Background: s/Aims: Reported incidence of extrahepatic bile duct cancer is higher in Asians than in Western populations. Korea, in particular, is one of the countries with the highest incidence rates of extrahepatic bile duct cancer in the world. Although research and innovative therapeutic modalities for extrahepatic bile duct cancer are emerging, clinical guidelines are currently unavailable in Korea. The Korean Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery in collaboration with related societies (Korean Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery Society, Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology, Korean Society of Medical Oncology, Korean Society of Radiation Oncology, Korean Society of Pathologists, and Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine) decided to establish clinical guideline for extrahepatic bile duct cancer in June 2021. Methods: Contents of the guidelines were developed through subgroup meetings for each key question and a preliminary draft was finalized through a Clinical Guidelines Committee workshop. Results: In November 2021, the finalized draft was presented for public scrutiny during a formal hearing. Conclusions The extrahepatic guideline committee believed that this guideline could be helpful in the treatment of patients.

Background/Aims: Recently, 1-L polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) has been used to reduce the volume of preparation agents in colonoscopy. This clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two types of 1-L PEG-Asc (CleanViewAL ® [Tae Joon Pharmaceutical Company, Seoul, Korea] and Plenvu ® [Norgine, Harefield, United Kingdom]) in average-aged adults. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority, open-label, phase 4 clinical trial. The primary endpoint was the efficacy evaluated using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), and the secondary endpoint was clinical safety. Results: In total, 173 patients were assigned to either the CleanViewAL ® (n=84) or Plenvu ® (n=89) group. Overall cleansing successes of 97.6% (82/84) and 98.8% (88/89) were achieved in the CleanViewAL ® group and in the Plenvu ® group, respectively, showing that CleanViewAL ® has similar bowel cleansing efficacy to Plenvu ® (95% CI, -0.052 to 0.027; p=0.207). The total BBPS score was 8.67±1.00 and 8.70±0.76 in the CleanViewAL ® group and Plenvu ® group, respectively (p=0.869). The most common adverse symptom was nausea, and no adverse symptoms requiring hospitalization were reported in either group. There were no cases of critical hypernatremia and liver dysfunction exceeding the common terminology criteria for adverse events grade I. An overall satisfaction score (scale of 1 to 10) showed no difference between the two groups (p=0.289). However, the CleanViewAL ® group showed a higher taste satisfaction score (scale of 1 to 5) than the Plenvu ® group (CleanViewAL ® : 2.90±0.91, Plenvu ® : 2.60±0.86, p=0.028). Conclusions Both types of 1-L PEG-Asc, CleanViewAL ® and Plenvu ® , are effective and safe bowel cleansing agents in average-aged adults. CleanViewAL ® was preferred in terms of taste satisfaction.

Objective: This outcome analysis study evaluated the actual positions of the orthodontic miniplate and miniplate anchoring screws (MPASs) and the risk factors affecting adjacent anatomic structures after miniplate placement in the mandibular incisal area. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 97 orthodontic miniplates and their 194 MPASs (diameter, 1.5 mm; length, 4 mm) in patients whose miniplates provided sufficient clinical stability for orthodontic treatment were retrospectively reviewed. For evaluating the actual positions of the miniplates and analyzing the risk factors, including the effects on adjacent roots, MPAS placement height (PH), placement depth (PD), plate angle (PA), mental fossa angle (MA), and root proximity were assessed using the paired t-test, analysis of variance, and generalized linear model and regression analyses. Results: The mean PDs of MPASs at positions 1 (P1) and 2 (P2) were 2.01 mm and 2.23 mm, respectively. PA was significantly higher in the Class III malocclusion group than in the other groups. PH was positively correlated with MA and PD at P1. Of the 97 MPASs at P1, 49 were in the no-root area and 48 in the dentulous area; moreover, 19 showed a degree of root contact (19.6%) without root perforation. All MPASs at P2 were in the no-root area. Conclusions Positioning the miniplate head approximately 1 mm lower than the mucogingival junction is highly likely to provide sufficient PH for the P1-MPASs to be placed in the no-root area.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) to develop and evaluate the performance of a DFU prediction model and nomogram among people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This unmatched case-control study was conducted with 379 adult patients (118 patients with DM and 261 controls) from four general hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, foot examination, and review of patients’ electronic health records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to build the DFU prediction model and nomogram. Further, their performance was analyzed using the Lemeshow–Hosmer test, concordance statistic (C-statistic), and sensitivity/specificity analyses in training and test samples. Results: The prediction model was based on risk factors including previous foot ulcer or amputation, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, current smoking, and chronic kidney disease. The calibration of the DFU nomogram was appropriate (χ2 = 5.85, p = .321). The C-statistic of the DFU nomogram was .95 (95% confidence interval .93~.97) for both the training and test samples. For clinical usefulness, the sensitivity and specificity obtained were 88.5% and 85.7%, respectively at 110 points in the training sample. The performance of the nomogram was better in male patients or those having DM for more than 10 years. Conclusion The nomogram of the DFU prediction model shows good performance, and is thereby recommended for monitoring the risk of DFU and preventing the occurrence of DFU in people with DM.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) to develop and evaluate the performance of a DFU prediction model and nomogram among people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This unmatched case-control study was conducted with 379 adult patients (118 patients with DM and 261 controls) from four general hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, foot examination, and review of patients’ electronic health records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to build the DFU prediction model and nomogram. Further, their performance was analyzed using the Lemeshow–Hosmer test, concordance statistic (C-statistic), and sensitivity/specificity analyses in training and test samples. Results: The prediction model was based on risk factors including previous foot ulcer or amputation, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, current smoking, and chronic kidney disease. The calibration of the DFU nomogram was appropriate (χ2 = 5.85, p = .321). The C-statistic of the DFU nomogram was .95 (95% confidence interval .93~.97) for both the training and test samples. For clinical usefulness, the sensitivity and specificity obtained were 88.5% and 85.7%, respectively at 110 points in the training sample. The performance of the nomogram was better in male patients or those having DM for more than 10 years. Conclusion The nomogram of the DFU prediction model shows good performance, and is thereby recommended for monitoring the risk of DFU and preventing the occurrence of DFU in people with DM.

Objective: This outcome analysis study evaluated the actual positions of the orthodontic miniplate and miniplate anchoring screws (MPASs) and the risk factors affecting adjacent anatomic structures after miniplate placement in the mandibular incisal area. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 97 orthodontic miniplates and their 194 MPASs (diameter, 1.5 mm; length, 4 mm) in patients whose miniplates provided sufficient clinical stability for orthodontic treatment were retrospectively reviewed. For evaluating the actual positions of the miniplates and analyzing the risk factors, including the effects on adjacent roots, MPAS placement height (PH), placement depth (PD), plate angle (PA), mental fossa angle (MA), and root proximity were assessed using the paired t-test, analysis of variance, and generalized linear model and regression analyses. Results: The mean PDs of MPASs at positions 1 (P1) and 2 (P2) were 2.01 mm and 2.23 mm, respectively. PA was significantly higher in the Class III malocclusion group than in the other groups. PH was positively correlated with MA and PD at P1. Of the 97 MPASs at P1, 49 were in the no-root area and 48 in the dentulous area; moreover, 19 showed a degree of root contact (19.6%) without root perforation. All MPASs at P2 were in the no-root area. Conclusions Positioning the miniplate head approximately 1 mm lower than the mucogingival junction is highly likely to provide sufficient PH for the P1-MPASs to be placed in the no-root area.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of gastrointestinal tract bleeding because of platelet dysfunction attributable to uremia, a poor blood supply, and frequent use of anticoagulant agents. We describe the colonoscopic characteristics of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (LGIB) in patients with CKD. METHODS: A total of 230 hospitalized patients with CKD who underwent colonoscopy because of suspected LGIB between January 2003 and August 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. We categorized CKD into five stages according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate and compared the colonoscopic findings and clinical manifestations among these five subgroups. RESULTS: Of the 230 patients with CKD suspected of LGIB, 73 (31.7%, 103 cases) were colonoscopically confirmed to exhibit LGIB. Their mean age was 65.7 ± 12.8 years, and 52.1% were female (n = 38). The most common causes of LGIB were hemorrhoidal bleeding (32 cases, 43.8%), followed by bleeding of colorectal ulcers (21 cases, 28.8%), diverticular bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%), colitis-related bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%), and angiodysplastic bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%). As the CKD stage progressed, the incidence of LGIB increased (p = 0.043). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, LGIB was more common in CKD patients with hemorrhoids (odds ratio [OR]: 4.349, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.043–9.256, p < 0.001) or colorectal ulcers (OR: 20.001, 95% CI: 4.780–83.686, p ℃ 0.001) and in those on hemodialysis (OR: 6.863, 95% CI: 1.140–41.308, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS In CKD patients, the risk of LGIB is significantly increased by hemorrhoids, colorectal ulcers, and a positive hemodialysis status.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of gastrointestinal tract bleeding because of platelet dysfunction attributable to uremia, a poor blood supply, and frequent use of anticoagulant agents. We describe the colonoscopic characteristics of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (LGIB) in patients with CKD. METHODS: A total of 230 hospitalized patients with CKD who underwent colonoscopy because of suspected LGIB between January 2003 and August 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. We categorized CKD into five stages according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate and compared the colonoscopic findings and clinical manifestations among these five subgroups. RESULTS: Of the 230 patients with CKD suspected of LGIB, 73 (31.7%, 103 cases) were colonoscopically confirmed to exhibit LGIB. Their mean age was 65.7 ± 12.8 years, and 52.1% were female (n = 38). The most common causes of LGIB were hemorrhoidal bleeding (32 cases, 43.8%), followed by bleeding of colorectal ulcers (21 cases, 28.8%), diverticular bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%), colitis-related bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%), and angiodysplastic bleeding (12 cases, 16.4%). As the CKD stage progressed, the incidence of LGIB increased (p = 0.043). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, LGIB was more common in CKD patients with hemorrhoids (odds ratio [OR]: 4.349, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.043–9.256, p < 0.001) or colorectal ulcers (OR: 20.001, 95% CI: 4.780–83.686, p ℃ 0.001) and in those on hemodialysis (OR: 6.863, 95% CI: 1.140–41.308, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: In CKD patients, the risk of LGIB is significantly increased by hemorrhoids, colorectal ulcers, and a positive hemodialysis status.
Anticoagulants ; Blood Platelets ; Colonoscopy ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhoids ; Humans ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Lower Gastrointestinal Tract ; Renal Dialysis ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Retrospective Studies ; Ulcer ; Uremia

BACKGROUND: Because conventional echocardiographic parameters have several limitations, strain echocardiography has often been introduced in clinical practice. However, there are also obstacles in using it in clinical practice. Therefore, we wanted to find the current status of awareness on using strain echocardiography in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey to evaluate current use and awareness of strain echocardiography from the members of the Korean Society of Echocardiography. RESULTS: We gathered total 321 questionnaires from 25 cardiology centers in Korea. All participants were able to perform or interpret echocardiographic examinations. All participating institutions performed strain echocardiography. Most of our study participants (97%) were aware of speckle tracking echocardiography and 185 (58%) performed it for clinical and research purposes. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was the most commonly used modality and left ventricle (LV) was the most commonly used cardiac chamber (99%) for clinical purposes. Most of the participants (89%) did not think LV strain can replace LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in their clinical practice. The common reasons for not performing routine use of strain echocardiography was diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference value. Many participants had a favorable view of the future of strain echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Most of our study participants were aware of strain echocardiography, and all institutions performed strain echocardiography for clinical and research purposes. However, they did not think the LV strain values could replace LVEF. The diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference values were common reasons for not using strain echocardiography in clinical practice.
Cardiology ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Ventricles ; Korea* ; Reference Values

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and survival benefits of combined treatment with radiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) in a Korean sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 750 Korean patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma multiforme, who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TMZ (CCRT) and adjuvant TMZ from January 2006 until June 2011, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: After the first operation, a gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), partial resection (PR), biopsy alone were achieved in 388 (51.7%), 159 (21.2%), 96 (12.8%), and 107 (14.3%) patients, respectively. The methylation status of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was reviewed retrospectively in 217 patients. The median follow-up period was 16.3 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 17.5 months. The actuarial survival rates at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 72.1%, 21.0%, and 9.0%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.1 months, and the actuarial PFS at 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS were 42.2%, 13.0%, and 7.8%, respectively. The patients who received GTR showed a significantly longer OS and PFS than those who received STR, PR, or biopsy alone, regardless of the methylation status of the MGMT promoter. Patients with a methylated MGMT promoter also showed a significantly longer OS and PFS than those with an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Patients who received more than six cycles of adjuvant TMZ had a longer OS and PFS than those who received six or fewer cycles. Hematologic toxicity of grade 3 or 4 was observed in 8.4% of patients during the CCRT period and in 10.2% during the adjuvant TMZ period. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with CCRT followed by adjuvant TMZ had more favorable survival rates and tolerable toxicity than those who did not undergo this treatment.
Biopsy ; Chemoradiotherapy* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glioblastoma* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Methylation ; Radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies* ; Survival Rate