1.Refractory Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in a Child Resolved After Benign Ovarian Tumor Resection: A Case Report
Hyeonjoon KIM ; Kyung Duk PARK ; Dae Yeon KIM ; Su Hyun YOON ; Sung Han KANG ; Kyung-Nam KOH ; Ho Joon IM ; Hyery KIM
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2026;33(1):29-33
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare immune-mediated disorder in children that can present as primary or secondary to other diseases. Here, we report an unusual case of steroid-refractory warm AIHA in an 11-year-old girl whose condition was ultimately cured after removal of a benign ovarian tumor. Despite receiving multiple lines of therapy—including corticosteroids, rituximab, cyclosporine, sirolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil—the patient experienced recurrent hemolysis and steroid dependence for nearly four years. Abdominopelvic imaging performed to evaluate fever revealed bilateral ovarian cystic lesions, including a left-sided dermoid cyst. Surgical resection of the tumor led to complete and sustained hematologic remission, with normalization of hemoglobin, bilirubin, and reticulocyte counts, allowing discontinuation of all immunosuppressive agents. No recurrence of hemolysis was observed during 18 months of follow-up. This case highlights the potential for benign ovarian tumors to act as a rare secondary cause of AIHA through paraneoplastic or immune cross-reactive mechanisms. Awareness of such associations is crucial when evaluating pediatric patients with refractory or relapsing AIHA, as identification and removal of an occult tumor may achieve definitive resolution of hemolysis and avoid long-term immunosuppression.
2.Predicting Mortality and Cirrhosis-Related Complications with MELD3.0: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Jihye LIM ; Ji Hoon KIM ; Ahlim LEE ; Ji Won HAN ; Soon Kyu LEE ; Hyun YANG ; Heechul NAM ; Hae Lim LEE ; Do Seon SONG ; Sung Won LEE ; Hee Yeon KIM ; Jung Hyun KWON ; Chang Wook KIM ; U Im CHANG ; Soon Woo NAM ; Seok-Hwan KIM ; Pil Soo SUNG ; Jeong Won JANG ; Si Hyun BAE ; Jong Young CHOI ; Seung Kew YOON ; Myeong Jun SONG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):427-437
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score.
Methods:
We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score.
Results:
A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
Conclusions
The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.
3.Predicting Mortality and Cirrhosis-Related Complications with MELD3.0: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Jihye LIM ; Ji Hoon KIM ; Ahlim LEE ; Ji Won HAN ; Soon Kyu LEE ; Hyun YANG ; Heechul NAM ; Hae Lim LEE ; Do Seon SONG ; Sung Won LEE ; Hee Yeon KIM ; Jung Hyun KWON ; Chang Wook KIM ; U Im CHANG ; Soon Woo NAM ; Seok-Hwan KIM ; Pil Soo SUNG ; Jeong Won JANG ; Si Hyun BAE ; Jong Young CHOI ; Seung Kew YOON ; Myeong Jun SONG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):427-437
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score.
Methods:
We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score.
Results:
A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
Conclusions
The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.
4.Predicting Mortality and Cirrhosis-Related Complications with MELD3.0: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Jihye LIM ; Ji Hoon KIM ; Ahlim LEE ; Ji Won HAN ; Soon Kyu LEE ; Hyun YANG ; Heechul NAM ; Hae Lim LEE ; Do Seon SONG ; Sung Won LEE ; Hee Yeon KIM ; Jung Hyun KWON ; Chang Wook KIM ; U Im CHANG ; Soon Woo NAM ; Seok-Hwan KIM ; Pil Soo SUNG ; Jeong Won JANG ; Si Hyun BAE ; Jong Young CHOI ; Seung Kew YOON ; Myeong Jun SONG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):427-437
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score.
Methods:
We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score.
Results:
A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
Conclusions
The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.
5.Predicting Mortality and Cirrhosis-Related Complications with MELD3.0: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Jihye LIM ; Ji Hoon KIM ; Ahlim LEE ; Ji Won HAN ; Soon Kyu LEE ; Hyun YANG ; Heechul NAM ; Hae Lim LEE ; Do Seon SONG ; Sung Won LEE ; Hee Yeon KIM ; Jung Hyun KWON ; Chang Wook KIM ; U Im CHANG ; Soon Woo NAM ; Seok-Hwan KIM ; Pil Soo SUNG ; Jeong Won JANG ; Si Hyun BAE ; Jong Young CHOI ; Seung Kew YOON ; Myeong Jun SONG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):427-437
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score.
Methods:
We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score.
Results:
A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
Conclusions
The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.
6.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis and Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Frozen Shoulder
Byung Chan LEE ; Gi-Wook KIM ; Keewon KIM ; Nackhwan KIM ; Dong Hwan KIM ; Doo Young KIM ; Du Hwan KIM ; Beom Suk KIM ; Seong Hun KIM ; In Jong KIM ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Yoonju NA ; Kyung Eun NAM ; Sung Gyu MOON ; Chang-Won MOON ; Kyunghoon MIN ; Donghwi PARK ; Myung Woo PARK ; Yong Bok PARK ; Jae Hyeon PARK ; Chul-Hyun PARK ; Hyeng-Kyu PARK ; Yunsoo SOH ; Jaeki AHN ; Seoyon YANG ; Kyeong Eun UHM ; Sun Jae WON ; Yu Hui WON ; Dong Hwan YUN ; Yu Sung YOON ; Jin A YOON ; Byeong-Ju LEE ; Woo Hyung LEE ; Yun Jung LEE ; Jae-Hyun LEE ; Jong Hwa LEE ; Yu Jin IM ; Jae-Young LIM ; Min Cheol CHANG ; Sung Joon CHUNG ; Il Young JUNG ; Sungju JEE ; Kyoung Hyo CHOI ; Jong-Moon HWANG ; Jae-Young HAN
Clinical Pain 2025;24(1):1-26
Objective:
Primary frozen shoulder causes significant pain and progressively restricts shoulder movements. Diagnosis is made clinically based on patient history and physical examination. Management is mainly non-invasive owing to its self-limiting clinical course. However, clinical practice guidelines for frozen shoulder have not yet been developed in Korea. The developed guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder.
Methods:
A guideline development committee reviewed the literature from four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KMbase). Using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework, the committee formulated two backgrounds and 16 key questions to address common clinical concerns. Recommendations were made using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
Results:
Diabetes, thyroid disease, and dyslipidemia significantly increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Although frozen shoulder is often self-limiting, some patients may experience long-term functional disabilities. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging should be used as adjunctive tools alongside clinical diagnosis, and rather than as independent diagnostic methods. Noninvasive approaches, such as medications, physical modalities, exercises, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy, may reduce pain and improve shoulder function. Other noninvasive interventions have limited evidence, and their application should be based on clinical judgment. Intra-articular steroid injections are recommended for treatment, and physiotherapy or hydrodilation with steroid injections can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating primary frozen shoulder.
7.Successful Treatment of Relapsed Disseminated Juvenile Xanthogranuloma with Central Nervous System Involvement
Su Hyun YOON ; Sung Han KANG ; Hyery KIM ; Ho Joon IM ; Pyeong Hwa KIM ; Ah Young JUNG ; Kyung-Nam KOH
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2024;31(2):47-51
Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic disorder primarily affecting children, typically presenting as self-limiting skin lesions. However, extracutaneous JXG (extra-JXG) or systemic JXG (sJXG) can involve various organs, including the central nervous system (CNS), leading to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of CNS involvement. Treatment approaches for CNS–JXG, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, lack consensus, with reports of relapsed or refractory cases being rare. Here, we present the case of a 2-year-old girl with refractory extra-JXG involving the CNS, characterized by multiple intracranial lesions.Initial chemotherapy with prednisolone and vinblastine showed no response, and second-line therapy, including cytarabine and vincristine combined with surgical resection, was also ineffective. However, a 6-cycle third-line chemotherapy regimen incorporating vincristine and carboplatin led to a positive response, with stable disease status, and normal growth and neurodevelopment observed. Our findings suggest that combined chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine is a feasible and well-tolerated treatment strategy for patients with CNS–JXG.
8.Advancements in the understanding and management of histiocytic neoplasms
Kyung‑Nam KOH ; Su Hyun YOON ; Sung Han KANG ; Hyery KIM ; Ho Joon IM
Blood Research 2024;59():22-
Histiocytic neoplasms are rare diseases involving macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes. They include Langer‑ hans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and histiocytic sarcoma. Histiocytic neoplasms are characterized by varied clinical courses and prognoses, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their classification, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. Genetic studies have revealed somatic mutations, predominantly in the MAPK pathway, suggesting a clonal neoplastic nature.This review covers the current understanding of histiocytic neoplasms, molecular pathophysiology, with a particular focus on mutations in genes such as BRAF, MAP2K1, and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and evolving treatment strategies, especially focusing on LCH, ECD, RDD, and JXG. The treatment landscape has evolved with advancements in targeted therapies. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, have shown efficacy, especially in highrisk LCH cases; however, challenges remain, including relapse post-treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects.MEK inhibitors have also demonstrated effectiveness, and cobimetinib has recently been approved for use in adults.Further research is required to determine the optimal treatment duration and strategies for managing therapy inter‑ ruptions. Advancements in molecular genetics and targeted therapies have revolutionized the management of histio‑ cytic neoplasms. However, ongoing research is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
9.Successful Treatment of Relapsed Disseminated Juvenile Xanthogranuloma with Central Nervous System Involvement
Su Hyun YOON ; Sung Han KANG ; Hyery KIM ; Ho Joon IM ; Pyeong Hwa KIM ; Ah Young JUNG ; Kyung-Nam KOH
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2024;31(2):47-51
Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic disorder primarily affecting children, typically presenting as self-limiting skin lesions. However, extracutaneous JXG (extra-JXG) or systemic JXG (sJXG) can involve various organs, including the central nervous system (CNS), leading to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of CNS involvement. Treatment approaches for CNS–JXG, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, lack consensus, with reports of relapsed or refractory cases being rare. Here, we present the case of a 2-year-old girl with refractory extra-JXG involving the CNS, characterized by multiple intracranial lesions.Initial chemotherapy with prednisolone and vinblastine showed no response, and second-line therapy, including cytarabine and vincristine combined with surgical resection, was also ineffective. However, a 6-cycle third-line chemotherapy regimen incorporating vincristine and carboplatin led to a positive response, with stable disease status, and normal growth and neurodevelopment observed. Our findings suggest that combined chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine is a feasible and well-tolerated treatment strategy for patients with CNS–JXG.
10.Successful Treatment of Relapsed Disseminated Juvenile Xanthogranuloma with Central Nervous System Involvement
Su Hyun YOON ; Sung Han KANG ; Hyery KIM ; Ho Joon IM ; Pyeong Hwa KIM ; Ah Young JUNG ; Kyung-Nam KOH
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2024;31(2):47-51
Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic disorder primarily affecting children, typically presenting as self-limiting skin lesions. However, extracutaneous JXG (extra-JXG) or systemic JXG (sJXG) can involve various organs, including the central nervous system (CNS), leading to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of CNS involvement. Treatment approaches for CNS–JXG, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, lack consensus, with reports of relapsed or refractory cases being rare. Here, we present the case of a 2-year-old girl with refractory extra-JXG involving the CNS, characterized by multiple intracranial lesions.Initial chemotherapy with prednisolone and vinblastine showed no response, and second-line therapy, including cytarabine and vincristine combined with surgical resection, was also ineffective. However, a 6-cycle third-line chemotherapy regimen incorporating vincristine and carboplatin led to a positive response, with stable disease status, and normal growth and neurodevelopment observed. Our findings suggest that combined chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine is a feasible and well-tolerated treatment strategy for patients with CNS–JXG.

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