Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Background: and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months. Results: The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections. Conclusions This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.

Background: and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months. Results: The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections. Conclusions This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.

Background: and Purpose Treatments for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) such as eculizumab, ravulizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have significantly advanced relapse prevention, but they remain expensive. Rituximab is an off-label yet popular alternative that offers a cost-effective solution, but its real-world efficacy needs better quantification for guiding the application of newer approved NMOSD treatments (ANTs). This study aimed to determine real-world rituximab failure rates to anticipate the demand for ANTs and aid in resource allocation. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective study involving 605 aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patients from 22 centers in South Korea that assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab over a median follow-up of 47 months. Results: The 605 patients treated with rituximab included 525 (87%) who received continuous therapy throughout the follow-up period (median=47 months, interquartile range=15–87 months). During this period, 117 patients (19%) experienced at least 1 relapse. Notably, 68 of these patients (11% of the total cohort) experienced multiple relapses or at least 1 severe relapse.Additionally, 2% of the patients discontinued rituximab due to adverse events, which included severe infusion reactions, neutropenia, and infections. Conclusions This study has confirmed the efficacy of rituximab in treating NMOSD, as evidenced by an 87% continuation rate among patients over a 4-year follow-up period. Nevertheless, the occurrence of at least one relapse in 19% of the cohort, including 11% who experienced multiple or severe relapses, and a 2% discontinuation rate due to adverse events highlight the urgent need for alternative therapeutic options.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the differences in spectral analysis of waking electroencephalography (EEG) patterns between patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and matched healthy participants, to gain insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of daytime impairments. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 17 patients with moderate to severe OSA confirmed by overnight polysomnography (PSG). These patients had ≥15 per hour apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and ≥11 Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). EEG recordings were captured within 30 minutes of awakening. A corresponding group of the equal number of age and sex-matched healthy participants was also analyzed for comparative purposes. Spectral analysis of quantitative EEG (qEEG) of patients with OSA compared with that of an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy participants. Results: The analysis included 17 patients (16 males, average age 57.2 years) with moderate to severe OSA experiencing EDS (mean AHI 38.1±20.5; ESS 14.4±3.2). The patients with OSA exhibited altered sleep architecture during diagnostic PSG, significantly higher EEG delta band power in the frontal regions upon awakening after night sleep, and decreased connection of delta band in frontal area than normal participants (3.78±5.53 vs. 3.22±0.98 μV2, p=0.03). Conclusions The study demonstrated difference in delta activity and connectivity in the frontal area between patients with OSA experiencing EDS and the control group. These findings suggest awakening qEEG in OSA may helpful to guide or enhance understanding of daytime functional impairment and EDS.

Transient global amnesia (TGA) and transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) are inherently challenging to diagnose and share many similarities, which can easily lead to confusion. In this report, we present a case of a 57-year-old female patient experienced recurrent transient amnesia with incidentally found chronic ischemic temporo-parietal lesion including hippocampus and also revealed frequent interictal epileptiform discharges in acute period which can be features of TEA. We aim to explore the differences between TEA and TGA through this confusing case and when further evaluation may be necessary.

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare primary headache disorder characterized by severe intractable stabbing headache and accompanying tearing and conjunctival injections. In this report, we present a case of a patient with SUNCT who achieved sustained remarkable improvement more than 6 months following successful treatment with a single session of botulinum toxin A, after being refractory or intolerant to several preventives for 4 months.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the differences in spectral analysis of waking electroencephalography (EEG) patterns between patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and matched healthy participants, to gain insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of daytime impairments. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 17 patients with moderate to severe OSA confirmed by overnight polysomnography (PSG). These patients had ≥15 per hour apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and ≥11 Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). EEG recordings were captured within 30 minutes of awakening. A corresponding group of the equal number of age and sex-matched healthy participants was also analyzed for comparative purposes. Spectral analysis of quantitative EEG (qEEG) of patients with OSA compared with that of an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy participants. Results: The analysis included 17 patients (16 males, average age 57.2 years) with moderate to severe OSA experiencing EDS (mean AHI 38.1±20.5; ESS 14.4±3.2). The patients with OSA exhibited altered sleep architecture during diagnostic PSG, significantly higher EEG delta band power in the frontal regions upon awakening after night sleep, and decreased connection of delta band in frontal area than normal participants (3.78±5.53 vs. 3.22±0.98 μV2, p=0.03). Conclusions The study demonstrated difference in delta activity and connectivity in the frontal area between patients with OSA experiencing EDS and the control group. These findings suggest awakening qEEG in OSA may helpful to guide or enhance understanding of daytime functional impairment and EDS.