PURPOSE: Airborne pollen and mold spores are common causative agents of allergic disease. Atmospheric pollen and spores in one area of Pusan were collected to investigate species, particle amount, seasonal distribution, and of its association with reactivity to skin prick test in children. METHODS: Rotorod sampler was installed on the rooftop of St. Benedict Hospital in Pusan. 24 hour sampling of airborne allergens over a two year period was conducted 6 days/week from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1999. Those samples were stained with Calberla's fuchsin and were identified, counted under the light microscope (400xfor pollen, 1000xfor mold). The data were compared with the daily weather report and allergy skin test. RESULTS: Major pollens collected were Pinus, Alnus, Juniperus, Betula, Quercus, Artemisia, Ambrosia, and Chenospodium-Amaranthus. The pollen season is relatively short and the pollen dispersed mainly during the period from March to May in case of tree pollen and from August to October in case of grass pollen. Total pollen count ranged from 0 to 1000 grains/m3/day (May 14, 99). The peak pollen season was seen during Spring and Autumn, especially in March and September. Major mold spores counted were Cladosporium, Leptospheria and Alternaria. Mold spore count ranged from 0 to 2,360 spores/m3/day (Oct. 8, 98). Cladosporium was dispersed year-round, but mainly in the October and November, while Leptospheria was dispersed mainly in the period from July to September and Alternaria counts tended to be higher around July. The concentration of mold is roughly correlated with the amount of rainfall, having high spore count in July and August, especially in case of Leptospheria. In terms of positive reaction to skin prick test in children, Alnus and Artemisia were found to be allergen source in early spring and late summer season, respectively. CONCLUSION: Analysis of pollens and mold spores sampled in the atmosphere of Pusan, Korea, for a 2 year period identified 19 species of pollens and 22 species of mold spores with seasonal variation of some clinically important pollen/mold load. Cladosporium, Leptospheria and Alternaria are found to be three major molds, especially from June to October.
Allergens ; Alnus ; Alternaria ; Ambrosia ; Artemisia ; Atmosphere ; Betula ; Busan* ; Child ; Cladosporium ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Juniperus ; Korea ; Pinus ; Poaceae ; Pollen* ; Quercus ; Rosaniline Dyes ; Seasons ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Spores ; Weather

PURPOSE: This study was performed to know the clinical profile and effectiveness of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with solitary juvenile polyp. METHODS: This study included 19 children, aged 1.8 to 11.4 years, who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy and histologically proven solitary juvenile polyps between March 1998 and August 2002. We analyzed their detailed history, clinical manifestations, colonoscopic examination, method of anesthesia and results of colonoscopic polypectomy. RESULTS: The mean age of the 19 cases was 4.7+/-2.8 year. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.1.Hematochezia, the main indication of colonoscopy, was present in all cases. Combined symptoms were mucoid stool or diarrhea(42%), abdominal pain(26%), constipation(11%) and anal fissure(11%). Anemia(Hb <10 g/dL) in four cases recovered spontaneously after polypectomy. Complications associated with premedication, sedation and colonoscopy itself did not occur. Bleeding developed in two cases(11%) after polypectomy. One of them was controlled with hemoclipping. The main site of polyps was the rectosigmoid colon in 15 cases(79%). The size of the polyps ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm. The interval between the onset of symptoms and polypectomy was from 0.1 to 42 months. CONCLUSION: Juvenile polyps are a common cause of benign, chronic and recurrent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic method. So earlier colonoscopy might avoid uneffective treatment and prevent untoward problems such as fear of parents and anemia.
Anemia ; Anesthesia ; Child* ; Colon ; Colonoscopy ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Parents ; Polyps* ; Premedication

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen of the respiratory tract among school- aged children and young adults. The incidence of CNS complication is reported as 0.1-7% of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. We experienced a case of cerebral infarction complicated by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and reviewed the literature about the CNS complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Cerebral Infarction* ; Child ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae* ; Mycoplasma* ; Pneumonia* ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma* ; Respiratory System ; Young Adult