Avaliação do risco de ulceração nos pés em pessoas com diabetes mellitus na atenção primária / Evaluación del riesgo de ulceración en piesdepersonas con diabetes mellitus en la atención primaria de salud / Risk evaluation of feet ulceration in people with diabetes mellitus in primary care

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o risco de ulceração nos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus atendidas na atenção primária. Método: estudo transversal analítico realizado em Teresina, Piauí, com 308 pacientes, sendo incluídos maiores de 18 anos diagnosticados com diabetes mellitus e excluídos aqueles com ulceração ativa e/ou neuropatia atribuída a outros agravos. Os dados foram coletados mediante formulário sociodemográfico, clínico e de classificação do risco de ulceração nos pés, no período de fevereiro a agosto de 2019. A análise ocorreu a partir de estatísticas descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: dos participantes, 56,5% tinham mais de 60 anos, 59,7% não realizavam o controle da glicemia, 56,2% não praticavam atividade física, 51,3% estavam com sobrepeso e 54,2% apresentaram grau de risco 1 para ulceração nos pés. A situação conjugal, ocupação e diabetes mellitus há mais de 10 anos, controle glicêmico inadequado, hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia e obesidade tiveram associação estatisticamente significativa com o risco de ulceração. Aqueles com pele seca, deformidades, reflexo do tornozelo e percepção de vibração no hálux alterados apresentaram mais probabilidade de ulceração nos pés. Constatou-se que o exame clínico dos pés e a sensibilidade preservada ao monofilamento foram fatores de proteção. Conclusão: observouse que os aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos interferem na probabilidade de ulceração, sendo que a maioria apresentou risco baixo. Além disso, no exame clínico dos pés, as alterações na sensibilidade vibratória e no reflexo do tornozelo aumentaram a probabilidade de ulceração, destacando-se que a classificação do risco de ulceração é imprescindível na assistência às pessoas com diabetes mellitus.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el riesgo de ulceración del pie en personas con diabetes mellitus tratadas en atención primaria. Método: estudio analítico transversal realizado en Teresina, Piauí, con 308 pacientes, incluidos los mayores de 18 años diagnosticados de diabetes mellitus y excluidos aquéllos con ulceración activa y / o neuropatía atribuida a otras condiciones. Los datos se recogieronde febrero a agosto de 2019 por medio de un formulario sociodemográfico, clínico y de clasificación de riesgo para la ulceración en el pie. El análisis se realizó a través de estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: el 56,5% de los participantes tenía más de 60 años, el 59,7% no realizaba control glucémico, el 56,2% no practicaba actividad física, el 51,3% tenía sobrepeso y el 54,2% tenía un grado de riesgo 1 de ulceración del pie. La situación conjugal, ocupación, diabetes mellitus durante más de 10 años, el inadecuado control glucémico, la hipertensión arterial, la dislipidemia y la obesidad tuvieron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con el riesgo de ulceración. Aquéllos con piel seca, deformidades, reflejo del tendón de Aquiles alterado y percepción alterada de la vibración del hallux tenían más probabilidades de ulceración de pies. Se encontró que el examen clínico de los pies y la sensibilidad conservada al monofilamento eran factores protectores. Conclusión: se observó que los aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos interfieren con la probabilidad de ulceración, siendo la mayoría de bajo riesgo. Además, en el examen clínico de los pies, los cambios en la sensibilidad vibratoria y en el reflejo del tendón de Aquiles aumentaron la probabilidad de ulceración, destacando que la clasificación del riesgo de ulceración es esencial en la atención de las personas con diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the risk of foot ulceration in people with diabetes mellitus treated in primary care. Method: this is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in Teresina, Piauí, with 308 patients, including those over 18 years old diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and excluding those with active ulceration and/ or neuropathy attributed to other conditions. The data were collected using a sociodemographic, clinical, and risk classification form for the foot ulceration, from February to August 2019. The analysis was based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: in the study, 56.5% of the participants were over 60 years old, 59.7% did not perform glycemic control, 56.2% did not practice physical activity, 51.3% were overweight and 54.2% had a degree of risk 1 for foot ulceration. Marital status, occupation, and diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years, inadequate glycemic control, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity had a statistically significant association with the risk of ulceration. Those with dry skin, deformities, ankle reflexes, and altered perception of hallux vibration were more likely to have foot ulcers. We found that the clinical examination of the feet and the preserved sensitivity to the monofilament were protective factors. Conclusion: we observed that the sociodemographic and clinical aspects interfere with the probability of ulceration and most of them present a low risk. Also, in the clinical examination of the feet, changes in vibratory sensitivity and ankle reflex increased the likelihood of ulceration, noting that the classification of the risk of ulceration is essential in assisting people with diabetes mellitus.

O padrão de consumo de álcool entre as usuárias das Unidades de Saúde da Família no município do Recife (PE) / The pattern of alcohol consumption among the users of the Family Health Units in the municipality of Recife (PE)

RESUMO Pesquisas internacionais e nacionais apontam o aumento expressivo de mulheres com consumo abusivo de álcool, e este consumo gera danos sociais, psicológicos e biológicos em suas vidas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os padrões do consumo de álcool por mulheres cadastradas nas Unidades de Saúde da Família no município do Recife (PE). Trata de um estudo exploratório descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, que provém de uma pesquisa original, através de uma amostra definida de 864 mulheres com idades iguais ou superiores a 18 anos. Utilizou um questionário sociodemográfico e o Teste para Identificação de Problemas Relacionados ao uso do Álcool. Os padrões de riscos encontrados entre as participantes foram: 57,9% não bebem; 23,7% bebem de baixo risco; 11,9% bebem de médio risco; e 6,3% bebem de alto risco; predominantemente mulheres jovens, na faixa etária de 18 a 39 anos; sem trabalho e com ensino fundamental. Verificou-se que 54,93% faziam uso abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas em dia típico e 22,93% sofreram ocorrência de apagão alcoólico. Esses resultados evidenciam a importância da elaboração de estratégias de cunho preventivo e da redução de danos diante do beber, para a assistência à saúde da mulher.

ABSTRACT International and national surveys point to the significant increase of women with alcohol abuse, and this consumption generates social, psychological and biological damages in their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the patterns of alcohol consumption among women enrolled in the Family Health Units in Recife (PE). It is an exploratory descriptive study with a quantitative approach, which comes from an original survey through a defined sample of 864 women aged 18 years or older. It used a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Test for Identification of Problems Related to the use of Alcohol. The risk standards found among participants were 57.9% do not drink; 23.7% drink at low risk; 11.9% drink at medium risk; and 6.3% drink at high risk; predominantly young women, in the age group 18 to 39; without work and elementary school. It was verified that 54.93% made abusive use of alcoholic beverages in a typical day and 22.93% suffered an alcoholic blackout. These results evidence the importance of elaborating preventive and harm reduction strategies in relation to drinking, for women's health care.

Correlation between MRI features and tumor risk grade in gastrointestinal stromal tumors / 中国肿瘤临床

To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and tumor risk grade of gas-trointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Methods: Between September 2007 to December 2017, 54 patients who underwent MRI and were pathologically diagnosed in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed MRI features including the size, location, shape, boundary, and growth pattern of the tumor; cystic necrosis; metastasis; T1WI and T2WI signal intensities; enhancement signal intensity-time (SIT) curve pattern; and average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) val-ues. The MRI features were compared with the tumor risk grade. Results: Of the 54 cases, 16 were of low-risk grade, 13 were of inter-mediate-risk grade, and 25 were of high-risk grade. Statistical analysis showed that tumor size, location, shape, boundary, cystic necro-sis, signal intensity, and average ADC values were correlated with tumor risk grade (P<0.05). However, tumor growth pattern, metasta-sis, and enhancement SIT curve pattern were not correlated with tumor risk grade (P>0.05). GISTs with higher aggressive features were more likely to have larger size, irregular shape, unclear boundary, cystic necrosis, heterogeneous signal intensity, and lower ADC values on MRI. Conclusions: MRI has the potential to predict the risk grade of GISTs before surgery, thereby guiding clinical manage-ment, and evaluating prognosis.

Analysis on working posture and risk evaluation on musculoskeletal disorders among workers in greenhouse vegetable plantation / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To identify the poor working posture on musculoskeletal disorders of workers in greenhouse vegetable plantation(hereinafter referred to as “vegetable workers”) in different planting stages, and to evaluate the risk grade of working posture. METHODS: A total of 28 vegetable workers in a greenhouse vegetable planting base in Shandong Province were taken as research subjects using convenient sampling method. Video data were collected from field observation. Working posture analysis system was used to code the working posture of vegetable workers. The composition of working posture was analyzed, and the risk grade of working posture was evaluated. RESULTS: In the planting and seedling period, the main poor working postures of workers were lumbar back leaning forward, legs squatting, lumbar back bending, and legs bending, and the composition ratios were 60.4%, 42.9%, 38.6% and 38.4% respectively. In the management period, the main poor working postures were neck forward, waist back bending, hands higher than elbows, and the composition ratios were 52.0%, 34.2% and 30.0% respectively. In the harvest period, the main poor working postures were neck leaning forward, one hand above elbow, lumbar back bending, walking and lumbar back leaning, and the composition ratios were 50.4%, 42.6%, 39.6%, 39.1% and 35.4% respectively. In the period of planting and seedling, management and harvest, there were 81.6%, 23.4% and 52.9% of the work position in the risk grade Ⅲ; there was 1.4% of the work position in the risk grade Ⅳ in the harvest period. CONCLUSION: Working postures with obvious hazards existed at different planting periods. Effective intervention measures should be taken to prevent the problems of poor working posture in greenhouse workers.

Validation of german aortic valve score in a multi-surgeon single center

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Risk assessment for operative mortality is mandatory for all cardiac operations. For some operation types such as aortic valve repair, EuroSCORE II overestimates the mortality rate and a new scoring system (German AV score) has been developed for a more accurate assessment of operative risk. In this study, we aimed to validate German Aortic Valve Score in our clinic in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement. METHODS: A total of 35 patients who underwent isolated open aortic valve replacement between 2010 and 2013 were included. Patients with concomitant procedures and transcatheter aortic valve implantation were excluded. Patients' data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patients' risk scores EuroSCORE II were calculated online according to criteria described by EuroSCORE taskforce, Aortic Valve Scores were also calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 61.14±13.25 years (range 29-80 years). The number of female patients was 14 (40%) and body mass index of 25 (71.43%) patients was in range of 22-35. Mean German Aortic Valve Score was 1.05±0.96 (min: 0 max: 4.98) and mean EuroSCORE was 2.30±2.60 (min: 0.62, max: 2.30). The Aortic Valve Score scale showed better discriminative capacity (AUC 0.647, 95% CI 0.439-0.854). The goodness of fit was x2HL=16.63; P=0.436). EuroSCORE II scale had shown less discriminative capacity (AUC 0.397, 95% CI 0.200-0.597). The goodness of fit was good for both scales. The goodness of fit was x2HL=30.10; P=0.610. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, German AV score applies to our population with high predictive accuracy and goodness of fit.

Avaliação do Risco Cardiovascular segundo os Critérios de Framingham em Adultos / Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk According to the Framingham Criteria in Adults

Estimar o risco de ocorrência de eventocardiovascular nos próximos 10 anos, bem como identificar osfatores associados em indivíduos adultos de Tubarão, SantaCatarina. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal,de base populacional, aplicando-se o escore de Framingham,em amostra randomizada de 358 adultos de Tubarão, SantaCatarina, para avaliação do grau de risco e sua associaçãocom variáveis que podem influenciar esse risco cardiovascular,como alcoolismo, sedentarismo, nível de escolaridade, alémdas já previstas no escore, como sexo, idade e tabagismo. Ostestes de significância usados foram o teste chi-quadrado dePearson, e o teste exato de Fisher. Razão de prevalência foiutilizada como medida de associação. Resultados: Dos 358indivíduos analisados, 64,8% eram de mulheres, da cor branca(87%), com escolaridade superior a oito anos de estudo (51%),com companheiro fixo (68,7%), sedentários (60,6%), nãotabagistas (69,3%) e não alcoolistas (91,8%). A prevalência deobesidade foi de 26,5%. O risco percentual médio foi 2,6% ±3,7%, sendo 94,9% situando-se na categoria de baixo risco.Sexo masculino (RP=1,13 [1,07-1,20] p<0,001), idadeavançada (RP=1,01 [1,00-1,01] p=0,012) foram fatoresassociados ao médio e ao alto risco cardiovascular de formaindependente ao desfecho, enquanto a maior escolaridade secomportou como fator de proteção (RP=0,99 [0,98-1,00]p=0,039). Conclusão: A população estudada apresentou baixorisco para eventos cardiovasculares. Porém, a associação defatores de risco potencialmente modificáveis com moderado ealto risco sugere que a modificação do estilo de vida de maneiraprecoce deve acontecer nessa população, para redução dorisco cardiovascular...

To estimate the risk of a major cardiovascular eventwithin a 10-year period, as well as identify associated risk factorsin adults from Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Material andMethods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based studyapplying the Framingham score in 358 adults from Tubarão,Santa Catarina. We aimed to assess the degree of risk and itscorrelation with variables that may influence cardiovascularrisk, such as alcoholism, sedentariness, lifestyle, educationallevel, in addition to sex, age and smoking habits. The datawere analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test (÷2) and Fisher’sexact test. The prevalence ratio was used as a measure ofassociation. Results: Among the 358 people surveyed, mostwere women, Caucasian (87%), with schooling higher thaneight years of study (51%), with a steady partner (68.7%),sedentary (60.6%), non-smokers (69.3%), and non-users ofalcohol (91.8%). The prevalence of obesity was 26.5%. Themean risk percentage was 2.6% ± 3.7%, with most subjectsreaching the low-risk category (94.9%). Male gender (PR =1.13 [1.07 to 1.20] p <0.001), advanced age (PR = 1.01 [1.00to 1.01] p = 0.012) and educational level (PR = 0, 99 [0.98 to1.00] p = 0.039) were factors associated with medium and highrisk for cardiovascular events regardless of the outcome.Conclusion: The studied population had a low risk forcardiovascular events. However, the association betweenpotentially modifiable moderate and high risk factors suggeststhat modification of lifestyle should happen early in thispopulation in order to reduce cardiovascular risks...

Evaluation of the association between pollen count and the outbreak of allergic disease

PURPOSE: This study focused on the evaluation of the relation between pollen concentration and the outbreak of allergic disease (symptom index), and this outcome would be necessary to upgrade risk grade for the pollen forecasting system. METHODS: Airborne particles carrying allergens, such as pollen, were collected daily at the Seoul and Guri area by using 7-day Burkard samplers for 6 years. A total of 596 Subjects were recruited from Hanyang University Seoul Hospital (n=144 for spring, n=139 for autumn), and Hanyang University Guri Hospital (n=157 for spring, n=156 for autumn). Symptom index was evaluated and recorded by phone calling to study subjects daily or asking questionnaire when they visit outpatient clinic every week. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using correlation coefficients and regression models with time series graph. RESULTS: Two peak seasons of pollen concentration were May and September in Korea. In skin prick tests, the sensitization rate to ragweed pollen was gradually increased in children. In the same period, sensitization rates to airborne pollen, especially oak, birch for spring, and Japanese hop for autumn were increased annually. There was a significantly relationship between symptom index of allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations in this study. Especially symptom index was significantly correlated to the concentration of oak pollen of day 1 in spring and to the concentration of Japanese hop pollen of day 0 in autumn. CONCLUSION: Sensitization rates to pollens increased annually. There is a significant relationship between allergy symptom index and pollen concentration. There remains to confirm the Korean own risk grade of pollen allergy.

Autocuidado de los factores de riesgo de la ulceración en pies diabéticos: estudio transversal / Autocuidado nos fatores de risco da ulceração em pés diabéticos: estudo transversal / Self-care into the risk factors in diabetic foot ulceration: cross-sectional study

Aim: To analyze the implications of self-care on the risk factors of ulceration in the feet of patients with diabetes mellitus, related to dermatology, orthopedic, neurological and vascular alterations. Method: Cross-sectional study, involving 1,515 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, older than 40 years, enrolled in basic health units. Results: The prevalence of feet at risk of ulceration was 12.3%. Changes in tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses, the altered capillary filling, the presence of bony prominences, hallux valgus, claw and hammer toes and the loss of protective sensation in the feet were associated with the risk of ulceration. Discussion: The prevalence of feet at risk of ulceration was considered high and is related to different dermatological, vascular and neuropathic factors permeated by the self-care factor. Conclusions: The prevention of alterations in the diabetic foot involves maintenance of glycemic control and specific foot care.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar las implicaciones del autocuidado en los factores de riesgo de la ulceración en pies de portadores de diabetes mellitus, relacionados a las alteraciones dermatológicas, ortopédicas, neurológicas y vasculares. Método: investigación transversal, realizada con 1.515 portadores de diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, con edad superior a 40 años, registrados en las unidades básicas de salud. Resultados: el predominio del pie con riesgo de ulceración fue de 12,3%. Las alteraciones en los pulsos tibial y del pie, el relleno capilar alterado, la presencia de preeminencias óseas, hálux valgus, dedos en garra y en martillo y la pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora en los pies presentaron asociación con el riesgo de ulceración. Discusión: la prevalencia de los pies con riesgo de ulceración fue considerada elevada y está relacionada a diversos factores dermatológicos, vasculares y neuropáticos permeados por el factor autocuidado. Conclusiones: la prevención de alteraciones en los pies de diabéticos envuelve manutención del control glucémico y cuidados específicos con los pies.(AU)

Objetivo: analisar as implicações do autocuidado nos fatores de risco de ulceração em pés de portadores de diabetes mellitus, relacionados às alterações dermatológicas, ortopédicas, neurológicas e vasculares. Método: pesquisa transversal, realizada com 1.515 portadores de diabetes mellitus do tipo 2, com idade superior a 40 anos, cadastrados em unidades básicas de saúde. Resultados: o predomínio do pé com risco de ulceração foi de 12,3%. As alterações nos pulsos tibial e pedioso, o enchimento capilar alterado, a presença de proeminências ósseas, hálux valgus, dedos em garra e em martelo e a perda da sensibilidade protetora nos pés apresentaram associação com o risco de ulceração. Discussão: a prevalência dos pés com risco de ulceração foi considerada elevada e está relacionada a diversos fatores dermatológicos, vasculares e neuropáticos permeados pelo fator autocuidado. Conclusões: a prevenção de alterações nos pés de diabéticos envolve manutenção do controle glicêmico e cuidados específicos com os pés.(AU)

Grados de riesgo para la adherencia terapéutica en personas con hipertensión arterial / Degrees of risk for therapeutical adherence in persons with arterial hypertension

Objetivo: Determinar los grados de riesgo para la adherencia terapéutica en los tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos en personas con hipertensión arterial. Metodología: Estudio de abordaje cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, realizado con 282 personas hipertensas hospitalizadas en el Hospital Universitario de Santander (HUS). Se utilizó un instrumento validado, con alto índice de confiabilidad y trayectoria para la medición del fenómeno de adherencia, elaborado por Bonilla y De Reales (2006); para este estudio se utilizó la última versión propuesta por Consuelo Ortiz Suárez (2008). Resultados: El 18.4% de la población hipertensa estudiada se encuentra en un nivel de riesgo alto, el 47.2% en un nivel de riesgo medio y el 34.4% de las personas hipertensas en un nivel de riesgo bajo. El 50% de la población estimada se clasifica como adulta mayor (≥ 60 años) y la proporción de hombres (63.1%) fue mayor que la de mujeres (36.9%) participantes en el estudio. Discusión y Conclusiones: Más del 50% de la población hipertensa evaluada se encuentra en un grado de adherencia global en riesgo medio y alto, lo que se simboliza un preocupante pronóstico del comportamiento de la adherencia en este grupo poblacional. De igual forma, se demostró el impacto negativo en la adherencia cuando el nivel educativo de las personas es bajo y cuando existen limitaciones económicas para subsanar las necesidades básicas, lo que generó un grado de riesgo medio limítrofe que pone en peligro el alcanzar o mantener comportamientos compatibles con la adherencia en este grupo poblacional.

Objective: To determine the degree of risk for adherence in pharmacological and no pharmacological treatments in people with hypertension. Methodology: Quantitative approach, descriptive and cross-sectional study with 282 hypertensive patients was hospitalized at the Hospital Universitario de Santander. We used a validated instrument, with high reliability and path for measuring the phenomenon of adhesion, drafted by Bonilla and De Reales (2006), with the latest version proposed by Consuelo Ortiz Suárez (2008). Results: 18.4% of the hypertensive population studied is in a high risk level, 47.2% of the sample population in a medium risk and 34.4% of hypertensive patients in a low risk. 50% estimated population classified as elderly (≥ 60 years) and the proportion of men (63.1%) was higher than females (36.9%) participants in the study. Discussion and conclusions: More than 50% of the hypertensive population is evaluated on a global level of adhesion medium and high risk which is symbolized a disturbing forecast of adherence behavior in this population. Similarly, the negative impact on adherence is demonstrated when the educational level of people is low and when there are economic constraints to address basic needs, which generated an average risk grade boundary, which threatens to reach and/or maintaining behaviors consistent with adherence in this population.

Objetivo: Determinar os graus de risco para a aderência terapêutica nos tratamentos farmacológicos e não farmacológicos em pessoas com hipertensão arterial. Metodologia: Estudo de abordagem quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, realizado com 282 pessoas hipertensas hospitalizadas no Hospital Universitário de Santander (HUS). Utilizou-se um instrumento validado, com alto índice de confiabilidade e trajetória para a medição do fenômeno de aderência, elaborado por Bonilla e De Reales (2006). Para este estudo utilizou-se a última versão, proposta por Consuelo Ortiz Suárez (2008). Resultados: 18,4% da população hipertensa estudada encontra-se em um nível de risco alto, 47,2% em um nível de risco médio e 34,4% das pessoas hipertensas em um baixo nível de risco. 50% da população estimada se classifica como idosa (≥ 60 anos) e a proporção de homens (63,1%) foi maior do que a de mulheres (36,9%) participantes no estúdio. Discussão e Conclusões: Mais de 50% da população hipertensa estudada se encontra em um grau de aderência global em risco meio e alto, o que simboliza um preocupante prognóstico do comportamento da aderência neste grupo populacional. Da mesma forma, se demostrou o impacto negativo na aderência quando as pessoas apresentam um nível educativo baixo e quando existem limitações econômicas para suprir as necessidades básicas, o que gerou um grau de risco médio limítrofe que dificulta atingir ou manter comportamentos compatíveis com a aderência neste grupo populacional.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Pollen Count and the Outbreak of Allergic Diseases / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: The distribution of pollens in the air is mainly related to the weather conditions, especially temperature and humidity. This study focused on the evaluation of the relationship between pollen count and the outbreak of allergic diseases (symptom index) from allergic patients in Korea in order to determine Korean own allergy risk grade for the pollen forecasting system. METHODS: Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily in nationwide 8 stations (Seoul, Guri, Daejeon, Daegu, Kwangju Busan, Kangneung, and Jeju) by using 7 day- Burkard sampler in South Korea for 8 months (March 1, 2008-October 31, 2008). They were counted and recorded along with weather factors. Symptom index was calculated and recorded by phone calling to allergic patients 3 times a week. RESULTS: Airborne pollens have 2 peak seasons (May and September) in Korea. In the skin prick test, ragweed was the highest sensitization rate (5.9%), followed by mugwort (5.8 %), alder (4.9%), birch (4.8%) and oak grasses among the pollen extracts in Korean school-aged children. There are significant relationship between symptom index of allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations. Korean own risk grade of pollen allergy was made by using the data from this study. CONCLUSION: Risk grade of pollens for allergy pollen forecast among each allergic plant was established. Further studies are needed to confirm it our result.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Pollen Count and the Outbreak of Allergic Diseases / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: The distribution of pollens in the air is mainly related to the weather conditions, especially temperature and humidity. This study focused on the evaluation of the relationship between pollen count and the outbreak of allergic diseases (symptom index) from allergic patients in Korea in order to determine Korean own allergy risk grade for the pollen forecasting system. METHODS: Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily in nationwide 8 stations (Seoul, Guri, Daejeon, Daegu, Kwangju Busan, Kangneung, and Jeju) by using 7 day- Burkard sampler in South Korea for 8 months (March 1, 2008-October 31, 2008). They were counted and recorded along with weather factors. Symptom index was calculated and recorded by phone calling to allergic patients 3 times a week. RESULTS: Airborne pollens have 2 peak seasons (May and September) in Korea. In the skin prick test, ragweed was the highest sensitization rate (5.9%), followed by mugwort (5.8 %), alder (4.9%), birch (4.8%) and oak grasses among the pollen extracts in Korean school-aged children. There are significant relationship between symptom index of allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations. Korean own risk grade of pollen allergy was made by using the data from this study. CONCLUSION: Risk grade of pollens for allergy pollen forecast among each allergic plant was established. Further studies are needed to confirm it our result.