Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Dec 2023
An Analysis of the Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Transgender and Intersex Populations in Korea: A Retrospective Study Using HIRA Database.
Transgender and intersex populations have long remained under-documented in South Korea, largely due to the absence of comprehensive epidemiological data. With increasing societal acknowledgment, there's an urgent need to understand the demographics and health challenges faced by these communities. ⋯ This is the first large-scale study highlighting the demographics and clinical characteristics of the transgender and intersex populations in Korea. The study reveals a consistent growth of these communities over the past 15 years, with a significant proportion under 30 years of age facing mental and behavioral challenges. Findings underscore the need for targeted healthcare interventions, early psychological support, and comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to the specific needs of these individuals in Korea.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Dec 2023
Impact of an Emergency Department Isolation Policy for Patients With Suspected COVID-19 on Door-to-Electrocardiography Time and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Rapid electrocardiography diagnosis within 10 minutes of presentation is critical for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in the emergency department (ED). However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the emergency care system. Screening for COVID-19 symptoms and implementing isolation policies in EDs may delay the door-to-electrocardiography (DTE) time. ⋯ Our study showed that ED screening or isolation policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to delays in DTE time. Timely evaluation and treatment of emergency patients during pandemics are essential to prevent potential delays that may impact their clinical outcomes.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Dec 2023
Prognostic Value of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity According to Subjects' Clinical Characteristics: Data From Analysis of 10,597 Subjects.
To make good use of the prognostic value of arterial stiffness, it is important to identify the population with the greatest benefit. In this study, we compared the prognostic value of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) according to various clinical characteristics. ⋯ Our results suggest that baPWV is not only effective in specific clinical situations, but can be effectively applied to predict cardiovascular prognosis in various clinical situations.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Dec 2023
Socioeconomic Disparities in the Association Between All-Cause Mortality and Health Check-Up Participation Among Healthy Middle-Aged Workers: A Nationwide Study.
This study assessed the relationship between non-participation in health check-ups and all-cause mortality and morbidity, considering socioeconomic status. ⋯ Our study highlights the significant reverse J-shaped association between health check-up participation and all-cause mortality. A pronounced association was found among self-employed individuals, regardless of gender.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Dec 2023
Significant Reduction in External Ventricular Drain-Related Infections After Introducing a Novel Bundle Protocol: A Before and After Trial.
External ventricular drain (EVD)-related infection (ERI) is a serious complication in neurosurgical patients. The estimated ERI rates range from 5 to 20 cases per 1,000 EVD catheter days. The pathophysiology of ERI is similar to central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) stemming from skin-derived bacterial colonization. The use of bundle management can reduce CLABSI rates. Due to the pathogenic similarities between infections related to the two devices, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an ERI-bundle protocol based on CLABSI bundles. ⋯ Introduction of the ERI-bundle protocol was very effective in reducing ERI.