Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated With Late-Onset Preeclampsia in Overweight Pregnant Women in Korea

Background@#Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is closely related to maternal obesity in pregnant women, and the association increases with later pregnancy. Obesity and OSA are risk factors of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and fetal morbidities. We aimed to determine the prevalence of OSA and to assess the impact of OSA on pregnancy-related disorders in overweight pregnant women. @*Methods@#Eligible participants who were overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m 2 ] in gestational age 30 weeks or more, assessed OSA using a portable polysomnography at home.Clinical data were collected from pregnant women and their babies. @*Results@#The average age of 51 participants was 34.5 years (27–44 years). The number of primipara was 25 (49%) and that of multipara was 26 (51%). Eight cases of GDM (15.7%) and five cases of preeclampsia (9.8%) were reported, and six patients (11.8%) experienced preterm delivery. In results of polysomnography, 14 patients (27.5%) were diagnosed as OSA. Apnea-hypopnea index moderately correlated with BMI (r = 0.515, P < 0.001). The BMI (P < 0.005) and preeclampsia rate (P < 0.017) were higher in the OSA group compared to the control group. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusting age, BMI, parity, and abortion history were calculated. The presence of OSA increased OR of preeclampsia (OR, 13.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–171.3). The majority of preeclampsia patients (4/5, 80%) underwent preterm delivery. @*Conclusion@#OSA is an important risk factor for preeclampsia, resulting in preterm delivery.For overweight pregnant women, an OSA evaluation should be mandatory.

One-Unit Osteotomy to Correct Deviated Bony Dorsum

Objectives@#. A crooked nose is frequently caused by nasal bony vault deviation, and proper management of the bony vault is an integral part of rhinoplasty. Conventional osteotomy to correct a deviated nose favors simultaneous medial and lateral osteotomies, which allows the free independent movement of each nasal bone. However, patient satisfaction with deviated nose surgery is sometimes low. In the present study, we introduce a one-unit osteotomy procedure that combines bilateral and root osteotomies with unilateral triangular bony wedge resection to allow symmetry of both nasal bones. @*Methods@#. Twenty consecutive patients who presented with bony vault deviation and underwent one-unit osteotomy were enrolled in this retrospective single-center study. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire was used to evaluate each patient’s functional outcome. The angle of bony vault deviation before and after one-unit osteotomy was measured using a protractor and compared with the results of 14 patients who had undergone conventional osteotomy. The improvement in dorsal deviation was evaluated using facial photography preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. @*Results@#. NOSE values improved from 8.4±6.4 to 4.1±4.2 (P =0.021). The angle of bony vault deviation improved from 6.9°±2.2° to 2.1°±1.2° (P <0.001) in one-unit osteotomy and from 7.3°±4.0° to 2.7°±1.2° (P =0.001) in conventional osteotomy. The preoperative deviation angle improved by 70.3% in one-unit osteotomy compared with 56.6% in conventional osteotomy, which was a significant difference (P =0.033). The mean grade of the postoperative esthetic outcomes for the remaining deviation was 1.6±0.5, which was similar to that in the conventional osteotomy group. @*Conclusion@#. One-unit osteotomy is a relatively simple procedure that balances the width of both lateral walls by removing excessive bony fragments from the wider bony wall and providing better structural integrity. This technique improves functional outcomes and has equivalent esthetic results to those of the traditional procedure.

Reconstruction Strategy After Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is a rapidly growing surgical area that involves collaboration of otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and neurosurgeons. Various tumor pathologies and extents have been successfully treated with ESBS, and diverse reconstruction methods have been adopted since its introduction. The optimal reconstructive strategy should be based on heterogeneous surgical situations and tumor extent. Nevertheless, there are few current guidelines for selecting reconstructive methods. Therefore, we review diverse options for endoscopic skull-base reconstruction.

Two Cases of Herpes Virus Infection of Nose Mimicking Acute Invasive Fungal Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts

Various invasive fungal infections can occur in immunocompromised hosts, and an acute invasive fungal infection (AIFI) can be fatal. Because of its high mortality rate, AIFI must be quickly diagnosed and treated, such as anti-fungal agents or surgical debridement. In an immunocompromised host, nasal herpes simplex infection, usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1, can have various clinical manifestations, some of which can mimic AIFI. However, the management of acute viral infection differs significantly from invasive fungal infections of the nose. A fast and accurate differential diagnosis is mandatory because a delay in the disease-specific treatment of acute invasive infections can lead to mortality. This report describes two immunocompromised patients with mucosal and skin lesions around the nose. We provide clinical clues when mucosal lesions of the nasal cavity and skin lesions around the nose develop in immunocompromised hosts.

Long-Term Clinical Course of Benign Fibro-Osseous Lesions in the Paranasal Sinuses

Objectives@#. Fibro-osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses can present various clinical manifestations. This study aimed to report the long-term clinical course of benign fibro-osseous lesions (BFOLs) in the paranasal sinuses, including clinical and radiologic features. @*Methods@#. Radiologically confirmed BFOLs between 1994 and 2016, with the exclusion of osteoma cases, were retrospectively reviewed. We compared demographic characteristics between the surgery and observation groups. The reasons for the imaging study, radiographic features, histopathology, and clinical course based on serial image scans were analyzed. @*Results@#. In total, 183 subjects were selected from a thorough review of head and neck radiologic tests (n=606,068) at a tertiary referral hospital over 22 years. Patients’ mean age was 28.6±18.1 years, and 56.3% were males. A diagnostic imaging workup was performed in 55.7% of patients due to facial asymmetry, headache, skull mass, or other symptoms related to BFOLs. In other patients (37.7%), BFOLs were found incidentally on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The most common diagnosis was fibrous dysplasia, followed by ossifying fibroma, based on both radiologic exams and histopathologic results. In total, 42.6% of the patients underwent surgery because of subjective symptoms or esthetic concerns. The patients who underwent surgery were younger (P<0.001) and had a longer follow-up duration (P<0.001) than those who underwent observation. Patients who experienced lesion growth (11.5%) were younger (P<0.001) and had more lesion sites (P=0.018) than those who did not, regardless of surgical treatment. Five patients underwent optic nerve decompression, and one patient experienced malignant transformation. @*Conclusion@#. BFOL in the paranasal sinuses is a rare disease, and most cases were observed without specific treatment. Surgical treatment should be considered in symptomatic patients with aggressive clinical features. Regular observation and management are needed, particularly in younger patients in their teens.

A Case of Free Flap Reconstruction after Endoscopic Debridemnt for Recalcitrant Nasopharyngeal Osteoradionecrosis Without Facial Incision

High-dose radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for nasopharyngeal cancer, and clinical outcomes have improved in recent decades. A certain proportion of patients, however, suffer from post-radiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN). Patients with PRNN complain of headache, foul odor, or symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Clinically, intracranial infection or bleeding from carotid artery damage may lead to sudden death or severe deterioration in quality of life. Although the prognosis of PRNN was poor, endoscopic debridement with local vascularized flap recently showed favorable outcomes, and many centers are using this technique with a nasoseptal flap. However, if the flap fails or does not fully cover necrotized tissues, necrosis inevitably reoccurs. In this situation, free flap transfer with a facial incision using a transmaxillary approach is used, but some drawbacks exist. In this report, we propose a new resurfacing technique for recurrent PRNN using a transoral-cervical free flap tunneling approach into the nasopharynx without a facial incision after endoscopic debridement.

A Case of Free Flap Reconstruction after Endoscopic Debridemnt for Recalcitrant Nasopharyngeal Osteoradionecrosis Without Facial Incision

High-dose radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for nasopharyngeal cancer, and clinical outcomes have improved in recent decades. A certain proportion of patients, however, suffer from post-radiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN). Patients with PRNN complain of headache, foul odor, or symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Clinically, intracranial infection or bleeding from carotid artery damage may lead to sudden death or severe deterioration in quality of life. Although the prognosis of PRNN was poor, endoscopic debridement with local vascularized flap recently showed favorable outcomes, and many centers are using this technique with a nasoseptal flap. However, if the flap fails or does not fully cover necrotized tissues, necrosis inevitably reoccurs. In this situation, free flap transfer with a facial incision using a transmaxillary approach is used, but some drawbacks exist. In this report, we propose a new resurfacing technique for recurrent PRNN using a transoral-cervical free flap tunneling approach into the nasopharynx without a facial incision after endoscopic debridement.

A Case of Petrous Apex Meningocele: Unusual Presentation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Adenoidectomy

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is possible and can be a cause of recurrent bacterial meningitis. Petrous apex meningocele (PAM) is mostly asymptomatic and is often found during incidental imaging tests. We experienced a case of CSF rhinorrhea with recurrent meningitis in bilateral PAM after adenoidectomy. This report highlights the diagnostic process of CSF leak, identification of leakage site, and surgical approach to petrous apex lesions.

The Effect of Triamcinolone-Soaked Gelfoam in Patients with Polypoid Mucosal Change after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background and Objectives@#Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) recurs frequently after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy of triamcinolone-soaked absorbable gelatin foam (gelfoam) as a treatment for recurred polypoid changes after ESS.Subjects and Method: A total of 35 patients and 57 nasal cavities was retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent triamcinolone- infused gelfoam packing for 1 week under nasal endoscopic guidance. Endoscopic scores were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. We analyzed clinical characteristics between success and failure groups. @*Results@#Endoscopic scores were significantly improved after triamcinolone-soaked gelfoam packing, and the effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up (1.85±0.61 vs. 0.82±0.77, p＜0.001). Duration between surgery and gelfoam packing was shorter in the success group compared to the failure group (8.2±6.9 vs. 13.7±8.4 weeks, p=0.033). Serum eosinophil cationic protein and tissue eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the failure group (p=0.025 and p=0.010, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Triamcinolone-soaked gelfoam packing is an effective and safe method for managing recurrent polypoid change in patients with CRSwNP after ESS. Early intervention contributed to a successful result, and eosinophilic inflammation was associated with poor outcomes.

Endoscopic Resection of Functional Paraganglioma of the Pterygopalatine Fossa: A Case Report

Functional paraganglioma is a rare tumor that secretes the catecholamine which is able to cause secondary hypertension. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment modality for this tumor, which can correct the secondary hypertension. The pterygopalatine fossa is a small retromaxillary space which contains a neurovascular bundle that crosses the middle cranial fossa to the nasal cavity, nasal septum, and oral cavity. To our knowledge, two cases have been reported for functional paraganglioma involving the pterygopalatine fossa removed by surgery. We present a patient who had a catecholamine-secreting paraganglioma in the pterygopalatine fossa, which is the first case successfully resected with an endoscopic approach.

A Comparison of Olfactory and Sinonasal Outcomes in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery Performed by a Single Neurosurgeon or a Collaborative Team of Surgeons

Objectives@#. Endoscopic pituitary surgery usually requires a collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes. However, neurosurgeons occasionally perform these procedures alone without an ENT surgeon. In this study, postoperative sinonasal quality of life and olfactory function were compared in patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon or by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon. @*Materials and Methods@#. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma from January 2015 to April 2018 were included. The study patients were divided into two groups; patients in group 1 underwent surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon, while patients in group 2 received surgery performed by a collaborative team of surgeons. Olfaction was assessed using a subjective Likert scale, the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT), and the butanol threshold test (BTT). In addition, patients answered the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire regarding sinonasal quality of life before and 3 months after surgery. @*Results@#. This study included 152 patients (46 patients in group 1 and 106 patients in group 2). Significant differences were not observed between the two groups regarding age, sex, tumor size, or operation time. Although subjective olfaction was not significantly different before and after surgery, group 2 showed significantly better objective olfactory function based on the CC-SIT (8.44±3.00 vs. 9.84±1.40; P=0.012) and BTT (4.67±0.84 vs. 5.02±0.33; P=0.022) scores at 3 months after surgery. The SNOT-22 scores were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). @*Conclusion@#. In the present study, better olfactory outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery performed by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon. This result shows the need for collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons in endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Inverse Relationship between Adenoid Size and Asthma or Atopy in Children: A Preliminary Study / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#One of the most common surgical procedures in children is adenoidectomy, but the causes of adenoid hypertrophy are not fully understood. Some studies have found that allergies can be a risk factor for adenoid hypertrophy, asthma being one of these allergic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adenoid size and asthma in a group of children.Subjects and Method This study reviewed a total of 2063 pediatric patients with or without atopy and asthma who visited the Otorhinolaryngology and Pediatric unit at a tertiary medical center from January 2011 to June 2016. We classified these patients into 4 groups according to the presence of asthma or atopy and randomly selected 100 patients from each group (to a total of 400 pts): group 1 (asthma-, atopy-); group 2 (asthma-, atopy+); group 3 (asthma+, atopy-) and group 4 (asthma+, atopy+). The presence of allergic sensitization (atopy) was evaluated by CAP test and total IgE. Asthma was diagnosed according to the diagnosis criteria in the Korean guideline for asthma. Adenoid size was evaluated with the adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (A/N ratio) by the adenoid view. @*Results@#The four groups did not differ from each other significantly in age or sex. There was a negative correlation between adenoid size and atopic and asthmatic condition. Group 1 had a significantly larger A/N ratio than the other groups (group 1=0.534±0.138; group 2=0.469± 0.140; group 3=0.476±0.135; group 4=0.482±0.128, p<0.05). However, group 4 showed nearly identical results to groups 2 and 3, despite the combination of asthma and atopy in group 4. @*Conclusion@#Large adenoids were negatively associated with atopy and asthma. This finding may be explained by a decrease in adenoid stimulation by nasal obstruction and a difference in the immune system, including allergic immune reactions. Further studies are needed.

Comparison Between Endoscopic Prelacrimal Medial Maxillectomy and Caldwell-Luc Approach for Benign Maxillary Sinus Tumors

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic prelacrimal medial maxillectomy (EPMM) was previously reported to treat maxillary inverted papilloma. This study aimed to compare prelacrimal recess approach with the conventional Caldwell-Luc approach (CLA) to remove benign maxillary sinus tumors and to evaluate the usefulness of this approach based on our experience. METHODS: Ten patients who underwent EPMM at our hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were reviewed. We also reviewed 30 patients who underwent benign maxillary sinus tumor resection via CLA during the same period. From medical records, postoperative pathological results, complications due to surgery, and recurrence rate were evaluated. RESULTS: There were eight inverted papilloma, one ameloblastoma, and one ossifying fibroma in the EPMM group. In the CLA group, all 30 cases were inverted papilloma. There were no cases of failure at gross total removal during surgery, and no recurrences were observed during follow-up in either groups. Mean follow-up period was 13.0 months in CLA group and 10.8 months in EPMM group. Regarding postoperative complications, 11 patients of the CLA group (37%) and three patients of the EPMM group (30%) had numbness around the cheek and upper lip area after surgery (P=0.715). In the CLA group, there were eight patients who had numbness lasting more than 3 months after surgery, and two patients had numbness for more than 1 year. However, facial numbness disappeared within 3 months in all patients in the EPMM group, in which epiphora was not observed. CONCLUSION: EPMM is the effective surgical approach for resecting benign maxillary sinus tumor compared with CLA. Although facial numbness was reported in EPMM, the duration of numbness was shorter than CLA.

Two Cases of Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Stricture Treated with Nasoseptal Flap / 대한이비인후과학회지

The treatment of total or near-total nasopharyngeal stenosis is challenging because of frequent restenosis. Many treatment strategies including scar release with CO₂ laser, mitomycin C application, balloon dilatation or nasopharyngeal stent had been proposed to reduce the restenosis of nasopharynx. But nasopharyngeal patency often fail even after multiple surgical trials. We report two successful cases of nasopharyngeal reconstruction with resurfacing by nasoseptal flap for patients with restenosis history.

Immunological Characteristics in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Undergoing Revision Surgeries

PURPOSE: Despite medical and surgical treatments, some cases of nasal polyps (NP) exhibit recidivism. However, the endotype of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with NP (CRSwNP) remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the immunological profile of refractory CRSwNP. METHODS: The control (n =23), primary NP group (pNP, n =70) and refractory NP group (rNP, n =86) were enrolled in this study. Patients who underwent revision surgeries due to failed maximal medical treatment after primary surgery were defined as the rNP group. A total of 18 inflammatory markers were investigated in nasal tissues using multiplex cytokine assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of rNP included more extensive disease and worse clinical course after surgery. Additionally, rNP subjects showed higher infection rate (mucopurulence and culture-positive rate), more frequent use of antibiotics and suffered from symptomatic bacterial infection, increased asthma morbidity compared to pNP. Cytokine profile analysis showed that levels of Th17-associated mediators (myeloperoxidase, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17A and IL-23), B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and Th1 cytokine (interferon-γ) were up-regulated in rNP compared to controls and pNP. Human neutrophil elastase-positive cells were also enhanced in rNP compared with pNP. Upregulation of Th17/Th1mediators and BAFF were observed in rNP, regardless of tissue eosinophilia or asthmatic comorbidity. Interestingly, eosinophilic markers, such as eosinophil cationic protein and C-C motif chemokine ligand 24, were up-regulated in asthmatic rNP compared to pNP and controls. Levels of anti-dsDNA immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA were up-regulated in rNP and highest in asthmatic eosinophilic rNP among subtypes of rNP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Th17/Th1-associated mediators and BAFF may play a role and be a potential therapeutic target in refractory CRSwNP. Additionally, eosinophilic markers and autoantibodies may contribute to refractoriness in asthmatic rNP.

Two Cases of Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Stricture Treated with Nasoseptal Flap / 대한이비인후과학회지

The treatment of total or near-total nasopharyngeal stenosis is challenging because of frequent restenosis. Many treatment strategies including scar release with COâ‚‚ laser, mitomycin C application, balloon dilatation or nasopharyngeal stent had been proposed to reduce the restenosis of nasopharynx. But nasopharyngeal patency often fail even after multiple surgical trials. We report two successful cases of nasopharyngeal reconstruction with resurfacing by nasoseptal flap for patients with restenosis history.

Triangular Resection of the Upper Lateral Cartilage for Middle Vault Deviation

OBJECTIVES: Middle vault deviation has a significant effect on the aesthetic and functional aspects of the nose, and its management continues to be a challenge. Spreader graft and its modification techniques have been focused, but there has been scarce consideration for removing surplus portion and balancing the upper lateral cartilage (ULC). This study aimed to report the newly invented triangular-shaped resection technique (“triangular resection”) of the ULC and to evaluate its efficacy for correcting middle vault deviation. METHODS: A retrospective study included 17 consecutive patients who presented with middle vault deviation and underwent septorhinoplasty by using triangular resection at a tertiary academic hospital from February 2014 and March 2016. Their outcomes were evaluated pre- and postoperatively including medical photographs, acoustic rhinometry and subjective nasal obstruction using a 7-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The immediate outcomes were evaluated around 1 month after surgery, and long-term outcomes were available in 12 patients; the mean follow-up period was 9.1 months. Nasal tip deviation angle was reduced from 5.66° to 2.37° immediately (P < 0.001). Middle vault deviation also improved from 169.50° to 177.24° (P < 0.001). Long-term results were 2.49° (P=0.015) for nasal tip deviation and 178.68° (P=0.002) for middle vault deviation. The aesthetic outcome involved a complete correction in eight patients (47.1%), a minimally visible deviation in seven patients (41.2%) and a remaining residual deviation in two patients (11.8%). Pre- and postoperative minimal cross-sectional areas (summation of the right and left sides) were 0.86 and 1.07, respectively (P=0.021). Fifteen patients answered about their nasal obstruction symptoms and the median symptom score had alleviated from 6.0 to 3.0 (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Triangular resection of the ULC is a simple and effective method for correcting middle vault deviation and balancing the ULCs without complications as internal nasal valve narrowing.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Electrocauterization for Recurrent Posterior Epistaxis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the common site of recurrent epistaxis after initial intervention such as packing and cauterization had failed and to evaluate the efficacy of surgical endoscopic electrocautery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Retrospective review of 47 patients with recurrent and uncontrolled idiopathic epistaxis between October 1995 and March 2016. All patients underwent endoscopic examination in the operating room after hospitalization. We performed electrocautery when a bleeding site was found. RESULTS: The most common sites of bleeding were the inferior meatus (28%), sphenoethmoid recess (23%), superior septum around the olfactory cleft (13%), and the posterior end of the middle turbinate (15%). There was no serious complication during the one week after surgery. In 46 (98%) patients, refractory epistaxis was successfully controlled. One patient had recurrent epistaxis after electrocautery and underwent endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. CONCLUSION: In patients with refractory idiopathic epistaxis after failure of first-line treatment, endoscopic examination through a surgical approach and electrocautery for suspected bleeding are effective.

A Case of Endoscopic Transethmoidal Drainage of Subdural Abscess Originated from Dental Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

Subdural empyema is fulminating purulent infection that develops between the dura and the arachnoid membranes. It is rare but one of the most immediate of neurosurgical emergencies, hence the importance of proper diagnosis and early intervention. Most subdural empyema complicated in the ENT field originate from sinonasal or otologic infections rather than dental infections. In our case of 64-years-old male, who was admitted with headache and fever, the diagnosed subdural empyema originated from odontogenic parapharyngeal abscess. We report that the case was successfully managed after urgent surgical drainage by endoscopic transethmoidal approach with long term intravenous antibiotics.

A Survey of Korean Physicians’ Prescription Patterns for Allergic Rhinitis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the prescription patterns according to characteristics of physicians using a survey distributed amongst physicians in Korea. METHODS: We surveyed the prescription patterns for allergic rhinitis (AR) of the members of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI) and the Korean Association of Otorhinolaryngologists (KAO). Questionnaire contained 4 categories with 28 queries. 448 physicians including 98 internal medicine (IM), 113 pediatrics (PED), and 237 otorhinolaryngology (ENT) were responded. RESULTS: Although the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines are most frequently used in all specialties, seasonal or perennial AR is the most frequent classification system. For the definitive diagnosis of AR, ENT physicians reported using multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST)/radio allergy sorbent test (RAST) more than others (IM, 10.9%; PED, 20.6%; ENT, 44.2%; P < 0.001). In treatment, most physicians reported that antihistamine medication is the initial treatment for AR. PED physicians prescribed fewer intranasal steroid to combinations with an antihistamine than other specialists (IM, 65.3%; PED, 42.5%; ENT, 63.3%), but preferred leukotriene antagonists (IM, 4.1%; PED, 23.0%; ENT, 3.9%; P=0.041). Overall, 53% (235/448) of the physicians performed allergen immunotherapy (AIT), and IM administers the most AIT (IM, 71.6%; PED, 42.0%; ENT, 39.5%; P=0.019). Furthermore, university and general hospital physicians prescribed more AIT than doctors at other hospital types (university hospital, 76.4%; general hospital, 64.3%; local hospital, 21.4%; private clinic, 20.2%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prescription patterns for AR were different according to the physicians’ characteristics and general rate of prescribing AIT is just about 53% in Korea. Thus, the development of complementary Korean-specific guidelines is needed and proper clinical instruction of AIT would be necessary.