Background: Rare cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination; however, the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of developing KD/MIS-C has not yet been established. Methods: We conducted a self-controlled case series analysis using a large-linked database that connects the COVID-19 immunization registry with nationwide claims data. We identified individuals aged < 18 years who received their initial COVID-19 vaccination and had a KD/MIS-C diagnosis with a prescription for intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids between October 18, 2021, and April 15, 2023. The observation period was set as 240 days from the date of the COVID-19 vaccination. The risk window was 60 days after vaccination, with the remaining observation period serving as the control window. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the risk versus control windows were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression model. We further analyzed the vaccine doses and types for secondary analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, comorbidities, and other conditions and sensitivity analyses by varying the length of the risk window and outcome definition. Results: Among 2,369,490 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccination, 12 cases of KD/MIS-C were identified, which included five and seven patients in the risk and control windows, respectively. There was no increased risk of KD/MIS-C within the 60-day period of vaccination (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.17–1.60). Secondary subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed no significant increase in the risk of KD/MIS-C after COVID-19 vaccination, which is consistent with the results of the main analysis. Conclusion The results of this nationwide study suggest that the risk of developing KD/MIS-C did not increase after COVID-19 vaccination. However, owing to the lack of a sufficient number of cases, future studies utilizing multinational long-term follow-up databases should be conducted. Considering the increasing incidence of KD/MIS-C and the limited understanding of its precise biological mechanisms, additional research on KD/MIS-C is warranted.

This review explores the current status and future potential of digital therapeutics (DTx), emphasizing their role in clinical practice. It focuses on clarifying their classification, clinical applications, regulatory challenges, and prospective developments in the field.Current Concepts: Digital therapeutics are evidence-based interventions delivered via software to prevent, manage, and treat medical conditions. Unlike traditional pharmacotherapy, DTx products can be updated and modified, offering greater flexibility in treatment delivery. They are categorized into behavior-modification, physiological-modulation, and disease-management types, and are primarily applied to chronic conditions and neuropsychological disorders. Global regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving to accommodate this burgeoning field.Discussion and Conclusion: Digital therapeutics offer significant advantages over traditional pharmacotherapy, such as lower development costs, personalized treatment options, and improved accessibility. These innovations have the potential to transform healthcare by complementing existing therapies and enabling data-driven, individualized care. However, several key challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. Patient adherence remains inconsistent, particularly in longterm treatments, which can limit clinical effectiveness. In addition, underdeveloped reimbursement policies create economic uncertainty, and ongoing concerns regarding data security and privacy pose persistent risks. As technology advances, digital therapeutics are poised to enhance clinical outcomes, expand access to care, and transform traditional healthcare models, ultimately driving innovation in modern medicine.

Background: Rare cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination; however, the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of developing KD/MIS-C has not yet been established. Methods: We conducted a self-controlled case series analysis using a large-linked database that connects the COVID-19 immunization registry with nationwide claims data. We identified individuals aged < 18 years who received their initial COVID-19 vaccination and had a KD/MIS-C diagnosis with a prescription for intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids between October 18, 2021, and April 15, 2023. The observation period was set as 240 days from the date of the COVID-19 vaccination. The risk window was 60 days after vaccination, with the remaining observation period serving as the control window. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the risk versus control windows were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression model. We further analyzed the vaccine doses and types for secondary analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, comorbidities, and other conditions and sensitivity analyses by varying the length of the risk window and outcome definition. Results: Among 2,369,490 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccination, 12 cases of KD/MIS-C were identified, which included five and seven patients in the risk and control windows, respectively. There was no increased risk of KD/MIS-C within the 60-day period of vaccination (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.17–1.60). Secondary subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed no significant increase in the risk of KD/MIS-C after COVID-19 vaccination, which is consistent with the results of the main analysis. Conclusion The results of this nationwide study suggest that the risk of developing KD/MIS-C did not increase after COVID-19 vaccination. However, owing to the lack of a sufficient number of cases, future studies utilizing multinational long-term follow-up databases should be conducted. Considering the increasing incidence of KD/MIS-C and the limited understanding of its precise biological mechanisms, additional research on KD/MIS-C is warranted.

Background: Rare cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination; however, the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of developing KD/MIS-C has not yet been established. Methods: We conducted a self-controlled case series analysis using a large-linked database that connects the COVID-19 immunization registry with nationwide claims data. We identified individuals aged < 18 years who received their initial COVID-19 vaccination and had a KD/MIS-C diagnosis with a prescription for intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids between October 18, 2021, and April 15, 2023. The observation period was set as 240 days from the date of the COVID-19 vaccination. The risk window was 60 days after vaccination, with the remaining observation period serving as the control window. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the risk versus control windows were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression model. We further analyzed the vaccine doses and types for secondary analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, comorbidities, and other conditions and sensitivity analyses by varying the length of the risk window and outcome definition. Results: Among 2,369,490 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccination, 12 cases of KD/MIS-C were identified, which included five and seven patients in the risk and control windows, respectively. There was no increased risk of KD/MIS-C within the 60-day period of vaccination (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.17–1.60). Secondary subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed no significant increase in the risk of KD/MIS-C after COVID-19 vaccination, which is consistent with the results of the main analysis. Conclusion The results of this nationwide study suggest that the risk of developing KD/MIS-C did not increase after COVID-19 vaccination. However, owing to the lack of a sufficient number of cases, future studies utilizing multinational long-term follow-up databases should be conducted. Considering the increasing incidence of KD/MIS-C and the limited understanding of its precise biological mechanisms, additional research on KD/MIS-C is warranted.

This review explores the current status and future potential of digital therapeutics (DTx), emphasizing their role in clinical practice. It focuses on clarifying their classification, clinical applications, regulatory challenges, and prospective developments in the field.Current Concepts: Digital therapeutics are evidence-based interventions delivered via software to prevent, manage, and treat medical conditions. Unlike traditional pharmacotherapy, DTx products can be updated and modified, offering greater flexibility in treatment delivery. They are categorized into behavior-modification, physiological-modulation, and disease-management types, and are primarily applied to chronic conditions and neuropsychological disorders. Global regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving to accommodate this burgeoning field.Discussion and Conclusion: Digital therapeutics offer significant advantages over traditional pharmacotherapy, such as lower development costs, personalized treatment options, and improved accessibility. These innovations have the potential to transform healthcare by complementing existing therapies and enabling data-driven, individualized care. However, several key challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. Patient adherence remains inconsistent, particularly in longterm treatments, which can limit clinical effectiveness. In addition, underdeveloped reimbursement policies create economic uncertainty, and ongoing concerns regarding data security and privacy pose persistent risks. As technology advances, digital therapeutics are poised to enhance clinical outcomes, expand access to care, and transform traditional healthcare models, ultimately driving innovation in modern medicine.

Background: Rare cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination; however, the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the risk of developing KD/MIS-C has not yet been established. Methods: We conducted a self-controlled case series analysis using a large-linked database that connects the COVID-19 immunization registry with nationwide claims data. We identified individuals aged < 18 years who received their initial COVID-19 vaccination and had a KD/MIS-C diagnosis with a prescription for intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids between October 18, 2021, and April 15, 2023. The observation period was set as 240 days from the date of the COVID-19 vaccination. The risk window was 60 days after vaccination, with the remaining observation period serving as the control window. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the risk versus control windows were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression model. We further analyzed the vaccine doses and types for secondary analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, comorbidities, and other conditions and sensitivity analyses by varying the length of the risk window and outcome definition. Results: Among 2,369,490 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccination, 12 cases of KD/MIS-C were identified, which included five and seven patients in the risk and control windows, respectively. There was no increased risk of KD/MIS-C within the 60-day period of vaccination (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.17–1.60). Secondary subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed no significant increase in the risk of KD/MIS-C after COVID-19 vaccination, which is consistent with the results of the main analysis. Conclusion The results of this nationwide study suggest that the risk of developing KD/MIS-C did not increase after COVID-19 vaccination. However, owing to the lack of a sufficient number of cases, future studies utilizing multinational long-term follow-up databases should be conducted. Considering the increasing incidence of KD/MIS-C and the limited understanding of its precise biological mechanisms, additional research on KD/MIS-C is warranted.

This review explores the current status and future potential of digital therapeutics (DTx), emphasizing their role in clinical practice. It focuses on clarifying their classification, clinical applications, regulatory challenges, and prospective developments in the field.Current Concepts: Digital therapeutics are evidence-based interventions delivered via software to prevent, manage, and treat medical conditions. Unlike traditional pharmacotherapy, DTx products can be updated and modified, offering greater flexibility in treatment delivery. They are categorized into behavior-modification, physiological-modulation, and disease-management types, and are primarily applied to chronic conditions and neuropsychological disorders. Global regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving to accommodate this burgeoning field.Discussion and Conclusion: Digital therapeutics offer significant advantages over traditional pharmacotherapy, such as lower development costs, personalized treatment options, and improved accessibility. These innovations have the potential to transform healthcare by complementing existing therapies and enabling data-driven, individualized care. However, several key challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. Patient adherence remains inconsistent, particularly in longterm treatments, which can limit clinical effectiveness. In addition, underdeveloped reimbursement policies create economic uncertainty, and ongoing concerns regarding data security and privacy pose persistent risks. As technology advances, digital therapeutics are poised to enhance clinical outcomes, expand access to care, and transform traditional healthcare models, ultimately driving innovation in modern medicine.

Purpose: Providing continuous self-care support to the growing diabetes population is challenging. Strategies are needed to enhance engagement in self-care, utilizing innovative technologies for personalized feedback. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the Automated Personalized Self-Care program among type 2 diabetes patients and evaluate its preliminary effectiveness. Methods: A parallel randomized pilot trial with qualitative interviews occurred from May 3, 2022, to September 27, 2022. Participants aged 40e69 years with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ! 7.0% were recruited. The three-month program involved automated personalized goal setting, education, monitoring, and feedback. Feasibility was measured by participants' engagement and intervention usability. Preliminary effectiveness was examined through self-care self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and health outcomes. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the intervention group. Results: A total of 404 patients were screened. Out of the 61 eligible patients, 32 were enrolled, resulting in a recruitment rate of 52.5%. Retention rates at three months were 84.2% and 84.6% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Among the intervention group, 81.3% satisfied adherence criteria.Mobile application's usability scored 66.25, and participants' satisfaction was 8.06. Intention-to-treat analysis showed improvements in self-measured blood glucose testing, grain intake, and HbA1c in the intervention group. Qualitative content analysis identified nine themes. Conclusion Feasibility of the program was verified. A larger randomized controlled trial is needed to determine its effectiveness in self-care self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and health outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients. This study offers insights for optimizing future trials assessing clinical effectiveness.

Background: There is a dearth of research on the factors linked with adverse events (AEs) associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMVr) and molnupiravir (MOL), particularly in the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate self-reported AEs and identify factors associated with the occurrence of AEs following NMVr or MOL treatment among survey participants aged 60 years or older in South Korea. Methods: This nationwide survey was conducted through in-person interviews using structured questionnaires, from July 24 to August 31, 2023. Eligible participants included individuals aged 60 years or older who had been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and received NMVr or MOL. The study outcomes included self-reported demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics associated with the occurrence of AEs.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each characteristic in participants with and without AEs. Results: Of the 520 participants, 123 (23.7%) experienced at least one AE with oral COVID-19 treatment: 21.0% (96/458) for NMVr and 43.5% (27/62) for MOL. None of the participants reported any serious AEs. Increased odds of AE occurrence were observed in participants treated with MOL compared to those treated with NMVr (aOR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.67–5.57), a history of two or more compared to one COVID-19 diagnosis (1.93; 1.03–3.62), and selfreported health status as “Unhealthy” compared to “Healthy” (2.65; 1.31–5.36). Conclusion No AEs required further evaluation to change treatment strategies in elderly patients on NMVr or MOL. Several factors, including the use of MOL, history of COVID-19, and reported health status, were associated with an increased incidence of AEs. Both treatments may still be useful choices for patients with non-severe COVID-19 aged 60 years or older. However, close monitoring of unidentified potential harm and further investigation of the factors associated with the occurrence of AEs are needed.

This was a cross-sectional study using the data collected from a nationwide survey between November and December 2022 to explore factors associated with hesitancy towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination for children. Among 3,011 participants with child aged 5–11 years, 82.5% demonstrated hesitancy towards vaccinating their child. This was more common among mothers (odds ratio 1.84 [95% confidence interval 1.46–2.31]), those residing outside metropolitan area (urban: 2.46 [1.89–3.20]; rural: 2.87 [2.09–3.93]) or with history of COVID-19 diagnosis (2.22 [1.78–2.76]). Parents were also hesitant if their child recently had COVID-19 (3.41 [2.67–4.37]). Conversely, they were less likely to be hesitant if they had three or more children (0.66 [0.46–0.94]) or if their child has underlying medical condition(s) (0.54 [0.41–0.71]). Our findings highlight high prevalence of parental hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination for children, and call for targeted outreach efforts from the stakeholders to facilitate the vaccine uptake in this pediatric population.