Korean Medicine Research Articles

A Study on the Relationship between Allergic Diseases and Gastrointestinal Discomfort Symptoms: Using Propensity Score Matching

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between allergic diseases and digestive discomfort symptoms using a dataset for the traditional Korean medicine examination.Methods: The study included 389 subjects in the allergy group, diagnosed with allergic diseases by either a Korean medicine doctor or modern medical doctor, and there were 4,160 subjects in the control group. Propensity score matching was used to control the factors affecting the allergic disease and digestive discomfort symptoms. These factors included age, sex, medication history, obesity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, meal frequency, meal quantity, eating speed, sleep quality, stress level, and physical activity, matched at a ratio of 1:1. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio of digestive discomfort symptoms in the allergy group compared to the control group.Results: Compared to the control group, subjects in the allergy group had a significantly higher risk of having abdominal distention 1.62 times (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.13-2.32, p-value=0.008) and postprandial fatigue 1.41 times (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.02-1.95, p-value=0.037).Conclusion: The study suggests that allergic diseases were associated with certain digestive discomfort symptoms. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for managing both allergic diseases and digestive discomfort symptoms together.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient with Dyspepsia and Anorexia after Surgery for Colon Cancer and Chemotherapy

Objectives: The purpose of this case study was to report the therapeutic effect of Korean medicine treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient with dyspepsia and anorexia after surgery for colon cancer and chemotherapy.Methods: A patient with COPD was hospitalized to treat dyspnea, dyspepsia, and anorexia that occurred after surgery for colon cancer and chemotherapy during 22 days. The patient was treated with herbal medicine (Yangjin-tang), acupuncture, pharmaco-puncture, herbal steam therapy, moxibustion, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for dyspnea and dyspepsia, walking distance, weight, peak expiratory flow (PEF), radiography, pulmonary function test, and laboratory test.Results: The Korean medicine treatment improved mMRC from Grade 4 to Grade 3, NRS of both dyspnea and dyspepsia, walking distance, and maxillary sinusitis on paranasal sinus X-ray. However, there were no changes in weight, PEF, and chest X-ray.Conclusion: The Korean medicine treatment was effective in improving the symptoms of the COPD patient, including dyspnea, dyspepsia, and anorexia. This study suggests that Korean medicine treatment can have therapeutic effect on comorbidities such as dyspepsia and anorexia.

Mental Health and Medical Error among Nursing Staffs at Korean Medicine Clinics: a first survey in South Korea.

Nurses face mental health issues like emotional labor, stress, and depression, increasing the risk of medical errors. This study assesses the mental health and medical errors among nurses in Korean medicine clinics in South Korea. The cross-sectional analysis involved 83 nurses, examining relationships between emotional labor, stress, depression, cognitive failure, Hwa-byung (HB) (a syndrome of suppressed anger in Korean culture), and medical errors. It identified factors associated with HB and medical errors using multiple regression analysis, presenting their odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The findings revealed a current HB prevalence of 19.28% and a 6-month medical error prevalence of 16.87% among participants. The regression analysis showed that higher levels of depression (OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.098 to 1.703, p = 0.005), cognitive failure (OR = 1.072, 95% CI = 1.011 to 1.136, p = 0.020), and HB trait (OR = 1.136, 95% CI = 1.005 to 1.284, p = 0.041) significantly correlated with HB presence. This groundbreaking study on this previously under-researched nurse workforce highlights the critical need for comprehensive mental health care, with the objective of significantly enhancing their mental well-being and improving their overall work environment.

A Retrospective Herb-Drug Interaction Study of Oryeong-san (Wuling-san) Co-administration in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Receiving Hypoglycemic Treatment

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Korean medicine Oryeong-san (五苓散) on blood glucose levels and evaluated its safety in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: A total of 87 patients aged 19 years and older, hospitalized for at least three days at the Kyung Hee University Korean Medical Hospital from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023 and continuously consumed Oryeong-san for a minimum of three days, were included. Their clinical characteristics and laboratory tests were reviewed retrospectively. The effects of Oryeong-san on fasting (FBS) and 2-hour postprandial (PP2) blood glucose were assessed by comparing the averages of measurements taken before and after the treatment. To evaluate the safety of the herbal extract, liver function test and kidney function test results were compared, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).Results: The average duration of Oryeong-san consumption was 17.71±26.82 days. Although the FBS decreased and the PP2 slightly increased, these changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Safety assessments showed that the average levels of AST decreased, while the level of ALT increased, without statistical significance. The BUN levels also significantly decreased, while Cr and eGFR levels remained stable.Conclusion: This study indicates that Oryeong-san is safe for use in type 2 diabetes patients without significant impact on blood glucose and that it has a positive safety profile.

Combined Korean Medicine Treatment of a Patient Diagnosed with Posterior Limb of Internal Capsule Infarction Presenting with Hiccups as the Chief Complaint - A Case Report

Objective: Hiccup is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, followed by laryngeal closure. Persistent hiccups can occur in the central nervous system following a cerebral infarction. While medications, for example chlorpromazine, are commonly used for treatment, they often fail to fully resolve the hiccups, showing little to no improvement in symptoms. The aim of this study was to present the treatment response of a patient diagnosed with posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) infarction, who was experiencing hiccups and was treated with combined Korean medicine after taking chlorpromazine.Case Presentation: A 71-year-old male diagnosed with left PLIC infarction was experiencing problems in daily life due to hiccups and dysarthria. During the 10-day hospitalization, he received treatment that included herbal medicine (modified Hyeolbuchugeo-tang, Xiěfǔzhúyūtāng), acupuncture (GV20, LI11, ST36, LI4, LR3, and submandibular area acupoint), moxibustion, cupping, and physical therapy. After 10 days of hospitalization, the patient’s hiccups disappeared, and he did not have to take any chlorpromazine. The score on the Numerical Rating Scale fell from 7-8 to 1-2. The 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) fell from 11 to 7, and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) rose from 20 to 80. The frequency (times per minute) of hiccups decreased and almost disappeared. During outpatient treatment, the patient stated that he did not experience hiccups for 7 months, and no significant side effects were observed.Conclusion: This study suggests that a patient with hiccups as a chief complaint can be effectively treated with combined Korean medicine. However, more studies with control groups are needed to confirm these findings.

Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment for Pain after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Case Report

Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment for Pain after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Case Report

Assessing Patient Satisfaction and the Need for Collaborative Treatment with Korean and Western Medicine.

The collaborative treatment of Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in Korea has gained prominence since its initiation. However, comprehensive evaluations of patient satisfaction and care effectiveness remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and the need for collaborative KM-WM treatment in the fourth phase of the national pilot project. A multicenter survey was conducted among 321 patients from 15 institutions participating in the fourth phase of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, spanning from 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023. Patient satisfaction and needs were assessed using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used in the analysis. The overall satisfaction with collaborative KM-WM treatment was notably high (91.25%). Among the participants, 91.58% indicated the necessity of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, whereas 90.66% pointed out the need to incorporate inpatient services into collaborative care. Expansion of the pilot project to additional institutions and primary healthcare settings was substantially demanded (85.36% and 80.06%, respectively). Treatment effects (β, 0.344; 95% CI: 0.237-0.451), appropriate treatment time (β, 0.140; 95% CI: 0.051-0.229), medical procedural efficiency (β, 0.227; 95% CI: 0.126-0.328), and promotional activities (β, 0.175; 95% CI: 0.101-0.250) significantly contributed to overall patient satisfaction (each, p < 0.05). The fourth phase of the KM-WM project reflects high patient satisfaction and a substantial need for collaborative treatment. Further research should include longitudinal studies and employ mixed-methods approaches to better understand, evaluate, and improve collaborative KM-WM treatment.

A Lifelong Commitment: The Story of Dr. Kisu Song and His Impact on Korean Healthcare.

Dr. Kisu Song, an allopathic medical doctor specializing in general surgery, significantly impacted South Korean medicine and healthcare through his lifelong dedication to serving rural communities. Born on December 25, 1939, during the Japanese colonial period, Dr. Song witnessed the tumultuous transformation of Korea from a colonized nation to a divided one. His early life was marked by the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War and its aftermath, which influenced his decision to pursue medicine over law, a choice guided by the pressing needs of his community and his father's legacy. This biography explores Dr. Song's journey from a young student in a war-torn country to a pioneering rural physician in South Korea. His contributions, particularly in underserved areas, exemplify his profound commitment to healthcare and community service.

Comprehensive review of Korean Medicine registries 2015-2023.

Despite the increasing popularity of Korean Medicine (KM), its scientific evidence faces scrutiny. Instead of randomized controlled trials, registries are favored to capture the real world of KM practice due to the difficulties associated with proper control and the holistic nature of the KM approach. This review aimed to examine the KM registries in detail, identify the scope and focus of studies within this field, and assess the research trends. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of KM registries listed in trial registration platforms, covering records from their inception until the end of 2023. The selection criteria aimed to include studies focusing on various interventions related to KM, with data extraction focusing on study characteristics and outcomes measured. The analysis utilized descriptive statistics to summarize the findings. We identified a steady increase in registry studies (2015, one; 2023, seven). Musculoskeletal disorders were most studied (28%), aligning with patients' demand. The involvement of 112 primary clinics and Quality of Life (QOL) as the predominant outcome in 14 (66.7%) registries demonstrates the positive impact on patient well-being and the critical role that primary clinics play in KM practice. Our findings indicate a heightened interest and commitment to evidence-based KM practices. Future Registries should be implemented on a large scale, incorporating long-term follow-up encompassing primary clinics. This approach would enable a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of KM interventions, as well as offer valuable insights into the influence of KM on chronic conditions and QOL.

Integrative Korean medicine treatment for low back pain with radiculopathy caused by Bertolotti syndrome: A CARE-compliant article and retrospective review of medical records.

Bertolotti syndrome (BS) is characterized by radiculopathy caused by structural anomalies. Despite the structural deformity, conservative treatment is predominantly recommended due to surgery-related complications. Because of the diagnosis complexity, the incidence and contributing factors of BS, remain controversial. We report the case of a patient with BS who was treated with integrative Korean medicine (IKM). Moreover, we evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) from medical records of patients diagnosed with LSTV at 4 different medical clinics of Korean medicine. A 33-year-old male patient with low back pain and severe radiculopathy was diagnosed with BS (Castellvi Type II) on magnetic resonance imaging at a local orthopedic clinic. Additionally, the medical records of patients with BS who had been treated with IKM in 4 different institutions of Korean medicine were analyzed, and the characteristics of patients suffering from BS were identified. The patient underwent IKM treatment for 40 days as an inpatient. The patient's condition was assessed using the Euroqol 5-dimension index and Oswestry Disability Index, and symptom severity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale. IKM was effective in improving pain and functional disability without causing any adverse effects. In a retrospective review of medical records, the study identified symptom trends reported by patients with LSTV. IKM demonstrates potential efficacy in BS management, with notable trends in LSTV-related symptomatology warranting further investigation.

KORE-Map 1.0: Korean medicine Omics Resource Extension Map on transcriptome data of tonifying herbal medicine

Traditional herbal medicine, rooted in a long history of use in East Asia, combines several herbs to create treatments showing high efficacy with minimal side effects, for specific diseases. Such combination therapies represent a potential reservoir of new drugs for treating multifactorial and incurable chronic diseases. However, the complexity of their mechanisms of action due to the combination of multiple compounds, has limited their research integration into modern pharmacological science. To address this challenge, we constructed drug-induced transcriptome data for herbal medicines through systematic experiments, analyzed with the aid of various omics databases. We introduce KORE-Map 1.0 (Korean medicine Omics Resource Extension Map), the first comprehensive resource of drug-derived transcriptome data for representative tonifying herbal medicines, effective in enhancing the immune system. This dataset aims to provide novel insights into the combinatorial mechanisms of these herbal medicines and to aid in the discovery of new therapeutic targets and indications for various incurable diseases.

Medical Investigation into the Alleged Poisoning of Crown Prince Sohyeon: Who Killed Crown Prince Sohyeon?

Crown Prince Sohyeon (1612-1645) was the eldest son of King Injo, the 16th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. Following the defeat in the Manchu Invasion of Korea (1636-1637), he was taken as a hostage to Qing China along with his younger brother, Prince Bongrim (later King Hyojong), and returned to Joseon after eight years in 1645. He died in the same year without ascending to the throne. Allegations of his poisoning emerged based on entries in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, leading to widespread acceptance of the poisoning theory and the creation of various cultural works. Although scholars of traditional Korean medicine have published papers suggesting a disease-related death, no thorough medical analysis has been conducted. This study aims to review historical documents to analyze the medical history of Crown Prince Sohyeon and ascertain his cause of death. The study found that Prince Sohyeon began experiencing respiratory, digestive, and urinary symptoms during his time as a hostage in Qing China. The symptoms included fever, cough, dyspnea, thick saliva, thirst, loss of taste, postprandial fatigue, abdominal pain, and dizziness, which persisted even after he returned to Joseon. He eventually succumbed to what appears to have been a respiratory illness characterized by persistent fever and dyspnea. Based on the documented symptoms, it is hypothesized that the cause of death was sepsis. However, given the chronic nature of the symptoms, an underlying autoimmune or metabolic disorder is also suspected as the primary cause, although this cannot be confirmed from the available historical records.

Brief Commentary Based on Article “A Case Report on Changes in Body Composition in an Adolescent Obese Patient Treated with Complex Korean Medicine Treatment with Modified Fasting, and Space Spinal Conduction Exercise and Manipulation”

Brief Commentary Based on Article “A Case Report on Changes in Body Composition in an Adolescent Obese Patient Treated with Complex Korean Medicine Treatment with Modified Fasting, and Space Spinal Conduction Exercise and Manipulation”

Factors associated with the use of pharmacopuncture in addition to acupuncture in South Korea: An analysis of a nationally representative panel.

Pharmacopuncture is a widely used Korean medicine treatment, but its usage patterns and associated factors remain unclear. This study aimed to explore factors related to the use of pharmacopuncture alongside acupuncture and investigate the associated medical cost burden in South Korea. We analyzed the 2019 Korea Health Panel Annual Data, focusing on adult outpatients who received acupuncture alone or both acupuncture and pharmacopuncture (PA). We employed individual-level and visit-level approaches, using chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression for analysis. Among 1280 patients, 10% were PA users. Logistic regression showed that PA use was significantly associated with being aged 30 to 49 (odd ratio [OR] = 2.531; P = .009), having an education level of elementary school or lower (OR = 2.571; P = .011), and being in the 2nd (OR = 1.914; P = .041) or 3rd income percentile (OR = 1.925; P = .020). Of 13,101 medical visits, 5.80% involved PA, with PA visits incurring significantly higher costs than acupuncture only visits (KRW 4438.33 vs 14,700.16; P < .001). Arthritis, shoulder disorders, and other joint conditions were more prevalent among PA visits (P < .001). This study reveals socioeconomic factors influencing pharmacopuncture use and highlights potential health inequalities in its access in South Korea. The higher costs associated with PA visits suggest a need for considering its inclusion in health insurance coverage. Future research should focus on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and standardization of pharmacopuncture to address unmet healthcare needs and inform policy decisions.

Risk factors of passive suicidal ideation among outpatients in traditional medicine clinics: The case of Korean medicine in South Korea

Suicide is the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in South Korea. Individuals using Korean medicine (KM) clinics are common in this country, but KM doctor is not yet used in the country's suicide prevention policy. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of passive suicidal ideation (SI) among outpatients at KM clinics, and attempted to develop a predictive model of SI through multivariate analysis. The Korea Health Panel Annual Data 2019, a nationally representative survey in South Korea, was analyzed. In this study, 1924 (weighted n:5,958,666) people aged 19 or older who used the KM outpatient service at least once in 2019 were set as study subjects. The authors calculated the weighted prevalence of passive SI and identified significant sociodemographic, physical, and mental factors using the Rao-Scott chi-square test and weighted logistic regression. A suicide risk scorecard was developed using the point to double the odds method to quantify individual risk, resulting in a score range of 0–100. We found high prevalence of passive SI among KM outpatients (7.5 %), and the annual prevalence of passive SI tended to be higher with increasing age (4.6 % in young adults, 6.7 % in middle-aged, and 12.4 % in old age). Also, the prevalence increased as stress worsened (2.0 % in hardly, 3.9 % in a little, 13.7 % in a lot, and 24.8 % in very much). By using multiple logistic regression analysis, SI risk prediction score model was developed, including basic livelihood security recipients, presence of chronic diseases, perceived stress, depression, and low quality of life. According to our findings, passive SI is not uncommon among KM outpatients. Based on current findings, the potential role of KMDs in the country's suicide prevention strategy can be discussed focusing on specific groups such as socioeconomically vulnerable groups, the elderly population, and those with physical illnesses.

Efficacy of Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment Including Motion-Style Acupuncture Treatment for L1 Burst Fracture and Bilateral Femoral Condyle, Proximal Tibial, and Proximal Fibular Comminuted Fractures: A Case Report

Efficacy of Integrated Korean Medicine Treatment Including Motion-Style Acupuncture Treatment for L1 Burst Fracture and Bilateral Femoral Condyle, Proximal Tibial, and Proximal Fibular Comminuted Fractures: A Case Report

Safety of herbal medicine in the postpartum period of a Korean Medicine hospital and postpartum care centre: protocol of a registry study (SAFEHERE-PC)

IntroductionHerbal medicines (HMs) are commonly used during the postpartum period in South Korea. However, the safety concerns associated with these medicines remain unresolved. This study aims to establish a registry...

Factors Influencing Facial Paralysis Recovery: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Electronic Medical Records.

This study aims to report on treatment outcomes and related factors in Bell's palsy patients by analyzing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) data. To assess the impact on the duration until improvement in House-Brackmann grading post-onset, we conducted an analysis of inpatient records for Bell's palsy patients admitted to a traditional Korean medicine hospital from 2018 to 2022. A total of 1049 subjects were included in the analysis. Contributing factors to a duration of more than 14 days until improvement in HB Grade included age 40 or above, male gender, an initial period of more than 7 days from onset to admission, a history of past recurrence, and the indication for adjunctive therapy. To generalize the adaptation of adjunctive traditional Korean medicine treatment indications to treatment outcomes, larger-scale studies encompassing a broader patient population will be necessary.

A Survey of Utilization and Satisfaction of Korean Subfertility Treatment among Korean Women.

Low fertility is a critical social problem worldwide, and infertility has a prevalence of 15%. This cross-sectional study aimed to understand the factors affecting the usage and satisfaction of Korean medicine (KM) in subfertile women. An online survey was conducted from 3 November to 8 November 2021. The survey collected basic information, KM treatment experience, and satisfaction from women who experienced poor pregnancy. The t-test and chi-square test (χ2-test) were used to determine the overall characteristics of the subjects and factors affecting the utilization and satisfaction of KM treatment. Of the total of 29,465 people, 4922 read the survey email, and 601 responded. After excluding 51 respondents with questionable response patterns, 550 respondents were included in the final analysis. Of these, 43.1% (n = 237) had experience with conventional treatment, and 16.5% (n = 91) had received KM treatment. The group that received both KM treatment and CM treatment (n = 59, 24.9%) was significantly more prevalent than the group that received KM treatment alone (n = 32, 10.2%) (p = 0.00). Women who had given birth more than once or held a master's degree were significantly more willing to participate in the 'KM Support Project for Subfertility' program. Our findings suggest that subfertile patients prefer integrated treatment that combines KM and CM treatments. Further studies are needed to assess the status of integrative medicine treatment, satisfaction with each KM intervention, factors for low satisfaction, and patient requirements.

Integrative Korean medicine treatment for inpatients with osteoarthritis of the knee: An observational study.

The use of integrative Korean medicine treatment (IKMT) for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported previously; however, to date, no studies have investigated the long-term prognosis of these patients following IKMT for primary knee OA. We aimed to examine the long-term effects of IKMT in patients diagnosed with primary knee OA and receiving IKMT during hospitalization. This retrospective observational study, complemented by a follow-up survey, included patients with primary knee OA who received IKMT during hospitalization across 7 Korean medicine hospitals. The primary outcome was the Numerical Rating Scale knee-pain score, whereas the secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), and Patient Global Impression of Change scores. Patients were evaluated at admission, discharge, and during follow-up. Of the 180 included patients, 81 responded to the survey. Compared with the corresponding values at admission, the Numerical Rating Scale score decreased by 2.44 (2.08-2.81) points at discharge and 1.89 (1.5-2.26) points at follow-up. Additionally, compared with their scores at admission, the WOMAC score decreased by 17.20 (13.68-20.71) points at discharge and 25.74 (22.22-29.26) points at follow-up, whereas the EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level questionnaire score improved by -0.15 (-0.18 to -0.12) points at discharge and -0.12 (-0.15 to -0.09) points at follow-up. The patients expressed high satisfaction with pharmacopuncture (65.4%), acupuncture (54.03%), physical therapy (35.8%), and herbal medicine (34.6%). Regarding Patient Global Impression of Change, 96.30% of the patients reported improvement. IKMT was effective in improving pain, functional disability, and quality of life in patients with primary knee OA. Its effects were maintained throughout the long-term follow-up period, and physical functions continuously improved.