Weight change and microvascular outcomes in patients with new-onset diabetes: a nationwide cohort study

Background/Aims@#Because weight control is important in treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is essential to understand the associations between weight change and the risk of microvascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. We examined whether weight changes early after new-onset diabetes have an impact on the clinical outcomes of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. @*Methods@#Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort database, 181,872 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were free of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) during 2007 to 2012 were followed to the end of 2016. Weight change was defined as the difference in body weight from the time of diabetes diagnosis to 2 years later. @*Results@#We identified 180 cases of ESRD and 780 cases of PDR followed up for a median of 5.5 years from the index year at 2 years after diagnosis. Those with 5% to 10% weight gain showed a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for ESRD, compared with those with ≤ 5% weight change after adjusting for several confounding factors, including the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR, 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 2.70). Those with ≥ 10% weight loss showed the lowest HR for PDR (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.83), whereas those with ≥ 10% weight gain showed the highest HR for PDR (HR, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.51 to 4.08). @*Conclusions@#Weight gain after new-onset diabetes was associated with increased risk of ESRD and PDR whereas weight loss with decreased risk of PDR, but not ESRD.

Thyroid Hormone Profile and Its Prognostic Impact on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korean Patients

Background@#Data on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and thyroid have been reported, including overt thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 in Korean patients. @*Methods@#The clinical data of 119 patients with COVID-19, admitted in the Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. The thyroid hormone profiles were analyzed and compared based on disease severity (non-severe disease vs. severe to critical disease). Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the tertiles of thyroid hormones. @*Results@#Of the 119 patients, 76 (63.9%) were euthyroid, and none presented with overt thyroid dysfunction. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was the most common manifestation (18.5%), followed by subclinical thyrotoxicosis (14.3%) among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe to critical disease than in those with non-severe disease (P1.00 ng/mL) T3 tertiles (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients in the lowest T3 tertile were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 25.32; P=0.038) compared with those in the highest T3 tertile. @*Conclusion@#Thyroid dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients. Changes in serum TSH and T3 levels may be important markers of disease severity in COVID-19. Decreased T3 levels may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19 related outcome.

Weight change and microvascular outcomes in patients with new-onset diabetes: a nationwide cohort study

Background/Aims@#Because weight control is important in treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is essential to understand the associations between weight change and the risk of microvascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. We examined whether weight changes early after new-onset diabetes have an impact on the clinical outcomes of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. @*Methods@#Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort database, 181,872 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were free of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) during 2007 to 2012 were followed to the end of 2016. Weight change was defined as the difference in body weight from the time of diabetes diagnosis to 2 years later. @*Results@#We identified 180 cases of ESRD and 780 cases of PDR followed up for a median of 5.5 years from the index year at 2 years after diagnosis. Those with 5% to 10% weight gain showed a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for ESRD, compared with those with ≤ 5% weight change after adjusting for several confounding factors, including the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR, 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 2.70). Those with ≥ 10% weight loss showed the lowest HR for PDR (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.83), whereas those with ≥ 10% weight gain showed the highest HR for PDR (HR, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.51 to 4.08). @*Conclusions@#Weight gain after new-onset diabetes was associated with increased risk of ESRD and PDR whereas weight loss with decreased risk of PDR, but not ESRD.

Thyroid Hormone Profile and Its Prognostic Impact on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korean Patients

Background@#Data on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and thyroid have been reported, including overt thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 in Korean patients. @*Methods@#The clinical data of 119 patients with COVID-19, admitted in the Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. The thyroid hormone profiles were analyzed and compared based on disease severity (non-severe disease vs. severe to critical disease). Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the tertiles of thyroid hormones. @*Results@#Of the 119 patients, 76 (63.9%) were euthyroid, and none presented with overt thyroid dysfunction. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was the most common manifestation (18.5%), followed by subclinical thyrotoxicosis (14.3%) among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe to critical disease than in those with non-severe disease (P1.00 ng/mL) T3 tertiles (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients in the lowest T3 tertile were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 25.32; P=0.038) compared with those in the highest T3 tertile. @*Conclusion@#Thyroid dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients. Changes in serum TSH and T3 levels may be important markers of disease severity in COVID-19. Decreased T3 levels may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19 related outcome.

Gemigliptin Inhibits Interleukin-1β–Induced Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Canonical-Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway

Background@#Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to inflammatory conditions inducing conversion of endothelial cells (ECs) into activated fibroblasts, promoting fibrotic diseases. Pro-inflammatory cytokine is the most potent inducer of EndMT. We investigated inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced EndMT by gemigliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor. @*Methods@#We exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to 10 ng/mL IL-1β/20 μM gemigliptin and analyzed the expression of endothelial, smooth muscle, mesenchymal, and osteoblastic markers, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Smad, and non-Smad signaling pathway proteins. @*Results@#Morphological changes showed gemigliptin blocked IL-1β-induced EndMT, upregulated EC markers, and downregulated smooth muscle and mesenchymal markers. IL-1β activation of HUVECs is initiated by the BMP/Smad and non-smad BMP signaling pathways. Gemigliptin inhibited IL-1β induction of BMP2 and 7, activin receptor type IA, BMP receptor type IA, and BMP receptor type II. Reversal of IL-1β-mediated inhibition of BMP-induced Smad1/5/8, Smad2, and Smad3 phosphorylation by gemigliptin suggests involvement of the Smad pathway in gemigliptin action. In the non-Smad BMP pathway, gemigliptin treatment significantly increased the deactivation of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38, and JNK by IL-1β. Gemigliptin treatment suppressed BMP-2-induced expression of key osteoblastic markers including osterix, runt-related transcription factor 2, and hepcidin during IL-1β-induced EndMT. @*Conclusion@#We demonstrated a novel protective mechanism of gemigliptin against fibrosis by suppressing IL-1β-induced EndMT.

The effect of general health status, oral health behavior and status on quality of life in Korea adults / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to analyze the relations between general health status, oral health behavior, oral health status, and quality of life, as well as the mediating effects of oral health behavior and oral health status. @*Methods@#Subjects aged ≥19 years participated in a health questionnaire in the third year of the Japanese National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015). @*Results@#Analysis of the overall path of periodontal disease showed that respiratory and circulatory diseases and oral health behaviors had statistically significant indirect effects on quality of life through the mediation of oral health behavior and oral health conditions, while analysis of the overall trend of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index showed significant indirect effects on quality of life through mediation between oral and oral health conditions. As a result of these analyses, the association of general health status with quality of life, and its effect thereon, were confirmed through the intermediary of oral health behaviors and oral health conditions. @*Conclusions@#Therefore, further research is needed on the relation of general diseases to oral health management. Special oral health departments need to be established in both general and university hospitals, and dental hygienists in charge of oral care need to be deployed to improve oral health for general diseases. Manuals and systems for oral health management and oral health promotion need to be developed for certified dental hygienists in Japan, specifically for each systemic disease. For example, hygienists should have guidance on the oral health practices that help in the prevention of diabetes.

The Association of Overt and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism with the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Cardiovascular Mortality: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Background@#Whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism with the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. @*Methods@#Studies regarding the association between hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular events were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was classified as high and low, based on pre-existing diseases, including history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral artery disease; heart failure; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; or chronic kidney disease. @*Results@#Thirty-seven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for subjects with overt hyperthyroidism compared with the control group was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.19) for IHD, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75) for stroke, and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) for cardiovascular mortality. For subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the pooled hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.45) for IHD, when compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis by CVD risk showed that the risk of stroke in overt hyperthyroidism was increased in the low CVD risk group; however, these association was not observed in the high CVD risk group. Similarly, the risk of IHD in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism was significantly increased in the low CVD risk group. @*Conclusion@#Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD. These associations were particularly observed in the low risk CVD group without underlying CVD.

The Association of Overt and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism with the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Cardiovascular Mortality: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Background@#Whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism with the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. @*Methods@#Studies regarding the association between hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular events were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was classified as high and low, based on pre-existing diseases, including history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral artery disease; heart failure; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; or chronic kidney disease. @*Results@#Thirty-seven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for subjects with overt hyperthyroidism compared with the control group was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.19) for IHD, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75) for stroke, and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) for cardiovascular mortality. For subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the pooled hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.45) for IHD, when compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis by CVD risk showed that the risk of stroke in overt hyperthyroidism was increased in the low CVD risk group; however, these association was not observed in the high CVD risk group. Similarly, the risk of IHD in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism was significantly increased in the low CVD risk group. @*Conclusion@#Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD. These associations were particularly observed in the low risk CVD group without underlying CVD.

Impact of incivility experienced by dental hygienists on organizational achievement-as a mediating effect of emotional exhaustion / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: Workplace incivility is experienced by dental hygienists, who perform a variety of tasks and roles in dentistry. Therefore, to enhance the performance of dental and medical institutions, it is necessary to identify dental hygienists experiencing incivility that affects the organizational performance. METHODS: Over a two-month period from May 1 to June 30, 2015, dental hygienists from 30 dental and medical institutions in Busan, the North and South Gyeongsang Provinces, Daegu, Seoul, and the Gyeonggi Province were convenience sampled. Data, from a total of 344 participants, were analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS statistical analysis software. RESULTS: Emotional exhaustion had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between patient incivility and job performance, a full mediating effect in relation to job satisfaction, and a partial mediating effect on the association with turnover intention. Meanwhile, emotional exhaustion had a full mediating effect on the relationships between superior incivility and job performance, as well as turnover intention, while a partial mediating effect in relation to job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: An in-depth review of interventions that can enable a mutually respectful working environment, and promote a healthy culture among dental hygienists in dental and medical institutions is needed.

Current Status of Patient Education in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea

Patient education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis; however, due to limited time and resources, patient education remains insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the current state of education provided by Korean dermatologists, pediatric allergists, and allergists to patients with atopic dermatitis. A questionnaire survey consisting of items regarding educational programs for patients with atopic dermatitis was conducted via e-mail. In total, 153 participants responded to the questionnaires, and 26.8% indicated that they have had separate educational programs. The workforce involved in the educational program included nurses, residents or fellows, dieticians, pharmacists, and clinical psychologists. Most education protocols addressed the characteristics and natural course of atopic dermatitis and environmental management. Overall, 96.7% of the participants replied that an additional charge is needed for education; moreover, additional assistance from an academic society or association, in the form of medical staff, organized data, and advertisement, is required to develop and provide a well-structured educational program. A standardized education protocol will effectively provide appropriate education for patients with atopic dermatitis. Arrangement of education fees, covered by the National Health Insurance Service, will lead to the establishment of a structured educational program and participation of an additional medical workforce.

Centennial History of Yonsei University Dermatology in Korea: 1917 to 2017

Yonsei Dermatology celebrated its centennial in 2017, marking 100 years since Kung Sun Oh established the first Department of Dermatology and Urology in Korea in 1917. Following the footsteps of Kung Sun Oh, a pioneer of Korean dermatology, its members united and worked to provide the best medical service and achieve academic milestones in dermatology. Over the past hundred years, Yonsei Dermatology has played a pivotal role in the advancement of medical science and academia in Korea. The main activities of the department include medical care, education, and dermatologic research. Its research activities have encompassed a wide spectrum of dermatologic manifestations from skin immunology and pathology to introduction of newly developed treatment technologies. As Kung Sun Oh was the first Korean professor of dermatology at Severance Medical School and a passionate educator, we continue to serve his will by nurturing medical students and dermatology specialists to serve as global medical leaders. The Kung Sun Oh Memorial Lecture, first hosted in 1977, was the beginning of mutual international academic exchange in the field of dermatology in Korea. The memorial lecture has played a major role in advancing the academic status of Korean dermatological science by inviting distinguished dermatologists from around the world as guest lecturers. Yonsei Dermatology has played a key role in the history of modern medicine and dermatology in Korea over the last 100 years and continues to make an impact.

Acute Aortic Thrombosis Following Capecitabine Chemotherapy in a Patient with Colon Cancer

The elevated risk for thromboembolic events in cancer patients has been well documented. Chemotherapy is considered to be one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, angina, and myocardial infarction. However, acute aortic thrombosis is an extremely rare complication in patients receiving chemotherapy. The authors report a case of acute aortic thrombosis after adjuvant capecitabine chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Successful Treatment of Erdheim-Chester Disease with Multisystemic Involvement in a 4-year-old Child by Interferon-α and Corticosteroid / 임상소아혈액종양

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of proliferative non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that involves multiple organs and is associated with a high mortality. The prognosis of ECD is variable, and it mainly depends on the involved anatomic sites. The treatment modalities have not been standardized, but interferon-α (IFN-α) has been reported to be effective in the management of ECD. ECD usually affects middle aged individuals with a slight male predominance but is extremely rare in children. We present an uncommon case of a 4-year-boy diagnosed with ECD who was treated with IFN-α and corticosteroid. He remained disease-free for 3 years after the completion of treatment.

Effects of Red or Black Ginseng Extract in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Temporomandibular Joint Pain / 치위생과학회지

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is characterized by persistent jaw pain associated with dysfunction and tenderness of the temporomandibular muscles and joints. The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with red or black ginseng extract helps in the modulation of inflammatory TMJ pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220~260 g were used. The experimental group was subdivided into 4 groups based on the treatment method (n=6, each group): formalin (5%, 30 µl), formalin after distilled water (vehicle), formalin after red or black ginseng extract (per oral, single or repeated, respectively). To induce TMJ pain, 30 µl of formalin was injected into the articular cavity under ether inhalation anesthesia. The number of noxious behavioral responses of scratching the facial region proximal to the injection site was recorded for 9 successive 5-min intervals following formalin injection. Repeated treatment with red or black ginseng extract reduced the nociceptive responses in the second phase (11~45 min). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an oxidative stress-mediated transcription factor. Both ginsengs significantly down-regulated the increased Nrf2 level compared to the vehicle group. In the test for liver and kidney functions, repeated treatment with red or black ginseng was not different compared to the vehicle group. These results indicate that red and black ginseng extract might be promising analgesic agents in the treatment of inflammatory TMJ pain.

Analgesic Effect of Hippophae rhamnoides Extract in Orofacial Pain in Rats / 치위생과학회지

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is a shrub wood that belongs to the bamboo tree family, and is rich in vitamin C, D, and E; it is referred to as a vitamin tree. It is mainly grown in the high mountains of Europe and Central Asia, and has been widely used in China and Russia as natural medicine. Recent studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of cancer, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases. However, results of studies on its effect on the regulation of pain are insufficient. In this study, we investigated the effect of sea buckthorn on the development and control of pain in two facial areas. The experimental animals included 7- to 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (240~260 g). Formalin (5%), which is known as an inflammation inducer, was injected into the vibrissa pad or temporomandibular joints to induce orofacial acute pain. Rubbing or scraping of the region injected with formalin was regarded as a pain index, and the behavioral response was observed for 45 minutes after the injection. Sea buckthorn extract diluted to 150, 300 mg/kg (in 1 ml of distilled water) was orally administered 30 minutes prior to the acute pain. The facial pain behavior was effectively reduced in the 300 mg/kg group when compared to the control group (vehicle). Likewise, in an experiment in which formalin was injected into the temporomandibular joints, effective pain alleviation was confirmed at the same drug concentration. These results suggest that sea buckthorn extract may be useful in the development of therapeutic agents for acute inflammatory pain in the orofacial area and for controlling temporomandibular joint pain.

A comparative analysis of micro-organism colonization of tooth-brushes in a public bath based on the storage technique / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: Bacterial colonization on toothbrushes can cause stomatitis and other oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis. In this study we tested 18 toothbrushes, of which six were left exposedto the air, six were stored in a plastic bag, and six in a toothbrush case. METHODS: ATP (RLU: relatively light unit) values measured by ATP Luminometer were compared with APC (CFU: colony forming unit) by swabbing culture method using 3M™ petrifilm™ aerobic count plates. RESULTS: Swabs from toothbrushes left exposed in the air developed an average of 651.67±261.94 CFU, while the “In plastic bag” and the “In toothbrush case” specimens developed 593.17±354.33 and 120.83±68.87 CFU, respectively. CONCLUSION: The best option is to rinse the toothbrush well with water and to keep them dry in a well-ventilated area in order to reduce the growth of bacteria in a public bath.

Blockade of Trigeminal Glutamate Recycling Produces Anti-allodynic Effects in Rats with Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain

The present study investigated the role of spinal glutamate recycling in the development of orofacial inflammatory pain or trigeminal neuropathic pain. Experiments were carried out on male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 230 and 280 g. Under anesthesia, a polyethylene tube was implanted in the atlanto-occipital membrane for intracisternal administration. IL-1β-induced inflammation was employed as an orofacial acute inflammatory pain model. IL-1β (10 ng) was injected subcutaneously into one vibrissal pad. We used the trigeminal neuropathic pain animal model produced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve. DL-threo-β -benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA) or methionine sulfoximine (MSO) was administered intracisternally to block the spinal glutamate transporter and the glutamine synthetase activity in astroglia. Intracisternal administration of TBOA produced mechanical allodynia in naïve rats, but it significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia in rats with interleukin (IL)-1 β-induced inflammatory pain or trigeminal neuropathic pain. In contrast, intracisternal injection of MSO produced anti-allodynic effects in rats treated with IL-1β or with infraorbital nerve injury. Intracisternal administration of MSO did not produce mechanical allodynia in naive rats. These results suggest that blockade of glutamate recycling induced pro-nociception in naïve rats, but it paradoxically resulted in anti-nociception in rats experiencing inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Moreover, blockade of glutamate reuptake could represent a new therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic pain conditions.

A study on oral health knowledge and the need for oral health education among industrial workers / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between oral health behaviors of workers by examining the oral health awareness and the need for oral health education. METHODS: After the institutional review board approval, we surveyed industrial workers in Seoul, Gwangju, Changwon, and Goksung, in Korea, from July 19 to August 29, 2016. The final questionnaires (287 in total) were assessed using the SPSS 24.0 software for Windows (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, average, standard deviation, t-test, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Through the response of “yes” for the question, “oral health education experience,” we can see the respondents have high level of interest (P<0.001). And through the response of “yes” for the question, “Periodic oral Examination” and “regular scaling” and “oral care product use” we can see the respondents have high level of interest (P<0.001) and high importance (P<0.001), there was a statistically significant difference. On analyzing the correlations between workers, there was positive correlation oral health ‘Interest’ and ‘Importance’ (r=0.598, P<0.001). Of the 287 participants, 80.1% indicated that they did not receive any previous oral health education, while 85.4% indicated a willingness to attend oral health education programs in the future. Of the 80.1% of participants with no prior oral health education, 60.0% indicated lack of oral health education because of few opportunities to participate in such programs. They most prefer “Oral Hygiene Management” 64.8% for education contents and choose “Direct-education by inviting Expert” as the best education method 75.6%. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop oral health education programs suitable for the industrial field characteristics for people in workplace, and to enhance and expand oral health education services in the workplace in order to maintain interest in oral health.

Successful Treatment of Erdheim-Chester Disease with Multisystemic Involvement in a 4-year-old Child by Interferon-α and Corticosteroid / 임상소아혈액종양

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of proliferative non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that involves multiple organs and is associated with a high mortality. The prognosis of ECD is variable, and it mainly depends on the involved anatomic sites. The treatment modalities have not been standardized, but interferon-α (IFN-α) has been reported to be effective in the management of ECD. ECD usually affects middle aged individuals with a slight male predominance but is extremely rare in children. We present an uncommon case of a 4-year-boy diagnosed with ECD who was treated with IFN-α and corticosteroid. He remained disease-free for 3 years after the completion of treatment.

Quality of Life in Korean Acne Patients: A Comparison with the Quality of Life Ten Years Ago / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne has been found to be associated with psychosocial problems, and the influence of acne may vary according to the era. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the present quality of life (QOL) of acne patients with that in the past 10 years. Additionally, financial values that patients attach to the treatment of their acne were evaluated. METHODS: We analyzed the influences of acne on QOL using self-reported validated questionnaires (WHOQOLBREF, Skindex-29, APSEA, CADI) between June 2014 and December 2015. RESULTS: 100 acne patients and 70 controls were enrolled in the study. Compared with that in the past 10 years, the quality of life of acne patients decreased in terms of psychological and social relationships, and the difference between males and females was reduced. Clinical characteristics associated with quality of life were identified as age, duration, education, and self-reported severity score, etc. Patient-based financial valuation of treatment costs was associated with the Skindex-29, WHOQOL-BREF, and CADI scores. CONCLUSION: The impact of acne on QOL, especially psychosocial aspects, is important, and early initiation of the appropriate treatment may help to address the diminished QOL and financial burden of acne patients.