BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a rare, chronic blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes with severe morbidity and occasional mortality. The clinical data of Korean pemphigus patients are quite limited, and an appropriate treatrnent regimen is not yet established. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to analyze the clinical characteristics of, and establish an appropriate treatment regimen for Korean pemphigus patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 24 pemphigus patients seen between 1992 and 1996. RESULTS: Pemphigus vulgaris(PV) was the most common type with 17 cases, followed by seven cases of pemphigus foliaceus(PF). There were no sexual preferences, and the average age at onset for PV and PF was 46 and 50 years old, respectively. Mucosal involvement was noted in 14 cases(82%) of PV and only in one case(14/o) of PF. There was no correlation between the extent of involvement and the titer of anti ICS(intercellular substance) antibody. Most patients received prednisolone of lmg/kg, and 12 PV patients also received immunosuppressive agents. Systemic side effects were noted in 10 cases of PV, and seven PF cases did not manifest any systemic side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations and results of imrnunofluorescent studies of 24 Korean pemphigus patients were similar to those of the previous studies. For treatment of pemphigus, the lowest possible doses(less than 1mg/kg) of corticosteroid in combination with immunosuppressive agents appears to be more effective and less toxic than high doses of corticosteroid. We propose a regimen for treatment of Korean pemphigus patients based on these experiences. Further rnulti-center clinical trials are advocated to confirm an effective management protocol for Korean pemphigus patients.
Blister ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Mucous Membrane ; Pemphigus* ; Prednisolone ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin

No abstract available.
T-Lymphocyte Subsets* ; Thyroid Diseases* ; Thyroid Gland*

No abstract available.
T-Lymphocyte Subsets* ; Thyroid Diseases* ; Thyroid Gland*

No abstract available.
Humans ; T-Lymphocytes*

No abstract available.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Female ; Ovary* ; Teratoma*

No abstract available.
Tachycardia*

No abstract available.
Fetal Death* ; Gastroschisis*

No abstract available.
Meningitis, Meningococcal* ; Pericarditis*

No abstract available.
Humans

Primary pericardial tumors are rare than those originating within the myocardium or endocardium and, moreover, primary benign pericardial tumors are much rare in occurrence. Fine(1986) was able to collect only 43 cases of lipoma. Most cases are diagnosed only at autopsy. One fourth of the cardiac lipoma arise subepicardially, where they suggest the presence of pericardial effusion with compression or displacement of the heart. A case of primary intrapericardial lipoma simulating pericardial effusion is presented. This tumor originated in left anterior aspect of pericardium. The tumor was measured 30x30x5cm in size and 2,200mg in weight. Total excision of the mass was accomplished by posterior lateral thoracotomy incision, resulting in complete cure. This is the first case of primary benign lipoma of the pericardium in literatures in our knowledge.
Autopsy ; Endocardium ; Heart ; Lipoma* ; Myocardium ; Pericardial Effusion* ; Pericardium ; Thoracotomy