Background/Aims: Multiple myeloma (MM) predominantly affects elderly individuals, but studies on older patients with MM are limited. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with MM aged 80 years or over were retrospectively analyzed. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of patients aged 80 years or over who were newly diagnosed with MM at five academic hospitals in Daegu, Korea, between 2010 and 2019. Results: A total of 127 patients with a median age of 83 years (range, 80–93 yr) were enrolled: 52 (40.9%) with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) > 2, 84 (66.1%) with International Staging System (ISS) stage III disease, and 93 (73.2%) with a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) > 4. Chemotherapy was administered to 86 patients (67.7%). The median overall survival was 9.3 months. Overall survival was significantly associated with ECOG PS > 2 (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.43–3.59), ISS stage III (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.18–3.34), and chemotherapy (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.55). There was no statistically significant difference in event-free survival according to the type of anti-myeloma chemotherapy administered. The early mortality (EM) rate was 28.3%. Conclusions Even in patients with MM aged 80 years or over, chemotherapy can result in better survival outcomes than supportive care. Patients aged ≥ 80 years should not be excluded from chemotherapy based on age alone. However, reducing EM in elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM remains challenging.

Purpose: Identifying and managing risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is crucial because it impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity (PA), and their relationship with LUTS have not been well studied. This objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA and LUTS. Materials and Methods: A total of 7,296 men were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, and LUTS severity was assessed using the international prostate symptom score. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and LUTS, including voiding and storage symptoms. Results: The average age of the participants was 57.8 years, and the prevalence of LUTS was 41.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, PA was inversely associated with the prevalence and severity of moderate-to-severe LUTS, showing a dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Compared to the minimal activity group, which engaged in <5 MET-hours per week of PA, the odds ratios for moderate to severe LUTS were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–0.97) for men engaging in 15–30 MET-hours per week, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.95) for 30–60 MET-hours per week, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62–0.84) for ≥60 MET-hours per week. The possible protective effect of PA was still observed in the additional analysis for voiding and storage symptoms showing the same dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Conclusions A higher PA level was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of total, voiding, and storage LUTS in a dose-dependent manner in Korean men.

Background: We investigated whether nutritional intake is associated with physical activity (PA) and handgrip strength (HGS) in individuals with airflow limitation. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2014 and 2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We assessed total protein intake (g/day), caloric intake (kcal/day), and other nutritional intakes, using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. HGS was measured three times for each hand using a digital grip strength dynamometer, and PA was assessed as health-enhancing PA. Airflow limitation was defined as a forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity ratio of 0.7 in individuals over 40 years of age. Participants were categorized into groups based on their PA levels and HGS measurements: active aerobic PA vs. non-active aerobic PA, and normal HGS vs. low HGS. Results: Among the 622 individuals with airflow limitation, those involved in active aerobic PA and those with higher HGS had notably higher total food, calorie, water, protein, and lipid intake. The correlations between protein and caloric intake with HGS were strong (correlation coefficients=0.344 and 0.346, respectively). The forest plots show that higher intakes of food, water, calories, protein, and lipids are positively associated with active aerobic PA, while higher intakes of these nutrients are inversely associated with low HGS. However, in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, no significant associations were observed between nutritional intake and active aerobic PA or HGS. Conclusion Nutritional intake was found to not be an independent factor associated with PA and HGS. However, the observed correlations suggest potential indirect effects that warrant further investigation.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between distal fusion level in correction and fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and radiologic changes in the sacroiliac (SI) joint. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who underwent correction and fusion for AIS between 2005 and 2017 with at least 5 years of follow-up. We categorized patients into two groups: Group 1 (distal fusion above L2, 74 patients) and Group 2 (distal fusion at L3 and below, 52 patients). Radiologic parameters and SI joint changes were evaluated on plain radiographs obtained from preoperative to 5 years postoperatively. We also investigated other risk factors for SI joint change. Results: Analysis of demographic factors revealed no significant difference between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the incidence of SI joint change between Group 1 (5 patients, 6.75%) and Group 2 (18 patients, 34.61%), with Group 2 showing a faster increase in incidence according to the Kaplan-Meier method (p<0.0001). Preoperative lumbar lordosis (LL) and ΔLL had a significant relationship with SI joint changes [preoperative LL, hazard ratio (HR)=0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64– 0.93, p=0.008; ΔLL, HR=0.79, 95% CI=0.67–0.95, p=0.01). Conclusion After AIS surgery, patients who had fusion to the lower lumbar vertebrae (L3 or L4) experienced a higher incidence and faster progression of degenerative changes in the SI joint. Low preoperative LL and inadequate correction of LL during the operation were also risk factors for SI joint degeneration.

Objective: CT-P13, a biosimilar of infliximab, is widely used for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) can reduce its efficacy. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with high ADA levels in AS patients treated with CT-P13. Methods: A prospective observational study enrolled patients with intravenous CT-P13. Clinical data and disease activity was assessed at baseline, 24 weeks, and 54 weeks after CT-P13 treatment. Blood concentrations of CT-P13 and ADAs were measured at 24 and 54 weeks, and their correlation was investigated. Patients were grouped by ADA levels at 54 weeks. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with high ADA concentrations. Results: A total of 34 patients was enrolled. Significant decreases in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores were observed relative to baseline after 24 weeks of CT-P13 therapy. Serum concentrations of CT-P13 and ADA levels increased following treatment. The median serum CT-P13 concentration was 17.6 [12.8, 22.7] µg/mL at 24 weeks and 23.5 [11.7, 34.2] µg/mL at 54 weeks. ADA levels were 6.7 [6.5, 9.1] AU/mL at 24 weeks and 11.4 [9.0, 28.4] AU/mL at 54 weeks. The serum concentrations of CT-P13 and ADA exhibited a negative correlation. In multivariable analysis, current smoking was associated with high ADA production at 54 weeks. Conclusion Smoking is identified as a significant risk factor for elevated ADAs in AS patients treated with CT-P13. The findings underscore the importance of smoking-cessation strategies in the management of AS patients.

Background: and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data. Results: Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4. Conclusion Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

The crossed occlusion is unstable, and for the treatment of such occlusal conditions, it is recommended to form a balance of occlusal force between the arch in contact with occlusal contact, to secure stable vertical support by symmetrically placing the implants in the posterior area, and it is necessary to improve the distorted occlusal plane, to have a regular check-up and to check whether the occlusal conditions are maintained stably after treatment. In this case, in order to resolve unstable occlusal condition in patient with crossed occlusion, the existing occlusal vertical dimension was maintained at the state of wearing the dentures, and the implant placement positions were planned based on the diagnostic waxup, and then the implants were placed using a surgical guides, and after the temporary prostheses stage, the final fixed prostheses were fabricated by incorporating the temporary prostheses form adapted by the patient to develop a stable vertical support, and finally the anterior maxillary region was restored with implant-supported removable partial denture. In this case, the patient adapted well without discomfort during the four-month follow-up and satisfactory aesthetic and functional clinical results were obtained, leading to this report.

Background/Aims: Exercise is a key component of the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), providing symptomatic relief and helping prevent ankylosis. However, there is a lack of quantitative studies evaluating daily exercise patterns in patients with axSpA. This study assessed the types, frequency, and duration of exercises performed by these patients through a structured questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study included radiographic axSpA patients who visited a rheumatology clinic between September 2014 and March 2016 and provided informed consent to participate. The survey captured information on four types of exercise: high-intensity exercise, moderate-intensity exercise, strength training, and walking. Disease activity and functional status were evaluated using the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), respectively. Results: A total of 645 patients participated in the study. Among them, 25.1% engaged in high-intensity exercise, 36.0% in moderate-intensity exercise, 81.2% in walking, and 32.8% in strength training. The median weekly exercise frequency was 3.0 days (interquartile range [IQR], 2.0-4.0) for high-intensity exercise, 3.0 days (IQR, 2.0-5.0) for moderate-intensity exercise, 5.5 days (IQR, 4.0-7.0) for walking, and 3.0 days (IQR, 2.0-5.0) for strength training. The median daily exercise duration was 60 minutes (IQR, 60-120) for high-intensity exercise, 60 minutes (IQR, 30-90) for moderate-intensity exercise, 30 minutes (IQR, 20-60) for walking, and 30 minutes (IQR, 20-60) for strength training. Comparisons by disease activity showed that BASFI scores were more strongly associated with differences in exercise patterns than BASDAI scores. Conclusion Radiographic axSpA patients predominantly engaged in low-intensity activities, particularly walking, typically for short durations. Given the observed variations in exercise patterns based on disease activity, personalized exercise education and guidance should be prioritized in clinical practice to optimize axSpA management.