OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation is to determine the frequency of chromosomal or genetic causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion. METHODS : A cytogenetic study was made in of 921 couples for 13 years from January 1984 to December 1997 in which the woman was ascertained to have had two or more spontaneous abortions at our Cytogenetic Laboratory, Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Seoul National University. RESULTS : The overall incidence of chromosome anomaly was 80 out of 921 (8.7%). There were 34 cases (3.69%) of reciprocal balanced translocation and 13 cases (1.41%) of Robertsonian translocation. Also 17 cases (1.85%) of inversion and 5 cases (0.54%) of X chromosome mosiacism was observed. In the case of reciprocal balanced translocation, chromosome 8,6,7,13 were preferentially involved over others. And in the case of Robertsonian translocation, chromosome 13 was preferentially involved. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that cytogenetic analysis is indicated in couples with 2 or more spontaneous abortion and about half of these disorders are reciprocal balanced or Robertsonian translocations.
Abortion, Spontaneous* ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Cytogenetics* ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Pregnancy ; Reproductive Medicine ; Seoul ; X Chromosome

No abstract available.
Immunosuppression* ; Prognosis* ; Transplantation*

This study was performed ta evaluate difference of colposcopic findings between carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma. From August l, 1988 through November 30,1989, the conixation was undertaken in 138 patients. We compeied colposcpic findings with hiatologic diagnoiis on 1656 seetions. Comparison between the microinvasive carcinorna and the carcinoma in situ groups showed a significant higher incidence of large exoeervtcal lesion size(>3/2 33.9% vs. 1.2%), circumscribved location around external cervical os.(75.0% vs, 51.2%), combined abnormal colposcopic findings(19.6/a vs. 3. 7%) and deep endocervical involvement( >lcm : 23,2% vs. 7. 3%). (P<0.01) Granular area was showed 11% incidence of the worst histologic diagnosis.
Carcinoma in Situ* ; Cervix Uteri* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence

BACKGROUND: The erythromycin-resistance rate and phenotype distribution of Streptococcus propenes are quite different by geographical variation and study period. The aim of the present study was to determine the evolution of resistance to erythromycin and the frequency of erythromycin resistance phenotype of S. pyogenes isolated from Wonju Christian Hospital. METHODS: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of erythromycin and clindamycin for 94 S. pyogenes isolated from clinical specimens between 1990 to 1998 were investigated. Double disk test of erythromycin (78microgram) and clindamycin (25microgram) were performed for 15 isolates of erythromycin resistant S. pyogenes to evaluate the erythromycin resistance phenotype. RESULTS: The resistance rates of 94 isolates of S. pyogenes were 16%(15/94) to erythromycin and 4%(4/94) to clindamycin. The frequency of erythromycin resistance phenotype in decreasing order were M phenotype (47%), inducible resistance phenotype (40%), and constitutive resistance phenotype (13%). Erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes did not exist until 1993, but was isolated since 1994, and ranged from 14.0% to 24.0% during the period of 1994-1998. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding documents the emergence of high resistance rates to erythromycin in S. pyogenes at Wonju area since 1994. The M phenotype (47%) and inducible resistance phenotype (40%) account for the majority of erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes.
Clindamycin ; Erythromycin* ; Gangwon-do ; Phenotype* ; Streptococcus pyogenes* ; Streptococcus*

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is well known that androgen and sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG) in women were associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, central fat accumulation and atherogenic lipid profile. High resolution B-mode ultrasonography can visualize directly both luminal and vessel wall characteristics, and ultrasonic measurement of carotid intima-medial thickness(IMT) can be used to investigate the atherosclerosis of coronary, cerebral and peripheral arteries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEA-S) and SHBG, and body fat distribution pattern, cardiovascular risk factor and carotid atherosclerosis in women. METHODS: Blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, SHBG and DHEA-S were measured. Body fat distribution pattern was assessed by waist to hip ratio, waist to thigh ratio and subscapular to triceps skin fold thickness ratio, faf mass measured by bioelectric impedance analyzer, subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio(VSR) at the level of umbilicus using the computed tomography. The IMT of the carotid artery was measured by high resolution B mode ultrasound as a marker of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: 1) There was no significant difference of age-adjusted values of carotid IMT among subjects with NGT(0.426+/-0.09mm), IGT(0.46+/-10.09mm) and NIDDM(0.453+/-0.11mm). 2) In postrnenopausal women, carotid IMT was greater(0.484+/-0.11mm, p=0.05) than premenopausal women(0.426+/-0.08mm), but it was not significant after age adjustment. Serum SHBG and DHEA-S levels in postmenopausal women were significantly lower(p<0.05) than premenopausal women, but they were not significant after age adjustment. 3) Carotid IMT was significantly correlated with age(r=0.37, p<0.01), fasting serum glucose (r=0.32, p<0.01), total cholesterol(r= 0.25, p<0.05), LDL-cholesterol(r=0.26, p<0.05), visceral fat area(r=0.35, p<0.01) and VSR(r=0.31, p<0.05). 4) By the stepwise multiple regression analysis, carotid IMT was positively and significantly associated with age(p<0.01) and serum DHEA-S concentration(p<0.05) in dent of age, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, fasting serum glucose. CONCLUSION: Carotid IMT was associated with age and serum DHEA-S concentration in women without cardiovascular disease. Therefore, serum DHEA-S may be one of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. However, we could not conclude its cause-result relationship because of cross sectional nature of our study, and prospective study will be needed.
Arteries ; Atherosclerosis ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Fat Distribution ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid Artery Diseases* ; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate* ; Dehydroepiandrosterone* ; Electric Impedance ; Fasting ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Mortality ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Phenobarbital ; Risk Factors ; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin* ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Thigh ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography ; Umbilicus ; Waist-Hip Ratio

BACKGROUND: Calcinosis cutis may occur when connective tissue is abnormal (dystrophic), or where calcium or phosphate levels in the blood are high(metastatic); alternatively, there may be no obvious underlying cause(idiopathic). The exact incidence of calcinosis cutis in dermatologic patients is not well-kniown and the pathomechanism of it remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to analyze the incidence, clinical and histopathological features of calcinosis cutis. METHODS: We studied 72 patients with calcinosis cutis who visited our department between January 1985 and December 1996. The patients were classified into 3 types (dystrophic, metastatic, and idiopathic) and were analyzed clinically and histopathologically. Results : The results were summerized as follows; 1. There were 60 cases(83.3%) and 12 cases(16.7%) of the dystrophic and idiopathic types, respectively but the metastatic type was not observed. The frequency of dystrophic calcification in individual disorders was 88.2% in pseudoxanthoma elasticum, 66.7% in trichilemmal cyst and dermatomyositis, and 64.6% in pilomatrichoma. 2. In the idiopathic type, it was common in females aged over 50 years and the mean duration of lesions was 2.8+/-2.0 years. The predilection site was the flank(5 cases) and most of the lesions(7 cases) showed skin-colored nodules 3. Histopathologically, calcified material of the idiopathic type was located predominently in the dermis(10 cases) and was present as large masses surrounded by a foreign body reaction. 4. In the dystrophic type, calcified deposits were noted predominently within the shadow cells of pilomatricoma, in the degenerated elastic fibers of pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and in the keratinized area of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, trichilemmal cyst, and epidermal cyst. Foreign body reactions with giant cells and mononuclear cell infiltrations were often found around large deposits of calcium. Conclusion : The incidence of calcinosis cutis in dermatologic patients is relatively low, but a variety of disorders can be associated with cutaneous calcification. Therefore, dermatologists should be familiar with the different forms of cutaneous calcification and the dermatoses that manifest them.
Calcinosis* ; Calcium ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Connective Tissue ; Dermatomyositis ; Elastic Tissue ; Epidermal Cyst ; Female ; Foreign Bodies ; Foreign-Body Reaction ; Giant Cells ; Humans ; Incidence ; Pilomatrixoma ; Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum ; Skin Diseases

No Abstract Available.
Hyperpigmentation*

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis(CRP) is still unknown, although many theories have been suggested. It is stressed that abnormal host response to colonization of pityrosporum orbiculare might play a role in the pathogenesis of CRP, but is not completely understood. Frequently, we have observed bacterial colonies in the stratum corneum and, especially, within the hair follicles from biopsy specimens of patients with CRP. In addition, successful treatment for CRP with minocycline, a derivative of tetracyclines, has been reported continuously. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to document the possible association of bacterial factors in the pathogenesis of CRP and to elucidate the effectiveness of minocycline. METHODS: We performed Brown and Brenn gram staining in 12 biopsy specimens, bacterial cultures, identification of microorganisms and antibiotics sensitivity testing including minocycline. We administered oral minocycline with an initial dose of 100mg per day for 1 to 3 months and a maintenance dose 50mg per day for I to 2 months, then evaluated the response of treatment. RESULTS: 1. On Brown and Brenn staining, the gram positive bacterial colonies that stained dark bluish or nearly black were observed within the infundibulum of hair follicles in 10 out of 12 biopsy specimens(83.3%) and on the keratotic invagination of stratum corneum in 11 out of 12 biopsy specimens(91.7%). 2. Histological features of regions where bacterial colonies were observed showed, hyperkeratosis and keratotic invagination on the stratum corneum in all cases. Hyperkeratosis(66.7%), parakeratosis(16.7%), inflammatory cell infiltration(25.0%), perifollicular fibrosis(33.3%), and abnormal keratin in sebaceous ducts(50.0%) were shown in hair follicles. 3. In anaerobic cultures, no bacteria was grown. In aerobic cultures, staphylococcus species were identified in 6 cases, streptococcus viridans in one case, sternotrophomonas maltophilia in one case. In the susceptibiliity test, minocycline was sensitive in 7 from 8 cases. 4. The therapeutic response to minocycline was observed within one month in all cases, and the time to clear the lesions was 1/2 month in 2 cases, 1 month in 4 cases, 2 months in 5 cases, 3 months in one case, respectively. CONCLUSION: Form these results, we suggest that bacterial factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRP and that the action mechanism of minocycline in the treatment of CRP may be due to antibacterial effects.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria* ; Biopsy ; Colon ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Malassezia ; Minocycline ; Papilloma* ; Staphylococcus ; Tetracyclines ; Viridans Streptococci

Though the incidence of paragonimiasis has been remarkably decreased since 1970, it is still not a rare disease in Korea. Major problems in the diagnosis of pulmonary paragonimiasis on chest radiography are its differentiation from pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. Chest radiographic findings have been described in detail, but little have been reported on CT findings. We reviewed CT findings of 10 patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis. The characteristic CT findings were similar to those on chest radiography, such as air-space consolidation (70%), nodular mass (50%), pleural effusion (40%), cystic lesion (30%), small low density within the mass (30%), linear density (20%), pneumothorax(20%), and burrow track (20%). CT depicted the cystic lesions and the burrow tracks more clearly and showed the small worm-retaining cysts within the mass that were not detectable on chest radiography. In conclusion, all of these CT findings are useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary paragonimiasis especially when differentiation from tuberculosis or lung canceris difficult on chest radiography.
Diagnosis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Paragonimiasis* ; Pleural Effusion ; Radiography ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Rare Diseases ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

BACKGROUND: It seems that herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and its incidence is increasing. The reactivation of the varicella zoster virus is thought to be associated with the disturbance of the state of immunity in patients with herpes zoster. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the state of immunity in patients with herpes zoster in its acute phase(less than 7 days). METHODS: 1. Thirty patients with acute phase herpes zoster matched by age and sex against a control group, were checked for Helper/Inducer T cell(CD4), Suppressor/Cytotoxic T cell(CD8), NK cell, B cell and activated T cell by three color flow cytometric analysis. 2. Forty patients with herpes zoster measured delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity by means of Multitest' CMI. 3. Thirty patients with herpes zoster measured Ig G, M, A by means of N-antisera method.
Herpes Zoster* ; Herpesvirus 3, Human ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunity, Humoral* ; Incidence ; Killer Cells, Natural