Correction of International Classification of Disease, for Effective Management of Dermatologic Disease / 대한피부과학회지

In our country the ICD-10(International classification of disease) is used to classify disease. But it has many problems in classifying and managing statistics in the field of dermatology. For instance, there are many diseases that are not included in the ICD-10, and the classification is not organized. Also, in many cases the classification of ICD-10 has problems in computerizing. Even though we need a classification overcoming these problems, National health insurance corporation is using the ICD-10. In this study, we corrected the problems of the ICD-10 to make an improved ICD-10 to use in dermatologic fields. To do this, we had to search all the dermatologic disease code contained in the ICD-10, and find all the disease listed in the book of domestic and foreign. We had to compare and analyse these. Subsequently, we add the diseases that are not contained in the ICD-10, organized the classification and improved the dermatologic disease code of ICD-10. This classification would be useful for the management of disease in the dermatologic field.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patient with Toenail Onychomycosis in Korea / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis, especially toenail onychomycosis has become one of the common fungal infection and has historically been regarded as a cosmetic rather than medical problem by many patients, even by physicians. Recently, however, there are several reports that this is a refractory disease which may cause a deleterious effect on patients' quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of toenail onychomycosis on QOL in Korea and to assess the changes of QOL after treatment. METHODS: Total 1004 patients with toenail onychomycosis which was confirmed by clinical findings and KOH preparation were enrolled at 47 dermatologic centers in Korea, and interviewed with standardized QOL questionnaire before and after systemic antifungal treatment. Responses to the questionnaire were scored by f-point scale (0~4) and averaged, and were analyzed for 5 dimensions of emotional impact, social impact, symptom and functional impact, patients' views concerning treatment, and relationship with doctor. RESULTS: 1. Before and after treatment, the most serious impact was emotional dimension showing 1.90 and 1.30 in average score (AS), and social (AS: 1.14 and 0.83) and symptom and functional impact (AS: 1.05 and 0.92) was also affected. 2. In female rather than male, statistically more significant impact on patients' QOL was observed in all dimensions. 3. After treatment, 3 of 5 dimensions were improved significantly - emotional dimension (AS: from 1.90 to 1.30), social dimension (AS: from 1.14 to 0.83), patients' view concerning treatment(AS: from 1.34 to 1.02) 4. The degree of patients' satisfaction at the therapeutic effect was very high - 62.4% (immediately after. treatment) and 65.8% (9 months after initiation of treatment) of patients answered excellent or good. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that toenail onychomycosis has significant Impact on the overall QOL of patients. Also the effect of antifungal therapy on patients' QOL were satisfactory. Therefore, both doctor and patient should pay more attention to the treatment of onychomycosis.