Relationships between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Metabolic Syndrome and Vitamin D Status in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015

Background@#Many studies have established the association between overt hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and MS varies from study to study. This study aimed to investigate associations between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D status in Korean adults. @*Methods@#Using data from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), chi-squared tests and t-tests were used to explore relationships between thyroid hormones and components of MS and vitamin D status. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to assess relationships between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D. @*Results@#Systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose were significantly higher in the euthyroid (EUT) group than in the SCH group, and vitamin D status was significantly lower in the SCH group than EUT. However, in multiple regression analysis, SCH presented no significant association with components of MS or vitamin D status even after adjusting for age, sex, drinking, and smoking. @*Conclusions@#In Korean adults, there is no significant association between SCH and MS or vitamin D.

Relationship between Dietary Intake and Depression among Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014

BACKGROUND: Many studies have assessed the relationship between each nutrient element and depression independently, but few have assessed the effect of dietary intake on depression, as diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). This study investigated the relationship between dietary intake and depression, which was diagnosed using the PHQ-9.METHODS: This study used the second data set (2014) from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). Our analysis included 5,897 persons who answered the PHQ-9, aged 20 to 60 years. They were categorized into either a male or female group, which were then subdivided into a depression group of patients who were diagnosed using the PHQ-9, and those without depression (control group). The patients' dietary intakes were obtained using the 24-hr recollection method in KNHNES. The relationship between dietary intake and depression was investigated for each group.RESULTS: In males, dietary intake was not associated with depression in both groups, except in relation to carotene. While in females, the depression group had lower fiber and vitamin C dietary intake than the control group (fiber P=0.015, vitamin C P=0.020). The dietary intakes of all other nutrients had no associations between the depression and control groups, in both males and females.CONCLUSION: According to our results, low dietary intake of fiber and vitamin C may be associated with depression in females. These results suggest that a diet regimen that includes fiber and vitamin C may help prevent and reduce depression in females.

Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Uric Acid to Creatinine Ratio in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016

BACKGROUND: While the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and serum uric acid (sUA) levels has already been identified, the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio has not been studied in Korea. Accordingly, the present study examined the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016). METHODS: The study population consisted of healthy adults aged 19 years or older medical diseases. The five components of MS and the presence of MS were used as independent variables, while the sUA/creatinine ratio was selected as the dependent variable. After adjusting for confounding variables, a complex samples logistic regression test was performed to analyze the correlations between the sUA/creatinine ratio and MS and its components. RESULTS: The following variables showed positive correlation with the sUA/creatinine ratio: systolic blood pressure (BP) (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.051–1.243; P=0.002), diastolic BP 1.144 (95% CI, 1.054–1.241; P=0.001), fasting blood sugar level 1.166 (95% CI, 1.070–1.271; P < 0.001), triglyceride level 1.340 (95% CI, 1.259–1.427; P < 0.001), high density lipoprotein level 1.163 (95% CI, 1.100–1.230; P < 0.001), waist circumference 1.342 (95% CI, 1.239–1.455; P < 0.001), and the presence of MS 1.041 (95% CI, 1.034–1.049; P≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the sUA/creatinine ratio and the presence of MS as well as with each component of MS. The significance of the present study is that it is the first study to investigate Koreans.

Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Uric Acid to Creatinine Ratio in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016

BACKGROUND@#While the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and serum uric acid (sUA) levels has already been identified, the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio has not been studied in Korea. Accordingly, the present study examined the correlation between MS and the sUA/creatinine ratio using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016).@*METHODS@#The study population consisted of healthy adults aged 19 years or older medical diseases. The five components of MS and the presence of MS were used as independent variables, while the sUA/creatinine ratio was selected as the dependent variable. After adjusting for confounding variables, a complex samples logistic regression test was performed to analyze the correlations between the sUA/creatinine ratio and MS and its components.@*RESULTS@#The following variables showed positive correlation with the sUA/creatinine ratio: systolic blood pressure (BP) (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.051–1.243; P=0.002), diastolic BP 1.144 (95% CI, 1.054–1.241; P=0.001), fasting blood sugar level 1.166 (95% CI, 1.070–1.271; P < 0.001), triglyceride level 1.340 (95% CI, 1.259–1.427; P < 0.001), high density lipoprotein level 1.163 (95% CI, 1.100–1.230; P < 0.001), waist circumference 1.342 (95% CI, 1.239–1.455; P < 0.001), and the presence of MS 1.041 (95% CI, 1.034–1.049; P≤0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The findings of the present study demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the sUA/creatinine ratio and the presence of MS as well as with each component of MS. The significance of the present study is that it is the first study to investigate Koreans.

Relationship between Dietary Intake and Depression in Metabolic Syndroem among Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014 / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome and depression are interconnected disorders. Although many studies have assessed the association between dietary intake and each disorder independently, few studies have examined the association between depression and dietary intake in patients with metabolic syndrome. Our study examined the association between depression and dietary intake in adults with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We analyzed the second data set (2014) from the sixth KNHNES. Of the patients with metabolic syndrome, the final study population comprised 1,334 patients, aged 20 to 60 years, with metabolic syndrome as defined by KNHNES and depression diagnosed by a physician. We examined the patients??dietary intake obtained using the 24-h recollection method in KNHNES. RESULTS: Depression group had a lower niacin dietary intake than those without depression in both male and female (male P=0.047, female P=0.025). None of the other components had any association between depression group and those without depression group in both male and female. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a low dietary intake of niacin may be related to the depression in patients with metabolic syndrome. The results indicate that it is worthwhile to evaluate the nutritional status in patients who have been diagnosed with both metabolic syndrome and depression.

Relationship between diet and prevalence of depression among Korean adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010 / 農村醫學 地域保健

BACKGROUND: Many studies focus on the causes of depression, but few assess the dietary intake. This study investigated the relationship between diet and prevalence of depression. METHODS: This study used the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010. A total of 734 persons aged 20-65 years old in whom the presence or absence of depression was confirmed by doctor were analyzed. We analyzed associations between prevalence of depression and diet based on carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C intakes for male and female groups. RESULTS: There was no association between diet and prevalence of depression in the male group. For the female group, as fiber intake was increased, the prevalence of depression significantly decreased (odds ratio=0.923, 95% confidence interval=0.850-0.986), but there was no association between the other dietary intakes and prevalence of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The fiber intake and prevalence of depression are negatively correlated in women aged 20-65 years. A diet therapy including fiber may decrease the prevalence of depression.

The Correlation between the Triglyceride to High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Computed Tomography-Measured Visceral Fat and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Local Adult Male Subjects / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: We studied the association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and computed tomography-measured visceral fat as well as cardiovascular risk factors among Korean male adults. METHODS: We measured triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat among 372 Korean men. The visceral fat and subcutaneous fat areas were measured by computed tomography using a single computed tomography slice at the L4-5 lumbar level. We analyzed the association between the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and visceral fat as well as cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and variables such as body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, visceral fat, and the visceral-subcutaneous fat ratio. However, there was no significant correlation between the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and subcutaneous fat or blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between a triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio > or =3 and diabetes, a body mass index > or =25 kg/m2, a waist circumference > or =90 cm, and a visceral fat area > or =100 cm2. The triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was not significantly associated with hypertension. CONCLUSION: There were significant associations between the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and body mass, waist circumference, diabetes, and visceral fat among a clinical sample of Korean men. In the clinical setting, the triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio may be a simple and useful indicator for visceral obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyles and Cardiovascular Factors of Diabetic Patients / 임상당뇨병

BACKGROUND: There are many studies on lifestyle management of diabetic patients, but few provide sufficient data comparing a diabetic group with an abnormal fasting glucose group and a normal, non-diabetic group. In this study, we compare the lifestyle management of diabetic patients with those of others groups. METHODS: Among patients visiting the health promotion center of a single university hospital, we retrospectively collected medical records and survey responses regarding patient information. RESULTS: No difference was found in smoking status or smoking intake among the three groups. Alcohol consumption was high in the diabetes group, followed by the abnormal fasting glucose group and the normal group. The diabetes group reported a higher frequency of exercise per week than the normal group. With regard to systolic BP, both the diabetes and abnormal fasting glucose groups were higher than the normal group, with a level greater than the therapeutic goal of 130 mmHg. Both the diabetes group and the abnormal fasting glucose group had a higher triglyceride level than the normal group, with a measure greater than the therapeutic goal of 150 mg/d. The diabetes group had a higher highly sensitive C-reactive protein level than other two groups, with a level greater than 1 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Management of smoking and alcohol consumption is not sufficient in diabetes patients, suggesting the need for tighter control of BP and triglyceride level in such individuals. For these patients, follow-up of highly sensitive C-reactive protein level should also be considered.

The usefulness of soluble transferrin receptor in the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children / 소아과

PURPOSE: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a truncated extracellular form of the membrane transferrin receptor produced by proteolysis. Concentrations of serum sTfR are related to iron status and erythropoiesis in the body. We investigated whether serum sTfR levels can aid in diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with IDA were enrolled and were classified according to age at diagnosis. Group 1 comprised 78 children, aged 6-59 months, and group 2 comprised 20 adolescents, aged 12-16 years. RESULTS: In group 1, patients' serum sTfR levels correlated negatively with mean corpuscular volume; hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and serum iron levels; and transferrin saturation and positively with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and red cell distribution width. In group 2, patients' serum sTfR levels did not correlate with ferritin levels and TIBC, but had a significant relationship with other iron indices. Hb and serum sTfR levels had a significant inverse relationship in both groups; however, in group 1, there was no correlation between Hb and serum ferritin levels. In 30 patients of group 1, serum sTfR levels were significantly decreased with an increase in Hb levels after iron supplementation for 1 month. CONCLUSION: Serum sTfR levels significantly correlated with other diagnostic iron parameters of IDA and inversely correlated with an increase in Hb levels following iron supplementation. Therefore, serum sTfR levels can be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of IDA in children.

Vitamin D Status and Its Relation with Abdominal Adiposity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Korean Adults in Certain Areas

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is thought to play an important role in adipogenesis and in preventing a variety of diseases. There are few studies that analyze the relationship between vitamin D and the distribution of fat in Korean population. This study analyzed the vitamin D status in adults and evaluated its relationship with obesity also with cardiovascular risk factors in a Korean community. METHODS: Subjects involved patients who visited a health promotion center. Anthropometric measurements as in subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were assessed. Blood tests including glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid profiles, 25(OH)D were evaluated. We analyzed the correlation between 25(OH)D concentrations with obesity factors and with cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Among the studied patients, 25(OH)D status was sufficient for 2.7%, insufficient for 27.2%, and deficient for 70.1%. 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with visceral adipose tissue, but no association was found between subcutaneous fat, waist circumference and body mass index. Among cardiovascular risk factors, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were negatively correlated with vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was found in 70.1% in this community. Vitamin D level showed significant correlation with visceral adipose tissue among abdominal fat tissue, but less significant correlation with cardiovascular risk factor.

Glycemic Index Recognition and Practice of Low-Glycemic-Index Diet by Adults with Chronic Diseases in Some Rural Areas / 農村醫學 地域保健

BACKGROUND: The glycemic index (GI) indicates the rise in blood glucose caused by carbohydrate-containing foods. In Korea, there have been few studies on the understanding adults have of GI. Thus, this study investigated differences GI knowledge among the korean adults. METHODS: A questionnaire on the perspective of GI and experience in GI education, participational intent to learn, general knowledge level, and dietary practice was conducted among those living in agricultural areas. Respondents were visitors to the health promotion center of a university hospital. RESULTS: When asked about the GI familiarity, the standard of education, the relationships between diseases and GI, the diabetes group was better able to answer correctly than the other groups. However, the diabetes group showed either no difference or less correct responses for general knowledge of GI. With respect to their usual consideration and low GI dietary practice, the diabetes group provided higher responses than the other groups. On the whole, the diabetes group was better than the other groups for GI relative factor but none of the groups showed high levels for perspective, education, dietary practice of GI. CONCLUSIONS: The groups other than the diabetes group had a low perspective of GI, a lack of correct knowledge of GI, and did not follow a proper diet without considering GI. Even in the diabetes group the perspective, knowledge, and proper dietary practices were not adequate. Accordingly, further education of GI is necessary for diabetic patients, patients with chronic diseases and also people without diseases.

Usefulness of Gastroscope in Patients with Incomplete Colonoscopy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Conventional colonoscopy is limited in some patients with several causes, such as fixed angulation, extensive loop or adhesion. Therefore, small-caliber scopes are considered alternatives to unsuccessful conventional colonoscopy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of gastroscope in patients with unsuccessful colonoscopy. METHODS: From May 2008 to April 2009, a total of 2,548 colonoscopies were performed in Wonkwang University Hospital. The gastroscope was used subsequently when conventional colonoscopy failed. RESULTS: There were 27 cases (1.06%) of unsuccessful colonoscopy. The causes of failure were assessed as fixed angulation of the sigmoid colon (59.2%, 16/27), excessive looping (14.8%, 4/27), stricture (14.8%, 4/27), sigmoid diverticulosis (7.4%, 2/27), and adhesion of transverse colon (3.7%, 1/27). The average time of intubation to cecum with the gastroscope was 7 minutes and 28 seconds (range, 2 to 20 minutes). With the gastroscope, 77.8% (21/27) were intubated to the cecum. The pain score of gastroscope was reduced, as compared with that of conventional colonoscopy (4.95 vs. 5.94, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gastroscope would be a useful alternative tool in patients with unsuccessful colonoscopy.

Association of Hemoglobin A1c with Visceral Fat Measured by Computed Tomography in Nondiabetic Adults / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: A prediabetes hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 5.7%-6.4% is considered a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the USA. In this study, we assessed the HbA1c and visceral fat levels as CVD risk factors in health check-up examinees who were not yet diagnosed with diabetes. METHODS: Totally, 507 study subject were categorized as per criteria of the American Diabetes Association, depending on whether the HbA1c level was > or =5.7% or or =5.7% and or =5.7% (odds ratio=1.005, 95% CI 1.002~1.008). CONCLUSIONS: Visceral fat levels were significantly higher and correlated with the group which HbA1c level is > or =5.7%. This finding suggests that subjects who have high levels of HbA1c should be carefully monitored during prediabetes and should have chance to have health education programs.

Improved Chronic Fatigue Symptoms after Removal of Mercury in Patient with Increased Mercury Concentration in Hair Toxic Mineral Assay: A Case / 가정의학회지

Clinical manifestations of chronic exposure to organic mercury usually have a gradual onset. As the primary target is the nervous system, chronic mercury exposure can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headache, and poor recall and concentration. In severe cases chronic exposure leads to intellectual deterioration and neurologic abnormality. Recent outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and pathogenic avian influenza have increased fish consumption in Korea. Methyl-mercury, a type of organic mercury, is present in higher than normal ranges in the general Korean population. When we examine a patient with chronic fatigue, we assess his/her methyl-mercury concentrations in the body if environmental exposure such as excessive fish consumption is suspected. In the current case, we learned the patient had consumed many slices of raw tuna and was initially diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, we suspected that he was exposured to methyl-mercury and that the mercury concentration in his hair would be below the poisoning level identified by World Health Organization but above the normal range according to hair toxic mineral assay. Our patient's toxic chronic fatigue symptoms improved after he was given mercury removal therapy, indicating that he was correctly diagnosed with chronic exposure to organic mercury.

Association of serum alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels within the reference range with metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been found to be a novel component of metabolic syndrome (MS), which is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are suggested to affect liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance. We assessed the associations of serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges with MS and NAFLD. METHODS: In total, 1,069 subjects enrolled at the health promotion center of Wonkwang University Hospital were divided into 4 groups according to serum ALT and GGT concentrations levels within the reference ranges. We performed biochemical tests, including liver function tests and lipid profiles, and diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography. Associations of ALT and GGT concentrationgrading within the reference range with fatty liver and/or MS were investigated. RESULTS: The presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities [except for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose] increased with the ALT level, while the presence of MS, its components, and the number of metabolic abnormalities (except for HDL-C) increased with the GGT level. The odds ratios for fatty liver and MS increased with the ALT level (P<0.001 and P=0.049, respectively) and the GGT level (P=0.044 and P=0.039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum ALT and GGT concentrations within the reference ranges correlated with the incidence of NAFLD and MS in a dose-dependent manner. There associations need to be confirmed in large, prospective studies.

Evaluation of Direct Immunofluorescence Test with PCR for Detection of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus during 2009 Pandemic

During the 2009 novel influenza (H1N1) pandemic, the sensitivity of direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) for H1N1 infection was 62% (266/429) of that of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The sensitivity of the DFA differed significantly with the age of patients: the sensitivity was the highest (71.8%) for patients aged or =30 years. The sensitivity of DFA in patients aged > or =30 years was 40.7%. Furthermore, the sensitivity (67.3%, 171/254) of DFA was higher for patients who had a high temperature at admission. An increase in the incidence of H1N1 infection did not influence the sensitivity of DFA (62.1% vs. 62%; p=0.984) test, but resulted in a decrease in the negative predictive value, from 92.4% (700/757) to 69.6% (247/355). PCR may be useful as the initial test for diagnosing H1N1 infection in patients aged > or =30 years with a normal temperature at presentation.

Survey of Conceptions about Cold in a Local Area Workers' Periodic Health Examination / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: To collect basic data which of conceptions about cold by age, sex, education state, economic state, this survey was carried out in a workers' periodic health examination. METHODS: 1,056 workers who are working at the one company were included for this survey from Jun 1 to July 7 2006. We obtained self-reported questionnaire from them. The contents of the questionnaire were the general characteristics of workers, the cause and the management of cold. We analyzed true recognition ratio of conception about cold by age, sex, education state, and economic state. RESULTS: According to sex and economic state, true recognition ratio was not different. According to age, 'Virus', 'Germ', 'Cold weather' were lowest above fifties about the cause of cold. 'Self-limited disease', 'Flu vaccination prevents cold', 'Percussion to chest is helpful to remove sputum', 'Inhaling warm steam is helpful to decrease nasal obstruction', 'Washing hands is helpful to prevent cold', 'Many people crowd in a area are susceptible to cold' were lowest above fifties about the management of cold. According to education state, 'Virus', 'Food' were highest above fifties. Except 'Medicine cures fast', 'Injection therapy cures fast', 'Tonsillectomy prevents cold', the others were highest in the above college education. According to education state by age group, only 'Virus' in the forties and 'Virus, 'Food' in the above fifties were highest. 'Flu vaccination prevents cold' in the twenties, 'Injection therapy cures fast' in the forties, 'Medicine cures fast' and 'Injection therapy cures fast' were lowest in the above college education. CONCLUSION: Age, education level were significantly related to true recognition ratio of conception about cold. So we had to educate low recognition ratio of conceptions.

The Association of Childhood Obesity with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is caused by multiple risk factors and accompany many problems. This study aimed to analyze the association of childhood obesity with ADHD and to know the related factors of ADHD. METHODS: In 2006, 427 students in fourth grade were recruited from two elementary schools in Gwangmyeong city. Height and weight were measured and children's weight status was classified as normal weight, overweight and obese using the age and gender-specific BMI established by Korean Academy of Pediatrics. The Korean abbreviated Conners' parent rating scale (ACRS) was used to measure the ADHD state. RESULTS: The obesity rate was higher in ADHD group than in non-ADHD group (P = 0.005). The Kovacs' children's depression inventory score (CDI score) of ADHD group was higher than that of non-ADHD group (P = 0.003). In ADHD group, there were many cases where students were looked after by members of the family other than the parents after school (P = 0.01). ADHD group had a tendency to have breakfast heavily (P = 0.01). The average monthly income of the parents of ADHD group was relatively higher than that of the non-ADHD group (P = 0.03), and the fathers of ADHD group tend to have night eating syndrome (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The ADHD was significantly associated with childhood obesity, and was likely to be more depressive and had different life styles than non-ADHD group.

Relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion in infants / 소아과

PURPOSE: The association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion in infants has been examined in several studies with conflicting results. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the precise relationship involved. METHODS: In this case-control study, the authors assessed 100 children with a diagnosis of febrile convulsion, aged between 9 months and 2 years, during January 2007 to July 2009. The control group consisted of 100 febrile children without convulsion; controls were closely matched to the cases by age, gender, and underlying disease. RESULTS: The mean ages of the febrile convulsion and control group were 16.3+/-7.4 and 15.8+/-6.1 months, respectively, and the two groups had no differences in clinical features. Iron deficiency anemia (Hb <10.5 gm/dL) was more frequent in the febrile convulsion group than in the control group, although there was no statistical significance. Unexpectably, the RDW (red blood cell distribution width) was significantly lower and the MCNC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) was significantly higher among seizure cases than among the controls (P<0.05). There is no statistical difference between simple and complex febrile groups in the clinical and laboratory profiles. On multiple logistic regression analysis, iron deficiency anemia was more frequent, but the RDW was lower, among the cases with febrile convulsion, compared with the controls. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the iron deficiency anemia is associated with febrile convulsion, and screening for iron deficiency anemia should be considered in children with febrile convulsions.

A Case of Peritoneal Loose Body in a Child / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

A peritoneal loose body is reported to develop because of torsion and separation of the epiploic appendages. The condition is usually symptomless and may be incidentally during abdominal surgery or autopsy. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly adults and is very rare in children. In this paper, we report a case of a peritoneal loose body in the pelvic cavity of a 10-year old-girl who presented with urinary frequency and left lower abdominal discomfort. A second plain X-ray film of the abdomen, obtained before surgery, in a different view than the first, revealed that the calcified mass had migrated to a lower position. The mass was laparoscopically resected, and histological examination revealed it to be a fibrotic nodule with central liquefaction and calcification.