1.Clinical experiences in the diagnosis and management of primaryimmunodeficiency disorders in adults
Joo-Hee KIM ; Haeng-Jun KIM ; Hae-Sim PARK
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2026;14(1):47-51
Primary antibody deficiency (PAD) is the most common form of primary immunodeficiency (PID) in adults, although the overall prevalence remains low. Recent studies have suggested a rising incidence due to changes in environmental factors and increased awareness. PID typically presents with recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections but may also be associated with allergic and autoimmune diseases, resulting in various clinical manifestations. This report presents three representative adult cases of PAD— X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), and IgG3 subclass deficiency (IgG3D) with bronchial asthma—offering insights into their diagnosis and long-term management. These cases emphasize the need to suspect XLA in patients with recurrent pneumonia and bronchiectasis, to recognize chronic severe urticaria as a potential clinical clue for CVID, and to evaluate IgG3D in asthma patients with frequent viral infections despite standard care. Through these examples, this clinical insight underscores the importance of early suspicion of PID, comprehensive immunological evaluation and individualized treatment strategies in improving outcomes for adult PID patients.
2.Short-Term Outcomes of Novel Refractive Extended Depth-of-Focus Lens: Stage 1 Epiretinal Membrane vs. Normal Retina
Jiwon CHOI ; Sang Min LEE ; Jae Won CHOI ; Min Ji PARK ; Joo Heon ROH ; Tae Heon LEE ; Sun A KIM ; Su Hey CHAE ; Hee Seong YOON ; Jung Yup KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2026;67(2):47-54
Purpose:
We compared short-term clinical outcomes after cataract surgery with implantation of a novel refractive extended depth-of-focus TECNIS PureSee intraocular lens (IOL) between patients with stage 1 epiretinal membrane (ERM)—characterized by a thin membrane over the macula with preserved foveal depression―and those with a normal retina.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of the TECNIS PureSee IOL between January 2024 and January 2025: 30 eyes with stage 1 ERM and 30 eyes with a normal retina. Preoperative characteristics, including age, sex distribution, cataract severity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and higher-order aberrations, were compared between groups, as were IOL power and target refraction. Postoperative outcomes at 1 month―including CDVA, uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, ocular aberrations, and contrast sensitivity―were evaluated.
Results:
There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics, such as age, sex distribution, cataract grade, CDVA, higher-order aberrations, IOL power, or target refraction between the two groups. At 1 month postoperatively, CDVA, uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, higher-order aberrations, and contrast sensitivity exhibited no significant differences between groups.
Conclusions
In this short-term analysis, the PureSee IOL demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety in cataract patients with stage 1 ERM to those with a normal retina.
3.The Korean Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Committee Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rectal Cancer version 2.0
Hyo Seon RYU ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Dong Hyun KANG ; Yoo-Kang KWAK ; Han Deok KWAK ; Yoon-Hye KWON ; Dalyon KIM ; Baek-Hui KIM ; Jae Hyun KIM ; Ji Hun KIM ; Jin Won KIM ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Hae Young KIM ; Soo Min NAM ; Gyoung Tae NOH ; Jun Woo BONG ; Nak Song SUNG ; Seon Hui SHIN ; Kil-Yong LEE ; Sung Chul LEE ; Sea-Won LEE ; Jung Won LEE ; Jong Min LEE ; Myung Hoon IHN ; Joo Han LIM ; Woong Bae JI ; Dae Hee PYO ; Young Ki HONG ; Jung-Myun KWAK ;
Annals of Coloproctology 2026;42(1):4-33
Rectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 40% of colorectal cancers, remains a major clinical concern. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment have steadily improved rectal cancer outcomes. Considering this, the Korean Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary (KRCM) Committee has aimed to provide clinicians and policymakers with up-to-date, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to support optimal decision-making, reflecting current evidence, the Korean healthcare context, and patient values and preferences. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rectal Cancer version 2.0 were developed through multidisciplinary collaboration with related academic societies, building upon and updating the KRCM Clinical Practice Guidelines version 1.0 (titled “Multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of rectal cancer”). These consensus guidelines of the KRCM were established based on a comprehensive literature review, evidence synthesis, with recommendation development guided by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology, and consideration of applicability in real-world clinical practice under the national health insurance system. Each recommendation has been presented with its strength and level of evidence.
4.Assessing Laser Safety in Dermatology:Eye Protection and Infection Control Practices Among Board-Certified Korean Dermatologists
Sejin OH ; Yeong Ho KIM ; Bo Ri KIM ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Hae Woong LEE ; Jung-Im NA ; Chun Pill CHOI ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Suk Bae SEO ; Jong Hee LEE ; Chang-Hun HUH ; Hei Sung KIM
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):69-74
Background:
Laser procedures are integral to dermatologic practice, yet safety measures- particularly regarding ocular protection and plume control- are poorly studied in real-world settings.
Objective:
To evaluate current practices in eye protection, infection control, and occupational risk awareness among Korean dermatologists performing laser treatments.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among board-certified dermatologists at the 2024 Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser Surgery meeting. The questionnaire covered demographics, laser frequency, use of goggles and masks, infection control strategies, ophthalmologic monitoring, and history of warts or cancer.
Results:
Seventy-nine respondents completed the survey. All reported using protective goggles, but only 26.6% and 22.8% did so for CO 2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers, respectively. Only 24.1% underwent regular eye exams, and 13.9% reported eye conditions after starting laser practice. While 89.9% used masks, 40.8% used dental masks, which are inadequate for plume protection. Suction devices were used by 94.9%, though performance specifications were unclear. Warts were reported by 46.8% of respondents; two reported cancer diagnoses after initiating laser work.
Conclusion
Despite high overall adherence to basic safety practices, critical gaps remain. Our findings highlight the need for standardized guidelines and long-term occupational health monitoring to ensure safe laser practice.
5.Current Clinical Perspectives on Rosacea Management: Insights From a Korean Multicenter Expert Opinion Survey
Bo Ri KIM ; Sejin OH ; Ju Hee HAN ; Jimyung SEO ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Jung U SHIN ; Jae We CHO ; Boncheol Leo GOO ; Jung-Im NA ; Dong Hun LEE ; Chun Pill CHOI ; HaeWoong LEE ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Nark-Kyoung RHO ; Hyunjo KIM ; Ga-Young LEE ; Jong Hee LEE ; Nala SHIN ; Sang Ju LEE ; Suk Bae SEO ; Geun Soo LEE ; Hei Sung KIM ; Chang-Hun HUH
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):42-50
Background:
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities.
Objective:
To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use.
Methods:
A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed.
Results:
Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches.
Conclusion
Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.
6.Clinical Features and Treatment Response in Chronic Recurrent Erythema Multiforme: Difference Based on the Etiology Related to Herpes Simplex Virus
Kyung Bae CHUNG ; Jung Won PARK ; Joo Hee LEE ; Eun-Hye KIM ; Do-Young KIM
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):11-18
Background:
Erythema multiforme (EM) is typically a self-limited, acute hypersensitivity reaction. However, a subset of patients experiences chronic, recurrent episodes, for which clinical features and treatment strategies differ depending on the underlying etiology, especially in herpes simplex virus (HSV)-associated cases.
Objective:
To investigate the clinical and phenotypic features of chronic recurrent EM and assess treatment responses, with a focus on differences based on HSV association.
Methods:
This retrospective study included pathology-confirmed cases of suspected EM from 2010 to 2023. Forty patients with chronic EM (≥3 recurrences or persistent disease for ≥12 months) were included. Clinical, histopathologic, and serologic data were analysed.Patients were stratified into herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme (HAEM) and non-HAEM groups. Clustering analysis was performed to identify clinical phenotypes.Treatment responses to antivirals and immunomodulators were evaluated.
Results:
Of the 40 patients, 24 (60%) were classified as HAEM. HAEM patients showed more mucosal involvement, smaller targetoid lesions, and acral predominance, while nonHAEM patients had larger, coalescing lesions with more trunk involvement. Cluster analysis supported HSV as the major discriminating factor. Antiviral agents were effective in 87.5% of HAEM cases but ineffective in 76.9% of non-HAEM patients. Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil showed variable responses. Baricitinib induced complete remission in all 3 refractory cases.
Conclusion
HSV association defines a distinct clinical subtype of chronic recurrent EM, with differences in lesion morphology, distribution, and treatment response. Recognizing these patterns may guide targeted therapeutic strategies, including the potential use of Janus kinase inhibitors in refractory cases.
7.Considerations of Flow Cytometric Lymphocyte Subset Analysis in Korea Based on a Survey of Current Clinical Laboratory Practice
Mikyoung PARK ; Hyun-Woo CHOI ; Jihyang LIM ; Kyung-Hwa SHIN ; Eun-Jee OH ; Jaewoo SONG ; Kyeong-Hee KIM ; In Hwa JEONG ; Joo-Heon PARK ; Sang-Hyun HWANG ; Eun-Suk KANG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):220-225
Flow cytometric lymphocyte subset analysis (FCLSA) is essential for assessing immune status across various diseases and clinical settings. We surveyed current clinical laboratory practices related to FCLSA to establish a baseline reference for future standardization in Korea. Nine university hospitals actively performing FCLSA responded to the 22-question survey, which covered seven categories of laboratory practice. These hospitals used commercial reagent antibody kits from either Beckton Dickinson Biosciences (N = 4) or Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (N = 5). Most hospitals performed daily instrument setup and scheduled maintenance every 2–6 months. Two levels of commercial quality control materials were routinely used each day. Sample and reagent antibody volumes varied across hospitals, even when the same reagent kit was used. Acquired cell counts ranged from 5 × 10 3 to 5 × 10 4 cells, with two hospitals adjusting counts based on the cell type analyzed. Most laboratories reported percentages and general opinions; some additionally reported white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, along with lymphocyte percentages. This is the first comprehensive survey on the clinical laboratory practice of FCLSA in Korea.Standardization of FCLSA should be accelerated to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
8.Factors associated with glycemic control in Korean older adults with diabetes living alone: A secondary analysis
Hee Jung KIM ; Sun Ju CHANG ; Yujin PARK ; Joo Ri KIM ; Yeon Woo JUNG ; Gi Won CHOI
Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2026;28(2):148-160
Older adults living alone face challenges in managing diabetes, yet research on glycemic control in this group is limited. This study analyzed data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016~2021) to identify factors associated with glycemic control in 453 older adults with diabetes living alone. Methods: Glycemic control was categorized as good (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]<7.0%) or poor (HbA1c≥7.0%). Complex sample logistic regression examined demographic, disease and health-related, behavioral, and psychological factors associated with glycemic control. Results: Older adults aged ≥80 years had better glycemic control than those aged 65~69 years, while a diabetes duration of ≥15 years and higher body mass index were linked to poorer control. Strength training 5~7 days per week was associated with better control, whereas non-adherence to a healthy diet was unexpectedly linked to better outcomes. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to improve diabetes self-management and support healthy aging among older adults living alone. They also offer practical insights into shaping community-based health programs and social support systems for this population.
9.Optimizing Healthspan in Women: A New Paradigm for Successful Aging through the Menopausal Transition
Hyun Joo LEE ; Eun Hee YU ; Jong Kil JOO ; Yong Jin NA
Journal of Menopausal Medicine 2026;32(1):1-11
Menopause is a normative midlife transition characterized by profound endocrine remodeling and a high burden of symptoms and functional change. Accumulating epidemiologic and translational evidence links menopausal transition with shifts in cardiometabolic risk, musculoskeletal health, sleep, mood, and perceived cognitive function. However, most data support association rather than definitive causal acceleration of aging independent of chronological time. This narrative review proposes a menopause-centered healthspan framework that integrates biological, neurocognitive, and psychosocial domains and translates evidence into pragmatic clinical pathway tools. To inform topic selection and prioritize higher-level evidence, including guidelines, randomized trials, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies, a structured evidence scan utilizing PubMed and targeted citation tracking was performed. The evidence scan identified 256 citations. After duplicate removal, titles/abstracts of 162 unique records were reviewed, of which 102 citations informed the final narrative synthesis. The results emphasize that menopausal hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and an evidence-based option for reducing fracture risk in appropriate candidates. However, it is not indicated for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. Absolute risks and benefits vary by age, time since menopause, and formulation/route. The neurocognitive section distinguishes common, often transient midlife cognitive complaints from long-term neurodegenerative outcomes, highlighting that menopause is not established as an independent dementia risk factor in the general population. Overall, the framework aims to support individualized, equity-informed care during menopausal transition.
10.Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Stretta Therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis From2 Tertiary Centers in Korea
Hyun LIM ; Yuri KIM ; Jin Hee NOH ; Jung In LEE ; Eun Jeong GONG ; Boram CHA ; Chan Hyuk PARK ; Da Hyun JUNG ; Ju Yup LEE ; Sun Hyung KANG ; In Kyung YOO ; Joo Young CHO ; Do Hoon KIM ;
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):290-297
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy is a therapeutic option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), providing durable effects. However, clinical data from Korea remain limited. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy in Korean patients.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 patients with GERD who underwent Stretta therapy at 2 tertiary hospitals in Korea between November 2015 and July 2021. Clinical outcomes, including patient satisfaction, medication cessation or reduction, and complications, were evaluated. Pre- and post-procedural esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring test results were also analyzed.
Results:
Patient satisfaction rates at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure were 54.7% (35/64), 70.0% (28/40), and 75.0% (21/28), respectively. Medication cessation or reduction was achieved in 31.2% (20/64) at 1 month, 70.0% (28/40) at 6 months, and 67.9% (19/28) at 12 months. Esophageal manometry (n = 21) showed no significant changes in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure (18.7 mmHg [2.5-52.9] vs 17.4 mmHg [0.0-43.0], P = 0.702) or mean integrated relaxation pressure (8.2 mmHg [0.0-28.0] vs 10.1 mmHg [0.0-31.0], P = 0.840). The 24-hour pH monitoring (n = 18) demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in acid exposure time (pH < 4) from 2.3% (0.0-8.4) to 1.6% (0.0-7.3) (P = 0.182). Similarly, the DeMeester score decreased non-significantly from 8.4 (0.8-27.7) to 6.6 (0.8-21.8) (P = 0.352). No procedure-related complications occurred.
Conclusion
Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy appears to be a safe treatment option for GERD and may provide favorable patient satisfaction and medication reduction.

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