Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous primary immunodeficiency characterized by reduced levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, with or without IgA and/or IgM deficiency, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Clinical manifestations are diverse, ranging from recurrent infections to autoimmune and allergic diseases. While CVID has been rarely reported in the Korean population, particularly in adults, we report 2 adult cases of CVID comorbid with asthma and Behcet’s disease. The first case of a 53-year-old with severe allergic asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis experienced recurrent respiratory infections, stomatitis, and cystitis requiring frequent antibiotic treatment. Laboratory findings indicated a T2-high asthma phenotype, with elevated serum total IgE specific IgE to dog hair and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Immunological evaluation revealed decreased serum IgG (including IgG1 and IgG2), along with hypogammaglobulinemia. She had been treated with regular anti-IgE antibody therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIGRT). The second case of a 38-year-old with Behçet’s disease and uveitis had bronchial asthma and rhinitis that were exacerbated by recurrent infections despite standard asthma therapy. Laboratory findings revealed a T2-low phenotype and a marked reduction in serum IgG (including IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4), and hypogammaglobulinemia, consistent with CVID.IVIGRT effectively reduced asthma exacerbations and infection episodes in both cases. These cases highlight the clinical heterogeneity of CVID and its potential overlap with allergic and autoimmune diseases. Immunological evaluation of underlying immunodeficiency should be considered in adult patients with asthma who present with frequent exacerbations and recurrent infections. Early diagnosis and IVIGRT can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

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.

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.

Background: Although the association between handgrip strength and glycemic control has been reported, studies conducted exclusively within specific occupational groups remain limited. To explore the association between handgrip strength and metabolic health in industrial settings, this study examined the relationship between relative handgrip strength and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among male automobile manufacturing workers using vibration tools in South Korea. Methods: Using 66,212 occupational health examination records collected at Inha University Hospital between January 2024 and April 2025, a total of 3,365 workers with HbA1c and handgrip strength measurements were identified. After excluding duplicates (n = 1,536), female workers (n = 2), and records without Hb and estimated glomerular filtration rate, 1,823 male participants were included in the final analysis. Relative handgrip strength was calculated as the maximum value of bilateral grip strength divided by body mass index. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between relative handgrip strength and HbA1c, adjusting for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, current hypertension, current dyslipidemia, current hypoglycemic-agents use, family diabetes history, leisure-time physical activity, and resistance exercise. Results: Relative handgrip strength was inversely associated with HbA1c levels (B: –0.060; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.081 to −0.039; p < 0.001). The association was strongest among normoglycemic participants (B: −0.185; 95% CI: −0.305 to −0.065; p = 0.003). Effect size was reduced but significantly associated among individuals with prediabetes (B: −0.115; 95% CI: −0.180 to −0.050; p < 0.001) and further attenuated to a borderline significance in individuals with diabetes (B: −0.023; 95% CI: −0.050 to 0.003; p = 0.082). These findings indicate that greater muscle strength relative to body size is related to better glycemic control. Conclusions Handgrip strength was associated with HbA1c levels in industrial workers. This study suggests that handgrip strength may provide complementary information on metabolic health in occupational settings.

Purpose: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a standard minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). This study presents the first nationwide survey of patients with EGC treated with ESD in 2023, conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from participating referral centers across Korea using a standardized case report form covering patient characteristics, tumor features, procedural details, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes.Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted to summarize nationwide ESD practice patterns and outcomes. Results: Data from 5,460 ESD cases from 5,250 patients across 27 institutions were analyzed. The mean age was 67.4 years, with 74.1% males. Multiple synchronous lesions were identified in 3.7%. Most lesions were located in the lower third of the stomach (64.0%), and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas accounted for 87.8%. The en bloc and complete resection rates were 99.2% and 91.4%, respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 80.5%, whereas local non-curative resection (L-NCR) and surgical non-curative resection (S-NCR) were identified in 2.8% and 16.7%, respectively. Additional surgery was performed more frequently in patients with S-NCR than in those with L-NCR (59.3% vs. 24.7%). The bleeding and perforation rates were 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and were mostly managed conservatively or endoscopically. The median length of hospitalization was 4.0 days. Conclusions This first nationwide survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current practice of EGC treatment using ESD in Korea, demonstrating high technical success and safety, and establishing a baseline dataset for future longitudinal research.

Purpose: This study examined the awareness and knowledge levels regarding food additives among single-person adult households. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 715 single-person households aged between 19 and 64 years, residing in urban areas across 17 metropolitan cities and provinces nationwide. The questionnaire included items on the demographic characteristics, nutrition quotient, awareness of food additives and sources of information, trust in information sources, and knowledge related to food additives. Awareness and knowledge of food additives were analyzed according to the participants’ gender, age group, nutrition quotient grade, and reported awareness of food additives. Results: The proportion of respondents who reported an awareness of food additives was 53.0%, with significantly higher awareness among women and those classified in the medium or high nutrition quotient categories. Participants who were aware of food additives obtained information primarily from the internet, television, or radio. By contrast, those who were unaware attributed this to insufficient promotion and information, or to difficulty understanding the content related to food additives. The information provided by physicians, pharmacists, and professional literature was considered trustworthy, while trust in information disseminated by government agencies was notably low (< 20%). The perceived health risk score of food additives was 3.32, and significantly higher scores were observed among the subjects aged 50–64 years and those with medium or high nutrition quotient grades. The knowledge levels regarding food additives were significantly greater among older subjects, those with medium or high nutrition quotient grades, and those who reported awareness of food additives. Conclusion This study provides baseline data for developing food additive education tailored to single-person adult households, supporting educational media, program design, and promotional strategies, and extending its relevance from academic research to practical contributions in public health and consumer awareness.

Myopia, particularly high myopia, is a significant risk factor for several ocular pathologies including cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Excessive axial elongation associated with high myopia can induce biomechanical stretching, increasing the risk of serious complications like posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy. Global meta-analyses estimate that approximately 10 million people were visually impaired due to myopic maculopathy in 2015, with 3 million being blind. Recent nationwide surveys in South Korea revealed a prevalence of 65.4% for myopia and 6.9% for high myopia in children and adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for effective management. Delaying the onset and slowing the progression of myopia during childhood and adolescence is crucial for reducing the potential lifetime risk of these complications. This consensus statement, prepared by the Korean Myopia Society for the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (KAPOS), reviews the current evidence for myopia control interventions and provides management strategies applicable to the South Korean clinical setting. Key interventions covered include lifestyle modifications (outdoor time, near work adjustment), optical methods (myopia-control spectacle lenses, dual-focus soft contact lenses, orthokeratology), and pharmacologic treatment (low-concentration atropine), as well as combination therapies. The statement also addresses patient selection, treatment outcome evaluation using spherical equivalent and axial length changes, and the crucial aspects related to treatment cessation and the rebound effect.

Objective: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy (ET) constitute the standard systemic treatment for estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (ER+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, treatment responses remain heterogeneous, highlighting the need for reliable prognostic markers. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT findings in this setting. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included patients with ER+/HER2- MBC who underwent18F-FDG PET/CT before initiating CDK4/6 inhibitors plus ET between 2018 and 2023. Maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax), whole-body metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated as the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, using multivariable Cox models. PET parameters (SUVmax, MTV, and TLG) were analyzed as both continuous and dichotomized variables based on median values, adjusting for relevant clinical covariates. Results: Among the 374 patients, 82 (21.9%) presented with de novo metastatic disease, and 357 (95.5%) received CDK4/6 inhibitors as first-line therapy. In multivariable Cox analysis, all continuous PET parameters were independently associated with PFS (adjusted hazard ratio for SUVmax 1.05 [95% confidence interval 1.02–1.08]; log-transformed MTV 1.16 [1.08–1.25]; and log-transformed TLG 1.14 [1.07–1.23]) and OS (SUVmax 1.08 [1.04–1.11]; log-transformed MTV 1.24 [1.12–1.38]; and log-transformed TLG 1.22 [1.11–1.34]) with all P < 0.001. Results based on dichotomized PET parameters were similar to those obtained with continuous values: PFS (adjusted hazard ratio for SUVmax ≥ 7.6, 1.41 [1.08–1.85]; MTV ≥ 21.2 cm 3 , 1.41 [1.08–1.86]; and TLG ≥ 78.9, 1.51 [1.14–1.99]) with P ≤ 0.013 and OS (1.43 [1.01–2.04]; 1.84 [1.28– 2.66]; and 1.73 [1.20–2.50], respectively) with P ≤ 0.046. Conclusion Pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters are independent prognostic markers in patients with ER+/HER2- MBC receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors with ET, supporting their potential utility in risk stratification.

Purpose: Although host body composition, nutritional and systemic inflammatory status have been suggested to have an impact on prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), their impact on patients with stage IV CRC remains unclear.This study investigated the prognostic effects of those parameters in patients initially diagnosed with stage IV CRC who underwent surgery. Methods: Patients with stage IV CRC who underwent surgery were selected. Preoperative computed tomography images were evaluated for skeletal muscle index, skeletal muscle density (SMD), visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). For nutritional status and systemic inflammation, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were used. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of progression-free survival (PFS) after adjustment for the other covariates in the model. Results: Data of 134 patients with stage IV CRC who underwent surgery between January 2005 and February 2014 were included. SMD, VFA, SFA, PNI, NLR, LMR, and PLR were associated with PFS in the univariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, SFA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.612; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.389–0.961; P = 0.033), and PNI (HR, 0.536; 95% CI, 0.345–0.832; P = 0.005) were identified to be independent prognostic factors for PFS. Conclusion SFA and PNI both demonstrated prognostic significance in patients with stage IV CRC. Accordingly, we believe further studies are warranted to determine whether incorporating these factors can aid in surgical decision-making for stage IV CRC patients.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative spinal condition where spinal canal narrowing causes symptoms such as neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy, and lower back pain. While non-operative and surgical approaches yield similar long-term outcomes, surgical intervention—particularly decompression—can provide earlier symptom relief, functional recovery, and fall prevention in selected patients with refractory symptoms. Recent advancements in surgical technologies and image guidance have brought about a paradigm shift in LSS management. Biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS) has gained global traction as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional decompression methods, offering superior visualization, less soft tissue damage, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. High-quality studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown promising outcomes for this technique. Furthermore, the integration of navigation systems, robot-assisted instrumentation, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics and surgical planning tools is transforming spinal surgery by enhancing precision in preoperative evaluation and intraoperative execution. These innovations enable accurate targeting, reduce complications, and improve reproducibility across diverse surgical settings. This review provides an updated overview of LSS, covering its pathophysiology, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Special emphasis is placed on the growing role of BESS and the transformative impact of digital technologies such as navigation, robotics, and AI in the evolving landscape of spinal stenosis care.