Purpose: Despite the widespread use of liquid skin adhesives (LSA), concerns persist regarding the increase in wound care costs. This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of LSA for surgical wound management. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, single-center randomized controlled trial, adults aged 19 years and older who were scheduled for elective minimally invasive colorectal surgeries were included. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an n-butyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive was used in the experimental group (LSA group), while a surgical skin stapler was employed in the control group (stapler group). The primary outcome measure was the sum of the total time required for wound management. Results: A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 29 patients in each group. The findings revealed comparable wound complication rates in the 2 groups (8 out of 29 in the LSA group vs. 5 out of 29 in the stapler group, P = 0.530). Notably, the LSA group had a significantly shorter wound management time (median 235 seconds vs. 1,201 seconds, P < 0.001) and similar wound management cost (median US dollar [USD] 50.6 vs. USD 54.6, P = 0.529) compared to the stapler group. Subgroup analysis showed that the LSA group had a shorter management time for uncomplicated wounds and a lower cost for complicated wounds. Conclusion LSA not only provides a safe alternative but also offers a resource-efficient option for wound management compared to staplers.

Purpose: This study compared the differences in health and dietary characteristics according to the subjective health perception among postmenopausal middle-aged women. Methods: Data from the 8 th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were utilized. The participants were naturally postmenopausal women aged 45–59 years, categorized into three groups (good, moderate, and bad) based on their subjective health perception. The general and biochemical characteristics, prevalence of diseases, mental health indicators, dietary behavior factors, food groups, and nutrient intake were compared according to subjective health perception. Results: Bad subjective health perception was associated with lower education levels, not engaging in economic activity, and higher rates of alcohol drinking and smoking. Women with bad subjective health perception had higher fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, blood insulin concentrations, and triglyceride concentrations, as well as lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In addition, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and anemia was higher in this group. Women with bad subjective health perceptions were more likely to perceive themselves as fat or thin, experience activity restrictions, perceive stress, have suicidal ideation, and have sought medical assistance for mental issues. They also had higher rates of skipping lunch, lower frequency of fruit consumption, engaging in dietary therapy, feeling chewing discomfort, and higher total daily energy intake. Conclusion These findings suggest that bad subjective health perception in postmenopausal middle-aged women is associated with a higher prevalence of diseases, worse mental health status, and less healthy dietary behaviors. These results can serve as foundational data for future guidelines on desirable health and dietary behaviors aimed at improving the subjective health perceptions of middle-aged women after menopause.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children and adolescents. The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease published the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline in 2008, which has been helpful in atopic dermatitis treatment until now. Various reports on the development and effectiveness of new drugs have suggested that there is a need to develop and revise old treatment guidelines. Part 1 aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for skin care management and topical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Part 2 focuses on systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy. The goal of this guideline is intended to assist front-line doctors treating pediatric and adolescent atopic dermatitis patients make safer, more effective, and more rational decisions regarding systemic treatment, novel therapeutics, and adjuvant therapy by providing evidence-based recommendations with a clear level of evidence and benefit regarding treatment.

Purpose: Despite the widespread use of liquid skin adhesives (LSA), concerns persist regarding the increase in wound care costs. This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of LSA for surgical wound management. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, single-center randomized controlled trial, adults aged 19 years and older who were scheduled for elective minimally invasive colorectal surgeries were included. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an n-butyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive was used in the experimental group (LSA group), while a surgical skin stapler was employed in the control group (stapler group). The primary outcome measure was the sum of the total time required for wound management. Results: A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 29 patients in each group. The findings revealed comparable wound complication rates in the 2 groups (8 out of 29 in the LSA group vs. 5 out of 29 in the stapler group, P = 0.530). Notably, the LSA group had a significantly shorter wound management time (median 235 seconds vs. 1,201 seconds, P < 0.001) and similar wound management cost (median US dollar [USD] 50.6 vs. USD 54.6, P = 0.529) compared to the stapler group. Subgroup analysis showed that the LSA group had a shorter management time for uncomplicated wounds and a lower cost for complicated wounds. Conclusion LSA not only provides a safe alternative but also offers a resource-efficient option for wound management compared to staplers.

Objective: Despite lower depression rates in men than in women, men’s suicide rates are significantly higher, suggesting potential gaps in depression screening. Rutz et al. developed the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), which includes symptoms commonly associated with male depression. This study was conducted to validate the Korean version of the GMDS (K-GMDS). Methods: The K-GMDS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and outpatient records of 233 new patients at the outpatient psychiatry department of Catholic University Hospital in Daegu from February and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, and external validity was tested by analyzing the scale’s correlation with the PHQ-9. The screening capacity of the K-GMDS was tested based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Results: Of 233 patients, 42.6% (n=98) were classified to the depression group. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and external validity was established with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 between the total score of the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9. While there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve between the K-GMDS and the PHQ-9, the K-GMDS had better sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy in screening depressive symptoms among men compared to the PHQ-9. Conclusion The K-GMDS exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity in psychiatric outpatient settings and outperforms the PHQ-9 in screening for depression among men. This study will be useful in developing male depression scales that are currently unavailable in South Korea.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.