Background: s/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea. This study evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients newly diagnosed with HCC in 2016-2018. Methods: Data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR), a representative database of patients newly diagnosed with HCC in South Korea, were analyzed. This study investigated 4,462 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR in 2016-2018. Results: The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range, 55-72). 79.7% of patients were male. Hepatitis B infection was the most common underlying liver disease (54.5%). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system classified patients as follows: stage 0 (14.9%), A (28.8%), B (7.5%), C (39.0%), and D (9.8%). The median overall survival was 3.72 years (95% confidence interval, 3.47-4.14), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of 71.3%, 54.1%, and 44.3%, respectively. In 2016-2018, there was a significant shift toward BCLC stage 0-A and Child-Turcotte-Pugh liver function class A (P<0.05), although survival rates did not differ by diagnosis year. In the treatment group (n=4,389), the most common initial treatments were transarterial therapy (31.7%), surgical resection (24.9%), best supportive care (18.9%), and local ablation therapy (10.5%). Conclusions Between 2016 and 2018, HCC tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, with better liver function in later years. However, since approximately half of the patients remained diagnosed at an advanced stage, more rigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.

Background: s/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea. This study evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients newly diagnosed with HCC in 2016-2018. Methods: Data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR), a representative database of patients newly diagnosed with HCC in South Korea, were analyzed. This study investigated 4,462 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR in 2016-2018. Results: The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range, 55-72). 79.7% of patients were male. Hepatitis B infection was the most common underlying liver disease (54.5%). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system classified patients as follows: stage 0 (14.9%), A (28.8%), B (7.5%), C (39.0%), and D (9.8%). The median overall survival was 3.72 years (95% confidence interval, 3.47-4.14), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of 71.3%, 54.1%, and 44.3%, respectively. In 2016-2018, there was a significant shift toward BCLC stage 0-A and Child-Turcotte-Pugh liver function class A (P<0.05), although survival rates did not differ by diagnosis year. In the treatment group (n=4,389), the most common initial treatments were transarterial therapy (31.7%), surgical resection (24.9%), best supportive care (18.9%), and local ablation therapy (10.5%). Conclusions Between 2016 and 2018, HCC tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, with better liver function in later years. However, since approximately half of the patients remained diagnosed at an advanced stage, more rigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.

Background: s/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea. This study evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients newly diagnosed with HCC in 2016-2018. Methods: Data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR), a representative database of patients newly diagnosed with HCC in South Korea, were analyzed. This study investigated 4,462 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR in 2016-2018. Results: The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range, 55-72). 79.7% of patients were male. Hepatitis B infection was the most common underlying liver disease (54.5%). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system classified patients as follows: stage 0 (14.9%), A (28.8%), B (7.5%), C (39.0%), and D (9.8%). The median overall survival was 3.72 years (95% confidence interval, 3.47-4.14), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of 71.3%, 54.1%, and 44.3%, respectively. In 2016-2018, there was a significant shift toward BCLC stage 0-A and Child-Turcotte-Pugh liver function class A (P<0.05), although survival rates did not differ by diagnosis year. In the treatment group (n=4,389), the most common initial treatments were transarterial therapy (31.7%), surgical resection (24.9%), best supportive care (18.9%), and local ablation therapy (10.5%). Conclusions Between 2016 and 2018, HCC tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, with better liver function in later years. However, since approximately half of the patients remained diagnosed at an advanced stage, more rigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015. The children were grouped by BPD severity according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and scored for hyperaeration or parenchymal lesions. PFT results and chest CT scores were analyzed with perinatal factors. Results: A total 150 children (66 females) aged 7.7 years (6.4–9.9 years) were categorized into non/mild BPD (n=68), moderate BPD (n=39), and severe BPD (n=43) groups. The median z score for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25%–75%) were significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-1.24 vs. -0.18, -0.22 vs. 0.41, -1.80 vs. -1.12, and -1.88 vs. -1.00, respectively; all P<0.05). The median z scores of FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and FEF25%–75% among asymptomatic patients were also significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-0.82 vs. 0.09, -1.68 vs. -0.87, -1.59 vs. -0.61, respectively; all P<0.05). The severe BPD group had a higher median (range) CT score than the non/mild BPD group (6 [0–12] vs. 1 [0–10], P<0.001). Prenatal oligohydramnios was strongly associated with both low pulmonary function (FEV1/FVCConclusion School-aged children with severe BPD showed airflow limitations and structural abnormalities despite no subjective respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that patients with a history of prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged mechanical ventilation require extended follow-up.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015. The children were grouped by BPD severity according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and scored for hyperaeration or parenchymal lesions. PFT results and chest CT scores were analyzed with perinatal factors. Results: A total 150 children (66 females) aged 7.7 years (6.4–9.9 years) were categorized into non/mild BPD (n=68), moderate BPD (n=39), and severe BPD (n=43) groups. The median z score for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25%–75%) were significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-1.24 vs. -0.18, -0.22 vs. 0.41, -1.80 vs. -1.12, and -1.88 vs. -1.00, respectively; all P<0.05). The median z scores of FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and FEF25%–75% among asymptomatic patients were also significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-0.82 vs. 0.09, -1.68 vs. -0.87, -1.59 vs. -0.61, respectively; all P<0.05). The severe BPD group had a higher median (range) CT score than the non/mild BPD group (6 [0–12] vs. 1 [0–10], P<0.001). Prenatal oligohydramnios was strongly associated with both low pulmonary function (FEV1/FVCConclusion School-aged children with severe BPD showed airflow limitations and structural abnormalities despite no subjective respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that patients with a history of prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged mechanical ventilation require extended follow-up.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015. The children were grouped by BPD severity according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and scored for hyperaeration or parenchymal lesions. PFT results and chest CT scores were analyzed with perinatal factors. Results: A total 150 children (66 females) aged 7.7 years (6.4–9.9 years) were categorized into non/mild BPD (n=68), moderate BPD (n=39), and severe BPD (n=43) groups. The median z score for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25%–75%) were significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-1.24 vs. -0.18, -0.22 vs. 0.41, -1.80 vs. -1.12, and -1.88 vs. -1.00, respectively; all P<0.05). The median z scores of FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and FEF25%–75% among asymptomatic patients were also significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-0.82 vs. 0.09, -1.68 vs. -0.87, -1.59 vs. -0.61, respectively; all P<0.05). The severe BPD group had a higher median (range) CT score than the non/mild BPD group (6 [0–12] vs. 1 [0–10], P<0.001). Prenatal oligohydramnios was strongly associated with both low pulmonary function (FEV1/FVCConclusion School-aged children with severe BPD showed airflow limitations and structural abnormalities despite no subjective respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that patients with a history of prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged mechanical ventilation require extended follow-up.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015. The children were grouped by BPD severity according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using spirometry. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and scored for hyperaeration or parenchymal lesions. PFT results and chest CT scores were analyzed with perinatal factors. Results: A total 150 children (66 females) aged 7.7 years (6.4–9.9 years) were categorized into non/mild BPD (n=68), moderate BPD (n=39), and severe BPD (n=43) groups. The median z score for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25%–75%) were significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-1.24 vs. -0.18, -0.22 vs. 0.41, -1.80 vs. -1.12, and -1.88 vs. -1.00, respectively; all P<0.05). The median z scores of FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and FEF25%–75% among asymptomatic patients were also significantly lower in the severe versus non/mild BPD group (-0.82 vs. 0.09, -1.68 vs. -0.87, -1.59 vs. -0.61, respectively; all P<0.05). The severe BPD group had a higher median (range) CT score than the non/mild BPD group (6 [0–12] vs. 1 [0–10], P<0.001). Prenatal oligohydramnios was strongly associated with both low pulmonary function (FEV1/FVCConclusion School-aged children with severe BPD showed airflow limitations and structural abnormalities despite no subjective respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that patients with a history of prenatal oligohydramnios or prolonged mechanical ventilation require extended follow-up.

This report presents the latest statistics on the stroke population in South Korea, sourced from the Clinical Research Collaborations for Stroke in Korea-National Institute for Health (CRCS-K-NIH), a comprehensive, nationwide, multicenter stroke registry. The Korean cohort, unlike western populations, shows a male-to-female ratio of 1.5, attributed to lower risk factors in Korean women. The average ages for men and women are 67 and 73 years, respectively.Hypertension is the most common risk factor (67%), consistent with global trends, but there is a higher prevalence of diabetes (35%) and smoking (21%). The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (19%) is lower than in western populations, suggesting effective prevention strategies in the general population. A high incidence of large artery atherosclerosis (38%) is observed, likely due to prevalent intracranial arterial disease in East Asians and advanced imaging techniques.There has been a decrease in intravenous thrombolysis rates, from 12% in 2017–2019 to 10% in 2021, with no improvements in door-to-needle and door-to-puncture times, worsened by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. While the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel for noncardioembolic stroke and direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation is well-established, the application of direct oral anticoagulants for non-atrial fibrillation cardioembolic strokes in the acute phase requires further research. The incidence of early neurological deterioration (13%) and the cumulative incidence of recurrent stroke at 3 months (3%) align with global figures. Favorable outcomes at 3 months (63%) are comparable internationally, yet the lack of improvement in dependency at 3 months highlights the need for advancements in acute stroke care.

Background: Recent diabetes management guidelines recommend that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with proven cardiovascular benefits should be prioritized for combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and established cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was aimed at evaluating SGLT2i or GLP-1RA usage rates and various related factors in patients with T2DM and established CVD. Methods: We enrolled adults with T2DM aged ≥30 years who were hospitalized due to established CVD from January 2019 to May 2020 at 13 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea in this retrospective observational study. Results: Overall, 2,050 patients were eligible for analysis among 2,107 enrolled patients. The mean patient age, diabetes duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin level were 70.0 years, 12.0 years, and 7.5%, respectively. During the mean follow-up duration of 9.7 months, 25.7% of the patients were prescribed SGLT2is after CVD events. However, only 1.8% were prescribed GLP-1RAs. Compared with SGLT2i non-users, SGLT2i users were more frequently male and obese. Furthermore, they had a shorter diabetes duration but showed worse glycemic control and better renal function at the time of the event. GLP-1RA users had a longer duration of diabetes and worse glycemic control at the time of the event than GLP-1RA non-users. Conclusion The SGLT2i or GLP-1RA prescription rates were suboptimal in patients with T2DM and established CVD. Sex, body mass index, diabetes duration, glycemic control, and renal function were associated with the use of these agents.

Purpose: Several previous studies and case reports have reported ethanol-induced symptoms in patients receiving anticancer drugs containing ethanol. Most docetaxel formulations contain ethanol as a solvent. However, there are insufficient data on ethanol-induced symptoms when docetaxel-containing ethanol is administered. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and pattern of ethanol-induced symptoms during and after docetaxel administration. The secondary purpose was to explore the risk factors for ethanol-induced symptoms. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study. The participants filled out ethanol-induced symptom questionnaire on the day of chemotherapy and the following day. Results: Data from 451 patients were analyzed. The overall occurrence rate of ethanol-induced symptoms was 44.3% (200/451 patients). The occurrence rate of facial flushing was highest at 19.7% (89/451 patients), followed by nausea in 18.2% (82/451 patients), and dizziness in 17.5% (79/451 patients). Although infrequent, unsteady walking and impaired balance occurred in 4.2% and 3.3% of patients, respectively. Female sex, presence of underlying disease, younger age, docetaxel dose, and docetaxel-containing ethanol amount were significantly associated with the occurrence of ethanol-induced symptoms. Conclusion The occurrence of ethanol-induced symptoms was not low in patients receiving docetaxel-containing ethanol. Physicians need to pay more attention to the occurrence of ethanol-induced symptoms and prescribe ethanol-free or low-ethanol-containing formulations to high-risk patients.