PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and clinical features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korea. METHODS: Web-based (www.armd-nova.or.kr) registration was conducted for AMD patients aged 50 or more who were newly diagnosed by retinal specialists in Korea from August 20, 2005 to August 20, 2006. Patient data including ophthalmologic examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiogram and/or indocyanin green angiogram (ICG), past medical history, behavioral habit, combined systemic diseases were up-loaded. RESULTS: Among finally enrolled 1,141 newly diagnosed AMD patients, 690 patients (60.5%) were male and 451 patients (39.5%) were female. The average age of AMD patients was 69.7+/-8.0. Early AMD was observed in 190 patients and 951 patients had late AMD. Classic choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) was observed in 18.6% of exudative AMD patients and 63.4 % had occult CNVM. Subfoveal CNVM was observed in 80.4% of the patients with CNVM. Among the 580 exudative AMD eyes that performed indocyanin green angiography (ICG), 184 eyes (31.7%) had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 36 eyes (6.2%) showed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Age, male gender, smoking, diabetes and hypertension significantly increased the risk of the AMD among Koreans. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the low rate of participation by retinal specialists, definite incidence of AMD was not obtainable. However, the estimated 1-year AMD incidence in the Pusan area of Korea is at least 0.4%. In contrast to Western people, 31.7% of exudative AMD cases were revealed to be PCV and 6.2% were revealed to be RAP. This discrepancy between ethnic groups should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment modality selection of Korean AMD patients.
Aged ; Angiography ; Choroid ; Ethnic Groups ; Eye ; Female ; Fluorescein ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Korea ; Macular Degeneration ; Male ; Membranes ; Photography ; Retinaldehyde ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Specialization

BACKGROUND: The secretion of growth hormone [GH] declines by 14.4% every decade, leading to the suggestion that the elderly are functionally GH deficient, which may increase adipose tissue and decrease the bone mass and density, as well as other negative changes in body composition. Recently, many studies have shown that GH replacement therapy may restore the changes that occur in the body composition with aging. AIM: The GH and insulin like growth factor-I[IGF-I] profiles were identified during GH replacement therapy in the elderly and compared with those of GH deficient[GHD] patients. The metabolic effects of GH replacement on the body composition of the elderly was also investigated, especially the body fat, muscle and bone parameters. Subjects and METHODS: 98 healthy normal out-patients and 13 GHD patients, who had peak GH concentrations less than 5 ng/mL after an insulin tolerance test [ITT] or growth hormone releasing hormone [GHRH] stimulation test, were the subjects of this study. All were receiving appropriate thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormone replacements. The dose of recombinant human GH [rhGH] was 0.02~0.04 mg [0.06~0.12 IU]/kg of body weight.per week, given nightly by a subcutaneous injection, six times a week, over a 52 week period. The GH was measures after the ITT and GHRH stimulation tests, and the IGF-1, lipid parameters [total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-, and LDL cholesterol], visceral adipose tissue [VAT], subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], VAT/SAT ratio, quadriceps muscle area, total body fat, total bone mineral density [BMD], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline [DYP], as well as anthropometry, were also assessed. RESULTS: All the anthropometry features between the normal and GHD subjects were very similar. The hormonal profiles were checked; the GH peaks of the ITT and GHRH stimulation tests were significantly higher in the normal compared to the GHD patients, but the GHRH test showed lower GH peaks in than those of the ITT test in the normal subjects. The IGF-I levels after GH replacement were constantly maintained in the normal and GHD groups after 3 week and until the 52nd week. According to the lipid profiles, the GHD group showed significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol after 12 weeks of GH replacement. The normal male group revealed constantly increased triglyceride levels during the entire 52 weeks of GH replacement, but thr other lipid parameters remained completely unchanged. The normal female group showed no change in any of their lipid parameters. Although the amounts of VAT at the baseline were the same in all groups, only the normal males showed effective visceral fat removal, with significantly reduced VAT after 52 weeks of GH treatment. In the normal female and GHD groups the bone mineral density had a V shaped curve after GH replacement, and the ALP and osteocalcin levels were significantly increased after 26 weeks of GH therapy in the GHD group. CONCLUSION: The body compositions in the normal male, female and GHD groups were similar before the GH replacement therapy, and the serum IGF-I levels were well maintained in all these groups during GH replacement. Although the majority of aging symptoms were improved, the body compositions tended to return to their original stati in the normal groups. GH replacement is recommended in the elderly for better health and well-being
Adipose Tissue ; Adult* ; Aged ; Aging ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Anthropometry ; Body Composition* ; Bone Density ; Cholesterol ; Female ; Gonads ; Growth Hormone* ; Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Insulin ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Male ; Osteocalcin ; Outpatients ; Quadriceps Muscle ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Thyroid Gland ; Triglycerides

BACKGROUND: The secretion of growth hormone [GH] declines by 14.4% every decade, leading to the suggestion that the elderly are functionally GH deficient, which may increase adipose tissue and decrease the bone mass and density, as well as other negative changes in body composition. Recently, many studies have shown that GH replacement therapy may restore the changes that occur in the body composition with aging. AIM: The GH and insulin like growth factor-I[IGF-I] profiles were identified during GH replacement therapy in the elderly and compared with those of GH deficient[GHD] patients. The metabolic effects of GH replacement on the body composition of the elderly was also investigated, especially the body fat, muscle and bone parameters. Subjects and METHODS: 98 healthy normal out-patients and 13 GHD patients, who had peak GH concentrations less than 5 ng/mL after an insulin tolerance test [ITT] or growth hormone releasing hormone [GHRH] stimulation test, were the subjects of this study. All were receiving appropriate thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormone replacements. The dose of recombinant human GH [rhGH] was 0.02~0.04 mg [0.06~0.12 IU]/kg of body weight.per week, given nightly by a subcutaneous injection, six times a week, over a 52 week period. The GH was measures after the ITT and GHRH stimulation tests, and the IGF-1, lipid parameters [total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-, and LDL cholesterol], visceral adipose tissue [VAT], subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], VAT/SAT ratio, quadriceps muscle area, total body fat, total bone mineral density [BMD], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline [DYP], as well as anthropometry, were also assessed. RESULTS: All the anthropometry features between the normal and GHD subjects were very similar. The hormonal profiles were checked; the GH peaks of the ITT and GHRH stimulation tests were significantly higher in the normal compared to the GHD patients, but the GHRH test showed lower GH peaks in than those of the ITT test in the normal subjects. The IGF-I levels after GH replacement were constantly maintained in the normal and GHD groups after 3 week and until the 52nd week. According to the lipid profiles, the GHD group showed significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol after 12 weeks of GH replacement. The normal male group revealed constantly increased triglyceride levels during the entire 52 weeks of GH replacement, but thr other lipid parameters remained completely unchanged. The normal female group showed no change in any of their lipid parameters. Although the amounts of VAT at the baseline were the same in all groups, only the normal males showed effective visceral fat removal, with significantly reduced VAT after 52 weeks of GH treatment. In the normal female and GHD groups the bone mineral density had a V shaped curve after GH replacement, and the ALP and osteocalcin levels were significantly increased after 26 weeks of GH therapy in the GHD group. CONCLUSION: The body compositions in the normal male, female and GHD groups were similar before the GH replacement therapy, and the serum IGF-I levels were well maintained in all these groups during GH replacement. Although the majority of aging symptoms were improved, the body compositions tended to return to their original stati in the normal groups. GH replacement is recommended in the elderly for better health and well-being
Adipose Tissue ; Adult* ; Aged ; Aging ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Anthropometry ; Body Composition* ; Bone Density ; Cholesterol ; Female ; Gonads ; Growth Hormone* ; Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Insulin ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Male ; Osteocalcin ; Outpatients ; Quadriceps Muscle ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Thyroid Gland ; Triglycerides

Boerhaave's syndrome, spontaneous esophageal rupture, is lethal and associated with a 70% survival rate despite emergent surgical management in recent reports. Early diagnosis and management is critical for more favorable outcome. But, it is difficult to diagnose early because of the low incidence and lack of specific symptoms and signs. We experienced 37 year-old male patient with Boerhaave's syndrome who was heavy drinker, and suffered from chronic renal failure. He visited a hospital because of hematemesis and severe back pain. He was transferred to our hospital with a nasogastric tube insertion, which was penetrating the distal esophagus. A radiologic examination revealed that the distal tip was located in the left pleural cavity. It was assumed that the tube had passed through the preexisting perforation site. Operation was not performed emergently due to delay in diagnosis and severe hyperkalemia. The patient was in a septic condition, but had recovered slowly after systemic broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, pleural drainage and intrapleural antibiotic injections. An esophagography revealed no leakage of gastro-grafin on the 14th hospital day, and he later completely recovered from sepsis.
Adult ; Back Pain ; Diagnosis ; Drainage ; Early Diagnosis ; Esophageal Perforation ; Esophagus ; Hematemesis ; Humans ; Hyperkalemia ; Incidence ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Male ; Pleural Cavity* ; Rupture ; Sepsis ; Survival Rate

Carbamylated hemoglobin (CarHb) is formed by the reaction of hemoglobin with cyanate derived from the spontaneous dissociation of in vivo urea. Previous studies have shown that formation of CarHb depends upon both the severity and the duration of renal failure. To study the clinical significances of CarHb in Korean patients with chronic renal failure, we measured CarHb levels by high-performance liquid chromatography in 159 CRF patients and 46 normal controls. Patients with CRF had a higher CarHb concentration than normal controls (107.9+/-58.8 vs 35.1+/-14.2 microgramVH/gHb; P<0.001). In patients with CRF, nondialysis group had a higher value than dialysis group (129.8+/-77.9 vs 98.7+/-46.1 microgramVH/gHb; P<0.05). There were no siginificant difference in CarHb levels between hemodialysis (92.0+/-35.8microgramVH/gHb) and peritoneal dialysis (106.7+/-55.3microgramVH/gHb) groups. CarHb levels were not different between diabetic and nondiabetic patients in predialysis and hemodialysis groups. Although there was a significant difference in peritoneal dialysis group, the BUN levels were also lower in diabetic patients than nondiabetic patients. There were no correlation between CarHb and HbA1c percentage in patients with diabetes. CarHb levels were positively correlated with BUN (r=0.489; P<0.001) and creatinine (r=0.458; P<0.01) concentrations. There were negative correlations between CarHb and both Kt/V (r=-0.358; P<0.05) and URR (r=-0.415; P<0.05) in hemodialysis patients. In conclusion, CarHb may be a useful index of uremic control in patients with chronic renal failure, and are independent of the mode of dialysis and the presence of diabetes.
Chromatography, Liquid ; Creatinine ; Dialysis ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Renal Dialysis ; Renal Insufficiency ; Urea

BACKGROUND: An association between diabetes and tuberculosis has long ken implied. The severity of diabetes appears to correlate with the degree of tuberculous activity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 82 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis in diabetics(DMTB) and 83 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis in nondiabetios (Non-DMTB) admitted to the Kyung Hee Medical Center between January 1995 and December 1996 was undertaken. RESULTS: The sex ratio of DMTB was 58 : 24, and that of Non-DMTB was 62 : 21. Male patients predominated in both groups. The highest incidence of DMIB was 6th and 7th decades and that of Non-DMTB was 3rd and 4th decades. In case which the tuberculosis developed after diagnosis of diabetes, the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was the highest in diabetes for 5 -10 years. On chest X-ray findings, the moderate advanced tuberculosis cases were the most common (60.9% in DMTB and 50.6% in Non-DMTB). There was no relation between the degree of tuberculosis activity on chest x-ray(minimal, moderata awl far advanced tuberculosis) and presence of diabetes. The incidence of lower lung field tuberculosis in DMTB was significantly higher than Non-DMTB(p<0.05). The multiple lobe involvement was the predominant chest roentgenograpflc finding in both groups. There was no significant difference of treatment response between DMTB and Non-DMTB. There was no relationship between initial HbA1c and the stverity of pulmonary tuberculosis on chest X-ray. During treatmenu of pulmonary tuberculosis in excellently and well controlled diabetes, the cure rate of pulmonary tuberculosis was sigrificantly higher than the pcorly controlled diabetes and the rate of treatment failure was significantly lower than poorly controlled diabetes. (p<0.05). CONCLUISON: Poor control of blood glucose is related with increased rate of treatment failure in pulmonary tuberculosis with diabetes mellitus. Further investigation will be needed to study the mechanisms of treatment failure in poorly controlled diabetics with pulmonaiy tuberculosis.
Blood Glucose ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lung ; Male ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Ratio ; Thorax ; Treatment Failure ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

BACKGROUND: Chemical pleurodesis is a widely used method for the control of symptomatic and recurrent malignant pleural effusions. Tab has been accepted to k the most effective sclerosing agent for chemical pleurodesis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of talc pleurodesis via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS) in treatment of malignant pleural effusion& METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records and radiographic findings was performed. The success of the procedure was defined as daily pleural fluid drainage below l00microliter within 1 week after pleurodesis and complete expansion of tie lung on simple chest radiograph. Recurrence was defined as reaccumulation of pleural fluid on follow-up chest radiographs, arid complete response as no fluid accumulation on follow-up chest radiographs. RESULTS: Between October 1994 and August 1996, talc pleurodesis via VATS was performed in 35 patient& Duration of follow-up ranged from 5 days to 828 days(median 79days). The initial success rate of procedure was 8S.6%(31 of 35 cases). Complete responses were observed in 92.8% at3O days, 75.7% at 90 days and 64.9% at 180 days. Postoperative complications were fever(54.3%), subcutaneous emphysema(11.4%), reexpansion pulmonary edema(2.9o%) and respiratory failure(5.7%). But procedure related mortality or respiratory failure was not found. CONCLUISON: Talc p1eurodesis via VATS is a safe and effective method F or the control of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions.
Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Lung ; Medical Records ; Mortality ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant* ; Pleurodesis* ; Postoperative Complications ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Talc* ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted

BACKGROUND: The number of immunocompromised hosts has been increasing steadily and a new pulmonary infiltrate in these patients a potentially lethal condition which needs rapid diagnosis and treatment. In this study we sought to examine the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of pulmonary mycoses presenting as a new pulmonary infilrate in immunocompromised hosts. METHOD: All cases presenting as a new pulmonary infilrate in immunocompromised hosts and confirmed to be pulmonary mycoses by pathologic examination or by positive culture from a sterile site between October of 1996 and April of 1998 were included in the study and their chart and radiologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In all, 14 cases of pulmonary mycoses from 13 patients(male : female ratio = 8 : 5, median age 47yr) were found. Twelve cases were diagnosed as aspergillosis while two were diagnosed as mucormycosis. Major risk factors for fungal infections were chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy (10 cases) and organ transplant recipients(4 cases). Three cases were receiving empirical amphotericin B at the time of appearance of new lung infiltrates. Cases in the hematogic malignancy group had more prominent symptoms : fever(9/10), cough(6/10), sputum(5/10), dyspnea(4/10), chest pain(5/10). Patients in the organ transplant group had minimal symptoms(p<0.05). On simple chest films, all of the cases presented as single or multiple nodules (6/14) or consolidations(8/14). High resolution computed tomograph showed peri-lesional ground glass opacities(14/14), pleural effusions(5/14), and cavitary changes(7/14). Definitive diagnostic methods were as follows : 10 cases underwent minithoracotomy, 2 underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, 1 underwent percutaneous needle aspiration and 1 case was diagnosed by culture of abscess fluid. All cases received treatment with amphotericin B with 1 case each being treated with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole due to renal toxicity. Lung lesion improved in 12 of 14 patient but 4 patients died before completing therapy. CONCLUSION: When a new lung infiltrate develops presenting either as a nodule or consolidation in a neutropenic patient with hematologic malignancy or in a transplant recipient, you should always consider pulmonary mycoses as one of the differential diagnosis. By performing aggressive work up and early treatment, we may improve prognosis of these patients.
Abscess ; Amphotericin B ; Aspergillosis ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Fungi ; Glass ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Humans ; Immunocompromised Host* ; Itraconazole ; Lung ; Mucormycosis ; Mycoses* ; Needles ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thorax ; Transplantation ; Transplants

Displaced fracture of the ankle are probably the most common skeletal injury managed today by open reduction and internal fixation. But, it is recommended that metallic implant might be removed to restore normal biomechanical forces on hone and to reduce discomfort directly under the skin. in order to reduce the resources needed for the removal of metallic fixation devices, absorbable impiants of biodegradable synthetic polymers were deveioped. However reports of clinical application of such implants have so far been very few. This prospective study represents the good resuits in 15 displaced non-comminuted closed malleolar fractures of the ankle treated using hiodegradahle internal fixation in department of orthopedic surgery of Kwang Myung Sung Ae general hospitai from June I 995 to December 1996. The results were as follows 1. All cases were united and the average time for union was 7.6 weeks. 2. As a results of comparison with normal side, a restriction of 10 degrees or more of dorsiflexion of the ankle joint was present in 4 cases, a restriction of 20 degrees or more of plantar tlexion was present in 2 cases, a restriction of supination was present in 3 cases and a restriction of plantar flexion was present in 4 cases. 3. According to Phillips functional scoring scale, 4 cases were excellent, 7 cases good, 4 cases fair and no cases were poor. 4. There were no complications in all cases.
Ankle ; Ankle Joint ; Orthopedics ; Polymers ; Prospective Studies ; Skin ; Supination

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome designates a group of articular and osseous manifestations frequently combined with skin disorders. Its fundamental component is inflammatory, pseudoinfectious, and sterile osteitis. The anterior chest wall is the most frequent localization and all the components of this structure may be involved. Palmoplantar pustulosis, psoriasis, acne conglobata, acne ulcerans, acne fulminans, pyoderma gangrenosum can be associated with the characteristic bone lesions. We report two cases of SAPHO syndrome : A 40-year-old female presented with both buttock pain with hyperostosis, costochondritis, synovitis and pustulosis palmaris and a 23-year-old male presented with migrating polyarthritis with costochondritis, synovitis, acne, pustulosis.
Acne Vulgaris ; Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome* ; Adult ; Arthritis ; Buttocks ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperostosis ; Male ; Osteitis ; Psoriasis ; Pyoderma Gangrenosum ; Skin ; Synovitis ; Thoracic Wall ; Young Adult