Background: Cough is a prominent symptom of chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis (BE). Some patients develop chronic cough (CC), defined as lasting more than 8 weeks, yet its characteristics remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize CC across various chronic respiratory diseases using validated cough assessment tools. Methods: The Cough Assessment in Chronic Respiratory Diseases (COASESS) study, a multicenter, prospective cross-sectional study, was conducted at 10 university hospitals. CC was evaluated in terms of intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), frequency (cough symptom score [CSS]), and quality of life (using the cough assessment test [COAT] and Leicester cough questionnaire [LCQ]). Cough hypersensitivity was assessed with the cough hypersensitivity questionnaire (CHQ). Data on age, sex, and smoking status were also collected. Results: Among the 303 enrolled patients, 266 with chronic respiratory diseases were included in the analysis. Patients with asthma were younger, predominantly female, and non-smokers, whereas those with COPD and IPF were older males who had previously smoked (p<0.001). Scores for COAT, LCQ, NRS, and CSS showed significant differences across the diseases, with asthma and IPF patients experiencing a greater symptom burden and lower quality of life compared to those with COPD or BE (p<0.001). Although CHQ total scores were similar across groups, asthma patients more frequently reported triggers such as talking and post-nasal drip. Conclusion This study revealed distinct characteristics of CC across different chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma and IPF were associated with a higher symptom burden, and cough hypersensitivity varied depending on the underlying condition. These findings highlight the necessity for disease-specific assessments and management strategies for CC.

In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.

The increasing detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has raised concerns about overtreatment.For low-risk PTMC, either immediate surgery or active surveillance (AS) can be considered. To support AS implementation, the Korean Thyroid Association convened a multidisciplinary panel and developed the first Korean guideline. AS is recommended to adults with pathologically proven Bethesda V-VI PTMC without clinical evidence of lymph node or distant metastasis, gross extrathyroidal extension, tracheal or recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion, or aggressive histology. Baseline assessment requires high‑resolution cervical ultrasound by experienced operators to rule out extrathyroidal extension, tracheal or recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion, and lymph node metastasis;contrast‑enhanced neck computed tomography is optional. Patient characteristics such as age, comorbidities, and capacity for long-term follow-up should be assessed. Shared decision-making should weigh the benefits and risks of surgery and AS, expected oncologic outcomes, complications, quality of life, anxiety, medical cost, and patient preference. Follow-up includes cervical ultrasound and thyroid function test every six months for two years, then annually. Disease progression, defined as significant tumor growth or newly detected nodal or distant metastasis, warrants surgery. Despite remaining uncertainties, this guideline offers a framework to ensure oncologic safety and support patient-centered active surveillance.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical classifications, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients with intestinal atresia treated by the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) through three nationwide surveys. Methods: KAPS conducted 3 national surveys in 1998, 2010, and 2024 to examine the patients diagnosed with intestinal atresia. In preparation for the survey, we developed a customized case registration form to obtain data on patient sex, birth weight, gestational age, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical types, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes. Authorized KAPS members completed the case registration form. Results: The first, second, and third national surveys included 218, 222, and 236 individuals diagnosed with intestinal atresia, respectively. The male-to-female ratios were 1.5:1, 1.1:1, and 1.1:1, respectively. The first, second, and third national surveys revealed that 34.3%, 43.3%, and 53.4% of patients were born before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Additionally, 28.7%, 32.0%, and 40.7% of patients had a birth weight under 2,500 g. In the third national survey, duodenoduodenostomy was the most common procedure, performed in 70 out of 82 patients diagnosed with duodenal atresia. Resection and anastomosis were the main surgical procedures conducted in 47 out of 54 cases of jejunal atresia and 74 out of 92 cases of ileal atresia. The mortality rates in the first, second, and third national surveys were 13.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, with the lowest rate observed in the third national survey. Conclusion These national surveys offer valuable insights into the current state of intestinal atresia, including specific surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes in South Korea. For pediatric surgeons aiming to enhance their understanding of intestinal atresia and its treatment options, these surveys could be an indispensable resource and guide.

Background: Poor outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) revascularization are anticipated in patients with dementia due to advanced age, comorbidities, and reduced disease awareness. This study investigated clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of AIS revascularization in patients undergoing dementia treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AIS revascularization therapy at eight centers of the Catholic University of Korea. Patients receiving anti-dementia medication for cognitive impairment before stroke onset were analyzed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality, were collected. Results: Among 1,379 patients who received AIS revascularization over 5 years, 13 (0.94%; mean age 83 years; 8 females) had a preexisting diagnosis of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease in 11, mild cognitive impairment in 2) and were on anti-dementia medication. Two patients underwent intravenous thrombolysis combined with endovascular therapy, whereas 11 underwent endovascular therapy alone. Most patients (11/13, 84.6%) presented with an unclear onset time. Stroke lesions were located in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) in seven cases, left MCA in three, bilateral MCAs in one, and posterior circulation in two. Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in six patients (46%), of whom three (23%) were symptomatic. The mRS scores at discharge were 6 in two patients, 5 in one patient, 4 in nine patients, and 3 in one patient. Four patients died within 3 months of stroke onset. Conclusion The proportion of patients with cognitive impairment receiving anti-dementia medication among those undergoing stroke revascularization therapy was very small. The rates of hemorrhagic transformation and mortality were high. None of the patients achieved favorable outcomes at discharge.

The impact of age on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is not clearly understood. Using data from the Korean Renal Data System (2001–2022), we analyzed 66,129 HD patients, stratified into young (<65 years, n = 24,589), younger-old (65–74 years, n = 17,732), and older-old (≥75 years, n = 23,808) groups. Patients were categorized into BMI quartiles, and survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and event time ratios for the relative change in the survival time. During the follow-up period, 14,360 of the patients (21.7%) died, with a median follow-up of 3.4 years. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed poorer outcomes in lower BMI quartiles across all age groups. The lowest BMI quartile was significantly associated with a shorter survival time compared to the highest BMI quartile, with a 15% reduction in the young group (p = 0.001) and a 12% reduction in the older-old group (p = 0.002). Predicted survival time increases with rising BMI in the young group, but the rate of increase slows in the younger-old group and plateaus in the older-old group after a BMI of 25 kg/m2. Lower BMI correlates with higher mortality, particularly in younger HD patients.

Purpose: An endoscopic subureteral injection (EI) using a bulking agent is a highly successful surgical procedure, particularly for low-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Despite the serious adverse effects, routine voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to determine radiographic success after EI remains controversial. This study evaluated the necessity of routine postoperative VCUG in children with primary low-grade VUR. Materials and Methods: From January 2016 to August 2021, children who underwent EI for primary low-grade (I-III) VUR with a history of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) were analyzed retrospectively. From January 2016 to July 2018, routine VCUG following EI was performed on all children. Thereafter, postoperative VCUG was performed only if indicated. Clinical success was defined as no fUTI during a 12-month follow-up, and radiographic success was defined as the disappearance of VUR on postoperative VCUG. The clinical and radiographic outcomes in both groups were compared. Results: Thirty-six children were analyzed in this study. Three children (8.3%) experienced postoperative fUTI. In the routine group, clinical and radiographic success was observed in 16/17 (94.1%) and 15/17 (88.2%), respectively. Two children in the routine group experienced radiographic failure. Among these, one child showed clinical success, and the other underwent additional EI due to clinical failure. Of the indicated group, clinical failure was observed in 2/19 (10.5%). Of them, persistent VUR was identified in one child. Conclusions Clinical and radiologic success after EI for primary low-grade VUR is high, and routine VCUG for confirming radiographic success has a limited impact on the clinical course.

Purpose: An endoscopic subureteral injection (EI) using a bulking agent is a highly successful surgical procedure, particularly for low-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Despite the serious adverse effects, routine voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to determine radiographic success after EI remains controversial. This study evaluated the necessity of routine postoperative VCUG in children with primary low-grade VUR. Materials and Methods: From January 2016 to August 2021, children who underwent EI for primary low-grade (I-III) VUR with a history of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) were analyzed retrospectively. From January 2016 to July 2018, routine VCUG following EI was performed on all children. Thereafter, postoperative VCUG was performed only if indicated. Clinical success was defined as no fUTI during a 12-month follow-up, and radiographic success was defined as the disappearance of VUR on postoperative VCUG. The clinical and radiographic outcomes in both groups were compared. Results: Thirty-six children were analyzed in this study. Three children (8.3%) experienced postoperative fUTI. In the routine group, clinical and radiographic success was observed in 16/17 (94.1%) and 15/17 (88.2%), respectively. Two children in the routine group experienced radiographic failure. Among these, one child showed clinical success, and the other underwent additional EI due to clinical failure. Of the indicated group, clinical failure was observed in 2/19 (10.5%). Of them, persistent VUR was identified in one child. Conclusions Clinical and radiologic success after EI for primary low-grade VUR is high, and routine VCUG for confirming radiographic success has a limited impact on the clinical course.

Purpose: An endoscopic subureteral injection (EI) using a bulking agent is a highly successful surgical procedure, particularly for low-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Despite the serious adverse effects, routine voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to determine radiographic success after EI remains controversial. This study evaluated the necessity of routine postoperative VCUG in children with primary low-grade VUR. Materials and Methods: From January 2016 to August 2021, children who underwent EI for primary low-grade (I-III) VUR with a history of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) were analyzed retrospectively. From January 2016 to July 2018, routine VCUG following EI was performed on all children. Thereafter, postoperative VCUG was performed only if indicated. Clinical success was defined as no fUTI during a 12-month follow-up, and radiographic success was defined as the disappearance of VUR on postoperative VCUG. The clinical and radiographic outcomes in both groups were compared. Results: Thirty-six children were analyzed in this study. Three children (8.3%) experienced postoperative fUTI. In the routine group, clinical and radiographic success was observed in 16/17 (94.1%) and 15/17 (88.2%), respectively. Two children in the routine group experienced radiographic failure. Among these, one child showed clinical success, and the other underwent additional EI due to clinical failure. Of the indicated group, clinical failure was observed in 2/19 (10.5%). Of them, persistent VUR was identified in one child. Conclusions Clinical and radiologic success after EI for primary low-grade VUR is high, and routine VCUG for confirming radiographic success has a limited impact on the clinical course.

These guidelines aim to establish the standard practice for diagnosing and treating patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Based on the Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) Guidelines on DTC management, the “Treatment of Advanced DTC” section was revised in 2024 and has been provided through this chapter. Especially, this chapter covers surgical and nonsurgical treatments for the local (previous surgery site) or regional (cervical lymph node metastasis) recurrences. After drafting the guidelines, it was finalized by collecting opinions from KTA members and related societies. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for local or regional recurrence of advanced DTC. If surgical resection is not possible, nonsurgical resection treatment under ultrasonography guidance may be considered as an alternative treatment for local or regional recurrence of DTC. Furthermore, if residual lesions are suspected even after surgical resection or respiratory-digestive organ invasion, additional radioactive iodine and external radiation treatments are considered.