Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause. The lung is the most commonly affected organ, but the skin is frequently involved. Specific sardoidal lesions are most often found on the head and neck area. The most common specific presentation is multiple papular lesions. The present case shows solitary cutaneous sarcoidosis resembling dermatofibroma, located on the thigh. Dermoscopy can help in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous sarcoidosis. Dermoscopic findings are orange globular-like structures and linear vessels, and areas of scar-like depigmentation. Histopathologic findings show non-caseating granulomas with sparse inflammatory cells. We report a case of cutaneous sarcoidosis resembling dermatofibroma, which was diagnosed using dermoscopy.
Citrus sinensis ; Dermoscopy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Granuloma ; Head ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous ; Lung ; Neck ; Sarcoidosis ; Skin ; Thigh

BACKGROUND: Gastroscopy is the useful method to detect the upper gastrointestinal condition, but examinee have recognized it as the procedure causing the discomfort and anxiety. This study was conducted to identify the factors related to pre-procedural anxiety for gastroscopy . METHODS: From 9th March to 12th June 2009, Data were collected from 463 examinee undergone gastroscopy at a health promotion center of a university hospital by self-administered questionnaires about general characteristics (age, sex, education state, economic state, family history of gastric cancer), gastrointestinal symptom, histroy of gastrointestinal disease, sedated gastroscopy and previous experience of gastroscopy. Before gastroscopy procedure, pre-procedural anxiety was assessed using 20-items by Korean version of Spielberger State Triat Anxiety Inventory Form-Y (STAI-Y). RESULTS: The mean score of pre-procedural state anxiety was 38.1 +/- 10.2 in all participants. The mean score was the most highest in participants who had no previous experience of gastroscopy and would perform non-sedated gastroscopy as 42.1 +/- 10.3. Factors related to pre-procedural anxiety were female (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94 to 4.64), low education state (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.71) and the previous experience of gastroscopy (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.88). Among participants who had the previous experienced gastroscopy, female (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.97 to 5.22), low education state (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.02) and the good tolerance at previous gastroscopy (OR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.59) were related to pre-procedural anxiety. CONCLUSION: In health check examinee, female, low education state and the no previous experience of gastroscopy were related to pre-procedural anxiety. Endoscopists should be provide efforts to lower pre-procedural anxiety in those subjects as to increase effectiveness of interventions.
Anxiety ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Gastroscopy ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a very important method to detect gastroduodenal lesions. But the investigation might be delayed due to its own discomfort and anxiety. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of relaxation music on relief of anxiety and physical discomfort during unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy. METHODS: From March 3 to May 14 2009, 104 clients who have undergone unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy more than once in the past were enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either relaxation music (music, N = 52) or no music (control, N = 52) before esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The subjects recorded their anxiety and physical discomfort about latest and today endoscopy by visual analogue scale (VAS). At pre and post music listening, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured. RESULTS: There was a significant difference of anxiety VAS between music and control group (music, decrease 1.1 +/- 2.1; control, increase 0.0 +/- 1.9; P = 0.008). Throat discomfort VAS was not significant (music, decrease 0.9 +/- 1.8; control, decrease 0.5 +/- 2.7; P = 0.33). Dyspnea VAS decreased in both groups (music, 0.6 +/- 2.2; control, 0.4 +/- 2.5; P = 0.68). Nausea & vomitting VAS also decreased in both group (music, 0.9 +/- 2.2; control, 1.1 +/- 2.1, P = 0.71). There were no significant vital sign changes premusic and postmusic, In both group vital signs increased. Mean differences of systolic pressure(1.0 +/- 11.4 vs. 1.6 +/- 11.1) and diastolic pressure (0.7 +/- 7.3 vs. 1.3 +/- 5.7) were lower in music group, and mean difference of heart rate (1.8 +/- 9.5 vs. 1.5 +/- 8.0) was lower in control group. But There were no significant vital sign changes premusic and postmusic (each P = 0.8, P = 0.62, P = 0.89). CONCLUSION: Listening relaxation music before unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy may reduced anxiety.
Anxiety ; Blood Pressure ; Dyspnea ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Heart Rate ; Music ; Nausea ; Pharynx ; Relaxation ; Vital Signs

Psoriasis is a disorder caused by genetic and immunological factors. Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted predominantly from adipose tissue, regulates energy intake and expenditure, as well as the T-helper response. There have been conflicting reports regarding serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with psoriasis. In the present study, we measured serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in Korean patients with psoriasis. Twenty-four patients with psoriasis and fifteen control subjects were included in the study. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were determined by an immunometric sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean serum leptin concentration in patients with psoriasis was higher than in controls, and the difference was statistically significant. In contrast, serum adiponectin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. Leptin levels in vitamin D-deficient patients were statistically significantly higher than in vitamin D-sufficient patients. Serum adiponectin concentrations showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) in patients with psoriasis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that leptin and adiponectin may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and may be useful biomarkers indicating severity of psoriasis in Korean patients.
Adiponectin/*blood ; Adult ; Aged ; Biological Markers/blood ; Body Mass Index ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation/immunology ; Leptin/*blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psoriasis/*blood/*epidemiology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk ; Severity of Illness Index ; Vitamin D/blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency/*blood ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Knowledge of nutritional support and attitudes of medical staff both affect patient care. We identified attitudes regarding nutritional support among medical staff as well as changes in attitudes when a nutritional support team is present. METHODS: Data were collected from 172 medical staff members who served at a university hospital located in Gyeongju by self-administered questionnaire from June 12~August 30, 2013. The questionnaire inquired about importance of nutritional support, self-confidence about nutritional support, consideration of nutritional support for patient care, consideration of nutritional support when a nutritional support team is present, and nutritional knowledge training during the past year. RESULTS: A total of 169 subjects (98.3%) thought that nutritional support is important for patient care. Only 19 subjects (11.0%) were highly self-confident about nutritional support. In total, 147 subjects (85.5%) considered nutritional support for some or all patients, whereas 169 (98.3%) considered nutritional support for patient care when a nutritional support team is present. Thirty-eight subjects (22.1%) received nutritional knowledge training during the past year. High self-confidence for nutritional support was related to nutritional knowledge training and service part. Positive changes regarding nutritional support when a nutritional support team is present were associated with nutritional knowledge training and high self-confidence for nutritional support. CONCLUSION: No differences in nutritional support attitudes for patient care were observed among the medical staff. Nutritional knowledge training and service part affected self-confidence of nutritional support and induced positive changes in attitudes for nutritional support.
Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Medical Staff* ; Nutritional Status ; Nutritional Support* ; Patient Care* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

No abstract available.
Cyclosporine* ; Humans ; Psoriasis*

No abstract available.
Cyclosporine* ; Humans ; Psoriasis*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of open-mouth breathing on the upper airway anatomy of patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) based on polysomnography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 subjects (101 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 42.7 years and a mean body mass index (kg/m2) of 26.2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were divided into four groups (simple snoring, mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome[OSAS], moderate OSAS and severeOSAS) according to the apnea-hypopnea index. Lateral cephalometric radiograms (retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal distance, and pharyngeal length) were taken with the mouth closed and open. RESULTS: The lateral cephalometric variables were compared between the mouth closed and open positions, and it was found that the retropalatal and retroglossal distances and pharyngeal length were significantly changed in all groups. However, the hypopharyngeal distance did not change significantly in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Open-mouth breathing significantly reduces the retropalatal and retroglossal distance and lengthens the pharynx in patients with SDB. Since these anatomical changes may worsen SDB or decrease positive airway pressure treatment compliance, ENT doctors should attempt to convert SDB patients from open-mouth breathing to nasal breathing.
Body Mass Index ; Cephalometry ; Compliance ; Humans ; Male ; Mouth ; Mouth Breathing ; Pharynx ; Respiration ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Snoring