Background and Objectives: Clinical characteristics and outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) vary by phenotype. We assessed phenotype-specific features, treatment patterns, and outcomes in a nationwide Korean cohort. Methods: The Korean Heart Failure III registry prospectively enrolled 7,351 AHF admissions at 47 hospitals. Among 6,777 patients with available left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), phenotypes were defined as heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF, ≤40%), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF,41–49%), or preserved EF (HFpEF, ≥50%). The primary endpoint was a 12-month composite of all-cause death or heart transplantation, evaluated from index admission and, among hospital survivors, from discharge. We used inverse probability weighting (multinomial generalized boosted models with stabilized, trimmed weights) and weighted Cox proportional-hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results: Phenotype distribution was 58.9% HFrEF, 13.6% HFmrEF, and 27.5% HFpEF. Crude 12-month composite rates from index admission were 13.4% (HFrEF), 12.7% (HFmrEF), and 16.8% (HFpEF). After weighting, from index admission, HFmrEF (HR, 0.892; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.731–1.088) and HFpEF (HR, 1.101; 95% CI, 0.939–1.291) did not differ from HFrEF; from discharge, HFpEF had modestly higher risk (HR, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.008–1.445) whereas HFmrEF did not (HR, 1.039; 95% CI, 0.844–1.279). Hyponatremia and chronic kidney disease were consistent adverse markers, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/ angiotensin II receptor blocker use at discharge was protective. Conclusions Across the EF spectrum, phenotypes showed distinct profiles and risk. Postdischarge risk was modestly higher in HFpEF, supporting phenotype-tailored care and systematic discharge optimization in Korean patients with AHF.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Background: The growing number of elderly individuals living alone presents a major social issue, encompassing loneliness, isolation, economic and health challenges, and increased risk of suicide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with suicide risk among elderly individuals living alone in Jeju. Methods: A total of 4,742 participants completed questionnaires to assess their sociodemographic characteristics. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version (sGDS-K), with a cutoff score of eight indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Suicide risk was assessed using the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant correlates of suicide risk. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with suicide risk: poor subjective health status (odds ratio [OR]=1.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-2.224), current drinking (OR=1.511, 95% CI: 1.119-2.042), hypertension (OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.133-1.778), and sGDS scores ≥8 (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 3.408-5.469). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of intensive mental health services and socioeconomic support in preventing suicide among elderly individuals living alone. Targeted interventions should focus on those who have poor subjective health status, are current drinkers, have hypertension, or exhibit depressive symptoms.

Purpose: To report a nationwide survey on neuroblastoma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2020. Methods: The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with and treated for neuroblastoma from 2005 to 2019 in 19 hospitals of KAPS members were collected. Survival and prognostic factor analyses were performed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 669 patients with neuroblastoma were registered for the study. The results were presented and discussed at the 36th annual meeting of the KAPS, which was held in Seoul on August 21, 2020. Conclusion This study provides information on patient demographics, prognostic outcomes, and comprehensive treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma.

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.