Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Purpose: Fournier gangrene (FG) is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid tissue necrosis in the perineal and genital regions. Early identification of risk factors is essential for improving prognosis and reducing mortality rates. This study aimed to identify predictive factors associated with mortality in patients with FG. Methods: A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted across four tertiary care centers in Korea, including patients diagnosed with FG between January 2014 and December 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were collected. Independent risk factors for mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and optimal cutoff values for these predictors were determined. Results: A total of 133 patients were included. The findings showed that age, initial lactate level, hemoglobin level, platelet count, and albumin level were significant predictors of mortality. Age was associated with an odds ratio of 1.105 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.038–1.177; P=0.0018), while initial lactate level exhibited an odds ratio of 1.820 (95% CI, 1.335–2.480; P=0.0002). The optimal cutoff values identified were 64.5 years for age, 3.15 mmol/L for lactate, 8.65 g/dL for hemoglobin, 208×109/L for platelet count, and 3.05 g/dL for albumin, with varying sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The study concluded that age, and initial levels of lactate, hemoglobin, albumin, and platelet count are independently predictive of mortality in patients with FG. These findings underscore the importance of aggressive management for patients presenting with abnormal serum values at admission to improve clinical outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these results and to refine management strategies for FG.

Background: The prevalence of scabies, a contagious parasitic skin disease, has decreased to ＜1% in South Korea.However, an increase in the elderly population has led to occasional outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies diagnosed in Ulsan over the past decade. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies infections diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Ulsan over the past decade. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at Ulsan University Hospital that reviewed 235 cases from 2013 to 2022.We analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with scabies by dermoscopy and microscopic examination. Results: Among 55,430 patients, 235 were confirmed to have scabies, with an overall prevalence of 0.42%. The highest annual incidence was in 2018 (35 cases), with a subsequent decrease but a gradual increase from 2019 to 2022. The most common infection route was through nursing facilities (32.3%). The elderly (≥70 years) comprised 32.3% cases, and typical clinical manifestations were papules (80.4%) of the trunk and extremities. Eosinophilia was observed in 31.4% inpatients. The mean treatment duration was 29.15 days. Conclusion We report a declining but significant prevalence of scabies in Ulsan, with many cases occurring among the elderly in nursing facilities. This study underscores the need for continued surveillance and education regarding the diagnosis and management of scabies in healthcare and community facilities.

Background: The prevalence of scabies, a contagious parasitic skin disease, has decreased to ＜1% in South Korea.However, an increase in the elderly population has led to occasional outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies diagnosed in Ulsan over the past decade. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies infections diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Ulsan over the past decade. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at Ulsan University Hospital that reviewed 235 cases from 2013 to 2022.We analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with scabies by dermoscopy and microscopic examination. Results: Among 55,430 patients, 235 were confirmed to have scabies, with an overall prevalence of 0.42%. The highest annual incidence was in 2018 (35 cases), with a subsequent decrease but a gradual increase from 2019 to 2022. The most common infection route was through nursing facilities (32.3%). The elderly (≥70 years) comprised 32.3% cases, and typical clinical manifestations were papules (80.4%) of the trunk and extremities. Eosinophilia was observed in 31.4% inpatients. The mean treatment duration was 29.15 days. Conclusion We report a declining but significant prevalence of scabies in Ulsan, with many cases occurring among the elderly in nursing facilities. This study underscores the need for continued surveillance and education regarding the diagnosis and management of scabies in healthcare and community facilities.

Background: The prevalence of scabies, a contagious parasitic skin disease, has decreased to ＜1% in South Korea.However, an increase in the elderly population has led to occasional outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies diagnosed in Ulsan over the past decade. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies infections diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Ulsan over the past decade. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at Ulsan University Hospital that reviewed 235 cases from 2013 to 2022.We analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with scabies by dermoscopy and microscopic examination. Results: Among 55,430 patients, 235 were confirmed to have scabies, with an overall prevalence of 0.42%. The highest annual incidence was in 2018 (35 cases), with a subsequent decrease but a gradual increase from 2019 to 2022. The most common infection route was through nursing facilities (32.3%). The elderly (≥70 years) comprised 32.3% cases, and typical clinical manifestations were papules (80.4%) of the trunk and extremities. Eosinophilia was observed in 31.4% inpatients. The mean treatment duration was 29.15 days. Conclusion We report a declining but significant prevalence of scabies in Ulsan, with many cases occurring among the elderly in nursing facilities. This study underscores the need for continued surveillance and education regarding the diagnosis and management of scabies in healthcare and community facilities.

Background: The prevalence of scabies, a contagious parasitic skin disease, has decreased to ＜1% in South Korea.However, an increase in the elderly population has led to occasional outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies diagnosed in Ulsan over the past decade. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological changes and clinical features of scabies infections diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Ulsan over the past decade. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at Ulsan University Hospital that reviewed 235 cases from 2013 to 2022.We analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with scabies by dermoscopy and microscopic examination. Results: Among 55,430 patients, 235 were confirmed to have scabies, with an overall prevalence of 0.42%. The highest annual incidence was in 2018 (35 cases), with a subsequent decrease but a gradual increase from 2019 to 2022. The most common infection route was through nursing facilities (32.3%). The elderly (≥70 years) comprised 32.3% cases, and typical clinical manifestations were papules (80.4%) of the trunk and extremities. Eosinophilia was observed in 31.4% inpatients. The mean treatment duration was 29.15 days. Conclusion We report a declining but significant prevalence of scabies in Ulsan, with many cases occurring among the elderly in nursing facilities. This study underscores the need for continued surveillance and education regarding the diagnosis and management of scabies in healthcare and community facilities.