1.The Starting Dosage of Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy
Hyunju PARK ; Arim CHOI ; Kyung-Soo KIM ; Soo-Kyung KIM ; Yong-Wook CHO
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):60-67
Background:
and Objective: Maternal hypothyroidism increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, making appropriate levothyroxine (LT4) replacement essential. However, the optimal initial LT4 dose for women newly diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) or overt hypothyroidism (OH) during pregnancy remains unclear.This study evaluated the appropriate starting LT4 dose based on baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and body mass index (BMI).
Materials and Methods:
This single-center retrospective cohort study included 126 pregnant women from June 2018 to April 2025. After pregnancy was confirmed, all participants started LT4.Patients were categorized by baseline TSH (2.5-4, 4-10, and >10 mIU/L) and BMI (<23, 23-<25, and ≥25 kg/m2 ) to determine the appropriate LT4 dose. The treatment goal was a TSH level <2.5 mIU/L.
Results:
Among the 126 patients, 101 (80.2%) were diagnosed with SCH or OH in the first trimester. The mean baseline TSH was 5.19 mIU/L, and 29.4% had autoimmune thyroiditis. Baseline TSH (r=0.315, p<0.001) was positively associated with weight-based LT4 dose, whereas body weight (r=−0.304, p<0.001) and BMI (r=−0.248, p=0.005) were inversely associated. The median weight-based LT4 dose was 0.45 μg/kg/day for TSH 2.5-4.0 mIU/L, 0.71 μg/kg/day for TSH 4.0-10 mIU/L, and 1.34 μg/kg/day for TSH >10 mIU/L (p for trend <0.001). Patients with TSH >10 mIU/L required more time to achieve TSH <2.5 mIU/L, and those with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 received lower weight-based LT4 doses.
Conclusion
Initial LT4 dosing should be tailored based on baseline TSH and BMI.
2.Comparative survival outcomes of surgical resection versus radiotherapy after FOLFIRINOX in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Jiwon YU ; Jeong Ha LEE ; Hyunju SHIN ; Hee Chul PARK ; Joon Oh PARK ; Jung Yong HONG ; Minsuk KWON ; Ji Eun SHIN ; Kyu Taek LEE ; Kwang Hyuck LEE ; Jong Kyun LEE ; Joo Kyung PARK ; Young Hoon CHOI ; Jin Seok HEO ; In Woong HAN ; Sang Hyun SHIN ; Hongbeom KIM ; Ji Hye MIN ; Jeong Il YU
Precision and Future Medicine 2026;10(1):39-50
Purpose:
This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with upfront FOLFIRINOX followed by local-regional therapy (LRT), surgical resection (SR), and radiotherapy (RT). We aimed to identify specific patient subgroups for which RT may serve as a reasonable alternative to SR for local tumor control.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 116 patients (SR group, n= 70; RT group, n= 46) at a single center between 2015 and 2020. Survival outcomes were compared based on LRT modalities, focusing on identifying subgroups in which RT provided an efficacy comparable to that of SR.
Results:
Among 116 patients, the SR group achieved a significantly higher 5-year overall survival (OS) than the RT group (27.1% vs. 8.7%, P< 0.0001), despite similar progression-free survival (P= 0.23). Significant prognostic factors for OS included carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) response in BRPC (P= 0.02) and radiologic partial response in LAPC (P= 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that, while SR provided a survival advantage in CA19-9 responders, no significant difference in OS was observed between SR and RT in CA19-9 non-responders (P= 0.37).
Conclusion
Although surgery remains the gold standard, RT may be considered a justifiable local alternative for CA19-9 non-responders and surgically ineligible patients with LAPC, yielding comparable outcomes in these specific, biologically unfavorable subgroups.
3.Establishing Integrated Treatment Centers to Improve Mental Health Services: International Examples and Strategies for South Korea
Han-Sung LEE ; Hyunju LEE ; Yu Jin LEE ; Soon-Beom HONG ; Se Hyun KIM ; Hye Yoon PARK ; Soo-Hee CHOI ; Jee Eun PARK ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Juwon LEE ; Sukkyung LEE ; Jee Hoon SOHN ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):207-217
The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.
4.Establishing Integrated Treatment Centers to Improve Mental Health Services: International Examples and Strategies for South Korea
Han-Sung LEE ; Hyunju LEE ; Yu Jin LEE ; Soon-Beom HONG ; Se Hyun KIM ; Hye Yoon PARK ; Soo-Hee CHOI ; Jee Eun PARK ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Juwon LEE ; Sukkyung LEE ; Jee Hoon SOHN ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):207-217
The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.
5.Establishing Integrated Treatment Centers to Improve Mental Health Services: International Examples and Strategies for South Korea
Han-Sung LEE ; Hyunju LEE ; Yu Jin LEE ; Soon-Beom HONG ; Se Hyun KIM ; Hye Yoon PARK ; Soo-Hee CHOI ; Jee Eun PARK ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Juwon LEE ; Sukkyung LEE ; Jee Hoon SOHN ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):207-217
The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.
6.Establishing Integrated Treatment Centers to Improve Mental Health Services: International Examples and Strategies for South Korea
Han-Sung LEE ; Hyunju LEE ; Yu Jin LEE ; Soon-Beom HONG ; Se Hyun KIM ; Hye Yoon PARK ; Soo-Hee CHOI ; Jee Eun PARK ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Juwon LEE ; Sukkyung LEE ; Jee Hoon SOHN ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):207-217
The global burden of mental illness has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, despite this rising burden, the utilization of mental health services remains critically low compared to other countries. This study evaluated successful integrated treatment centers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to identify the best practices that can be applied to South Korean society. These international examples informed the development of Mind the SHIM (SNUH Health in Mind) center, an integrated treatment model designed to address the gaps in non-pharmacological mental health services in South Korea. Mind the SHIM center focuses on developing and validating programs tailored to local needs, emphasizing professional education, systematic program delivery, and community collaboration. The biopsychosocial approach of the center is expected to enhance the overall quality of life of the patients and increase the utilization of mental health services, reducing the broader economic and social burden of mental illness in South Korea.
7.Diagnostic Validity of the Comprehensive Attention Test in Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Hyunju LEE ; Hannah HUH ; Woo Young KIM ; Eun Kyoung LEE ; Bum-Sung CHOI ; Bongseog KIM ; Hanik YOO
Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2024;35(4):243-249
Objectives:
This study verified the diagnostic validity of the Comprehensive Attention Test (CAT) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods:
A total of 336 participants were recruited in this study, including 168 patients with ADHD and 168 control group participants who were one-to-one matched for sex and age. We measured selective attention (visual and auditory), sustained attention, interferenceselective attention, divided attention, and working memory in the ADHD and control groups using the CAT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the CAT were calculated.
Results:
In this study, it was found that the sensitivity and specificity of the CAT were 0.879 and 0.846 in children, 0.855 and 0.838 in adolescents, and 0.800 and 0.733 in adults, respectively.
Conclusion
These results indicate that the CAT has a high diagnostic validity for ADHD from childhood to adulthood.
8.Comparisons of Genetic Architecture Using Polygenic Risk Scores Derived From Large-Scale Genome-Wide Association Study Data Between Patients With Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Healthy Controls
Dong Eun LEE ; Min Jun CHOI ; Eun Young CHO ; Yong Min AHN ; Hyunju LEE ; Woojae MYUNG ; Tae Hyon HA ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Heon-Jeong LEE ; Kyooseob HA ; Kyung Sue HONG ; Ji Hyun BAEK
Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2024;27(2):57-62
Objectives:
In this study, we aimed to compare the genetic architecture of schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) in a Korean population by analyzing polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from large-scale psychiatric disorder genome-wide association study data, based on genetic information collected from SCZ, BD, and healthy control groups.
Methods:
The study included 713 Korean patients with SCZ, 1,317 with BD, 526 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using the Korean Biobank Array. PRS-continuous shrinkage method was used to calculate the PRS. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to determine the association between SCZ or BD disorder and PRS after adjusting for sex.
Results:
ANCOVA revealed significant differences in PRS values by diagnosis for PRS for SCZ (F=215.281, p<0.001), PRS for BD (F=13.811, p<0.001), and PRS for major depressive disorder (F=6.042, p=0.002). Post-hoc analysis showed that PRS for SCZ was highest in SCZ, followed by BD, and healthy controls. PRS for BD was elevated in both BD and SCZ compared to healthy controls.
Conclusion
Our study revealed quantitative differences in genetic architecture between SCZ and BD compared to healthy controls, while also suggesting a shared genetic background between the two disorders.
9.Etiology of Bacteremia in Children With Hemato-Oncologic Diseases From 2013 to 2023: A Single Center Study
Sun Woo PARK ; Ji Young PARK ; Hyoung Soo CHOI ; Hyunju LEE
Pediatric Infection & Vaccine 2024;31(1):46-54
Purpose:
This study aimed to identify the pathogens of bloodstream infection in children with underlying hemato-oncologic diseases, analyze susceptibility patterns, compare temporal trends with those of previous studies, and assess empirical antimicrobial therapy.
Methods:
Retrospective review study of children bacteremia in hemato-oncologic diseases was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2013 to July 2023.
Results:
Overall, 98 episodes of bacteremia were observed in 74 patients. Among pathogens isolated, 57.1% (n=56) were Gram-positive bacteria, 38.8% (n=38) were Gram-negative bacteria, and 4.1% (n=4) were Candida spp. The most common Gram-positive bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=21, 21.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus, (n=14, 14.3%) whereas the most common Gram-negative bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=16, 16.3%) and Escherichia coli (n=10, 10.2%). The susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria to penicillin, oxacillin, and vancomycin was 11.5%, 32.7%, and 94.2%, respectively and the susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, gentamicin, and amikacin was 68.6%, 80%, 97.1%, 82.9%, and 91.4%, respectively. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was detected in 1 strain and among Gram-negative strains, extended spectrum β-lactamase accounted for 28.9% (12/38). When analyzing the antibiotic susceptibility and empirical antibiotics, the mismatch rate was 25.5% (n=25). The mortality rate of children within 30 days of bacteremia was 7.1% (n=7).
Conclusions
Empirical antibiotic therapy for bacteremia in children with hemato-oncologic diseases should be based on the local antibiogram in each institution and continuous monitoring is necessary.
10.Adequate Dose of Levothyroxine for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Suppression after Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Hyun Jin RYU ; Min Sun CHOI ; Hyunju PARK ; Tae Hyuk KIM ; Jae Hoon CHUNG ; So Young PARK ; Sun Wook KIM
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(4):615-621
Background:
The adequate dose of levothyroxine (LT4) for patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is uncertain. We evaluated the LT4 dose required to achieve mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in DTC patients after TT.
Methods:
The electronic medical records of patients who underwent TT for DTC and received mild TSH suppression therapy were reviewed. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between LT4 dose (μg/kg) and an ordinal group divided by body mass index (BMI). We also evaluated the trend in LT4 doses among groups divided by BMI and age.
Results:
In total, 123 patients achieved mild TSH suppression (0.1 to 0.5 mIU/L). The BMI variable was divided into three categories: <23 kg/m2 (n=46), ≥23 and <25 kg/m2 (n=30), and ≥25 kg/m2 (n=47). In the linear regression analysis, BMI was negatively associated with the LT4 dose after adjusting for age and sex (P<0.001). The LT4 doses required to achieve mild TSH suppression based on the BMI categories were 1.86, 1.71, and 1.71 μg/kg, respectively (P for trend <0.001). Further analysis with groups divided by age and BMI revealed that a higher BMI was related to a lower LT4 dose, especially in younger patients aged 20 to 39 (P for trend=0.011).
Conclusion
The study results suggest an appropriate LT4 dose for mild TSH suppression after TT based on body weight in patients with DTC. Considering body weight, BMI, and age in estimating LT4 doses might help to achieve the target TSH level promptly.

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