Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological trends and socioeconomic disparities associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in South Korea over a decade (2010–2021) using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. Materials and Methods: Employing data from the NHIS database, this study identified 31753 incident AS patients in 2010–2021.We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates and analyzed crude incidence rates and diagnostic patterns across age groups. Additionally, we compared the mean annual proportions of medical aid recipients between AS patients and the general population, utilizing p for trend analysis to assess the differences between the two groups across increasing age groups. Results: The study period saw a steady increase in age-standardized prevalence (from 34.6 to 91.0 per 100000) and incidence rates (from 4.41 to 8.33 per 100000 person-years), with the most substantial rise of incidence found in younger demographics. Diagnostic trends revealed a shift from internal medicine (IM) to other specialties including orthopedics with increasing patient age groups (p for trend=0.008), indicating old-age diagnosis in non-IM departments. A 1.4-fold higher proportion of medical aid recipients in AS patients (p<0.001) and the widening gap of dependency on medical aid in older age groups (p for trend=0.012) compared to the general population highlight socioeconomic disparities. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis reveals the growing epidemiological burden of AS, especially in younger populations, and the socioeconomic disparities regarding the disease in South Korea. It underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, paving the way for health interventions and policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological trends and socioeconomic disparities associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in South Korea over a decade (2010–2021) using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. Materials and Methods: Employing data from the NHIS database, this study identified 31753 incident AS patients in 2010–2021.We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates and analyzed crude incidence rates and diagnostic patterns across age groups. Additionally, we compared the mean annual proportions of medical aid recipients between AS patients and the general population, utilizing p for trend analysis to assess the differences between the two groups across increasing age groups. Results: The study period saw a steady increase in age-standardized prevalence (from 34.6 to 91.0 per 100000) and incidence rates (from 4.41 to 8.33 per 100000 person-years), with the most substantial rise of incidence found in younger demographics. Diagnostic trends revealed a shift from internal medicine (IM) to other specialties including orthopedics with increasing patient age groups (p for trend=0.008), indicating old-age diagnosis in non-IM departments. A 1.4-fold higher proportion of medical aid recipients in AS patients (p<0.001) and the widening gap of dependency on medical aid in older age groups (p for trend=0.012) compared to the general population highlight socioeconomic disparities. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis reveals the growing epidemiological burden of AS, especially in younger populations, and the socioeconomic disparities regarding the disease in South Korea. It underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, paving the way for health interventions and policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological trends and socioeconomic disparities associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in South Korea over a decade (2010–2021) using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. Materials and Methods: Employing data from the NHIS database, this study identified 31753 incident AS patients in 2010–2021.We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates and analyzed crude incidence rates and diagnostic patterns across age groups. Additionally, we compared the mean annual proportions of medical aid recipients between AS patients and the general population, utilizing p for trend analysis to assess the differences between the two groups across increasing age groups. Results: The study period saw a steady increase in age-standardized prevalence (from 34.6 to 91.0 per 100000) and incidence rates (from 4.41 to 8.33 per 100000 person-years), with the most substantial rise of incidence found in younger demographics. Diagnostic trends revealed a shift from internal medicine (IM) to other specialties including orthopedics with increasing patient age groups (p for trend=0.008), indicating old-age diagnosis in non-IM departments. A 1.4-fold higher proportion of medical aid recipients in AS patients (p<0.001) and the widening gap of dependency on medical aid in older age groups (p for trend=0.012) compared to the general population highlight socioeconomic disparities. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis reveals the growing epidemiological burden of AS, especially in younger populations, and the socioeconomic disparities regarding the disease in South Korea. It underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, paving the way for health interventions and policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological trends and socioeconomic disparities associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in South Korea over a decade (2010–2021) using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. Materials and Methods: Employing data from the NHIS database, this study identified 31753 incident AS patients in 2010–2021.We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates and analyzed crude incidence rates and diagnostic patterns across age groups. Additionally, we compared the mean annual proportions of medical aid recipients between AS patients and the general population, utilizing p for trend analysis to assess the differences between the two groups across increasing age groups. Results: The study period saw a steady increase in age-standardized prevalence (from 34.6 to 91.0 per 100000) and incidence rates (from 4.41 to 8.33 per 100000 person-years), with the most substantial rise of incidence found in younger demographics. Diagnostic trends revealed a shift from internal medicine (IM) to other specialties including orthopedics with increasing patient age groups (p for trend=0.008), indicating old-age diagnosis in non-IM departments. A 1.4-fold higher proportion of medical aid recipients in AS patients (p<0.001) and the widening gap of dependency on medical aid in older age groups (p for trend=0.012) compared to the general population highlight socioeconomic disparities. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis reveals the growing epidemiological burden of AS, especially in younger populations, and the socioeconomic disparities regarding the disease in South Korea. It underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, paving the way for health interventions and policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological trends and socioeconomic disparities associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in South Korea over a decade (2010–2021) using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. Materials and Methods: Employing data from the NHIS database, this study identified 31753 incident AS patients in 2010–2021.We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates and analyzed crude incidence rates and diagnostic patterns across age groups. Additionally, we compared the mean annual proportions of medical aid recipients between AS patients and the general population, utilizing p for trend analysis to assess the differences between the two groups across increasing age groups. Results: The study period saw a steady increase in age-standardized prevalence (from 34.6 to 91.0 per 100000) and incidence rates (from 4.41 to 8.33 per 100000 person-years), with the most substantial rise of incidence found in younger demographics. Diagnostic trends revealed a shift from internal medicine (IM) to other specialties including orthopedics with increasing patient age groups (p for trend=0.008), indicating old-age diagnosis in non-IM departments. A 1.4-fold higher proportion of medical aid recipients in AS patients (p<0.001) and the widening gap of dependency on medical aid in older age groups (p for trend=0.012) compared to the general population highlight socioeconomic disparities. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis reveals the growing epidemiological burden of AS, especially in younger populations, and the socioeconomic disparities regarding the disease in South Korea. It underscores the need for early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies, paving the way for health interventions and policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing socioeconomic disparities.

Background: s: Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is currently a major indication for liver transplantation (LT) in South Korea. Alcoholic recidivism is a primary concern after LT for ALD. However, it is unclear how patients who have received LT for ALD are managed regarding medical and psychological issues. Furthermore, management approaches vary across centers. This study aims to investigate how these management approaches differ among centers. Methods: We conducted a survey of 19 liver transplant centers in South Korea to gather detailed information on the management protocols and related issues of ALD in LT patients. Results: All 19 centers that responded to the survey had been performing LT for patients with ALD for more than 5 years. Nine out of the 19 centers (47%) stated that a minimum abstinence period of 1–6 months from alcohol was required before evaluating LT and enrolling on the transplant waiting list. Only 2 (10%) and 5 (26%) centers had protocols for assessing alcohol consumption while awaiting LT or for treating alcohol consumption after transplantation, respectively. Monitoring abstinence from drinking before and after LT mostly relied on direct interviews, and alcohol biomarkers were not used. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the importance of consistent patient management guidelines for ALD-LTs in South Korea.