Biomedical subjects

Y Y Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Y Y Kim.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Action of Sosiho-Tang on systemic and local anaphylaxis by anal administration.

The herbal formulation Soshiho-Tang (SS-Tang) has been used against allergic disease for generations, and still occupies an important place in traditional medicine in Korea. Previously, we reported that SS-Tang potently inhibited mast cell- mediated anaphylaxis when orally administered. In this study, we investigated the effect of SS-Tang by anal administration in anaphylaxis responses. SS-Tang dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis with doses of 10(-4) to 1 g/kg 1 h before anally administered. Of special note, SS-Tang inhibited systemic anaphylaxis completely with a dose of 1 g/kg. SS-Tang reduced plasma histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 significantly. However, the mortality was 100% when SS-Tang was administered after compound 48/80 treatment. SS-Tang (10(-1) g/kg) also inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody by 30.9%. These results provide evidence that anal therapy of SS-Tang may be beneficial in the treatment of systemic and local anaphylaxis.

Administration, Rectal↗

PubMed1999

Cellular localization of alpha3beta1 integrin isoforms in association with myofibrillogenesis during cardiac myocyte development in culture.

The cellular localization of alpha3beta1 integrin isoforms was examined in cultured neonatal myocytes at selected times during development using double immunofluorescence assays. The distribution of alpha3A subunits began as diffuse and patternless, but as the cells matured, the distribution assumed a sarcomeric banding pattern, and alpha3A appeared to be localized in costameres - sarcolemmal regions adjacent to the Z-disks. Alpha-actinin, a component of the Z-disk, was localized in the same intracellular regions. Temporal analysis of the incorporation of the alpha3A subunit and other myofibrillar proteins into sarcomeres revealed that alpha3A was integrated into sarcomeres following incorporation of alpha-actinin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) but prior to that of desmin. This suggests that alpha3A integrins are incorporated into a pre-existing myofibrillar structure, and it is unlikely that alpha3A integrins participate in the initial assembly of myofibrillar proteins. The alpha3B, beta1A and beta1D subunits were also localized in costameres, where they formed alpha3Abeta1A, alpha3Abeta1D and alpha3Bbeta1A heterodimers. The alpha3Bbeta1D heterodimer, however, was not found in cardiac myocytes. The antisera raised against the cytoplasmic domains of alpha3A, alpha3B, beta1A and beta1D caused disruption of sarcomere structure. Thus, the myofibril-extracellular matrix linkages mediated by isoforms of alpha3beta1 integrin may play a crucial role in the stabilization of myofibril assembly and in the maintenance of sarcomere structure. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that beta1A, but not beta1D, interacts with the Nck signaling protein, suggesting that Nck participates in downstream signaling triggered by beta1A and that the beta1A-mediated signaling pathway is distinct from that of beta1D.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of basophil histamine releasability between atopic and nonatopic asthmatics.

To compare the mediator releasability between atopic and nonatopic asthmatics, we measured basophil histamine releasability (BaHR) using a calcium-ionophore A23187 and anti-IgE in 137 subjects who were treated at Seoul National University Hospital. Subjects were categorized into atopic (group AA, n=77) or nonatopic asthmatics (group NA, n=32), or normal controls (group NC, n=28). Serum total IgE levels were determined and correlation with BaHR was assessed. Anti-IgE-induced maximal BaHR in groups AA, NA, and NC was 41.0+/-3.2, 23.1+/-4.5, and 16.8+/-3.8, respectively (mean+/-SE, %). Anti-IgE-induced BaHR in group AA was significantly higher than that in groups NA and NC (p<0.05). Calcium ionophore A23187-induced maximal BaHR was 43.1+/-2.8, 40.8+/-4.4, and 50.5+/-5.2, respectively (mean+/-SE, %), and there was no significant difference among the groups. Serum total IgE level correlated significantly with anti-IgE-induced maximal BaHR (r=0.281, p<0.01) but not with that induced by calcium ionophore A23187. In conclusion, IgE receptor-related BaHR is higher in atopic asthmatics than in nonatopic asthmatics, and this increased BaHR in atopics is significantly associated with increased serum total IgE level.

Asthma↗

PubMed1998

Engagement of CD99 induces up-regulation of TCR and MHC class I and II molecules on the surface of human thymocytes.

CD99 is a cell surface molecule involved in the aggregation of lymphocytes and apoptosis of immature cortical thymocytes. Despite its high level expression on immature cortical thymocytes, the functional roles of this molecule during thymic selection are only now being elucidated. Examination of the effects of CD99 engagement on the expression kinetics of the TCR and MHC class I and II molecules, which are involved primarily in thymic positive selection, revealed a marked up-regulation of these proteins on the surface of immature thymocytes. This increase was the result of accelerated mobilization of molecules stored in cytosolic compartments to the plasma membrane, rather than increased RNA and protein synthesis. Confocal microscopic analysis revealed the changes in subcellular distribution of these molecules. When CD99 was engaged, TCR and MHC class I and II molecules were concentrated at the plasma membrane, particularly at cell-cell contact sites. The TCRlow subpopulation of immature double positive thymocytes was much more responsive to CD99-mediated up-regulation than was the TCRhigh population. These findings suggest that CD99-dependent up-regulation may have possible implication in positive selection during thymocyte ontogeny.

12E7 Antigen↗

PubMed1998

Total hip reconstruction in the anatomically distorted hip. Cemented versus hybrid total hip arthroplasty.

Recent reports in the literature strongly support the idea that cement is the optimum form of fixation of the femoral component in total hip replacement. For hybrid total hip arthroplasty, we used a cemented cup instead of an uncemented cup since this was inevitable in cases of poorly developed acetabulum. The uncemented cone femoral component is also beneficial in cases of extremely narrow and cylindrical configuration of the medullary cavity of untreated congenital dislocation of the hips (CDH) and tuberculosis or septic arthritis in childhood. We reviewed the clinical result of a consecutive series of patients with cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with recent studies on hybrid reconstruction using survivorship analysis. This subsequent study involved a hybrid uncemented Wagner cone femoral component and a cemented acetabular component with roof reinforcement by additional impacted cancellous allograft with hydroxyapatite (HA). We believe that early failure of the cemented components was due to an adverse effect of thin cement mantles around cemented femoral stems as well as the cemented cup in THA. In addition, 8 patients who received our modification of the Charnley CDH component had poor results even though we reduced the stem geometry and thickness. Furthermore, intraoperative fracture and splitting of the proximal femur was a major complication during implantation. Contrary to expectations, the results of these hybrid reconstructions were extremely encouraging (average follow-up period of 2-4.5 years). In addition to our experience of the cemented versus hybrid THA involving the uncemented Wagner femoral component, we have determined positive indications for the untreated and severely distorted anatomy of bilateral CDH for which surgical interventions for reconstruction were not recommended before.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Long-term outcome of primary glaucoma triple procedure with adjunctive 5-fluorouracil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effect of adjunctive subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the filtration outcome of primary glaucoma triple procedure (PGTP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: Seventy-four POAG patients were randomly assigned to PGTP alone (36 patients) or PGTP with adjunctive subconjunctival 5-FU (5.0 +/- 1.3 injections of 5 mg each, total of 24.8 mg) (38 patients). After surgery, the patients were examined at regular intervals for intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, medical therapy requirements, and complications. Surgical success was defined as IOP < or = 20 mmHg on postoperative medication < or = 1 without additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: Over an average follow-up (+/- SD) of 45.3 +/- 25.0 months, both 5-FU and control groups maintained significant improvement of IOP control and visual acuity. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the 5-FU and control groups with respect to postoperative IOP, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity outcome, and success rate overall or in selected patients with one or more of the risk factors for filtration failure. CONCLUSIONS: The use of low-dose subconjunctival 5-FU (mean dosage of 24.8 mg in 5.0 +/- 1.3 injections) as an adjunct did not significantly improve the long-term filtration outcome of PGTP in POAG patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Effect of topical anti-inflammatory treatment on the long-term outcome of laser trabeculoplasty. Fluorometholone-Laser Trabeculoplasty Study Group.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment on the long-term outcome of argon laser trabeculoplasty, we extended the short-term study of the Fluorometholone-Laser Trabeculoplasty Study Group. METHODS: Among the chronic open-angle glaucoma patients randomly assigned to the 0.25% fluorometholone or placebo eyedrops four times daily before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty in the Fluorometholone-Laser Trabeculoplasty Study, the long-term records of 27 patients (13 eyes in the fluorometholone group and 14 eyes in the placebo group) were available for our review and analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the success rate of argon laser trabeculoplasty between the fluorometholone and control groups over the follow-up period of 4.6 +/- 3.4 years. CONCLUSION: While it decreased ocular inflammation and discomfort during the early postoperative period, peri-argon laser trabeculoplasty use of a topical corticosteroid did not influence the long-term intraocular pressure outcome of argon laser trabeculoplasty.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1998

Outcomes of primary phakic trabeculectomies without versus with 0.5- to 1-minute versus 3- to 5-minute mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure and hypotony outcomes of primary phakic trabeculectomies with no mitomycin C (MMC), shorter MMC, and longer MMC exposure. METHODS: We evaluated primary phakic trabeculectomies with no MMC (36 eyes of 36 patients), 0.5- to 1-minute MMC (50 eyes of 50 patients), and 3- to 5-minute MMC (38 eyes of 38 patients) at the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. Successful trabeculectomy was defined as an intraocular pressure of 21 mm Hg or less without development of a marked visual acuity loss associated with prolonged hypotony (intraocular pressure < 6 mm Hg over 3 months) and without the need for additional surgery to control intraocular pressure or treat postoperative complications. RESULTS: The three groups were similar in demographics, preoperative intraocular pressure, and medical dependency. However, the incidence of hypotony during the postoperative periods of 3 to 12 months was significantly higher in the 3- to 5-minute MMC group (P < .05, chi-square test). Severe visual acuity loss associated with hypotony was also more frequently found in the 3- to 5-minute MMC group than in the 0.5- to 1-minute (P = .009, chi-square test) group or the control group (P = .014, chi-square test). In addition, the success probabilities were significantly different among the three groups (P = .001, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test) and were the highest in the 0.5- to 1-minute MMC group and the lowest in the 3- to 5-minute MMC group. CONCLUSION: Shorter application (0.5 to 1 minute) of MMC appears to be optimal for the successful outcome of primary phakic trabeculectomy compared with no MMC or longer application of MMC at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

A familial predisposition in bronchial hyperresponsiveness among patients with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Nonasthmatic subjects with allergic rhinitis often have bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The mechanisms responsible for BHR in asthma include genetic predisposition and airway inflammation, but the causes of BHR in allergic rhinitis are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a familial predisposition in allergic rhinitis-associated BHR. METHODS: One hundred fifteen children with allergic rhinitis (probands) and their family members underwent methacholine bronchial challenge and skin prick tests with airborne allergens. The probands were divided into 2 groups: BHR(+) (methacholine PC20 <18 mg/mL determined by the dosimeter method; n = 42) and BHR(-) (n = 73). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of BHR was higher in family members of BHR(+) probands than in those of BHR(-) probands (23.3% [27 of 116] vs 10.5% [21 of 200], P <.01). In mothers, this difference was marked (21.4% vs 8.2%, P <.05); a similar trend was observed in fathers (16.7% vs 6.8%) and siblings (34.4% vs 18.5%), although the differences did not reach significance (.05 < P <.1). The bronchial responsiveness index (BR index), a continuous variable derived from the results of methacholine challenge, was significantly higher among family members of the BHR(+) group than those of the BHR(-) group. Furthermore, even when only family members without BHR were considered, the BR index was significantly higher among those (n = 89) of the BHR(+) group than those (n = 179) of the BHR(-) group. There was no difference in atopic status as assessed by the prevalence of atopy (or atopy index) between family members of the BHR(+) group and the BHR(-) group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that there is a significant familial predisposition for BHR among patients with allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether genetic factors play a role in allergic rhinitis-associated BHR.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1998

Topical verapamil and episcleral venous pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a single-dose and 2-week administration of topical 0.25% verapamil on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-masked, crossover, and placebo-controlled study. PARTICIPANTS: One eye of each of 20 normal subjects received topical verapamil or placebo. INTERVENTION: The EVP was measured using a pressure chamber episcleral venomanometer. The IOP, EVP, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline, 1.5 hours after a single drop, and after 2-week, three-times-a-day topical administration of 0.25% verapamil or placebo to one eye. After a 4-week washout period, the treatment to the study eye was reversed, and measurements of EVP, IOP, HR, and BP were repeated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The EVP, IOP, HR, and BP were measured. RESULTS: Ninety minutes after a single drop, the EVP in the verapamil-treated eyes was reduced by 4.8% (P = <0.001) and in the untreated fellow eyes by 2.4% (P = 0.032). After 2-week topical administration, the EVP was reduced by 9.5% (P = <0.0001) in the verapamil-treated eyes and by 4.8% (P = 0.001) in the fellow eyes. The EVP was unchanged in the treated and fellow eyes after a single drop or after a 2-week treatment with placebo. Ninety minutes after topical administration of 0.25% verapamil, the IOP decreased by 7.7% (P = <0.0001) in the treated eyes and decreased by 3.6% (P = 0.03) in the fellow eyes. After a 2-week administration of topical verapamil, the IOP decreased by 12% (P = 0.0001) in the treated eyes and by 7.2% (P = 0.0289) in the fellow eyes. The changes of IOP in the placebo-treated and fellow eyes were not statistically significant after a single-dose and 2-week administration. After topical administration of verapamil, a contralateral effect on IOP and EVP was observed in the fellow, untreated eye. No systemic effect on HR or BP was detected after a single-dose administration of topical verapamil. There were, however, significant reductions in HR and BP after a 2-week treatment with topical 0.25% verapamil. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a single drop and a 2-week administration of topical 0.25% verapamil decrease IOP and EVP significantly, with more pronounced reduction after a 2-week treatment than after a single-dose treatment.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1998

The role of adjunctive mitomycin C in secondary glaucoma triple procedure as compared to primary glaucoma triple procedure.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether previously failed glaucoma filtration surgery is a risk factor for filtration failure of subsequent trabeculectomy combined with cataract surgery and to determine the role of adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) in the secondary glaucoma triple procedure (SGTP) as compared to primary glaucoma triple procedure (PGTP). DESIGN: A prospective, controlled study that was randomized with respect to assignment to adjunctive MMC and a case-control design with respect to comparisons between SGTP and PGTP was studied. PARTICIPANTS: The SGTP group consisted of 49 eyes of 49 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with a history of glaucoma filtration surgery requiring glaucoma medical therapy and in need of cataract surgery, randomized to adjunctive MMC (SGTP MMC subgroup of 21 eyes) and no adjunctive MMC (SGTP control subgroup of 28 eyes). The PGTP group consisted of 49 PGTP cases closely matched to the SGTP cases with respect to age, race, gender, MMC use, C:D ratio, and systemic diseases. INTERVENTION: Trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification and a small incision (5 x 6 mm), all polymethylmethacrylate posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation with or without adjunctive MMC (0.5 mg/ml for 1 minute), was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgery failure was defined as the need of an additional intraocular procedure or the need of more than one medication to achieve intraocular pressure control to the target level. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were made with respect to filtration outcome among the SGTP and PGTP patients. RESULTS: Without adjunctive MMC, filtration success was significantly less in SGTP than in PGTP (P = 0.03). Adjunctive MMC significantly increased the success rate of SGTP (P = 0.02) but not that of PGTP (P = 0.89) over the average follow-up period of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Previously failed glaucoma filtration surgery is a significant risk factor for the filtration failure of combined surgery. Intraoperative use of adjunctive MMC significantly improves the filtration success rate of SGTP.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Decrease of capsular opacification with adjunctive mitomycin C in combined glaucoma and cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the incidence of capsular opacification requiring YAG capsulotomy after primary trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification and implantation of all polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses. DESIGN: A prospective randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seventy-four eyes of 174 nonselected patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were randomized to either no adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) control group of 93 eyes of 93 patients) or adjunctive subconjunctival MMC (MMC group of 81 eyes of 81 patients) during the primary glaucoma triple procedure (PGTP). INTERVENTION: Primary glaucoma triple procedure with and without MMC and YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification (PCO) was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidences of YAG capsulotomy for PCO were compared between the control and MMC groups and also between the control group and the MMC subgroups (1 minute, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes of MMC application) using Kaplan-Meier analysis with Mantel-Cox log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis also was performed to identify significant factors affecting capsular opacification. RESULTS: The control and MMC groups were similar in preoperative characteristics. However, the probability of PCO requiring YAG capsulotomy was significantly lower in the MMC group than in the control group (P = 0.004). Among the MMC subgroups, MMC application for 3 minutes was most effective and significant when compared with that of the control group (P = 0.002). Although not as significant as the intraoperative use of MMC (P = 0.002), old age (P = 0.026) and presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.035) were also identified as significant beneficial factors for decreasing the incidence of YAG capsulotomy for PCO in Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative subconjunctival MMC application during combined glaucoma and cataract surgery has a beneficial effect of inhibiting PCO after combined surgery in patients with POAG. Thus, after intraoperative subconjunctival application of MMC at the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml for 3 minutes, the aqueous MMC level must have been great enough to inhibit the lens epithelial cell proliferation to result in a long-term decrease in PCO.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Retrieved total hip prostheses: part II. Wear behaviour and structural changes.

Polyethylene cups and femoral heads of retrieved total hip prostheses (Charnley 22 mm stainless steel ball, Bioceram 28 mm alumina ball and Müller 32 mm Co-Cr-Mo alloy ball) were observed by the naked-eye and scanning electron microscopy. Cross-linked cups irradiated with gamma radiation in heavy high doses of 100 Mrad were included. On the weight-bearing surface of the cups non-gamma irradiated, carpet-like conspicuous fine fibres, scratches and fine crevices for the 22 mm ball, scale-like with rough and fine crevices for the 28 mm ball, and scale-like structures and many scratches for the 32 mm ball, were observed, mainly. On the whole, the number of crevices for the 32 mm ball was fewer than that for the 22 and 28 mm balls. The weight-bearing areas of the gamma-irradiated cups presented a clearly outlined pattern, irregularly lined with smooth ripples of about 0.1 microm. The scratching, flaking and delamination, characteristic of non-gamma irradiated polyethylene, were not observed at all. These findings indicate that wear is very small for gamma-irradiated polyethylene. For references, the weight-bearing surfaces of retrieved total knee prostheses were compared.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1998

Retrieved total hip prostheses. Part I: the effects of cup thickness, head sizes and fusion defects on wear.

The effects of polyethylene cup thickness, femoral head sizes (22, 28 and 32 mm) and fusion defects on wear were investigated on retrieved total hip prostheses. When the cup thickness was less than 9 mm, the larger the femoral head, the higher the linear wear rate; however, when the cup thickness was more than 9 mm, the larger the femoral head, the linear wear rate was lower. When the cup thickness was less than 11 mm, the volumetric wear rate increased with increasing size of the femoral head, and when it was more than 11 mm, the volumetric wear rate of the three kinds of the prosthetic cups approached the same values. The wear rate of the cross-linked cups irradiated by 100 Mrad were very low, with no correlation to cup thickness. When the cup thickness was less than 9 mm, the volumetric wear rate tended to increase with increasing number of fusion defects. Large diameter fusion defects diminished the tensile strength.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1998

Inhibitory effect of anaphylactic reaction of Sosiho-Tang.

Mast cells synthesize and secrete chemical mediators which play an central role in anaphylactic reactions. Compound 48/80 is a condensation product of formaldehyde with paramethoxyphenylethylamine that reliably induces the release of chemical mediators in the mast cell granules. Aggregation of the high-affinity Fc receptor also stimulates the mast cells. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Sosiho-Tang (SS-Tang) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction. SS-Tang completely inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in mice. SS-Tang inhibited local anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. In addition SS-Tang concentration-dependently inhibited histamine release in mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. These results indicate that SS-Tang may contain compounds with actions that inhibit mast cell degranulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Use of autologous Tenon's capsule and scleral patch grafts for repair of excessively draining fistulas with leaking filtering blebs.

PURPOSE: To report the use of autologous Tenon's and partial-thickness scleral tissues for patch graft revisions of excessively draining fistulas associated with leaking filtering blebs. METHODS: Appropriate sized pieces of autologous Tenon's tissue and partial-thickness scleral tissue were dissected near the surgical sites and used as patch grafts to effectively repair excessively draining fistulas with leaking filtering blebs. RESULTS: Both Tenon's and partial-thickness scleral patch grafts were useful in adequately closing the excessively draining fistulas. CONCLUSION: Autologous Tenon's and scleral tissue patch grafts appear to be safe and effective for the repair of excessively draining fistulas, and are useful when patch grafts are unexpectedly needed.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Prevalence of childhood asthma based on questionnaires and methacholine bronchial provocation test in Korea.

BACKGROUND: In most epidemiological survey studies, only subjective symptoms and past medical history of asthma have been used as diagnostic criteria. Even though a questionnaire survey can be performed in a large population study at low cost, limitations such as lack of objectivity and poor predictability in non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness cannot be avoided. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prevalence of current asthma based on questionnaires and methacholine bronchial provocation test, and the prevalence of atopy in Korea. METHODS: We performed modified ATS respiratory questionnaires and allergen skin-prick test with 10 common inhalant allergens among 3219 subjects aged 7-19 years in Seoul and a rural part of a small city, Chungju in Korea. Methacholine bronchial provocation tests were also performed among those who had asthma symptoms according to the questionnaire. The criteria of asthma was presence of both asthma symptoms and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Atopy was defined as when an allergen induced weal size is same or larger than that caused by histamine. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma based on questionnaires and methacholine bronchial provocation tests was 4.6%, while the prevalence of wheeze was 8.2% and 19.3% of total population complained of one or more respiratory symptoms related to asthma on the questionnaires. There was no significant difference according to age, sex and living area. The mean prevalence of atopy was 35.0% and the most common allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae (30.9%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (27.5%), cat fur (20.4%) and cockroach (11.8%). The atopy prevalence in Chungju area was higher than that in Seoul and males showed a higher prevalence than females. The asthma prevalence was higher among atopics (6.8%) than among non-atopics (2.7%). None of questionnaire items were enough to predict the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of current asthma in Korea was 4.6% and the prevalence rate of atopy in Korea was 35.0%. Questionnaire-based surveys are not enough to predict the actual prevalence of asthma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Dilated, miotic-resistant pupil and laser iridotomy in primary angle-closure glaucoma.

We analyzed 22 eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma that underwent initial laser iridotomy to determine which factors could lead to subsequent trabeculectomy. Twenty-two eyes were divided into two groups: (1) the eyes in which intraocular pressure (IOP) could be controlled by iridotomy and/or topical medication (iridotomy success group, 15 eyes) and (2) the eyes that underwent trabeculectomy to control IOP in spite of a patent opening (iridotomy failure group, 7 eyes). The clinical variables between the two groups were analyzed. Age, sex, visual field defect, presenting IOP and cup/disk ratio were not significantly different between the iridotomy success and failure groups. However, presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) greater than 50% was found more frequently in the iridotomy failure group as compared with the iridotomy success group (4/7 vs. 1/15, p = 0.02). Dilated, miotic-resistant pupils were observed only in the iridotomy failure group (4/7 vs. 0/15, p = 0.004). PAS greater than 50% and dilated, fixed pupils were observed in these same cases (4 eyes). Our results suggest that laser iridotomy may not be helpful in cases with dilated and miotic-resistant pupils with formation of extensive PAS.

Aged↗