The Relationship between the Causative Allergens of Allergic Diseases and Environments in Korea Over a 8-Year-Period: Based on Skin Prick Test from 2006 to 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the results of skin prick test using 55 allergens at 20 centers in the Republic of Korea in 2006, 2010, and 2014–2015. The aim was to assess changes in the positive rate of allergens according to temporal, regional, and environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 20 hospitals were selected based on the population distribution in the Republic of Korea. A skin prick test panel comprising 55 aeroallergens was distributed to 18 hospitals for this prospective study. The 2006 and 2010 skin prick test results were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 20 hospitals, while the 2014/2015 skin prick test results (from June 2014 to May 2015) were collected prospectively from 18 hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 14,897 SPT test results were analyzed: 4,319 in 2006, 7,431 in 2010, and 1,852 in 2014/2015. The overall rate of skin prick test positivity to more than two allergens was significantly higher in males than females. The positive rates of alder pollens and birch, oak and ragweed pollen positivity were increased in older patients. Several positive rates were increased according to the temperature in spring. The positive rates for beech pollen, birch pollen, hazel pollen, oak pollen, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, mugwort, cat, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae were significantly increased, while those of Cult rye pollen and dandelion were significantly decreased over the three test periods. The overall positive rate for allergens in Jeju province varied significantly from Seoul and other cities. CONCLUSION: Change in the positive rate of multiple aeroallergens was evaluated in the Republic of Korea over time. Our findings can be used to recommend aeroallergens suitable for inclusion in skin prick test panels in the Republic of Korea and will facilitate further investigation of changes in the patterns of allergic diseases.

Bony Batten Graft for Correction of Caudal Septal Deviation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is difficult to correct caudal septal deviation using classical technique of septoplasty because small residual deviation can cause severe nasal obstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of bony batten graft for the correction of caudal septal deviation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective review of medical records for the 32 patients who have undergone bony batten graft during septoplasty was performed. The minimal cross sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume were measured pre-operatively, and repeated at eight or twelve weeks post-operatively using acoustic rhinometry. Subjective symptoms for the nasal obstruction were evaluated using the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: No major complication has been encountered. One patient experienced self removal of the extruded bony batten graft after seven months post-operatively and two patients experienced granulation. There was significant improvement of MCA and nasal volume in the patients who had undergone bony batten graft (p<0.05). Subjective symptom for the nasal obstruction was improved after septoplasty using bony batten graft (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bony batten graft would be one of the effective operative technique for the correction of caudal septal deviation. The different techniques for the correction of caudal septal deviation are necessary if the functional and aesthetic outcome is to be favorable.