1.Validating the Korean Geriatric Assessment Tool in Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Multicenter Study
Ji Yun LEE ; Sang-A KIM ; Youngil KOH ; Ho-Young YHIM ; Gyeong-Won LEE ; Chang-Ki MIN ; Young Rok DO ; Hyo Jung KIM ; Sung Hwa BAE ; Hyeon-Seok EOM ; Sung-Hoon JUNG ; Hyunkyung PARK ; Seung-Hyun NAM ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Sung-Hyun KIM ; Hyun Jung LEE ; Young Seob PARK ; Soo-Mee BANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):311-319
Purpose:
This study evaluates the Korean Cancer Study Group Geriatric Score-7 (KG-7) frailty screening tool’s effectiveness in elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients to prevent under and overtreatment.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective pilot cohort study included 100 elderly patients aged 70 and older with newly diagnosed MM who had not undergone transplantation from August 2020 to January 2022.
Results:
The median age was 77 years, and 73.0% of patients were classified at International Staging System stages 2 or 3. Using a 5-point cutoff on the KG-7 index (non-frail, score ≥ 5; frail, score < 5), 31% were categorized as frail. After a median follow-up of 26.8 months, the 3-year overall survival rate was 73.0%. There was no statistically significant association between any frailty index and the risk of death. However, frail patients defined by the simplified frailty index (hazard ratio [HR], 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 5.95; p=0.030) and by KG-7 (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.03 to 5.86; p=0.043) had a significantly higher risk of grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicity, whereas the International Myeloma Working Group definition did not. Over a 24-month tracking period, vulnerability as measured by KG-7 either improved or deteriorated.
Conclusion
The pilot study, which had a limited number of participants, did not demonstrate KG-7’s effectiveness in predicting survival; however, it successfully predicted severe non-hematologic toxicities. We plan to conduct larger studies in elderly MM patients to determine whether KG-7 can help tailor their treatment regimens.
2.Myopia Management Consensus Statement in South Korean Children 2025 by the Korean Myopia Society for the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Yeon-Hee LEE ; Jae Yun SUNG ; Sun Young SHIN ; Young-Woo SUH ; Ungsoo Samuel KIM ; Hyunkyung KIM ; Kyung-Ah PARK ; Su Jin KIM ; MiRae KIM ; Hyun Jin SHIN ; Kyeong Wook LEE ; Haeng-Jin LEE ; So Young HAN ; Jinu HAN ; Eun Hee HONG ; Seung-Hee Hannah BAEK ; Hae Jung PAIK ;
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2026;40(2):185-205
Myopia, particularly high myopia, is a significant risk factor for several ocular pathologies including cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Excessive axial elongation associated with high myopia can induce biomechanical stretching, increasing the risk of serious complications like posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy. Global meta-analyses estimate that approximately 10 million people were visually impaired due to myopic maculopathy in 2015, with 3 million being blind. Recent nationwide surveys in South Korea revealed a prevalence of 65.4% for myopia and 6.9% for high myopia in children and adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for effective management. Delaying the onset and slowing the progression of myopia during childhood and adolescence is crucial for reducing the potential lifetime risk of these complications. This consensus statement, prepared by the Korean Myopia Society for the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (KAPOS), reviews the current evidence for myopia control interventions and provides management strategies applicable to the South Korean clinical setting. Key interventions covered include lifestyle modifications (outdoor time, near work adjustment), optical methods (myopia-control spectacle lenses, dual-focus soft contact lenses, orthokeratology), and pharmacologic treatment (low-concentration atropine), as well as combination therapies. The statement also addresses patient selection, treatment outcome evaluation using spherical equivalent and axial length changes, and the crucial aspects related to treatment cessation and the rebound effect.
3.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
4.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
5.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
6.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
7.Prevalence and factors influencing postpartum depression and its culture-specific cutoffs for women in Asia: a scoping review
Bora MOON ; Hyun Kyoung KIM ; Ju-Hee NHO ; Hyunkyung CHOI ; ChaeWeon CHUNG ; Sook Jung KANG ; Ju Hee KIM ; Ju-Young LEE ; Sihyun PARK ; Gisoo SHIN ; Ju-Eun SONG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sue KIM
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e15-
The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.
8.Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Joon Young HUR ; Jung‑Hee LEE ; Je‑Hwan LEE ; Han‑Seung PARK ; Hyunkyung PARK ; Yunsuk CHOI ; Jung Hye CHOI ; Young‑Woong WON ; Sang Eun YOON ; Won Seog KIM ; Seok Jin KIM
Blood Research 2025;60():45-
Purpose:
Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) are effective and well-tolerated treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Here, we describe the clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies treated with BTKis.
Methods:
Patients were required to have a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of CLL or MCL, receive at least one cycle of ibrutinib or zanubrutinib, and have either positive hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B core antibody at diagnosis. Patients were excluded if they had received rituximab or obinutuzumab within the previous 12 months.
Results:
We identified five patients with CLL and one with MCL who had resolved HBV infections and received BTKis during the study period. None of the patients received anti-HBV prophylaxis after CLL diagnosis. The patient with MCL who received zanubrutinib was confirmed to have HBV reactivation even after prophylactic entecavir administration followed by tenofovir. All five patients with CLL received ibrutinib as second-line therapy. A 62-year-old man died of hepatorenal syndrome associated with HBV reactivation despite entecavir treatment.
Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of HBV-related death in patients receiving BTKis from HBV-endemic areas, and the first case of HBV reactivation associated with zanubrutinib despite previous ente‑ cavir prophylaxis. Further prospective studies are warranted to develop useful guidelines for monitoring HBV DNA and antiviral prophylaxis to prevent HBV reactivation after BTKi therapy.
9.Real-World Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nipple Eczema in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Jung Min LEE ; Yu Jin LEE ; Yun Jeong CHOI ; June Hyunkyung LEE ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Byeol HAN ; Tae Young HAN
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(6):336-343
Background:
Nipple eczema (NE) manifests as pruritic or painful erythema, often accompanied by oozing, erosion, and lichenification. NE is observed in 6%–23% of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD); its prevalence is higher among adolescent and young adult women.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of NE in patients with AD.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from July to December 2023, enrolling patients diagnosed with AD. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their symptoms of AD and NE, as well as the impact of NE on their daily lives.
Results:
Of the 200 patients, 55 (27.5%) reported of having experienced NE. The mean age at NE onset was 22.75±9.77 years. The proportion of females with NE (70.9%) was significantly higher relative to those without NE (38.6%) (p<0.001). Factors significantly associated with the presence of NE in AD patients included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99–12.07; p=0.001), increased AD itch numerical rating scale (NRS) score (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11–1.91; p=0.007), increased AD pain NRS score (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.44; p=0.041) and higher Investigator Global Assessment score (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 2.07–13.99; p=0.001). Regarding nipple-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), 35.8% of patients reported severe impairment in HRQoL due to NE, and 45.3% experienced severe emotional distress.
Conclusion
Although the area affected by NE is small, dermatologists should be aware of its association with severe AD characteristics, and its significant impact on patient HRQoL.
10.A Preliminary Study on the Validation of a Contactless Mental Health Assessment Service for Disaster Related Distress: Focusing on the Relationship Between Insomnia and Stress Sensitivity
Miwoo LEE ; HyunKyung SHIN ; Eun Young KIM ; Sin Young KO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Uranbileg KHISHIGBAYAR ; Sooah JANG ; Jeong-Ho SEOK
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2025;64(4):266-276
Objectives:
A virtual reality (VR)-based stress assessment solution was developed for high-risk groups exposed to disaster-related stress, enhancing accessibility and intervention effectiveness.The goal is to develop an integrated tool that evaluates psychological and physiological indicators for personalized mental health care.
Methods:
The study uses the CONSURT app and non-contact VR technology to assess stress exposure and coping abilities. The psychological indicators, including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress experiences, and sleep quality, were measured through self-report scales. The physiological indicators, particularly heart rate variability, are recorded using wearable devices during VR scenarios designed to induce three types of anxiety sensitivities. The participants were recruited from outpatient clinics, aged 19–60 years, without significant neurological or severe psychiatric disorders.
Results:
Among the 46 participants, 20% reported significant depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9≥9). Sixteen participants completed the VR-based assessment, revealing greater heart rate variability and changes in nervousness in high-altitude scenarios compared to confined spaces. The study also identified the correlations between physiological markers related to stress and anxiety and several psychological indicators.
Conclusion
The VR-based stress assessment solution effectively evaluates disaster-related stress by integrating psychological and physiological indicators. This approach improves the accuracy and personalization of assessments, offering a scalable solution for mental health promotion, particularly in high-stress scenarios.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail