OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors for anorexia in children, and to reduce the prevalence of anorexia in children.

METHODSA questionnaire survey and a case-control study were used to collect the general information of 150 children with anorexia (case group) and 150 normal children (control group). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors for anorexia in children.

RESULTSThe results of the univariate analysis showed significant differences between the case and control groups in the age in months when supplementary food were added, feeding pattern, whether they liked meat, vegetables and salty food, whether they often took snacks and beverages, whether they liked to play while eating, and whether their parents asked them to eat food on time (P<0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that late addition of supplementary food (OR=5.408), high frequency of taking snacks and/or drinks (OR=11.813), and eating while playing (OR=6.654) were major risk factors for anorexia in children. Liking of meat (OR=0.093) and vegetables (OR=0.272) and eating on time required by parents (OR=0.079) were protective factors against anorexia in children.

CONCLUSIONSTimely addition of supplementary food, a proper diet, and development of children's proper eating and living habits can reduce the incidence of anorexia in children.

Anorexia ; etiology ; Birth Weight ; Case-Control Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Risk Factors

A 2-month-old boy presented with adrenal insufficiency, impaired liver function, hypertriglyceridemia, significantly elevated creatine kinase and electrolyte disturbance. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis test showed a pathogenic 8.7 Mb deletion in the short arm of chromosome X (Xp21.3 - p21.1) and confirmed the diagnosis of complex glycerol kinase deficiency (cGKD). He was treated with hydrocortisone, coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine and was subsequently followed up for 4 years. His serum cortisol levels returned to normal one week later after treatment, but the serum creatine kinase, triglyceride and aminotransferase levels were progressively increased along with mental retardation and decreased muscular strength. cGKD is also named as Xp21 contiguous gene syndrome. The clinical manifestations of this disease include hypertriglyceridemia, congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC), Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and mental retardation. This case highlights the necessity to screen the serum triglyceride and creatine kinase levels in infants with suspected adrenal insufficiency.
Anorexia ; etiology ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Humans ; Hypoadrenocorticism, Familial ; complications ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Infant ; Male ; Recurrence ; Skin Pigmentation ; Triglycerides ; blood

Animals ; Anorexia ; etiology ; Appetite ; physiology ; Cholecystokinin ; physiology ; Digestion ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 ; physiology ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; physiology ; Insulin ; physiology ; Norepinephrine ; physiology

BACKGROUNDLeptin is a protein mainly secreted by adipocytes, and the major function of leptin was its role in body weight regulation. It is suggested that increased levels of circulating leptin may contribute to anorexia in pathologic conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies have provided evidence for a link between leptin and proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This study aimed to explore the role of serum leptin in the malnutrition of COPD patients, and to observe the changes of serum leptin levels during acute exacerbation, also to investigate relationship between leptin and TNF-alpha.

METHODSSeventy-two COPD patients and 34 control subjects participated in this study. Seventy-two COPD patients were divided into 3 groups: group COPD IA (patients without malnutrition during acute exacerbation, n = 25), group COPD IB (patients without malnutrition during stable disease, n = 29), group COPD II (patients with malnutrition during stable disease, n = 18). To eliminate the effect of sex differences, all patients and controls were male. Body mass index (BMI), percent ideal body weight (IBW%), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF), mid-upper arm circumference (MAC), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum leptin and TNF-alpha levels, serum prealbumin (PA), serum transferrin (TF), serum albumin (Alb), total lymphocytes count (TLC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), maximal inspiration pressure (MIP) and maximal expiration pressure (MEP) were measured in all participants. Leptin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. TNF-alpha levels were measured by ELISA. The between group difference and correlation of these parameters were analyzed.

RESULTSSerum leptin levels were significantly lower in group COPD II [(4.07 +/- 3.42) ng/ml] than in group COPD IB [(9.72 +/- 6.67) ng/ml] and controls [(8.21 +/- 5.41) ng/ml] (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum leptin levels between group COPD IA [(10.82 +/- 6.40) ng/ml], group COPD IB [(9.72 +/- 6.67) ng/ml] and controls [(8.21 +/- 5.41) ng/ml]. There was no statistically significant difference in serum TNF-alpha levels between group COPD II [(8.03 +/- 3.37) pg/ml], group COPD IA [(8.90 +/- 1.60) pg/ml], and group COPD IB [(7.25 +/- 2.08) pg/ml]. There was no significant correlation between leptin and TNF-alpha in any group.

CONCLUSIONSLeptin was not involved in anorexia and weight loss of COPD patients. There was no statistically significant difference in serum leptin levels between COPD patients during stable stage and acute exacerbation, and there was no significant correlation between TNF-alpha and leptin during the regulation of the energy balance in COPD patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Anorexia ; etiology ; Humans ; Leptin ; blood ; Male ; Malnutrition ; blood ; etiology ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; blood ; complications ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; analysis ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a Korean version of Night Eating Questionnaire (KNEQ) and test its psychometric properties and evaluate items according to item response theory. METHODS: The 14-item NEQ as a measure of severity of the night eating syndrome was translated into Korean, and then this KNEQ was evaluated. A total of 1171 participants aged 20 to 50 completed the KNEQ on the Internet. To test reliability and validity, Cronbach's alpha, correlation, simple regression, and factor analysis were used. Each item was analyzed according to Rasch-Andrich rating scale model and item difficulty, discrimination, infit/outfit, and point measure correlation were evaluated. RESULTS: Construct validity was evident. Cronbach's alpha was .78. The items of evening hyperphagia and nocturnal ingestion showed high ability in discriminating people with night eating syndrome, while items of morning anorexia and mood/sleep provided relatively little information. The results of item analysis showed that item2 and item7 needed to be revised to improve the reliability of KNEQ. CONCLUSION: KNEQ is an appropriate instrument to measure severity of night eating syndrome with good validity and reliability. However, further studies are needed to find cut-off scores to screen persons with night eating syndrome.
Adult ; Anorexia/etiology ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Feeding and Eating Disorders/*psychology ; Humans ; Internet ; Middle Aged ; *Program Evaluation ; *Psychometrics ; Republic of Korea ; Self Report ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Translating ; Young Adult

Anorexia nervosa, a syndrome most commonly affecting young women, is characterized by weight less than 85% of weight that is considered normal for that person's age and height, distorted body image, and fear of becoming obese, and its mortality is up to 9%. We present a case of a 33-year-old woman with a 9-year history of anorexia nervosa. She admitted to our institution with decreased mentality, and her body mass index was 11.5 kg/m2 of the time admission. Initial aminotransferase level was severely elevated, but it was normalized solely with improved nutrition and weight gain. Five and sixteen days after the admission urinary tract infection and elevation of pancreatic enzymes occurred. They were successfully treated with antibiotics and nutritional support. Fifty seven days after the admission, she discharged. We report a case of acute hepatitis and pancreatitis treated with nutritional rehabilitation in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa for the first time in Korea.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/analysis ; Anorexia Nervosa/complications/*diagnosis ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/analysis ; Body Mass Index ; Female ; Humans ; Lipase/analysis ; Liver Diseases/enzymology/*etiology/therapy ; Nutrition Therapy ; Pancreatic Diseases/enzymology/*etiology/therapy ; Weight Gain

This study evaluated the toxicity profiles of temozolomide in the treatment of malignant glioma as either concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 300 malignant glioma patients treated with temozolomide in two medical institutions in Korea between 2004 and 2010. Two hundred nine patients experienced a total of 618 toxicities during temozolomide therapy. A total of 84.8% of the 618 toxicities were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 1 or 2, while 15.2% were grade 3 or 4. Among the hematologic toxicities, thrombocytopenia (13.7%), anemia (11.0%), and AST/ALT increases (7.0%) were common. Among the non-hematologic toxicities, nausea (44.3%), vomiting (37.0%), and anorexia (14.3%) were the three most common toxicities. There was no mortality due to temozolomide. Although temozolomide showed many types of toxicities, the majority of the toxicities were tolerable and of lower grade. Gastrointestinal troubles are the most common toxicities in Korean patients treated with temozolomide.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anorexia/etiology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Brain Neoplasms/*drug therapy/pathology/radiotherapy ; Dacarbazine/adverse effects/*analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/toxicity ; Female ; Glioma/*drug therapy/pathology/radiotherapy ; Hematologic Diseases/etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea/drug therapy/etiology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sex Factors ; Vomiting/drug therapy/etiology ; Young Adult

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by compression of the third segment of the duodenum by the mesenteric artery at the level of the SMA, resulting in duodenal dilatation. Precipitating factors of the SMA syndrome include prolonged bed rest, weight loss, abdominal surgery, and increased lordosis of the spine. We report a case of SMA syndrome caused by anorexia nervosa in a 15-year-old adolescent girl. CT and an upper gastrointestinal contrast series revealed partial obstruction of the third portion of duodenum and decreased aortomesenteric distance. The patient's symptoms were successfully treated with total parental nutrition and psychiatric treatment including supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication. This case shows that SMA syndrome is an unusual gastrointestinal complication that may occur in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Adolescent ; Anorexia Nervosa/*complications ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use ; Cognitive Therapy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Fluoxetine/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome/*diagnosis/*etiology/therapy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo research the effect of a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE.

METHOD45 patients with HCC of post-TACE, as the treatment group, were treated by a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication and routine methods of protecting liver. Other 37 patients, as the control group, with the same clinical feature were treated by routine methods of protecting liver only. In the later 1 month, accumulated points of clinical symptom, hepatic function and AFP were observed in all of the patients. And the clinical effect of the two groups was compared.

RESULTOne week later, in the treatment group, there is no improvement in anorexia but nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude were improved more obviously than pretherapy in both a week and one month later (P < 0.01 or P <0.05). In the control group, anorexia were improved a week later (P <0.05), but there is no improvement in nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude at the same time, and one month later all of the indexes above improved (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Accumulated points of clinical symptom was decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group in both a week and one month later (P <0.05). At the end of the therapy, in the both groups, ALT, TBIL and AFP all improved except ALB, (P <0.01 or P <0.05). And TBIL improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control one month later (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThis complex prescription of Chinese crude drug can lighten the adverse reaction of post-TACE. And also it can promote the recovery of liver function and evaluate the quality of lives of such patients.

Anorexia ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Fatigue ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Neoplasms ; therapy ; Male ; Nausea ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Treatment Outcome ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEThe efficacies of the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) antagonists--ramosetron (0.3 mg) and granisetron (3 mg) in treating acute chemotherapy-induced digestive system dysunction were compared.

METHODSA total of 111 patients were enrolled in a single-blind, randomised crossover study; with data from 98 were used to assess efficacy and data from 110 to assess the safety profile. Ramosetron or granisetron was given intraveneously 15 min befire chemotherpy.

RESULTSThe ability of ramosetron to prevent emesis, nausea and anorexia was similar to granisetron during the first 6 h following the administration of chemotherapy, ciplatin or doxorubicin. However, during the first 24 h after chemotherapy, significant differences between ramosetron and granisetron appeared: emetic episode (P = 0.068), nausea (P = 0.006), and anorexia (P = 0.048) remained lower in ramosetron-treated patients. The safety profile of ramosetron was similar to that of granisetron and adverse events in both groups were generally mild and transient.

CONCLUSIONRamosetron is more potent and longer-lasting than granisetron in preventing chemotherapy-induced digestive disturbances.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anorexia ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Antiemetics ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; Benzimidazoles ; therapeutic use ; Cisplatin ; adverse effects ; Cross-Over Studies ; Doxorubicin ; adverse effects ; Female ; Granisetron ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Serotonin Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Single-Blind Method ; Vomiting, Anticipatory ; etiology ; prevention & control