BACKGROUND: Facial involvement of psoriasis is known to be one of the clinical manifestations that indicate the severity of the psoriasis and thought to be more closely associated with certain distribution. Centrofacial (CF) psoriasis has been suggested to be related with severity of systemic disease while peripherofacial (PF) psoriasis has been thought to have connection with scalp psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features and subjective feelings of patients with facial psoriasis and to find out relationship between scalp psoriasis and facial involvement according to the facial types. METHODS: One hundred nineteen facial psoriasis patients were categorized into 3 types according to the distribution: PF type, CF type and mixed facial (MF) type. Onset and duration of facial and scalp psoriasis, and their relationship were questioned. Severity and extent of psoriasis on whole body, face, and scalp were rated by clinicians. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of whole body psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and body surface area (BSA) score but scalp PASI and BSA was much higher in PF psoriasis compared to CF psoriasis (scalp PASI, 17.9 vs. 10.1; p=0.005) (scalp BSA, 40.9 vs. 22.2; p=0.002). According to the questionnaire, patient's objective feeling about the spreading of scalp lesion to facial area was markedly more prominent in the patients with peripheral involvement (PF+MF, 90.1%; CF, 54.2%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Among subtypes of facial psoriasis, PF psoriasis is closely associated with spreading of scalp lesion into the face rather than reflecting the disease severity.
Body Surface Area ; Humans ; Psoriasis* ; Scalp*

The purposes of this study were to measure the resting metabolic rate(RMR) of 30-40 year old women and to compare it with values predicted using published equations. Body weight, height and body fat of subjects were measured. RMR was measured by two indirect calorimeter(method 1 and method 2). RMR was predicted using various equations. Average height, weight and body fat(%) of subjects were 158.6cm, 59.1kg and 30.9%, respectively. The RMR(1621.2+/-301.5 kcal/day) measured by portable indirect calorimeter(method 2) was significantly higher than RMR(1447.4+/-223.6 kcal/day) measured by typical indirect calorimeter(method 1). Comparison of measured RMR with predicted RMRs suggested that there was a least difference in RMR predicted by equation of Cunningham. According to RMSPEs(Root Mean Squared Prediction Errors), equations of Cunningham and body surface area were found to predict measured RMR(by method 1) most accurately (within 239.1kcal/day and 232.9kcal/day, respectively). The fat free mass and fat mass - adjusted correlation showed that measured RMR(by method 1) had negative relationships with muscle mass(r = -0.873) and fat free mass(r = -0.866). The equations of Cunningham and body surface area provide relatively accurate estimates of RMR when determining energy needs of 30-40 aged women. There are needs for development of RMR predicted equations that are derived from large samples of Korean.
Adipose Tissue ; Body Surface Area ; Body Weight ; Female ; Humans

The usefulness of two-dimensional echocardiography to measure the right ventricular volume was assessed in 58 normal children (mean age 5 years and 3 months). From the apical 4-chamber view (A4CV), the subcostal RV sagittal view (SCRVSV), the subcostal right anterior oblique view (SCRAOV), and the subcostal RV coronal view (SCRVCV), the dimensions and areas of the right ventricle were measured. The right ventricular volumes and ejection fractions were calculated from these data by pyramid model and single plane area/length method. We could obtain subcostal right ventricular sagittal view in 98%, apical 4-chamber view in 90%, subcostal right anterior oblique view in 79%, and subcostal right ventricular coronal view in 71% of our children. The areas and dimensions correlated with all growth indices, such as age, height, weight, and body surface area. In general the areas showed higher correlation with body surface area, and dimensions with height. correlations of parameters obtained from the subcostal right anterior oblique view and subcostal right ventricular sagittal view with the growth indices were better than those of the subcostal right ventricular coronal view. The calculated right ventricular volume and ejection fraction showed a great varibility depending on the model used. The right ventricular volume calculated by pyramid model correlated better with the growth indices than that by single plane area/length method. the right ventricular volume calculated from the apical 4-chamber view dimension and the subcostal right ventricular sagittal view area by pyramid model is the model which showed the best correlation with growth indices. Right ventricular ejection fraction did not change with any growth indices. Among the right ventricular volumes and ejection fractions by single plane area/length method, the volume(59.9+/-29.9 ml/m(2)) and ejection fracton (58.7+/-10.9%) from the subcostal right anterior oblique view were similar to those (51.0+/-17.3ml/m(2), 51.3+/-10.2%) calculated from the apical 4-chamber view dimension and the subcostal right ventricular sagittal view area by pyramid model. The subcostal right anterior oblique view reflects three parts of the right ventricle. Its area and dimension are well correlated with growth indices. Also the right ventricular volume and ejection fraction obtained by single plane area/length method using the subcostal right anterior oblique view correlate with the growth indices. Therefore the subcostal right anterior oblique view is the most valuable single view representing the right ventricle.
Body Surface Area ; Child* ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Stroke Volume

BACKGROUND: Thymopentin(TP-5) is an immunomodulatory agent which may be a promising new drug in the treatment of patients with severe atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of thymopentin for treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifteen patients with severe atopic dermatitis received subcutaneous injections of 50mg thymopentin three times per week for 6 weeks. Clinical extent and severity parameters were assessed at baseline, at regular intervals during therapy and 4 weeks posttherapy. Use of antihistamine and topical steroid were permitted. RESULT: Significant reduction in severity scores and body surface area involvement was observed and no significant side effects were noted(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thymopentin may be considered to be an effective adjunctive therapeutic agent in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. Further studies will be needed to determine the action mechanism of thymopentin.
Body Surface Area ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Thymopentin*

Various modalities have been used for the treatment of psoriasis, including phototherapy. The choice of psoriasis treatment is based on the characteristics of the lesions, locations and amount of involved body surface area. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B therapy is a widely used and highly efficient method for psoriasis. But, large areas of unaffected skin may be irradiated along with the psoriatic lesions during phototherapy. The 308-nm excimer laser is a further development of narrowband UVB and was reported to be an effective and safe treatment for localized psoriasis. We experienced an excellent effect without significant adverse reactions of 308-nm excimer laser in a 9-year-old patient with palmoplantar psoriasis who was recalcitrant to oral cyclosporine and topical calcipotriol/betamethasone treatment.
Body Surface Area ; Cyclosporine ; Humans ; Lasers, Excimer ; Phototherapy ; Psoriasis ; Skin

PURPOSE: To determine appropriate sampling frequency and time of multiple blood sampling dual exponential method with 99mTc-DTPA for calculating glomerular filtration rate (GFR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty four patients were included in this study. Three mCi of 99mTc-DTPA was intravenously injected and blood sampling at 9 different times, 5ml each, were done. Using the radioactivity of serum, measured by gamma counter, the GFR was calculated using dual exponential method and corrected with the body surface area. Using spontaneously chosen 2 data points of serum radioactivity, 15 collections of 2-sample GFR were calculated. And 10 collections of 3-sample GFR and 12 collections of 4-sample GFR were also calculated. Using the 9-sample GFR as a reference value, degree of agreement was analyzed with Kendall's tau correlation coefficients, mean difference and standard deviation. RESULTS: Although some of the 2-sample GFR showed high correlation coefficient, over or underestimation had evolved as the renal function change. The 10-120-240 min 3-sample GFR showed a high correlation coefficient (tau=0.93), minimal difference (Mean+/-SD=-1.784+/-3.972), and no over or underestimation as the renal function changed. The 4-sample GFR showed no better accuracy than the 3-sample GFR. CONCLUSIONS: In the wide spectrum of renal function, the 10-120-240 min 3-sample GFR could be the best choice for estimating the patients' renal function.
Body Surface Area ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Radioactivity ; Reference Values

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Maze operation is known to be an effective measure for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of pre- and post-operative left atrial volume (LAV) and diameter (LAD) with successful restoration of sinus rhythm in the Maze operation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects for this study were 28 patients who underwent open-heart surgery in conjunction with the Maze-III operation for chronic AF from October, 2002, to April, 2003. Electrocardiographic and transthoracic echocardiographic studies were done pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. LAV and LAD were assessed and corrected for body surface area (LAV index=LAV/BSA, LAD index=LAD/BSA). RESULTS: Sinus rhythm was restored and maintained in 22 of the 28 patients (78.6%). Between the group with successful restoration of sinus rhythm (Group A;n=22) and the group with unsuccessful restoration (Group B;n=6), there was no difference in age, gender, and NYHA functional class. The duration of AF in group A was significantly shorter than that of B (3.6+/-2.7 years versus 15.8+/-7.5 years, p=0.003). Group A and B did not show any difference in pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction. However, pre-operative LAV index in group A was significantly smaller than that of group B (80.7+/-22.4 mL/m2 versus 118.1+/-42.5 mL/m2, p=0.048). In group A, the LAV index (80.7+/-22.4 mL/m2 versus 52.8+/-14.7 mL/m2, p<0.001) and LAD index (35.4+/-5.3 mm/m2 versus 31.7+/-4.7 mm/m2, p=0.001) decreased significantly three months after the operation. In group B, however, no significant changes are found in the LAV index (118.1+/-42.5 mL/m2 versus 89.2+/-38.9 mL/m2, p=0.116) and LAD index (39.1+/-7.9 mm/m2 versus 36.2+/-9.2 mm/m2, p=0.144). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative LAV index measured by echocardiography and the duration of AF were significant predictors of successful sinus rhythm restoration after the Maze operation. Significant reduction of the LAV index after the Maze operation was found in patients whose rhythm was successfully restored and maintained.
Atrial Fibrillation ; Body Surface Area ; Echocardiography ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Stroke Volume

BACKGROUND: The PUVA therapy of psoriasis is a very effective therapeutic modality that combines the action of light and drugs. Generally the conventional PUVA therapy based on patient's skin type is used in Korea. But there are many reported that conventional PUVA therapy is not suitable in several instances including the determination of oral 8-methoxypsoralen(8-MOP) dose, initial and incremental UVA dose and so on. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to establish a new protocol of PUVA therapy that is photomedically acceptable. METHOD: From 1997 to 2001, twenty psoriasis patients of moderate to severe grade who visited our clinic, were treated with PUVA therapy. Initial UVA dose was the same as MPD of each patient and proportion of weekly incremental UVA dose was 20% added to previous dose. All patients received PUVA therapy twice a week. The 8-MOP dose was determined by body surface area. RESULT: Total of 8 patients were skin type III, and 12 patients were skin type IV. The average of initial MPD in skin type III was 1.75J/cm2(0.5~2.5J/cm2) and skin type IV was 3.25J/cm2(2.5~4.5J/cm2). The average number of treatments to the end of therapy were 13.63(10~16) in skin type III, and 12.5(8~18) in skin type IV. The total cumulative UVA dose was 44.73J/cm2(30~68.2J/cm2) in skin type III, and 67.98J/cm2(31.6~109J/cm2) in skin type IV. CONCLUSION: The excellent effectiveness and safety of our new PUVA protocol have been demonstrated. We conclude that this PUVA protocol is a very effective, safe, and efficient method for the treatment of psoriatic patients.
Body Surface Area ; Humans ; Korea ; Methoxsalen ; Psoriasis* ; PUVA Therapy* ; Skin

BACKGROUND: There are no serologic markers that accurately reflect the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD), many different scoring systems used in clinical practice and for research purposes have been developed for assessing the severity of AD. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the correlations between severity scoring systems of AD and clinical assessments of physicians and patients. METHODS: We graded the severity of 418 AD patients, applying the SCORing of Atopic Dermtaitis (SCORAD), Objective SCORAD (oSCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Three Item Severity score, Rajka and Langeland score. Also, we evaluated the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of pruritus and sleep loss. RESULTS: here was significant positive correlation between oSCORAD and EASI and oSCORAD showed a good correlation with the other severity scoring systems. oSCORAD was highly correlated with PGA and VAS of pruritus and sleep loss. oSCORAD demonstrated the greatest correlation with body surface area, showing a linear relation. CONCLUSION: oSCORAD can assess the severity of AD with reflecting clinical assessments of physicians and patients and disease extent.
Body Surface Area ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Humans ; Prostaglandins A ; Pruritus

In the 107 normal Korean subjects, 71 males and 36 females, he determination of the maximum urea clearance has been performed and the following results were obtained. 1. The maximum urea clearance corrected to the Korean standard body surface area, 1.57 square meters, are 70.5 +/- 5.53(40.0-101.8) ml./min. in average, 70.5 +/- 16.1(40.0-101.8) ml./min. in the males and 70.4 +/- 13.93 (42.9-93.5) ml./min. in the females. When corrected to the American standard body surfacearea, 1.73 sq.m., they are77.8 +/- 16.9 (43.6-112.2) ml./min., 77.7 +/- 17.7 (43.6-112.2) ml./min. and 78.1 +/- 15.0(47.3-103.1) ml./min., respectively. 2. The results of the standard urea clearance determination performed in 44 normal Korean subjects, 31 males and 13 females, are 39.2 +/- 6.62(30.0-61.1)ml./min. in average, 39.7 +/- 5.74(30.3-53.2) ml./min. in the males and 38.0 +/-8.64(30.0-61.1) ml./min. in the females when corrected to the Korean standard body surface area, 1.57 sq.m., and 41.0 +/- 6.84(31.6-63.6) ml./min.41.6 +/- 5.83(31.8-55.2) ml./min. and 39.8 +/- 9.03 (31.6-63.6) ml./min. when corrected to the American, respectively. 3. These determinations are similar to other investigators. A considerable daily fluctuation in the standard urea clearance is observed, and the maximum urea clearance, which is more stable, should be preferably performed for the determination of urea clearance.
Body Surface Area ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Research Personnel ; Urea*