Purpose: Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (iFOBT) have been utilized as the primary method for colorectal cancer screening within Korea's National Cancer Screening Program. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the accreditation program for clinical laboratories and external quality assessment (EQA) programs on colorectal cancer screening. Methods: We analyzed the false-positive rates of iFOBT in colorectal cancer screening from 2016 to 2020 according to participation and performance in the Outstanding Laboratory Accreditation Program (OLAP) conducted by the Laboratory Medicine Foundation, and the External Quality Assessment programs run by the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. Results: False-positive rates of iFOBT were lower among institutions accredited by OLAP (2.35%) compared with non-accredited (3.04%) and non-participating institutions (5.60%). Similarly, institutions participating in the EQA program exhibited lower false-positive rates (3.79%) compared to non-participants (7.04%). Within the iFOBT-specific EQA program, institutions that passed demonstrated the lowest false-positive rate (3.37%), while failing institutions showed the highest rate (9.07%), surpassing even non-participating institutions (6.44%). Conclusion Participation in quality management programs such as OLAP and EQA was associated with lower false-positive rates in iFOBT for colorectal cancer screening. These findings suggest that quality management initiatives can increase the accuracy of iFOBT, potentially improving the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening programs, and reducing unnecessary follow-up procedures and associated healthcare costs.

Purpose: Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (iFOBT) have been utilized as the primary method for colorectal cancer screening within Korea's National Cancer Screening Program. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the accreditation program for clinical laboratories and external quality assessment (EQA) programs on colorectal cancer screening. Methods: We analyzed the false-positive rates of iFOBT in colorectal cancer screening from 2016 to 2020 according to participation and performance in the Outstanding Laboratory Accreditation Program (OLAP) conducted by the Laboratory Medicine Foundation, and the External Quality Assessment programs run by the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. Results: False-positive rates of iFOBT were lower among institutions accredited by OLAP (2.35%) compared with non-accredited (3.04%) and non-participating institutions (5.60%). Similarly, institutions participating in the EQA program exhibited lower false-positive rates (3.79%) compared to non-participants (7.04%). Within the iFOBT-specific EQA program, institutions that passed demonstrated the lowest false-positive rate (3.37%), while failing institutions showed the highest rate (9.07%), surpassing even non-participating institutions (6.44%). Conclusion Participation in quality management programs such as OLAP and EQA was associated with lower false-positive rates in iFOBT for colorectal cancer screening. These findings suggest that quality management initiatives can increase the accuracy of iFOBT, potentially improving the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening programs, and reducing unnecessary follow-up procedures and associated healthcare costs.

Purpose: Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (iFOBT) have been utilized as the primary method for colorectal cancer screening within Korea's National Cancer Screening Program. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the accreditation program for clinical laboratories and external quality assessment (EQA) programs on colorectal cancer screening. Methods: We analyzed the false-positive rates of iFOBT in colorectal cancer screening from 2016 to 2020 according to participation and performance in the Outstanding Laboratory Accreditation Program (OLAP) conducted by the Laboratory Medicine Foundation, and the External Quality Assessment programs run by the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. Results: False-positive rates of iFOBT were lower among institutions accredited by OLAP (2.35%) compared with non-accredited (3.04%) and non-participating institutions (5.60%). Similarly, institutions participating in the EQA program exhibited lower false-positive rates (3.79%) compared to non-participants (7.04%). Within the iFOBT-specific EQA program, institutions that passed demonstrated the lowest false-positive rate (3.37%), while failing institutions showed the highest rate (9.07%), surpassing even non-participating institutions (6.44%). Conclusion Participation in quality management programs such as OLAP and EQA was associated with lower false-positive rates in iFOBT for colorectal cancer screening. These findings suggest that quality management initiatives can increase the accuracy of iFOBT, potentially improving the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening programs, and reducing unnecessary follow-up procedures and associated healthcare costs.

Objective: Diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is often hard. This study aimed to determine differences in absolute EEG power and frontal asymmetry between individuals with ADHD and non-ADHD in young adults aged 18−30 years. Methods: Young adult (age: 18−30 years) outpatients (n = 103) including ADHD patients (n = 51) and non-ADHD patients (n = 52) were enrolled. QEEG was performed for both groups for each region of the brain. The absolute power of each frequency measured in three frontal regions (Lt., Mid., Rt.) of the scalp area was compared between the two groups. Differences between the two groups including theta/beta ratio were compared. Frontal asymmetries were also evaluated for prefrontal (Fp2-Fp1), middle frontal (F4-F3), lateral frontal (F8-F7) pairs at all frequencies. Correlation analysis was performed for absolute powers, frontal asymmetry, and Stroop tests. Results: Demographic data, neuropsychological tests, and psychiatric symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups. Delta band was significantly increased while beta band was decreased in the middle frontal area of the ADHD group as compared with those of the non-ADHD group. For frontal asymmetries, all frequencies in the middle frontal area were more rightward in ADHD patients than in non-ADHD patients. Absolute powers in delta, beta band, and frontal asymmetry in all frequencies had correlations with Stroop tests. Conclusion This study revealed that ADHD patients had significant differences in absolute powers in delta, beta bands, and frontal asymmetries in all frequencies. Our findings suggest that QEEG can be a helpful tool for diagnosing ADHD in psychiatric patients.

Blood products refer to pharmaceuticals derived from human blood. According to the Blood Management Act of Korea, these include whole blood, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, packed platelets, and other blood-related pharmaceuticals. These products are referred to by different names in the health insurance fee schedule. Also, the English names or abbreviations for these products are not given. Medical institutions require names and abbreviations in English for the hospital information systems. From the perspective of medical institutions, the names on the health insurance fee schedule would be more relevant as they are used for billing.The author proposes terminology and abbreviations for the blood products with the hope that these would find harmonized use in the Blood Management Act, health insurance fee schedule, and hospital information systems.

Objective: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing literature on the relationship between hypnotics and dementia, considering both potential link and inconclusive or lack of association. Methods: Data from studies that investigate the association between hypnotic medications and dementia were reviewed. Studies included both cohort studies and systematic reviews, participants with various type of dementia and hypnotics including benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs (ZDs). Results: The existing literatures presents conflicting evidence regarding the association between hypnotics, including BZDs and ZDs, and the risk of dementia. Some studies suggest a potential link between prolonged use of hypnotics and an increased risk of dementia. However, other studies indicate inconclusive or lacking evidence regarding this association. Factors such as study design, sample characteristics, and control of confounding variables contribute to the variability in findings. Conclusion The relationship between hypnotics and dementia remains complex and controversial. While some studies suggest a potential association, others find inconclusive or conflicting evidence. Future research should focus on addressing methodological limitations, considering classifying dementia subtypes, and try to adjust medication lag time.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by recurrent airway obstruction during sleep. Previous western studies have investigated the link between medical disorders and the pathophysiology of OSA. The prevalence and comorbidity rates of OSA; however, vary across different countries and racial groups. This study aimed to delve into medical comorbidities in patients with OSA using a large nationwide healthcare database in Korea. Methods: This nationwide study used the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2010–2019). The effect of OSA on the incidence of medical disorders was estimated using the Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) model. The results were reported as crude and adjusted HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis was conducted by sex and age. Results: In total, 103,785 patients with OSA and 207,570 patients without OSA were included. OSA group had significantly higher HRs for ischemic heart disease and stroke even after adjusting for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. The OSA group also showed an increased risk of metabolic syndrome-related diseases, chronic kidney disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Female patients with OSA exhibited notably higher rates of comorbid liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. The cardiovascular burden of patients increased in accordance with the patients’ age. Conclusion Korean patients with OSA have a significantly increased risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, which aligns with the previous studies conducted in the western countries. This result holds particular significance as it represents the first nationwide, population-based study conducted in Asia.

The ABO blood type was discovered by Karl Landsteiner in 1901. The frequency of occurrence of the ABO blood type in Korea was reported in the journal of the Joseon Medical Association in 1922. The status of 54 transfusions at one medical clinic in 1924 was reported at a medical congress in 1925. Many direct transfusion cases in Korea were identified by a literature search for articles published during the 1920s.

Objective: Antipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin depending on the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients through the Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). Methods: We conducted a cohort search in the CDW application and got 260 patients’ medical records diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, manic episodes, and bipolar affective disorders who were taking one of risperidone, blonanserin, amisulpride, and olanzapine. After that, we reviewed the medical data and used the ANCOVA analysis and the post hoc test to compare serum prolactin levels among four antipsychotic drug groups. Results: Among the 117 subjects included in the analysis, the mean serum prolactin level was 64.6 ± 54.6 ng/ml. Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in subjects taking risperidone or amisulpride compared to blonanserin and olanzapine. The female subjects who took blonanserin, olanzapine, and risperidone had significantly higher prolactin levels, but there was no difference in serum prolactin levels between sex in the subjects who took amisulpride. Conclusion This study suggests the need for regular monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients who are taking antipsychotics, especially in female patients. And we showed that there is a possibility to conduct more effective and simpler big data research using the CDW. Further studies on the subjects with controlled confounding variables and larger sample groups are needed.

Objective: Recently data has been accumulated regarding the role of coping strategies in the relationship between stress and sleep quality. Therefore, we set out to identify the mediating effects of coping strategies between stress and sleep quality. Methods: A online-based cross-sectional study was performed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a simplification of the 60-item Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) inventory in the nonclinical adult sample. The 24 items of Brief COPE were categorized into four factors (social support, problem solving, avoidance, positive thinking). Then, we used the PROCESS macro to conduct the multiple mediation analysis for the four coping styles as potential mediators in the relationship between stress and sleep quality, and an additional subgroup analysis was examined to identify a gender difference for the mediation effect. Results: As a group, four coping styles mediated significantly the association between perceived stress and poor sleep quality. And avoidance has maintained its significance thought all regression analyses. Finally, this results remained as same in the females. Conclusion The effect of perceived stress on poor sleep quality was mediated by coping strategies, especially by avoidance. Thus, further research should consider the coping styles of individuals to reduce the influence of stress on sleep quality.