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Background and Objectives@#Since the introduction of nasal valve surgery, trends in septoplasty and inferior turbinate surgery (ITS) have changed in Korea. However, a detailed analysis of these changes has yet to be conducted. @*Methods@#Data on septoplasty and ITS performed from 2010 to 2022 were extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Bigdata Open portal and trends were analyzed. Analyses according to the type of medical institution, patient sex and age, and the specialty of the surgeon were also conducted. @*Results@#The frequency of both septoplasty and ITS gradually decreased from 2012 to 2017, which marked the low point, and the frequency of these procedures gradually increased thereafter. In 2010, 41.5% of septoplasty procedures were performed in general hospitals, 7.3% in hospitals, and 47.3% in clinics. However, the proportion of these procedures performed in general hospitals subsequently decreased, while the corresponding proportion in hospitals and clinics increased. Both septoplasty and ITS were performed more than twice as often in men than in women. The number of patients under the age of 19 decreased, while the number of female patients aged 20–29 increased. The number of septoplasty procedures performed by plastic surgeons increased. @*Conclusion@#Since the introduction of nasal valve surgery, the number of septoplasty procedures performed by plastic surgeons has increased.
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Background@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to have a high incidence of loss of smell and taste. However, studies in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have evaluated these symptoms using subjective surveys and simple olfactory tests only. Hence, we compared the olfactory and gustatory characteristics of patient groups with COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction (C19OD) and non-COVID-19 postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) using an objective olfactory test and evaluated the significance of olfactory training in both patient groups. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 14 patients with a decreased sense of smell after having positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction results, and 56 patients with PIOD with no history of confirmed COVID-19. Participants were evaluated using the Korean version of the Sniffin’ stick (KVSS) II, and chemical gustometry and olfactory training was assessed during their first visit. Olfactory training was then re-evaluated after an average of 8 (± 6) weeks. @*Results@#The average age of participants in the C19OD group was lower than in those in the non-COVID-19 PIOD group. The proportion of men in the C19OD group was higher than in the non-COVID-19 PIOD group. At baseline assessment, the C19OD group had better olfactory and gustatory functions. After olfactory training, the non-COVID-19 PIOD patient group showed a significant increase in all KVSS II Total, T, D, and I scores, but there was a non-significant increase in all scores in the C19OD group. @*Conclusion@#The C19OD group had better olfactory and gustatory function than the nonCOVID-19 PIOD group at the initial assessment. After olfactory training, there was an increase in olfactory function test scores in both groups. Olfactory training may be helpful in C19OD, as in non-COVID-19 PIOD.
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Olfaction is one of the five basic human senses, and it is known to be one of the most primitive senses. The sense of olfaction may have been critical for human survival in prehistoric society, and although many believe its importance has diminished over time, it continues to have an impact on human interaction, bonding, and propagation of the species. Even if we are unaware of it, the sense of smell greatly affects our lives and is closely related to overall quality of life and health. Nonetheless, olfaction has been neglected from a scientific perspective compared to other senses. However, olfaction has recently received substantial attention since the loss of smell and taste has been noted as a key symptom of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Studies investigating olfaction loss in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have revealed that olfactory dysfunction can be both conductive and sensorineural, possibly causing structural changes in the brain. Olfactory training is an effective treatment for olfactory dysfunction, suggesting the reorganization of neural associations. A reduced ability to smell may also alert suspicion for neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. Here, we summarize the basic knowledge that we, as otorhinolaryngologists, should have about the sense of smell and the peripheral and central olfactory pathways for managing and helping patients with olfactory dysfunction.
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Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) that may lead to rapid neurologic deterioration. Symptoms typically develop within the first postoperative week after enough air has entered the intracranial cavity to create pressure on the dura. Furthermore, there may be a rapid onset of symptoms after a positive pressure event. However, there may be a more insidious onset of symptoms in the absence of a positive pressure event. We report a rare case of delayed tension pneumocephalus following an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak repair. We discuss here the mechanisms of this complication and the diagnosis and treatment strategies of tension pneumocephalus after an ESS.
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Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) results in several characteristic clinical symptoms, including chronic pansinusitis, recurrent infections of the respiratory tract, and infertility. Concerning the rhinologic aspect, medical therapy mainly involving a combination of long-term antimicrobial agents and intranasal steroid sprays can control sinusitis in the majority of cases. But, there are no definite treatment guidelines for recalcitrant chronic sinusitis with PCD. Recently, we examined a 28-year-old male with serous otitis effusion, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis, and a 4-year-old female with chronic sinusitis and serous otitis effusion. We confirmed PCD by electron microscopy and endoscopic maxillary mega-antrostomy was performed in both cases for the treatment of chronic sinusitis that was refractory to conservative management.
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Background and Objectives@#The number of otolaryngologists in Korea has increased rapidly in recent years. However, as the population is expected to decrease gradually, it is necessary to study the appropriate number of otolaryngologists. @*Subjects and Methods@#We counted the number of otolaryngologists certified annually and the number of currently active otolaryngologists, and estimated the retirement time from this data. In addition, the statistics from the National Statistical Office were used to survey the total population and the youth population under the age of 14 up to 2060. Finally, changes in the number of active otolaryngologists and the population per otolaryngologist were predicted by 2060. @*Results@#The total number of otolaryngologists certified by 2020 was 4699, and the number of active otolaryngologists in 2019 was 3950. The average duration of retirement is about 36.5 years, and it is expected to be 40 years soon. Currently, 77.4% of otolaryngologists are practitioners, and 51.3% are working in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. In 2009, the number of people per otolaryngologist was about 17000, whereas in 2019 it was sharply reduced to about 13000. If 120 otolaryngologists are produced each year, it decreases to about 10000 by 2060. However, if the number of new otolaryngologists is reduced to 100 per year, it can be maintained at around 12000 in 2060. In any case, however, the number of patients under 14 years of age cannot be prevented from falling sharply. @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to adjust the number of otolaryngologists to account for population decline.
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Background and Objectives@#All treatments must be effective and affordable. Although it is clear that immunotherapy is effective in patients with allergic rhinitis, no cost-effectiveness analysis has been conducted in Korea.Subjects and Method We compared 10 years of total treatment costs (medical expense+ transportation cost+time cost) with medications and symptoms scores assuming that adult patients with allergic rhinitis are treated only with symptomatic medication (medication model) or immunotherapy (subcutaneous or sublingual) plus symptomatic medication [subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) models, respectively]. For cost-effectiveness analysis, related papers and domestic medical statistics were used. @*Results@#The total treatment costs for the first 3 years were ₩3330199, ₩6605557, and ₩7130467 for the Medication model, SCIT model and SLIT model, respectively. The total treatment costs for the 10-year period were ₩7996087, ₩8588624, and ₩9113534 for the medication model, SCIT model, and SCIT model, respectively. The cumulative symptoms plus medications scores decreased 0.44 times in both immunotherapy models compared to the medication model. @*Conclusion@#The initial cost of immunotherapy is more expensive than symptomatic medication, but the total cost for 10 years is similar. In addition, immunotherapy can reduce symptoms by more than half. Therefore, it is a cost-effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
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Background and Objectives@#Positive airway pressure (PAP) is effective at reducing the number of complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To the best of our knowledge, no cost-effectiveness analysis of PAP has been conducted in Korea. Subjects and Method: We classified subjects into two groups, those with moderate-to-severe OSA who used PAP after polysomnography (PAP treatment group) and those who did not receive a diagnosis and treatment (control group), and compared their medical expenses over a period of 10 years. The incidence rate of common complications and accidents (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, depression, diabetes, vehicular accidents, and work-related accidents) with or without PAP was adopted through a literature review. The average medical expenses for treating each complication and accident were found by searching several databases. The analysis consisted of a payer’s perspective and a societal perspective. @*Results@#The incidence of all complications was higher in the control group than in the PAP treatment group. However, since the absolute incidence rate was not high in either group and medical expenses in Korea are low, the expected treatment cost was not high. In contrast, the PAP rental fee was relatively high. To obtain 1 unit of disability-adjusted life year, it costs 40,873,288 won from the payer’s perspective and 31,791,810 won from the societal perspective. @*Conclusion@#PAP treatment reduces patient complications and extends their lifespan, but costs must be considered.
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Background@#Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay treatment for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Since various factors may contribute to the surgical outcome, it is challenging for physicians to predict surgical outcomes. The aim of study was to analyze the prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes and to establish the prediction model with the risk factors that impact the postoperative outcomes. @*Methods@#Medical records of CRS patients who underwent ESS at 9 institutions in 2005, 2010, and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. We classified the patients into 2 groups based on postoperative objective endoscopic outcomes. Demographics, nose-specific symptoms, olfactory function, eosinophil counts in blood (EoB) and nasal tissue (EoT), and LundMackay CT score (LMS) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and established a prediction equation for postoperative endoscopic objective outcomes. @*Results@#In total (n = 1,249), 27.0% were not satisfied under postoperative endoscopic examination. Of 10 variables, LMS (> 5), sinus dominancy (maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus), EoB (> 210), and EoT (> 100) were statistically significant in univariate analysis (P 100) and LMS (> 5) were significantly associated with poor postoperative outcome. Furthermore, 5 significant variables were employed to establish the risk model of postoperative outcomes and P (the value of prediction probability) = 1 / (1 + exp [−0.392 + 1.088 × EoT (> 100) + 0.123 × mean LMS (> 5) − 0.366 × sinus dominancy (maxillary) + 0.064 × sinus dominancy (similar) + 0.200 × EoB (4%) + 0.344 × EoB (> 210)] was developed. @*Conclusion@#Tissue eosinophil count and radiographic severity predispose to a poorer outcome of ESS and the risk model established may be helpful to predict postoperative outcomes of ESS.
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Background and Objectives@#Positive airway pressure (PAP) is effective at reducing the number of complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To the best of our knowledge, no cost-effectiveness analysis of PAP has been conducted in Korea. Subjects and Method: We classified subjects into two groups, those with moderate-to-severe OSA who used PAP after polysomnography (PAP treatment group) and those who did not receive a diagnosis and treatment (control group), and compared their medical expenses over a period of 10 years. The incidence rate of common complications and accidents (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, depression, diabetes, vehicular accidents, and work-related accidents) with or without PAP was adopted through a literature review. The average medical expenses for treating each complication and accident were found by searching several databases. The analysis consisted of a payer’s perspective and a societal perspective. @*Results@#The incidence of all complications was higher in the control group than in the PAP treatment group. However, since the absolute incidence rate was not high in either group and medical expenses in Korea are low, the expected treatment cost was not high. In contrast, the PAP rental fee was relatively high. To obtain 1 unit of disability-adjusted life year, it costs 40,873,288 won from the payer’s perspective and 31,791,810 won from the societal perspective. @*Conclusion@#PAP treatment reduces patient complications and extends their lifespan, but costs must be considered.
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Background@#Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay treatment for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Since various factors may contribute to the surgical outcome, it is challenging for physicians to predict surgical outcomes. The aim of study was to analyze the prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes and to establish the prediction model with the risk factors that impact the postoperative outcomes. @*Methods@#Medical records of CRS patients who underwent ESS at 9 institutions in 2005, 2010, and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. We classified the patients into 2 groups based on postoperative objective endoscopic outcomes. Demographics, nose-specific symptoms, olfactory function, eosinophil counts in blood (EoB) and nasal tissue (EoT), and LundMackay CT score (LMS) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and established a prediction equation for postoperative endoscopic objective outcomes. @*Results@#In total (n = 1,249), 27.0% were not satisfied under postoperative endoscopic examination. Of 10 variables, LMS (> 5), sinus dominancy (maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus), EoB (> 210), and EoT (> 100) were statistically significant in univariate analysis (P 100) and LMS (> 5) were significantly associated with poor postoperative outcome. Furthermore, 5 significant variables were employed to establish the risk model of postoperative outcomes and P (the value of prediction probability) = 1 / (1 + exp [−0.392 + 1.088 × EoT (> 100) + 0.123 × mean LMS (> 5) − 0.366 × sinus dominancy (maxillary) + 0.064 × sinus dominancy (similar) + 0.200 × EoB (4%) + 0.344 × EoB (> 210)] was developed. @*Conclusion@#Tissue eosinophil count and radiographic severity predispose to a poorer outcome of ESS and the risk model established may be helpful to predict postoperative outcomes of ESS.
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Objectives@#. Postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) is the most common etiology of olfactory dysfunction, and olfactory training (OT) is an accepted treatment modality for PIOD. Some studies have investigated OT in Korean patients, but they involved odorants unfamiliar to Koreans or had no control group. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of OT in PIOD patients, using odorants familiar to Koreans and including a control group. @*Methods@#. We enrolled a total of 104 Korean patients with PIOD over the 3-year study period. All participants were assessed using endoscopy and an olfactory function test at the baseline assessment and 3 months after OT. The olfactory function test was performed using the Korean version of Sniffin’ stick (KVSS) II. Nasal and psychological function was evaluated using a visual analog scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination. OT was performed over a period of 3 months, using five odorants (rose, lemon, cinnamon, orange, and peach). @*Results@#. OT improved olfactory function in approximately 40% of subjects over a period of 12 weeks compared to non-OT subjects. A comparison of changes between the initial and follow-up assessments demonstrated that the OT group had significantly better olfactory results for the total KVSS II, threshold, and identification scores than the non-OT group. The degree of olfactory improvement after OT was affected by the initial score. @*Conclusion@#. The effects of OT in patients with PIOD were demonstrated in this study. A meaningful contribution of this study is that Korean patients were tested using odors familiar to them in comparison with a control group.
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Objectives@#. Past several studies have proven that caffeine facilitates attentional enhancement by acting as an adenosine antagonist once it is absorbed by the body, resulting in improved psycho-behavioral function. Modern clinical olfactory function tests are usually assessed by psychophysical tests but due to a paucity of data, the influence of enhanced attention by caffeine on olfactory function still remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare results of cognitive function (attention) and olfactory function before and after caffeine administration in order to analyze effects of caffeine on olfactory function in normosmic subjects. @*Methods@#. This study enrolled 49 participants of Konkuk University Hospital with a mean age of 27.7 years who had patent olfactory clefts and no olfactory dysfunction from May 2015 to February 2016. Subjects were restrained from caffeine 10 hours before the test. On day 1, participant’s subjective olfactory function was evaluated before and after uptake of either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee using visual analog scale (VAS) score, minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) measured by acoustic rhinometry, and the Korean version of Sniffin’ Stick II (KVSS II). Evaluation of participant’s attentional degree was measured by d2 test. On day 2, the same procedure was carried out with counterpart substance. The type of coffee initially administrated was randomly selected. @*Results@#. After administration, caffeinated coffee resulted in significant attentional enhancement than decaffeinated coffee. Results of d2 test showed statistically significant differences in the parameters of total number of errors and omission errors. In both the caffeinated and decaffeinated groups, the patients showed slight increase in VAS score and nasal cavity area; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Also, caffeinated coffee intake compared to decaffeinated coffee intake showed no significant relevance to olfactory function. @*Conclusion@#. Caffeine may significantly improve attentional congnitive function, while not have acute effects on olfactory function.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Upper airway obstruction can occur at the soft palate, tongue base, or epiglottis among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Detection of these obstruction sites is very important for choosing a treatment modality for OSA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obstruction site of OSA patients and its association with mouth opening and head position. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Forty-eight consecutive patients with suspicion of OSA were enrolled and underwent videofluoroscopy to evaluate the obstruction site, as well as polysomnography. Obstruction site, mouth opening, and head position were evaluated on videofluoroscopy, and their association was analyzed. RESULTS: According to the videofluoroscopy, 47 (97.9%) of 48 patients showed an obstruction in the soft palate, while 24 (50.0%) were located in the tongue base and 14 (29.2%) in the epiglottis. Multiple obstructions were observed in many patients. Mean apnea-hypopnea index was higher among patients with tongue base obstruction (42.3±26.7) compared to those without obstruction (26.4±21.2, p=0.058). However, epiglottis obstruction did not influence apnea-hypopnea index. Mouth opening did not show any association with tongue base obstruction (p=0.564), while head flexion was highly associated (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Half of patients with OSA have tongue base obstruction, which worsens the apnea-hypopnea index. Head flexion is associated with tongue base obstruction, while mouth opening is not.
Subject(s)
Humans , Airway Obstruction , Epiglottis , Head , Methods , Mouth , Palate, Soft , Polysomnography , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive , TongueABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Traumatic anosmia is a common disorder following head injury; however, little is known regarding its neural basis and influence on the functional networks. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the functional connectivity changes in patients with traumatic anosmia compared to healthy controls using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with traumatic anosmia and 12 healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI. Differences in the connectivity of the olfactory and whole brain networks were compared between the two groups. Graph theoretical parameters, such as modularity and global efficiency of the whole brain or olfactory networks, were calculated and compared. Correlation analyses were performed between the parameters and disease severity. RESULTS: Patients with traumatic anosmia showed decreased intra-network connectivity in the olfactory network (false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected p < 0.05) compared with that in healthy controls. Furthermore, the inter-network connectivity was increased in both the olfactory (FDR-corrected p < 0.05) and whole brain networks (degree-based statistic-corrected p < 0.05) in the anosmia group. The whole brain networks showed decreased modularity (p < 0.001) and increased global efficiency (p = 0.019) in patients with traumatic anosmia. The modularity and global efficiency were correlated with disease severity in patients with anosmia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Traumatic anosmia increased the inter-network connectivity observed with rs-fMRI in the olfactory and global brain functional networks. rs-fMRI parameters may serve as potential biomarkers for traumatic anosmia by revealing a more widespread functional damage than previously expected.
Subject(s)
Humans , Biomarkers , Brain , Craniocerebral Trauma , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Olfaction DisordersABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in commercial vehicle operators (CMVOs). This study aimed to evaluate the poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the prevalence of self-reported OSA in CMVOs. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who visited a single institution with sleep problems from 2011 January to 2016 December. Among the patients, a total of 38 CMVOs was analyzed. Clinical information, questionnaires about sleep quality (Pittsburg sleep questionnaire, PSQI), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale, ESS) and risk factors for OSA (STOP-Bang) were analyzed. The frequency of motor vehicle accidents and near accidents was assessed, and polysomnography (PSG) was used for OSA diagnosis purposes. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 45.3±11.8 years. The average score of PSQI, ESS, and STOP-Bang were 6.75±4.22, 10.79±7.12, and 4.62±3.34, respectively. A significant association between near accidents and high-risk group of OSA was observed [odds ratio (OR)=2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08–4.48]. Subjects with poor sleep quality showed significantly increased risk of near accidents (OR=2.34, 95% CI=1.01–3.56). Receiver operating characteristic curves of STOP-Bang questionnaire using apnea-hypopnea index (cut-off value=5) indicates that suspected OSA group predicted by STOP-Bang score was significantly correlated with OSA severity (area under curve=0.72, sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 59.4%). CONCLUSION: Administration of STOP-Bang questionnaire before a PSG can identify high-risk subjects, supporting its further use in OSA screening of CMVOs.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diagnosis , Korea , Mass Screening , Medical Records , Methods , Motor Vehicles , Polysomnography , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in commercial vehicle operators (CMVOs). This study aimed to evaluate the poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the prevalence of self-reported OSA in CMVOs.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who visited a single institution with sleep problems from 2011 January to 2016 December. Among the patients, a total of 38 CMVOs was analyzed. Clinical information, questionnaires about sleep quality (Pittsburg sleep questionnaire, PSQI), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale, ESS) and risk factors for OSA (STOP-Bang) were analyzed. The frequency of motor vehicle accidents and near accidents was assessed, and polysomnography (PSG) was used for OSA diagnosis purposes.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of the study population was 45.3ñ11.8 years. The average score of PSQI, ESS, and STOP-Bang were 6.75ñ4.22, 10.79ñ7.12, and 4.62ñ3.34, respectively. A significant association between near accidents and high-risk group of OSA was observed [odds ratio (OR)=2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08ââ¬â4.48]. Subjects with poor sleep quality showed significantly increased risk of near accidents (OR=2.34, 95% CI=1.01ââ¬â3.56). Receiver operating characteristic curves of STOP-Bang questionnaire using apnea-hypopnea index (cut-off value=5) indicates that suspected OSA group predicted by STOP-Bang score was significantly correlated with OSA severity (area under curve=0.72, sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 59.4%).@*CONCLUSION@#Administration of STOP-Bang questionnaire before a PSG can identify high-risk subjects, supporting its further use in OSA screening of CMVOs.
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The selection of allergen panel is very important to test for innumerable allergens throughout the Korea. However, the allergens studied are heterogeneous depending on the area the patient live and there is no methodological unification. Although, testing panel of allergens should be tailored according to the geographical areas, considering the relatively small Korean Peninsula, common inhalant allergens for test could be retrieved from the published data. Hence, this study is aimed to review the longitudinal variance of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis live in several regional provinces of Korea, figure out the similarity and differences of sensitized allergens results derived from each study and finally make a guideline for physician in selecting the offending allergens to test. From the inception, studies which analyzing the offending allergens by either ImmunoCAP®, Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test or Skin testing were reviewed and we found that the common sensitized allergens are house dust mites, pollen and mold plus 1–2 notable different allergens according to the specific regions. Especially, a total of 10±3 allergens adequately detected most of the sensitization of the major regions of Korea according to each age groups and special regional features. This study suggest that physicians should perform the screening of allergic rhinitis with minimally selected allergen in the light of age categories and special regional features. Standardization of allergens selection process would be predicted to have enormous benefits in establishing an insurance policy, giving sound scientific evidence and monitoring the antigenic variations of the Korean Peninsula.
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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.