Background: and Purpose: Dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), pose diagnostic challenges. This review examines the effectiveness of 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET) in differentiating these subtypes for precise treatment and management. Methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted using databases like PubMed and Embase to identify studies on the diagnostic utility of 18 F-FDG PET in dementia. The search included studies up to November 16, 2022, focusing on peer-reviewed journals and applying the goldstandard clinical diagnosis for dementia subtypes. Results: From 12,815 articles, 14 were selected for final analysis. For AD versus FTD, the sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.98) and specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.70–0.92). In the case of AD versus DLB, 18F-FDG PET showed a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.98) and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70–0.92). Lastly, when differentiating AD from non-AD dementias, the sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91) and the specificity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91). The studies mostly used case-control designs with visual and quantitative assessments. Conclusions 18 F-FDG PET exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating dementia subtypes, particularly AD, FTD, and DLB. This method, while not a standalone diagnostic tool, significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy in uncertain cases, complementing clinical assessments and structural imaging.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. METHODS: Using health checkup and insurance claims data of 6,365,409 subjects, the occurrence of CRC according to stage of MetS by sex was determined from the date of the health checkup in 2009 until December 31, 2018. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence rates (CIR) of CRC in men and women was 3.9 and 2.8 per 1000 (p < 0.001), respectively. CIR of CRC for the normal, pre-MetS, and MetS groups in men was 2.6, 3.9, and 5.5 per 1000 (p < 0.001) and CIR in women was 2.1, 2.9, and 4.5 per 1000 (p < 0.001), respectively. Compared with the normal group, the hazard ratio (HR) of CRC for the pre-MetS group was 1.25 (95% CI 1.17-1.33) in men and 1.09 (95% CI 1.02-1.17) in women, and the HR of CRC for the MetS group was 1.54 (95% CI 1.43-1.65) in men and 1.39 (95% CI 1.26-1.53) in women after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS We found that MetS is a risk factor for CRC in this study. Therefore, the prevention and active management of MetS would contribute to the prevention of CRC.

PURPOSE: Data are lacking on the association between the allergic rhinitis (AR) phenotype and sensitization to specific allergens or bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in children. We here investigated risk factors and comorbidities, including sensitization to specific allergens and BHR, for the AR phenotype by AR and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification in a general population-based birth cohort study. METHODS: We enrolled 606 children aged 7 years from the Panel Study of Korean Children. The AR phenotype was assigned in accordance with the ARIA classification in children. Skin prick tests and Provocholine provocation test were performed. Risk factors and comorbidities for AR phenotypes were then analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild and moderate to severe AR in our study cohort was 37.2% and 8.8%, respectively. Recent use of analgesics or antipyretics and current cat ownership were associated with the risk of mild persistent AR. Sensitizations to Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (Der p), Japanese hop and cat were associated with moderate to severe persistent AR. Children with moderate to severe AR had a higher risk of current asthma and BHR compared to mild AR cases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77–15.62). Moderate to severe AR with allergic sensitization was associated with the highest risk of BHR (aOR, 11.77; 95% CI, 3.40–40.74). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe-persistent AR is more closely related to respiratory comorbidities and sensitizations than mild AR. Stratifying the AR phenotype by ARIA classification may assist in disease management.
Allergens ; Analgesics ; Animals ; Antipyretics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; Cats ; Child ; Classification ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Disease Management ; Humans ; Methacholine Chloride ; Odds Ratio ; Ownership ; Parturition ; Phenotype ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Risk Factors ; Skin

PURPOSE: Adherence is a major component of successful medical treatment. However, non-adherence remains a barrier to effective delivery of healthcare worldwide. METHODS: Twenty healthcare facilities (secondary or tertiary hospitals) belonging to the Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Diseases (KAPARD) participated. Questionnaires were given to patients currently receiving treatment in the form of inhalant useor oral intake or transdermal patch for mild to moderate asthma. RESULTS: A total of 1,838 patients responded to the questionnaire. Mean age was 5.98 ± 3.79 years (range: 0-18 years). With help from their caregivers, the percentage of patients that answered “taking as prescribed” was 38.04% for inhalant users, 50.09% for oral medication users and 67.42% for transdermal users. Transdermal patch users had significantly greater adherence compared to the other 2 groups (P < 0.001). The 34.15% of inhalant users, 70.33% of oral medication users and 93.00% of transdermal patch users felt that their medication delivery system was “Easy” or “Very easy” to use (P < 0.001). “Method of administration” was deemed to be the most difficult part of the treatment regimen to follow, and 76.7% of patients preferred once-daily administration (i.e., “Frequency of administration”). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma medication adherence in young children was found to be better in the transdermal patch group. This may be due to requiring fewer doses and easy to follow instructions. From an adherence point of view, the transdermal patch seems more useful for long-term asthma control in children compared to oral or inhaled medicine.
Asthma ; Caregivers ; Child ; Delivery of Health Care ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea ; Medication Adherence ; Transdermal Patch

PURPOSE: It is controversial whether indoor pet exposure is either a risk or protective factor developing sensitization to pet allergens or asthma. Therefore, we investigated whether indoor pet ownership entails a risk for the development of asthma and sensitization in childhood. METHODS: The Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) is a general-population-based birth cohort study that recruited 2,078 mother-baby dyads in Korea between April and July of 2008. Among 1,577 children who were followed up in 2015, 559 underwent skin prick tests, spirometry and bronchial provocation tests using Provocholine. Having a cat or a dog and the prevalence of asthma were evaluated by using self-reported questionnaires and physicians’ medical records. RESULTS: During infancy, the rate of dog ownership was 4.5% (71 of 1,574) and that of cat ownership was 0.5% (8 of 1,574). Of the subjects, 7.9% (n=109) currently had at least 1 dog and 2.5% (n=34) had at least 1 cat. Pet ownership during infancy was associated with sensitization to cats or dogs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–13.98), wheezing within 12 months (aOR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.65–18.75) and current asthma (wheezing episode in the last 12 months+diagnosed asthma by physicians) (aOR, 6.36; 95% CI, 1.54–26.28). In contrast, pet ownership during the last 12 months was not associated with sensitization to cats or dogs or current asthma. CONCLUSION: Indoor pet exposure during infancy can be critical for developing sensitization to cats or dogs and asthma in childhood. Avoidance of pet exposure in early life may reduce sensitization to cats or dogs and development of asthma.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Cats ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Dogs ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Methacholine Chloride ; Odds Ratio ; Ownership ; Parturition ; Pets ; Prevalence ; Protective Factors ; Respiratory Sounds ; Risk Factors ; Skin ; Spirometry

BACKGROUND: A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug methacholine chloride (Provocholine®) was recently introduced to Korea where it is now widely used in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and cutoff value of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to Provocholine in 7-year-old children. METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-three children from the Panel Study on Korean Children who visited 16 regional hospitals were evaluated. Skin prick tests, spirometry and bronchial provocation tests for Provocholine as well as a detailed history and physical examinations were performed. The bronchial provocation test was reliably performed on 559 of these children. RESULTS: The prevalence of ever-diagnosed asthma via medical records was 7.7%, and that of current asthma (wheezy episode in the last 12 months + diagnosed asthma by physicians) was 3.2%. The prevalence of BHR to Provocholine was 17.2% and 25.8%, respectively, for a PC20 < 8 and < 16 mg/mL. The risk factors for BHR (PC20 < 16 mg/mL) were atopic dermatitis diagnosis and current dog ownership, whereas those for current asthma were allergy rhinitis diagnosis, a history of bronchiolitis before the age of 3, recent use of analgesics/antipyretics and maternal history of asthma. The BHR prevalence trend showed an increase along with the increased immunoglobulin E (IgE) quartile. The cutoff value of PC20 for the diagnosis of current asthma in children at age 7 was 5.8 mg/mL (sensitivity: 47.1%, specificity: 87.4%). CONCLUSIONS: BHR to Provocholine (PC20 < 8 mg/mL) was observed in 17.2% of 7-year-olds children from the general population and the cutoff value of PC20 for the diagnosis of current asthma was 5.8 mg/mL in this age group. The risk factors for BHR and current asthma showed discrepancies suggesting different underlying mechanisms. Bronchial provocation testing with Provocholine will be a useful clinical tool in the future.
Animals ; Asthma ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Bronchiolitis ; Child* ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Diagnosis ; Dogs ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Methacholine Chloride* ; Ownership ; Physical Examination ; Prevalence* ; Rhinitis ; Risk Factors* ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin ; Spirometry ; United States Food and Drug Administration

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and their relationship with the onset age of wheeze in school-age children and adolescents with asthma. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-six patients, aged 6 to 19 years, diagnosed with asthma at 6 hospitals from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daegu, and Busan were enrolled. They were categorized into 3 groups by the onset age of wheeze: group A, early onset (age <3 years); group B, preschool onset (age 3-6 years); group C, late onset (age > or =6 years). Clinical characteristics including atopic sensitization, family history, combined allergic diseases, severity of asthma, and influence of asthma on daily life were examined. A history of hospitalization for early lower respiratory infection (LRI) and environmental tobacco smoking were studied and lung function tests were also performed. RESULTS: There was no difference in demographics, prevalence of atopy, combined allergic diseases, and family history of allergy between 3 groups. A history of sever LRI in early life was more common in groups A and B compared with group C. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was more prevalent in groups A and B than in group C. Forced expiratory flow between 25% to 75% (FEF(25%-75%)) was lower in groups A and B than in group C, and methacholine PC20 (provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second) was lowest in group B. Significantly lower FEF(25%-75%) and methacholine PC20 were observed in the patients who had been hospitalized with LRI in early life. CONCLUSION: Our study shows significant difference in lung function and atopic sensitization in relation to the onset age of wheeze in school-age children and adolescents with asthma, and suggests that early LRI might contribute to the development of asthma in early life.
Adolescent* ; Age of Onset* ; Asthma* ; Busan ; Child* ; Daegu ; Demography ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Gyeonggi-do ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Seoul ; Smoking

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to analyze the incidence, demographic distribution, type, and etiology of mandible fractures that were treated by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital from January 2002 to December 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive and analytic retrospective study that evaluated 735 patients that were treated for mandible fracture. RESULTS: This study included 1,172 fractures in 735 patients. The ratio of male to female patients was 5.45 : 1; the maximum value was in patients between 20 and 29 years (38.1%) and the minimum in patients over 70 years old. The monthly distribution of facial fractures peaked in the fall and was lower during winter. No specific correlation was identified based on the annual fracture distribution. Among the 735 fracture patients, 1.59 fracture lines were observed per patient. The most frequent site was the symphysis, which accounted for a total of 431 fractures, followed by the angle (348), condyle (279), and body (95). The symphysis with angle was the most common site identified in combination with fracture and accounted for 22.4%, followed by symphysis with condyle (19.8%). The angle was the most frequent site of single fractures (20.8%). The major cause of injury was accidental trauma (43.4%), which was followed by other causes such as violence (33.9%), sports-related accidents (10.5%), and traffic accidents (10.1%). Fracture incidents correlated with alcohol consumption were reported between 10.0%-26.9% annually. CONCLUSION: Although mandible fracture pattern is similar to the previous researches, there is some changes in the etiologic factors.
Accidents, Traffic ; Alcohol Drinking ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Jaw Fractures ; Male ; Mandible* ; Mandibular Fractures ; Retrospective Studies* ; Surgery, Oral ; Violence

PURPOSE: Administration of antiretroviral drugs to mothers and infants significantly decreases mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission; cesarean sections and discouraging breastfeeding further decreases this risk. The present study confirmed the HIV status of babies born to mothers infected with HIV and describes the characteristics of babies and mothers who received preventive treatment. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed medical records of nine infants and their mothers positive for HIV who gave birth at Korea University Ansan Hospital, between June 1, 2003, and May 31, 2013. Maternal parameters, including HIV diagnosis date, CD4+ count, and HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) copy number, were analyzed. Infant growth and development, HIV RNA copy number, and HIV antigen/antibody test results were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight HIV-positive mothers delivered nine babies; all the infants received antiretroviral therapy. Three (37.5%) and five mothers (62.5%) were administered single- and multidrug therapy, respectively. Intravenous zidovudine was administered to four infants (50%) at birth. Breastfeeding was discouraged for all the infants. All the infants were negative for HIV, although two were lost to follow-up. Third trimester maternal viral copy numbers were less than 1,000 copies/mL with a median CD4+ count of 325/microL (92-729/microL). Among the nine infants, two were preterm (22.2%) and three had low birth weights (33.3%). CONCLUSION: This study concludes that prophylactic antiretroviral therapy, scheduled cesarean section, and prohibition of breastfeeding considerably decrease mother-to-child HIV transmission. Because the number of infants infected via mother-to-child transmission may be increasing, studies in additional regions using more variables are necessary.
Breast Feeding ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Cesarean Section ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Growth and Development ; Gyeonggi-do ; HIV Infections ; HIV* ; Hospitals, Teaching* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Korea ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Medical Records ; Mothers ; Parturition ; Postnatal Care ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Retrospective Studies ; RNA ; Zidovudine

PURPOSE: Not only regionalization of neonatal care for high risk newborn, but also safe neonatal transport system of newborn were not completely established in Korea. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of preterm infants less than 35 week gestational age with regard to inborn and outborn status, to understand the problems of regionalization of neonatal care and neonatal transport system and to provide the basis to solve the potential problems. METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 outborn and 40 inborn preterm infants less than 35 week gestational age admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Korea University Ansan Hospital during the period between January 2006 and June 2013. RESULTS: Compared with those in the inborn group, the incidences of hypoglycemia and respiratory distress were significantly more frequent in the outborn group at admission. The uses of surfactant, ventilator, and inotrope were significantly more frequent in the outborn during hospitalization. Mortality occurred only in the outborn group. Most of infants were transferred by a nurse alone, not a team with doctor. CONCLUSION: Transferred preterm infants may not be sufficiently stabilized before transport, according to the result of more frequent hypoglycemia and respiratory distress in the outborn group. In order to reduce mortality and morbidity of transferred newborn from level I, the national policy about neonatal intensive care unit level guideline (manpower, equipment, and facility), regionalization of neonatal intensive care, and neonatal transport system are needed in Korea.
Gestational Age ; Gyeonggi-do* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Intensive Care, Neonatal* ; Korea ; Mortality ; Perinatal Care ; Regional Medical Programs ; Resuscitation ; Retrospective Studies ; Transportation of Patients ; Ventilators, Mechanical