Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Testosterone Deficiency according to Facial Flushes among Middle-Aged and Older Korean Men / 가정의학회지

Background@#This study examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and total testosterone deficiency based on facial flushing among Korean men. @*Methods@#A total of 314 men were included in this study and divided into non-drinkers (n=78) and drinkers (n=236). Drinkers were also divided into flushers (n=96) and non-flushers (n=140). Flushers and non-flushers were separated into two groups based on the amount of alcohol consumed: moderate drinkers (≤8 standard drinks per week) and heavy drinkers (>8 standard drinks per week). Total testosterone 8 drinks per week) who flush compared to that in non-drinkers.

Validation of the Simplified Palliative Prognostic Index to Predict Survival for Advanced Cancer Patients in Home Hospice Setting / 가정의학회지

Background@#The simplified Palliative Prognostic Index (sPPI) substitutes a single item from the Communication Capacity Scale (CCS) for the delirium item of the original PPI. This study aimed to examine the validity of the sPPI for patients with advanced cancer in a home-based hospice care setting. @*Methods@#This study included 75 patients with advanced cancer who received home-based hospice care. We used medical records maintained by professional hospice nurses who had visited the patients in their homes. Based on their sPPI score, patients were divided into three groups—A (<4), B (≥4 and <6), and C (≥6)—to compare survival. Further, we investigated the sPPI’s accuracy using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity for 3- and 6-week survival. We used three sPPIs including different substitutions for the delirium item (two methods using the CCS and one using the Korean Nursing Delirium Screening Scale). @*Results@#The median survival was 60–61 days for group A, 27–30 days for group B, and 12–16 days for group C. The difference in survival was significant (P<0.05). The AUC was 0.814–0.867 for 3-week survival and 0.736–0.779 for 6-week survival. For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction showed sensitivities of 76.2%–90.9% and 76.3%–86.8%, and specificities of 64.2%–88.7% and 51.4%–70.3%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The sPPI, which is measured by professional hospice nurses, has acceptable validity to predict survival for patients with advanced cancer in a home hospice setting in South Korea.

Association between Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome Determined by Facial Flushing in Korean Women / 가정의학회지

Background@#This study aimed to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in Korean women as determined by facial flushing. @*Methods@#Of the female patients aged 4 standard drinks: OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.03–8.30) of the facial flushing group. The risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly high only in the subgroup of weekly alcohol consumption >4 standard drinks (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.07–4.52) in the non-facial flushing group. @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that Korean women experiencing facial flushing when drinking have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome even with a low weekly drinking amount than those who do not experience face flushing.

Validation of the Simplified Palliative Prognostic Index to Predict Survival for Advanced Cancer Patients in Home Hospice Setting / 가정의학회지

Background@#The simplified Palliative Prognostic Index (sPPI) substitutes a single item from the Communication Capacity Scale (CCS) for the delirium item of the original PPI. This study aimed to examine the validity of the sPPI for patients with advanced cancer in a home-based hospice care setting. @*Methods@#This study included 75 patients with advanced cancer who received home-based hospice care. We used medical records maintained by professional hospice nurses who had visited the patients in their homes. Based on their sPPI score, patients were divided into three groups—A (<4), B (≥4 and <6), and C (≥6)—to compare survival. Further, we investigated the sPPI’s accuracy using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity for 3- and 6-week survival. We used three sPPIs including different substitutions for the delirium item (two methods using the CCS and one using the Korean Nursing Delirium Screening Scale). @*Results@#The median survival was 60–61 days for group A, 27–30 days for group B, and 12–16 days for group C. The difference in survival was significant (P<0.05). The AUC was 0.814–0.867 for 3-week survival and 0.736–0.779 for 6-week survival. For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction showed sensitivities of 76.2%–90.9% and 76.3%–86.8%, and specificities of 64.2%–88.7% and 51.4%–70.3%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The sPPI, which is measured by professional hospice nurses, has acceptable validity to predict survival for patients with advanced cancer in a home hospice setting in South Korea.

Association between Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome Determined by Facial Flushing in Korean Women / 가정의학회지

Background@#This study aimed to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in Korean women as determined by facial flushing. @*Methods@#Of the female patients aged 4 standard drinks: OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.03–8.30) of the facial flushing group. The risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly high only in the subgroup of weekly alcohol consumption >4 standard drinks (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.07–4.52) in the non-facial flushing group. @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that Korean women experiencing facial flushing when drinking have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome even with a low weekly drinking amount than those who do not experience face flushing.

Comparison of pharmacokinetics and safety characteristics between two olopatadine hydrochloride 5 mg tablet formulations in healthy Korean subjects

Histamine acts by binding to four histamine receptors (H1 to H4), of which the H1 is known to participate in dilate blood vessels, bronchoconstriction, and pruritus. Olopatadine hydrochloride blocks the release of histamine from mast cells and it inhibits H1 receptor activation. Olopatadine hydrochloride is anti-allergic agent that is effectively used. The object of this study had conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety characteristics between olopatadine hydrochloride 5 mg (test formulation) and olopatadine hydrochloride 5 mg (reference formulation; Alerac® ) in Korean subjects. This study had conducted an open-label, randomized, fasting condition, single-dose, 2-treatment, 2-period, 2-way crossover. Subjects received single-dosing of reference formulation or test formulation in each period and blood samples were collected over 24 hours after administration for PK analysis. A wash-out period of 7 days was placed between the doses. Plasma concentration of olopatadine were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry mass (LC-MS/MS). A total of 32 subjects were enrolled and 28 subjects completed. There were not clinical significantly different in the safety between two treatment groups for 32 subjects who administered the study drug more than once. The geometric mean ratio of test formulation to reference formulation and its 90% confidence intervals for The peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) and the areas under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to the last concentration (AUClast ) were 1.0845 (1.0107–1.1637) and 1.0220 (1.0005–1.0439), respectively. Therefore, the test formulation was bioequivalent in PK characteristics and was equally safe as the reference formulation.

Influence of Facial Flushing on Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes Risk according to Alcohol Consumption in Korean Male / 가정의학회지

Background@#This study aims to examine the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of pre- or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by alcohol-induced flushing response in Korean male adults, particularly based on their body mass index (BMI). @*Methods@#This study selected 1,030 (158 non-drinkers, 364 flushers, and 508 non-flushers) male adults who had medical checkups. A logistic regression analysis was used to compare the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of pre- or T2DM. @*Results@#In both the normal-weight group (BMI 4 and ≤8 drinks: 2.64, 1.10–6.36; >8 drinks: 2.42, 1.11–5.27). However, obese non-flushers had only a significant higher risk of pre- or T2DM when consuming more than 8 drinks of alcohol per week than the non-drinkers (2.72, 1.39–5.30) @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that obese flushers have an increased risk of developing pre- or T2DM even with less alcohol consumption.

The effect of alcohol dose on the development of hypertension in Asian and Western men: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/Aims@#There are inconsistencies in the effects of low to moderate dose alcohol consumption on the development of hypertension in adult men. We hypothesized that a region-specific effect might participate in this heterogeneity. @*Methods@#We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of alcohol dose on hypertension incidence using contemporary data through December 2017. Subjects were categorized according to their level of alcohol consumption as non-drinkers (reference) and low- (0.01 to 20.0 g/day), moderate- (20.1 to 40.0 g/day), moderate- to high- (40.1 to 60.0 g/day), and high-dose (> 60.0 g/day) drinkers. We defined hypertension as a blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or the use of anti- hypertensive drugs. @*Results@#In total, 11 articles (seven Asian and four Western) were selected for our analysis. Among Asian men, a significantly elevated risk was observed even in the low alcohol dose group in comparison with the group with no alcohol consumption, and the risk increased in a dose-dependent manner (pooled relative risks [95% confidence intervals (CI)]: 1.25 [1.13 to 1.38], 1.48 [1.27 to 1.72], 1.75 [1.43 to 2.15], and 1.78 [1.51 to 2.09]). Among Western men, a similar dose-response relationship was noted in general (p for subgroup difference > 0.1), but a significantly elevated risk was evident only in the high-dose group (pooled relative risks [95% CI]: 1.22 [0.85 to 1.74], 1.57 [0.90 to 2.75], 1.47 [0.44 to 4.91], and 1.49 [1.02 to 2.18]). @*Conclusions@#Even low doses of alcohol can lead to the development of hypertension, particularly in Asian men. Our findings could serve as additional evidence for developing an appropriate preventive strategy in each region.

The Effect of Education and Vitamin D Supplementation on the Achievement of Optimal Vitamin D Level in Korean Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND: Despite daily vitamin D recommendations, women with osteoporosis may not achieve optimal 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of education and vitamin D supplementation (1,000 IU/day) in Korean women with osteoporosis. METHODS: Sixty-one women with osteoporosis who were taking cholecalciferol (800–1,000 IU/day) were enrolled during 2011 to 2012. Forty patients (education only, Edu group) were educated on the importance of >30 min sunlight exposure daily while taking vitamin D. Twenty-one patients (education with vitamin D supplementation, Add group) were prescribed 1,000 IU/day cholecalciferol (total 1,800–2,000 IU/day) plus education. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to serum 25(OH)D status: deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Furthermore, 25(OH)D levels were compared at baseline and after intervention for 3 months. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) serum 25(OH)D concentration at baseline was 25.10 (18.95–33.60) ng/mL. The mean (±standard error) differences in 25(OH)D levels from baseline to post-intervention were 19.85±3.86 and 31.73±4.82 ng/mL in the Edu group and Add group, respectively. Eighteen patients (29.5%) had vitamin D deficiency, 25 (41.0%) had insufficiency, and 18 (29.5%) had sufficient levels. Optimal 25(OH)D (30 ng/mL or more) was achieved in 54.5% and 95.2% patients in the Edu group and Add group, respectively (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We consider that vitamin D concentration should be measured on a regular basis in order to maintain an optimal level of vitamin D concentration, and education and supplementation is needed if not sufficient.

Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Ocular Pressure according to Facial Flushing in Korean Men with Obesity / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and intraocular pressure (IOP) according to facial flushing in Korean men with obesity. METHODS: The study included 479 Korean men with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m² (75 non-drinkers, 174 with drinking-related facial flushing, and 230 without facial flushing) who underwent health check-ups between October 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and high IOP (≥21 mm Hg). RESULTS: Flushers consuming ≤16 drinks per week had a significantly higher risk of high IOP than non-drinkers, depending on alcohol consumption (≤8 standard drinks: odds ratio [OR], 4.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–19.25; >8 but ≤16 standard drinks: OR, 8.14; 95% CI, 1.37–48.45). However, when the consumption was >16 drinks per week, the high IOP risk did not significantly increase (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.05–10.69). In addition, there was no significant relationship between alcohol consumption and high IOP among non-flushers consuming ≤8 drinks per week (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.52–8.19). However, a significantly increased risk of high IOP was observed among non-flushers consuming >8 drinks per week, depending on alcohol consumption (>8 but ≤16 standard drinks: OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 1.14–20.61; >16 standard drinks: OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.02–16.26). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that obese men with alcohol flush reactions may have an increased risk of high IOP with the consumption of smaller amounts of alcohol than non-flushers.

Korean Alcohol Guidelines for Moderate Drinking Based on Facial Flushing / 가정의학회지

This study investigated advantages and potential risks associated with drinking alcohol in Koreans based on the alcohol flush reaction. Our investigation reviewed published studies and examined moderate-drinking levels for Koreans based on modified National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines. Fourteen articles out of a total 198 publications were searched using PubMed, EMBASE, KoreaMed, and RISS (Research Information Sharing Service) databases and selected for review. Individuals without alcohol flush reaction (non-flushers) exhibited lower risks associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and hyperhomocysteinemia and their 10-year cardiovascular disease risk when alcohol consumption was ≤8 drinks/wk. Conversely, risks associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, prediabetes or type-2 diabetes, and high intraocular pressure and increases in carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, gamma glutamyl transferase, and blood glucose levels were present when >8 drinks were consumed. For individuals with flushing reaction (flushers), advantages were reported in relation to risks of hyperhomocysteinemia when alcohol consumption was ≤4 drinks/wk, whereas consumption of >4 drinks/wk increased the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or type-2 diabetes, high-risk colorectal adenoma, and high intraocular pressure and increased carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, gamma glutamyl transferase, and blood glucose levels. The moderate drinking level for Koreans is ≤8 drinks/wk for men aged ≤65 years and ≤4 drinks/wk for men aged over 65. For women, these limits should be half of those for men. Furthermore, individuals with flushing reaction should maintain an alcohol consumption level half of that for non-flushers.

Relationship between Smoking and Abdominal Aorta Calcification on Computed Tomography / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which often develops as vascular calcification on radiologic examinations. This study evaluated the relationship between smoking-related factors and incidental abdominal aorta calcification (AAC) detected by computed tomography (CT) among middle-aged and elderly men. METHODS: We assessed the abdominal CT findings of 218 men aged 40 to 81 years who underwent health checkups. The associations between smoking factors and AAC were analyzed using logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounding variables such as age, lifestyle factors, and chronic diseases. RESULTS: Adjusting for confounding variables, the risk of AAC was significantly increased in association with smoking for at least 20 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82–14.93), smoking 10+ pack-years (10–20 pack-years: AOR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.07–5.68; >20 pack-years: AOR, 5.28; 95% CI, 2.10–13.31), and a history of smoking (former smoker: AOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.07–5.68; current smoker: AOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.08–12.26). In terms of the daily smoking amount, even a low smoking level increased the risk of AAC. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that smoking for 20+ years, smoking 10+ pack-years, and even a low level of smoking daily increases the likelihood of developing AAC. Clinicians should recommend that patients quit smoking and stress the importance of smoking duration when promoting health in middle-aged and elderly patients.

Improvement of Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Behaviors among Diabetic Patients participated in the Education Program of Sejong Center for Hypertension and Diabetes Management / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the diabetes education program implemented in a community hypertension and diabetes education center. METHODS: Participants were thirty nine diabetic patients who received the education program in the center from May 2014 through May 2015. The education program consisted of two sessions for 2 days (45 minutes per session) regarding clinical information, nutrition and exercise for type 2 diabetes patients. Initially, they were assessed for general characteristics, knowledge on diabetes, self-efficacy and self-care behaviors. Reassessment was performed on their knowledge and self-efficacy directly after the program, and on self-care behaviors at 12 weeks after the program. RESULTS: The mean score of diabetes knowledge was significantly increased from 5.27±2.10 to 8.21±1.20 (p < 0.001) between before and after the program. The self-efficacy score was also significantly increased from 6.88±1.72 to 8.16±1.47 (p < 0.001). The self-care behavior score was significantly increased from 3.59±1.89 before the program to 4.35±1.29 (p < 0.001) at 12 weeks after the program. CONCLUSION: The diabetes education program may be effective on the improvement of knowledge, self-efficacy and self-care behaviors in type 2 diabetic patients.

Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Prostatic Hyperplasia According to Facial Flushing After Drinking in Korean Men / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine whether facial flushing after drinking influences the relationship between alcohol consumption and prostatic hyperplasia among Korean men. METHODS: The subjects were 957 Korean men (180 non-drinkers, 389 with drinking-related facial flushing, 388 without facial flushing) in the 40–69 age group, who underwent prostate ultrasound at the health promotion center of Chungnam National University Hospital between 2008 and 2014. Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related facial flushing were assessed through a questionnaire. In terms of the amount consumed, 14 g of alcohol was considered a standard drink. With the non-drinker group as reference, logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between weekly alcohol intake and prostatic hyperplasia in the flushing and non-flushing groups, with adjustment for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, smoking, and exercise patterns. RESULTS: Individuals aged 50–59 years who experienced drinking-related facial flushing had a significantly lower risk of prostatic hyperplasia than the non-drinker group, depending on alcohol consumption: ≤4 standard drinks (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.86); >4 ≤8 standard drinks (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.95); >8 standard drinks (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.84). However, no significant relationship was observed between the number of drinks consumed and the risk of prostate hyperplasia in the non-flushing group. CONCLUSION: The risk of prostatic hyperplasia appears to be reduced by alcohol consumption among Korean men aged 50–59 years who exhibit drinking-related facial flushing.

Authors' Reply to the Letter to the Editor “Validity of an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test: Methodological Issues” / 가정의학회지

No abstract available.

Factors Associated with Willingness to Volunteer for End-Stage AIDS Patients among Hospice Volunteers / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: With the implementation of the Act on Life Sustaining Treatment, hospice-palliative care will be extended to non-cancer diseases including the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, there are concerns about negative perceptions and prejudice toward AIDS patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related with willingness to volunteer (WV) for patients with end-stage AIDS among hospice volunteers. METHODS: Participants were 326 hospice volunteers from 19 institutions. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to investigate the participants' WV for end-stage AIDS patients, and the questions were answered using an 11-point rating scale. Demographics, volunteer activity, satisfaction with hospice volunteering, knowledge of AIDS, and attitudes towards AIDS patients (i.e., fear AIDS patients, negative attitude towards AIDS patients, personal stigmatization and stigmatizing attitude) were also investigated. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with WV for patients with end-stage AIDS. RESULTS: WV for patients with end-stage AIDS was 2.82 points lower than that for cancer patients (P < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis showed that the higher the level of satisfaction with hospice volunteering (P=0.002) and the lower the level of “personal stigmatization” (P < 0.001), participants showed greater WV for end-stage AIDS patients. CONCLUSION: The level of satisfaction with hospice volunteering and “personal stigmatization” were factors associated with participants' WV for patients with end-stage AIDS.

Validity of Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Korean Revised Version for Screening Alcohol Use Disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Criteria / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) has been widely used to identify alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study evaluated the validity of the AUDIT-Korean revised version (AUDIT-KR) for screening AUD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria. METHODS: This research was conducted with 443 subjects who visited the Chungnam National University Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. All subjects completed the demographic questionnaire and AUDIT-KR without assistance. Subjects were divided into two groups according to DSM-5 criteria: an AUD group, which included patients that fit the criteria for AUD (120 males and 21 females), and a non-AUD group, which included 146 males and 156 females that did not meet AUD criteria. The appropriate cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the AUDIT-KR were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation AUDIT-KR scores were 10.32±7.48 points in males and 3.23±4.42 points in females. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval, CI) of the AUDIT-KR for identifying AUD was 0.884 (0.840–0.920) in males and 0.962 (0.923–0.985) in females. The optimal cut-off value of the AUDIT-KR was 10 points for males (sensitivity, 81.90%; specificity, 81.33%; positive predictive value, 77.2%; negative predictive value, 85.3%) and 5 points for females (sensitivity, 100.00%; specificity, 88.54%; positive predictive value, 52.6%; negative predictive value, 100.0%). CONCLUSION: The AUDIT-KR has high reliability and validity for identifying AUD according to DSM-5 criteria.

Validity of Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Korean Revised Version for Screening Alcohol Use Disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Criteria / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) has been widely used to identify alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study evaluated the validity of the AUDIT-Korean revised version (AUDIT-KR) for screening AUD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria. METHODS: This research was conducted with 443 subjects who visited the Chungnam National University Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. All subjects completed the demographic questionnaire and AUDIT-KR without assistance. Subjects were divided into two groups according to DSM-5 criteria: an AUD group, which included patients that fit the criteria for AUD (120 males and 21 females), and a non-AUD group, which included 146 males and 156 females that did not meet AUD criteria. The appropriate cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the AUDIT-KR were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation AUDIT-KR scores were 10.32±7.48 points in males and 3.23±4.42 points in females. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval, CI) of the AUDIT-KR for identifying AUD was 0.884 (0.840–0.920) in males and 0.962 (0.923–0.985) in females. The optimal cut-off value of the AUDIT-KR was 10 points for males (sensitivity, 81.90%; specificity, 81.33%; positive predictive value, 77.2%; negative predictive value, 85.3%) and 5 points for females (sensitivity, 100.00%; specificity, 88.54%; positive predictive value, 52.6%; negative predictive value, 100.0%). CONCLUSION: The AUDIT-KR has high reliability and validity for identifying AUD according to DSM-5 criteria.

Reliability and Validity of Alcohol Use Disorder dentification Test-Korean Revised Version for Screening At-risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorders / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: There needs to be an amendment to the Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) with regards to the recent change in percent alcohol by volume (ABV) Korean liquor. This study was performed to suggest a cutoff value, reliability and validity of AUDIT-Korean revised version (AUDIT-KR), which reflect the change of the ABV of Korean alcohol. METHODS: The subjects were 435 peoples (210 males and 225 females), who visited the Chungnam National University Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. The respondents completed the AUDIT-KR. At-risk drinking and alcohol use disorders had been evaluated by diagnostic interview. The Cronbach's alpha value, the receiver operating characteristic curve, the appropriate cutoff value, sensitivity and specificity of the AUDIT-KR were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 190 at-risk drinkers (111 males and 79 females), and 66 people with alcohol use disorders (48 males and 18 females). The cutoff value of the AUDIT-KR for at-risk drinking was 3 points (sensitivity 93.69% and specificity 78.79%) for males and 3 points (sensitivity 92.40% and specificity 78.08%) for females. The cutoff value for alcohol use disorders was 10 points (sensitivity 100.00% and specificity 89.51%) for males and 8 points (sensitivity 100.00% and specificity 93.71%) for females. Cronbach's alpha of the AUDIT-KR was 0.885. CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that the AUDIT-KR shows a high reliability and validity in identifying at-risk drinking and alcohol use disorders.

Vitamin D Status and Response to Initial Vitamin D Supplementation in Korean Women with Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the optimal vitamin D level is achieved after taking recommended dose in vitamin D deficient patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Women (n=52) first diagnosed with osteoporosis were recruited in outpatient clinic. They were recommended to be exposed to sun light for more than 30 min a day. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25-[OH]D3) status: deficiency (less than 20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) and sufficiency (30 ng/mL or more). Insufficient and sufficient patients received the recommended dose (1,000 IU/day) but deficient patients received recommended or double dose (1,800-2,000 IU/day). We compared 25-(OH)D levels at baseline and after vitamin D supplementation for 3 months. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) serum 25-(OH)D concentration at baseline was 15.10 (13.30-16.97) ng/mL and the proportion of deficient, insufficient and sufficient groups were 69.2%, 23.1%, and 7.7% respectively. The optimal 25-(OH)D level (30 ng/mL or more) was achieved in 83.3% of insufficient patients with the recommended dose and was did in 55.6% of deficient patients with recommended dose (P=0.117). However, 88.9% of the deficient patient with double dose achieved optimal level (P=0.030). CONCLUSIONS: About 44% of vitamin D deficient patients did not attain the optimal level of serum 25-(OH)D despite recommended daily intake of vitamin D to 1,000 IU in patients with osteoporosis. Follow-up of serum 25-(OH)D levels may be required for vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient patients with osteoporosis.