aim of this feasibility study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of BZYQT for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) with spleen qi deficiency. Methods: This study will be conducted at a single center as a prospective, nonrandomized, nonblinded, single-arm feasibility study. A total of 30 participants diagnosed with FD in accordance with the Rome III criteria will be enrolled. All patients will receive BZYQT for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K) scores between the baseline and 4-week images. The secondary outcomes include the tongue coating thickness, blood parameters, and BZYQT Questionnaire score. The NDI-K score will be acquired four times, at Weeks 0 (baseline), 2 (during treatment), 4 (after treatment), and 8 (after follow-up). Written informed consent will be obtained from all study participants prior to enrollment. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital. This study protocol is registered with the national clinical trial registry of the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Results will be published in a journal and will be disseminated both electronically and in print. Discussion: The results of this study may serve as a guide for researchers seeking to effectively evaluate the effects of BZYQT.

• Psychiatry investigation
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.1188-1202
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• 2018

Objective This study protocol aims to determine, using a rigorous approach in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and non-seasonal major depressive episode (MDE), the characteristics of bright light therapy (BLT) administration (duration, escalation, morning and mid-day exposures) depending on the tolerance (hypomanic symptoms). Methods Patients with BD I or II and treated by a mood stabilizer are eligible. After 1 week of placebo, patients are randomized between either morning or mid-day exposure for 10 weeks of active BLT with glasses using a dose escalation at 7.5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 minutes/day. A further follow-up visit is planned 6 months after inclusion. Patients will be included by cohorts of 3, with at least 3 days of delay between them, and 1 week between cohorts. If none meet a dose limiting toxicity (DLT; i.e hypomanic symptoms), the initiation dose of the next cohort will be increased. If one patient meet a DLT, an additionnal cohort will start at the same dose. If 2 or 3 patients meet a DLT, from the same cohort or from two cohorts at the same dose initiation, the maximum tolerated dose is defined. This dose escalation will also take into account DLTs observed during the intra-subject escalation on previous cohorts, with a "Target Ceiling Dose" defined if 2 DLTs occured at a dose. Discussion Using an innovative and more ergonomic device in the form of glasses, this study aims to better codify the use of BLT in BD to ensure a good initiation and tolerance.