Association between nutrients and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Korean women

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nutritional intake and metabolic syndrome in otherwise healthy middle-aged Korean women. Subjects and methods Retrospectively, medical records were reviewed for nutritional intake of 2,182 Korean women who had undergone routine medical check-ups from 2010 to 2016 at Pusan National University Hospital. The patients who met diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome based on NCEP-ATPIII were included, and each of the patients was assessed through self-report questionnaires and individual interview with a health care provider. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for women in Republic of Korea was based on 2015 criteria discussed in Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans, organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Results Through univariate analysis, daily calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate consumption were significantly higher and exceeded RDA in the patients with metabolic syndrome; other than major nutrients, iron, vitamin B2, and niacin were also consumed in excess of the RDA in these patients. Multivariate analysis showed that carbohydrate consumption, along with protein and vitamin B2, were significantly higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion In middle-aged Korean women, high consumption of carbohydrates, along with protein and vitamin B2, was found to have a statistically significant association with the presence of metabolic syndrome. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):298-305

Patch tests with commercial hair dye products in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine.

Background: Hair dye is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The main allergen has been identified as para‑phenylenediamine. To prevent the recurrence of contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine, patients should discontinue the use of para‑phenylenediamine‑containing hair dye products. However, many patients are unable to discontinue their use for cosmetic or social reasons. Sometimes, they continue to have symptoms even after switching to so‑called “less allergenic” hair dyes. Objectives: To evaluate the safety of 15 commercially available hair dye products in patients with allergic contact dermatitis due to para‑phenylenediamine. Methods: We performed patch tests using 15 hair dyes that were advertised as “hypoallergenic,” “no para‑phenylenediamine” and “non‑allergenic” products in the market. Results: Twenty three patients completed the study and 20 (87.0%) patients had a positive patch test reaction to at least one product. While four (26.7%) hair dye products contained para‑phenylenediamine, 10 (66.7%) out of 15 contained m‑aminophenol and 7 (46.7%) contained toluene‑2,5‑diamine sulfate. Only one product did not elicit a positive reaction in any patient. Limitations: Small sample size and possibility of false‑positive reactions. Conclusions: Dermatologists should educate patients with allergic contact dermatitis to para‑phenylenediamine about the importance of performing sensitivity testing prior to the actual use of any hair dye product, irrespective of how it is advertised or labelled.

Erratum: Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Goiter in a Euthyroid Mother / 대한주산의학회잡지

In this article, the third author's name was published incorrectly.

Erratum: Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Goiter in a Euthyroid Mother / 대한주산의학회잡지

In this article, the third author's name was published incorrectly.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Goiter in a Euthyroid Mother / 대한주산의학회잡지

Congenital fetal goiter is a very rare pathology, is sometimes difficult to diagnose when there is no maternal history or the goiter size is moderate. We report a case of prenatally diagnosed fetal goiter in a euthyroid mother. A 28-year-old woman was referred to our clinic at 38(+2) weeks of gestation. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a fetal goiter. The maternal history and thyroid function tests, including antithyroid autoantibody tests, were unremarkable. Cesarean section was performed, and the thyroid profile of the neonate was consistent with congenital hypothyroidism. Thyroxine therapy was immediately started. Fetal thyroid function must be determined when a goiter is detected. Cordocentesis is a more reliable but riskier diagnostic tool than amniocentesis. Intra-amniotic injection of thyroxine is relatively safe and an easier management option for fetal hypothyroidism. To develop more noninvasive and safe methods for therapeutic efficacy monitoring, a large-scale study is necessary.