• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2021

Introduction The clinical usefulness of Sasang Digestive Function Inventory (SDFI) for analyzing Sasang type-specific pathophysiological symptom was illustrated repeatedly. It was revised to enhance its validity, reliability and clinical usefulness, however its clinical studies supporting these were not sufficient yet. Methods 193 healthy university students responded once to Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean (NDIK), Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life (FDQOL), and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and twice to SDFI with four weeks of interval. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Ponderal Index (PI) were also calculated. The 4-week test-retest reliability and correlation coefficients between NDIK, FDQOL, DEBQ, and SDFI were examined using Pearson's correlation. The significant differences between Sasang types in SDFI and its subscales were examined using ANCOVA with the age as covariate. Results The range of test-retest reliability for SDFI and its subscales was from 0.801 to 0.887. The SDFI-total correlated positively with BMI (r=0.323) and DEBQ-External Eating (r=0.433), while the SDFI-Digestion negatively with NDIK (r=-0.472) and FDQOL-total (r=-0.364). The SDFI-Habit correlated positively with BMI (r=0.310) and DEBQ-total (r=0.481), and the SDFI-Appetite with DEBQ-total (r=0.322). The SDFI-total, SDFI-Digestion, and SDFI-Habit scores of Tae-Eum type (35.6±6.25, 12.38±3.24 and 9.89±3.38, respectively) were significantly bigger than those of So-Eum type (29.84±8.31, 9.93±4.28 and 7.66±3.96). Discussion The SDFI was found to be an objective clinical measure with sufficient concurrent validity for measuring eating behavior and quality of life related to overeating and dyspepsia, and illustrated distinctive differences between Sasang types. It might be useful for the effective medical education and integrative medical practice.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2023

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the abdominal cavity between functional dyspepsia patients and healthy people using an algometer combined with an ultrasound device. Methods : A non-randomized, controlled, pilot trial was conducted. Thirty patients in the experimental group and fifteen participants in the control group were recruited. We collected demographical data, and measured abdominal circumference, height of the body cavity, subcutaneous fat thickness, visual analogue scale of dyspepsia symptoms in the experimental group, depth of algometer and pressure of algometer when pressure pain occurred, and the whole ultrasonic image from the beginning of pressurization to the time when pressure pain occurred. The measurements were carried out twice with the duration of 1 week. Generalized linear regression was conducted to adjust baseline characteristics. Results : A total of 45 participants (30 in experimental group, 15 in control group) were recruited and finished the trial. Females were recruited more in the experimental group than in the control group and it was statistically significant. The difference in thickness of abdominal cavity between a second before the pressure pain and at the time when pressure pain occurred was statistically significant on 1st visit, and other measurements were not statistically significant. From the results of the regression analysis, the difference between two groups was statistically significant in the differences in the thickness of stomach and up to abdominal aorta on 1st visit, and the thickness of stomach on 2nd visit, and other measurements were not statistically different. Conclusions : According to the results, there were not statistically significant differences in abdominal examination when pressure pain occurred between dyspepsia patients and healthy people. Further studies are warranted to assess the abdominal examination using devices including algometer and ultrasound devices, regarding the results of the present study.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.242-249
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• 2007

Backgrounds & Objectives : Yukgunjatanggranule (YGJT) ha been used for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, regarded as one of the gastric dysmotility diseases, but its mechanisms of cation are not yet well known, We investigated the effects of YGJT on gastric emptying and its mechanisms of action in rats. Methods : Gastric emptying was measured by glass beads (1mm in diameter) expelled from the stomach for 1 hour and 2 hours after administration ofnormal saline (NS) or YGJT 41.6mg/kg or 124.8mg/kg in rats. By the same method, gastric emptying was measured only for 2 hours after administration of NS of YGJT 124.8mg/kg in rats treated with atropine sulfate (1mg/kg, s.c), quinpirole HCl(0.3mg/kg, i.p.), NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 75mg/kg, s.c.) or cisplatin (10mg/kg, i.p.) to delay gastric emptying. Results : YGJT 124.8mg/kg improved gastric emptying more than NS or YGJT 41.6mg/kg (p=0.046). Under delayed gastric emptying, YGJT 124.8mg/kg improved gastric emptying in the group treated with cisplatin ($3.1{\pm}1.3$ vs. $6.6{\pm}3.1$, p=0.015), quinpirole HCl ($4.7{\pm}2.8$ vs. $5.5{\pm}5.6$, p=0.874) and NAME ($2.2{\pm}1.4$ vs. $4.7{\pm}6.0$, p=0.414), but aggravated it with atropine sulfate ($1.8{\pm}0.9$vs. $1.7{\pm}1.0$, p=0.957). Conclusions : YGJT improves gastric emptying through the cholinergic pathwas, and shows some effect against the toxicity of cisplatin. Therefore, we expect that it would be effective in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms in functional dyspepsia patients and cisplatin-treated patients.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.283-296
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• 2012

As a disease that reduces quality of life, functional dyspepsia (FD) is associated with foods that may worsen its symptoms or cause it. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutritional status and dietary behaviors of FD patients. We investigated food intake, food intake frequency, and dietary habits of 45 FD subjects according to the Rome III Diagnosis Criteria. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 47.7 years and $22.6kg/m^2$ (males: $23.4kg/m^2$, females: $22.1kg/m^2$), respectively. Average energy intake was 77% of Korean Dietary Reference Intake (KDRI), and it was less than that of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES). Other nutrient intake levels were similar to the KNHANES. Energy intake proportion of carbohydrates : protein : fat was 56 : 18 : 26, and the ratio of fat intake was higher than that of the KNHANES. Beans, laver, tomato, and yogurt were consumed very frequently. In the results of meal regularity, dietary behaviors and composition of diet were relatively good. It is likely that the patient controlled their diet by eating cautiously and by reducing alcohol drinking and smoking. Our results indicate that FD patients' nutritional status by consumption of nutrients was at a level of normal healthy people and that dietary habits were better than normal adults. However, their fat intake levels were somewhat higher than normal people. Therefore, further research is required to identify the relationship between dietary intakes and FD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1223-1230
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine (Beewha-eum) on the treatment of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) in a patient with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Methods: The patient was diagnosed with a spleen-stomach weakness pattern identified by Korean medicine and was treated with herbal medicine (Beewha-eum). The severity of symptoms was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS) for chest pain, self-reported dyspepsia degree (%), Korean gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (KGSRS), gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS), and Functional Dyspepsia-Quality of Life(FD-QOL) score. Results: After Beewha-eum treatment, the severity of chest pain was decreased from NRS 8 to NRS 0 and the self-reported dyspepsia degree also decreased from 100% to 65%. The KGSRS score was decreased from 49 to 35, the GIS score was also decreased from 16 to 9, and the FD-QOL score was increased from 20 to 25. Conclusions: The study findings suggested that Korean medical treatment with Beewha-eum could be an effective option for treating NCCP in patients with NERD.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.875-884
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical improvement of aggravated functional dyspepsia due to COVID-19 with Korean medicine treatment. Methods: To assess treatment outcomes, we used the GIS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Score), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, and Numeral Rating Scale (NRS). Results: After treatment, the patient's clinical symptoms improved, as indicated by GIS, EQ-5D, and NRS scores. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment improved late complications in COVID-19 patients. This finding suggests the possibility of Korean medicine treatment for long-term COVID infections.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.213-222
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Gyejigabuja-tang on a menopausal female patient complained of excessive sweating after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). Methods: We studied one menopausal female patient complained of excessive sweating who visited OO University Hospital from 10th July 2013 to 23th July 2013. We only treated her with Gyejigabuja-tang. The climacteric symptoms of the patient had been estimated with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Results: After treatment, climacteric symptoms were improved and the score of MRS was reduced from 20 to 10 during 12days. NRS score of sweating was reduced from 10 to 2. NRS scores of fatigue, hot flush, thirst, anorexia, dyspepsia, back pain and cramp of calves also reduced after treatment. Conclusions: This study suggests that Gyejigabuja-tang significantly reduced the climacteric symptoms of patient.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.57-61
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• 2000

Gastrointestinal (GI) medications have been administered to many patients without any gastrointestinal diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate use of GI drugs and assess related factors. Medical records of 600 outpatients were reviewed from January 1997 to December 1997 at A Hospital, Kyunggi-do, Korea. Fifty patients every month among all outpatients were randomly selected up to total 600 patients. Surgical patients, visitors for regular health examination and inpatients were excluded. GI symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, constipation, heartburn, dysphagia and abdominal pain. The prescribed gastrointestinal drugs were antacids. $H_2$-antagonist, sucralfate, cisapride, omeprazole, laxatives, digestive enzymes and antidiarrheal agents. Patients without GI symptoms were 348 out of 600 outpatients who were screened. Two hundred and eighty two of 348 patients $(81\%)$ were given GI drugs though they did not have any GI symptoms. There were no differences in regard to sex and age of patients. Most of medical departments prescribed gastrointestinal drugs for these patients. The most frequently prescribed drugs were in order of digestive enzyme, antacids and $H_2$-antagonists. In view of economic aspects, patients paid 12.28 percents of total cost per prescription for unnecessary medicines. The medical practice of prescribing GI drugs should be assessed to define appropriate subgroups to have benefits with prophylactic administration and to reduce adverse effects caused by drug interactions. Pharmacists would have a significant role to promote rational drug therapy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.987-992
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• 2008

This study was carried out to understand the macroscopic aspects of the digestive system symptoms occurring after taking oriental herb complex decoction as observing morphological changes in esophagus, stomach and duodenal bulb by endoscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract when these symptoms developed. The subjects of this study were 46 patients (male 22, female 24, mean age : $54.72{\pm}14.26$ years) who were chosen among ones who took oriental herb complex decoction for medical care and developed symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract while taking an oriental herb decoction, which were assumed that the digestive symptoms were newly developed because of administration. The subjects were given morphological examination by endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. As a result of the endoscopy operated due to the digestive symptoms developed during the administration of oriental herb decoction, there were 2 cases of esophagitis, 5 cases of acute gastritis, 1 case of chronic gastritis A type, 15 cases of chronic gastritis B type, 1 case of duodenitis, 1 case of gastric ulcer, 1 case of gastric polyp, 2 cases of intestinal metaplasia, 1 case of gastric ptosis and 17 cases of normal findings which didn't have any abnormality macroscopically with endoscopy. With regards to the patients who complained of the digestive symptoms after taking oriental herb decoction, it has been found that the symptoms occurred as the oriental herbal medicine taken by the patients who had the digestive symptoms at ordinary times influenced on the gastrointestinal tract. Especially, many of them were had chronic gastritis and functional dyspepsia in the past. The disease accompanying macroscopic lesions at endoscopy which occurred due to the oriental herb decoction as direct cause, was acute gastritis, and it was the prescription to cure the pains and inflammations of skeletomuscular disease.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-113
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• 2009

Objectives: Nowadays, the number of patients having the Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance has been on the rise and this tendency is clear in the female group. This study is aimed to investigate their cause of disease, dietary lifestyle, digestion functions, general symptoms and any disadvantages in daily lives etc. Also, it would suggest any effective results from oriental medical treatments. Methods: The total number of 20 female patients, who have been participated in this study, have been treated at Oriental Internal Medicine, Dong-eui Hospital. We have performed the survey with 50 questionnaires. Results: Most patients were having dyspepsia and had been treated more than once before the survey. The major cause of their disease includes irregular eating habits(p<0.05) and stressful mental conditions. The patients had suffered much disadvantages in daily lives and different symptoms. Specially, pain in the below of stomach pit and early satiation were common.(p<0.05) However, the Discomfort index of patients has been decreased from 9.22 point to 2.85 point after oriental medical treatment. It means this treatment has meaningful effectiveness to the Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance patients. Conclusion: We have investigated the features of female patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance and conclude that the Oriental Medical Treatment is effective to them.