• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.367-376
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• 1996

Background : The diagnosis of emphysema during life is based on a combination of clinical, functional, and radiographic findings, but this combination is relatively insensitive and nonspecific. The development of rapid, high-resolution third and fourth generation CT scanners has enabled us to resolve pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities with great precision. We compared the chest HRCT findings to the pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis in pulmonary emphysema patients to test the ability of HRCT to quantify the degree of pulmonary emphysema. Methods : From october 1994 to october 1995, the study group consisted of 20 subjects in whom HRCT of the thorax and pulmonary function studies had been obtained at St. Mary's hospital. The analysis was from scans at preselected anatomic levels and incorporated both lungs. On each HRCT slice the lung parenchyma was assessed for two aspects of emphysema: severity and extent. The five levels were graded and scored separately for the left and right lung giving a total of 10 lung fields. A combination of severity and extent gave the degree of emphysema. We compared the HRCT quantitation of emphysema, pulmonary function tests, ABGA, CBC, and patients characteristics(age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts etc.) in 20 patients. Results : 1) There was a significant inverse correlation between HRCT scores for emphysema and percentage predicted values of DLco(r = -0.68, p < 0.05), DLco/VA(r = -0.49, p < 0.05), FEV1(r = -0.53, p < 0.05), and FVC(r = -0.47, p < 0.05). 2) There was a significant correlation between the HRCT scores and percentage predicted values of TLC(r = 0.50, p < 0.05), RV(r = 0.64, p < 0.05). 3) There was a significant inverse correlation between the HRCT scores and PaO2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) and significant correlation with D(A-a)O2(r = -0.48, p < 0.05) but no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and PaCO2. 4) There was no significant correlation between the HRCT scores and age, sex, height, weight, smoking amounts in patients, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and wbc counts. Conclusion : High-Resolution CT provides a useful method for early detection and quantitating emphysema in life and correlates significantly with pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.799-809
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• 2011

Objectives: This study is aimed at identifying the influential factors on the pulmonary function of ordinary residents in the surrounding areas of Yeosu Industrial Complex. Methods: The PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) was conducted on the target residents numbering 989 people (male 361, female 628). The exposed group (813 people) resided within the radius of 5km from Yeosu Industrial Complex and the control group (176 people) resided in the radius of more than 15 km from May 2007 to November 2007. The survey also took into account other factors including personal characteristics, life habits, respiratory diseases and allergic symptoms, medical histories, and the living environments of the residents in order to further identify influential factors on pulmonary function. Result: When comparing the PFT values of the exposure groups to the control group of the same city, values of the exposure groups were meaningfully lower with an %$FEV_1$ of 107.05% and %FVC of 100.28%. Conversely, the control group reported an %$FEV_1$ and %FVC of 107.26% and 102.85% respectively, indicating that ambient air pollutants reduce lung function. The odds ratio of asthma diagnosis history increased when a subjects residence was close to a heavily trafficked road, traffic amount was huge, a bed was used, and the family had less than four members. However the results were not statistically meaningful. The odds ratios of abnormal pulmonary function were statistically higher among those with asthma(OR=4.29, CI=1.75-10.56), wheezing (OR=2.59, CI=1.24-5.41), and nasal congestion (OR=2.87, CI=1.36-6.08) (p<0.01). The factors affecting $FEV_1$ were symptoms including asthma, passive smoking and allergic eye disease ($R^2$=0.049, p<0.001). For the FVC symptoms including asthma ($R^2$=0.014, p<0.001) were measured. The analysis showed that FVC decreased with increases in $O_3$ and CO(p<0.01). Furthermore, $FEV_1$ decreased with increases in $O_3$(p<0.01). Conclusions: These results will provide preliminary data for establishing responsive measures to protect the health of residents in industrial complexes from air pollution, and to develop lasting environmental health policies.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.213-218
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• 2001

Microscopic Polyangiitis(MPA) belongs to a spectrum of systemic vasculits, and particularly antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies(ANCA)-associated small-vessel vasculitis which is characterized by involvement of the lung and kidney. The diagnosis of MPA is often difficult to make, and delayed because of the variability of the clinical presentation. Renal biopsies have a very important diagnostic and prognostic value in MPA. We experienced a case of microscopic polyangiits which was confirmed by renal biopsy and positive serum perinuclear ANCA, associated with alveolar hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding. We began methylprednisolone pulse therapy, combined with a low dose of cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis therapy. ACE inhibitor and Ca channel blocker were used when proteinuria and hypertention developed. On admission, the patient's lab findings showed BUN l17 mg/dL, Cr 2.3 mg/dL, while on the 60th hospital day BUN/Cr values fell to 20.8 mg/dL / 1.6 mg/dL and though proteinuria persisted, the patient's condition was tolerable and is currently under observation on an out-patient basis. The last lab values were BUN 26 mg/dL / Cr 1.6 mg/dL. (J. Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001 ; 5 : 213-18)

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.357-363
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• 2014

Isoprene is a one of the biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and it is known as a source of the tropospheric ozone and formaldehyde. In addition, isoprene is a trace component of the exhaled breath and it is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of diseases such as lung cancer. In these regards, isoprene gas standards are required for the accurate measurement of isoprene in air samples. To establish a standard for isoprene gas, gravimetric preparation and characterization of primary gas standards were studied. The primary gas standards were produced independently in 4 aluminum cylinders and concentrations were examined by GC-FID. As a result, the uncertainty of the gravimetric preparations including purity of the raw material was 0.01% and reproducibility of the preparation of independent 4 cylinders was 0.08%. The primary gas standards for isoprene showed 14 months of long-term stability. The relative expended uncertainty of 2.8% (95% of confidence level, k=1.96) was assigned to the certified value of 10 ${\mu}mol$/mol level of isoprene based on the quantitative evaluation of the purity, weighing, reproducibility, adsorption and long-term stability.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.305-314
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare the findings on the chest low-dose CT (LDCT) images between the negative and positive groups for pneumoconiosis in the group exposed to inorganic dust. From May 30, 2007 to August 31, 2008, total 328 subjects were examined by a LDCT. LDCT images were read by a chest radiologist who has much experience for reading of pneumoconiosis. All subjects were classified into two groups based on digital images after consensus reading of two radiologists according to the ILO 2000 guidelines; negative group (87, 26.5%) without pneumoconiosis and positive group (241, 73.5%). Statistical analysis was performed using a SPSS 14.0. There were significant differences in age (60.9 vs. 65.0, p<0.001), and in dust expose duration (17.0 vs. 19.2, p=0.024) between two groups, but no significant difference in smoking (p=0.784). Of the 328 subjects, 13 diagnosis were extracted from 245 subjects (74.7%). Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was significantly higher in positive group than that in negative group (36.9% vs. 25.3%, p=0.049). Honeycombing showed higher frequency in positive group than in negative group (6.2% vs. 1.2%, p=0.079). Pneumoconiosis findings caused by inorganic dusts exposure showed the significant relation with CAC on LDCT images. Future studies need to prove that pneumoconiosis finding is independent risk factor for CAC using a coronary artery angiography.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.630-633
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• 2020

Renal failure syndrome in wild mammals is infrequently reported. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a medium-sized rodent known to carry many diseases but rarely exhibiting renal failure. A six-month old female muskrat was submitted to our laboratory for pathological diagnosis, and necropsy revealed severe renal damage with sand-like lithiasis in the ureter, renal calculi, and hydronephrosis. All major organs, including the cerebrum, also showed systemic hemorrhage and calcification which may have been due to uremia induced by renal failure. Histopathologically, necrosis and microcalcification were detected in the renal cortex and the medulla, especially in the proximal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney. Significant hyalinization of the glomeruli was also observed, and this suggested chronic nephritis. These findings would support mycotoxic effects, particularly on the kidney. Moreover, infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells was observed in the lung and of plasma cells in the spleen. The definitive cause of the toxic effects in this case of muskrat renal failure could be attributed to contaminated food.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 1998

Background: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia(CEP) presents with profound systemic symptoms, including fever, malaise, night sweats, weight loss, and anorexia together with localized pulmonary manifestations such as cough, wheeze, and sputum. It is an illness occurring predominantly in women. The chest radiogragh shows fluffy opacities that often have a characteristic peripheral configuration. The hallmark of CEP is the peripheral blood eosinophilia and a prompt response to oral corticosteroid therapy. We investigated characteristics of eleven patients of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, reported in Korea. Method: There were eleven reports of CEP from 1980 to 1996, including three cases experienced in our hospital. The journals were analysed in respects of clinical history, laboratory, and radiographic findings. Results: 1) Male vs. female ratio is 3 : 8. The peak incidence occurred in forty and fifty decades. The atopic diseases were present in 6 cases. Asthma was the commonest manifestation 2) The presenting symptoms were as follows: cough, dyspnea, sputum, weight loss, fever, general weakness, night sweats, urticaria with the descending incidence. 3) Peripheral blood eosinophilia was present in all patients(mean ; 38.4%) and serum IgE level was elevated in nine patients(mean ; 880IU/ml). Conclusion: The diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is based on classic symptoms, including fever, night sweats, weight loss with a typical roentgenogram of peripheral pulmonary infiltrates and peripheral blood eosinophilia, and that is confimed by lung biopsy and/or bronchoalveolar lavage. Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is responsive to corticosteroid promptly and recommended at least 6 months of therapy to prevent relapse.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.614-623
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• 2000

Background : Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is rare but often fatal. To determine the clinical manifestations of DAH, its etiology, clinical course and prognosis were studied. Method : A retrospective analysis was performed in 21 patients that were diagnosed as DAH. Diagnosis of DAH was based on the presence of the "classical triad" of hemoptysis, anemia, and rapidly progressive infiltrates on chest X-ray and a finding of bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy. Results : Thirteen patients (61.9%) had collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) as underlying disease and 10 patients had systemic lupus erythematosus. Females were more prevalent in CVD than in non-collagen vascular disease (NCVD). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical manifestations. Dyspnea (95.2%), cough (76.2%), hemoptysis (61.9%), and fever (33.0%) were frequent symptoms. The initial creatinine level was higher in CVD than in NCVD ($3.27{\pm}3.15$ mg/dl vs. $1.19{\pm}0.94$ mg/dl, p=0.030). The corresponding drop in hemoglobin level was $2.69{\pm}1.26$ g/dl. Maximal drop in hemoglobin preceded the progression of infiltrates on the chest radiograph by $1.38{\pm}4.22$ days. The mortality rate was higher in the patients with NCVD than in those with CVD (50.0% vs. 23.1%). Conclusion : The DAH can occur not only in patients with CVD but also in those with NCVD. Higher creatinine level CVD in patients is associated with renal involvement in conjunction with DAH. The maximal drop in hemoglobin preceeding the progression of infiltrates on the chest radiograph suggests that the drop in hemoglobin is important for diagnosing DAH.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.1047-1057
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• 1998

Background : Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin and characterized by accumulation of T cells and macrophages. Various cytokines may play crucial roles in the activation of T cells and macrophages, and thereby in the formation of granulomas. However, little is known about the balance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the development of sarcoid granulomas and disease activities. In the present study, we measured IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis to find out whether there is an imbalance between proinflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines in the lung. Methods: Fourteen subjects with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and six healthy volunteers were included. BALF was concentrated ten-fold by pressure ultrafiltration and each cytokine levels were measured by EUSA method. Active sarcoidosis was defined by major organ involvement or clinically progressive diseases. Results: The mean IL-6 levels in the BALF of the active sarcoidosis group were significantly increased than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group(p<0.05). Meanwhile, the IL-8 levels were increased and IL-10 levels were decreased in the active sarcoidosis group than in controls or inactive sarcoidosis group without significance(p>0.05). In active pulmonary sarcoidosis patients, the IL-6 levels in BALF correlated with the BALF CD4/CD8 ratio(r=0.768, p<0.05) and IL-8 levels(r=0.564, p<0.05). Conclusions : The data presented showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is important in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and decreased tendency of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 might also be involved in the development of granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.1000-1011
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• 1998

Background: For the diagnosis or evaluation of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disorders, various parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve and maximal expiratory flow volume curve have been used. Recently the peak expiratory flow(PEF) measured by the peak flow meter is widely used because of its simplicity and convenience. But there were still no data of the predicted normal values measured by the peak flow meter in Korea. This study was to obtain the predicted normal value of PEF and to know the accuracy of this value to predict $FEV_1$. Method: The measurements of PEF by the MiniWright peak flow meter and several parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow volume curves by the Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) were done in 129 men and 125 women without previous history of the respiratory diseases. The predicted normal values of parameters according to the age and the height were obtained, and the regression equation of $FEV_1$ by PEF was calculated. Results: The predicted normal values of PEF(L/min) were -2.45$\times$Age(year) +1.36 $\times$ Height(cm)+427 in men, and -0.96 $\times$ Age (year) + 2.01 $\times$ Height (cm) + 129 in women. FEFmax derived from the maximal expiratory flow volume curve was less than by 125 L/min in men and 118 L/min in women respectively compared to PEF. $FEV_1$(ml) predicted by PEF was 5.98 $\times$ PEF(L/min) + 303 in men, and 4.61 $\times$ PEF(L/min) + 291 in women respectively. Conclusion : The predicted normal value of PEF measured by the peak flow meter was calculated and it could be used as a standard value of PEF while taking care of patients with airway obstruction. $FEV_1$, the gold standard of ventilatory function, could be predicted by PEF to a certain extent.