Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey. Methods: This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival. Results: The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey. Conclusion While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management in Korea.

Background: Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a rare disease that causes irreversible destruction of hair follicles and affects the quality of life (QOL). Objective: We aimed to investigate the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, and real-world diagnosis and treatment status of patients with PCA. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered to patients with PCA and their dermatologists. Patients aged between 19 and 75 years who visited one of 27 dermatology departments between September 2021 and September 2022 were included. Results: In total, 274 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.47, with a mean age of 45.7 years. Patients with neutrophilic and mixed PCA were predominantly male and younger than those with lymphocytic PCA. Among patients with lymphocytic PCA, lichen planopilaris was the most common type, and among those with neutrophilic PCA, folliculitis decalvans was the most common type. Among the total patients, 28.8% were previously diagnosed with PCA, 47.0% were diagnosed with PCA at least 6 months after their first hospital visit, 20.0% received early treatment within 3 months of disease onset, and 54.4% received steady treatment. More than half of the patients had a moderate to severe impairment in QOL. Topical/intralesional steroid injections were the most common treatment. Systemic immunosuppressants were frequently prescribed to patients with lymphocytic PCA, and antibiotics were mostly prescribed to patients with neutrophilic PCA. Conclusion This study provides information on the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, diagnosis, and treatment status of Korean patients with PCA. This can help dermatologists educate patients with PCA to understand the necessity for early diagnosis and steady treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the role of visual and quantitative chest CT parameters in assessing treatment response in patients with severe asthma. Materials and Methods: Korean participants enrolled in a prospective multicenter study, named the Precision Medicine Intervention in Severe Asthma study, from May 2020 to August 2021, underwent baseline and follow-up chest CT scans (inspiration/expiration) 10–12 months apart, before and after biologic treatment. Two radiologists scored bronchiectasis severity and mucus plugging extent. Quantitative parameters were obtained from each CT scan as follows: normal lung area (normal), air trapping without emphysema (AT without emph), air trapping with emphysema (AT with emph), and airway (total branch count, Pi10). Clinical parameters, including pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] and FEV1/ forced vital capacity [FVC]), sputum and blood eosinophil count, were assessed at initial and follow-up stages. Changes in CT parameters were correlated with changes in clinical parameters using Pearson or Spearman correlation. Results: Thirty-four participants (female:male, 20:14; median age, 50.5 years) diagnosed with severe asthma from three centers were included. Changes in the bronchiectasis and mucus plugging extent scores were negatively correlated with changes in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (ρ = from -0.544 to -0.368, all P < 0.05). Changes in quantitative CT parameters were correlated with changes in FEV1 (normal, r = 0.373 [P = 0.030], AT without emph, r = -0.351 [P = 0.042]), FEV1/FVC (normal, r = 0.390 [P = 0.022], AT without emph, r = -0.370 [P = 0.031]). Changes in total branch count were positively correlated with changes in FEV1 (r = 0.349 [P = 0.043]). There was no correlation between changes in Pi10 and the clinical parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusion Visual and quantitative CT parameters of normal, AT without emph, and total branch count may be effective for evaluating treatment response in patients with severe asthma.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum. Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke. Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms. For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long- and short-term goals. Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction). Gait speed, which was the patient’s primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum. Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke. Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms. For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long- and short-term goals. Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction). Gait speed, which was the patient’s primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum. Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke. Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms. For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long- and short-term goals. Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction). Gait speed, which was the patient’s primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.