BACKGROUND: A prospective study about the association between serum ferritin concentration and diabetes mellitus showed that higher risk of diabetes was found in men in higher concentration of serum ferritin. The aims of this study is to examine the association between serum ferritin concentration and the risk of diabetes mellitus in healthy Korean in hospital-based samples. METHODS: In a volunterred healthy population(n=14,782), who underwent health examination in Samsung Medical Center, from January to December 1997, serum ferritin and glucose were determined. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, BMI, serum triglyceride concentration, and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that those in the highest quartile had increased risk of diabetes mellitus (OR: men 2.26(95% CI 2.41-2.95, p=0.0001), women 3.03(95% CI 2.51-3.67, p=0.0001), compared with those in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSION: In studied population, elevated serum ferrtin concentration was associated with an increaed risk of diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Ferritins ; Glucose ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides

PURPOSE: Steroids have anti-inflammatory effects which reduces inflammation and edema of the tissue. Thus, corticosteroids have been used for treatment of croup. The aim this study is to compare and assess the effects of intramuscularly injected dexamethasone and nebulized budesonide in treatment of moderate or severe croup. METHODS: Between July 1995 to June 1996, we have assessed 44 inpatients with croup syndrome, of which 20 patients have been treated by intramuscularly injected dexamethasone and 24 patients by nebulized budesonide. We measured the croup symptom scores and arterial oxygen saturation at initial, at 4 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after treatment. RESULTS: The sex ratio and mean age of patients were 2.3:1 and 18.7 +/- 9.1 months in budesonide treatment group and 3:1 and 22.3 +/- 13.1 months in dexamethasone treatment group, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the two groups. In budesonide treatment group, the symptom scores were 7.5 +/- 4.5 at initial and 4.5 +/- 1.3 at 4 hours after treatment. These were statistically significant (P<0.005). In the dexamethansone treatment group, the symptom scores were 7.6 +/- 1.2 at initial and 5.1 +/- 1.2 at 4 hours after treatment. They were statistically significant (P<0.005). Arterial oxygen saturations were significantly different (P<0.005) between initial and 4 hours after treatment in both groups. There were no side effects in the budesonide treatment group. CONCLUSION: Nebulized budesonide has the same effects with intramuscularly injected dexamethasone in treatment of croup whether the severity is moderate or extreme. Therefore it should provide an effective means of treatment for moderate or severe croup patients without systemic side effects.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Budesonide* ; Croup* ; Dexamethasone* ; Edema ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Inpatients ; Oxygen ; Sex Ratio ; Steroids

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the cardio-metabolic parameters and surrogate markers of insulin resistance in a discordant group of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects who satisfy the Adults Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria, but not the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, for metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of MetS in T2DM subjects (n=167) who were selected from subjects registered at the diabetes center of Dong-A University Medical Center. We used the ATP III criteria and the IDF criteria for the diagnosis of MetS and sorted the subjects into 2 MetS groups: one group diagnosed per ATP III criteria (MetSa) and one diagnosed per IDF criteria (MetSi). We then compared the clinical characteristics, metabolic parameters (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and uric acid values) and co-morbidities (prevalence of microalbuminuria, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease) between the MetSa, MetSi, and discordant MetS groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in the MetSa group (73.6%) was higher than in the MetSi group (62.2%). The MetS prevalence in the discordant group was 11.4%. The discordant group showed no significant differences in clinical characteristics (except waist circumference and body mass index), metabolic parameters, or prevalence of co-morbidities, as compared with subjects with MetS by both criteria. CONCLUSION: In this study, cardio-metabolic features of the subjects diagnosed with MetS using ATP III criteria, but not IDF criteria, are not significantly different from those of subjects diagnosed with MetS using both criteria.
Academic Medical Centers ; Adenosine Triphosphate ; Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Biomarkers ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Enkephalin, Methionine ; Fatty Liver ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Prevalence ; Uric Acid ; Waist Circumference

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether polymorphic variation in GSTs confers susceptibility to Endometriosis in Korean populations. METHODS: The GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes were determined in 124 patients with Endometriosis (stage 3, 4) and 155 healthy control subjects at Ewha woman's university Mok-dong hospital from 1996 to 2003. RESULTS: The homozygous wild allele in GSTP1 gene was most common genotypes both Endometriosis and healthy control groups (69.4% vs. 64.5%). Neither the heterozygous nor homozygous mutant allele in GSTP1 gene differed in frequency between the two groups (30.6% vs 35.5%). When null mutations in GSTM1, GSTT1 were combined with GSTP1 polymorphism, there was no evidence of increase in the risk of endometriosis, as the number of high risk alleles of the GST family increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that GSTP1 genetic polymorphism may not be associated with development of Endometriosis in Korean populations. There is no evidence of a trend in increasing risk with the number of putative high risk alleles of the GST family carried.
Alleles ; Endometriosis* ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic*

Objectives: : The purpose of this study is to analyze Mental health literacy in General population. Methods: : We analyze the National Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Survey Data in 2021. We investigate 2016 general population and evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, Mental health literacy and stigma. We utilize 4 Case vignette which consist of Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Ideation. Results: : Schizophrenia (27.6%) have the lower disease recognition compare to Major Depressive Disorder (43.8%) and Alcohol Use Disorder (61.7%) (p<0.001). The stigma of Alcohol use disorder (52.8%) is highest and the stigma of Schizophrenia (47.2%) is the second highest (p<0.001). Conclusions : The education and overcoming the stigma in Mental health is needed in Schizophrenia and Alcohol Use Disorder.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) could replace jugular bulb oxygen saturation (SjvO2) in the steep Trendelenburg position under pneumoperitoneum. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between SjvO2 and rSO2 during laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After induction of anesthesia, mechanical ventilation was controlled to increase PaCO2 from 35 to 45 mm Hg in the supine position, and the changes in SjvO2 and rSO2 were measured. Then, after establishment of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position, ventilation was controlled to maintain a PaCO2 at 35 mm Hg and the CO2 step and measurements were repeated. The changes in SjvO2 (rSO2) -CO2 reactivity were compared in the supine position and Trendelenburg-pneumoperitoneum condition, respectively. RESULTS: There was little correlation between SjvO2 and rSO2 in the supine position (concordance correlation coefficient=0.2819). Bland-Altman plots showed a mean bias of 8.4% with a limit of agreement of 21.6% and -4.7%. SjvO2 and rSO2 were not correlated during Trendelenburg-pneumoperitoneum condition (concordance correlation coefficient=0.3657). Bland-Altman plots showed a mean bias of 10.6% with a limit of agreement of 23.6% and -2.4%. The SjvO2-CO2 reactivity was higher than rSO2-CO2 reactivity in the supine position and Trendelenburg-pneumoperitoneum condition, respectively (0.9+/-1.1 vs. 0.4+/-1.2% mm Hg-1, p=0.04; 1.7+/-1.3 vs. 0.5+/-1.1% mm Hg-1, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is little correlation between SjvO2 and rSO2 in the supine position and Trendelenburg-pneumoperitoneum condition during laparoscopic surgery.
Adult ; Aged ; Anesthesia, General ; Brain/*metabolism ; Carbon Dioxide/chemistry ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Head-Down Tilt ; Humans ; Jugular Veins/*metabolism ; Laparoscopy/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen/*metabolism ; Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial ; Pressure ; Respiration

Among the bronchogenic carcinomas, especially squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma frequently present with cavitation, which may result from tumor necrosis. Cavitary lesions of the tumor are occasionally associated with infection and misdiagnosed as benign lung abscess owing to the partial responsiveness to antibiotics. It is very difficult to distinguish the carcinomatous abscess from the benign lung abscess, because of their similar clinical and radiologic features. Delay in diagnosis of underlying lung cancer may result in poor outcome. Therefore, clinicians should remember that the patients with highly suspicious carcinoma of the lung should undergo further precise examinations to find out malignant cells.
Abscess ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic ; Carcinoma, Large Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Liver Abscess ; Lung ; Lung Abscess ; Lung Neoplasms ; Necrosis

PURPOSE: To date, the risk factors for central venous port-related bloodstream infection (CVP-BSI) in solid cancer patients have not been fully elucidated. We conducted this study in order to determine the risk factors for CVP-BSI in patients with solid cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,642 patients with solid cancer received an implantable central venous port for delivery of chemotherapy between October 2008 and December 2011 in a single center. CVP-BSI was diagnosed in 66 patients (4%). We selected a control group of 130 patients, who were individually matched with respect to age, sex, and catheter insertion time. RESULTS: CVP-BSI occurred most frequently between September and November (37.9%). The most common pathogen was gram-positive cocci (n=35, 53.0%), followed by fungus (n=14, 21.2%). Multivariate analysis identified monthly catheter-stay as a risk factor for CVP-BSI (p=0.000), however, its risk was lower in primary gastrointestinal cancer than in other cancer (p=0.002). Initial metastatic disease and long catheter-stay were statistically significant factors affecting catheter life span (p=0.005 and p=0.000). Results of multivariate analysis showed that recent transfusion was a risk factor for mortality in patients with CVP-BSI (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: In analysis of the results with respect to risk factors, prolonged catheter-stay should be avoided as much as possible. It is necessary to be cautious of CVP-BSI in metastatic solid cancer, especially non-gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, avoidance of unnecessary transfusion is essential in order to reduce the mortality of CVP-BSI. Finally, considering the fact that confounding factors may have affected the results, conduct of a well-designed prospective controlled study is warranted.
Case-Control Studies* ; Catheter-Related Infections ; Catheters ; Drug Therapy ; Fungi ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Gram-Positive Cocci ; Humans ; Mortality ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors*

Pancreatic ascites is an exudative which is an amylase-rich accumulation of intraperitoneal fluid and occurs in association with rupture of a pseudocyst or disruption of the pancreatic duct. Characteristically the patient presents with increasing abdominal girth, weight loss, and varying degrees of abdominal pain. Conservative medical management, including withholding of oral feeding, total parenteral nutrition, and large volume paracentesis has led to successful resolution of pancreatic ascites in less than 50% of cases. Recently octreotide injection and endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting have made a major impact on the conservative treatment of pancreatic ascites. We describe the case of a patient with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ascites who was treated by endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting and octreotide injection.
Abdominal Pain ; Ascites* ; Humans ; Octreotide* ; Pancreatic Ducts* ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Paracentesis ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Rupture ; Stents* ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND: There have been few clinical studies on 10 mg atorvastatin as a starting dosage for treatment of hypercholesterolemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 10 mg dosage of atorvastatin in clinical setting. METHODS: One hundred five enrolled patients with high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, > 100 mg/dL) took 10 mg atorvastatin. After 6 months, they were divided into 'Responder group' (LDL-C < 100 mg/dL) and 'Non-responder group' (LDL-C > or = 100 mg/dL), and the response rate was calculated. Thereafter, we subdivided the 'Responder group' into Maintenance (10 mg), Reduced dosage (5 mg), and Discontinuance group (0 mg). The 'Non-Responder group' was subdivided into Maintenance (10 mg) and Double dosage group (20 mg). After consecutive 6 months, the response rates of each 10 mg Maintenance groups were compared to those of the other groups, respectively. RESULTS: Following the first 6 months, the response rate of 10 mg fixed dosage was 74.3%. In the 'Responder group', response rates of 10 mg, 5 mg and Discontinuance groups following 6 months were 52.6%, 53.1%, and 12.5%, respectively. In the 'Non-responder group', response rates of 10 mg and 20 mg groups were 28.6% and 50.0%. Baseline LDL-C levels and body mass index (BMI) of 'Responder group' were significantly lower than those of 'Non-responder group' (P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Hypercholesterolemia treatment with 10 mg, fixed dosage of atorvastatin was effective in three quarters of the subjects during the first 6-month treatment; however, a significant number of patients with high LDL-C levels and/or BMI require higher starting and maintenance dosage.
Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Heptanoic Acids ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Lipoproteins ; Pyrroles ; Retrospective Studies ; Atorvastatin Calcium