OBJECTIVES: This research was conducted to identify the consumers' food choice factors that affect the consumers' replacement of soft drinks with carbonated water. METHODS: The present study used secondary data from a consumer panel survey conducted by the Rural Development Administration of Korea, and the data included the panel members' purchase records based on their monthly spending receipts. The survey asked the participants about their food choice factors and their personal responsibility for their health. This survey included independent variables for the consumers' food purchase factors. As a dependent variable, two types of groups were defined. The replacement group included those people who increased their purchase of carbonated water and decreased their purchase of soft drinks. The non-replacement group included those people who did not change their purchase patterns or they increased their purchase of soft drinks and they decreased their purchase of carbonated water. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the consumers' food choice factors that were associated with replacing soft drinks with carbonated water. RESULTS: The replacement group was significantly associated with (1) a younger age (OR=0.953), (2) being a housewife (OR=2.03), (3) higher income (OR=1.001) and (4) less concern about price (OR=0.819) when purchasing food. This group also showed (5) higher enjoyment (OR=1.328) when choosing food and (6) they took greater responsibly for their personal health (OR=1.233). CONCLUSIONS: This research is the first study to mainly focus on soft drinks and carbonated water. The result of this research showed that young, health-conscious consumers with a higher income and who are more interested in food have more possibilities to replace soft drinks with carbonated water. These research findings may be applied to consumers who have characteristics that are similar to the young health-conscious consumers and the results can help to suggest ways to reduce sugar intake and improve public health. However, this research has a limitation due to the application of secondary data. Therefore, a future study is needed to develop detailed survey questions about food choice factors and to extend these factors to all beverages, including soft drinks made with sugar substitutes, so as to reflect the growth of alternative industries that use artificial sweeteners or different types of sugar to make commercially available drinks.
Beverages ; Carbon ; Carbonated Beverages ; Carbonated Water ; Consumer Behavior ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Public Health ; Social Planning ; Sweetening Agents

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in renal allograft recipients with functioning graft. Our study aimed to determine the incidence and the risk factors of cardiovascular disease after renal transplantation in Korea. We retrospectively analyzed 430 adult recipients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1997 and February 2007. CVD was defined as a composite outcome of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident and peripheral vascular disease. Mean age of recipients was 40.0+/-11.8 yr. Mean duration of follow-up was 72+/-39 months. The cumulative incidence of CVD after renal transplantation was 2.4% at 5 yr, 5.4% at 10 yr and 11.4% at 12 yr. Multivariate analysis revealed that recipient's age, diabetes mellitus and duration of dialysis before transplantation were associated with post-transplant CVD (hazard ratio 1.843 [95% CI, 1.005-3.381], 3.846 [95% CI, 1.025-14.432] and 3.394 [95% CI, 1.728-6.665] respectively). In conclusion, old age, duration of dialysis and diabetes mellitus are important risk factors for post-transplant CVD, although the incidence of post-renal transplant CVD is lower in Korea than that in western countries.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Cardiovascular Diseases/*epidemiology/etiology ; Diabetes Complications ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; *Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Renal Dialysis ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Kikuchi disease, also called histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an uncommon, idiopathic and generally self-limited disease, characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. It can present systemic symptoms and signs, but ocular involvement is unusual. We report a 35-year-old woman who presented sudden decreased visual acuity and a swollen lymph node on the left side of her neck. On laboratory findings, there were no evidences of infection, autoimmune disease and systemic vasculitis. She was diagnosed with Kikuchi disease and bilateral retinal vasculitis by histologic analysis of lymph node, fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography.
Adult ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Female ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Neck ; Retinal Vasculitis ; Retinaldehyde ; Systemic Vasculitis ; Visual Acuity

BACKGROUND: Steroid pulse therapy has been used for patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The ABCB1 gene codes for P-glycoprotein, a transporter that is involved in the metabolism of steroids. However, the role of ABCB1 polymorphisms has not been investigated in patients with acute rejection after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Among 763 patients that received kidney or simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation at Seoul National University Hospital between May 1996 and July 2009, 684 patients agreed to genetic sampling for polymorphisms. Acute rejection was defined as biopsy-proven, acute cellular rejection with increased serum creatinine, or in the context of delayed or slow graft function. Steroid-resistance was defined as no improvement in serum creatinine, need for additional OKT3 or ATG treatment, or repeated acute rejection within 30 days. Three polymorphisms of ABCB1 gene (C1236T, C3435T, G2677T/A) were assessed. RESULTS: C allele frequency of C3435T was 59.3% and of C1236T 40.1%. Patients who were steroid-resistant (n=37) had higher serum creatinine at kidney biopsy compared to those who were steroid-sensitive (n=49, P<0.001). The frequency of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T and C3435T) did not differ significantly between patients who were steroid-sensitive and those who were resistant. An association with G2677T/A could not be analyzed due to a high failure rate of genotyping. CONCLUSIONS: ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (C1236T and C3435T) were not associated with steroid resistance in patients with acute cellular rejection after kidney transplantation.
Biopsy ; Creatinine ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Muromonab-CD3 ; P-Glycoprotein ; Rejection (Psychology) ; Steroids ; Transplants

BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is one of the major causes of allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant (KT) patients. We compared BKVAN combined with acute rejection (BKVAN/AR) with BKVAN alone in KT patients. We retrospectively analyzed biopsy-proven BKVAN in KT patients from 2000 to 2011 at Seoul National University Hospital. Among 414 biopsies from 951 patients, biopsy-proven BKVAN was found in 14 patients. Nine patients had BKVAN alone, while 5 patients had both BKVAN and acute cellular rejection. BKVAN in the BKVAN alone group was detected later than in BKVAN/AR group (21.77 vs 6.39 months after transplantation, P=0.03). Serum creatinine at diagnosis was similar (2.09 vs 2.00 mg/dL). Histological grade was more advanced in the BKVAN/AR group (P=0.034). Serum load of BKV, dose of immunosuppressants, and tacrolimus level showed a higher tendency in the BKVAN alone group; however it was not statistically significant. After anti-rejection therapy, immunosuppression was reduced in the BKVAN/AR group. Renal functional deterioration over 1 yr after BKVAN diagnosis was similar between the two groups (P=0.665). These findings suggest that the prognosis of BKVAN/AR after anti-rejection therapy followed by anti-BKV therapy might be similar to that of BKVAN alone after anti-BKV therapy.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; BK Virus/*physiology ; Creatinine/blood ; Female ; *Graft Rejection/diagnosis/virology ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage ; Kidney/*virology ; Kidney Diseases/pathology/surgery/*virology ; *Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyomavirus Infections/drug therapy/*etiology/pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Tacrolimus/administration & dosage ; Time Factors ; Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects ; Tumor Virus Infections/drug therapy/*etiology/pathology

BACKGROUND: Health maintenance and monitoring of transplant candidates, the great majority of whom are undergoing chronic dialysis, can be a determinant of post-transplant prognosis. New issues such as malignancy, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial problems might arise among potential recipients, which may lead to cancellation of the transplantation. METHODS: A questionnaire, including questions regarding follow-up monitoring, was sent to 66 transplant centers, and responses to the survey were obtained from 35 centers (53%). A similar questionnaire was sent to 217 wait-listed patients, and 164 (76%) responded. RESULTS: Regular contact between the transplant center and patients was maintained by only 37% of the centers. No consistent pattern of contact was observed for 11%. Sixty percent of the centers monitored patients by telephone. Three-fourths of the transplant centers monitored their patients annually or every 6 months. A cancer screening program was run by only 17% of the centers, and 29% did not routinely request cardiac screening. Most centers (83%) informed their patients of the features of marginal kidneys. However, many patients (69%) reported not hearing about marginal kidneys, and 43% indicated that a cadaver transplant was cancelled because of a cadaver donor problem. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey indicates that the necessity for routine follow-up monitoring is broadly recognized by 86% of transplant centers and 78% of wait-listed patients However, no formal monitoring guidelines currently exist for wait-listed patients in Korea. Therefore, guidelines are absolutely necessary for improving the quality of post-transplant life.
Cadaver ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Dialysis ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hearing ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Prognosis ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Telephone ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants ; Waiting Lists

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that usually presents as a diffuse, nontender goiter, whereas subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an uncommon disease that is characterized by tender thyroid enlargement, transient thyrotoxicosis, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Very rarely, patients with HT can present with painful, tender goiter or fever, a mimic of SAT. We report a case of painful HT in a 68-year-old woman who presented with pain and tenderness in a chronic goiter. Her ESR was definitely elevated and her thyroid laboratory tests suggested subclinical hypothyroidism of autoimmune origin. (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake was markedly decreased. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed reactive and polymorphous lymphoid cells and occasional epithelial cells with Hurthle cell changes. Her clinical symptoms showed a dramatic response to glucocorticoid treatment. She became hypothyroid finally and is now on levothyroxine therapy.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Blood Sedimentation ; Epithelial Cells ; Female ; Fever ; Goiter ; Hashimoto Disease ; Humans ; Hydrazines ; Hypothyroidism ; Lymphocytes ; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroiditis, Subacute ; Thyrotoxicosis ; Thyroxine

Since beginning with the first organ transplantation from brain-dead donor in 1979, organ transplantation has been developing continuously in Korea. However, organ shortage still is a serious problem in the field of solid organ transplantation. For this reason, it is necessary to promote deceased donor organ transplantation and achieve self sufficiency. There are two system requirements managing deceased donor organ transplantation; operational and regulatory systems. In operational system, mutual and balanced cooperation between transplantation centers, organ procurement organism (OPO), registration/allocation system and NGOs is one of most important determinants to maximize brain dead donor. Especially, transplantation center and OPO need to improve in their organ donation process through evaluating donation practices and developing critical pathway for each step. In addition, public education program focusing on the hospital staff, the family of deceased donors and students should be enhanced to increase public awareness for organ donation. In regulatory system, national transplantation authority for the transplant coordination among various structures and policy-making on the issue of organ donation is necessary. For this purpose, Korean Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS) has to be improved into professional and authoritative body and establish more expanded national database network system. Further improvement in operational and regulatory systems to activate organ donation could enable to achieve the Asian leadership in the field of transplantation as well as self sufficiency for organ transplantation.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Brain Death ; Critical Pathways ; Humans ; Korea ; Organ Transplantation ; Tissue and Organ Procurement ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: For various reasons, kidney transplant recipients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often undergo native nephrectomy in preparation for the transplantation. Simultaneous nephrectomy can result in hypotensive events perioperatively and affect transplant outcome adversely. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of simultaneous native nephrectomy (SNx) on perioperative blood pressure and graft outcome compared to non-nephrectomy (NNx) in renal transplant recipients with ADPKD. METHODS: Data regarding renal function and blood pressure were collected from 42 renal transplant recipients with ADPKD. The primary outcome was graft function over 1 year post-transplant. The secondary outcomes were patient and graft survival, postoperative hypotensive events, and blood pressure control. We compared units of anti-hypertensive medication used by transplanted ADPKD patients in the SNx and NNx groups. RESULTS: Patients with SNx during kidney transplantation showed similar rates of patient and graft survival and renal function. Although they had significantly more hypotensive events during the perioperative period (69.2% vs. 37.5% in NNx, P=0.045), no harmful influence on renal function was observed. No difference in mean blood pressure during the 1-year post-transplant period was observed between the two groups; however, the SNx group required fewer units of anti-hypertensive medication. CONCLUSIONS: SNx is a relatively safe procedure. Graft outcome in the SNx group was not inferior to that of the NNx group, and patients with SNx can have well-controlled blood pressure.
Blood Pressure* ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Nephrectomy* ; Perioperative Period ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant* ; Transplantation* ; Transplants*

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important opportunistic viral pathogen in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.The Korean guideline for the prevention of CMV infection in SOT recipients was developed jointly by the Korean Society for Infectious Diseases and the Korean Society of Transplantation. CMV serostatus of both donors and recipients should be screened before transplantation to best assess the risk of CMV infection after SOT. Seronegative recipients receiving organs from seropositive donors face the highest risk, followed by seropositive recipients. Either antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy can be used to prevent CMV infection. While both strategies have been demonstrated to prevent CMV infection post-transplant, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. CMV serostatus, transplant organ, other risk factors, and practical issues should be considered for the selection of preventive measures. There is no universal viral load threshold to guide treatment in preemptive therapy. Each institution should define and validate its own threshold.Valganciclovir is the favored agent for both prophylaxis and preemptive therapy. The evaluation of CMV-specific cellmediated immunity and the monitoring of viral load kinetics are gaining interest, but there was insufficient evidence to issue recommendations. Specific considerations on pediatric transplant recipients are included.