Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of combining psychostimulants and nonstimulants for patients under treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The study included 96 patients aged 6–12 years who were diagnosed with ADHD, among whom 34 received combination pharmacotherapy, 32 received methylphenidate monotherapy, and 30 received atomoxetine monotherapy. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare treatment and adverse effects among groups and to analyze changes before and after combination pharmacotherapy.The difference between combination pharmacotherapy and monotherapy was investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of combination pharmacotherapy. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age or pretreatment scores. The most common adverse effect experienced by 32% of patients in the combination pharmacotherapy group was decreased appetite. Clinical global impression-severity score decreased significantly after combination pharmacotherapy. All three groups showed significant clinical global impression-severity score improvements over time, with no significant differences among them. The predictive factors for combination pharmacotherapy included the Child Behavior Checklist total score internalizing subscale. Conclusion Combination pharmacotherapy with methylphenidate and atomoxetine is a relatively effective and safe option for patients with ADHD who do not respond to monotherapy.

Background: Owing to limited experience with the new vaccine platforms, discussion of vaccine safety is inevitable. However, media coverage of adverse events of special interest could influence the vaccination rate; thus, evaluating the outcomes of adverse events of special interest influencing vaccine administration is crucial. Methods: We conducted regression discontinuity in time analysis to calculate the local average treatment effect (LATE) using datasets from Our World in Data and Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. For the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, the cutoff points were April 23rd and June 23rd, April 7th, and the 14th week of 2021, respectively. Results: The LATE of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting held on April 23rd was −0.249 for all vaccines, −0.133 (−0.189 to −0.076) for Pfizer, −0.064 (−0.115 to −0.012) for Moderna, and −0.038 (−0.047 to −0.030) for Johnson & Johnson. Discontinuities were observed for all three types of vaccines in the United States. The June 23rd meeting of the ACIP (mRNA vaccines and myocarditis) did not convene any discontinuities. Furthermore, there was no significant drop in the weekly average vaccination rates in Europe following the European Medicines Agency (EMA) statement on April 7th. Conversely, there was a significant drop in the first-dose vaccination rates in the United Kingdom related to the EMA report. The first-dose vaccination rate for all vaccines changed by −0.104 (−0.176 to −0.032). Conclusion Although monitoring and reporting of adverse events of special interest are important, a careful approach towards public announcements is warranted.

Background: Since March 2020, when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic, many countries have applied unprecedented restrictive measures to contain the spread of the virus. This study aimed to explore the optimal social distancing policy for COVID-19 control in South Korea to safely reopen the society. Methods: We developed an age-specific, deterministic compartment epidemic model to examine the COVID-19 control decision-making process, including the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between 1 July 2021 and 30 December 2022.The model consists of the natural history of COVID-19, testing performance, vaccinations, and social distancing enforcement measures to detect and control SARS-CoV-2. We modelled potential intervention scenarios with three distinct components: 1) social distancing duration and level;2) testing intensity; and 3) vaccination uptake rate. The primary and secondary outcomes were COVID-19 incidence and prevalence of severe patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care. Results: Four (or more) months of social distancing (that can reduce 40–60% transmission) may mitigate epidemic resurgence and ICU demand in the future and keep the cases below the capacity limit if the testing intensity and vaccination rate remain constant or increase by 20% (with respect to the current level). In contrast, two months of strict social distancing enforcement may also successfully mitigate future epidemic surge and ICU demand as long as testing intensity and vaccination rates are increased by 20%. Conclusion In South Korea, given the relatively high vaccination coverage and low incidence, four or more months of social distancing enforcement can effectively mitigate epidemic resurgence after lifting the social distancing measures. In addition, increasing the testing intensity and vaccination rate may help reduce necessary social distancing levels and duration to prevent a future epidemic resurgence and mitigate social and economic damage.

OBJECTIVES: Many countries have authorized the emergency use of oral antiviral agents for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of these agents for reducing the number of severe COVID-19 cases and the burden on Korea’s medical system. METHODS: Using an existing model, we estimated the number of people who would require hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) admission in Korea in 2022. The treatment scenarios included (1) all adult patients, (2) elderly patients only, and (3) adult patients with underlying diseases only, compared to standard care. Based on the current health system capacity, we calculated the incremental costs per severe case averted and hospital admission for each scenario. RESULTS: We estimated that 236,510 COVID-19 patients would require hospital/ICU admission in 2022 with standard care only. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (87% efficacy) was predicted to reduce this number by 80%, 24%, and 17% when targeting all adults, adults with underlying diseases, and elderly patients (25, 8, and 4%, respectively, for molnupiravir, with 30% efficacy). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use is likely to be cost-effective, with predicted costs of US$8,878, US$8,964, and US$1,454, per severe patient averted for the target groups listed above, respectively, while molnupiravir is likely to be less cost-effective, with costs of US$28,492, US$29,575, and US$7,915, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In Korea, oral treatment using nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for symptomatic COVID-19 patients targeting elderly patients would be highly cost-effective and would substantially reduce the demand for hospital admission to below the capacity of the health system if targeted to all adult patients instead of standard care.

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare disease that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in the colon wall in symptomatic patients. Thus far, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of eosinophilic colitis have not been well defined, but the hypersensitivity response is likely to play a role in its pathogenesis. The clinical presentation of eosinophilic colitis is usually nonspecific and depends on the layer of the intestinal wall affected by the eosinophilic infiltrate. Eosinophilic colitis is diagnosed generally by exclusion, i.e., after all other causes of eosinophilic infiltration have been excluded. Although there is no consensus over its diagnostic criteria, the laboratory results and radiology and endoscopy findings can provide important diagnostic evidence. This paper reports a case of eosinophilic colitis presenting as subepithelial tumor-like lesions in a 41-year-old man with the chief complaints of abdominal pain and loose stools. The patient had no diseases and no food or drug allergies in his medical history. In general, the endoscopic findings of eosinophilic colitis can vary from a normal mucosa to frank ulcerations. In this case, however, endoscopy revealed subepithelial tumor-like lesions. The colon biopsy showed eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria. The patient was treated with steroids, and his symptoms regressed with no signs of relapse.

Background: In February 2020, as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread rapidly in Daegu, South Korea, students in that region experienced many emotional difficulties. In this study, we analyzed the stress and emotional crisis experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic, its causative factors, and the factors that affect negative emotions. Methods: We identified the demographic information related to the experiences of unbearable stress and emotional crisis and their causal factors at three points in time: before the pandemic, during its peak, and at the time of the survey (2–3 months after the peak). In addition, we analyzed the factors related to depression and anxiety experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 was used to assess for depressive and anxiety symptoms in the subject students, respectively. Results: A total of 8,177 students participated in the analysis, with 4,072 boys (49.8%), 4,105 girls (50.2%), and 4,463 middle school students (54.6%) and 3,177 high school students (45.4%). The percentage of students who experienced unbearable stress was 9% before the COVID-19 pandemic, increased to 16% at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, then decreased to 12.7% at the time of the survey. Stress was experienced more by girls (18.1% versus 13.8% in boys; χ2 = 28.159, P < 0.001) and high school students (19.0% versus 13.5% in middle school students; χ2 = 45.437, P < 0.001). Overall, 7.6% experienced emotional crises during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was more prevalent in girls (10.1% versus 5.2% in boys; χ2 = 71.025, P < 0.001) and in high school students (8.8% versus 6.7% in middle school students; χ2 = 12.996, P < 0.001). Depression and anxiety was seen in 19.8% and 12.3% of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The risk factors for depression and anxiety included unbearable stress before the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.001), mental health (P = 0.044), and age (P = 0.040), whereas resilience was identified as a protective factor for depression and anxiety (P = 0.001). Conclusion Students in Daegu experienced lots of mental difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be necessary to improve stress management and resilience to improve students' mental health in disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare disease that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in the colon wall in symptomatic patients. Thus far, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of eosinophilic colitis have not been well defined, but the hypersensitivity response is likely to play a role in its pathogenesis. The clinical presentation of eosinophilic colitis is usually nonspecific and depends on the layer of the intestinal wall affected by the eosinophilic infiltrate. Eosinophilic colitis is diagnosed generally by exclusion, i.e., after all other causes of eosinophilic infiltration have been excluded. Although there is no consensus over its diagnostic criteria, the laboratory results and radiology and endoscopy findings can provide important diagnostic evidence. This paper reports a case of eosinophilic colitis presenting as subepithelial tumor-like lesions in a 41-year-old man with the chief complaints of abdominal pain and loose stools. The patient had no diseases and no food or drug allergies in his medical history. In general, the endoscopic findings of eosinophilic colitis can vary from a normal mucosa to frank ulcerations. In this case, however, endoscopy revealed subepithelial tumor-like lesions. The colon biopsy showed eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria. The patient was treated with steroids, and his symptoms regressed with no signs of relapse.