1.Age of asthma onset and its relevance to adult asthma in the general population
Ha-Kyeong WON ; Yewon KANG ; Jin AN ; Ji-Hyang LEE ; Min-Gyu KANG ; Tae-Bum KIM ; Woo-Jung SONG
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):22-29
Purpose:
The classification of asthma phenotypes frequently depends on the age of onset. However, the rationale for specific age cutoffs remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the distribution of asthma onset age, to define subgroups based on onset age, and to examine their characteristics within a broad Korean population.
Methods:
An analysis of cross-sectional data involving 56,632 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2016) was conducted. Data on asthma history, including diagnosis, self-reported age of asthma onset, and current disease status, were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
The distribution of asthma onset age showed a distinct peak in early childhood, with a decline between the ages 15 and 20.Based on this distribution, asthma was categorized into childhood-onset ( ≤ 18 years) and adult-onset ( > 18 years) for further analysis.Multivariate analyses indicated that adult-onset asthma was associated with older age, female sex, obesity, and a history of smoking, whereas childhood-onset asthma was linked to younger age, male sex, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Among the adultonset group, current asthma had a later onset age, increased history of smoking history, and atopic dermatitis compared to past asthma.
Conclusion
This analysis of nationwide general population data suggests that an age threshold around 18 years may be relevant for defining adult-onset asthma.
2.Age of asthma onset and its relevance to adult asthma in the general population
Ha-Kyeong WON ; Yewon KANG ; Jin AN ; Ji-Hyang LEE ; Min-Gyu KANG ; Tae-Bum KIM ; Woo-Jung SONG
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):22-29
Purpose:
The classification of asthma phenotypes frequently depends on the age of onset. However, the rationale for specific age cutoffs remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the distribution of asthma onset age, to define subgroups based on onset age, and to examine their characteristics within a broad Korean population.
Methods:
An analysis of cross-sectional data involving 56,632 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2016) was conducted. Data on asthma history, including diagnosis, self-reported age of asthma onset, and current disease status, were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
The distribution of asthma onset age showed a distinct peak in early childhood, with a decline between the ages 15 and 20.Based on this distribution, asthma was categorized into childhood-onset ( ≤ 18 years) and adult-onset ( > 18 years) for further analysis.Multivariate analyses indicated that adult-onset asthma was associated with older age, female sex, obesity, and a history of smoking, whereas childhood-onset asthma was linked to younger age, male sex, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Among the adultonset group, current asthma had a later onset age, increased history of smoking history, and atopic dermatitis compared to past asthma.
Conclusion
This analysis of nationwide general population data suggests that an age threshold around 18 years may be relevant for defining adult-onset asthma.
3.Age of asthma onset and its relevance to adult asthma in the general population
Ha-Kyeong WON ; Yewon KANG ; Jin AN ; Ji-Hyang LEE ; Min-Gyu KANG ; Tae-Bum KIM ; Woo-Jung SONG
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):22-29
Purpose:
The classification of asthma phenotypes frequently depends on the age of onset. However, the rationale for specific age cutoffs remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the distribution of asthma onset age, to define subgroups based on onset age, and to examine their characteristics within a broad Korean population.
Methods:
An analysis of cross-sectional data involving 56,632 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2016) was conducted. Data on asthma history, including diagnosis, self-reported age of asthma onset, and current disease status, were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
The distribution of asthma onset age showed a distinct peak in early childhood, with a decline between the ages 15 and 20.Based on this distribution, asthma was categorized into childhood-onset ( ≤ 18 years) and adult-onset ( > 18 years) for further analysis.Multivariate analyses indicated that adult-onset asthma was associated with older age, female sex, obesity, and a history of smoking, whereas childhood-onset asthma was linked to younger age, male sex, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Among the adultonset group, current asthma had a later onset age, increased history of smoking history, and atopic dermatitis compared to past asthma.
Conclusion
This analysis of nationwide general population data suggests that an age threshold around 18 years may be relevant for defining adult-onset asthma.
4.Age of asthma onset and its relevance to adult asthma in the general population
Ha-Kyeong WON ; Yewon KANG ; Jin AN ; Ji-Hyang LEE ; Min-Gyu KANG ; Tae-Bum KIM ; Woo-Jung SONG
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):22-29
Purpose:
The classification of asthma phenotypes frequently depends on the age of onset. However, the rationale for specific age cutoffs remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the distribution of asthma onset age, to define subgroups based on onset age, and to examine their characteristics within a broad Korean population.
Methods:
An analysis of cross-sectional data involving 56,632 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2016) was conducted. Data on asthma history, including diagnosis, self-reported age of asthma onset, and current disease status, were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
The distribution of asthma onset age showed a distinct peak in early childhood, with a decline between the ages 15 and 20.Based on this distribution, asthma was categorized into childhood-onset ( ≤ 18 years) and adult-onset ( > 18 years) for further analysis.Multivariate analyses indicated that adult-onset asthma was associated with older age, female sex, obesity, and a history of smoking, whereas childhood-onset asthma was linked to younger age, male sex, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Among the adultonset group, current asthma had a later onset age, increased history of smoking history, and atopic dermatitis compared to past asthma.
Conclusion
This analysis of nationwide general population data suggests that an age threshold around 18 years may be relevant for defining adult-onset asthma.
5.Age of asthma onset and its relevance to adult asthma in the general population
Ha-Kyeong WON ; Yewon KANG ; Jin AN ; Ji-Hyang LEE ; Min-Gyu KANG ; Tae-Bum KIM ; Woo-Jung SONG
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease 2025;13(1):22-29
Purpose:
The classification of asthma phenotypes frequently depends on the age of onset. However, the rationale for specific age cutoffs remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the distribution of asthma onset age, to define subgroups based on onset age, and to examine their characteristics within a broad Korean population.
Methods:
An analysis of cross-sectional data involving 56,632 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2016) was conducted. Data on asthma history, including diagnosis, self-reported age of asthma onset, and current disease status, were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results:
The distribution of asthma onset age showed a distinct peak in early childhood, with a decline between the ages 15 and 20.Based on this distribution, asthma was categorized into childhood-onset ( ≤ 18 years) and adult-onset ( > 18 years) for further analysis.Multivariate analyses indicated that adult-onset asthma was associated with older age, female sex, obesity, and a history of smoking, whereas childhood-onset asthma was linked to younger age, male sex, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Among the adultonset group, current asthma had a later onset age, increased history of smoking history, and atopic dermatitis compared to past asthma.
Conclusion
This analysis of nationwide general population data suggests that an age threshold around 18 years may be relevant for defining adult-onset asthma.
6.Unusual Metastatic Pattern of Canine Insulinoma:Pulmonary and Skeletal Muscle Involvement
Yewon JI ; Hakyoung YOON ; Kanghyo PARK
Journal of Veterinary Clinics 2025;42(4):202-209
Although exocrine or endocrine pancreatic tumors are rare in dogs, canine insulinomas are highly metastatic. This case report describes a rare instance of insulinoma metastasis to the lungs and muscles rather than to common metastatic sites such as the liver and pancreatic lymph nodes, making it a unique presentation in veterinary oncology. A 12-year-old spayed female Japanese Spitz was referred for the evaluation of recurrent hypoglycemic episodes characterized by lethargy, weakness, and seizures. The initial diagnostic workup, including blood glucose measurements, confirmed severe hypoglycemia, which prompted further diagnostic imaging. Computed tomography (CT) identified additional lesions in the right caudal lung lobe, right sartorius, and left serratus muscle, suggesting widespread metastatic lesions. Based on imaging and laboratory examinations, surgical excision of the multiple lesions was performed. The procedure included a left pancreatectomy, right caudal lung lobectomy, excision of the affected portion of the sartorius muscle, and splenectomy. Histopathological examination of the pancreatic tumor confirmed the diagnosis of islet cell carcinoma. The resected pulmonary and sartorius muscle masses were diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma. Follow-up CT revealed an additional liver lesion and an increased nodule size in the serratus muscle. This is the first reported case of canine insulinoma with metastasis to the lungs and multiple skeletal muscles, making it a unique presentation in veterinary oncology. In conclusion, the present case suggests that insulinoma metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis when muscular or pulmonary lesions are observed in dogs diagnosed with insulinoma.
7.Increased Pro-Inflammatory T Cells, Senescent T Cells, and Immune-Check Point Molecules in the Placentas of Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Yea Eun KANG ; Hyon-Seung YI ; Min-Kyung YEO ; Jung Tae KIM ; Danbit PARK ; Yewon JUNG ; Ok Soon KIM ; Seong Eun LEE ; Ji Min KIM ; Kyong Hye JOUNG ; Ju Hee LEE ; Bon Jeong KU ; Mina LEE ; Hyun Jin KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2022;37(48):e338-
Background:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy. To define the altered pathway in GDM placenta, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles from human placenta between GDM and controls.
Methods:
Clinical parameters and postpartum complications were reviewed in all participants.Differentially expressed canonical pathways were analyzed between the GDM and control groups based on transcriptomic analysis. CD4 + T, CD8 + T, and senescent T cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry based on staining for specific intracellular cytokines.
Results:
Gene ontology analysis revealed that the placenta of GDM revealed upregulation of diverse mitochondria or DNA replication related pathways and downregulation of T-cell immunity related pathways. The maternal placenta of the GDM group had a higher proportion of CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells than the control group. Interestingly, senescent CD4 + T cells tended to increase and CD8 + T cells were significantly increased in GDM compared to controls, along with increased programmed cell death-1 (CD274 + ) expression. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression in syncytotrophoblasts was also significantly increased in patients with GDM.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated increased proinflammatory T cells, senescent T cells and immune-check point molecules in GDM placentas, suggesting that changes in senescent T cells and immune-escape signaling might be related to the pathophysiology of GDM.
8.Evaluation of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Developed During Hospitalization Using Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Based Algorithm
Yewon KANG ; Sae Hoon KIM ; So Young PARK ; Bo Young PARK ; Ji Hyang LEE ; Jin AN ; Ha Kyeong WON ; Woo Jung SONG ; Hyouk Soo KWON ; You Sook CHO ; Hee Bom MOON ; Ju Hyun SHIM ; Min Suk YANG ; Tae Bum KIM
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research 2020;12(3):430-442
PURPOSE: The incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has been increasing; however, few algorithms are available to identify DILI in electronic health records (EHRs). We aimed to identify and evaluate DILI with an appropriate screening algorithm.METHODS: We collected data from 3 university hospitals between June 2015 and May 2016 using our newly developed algorithm for identifying DILI. Among patients with alanine transferase (ALT) ≤ 120 IU/L and total bilirubin (TB) ≤ 2.4 mg/dL in blood test results within 48 hours of admission, those who either had 1) ALT > 120 IU/L and TB > 2.4 mg/dL or 2) ALT > 200 IU/L at least once during hospitalization were identified. After excluding patients with liver disease-related diagnosis at discharge, medical records were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate epidemiological characteristics of DILI.RESULTS: The total number of inpatients was 256,598, of whom 1,100 (0.43%) were selected by the algorithm as suspected DILI. Subsequently, 365 cases (0.14% of total inpatients, 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.16) were identified as DILI, yielding a positive predictive value of 33.1%. Antibiotics (n = 214, 47.2%) were the major class of causative drug followed by chemotherapeutic agents (n = 87, 19.2%). The most common causative drug was piperacillin-tazobactam (n = 38, 8.4%); the incidence of DILI by individual agent was highest for methotrexate (19.4 cases/1,000 patients administered the drug). Common reasons for excluding suspected DILI cases were ischemic hepatitis and postoperative liver dysfunction.CONCLUSIONS: Using our EHR-based algorithm, we identified that approximately 0.14% of patients developed DILI during hospitalization. Further studies are needed to modify criteria for more accurate identification of DILI.
Alanine
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents
;
Bilirubin
;
Diagnosis
;
Drug-Induced Liver Injury
;
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
;
Electronic Health Records
;
Hematologic Tests
;
Hepatitis
;
Hospitalization
;
Hospitals, University
;
Humans
;
Incidence
;
Inpatients
;
Liver
;
Liver Diseases
;
Mass Screening
;
Medical Records
;
Methotrexate
;
Pharmacoepidemiology
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Transferases
9.One-year experience of oral substrate reduction therapy in three patients with Gaucher disease type I
Young Bae SOHN ; Yewon KIM ; Ji Eun MOON
Journal of Genetic Medicine 2020;17(2):62-67
Purpose:
Eliglustat is an oral substrate reduction therapy (SRT) approved for adults with Gaucher disease type I (GD1) who are extensive, intermediate, or poor CYP2D6 metabolizers. Here we report one-year experience of eliglustat switch therapy from long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in three adult patients with GD1.
Materials and Methods:
Medical history, clinical (hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, and bone mineral density) and biochemical parameters (angiotensin converting enzyme, total acid phosphatase, and lyso-gb1) of the patients were collected and evaluated by retrospective review of medical records at every 3, 6, or 12 month after switch to SRT.
Results:
Patient 1 was a 43-year old female diagnosed GD1 and her clinical and biochemical parameters were stabilized for more than 20 years by ERT. Due to the burden of regular hospital visit, she switched to SRT. During one-year of SRT, clinical parameters and biomarkers were maintained stable. However, after suffering acute febrile illness during SRT, she decided to re-switch to ERT due to concerns about drug interaction. Patient 2 was 41-year old male, younger brother of patient 1 and Patient 3 was 31-year old male. They switched to SRT in clinically stable condition with long-term ERT. The one-year SRT was tolerable without specific safety issue and the clinical parameters were maintained stable.
Conclusion
One-year eliglustat therapy in three adult patients with GDI was generally tolerable and effective for maintaining the clinical parameters and biomarkers. However, the drug compliance, concurrent drug interactions, and long-term safety of eliglustat should be carefully monitored.
10.Effect of Underlying Comorbidities on the Infection and Severity of COVID-19 in Korea: a Nationwide Case-Control Study
Wonjun JI ; Kyungmin HUH ; Minsun KANG ; Jinwook HONG ; Gi Hwan BAE ; Rugyeom LEE ; Yewon NA ; Hyoseon CHOI ; Seon Yeong GONG ; Yoon-Hyeong CHOI ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Jeong-Soo IM ; Jaehun JUNG
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2020;35(25):e237-
Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging threat worldwide. It remains unclear how comorbidities affect the risk of infection and severity of COVID-19.
Methods:
This is a nationwide retrospective case-control study of 219,961 individuals, aged 18 years or older, whose medical costs for COVID-19 testing were claimed until May 15, 2020. COVID-19 diagnosis and infection severity were identified from reimbursement data using diagnosis codes and on the basis of respiratory support use, respectively. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using multiple logistic regression, after adjusting for age, sex, region, healthcare utilization, and insurance status.
Results:
The COVID-19 group (7,341 of 219,961) was young and had a high proportion of female. Overall, 13.0% (954 of 7,341) of the cases were severe. The severe COVID-19 group had older patients and a proportion of male ratio than did the non-severe group. Diabetes (odds ratio range [ORR], 1.206–1.254), osteoporosis (ORR, 1.128–1.157), rheumatoid arthritis (ORR, 1.207–1.244), substance use (ORR, 1.321–1.381), and schizophrenia (ORR, 1.614–1.721) showed significant association with COVID-19. In terms of severity, diabetes (OR, 1.247; 95% confidential interval, 1.009–1.543), hypertension (ORR, 1.245–1.317), chronic lower respiratory disease (ORR, 1.216–1.233), chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease (ORR, 2.052–2.178) were associated with severe COVID-19.
Conclusion
We identified several comorbidities associated with COVID-19. Health care workers should be more careful while diagnosing and treating COVID-19 when patients have the abovementioned comorbidities.

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