BACKGROUND: Oral allergy syndrome(OAS) is composed of it,ching sense and edema in oral cavity, lips, throat, pharynx, and larynx following eating some fresh fruits or vegetables. It has been known that most of patients with OAS are allergic to pollens. Common epitopes were found among pollens, fruits and vegetables. Although OAS is a common farm of food allergy in adults, this is the first epidemiologic study of OAS in Korea. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred and fifty one patients who showed positive skin reaction to pollens were telephone-interviewed. Investigation of the prevalence and clinical manifestations of OAS was possible in 81 patients. RESULT: The prevalence of OAS among these patients was 34.6% (28/81). OAS was found in 24(48%) out of 50 patients sensitized to tree pollens, whereas 4(13%) of 31 grass or weed pollen-sensitized paients had OAS. Most common causative food was apple and all of 17 apple- OAS patients were sensitized to tree pollens. Peach was the second common food and 14 of 15 peach-OAS patients were sensitized to tree pollens. Besides oral symptoms, rhinitis, asthma, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or generalized urticaria were accompanied in half of the OAS patients (14/28). Some patients showed OAS to some unique Korean foods such as dropwort, taro and Aster. CONCLUSION: OAS was very common in pollen-sensitized patients. Larger epidemiologic studies are needed to find unique Korean foods and their antigensm causing OAS.
Adult ; Asthma ; Colocasia ; Diarrhea ; Eating ; Edema ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Epitopes ; Filipendula ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Fruit ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Korea ; Larynx ; Lip ; Mouth ; Nausea ; Pharynx ; Poaceae ; Pollen* ; Prevalence ; Prunus persica ; Rhinitis ; Skin ; Urticaria ; Vegetables ; Vomiting

PURPOSE: The present study explored novel methods in visual field tests that actively induce the gaze of the examinee to the fixation target in the center vision and compared their effectiveness. METHODS: Four gaze induction methods (dot-on, dot-off, number-on, and number-off) were prepared by combining 2 types of fixation targets (dot and number) and 2 conditions of sound presence (on and off). The gaze induction methods were implemented to a PC-based visual field testing system and the 24-2 visual field testing protocol was administered to 14 participants without glaucoma. The performance of the gaze induction method was evaluated in terms of fixation error rate, target detection rate, and subjective satisfaction (7-point scale, 1 for least satisfied and 7 for most satisfied). RESULTS: The fixation error rates of dot-on (5.7%) and number-on (6.4%) were relatively lower than the other methods; the target detection rates of the induction methods were very high (95-96%) without significant differences, and the subjective satisfaction levels of dot-on (5.7) and number-on (5.4) were significantly higher than the other methods. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study we determined number-on as the preferred effective gaze induction method compared to the conventional dot-off method when fixation error rates and subjective satisfaction were considered.
Glaucoma ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Field Tests ; Visual Fields

BACKGROUND: Though mononuclear phagocytes serve as the final effectors in killing intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacilli readily survive in the intracellular environment of resting cells. The mechanisms through which cellular activation results in the intracellular killing is unclear. In this study, we sought to explore an in vitro model of a low-level infection of human mononuclear phagocytes with MAC and H37Ra and determine the extent of the lymphocyte dependent cytotoxicity of human monocytes and alveolar macrophages. METHOD: The peripheral monocytes were prepared using the Ficoll gradient method from PPD positive healthy people and tuberculosis patients. The alveolar macrophages were prepared from PPD positive healthy people via a bronchoalveolar lavage. The human mononuclear phagocytes were infected at a low infection rate (bacilli:phagocyte 1:10) with MAC(Mycobacterium avium) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Non-adherent cells(lymphocyte) were added at a 10:1 ratio. After 1,4, and 7 days culture in 37degrees C, 5% CO2 incubator, the cells were harvested and inoculated in a 7H10/OADC agar plate for the CFU assay. The bacilli were calculated with the CFU/1 X 10(6) of the cells and the cytotoxicity was expressed as the log killing ratio. RESULTS: The intracellular killing of MAC and H37Ra within the monocyte was greater in patients with tuberculosis compared to the PPD positive controls (p<0.05). Intracellular killing of MAC and H37Ra within the alveolar macrophage appeared to be greater than that within the monocytes of the PPD positive controls. There was significant lymphocyte dependent inhibition of intracellular growth of the mycobacteria within the monocytes in both the controls and tuberculosis patients and within the macrophages in the controls(p<0.05). There was no specific difference in the virulence between the MAC and the H37Ra. CONCLUSION: This study is an in vitro model of a low-level infection with MAC and H37Ra of human mononuclear phagocytes. The intracellular cytotoxicity of the mycobacteria within the phagocytic cells was significantly lymphocyte dependent. During the 7 days culture after the intracellular phagocytosis, the actual confinement of the mycobacteria was observed within the monocytes of tuberculosis patients and the alveolar macrophages of the controls as in the case of adding lymphocytes.
Humans

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is a common clinical problem to which various etiologies are attributable; postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and chronic bronchitis, However, in some cases, no particular etiology can be confirmed. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate cough sensitivity and the clinical manifestations of patients with idiopathic chronic cough. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 70 non-smoking patients who had been coughing for more than 3 weeks without any history, symptoms or signs of rhinitis, sinusitis, typical asthma, GER or recent upper respiratory infection episodes. Nineteen healthy controls were also enrolled. Bronchial provocation tests with methacholine, capsaicin and distilled water (DW) were performed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were positive to rnethacholine test (PC20 < 25mg/ml) and defined as cough variant asthma. The others are classified into idiopathic chronic cough. By capsaicin and DW challenge tests, idiopathic cough patients could be divided into two groups, i.e., increased cough sensitivity (ICS) and normal cough sensitivity (NCS) groups. DW- induced cough counts were negatively correlated with C7 (lowest capsaicin concentration inducing continuous 7 or more coughs) (r=-0.739, p<0.001). No difference was found in clinical features such as age, sex, atopy, or peripheral eosinophil counts between these two groups but cough counts per cough burst were significantly higher in the ICS group. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity in cough sensitivity of idiopathic chronic cough patients may refiect different pathophysiologic mechanisms. It is unclear whether patients with NCS merely have habitual or psychogenic cough or not. These suggest that different therapentic strategies should be established on idiopathic chronic cough patients according to cough sensitivity.
Asthma ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; Capsaicin ; Cough* ; Eosinophils ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Humans ; Methacholine Chloride ; Population Characteristics ; Rhinitis ; Sinusitis ; Water

We report a case of spinal intradural abscess which shows serial changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Well-encapsulated, rim-enhancing lesion with mass effect was visualized at ventral side of lumbar spinal canal on 17 days after initial negative MRI, which was thought to be epidural abscess. It was revealed to be intradural in location on operation and successfully treated by drainage and antibiotics. Follow-up MRI showed resolution of abscess. Clinical significance and pathogenesis of this case was briefly discussed.
Abscess* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Drainage ; Epidural Abscess ; Follow-Up Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spinal Canal ; Spine*

PURPOSE: To describe the rare condition of an infection of hydroxyapatite orbital implant in five patients who had undergone seemingly uncomplicated evisceration and implantation of hydroxyapatite orbital implant. METHODS: The infection of hydroxyapatite orbital implant developed from 6 months to 6 years (mean 3 years 4months) after evisceration and from 3months to 6years (mean 2years 7months) after drilling. In all cases, lid swelling, conjunctival injection and implant exposure were observed. In 3 cases, the hydroxyapatite orbital implant was removed and Medpor(R) implantation was done. In 2 cases, the hydroxyapatite orbital implant was removed and dermis fat graft was done simultaneously. RESULTS: In all five cases the inflammation signs disappeared and conjunctival sac was well formed for artificial eye fitting after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced 5 cases of infected hydroxyapatite orbital implant, and treated them successfully.
Dermis ; Durapatite* ; Eye, Artificial ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Orbit* ; Orbital Implants* ; Transplants

Obstetrical procedures such as prolonged obstructed labour are responsible for the majority of vesicovaginal fistula(VVF) in developing countries, while gynecological procedures are more common causes in developed countries with hysterectomy accounting for 75% of fistulae. Other less common causes of VVF include uterine cancer, pelvic irradiation, gastrointestinal pelvic surgery, tuberculosis, intra-uterine device or Bechet's disease. Although radiation techniques are being advanced, several recent studies have shown the incidence of VVF after pelvic radiation therapy for cervical cancer to range from 0.6~2%. We report, a case of 47-year-old female with VVF after pelvic radiation therapy, which was treated by neurovascular pudendal-thigh flap.
Developed Countries ; Developing Countries ; Female ; Fistula ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Tuberculosis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Uterine Neoplasms ; Vesicovaginal Fistula*

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease may be complicated by pulmonary hypertension. We assessed whether inhaled nitric oxide would produce selective pulmonary vasodilation in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Inhaled low dose (10 20 ppm) nitric oxide was administrated in patients who were at risk of pulmonary hypertension after operations for congenital heart disease. To identify the nitric oxide effects, we evaluated hemodynamic and ABGA data before (T0) and after (T1) inhaled nitric oxide and just before (T2) decreasing concentration of inhaled nitric oxide. RESULTS: Inhaled nitric oxide decreased pulmonary arterial pressure and increased PaO2/FiO2 without decreasing systemic arterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled nitric oxide selectively decreased pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with congenital heart disease complicated by pulmonary artery hypertension.
Arterial Pressure ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Heart Diseases* ; Heart* ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Pulmonary* ; Nitric Oxide* ; Pulmonary Artery ; Vasodilation

BACKGROUND: Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) therapy causes selective pulmonary vasodilation in patients with pulmonary hypertension. However, attempts to discontinue inhaled NO may be complicated by abrupt life-threatening rebound pulmonary hypertension (RPH). The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors to develop RPH and to present the adequate weaning methods. METHODS: We studied 19 consecutive children who were treated with inhaled NO because of pulmonary hypertension after surgery for congenital heart disease. We compared the dose of NO at the time of start and withdrawal, the duration of weaning and treatment, hemodynamic data, and blood gas analysis before inhaled nitric oxide withdrawal, between patients without (group I, n = 13) and with RPH (group II, n = 6). RESULTS: Compared with group I, group II patients were older in age (1204 1688 versus 546 1654 days, P < 0.05), had a lower NO concentration just before withdrawal (3 +/- 1.6 versus 5 +/- 2.6 ppm, P <0.05), a shorter duration of NO weaning period (4 +/- 3.3 versus 15 +/- 13.4 hours, P < 0.05) and received NO therapy for a shorter duration (26 +/- 11.6 versus 57 +/- 46.0 hours, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend a progressive withdrawal of inhaled nitric oxide to avoid life-threatening RPH observed in the sudden discontinuation.
Blood Gas Analysis ; Child ; Heart Defects, Congenital* ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary* ; Nitric Oxide* ; Risk Factors ; Vasodilation ; Weaning

BACKGROUND: Researchers have reported that the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA) is 1~4% in the entire population and 4~9% in the population older than 65 years. 40 to 50% of AAA patients die before arrival at a hospital; and mortality from a ruptured AAA is greater than 90%. Moreover, diagnosis is frequently delayed because the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Even if AAA is quickly diagnosed(ruptured or symptomatic) and operated on, survival rate is less than 50%. Recently, trials have been done to detect asymptomatic AAA by ultrasonography in the elderly population with a subsequent increase in the number of surgeries of asymptomatic AAA. Method: We measured the diameter of the abdominal aorta in all patients aged 65 years and older seen in the emergency room at Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University. We investigated the correlations between risk factors and prevalence of AAA and the diameter of the abdominal aorta. We also screened for age, gender, and history of smoking, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and CVA. RESULTS: 444 cases were enrolled in this study with 185 being male(41.7%) and 259 female(58.3%). Mean age was 73.91+/-7.02 years. Mean maximum diameter of the abdominal aorta was 2.08+/-0.37cm. Comparing maximum diameters, men averaged 2.17+/-0.37cm and women 2.01+/-0.35 cm (p<0.001); smokers 2.16+/-0.39cm and nonsmokers 2.05+/-0.35cm(p=0.007); hypertension history 2.10+/-0.42 cm and no hypertension history 2.06+/-0.33cm(p=0.246); coronary heart disease history 2.35+/-0.84cm and no coronary heart disease 2.07+/-0.35 cm(p=0.01); and CVA history 2.08+/-0.37 cm and no CVA history 2.08+/-0.37cm(p=0.997). CONCLUSION: There were notable differences in the maximum abdominal aortic diameter with gender and histories of smoking, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Ultrasound screening of AAA should be strongly recommended in male smokers 65 years and older with a history of coronary heart disease. Overall, ultrasound screening of AAA for elderly patients should be carefully considered.
Aged ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Coronary Disease ; Emergencies ; Female ; Heart ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Survival Rate