Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are hospitalized for various conditions. Hospitalization increases the readmission rate and mortality rate, seriously deteriorating patients’ quality of life. Consequently, it is crucial to analyze the reasons for hospitalization in CKD patients from a broader perspective according to CKD grade. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of CKD patients entitled the KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD). A total of 2,238 patients were examined, and the reasons for hospitalization were classified into 16 disease categories. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) according to CKD stage was compared using negative bimodal regression analysis. Results: The all-cause hospitalization incidence was 184.96 per 1,000 person-years. The most common reason for hospitalization was circulatory system disease, followed by infection and digestive system disease. Among hospitalizations for acute kidney injury, endocrine-nutrition-metabolic–related illness, blood-related disease, and diseases of the nervous system and sensory organs, IRR increased as CKD grade advanced. The incidence of ophthalmologic surgery during hospitalization increased according to the CKD stage. The IRR of KNOW-CKD patients was 6.19 (95% confidence interval, 5.92–6.48; p < 0.001) compared with the general population. Conclusion: This in-depth analysis of hospitalizations among CKD patients confirmed that CKD patients were hospitalized for various reasons, such as metabolic, ophthalmic, and hematologic diseases. Early detection and intervention regarding causative diseases of CKD are important to reduce the hospitalization burden and improve patients’ quality of life.

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.

Tuberculous pericarditis is an extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis that is most commonly associated with pericardial thickening, effusion, and calcification. We present a case of tuberculous pericarditis mimicking a malignant pericardial tumor in a 77-year-old male. CT revealed an irregular and nodular pericardial thickening. MRI revealed high signal intensity on T1-weighted fat-suppressed images and peripheral rim enhancement after gadolinium administration. MRI can be helpful in determining the differential diagnoses in cases of tuberculous pericarditis with nonspecific imaging findings.

Background: Hospital environments, particularly shared rooms, are vulnerable to the transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). The incidence of CRE colonization in the Korean homeless population remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the impact of targeted active surveillance of CRE in hospital wards following two outbreaks. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a homeless ward with shared rooms at a municipal hospital in Seoul. The CRE incidence was calculated from October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Active surveillance was initiated on January 22, 2024. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare CRE incidence events at three months before and four months after the intervention. The risk factors for CRE colonization were also analyzed. Results: The CRE colonization rate decreased from 1.149 to 0.815 per 1,000 patient-days post-intervention; however, the change was not statistically significant (rate ratio: 0.986, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.389-2.496, P=0.976). In contrast to the secondary cases, one acquired CRE case was detected after the intervention without an outbreak. The CRE colonization rate was higher in the homeless ward than in the general ward. CRE colonization was significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.071; 95% CI: 1.014-1.132;P=0.014), previous antibiotic exposure (aOR, 6.796; 95% CI: 1.215-38.029; P=0.029), and co-colonization with other multidrug resistant bacteria (aOR, 7.168; 95% CI: 2.224-23.096;P=0.001). Conclusion A relatively high incidence of CRE colonization was observed in the homeless ward. After active surveillance, no CRE outbreaks occurred following the implementation.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a tool to systematically assess the risk of collapse in the delivery infrastructure and apply it to 42 districts in Gyeonggi Province. The ultimate goal is to provide data for preventive and improvement strategies tailored to regional needs. Methods: Hospitals performing over 50 deliveries annually were identified. Regions were categorized as 'none,' 'one,' or 'more than two' delivery hospitals, with further subdivision by annual delivery volume. Regions were then classified into 5 categories: 'relatively stable,' 'low-risk,' 'moderate-risk,' 'high-risk,' and 'collapsed.' Results: Of the 42 districts, 23 were classified as relatively stable, 3 as low-risk, 1 as moderate-risk, 4 as highrisk, and 11 as collapsed. Notably, areas where the delivery infrastructure has collapsed or is at high risk of collapse accounted for approximately 36% of the total. Conclusion Tailored strategies and urgent policy support are required for high-risk regions. While perinatal regionalization may be a future direction, stable infrastructure must be maintained until the maternal care delivery system is established.