No abstract available.
Skin Aging* ; Skin*

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a rare, chronic blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes with severe morbidity and occasional mortality. The clinical data of Korean pemphigus patients are quite limited, and an appropriate treatrnent regimen is not yet established. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to analyze the clinical characteristics of, and establish an appropriate treatment regimen for Korean pemphigus patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 24 pemphigus patients seen between 1992 and 1996. RESULTS: Pemphigus vulgaris(PV) was the most common type with 17 cases, followed by seven cases of pemphigus foliaceus(PF). There were no sexual preferences, and the average age at onset for PV and PF was 46 and 50 years old, respectively. Mucosal involvement was noted in 14 cases(82%) of PV and only in one case(14/o) of PF. There was no correlation between the extent of involvement and the titer of anti ICS(intercellular substance) antibody. Most patients received prednisolone of lmg/kg, and 12 PV patients also received immunosuppressive agents. Systemic side effects were noted in 10 cases of PV, and seven PF cases did not manifest any systemic side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations and results of imrnunofluorescent studies of 24 Korean pemphigus patients were similar to those of the previous studies. For treatment of pemphigus, the lowest possible doses(less than 1mg/kg) of corticosteroid in combination with immunosuppressive agents appears to be more effective and less toxic than high doses of corticosteroid. We propose a regimen for treatment of Korean pemphigus patients based on these experiences. Further rnulti-center clinical trials are advocated to confirm an effective management protocol for Korean pemphigus patients.
Blister ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Mucous Membrane ; Pemphigus* ; Prednisolone ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin

No abstract available.
Alopecia Areata* ; Alopecia* ; Scalp*

The argon laser has been used in the treatment of a variety of cutaneous vascular and pigmented lesions. In 1983, authors reported on the therapeutic effect from argon laser treatment of nevus flammeus. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect and complication of the argon laser on many cutaneous lesions except nevus flammeus. The data of the 67 patients who were treated between November, 1984 and March, 1986 and could be followed up over 3 months at the Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Hospital were analyzed. Patients were treated with Coherent Radiation Model No. 920 Laser with a spot size of 1 mm in diatemer. The pawer ranges were between 1.6 and 2.6 W using pulsed wave or continuous wave according to the size and the shape of the lesions. The argon laser is an effective modality in the treatment of superficial vascular lesions and especially when telangiectasia is prominent. In pigmented lesions, argon laser is effective for pigmented nevi excluding intradermal nevi and has been found effective in small sized nevus spilus and lentigines.
Argon* ; Dermatology* ; Humans ; Lentigo ; Nevus ; Nevus, Intradermal ; Nevus, Pigmented ; Port-Wine Stain ; Seoul ; Telangiectasis

No abstract available.
DNA* ; Humans* ; Lymphocytes*

No abstract available.
Epidemiologic Studies* ; Female* ; Humans ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders* ; Young Adult*

No abstract available.
DNA* ; Humans* ; Lymphocytes*

No abstract available.
Basal Ganglia ; Hypocalcemia*

No abstract available.
Crowns*

BACKGROUND: One of the main disadvantages of caudal block is the long latent period before a satisfactory blockade is obtained. Many investigators have used various preparations of local anesthetic solutions to improve the speed of onset. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of prewarming of lidocaine HCl for caudal block. METHODS: Fifty healthy young patients (ASA I) were allocated into two groups, A and B. In group A, the local anesthetic solution were injected at room temperature (25 degrees C), while in group B, they were injected at 37oC. All the caudal block were performed using 2% lidocaine HCl 20 ml with fentanyl 100ug and epinephrine 1:200,000. The onset time was defined as the period from completion of injection until the patient first noticed loss of sensation to pin-prick on perianal region. Assessment of sensory loss was made at 15 seconds interval. We have compared the onset of sensory blockade between groups. The duration of analgesia and any significant side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The onset of sensory blockade was significantly faster in group B (3.5 +/- 0.5 minutes) than group A (6.2 +/- 0.9 minutes). The duration of analgesia were not significantly changed between groups. Side effects of urinary retention, pruritus and nausea were noted between both groups but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We have found that the onset time was 44% faster with warm lidocaine-fentanyl mixture (37 degrees C) than with the room temperature (25 degrees C). The improved clinical usefulness was achieved with no increase in side effects. The technique is a safe and effective method to reduce the latency of onset.
Analgesia ; Epinephrine ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Nausea ; Pruritus ; Research Personnel ; Sensation ; Urinary Retention