BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite several reports on clinical aspects of anemia and malignancy, little is known of male patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and malignancy in Korea. We examined the cause of anemia, prevalence of and factors associated with malignancy, and treatment response to iron therapy in male IDA patients. METHODS: The results of 202 males with IDA seen from March 2008 to June 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups based on the causes of anemia: the cancer group included patients with anemia caused by malignancy and the non-cancer group included patients with anemia due to other causes. We compared the clinical characteristics and response to iron therapy between the two groups. RESULTS: The most common cause of IDA was bleeding (42.6%). The prevalence of malignancy was 11.9%, with colorectal cancer (58.3%) being the most common. Among the cancer patients (n = 24), 22 patients (91.7%) were age 50 or older. Independent factors associated with malignancy were old age (OR, 1.05; p = 0.026) and a positive stool occult blood test (OR, 7.48; p = 0.001). The treatment response to iron therapy based on a normalized hemoglobin level was lower in the cancer group (OR, 0.49; p = 0.31), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The treatment response based on the mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower in the cancer group (12.6 +/- 2.2 vs. 13.8 +/- 1.6 g/dL, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Old age and a positive stool occult blood test were independent risk factors for malignancy in male IDA patients. We recommend screening for malignancy in patients older than 50 years or with a positive stool occult blood test.
Anemia ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Iron ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Occult Blood ; Prevalence* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: It is necessary to confirm of the reliability and the validity of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) methods, because there could be some difference according to the underlying diseases, languages and cultures. METHODS: To assess the reliability, we did the test-retest by using the WHO-QOL (Korean version) and the SF-36 (Korean version) in the maintain hemodialysis (HD) patients (N=57). And then, we measured the Cronbach coefficient in the domains of both HRQOL methods. To assess the validity, we compared the result of both HRQOL methods in HD group with control group (N=60). We analyzed the inter-relationship of the domains which keep identical meanings in both methods. RESULT: 1. The test-retest showed high correlation between two tests, except the two domains of SF- 36 which are the role limitation-physical activity (RP) domain and the role limitation-emotion (RE) domain. The Cronbach coefficients are range of 0.749-0.862 in the WHO-QOL, and 0.666-0.944 in the SF-36 (p<0.05). 2. We found that HRQOL of HD group was lower than that of control group except in the RP domain and the RE domain of SF-36. And there was the highest correlation between the domains which keep identical meaning of both HRQOL methods. CONCLUSION: The Korean WHO-QOL and SF-36 are reliable and valid to measure the QOL of ESRD patients except in the RP domain and the RE domain of SF-36. We expect these methods will be used easily in the evaluation of the HRQOL in HD patients.
Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Quality of Life ; Renal Dialysis

BACKGROUND: The Fitzpatrick skin type has been a simple and useful method to categorize cutaneous sensitivities to ultraviolet radiation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we intended to know the distribution of Fitzpatrick skin type in Korean by interview method using questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 1296 Koreans from various districts were included in this study. Each subject was interviewed about their skin reactions to ultraviolet radiation and determined their skin type by interview method. To evaluate the statistical significance, we used generalized logit model. RESULTS: 1. The order of frequency of skin type was type III(48.8%), IV(22.2%), V(17.8%) by the interview method, with the sun sensitive categories(type I and type II) reported for 11.2%. 2. The skin type III was the predominant skin type in both men and women. However, skin type IV was found more frequently in men and it was statistically significant. 3. There is a tendency that frequency of skin type IV and V were increasing with advancement of age. 4. The Fitzpatrick skin type has some relationship with each individual`s occupation, the degree of sun exposure and their own skin color in Korean. CONCLUSION: This study included relative large numbers of subjects from various districts in Korea. It can be used as basic data for various studies related to cutaneous reactions to ultraviolet radiation.
Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Occupations ; Skin* ; Solar System ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: The Fitzpatrick skin type has been a simple and useful method to categorize cutaneous sensitivities to ultraviolet radiation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we intended to know the distribution of Fitzpatrick skin type in Korean by interview method using questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 1296 Koreans from various districts were included in this study. Each subject was interviewed about their skin reactions to ultraviolet radiation and determined their skin type by interview method. To evaluate the statistical significance, we used generalized logit model. RESULTS: 1. The order of frequency of skin type was type III(48.8%), IV(22.2%), V(17.8%) by the interview method, with the sun sensitive categories(type I and type II) reported for 11.2%. 2. The skin type III was the predominant skin type in both men and women. However, skin type IV was found more frequently in men and it was statistically significant. 3. There is a tendency that frequency of skin type IV and V were increasing with advancement of age. 4. The Fitzpatrick skin type has some relationship with each individual`s occupation, the degree of sun exposure and their own skin color in Korean. CONCLUSION: This study included relative large numbers of subjects from various districts in Korea. It can be used as basic data for various studies related to cutaneous reactions to ultraviolet radiation.
Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Occupations ; Skin* ; Solar System ; Surveys and Questionnaires

This prospective study was done to investigate the correlation between central corneal thickness before excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy in myopic eyes and clinical factors including age, sex, left or right eye, myopic degree, and preoperative contact lens wearings, and also the relationship between the changes in postoperative central corneal thickness and age, sex, and myopic degrees. The average values of preoperative groups of less than -6.0D and over -6.0D were 519.78+/-29.87micrometer and 514.63+/-3 0.5 3 micrometerrespectively, showing much thinner value in high degree myopic eyes with statistical significance(p=0.02). Female patient's value was much thinner than male patient's value with statistical significance(p=0.016). The postoperative changes according to time process in central corneal thickness in 79 eyes which were followed up for more than six months were statistically significant(p=0.046). Among the changes in postoperative central corneal thickness, the recovery pace had no relations with age but female patient and over -6.0D in myopic degree showed faster recovery paces than male patient(p=0.035) and under -6.0D in myopic degree respectively during follow up period(p=0.001).
Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lasers, Excimer* ; Male ; Myopia* ; Photorefractive Keratectomy ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND: Although deleterious effects of sunlight have been increased recently, the surveillance of the attitudes toward sun-exposure and the behavioral aspect of using sunscreens in Koreans has hot been cammied out. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the attitude toward the harmfulness of sun-exposure and behaviors of using sunscreens in Korea. METHOD: Five hundred and fifty-two subjects were surveyed to assess the attitude toward sun-exposure, as well as the subjects' knowledge about, and the use of sunscreens. Underlying data including demographic data, skin colors, skin types, occupation, and sun-exposure, were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of subjects believed that sun-exposure is bad for their skins, but, on the contrary, 12.5% believed it to be beneficial. Fifty-two percent of subjects used sunscreens. Almost all subjects(93.8%) knew why to use sunscreens but 62.7% of subjects did not know the meaning of sun protective factors(SPF). Women, indoor workers, subjects older than 40 yearsold, with less sun-exposed, fair colored skin, or with skin type I, II, III tended to know the deleterious effects of sunlight and the meaning of SPF and used more sunscreen. CONCLUSION: High risk population - men, outdoor workers, subjects less than 40 yearsold, with more sun-exposed, dark colored skin, or skin type VI, V could be targeted with campaigns that promote attitudinal and behavioral changes.
Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Occupations ; Skin ; Solar System ; Sunlight ; Sunscreening Agents*

Authors recorded standard electroretinogram in two groups of diabetic patients. Group A, consisted of 60 eyes with no visible diabetic retinopathy and Group B, 30 eyes with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. The electroretinogram was recorded according to the standard electroretinogram procedure recommanded by the ISCEV. In rod and cone response, the amplitude of b wave were 329.0+/-46.9 microvoltin Group A and 308.8+/-37.8 microvoltin Group B. The implicit time of b wave were 40.5+/-3. 0microvoltin Group A and 45.8+/-5.4microvolti n Group B. The summed amplitude of oscillatory potentials were 125.7+/-38.7microvolt in Group A and 112.0+/-17.7microvoltin Group B. Above results indicate that for the disgnostic criteria for diabetic retinopathy, the amplitude and implict time of b wave, and the summed amplitude of oscillatory potentials in maximal combined response were useful. On receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves in maximal combined response, cut off value for the amplitude and implicit time of b wave were 315 microvoltand 42ms espectively. Cut off value for the summed amplitude of oscillatory potentia-als was 118 microvolt. In results, on ROC curve, the implicit time of b wave in maximal combined response was most accurate, and the summed amplitude of oscillary potentials was the next, followed by the amplitude of b wave in the maximal combined response.
Diabetic Retinopathy* ; Early Diagnosis* ; Humans ; ROC Curve

The structure of the arterial wall is formed and controlled by various hemodynamic factors in the adults and fetuses. Furthermore, recent studies of human fetuses at varying stages confirmed that the number of elastic medial lamellar unit (MLU) increased with age and decreased along it length from arch to lower abdominal aorta. Using human fetuses between 9 to 28 week of development, we traced the change in the number of MLU along the arch of aorta from which 3 major branches, the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery, arose. The number of MLU along the arch of aorta increased with age, but there were regional differences in the increase. Increase in the number of MLU was prominent in the proximal part of the arch before 15 week of development, but in the distal part after 15 week of development. Branch with greater diameter had more MLU. So the brachiocephalic trunk had the most MLU among 3 branches. When compare the sum of number of MLU in one branch (A) and in the arch after origin of branch (B) to the number of MLU in the arch before origin of brahch (C), A+B was always greater than C. This means that the MLU does not form a complete sheet along the aorta and new MLU is added to the wall of branch probably due to shear stress.
Adult ; Aorta* ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Brachiocephalic Trunk ; Carotid Artery, Common ; Fetus* ; Hemodynamics ; Humans* ; Subclavian Artery

Meckel's diverticulum is an embryologic derivative of the omphalomesenteric duct and the most commonly encountered congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting 1% to 2% of the general population. Although this prevalence is relatively low, Meckel's diverticulum is occasionally encountered as an incidental identification during abdominal exploration and can be associated with several life-threatening disease states, such as massive intestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or on rare occasion, perforation. The management of a Meckel's diverticulum found incidentally on laparotomy is controversial because the rate of complications developing from the diverticulum remains uncertain. The data in this report are based on 18 cases of Meckel's diverticulum which were treated at the Department of Surgery, InJe University Sanggye Paik Hospital, during the 7 years between January 1990 and December 1996. The results are as follows: 1) The overall sex ratio of males to females was 5 : 1 and in the symptomatic group, the ratio was 6 : 1. 2) Ninety percent of the patients were under 40 years of age, and 56% were under 10. 3) The diverticula were located from 20 cm to 100 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve, and the average range was 53 cm from the ileocecal valve. Fifteen cases were located at the antimesenteric border, and 3 cases at the mesenteric border of the ileum. 4) The lengths of the diverticula ranged from 1cm to 6cm, and the diameters ranged from 0.5 cm to 4.5 cm. 5) Appendicitis and intestinal obstruction were the most frequent preoperative diagnoses in the symptomatic group. 6) The common complications were intestinal obstruction and inflammation. 7) Heterotopic tissues were found in three patients and all of them were ectopic gastric mucosa. 8) The treatment was a diverticulectomy or a segmental resection of the involved bowel. 9) Postoperative complications were found in three of the asymptomatic group: two early intestinal obstructions and one wound infection.
Appendicitis ; Choristoma ; Diagnosis ; Diverticulum ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Ileocecal Valve ; Ileum ; Inflammation ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Laparotomy ; Male ; Meckel Diverticulum* ; Postoperative Complications ; Prevalence ; Sex Ratio ; Vitelline Duct ; Wound Infection

Based on the 10 domestic theses which conducted a case-control study of elderly gra-vida over 35, meta analysis was made of the postpartum maternal outcome and fetal-neon-atal outcome with elderly gravida over 35 as cases and with gravida under 35 as controls. The findings are as follows: As for fetal-neonatal outcomes, the frequency of low birth weight was twice as high for cases , compared with controls, intrauterine growth retardation 2.4 times as high, macrosomia about 30% higher , congenital anomaly 16% higher , intrauterine fetal death 2.6 times as high, admission to newborn intensive care unit twice as high , and perinatal mortality twice as high. In case of neonatal sex , cases produced 28% more male babies than controls. As for postpartum maternal outcomes , the frequency of cesarean delivery was 2.9 times as high, compared with controls and postpartum hemorrhage 62% higher. Vaginal wall laceration, 3rd degree laceration, 4th degree laceration and cervix laceration all didn`t happen to cases as frequently as controls, while postpartum anemia was observed in cases 2.3 times as often as controls, wound infection 57% more often , bladder dysfunction 32% more , urinary tract infection 72% more and DIC about twice as often. In case of postpartum cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, respiratory infection, hepatitis and sepsis respectively, cases showed 7.4 times higher rate of an attack. Finally , it should be admitted that there are some problems in this study such as controversial hospital data used in analysis, the lack of clear operational definition , the lack of precise P-value, omitted standard deviation and uncontrolled confounding variables.
Aged* ; Anemia ; Cardiomyopathies ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervix Uteri ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Dacarbazine ; Female ; Fetal Death ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Hepatitis ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units ; Lacerations ; Male ; Perinatal Mortality ; Postpartum Hemorrhage ; Postpartum Period* ; Pulmonary Edema ; Sepsis ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Wound Infection