What Is Integrative Medicine?

Jung, Seungpil Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2013 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.30 No.2

The demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide. High-technology medicine is not always effective and is often accompanied by neglected self-care and high cost. Also, conventional medicine has become dependent on expensive technological solutions to health problems. Integrated medicine is not simply a synonym for complementary medicine. It involves the understanding of the interaction of the mind, body, and spirit and how to interpret this relationship in the dynamics of health and disease. Integrative medicine shifts the orientation of the medical practice from a disease-based approach to a healing-based approach. In South Korea, CAM education was first provided 20 years ago, and integrative medicine is becoming part of the current mainstream medicine. Increasing numbers of fellowships in integrative medicine are being offered in many academic health centers in the U.S. Also, it has emerged as a potential solution to the American healthcare crisis and chronic diseases, which are bankrupting the economy. It provides care that is patient-centered, healing-oriented, emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, and uses therapeutic approaches originating from conventional and alternative medicine.

Risk factors for respiratory distress syndrome in full-term neonates

Kim, Jin Hyeon,Lee, Sang Min,Lee, Young Hwan Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2018 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.35 No.2

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a one of the most common cause of respiratory morbidity and mortality in neonates. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for RDS in full-term neonates. Methods: We conducted this retrospective study using medical records. The study group included 80 full-term neonates diagnosed with RDS and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2012 and December 2016, at Yeungnam University Hospital. We analyzed sex, gestational age, birth weight, delivery method, maternal age, number of pregnancy, history of abortion, and complication of pregnancy. The control group included 116 full-time neonates who were hospitalized with jaundice during the same period. Results: The incidence of full-term RDS was more common in males (odds ratio [OR], 3.288; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.446-7.479), cesarean section (OR, 15.03; 95% CI, 6.381-35.423), multiparity (OR, 4.216; 95% CI, 1.568-11.335). The other factors rendered no significant results. Conclusion: The risk factors for RDS in full-tern neonates were identified as male sex, cesarean section, and multiparity. Further studies involving more institutions are needed to clarify the risk factors for RDS in full-term infants.

IRB review points for studies utilizing paraffin blocks archived in the pathology laboratory

Kim, Yong-Jin,Jeong, Chang Rok,Park, Jeong Sik Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2018 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.35 No.1

In the personalized medicine era, utilizing paraffin blocks in pathology archives for investigating human diseases has come into the limelight. This archived material with clinical data will reduce the research time and could prevent new patient recruitment to obtain tissue for research. However, the clause indicating the necessity of consent from human material providers in the Korean Bioethics and Safety Act has made the Institutional Review Board (IRB) deny permission to use paraffin blocks for research without consent, and alternatively to get the same before starting an experiment. Written consent may be waived off in studies using paraffin blocks with anonymous status or conditions not linked to personal information by applying the paragraph 3, article 16 of the current Bioethics and Safety Act. Also, the IRB should recommend researchers to preserve the blocks as medical records of patients in long-term archives.

Efficacy of ramosetron in combination with polyethylene glycol of preparing for a colonoscopy

Kang, Min Kyu,Jang, Byung Ik,Park, Jun Suk,Kim, Kyeong Ok Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2019 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.36 No.2

Background: Because of its efficacy and safety, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is generally used to prepare for colonoscopy. However, the side effects of PEG, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, pain, and general weakness, tend to decrease patient compliance and satisfaction. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of PEG with 0.1 mg ramosetron on colonoscopy patients who had difficulty taking PEG due to side effects or large volume. Methods: From January to August in 2012, 28 patients who visited Yeungnam University hospital for a colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled. All enrolled patients were previous history underwent colonoscopy using PEG only in our hospital. The efficacy and safety of ramosetron were assessed through the use of a questionnaire, and compared previous bowel preparation. Results: Compared to previous examination, the patients using the ramosetron reported less nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain, as well as a higher degree of compliance and satisfaction of the patient. There were no side effects reported with the use of ramosetron. However, overall bowel preparation quality was not better than the previous examination. Conclusion: In case of the use of ramosetron in combination with PEG for bowel preparation, patients experienced a higher rate of compliance and tolerance. Looking forward, ramosetron may become an option of pretreatment for bowel preparation.

Predictors of Weight Reduction and Smoking Cessation in Overweight and Obese Patients with Acute Myocardial infarctions

Kang, Jung-Kyu,Lee, Jang-Hoon,Ha, Su-Young,Bae, Myung-Hwan,Yang, Dong-Heon,Park, Hun-Sik,Cho, Yong-Keun,Chae, Shung-Chull,Jun, Jae-Eun Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2011 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.28 No.1

Background: Little IS known about predictors of lifestyle modification in overweight or obese patients with acute myocardial infarctions. Methods: Between October 2005 and May 2007, 311 overweight or obese patients with an AMI visited Kyungpook National University Hospital. Among them, 216 patients ($63{\pm}11$ years old, 144 males) with ${\geq}1$ year of follow-up were included. Results: Body weight of all patients showed a significant decrease and 20% showed a >3% weight reduction at 1 year of follow-up. Ninety-six (44%) patients were smoking at baseline, and 52% of them had quit by 1 year of follow-up. Only six smokers were successful with both a >3% weight reduction and smoking cessation. In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.084, 95% CI 1.028-1.144, p=0.003) and smoking cessation (OR 0.167, 95% CI 0.048-0.575, p=0.005) were independent predictors of weight reduction. Abdominal circumference was a negative predictor of smoking cessation (OR 0.903, 95% CI 0.820-0.994, p=0.037). Conclusions: Mean body weight of all patients showed a significant decrease at follow-up. Smoking cessation and age were independent predictors of weight reduction, and abdominal circumference was a negative predictor of smoking cessation.

Trends in the study on medical education over the last 10 years, based on paper titles

Kim, Seong Yong Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2019 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.36 No.2

Medical education research subjects are incredibly diverse and have changed over time. This work in particular aims to compare and analyze research trends in medical education through the words used in the titles of these research papers. Academic Medicine (the journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges), Medical Teacher (the journal of the Association of Medical Education in Europe), the Korean Journal of Medical Education (KJME), and Korean Medical Education Review (KMER) were selected and analyzed for the purposes of this research. From 2009 to 2018, Academic Medicine and Medical Teacher published approximately 10 to 20 times more papers than the KJME and KMER. Frequently used words in these titles include "medical," "student," "education," and "learning." The words "clinical" and "learning" were used relatively often (7.80% to 13.66%) in Korean journals and Medical Teacher, but Academic Medicine used these phrases relatively less often (6.47% and 4.41%, respectively). Concern with such various topics as problem-based learning, team-based learning, program evaluations, burnout, e-learning, and digital indicates that Medical Teacher seems to primarily deal with teaching and learning methodologies, and Academic Medicine handles all aspects of medical education. The KJME and KMER did not cover all subjects, as they publish smaller papers. However, it is anticipated that research on new subjects, such as artificial intelligence in medical education, will occur in the near future.

Risk factors for persistent otitis media with effusion in children: a case-control study

Lee, Ju Yeon,Kim, Se-Hyung,Song, Chan Il,Kim, Young Ree,Kim, Yoon-Joo,Choi, Jae Hong Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2018 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.35 No.1

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as middle ear effusion without acute signs of infection. OME usually resolves spontaneously; however, persistent OME may require the insertion of a ventilation tube. This study investigated risk factors for persistent OME in children who undergo ventilation tube insertion. Methods: Children who were admitted to undergo ventilation tube insertion at Jeju National University Hospital between August 2015 and July 2016 were enrolled as the case group. Healthy children without persistent OME from August 2016 to July 2017 were enrolled as the control group. Baseline characteristics and predisposing factor data were collected using an interview questionnaire. Middle ear fluids were collected from the case group. Results: A total of 31 patients underwent ventilation tube insertion. The mean age of the case group was 4.53 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 21:10. Twenty-nine (93.5%) children attended a daycare center, and 21 (67.7%) had experience with bottle feeding. Fifteen (48.4%) children in the case group and 3 (9.7%) in the control group first attended a daycare center at <1 year of age (odds ratio=9.96; 95% confidence interval=2.44-39.70; p=0.001). No bacteria were found in middle ear fluid collected from the 31 operated children. Nasopharyngeal bacterial colonization was found in 13 (41.9%) and 17 (54.8%) children in the case and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: Earlier attendance at a daycare center was the only predisposing factor for ventilation tube insertion in our study. The aseptic nature of middle ear fluids found in children with OME highlights the efficacy of antimicrobial use.

Clinical features according to chest radiologic patterns of Mycoplasma pneumonia in children

Kim, Young Hyun,Kim, Jin Hyeon,Kim, Sae Yoon,Lee, Young Hwan Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2016 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.33 No.2

Background: Clinical differences in Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) in children and adolescent patients according to abnormal infiltrate patterns on the chest X-ray were compared. Methods: From 2012 to 2015, patients (n=336) diagnosed with MP at Yeungnam University Medical Center have been classified as eiher lobar pneumonia or bronchopneumonia based on the infilterate patterns observed on chest X-ray. Cases were analyzed retrospectively for gender, age, seasonal incidence rate, main symptoms (fever duration, extrapulmonary symptoms), and laboratory results, including white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as well as concurrent respiratory virus infection. Results: The following results were observed. First, lobar pneumonia affected 22.0% of all MP patients and was the most common in preschool children, with a high incidence rate in November and December. Second, lobar pneumonia had a longer fever duration than bronchopneumonia (p<0.001), and also showed significantly higher platelets (336.8 vs. $299.1k/{\mu}L$, p=0.026), ESR (46.3 vs. 26.0 mm/hr, p<0.001) and CRP (4.86 vs. 2.18 mg/dL, p=0.001). Third, viral co-infection was more common in bronchopneumonia (p=0.017), affecting 66.7% of infants and toddlers (p=0.034). Finaly, lobar consolidation was most common in both lower lobes. Conclusion: MP in children has increased in younger age groups, and the rate of lobar pneumonia with severe clinical symptoms is higher in older children.

Empyema caused by Clostridium perfringens

Park, Hyun-Sun,Jung, Chul-Min,Choi, Jang-Won,Hong, Yoonki,Kim, Woo Jin Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2015 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.32 No.1

Pleuropulmonary diseases caused by Clostridial species infections are rare, but have a mortality rate of up to 30%. Furthermore, older people are at greater risk of developing invasive clostridium infections, and the majority of reported cases of clostridium empyema have been attributed to iatrogenic trauma or aspiration. The authors report a case of spontaneous empyema caused by Clostridium perfringens. A 72-year-old woman was admitted to Kangwon National University Hospital for empyema. The patient had no history of trauma, a dental procedure, or aspiration, and was treated using empirical antibiotics and by drainage of pleural fluid. Bacteria species that cause empyema are usually not detected, but on the 4th day of admission, C. perfringens was isolated from the pleural space. The patient was continuously treated with antibiotics for C. perfringens and drainage, and was discharged 25 days after admission with almost a fully recovered status. Increased awareness of Clostrium species infection in the elderly is needed to ensure appropriate treatment.

Computer-based clinical coding activity analysis for neurosurgical terms

Lee, Jong Hyuk,Lee, Jung Hwan,Ryu, Wooseok,Choi, Byung Kwan,Han, In Ho,Lee, Chang Min Yeungnam University College of Medicine 2019 Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine Vol.36 No.3

Background: It is not possible to measure how much activity is required to understand and code a medical data. We introduce an assessment method in clinical coding, and applied this method to neurosurgical terms. Methods: Coding activity consists of two stages. At first, the coders need to understand a presented medical term (informational activity). The second coding stage is about a navigating terminology browser to find a code that matches the concept (code-matching activity). Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) was used for the coding system. A new computer application to record the trajectory of the computer mouse and record the usage time was programmed. Using this application, we measured the time that was spent. A senior neurosurgeon who has studied SNOMED CT has analyzed the accuracy of the input coding. This method was tested by five neurosurgical residents (NSRs) and five medical record administrators (MRAs), and 20 neurosurgical terms were used. Results: The mean accuracy of the NSR group was 89.33%, and the mean accuracy of the MRA group was 80% (p=0.024). The mean duration for total coding of the NSR group was 158.47 seconds, and the mean duration for total coding of the MRA group was 271.75 seconds (p=0.003). Conclusion: We proposed a method to analyze the clinical coding process. Through this method, it was possible to accurately calculate the time required for the coding. In neurosurgical terms, NSRs had shorter time to complete the coding and higher accuracy than MRAs.