Background: Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue in aging populations. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, underdiagnosis and undertreatment remain prevalent even in patients with recent fractures. This study examined 20-year trends (2002– 2022) in anti-osteoporotic medication (AOM) usage in South Korea. Methods: Data from the Korean National Health Information Database were retrospectively analyzed. The study included individuals aged ≥50 years and analyzed prescription trends, medication adherence, measured by the medication possession ratio (MPR), and treatment initiation rates post-fracture. The AOMs examined included bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, denosumab (DMAB), teriparatide (TPTD), and romosozumab (ROMO). Results: Over two decades, AOM use has shifted significantly from oral to injectable formulations, with injectables surpassing oral medications in 2020; from 397,440 prescriptions in 2016 to 1,162,779 in 2022. Prescriptions for DMAB surged following its approval as a first-line therapy in 2019, increasing 2.65 times from 217,606 in 2019 to 575,595 in 2022. The MPR improved from 35.4% in 2003 to 73.2% in 2021, with females demonstrating higher adherence than males. Post-fracture treatment rates increased from 31.1% in 2006 to 39.9% in 2021 but remained below 50%. Vertebral fractures had the highest treatment initiation rates, while anabolic agents, such as TPTD and ROMO were underprescribed despite their efficacy. Conclusions This 20-year analysis highlights significant progress in osteoporosis management in South Korea, including a shift towards injectable therapies and improved adherence. However, the persistent undertreatment of high-risk patients underscores the requirement for enhanced access to anabolic agents, clinician education, and policy reforms to optimize post-fracture care.

Background: and Purpose This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of an anti-signal-recognition particle 54 (anti-SRP54) antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of patients with SRP immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Methods: We evaluated 87 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and 107 healthy participants between January 2002 and December 2023. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies were assessed, and the clinical profiles of patients with antiSRP54 antibodies were determined. Results: The ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies had a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 99%, respectively, along with a test–retest reliability of 0.92 (p<0.001). The 32 patients diagnosed with anti-SRP IMNM using a line-blot immunoassay included 28 (88%) who tested positive for anti-SRP54 antibodies using the ELISA, comprising 12 (43%) males and 16 (57%) females whose median ages at symptom onset and diagnosis were 43.0 years and 43.5 years, respectively. Symptoms included proximal muscle weakness in all 28 (100%) patients, neck weakness in 9 (32%), myalgia in 15 (54%), dysphagia in 5 (18%), dyspnea in 4 (14%), dysarthria in 2 (7%), interstitial lung disease in 2 (7%), and myocarditis in 2 (7%). The median serum creatine kinase (CK) level was 7,261 U/L (interquartile range: 5,086–10,007 U/L), and the median anti-SRP54 antibody level was 2.0 U/mL (interquartile range: 1.0–5.6 U/mL). The serum CK level was significantly higher in patients with coexisting anti-Ro-52 antibodies. Conclusions This study has confirmed the reliability of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies and provided insights into the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of South Korean patients with anti-SRP IMNM.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.

Background/Aims: To determine the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) plus reduced-intensity therapy in adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-positive ALL), this retrospective study compared treatment outcomes and induction mortality according to backbone regimen intensity. Methods: The data of 132 patients diagnosed with Ph-positive ALL were retrospectively collected from five centers. Patients received imatinib plus intensive chemotherapy (modified VPD, KALLA1407, or hyper-CVAD) or reduced-intensity chemotherapy (EWALL) for curative purposes. This study analyzed 117 patients, of which 35,22,46, and 14 received modified VPD, KALLA1407, hyper-CVAD, and EWALL, respectively. All patients used imatinib as a TKI. Results: The median age of the patients who received reduced-intensity chemotherapy was 64.4 years, while that of the patients with intensive regimens was 47.5 years. There was no induction death in the reduced-intensity group, while nine patients died in the intensive therapy group. Major molecular response achievement tended to be higher in the intensive chemotherapy group than in the reduced-intensity group. More patients in the intensive chemotherapy group received allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). There was no statistically significant difference in long-term survival between the two groups in terms of relapse-free survival and overall survival rates. Conclusions When imatinib plus reduced-intensity therapy was used as a frontline treatment, there was no inferiority in obtaining complete remission compared to imatinib plus intensive chemotherapy or significant difference in long-term survival. Since imatinib plus reduced-intensity therapy has limitations in obtaining a deep molecular response, proceeding to allo-SCT should be considered.

Background/Aims: Multiple myeloma (MM) predominantly affects elderly individuals, but studies on older patients with MM are limited. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with MM aged 80 years or over were retrospectively analyzed. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of patients aged 80 years or over who were newly diagnosed with MM at five academic hospitals in Daegu, Korea, between 2010 and 2019. Results: A total of 127 patients with a median age of 83 years (range, 80–93 yr) were enrolled: 52 (40.9%) with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) > 2, 84 (66.1%) with International Staging System (ISS) stage III disease, and 93 (73.2%) with a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) > 4. Chemotherapy was administered to 86 patients (67.7%). The median overall survival was 9.3 months. Overall survival was significantly associated with ECOG PS > 2 (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.43–3.59), ISS stage III (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.18–3.34), and chemotherapy (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.55). There was no statistically significant difference in event-free survival according to the type of anti-myeloma chemotherapy administered. The early mortality (EM) rate was 28.3%. Conclusions Even in patients with MM aged 80 years or over, chemotherapy can result in better survival outcomes than supportive care. Patients aged ≥ 80 years should not be excluded from chemotherapy based on age alone. However, reducing EM in elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM remains challenging.

Background: This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of multidrug-resistant/ rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in the Republic of Korea. Methods: Data of notified people with tuberculosis between July 2018 and December 2021 were retrieved from the Korea Tuberculosis Cohort database. MDR/RR-TB was further categorized according to isoniazid susceptibility as follows: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), rifampicin-monoresistant tuberculosis (RMR-TB), and RR-TB if susceptibility to isoniazid was unknown. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with MDR/RR-TB. Results: Between 2018 and 2021, the proportion of MDR/RR-TB cases among all TB cases and TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results was 2.1% (502/24,447). The proportions of MDR/RR-TB and MDR-TB cases among TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results were 3.3% (502/15,071) and 1.9% (292/15,071), respectively. Among all cases of rifampicin resistance, 31.7% (159/502) were RMR-TB and 10.2% (51/502) were RR-TB. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age, foreigners, and prior tuberculosis history were significantly associated with MDR/ RR-TB. Conclusion Rapid identification of rifampicin resistance targeting the high-risk populations, such as younger generations, foreign-born individuals, and previously treated patients are necessary for patient-centered care.

Objectives: Excessive sedentary behavior in youth is a major global issue, contributing to the rise in childhood obesity and metabolic diseases. International public health authorities have issued guidelines recommending that children and adolescents limit their daily sedentary time, including screen time. However, to date, no studies have explored the relationship between sedentary behavior as an exposure factor and skeletal muscle strength and mass as outcomes in this population. The present study investigated the association of sedentary behavior with handgrip strength (HGS) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) among United States adolescents. Methods: A total of 1449 adolescent participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) were included. Information on sedentary behavior, specifically daily sedentary time, was obtained through a self-reported questionnaire. Muscular parameters, including HGS and ALM, were measured. To adjust for differences in body size, these parameters were divided by body mass index (BMI) and weight. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between daily sedentary time and each muscular parameter, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, annual family income, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: The linear regression analyses revealed negative associations between daily sedentary time and all muscular parameters, apart from absolute ALM. These included HGS (β, -0.265; standard error [SE], 0.074; p=0.001), HGS/BMI (β, -0.021; SE, 0.004; p<0.001), HGS/weight (β, -0.008; SE, 0.002; p<0.001), ALM/BMI (β, -0.008; SE, 0.003; p=0.010), and ALM/weight (β, -0.003; SE, 0.001; p=0.005). Conclusions After adjusting for MVPA, daily sedentary time was inversely associated with HGS, HGS/BMI, HGS/weight, ALM/BMI, and ALM/weight in United States adolescents.