Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Aug 2023
Value of Breast MRI and Nomogram After Negative Axillary Ultrasound for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Clinically T1-2 N0 Breast Cancer.
There are increasing concerns about that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) could be omitted in patients with clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancers who has negative axillary ultrasound (AUS). This study aims to assess the false negative result (FNR) of AUS, the rate of high nodal burden (HNB) in clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancer patients, and the diagnostic performance of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nomogram. ⋯ The FNR of AUS was approximately 20% but the rate of HNB was low. The diagnostic performance of MRI was not satisfactory with low PPV but MRI had merit in reaffirming negative AUS with high NPV. Patients who had low probability scores from our clinical-imaging nomogram might be possible candidates for the omission of SLNB.
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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
Clinical Effectiveness of Tetracycline-Class Agents Based Regimens in Patients With Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteremia: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.
This study evaluated the clinical outcome of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bacteremia and the clinical effectiveness of tetracyclines-based therapy. In a retrospective cohort study over 5 years period, 108 patients were included in the study. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 71.4%. ⋯ Among patients with a PBS < 6, only tetracycline-containing regimens were associated with decreased mortality. Among patients receiving appropriate definite antimicrobials, the tetracyclines-colistin combination (7 of 7, 100%) tended to a higher 30-day survival rate compared to a tetracycline (7 of 12, 57.1%) or colistin single regimen (10 of 22, 41.6%, P = 0.073). Our findings suggest tetracyclines might be effective for treating CRAB infections when combined with colistin.
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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.