Objectives: Large language models (LLMs) demonstrate remarkable potential in healthcare communication. However, whether they can process complex, high-volume medical information, such as stroke-related content, remains insufficiently validated. This study aimed to evaluate the natural language processing capabilities of LLMs in handling such content and to develop an evaluation instrument. Methods: A survey compared educational materials generated by two LLMs (ChatGPT 4.0 and Claude 3) with neurologist-authored content on stroke. The materials were based on two clinical scenarios representing distinct stroke etiologies: cardioembolism and large-artery atherosclerosis. They were evaluated in terms of accuracy, legality, ethics, comprehensiveness, and information delivery. Scores for comprehensiveness and information delivery were compared according to participants’ agreement with the use of LLMs in healthcare. Results: ChatGPT received the highest scores across all domains, except for legality in Scenario 2. In Scenario 1, the ranking for accuracy and summarization of clinical information was, from highest to lowest, ChatGPT, Claude, and the neurologist (η2 = 0.140, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.175, p < 0.001). The same hierarchy was observed in Scenario 2 for accuracy (η2 = 0.077, p < 0.001) and summarization (η2 = 0.194, p < 0.001). Participants who agreed with the use of LLMs in healthcare assigned higher scores for the comprehensiveness (Scenario 1, p = 0.005; Scenario 2, p = 0.007) and information delivery (Scenario 1, p = 0.003; Scenario 2, p = 0.026) of ChatGPT-generated materials than participants who did not agree. Conclusions LLMs demonstrated adequate capability to convey complex content, such as stroke-related information, in an accessible and understandable manner for non-experts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of orofacial clefts and identify the characteristics of other birth defects associated with orofacial clefts in Korea. METHODS: This study used data from the Congenital Anomaly Survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. The survey was conducted on birth defects documented during 2005 to 2006 in 2,348 medical institutes in Korea. This study was performed using data from medical insurance claims of the National Health Insurance Corporation. The prevalence of orofacial clefts was defined as the number of cases per 10,000 live births. RESULTS: Among the 883,184 live births, 25,335 infants had birth defects, which included 980 infants with orofacial clefts. The prevalence of total orofacial clefts in the total live births was 11.09 per 10,000, accounting for 3.9% of all birth defects. The most common orofacial cleft was cleft palate only (n=492), followed by cleft lip only (n=245) and cleft lip with cleft palate (n=243), with prevalence rates of 5.57, 2.77, 2.75 per 10,000 live births, respectively. While malformations of the circulatory system; digestive system; eyes, ears, face, and neck; and musculoskeletal system were most frequently encountered among infants with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate, anomalies of most organ systems were notably observed among infants with cleft palate only. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of orofacial clefts in Korea was similar or slightly lower than that of other countries. This study informs present status of orofacial clefts and gives baseline data to lay the foundation stone for Korea's registry system of orofacial clefts.
Academies and Institutes ; Cleft Lip ; Cleft Palate ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Digestive System ; Ear ; Humans ; Infant ; Insurance ; Korea ; Live Birth* ; Musculoskeletal System ; National Health Programs ; Neck ; Prevalence*

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is common in infants with Down syndrome (DS), which is the principle cause of mortality. However, there is no data available for the frequency and types of CHD in infants with DS in Korea. We investigated the frequency of CHD in infants with DS in Korea. After the survey on birth defects was conducted throughout the country, the prevalence of CHD in DS in 2005-2006 was calculated. This study was conducted based on the medical insurance claims database of the National Health Insurance Corporation. The number of total births in Korea was 888,263 in 2005-2006; of them, 25,975 cases of birth defects were identified. The prevalence of DS was 4.4 per 10,000 total births, accounting for 1.5% of all birth defects. Of the 394 infants with DS, 224 (56.9%) had a CHD. Atrial septal defect was the most common defect accounting for 30.5% of DS followed by ventricular septal defect (19.3%), patent duct arteriosus (17.5%), and atrioventricular septal defect (9.4%). Our study will be helpful to demonstrate the current status of DS and to identify the distribution of CHD in infants with DS in Korea.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Birth Weight ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Databases, Factual ; Down Syndrome/*complications ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/epidemiology ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Heart Defects, Congenital/*epidemiology/etiology ; Heart Septal Defects/epidemiology ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/epidemiology ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology

We investigated the livebirths prevalence and occurrence pattern of birth defects in Korea. After the survey on birth defects was done in 2,348 medical institutions around the nation, the birth defect prevalence of livebirths in 2005-2006 was calculated. This study was based on the medical insurance claims database of the National Health Insurance Corporation. The number of livebirths in Korea was 883,184 from 2005-2006, and 25,335 cases of birth defects were notified to our study, equivalent to a prevalence of 286.9 per 10,000 livebirths. Anomalies of the circulatory system were the most common defects, accounting for 43.4% of birth defects with a prevalence of 124.5 per 10,000 livebirths. It was followed by the musculoskeletal system anomalies, the digestive system anomalies, and the urinary system anomalies. The five major birth defects based on the ranking of prevalence were atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, hydronephrosis, patent ductus arteriosus, and cleft lip/palate. Birth defects in livebirths were associated with a high proportion of low birthweight, prematurity, multiple births and advanced maternal age. The prevalence of birth defects in Korea is similar to or lower than those reported in developed countries. Our study suggests baseline data to explain the current status of birth defects and to establish a registry system of birth defects in Korea.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cleft Lip/epidemiology ; Cleft Palate/epidemiology ; Congenital Abnormalities/*epidemiology ; Databases, Factual ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/epidemiology ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/epidemiology ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/epidemiology ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis/epidemiology ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Live Birth ; Male ; Maternal Age ; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities/epidemiology ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology

Little is known about the prevalence and seroprevalence of low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and the risk factors for HPV infection in Korean women. We determined the prevalence of low-risk HPV among 902 women aged 20-59 yr and the seroprevalence of low-risk HPV subtypes 6 and 11 among 1,094 women aged 9-59 yr in the general population. Genital low-risk HPV DNA was assessed by liquid hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. Antibody titers against HPV 6 and 11 were measured by a multiplexed competitive luminex technique. The prevalence of genital low-risk HPV was 4.9%. It reached its highest peak of 10.3% at 20-29 yr of age and a second peak of 3.2% at 50-59 yr of age. The seroprevalence of HPV 6 or 11 was 9.4%. It reached its highest peak of 12.7% at 25-29 yr of age and a second peak of 12.3% at 50-59 yr of age. In multivariable analysis, the number of lifetime sexual partners and past history of sexually transmitted diseases were associated with the seroprevalence but not prevalence of HPV. It is suggested that younger women should receive prophylactic HPV vaccination before they become sexually active and exposed to HPV in their 20s. This study provides baseline data for developing HPV vaccination programs and monitoring vaccine efficacy in Korea.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies/blood/immunology ; Child ; DNA, Viral/analysis ; Female ; Human papillomavirus 11/genetics/immunology ; Human papillomavirus 6/genetics/immunology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Papillomavirus Infections/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Sexual Behavior ; Young Adult

Korea has recorded a very low total fertility rate of 1.15 in 2009. Young Koreans tend to postpone their marriage, and as a result of late marriage, the average age of first pregnancy has been continuously increasing. Older married couples often produced multifetal pregnancies due to assisted reproduction. Elderly pregnancies and multifetal pregnancies contribute to high maternal/perinatal mortalities and morbidities. Basic maternal and child health services including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care are covered under national health insurance in Korea. However, preconception care is not covered under national health insurance nor any other preventive service program. Many developed countries including United States and academic societies have emphasized the importance of preconception care and have proposed guidelines on preconception care. No suggested guidelines for preconception care have been developed in Korea. Evidence-based guidelines on preconception care should be developed with the cooperation of associated academic societies. In addition, the Korean government should develop a comprehensive plan for preventive services for women including preconception care.
Aged ; Birth Rate ; Child ; Child Health Services ; Child Health ; Developed Countries ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Marriage ; Maternal-Child Health Services ; National Health Programs ; Population Characteristics ; Postnatal Care ; Preconception Care ; Pregnancy ; Preventive Health Services ; Reproduction ; United States

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to analyze outcome of removal of non-palpable Implanon(TM) by ultrasound guidance. METHODS: This is retrospective study of patients who were referred from local clinic where removal of non-palpable Implanon(TM) had been failed. The cases were 32 patients who visited to Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital between March 2004 through March 2009. RESULTS: Implanons(TM) were localized on ultrasound in all 32 cases. 18 cases were located in subcutaneous layer, 10 cased were located in fascial layer, 4 cases were located in muscle layer. All cases were successfully removed. The average length of time required for removal was 19.3 minutes. There was no complication except one patient, who had mild median nerve injury. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guidance removal was safe and effective procedure to remove non palpable Implanon(TM).
Humans ; Median Nerve ; Muscles ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and improve the method in management of HBsAg positive mothers in Korea by the screening time and method. METHODS: From January 2003 to March 2003, questionnaires were obtained using mail or telephone from total 848 hospitals or clinics handling more than 100 deliveries in year 2001 and 341 of them (40.2%) returned their answers. 279,734 out of 507,151 (55.2%) were investigated in number of delivery cases. The screening time and method for HBsAg in antenatal period were analyzed. RESULTS: Most of hospitals tested for HBV infectivity more than once during antenatal period. 99.1% of hospitals tested for HBsAg and 96.1% of hospitals tested for HBsAb. 87.1% of pregnant women were tested for HBsAg on the first visit. HBsAb was tested at the same time with HBsAg in 96.2%. 41% of hospitals repeated test in third trimester for those with negative HBsAg and 54% of HBsAg positive mothers were retested in third trimester. For those who admitted only for delivery, 45.9% of hospitals tested for HBsAg irrespective of their history. Clinics used RPHA for test method in 38.1% which was higher in proportion compare to hospitals. CONCLUSION: HBV infectivity must be screened in all pregnant women. Repeating test in third trimester may be unnecessary and a policy should be made for those who admit for delivery alone. EIA method is recommended instead of RPHA method.
Female ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens* ; Humans ; Korea ; Mass Screening* ; Mothers ; Postal Service ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnant Women* ; Surveys and Questionnaire ; Telephone

OBJECTIVE: To study prevalence rate of HBsAg positive parturient women in Korea and compare different rates according to the locations of delivery. METHODS: Total 848 institutions which reported more than 100 deliveries during 2001, were included for this study. Designed questionnaire were used to study the numbers of HBsAg positive parturients and total deliveries. The survey was conducted by mail, telephone and visit. Total 279,734 deliveries (55.2% of estimated total deliveries) were obtained to complete the study. RESULTS: Prevalence rates of HBsAg positive parturient women in Korea were 3.23% and 3.3% in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Cheju area showed highest prevalence rates. Women delivering in urban area showed higher prevlance rate than those in rural area. CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates of HBsAg positive parturient women were 3.3% in 2001-2002 and the rates sustained around 3.5% since 1992 in Korea.
Female ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens* ; Humans ; Jeju-do ; Korea* ; Postal Service ; Prevalence* ; Surveys and Questionnaire ; Telephone

OBJECTIVE: For evaluation of prevention program for neonatal vertical transmission from HBsAg positive mother in Korea METHODS: From January 15th to February 15th 2003, the status of neonatal vaccination, immunoglobuline injection and breast feeding of HBsAg positive mother was evaluated by using mailed questionnaire in 848 hostpitals with more than 100 deliveries in the year of 2001. 341 out of 848 (40.2%) hospitals returned questionnaires. RESULTS: 91.9% of total hospital reported that the vaccination of hepatitis B and immunoglobulin injection was done within 12 hours after birth in more than 90% of neonate. The most commonly used vaccine type was 0-1-6 method. In case of unknown result of HBsAg/ HBsAb in mother, 84.4% of hospitals delayed immunoglobulin injection until complete report, however 63% of hospitals gave hepatitis vaccine without delay before complete result. The breast feeding of HBsAg positive mother was recommended according to the result of HBeAg in 66.3% of hospitals while 24.9% of hospitals recommend breast feeding. CONCLUSION: Most hospitals in Korea reported that vaccination of Hepatitis B and immunoglobulin injection was done within 12 hours after in over 90% of neonate whose mother was HBsAg Positive. But continuous education and careful monitoring are required for injection method and vaccination policy in neonates of mothers with unknown result of HBsAg/HBsAb of mother.
Breast Feeding ; Education ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Infant, Newborn ; Korea* ; Mothers* ; Parturition ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaire ; Vaccination