Subglottic stenosis (SGS) and tracheal stenosis (TS) are rare conditions that can cause significant breathing difficulties and, if not properly managed, may lead to life-threatening complications. Despite their clinical importance, debate continues regarding the optimal management of adult SGS and TS, and no comprehensive guidelines have been established to date. The Korean Bronchoesophagological Society appointed a task force to develop clinical practice guidelines with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations for managing SGS and TS in adults. The task force conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using predefined search terms aligned with key clinical questions. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, which also informed the formulation and reporting of the recommendations. The strength of each recommendation reflects the guideline panel’s confidence that the benefits of an intervention outweigh its risks for eligible patients. After drafting the guidelines, feedback was obtained through Delphi questionnaires completed by members of the Korean Bronchoesophagological Society. Ultimately, the committee developed 17 evidence-based recommendations across four categories: initial evaluation, medical management, surgical treatment, and postoperative management and rehabilitation. These guidelines aim to support clinicians in delivering optimal care to adult patients with SGS and TS.

Purpose: This study aimed to report the results of Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (KARMS) for uncomplicated cystitis (UC) in 2023. Materials and Methods: KARMS was established for the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections with the cooperation of Korean nationwide medical centers. Data from patients with UC have been collected in the web-based KARMS database. Demographic data, uropathogen distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of representative pathogens were analyzed. Results: A total of 885 patients’ data were collected in KARMS database. The mean patient age was 56.39±18.26 years. The number of postmenopausal and recurrent cystitis were 530 (61.1%) and 102 (11.5%), respectively. Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified uropathogen (654/871, 75.1%). Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, 94.9% were susceptible to fosfomycin, 90.5% to nitrofurantoin, 58.4% to ciprofloxacin, 83.6% to cefotaxime, and 100.0% to ertapenem. ESBL positivity was 13.7% (96/702), and significantly higher in tertiary hospital (23.1%, p<0.001), postmenopausal (15.9%, p=0.044), and recurrent cystitis (24.7%, p=0.001).Fluoroquinolone resistance was significantly higher in tertiary hospital (47.4%, p=0.001), postmenopausal (44.9%, p<0.001), and recurrent cystitis (59.8%, p<0.001). In addition, postmenopausal (odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–2.77, p<0.001) and recurrent cystitis (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.44–3.92, p=0.001) were associated with increased fluoroquinolone resistance. Conclusions These data provide information on the distribution of uropathogen and the status of antimicrobial resistance in UC of South Korea. In addition, KARMS will be a useful reference in the future through the continuous surveillance system construction over the years.

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.

Purpose: Compassion is integral to nursing, yet the concept of compassionate care is not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to clarify the nature of compassionate care among Korean clinical nurses using a hybrid model. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods approach involving hybrid concept analysis to explore the nature and attributes of compassionate care, encompassing both theoretical and empirical stages. In the theoretical stage, the domains, attributes, and a preliminary definition of compassionate care were formulated. In the fieldwork stage, in-depth interviews with 18 nurses were conducted to gather insights, which were integrated in the final stage. Results: Compassionate care was categorized into three domains: cognitive, relational, and behavioral, with 11 defining attributes. It was defined as the capacity to recognize individual patient needs, engage empathetically with their suffering, establish trust through emotional connection, and deliver therapeutic partnership, specialized, personalized, ethical, and holistic care. Conclusion This study advances the understanding of compassionate care in nursing by providing a multidimensional framework. It lays the groundwork for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the need for measurement tools and strategies to promote compassionate care among clinical nurses.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.

Background: In 2006, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group released the diagnostic criteria for Korean atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, more simplified, and practical AD diagnostic criteria have been proposed. Objective: Based on updated criteria and experience, we studied to develop and share a consensus on diagnostic criteria for AD in Koreans. Materials and Methods: For the diagnostic criteria, a questionnaire was constructed by searching the English-language literature in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A modified Delphi method composed of 3 rounds of email questionnaires was adopted for the consensus process. Fifty-four KADA council members participated in the 3 rounds of votes and expert consensus recommendations were established. Results: Diagnostic criteria for AD include pruritus, eczema with age-specific pattern, and chronic or relapsing history. Diagnostic aids for AD encompass xerosis, immunoglobulin E reactivity, hand–foot eczema, periorbital changes, periauricular changes, perioral changes, nipple eczema, perifollicular accentuation, and personal or family history of atopy. Conclusion This study streamlined and updated the diagnostic criteria for AD in Korea, making them more practicable for use in real-world clinical field.

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey. Methods: This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival. Results: The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey. Conclusion While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management in Korea.

Purpose: Robotic adrenalectomy was developed to address the limitations of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and enhance the visualization, dexterity, and control of surgeons performing this beneficial minimally invasive technique. This study compared the clinical and perioperative outcomes of lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy using da Vinci SP and Xi robotic systems (Intuitive Surgical). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 84 patients who underwent robotic adrenalectomies at a single institution between January 2019 and July 2024. Sixty-two and 22 patients were treated with da Vinci Xi and SP systems, respectively. Results: No significant differences in patient demographics, tumor size, or postoperative hospital stay between the 2 groups were observed. The SP system demonstrated significantly shorter operative times for right-sided adrenalectomy (81.0 ± 17.1 minutes vs. 113.3 ± 26.2 minutes, P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in overall operative time (104.9 ± 28.2 minutes for Xi vs. 93.5 ± 23.2 minutes for SP, P = 0.094) or left adrenalectomy (99.9 ± 28.4 minutes for Xi vs. 104.0 ± 23.0 minutes for SP, P = 0.253). Conclusion The da Vinci Xi and SP systems are both effective for robotic adrenalectomy, with the SP system showing particular advantages in right-sided procedures.