1.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
2.Complete or incomplete revascularization in patients with left main culprit lesion acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a retrospective observational study
Sun Oh KIM ; Hong-Ju KIM ; Jong-Il PARK ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Jong-Ho NAM ; Chan-Hee LEE ; Jang-Won SON ; Jong-Seon PARK ; Sung-Ho HER ; Ki-Yuk CHANG ; Tae-Hoon AHN ; Myung-Ho JEONG ; Seung-Woon RHA ; Hyo-Soo KIM ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON ; In-Whan SEONG ; Kyung-Kuk HWANG ; Seung-Ho HUR ; Kwang-Soo CHA ; Seok-Kyu OH ; Jei-Keon CHAE ; Ung KIM
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):18-
Background:
Complete revascularization has demonstrated better outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease. However, in the case of left main (LM) culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease, there is limited evidence to suggest that complete revascularization is better.
Methods:
We reviewed 16,831 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated from July 2016 to June 2020, and 399 patients were enrolled with LM culprit lesion AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. We categorized the patients as those treated with complete revascularization (n=295) or incomplete revascularization (n=104). The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, stent thrombosis, and stroke. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analyzed the incidence of MACCE at 1 year.
Results:
After PSM, the two groups were well balanced. There was no significant difference between the two groups in MACCE at 1 year (12.1% vs. 15.2%; hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.74; p=0.524) after PSM. The components of MACCE and major bleeding were also not significantly different.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups treated with complete or incomplete revascularization for LM culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease.
3.Complete or incomplete revascularization in patients with left main culprit lesion acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a retrospective observational study
Sun Oh KIM ; Hong-Ju KIM ; Jong-Il PARK ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Jong-Ho NAM ; Chan-Hee LEE ; Jang-Won SON ; Jong-Seon PARK ; Sung-Ho HER ; Ki-Yuk CHANG ; Tae-Hoon AHN ; Myung-Ho JEONG ; Seung-Woon RHA ; Hyo-Soo KIM ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON ; In-Whan SEONG ; Kyung-Kuk HWANG ; Seung-Ho HUR ; Kwang-Soo CHA ; Seok-Kyu OH ; Jei-Keon CHAE ; Ung KIM
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):18-
Background:
Complete revascularization has demonstrated better outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease. However, in the case of left main (LM) culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease, there is limited evidence to suggest that complete revascularization is better.
Methods:
We reviewed 16,831 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated from July 2016 to June 2020, and 399 patients were enrolled with LM culprit lesion AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. We categorized the patients as those treated with complete revascularization (n=295) or incomplete revascularization (n=104). The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, stent thrombosis, and stroke. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analyzed the incidence of MACCE at 1 year.
Results:
After PSM, the two groups were well balanced. There was no significant difference between the two groups in MACCE at 1 year (12.1% vs. 15.2%; hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.74; p=0.524) after PSM. The components of MACCE and major bleeding were also not significantly different.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups treated with complete or incomplete revascularization for LM culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease.
4.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
5.Complete or incomplete revascularization in patients with left main culprit lesion acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a retrospective observational study
Sun Oh KIM ; Hong-Ju KIM ; Jong-Il PARK ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Jong-Ho NAM ; Chan-Hee LEE ; Jang-Won SON ; Jong-Seon PARK ; Sung-Ho HER ; Ki-Yuk CHANG ; Tae-Hoon AHN ; Myung-Ho JEONG ; Seung-Woon RHA ; Hyo-Soo KIM ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON ; In-Whan SEONG ; Kyung-Kuk HWANG ; Seung-Ho HUR ; Kwang-Soo CHA ; Seok-Kyu OH ; Jei-Keon CHAE ; Ung KIM
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):18-
Background:
Complete revascularization has demonstrated better outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease. However, in the case of left main (LM) culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease, there is limited evidence to suggest that complete revascularization is better.
Methods:
We reviewed 16,831 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated from July 2016 to June 2020, and 399 patients were enrolled with LM culprit lesion AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. We categorized the patients as those treated with complete revascularization (n=295) or incomplete revascularization (n=104). The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, stent thrombosis, and stroke. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analyzed the incidence of MACCE at 1 year.
Results:
After PSM, the two groups were well balanced. There was no significant difference between the two groups in MACCE at 1 year (12.1% vs. 15.2%; hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.74; p=0.524) after PSM. The components of MACCE and major bleeding were also not significantly different.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups treated with complete or incomplete revascularization for LM culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease.
6.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
7.Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea
Young Sup WOO ; Won-Seok CHOI ; Jong-Hyun JEONG ; Jonghun LEE ; Do-Hoon KIM ; Jong-Chul YANG ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Seung-Gul KANG ; Young-Eun JUNG ; Won KIM ; Chi-Un PAE ; Won-Myong BAHK
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):144-154
Objective:
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.
Methods:
This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18. Participants were already taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and were prescribed adjunctive buspirone. Efficacy was assessed using HAMA, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Results:
The efficacy analysis included 161 patients. HAMA scores decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 6.7 at baseline to 15.4 ± 8.6 at 12 weeks (p < 0.001), whereas HAMD scores decreased from 19.4 ± 4.6 to 12.7 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001).WHO-5 and SDS scores showed significant improvements. The HAMA response rate was 39.1% and the remission rate was 13.7% at 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 3.7% of participants. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in treatment response based on buspirone dosage, baseline anxiety/depression severity, or benzodiazepine use.
Conclusion
Adjunctive buspirone therapy effectively improved anxiety symptoms in depressed patients taking antidepressants, regardless of baseline symptom severity or buspirone dosage. The treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events. Future studies using a control group are needed.
8.Complete or incomplete revascularization in patients with left main culprit lesion acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a retrospective observational study
Sun Oh KIM ; Hong-Ju KIM ; Jong-Il PARK ; Kang-Un CHOI ; Jong-Ho NAM ; Chan-Hee LEE ; Jang-Won SON ; Jong-Seon PARK ; Sung-Ho HER ; Ki-Yuk CHANG ; Tae-Hoon AHN ; Myung-Ho JEONG ; Seung-Woon RHA ; Hyo-Soo KIM ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON ; In-Whan SEONG ; Kyung-Kuk HWANG ; Seung-Ho HUR ; Kwang-Soo CHA ; Seok-Kyu OH ; Jei-Keon CHAE ; Ung KIM
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):18-
Background:
Complete revascularization has demonstrated better outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease. However, in the case of left main (LM) culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease, there is limited evidence to suggest that complete revascularization is better.
Methods:
We reviewed 16,831 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated from July 2016 to June 2020, and 399 patients were enrolled with LM culprit lesion AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. We categorized the patients as those treated with complete revascularization (n=295) or incomplete revascularization (n=104). The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, stent thrombosis, and stroke. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analyzed the incidence of MACCE at 1 year.
Results:
After PSM, the two groups were well balanced. There was no significant difference between the two groups in MACCE at 1 year (12.1% vs. 15.2%; hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.74; p=0.524) after PSM. The components of MACCE and major bleeding were also not significantly different.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups treated with complete or incomplete revascularization for LM culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease.
9.Real‑time three‑dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic segmental volume analysis:a quantitative and objective tool for assessing regional left ventricle wall motion in patients with ischemic heart disease
Jin‑Hwan KWAK ; Kang‑Un CHOI ; Jong‑Il PARK ; Jong‑Ho NAM ; Chan‑Hee LEE ; Ung KIM ; Jong‑Seon PARK ; Jang‑Won SON
Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 2024;32(1):40-
Background:
Evaluation of regional left ventricle function using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in patients with ischemic heart disease has limitations due to its low objectivity and qualitative nature. In addition, 2DE is limited because multiple acoustic windows are used to obtain the image, whereas three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) uses a single window. This study aims to demonstrate the clinical utility of 3DE segmental volume analysis for evaluating regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 33 patients with ischemic heart disease and single-vessel territory RWMA confirmed on coronary angiography. RWMA was visually assessed using 2DE, generating 17-segment bull’s-eye polar maps, and 3DE. In the 3DE study, two independent observers analyzed segmental volumes and segmental volume ejection fractions (SVEFs) using QLAB 3D quantification software. The optimal SVEF cutoff value differentiating normal from abnormal was determined using receiver operating curve analysis. The accuracy of 3DE in predicting culprit coronary arteries was compared with that of 2DE using Cohen κ coefficients, which also were used for interobserver and intraobserver variability assessments.
Results:
Mean 3DE SVEFs were significantly lower in segments showing RWMA on 2DE. The optimal SVEF cutoff value was 44%, with sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 73.9% (area under the curve, 0.801; 95% CI, 0.763–0.838; P < 0.001).The reliability of 3DE-derived bull’s-eye predictions of culprit coronary arteries was 81.8% (κ = 0.672; 95% CI, 0.555– 0.789; P < 0.001). Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were 97.0% (κ = 0.947; 95% CI, 0.894–1.00; P < 0.001) and 93.9% (κ = 0.897; 95% CI, 0.827–0.967; P < 0.001), respectively.
Conclusions
The 3DE segmental volume analysis effectively quantified regional left ventricle function and aligned well with 2DE and coronary angiography findings in predicting culprit coronary arteries. Thus, 3DE segmental volume analysis can serve as a quantitative and objective tool for RWMA assessment in patients with ischemic heart disease.
10.Real‑time three‑dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic segmental volume analysis:a quantitative and objective tool for assessing regional left ventricle wall motion in patients with ischemic heart disease
Jin‑Hwan KWAK ; Kang‑Un CHOI ; Jong‑Il PARK ; Jong‑Ho NAM ; Chan‑Hee LEE ; Ung KIM ; Jong‑Seon PARK ; Jang‑Won SON
Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 2024;32(1):40-
Background:
Evaluation of regional left ventricle function using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in patients with ischemic heart disease has limitations due to its low objectivity and qualitative nature. In addition, 2DE is limited because multiple acoustic windows are used to obtain the image, whereas three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) uses a single window. This study aims to demonstrate the clinical utility of 3DE segmental volume analysis for evaluating regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 33 patients with ischemic heart disease and single-vessel territory RWMA confirmed on coronary angiography. RWMA was visually assessed using 2DE, generating 17-segment bull’s-eye polar maps, and 3DE. In the 3DE study, two independent observers analyzed segmental volumes and segmental volume ejection fractions (SVEFs) using QLAB 3D quantification software. The optimal SVEF cutoff value differentiating normal from abnormal was determined using receiver operating curve analysis. The accuracy of 3DE in predicting culprit coronary arteries was compared with that of 2DE using Cohen κ coefficients, which also were used for interobserver and intraobserver variability assessments.
Results:
Mean 3DE SVEFs were significantly lower in segments showing RWMA on 2DE. The optimal SVEF cutoff value was 44%, with sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 73.9% (area under the curve, 0.801; 95% CI, 0.763–0.838; P < 0.001).The reliability of 3DE-derived bull’s-eye predictions of culprit coronary arteries was 81.8% (κ = 0.672; 95% CI, 0.555– 0.789; P < 0.001). Interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were 97.0% (κ = 0.947; 95% CI, 0.894–1.00; P < 0.001) and 93.9% (κ = 0.897; 95% CI, 0.827–0.967; P < 0.001), respectively.
Conclusions
The 3DE segmental volume analysis effectively quantified regional left ventricle function and aligned well with 2DE and coronary angiography findings in predicting culprit coronary arteries. Thus, 3DE segmental volume analysis can serve as a quantitative and objective tool for RWMA assessment in patients with ischemic heart disease.

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