1.Assessing Laser Safety in Dermatology:Eye Protection and Infection Control Practices Among Board-Certified Korean Dermatologists
Sejin OH ; Yeong Ho KIM ; Bo Ri KIM ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Hae Woong LEE ; Jung-Im NA ; Chun Pill CHOI ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Suk Bae SEO ; Jong Hee LEE ; Chang-Hun HUH ; Hei Sung KIM
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):69-74
Background:
Laser procedures are integral to dermatologic practice, yet safety measures- particularly regarding ocular protection and plume control- are poorly studied in real-world settings.
Objective:
To evaluate current practices in eye protection, infection control, and occupational risk awareness among Korean dermatologists performing laser treatments.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among board-certified dermatologists at the 2024 Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser Surgery meeting. The questionnaire covered demographics, laser frequency, use of goggles and masks, infection control strategies, ophthalmologic monitoring, and history of warts or cancer.
Results:
Seventy-nine respondents completed the survey. All reported using protective goggles, but only 26.6% and 22.8% did so for CO 2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers, respectively. Only 24.1% underwent regular eye exams, and 13.9% reported eye conditions after starting laser practice. While 89.9% used masks, 40.8% used dental masks, which are inadequate for plume protection. Suction devices were used by 94.9%, though performance specifications were unclear. Warts were reported by 46.8% of respondents; two reported cancer diagnoses after initiating laser work.
Conclusion
Despite high overall adherence to basic safety practices, critical gaps remain. Our findings highlight the need for standardized guidelines and long-term occupational health monitoring to ensure safe laser practice.
2.Current Clinical Perspectives on Rosacea Management: Insights From a Korean Multicenter Expert Opinion Survey
Bo Ri KIM ; Sejin OH ; Ju Hee HAN ; Jimyung SEO ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Jung U SHIN ; Jae We CHO ; Boncheol Leo GOO ; Jung-Im NA ; Dong Hun LEE ; Chun Pill CHOI ; HaeWoong LEE ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Nark-Kyoung RHO ; Hyunjo KIM ; Ga-Young LEE ; Jong Hee LEE ; Nala SHIN ; Sang Ju LEE ; Suk Bae SEO ; Geun Soo LEE ; Hei Sung KIM ; Chang-Hun HUH
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):42-50
Background:
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities.
Objective:
To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use.
Methods:
A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed.
Results:
Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches.
Conclusion
Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.
3.Optimizing Healthspan in Women: A New Paradigm for Successful Aging through the Menopausal Transition
Hyun Joo LEE ; Eun Hee YU ; Jong Kil JOO ; Yong Jin NA
Journal of Menopausal Medicine 2026;32(1):1-11
Menopause is a normative midlife transition characterized by profound endocrine remodeling and a high burden of symptoms and functional change. Accumulating epidemiologic and translational evidence links menopausal transition with shifts in cardiometabolic risk, musculoskeletal health, sleep, mood, and perceived cognitive function. However, most data support association rather than definitive causal acceleration of aging independent of chronological time. This narrative review proposes a menopause-centered healthspan framework that integrates biological, neurocognitive, and psychosocial domains and translates evidence into pragmatic clinical pathway tools. To inform topic selection and prioritize higher-level evidence, including guidelines, randomized trials, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies, a structured evidence scan utilizing PubMed and targeted citation tracking was performed. The evidence scan identified 256 citations. After duplicate removal, titles/abstracts of 162 unique records were reviewed, of which 102 citations informed the final narrative synthesis. The results emphasize that menopausal hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and an evidence-based option for reducing fracture risk in appropriate candidates. However, it is not indicated for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. Absolute risks and benefits vary by age, time since menopause, and formulation/route. The neurocognitive section distinguishes common, often transient midlife cognitive complaints from long-term neurodegenerative outcomes, highlighting that menopause is not established as an independent dementia risk factor in the general population. Overall, the framework aims to support individualized, equity-informed care during menopausal transition.
4.Optimal use and cycling strategies of Janus kinase inhibitors in ulcerative colitis: current evidence and clinical implications from the KASID Guidelines Task Force Team
Seung Min HONG ; Dong Hyun KIM ; June Hwa BAE ; Seung Yong SHIN ; Eun Mi SONG ; Ji Eun KIM ; Young Joo YANG ; Jiyoung YOON ; Sang-Bum KANG ; Eun Soo KIM ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Seong-Jung KIM ; Jun LEE ; Soo-Young NA ; Soo Jung PARK ; Sang Hyoung PARK ; Miyoung CHOI ; Myung Ha KIM ; Won MOON ; Sung-Ae JUNG ;
Intestinal Research 2026;24(1):27-37
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an important treatment option for ulcerative colitis, providing rapid onset of action, oral administration, and efficacy even after biologic failure. The 3 approved agents—tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib—differ in JAK isoform selectivity, leading to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Evidence from network meta-analyses, clinical trials, and real-world studies consistently shows that upadacitinib provides the highest efficacy for induction and maintenance of remission, whereas filgotinib demonstrates the most favorable safety profile. The strong efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib is particularly relevant in patients with severe disease, including acute severe ulcerative colitis, and upadacitinib maintains high efficacy regardless of prior advanced therapy exposure. JAK inhibitors also benefit extraintestinal manifestations. Although risks such as herpes zoster, serious infection, thromboembolism, and major cardiovascular events differ among agents, long-term data suggest generally acceptable safety when used appropriately. Intraclass JAK-to-JAK cycling is feasible, with about half of patients achieving steroid-free clinical remission in retrospective cohorts. Based on mechanistic, clinical, and real-world evidence, filgotinib may be a first-line option for patients with lower disease activity or when safety is a priority, whereas upadacitinib or tofacitinib may be preferred in higher disease activity. Strategically selecting agents may improve durability and outcomes.
5.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; Seung Heon KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Mijin KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young-Ik SON ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jong-Hyuk AHN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Won Sang YOO ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Jeongmin LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ki-Wook CHUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Jin Hyang JUNG ; Sun Wook CHO ; Yoon Young CHO ; Chae Moon HONG ; Young Joo PARK ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.
6.Connective tissue disease is associated with the risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following lung transplantation in Korea
Tae Jung KIM ; Hyun Joo LEE ; Samina PARK ; Sang-Bae KO ; Soo-Hyun PARK ; Seung Hwan YOON ; Kwon Joong NA ; In Kyu PARK ; Chang Hyun KANG ; Young Tae KIM ; Sun Mi CHOI ; Jimyung PARK ; Joong-Yub KIM ; Hong Yeul LEE
Acute and Critical Care 2025;40(1):79-86
Background:
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication of lung transplantation with poorly understood risk factors and clinical characteristics. This study aimed to examine the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical data of patients who developed PRES following lung transplantation.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 patients who underwent lung transplantation between February 2013 and December 2023. The patients were diagnosed with PRES based on the clinical symptoms and radiological findings. We compared the baseline characteristics and clinical information, including primary lung diseases and immunosuppressive therapy related to lung transplantation operations, between the PRES and non-PRES groups.
Results:
PRES manifested in 7.5% (n=11) of the patients who underwent lung transplantation, with a median onset of 15 days after operation. Seizures were identified as the predominant clinical manifestation (81.8%, n=9) in the group diagnosed with PRES. All patients diagnosed with PRES recovered fully. Patients with PRES were significantly associated with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (45.5% vs. 18.4%, P=0.019, odds ratio=9.808; 95% CI, 1.064–90.386; P=0.044). Nonetheless, no significant variance was observed in the type of immunotherapy, such as the use of calcineurin inhibitors, blood pressure, or acute renal failure subsequent to lung transplantation.
Conclusions
PRES typically manifests shortly after lung transplantation, with seizures being the predominant initial symptom. The presence of preexisting connective tissue disease as the primary lung disease represents a significant risk factor for PRES following lung transplantation.
7.Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders in South Korea: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Retrospective, Clinical, and Prognostic Study
Woo Jin LEE ; Sook Jung YUN ; Joon Min JUNG ; Joo Yeon KO ; Kwang Ho KIM ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Chan-Ho NA ; Je-Ho MUN ; Jong Bin PARK ; Ji-Hye PARK ; Hai-Jin PARK ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Jeonghyun SHIN ; Sang Ho OH ; Seok-Kweon YUN ; Dongyoun LEE ; Seok-Jong LEE ; Seung Ho LEE ; Young Bok LEE ; Soyun CHO ; Sooyeon CHOI ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Mi Woo LEE ; On behalf of The Korean Society of Dermatopathology
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):75-85
Background:
Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (pcCD30-LPDs) are a diseases with various clinical and prognostic characteristics.
Objective:
Increasing our knowledge of the clinical characteristics of pcCD30-LPDs and identifying potential prognostic variables in an Asian population.
Methods:
Clinicopathological features and survival data of pcCD30-LPD cases obtained from 22 hospitals in South Korea were examined.
Results:
A total of 413 cases of pcCD30-LPDs (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP], n=237; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma [C-ALCL], n=176) were included. Ninety percent of LYP patients and roughly 50% of C-ALCL patients presented with multiple skin lesions. Both LYP and C-ALCL affected the lower limbs most frequently. Multiplicity and advanced T stage of LYP lesions were associated with a chronic course longer than 6 months. Clinical morphology with patch lesions and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with LPDs during follow-up in LYP patients. Extracutaneous involvement of C-ALCL occurred in 13.2% of patients. Lesions larger than 5 cm and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a poor prognosis in C-ALCL. The survival of patients with C-ALCL was unaffected by the anatomical locations of skin lesions or other pathological factors.
Conclusion
The multiplicity or size of skin lesions was associated with a chronic course of LYP and survival among patients with C-ALCL.
8.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):216-227
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.
9.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part I): Basic Therapy, Topical Therapy, and Conventional Systemic Therapy
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):201-215
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.
10.2023 Consensus Korean Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis
Ji Hyun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Youin BAE ; Young Bok LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiyoung AHN ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hyun-Chang KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Yu Ri WOO ; Bark Lyn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Tae Young HAN ; Yang Won LEE ; Sang Wook SON ; Young Lip PARK
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(1):12-21
Background:
In 2006, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group released the diagnostic criteria for Korean atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, more simplified, and practical AD diagnostic criteria have been proposed. Objective: Based on updated criteria and experience, we studied to develop and share a consensus on diagnostic criteria for AD in Koreans.
Materials and Methods:
For the diagnostic criteria, a questionnaire was constructed by searching the English-language literature in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A modified Delphi method composed of 3 rounds of email questionnaires was adopted for the consensus process. Fifty-four KADA council members participated in the 3 rounds of votes and expert consensus recommendations were established.
Results:
Diagnostic criteria for AD include pruritus, eczema with age-specific pattern, and chronic or relapsing history. Diagnostic aids for AD encompass xerosis, immunoglobulin E reactivity, hand–foot eczema, periorbital changes, periauricular changes, perioral changes, nipple eczema, perifollicular accentuation, and personal or family history of atopy.
Conclusion
This study streamlined and updated the diagnostic criteria for AD in Korea, making them more practicable for use in real-world clinical field.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail