Background: and Purpose The National Brain Biobank of Korea (NBBK) is a brain bank consortium supported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Korea National Institute of Health, and was launched in 2015 to support research into neurodegenerative disease dementia (NDD). This study aimed to introduce the NBBK and describes clinicopathological correlations based on analyses of data collected from the NBBK. Methods: Four hospital-based brain banks have been established in South Korea: Samsung Medical Center Brain Bank (SMCBB), Seoul National University Hospital Brain Bank (SNUHBB), Pusan National University Hospital Brain Bank (PNUHBB), and Myongji Hospital Brain Bank (MJHBB). Clinical and pathological data were collected from these brain banks using standardized protocols. The prevalence rates of clinical and pathological diagnoses were analyzed in order to characterize the clinicopathological correlations. Results: Between August 2016 and December 2023, 185 brain specimens were collected and pathologically evaluated (SNUHBB: 117; PNUHBB: 27; SMCBB: 34; MJHBB: 7). The age at consent was 70.8±12.6 years, and the age at autopsy was 71.7±12.4 years. The four-most-common clinical diagnoses were Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia (20.0%), idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (15.1%), unspecified dementia (11.9%), and cognitively unimpaired (CU) (11.4%).Most cases of unspecified dementia had a pathological diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) vasculopathy (31.8%) or AD (31.8%). Remarkably, only 14.2% of CU cases had normal pathological findings. The three-most-common pathological diagnoses were AD (26.5%), CNS vasculopathy (14.1%), and Lewy body disease (13.5%). Conclusions These clinical and neuropathological findings provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying NDD in South Korea.

Background: Patients with diabetes are known to be at high risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the accurate annual risk data for new-onset ESKD is still limited. In South Korea, the prevalence and incidence of ESKD are increasing more rapidly compared to the global average. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate (IR) of ESKD by diabetes status from 2012 to 2022. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we calculated the IR and hazard ratio (HR) for newonset ESKD in the general population. Individuals were categorized based on diabetes status into nondiabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years. Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were nondiabetic, 22.3% had IFG, and 10% had diabetes. In Korea, the IRs of ESKD were 139 per million population (pmp) for nondiabetes, 188 pmp for IFG, 632 pmp for diabetes <5 years, and 3,403 pmp for diabetes ≥5 years. An advanced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category was the strongest risk factor for ESKD development. However, even in patients with normal renal function, those with long-standing diabetes had a 14-fold higher risk of ESKD compared to nondiabetic individuals. The risk of ESKD associated with diabetes increased exponentially with declining renal function. Notably, IFG showed an increasing tendency for ESKD in younger patients (<65 years) with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Conclusion Longer diabetes duration amplifies ESKD risk, particularly as renal function declines. Even in patients with normal renal function, long-standing diabetes significantly increases ESKD risk, while IFG is associated with elevated risk only in younger individuals with early-stage CKD.

Background: Patients with diabetes are known to be at high risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the accurate annual risk data for new-onset ESKD is still limited. In South Korea, the prevalence and incidence of ESKD are increasing more rapidly compared to the global average. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate (IR) of ESKD by diabetes status from 2012 to 2022. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we calculated the IR and hazard ratio (HR) for newonset ESKD in the general population. Individuals were categorized based on diabetes status into nondiabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years. Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were nondiabetic, 22.3% had IFG, and 10% had diabetes. In Korea, the IRs of ESKD were 139 per million population (pmp) for nondiabetes, 188 pmp for IFG, 632 pmp for diabetes <5 years, and 3,403 pmp for diabetes ≥5 years. An advanced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category was the strongest risk factor for ESKD development. However, even in patients with normal renal function, those with long-standing diabetes had a 14-fold higher risk of ESKD compared to nondiabetic individuals. The risk of ESKD associated with diabetes increased exponentially with declining renal function. Notably, IFG showed an increasing tendency for ESKD in younger patients (<65 years) with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Conclusion Longer diabetes duration amplifies ESKD risk, particularly as renal function declines. Even in patients with normal renal function, long-standing diabetes significantly increases ESKD risk, while IFG is associated with elevated risk only in younger individuals with early-stage CKD.

Background: Patients with diabetes are known to be at high risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the accurate annual risk data for new-onset ESKD is still limited. In South Korea, the prevalence and incidence of ESKD are increasing more rapidly compared to the global average. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate (IR) of ESKD by diabetes status from 2012 to 2022. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we calculated the IR and hazard ratio (HR) for newonset ESKD in the general population. Individuals were categorized based on diabetes status into nondiabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years. Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were nondiabetic, 22.3% had IFG, and 10% had diabetes. In Korea, the IRs of ESKD were 139 per million population (pmp) for nondiabetes, 188 pmp for IFG, 632 pmp for diabetes <5 years, and 3,403 pmp for diabetes ≥5 years. An advanced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category was the strongest risk factor for ESKD development. However, even in patients with normal renal function, those with long-standing diabetes had a 14-fold higher risk of ESKD compared to nondiabetic individuals. The risk of ESKD associated with diabetes increased exponentially with declining renal function. Notably, IFG showed an increasing tendency for ESKD in younger patients (<65 years) with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Conclusion Longer diabetes duration amplifies ESKD risk, particularly as renal function declines. Even in patients with normal renal function, long-standing diabetes significantly increases ESKD risk, while IFG is associated with elevated risk only in younger individuals with early-stage CKD.

Background: and Purpose The National Brain Biobank of Korea (NBBK) is a brain bank consortium supported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Korea National Institute of Health, and was launched in 2015 to support research into neurodegenerative disease dementia (NDD). This study aimed to introduce the NBBK and describes clinicopathological correlations based on analyses of data collected from the NBBK. Methods: Four hospital-based brain banks have been established in South Korea: Samsung Medical Center Brain Bank (SMCBB), Seoul National University Hospital Brain Bank (SNUHBB), Pusan National University Hospital Brain Bank (PNUHBB), and Myongji Hospital Brain Bank (MJHBB). Clinical and pathological data were collected from these brain banks using standardized protocols. The prevalence rates of clinical and pathological diagnoses were analyzed in order to characterize the clinicopathological correlations. Results: Between August 2016 and December 2023, 185 brain specimens were collected and pathologically evaluated (SNUHBB: 117; PNUHBB: 27; SMCBB: 34; MJHBB: 7). The age at consent was 70.8±12.6 years, and the age at autopsy was 71.7±12.4 years. The four-most-common clinical diagnoses were Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia (20.0%), idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (15.1%), unspecified dementia (11.9%), and cognitively unimpaired (CU) (11.4%).Most cases of unspecified dementia had a pathological diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) vasculopathy (31.8%) or AD (31.8%). Remarkably, only 14.2% of CU cases had normal pathological findings. The three-most-common pathological diagnoses were AD (26.5%), CNS vasculopathy (14.1%), and Lewy body disease (13.5%). Conclusions These clinical and neuropathological findings provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying NDD in South Korea.

Background: and Purpose The National Brain Biobank of Korea (NBBK) is a brain bank consortium supported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Korea National Institute of Health, and was launched in 2015 to support research into neurodegenerative disease dementia (NDD). This study aimed to introduce the NBBK and describes clinicopathological correlations based on analyses of data collected from the NBBK. Methods: Four hospital-based brain banks have been established in South Korea: Samsung Medical Center Brain Bank (SMCBB), Seoul National University Hospital Brain Bank (SNUHBB), Pusan National University Hospital Brain Bank (PNUHBB), and Myongji Hospital Brain Bank (MJHBB). Clinical and pathological data were collected from these brain banks using standardized protocols. The prevalence rates of clinical and pathological diagnoses were analyzed in order to characterize the clinicopathological correlations. Results: Between August 2016 and December 2023, 185 brain specimens were collected and pathologically evaluated (SNUHBB: 117; PNUHBB: 27; SMCBB: 34; MJHBB: 7). The age at consent was 70.8±12.6 years, and the age at autopsy was 71.7±12.4 years. The four-most-common clinical diagnoses were Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia (20.0%), idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (15.1%), unspecified dementia (11.9%), and cognitively unimpaired (CU) (11.4%).Most cases of unspecified dementia had a pathological diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) vasculopathy (31.8%) or AD (31.8%). Remarkably, only 14.2% of CU cases had normal pathological findings. The three-most-common pathological diagnoses were AD (26.5%), CNS vasculopathy (14.1%), and Lewy body disease (13.5%). Conclusions These clinical and neuropathological findings provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying NDD in South Korea.

Background: Patients with diabetes are known to be at high risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the accurate annual risk data for new-onset ESKD is still limited. In South Korea, the prevalence and incidence of ESKD are increasing more rapidly compared to the global average. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate (IR) of ESKD by diabetes status from 2012 to 2022. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we calculated the IR and hazard ratio (HR) for newonset ESKD in the general population. Individuals were categorized based on diabetes status into nondiabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes duration <5 and ≥5 years. Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were nondiabetic, 22.3% had IFG, and 10% had diabetes. In Korea, the IRs of ESKD were 139 per million population (pmp) for nondiabetes, 188 pmp for IFG, 632 pmp for diabetes <5 years, and 3,403 pmp for diabetes ≥5 years. An advanced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category was the strongest risk factor for ESKD development. However, even in patients with normal renal function, those with long-standing diabetes had a 14-fold higher risk of ESKD compared to nondiabetic individuals. The risk of ESKD associated with diabetes increased exponentially with declining renal function. Notably, IFG showed an increasing tendency for ESKD in younger patients (<65 years) with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Conclusion Longer diabetes duration amplifies ESKD risk, particularly as renal function declines. Even in patients with normal renal function, long-standing diabetes significantly increases ESKD risk, while IFG is associated with elevated risk only in younger individuals with early-stage CKD.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is usually prescribed with a reduced fixed dose in Asian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, the clinical efficacy and safety of the fixed dose have not yet been investigated via therapeutic drug monitoring. We evaluated whether reduced fixed-dose MMF is an optimal dosing strategy to achieve the therapeutic target of mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure in Korean KTRs. Methods: This open-label, prospective study enrolled 50 de novo KTRs prescribed with tacrolimus, corticosteroid, and fixed-dose MMF (1.0–1.5 g/day). The trough level (C0) and area under the curve (AUC0–12 hr) of MPA were measured at 1 and 24 weeks after kidney transplantation (KT). The relationship of body weight (BW)-adjusted MMF dose with MPA C0 and MPA AUC0–12 hr was assessed using linear regression analysis. Results: The initial fixed dose of MMF of 1.44 ± 0.16 g/day was adjusted in 24 patients (48.0%) and then reduced to a mean dose of 1.19 ± 0.31 g/day at 24 weeks after KT. Most patients (≥84.0%) attained the minimum required MPA C0 of 1.0 μg/mL and MPA AUC0–12 hr of 30 μg × hr/mL at 1 and 24 weeks. The BW-adjusted MMF dose demonstrated significant positive correlations with MPA C0 and MPA AUC0– 12 hr at 1 and 24 weeks after KT. Moreover, 14 patients (28.0%) reported MPA-related adverse events that were predictable based on MPA AUC0–12 hr (cutoff level, 46.4 μg × hr/mL). Conclusion: The current reduced fixed-dose MMF strategy can help achieve the therapeutic target of MPA exposure in tacrolimus- treated Korean KTRs during the early posttransplant period.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.

Background/Aims: In Korea, the incidence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is increasing and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved the survival of younger patients. We explored our real-world experience with PCNSL at Asan Medical Center (AMC). Methods: We used the AMC lymphoma registry to collect patient data prospectively. We analyzed 279 patients diagnosed from 2002 until August 2019. Results: The PCNSL incidence at AMC increased progressively and comprised 7.4-8.9% of new non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients annually during the most recent 4 years. The median age was 60 years (range, 17-85) and males comprised 55%. Patients under 65 years of age (n = 183) had no significant differences in characteristics compared to those aged 65 years or over, with the exception of less occipital lobe involvement and lower beta-2 microglobulin levels. Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) combination induction had the best overall response, of 95%. The median overall survival was 3.8 years with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 41.5% and 30.2%, respectively. Survival was better in younger patients and those treated with ASCT. Thiotepa, busulfan, and cytoxan (TBC) conditioning chemotherapy had better survival than other combinations. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prognostic score systems were valid in this cohort. Age and performance status were independent prognostic factors. Exclusive extra-central nervous system failure occurred in six patients (5.6%) among 107 failures. Conclusions The incidence of PCNSL is rising. R-MPV induction therapy followed by ASCT with TBC has improved the survival of young, fit PCNSL patients.