Background: This study aimed to investigate the size and characteristics of pediatric clinic closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and what career paths pediatricians chose after closure. Methods: This study utilized database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2013 to 2022. We examined the trend of the number of pediatric clinics in operation over the past 10 years. Additionally, the study identified factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the affiliations of representatives who closed their clinics during the pandemic were tracked as of December 2022. Results: In 2019, there were 2,229 pediatric clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 364 (16.3%) of these clinics closed. Factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics included pediatricians over the age of 65, operational periods of less than 5 years, and lower levels of medical expenses. As of 2022, among the 364 clinics that closed, 108 pediatricians (29.7%) retired or ceased working, and 127 pediatricians (34.9%) still employed in pediatricrelated healthcare institutions. A concerning phenomenon is that the remaining 129 pediatricians (35.4%) transitioned to unrelated healthcare institutions. Conclusion We have identified the magnitude and factors contributing to pediatric clinic closures. A more pressing issue is that over one-third of the pediatricians have transitioned to non-specialty fields following the closure of their clinics. Pediatrics represents a critical and essential medical field. Health authorities must develop strategies to prevent the avoidable collapse and subsequent exodus of pediatricians.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the size and characteristics of pediatric clinic closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and what career paths pediatricians chose after closure. Methods: This study utilized database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2013 to 2022. We examined the trend of the number of pediatric clinics in operation over the past 10 years. Additionally, the study identified factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the affiliations of representatives who closed their clinics during the pandemic were tracked as of December 2022. Results: In 2019, there were 2,229 pediatric clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 364 (16.3%) of these clinics closed. Factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics included pediatricians over the age of 65, operational periods of less than 5 years, and lower levels of medical expenses. As of 2022, among the 364 clinics that closed, 108 pediatricians (29.7%) retired or ceased working, and 127 pediatricians (34.9%) still employed in pediatricrelated healthcare institutions. A concerning phenomenon is that the remaining 129 pediatricians (35.4%) transitioned to unrelated healthcare institutions. Conclusion We have identified the magnitude and factors contributing to pediatric clinic closures. A more pressing issue is that over one-third of the pediatricians have transitioned to non-specialty fields following the closure of their clinics. Pediatrics represents a critical and essential medical field. Health authorities must develop strategies to prevent the avoidable collapse and subsequent exodus of pediatricians.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the size and characteristics of pediatric clinic closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and what career paths pediatricians chose after closure. Methods: This study utilized database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2013 to 2022. We examined the trend of the number of pediatric clinics in operation over the past 10 years. Additionally, the study identified factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the affiliations of representatives who closed their clinics during the pandemic were tracked as of December 2022. Results: In 2019, there were 2,229 pediatric clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 364 (16.3%) of these clinics closed. Factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics included pediatricians over the age of 65, operational periods of less than 5 years, and lower levels of medical expenses. As of 2022, among the 364 clinics that closed, 108 pediatricians (29.7%) retired or ceased working, and 127 pediatricians (34.9%) still employed in pediatricrelated healthcare institutions. A concerning phenomenon is that the remaining 129 pediatricians (35.4%) transitioned to unrelated healthcare institutions. Conclusion We have identified the magnitude and factors contributing to pediatric clinic closures. A more pressing issue is that over one-third of the pediatricians have transitioned to non-specialty fields following the closure of their clinics. Pediatrics represents a critical and essential medical field. Health authorities must develop strategies to prevent the avoidable collapse and subsequent exodus of pediatricians.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the size and characteristics of pediatric clinic closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and what career paths pediatricians chose after closure. Methods: This study utilized database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2013 to 2022. We examined the trend of the number of pediatric clinics in operation over the past 10 years. Additionally, the study identified factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the affiliations of representatives who closed their clinics during the pandemic were tracked as of December 2022. Results: In 2019, there were 2,229 pediatric clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 364 (16.3%) of these clinics closed. Factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics included pediatricians over the age of 65, operational periods of less than 5 years, and lower levels of medical expenses. As of 2022, among the 364 clinics that closed, 108 pediatricians (29.7%) retired or ceased working, and 127 pediatricians (34.9%) still employed in pediatricrelated healthcare institutions. A concerning phenomenon is that the remaining 129 pediatricians (35.4%) transitioned to unrelated healthcare institutions. Conclusion We have identified the magnitude and factors contributing to pediatric clinic closures. A more pressing issue is that over one-third of the pediatricians have transitioned to non-specialty fields following the closure of their clinics. Pediatrics represents a critical and essential medical field. Health authorities must develop strategies to prevent the avoidable collapse and subsequent exodus of pediatricians.

Background: Precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) is mandatory and legally regulated in Korea. This study aims to investigate the frequency of PAL use in food products, evaluate its competence, and seek direction for improvement. Methods: Cow’s milk (CM) and hen’s egg white (EW) protein concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results validated PAL using the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling ® 3.0 program. A survey was conducted on guardians to compare preferences and understanding of the current and the arbitrarily revised PAL. Results: PAL was used in 91.8% (280/305) of baby food products. ELISA results using randomly selected baby food products showed that only 16.7% (5/30; No PAL with no contamination, n = 4; PAL with real-contamination risk, n = 1) were validated to PAL. A detectable CM was found in two products (2/26, 7.7%), with one product exceeding the reference dose (10.3 ± 0.17 ppm). EW was not detected at all (0/16). A total of 207 surveys from guardians were collected and categorized into three groups: food allergy (FA, n = 103), diseases other than food allergies (Others, n = 52), and no disease (Control, n = 52). The FA group exhibited the highest frequency of checking food allergen labeling (“always”: 78.6%, “often”: 9.7%), with a similar PAL adherence (“always”: 58.3%, “often”: 10.4%). None of the groups were satisfied with the current PAL. The ‘allergen-free’ statement was mostly preferred across all groups. The FA group notably preferred PAL with concentration statements. Conclusion PAL is excessively prevalent and insufficient in ensuring the safety of children with FAs, necessitating a revision towards a more patient-friendly, evidence-based system for affected individuals and their families.

Background: Precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) is mandatory and legally regulated in Korea. This study aims to investigate the frequency of PAL use in food products, evaluate its competence, and seek direction for improvement. Methods: Cow’s milk (CM) and hen’s egg white (EW) protein concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results validated PAL using the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling ® 3.0 program. A survey was conducted on guardians to compare preferences and understanding of the current and the arbitrarily revised PAL. Results: PAL was used in 91.8% (280/305) of baby food products. ELISA results using randomly selected baby food products showed that only 16.7% (5/30; No PAL with no contamination, n = 4; PAL with real-contamination risk, n = 1) were validated to PAL. A detectable CM was found in two products (2/26, 7.7%), with one product exceeding the reference dose (10.3 ± 0.17 ppm). EW was not detected at all (0/16). A total of 207 surveys from guardians were collected and categorized into three groups: food allergy (FA, n = 103), diseases other than food allergies (Others, n = 52), and no disease (Control, n = 52). The FA group exhibited the highest frequency of checking food allergen labeling (“always”: 78.6%, “often”: 9.7%), with a similar PAL adherence (“always”: 58.3%, “often”: 10.4%). None of the groups were satisfied with the current PAL. The ‘allergen-free’ statement was mostly preferred across all groups. The FA group notably preferred PAL with concentration statements. Conclusion PAL is excessively prevalent and insufficient in ensuring the safety of children with FAs, necessitating a revision towards a more patient-friendly, evidence-based system for affected individuals and their families.

Background: Precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) is mandatory and legally regulated in Korea. This study aims to investigate the frequency of PAL use in food products, evaluate its competence, and seek direction for improvement. Methods: Cow’s milk (CM) and hen’s egg white (EW) protein concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results validated PAL using the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling ® 3.0 program. A survey was conducted on guardians to compare preferences and understanding of the current and the arbitrarily revised PAL. Results: PAL was used in 91.8% (280/305) of baby food products. ELISA results using randomly selected baby food products showed that only 16.7% (5/30; No PAL with no contamination, n = 4; PAL with real-contamination risk, n = 1) were validated to PAL. A detectable CM was found in two products (2/26, 7.7%), with one product exceeding the reference dose (10.3 ± 0.17 ppm). EW was not detected at all (0/16). A total of 207 surveys from guardians were collected and categorized into three groups: food allergy (FA, n = 103), diseases other than food allergies (Others, n = 52), and no disease (Control, n = 52). The FA group exhibited the highest frequency of checking food allergen labeling (“always”: 78.6%, “often”: 9.7%), with a similar PAL adherence (“always”: 58.3%, “often”: 10.4%). None of the groups were satisfied with the current PAL. The ‘allergen-free’ statement was mostly preferred across all groups. The FA group notably preferred PAL with concentration statements. Conclusion PAL is excessively prevalent and insufficient in ensuring the safety of children with FAs, necessitating a revision towards a more patient-friendly, evidence-based system for affected individuals and their families.

Background: Precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) is mandatory and legally regulated in Korea. This study aims to investigate the frequency of PAL use in food products, evaluate its competence, and seek direction for improvement. Methods: Cow’s milk (CM) and hen’s egg white (EW) protein concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results validated PAL using the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling ® 3.0 program. A survey was conducted on guardians to compare preferences and understanding of the current and the arbitrarily revised PAL. Results: PAL was used in 91.8% (280/305) of baby food products. ELISA results using randomly selected baby food products showed that only 16.7% (5/30; No PAL with no contamination, n = 4; PAL with real-contamination risk, n = 1) were validated to PAL. A detectable CM was found in two products (2/26, 7.7%), with one product exceeding the reference dose (10.3 ± 0.17 ppm). EW was not detected at all (0/16). A total of 207 surveys from guardians were collected and categorized into three groups: food allergy (FA, n = 103), diseases other than food allergies (Others, n = 52), and no disease (Control, n = 52). The FA group exhibited the highest frequency of checking food allergen labeling (“always”: 78.6%, “often”: 9.7%), with a similar PAL adherence (“always”: 58.3%, “often”: 10.4%). None of the groups were satisfied with the current PAL. The ‘allergen-free’ statement was mostly preferred across all groups. The FA group notably preferred PAL with concentration statements. Conclusion PAL is excessively prevalent and insufficient in ensuring the safety of children with FAs, necessitating a revision towards a more patient-friendly, evidence-based system for affected individuals and their families.

Background: Using KIDS-KAERS database (KIDS-KD) from 2016 to 2020, the aim is to investigate signals of adverse events of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and to present adverse events that are not included in the precautions for use when marketing approval. Methods: This study was conducted by disproportionality analysis. Data mining analysis was performed to detect signals of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, and tamsulosin. The signal was defined by three criteria as proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC). Detected signals were compared with product labeling and the European Medicines Agency-Important Medical Events list. Results: Out of the total number of 408,077 reports for adverse events, 6,750 cases were reported as adverse events of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists. Dizziness, mouth dryness, hypotension postural, and oedema peripheral are identified as common adverse events of five alphaadrenoceptor antagonists and are typically listed on drug labels. However, new signals were detected for pneumonia, chronic obstructive airway disease, eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, fracture, and ileus of tamsulosin that were not previously listed on the drug labels in Korea. Conclusions This study identified signals related to adverse drug reactions of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and presented serious adverse events, suggesting new adverse reactions to be aware of when using alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is an important marker highly associated with cardiovascular disease. Since the direct measurement of it is inefficient in terms of cost and time, it is common to estimate through the Friedewald equation developed about 50 years ago. However, various limitations exist since the Friedewald equation was not designed for Koreans. This study proposes a new low-density lipoprotein cholesterol estimation equation for South Koreans using nationally approved statistical data. Methods: This study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2019. The 18,837 subjects were used to develop the equation for estimating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The subjects included individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels directly measured among those with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol measured. We compared twelve equations developed in the previous studies and the newly proposed equation (model 1) developed in this study with the actual low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value in various ways. Results: The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value estimated using the estimation formula and the actual low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value were compared using the root mean squared error. When the triglyceride level was less than 400 mg/dL, the root mean squared of the model 1 was 7.96, the lowest compared to other equations, and the model 2 was 7.82. The degree of misclassification was checked according to the NECP ATP III 6 categories. As a result, the misclassification rate of the model 1 was the lowest at 18.9%, and Weighted Kappa was the highest at 0.919 (0.003), which means it significantly reduced the underestimation rate shown in other existing estimation equations. Root mean square error was also compared according to the change in triglycerides level. As the triglycerides level increased, the root mean square error showed an increasing trend in all equations, but it was confirmed that the model 1 was the lowest compared to other equations. Conclusion The newly proposed low-density lipoprotein cholesterol estimation equation showed significantly improved performance compared to the 12 existing estimation equations. The use of representative samples and external verification is required for more sophisticated estimates in the future.