BACKGROUND: PUVA photochemotherapy has been accepted as an effective mode of treatment for psoriasis. Many combination therapies have been tried to reduce the possible adverse effects of long-term exposure to UV radiation. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare calcipotriol-PUVA combination therapy(D-PUVA) with conventional PUVA in the treatment of Korean psoriasis patients. METHODS: We treated 38 Korean psoriasis patients with conventional PUVA and 12 with D-PUVA. We compared the total number, duration and total UVA dose of PUVA therapy to reach grade 4 between the two groups. We categorized each patient into clearing, improvement, or failure groups based on the therapeutic efficacy, and measured the PASI score at each of the patients visits. RESULTS: The total cumulative dose of D-PUVA phototherapy was significantly smaller than PUVA phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Combining PUVA with a vitamin D analogue, calcipotriol, in the treatment of psoriasis may lead to lowering the risk of long-term exposure to UV radiation with higher efficacy.
Humans ; Photochemotherapy ; Phototherapy ; Psoriasis* ; PUVA Therapy ; Vitamin D

Small and large airways functions were studied in patients with hypertensive heart disease in slightly ro moderately compromised state functionally. In this study, the forced vital capacity and various flow paramaeters reflecting expiratory flow rate were determined from simultaneously recorded forced expiratory volume and maximal expiretory flow volume curves in 86 cases. The closing volume was measured by a single breath nitrogen mrthod in 57 cases and airway resistance with its related parameters by a body plethysmograph in 11 cases. These results were compared with those obtained from the same numbers of healthy controls matched for sex, age and height. In the patient group, the forced vital capadity and all the observed values of flow parameters, execpt for the ratio of the first second vital capacity to the forced vital capacity, were significantly reduced than those in the controls. When the remainder of flow parameters was volume-adjusted to the forced vital capacity, however, the mean of the peak expiratory flow rate and the maximal expiratory flow rate at the 75 percent of the vital capacity were not significantly different from that of controls. In contrast, the volume-adjusted values of maximal expiratory flow were remained significantly smaller than those in the controls. The closing volume and its ratio to the vital capacity were significantly larger in the patient group. Airway resistance and its related parameters revealed no significant differences between two groups. These findings suggest that the patients with hypertensive heart disease in a mild to moderate failure are associated with restrictive ventilatory impairment and a small airways obstruction, but with little or no large airway dysfunction.
Airway Resistance ; Closing Volume ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Heart Diseases* ; Heart* ; Humans ; Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate ; Nitrogen ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Vital Capacity

Antianginal and untoward effects of fenalcomine hydrochloride were studied in 24 cases of angina pectoris. Following discontinuation of all medications for 2 weeks except for liberal use of sublingual nitroglycerin for the relief of anginal attack, fenalcomine, 150mg a day in 3 divided doses, was given for 8 to 16 weeks. In 20 cases, routine blood counts including platelets, serum electrolytes and cholesterol as well as blood sugar level were checked before and at the completion of the medication. hepatic and renal functions were also studied. The effect of fenalcomine on severity, frequency and duration of anginal attack was excellent to good in 17 cases(70.9%), and was fair in 5 cases(20.8%). In the remaining 2 cases(8.3%), who responded poorly had angina pectoris for more than 3 years. It appeared that fenalcomine was similarly effective in those with or without associated hypertension or diabetes mellitus, or history of previous myocardial infarction. The comparison of the results of post-treatment laboratory tests with pre-treatment data revealed no significant changes. Furthermore, no untoward clinical reactions attributable to the drug was noted in all cases. These facts suggest that fenalcomine is a reliable and well tolerated antianginal agent which can be used singly or in combination with other agents.
Angina Pectoris ; Blood Glucose ; Cholesterol ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Electrolytes ; Hypertension ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nitroglycerin

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that propofol does not inhibit hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). However, because the previous studies for the effects of propofol on HPV were established in vivo, the effects of physiologic variables could not be ruled out. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of propofol on HPV at isolated rat lungs and the relationship of these effects of propofol on HPV and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and an ATP-dependent K+ channel which were candidates as the mechanism of HPV. METHODS: In 30 isolated rat lungs, after three hypoxic challenges for 5 minutes, we administered saline in the control group, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in the L group and glibenclamide in the G group followed by three hypoxic challenges for 5 minutes. In addition, we studied the effects of various concentrations of propofol on HPV in the three groups. RESULTS: L-NAME and glibenclamide did not alter baseline pulmonary arterial pressure but L-NAME significantly enhanced HPV. Clinical concentrations of propofol did not affect HPV and high concentrations of propofol inhibited HPV. The pretreatment of L-NAME and glibenclamide did not alter the inhibition of HPV even at high concentrations of propofol. CONCLUSIONS: The EDRF and ATP-dependent K+ channel did not largely contribute to baseline pulmonary arterial tone but EDRF might be released and downregulate HPV. Clinical concentrations of propofol did not inhibit HPV but high concentrations of propofol inhibited HPV. In addition, the mechanism of inhibition of HPV at high concentrations of propofol did not relate to the EDRF pathway and ATP-dependent K+ channel.
Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Endothelium-Dependent Relaxing Factors ; Glyburide* ; Lung* ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester* ; Propofol* ; Rats* ; Vasoconstriction*

To assess the effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with endorectal surface coil in the ataging of carcinoma of the uterine cervix with emphasis on parametrial involvement. Thirty women with clinically and radiographically proven carcinoma of the uterine cervix were initially included for this study, but thirteen patients were excluded since the stages of tumors wore beyond stage IIa. CT and MR findings of the remaining seventeen patients were performed at Cheil General Hospital and compared a1ong with clinical findings with the special emphasis on the parametrial involvement by the tumor. Staging was assessed by CT and MRI, and the results were compared with the pathologic staging. Radiea1 abdominal hysterectomy with the pelvic and paraaortic lymphnode dissection was done to all sewenteen patients. The staging made primarily by CT and MRI was either stsge 1 or Ila, but MR images with endorectal surface coil was superior to CT in the visualization of depth of tumor infiltration, especially parametrial involvement. The determination of the depth of the tumor made by MR images showed statistically significant correlation with histologic evaluation(R =0.768, p<0.01). The accuracy rate for the evaluation of the parametrial invo1vement was 82.3% far CT and 94.1% for MRI with endorectal surface coil. The overall accuracy rate for tumor staging was 70.5% for clinical, 58.8% for CT and 82.3% for MR evaluation. The accurecy rate in evaluation of the pelvic and paraaortic lymphnode was 88.2% for CT, but the evaluation done by MRl was not adequate due to small FOV(field of view). In assessment of The steging of careinoma of the uterine cervlx, MR images with endorectal surface coil was superior to CT, especially in the evaluation of the parametrial involvement.
Cervix Uteri* ; Female ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Neoplasm Staging

The congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by recurrent syncope, prolonged QT intervals, QT interval lability, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. We report a case of congenital long QT syndrome in a 28-day-old male infant who presented with syncope, bradycardia with 2: 1 pseudo-atrioventricular block and a markedly prolonged QT inteval. One episode occured after crying and degenerated into ventricular fibrillation and terminated after cardioversion. A VVI type cardiac pacemaker was implanted. Subsequently, the infant's heart rate was over 110/min and 2: 1 AV block and any other arrhythmia were absent. The infant recovered from the accompanied pneumonia and sepsis and was discharged 47 days after adrnission. However, 13 days after discharge, the infant returned to our hospital ER with syncope. Ventricular fibrillation ceased after cardioversion. Despite medication with propranolol, ventricular tachycardia persisted. The infant expired the day after he was discharged against medical advice.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Atrioventricular Block* ; Bradycardia ; Crying ; Death, Sudden ; Electric Countershock ; Heart Rate ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Infant ; Long QT Syndrome ; Male ; Pneumonia ; Propranolol ; Sepsis ; Syncope ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ventricular Fibrillation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing life satisfaction for mothers with children in elementary school. METHODS: Participants were 243 mothers with a child in first and fifth degree of one elementary school in G city. Data were collected from March 20 to April 9, 2010. The instruments used were Satisfaction with Life Scale, Parent Satisfaction Scale, Korean ADHD Rating Scale, Parenting Alliance Inventory and Scale for Measuring Family Strengths. The data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 14.0 computer program and included one-way ANOVA, Scheffe back-testing, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The life satisfaction of the mothers showed significantly positive correlations with parent role satisfaction, spousal support, and family strengths and negative correlations with ADHD. Significant predictors of life satisfaction for mothers with children in elementary school were spousal support and sharing of value systems, and these variables explained 37.0% of the variance in life satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that improvement of spousal support and sharing of the family value system should be helpful in promoting life satisfaction for mothers with children in elementary school.
Child* ; Humans ; Mothers* ; Parenting ; Parents

PURPOSE: Suprapubic vibrating stimulus may improve the urinary symptom in patients with neurogenic bladder. We attempted to evaluate the suprapubic vibration effect on urodynamic study in patient with voiding dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1997 to July 1998, We have performed urodynamic studies(UDS) on 30 patients(13 males, 17 females). They had intact suprapubic sensation without lower urinary tract obstruction, who visited under the chief complaints of voiding dysfunction(frequency, voiding difficulty etc.). All patients were checked UDS before and after using a vibrating device(frequency 120Hz, mechanical output 0.081mm), which was placed on the 2?3cm above the pubic symphysis. Results of detrusor pressure were compared pre- and post-vibration at 150ml bladder filling and at strong desire to void and maximum bladder capacity. The most common underlying disease was peripheral lesions(11 cases). Results of UDS were grouped into three. Group I consisted of 11 patients with hyperactive bladder. Group II consisted of 6 patients with normal bladder, and group III consisted of 13 patients with hypoactive bladder. RESULTS: Changes of detrusor pressure at the 150ml bladder filling in group I couldn`t be measured due to early urine leakage. In group II&III, the average detrusor pressure changes of pre- and post-vibration were from 4.2+/-.6cmH2O to 3.8+/-.2cmH2O(p>0.05) and from 5.7+/-.8cmH2O to 6.7+/-.2cmH2O(p>0.05) respectively. Detrusor pressure at strong desire to void was changed from 39.0+/-8.6cmH2O to 40.0+/-0.0cmH2O in group I(p>0.05), 25.3+/-2.8cmH2O to 19.0+/-2.2cmH2O in group II(p>0.05), and from 15.0+/-.9cmH2O to 19.5+/-2.3cmH2O in group III(p<0.05). Changes of maximum bladder capacity were from 222.7+/-8.4ml to 187.5+/-1.7ml in group I(p>0.05), from the 402.0+/-2.8ml to 399.3+/-4.5ml in group II(p>0.05), and from 547.5+/-9.5ml to 520.1+/-9.6ml in group III(p<0.05). In group III, ten of the 13 patients(77%) showed the increase of detrusor pressure at strong desire to void(mean: 6.6cmH2O) and nine of the 13 patients(69%) showed the decrease in maximum bladder capacity(mean: 46.4ml)(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the use of suprapubic vibrator may be an ancillary therapeutic tool in selected patients of voiding dysfunction with hypoactive bladder.
Humans ; Male ; Pubic Symphysis ; Sensation ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic ; Urinary Tract ; Urodynamics* ; Vibration*

From September 1972 to August 1973, Ewha Womans University Hospital has performed 220 cases of Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Statistical analysis was done and the results can be summarized as follows. 1.Of the indications for primary Cesarean section, C.P.D., malpresentation and fetal distress comprised 89.4%. 2.The average values in distribution of hemoglobin and hematocrit were almost within normal limits. 3. The ages of pregnant women ranged from 20 to 44 years. The 21~30 age group of pregnant women who had Cesarean section was nearly double the 31~40 group. 4. 91.4% of all cases received scopolamine 0.3 mg by I.M. injection as premedication for anesthesia. In some cases, atropine sulfate 0.4 mg and pethidine hydrochloride 50mg were given. 5. Spinal puncture levels were from L2-L5 and 95.9% were conducted at L3-4 or L4-5. 6.The average number of punctures was 1.6. 7. The sensory levels of spinal anesthesia extended to from T1 to T8 and 95.5% were from T4 to T7. 8.The average time to initial drop of blood pressure was two and half minutes and its degree was 25 mm Hg on the average. 9.The average time to maximal drop of blood pressure was,16 minutes and it averaged 40 mm Hg of fall. 10. 40~80 mg of ephedrine was the most used vasopressor but in some cases, combined ephedrine hydrochloride 40mg and effortil 10mg were injected I.V. 11. Fluid amount given in the first five minutes was 180 ml on the average.12. In Cesarean section increase of blood pressure between before and after the delivery was 20 mmHg on the average. This may be considered due to use of uterine constrictor and vasopressor drugs. 13. The Apgar score average value was 8.5 and the percentage of scores above 8. 0 was 88.1% of the total cases. 14. The average value of induction delivery time was 20 minutes. 15. Diazepam 10 mg and pethidine hydrochloride 50 mg were given to 69.5% of total cases after the delivery. 16. A tendency towards a proportional relation between decreased blood pressure and anesthetic level was observed. However no specific relation was observed between decreased blood pressure and Apgar scores.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Apgar Score ; Atropine ; Blood Pressure ; Cesarean Section* ; Diazepam ; Ephedrine ; Etilefrine ; Female ; Fetal Distress ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Meperidine ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Premedication ; Punctures ; Scopolamine Hydrobromide ; Spinal Puncture

It has been reported that beta-HCG is produced in the transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and measuring of its level can be used as a tumor marker. We measured the serum and urinary levels of beta-HCG in the patients with the transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and analysed the relationship to the clinical stage and histological grade and its significance as a tumor marker. The levels of the beta-HCG in the serum and early morning urine were measured in 40 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and 37 cases of control group. Double-antibody immunometric assay (Coat-A-Count HCG IRMA) using I-labeled anti HCG antibody and monoclonal anti HCG antibody were used. The mean levels of the serum and urinary f-HCG in control group were 1.2mIU/ml, 1.4mIU/ ml and 3.6mIU/ml, 6.0mIU/ml in patient group, which showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups(p<0.05). In patient group, the levels of the serum and urinary beta- HCG were 2.9mIU/ml and 3.5mIU/ml in the superficial tumor, 2.6mIU/ml and 7.0mIU/ml in the invasive tumor and 7.5mIU/ml and 9.9mIU/ml in the metastatic tumor, showing a statistically significant increase as the clinical stage was advanced(p <0.05). The levels of the serum and urinary beta-HCG were 3.3mIU/ml and 1.3mIU/ml in grade I, 2.9mIU/ml and 5.9mIU/ml in grade II and 4.7mIU/ml and 7.6mIU/ml in grade III, which did not demonstrate a significant relationship to the histological grade(p>0.05). We think that the serum and urinary levels of beta-HCG in the transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder are related to the tumor stage but not to the histological grade and in the metastatic tumor urinary beta-HCG level can be used as a reliable tumor marker.
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* ; Humans ; Urinary Bladder*