The impact of Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfection on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis remains uncertain. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent a pneumococcal urinary antigen (PUA) test to assess its clinical utility. Results showed that PUA-positive patients required more oxygen support, high-flow nasal cannula, and dexamethasone compared to PUA-negative patients.Furthermore, the significantly higher incidence of a National Early Warning Score ≥5 in the PUA-positive group (P<0.001) suggests that a positive PUA test is associated with a severe disease course. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed between the two groups, and antibiotics were used in almost all patients (96.2%). While the PUA test may help guide antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients, its interpretation should be approached with caution.

The impact of Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfection on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis remains uncertain. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent a pneumococcal urinary antigen (PUA) test to assess its clinical utility. Results showed that PUA-positive patients required more oxygen support, high-flow nasal cannula, and dexamethasone compared to PUA-negative patients.Furthermore, the significantly higher incidence of a National Early Warning Score ≥5 in the PUA-positive group (P<0.001) suggests that a positive PUA test is associated with a severe disease course. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed between the two groups, and antibiotics were used in almost all patients (96.2%). While the PUA test may help guide antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients, its interpretation should be approached with caution.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

The impact of Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfection on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis remains uncertain. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent a pneumococcal urinary antigen (PUA) test to assess its clinical utility. Results showed that PUA-positive patients required more oxygen support, high-flow nasal cannula, and dexamethasone compared to PUA-negative patients.Furthermore, the significantly higher incidence of a National Early Warning Score ≥5 in the PUA-positive group (P<0.001) suggests that a positive PUA test is associated with a severe disease course. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed between the two groups, and antibiotics were used in almost all patients (96.2%). While the PUA test may help guide antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients, its interpretation should be approached with caution.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

Background: The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12), which is now widely adopted in clinical settings, has been established as reliable, valid, and responsive, positioning as a critical evaluation tool globally to gauge the efficacy of hip arthroscopy.This study aimed to translate the iHOT12 questionnaire into Korean and assess its feasibility, internal consistency, and validity concerning the psychometric properties of the Korean version of iHOT12 (iHOT12-K). Methods: The iHOT12 questionnaire was translated into Korean and adapted culturally, following international guidelines, involving forward translation, back-translation, and reconciliation by bilingual experts to ensure cross-cultural equivalence. A cohort of 67 patients diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement and scheduled for hip arthroscopy between November 2015 and February 2021 participated in assessing the psychometric properties of the iHOT12-K, alongside standardized questionnaires (Korean iterations of the Short Form-36 [SF-36], Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS], Korean version of Hip Outcome Score [HOS-K], and modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS]). Psychometric evaluations focusing on feasibility, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and convergent validity (Spearman’s rank correlation) demonstrated the reliability and relevance of iHOT12-K. Results: In the psychometric evaluation of the adapted version, 67 participants (38 men and 29 women; median age, 41 years) were enrolled, with 59 completing the iHOT12-K. The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.896) without floor or ceiling effects, indicating good feasibility. Strong convergent validity was noted between the iHOT12-K and various hip-specific questionnaires (HOOS, HOS-K, and mHHS), except for the maximal visual analog scale score, demonstrating the reliability and applicability of the iHOT12-K for clinical assessments in Korea. Conclusions The iHOT12-K has successfully undergone transcultural adaptation, demonstrating significant feasibility, internal consistency, and validity. It has been validated for use among Korean-speaking patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, proving to be a valuable tool for clinical assessments.

Background: The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12), which is now widely adopted in clinical settings, has been established as reliable, valid, and responsive, positioning as a critical evaluation tool globally to gauge the efficacy of hip arthroscopy.This study aimed to translate the iHOT12 questionnaire into Korean and assess its feasibility, internal consistency, and validity concerning the psychometric properties of the Korean version of iHOT12 (iHOT12-K). Methods: The iHOT12 questionnaire was translated into Korean and adapted culturally, following international guidelines, involving forward translation, back-translation, and reconciliation by bilingual experts to ensure cross-cultural equivalence. A cohort of 67 patients diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement and scheduled for hip arthroscopy between November 2015 and February 2021 participated in assessing the psychometric properties of the iHOT12-K, alongside standardized questionnaires (Korean iterations of the Short Form-36 [SF-36], Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS], Korean version of Hip Outcome Score [HOS-K], and modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS]). Psychometric evaluations focusing on feasibility, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and convergent validity (Spearman’s rank correlation) demonstrated the reliability and relevance of iHOT12-K. Results: In the psychometric evaluation of the adapted version, 67 participants (38 men and 29 women; median age, 41 years) were enrolled, with 59 completing the iHOT12-K. The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.896) without floor or ceiling effects, indicating good feasibility. Strong convergent validity was noted between the iHOT12-K and various hip-specific questionnaires (HOOS, HOS-K, and mHHS), except for the maximal visual analog scale score, demonstrating the reliability and applicability of the iHOT12-K for clinical assessments in Korea. Conclusions The iHOT12-K has successfully undergone transcultural adaptation, demonstrating significant feasibility, internal consistency, and validity. It has been validated for use among Korean-speaking patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, proving to be a valuable tool for clinical assessments.

Background: The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12), which is now widely adopted in clinical settings, has been established as reliable, valid, and responsive, positioning as a critical evaluation tool globally to gauge the efficacy of hip arthroscopy.This study aimed to translate the iHOT12 questionnaire into Korean and assess its feasibility, internal consistency, and validity concerning the psychometric properties of the Korean version of iHOT12 (iHOT12-K). Methods: The iHOT12 questionnaire was translated into Korean and adapted culturally, following international guidelines, involving forward translation, back-translation, and reconciliation by bilingual experts to ensure cross-cultural equivalence. A cohort of 67 patients diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement and scheduled for hip arthroscopy between November 2015 and February 2021 participated in assessing the psychometric properties of the iHOT12-K, alongside standardized questionnaires (Korean iterations of the Short Form-36 [SF-36], Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS], Korean version of Hip Outcome Score [HOS-K], and modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS]). Psychometric evaluations focusing on feasibility, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and convergent validity (Spearman’s rank correlation) demonstrated the reliability and relevance of iHOT12-K. Results: In the psychometric evaluation of the adapted version, 67 participants (38 men and 29 women; median age, 41 years) were enrolled, with 59 completing the iHOT12-K. The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.896) without floor or ceiling effects, indicating good feasibility. Strong convergent validity was noted between the iHOT12-K and various hip-specific questionnaires (HOOS, HOS-K, and mHHS), except for the maximal visual analog scale score, demonstrating the reliability and applicability of the iHOT12-K for clinical assessments in Korea. Conclusions The iHOT12-K has successfully undergone transcultural adaptation, demonstrating significant feasibility, internal consistency, and validity. It has been validated for use among Korean-speaking patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, proving to be a valuable tool for clinical assessments.