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"Hepatitis"

Original Article

Background
Acute alcoholic intoxication patients (AAIP) are a common public health problem. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive laboratory analysis for these patients to investigate the co-morbid medical problem.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed laboratory findings of AAIP who were transferred to the emergency department (ED) from January 2017 to June 2017.
Results
A total of 160 male patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients (16/160, 10.0%) and three patients (3/160, 1.9%) had macrocytic anemia and microcytic anemia, respectively. A total of 33 patients (33/160, 20.6%) showed thrombocytopenia (<150×109 /L). Twelve patients (12/159, 7.5%) showed low serum albumin level (<3.5 g/dL). Three patients (3/160, 1.9%) had chronic kidney disease stages 3–4 based on estimated glomerular filtration rate. Six patients (6/27, 22.2%) had high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (>7.0%). Positive rates of hepatitis B surface antigen and antiHBs antibody (anti-HBs Ab) were 3.5% (5/141) and 49.0% (68/141), respectively.
Conclusion
Patients with AAIP who were transferred to ED had various laboratory abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, high HbA1c). They had low positive rate of anti-HBs Ab. This might be a public health problem, suggesting the need of hepatitis B virus vaccination program for AAIP. Our data suggest the need of further nationwide studies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Efficiency of Flossing Technique Application among Dental Students at Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    Rakan S Shaheen, Mohammed M Aldosari, Humod A Altuwaijri, Faris T Arnous, Abdullah A Alamro, Rayan A Almarshedi
    Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry.2019; 13(3): 63.     CrossRef
  • 8,587 View
  • 50 Download
  • 1 Crossref

Case Reports

An Uncommon Side Effect of a Commonly Used Antibiotic: Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid Induced Hepatitis
Vinay Mathew Thomas, Neena Thomas-Eapen
Korean J Fam Med 2017;38(5):307-310.   Published online September 22, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.5.307

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid continues to be one of the most commonly used antibiotic combinations. Hepatic injury due to this antibiotic is rare. We report a case of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid induced hepatitis causing painless jaundice to bring to attention this rare side effect of this commonly used antibiotic. This is a case of a 62-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with acute onset severe painless jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and pruritus of less than 1-week duration. She had completed a course of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 3 weeks prior to presentation. A careful history pointed to this simple diagnosis. It may be easily missed without an in-depth history and the patient may be subjected to unnecessary expensive tests. This case is reported to highlight cost conscious care by keeping in mind a rare side effect of the commonly used antibiotic.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • A case of refractory cholestatic drug-induced liver injury caused by amoxicillin/clavulanate effectively treated with phenobarbital
    Yutaka Matsuzaki, Takao Miyamoto, Ippei Kikuchi, Atsuki Imai, Koh Matsumoto, Sumika Oyama, Hitomi Fujimoto, Hisashi Shimojo, Nobuo Ito, Akihiro Iijima, Toru Igarashi, Norikazu Arakura, Kendo Kiyosawa
    Kanzo.2024; 65(9): 433.     CrossRef
  • Adverse Drug Reactions Resulting From the Use of Chiral Medicines Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, and Ceftriaxone: A Mixed Prospective-Retrospective Cohort Study
    Kissa W. Mwamwitwa, Elias M. Bukundi, Betty A. Maganda, Castory Munishi, Adam M. Fimbo, Deus Buma, Eva P. Muro, Wilber Sabiiti, Danstan H. Shewiyo, Morven C. Shearer, Andrew D. Smith, Eliangiringa A. Kaale
    INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Bimetallic organic framework-based aptamer sensors: a new platform for fluorescence detection of chloramphenicol
    Zijing Lu, Yansong Jiang, Peng Wang, Weiwei Xiong, Baoping Qi, Yingkun Zhang, Dongshan Xiang, Kun Zhai
    Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.2020; 412(22): 5273.     CrossRef
  • 9,316 View
  • 91 Download
  • 2 Web of Science
  • 3 Crossref
A Case of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Mimicking Acute Hepatitis B in the Clinic, Republic of Korea
Woo Hyuk Kwon, Hong Min Park, Jeong Jun Park, Sung Hoon Lee, Yong Kyu Lee
Korean J Fam Med 2017;38(1):43-46.   Published online January 18, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.1.43

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a slowly progressive cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by progressive bile duct injury. The most common symptoms of this disease include fatigue and pruritus. The diagnosis of PBC is based on cholestatic biochemical liver tests, presence of antimitochondrial antibodies, and characteristic histological biopsy findings. We report a case of a patient with PBS, who was initially suspected to be in the window period of hepatitis B by a private doctor in a local clinic based on the detection of isolated immunoglobulin M antibody against hepatitis B core antigen. The presence of this antibody is the most useful index in diagnosing acute hepatitis B (+) by immunoserological test. The final diagnosis of the patient in Good Gang-An Hospital was PBC through additional tests. The patient is receiving outpatient treatment.

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Original Article

Association between Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seropositivity and Metabolic Syndrome
Tae-Heum Chung, Moon-Chan Kim, Chang-Sup Kim
Korean J Fam Med 2014;35(2):81-89.   Published online March 24, 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2014.35.2.81
Background

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We investigated the relationship between HBV infection and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 9,474 Korean men and women who were at least 20 years old and who underwent a routine health check-up at Ulsan University Hospital in Ulsan, South Korea between March 2008 and February 2009. The associations of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity with the presence of metabolic syndrome and its components were investigated by logistic regression analysis. Data were analyzed separately for males and females.

Results

HBsAg seropositivity was significantly negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and metabolic syndrome in men (odds ratio [OR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29 to 0.50; P < 0.001 and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.98, P = 0.033). In women, HBsAg seropositivity was also significantly negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia, but not with metabolic syndrome (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.91; P = 0.029 and OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.66, P = 0.545).

Conclusion

HBV infection was significantly negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and metabolic syndrome in men and hypertriglyceridemia in women.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Systematic review: chronic viral hepatitis and metabolic derangement
    Chia‐Chi Wang, Pin‐Nan Cheng, Jia‐Horng Kao
    Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2020; 51(2): 216.     CrossRef
  • Chronic hepatitis B-associated liver disease in the context of human immunodeficiency virus co-infection and underlying metabolic syndrome
    Edina Amponsah-Dacosta, Cynthia Tamandjou Tchuem, Motswedi Anderson
    World Journal of Virology.2020; 9(5): 54.     CrossRef
  • Canonical Correlation Between Self-Care Agency and Health-Related Self-Efficacy with Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients
    HooJeung Cho, Euna Park
    Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2019; 10(5): 281.     CrossRef
  • Association between chronic hepatitis B infection and metabolic syndrome
    Xiaohui Zhao, Drishti Shah, Usha Sambamoorthi
    Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders.2018; 17(2): 223.     CrossRef
  • Hepatitis‐Viral

    Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2017; 32(S2): 65.     CrossRef
  • Unawareness of Hepatitis B Virus Infection confers on Higher Rate of Metabolic Syndrome: A Community-based Study
    Cheng-Hung Chien, Li-Wei Chen, Chih-Lang Lin, Su-Wie Chang, Yu-Chiau Shyu, Kuan-Fu Chen, Shuo-Wei Chen, Ching-Chih Hu, Chia-Ying Yu, Rong-Nan Chien
    Scientific Reports.2017;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Serum HBV surface antigen positivity is associated with low prevalence of metabolic syndrome: A meta-analysis
    Yuanyuan Li, Ying Zhao, Jianping Wu, Ferruccio Bonino
    PLOS ONE.2017; 12(5): e0177713.     CrossRef
  • Hepatitis B virus prevents excessive viral production via reduction of cell death-inducing DFF45-like effectors
    Jun Yasumoto, Hirotake Kasai, Kentaro Yoshimura, Teruhime Otoguro, Koichi Watashi, Takaji Wakita, Atsuya Yamashita, Tomohisa Tanaka, Sen Takeda, Kohji Moriishi
    Journal of General Virology .2017; 98(7): 1762.     CrossRef
  • Association of chronic hepatitis B infection with metabolic syndrome and its components: Meta-analysis of observational studies
    Bahman Razi, Shahab Alizadeh, Azadeh Omidkhoda, Danyal Imani, Ramazan Rezaei
    Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.2017; 11: S939.     CrossRef
  • Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hyperlipidemia Patients
    Liu Yang, Tingting Li, Wenmin Li, Xi Tang, Jinfeng Li, Ruiwen Long, Yongshui Fu, Jean-Pierre Allain, Chengyao Li
    The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine.2017; 241(4): 255.     CrossRef
  • Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults with liver function injury in rural area of Southwest China: A cross-sectional study
    Hui Zeng, Hui Lin, Wenyi Liu, Jia Wang, Lingqiao Wang, Chuanfen Zheng, Yao Tan, Yujing Huang, Lixiong He, Jiaohua Luo, Chaowen Pu, Renping Zhang, Xiaohong Yang, Yingqiao Tian, Zhiqun Qiu, Ji-an Chen, Yang Luo, Xiaobin Feng, Guosheng Xiao, Liping Wu, Weiqu
    Scientific Reports.2017;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between hepatitis B and metabolic syndrome: Current state of the art
    Peter Jarcuska
    World Journal of Gastroenterology.2016; 22(1): 155.     CrossRef
  • Relationship between chronic hepatitis B and metabolic syndrome: A structural equation modeling approach
    Chiao‐Yu Huang, Chia‐Wen Lu, Yi‐Lien Liu, Chien‐Hsieh Chiang, Long‐Teng Lee, Kuo‐Chin Huang
    Obesity.2016; 24(2): 483.     CrossRef
  • Chronic hepatitis B infection is not associated with increased risk of vascular mortality while having an association with metabolic syndrome
    Aezam Katoonizadeh, Shima Ghoroghi, Maryam Sharafkhah, Masoud Khoshnia, Samaneh Mirzaei, Amaneh Shayanrad, Hossein Poustchi, Reza Malekzadeh
    Journal of Medical Virology.2016; 88(7): 1230.     CrossRef
  • Hepatitis B virus infection and metabolic syndrome: Fact or fiction?
    Chia‐Chi Wang, Tai‐Chung Tseng, Jia‐Horng Kao
    Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2015; 30(1): 14.     CrossRef
  • 4,194 View
  • 25 Download
  • 13 Web of Science
  • 15 Crossref

Case Reports

A Case of Wilson's Disease in Patient with Mildly Elevated Liver Enzymes
Young-Hye Cho, Dong-Wook Jeong, Sang-Yeoup Lee, Son-Ki Park, Ki-Tae Yoon, Yun-Jin Kim, Jeong-Ku Lee, Yu-Hyun Lee
Korean J Fam Med 2011;32(3):205-208.   Published online March 31, 2011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2011.32.3.205

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting copper transport; it results in the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, and other organs. Wilson's disease is the most common inherited liver disease with more than 500 cases reported in Korea. An impairment in biliary excretion process leads to copper accumulation in the liver, which progressively damages the liver, leading to cirrhosis. Since effective treatment is available for this disease, early and correct diagnosis is very important. Here, we report a case of Wilson's disease with mildly elevated liver enzyme levels in a 29-year-old breast-feeding woman with weight loss.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Wilson Disease: Copper-Mediated Cuproptosis, Iron-Related Ferroptosis, and Clinical Highlights, with Comprehensive and Critical Analysis Update
    Rolf Teschke, Axel Eickhoff
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(9): 4753.     CrossRef
  • Sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome as the first clinical presentation of Wilson's disease: case report
    Indra Zeltiņa, Katrīne Dreimane, Sandra Paeglīte, Aleksejs Derovs
    Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences..2022; 76(5-6): 686.     CrossRef
  • Copper Ionophores as Novel Antiobesity Therapeutics
    Peter M. Meggyesy, Shashank Masaldan, Sharnel A. S. Clatworthy, Irene Volitakis, Daniel J. Eyckens, Kathryn Aston-Mourney, Michael A. Cater
    Molecules.2020; 25(21): 4957.     CrossRef
  • Successful pregnancy outcome in a Korean patient with symptomatic Wilson's disease
    Hyun Joo Lee, Won Joon Seong, Seong Yeon Hong, Jin Young Bae
    Obstetrics & Gynecology Science.2015; 58(5): 409.     CrossRef
  • A Neglected Case of Wilson Disease
    Aliasghar Halimiasl, Parviz Ghadamli, Solmaz Ehteshami Afshar, Farideh Moussavi, Amir Hossein Hosseini
    Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics.2013;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 5,692 View
  • 27 Download
  • 5 Crossref
A Case of Co-infection of Salmonella typhi and Viral Hepatitis A after Traveling Abroad.
Young Hye Cho, Dong Wook Jeong, Sang Yeoup Lee, Son Ki Park, Ah Ra Cho, Su Jin Lee, Hee Kyoung Choi, Yun Jin Kim, Jeong Ku Lee, Yu Hyun Lee
Korean J Fam Med 2010;31(12):937-940.   Published online December 20, 2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2010.31.12.937
Infectious diseases imported from other countries have increased. Feco-oral route is the most common mode of transmission for both typhoid fever and hepatitis A, and thus infection by these agents have an association with poor sanitation. A 30-year-old male was visited to the hospital because of high fever after traveling in Thailand. The level of hepatic transaminases were mildly elevated and viral serological marker for hepatitis was negative. The blood culture was reported positive for Salmonella typhi. After a few days, the level of hepatic transaminases rapidly increased and viral serological marker for hepatitis became positive with anti-hepatitis A viral IgM at follow-up. Therefore we report a case of co-infection of S. typhi and viral hepatitis A after traveling abroad.
  • 1,975 View
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A Case Report of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome due to Chlamydia in 19-year-old Woman.
Gunn Yim, Chun Muk Park, Byung Wook Yoo, Sung Ho Hong, Choo Yon Cho
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2008;29(2):134-139.   Published online February 10, 2008
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS)-inflammation of the liver capsule (Perihepatitis) associated with genital tract infection-occurs in 4∼14% of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Generally presenting as sharp, pleuritic right upper quadrant pain, usually but not always accompanied by signs of salpingitis. It needs differential diagnosis such as cholecystitis, pyelonephritis. The pathogenesis of FHCS is incompletely understood. But Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are thought to be the primary causative germs of FHCS. We make a report about FHCS in 19-year-old woman who had been sexual history recently. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2008;29:134-139)
  • 1,183 View
  • 12 Download

Original Articles

Drinking Problems of Hepatitis B Virus Healthy Carriers in Korean Population.
Kab Sung Kim, Sang Hoon Park, Dong Su Cho, Jae Chang Hong, Jong Sung Kim, Byoung Kang Park, Sung Soo Kim
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2005;26(3):145-151.   Published online March 10, 2005
Background
: Heavy drinking may be a cause of serious health problems in hepatitis B virus carriers. The aim of this study was to reveal the degree of drinking problems in the Korean hepatitis B virus healthy carriers.

Methods : The subjects were 218 hepatitis B virus healthy carriers (124 males and 94 females) recruited from those who visited the Health Promotion Center of Chungnam National University Hospital for a general health check-up. Drinking problems of the subjects were evaluated by the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaire.

Results : The AUDIT scores (mean±SD) of the male subjects (9.6±7.9) were significantly (P<0.001) higher than those of the female subjects (2.7±5.2). The individuals with heavy drinking (more than 14 drinks in males and 7 drinks in females per week) are 24 (19.4%) in males and 5 (5.3%) in females. Alcohol use disorders were suspected in 36 (29.0%) males and 4 (4.3%) females.

Conclusion : It is suggested that, in Korea, clinical attention in primary health care should be focused on reducing the alcohol consumption among the hepatitis B virus carriers, considering a large proportion have drinking problems and the possible harmful effect on their health by heavy drinking.
  • 1,369 View
  • 10 Download
The Barriers for Screening Test of Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Positive Patients.
Seung Min Oh, Yoon Jung Chang, Dong Ju Lee, Yu Il Kim, Ju Yung Kim, Bong Yul Huh
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2005;26(2):81-87.   Published online February 10, 2005
Background
: The optimal screening tools for hepatocellular carcinoma are regular tests of alpha fetoprotein (aFP) and liver ultrasonography every 6 months in high risk group. To implement successful long-term project for reducing cancer-mortality, it is essential to know the reasons for non-compliance among the high risk group.

Methods : A telephone survey was done among the hepatitis B surface antigen positive patient group who had not received a follow-up test of aFP and liver ultrasonography. This group was selected among the patients who had received health examinations from January, 2002 to December, 2002 at a university hospital center for health promotion, and the reasons for non-compliance were inquired.

Results : There were no statistical differences in educational level, economic status, age, and sex between the patient group who had taken appropriate follow-up tests and the group who had not. But there were statistically significant differences in the admission history and transfusion history between the two groups. The reasons for non-compliance were as follows: 1. ignorance to the significance of follow-up examination (41.7%), 2. lack of time (27.8%), 3. no specific signs of cancer (22.2%), 4. high costs (5.6%), and 5. fear of discovering serious disease.

Conclusion : It is important to have patients educated on the significance of screening and early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • 1,266 View
  • 9 Download
The Relation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Metabolic Syndrome.
Jee Hyun Kang, Sang Wha Lee, Hong Soo Lee, Choo Yon Cho, Byung Yeon Yu
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2004;25(10):746-753.   Published online October 10, 2004
Background
: The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed by ultrasonography and the metabolic syndrome defined by NCEP-ATP III criteria.

Methods : Sixty-nine adult male subjects with negligible alcohol consumption underwent an anthropometric and laboratory investigation. The ultrasound scan of the liver was performed to determine the presence and the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Results : Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed in 36 cases by ultrasound scan. According to the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver, triglyceride, HDL- cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotrasnferase, fasting insulin level, HOMA-IR, and obesity related variables (body mass index, percent body fat, waist circumference) showed a significant difference. The independent variables which account for the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was waist circumference, and alanine aminotransferase which is a predictor of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 41% vs 6.1% in nonalcoholic fatty liver group vs control group, respectively, and the odds ratio was 11.1 (95% CI 2.29∼53.6). The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver was increased with increasing the number of features of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion : Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was closely related to the metabolic syndrome and the severity classification of nonalcoholic fatty liver by ultrasound scan could be useful to predict of the severity of insulin resistance, and the risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
  • 1,510 View
  • 27 Download

Case Report

One Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Chief Complaint of Xerostomia and Abnormal Liver Function.
Je Wook Yeon, Song Yee Baek, Ho Woong Cho, Youn Jeong Shin, Dong Sik U, Eun Jin Choi, Mi Kyeong Oh
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2004;25(6):475-480.   Published online June 10, 2004
Dry mouth is a common symptom in over middle- aged women. Xerostomia itself can be caused by multifactorial etiolgy. Dry mouth may occur with the use of medications, as a complication of connective tissue and autoimmune disease, such as Sjogren's syndrome or sicca syndrome, with radiation therapy to the head and neck or diabetes mellitus, or with a number of other condition. Even stress and anxiety can lead to a dry mouth. Also, Abnormal liver function is associated with drugs, viral infection, alcohol, obesity, autoimmne disease and a number of other disease. A 41-year-old women complaining of xerostomia and known abnormal liver fuction since 1 year was admitted to our medical examination center. In this case, Final diagnosis was systemic lupus erythematosus with autoimmune hepatitis and secondary Sjogren's syndrome through characteristic clinical finding, liver biopsy, positive Schirmer's test, salivary gland biopsy, and salivary scintigraphy. The various immunosuppresant medication has taken and then liver function indices and clinical symptoms were improved.
  • 1,320 View
  • 14 Download
Original Articles
Hepatitis B examination and recognition change after 1 year in girls' high school students.
Ill Hwan Kim, Ok Min Kim, Chul Gab Lee
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2001;22(8):1271-1278.   Published online August 1, 2001
Background
: Korea Academy of Family Medicine recommands HBsAb and HBsAb test in youth health promotion program. Adequate management are necessary for prevention of vertical transmission at perinatal period. especially girls' high school students as a future's conceivable woman. Health examination program for the first grade students of high school which was established by the Educational Ministry has been acted since 1998. So, throught the students health examination we'd like to find an adequate method of prevention and management in hepatitis B.

Methods : Our study examines HBs Ag/Ab about girl's high school students at two high schools in an city. According to the results of hepatitis B, active intervention in carrier group, passive intervention in candidate were done. And then a year later, hepatitis B management was investigated through the questionnaire.

Results : In active intervention group, regular check up of hepatitis B is 21.4%, hepatitis B blood test in family is 39.3% and in passive intervention group, hepatitis B vaccination rate after health examiantion is 9.1%.

Conclusion : More active intervention such as mass vaccination are required in health examination for the purpose of hepatitis B management at youth.
  • 1,143 View
  • 9 Download
A seroepidemiologic and it's 1 year follow up study on anti HAV IgG for college students living in dormitory.
Mi Kyeong Oh
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2001;22(5):647-655.   Published online May 1, 2001
Background
: In Korea, Improvements of standards of hygiene, sanitation and water supply led to a significant reduction in the endemicity of HAV infection, so that hepatitis A outbreaks have shifted from children to adolescents and young adults. Hepatitis A infection becomes more symptomatic with increasing age. We studied Hepatitis A antibody prevalence in college students, who start living a active life in a community. Hepatitis A infection is primarily by the fecal-oral route transmitted disease by either person-to-person contact or ingestion or contaminated food or water. So, We studied follow up prevalance of anti-HAV IgG in college students who were living together in dormitory during 1 year.

Methods : The 668 serum samples were obtained from college students living in dormitory. Kangung National University during the period of May 2nd through 5th, 1999. For follow up study, the 158 serum samples were obtained from this group during the period of May, 2000. Anti-HAV IgG was measured by HAVAB radioimmunoassy.

Results : The overall seroprevalence rate of anti-HAV IgG 16.3% in 1999. According to age, the anti-HAV IgG positive rate was increase with age, 10.5% in 18 years, 12.4% in 19 years, 15.9% in 20 years, 22.5% in 21 years, 27.9% in 22-26 years. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV IgG was increase with year of university entrance, but not different with sex, department of college and number of family. The anti-HAV IgG positive rate in urban group(14.7%) of native place was lower than in rural group(21.5%). Seroconversion rate of negative anti-HAV IgG was only 1.3% during I year.

Conclusion : This study showed that the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus was a dramtic drop among adolsecent and young adulthood in korea. Natural acquisition of HAV antibody rarely occurs during 1 year in living condition such as dormitory.
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Factors related with the elevated hepatic aminotransferase level clinically suspected of fatty liver.
Yun Mi Song
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2001;22(2):184-191.   Published online February 1, 2001
Background
: Fatty liver, the most possible cause for an elevated hepatic aminotransferase level once hepaitis B, hepatitis C, and the drug induced hepatitis were excluded, is supposed to have association with obesity as well as ingestion of alcohol. This study was performed to find an epidemiologic evidence for the association between obesity and fatty liver.

Methods : A case-control study was carried out on 160 cases matched for age and sex with 160 controls in a tertiary care hospital family practice clinic. Patients who had either an elevated aminotransferase level (> 45 IU/L) at two separate times of at one time with ultrasonic evidence compatible to fatty liver without any evidence of other causes that might affect the liver were included into case group. Information on the height, weight, cholesterol level, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical exericise, and past medical history were obtained through a review of medical records and self administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the independent association.

Results : With the increase of body mass index (BMI), the association between BMI and an elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver increased. Significantly increased associations were observed in BMI levels 25-29 kg/m² (Odds ratio[OR], 5.02; 95% confdence interval[CI], 1,49-16.93) and more than 30 kg/m² (OR, 14.87; 95% CI, 2.58-85.62). Consuming large amount of alcohol (> 60g/day) and increasing cholesterol level were also significantly associated with eleveted aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver.

Conclusion : Factors associated with elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver were heavy drinking, cholesterol level, and BMI. Large OR observed in high BMI levels(over 25 kg/m²) and dose-response relationship with BMI seem to suggest a causal relationship between obesity and fatty liver.
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Intrafamilial distribution patterns and clinical characteristics of hepatitis C in Anti HCV seropositives using HCV PCR.
Hye Ree Lee, Yoo Sun Moon, Young Eun Choi
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2001;22(1):59-69.   Published online January 1, 2001
Background
: The prevalence of hepatitis C in blood donors have been reported to be 1.5% to 2.0% and 85-90% of post-transfusion hepatitis patients show anti-HCV positive results. Most agree that hepatitis C is readily spread by way of contact with blood, but a discernible history of parenteral exposure is identified in only 40% to 50% of cases. Thus other possible nonparenteral routes of transmission such as vertical, sexual and intrafamilial contact transmission need to be explored. In this study, we investigated the clincial characteristics of anti-HCV but also by HCV-PCR to explore the possibility of HCV infection through nonparenteral household contact.

Methods : Past history, physical examination, liver function tests, HCV-PCR, hepatitis B viral markers, abdominal ultrasonography and liver biopsy were done in 161 anti-HCV seropositives from May, 1991 to August, 1996. Of the 161 seropositives, 42 seropositives' family members, 98 subjects, were available for investigation by anti-HCV, HCV-PCR and liver function teste to doc-ument intrafamilial HCV infection; thier respective relationships to the index seropositive were noted.

Results : The 161 anti-HCV seropostives were classified as follows: 34 in the carrier group(21.1%). 41 in the acute hepatitis group(25.5%), 32 in the chronic hepatitis griyo(19.9%), 24 in the liver cirrhosis group(14.9%) and 30 in the hepatoma group(18.6%). The positive rates of HCV-PCR were 55.2% in total, 46.1% in the carrier group, 55.0% in the acute hepatitis group, 76.4% in the chronic hepatitis group, 40.0% in the liver cirrhosis group, and 42.8% in the hepatoma group. The 98 family members were all anti-HCV seronegative. The positive rates of HCV-PCR in these family members were 10.2% in total, 7.1% in spouses, 28.6% in siblings, and 8.3% in children.

Conclusion : Anti-HCV seropositives were in various clinical states of liver disease due to HCV infecton. Although none of the family members showed anti-HCV positive results, HCV-PCR was positive in 10.2% of the family members indicating the need to perform HCV-PCR to detect HCV infection.
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Hepatitis B vaccination completion rate between 0, 1, 2 month and 0, 1, 6 month schedule.
Nak Jin Sung, Ki Heum Park
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2001;22(1):52-58.   Published online January 1, 2001
Background
: Hepatitis B is an important disease in South Korea because the prevalence is high. There are two officially-granted hepatitis B vaccination schedules; 0, 1, 2-month schedule (not, 0, 1, 2, 12-month schedule) and 0, 1, 6-month schedule. This study was performed to compare vaccination completion rate between the two schedules.

Methods : The study subjects were all subjects who came to the City Medical Center to receive their first hepatitis vaccination dose from March to September, 1998. On odd-numbered day, 0, 1, 2-month schedule was delivered and on even-numbered day 0, 1, 6-month schedule was deliv-ered. On the first visit, the data about general characteristics were collected via self-administered questionnaire. Whether three vaccination doses were all received or not was ascertained by vaccination registration book. The subjects whose vaccination completion could not be ascertained by the book were called by telephone. The data were analyzed by Excel and SPSS-PC.

Results : Total collected cases were 822. Among them, 99 cases were excluded from analysis due to reasonable incompletion (11), incorrect inclusion (9) and impossible confirmation (79), which left 723 cases. General characteristics between two groups were not different except the existence of intrafamilial hepatitis carrier. The hepatitis B vaccination completion rate was higher in 0, 1, 2 -month schedule (85.4%) than in 0, 1, 6-month schedule (76.1%) only in the cases without intrafamilial hepatitis B carrier member.

Conclusion : The completion rate of heatitis B vaccination was higher in 0, 1, 2-month schedule than 0, 1, 6-month schedule in the cases without intrafamilial hepatitis B carrier member.
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Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus markers among adult in a Youngdong area of Kwangwon Province.
Mi Kyeong Oh, Jong Sung Kim, Yong Bin Lee, Joo Hyun Han
J Korean Acad Fam Med 2000;21(1):91-99.   Published online January 1, 2000
Background
: Hepatitis B is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocelluar carcinoma. It is a well-known fact that Korea is one of the hyperendemic areas of Hepatitis B virus among East Asian countries. Many pnst reports have shown that positive rate of HBsAg in Korea was about 6-14%. But precise data for Yongdong area of Kwangwon Province in Korea was lacking. Here authors report on the prevalence of viral markers of hepatitis B among adults in this area.

Methods : Sera were collected from 7469 residents in Yongdong area of Kwangwon Province who visited the Health Care Center, Asan Kangnung Hospital from September 11th to August 31th. HBsAg, AntiHBc-lgG, and AntiHBs were tested by radioimmunoassay.

Results : Positive rate of HSsAg of total study subjects was 8.5%, and significantly decreased as age increased, and higher in males(10.2%) than in females (6.6%). Positive rate for one or more markers among HBsAg, AntiHBc-lgG, and AntiHBs was 84%, and was significantly increased as age increased, and higher in males(86.2%) than in females(81.2%). All negative rate for HBsAg, AntiHBc-lgG, and AntiHBs was 16.0% and all positive rate was 0.5%. Positive rate of AntiHBc-lgG without HBsAg and AntiHBs was 15.7% Positive rate of AntiHBs without HBsAg and AntiHBc-lgG was 11.7%. Positive rate of AntihHBc-lgG and AntiHBs was 72.1% and 60.2%, respectively.

Conclusion : There was no significant difference in positive rate of HBsAg between this study for residents in Yongdong area of Kwangwon Province and past many reports. 84% of the total study subjects showed serological evidence of previous exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) naturally exposed or by vaccine immunization. 16% of the total study subjects was a proper candidate for hepatitis B vaccination.
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A survey of HBsAg and anti-HBs positive young adults.
Nam Cheol Shin, Seong Tae Bae, Sun Mi Kim, Sei Kyeong Oh, Do Kyeong Yun, Kyung Hwan Cho, Myung Ho Hong, Chang Hong Lee
J Korean Acad Fam Med 1999;20(6):822-830.   Published online June 1, 1999
Background
: It is well known that Korea is one of the endemic areas for viral hepatitis B and those who are positive for HBsAg has been reported to be about 5-10% in Korea. Since the 1980's, research and population education for prevention and vaccination for hepatitis B were implemented in Korea. Therefore, we predicted that the positive rates of HBsAg and Anti-HBs have changed since then. Young adults are considered to be the main candidates for hepatitis B vaccination, and the change in the rate of prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs has been investigated in this study.

Methods : We surveyed 1760 freshmen who were positive for HBsAg and Anti-HBs who were in 1998. HBsAg and Anti-HBs was tested by RPHA/PHA.

Results : 3760 students included 2780 males and 980 females(mean age 19.44 years). Among them, 128(3.4%) was positive for HBsAg and 2488(66.2%) was positive for Anti-HBs. The positive rate of HBsAg was 105(3.8%) and that of Anti-HBs was 1797(64.7%) among 2780 male students. The positive rate of HBsAg was 23(2.3%) and that of Anti-HBs was 691(70.5%) among 980 female students.

Conclusion : As compared with previous prevalence studies of HBsAg and Anti-HBs, the positive rate of HBsAg was decreased and that of Anti-HBs was increased. The researchers hope that farther study is necessary using wider range of subjects.
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Cognition and performance rate for adult immunization among urban general population.
Seon Ho Ko, Yu Mi Song, Jai Jun Byeon
J Korean Acad Fam Med 1998;19(10):870-880.   Published online October 1, 1998
Background
: Although adult immunization is as important as childhood immunization, is being inadequately performed. However, previous studies concerning adult immunization could not be sufficiently evaluated because studies were restricted to the residents in rural area or those who have visited a doctor.

Methods : We conducted a study by telephone interview which included 201 households(375 adult family members)selected by systematic sampling from the yellow pages of Kangnam-gu and Sungbuk-gu districts of Seoul. The types of immunization covered in this study were immunizations against hepatitis B, influenza, pneumococcus, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS). Immunization status of all adult household members, cognition of the need for immunization and of interviewees were surveyed. Sex, age, area of residency, education, medical history of study subjects were considered as factors related to the cognition of the need for immunization and immunization performance.

Results : The cognition rates of immunization were as follows : hepatitis B 85.1%, influenza 45.8%, pneumonia 38.3%, and HFRS 33.8%. In the people over 65 years old, the cognition rate against influenza and pneumococcus were 6.25%, 6.25% respectively and for those who have chronic disease. 80.0%, 20.0%, respectively. The cognition rates of immunization was significantly higher among those subjects who were young, well educated, and those residing in Kangnam-gu district.
The immunization performance rate of hepatitis B was 62.5%, influenza 5.6%, pneumonia 0.8%, and HFRS 1.1%. 75.8% of subjects vaccinated against hepatitis B had received at least three times. The immunization performance rate of influenza and pneumococcus by the immunization indication are as follows : 8.0%, 0.0%, respectively in the subjects over 65 years old, and 11.1%, 0.0% respectively in the people who have chronic diseases. The immunization performance rate of hepatitis B was higher among young, well educated subjects living in Kangnam-gu district. But age, education, area of residency played no apparent role in the case of other types of immunization.
The immunization performance rate of those who felt the need for immunization as significantly higher than that of those who did not. To assess the factors which relate to the correct cognition for immunization necessity, we used a multiple logistic regression test. For all types of immunization surveyed, sex(females) and age(young) seemed to be significantly related to the correct necessity cognition. Medical history of chronic disease was also related to the correct necessity cognition for immunization against hepatitis B and influenza.

Conclusion : This study reveals that among living in urban area the immunization performance rate and the correct cognition rate concerning the necessity for adult immunization was generally very low. Therefore, an active publicity and public education will be needed to increase the level of correct necessity cognition for immunization in which the disease status, sex, and age of vaccinee are considered. And more active effort to increase the cognition for immunization necessity performance is required.
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The risk factors of the nonresponders after hepatitis B vaceinatio and the immunogenecity after a double-dose revaccination in the nonresponders.
Hee Jeong Koh, Kie Jung Lee, Kyeng Won Sim, Wol Mi Park, Sang Wha Lee, Hong Soo Lee
J Korean Acad Fam Med 1998;19(8):652-661.   Published online August 1, 1998
Background
: Korea is an endemic area of viral hepatitis B with a rate of 5~10% carrier state. Therefore, hepatitis B vaccination is performed nationwide. But 5~15% of health individuals fail to respond adequately to the vaccine and an approved guideline for the nonresponders has not been developed yet. This study is designed to identify risk factors for those who lack anti-HBs after hepatitis B vaccination and to document the results of a double-dose revaccination in such nonresponders to the primary vaccination.

Methods : From Feb. 1996 to Aug. 1997, we assessed 51 healthy subjects(HBs Ag negative, anti-HBs negative, anti-HBs negative and a normal LFT). All subjects were vaccinated with Hepavax-B® 1.0ml, 24 by a rapid schedule(0, 1, and 2 months) and and 27 by a standard schedule(0, 1, and 6 months). Anti-HBs titers were evaluated 3 months after the third vaccine and assessed the nonresponders(anti-HBsTiter < 2mIU/ml) and the hyporesponders(2~10 mIU/ml). All 13 nonresponders were revaccinated with 2 ml of Hepavax-B 3 months after the primary vaccination. Anti-HBs titers were evaluated 1 month later.

Results : The difference in age(p<0.01) and smoking amount(p<0.05) between the responders andhe hypo and the nonresponders were statistically significant. There were more males and higher body mass index in the hypo and the nonresponders but not statistically significant. The seroconversion rate after the double-dose vaccination was 92.3%(12/13) with an average titer of 58.08 mIU/ml(1~132.4 mIU/ml).

Conclusion : Increase in age and smoking amount were the risk factors of the nonresponders after the primary vaccination. Most of the hypo and the nonresponders to the primary vaccination responded adequately to the double-dose revaccination.
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The Concept and management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Difference between General Practitioners and Hepatologists.
Jin Ju Paik, Hyeon Jin Lee, Young Ho Lee, Ka Young Lee, Tae Jin Park
J Korean Acad Fam Med 1998;19(4):326-336.   Published online April 1, 1998
Background
: Korea is one of the endemic areas of viral hepatitis B, and 6-8% of general population are hepatitis B virus carriers. Although there have been little reduction in morbidity and infectivity of viral hepatitis B owing to newer vaccines and the effects of immunizations, there are some differences among physicians in managing hepatitis B virus infection, and guidelines have not been established. Therefore in this study, we investigated general practitioners' concept and the practical management of viral hepatitis B in comparison with the hepatologists'.

Methods : Information was obtained through questionnaires sent to 67 hepatologists and 400 general practitioners(general internists, general surgeons, family physicians, general physicians, and public health center managers) in Pusan during the 5 months from April to August, 1997. Overall respondents were 142(116 General practitioners, 26 Hepatologists), and the response rate was 32.9%.

Results : In general practitioners, the most commonly used serologic test for viral hepatitis was HBsAg/HBsAb(71.0%). 51.9% of subjects underwent anti-HBs test 3-5 months later after vaccination. The most common revaccination method for healthy non-responders of initial vaccination was 3 series of immunizations with the same vaccine of equal dosage(36.9%). 65.7% of subjects were tested for LFT every 6 months for chronic carriers, and 41.5% of them were advised α-interferon treatment for chronic active hepatitis patients only if the patients requested it. In comparison with general practitioners, hepatologists had a tendency to add anti-HCV test for the serologic evaluation of hepatitis(56.6% vs 26.2%), to limit age for vaccination(82.6% vs 54.1%), and to delay prescribing hepatotonics until the AST and ALT levels increased up to 2 folds normal(53.8% vs 39.1%). 38.5% of hepatologists did not recommend giving booster injection of hepatitis.

Conclusion : Practical guideline is necessary to manage viral hepatitis B patients.
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