BACKGROUND/AIMS: The meaning of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not clear. This study was designed to determine the clinical significance of SIM in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 601 subjects with endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus. Under light microscopy with Alcian-blue stain, SIM was identified. Demographic characteristics, gastroesophageal (GE) reflux symptoms and endoscopic findings were compared between the SIM-present group and the SIM-absent group. RESULTS: Among 601 subjects, 184 (30.6%) were confirmed by pathology to have SIM. Age over 40 years (P<0.001) and a medication history of proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker were found more frequently in the SIM-present group (P=0.01) than in the SIM-absent group. Any of 7 GE reflux symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness, globus sensation, cough and epigastric soreness) were more frequent in the SIM-present group than SIM-absent group (P<0.001). Specifically, heartburn, chest pain and cough were significantly more common in the SIM-present group. There was no clinically significant difference associated with endoscopic findings or other clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: When subjects with endoscopically suspected BE are analyzed based on the presence or absence of SIM, the SIM-present group was significantly associated with GE reflux symptoms suggestive of frequent GE reflux. However, the presence of SIM did not correlate with endoscopic findings.
Barrett Esophagus ; Biopsy ; Chest Pain ; Cough ; Esophagus ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Heartburn ; Hoarseness ; Light ; Metaplasia ; Microscopy ; Prospective Studies ; Proton Pumps ; Sensation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P<0.001) and in the older age group (> or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.
Dyspepsia ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Gastritis ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Peptic Ulcer ; Prevalence ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic gastritis is a common finding during endoscopy and it is very important to describe it correctly. This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of endoscopic gastritis and the differences according to age, sex or area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical analysis was conducted on 25,536 subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy for routine health check-up. Endoscopic gastritis was classified into four types, superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The distribution of the four types of gastritis was evaluated according to sex, age and area. RESULTS: 51.6% of the patients had experienced at least one of the symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, soarness, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) on at least a few occasions during the previous year. The incidence of normal gastric finding was 3,593 (14.1%). 21,943 (85.9%) subjects have at least more than one of endoscopic gastritis. The number of cases with superficial gastritis was 7,983 (31.3%), erosive gastritis 6,054 (23.7%), atrophic gastritis 6,918 (27.1%), and intestinal metaplasia 1,181 (7.1%). Erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men than women (P<0.001) and in the older age group (> or =60 years) than younger age group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endoscopic gastritis was very common, 85.9%. In addition, erosive gastritis, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were more frequent in men and in the older age group, which is similar to gastric cancer or peptic ulcer. Cautious regular endoscopic follow-up might be necessary regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms in Korea.
Dyspepsia ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Gastritis ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Peptic Ulcer ; Prevalence ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE:This study was undertaken to announce our experience of the 1st Daegu- Gyeongbuk Multicenter Epilepsy Camp for children and their parents to improve the understanding of epilepsy. METHODS:We held the camp on February 25th to 26th, 2006 at Gyeongju. 33 families with epileptic childlend joined the camp. At the end of the camp, we performed a survey with 37 questionnaires to obtain data concerning the parents' understanding of epilepsy and the satisfaction with the camp. Data was analyzed with SPSS 10.0 program using frequency analysis. RESULTS:Parents knew about epilepsy but for some degrel still wanted to get more information about epilepsy. Parents were satisfied with the educational programs but not with the recreation programs. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that more social approaches such as an epilepsy camp is needed to provide the families with more information fot the understanding about epilepsy.
Child* ; Epilepsy* ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Parents* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Recreation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors of sliding after internal fixation with sliding compression hip screw in stable intertrochanteric fracture of the femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2000 to April 2003, 61 stable intertrochanteric fractures (Kyle-Gustilo type II) were treated operatively with sliding compression hip screws. The patients were 40 females and 21 males with an average age of 74 (range, 54~99). We measured vertical and horizontal shortening in regard to age, sex, bone mineral density, neck-shaft angle, cancellous bone defect, and the existence of lessor trochanter fracture on postoperative 6 months. RESULTS: The average vertical shortening was 4.1 mm (0~22 mm) and the average horizontal shortening was 7.3 mm (0~30 mm). Age, sex, bone density and neck-shaft angle were not significantly related with vertical and horizontal shortening (p>0.05). Vertical shortening was significantly greater in the group with cancellous bone defect and in the group without lesser trochanter fracture (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Proper management for fracture site and fixation was needed to make it stable because the stable intertrochanteric fracture with cancellous bone defect and intact lesser trochanter could be induced into unexpected sliding.
Bone Density ; Female ; Femur* ; Hip ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: These days, airline traffic is so developed that the globe has become much smaller and interest in fear of passenger-flight crashes is increasing. Using the opportunity offered by the Kimhae airline disaster, the author studied the relation of the injury mechanism & the seat-position to the injury severity in order to provide helpful information for use in other situations. METHODS: The author performed a retrospective analysis and compared survivors (37 persons) with deaths (129 persons) in the crash of Chinese passenger-flight B767-200 approaching Kimhae airport on April 15, 2002. RESULTS: Most of the survivors were seated in the rear of the airplane while most of those who died were in the front. Thus, a definite correlation exists between seat position in the aircraft and the injury severity. The deceleration force generated during a flight crash is sufficient to induce fatal injury. CONCLUSION: Most flight crashes are due to CFIT (controlled flight into terrain) accidents which are caused by the pilot being insensible to safety. This time, it was also the case. The author wishes it not to be the case next time.
Aircraft ; Airports* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Deceleration ; Disasters ; Gyeongsangnam-do* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Survivors

Henoch-Sch nlein purpura is a systemic leukoclastic vasculitis with palpable purpura, gastrointestinal manifestations such as abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding and renal problems. It is common in childhood, but can occur during adulthood. Adult have severer symptoms and worse prognosis than children. The pathogenesis of Henoch-Sch nlein purpura is autoimmune vasculitis mediated by immune complex such as IgA1. It is very helpful to find vasculitis and precipitation of immune complex (IgA1, C3) in the skin, gastrointestinal mucosal or renal biopsy for diagnosis. We report a case of Henoch-Sch nlein purpura with hematuria and proteinuria which could be diagnosed by renal needle biopsy due to absence of vasculitis findings in the skin and gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies. In summary, the pattern of evolution of this patient's dermatologic findings, gastrointestinal symptoms, bleeding, hematuria and proteinuria are typical of Henoch-Sch nlein purpura, but the definite diagnosis was very difficult due to absence of much related illness and no vasculitis in the skin and gastrointestinal mucosa. The meaning of renal biopsy in detection and management of Henoch-Sch nlein purpura with he maturia and proteinura was emphasized when vasculitis in the skin and gastrointestinal mucosa was not seen.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Biopsy* ; Biopsy, Needle ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage* ; Hematuria ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Mucous Membrane ; Nephritis ; Prognosis ; Proteinuria ; Purpura* ; Skin ; Vasculitis

BACKGROUND: Now, there is good evidence suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract is not simply a bystander organ in critically ill patients but also may serve as an initiator and stimulator of a generalized systemic inflammatory response, and may function as the "motor" of sepsis and the MOFS (multiple organ failure syndrom). The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of bacterial translocation and the effects of the granulocyte colony stimulating factor, enteral glutamine and prophylactic antibiotic on the bacterial translocation in endotoxemic rats. METHODS: Thiry-Vella loops were made in 80 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 250 and 300 g. After 7 days, they were arbitrarily divided into 4 groups (control, G-CSF, glutamine and antibiotic groups). After inducing endotoxemia, the same amount of radiolabelled E. coli (500,000 CPU/ml) was insufflated through the Thiry-Vella loop. Then, after 4 hours, radioactivities of the lung, the liver, the spleen, the kidney, and serum (CPM gm wet wt.) were measured with a Wallac 1410. To investigate the pattern of bacterial translocation, we divided the control group into 2 subgroups and harvested each organ at 1 hour and 4 hours after inducing endotoxemia. RESULTS: The organ distribution of radiolabelled E. coli differed with the lapse of time. Bacterial translocation was observed as early as 1 hour, and significantly higher levels of radioactivity were observed in the lung at 1 hour, and in the liver at 4 hours after endotoxemia than were observed in the other organs (P<0.01). G-CSF, glutamine and a prophylactic antibiotic could prevent the bacterial translocation in endotoxemic rats. Also, bacterial translocation was significantly reduced in the glutamine group compared with the G-CSF and the prophylactic antibiotic group (P<0.05). However, there was no difference in mucosa atrophy (villous height/mucosa thickness) among the group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that bacterial translocation could be prevented with G-CSF, glutamine, and prophylactic antibiotics and it might be hopeful in treating the patients suffering from shock, sepsis, trauma, and surgical stress.
Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Atrophy ; Bacterial Translocation* ; Colony-Stimulating Factors* ; Critical Illness ; Endotoxemia ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Glutamine* ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes* ; Hope ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Lung ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; Radioactivity ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sepsis ; Shock ; Spleen

Alveolar Process ; Anesthesia, Local ; Cytoplasm ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Fetus ; Gingiva ; Gingival Neoplasms ; Granular Cell Tumor ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Jaw ; Male ; Maxilla ; Nursing ; Parturition ; Recurrence ; Ultrasonography

Herpes zoster(HZ) is well known as a benign viral infection affecting the sensory nerves. That this disease may also cause motor paralysis is less well known. We performed this study to evaluate the exact prevalence of motor involvement and to compare the extent of EMG abnormality with that of skin lesions. Ninety patients with HZ who did not sho w clinical motor weakness except 4 patients with Ramsay-Hunt syndrome were studied prospectively for 2 years using EMG which is generally known to be very sensitive method for detection of motor involvement. The results turned out as follows. I.. In patients with Herpes zoster, motor involvement(denervation m EMG study) is 56.67%(51/90 patients) and subclinical motor involvement is 54.65%(47/86 patients). 2. There was no statistically significant difference m the rates of motor involvement among the cranial, cervical, thoracic & lumbosacral regions. 3. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of motor involvement between the male and female, although the positivity were higher in male. 4. The subclnical motor involvement was gradually increased by aging, as seen in clinical motor paralysis of other report. 5. There was significant statistic difference between the number of dermatome involved by skin lesion(mean 1.88) and that of myotome with motor involvement (mean 2.55). In conclusion, it is suggested that subclnical motor involvement in Herpes zoster is rather frequent and extensive than generally expected.
Aging ; Female ; Herpes Zoster* ; Humans ; Lumbosacral Region ; Male ; Paralysis ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Skin