• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.100-106
• /
• 2022

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is one of the impingement syndromes characterized by posterior ankle pain that occurs during forced plantar flexion. This report presents a case of a 48-year-old PAIS patient with os trigonum syndrome accompanied by tenosynovitis of flexor hallucis longus. She was treated with complex Korean medicine to a good effect. The Numeric Rating Scale and the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level were used to measure the impact of Korean medicine on the patient's pain and quality of life. Decreased NRS and increased EQ-5D-5L scores reflected improvement in her symptoms within 25 days. This study suggests complex Korean medicine treatment for PAIS may be beneficial for alleviating pain and improving quality of life.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.187-197
• /
• 2020

Objectives: This case report aims to report the clinical effectiveness of the combination treatment of Korean medicine on a post-laparoscopic myomectomy patient's lower urinary symptoms (LUTS). Methods: The patient who diagnosed with uterine myoma had Laparoscopic myomectomy. After the operation, the patient complained of dysuria, nocturia, frequent urination, urgent urination and urinary retention. The patient received combination treatment of Korean medicine during 14 days of hospitalization. The treatment included Ohrim-san, acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacoacupuncture. The effects were evaluated through the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Frequency-Volume chart, and 5-Level version of EuroQol-Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L). Results: After the treatment, the clinical symptoms such as dysuria, nocturia, frequent urination, urgent urination, urinary retention were improved. Also, the quality of life was enhanced. Conclusions: This case report shows that the combination treatment of Korean Medicine with Ohrim-san may be effective for treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after laparoscopic myomectomy.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.173-180
• /
• 2008

Objectives : The purposes of this study were to examine the health-related quality of life(HRQoL) and to identify its related factors for a group of rural adults. Methods : The study subjects were 1,901 adults who were aged 40-70 years and who were living in Naju City, Jeollanamdo. The sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behavior, health status and global self-rated health were collected for statistical analysis. The health-related quality of life was measured by the Euroqol EQ-5D instrument. The differences on the EQ-5D index between the groups were assessed with t-test, ANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results : Overall, the mean value of the EQ-5D index was $0.884{\pm}0.140$ and this score was significantly different according to the socioeconomic characteristics, the health-related behavior, the health status and the global self-rated health. According to the results from the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the HRQoL was significantly reduced for females, older subjects, and other subjects with no spouse and the subjects with osteoporosis, obesity, mental distress or poorer global self-rated health. Conclusions : The HRQoL for rural adults was related to the socioeconomic characteristics, the health status and the global self-rated health, A better understanding of the factors related to the HRQoL would help to improve the rural adults' quality of life.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.113-124
• /
• 2018

This study is designed to report three cases of postoperative care after hip surgery using conventional Korean Medicine treatments including phototherapy. Three patients undergone hip fracture surgery were treated with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and phototherapy. We used Visual analogue scale (VAS), EuroQol five dimension scale (EQ-5D), and hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) to evaluate treatment effectiveness. After the treatment, VAS score was improved in all three cases, while EQ-5D and HOOS showed different results by items. EQ-5D (pain/discomfort) and HOOS (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living) were improved in all three cases. EQ-5D (self-care) and HOOS (quality of life) showed improvements in two cases. EQ-5D (mobility, usual activities, anxiety/depression) and HOOS (sports/recreation) were improved in one case. Conventional Korean Medicine treatments including phototherapy can be effectively used to alleviate pain and symptoms after hip fracture surgery.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.73-83
• /
• 2022

Background: This study was aimed at reducing depression and improving the quality of life and oral health of the elderly Koreans by elucidating the effect of depression on their life quality and oral health. Methods: Original data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Survey (2019) were analyzed and implemented. The elderly (age≥65years) Koreans were enrolled. The oral health status was determined using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and subjective self-report. The quality of life was quantified as the sum of score of each item in the Euro Qol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) and Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8). The t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to statistically compare the quality of life, oral health status, and oral health status according to the depression status. Results: EQ-5D and HINT-8 scores differed significantly with the history of depression, current depression, stress perception, depression for 2 weeks, and annual suicidal intention (p≤0.05). The DMFT index score differed significantly with the depression diagnosis and depression for 2 weeks (p≤0.05). EQ-5D, HINT-8, and DMFT index differed significantly with all oral health behavior variables (p≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study could serve as a basis to formulate oral health programs for the elderly to reduce depression and improve the quality of life.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.16 no.10
• /
• pp.7034-7042
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of metabolic syndrome(MS) on quality of life(QoL) using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2013. We analyzed data for 4,890 adults, aged 19 year or older and provided the correct data about MS and QoL. MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III with Korea-specific waist circumference cutoffs and QoL was measured by the EuroQol 5-dimension(EQ-5D). The prevalence of MS was 22.1% and high density lipoprotein(HDL)-cholesterol was the highest prevalence in MS components. The mean of EQ-5D index was significantly lower in subject with MS compared to subjects without MS. Among MS components, only higher waist circumference led to EQ-5D index decreasing and the regression coefficient was -0.018. In conclusion, we suggest the attention to QoL and intervention program for improving the QoL in subjects with MS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.151-160
• /
• 2020

Background: Blood stasis (BS) is commonly used for pattern identification in traumatic injuries, including traffic accidents (TAs). Various studies have identified the efficacy of Korean medicine treatments for TA patients, but studies focusing on the BS-based herbal medicine (BSHM), including Tongdo-san (TDS), are rare. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective observational study, conducted from August 24^th, 2018 to December 27^th, 2018, which included 40 TA patients. Participants underwent routine Korean medicine treatments including acupuncture, electronic moxibustion, cupping, physical therapy, and herbal medicine. In the herbal medicine treatment, participants took BSHM with more than 3 days including taking TDS. The primary outcome measures were the scores from a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measures included scores from EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) and EQ-VAS questionnaires, the BS and cold/heat indices, and safety assessments. Results: There were significant improvements in the VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS scores, and BS index after treatment. In the sub-analysis, VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores were higher in groups with a higher BS index. The moderate and severe BS index groups showed more improvement than the minor BS index group, and there was a significant difference in the EQ-5D scores. There was no significant differences observed in cold/heat index groups scores. Conclusion: BS is associated with TA-related symptoms. BSHM, including TDS, may significantly reduce BS, pain, and discomfort.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.353-358
• /
• 2004

Objective : To determine the quality of life and cost consequences for deaf adults who received a cochlear implant. Methods : The data from 11 patients, post-lingual deaf adults who received cochlear implants from 1990 to 2002, underwent cost-utility analysis. The average age of the participants was 49.6 years. The main outcomes were direct cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) using the visual analog scale (VAS), health utility index (HUI), EuroQol (EQ-5D), and quality well-being (QWB), with costs and utilities being discounted 3% annually. Results : Recipients had an average of 5.6 years of implant use. Mean VAS scores increased by 0.33, from 0.27 before implantation to 0.60 at survey. HUI scores increased by 0.36, from 0.29 to 0.65, EQ-5D scores increased by 0.26, from 0.52 to 0.78, and QWB scores increased by 0.16, from 0.45 to 0.61. Discounted direct costs were $22,320, yielding $19,223/QALY using VAS, $17,387/QALY using HUI, $24,604/QALY using EQ-5D, and $40,474/QALY using QWB. Cost-utility ratios using VAS, HUI, and EQ-5D were all below $25,000 per QALY, except using QWB. Conclusion : Cochlear implants in post-lingual deaf adult have a positive effect on quality of life at reasonable direct costs and appear to produce a net saving to society.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.230-237
• /
• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of Korean medicine combination treatments for recurring back pain after medical procedures. Methods: This was a retrospective study performed on 311 patients admitted to Daejoen Jaseng hospital who were diagnosed with lumbar spine herniated intervertebral discs. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they had undergone at least one medical procedure on the lumbar spine. They were assessed with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol-5 Dimensions Index (EQ-5D) before and after treatment. Results: Patients who experienced a medical procedure on the lumbar spine in the prehospital phase (Group A), statistically significantly improved EQ-5D and ODI scores. The NRS scores also decreased however it was not statistically significant. Patients who had not undergone a medical procedure on the lumbar spine in the prehospital phase (Group B) had statistically significantly improved ODI and NRS scores. The average EQ-5D score decreased however, there was no statistically significant difference before and after scores in Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in variation in EQ-5D, ODI, and NRS scores before and after treatment between the groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that even after a bilateral procedure and surgery, when pain in patients with lumbar spine herniated intervertebral disc did not decrease, (as in failed back surgery syndrome), Korean medicine combination treatment of postoperative pain was helpful and there was improvement in daily life.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.32-40
• /
• 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Korean medicine combination treatment on recurrent neck pain after medical procedures. Methods: This retrospective study included 158 inpatients of the Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine who were diagnosed with "Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy (M50.1)" between December 14th, 2017 and May 29th, 2019. The patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups based on whether they received medical procedures on the cervical spine at least once. Korean medicine combination treatment was evaluated using EuroQol-5 dimensions index (EQ-5D), numeric rating scale (NRS), and neck disability index (NDI) scores. Results: Before and after treatment, the patients who received medical procedures on the cervical spine at least once before admission (Group A) showed a statistically significant difference in the NDI and NRS scores but not in the EQ-5D scores. This was similar to the patients who had not received medical procedures on the cervical spine before admission (Group B) they showed a statistically significant difference in the NDI and NRS scores but not in the EQ-5D scores. When comparing the results of Group A and Group B before and after treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the EQ-5D, NDI, and NRS scores. Conclusion: Korean medicine combination treatment improves the neck functional disability of patients who suffer from recurrent neck pain despite patients having undergone medical procedures.