The COVID-19 Pandemic Response System at University Level : The Case of Safe Campus Model at Ewha Womans University

Kyunghee Jung-Choi,Nackmoon Sung,Sun Hwa Lee,Misun Chang,Hee Jung Choi,Chung-Jong Kim,Nam-Kyong Choi,Hanna Kim,Yi-Jun Kim,Whanhee Lee,Hyesook Park,Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.4

In response to the changes in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic situation, Ewha Womans University established Ewha Safe Campus (ESC), an on-campus infection outbreak management system, to allow students and faculty members to safely resume face-to face classes in 2022. The COVID-19 testing station, Ewha Safe Station, is the core element of ESC. Symptomatic students and faculty members perform a combo swab self-PCR test or receive a nasopharyngeal swab PCR test from experts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through early detection and management. ESC is significant in that it detects infection risks and proactively implements preemptive measures in a university. The COVID-19 health response system model at the university level was applied for the first time in South Korea, reaching a milestone in the history of university health in South Korea. In particular, it is highly valuable that the test was free of charge, as it enabled all of the examinees to have easy access to the test through joint cooperation with the Seegene Medical Foundation. This is a successful example of cooperation between schools and private institutions for public health improvement. In the future, the direct and indirect effects of the establishment and implementation of ESC need to be evaluated and confirmed, and areas requiring improvements need to be identified in preparation for another infectious disease outbreak in the future.

EMJ, A Research Platform for “Future Ready, Ewha Medicine”

Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.3

Treatment of Hemorrhoid in Unusual Condition- Pregnancy

Hyo Seon Ryu Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.4

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum that are located in or near the anal canal and are covered by mucosa. They can occur at any age, are generally symptomless, and affect both sexes equally. Hemorrhoids are a common complaint among younger women and are more likely to occur during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. In this article, we discuss the many approaches in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Laxatives, stool softeners, and fiber supplements are all considered safe for use by pregnant women. Moderate use of laxatives is also acceptable. Since there is a lack of sufficient evidence to support the safety and efficiency of topical medicines or oral phlebotomies during pregnancy, these treatments must to be utilized with an increased degree of extreme caution. In the case that considerable bleeding occurs, anal packing may be a straight forward and helpful operation to implement. A hemorhoidectomy is the treatment option for hemorrhoids that have become strangulated, badly thrombosed, or have bleeding that cannot be controlled.

A Proactive Testing Strategy to COVID-19 for Reopening University Campus during Omicron Wave in Korea : Ewha Safe Campus (ESC) Project

Whanhee Lee,Kyunghee Jung-Choi,Hyunjin Park,Seunghee Jun,Nackmoon Sung,Sun-Hwa Lee,Misun Chang,Hee Jung Cho,Chung-Jong Kim,Hyesook Park,Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.3

Objectives: Ewha Womans University launched an on-campus Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) response system called Ewha Safety Campus (ESC) Project in collaboration with the Seegene Inc. RTPCR diagnostic tests for COVID-19 were proactively provided to the participants. This study examines the effectiveness of the on-campus testing strategy in controlling the reproduction number (R t) and identifying student groups vulnerable to infection. Methods: The ESC project was launched on March 2, 2022, with a pilot period from Feb 22 to March 1, 2022—the peak of the Omicron variant wave. We collected daily data on the RT-PCR test results of the students of Ewha Womans University from Mar 2 to Apr 30, 2022. We daily calculated R t and compared it with that of the general population of Korea (women, people aged 20–29 years, and Seoul residents). We also examined the students vulnerable to the infection based on the group-specific R t and positivity rate. Results: A lower R t was observed about 2 weeks after the implementation of the ESC Project than that of the general population. The lower R t persisted during the entire study period. Dormitory residents had a higher R t. The positivity rate was higher in students who did not comply with quarantine guidelines and did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. Conclusion: The study provides scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the on-campus testing strategy and different infection vulnerabilities of students, depending on dormitory residence, compliance with the quarantine guidelines, and vaccination.

Differential Diagnosis of Elbow Pain

Yong-Bum Joo,Hyung-Jin Chung,Jae-Young Park,Woo-Yong Lee Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.4

Elbow pain is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice. Pathology can arise from any component of the joint, including the bone, tendons, ligament, bursa, or nerves. This paper discusses how elbow pain can be differentiated according to its anatomic location and presents the corresponding causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Recent Nonoperative Treatment of Elbow Pain

Jung Won Han,Young Dae Jeon Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.4

Pain originating from the elbow can be due to issues affecting the joint itself or the structures surrounding it. These structures include the medial and lateral epicondyles, associated ligaments, the origins of wrist flexor and extensor muscles, the olecranon bursa, the distal biceps tendon, and the radial and ulnar nerves. Pain that appears to originate from a different location may actually be referred pain, potentially stemming from the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or the shoulder. Among complaints related to the elbow, lateral elbow pain is the most frequently reported. This pain could originate from the lateral epicondyle, the radiohumeral joint, or it could be referred pain from other areas. Medial elbow pain is the second most common complaint, often resulting from issues with the medial epicondyle or the ulnar nerve as it travels through the cubital tunnel. The biceps tendon is frequently the cause of anterior elbow pain. Patients who report swelling in the elbow are often experiencing olecranon bursitis. These conditions can often be effectively managed through conservative treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a structured approach to addressing patients with elbow pain, by detailing the common causes of such discomfort and exploring effective nonsurgical treatment options.

The Recent Surgical Treatment of Elbow Pain

Erica Kholinne,In-ho Jeon,Jae-Man Kwak Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.4

The review article explores recent advances in the surgical treatment of elbow pain, a common ailment that can significantly impair daily functioning. With a surge in elbow-related conditions such as tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders, the necessity for surgical approaches has become paramount. This article provides an overview of the cutting-edge procedures now available, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. These modern methods have been shown to significantly reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. The combination of surgical management and targeted rehabilitation ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for patients with various elbow pathologies. This article aims to shed light on these recent surgical interventions and their potential for advancing the management of elbow pain, emphasizing the ongoing trend toward precision, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

Prognostic Significance of 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Holter Monitoring in Patients without Atrial Fibrillation

Sojeong Park,Jisoo Park,Yeonjoo Choi,Sanghoon Shin,Junbeom Park Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.3

Objectives: This study investigated the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and Holter parameters for evaluating their prognostic significance of cardiovascular events including stroke in population without atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Among 3,199 patients that underwent ABPM, 335 who also underwent Holter recordings were selected in a tertiary hospital. Seventeen patients who had been documented with AF on Holter monitoring or diagnosed with AF were excluded, and finally 318 patients were analyzed. The association between cardiovascular events and ABPM/Holter parameters was analyzed by a logistic regression model, and the risk factors were estimated by a Cox hazard model. Age, sex, and histories of cardiovascular disease were adjusted by a multivariable analysis, and the cut-off values were suggested by a Kaplan-Meyer analysis. Results: During the total follow-up (28.5±1.7 months), 13 (4.1%) stroke, 6 (1.9%) heart failure, and 12 (3.8%) acute coronary syndrome incidences were observed. In the univariate analysis of the ABPM parameters, an increment in the night systolic BP (hazard ratio=1.034, P=0.020) and night diastolic BP (hazard ratio=1.063, P=0.031) significantly elevated the risk of a stroke occurrence. According to the Kaplan-Meyer analysis, there was a significant difference in the stroke incidence between the groups divided by a cut-off value of the night systolic BP of 120 mmHg (P=0.014) and night diastolic BP of 75 mmHg (P=0.023). Conclusion: In a population without AF, the nocturnal BP was a significant predictor of a stroke incidence. At this point, the cut-off value of mean 120/75 mmHg in 24 ABPM was advisable.

Anemia in Individuals over Age 80 : Unattended Issue in Clinical Practice

Yun Jin Jeong,Joo Kyoung Cha,Hyun Jung Lee,Seok Lae Chae,Hee Jin Huh,Jae-Woo Chung,Do Yeun Kim Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2016 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.39 No.3

Objectives: To assess the current state of anemia evaluation in the elderly over 80 years of age. Methods: Patients who were more than 80 years old and visited Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital from April 2005 to February 2014 were included. Statistical analysis were assessed using the logistic regression model. Results: Total 548 patients, who had anemia according to WHO criteria, were identified. The median age was 85 years old (range, 82 to 99 years) and median hemoglobin level was 11.0 g/dL (range, 2.7 to 12.9 g/dL). Twenty-eight, 468, and 52 patients were classified as microcytic anemia, normocytic anemia, and macrocytic anemia, respectively. Among them, 397 patients (72.4%) did not undergo proper evaluation for the cause anemia i.e., 8 cases (28.5%) of microcytic anemia, 361 cases (77.1%) of normocytic anemia, and the 28 cases (53.84%) of 52 macrocytic anemia patients. The remaining 151 patients (27.6%) had completed the evaluation, and 24 patients (15.9%) were diagnosed as solid malignancies. In the assessment of iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobin levels, and age had no effect on whether or not to perform esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Conclusion: This finding showed that physicians often neglected anemia in individuals over 80 years of age. Though these patients have limited life expectancy, physicians should carefully discriminate the sub-population who will be benefit from adequate evaluation and treatment.

로봇 보조 복강경을 이용한 근치적 방광절제술

김광현,이동현 Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2014 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.37 No.1

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) for the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer is being increasingly applied. Radical cystectomy is complex procedure which should be performed with extensive lymph node dissection and urinary diversion. Currently, the techniques of RARC are well-described, and the feasibility and safety of RARC has been demonstrated. While extracorporeal approach is preferred method for urinary diversion, intracorporeal urinary diversion is gaining popularity. Positive surgical margins are similar to large open series but inferior for locally advanced disease. However, local recurrence and survival rates seem equivalent to open series at short and mid-term follow up. Randomized controlled trial should be conducted to rigorously assess the oncologic outcomes of RARC compared to open radical cystectomy.