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.

High-quality specimens are essential for accurate laboratory results. Preanalytical errors due to issues, such as hemolysis, microclotting, and insufficient specimen volume, account for 60%–70% of laboratory errors and frequently result from improper blood collection techniques or negligence during the collection process. Therefore, standardized blood collection guidelines and continuous education are required. In Korea, standardized venous blood collection procedures have not yet been fully established, highlighting the need for an evidence-based protocol tailored to local requirements. The venous blood collection guideline presented here was adapted from international standards to conform to globally recognized practices and address the Korean clinical context. The guideline, developed by the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine, outlines the critical steps in venous blood collection, from patient identification and consent to post-collection handling. Practical recommendations are provided for medical students, doctors, nurses, and medical technologists. The guideline addresses specific considerations for pediatric and older patients, as well as individuals undergoing blood culture tests, with an emphasis on minimizing errors and promoting the safety of patients and medical staff. The guideline includes practical tools, such as checklists and detailed information on sampling devices, to facilitate implementation. This initiative would help standardize blood collection practices, improve specimen quality, and enhance patient care by ensuring accurate laboratory results in clinical settings.

Background: The quality of laboratory test results is crucial for accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment. Pre-analytical errors account for approximately 60%–70% of all laboratory test errors. Laboratory test results may be largely impacted by pre-analytical phase management. However, primary care clinics currently do not have pre-analytical quality management audit systems. We aimed to understand the current status of pre-analytical quality management in laboratory medicine in Korean primary care clinics. Methods: Questionnaires were designed to focus on essential components of the pre-analytical process of primary care clinics. An online survey platform was used to administer the survey to internal medicine or family medicine physicians in primary care clinics. Results: A total of 141 physicians provided a complete response to the questionnaire. In 65.2% of the clinics, patient information was hand-labeled rather than barcoded on the specimen bottles; 14.2% of clinics displayed only one piece of patient information (name or identification number), and 19.9% of clinics displayed two pieces of information. Centrifuges were not available in 29.1% of the clinics. Institutions carrying out the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) used more barcode system and had more centrifuges than institutions that did not carrying out the NHSP. Conclusions Pre-analytical quality management is inadequate in many primary clinics. We suggest implementation of a mandatory management system, allowing for a pre-analytical quality management to be carried out in primary care clinics.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the population prevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including unreported infections, through a Korea Seroprevalence Study of Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Retention and Transmission (K-SEROSMART) in 258 communities throughout Korea. METHODS: In August 2022, a survey was conducted among 10,000 household members aged 5 years and older, in households selected through two stage probability random sampling. During face-to-face household interviews, participants self-reported their health status, COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination history, and general characteristics. Subsequently, participants visited a community health center or medical clinic for blood sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to spike proteins (anti-S) and antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. To estimate the population prevalence, the PROC SURVEYMEANS statistical procedure was employed, with weighting to reflect demographic data from July 2022. RESULTS: In total, 9,945 individuals from 5,041 households were surveyed across 258 communities, representing all basic local governments in Korea. The overall population-adjusted prevalence rates of anti-S and anti-N were 97.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Since the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has reported a cumulative incidence of confirmed cases of 37.8% through July 31, 2022, the proportion of unreported infections among all COVID-19 infection was suggested to be 33.9%. CONCLUSIONS The K-SEROSMART represents the first nationwide, community-based seroepidemiologic survey of COVID-19, confirming that most individuals possess antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and that a significant number of unreported cases existed. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for a surveillance system to continuously monitor transmission at the community level and the response to COVID-19.

Objective: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. Methods: Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Results: Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. Conclusion This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a rarely diagnosed, benign disease of the lymph nodes that commonly manifests as chronic lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be characterized by single or multiple non-tender lymph nodes, and it commonly involves the cervical, axillary, and inguinal areas. Although PTGC is identified with concurrent lymphoma in some patients, it is not considered as a premalignant entity. Histopathologic diagnosis of PTGC is rarely made, and imaging findings have been reported in very few studies. We present a case of PTGC that occurred at the contralateral axillary lymph nodes and mimicked metastatic lymphadenopathy after breast cancer surgery. We also discuss its imaging findings.

Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast are a rare, distinct category of breast carcinomas that require immunohistochemical staining for diagnosis. Currently, there is not enough evidence on the clinical pattern, prognosis, and proper management of the disease. Only few case series have described the imaging findings of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast. We herein present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (small cell) presenting as a locally aggressive tumor with metastatic disease, and describe the radiologic findings.

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a rarely diagnosed, benign disease of the lymph nodes that commonly manifests as chronic lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be characterized by single or multiple non-tender lymph nodes, and it commonly involves the cervical, axillary, and inguinal areas. Although PTGC is identified with concurrent lymphoma in some patients, it is not considered as a premalignant entity. Histopathologic diagnosis of PTGC is rarely made, and imaging findings have been reported in very few studies. We present a case of PTGC that occurred at the contralateral axillary lymph nodes and mimicked metastatic lymphadenopathy after breast cancer surgery. We also discuss its imaging findings.

Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast are a rare, distinct category of breast carcinomas that require immunohistochemical staining for diagnosis. Currently, there is not enough evidence on the clinical pattern, prognosis, and proper management of the disease. Only few case series have described the imaging findings of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast. We herein present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (small cell) presenting as a locally aggressive tumor with metastatic disease, and describe the radiologic findings.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and deterioration of pulmonary function are known to increase all-cause mortality and morbidity associated with chronic diseases. Obesity is a known risk factor for decreasing pulmonary function; however, studies on the effect of changes in body weight or body mass index (BMI) on pulmonary function are rare. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the change in body weight or BMI and the pulmonary function test (PFT) in Koreans who underwent consecutive screening at a health promotion center. METHODS: We enrolled 5,032 patients who underwent consecutive screening health check-ups at a health promotion center in 2015 and 2017. The BMI was calculated as the body weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m²) in 2015 and 2017. We analyzed the association between the change in body weight or BMI and PFT. RESULTS: In males, PFT and changes in body weight were associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) but not with changes in BMI. In females, FEV₁/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow between 25–75% of vital capacity (FEF(25−75%)) were significantly associated with the changes in body weight and BMI. A correlation analysis between body weight and BMI showed a negative correlation with FEF(25−75%) in males. In females, FEV₁/FVC and FEF(25−75%) were negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS We observed that the increase in body weight and BMI was significantly associated with pulmonary function. This finding suggests that careful monitoring of body weight and BMI may aid in maintaining proper pulmonary function, thereby, reducing mortality and morbidity.