1.Quantitative Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Biomarkers Following a Switch to Brolucizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Seungyeon LEE ; Jaehwan CHOI ; Seung-Young YU ; Kiyoung KIM
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2026;40(2):159-168
Purpose:
To evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes, including vessel morphology parameters on swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA), in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) switched to brolucizumab.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 37 eyes with nAMD that were switched from other anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents to intravitreal brolucizumab. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), injection intervals, central subfield thickness (CST), pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and presence of retinal fluid were compared between baseline and 12 months after switch. SS-OCTA images were analyzed to quantify macular neovascularization (MNV) area, vessel density, fractal dimension (FD), and lacunarity.
Results:
Switching to brolucizumab significantly extended injection intervals and reduced CST, PED height and retinal fluid, while maintaining BCVA at 12 months. Quantitative OCTA analysis showed reductions in MNV area and FD following the switch. When compared with the preceding 12 months of other anti-VEGF therapy, FD still showed a significant reduction after brolucizumab treatment (p = 0.019). Intraocular inflammation occurred in one eye and resolved with topical corticosteroids.
Conclusions
Intravitreal brolucizumab demonstrated favorable anatomical improvements and maintained visual outcomes over 12 months. Quantitative OCTA biomarkers, particularly FD, may serve as imaging indicators of disease activity and treatment response in eyes with nAMD undergoing a therapy switch.
2.Quantitative Analysis of Drusen in South Korean Patients: A 36-Month Follow-Up Study
Tae Rim KIM ; Tae Gi KIM ; Jaehwan CHOI ; Seung-Young YU ; Kiyoung KIM
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2026;40(1):87-98
Purpose:
This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate longitudinal changes in drusen area and volume over 36 months in South Korean patients and to identify the factors associated with these changes and the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 38 eyes from 38 patients diagnosed with drusen were analyzed. The drusen area and volume were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; Cirrus 5000, Carl Zeiss Meditec) with an automated retinal pigment epithelium elevation map algorithm. To minimize bias from variable follow-up intervals, an annualized classification framework was adopted. Based on percentage change in drusen area within the 5-mm circle, eyes were categorized as progressed (increase >20%), stable (change within ±20%), or regressing (decrease >20%).
Results:
Both drusen area and volume increased significantly up to 24 months (area, p = 0.003; volume, p = 0.028) and then showed a modest decline at 36 months, remaining above baseline levels. No significant difference in the proportions of progressed, stable, or regressing eyes was observed across 12-month intervals or compared with baseline (all p > 0.05). A larger baseline 5-mm drusen area was significantly associated with the development of advanced AMD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.818; 95% confidence interval, 1.022–7.767; p = 0.045). Eyes that exhibited at least one episode of drusen regression showed a higher incidence of advanced AMD (36.8% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.042).
Conclusions
Drusen in South Korean patients demonstrated dynamic morphological remodeling over time. Drusen regression was not a benign phenomenon but rather a potential high-risk marker for progression to advanced AMD. These findings highlight the importance of population-specific, quantitative SD-OCT monitoring for early risk stratification in East Asian eyes.
3.Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Retrospective Study of Every Month Injection
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):159-167
Background and Objectives:
Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and has been shown to be relatively safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. As such, real-world effectiveness and safety data should be obtained.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP who received monthly treatment of dupilumab between January 2022 and June 2023. Reviewed for the study were the following: demographic data, comorbidities, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and sense of smell, identification scores of the Korean version Sniffin’ stikc II (KVSS II) test, nasal polyp score (NPS), and serum eosinophil count. Statistical analyses were performed for each clinical variable.
Results:
A total of 76 patients (49 male, 27 female) were included in this study. The VAS scores decreased from 7.17 at the baseline to 4.51 at month 6; the KVSS II identification scores increased from 6.71 to 8.47, and the NPS decreased from 3.82 to 0.44. The sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores decreased from 36.29 at the baseline to 8.22 at month 6. The correlations between all clinical variables were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Monthly treatment of dupilumab is effective and safe for patients with CRSwNP. Further research is required to determine the predictive parameters for treatment responses and adverse events.
4.Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Retrospective Study of Every Month Injection
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):159-167
Background and Objectives:
Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and has been shown to be relatively safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. As such, real-world effectiveness and safety data should be obtained.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP who received monthly treatment of dupilumab between January 2022 and June 2023. Reviewed for the study were the following: demographic data, comorbidities, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and sense of smell, identification scores of the Korean version Sniffin’ stikc II (KVSS II) test, nasal polyp score (NPS), and serum eosinophil count. Statistical analyses were performed for each clinical variable.
Results:
A total of 76 patients (49 male, 27 female) were included in this study. The VAS scores decreased from 7.17 at the baseline to 4.51 at month 6; the KVSS II identification scores increased from 6.71 to 8.47, and the NPS decreased from 3.82 to 0.44. The sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores decreased from 36.29 at the baseline to 8.22 at month 6. The correlations between all clinical variables were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Monthly treatment of dupilumab is effective and safe for patients with CRSwNP. Further research is required to determine the predictive parameters for treatment responses and adverse events.
5.Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Retrospective Study of Every Month Injection
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):159-167
Background and Objectives:
Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and has been shown to be relatively safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. As such, real-world effectiveness and safety data should be obtained.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP who received monthly treatment of dupilumab between January 2022 and June 2023. Reviewed for the study were the following: demographic data, comorbidities, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and sense of smell, identification scores of the Korean version Sniffin’ stikc II (KVSS II) test, nasal polyp score (NPS), and serum eosinophil count. Statistical analyses were performed for each clinical variable.
Results:
A total of 76 patients (49 male, 27 female) were included in this study. The VAS scores decreased from 7.17 at the baseline to 4.51 at month 6; the KVSS II identification scores increased from 6.71 to 8.47, and the NPS decreased from 3.82 to 0.44. The sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores decreased from 36.29 at the baseline to 8.22 at month 6. The correlations between all clinical variables were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Monthly treatment of dupilumab is effective and safe for patients with CRSwNP. Further research is required to determine the predictive parameters for treatment responses and adverse events.
6.Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Retrospective Study of Every Month Injection
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):159-167
Background and Objectives:
Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and has been shown to be relatively safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. As such, real-world effectiveness and safety data should be obtained.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP who received monthly treatment of dupilumab between January 2022 and June 2023. Reviewed for the study were the following: demographic data, comorbidities, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and sense of smell, identification scores of the Korean version Sniffin’ stikc II (KVSS II) test, nasal polyp score (NPS), and serum eosinophil count. Statistical analyses were performed for each clinical variable.
Results:
A total of 76 patients (49 male, 27 female) were included in this study. The VAS scores decreased from 7.17 at the baseline to 4.51 at month 6; the KVSS II identification scores increased from 6.71 to 8.47, and the NPS decreased from 3.82 to 0.44. The sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores decreased from 36.29 at the baseline to 8.22 at month 6. The correlations between all clinical variables were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Monthly treatment of dupilumab is effective and safe for patients with CRSwNP. Further research is required to determine the predictive parameters for treatment responses and adverse events.
7.Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Retrospective Study of Every Month Injection
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2025;68(4):159-167
Background and Objectives:
Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and has been shown to be relatively safe and effective in randomized controlled trials. As such, real-world effectiveness and safety data should be obtained.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective review of patients with CRSwNP who received monthly treatment of dupilumab between January 2022 and June 2023. Reviewed for the study were the following: demographic data, comorbidities, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and sense of smell, identification scores of the Korean version Sniffin’ stikc II (KVSS II) test, nasal polyp score (NPS), and serum eosinophil count. Statistical analyses were performed for each clinical variable.
Results:
A total of 76 patients (49 male, 27 female) were included in this study. The VAS scores decreased from 7.17 at the baseline to 4.51 at month 6; the KVSS II identification scores increased from 6.71 to 8.47, and the NPS decreased from 3.82 to 0.44. The sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores decreased from 36.29 at the baseline to 8.22 at month 6. The correlations between all clinical variables were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Monthly treatment of dupilumab is effective and safe for patients with CRSwNP. Further research is required to determine the predictive parameters for treatment responses and adverse events.
9.Adverse Events of Dupilumab Injection in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis
Pooreum KANG ; Donggyu CHOI ; Jaehwan KWON ; Changhoi KIM ; Jooyeon KIM
Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2024;67(7):388-393
Background and Objectives:
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is one phenotype of the diffuse type. In spite of surgical and medical treatment, the polyp recurrence rate is high. Recently biologics are concerned as a therapeutic option of it. To figure out adverse events associated with the dupilumab injection in adult patients with CRSwNP.Subjects and Method Retrospective chart review of patients that were treated with dupilumab from January 2022 to December 2022 for CRSwNP was performed.
Results:
Of 40 patients (23 of male and 17 of female), 8 patients (20.0%) experienced 9 patients (22.5%) adverse events. The most common adverse event was skin reaction (3 patients, 7.5%), followed by 2 of pruritis, 2 of epistaxis. Three patients quit dupilumab after the adverse events, 4 patients continued, and 1 patient hold the next injection.
Conclusion
Dupilumab is reported to be relatively safe medication. However, physician should notice that adverse events including skin rash can occur after dupilumab injection.
10.Evaluation of Virtual Reality Simulation of Dental Caries through Student Questionnaire
Byunggee KIM ; Jeeheon RYU ; Jaehwan KIM ; Seonmi KIM ; Namki CHOI
Journal of Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2020;47(3):293-302
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of virtual reality simulation after experience of dental caries diagnosis for dental students before exposing to clinical pediatric practice. A pediatric patient model of a five-year-old child with primary dentition was developed and a caries model that is amenable to VR(virtual reality) diagnosis was organized and set-up. The dental student’s were allowed to use the simulated model for fifteen minutes and their experiences were evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire to evaluate presence and usability of this application. Overall, virtual presence and appearance area of the simulation were highly scored. The result indicates that the VR model has no significant difference from the actual clinical caries regardless of grade of students, gender and VR experience. If the prototype is continuously advanced, its applicability in dental education will increase.

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