Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy, is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Recent treatment advances have significantly improved patient outcomes associated with MM.In this study, we aimed to develop comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treat‑ ment of MM. We identified 12 key clinical questions essential for MM management, guiding the extensive literature review and meta-analysis of the study. Our guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations by integrating patient preferences with survey data. These recommendations include current and emerging diagnostic tools, thera‑ peutic agents, and treatment strategies. By prioritizing a patient-centered approach and rigorous data analysis, these guidelines were developed to enhance MM management, both in Korea and globally.

Humans ; Aluminum/adverse effects* ; Pruritus/etiology* ; Skin Neoplasms ; Vaccination ; Hypersensitivity

INTRODUCTION: Since 2016, several therapies have been approved for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) in Singapore, including biologics, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and topical crisaborole. This study supplements the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD, focusing on newer therapies for moderate-to-severe disease, while revisiting older treatment regimens to accommodate changes in knowledge and practice. METHOD: A modified Delphi panel was held, led by 2 co-chairs. The voting expert panel consisted of 12 dermatologists experienced in managing AD in Singapore. Delphi survey rounds were conducted between 24 July and 27 October 2023. Panellists indicated their agreement with drafted statements using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. An expert meeting was held to facilitate the consensus process between rounds 1 and 2 of voting. RESULTS: All expert panellists participated in both survey rounds, with a 100% response rate. Thirty-nine statements, classified into general principles, conventional treatments, biologics and JAK inhibitors, were proposed. Of these, 27 statements reached consensus at the end of round 1. After the expert meeting, 17 statements were included in round 2, of which 16 statements reached consensus. One statement did not reach consensus. Key updates are the inclusion of dupilumab and JAK inhibitors as potential first-line treatments for moderate-to-severe AD, in certain populations. CONCLUSION This modified Delphi study generated consensus among Singapore dermatology experts, to update treatment guidelines in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The consensus statements developed are intended to supplement the 2016 Singapore treatment guidelines for AD. Further revisions may be required when new evidence and/or treatments become available.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Singapore ; Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Delphi Technique ; Consensus ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use* ; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Pyrimidines/therapeutic use* ; Boron Compounds

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. Although substantial improvement has been achieved by the frontline rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy, up to 40%-50% of patients will eventually have relapsed or refractory disease, whose prognosis is extremely dismal. Materials and Methods: We have carried out two prospective cohort studies that include over 1,500 DLBCL patients treated with rituximab plus CHOP (#NCT01202448 and #NCT02474550). In the current report, we describe the outcomes of refractory DLBCL patients. Patients were defined to have refractory DLBCL if they met one of the followings, not achieving at least partial response after 4 or more cycles of R-CHOP; not achieving at least partial response after 2 or more cycles of salvage therapy; progressive disease within 12 months after autologous stem cell transplantation. Results: Among 1,581 patients, a total of 260 patients met the criteria for the refractory disease after a median time to progression of 9.1 months. The objective response rate of salvage treatment was 26.4%, and the complete response rate was 9.6%. The median overall survival (OS) was 7.5 months (95% confidence interval, 6.4 to 8.6), and the 2-year survival rate was 22.1%±2.8%. The median OS for each refractory category was not significantly different (p=0.529). Conclusion In line with the previous studies, the outcomes of refractory DLBCL patients were extremely poor, which necessitates novel approaches for this population.

The survival rate of children admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth is on the increase; hence, proper evaluation and care of their neurodevelopment has become an important issue. Neurodevelopmental assessments of individual domains regarding motor, language, cognition, and sensory perception are crucial in planning prompt interventions for neonates requiring immediate support and rehabilitation treatment. These assessments are essential for identifying areas of weakness and designing targeted interventions to improve future functional outcomes and the quality of lives for both the infants and their families. However, initial stratification of risk to select those who are in danger of neurodevelopmental disorders is also important in terms of cost-effectiveness. Efficient and robust functional evaluations to recognize early signs of developmental disorders will help NICU graduates receive interventions and enhance functional capabilities if needed. Several age-dependent, domain-specific neurodevelopmental assessment tools are available; therefore, this review summarizes the characteristics of these tools and aims to develop multidimensional, standardized, and regular follow-up plans for NICU graduates in Korea.

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: (1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; (2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; (3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; (4) pharmacotherapy; and (5) bariatric surgery.
Adolescent ; Bariatric Surgery ; Child ; Diagnosis* ; Diet ; Drug Therapy ; Gastroenterology* ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Mental Health ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Pediatric Obesity*

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: 1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; 2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; 3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; 4) pharmacotherapy; and 5) bariatric surgery.
Adolescent ; Bariatric Surgery ; Child ; Diagnosis* ; Diet ; Drug Therapy ; Gastroenterology* ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Mental Health ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Pediatric Obesity*

We present a case series of four patients with Caesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs) managed at our gynaecological unit between October 2008 and May 2009. Three patients were detected while asymptomatic, and were treated with elective intragestational sac methotrexate injections. The last patient had presented following complications from a termination of pregnancy for a CSP that was misdiagnosed as intrauterine. Following treatment, this patient and another developed arteriovenous malformation, which responded to bilateral uterine artery embolisations and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist treatment.
Abortion, Induced ; methods ; Adult ; Cesarean Section ; adverse effects ; Cicatrix ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Ectopic ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Secondary amyloidosis can occur as a complication of chronic systemic inflammatory and infectious diseases. Until now there has been no report of secondary amyloidosis associated with MS. We report herein a case of renal biopsy-proven secondary amyloidosis in a patient with MS. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old woman with MS was hospitalized due to aggravated quadriparesis and edema in both lower extremities. Laboratory findings showed nephrotic-range proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. A percutaneous renal biopsy procedure was performed, the results of which revealed secondary amyloid-A-type amyloidosis associated with MS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of secondary amyloidosis associated with MS.
Adult ; Amyloidosis ; Biopsy ; Central Nervous System ; Communicable Diseases ; Demyelinating Diseases ; Edema ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoalbuminemia ; Lower Extremity ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; Proteinuria ; Quadriplegia

BACKGROUND: 'Major pulmonary thromboembolism' is defined as right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, with or without shock, accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, those with major pulmonary thromboembolism were divided into the shock and RV dysfunction only groups, and then investigated the mortality and complications in thrombolysis or anticoagulation, respectively. METHODS: In a retrospective study, between January 1995 and December 2004, 60 eligible patients with a major pulmonary thromboembolism, admitted in Asan Medical Center, were included. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were treated with medical therapy. Thrombolysis was performed in 13 patients (23%) and anticoagulation in 44 (77%). There were no differences in the APACHE II and SOFA scores between the two groups. 6 (46%) and 11 (25%) patients died in the thrombolysis and anticoagulation groups, respectively (p=0.176). In the 19 patients (33%) showing shock, thrombolysis was performed in 9 (47%) and anticoagulation in 10 (53%). 4 (44%) of the 9 patients treated with thrombolytic agents and 3 (30%) of the 10 treated with anticoagulants died (p=0.650). In the 38 patients (67%) showing RV dysfunction only, thrombolysis was performed in 4 (11%) and anticoagulation in 34 (89%). 2 (50%) of the 4 patients treated with thrombolytics and 8 (24%) of the 34 treated with anticoagulants died (p=0.279). Three patients (23%) who underwent thrombolysis had a major bleeding episode, compared with 2 (5%) who were treated with anticoagulants (p=0.072). CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that thrombolysis did not lower mortality and tended to increase major bleeding compared with anticoagulation in both the shock and RV dysfunction only groups. Further evaluation of the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy for major thromboembolism appears warranted in Korea.
Anticoagulants ; APACHE ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Korea ; Mortality ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Retrospective Studies ; Shock ; Thromboembolism ; Thrombolytic Therapy