Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Purpose: Renal tumors account for approximately 7% of all childhood cancers. These include Wilms tumor (WT), clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) and other rare tumors. We investigated the epidemiology of pediatric renal tumors in Korea. Materials and Methods: From January 2001 to December 2015, data of pediatric patients (0–18 years) newly-diagnosed with renal tumors at 26 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 439 patients (male, 240), the most common tumor was WT (n=342, 77.9%), followed by RCC (n=36, 8.2%), CCSK (n=24, 5.5%), MRTK (n=16, 3.6%), CMN (n=12, 2.7%), and others (n=9, 2.1%). Median age at diagnosis was 27.1 months (range 0-225.5) and median follow-up duration was 88.5 months (range 0-211.6). Overall, 32 patients died, of whom 17, 11, 1, and 3 died of relapse, progressive disease, second malignant neoplasm, and treatment-related mortality. Five-year overall survival and event free survival were 97.2% and 84.8% in WT, 90.6% and 82.1% in RCC, 81.1% and 63.6% in CCSK, 60.3% and 56.2% in MRTK, and 100% and 91.7% in CMN, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion The pediatric renal tumor types in Korea are similar to those previously reported in other countries. WT accounted for a large proportion and survival was excellent. Non-Wilms renal tumors included a variety of tumors and showed inferior outcome, especially MRTK. Further efforts are necessary to optimize the treatment and analyze the genetic characteristics of pediatric renal tumors in Korea.

Purpose: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare disease in children and there are some different characteristics between children and adult. We aimed to evaluate incidence, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric APL in Korea. Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine pediatric APL patients diagnosed from January 2009 to December 2016 in 16 tertiary medical centers in Korea were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Of 801 acute myeloid leukemia children, 79 (9.9%) were diagnosed with APL. The median age at diagnosis was 10.6 years (range, 1.3 to 18.0). Male and female ratio was 1:0.93. Thirty patients (38.0%) had white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 10×109/L at diagnosis. All patients received induction therapy consisting of all-trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy. Five patients (6.6%) died during induction chemotherapy and 66 patients (86.8%) achieved complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. The causes of death were three intracranial hemorrhage, one cerebral infarction, and one sepsis. Five patients (7.1%) suffered a relapse during or after maintenance chemotherapy. The estimated 4-year event-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 82.1%±4.4%, 89.7%±5.1%, respectively. The 4-year OS was significantly higher in patients with initial WBC < 10×109/L than in those with initial WBC ≥ 10×109/L (p=0.020). Conclusion This study showed that the CR rates and survival outcomes in Korean pediatric APL patients were relatively good. The initial WBC count was the most important prognostic factor and most causes of death were related to serious bleeding in the early stage of treatment.

Purpose: This study examined the current status of counseling services provided by the Korea Counseling Center for Fertility and Depression, analyzing the characteristics of peripartum women and baby-rearing mothers and establishing guidelines for providing psychological support, and suggesting measures for improving the system. Methods: Data on 3,660 peripartum women & their spouses and baby-rearing mothers counseled through the service over the last 4 years were collected and a demographic analysis was conducted. By analyzing the clinical information of 216 peripartum women and 219 baby-rearing mothers who have registered with the Center and received routine counseling services, factors affecting depression were identified. Finally, a paired sample t-test was conducted to verify the effect of counseling services. Results: An overall 20.4% of pregnant women & their spouses were screened for high risk for depression, of whom 27.3% received registered counseling services; further, 26.2% of baby-rearing parents were at high-risk group for depression, of whom 25% received registered counseling services. Results of a logistic regression analysis suggested that, for peripartum women, level of education and conflicts with partner and family were the crucial factors predicting moderate or severe depression. For baby-rearing mothers, obstetric history of spontaneous abortion was the crucial predicting factor. Conclusion For the early detection and prevention of peripartum depression, screening tests that start from early pregnancy should be routinely administered. Further, continuous management—covering the periods before and after childbirth—should be provided by establishing organic ties between domestic projects.