Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Developing an Attention Assessment Tool for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Timbre, Rhythm, and Pitch.
Music is regarded as a beneficial tool for assessing the clinical symptoms and communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism. The present study developed a music-based attention test (MAT) for individuals with autism using music parameters and the algorithm of the comprehensive attention test (CAT). ⋯ The MAT could be a relevant tool for gauging attention in individuals with ASD. Furthermore, attention determined using the MAT may be correlated with social quotient in autistic individuals. Future studies should consider that using music in the field of attention could improve the social quotient of individuals with autism.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Trends in Frailty Prevalence Among Older Adults in Korea: A Nationwide Study From 2008 to 2020.
We aimed to evaluate the nationwide trend of the prevalence of frailty in older adults in Korea from 2008 to 2020 to inform future geriatric healthcare policies. ⋯ The prevalence of frailty in older adults in South Korea has decreased significantly during the study period. Historical improvements in healthcare access and preventive measures may have contributed to this trend.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Case ReportsInjury to the Left Sciatic and Right Common Peroneal Nerves Combined With Multifocal Rhabdomyolysis in a Survivor of the Itaewon Crowd Crush: A Case Report.
We report the case of a 27-year-old survivor of the Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon, Seoul, Korea who was diagnosed with left sciatic neuropathy and right common peroneal neuropathy accompanied by multifocal rhabdomyolysis. The patient presented to the emergency room complaining of pain from her lower back to her whole lower extremities with paraparesis and paresthesia. Her blood test showed the marked elevation of creatine kinase and liver enzymes. ⋯ After comprehensive rehabilitation and conservative treatment for three months, her muscle strength improved, and she could walk independently. Although several previous studies have reported peripheral neuropathy in immobilized patients, to the best of our knowledge, no case associated with a crowd crush has been reported. Therefore, we report the case of multifocal neuropathy combined with rhabdomyolysis in a victim of a crowd crush incident with good recovery.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Current Status and Physicians' Perspectives of Childhood Cancer Survivorship in Korea: A Nationwide Survey of Pediatric Hematologists/Oncologists.
Data on the status of long-term follow-up (LTFU) care for childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) in Korea is lacking. This study was conducted to evaluate the current status of LTFU care for CCSs and relevant physicians' perspectives. ⋯ The LTFU care system for CCS is underdeveloped in the Republic of Korea. It is urgent to establish an LTFU care system to meet the growing needs of Korean CCSs, which should include Korean CCSs care guidelines, provider education plans, the establishment of multidisciplinary care systems, and a supportive national healthcare policy.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Critical COVID-19 Patients Aged 50 Years or Younger During Omicron Wave in Korea: Comparison With Patients Older Than 50 Years of Age.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the death of thousands of patients worldwide. Although age is known to be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients, critical illness or death is occurring even in the younger age group as the epidemic spreads. In early 2022, omicron became the dominant variant of the COVID-19 virus in South Korea, and the epidemic proceeded on a large scale. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine whether young adults (aged ≤ 50 years) with critical COVID-19 infection during the omicron period had different characteristics from older patients and to determine the risk factors for mortality in this specific age group. ⋯ Overall, the S-CFR of critically ill COVID-19 patients in the omicron period was higher than that in the delta period, especially in those aged ≤ 50 years. All of the patients who died had an underlying disease or obesity. In the same population, the vaccination rate was very low compared to that in the delta wave, indicating that non-vaccination significantly affected the progression to critical illness. Notably, there was a lack of prescription for Paxlovid for these patients although they satisfied the prescription criteria. Early diagnosis and active initial treatment was necessary, along with the proven methods of vaccination and personal hygiene. Further studies are needed to determine how each variant affects critically ill patients.