1.Resident and nurse attitudes toward a rapid response team in a tertiary hospital in South Korea
Sung Yoon LIM ; Ho Geol WOO ; Jong Sun PARK ; Young-Jae CHO ; Jae Ho LEE ; Yeon Joo LEE
Acute and Critical Care 2025;40(1):29-37
Background:
Residents and nurses who activate rapid response teams (RRTs) are well positioned to offer insights on its effectiveness. Here, we assess such evaluation of RRTs and identify barriers to activation in a 1,400-bed teaching hospital.
Methods:
We conducted a 24-item Likert-scale survey from January to May 2017 among residents and ward nurses with RRT experience. Factor analysis was used to identify the barriers.
Results:
This study comprised 305 nurses and 53 residents, most of whom were satisfied with their RRT experiences. Factor analysis showed that lack of awareness of activation criteria was a major barrier, with only 21.4% and 22.2% participants, respectively, confident about their knowledge of activation protocols. Of the survey respondents, 85.7% reported first contacting the doctor before activating the RRT. Despite the protocol, 66.7% first discussed the decision with other staff, and 71.5% called the RRT when the patient’s condition worsened despite management.
Conclusions
Nurses and residents value RRTs but face barriers in initiation, primarily due to a lack of confidence in applying the activation criteria. Many prefer to consult a doctor or manage the patient before calling the RRT.
2.Prospective external validation of a deep-learning-based early-warning system for major adverse events in general wards in South Korea
Taeyong SIM ; Eun Young CHO ; Ji-hyun KIM ; Kyung Hyun LEE ; Kwang Joon KIM ; Sangchul HAHN ; Eun Yeong HA ; Eunkyeong YUN ; In-Cheol KIM ; Sun Hyo PARK ; Chi-Heum CHO ; Gyeong Im YU ; Byung Eun AHN ; Yeeun JEONG ; Joo-Yun WON ; Hochan CHO ; Ki-Byung LEE
Acute and Critical Care 2025;40(2):197-208
Background:
Acute deterioration of patients in general wards often leads to major adverse events (MAEs), including unplanned intensive care unit transfers, cardiac arrest, or death. Traditional early warning scores (EWSs) have shown limited predictive accuracy, with frequent false positives. We conducted a prospective observational external validation study of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based EWS, the VitalCare - Major Adverse Event Score (VC-MAES), at a tertiary medical center in the Republic of Korea.
Methods:
Adult patients from general wards, including internal medicine (IM) and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)—the latter were rarely investigated in prior AI-based EWS studies—were included. The VC-MAES predictions were compared with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) predictions using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and logistic regression for baseline EWS values. False-positives per true positive (FPpTP) were assessed based on the power threshold.
Results:
Of 6,039 encounters, 217 (3.6%) had MAEs (IM: 9.5%, OBGYN: 0.26%). Six hours prior to MAEs, the VC-MAES achieved an AUROC of 0.918 and an AUPRC of 0.352, including the OBGYN subgroup (AUROC, 0.964; AUPRC, 0.388), outperforming the NEWS (0.797 and 0.124) and MEWS (0.722 and 0.079). The FPpTP was reduced by up to 71%. Baseline VC-MAES was strongly associated with MAEs (P<0.001).
Conclusions
The VC-MAES significantly outperformed traditional EWSs in predicting adverse events in general ward patients. The robust performance and lower FPpTP suggest that broader adoption of the VC-MAES may improve clinical efficiency and resource allocation in general wards.
3.Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders in South Korea: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Retrospective, Clinical, and Prognostic Study
Woo Jin LEE ; Sook Jung YUN ; Joon Min JUNG ; Joo Yeon KO ; Kwang Ho KIM ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Chan-Ho NA ; Je-Ho MUN ; Jong Bin PARK ; Ji-Hye PARK ; Hai-Jin PARK ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Jeonghyun SHIN ; Sang Ho OH ; Seok-Kweon YUN ; Dongyoun LEE ; Seok-Jong LEE ; Seung Ho LEE ; Young Bok LEE ; Soyun CHO ; Sooyeon CHOI ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Mi Woo LEE ; On behalf of The Korean Society of Dermatopathology
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):75-85
Background:
Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (pcCD30-LPDs) are a diseases with various clinical and prognostic characteristics.
Objective:
Increasing our knowledge of the clinical characteristics of pcCD30-LPDs and identifying potential prognostic variables in an Asian population.
Methods:
Clinicopathological features and survival data of pcCD30-LPD cases obtained from 22 hospitals in South Korea were examined.
Results:
A total of 413 cases of pcCD30-LPDs (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP], n=237; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma [C-ALCL], n=176) were included. Ninety percent of LYP patients and roughly 50% of C-ALCL patients presented with multiple skin lesions. Both LYP and C-ALCL affected the lower limbs most frequently. Multiplicity and advanced T stage of LYP lesions were associated with a chronic course longer than 6 months. Clinical morphology with patch lesions and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with LPDs during follow-up in LYP patients. Extracutaneous involvement of C-ALCL occurred in 13.2% of patients. Lesions larger than 5 cm and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a poor prognosis in C-ALCL. The survival of patients with C-ALCL was unaffected by the anatomical locations of skin lesions or other pathological factors.
Conclusion
The multiplicity or size of skin lesions was associated with a chronic course of LYP and survival among patients with C-ALCL.
4.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):216-227
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.
5.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part I): Basic Therapy, Topical Therapy, and Conventional Systemic Therapy
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):201-215
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.
Objective:
This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices.
Methods:
The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.
Results:
The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD.
Conclusion
KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.
6.Prognostic Value of Ambulatory Status at Transplant in Older Heart Transplant Recipients: Implications for Organ Allocation Policy
Junho HYUN ; Jong-Chan YOUN ; Jung Ae HONG ; Darae KIM ; Jae-Joong KIM ; Myoung Soo KIM ; Jaewon OH ; Jin-Jin KIM ; Mi-Hyang JUNG ; In-Cheol KIM ; Sang-Eun LEE ; Jin Joo PARK ; Min-Seok KIM ; Sung-Ho JUNG ; Hyun-Jai CHO ; Hae-Young LEE ; Seok-Min KANG ; Dong-Ju CHOI ; Jon A. KOBASHIGAWA ; Josef STEHLIK ; Jin-Oh CHOI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(3):e14-
Background:
Shortage of organ donors in the Republic of Korea has become a major problem. To address this, it has been questioned whether heart transplant (HTx) allocation should be modified to reduce priority of older patients. We aimed to evaluate post-HTx outcomes according to recipient age and specific pre-HTx conditions using a nationwide prospective cohort.
Methods:
We analyzed clinical characteristics of 628 patients from the Korean Organ Transplant Registry who received HTx from January 2015 to December 2020. Enrolled recipients were divided into three groups according to age. We also included comorbidities including ambulatory status. Non-ambulatory status was defined as pre-HTx support with either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, or mechanical ventilation.
Results:
Of the 628 patients, 195 were < 50 years, 322 were 50–64 years and 111 were ≥ 65years at transplant. Four hundred nine (65.1%) were ambulatory and 219 (34.9%) were nonambulatory. Older recipients tended to have more comorbidities, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and received older donors. Post-HTx survival was significantly lower in older recipients (P = 0.025) and recipients with non-ambulatory status (P < 0.001). However, in contrast to non-ambulatory recipients who showed significant survival differences according to the recipient’s age (P = 0.004), ambulatory recipients showed comparable outcomes (P = 0.465).
Conclusion
Our results do not support use of age alone as an allocation criterion. Transplant candidate age in combination with some comorbidities such as non-ambulatory status may identify patients at a sufficiently elevated risk at which suitability of HTx should be reconsidered.
7.Prognostic Value of Ambulatory Status at Transplant in Older Heart Transplant Recipients: Implications for Organ Allocation Policy
Junho HYUN ; Jong-Chan YOUN ; Jung Ae HONG ; Darae KIM ; Jae-Joong KIM ; Myoung Soo KIM ; Jaewon OH ; Jin-Jin KIM ; Mi-Hyang JUNG ; In-Cheol KIM ; Sang-Eun LEE ; Jin Joo PARK ; Min-Seok KIM ; Sung-Ho JUNG ; Hyun-Jai CHO ; Hae-Young LEE ; Seok-Min KANG ; Dong-Ju CHOI ; Jon A. KOBASHIGAWA ; Josef STEHLIK ; Jin-Oh CHOI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(3):e14-
Background:
Shortage of organ donors in the Republic of Korea has become a major problem. To address this, it has been questioned whether heart transplant (HTx) allocation should be modified to reduce priority of older patients. We aimed to evaluate post-HTx outcomes according to recipient age and specific pre-HTx conditions using a nationwide prospective cohort.
Methods:
We analyzed clinical characteristics of 628 patients from the Korean Organ Transplant Registry who received HTx from January 2015 to December 2020. Enrolled recipients were divided into three groups according to age. We also included comorbidities including ambulatory status. Non-ambulatory status was defined as pre-HTx support with either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, or mechanical ventilation.
Results:
Of the 628 patients, 195 were < 50 years, 322 were 50–64 years and 111 were ≥ 65years at transplant. Four hundred nine (65.1%) were ambulatory and 219 (34.9%) were nonambulatory. Older recipients tended to have more comorbidities, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and received older donors. Post-HTx survival was significantly lower in older recipients (P = 0.025) and recipients with non-ambulatory status (P < 0.001). However, in contrast to non-ambulatory recipients who showed significant survival differences according to the recipient’s age (P = 0.004), ambulatory recipients showed comparable outcomes (P = 0.465).
Conclusion
Our results do not support use of age alone as an allocation criterion. Transplant candidate age in combination with some comorbidities such as non-ambulatory status may identify patients at a sufficiently elevated risk at which suitability of HTx should be reconsidered.
8.Comparison of Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Heart Failure
Minjae YOON ; Jin Joo PARK ; Jong-Chan YOUN ; Sang Eun LEE ; Hae-Young LEE ; Jin Oh CHOI ; Kye Hun KIM ; Dong Heon YANG ; Myeong-Chan CHO ; Seok-Min KANG ; Byung-Su YOO
International Journal of Heart Failure 2025;7(2):85-95
Background and Objectives:
In chronic heart failure (HF), natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are higher in atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to sinus rhythm (SR). However, due to the loss of atrial contraction, AF patients are prone to hemodynamic decompensation at earlier stages.Since NP levels reflect disease severity, acutely decompensated AF patients may exhibit lower NP levels compared to SR patients, who retain greater hemodynamic reserve.
Methods:
We analyzed 5,048 patients with acute HF from the Korea Acute Heart Failure registry with available NP data. NP levels and echocardiographic parameters were compared between AF and SR patients. The association of NP levels with in-hospital and one-year mortality was also assessed according to cardiac rhythm.
Results:
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in 2,027 and 3,021 patients, respectively. NP levels were lower in AF than in SR (median BNP, 740 vs. 1,044 pg/mL; median NT-proBNP, 4,420 vs. 5,198 pg/mL), particularly in HF with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction. A similar trend was observed regardless of HF onset or etiology. AF patients had smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter and larger left atrial size compared to SR patients. Higher NP tertiles were associated with increased in-hospital and one-year mortality in both groups.
Conclusions
In acute HF, NP levels are lower in AF than in SR. AF patients also exhibited smaller LV chamber sizes. Nevertheless, NP levels remain strong predictors of outcomes in both AF and SR patients.
9.Palliative Care and Hospice for Heart Failure Patients: Position Statement From the Korean Society of Heart Failure
Seung-Mok LEE ; Hae-Young LEE ; Shin Hye YOO ; Hyun-Jai CHO ; Jong-Chan YOUN ; Seong-Mi PARK ; Jin-Ok JEONG ; Min-Seok KIM ; Chi Young SHIM ; Jin Joo PARK ; Kye Hun KIM ; Eung Ju KIM ; Jeong Hoon YANG ; Jae Yeong CHO ; Sang-Ho JO ; Kyung-Kuk HWANG ; Ju-Hee LEE ; In-Cheol KIM ; Gi Beom KIM ; Jung Hyun CHOI ; Sung-Hee SHIN ; Wook-Jin CHUNG ; Seok-Min KANG ; Myeong Chan CHO ; Dae-Gyun PARK ; Byung-Su YOO
International Journal of Heart Failure 2025;7(1):32-46
Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.
10.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

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