PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of additional fixation of the alternative bone substitute in unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute and only with gamma nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic comparison was done between forty-four patients of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (AO type A2.2, A2.3) during six months. The patients were divided into two groups, a group treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute (22 patients, group 1) and another group treated only with gamma nail (22 patients, group 2). Postoperative reduction status, Cleveland index, Tip-apex distance and complications during the follow-up period was compared. Lag screw slippage and femoral neck-shaft angle change were measured between two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference of reduction status, Cleveland index and Tip-apex distance was found. In group II, there was a 1 more case of cutting-out of the lag screw, but also there was a significant difference. Lesser change in lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change was investigated. CONCLUSION: As there are lesser lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change, alternative bone substitutes applied in unstable intertrochanteric fractures seems to be useful in maintaining reduction and preventing failure of internal fixation when proper reduction and screw insertion is performed.
Bone Substitutes ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Nails

No abstract available.
Heart Defects, Congenital* ; Urinary Tract*

Currarino triad is a hereditary condition diagnosed when three abnormalities are noted: (1) an anorectal malformation; (2) an anterior sacral defect and (3) a presacral mass. We experienced 3 cases of Currarino triad with severe constipation. All cases had presacral mass and sacral bony defect. One case had rectovaginal fistula, other one case had holoprosencephaly. Presacral masses were lipomeningomyelocele and epidermoid or dermoid cyst. We report three cases of Currarino triad with brief review of the related literature.
Constipation ; Dermoid Cyst ; Holoprosencephaly ; Rectovaginal Fistula

Background: Hand eczema refers to eczema located on the hands, regardless of its etiology or morphology. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on patients’ quality of life, treatment is frequently challenging because of its heterogeneity, chronic and recurrent course, and lack of well-organized randomized controlled trials of the various treatment options. Objective: These consensus guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and management of hand eczema to improve patient care by helping physicians make more efficient and transparent decisions. Methods: A modified Delphi method, comprising two rounds of email questionnaires with face-to-face meetings in between, was adopted for the consensus process that took place between February and September 2020. Forty experts in the field of skin allergy and contact dermatitis were invited to participate in the expert panel. Results: Consensus was reached for the domains of classification, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment; and a therapeutic ladder to manage chronic hand eczema was developed. Conclusion These are the first consensus guidelines for chronic hand eczema in the Asian population, which will help standardize care and assist clinical decision-making in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hand eczema.

Background: Hand eczema refers to eczema located on the hands, regardless of its etiology or morphology. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on patients’ quality of life, treatment is frequently challenging because of its heterogeneity, chronic and recurrent course, and lack of well-organized randomized controlled trials of the various treatment options. Objective: These consensus guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and management of hand eczema to improve patient care by helping physicians make more efficient and transparent decisions. Methods: A modified Delphi method, comprising two rounds of email questionnaires with face-to-face meetings in between, was adopted for the consensus process that took place between February and September 2020. Forty experts in the field of skin allergy and contact dermatitis were invited to participate in the expert panel. Results: Consensus was reached for the domains of classification, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment; and a therapeutic ladder to manage chronic hand eczema was developed. Conclusion These are the first consensus guidelines for chronic hand eczema in the Asian population, which will help standardize care and assist clinical decision-making in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hand eczema.

BACKGROUND: Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) have been successfully used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (SD) patients. Meanwhile, treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) with low-dose, intermittent TCI has been proved to reduce disease flare-ups. This regimen is known as a maintenance treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a maintenance treatment with tacrolimus ointment in patients with facial SD. METHODS: During the initial stabilization period, patients with facial SD or AD applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily for up to 4 weeks. Clinical measurements were evaluated on either in the whole face or on separate facial regions. When an investigator global assessment score 1 was achieved, the patient applied tacrolimus twice weekly for 20 weeks. We also compared our results with recent published data of placebo controlled study to allow an estimation of the placebo effect. RESULTS: The time to the first relapse during phase II was similar in both groups otherwise significantly longer than the placebo group. The recurrence-free curves of two groups were not significantly different from each other; otherwise the curve of the placebo group was significantly different. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the number of DEs, and treatment days for disease exacerbations (DEs). The adverse event profile was also similar between the 2 groups. During the 20 weeks of treatment, the study population tolerated tacrolimus ointment well. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that maintenance treatment with tacrolimus may be effective in preventing the occurrence of facial SD exacerbations.
Calcineurin ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic* ; Humans ; Placebo Effect ; Recurrence ; Research Personnel ; Tacrolimus*

BACKGROUND: Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) have been successfully used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (SD) patients. Meanwhile, treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) with low-dose, intermittent TCI has been proved to reduce disease flare-ups. This regimen is known as a maintenance treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a maintenance treatment with tacrolimus ointment in patients with facial SD. METHODS: During the initial stabilization period, patients with facial SD or AD applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily for up to 4 weeks. Clinical measurements were evaluated on either in the whole face or on separate facial regions. When an investigator global assessment score 1 was achieved, the patient applied tacrolimus twice weekly for 20 weeks. We also compared our results with recent published data of placebo controlled study to allow an estimation of the placebo effect. RESULTS: The time to the first relapse during phase II was similar in both groups otherwise significantly longer than the placebo group. The recurrence-free curves of two groups were not significantly different from each other; otherwise the curve of the placebo group was significantly different. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the number of DEs, and treatment days for disease exacerbations (DEs). The adverse event profile was also similar between the 2 groups. During the 20 weeks of treatment, the study population tolerated tacrolimus ointment well. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that maintenance treatment with tacrolimus may be effective in preventing the occurrence of facial SD exacerbations.
Calcineurin ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic* ; Humans ; Placebo Effect ; Recurrence ; Research Personnel ; Tacrolimus*

Background: Data illustrating the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on lives of adults with AD in South Korea are limited. Objective: To assess the AD disease severity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with AD from South Korea. Methods: Patients with AD utilizing the specialist dermatology services of major hospitals in South Korea were assessed for disease severity using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, for QoL using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (for QoL), and for comorbidities and treatment experience via retrospective review of 12-month medical records. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were also measured. Results: Of the 1,163 patients, 695 (59.8%) were men (mean age [years]±standard deviation: 31.6±12.1). Overall, 52.9% (n=615) patients had moderate-to-severe disease (EASI>7).The QoL of 72.3% (n=840) patients was affected moderately-to-severely (DLQI score: 6~30).Systemic immunosuppressants were used ≥1 over past 12 months in 51.9% (n=603) patients, and the most commonly used were cyclosporines (45.7%, n=531) and systemic corticosteroids (40.5%, n=471). Approximately, 10.8% (n=126) patients consulted or received treatment for AD-related eye problem. Of these, 40% (n=50) patients reported poor, very poor, or completely blind status; approximately, 16.7% patients (n=192) reported having depression or anxiety; and 35.5% (n=410) reported suicidal ideation or suicidal attempt. Conclusion A large proportion of patients had moderate-to-severe AD, a compromised QoL, and ocular or mental health comorbidities, indicating a high disease burden despite systemic treatment. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach for the evaluation and treatment of patients with AD.