No abstract available.
Gastroesophageal Reflux* ; Korea* ; Prevalence*

No abstract available.
Constipation*

No abstract available.
Gastrointestinal Diseases*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Phase IIb clinical study of Stillen(TM), a novel cytoprotectant, for gastritis showed 180 mg of Stillen, t.i.d. for 2 weeks results in a significant increase of cure rate when compared with a placebo group. It is reported that antioxidative effect and strengthening the endogenous cytoprotective molecules of the gastric mucosa play a pivotal role for cytoprotective action of Stillen(TM). The aim of this phase III multicenter, double-blind comparative study was to assess the efficacy of Stillen(TM) for the treatment of erosive gastritis. METHODS: Five hundred and twelve patients with erosive gastritis were enrolled and divided into three groups. Each group received 180 mg or 360 mg of Stillen(TM) or 600 mg of cetraxate (Neuer(TM)) t.i.d. for 2 weeks, respectively and a follow-up endoscopic examination for evaluation. RESULTS: Patients treated with 180 mg and 360 mg of Stillen(TM) had a significantly improved endoscopic cure rate of gastritis (55.6% and 57.5%, respectively) compared with patients treated with 600 mg of cetraxate (35.5%, p<0.001). Endoscopic improvement rate was also significantly higher in 180 mg group (67.3%) and 360 mg group (65.0%) of Stillen(TM) treated patients than cetraxate treated group (46.4%, p<0.001). During the study, both Stillen(TM) and cetraxate were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly demonstrate that Stillen(TM) is an efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for gastritis.
Follow-Up Studies ; Gastric Mucosa ; Gastritis* ; Humans

Dural carotid-cavernous sinus fistula is an abnormal communication between small vssels emanating from intracavernous carotid artery supplying the regional dura and cranial nerves, and cavernous sinus. It is a rare entity that tends to appear in middle aged to elderly women and generally presents with a "red eye", or insidiously progressive glaucoma and may resolve without treatment. We have observed such a fistula in a 51-year-old woman and confirmed by TFCA(transfemoral carotid angiography) and have treated with manual carotid compressions and antiglaucomatous medication.
Aged ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula* ; Cavernous Sinus ; Cranial Nerves ; Female ; Fistula ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Middle Aged

Diarrhea is exceedingly common and produces high economic burden. Understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic diarrhea facilitates a rational approach to diagnosis and management. Careful history taking and physical examination can characterize the mechanism of diarrhea and identify causes. In contrast to acute diarrhea, causes of chronic diarrhea are noninfectious, and most common causes in primary care are functional disorders. The first step is to differentiate functional from organic cause by asking about alarm symptoms and performing minimal screening tests. A therapeutic trial, for example, cholestyramine for bile acid malabsorption, is often appropriate, definitive, and highly cost effective without need for further evaluation. Treatment of chronic diarrhea depends on the specific etiology. For many chronic conditions, diarrhea can be controlled by suppression of the underlying mechanism. For functional diarrhea, empirical therapy may be beneficial.
Bile ; Cholestyramine Resin ; Diarrhea ; Mass Screening ; Physical Examination ; Primary Health Care ; Resin Cements

Management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is based on the positive diagnosis of the symptom complex, limited exclusion of underlying organic disease and institution of a therapeutic trial. As a general approach, physician should establish an effective therapeutic relationship by providing clearly understood explanation to patients of the causes and implications of their symptoms, supported by reassurance and appropriate therapy. Treatment of IBS needs to be individualized, focusing on patients' predominant symptoms. In diarrhea- predominant IBS, loperamide and some antispasmodic agents are efficacious. In constipation-predominant IBS, fiber and bulk laxatives are used empirically, but their efficacy is variable and may aggravate bloating. The 5-HT4 receptor agonist, tegaserod is efficacious in female patients with IBS and constipation. In patients with IBS and abdominal pain, antispasmodics and antidepressants can be used but there is weak evidence of potential benefit. New novel pharmacological agents are being carefully appraised as potential drugs for the future.
Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/*therapy

No abstract available.

No abstract available.
Child* ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Humans ; Infant* ; Poisoning*

OBJECTIVES: Culture of sputum is apt to be contaminated through oral cavity and proximal airway. Therefore, identification of true etiologic agents by sputum culture is not always reliable. In order to differentiate the pulmonary infection from non-infectious disease and to identify the true etiologic agent of acute pulmonary infection, we used PSB(Protected Specimen Brushing) and evaluated the efficacy of PSB. METHODS: In 168 patients with acute febrile illness with pulmonary infiltrations(male 106, female: 61, mean age: 49.5+/-17.6), we performed PSB via a bronchoscope and compared the results along with blood culture and sputum culture. Protected specimen brush was introduced through biopsy channel of bronchoscope and was rotated within the purulent secretions. Tip of the brush was severed with aseptic technique and was immersed in 1cc of Ringer's lactate solution and vigorously mixed for 1 minute. The specimen was submitted for quantitative culture within 15 minutes and was regarded positive culture if colony forming units were above 10(3)/ml. RESULTS: Using PSB for the diagnosis of pulmonary infection, sensitivity was 71.1% and specificity was 84.296. PSB was helpful in identifing true etiologic agent among several potentially pathogenic organisms. Using PSB for the diagnosis of UAP (ventilator associated pneumonia), sensitivity was 72.4% and specificity was 100%. CONCLUSION: Use of PSB can be a helpful method for the diagnosis of pulmonary infection and identification of its etiologic agents.
Biopsy ; Bronchoscopes ; Diagnosis* ; Female ; Humans ; Lactic Acid ; Mouth ; Pneumonia ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sputum ; Stem Cells