1.Eligibility and causes of disqualification among living liver donor candidates: A single-center analysis of 991 candidates
Eun-Ju NAM ; Jong-Hyun KIM ; Hae-In SHIN ; Young-In YOON ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Ki-Hun KIM ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Shin HWANG ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Annals of Liver Transplantation 2026;6(1):17-24
Background:
A systematic evaluation of potential living liver donors is essential to ensure donor safety and optimize recipient outcomes in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study aimed to assess donor acceptance rates and reasons for disqualification among individuals evaluated for LDLT at a high-volume transplant center over a one-year period.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 1,087 potential living liver donors who presented for LDLT evaluation in 2023. Of these, 991 candidates advanced beyond the initial screening (Stage 1) and underwent comprehensive clinical, imaging, and pathological assessments (Stages 2 and 3). Candidates who discontinued after Stage 1 were excluded due to the absence of documented reasons for non-progression.
Results:
Among the 991 candidates who proceeded beyond initial screening, 473 (47.7%) completed the full donor evaluation, of whom 466 were judged to be suitable donors. Among suitable donors, 384 (82.4%) proceeded to donor hepatectomy, whereas 82 did not, primarily due to recipient-related factors such as clinical deterioration or withdrawal of consent. Donor ineligibility was determined in 422 candidates (42.6%), most commonly due to inadequate remnant liver volume (52.8%), hepatic steatosis (20.6%), and insufficient graft size (10.2%). Among candidates undergoing Stage 2 evaluation, 162 (16.3%) failed to meet steatosis criteria; 126 were excluded solely for steatosis and advised weight reduction, and 39 subsequently became eligible and successfully donated.
Conclusion
In this high-volume LDLT center, donor disqualification was primarily driven by remnant liver volume and hepatic steatosis. Targeted interventions such as weight reduction enabled successful donation in a subset of initially ineligible candidates, underscoring the importance of individualized donor evaluation and pre-donation optimization.
2.AFP-PIVKA-II score as a simplified quantifiable surrogate biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following living donor liver transplantation
Dae Hyeon WON ; Shin HWANG ; Chul-Soo AHN ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Woo-Hyoung KANG ; Young-In YOON ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Annals of Liver Transplantation 2026;6(1):25-32
Background:
We developed a simplified variant of the ADV score, the AFP-PIVKAII (AP) score for post-transplant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis, which considers only AFP and PIVKA-II levels excluding morphometric tumor size information from the ADV score. This study investigated the prognostic performance of the AP score in predicting HCC recurrence and overall survival (OS) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).
Methods:
We analyzed 843 patients with HCC who underwent LDLT between 2006 and 2015, assessing HCC recurrence and OS in relation to AP score.
Results:
The median pretransplant AFP and PIVKA-II levels were 12.8 ng/mL and 27 mAU/mL, respectively. The median and mean AP scores were 2.6 log (range: 0.6–9.2 log) and 2.9±1.1 log, respectively. The 5-year time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the AP score in predicting post-transplant HCC recurrence was 0.672 (p<0.001). HCC recurrence and OS curves along AP score intervals of 1.0 log showed statistical differences in accordance with the AP scores (both p<0.001). Using a Youden index J-derived AP score cutoff of 4.0 log, two-tiered groups (ADV <4.0 log vs. ADV ≥4.0 log) showed statistically significant differences in HCC recurrence and OS (both p<0.001). Harrell’s c-indices for AP score with cutoff of 4.0 log and ADV scores with cutoff of 5.0 log regarding HCC recurrence and OS were similar.
Conclusion
The AP score functions as an integrated surrogate marker for predicting post-transplant outcomes in patients with HCC undergoing LDLT. It may serve as a simplified alternative to the ADV score, particularly in patients with small HCCs.
3.Donor-to-recipient sex match status has no prognostic effect on long-term survival following liver transplantation:a retrospective observational study
Woo-Hyoung KANG ; I-Ji JEONG ; Shin HWANG ; Chul-Soo AHN ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Young-In YOON ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):76-86
Background:
Studies on whether donor-to-recipient sex match status affects long-term survival after liver transplantation (LT) have yielded contradictory results. This study evaluated whether donor-to-recipient sex match status influenced long-term survival after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) at a high-volume center.
Methods:
The study included 6,664 patients who underwent primary LT between January 2000 and December 2022 at our institution. Patients were divided into four groups according to donor-to-recipient sex match status: male-to-male (n=3,427 [51.4%]), male-to-female (n=1,152 [17.3%]), female-to-male (n=1,385 [20.8%]), and female-to-female (n=700 [10.5%]).
Results:
Regarding clinical characteristics, the four groups differed significantly regarding background liver disease (P<0.001), model for end-stage liver disease score (P<0.001), serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II level (P=0.003), presence of concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; P<0.001), and type of LT (P=0.003). Overall survival (OS) of all LT recipients did not differ significantly among the groups (P=0.377). Donor-to-recipient sex match status did not affect long-term OS in either LDLT (P=0.176) or DDLT (P=0.220) groups. In addition, sex match status did not significantly influence posttransplant OS among patients who underwent LDLT without HCC (P=0.464), LDLT with HCC (P=0.236), DDLT without HCC (P=0.338), or DDLT with HCC (P=0.818).
Conclusions
Donor-to-recipient sex match status does not significantly affect posttransplant patient survival or HCC prognosis after LDLT or DDLT.
4.The KAPARD guidelines for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents:Part II. Systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy
Hwan Soo KIM ; Eun LEE ; Kyunghoon KIM ; Taek Ki MIN ; Dong In SUH ; Yoon Ha HWANG ; Sungsu JUNG ; Minyoung JUNG ; Young A PARK ; Minji KIM ; In Suk SOL ; You Hoon JEON ; Sung-Il WOO ; Yong Ju LEE ; Jong Deok KIM ; Hyeon-Jong YANG ; Gwang Cheon JANG ;
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):3-11
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.
5.The KAPARD guidelines for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents:Part II. Systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy
Hwan Soo KIM ; Eun LEE ; Kyunghoon KIM ; Taek Ki MIN ; Dong In SUH ; Yoon Ha HWANG ; Sungsu JUNG ; Minyoung JUNG ; Young A PARK ; Minji KIM ; In Suk SOL ; You Hoon JEON ; Sung-Il WOO ; Yong Ju LEE ; Jong Deok KIM ; Hyeon-Jong YANG ; Gwang Cheon JANG ;
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):3-11
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.
6.The KAPARD guidelines for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents:Part II. Systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy
Hwan Soo KIM ; Eun LEE ; Kyunghoon KIM ; Taek Ki MIN ; Dong In SUH ; Yoon Ha HWANG ; Sungsu JUNG ; Minyoung JUNG ; Young A PARK ; Minji KIM ; In Suk SOL ; You Hoon JEON ; Sung-Il WOO ; Yong Ju LEE ; Jong Deok KIM ; Hyeon-Jong YANG ; Gwang Cheon JANG ;
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):3-11
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.
7.The KAPARD guidelines for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents:Part II. Systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy
Hwan Soo KIM ; Eun LEE ; Kyunghoon KIM ; Taek Ki MIN ; Dong In SUH ; Yoon Ha HWANG ; Sungsu JUNG ; Minyoung JUNG ; Young A PARK ; Minji KIM ; In Suk SOL ; You Hoon JEON ; Sung-Il WOO ; Yong Ju LEE ; Jong Deok KIM ; Hyeon-Jong YANG ; Gwang Cheon JANG ;
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):3-11
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.
8.The KAPARD guidelines for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents:Part II. Systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy
Hwan Soo KIM ; Eun LEE ; Kyunghoon KIM ; Taek Ki MIN ; Dong In SUH ; Yoon Ha HWANG ; Sungsu JUNG ; Minyoung JUNG ; Young A PARK ; Minji KIM ; In Suk SOL ; You Hoon JEON ; Sung-Il WOO ; Yong Ju LEE ; Jong Deok KIM ; Hyeon-Jong YANG ; Gwang Cheon JANG ;
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):3-11
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.
9.Chromosomal Rearrangements in 1,787 Cases of Acute Leukemia in Korea over 15 Years
DongGeun SON ; Ho Cheol JANG ; Young Eun LEE ; Yong Jun CHOI ; Joo Heon PARK ; Ha Jin LIM ; Hyun-Jung CHOI ; Hee Jo BAEK ; Hoon KOOK ; Mihee KIM ; Ga-Young SONG ; Seo-Yeon AHN ; Sung-Hoon JUNG ; Deok-Hwan YANG ; Je-Jung LEE ; Hyeonug-Joon KIM ; Jae-Sook AHN ; Myung-Geun SHIN
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2025;45(4):391-398
Background:
Chromosomal alterations serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in acute leukemia. Given the evolving landscape of chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia, we previously studied these over two periods. In this study, we investigated the frequency of these abnormalities and clinical trends in acute leukemia in Korea across three time periods.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,787 patients with acute leukemia (319 children and 1,468 adults) diagnosed between 2006 and 2020. Conventional cytogenetics, FISH, and multiplex quantitative PCR were used for analysis. The patient groups were divided according to the following three study periods: 2006–2009 (I), 2010–2015 (II), and 2016–2020 (III).
Results:
Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 92% of patients. The PML::RARA translocation was the most frequent. Over the 15-yr period, chromosomal aberrations showed minimal changes, with specific fusion transcripts being common among patients.ALL was more prevalent in children than in adults and correlated significantly with the ETV6::RUNX1 and RUNX1::RUNX1T1 aberrations. The incidence of ALL increased during the three periods, with PML::RARA remaining common.
Conclusions
The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in acute leukemia has changed subtly over time. Notably, the age of onset of adult AML has continuously increased. Our results may help in establishing diagnoses and clinical treatment strategies and developing various molecular diagnostic platforms.
10.Limited survival benefit of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization in huge hepatocellular carcinoma due to the prognostic impact of satellite nodules: a retrospective cohort study
Byeong-Gon NA ; Shin HWANG ; Chul-Soo AHN ; Ki-Hun KIM ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Sang Hoon KIM ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2025;109(3):194-206
Purpose:
Huge (≥10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses significant treatment and prognosis challenges. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for huge HCC is necessary.
Methods:
This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated 435 patients with huge HCC who underwent upfront hepatectomy or hepatectomy after preoperative TACE from January 2009 to December 2018. TACE’s impact on survival and prognostic factors, including microvascular invasion (MVI) and satellite nodules (SNs), was analyzed.
Results:
The preoperative TACE group (n = 33) had a lower incidence of MVI (P = 0.009) and higher postoperative morbidity (P = 0.001), particularly pleural effusion (P = 0.004) and Clavien-Dindo class III–IV complications (P = 0.033), compared with the upfront hepatectomy group (n = 402). Short-term mortality (P = 0.828) and recurrence within 6 months (P = 0.654) were comparable between groups. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival curves showed no significant between-group differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.172) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.450). Local regional therapy for intrahepatic recurrences and surgical resection for extrahepatic recurrences were associated with better OS. MVI, SN, and hepatic vein tumor thrombosis were identified as significant risk factors for poorer RFS and OS. In patients without SN, preoperative TACE improved RFS (P = 0.039) but not OS.
Conclusion
Preoperative TACE for huge HCC was associated with reduced MVI but did not improve RFS and OS. Survival outcomes were more significantly influenced by SN, suggesting that upfront hepatectomy without TACE should be prioritized.

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