Objective: Osteoporosis is the most common chronic disease that occurs after menopause in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of use of osteoporosis drugs in Korea by figuring out the size of osteoporosis drugs sold in Korea in 2020. Methods: Data Based on Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS) data for 5 years from 2016 to 2020, the sales amount of osteoporosis drugs was calculated to determine the usage status of osteoporosis drugs. Specific pharmacologic drugs were analyzed included oral and intravenous bisphosphonate, raloxifene, parathyroid hormone, RANKL inhibitors and others. In November 2019, Romosozumab was newly approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for use as a treatment for osteoporosis and was included in this analysis. Results: When looking at the market share of non-hormonal drugs in osteoporosis treatment, denosumab, a SERM drug, showed a steep rise from 2% in 2017 to 30% in 2020, and denosumab was the most used drug in 2020. Compared to 2019, the quarterly sales in 2020 also increased by 58.6% from 47.5 billion won to 75.1 billion won compared to the previous year. It was followed by Ibandronate, Alendronate, and Risedronate, and bisphosphonate showed a decreasing trend. In the case of calcitonin and raloxifene, there is a decreasing trend compared to 2016. In the case of newly added Romosozumab, the market share by component was 2%. Although the insurance benefit standard was applied on December 1, 2020 and is not widely used in 2020, considering the mechanism and effect of this drug, it is likely to emerge as the most important treatment for severe osteoporosis patients in the future. Conclusion Osteoporosis is the most common chronic disease in the elderly, and it will become more serious as we age. However, compared to the seriousness of the disease, there were not many treatments for this disease. As Romosozumab, an anabolic agent, is added as a new treatment for osteoporosis, it will be possible to save many patients from the risk of fracture by using various treatment agents well.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to synthesize the best available evidence for active warming interventions during cesarean section. METHODS: A database search was done for randomized controlled trials utilizing active warming interventions. Maternal temperature, shivering and neonatal temperature were evaluated as outcome variables. Data were analyzed using Cochrane Review Manager software Version 5.3. RESULTS: Thirteen studies including 1306 patients were reviewed. The degree of lowering of maternal temperature decreased in the warmed fluids (MD 0.51; p=.004) and warming mattress interventions (MD 0.22; p<.001) compared with control groups. Incidence of shivering was also lower in the active warming group (OR 0.55; p=.003). There was no statistically significant difference in maternal temperature with a forced air warming intervention (MD 0.64; p=.15) or in neonatal temperature (MD 0.12; p=.26). CONCLUSION: Findings show that with warmed fluids and warming mattresses applied during cesarean sections maternal temperature decline was reduced and also the incidence of shivering declined, but no significant effect was observed for forced air warming interventions. These findings provide a basis for developing a warming guideline for women having a cesarean section and will help to improve the quality of care for cesarean section patients.
Beds ; Cesarean Section* ; Female ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Incidence ; Pregnancy ; Shivering

PURPOSE: Glyphosate-surfactant herbicide (GSH) is a widely used herbicide that is generally thought to be safe. When ingested in large quantities, however, it can result in serious toxicity and even lethality. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for early hospital discharge in GSH poisonings. METHODS: GSH poisoning patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of patients who were discharged earlier, within 48 hours, without any complication since ED admission. Group B included patients who were admitted to the ED more than 48 hours earlier and/or who died within 48 hours of ED admission. Patient demographics, drug intoxication information, chest X-ray (CXR) findings and laboratory data during the first 24 hours on ED admission were collected. Those data were analyzed for their effect on the two groups. Univariate and odds ratio analysis were done. Predictive factors for early hospital discharge were then determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seventy three patients (51 males, 22 females) were enrolled in our study; 39 patients in group A, and 34 patients in group B. By univariate and odds ratio analysis, the following variables showed statistically significant differences between groups A and B: estimated amount of poison ingested?, GSC score, CXR findings, arterial pH, PO2, bicarbonate, BUN, creatinine, amylase and potassium. In the analysis of clinical symptoms and signs, mental change, dyspnea and voice change were the significant findings in group B (p<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict early discharge in GSH poisonings, 3 variables (normal CXR finding, no metabolic acidosis, BUN level < or = 23) were found to be highly associated with early discharge. We established the following multiple logistic regression model: Log(p/1-p) = -3.02+1.85(normal CXR)+1.98(no metabolic acidosis)+1.46(BUN< or =23) CONCLUSION: Although GSH poisoning causes multi-organ toxicity, its mortality rate is relatively low (5.5%). Acid-base status, chest X-ray finding, and serum BUN level during the first 24 hours are useful predictive factors for early discharge from the hospital in GSH poisonings.
Acidosis ; Amylases ; Creatinine ; Demography ; Dyspnea ; Glycine ; Herbicides ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Odds Ratio ; Potassium ; Thorax ; Voice

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are 1) to determine if GAST is a better indicator in predicting ovarian response to COH compared with patient's age or basal FSH level and 2) to evaluate its role in detecting abnormal ovarian response. DESIGN : Prospective study in 118 patients undergoing IVF-ET using GnRH-a short protocol during May-September 1995. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After blood sampling for basal FSH and estradiol (E2) on cycle day two, 0.5 ml (0.525 mg) GnRH agonist (Suprefact, Hoechst) was injected subcutaneously. Serum E2 was measured 24 hours later. Initial E2 difference (deltaE2) was defined as the change in E2 on day 3 over the baseline day 2 value. Sixteen patients with ovarian cyst or single ovary or incorrect blood collection time were excluded from the analysis. The patients were divided into three groups by deltaE2; group A (n=30):deltaE2<40 pg/ml, group B (n=52): 40 pg/ml< or =deltaE2<100 pg/ml, group C (n=20): deltaE2< or =100 pg/ml. COH was done by GnRH agonist/HMG/hCG and IVF-EF was followed. Ratio of E2 on day of hCG injection over the number of ampules of gonadotropins used (E2hCGday/Amp) was regarded as ovarian responsiveness. Poor ovarian response and overstimulation were defined as E2 hCGday less than 600 pg/ml and greater than 5000 pg/ml, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SEM) in group A, B and C were 33.7+/-0.8*, 31.5 +/-0.6 and 30.6+/-0.5*, respectively (*: p<0.05). Mean basal FSH level of group A (11.1+/-1.1 mIU/ml) was significantly higher than those of B (7.4+/- 0.2 mIU/ml) and C (6.8+/-0.4 mIU/ml) 0<0.001). Mean E2hCGday of group A was significantly lower than those of group B or C, i.e., 1402.1+/-187.7 pg/ml, 3153.2+/- 240.0 pg/ml, 4078.8+/-306.4 pg/ml respectively (p<0.0001). The number of ampules of gonadotropins used in group A was significantly greater than those in group B or C: 38.6+/-2.3, 24.2+/-1.1 and 18.5+/-1.0 (p<0.0001). The number of oocytes retrieved in group A was significantly smaller than those in group B or C: 6.4+/-1.1, 15.5+/-1.1 and 18.6+/-1.6, respectively (p<0.0001). By stepwise multiple regression, only deltaE2 showed a significant correlation (r=0.68, p<0.0001) with E2HCGday/Amp, while age or basal FSH level were not significant. Likewise, only deltaE2 correlated significantly with the number of oocytes retrieved (r=0.57, p<0.001). All four patients whose COH was canceled due to poor ovarian response belonged to group A only (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Whereas none of 30 patients in group A (0%) had overstimulation, 14 patients among 72 patients (19.4%) in group B and C had overstimulation (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that initial E2 difference after GAST may be a better prognostic indicator of ovarian response to COH than age or basal FSH level. Since initial E2 difference demonstrates significant association with abnormal ovarian response such as poor ovarian response necessitating cycle cancellation or overstimulation, GAST may be helpful in monitoring and consultation of patients during COH in IVF-ET cycle.
Estradiol ; Female ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Gonadotropins ; Humans ; Oocytes ; Ovarian Cysts ; Ovary ; Ovulation Induction* ; Prospective Studies

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon, and they are histopathologically classified as pseudocyst, mesothelial cyst, lymphangioma and omental cyst. We report a case of a 27-year-old female with a huge cystic mass arising from greater omentum. Patient complained the symptoms of abdominal distention due to massive ascites and intermittent pelvic discomfort. The diagnostic examinations including ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed and identified a huge, intraabdominal cyst. Laparoscopic resection of cyst was done with no clinical and symptomatic evidence of adverse event till 12 months. The diagnostic role of sonography and CT in ascites with unknown etiology is emphasized. Minimal invasive surgery showed comparable result to open exploration.
Adult ; Ascites ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Lymphangioma ; Mesenteric Cyst ; Omentum

For postmenopausal women who fear hormone therapy, women 60 years of age with continuous, severe hot flushing or women with a history of breast cancer, we should consider selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as therapeutic agents. Base on the results from a meta-analysis and clinical trials regarding hot flushing, paroxetine and the conetrolled-release formultation of paroxetine have been shown to effectively reduce hot flushing by 30~40% and 60~70%, respectively, and 13~41% more reductions as compared to placebo. Venlafaxine reduced hot flushes by 30~60% (133% reductions compared to placebo), and desvenlafaxine reduced hot flushes by 30~70%. Fluoxetine and citalopram were shown to be less effective than paroxetine and venlafaxine, by 20% (113% reductions compared to placebo) and 40~50%, respectively. Sertraline reduced hot flushes 3~18% compared to the placebo group, but was considered ineffective. Citalopram (20 mg), paroxetine (10 mg), venlafaxine (37.5~150 mg), and desvenlafaxine (100~200 mg) not only reduced vasomotor symptoms, but demonstrated additional beneficial outcomes with respect to sleep disturbances, mood, the vigor index, and improved quality of life. Citalopram (20 mg), fluoxetine (20 mg), paroxetine (10 mg), venlafaxine (75~150 mg), and desvenlafaxine (150 mg) are recommended at the corresponding doses after weighing the risks and benefits of these medications. SSRIs and SNRIs were shown to interrupt the conversion of tamoxifen into the active metabolite, endoxifen, and thus SSRIs and SNRIs must not be used in breast cancer patients who are taking tamoxifen. Paroxetine suppressed vasomotor symptoms most potently, followed by fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and venlafaxine.
Breast Neoplasms ; Citalopram ; Cyclohexanols ; Female ; Fluoxetine ; Flushing ; Humans ; Menopause ; Norepinephrine ; Paroxetine ; Quality of Life ; Risk Assessment ; Serotonin ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors ; Sertraline ; Tamoxifen ; Desvenlafaxine Succinate ; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Menopause is a normal phenomenon in a woman’s life cycle involving multiple health-related issues that contribute to physical instability. Changes in the immune system in postmenopausal women are caused by estrogen deprivation along with age. Increased proinflammatory serum marker levels, cytokine responses in body cells, decreased CD4 T and B lymphocyte levels, and natural killer cell cytotoxic activity are also observed during postmenopause. Moreover, vitamin D, in addition to its classical effects on calcium homeostasis and bone density, plays an important role. Current evidence indicates that vitamin D regulates innate and adaptive immune responses; however, vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased autoimmune activity and infection susceptibility. This review provides an overview of the consequences of immune alterations as an outcome of aging in postmenopausal women and the benefit of vitamin D supplementation.

Uterus didelphys with unilateral obstructed hemivagina is indeed a very rare congenital anomaly. Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis usually presents after menarche with progressive abdominal pain during menses secondary to hematocolpos. The method of choice for diagnosis is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can do much for the early diagnosis and the prevention against further complications of this condition because it can demonstrate the mullerian duct anomaly complicated with obstructed hemivagina in detail and even ipsilateral renal agenesis. A greater awareness of the syndrome of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis should lead to its prompt diagnosis, allowing for early and appropriate surgical intervention as well as decreased long-term morbidity. Early accurate diagnosis after menarche followed by excision and marsupialization of the blind hemivagina offers complete relief of symptoms and preserves reproductive potential. We report a case of uterine didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agensis with a brief review of the literature.
Abdominal Pain ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Hematocolpos ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Menarche ; Uterus*

The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements.The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.