No abstract available.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Hair Removal* ; Pigmentation Disorders*

BACKGROUND: Home-use devices designed for cosmetic purposes have recently gained popularity. Small, low-energy, low-cost intense pulsed light (IPL) systems provide safe, convenient, and private treatment for several medical conditions. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a home-use IPL device for hair removal, acne treatment, achieving a whitening effect for hyperpigmentation, and wrinkle reduction. METHODS: Five IPL hair removal treatment sessions were performed at 1-week intervals. A total of 10 sessions were performed in a split-face manner for other medical conditions. Four independent randomized controlled trials were performed using a blind evaluation method. All subjects were followed up twice to evaluate the maintenance of efficacy. RESULTS: A significant reduction in hair was observed via trichoscopy following two sessions of treatment (p<0.001). A mean hair reduction of 80% was observed at week 4; however this returned to the previous state upon cessation of treatment. Acne grading decreased from 2.6 to 1.1 at week 8, and IPL treatment induced a significant reduction in melanin index after 2 weeks. The average values of the difference of R2 (Cutometer(R)) between IPL-treated areas and baseline were higher than those of the difference of R2 between control area and baseline. CONCLUSION: This home-use IPL device was effective for hair removal and treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Hair ; Hair Removal* ; Hyperpigmentation ; Melanins ; Pigmentation ; Pigmentation Disorders* ; Withholding Treatment

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess current knowledge of and training experiences with the intraosseous (IO) line among emergency medicine (EM) and pediatric residents who care for critically ill children and to evaluate the educational effectiveness of the IO line workshop. METHODS: During May and June 2008 , a workshops on IO line insertion was held for EM and pediatric residents. The workshop comprised a 45-min lecture and a 15-min hands-on session. Asemi-drill type EZ-IO machine was used for education. Self-assessment questionnaires gauged residents knowledge of and experiences with IO line insertion or bone marrow (BM) examination and their confidence with IO line insertion before and after the workshop. Performance tests were completed for skill evaluation. RESULTS: Forty-five pediatric residents and 22 EM residents participated in the workshop. The pre-educational questionnaire revealed that EM residents had more educational experience in IO line insertion than pediatric residents (p<0.001), while pediatric residents reported more experience in BM examination (p<0.001). The post-educational questionnaire showed a statistically significant higher percentage of correct answers (p<0.001). Although the pediatric residents inserted an IO line more quickly (P=0.001), most residents (88.7%) succeeded in IO line insertion on their first attempt; there was no difference in the groups success rates. Both groups showed higher confidence in performing IO line insertion after training (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Observed educational effectiveness in both knowledge and confidence of IO line insertion skill suggest educational opportunities for pediatric and EM residents should be increased.
Bone Marrow ; Child ; Critical Illness ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medicine ; Humans ; Infusions, Intraosseous ; Internship and Residency ; Jupiter ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Self-Assessment

PURPOSE: Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rare disease, but its prognosis is fatal because of lack of efficient treatment modality. Recently, it has been reported that there was epidemic AIP in Korea. This study aims to investigate the past and current status of AIP in Korea. METHODS: We performed a nationwide survey and a prospective study. From August 6 to 15, 2008, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the prevalence, local distribution, and response to current treatments. The questionnaire was answered by pediatrician working in 23 referral centers in Korea. In addition, 5 referral centers in Seoul performed a preliminary prospective observational study by obtaining clinical data and specimens from appropriate patients. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the samples for possible pathogens. RESULTS: The survey showed 78 AIP cases had occurred and 36 patients had died. Lung biopsy was performed only on 20 patients. In 2008, 9 AIP cases developed. In a prospective study, 9 (M:F=5:4) patients developed AIP in spring and 7 (78%) died, with the mean rate of death occurring 46 days after diagnosis. Human corona virus 229 E, cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and parainfluenza virus were isolated from the respiratory specimens. CONCLUSION: This study showed nationwide prevalence of AIP in Korea. In addition, because of the high mortality rate and rapid progress, pediatricians need to be aware of the disease. Further studies and a nationwide network are required for reducing the morbidity and mortality rates related to AIP.
Biopsy ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Child ; Cytomegalovirus ; Humans ; Influenza A virus ; Influenza B virus ; Korea ; Lung ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial ; Paramyxoviridae Infections ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Rare Diseases ; Referral and Consultation ; Viruses

Background: In a substantial proportion of patients with syncope, the exact cause is not identified because of the difficulty to document electrocardiograms correlated with the events during a syncope episode. Thus, an implant‑ able loop recorder (ILR) was introduced for diagnosing hidden arrhythmia; however, its clinical use remains limited.Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the diagnostic value of the ILR in patients with unexplained syncope or palpitations. Methods: All patients who had undergone ILR implantation from May 2016 to January 2020, were studied retrospec‑ tively. We analyzed their electrocardiogram stored in the device. Results: Among the 70 patients (mean age ± SD; 50.2 ± 20.3 years, 27 men) with unknown causes of syncope or pal‑ pitation, during two years follow-up, arrhythmia was detected in 26 patients (37.1%). Nineteen (73.1%) patients under‑ went permanent pacemaker implantation due to symptomatic bradycardia or atrioventricular block. All arrhythmias were detected within 6 days to 39 months after loop recorder implantation. Thirteen patients (50%) showed sick sinus syndrome (eight long pauses and five tachycardia-bradycardia syndromes). Eleven patients (42.3%) had paroxysmal atrioventricular block. Two patients who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation showed a positive tilt-table test. Three patients underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. The mean duration for the detection of first sign (arrhythmia or palpitations) was 7.5 months, and the time from the detection of arrhythmia to ablation or device implantation was 3.4 months. Conclusion ILR monitoring detected a substantial number of significant bradycardias in patients with unexplained syncope and palpitations, suggesting that it is an effective diagnostic method that can shorten the time required to identify the cause of arrhythmias.