Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital (BAACH) is one of the US military General Hospitals in Korea that have blood services. The author of this paper is a civilian employee who has been working in the blood bank for 37 years. Through this experience, a difference between BAACH and the Korean Medical Center has been observed. First, BAACH performs a blood culture for the sterility test upon the receipt of platelets from the Korean Red Cross, and measures the pH at the end of allowable storage. Second, some military facilities use the Frozen Blood Program as the storage/thawing system of Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells (DRBC) and the use of DRBC. Third, most military facilities have a continuous training education program for those working in the blood bank provided by the Armed Service Blood Program.
Arm ; Blood Banks ; Education ; Erythrocytes ; Hospitals, Community ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infertility ; Korea ; Military Facilities ; Military Personnel ; Red Cross

We report here on a case of genetically confirmed type Ia glycogen storage disease (GSD) that was diagnosed in the military hospital. A twenty-year old soldier was admitted to the hospital with abdominal fullness. He had a past medical history of hepatomegaly that was firstly recognized at six months after birth, and he had been followed-up at an outpatient clinic with the presumptive diagnosis of type III GSD. He also had a history of growth hormone therapy because of growth retardation. However, he arbitrarily refused medical observation from 14 years of age. On the physical examination, the height of the patient was 163.1 cm and significant hepatomegaly was observed. Significantly abnormal liver-associated paramters were observed on the laboratory findings and multiple hepatic adenomas were observed on the CT exam and MRI scan. To determine the proper treatment, we tried to confirm the exact type of GSD in the patient. By mutational analysis, we found the c.648G>T homozygote splicing mutation in the G6PC gene and the patient was confirmed as having the type Ia GSD.
Adenoma ; Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Chromosome Disorders ; Glycogen ; Glycogen Storage Disease ; Growth Hormone ; Hepatomegaly ; Homozygote ; Hospitals, Military ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Military Personnel ; Parturition ; Physical Examination

BACKGROUND: Pusan is geographically far away from the indigenous area of malaria. It is the area where the tourists and foreigners travel through frequently because of the port. We investigated the situation in Pusan concerning malaria through the examination of malaria patients who contracted it recently. We found the ways to decrease erroneous diagnosis presuming malaria on the basis of these studies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 28 confirmed cases of malaria with the chief complaint of repeated high fever, who were admitted and treated in the Pusan Adventist Hospital and Pusan Samsun Hospital from June 1997 to August 2000. RESULTS: 25 cases were indigenous and 3 patients were imported cases contracted overseas. Peripheral blood smears revealed Plasmodium vivax in all indigenous cases, whereas 2 were P. falciparum and 1 case was P. vivax in the imported cases. Yeonchon-goon(9 cases) was the most prevalent area in the indigenous cases. Africa and Southeast Asia(3 cases) were the contracted areas in the imported cases. 27 cases were men and 1 case was a woman among the 28 cases, and the incidence was high peak in 8-10 month. Most of the patients(72.1%) were in the their 20's, and most of all had worked in the military bases near the demilitarized zone(DMZ). Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were found more frequently by the laboratory findings. 23 of the cases(82%) were suspected to be malaria, before we confirmed it by peripheral blood smears. CONCLUSION: The number of patients with indigenous malaria from the other areas in Korea and patients with malaria from foreign countries will be expected to increase. Before we confirmed the malaria by peripheral blood smears, the cases suspected of malaria were 82.1%. This is a high diagnostic rate due to careful history taking and physical examination. The doctors decreased the rate of erroneous diagnosis of malaria and should be careful in the choice of the proper drugs.
Africa ; Busan* ; Diagnosis ; Emigrants and Immigrants ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Leukopenia ; Malaria* ; Male ; Medical Records ; Military Facilities ; Physical Examination ; Plasmodium vivax ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombocytopenia

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is one of the rare causes of small bowel obstruction. It develops following a marked decrease in the angle between SMA and the abdominal aorta due to weight loss, anatomical anomalies, or following surgeries. Nutcracker syndrome in the left renal vein may also occur following a decrease in the aortomesenteric angle. Though SMA syndrome and renal nutcracker syndrome share the same pathogenesis, concurrent development has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a 23-year-old healthy male diagnosed with SMA syndrome and renal nutcracker syndrome due to severe weight reduction. The patient visited our outpatient clinic presenting bilious vomiting and indigested vomitus for 3 consecutive days. He had lost 20 kg during military service. We suspected SMA syndrome based on abnormal air-shadow in the stomach and small bowel on abdominal X-ray; we confirmed compression of the third portion of the duodenum with upper gastrointestinal series and abdominal computed tomography (CT). Concurrently, renal nutcracker syndrome was also detected via abdominal CT and Doppler ultrasound. Considering bilious vomiting and no urinary symptoms, SMA syndrome was corrected by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, and close observation for the renal nutcracker syndrome was recommended.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Duodenum ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Laparoscopy ; Male* ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior* ; Military Personnel ; Renal Nutcracker Syndrome* ; Renal Veins ; Stomach ; Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography ; Vomiting ; Weight Loss ; Young Adult

Comprehensive quarterly serosurveillance on scrub typhus in small mammals collected from military training sites located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), northern Gyeonggi-do (Province), ROK was conducted to determine the potential rodent-borne and associated ectoparasite disease risks to military personnel. A total of 1,196 rodents and insectivores representing 8 species, Apodemus agrarius (87.3%, n = 1,044), Mus musculus (5.4%, n = 65), Crocidura lasiura (3.3%, n = 40), Microtus fortis (2.6%, n = 31), Micromys minutus (0.3%, n = 4), Tscherskia triton (0.3%, n = 4), Rattus norvegicus (0.3%, n = 4), and Myodes regulus (0.3%, n = 4) were assayed for the presence of antibodies to Orientia tsutsugamushi. O. tsutsugamushi antibodies were detected in 6 of 8 species and seroprevalence determined; A. agrarius (45.6%), M. musculus (23.1%), M. fortis (48.4%), M. minutus (50.0%), T. triton (50.0%), and R. norvegicus (25.0%). A total of 31,184 chigger mites collected from 508 rodents and insectivores were slide-mounted and 10 species belonging to 4 genera were identified. Leptotrombidium pallidum (53.4%) was the most frequently collected, followed by L. palpale (15.7%), Neotrombicula tamiyai (14.3%), L. orientale (10.7%), L. zetum (3.1%), Walchia fragilis (2.1%), and L. gemiticulum (0.8%), while the remaining 3 species, L. subintermedium, N. gardellai, and Euschoengastia koreaensis were rarely observed (prevalence < 10%). In contrast to previous surveys, higher chigger indices of the primary scrub typhus vectors, L. pallidum (165.4), L. orientale (45.0), and L. palpale (21.4), were observed during the spring season.
Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology ; Arachnid Vectors/classification/*microbiology ; Disease Reservoirs/classification/microbiology/*parasitology ; Humans ; Military Facilities ; Orientia tsutsugamushi/*immunology/isolation & purification ; Republic of Korea ; Rodentia/classification/*immunology/microbiology/*parasitology ; Scrub Typhus/microbiology/*transmission/*veterinary ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Trombiculidae/classification/*microbiology

Following the Korean War, presence of foreign troops in Korea, economic difficulty and changing moral Standards have brought about the development of concentrations of prostitutes around army camps known as "villes". The problems with venereal disease among the prostitutes living in the villes and consequently among soldiers has been a problem which has perplexed both American and Korean health authorities. Research into the problems and efforts to solve the V.D. problem have yielded only fragmentary results. Fortunately, with the cooperation of the U.S. Army Research and Development Group, an extensive research project has been undertaken to determine the root causes and best methods to prevent venereal disease in the villes around American military installations. The villes around large military installations were selected as the target of this research. In particular, the Pyeongtaek ville, the Gunsan "Silver Town" area and the "Texas Town" area of Busan were studied. The study took two years, from April, 1973 to March, 1975. Microbiological and serological studies were undertaken to determine the venereal disease infection rate and the efficacy of different antibiotics both in treatment and in sensitivity tests. In addition to the microbiological and serological studies other factors related to venereal diseases control such as social environment, health facilities, knowledge of venereal disease and its control were studied. The following results were obtained. 1. An overall gonorrheal morbidity rate of 14.1% was found among the 1,282 girls studied. This shows e rather dramatic rise compared to other studies. The majority of the increase is attributed to an actual increase of the V.D. rate, but more precise methods of isolation and culture using Thayer-Martin media also contributed to the increase recorded. 2. In Pyeongtaek, a gonorrhea morbidity rate of 5.39/0 (endocervical), the lowest in any of the villes was recorded. The Pyeongtaek police of enforced hospitalization until cure was effected tended to eliminate contact with infected girls and also make the girls more aware of and concerned about prevention of venereal disease. The Texas town prostitutes in Busan had a 15.5% (endocervical) morbidity rate, the highest of any of the areas. This might be attributed to sexual contact with many foreign sailors. 3. In culturing for gonorrhea, it was found that rectal as well as cervical cultures are necessary. Rectal cultures revealed 71 cases(39.2% to total positive cases) some of which were negative by endocervical culture, and endocervical cultures yielded 181 positives among the 1,282 cases surveyed. 4. A total of 988 serological tests for syphilis were carried out. By the V.D.R.L. method, 11.5% reactive cases were recorded, Kolmer C-F showed 5.9% reactive and RPCF test showed a 4.3% reactive rate. The RPR card test was used to retest 151 persons who were demonstrated to be V.D.R.L. (in prostitutes and general entertainers) reactive and confirmatory reactive results were shown in 74.0% of the cases. The FTA-ABS test was done on 57 RPCF tes/; reactive cases and showed confirmatory reactive results in 96.5% of the cases. It was concluded that the RPR card test, although it is less sensitive than the V.D.R.L test was both simple and effective for use in mass screening. However it is suggested that RPR card test rectors be reconfirmed using either the RPCF test or the FTA-ABS test. 5. Penicillin treatment failed to cure 40% of the gonorrhea patients in clinical tests and 16% of the strains used in the sensitivity tests showed resistance to penicillin. Therefore, penicillin was judged to be rather ineffective against gonorrhea. Ampicillin, however, is still quite effective, and spectinomycin was the most effective antibiotic against gonorrhea. 6. The socio-medical study of prostitutes revealed that their average age 25.5 years and the average number of years of education was 6. 8, implying the completion of primary school. Living conditions were generally poor, for example, in Pyeongtaek, 37% of the girls did not have running water and depended on well water. Data on the toilet facilities revealed that 78% of the prostitutes living in the control area in Wanweoldong, Busan were still using traditional Korean privy style toilets, and in Pyeongtaek 91% also were using privy toilets. Over two-thirds of the prostitutes only bathed once or twice a week. Therefore, improvement of living conditions was considered a critical problem. 7. Generally speaking, the girls had some know/edge of syphilis and gonorrhea and the measures necessary to prevent these diseases. However, over half of the girls abused antibiotics in venereal disease treatment and prevention attempts and only 65% of them required their partner to use a condom. Therefore, much improvement is needed in this area. 8. A survey of knowledge about contraceptive measures showed that 96% of the girls had good knowledge about oral contraceptives, 90 knew about condoms and 88% had knowledge of the douche method. In actual practice however, 95% of the girls used the douche method and 62% used condoms for contraception.
Ampicillin ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Baths ; Busan ; Condoms ; Contraception ; Contraceptives, Oral ; Education ; Female ; Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test ; Gonorrhea ; Gyeonggi-do ; Health Facilities ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Jeollabuk-do ; Korea* ; Korean War ; Mass Screening ; Military Personnel ; Penicillins ; Police ; Running ; Serologic Tests ; Sex Workers* ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases* ; Social Conditions ; Social Environment ; Spectinomycin ; Syphilis ; Texas ; Toilet Facilities

INTRODUCTIONNorovirus gastrointestinal disease (GID) outbreaks occur frequently in closed settings, with high attack rates. On October 16, 2008, a norovirus GID outbreak occurred at a Singapore military camp. This study describes the epidemiological investigations conducted to determine the cause of outbreak and the efficacy of the public health measures implemented.

METHODSEpidemiologic investigations included a case-control study of exposure to different food items and an environmental exposure survey. Stool samplings of patients and food handlers for common pathogens, and microbiologic testing of food and water samples were performed. Inspection of dining facilities and health screening of all food-handlers were also conducted.

RESULTSA total of 156 GID cases were reported on October 15-31, 2008. 24 (15.4%) personnel were positive for norovirus. The predominant symptoms were diarrhoea (76.3%) and abdominal pain (69.2%). There was no clinical correlation between any food item and the affected personnel. Testing of food and water samples, dining facility inspections and health screening of food handlers showed satisfactory results. The environmental exposure survey indicated possible transmission due to environmental contamination by vomitus in common areas. Comprehensive environmental decontamination was performed with hypochlorite solution, and personal hygiene measures were enforced. The outbreak lasted 17 days, with a decline in cases post intervention.

CONCLUSIONTimely notification and prompt response can curtail disease transmission. Swift implementation of public health measures, such as emphasis on personal hygiene, isolation of affected cases and comprehensive disinfection of the environment, effectively stopped norovirus transmission and may be adapted for future GID outbreaks.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Caliciviridae Infections ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Communicable Disease Control ; methods ; Diarrhea ; virology ; Disease Outbreaks ; statistics & numerical data ; Feces ; virology ; Food Handling ; Gastroenteritis ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Military Facilities ; Norovirus ; isolation & purification ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Water Microbiology ; Young Adult

A cross sectionae descriptive survey on the military-civil combined model of health care services Center of Con Dao district, Ba Ria Vung Tau province and the Health station of Con Dao Military Commander Office was conducted from October 2000 to October 2002. In this remote Con Dao archipelago, the health care system was underdeveloped. This model was benefited by the contribution of the strong and stable basis of military health system. A comprehensive integration of health care facilities with the military health station will strengthen the combined health care service.
Community Health Centers ; Hospitals, Military ; Military Personnel

The field medical station in military hospital plays an important role in the military logistic system. To better accomplish the duty of medical support mission, the problems of medical equipment and material store house management in the field medical station are discussed. Some targeted suggestions are introduced from daily management and the use of equipment respectively. It can be used as reference for other military hospitals to accomplish different medical support tasks.
Hospitals, Military ; organization & administration ; Military Medicine ; instrumentation

Statistical observation was made on 1,512 out-patients and 71 in-patients in the Department of Urology, Capital Military Hospital during the period from January 1, 1970 to December 31, 1970.
Hospitals, Military* ; Humans ; Military Personnel* ; Outpatients ; Urology*