Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Spirometric Interpretation and Clinical Relevance According to Different Reference Equations.
Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI)-2012 reference equation is currently suggested for interpretation of spirometry results and a new local reference equation has been developed in South Korea. However, lung function profiles according to the different reference equations and their clinical relevance have not been identified in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. ⋯ GLI-2012 reference equation may not accurately reflect FEV1 (%) in the Korean population, but the Z-score using GLI-2012 equation can be a viable option for assessing FEV1 and airflow limitation in COPD patients. Similar to the other two equations, the GLI-2012 equation demonstrated significant associations with PROs.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
ReviewAntibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.
Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. The increasing rates of H. pylori antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains pose significant challenges to its treatment. ⋯ These approaches aim to improve the treatment outcomes of H. pylori infections while minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance. The continuous evolution of treatment perspectives and ongoing research in this field are crucial for effectively combating this challenging infection.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyThe Risk of COVID-19 and Its Outcomes in Korean Patients With Gout: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study.
This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related clinical outcomes between patients with and without gout. Electronic health record-based data from two centers (Seoul National University Hospital [SNUH] and Boramae Medical Center [BMC]), from January 2021 to April 2022, were mapped to a common data model. ⋯ Within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, no significant difference was observed in terms of hospitalization (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.03-3.90), severe outcomes (HR, 2.90; 95% CI, 0.54-13.71), or mortality (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.06-16.24). Similar results were obtained from the BMC database, suggesting that gout does not increase the risk for COVID-19 diagnosis or severe outcomes.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Factors Affecting Adherence to National Colorectal Cancer Screening: A 12-Year Longitudinal Study Using Multi-Institutional Pooled Data in Korea.
Consistent uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is important to reduce the incidence and mortality from advanced-stage CRC and increase the survival rate of the patients. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine the factors affecting CRC screening compliance in Korean adults using individual-level linked data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Korean National Health Insurance Service, and Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. ⋯ The lack of regular participation in CRC screening programs in the Republic of Korea was found to be an issue that requires attention. Policies on CRC screening must place increased emphasis on strengthening educational and public relations initiatives.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2024
Application of the Time Derivative (TD) Method for Early Alert of Influenza Epidemics.
In order to minimize the spread of seasonal influenza epidemic to communities worldwide, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has issued an influenza epidemic alert using the influenza epidemic threshold formula based on the results of the influenza-like illness (ILI) rate. However, unusual changes have occurred in the pattern of respiratory infectious diseases, including seasonal influenza, after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, the importance of detecting the onset of an epidemic earlier than the existing epidemic alert system is increasing. Accordingly, in this study, the Time Derivative (TD) method was suggested as a supplementary approach to the existing influenza alert system for the early detection of seasonal influenza epidemics. ⋯ The TD method is a time series analysis that enables early epidemic alert in real-time without relying on past epidemic information. It can be considered as an alternative approach when it is challenging to set an epidemic threshold based on past period information. This situation may arise when there has been a change in the typical seasonal epidemic pattern of various respiratory viruses, including influenza, following the COVID-19 pandemic.