• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.431-436
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether Korean medicine improves epigastric symptoms of biliary dyskinesia without unfavorable side effects. Methods: A 37-year-old woman who had chronic dyspepsia with intermittent back pain had gallstone-like sludge identified on ultrasound scan. We administered Saenggan-tang and used ultrasound examination to observe the changes in symptoms such as dyspepsia, the occurrence of back pain, and gallbladder contraction. Results: After 2 months of taking Saenggan-tang, symptoms such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, headache, and back pain improved. In addition, biliary motility improvement was evaluated by ultrasonography. Moreover, there was no occurrence of any side effects. Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine might be effective for managing biliary dyskinesia.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.793-800
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) are a relatively novel option for treating painful main pancreatic duct refractory strictures in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Herein, we aimed to assess the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of FCSEMSs in this patient group. Methods: This prospective single-center study included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with FCSEMS placement. The primary endpoints were the technical and clinical success rates. A reduction in visual analog scale pain score of >50% compared with that before stent placement was defined as clinical success. Secondary endpoints were resolution of pancreatic strictures on fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and the development of stent-related adverse events. Results: Thirty-six patients were included in the analysis. The technical success rate was 100% (n=36) and the clinical success rate was 86.1% (n=31). There was a significant increase in stricture diameter from 1.7 mm to 3.5 mm (p<0.001) after stent removal. The mean visual analog scale pain score showed statistically significant improvement. At 19 months of follow-up, 55.6% of the patients were asymptomatic. Stent migration (16.7%), intolerable abdominal pain (8.3%), development of de novo strictures (8.3%), and mild pancreatitis (2.8%) were the most common adverse events. Conclusions: FCSEMS placement showed good technical and clinical success rates for achieving pain relief in patients with refractory main pancreatic duct strictures.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.245-257
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• 2000

A clinical study was done 40 patients of chronic prostatitis who was treated in Dept. of Internal Medicine, Oriental Medicine Hospital, Taejon University, from 1 Mar. 1999 to 31 Oct. 1999. The results were as follows. 1. In distribution of age, 30's and 40's were 57.5% the most, 20's and 60's were 35.0%, 50's was 7.5%. 2. In distribution of past history, the urethritis(45.0%) was the most. 3. In distribution of ocupation, a white-collar worker was 35.0%, a business man was 22.5%, a public servant was 12.5%, etc. 4. Sitting the mean time of day were distributed 5~7 hours, above 7 hours, 3~5 hours, under 3 hours, etc. 5. The resting interval of a long distance drive were distributed 2 hours(35.0%), 3 hours(32.5%), etc. 6. The habit of enduring ejaculation during sexual intercourse was showed 45.0%. 7. The habit of enduring urination was showed 20.0%. 8. Influency of mental stress was showed 90.0%. 9. Ten cases(25.0%) were showed riding horse or riding bicycle. 10. Four cases(10.0%) were showed wearing tight trousers. 11. The habit of put a wallet his hip pocket was showed 57.5%. 12. The most common symptom was distributed the others symp-tom(66.8%) and the voiding symptom(63.3%) more than pain-neuro-logical symptom(37.5%) and symptom related with sexual function (26.6%). 13. In distribution of palpation, lower abdominal pain, lumbar pain, perineal or parascrotal pain were mostly showed right side. Moreover diagnosis of pulsation was weakly showed chi pulse of right. 14. Duration of disease were distributed above 1 year(82.5%), under 1 year(17.5%). Degree of prostatitis was severe showed adove 1 year. 15. The distribution of WBC count of the prostatic secretion, com-paring with before therapy and after therapy, were showed from 5 cases to 0 case in very many/HPF, from 23 cases to 13 cases in many/HPF, from 12 cases to 13 cases in 10~30/HPF, from 0 case to 13 cases in under 10/HPF. 16. Therapeutic improvement of symptom were distributed pain-neurological symptom(94.8%), the others symptom(90.8%), the void-ing symptom(89.6%) and symptom related with sexual function(67.5%). 17. Differentiation of symptoms and signs were distributed dificiency of spleen-lung vital energy, wetness-heat of lower warmer, dificiency of spleen-kidney yang, dificiency of kidney yin, wetness-phlegm, dificiency of vital energy and blood. The prescriptions were Bojungikgitang(44.6%), Yukmijihwangtang(20.7%), Palmijihwangtang(12.0%), etc.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.88-92
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• 2009

Although transfusion of blood and plasma products are accepted as the principle means of transmission of HCV, other parenteral methods, such as acupuncture, tattooing needles, piercing, and surgery are possible methods of transmission of HCV. We managed a case of chronic hepatitis C acquired through ear piercing and acupuncture. A 10-year old girl presented with nausea, abdominal pain, and anorexia for 1 month. Her laboratory finding showed the following: AST/ALT, 865/1,290 IU/L; positive anti-HCV Ab; and HCV RNA. One year previously, she was treated with acupuncture for an ankle sprain and 2 years previously, she had her ears pierced. Laboratory findings of family members showed AST/ALT in the normal ranges, and negative anti-HCV Ab and HCV RNA. The pathologic findings of a liver biopsy revealed chronic hepatitis with mild lobular activity, moderate porto-periportal activity, and portal fibrosis. She was treated with pegylated interferon ${\alpha}$-2a and oral ribavirin for 6 months, after which the clinical symptoms and laboratory findings improved.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3567-3570
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• 2014

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in men and the third most common cancer in woman in Thailand. This retrospective study was designed to assess the prevalence, clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes and prognosis of HCC in the central region of Thailand. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all HCC patients aged more than 15 years old in Thammasat university hospital (TUH) during the period from January 2007 to December 2012. Clinical information, biochemical tests and radiologic findings were collected from review of medical records. Results: There were 308 patients with HCC, which accounted for the prevalence of 5.19% of all cancers diagnosed in TUH during the study period. Of these, 125 (40.5%) had complete information retrievable from their medical records and met the inclusion criteria, 99 (79.2%) were males. The mean age was 57.4 years. A quarter of HCC patients in this study presented without any symptom before diagnosis. The common clinical presentations in the remaining patients were hepatomegaly 64/125 (51.2%), abdominal pain 56/125 (44.8%) and ascites 16/125 (20.8%). Cirrhosis was seen in almost all patients (92.8%). The most common causes of HCC in this study were chronic hepatitis B (49.6%) and C (19.2%). Based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, 75.4% presented at intermediate or late stage. Patients receiving curative therapy with either surgical treatment or radiofrequency ablation had significantly longer survival time after the HCC diagnosis than the palliative therapy group (11.0 months vs 4.0 months, p value= 0.004). The mean survival time after the HCC diagnosis was 10.5 months. Conclusions: The common causes of HCC in central region of Thailand were chronic hepatitis B and C. Surgical therapy or RFA seemed to provide better outcomes than other treatments but only in patients with early stage lesions. Most of the patients in this study presented with advanced diseases and had grave prognosis. Appropriate screening patients at risk for HCC might be an appropriate way to achieve early diagnosis and improve the treatment outcome.

• 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).

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.9
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• pp.420-424
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• 2014

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is oncogenic and can transform B cells from a benign to a malignant phenotype. EBV infection is also associated with lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP). Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a latent EBV infection and underlying LIP, without any associated immunodeficiency. He had been EBV-seropositive for 8 years. The first clinical presentations were chronic respiratory symptoms and recurrent pneumonia. The symptoms worsened in the following 2 years. The results of in situ hybridization were positive for EBV, which led to a diagnosis of LIP. The diagnosis was confirmed by the results of a thoracoscopic lung biopsy. The EBV titer of the bronchoalveolar lavage specimens obtained after acyclovir treatment was found to be fluctuating. The patient had latent EBV infection for 8 years, until presented at the hospital with intermittent abdominal pain and distension. Physical examination and pelvic computed tomography revealed a large mesenteric mass. A biopsy of the excised mass led to a diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). The patient received combination chemotherapy for 4 months, consisting of vincristine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisolone. He is now tumor-free, with the LIP under control, and is being followed-up at the outpatient clinic. This is the first report of a Korean case of chronic latent EBV infection that developed into LIP and BL in a nonimmunocompromised child.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.926-934
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• 2005

It is well known that NERD(Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a well known esophageal disease. Symptoms of NERD may be divided into two classes. Important symptoms are acid regurgitation and heartburn. Secondary symptoms are noncardiac chest pain, dysphagia, chronic coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, globus, halitosis, epigastric pain or discomfort and abdominal pain or discomfort related to bowel movement. The relationship between NERD and Tan-San(呑酸) is complex. But the most common symptoms of NERD are acid regurgitation and heartburn. These symptoms arc similar to Tan-San and can be treated with oriental medical herb and acupuncture. Ljintang-Gamibang(二陳湯加味方) mentioned in the Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑) is one of these oriental medical herbs. Therefore, this comparative study between first medical examination and end of medical treatment with Ljintang-Gamibang and acupuncture was made. The clinical progress of NERD was investigated. After treatment, all seven patients showed improvement in all symptoms associated with NERD, including general condition. The results of this study suggest that Ljintang-Gamibang and acupuncture are an effective treatment for NERD and progressive research to develop a practical treatment of NERD are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.106-117
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• 2015

Objectives : This study is to report the clinical effect of oriental medicine on a patient suffering from endometriosis with chronic pelvic pain and other accompanied various symptoms. Methods : The 32 years old patient had suffered from endometriosis symptoms including pelvic pain, menstrual cramping, disuresia, and other pains over 8 years. The patient received herbal medication, acupuncture, abdominal moxibustion during 5 months of outpatient treatment. The clinical effects were evaluated through TSD (Total Symptom Distress) and EHP-5 (Short-From Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire). Results : The various clinical symptoms were improved during the treatment. The TSD and EHP-5 score also noticeably reduced. Conclusions : This case study showed that oriental medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment appeared to effectively reduce various symptom of endometriosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.706-716
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• 2021

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. Although diverse complicated etiologies are involved in its pathogenesis, a dysregulated gut-brain axis may be an important factor. Red ginseng (RG), a traditional herbal medicine, is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function; however, these effects have not been investigated in IBS. Methods: Three-day intracolonic zymosan injections were used to induce post-infectious human IBS-like symptoms in mice. The animals were randomized to receive either phosphate-buffered saline (CG) or RG (30/100/300 mg/kg) for 10 days. Amitriptyline and sulfasalazine were used as positive controls. Macroscopic scoring was performed on day 4. Visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by colorectal distension and elevated plus maze and open field tests, respectively, on day 10. Next-generation sequencing of gut microbiota was performed, and biomarkers involved in gut-brain axis responses were analyzed. Results: Compared to CG, RG significantly decreased the macroscopic score, frequency of visceral pain, and anxiety-like behavior in the IBS mice. These effects were comparable to those after sulfasalazine and amitriptyline treatments. Moreover, RG significantly increased the proliferation of beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. RG significantly suppressed expression of IL-1β and c-fos in the gut and prefrontal cortex, respectively. Further, it restored the plasma levels of corticosterone to within the normal range, accompanied by an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone. Conclusion: RG may be a potential therapeutic option for the management of human IBS.