Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Background: Psoriasis imposes a significant treatment burden on patients, particularly impacting well-being and quality of life (QoL). The psychosocial impact of psoriasis treatments remains unexplored in most patient populations. Objective: To assess the impact of adalimumab on health-related QoL (HRQoL) in Korean patients with psoriasis. Methods: This 24-week, multicenter, observational study, assessed HRQoL in Korean patients treated with adalimumab in a real-world setting. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including European Quality of Life-5 Dimension scale (EQ-5D), EQ-5D VAS, SF-36, and DLQI were evaluated at week 16 and 24, versus baseline. Patient satisfaction was assessed using TSQM. Results: Among 97 enrolled patients, 77 were assessed for treatment effectiveness. Most patients were male (52, 67.5%) and mean age was 45.4 years. Median baseline body surface area and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were 15.00 (range 4.00~80.00) and 12.40 (range 2.70~39.40), respectively. Statistically significant improvements in all PROs were observed between baseline and week 24. Mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.88 (standard deviation [SD], 0.14) at baseline to 0.91 (SD, 0.17) at week 24 (p=0.0067). The number of patients with changes in PASI 75, 90, or 100 from baseline to week 16 and 24 were 65 (84.4%), 17 (22.1%), and 1 (1.3%); and 64 (83.1%), 21 (27.3%), and 2 (2.6%), respectively. Overall treatment satisfaction was reported, including effectiveness and convenience. No unexpected safety findings were noted. Conclusion Adalimumab improved QoL and was well-tolerated in Korean patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, as demonstrated in a real-world setting. Clinical trial registration number (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03099083).

BACKGROUND: Phlebotomy performed for laboratory testing has the potential to cause anemia in newborns and infants. This study investigated the minimum specimen volume required for an automated immunohematology analyzer DAYmate S. METHODS: Three combinations of tubes were evaluated: I. 6 mL EDTA tube, II. 0.5 mL microtainer (on top of 3 mL EDTA tube), and III. 1 mL sample cup (on top of 6 mL EDTA tube). ABO/RhD cell typing was done using centrifuged red cells; unexpected antibody screening was carried out using plasma, and Type & Screening was conducted using whole blood samples. The lowest specimen volume capable of performing 10 repetitive tests without errors was investigated. RESULTS: ABO/RhD cell typing could be performed from I. 30 μL, II. 25 μL, and III. 25 μL. Unexpected antibody screening could be performed from I. 170 μL, II. 150 μL, and III. 140 μL. According to the hematocrit levels, Type & Screening could be performed from 30%, I&III 650 μL, II. 800 μL; 40%, I&III 650 μL, II. 900 μL; and 50%, I&III 1,000 μL, II. Testing using specimen volumes below 1,000 μL was difficult. CONCLUSION: By separating red cells and plasma, pre-transfusion testing of ABO/RhD cell typing and unexpected antibody screening could be conducted with very small specimen volumes using DAYmate S compared to Type & Screening using whole blood. The application of small-sized sample tubes was more competitive and this is expected to be very useful for preventing iatrogenic anemia in neonates and infants less than 4 months old.
Anemia ; Edetic Acid ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Mass Screening* ; Phlebotomy ; Plasma

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects important for the proper functioning of multiple organ systems. We investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels influenced hospitalization-free survival in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: In this prospective study, serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured in 210 patients with CKD in the winter of 2009. Data regarding hospitalizations were collected over the subsequent 3 years. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency, as defined by a serum 25(OH)D level below 15 ng/mL, was observed in 76.7% of the patients. The mean 25(OH)D serum level was 13.6 ± 7.8 ng/mL in predialysis patients (n = 62) and 11.3 ± 6.7 ng/mL in dialysis patients (n = 148). During the follow-up, 107 patients (28 predialysis and 79 dialysis) were hospitalized because of infectious (33.6%) or cardiovascular diseases (23.4%). Predialysis and dialysis groups were divided into 2 subgroups based on the median 25(OH)D serum level. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower in both predialysis and dialysis patients with above-median serum 25(OH)D levels (log-rank test; P = 0.043 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models also demonstrated that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower for patients with higher serum 25(OH)D levels in both the predialysis (hazard ratio, 0.963; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99) and dialysis groups (hazard ratio, 0.955; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.99). CONCLUSION: A lower serum 25(OH)D level predicted poorer hospitalization-free survival in both predialysis and dialysis CKD patients.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Dialysis* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies* ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* ; Vitamin D ; Vitamin D Deficiency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conditions of inferior turbinate other than hypertrophy are rare and its morphology of inferior turbinate is variable. Therefore, the diagnosis of this fatal disease is often delayed. In the present study, histopathologic characteristics of inferior turbinate lesions associated with delayed diagnosis are determined by reviewing the clinical and diagnostic outcomes in patients with inferior turbinate lesions. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic inferior turbinate biopsy following histopathologic evaluation from 2002 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed, including the previous medical history, physical examination, radiologic findings, histopathologic results, therapy, and follow-up examination. RESULTS: A total 21 patients were included. The most common primary symptoms were nasal obstruction and frequent epistaxis. Diagnosed were 9 benign tumors, 7 malignant tumors, 2 infectious lesions, and 3 autoimmune lesions. Six of 21 patients visited more than three different hospitals before visiting our hospital. One-third of the cases with delayed diagnosis were malignant tumors, which included mucosal melanoma and natural killer/T cell lymphoma. CONCLUSION: In patients with nasal obstruction unresponsive to multiple therapeutic attempts, inferior turbinate neoplasia should be suspected to avoid delaying diagnosis and proper treatment.
Biopsy ; Delayed Diagnosis* ; Diagnosis* ; Epistaxis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Lymphoma ; Medical Records ; Melanoma ; Nasal Obstruction ; Pathology* ; Physical Examination ; Retrospective Studies ; Turbinates*

PURPOSE: Despite of the high MMR vaccine coverage, the mumps outbreaks is continued in most developed countries including South Korea. To evaluate the effectiveness of MMR vaccine, we carried out mumps outbreak investigation in one kindergarten. METHODS: In Dec. 2006, a mumps outbreak occurred in a kindergarten. Retrospective study was conducted among 212 respondents (205 children and 7 teachers) in 230 study populations (study participation rate: 92%). To define mumps cases, a questionnaire survey, telephone survey, and mumps antibody test with serum were conducted. MMR vaccination status was verified in 198 children using children's vaccination records, National Immunization Registration System and/or medical records of private clinics or hospitals. RESULTS: Over 90% children had received one dose of MMR vaccination. However, 2nd dose of MMR vaccination rate was 45.1%. Attack rates of mumps were 22.9%(22/96) for one dose MMR vaccinees and 3.3%(3/92) for two doses vaccinees. MMR vaccine effectiveness of two doses over one dose was 86%. Mumps attack rate in one dose MMR vaccinees increased by the duration after MMR vaccination. Among all mumps cases, asymptomatic mumps infection identified by IgM positive or IgG over 10,000mIU/ml was 58% (26/ 45). CONCLUSIONS: MMR one dose coverage rate was high(92.1%), but the second dose vaccination rate was very low (45.1%). Mumps attack rate was increased by the duration after the MMR vaccination, and the maximum effectiveness of one dose MMR vaccination was low (77.1%). Therefore, to prevent mumps outbreaks in the kindergarten, second MMR vaccination should be scheduled in 4 years old age, and the coverage rate should be increased over 90%. Further studies for the effectiveness of MMR two doses after 5 and more years are needed.
Child ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Developed Countries ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine ; Medical Records ; Mumps ; Mumps Vaccine ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Telephone ; Vaccination

PURPOSE: To prepare the appropriate guideline in choosing the internal fixatives for the intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 95 cases of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur from January, 1999 to December, 2003. We fixed the fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail in 37 cases (PFN group), Dynamic Hip Screw in 56 (DHS group), Dynamic Condylar Screw in 2 cases (DHS group). We reviewed operation time, blood loss during operation, changes in neck-shaft angle and sliding of lag screw. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the parameters between the 2 groups in stable fracture. In unstable fractures, operation time in PFN group and DHS group revealed 103.9 and 128.2 minutes respectively; mean amount of blood loss during operation revealed 523.2 and 573.1 ml respectively. Mean changes in the neck-shaft angle at final follow-up in PFN group and DHS group revealed 4.6 degrees and 4.1 degrees; sliding of lag screw averaged 3.4 and 6.5 mm respectively. Among the DHS group, cases of additional fixation with trochanteric supporting plate revealed 3.1 degrees of changes in neck-shaft angle and 4.2 mm of lag screw sliding. CONCLUSION: In cases of stable fractures, any fixative might suffice. In cases of unstable fractures, there were no significant differences in results of treatment between these two groups, however, PFN group revealed shoter operation time and less blood loss during operation. It seemed to be necessary to apply additional fixation with trochanteric supporting plate when using DHS in unstable cases.
Aged* ; Femur* ; Fixatives* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Hip Fractures* ; Humans