Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
Case ReportsCost-Effectiveness of Active Surveillance Compared to Early Surgery of Small Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population.
Recently, active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as an alternative to early surgery (ES) for the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), because of its indolent features and low mortality. However, its cost effects have not been determined and the findings of current studies differ, according to each country's medical system. ⋯ In the current Korean medical system, ES is more cost-effective than AS. ES is more cost-effective as it is diagnosed at young age and followed-up for a long time.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
ReviewEvaluation of Temporal Trends of Lead Exposure in Korean Workers Using Workplace Monitoring Data.
Lead, which is widely used in various industrial settings, is a major health hazard for manufacturing workers. Therefore, control of lead exposure has been implemented in an effort to prevent lead-related health problems. In this study, our aim was to evaluate temporal trends in occupational lead exposure in Korean lead workers using data from monitoring of workplace exposure. ⋯ Findings of our study showed that occupational exposure to lead declined over the period from 1994 to 2021 in Korea. However, adverse effects of exposure to lead on health should be regarded with caution. The results will be useful in conduct of epidemiological studies examining lead-related effects on health.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in North Korean Defectors Residing in Korea.
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and identify the demographic, and sociological characteristics and changes in awareness of HCV infection by participating the study for North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. ⋯ This is the first prospective study to investigate the prevalence rate of HCV infection among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. As North Korean defectors are a vulnerable group concerning HCV infection, they may benefit from HCV screening policies and educational interventions for HCV infection.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
Associations of Serum Uric Acid Level With Liver Enzymes, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Liver Fibrosis in Korean Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Nationally Representative Data.
This study aimed to determine whether serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with various indices of liver damage in the adult Korean population. ⋯ High SUA levels may be associated with elevated liver enzymes and NAFLD, mainly in women. Even in women with normal ALT levels, SUA levels may predict the NAFLD status. Hyperuricemia may predict advanced liver FIB in both men and women with NAFLD. Further studies investigating the causal effects of SUA on liver damage are required.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
Risk Factors Related to COVID-19 Reinfection and Fatality During the Omicron (BA.1/BA.2) Period in Korea.
This study aimed to investigate the deaths due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection and related risk factors. ⋯ In these data, vaccination history was significantly related to reduced COVID-19 reinfection and severe progression, and scheduled vaccinations were important even with a history of infection.