Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disorder that impairs patients’ overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In this study, we evaluated the effect of adalimumab in Korean patients with active RA on HRQOL. Methods: Patients included in the study had moderate to severe active RA that did not respond to conventional drugs with a Disease Activity Score of 28 joints ＞3.2 and were biologics-naïve. All patients received adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously every other week and were followed for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score at week 24. Secondary endpoints were changes in the EuroQol 5-dimension 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) baseline score and Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) domain scores at weeks 12 and 24 and change in baseline HAQ-DI score at week 12. Results: In total, 91 Korean patients were included. Ninety-three percent of patients were in high disease activity with a baseline mean DAS28 value of 6.1 within all patients. The mean change from baseline in HAQ-DI scores were −0.46 at week 12 and∼0.67 at week 24 (p＜0.0001). Additionally, EQ-5D-3L score at weeks 12 and 24 had significantly improved (p＜0.0001) compared to baseline. SF-36 at weeks 12 and 24 had significantly improved (p＜0.0001, p=0.0001) compared to baseline. Conclusion Treatment with adalimumab resulted in significant improvement in HAQ-DI, EQ-5D-3L, and SF-36 scores at 12 and 24 weeks in Korean RA patient.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fate of abstracts presented at scientific meetings of the Korean College of Rheumatology (KCR). METHODS: This study examined the abstracts presented at annual meetings of the KCR from 2005 to 2014. Only original studies were selected, excluding case reports. A manual search was conducted using PubMed, KoreaMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase to track the published articles. The abstracts were considered to have been published if the authors, title, study design, and results were the same for a published article. In addition, they were considered published if the author and the study design matched, even if the results of the abstract and the results of the published articles were not identical. RESULTS: A total of 928 abstracts from 2005 to 2014 were analyzed. Of the 928 abstracts, 468 (50.43%) abstracts were published in a peer-reviewed journal and the mean time to publication was 19 months. Of the 468 abstracts, 414 were published in a science citation index extended (SCI[E]) journal, and 54 were published in non-SCI(E) journals. The proportion of SCI(E) articles increased annually. The average impact factor for the SCI(E) journals was 2.93. In subgroup analysis, the abstracts that were awarded the best oral or best poster presentation were more likely to be published as full-length articles with a higher impact factor than the abstracts not awarded. CONCLUSION: Half of the abstracts presented in the KCR annual meetings were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Approximately 90% of the articles were published in a SCI(E) journal.
Awards and Prizes ; Korea ; Publications ; Rheumatology*

OBJECTIVE: The 2010 New American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was raised to identify patients with early RA and replaced the 1987 ACR classification criteria. The aims of this study are to assess the availability of new classification criteria and to evaluate its potential limitation. METHODS: A total of 408 patients with newly diagnosed RA were included from 13 secondary or tertiary hospitals in South Korea. The symptom duration was less than 12 months before the diagnosis of RA. RA was defined as either 1987 ACR classification criteria or new 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. We compared the full details of both classification criteria. RESULTS: The mean symptom duration was 5.1 months. The majority (76.2%) of the patients were female. Two hundred and seventy three patients (66.9%) fulfilled both of the 2010 and 1987 classification criteria. Forty-seven (14.7%) of the 320 patients fulfilling the 1987 criteria did not fulfill the new classification criteria. On the other hand, eighty-eight (24.4%) of the 361 patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria did not fulfill the 1987 ACR criteria. Thirty-six (55.4%) of the 65 patient with seronegative RA failed to meet the 2010 classification criteria. In case of seropositive RA (n=343), 85 additional patients (24.8%) could be diagnosed as RA using new classification criteria. CONCLUSION: The new 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria enable physicians to diagnose more patients with early RA via the help of serology. However, the sensitivity for the diagnosis of seronegative RA is projected to decrease.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; Republic of Korea ; Rheumatic Diseases ; Tertiary Care Centers

OBJECTIVES: Osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption are considered a potential therapeutic target to the treatment of erosive bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Poria cocos Wolf (PCW), commonly used herbal medicine, has previously been reported to induce anti-inflammatory effect and anti-cancer effect, and to modulate immunologic responses. However, the effects of PCW on osteoclasts, and its detailed mechanisms are not proven. Therefore, we examined the inhibitory mechanism of PCW on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To analyze the effects of PCW on osteoclast differentiation, we examined osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) treated with or without of PCW by TRAP staining. The expression of c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP and OSCAR mRNA was determined by RT-PCR and the protein levels of c-Fos, NFATc1, p38, ERK, JNK, Akt and IkappaB were assessed by western blot. Also, we evaluated the effect of PCW on bone resorption using hydroxyapatite plate. RESULTS: PCW significantly inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation without any evidence of cytotoxicity. We founded that PCW strongly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation when added during the early stage of cultures, suggesting that PCW acts on osteoclast precursors to inhibit RANKL/RANK signaling. Among the RANK signaling pathways, PCW inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, also inhibited RANKL-induced expression of c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP and OSCAR. In addition, PCW suppressed the bone resorption of mature osteoclasts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that PCW may be a potential novel drug for bone disorders by targeting the differentiation of osteoclasts as well as their functions.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Blotting, Western ; Bone Diseases ; Bone Marrow ; Bone Resorption ; Cocos ; Durapatite ; Herbal Medicine ; Macrophages ; Osteoclasts ; Osteoporosis ; Phosphorylation ; Poria ; RNA, Messenger ; Wolves

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ALADIN gene has been known to cause achalasia, alacrima, adrenal abnormalities and a progressive neurological syndrome. A considerable proportion of achalasia patients has been known to show alacrima (decreased secretion of tear). However, the genetic mechanism between achalasia and alacrima has not been defined yet. We postulated that ALADIN gene may be involved in the occurrence of early-onset achalasia; thus, we investigated the correlation of ALADIN gene in early-onset achalasia patients. METHODS: From 1989 to 2007, patients who were diagnosed as primary achalasia before age 35 were enrolled. All of the enrolled patients were asked for (1) blood sampling for DNA, (2) Shirmer test and (3) dysphagia questionnaires. RESULTS: The ALADIN gene in exon 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12 from 19 patients was investigated (M:F = 12:7). The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 27 +/- 5 (15-35) years old. Eight out of 19 (42%) showed alacrima by the positive Shirmer test. In spite of thorough exam in the genetic study, there was no definite abnormal genetic finding in this study. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of achalasia patients showed alacrima. Due to the limitation of this study, it is difficult to conclude that early-onset achalasia may have significant correlations with the ALADIN gene.
Deglutition Disorders ; DNA ; Esophageal Achalasia ; Exons ; Eye Diseases, Hereditary ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases

It is important to identify therapeutic compounds with no adverse effects for use in the chemotherapy of patients with bone-related diseases. The aim of this study was to identify a new compound that inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Herein, we examined the effects of 1',2'-dihydrorotenone on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. 1',2'-dihydrorotenone inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation of cultured bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in a dose-dependent manner. However, 1',2'-dihydrorotenone did not exert cytotoxic effect on BMMs. 1',2'-dihydrorotenone suppressed the expression of c-fos and NFATc1 as well as osteoclast-specific genes in BMMs treated with RANKL. Treatment with RANKL inhibited the expression of inhibitors of differentiation/DNA binding (Id)1, 2, and 3; however, in the presence of 1',2'-dihydrorotenone, RANKL did not suppress the expression of Id1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, 1',2'-dihydrorotenone inhibited bone resorption and considerably attenuated the erosion of trabecular bone induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that 1',2'-dihydrorotenone has the potential to be applied in therapies for bone-related diseases.
Bone Marrow ; Bone Resorption ; Humans ; Macrophages ; Osteoclasts ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; Rotenone

Skeletal remains collected from the archaeological fields must be maintained carefully, for being used in scientific studies on the physical characteristics, health status, and pathological disease of the ancient or medieval human populations. Even if Joseon Dynasty Human Sample Collection might be a good example for such studies, few of bone collections predated the Joseon Age (e.g. Goryeo Dynasty) have been established until now, possibly owing to poor preservation condition of archaeological sites in Korea. In this study, we performed anthropological studies on a few cases of Goryeo skeletons, which have been rarely reported by anthropologists in Korea. Judging from the preservation status of bones found in various types of Goryeo graves (e.g. earthen- or stone-chambered tombs), many cases seem to be cremated in accordance with Buddhist funeral rites. Goryeo bone collections must be constructed with the bones identified in the earthen tombs, which were preserved much perfectly than those of any other types of Goryeo tombs.
Anthropology, Physical ; Archaeology ; Funeral Rites ; Humans ; Korea ; Skeleton

BACKGROUND: Interplay of numerous constitutional and precipitating factors are involved in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Most of these etiologic factors are not controllable, but barrier dysfunction can be managed. Correction of barrier abnormalities has been accepted as a first-line therapy with effective anti-inflammatory therapy. OBJECTIVE: We wished to establish standardized skin care guidelines for Korean patients who suffer from atopic dermatitis. METHODS: The skin care guidelines were proposed by the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA), with a particular emphasis for barrier dysfunction in AD from a review of more than 100 published studies and related documents in the clinical literature by a task force team (TFT) of the KADA. The TFT also evaluated the reliability of the studies based on scientific evidence and the size of the study populations. The TFT disregarded controversial findings and summarized all of the collected studies. RESULTS: Skin care guidelines were proposed by the KADA, particularly for barrier dysfunction in AD. A warm bath for approximately 20 minutes was recommended once daily. Soap can be used two or three times per week and aggressive skin scrubbing should be avoided. A topical moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day. Immediate application of emollient is required after bathing. The donning of clothing made of cotton is recommended. Nails should be cut short to reduce skin damage caused by a skin scratch. CONCLUSION: Application of moisturizer immediately after appropriate bathing may be the most important treatment for skin care. A topical steroid should be used whenever AD develops. Nail care and proper clothing are also be helpful for the prevention of dermatitis aggravation. Proper ways to bathe, use of moisturizer and topical steroids and nail care and appropriate clothing were considered.
Advisory Committees ; Baths ; Clothing ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Humans ; Nails ; Precipitating Factors ; Skin ; Skin Care ; Soaps ; Steroids

A 10-month-old male patient was seen with a nodular lesion on his left upper arm which developed several months after BCG vaccination. Physical examination revealed a bean sized, irregular surfaced, erythematous pustular nodule on the left upper arm at a place different from the vaccination site. Histopathologic examination of the nodule on the left upper arm showed tubercles composed of mononuclear cells, epithelioid cells and langhans type giant cells in the dermis. Caseation necrosis within the typical tubercles was noted. Prominent improvement of the lesion was observed 4 months after oral medication with isoniazid and rifampicin.
Arm ; Dermis ; Epithelioid Cells ; Giant Cells, Langhans ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Infant ; Isoniazid ; Male ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Mycobacterium bovis ; Necrosis ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Physical Examination ; Rifampin ; Tuberculosis, Cutaneous ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that's influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Various treatment modalities are being applied for AD, including phototherapy, topical applicants and systemic agents. However, there has been no mass survey in Korea concerning the compliance of patients' to use their prescribed medication, which might influence the clinical efficacy of the physicians' treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and patient compliance with using topical pimecrolimus to treat AD. METHODS: We reviewed the medical recordings, laboratory profiles, clinical severity scoring and photographs of AD patients at 9 general hospitals in Seoul and the local area of Korea. Interviews with the patients and a telephone survey were also done. Those patients who weren't perscribed topical applicants or those who did not use topical pimecrolimus or steroid within 6 months were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Topical pimecrolimus cream effectively controlled AD with a reduction of the EASI score from baseline 13.75 to 11.39 at 2 weeks and 4.46 at 10 weeks of topical pimecrolimus application. When topical pimecrolimus cream was applied for more than 12 months it significantly suppressed the recurrence and reactivation of AD (p<0.05). Although 22.6% of the patients complained of adverse effects, these were all transient and they did not evoke significant medical problems. Using topical pimecrolimus cream did not show significant adverse effects or complications. CONCLUSION: Topical pimecrolimus might well be an effective treatment modality for treating AD when patients show good compliance for applying the cream.
Compliance ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Patient Compliance ; Phototherapy ; Recurrence ; Skin Diseases ; Tacrolimus ; Telephone