Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2024
ReviewCurrent Status of Molecular Diagnosis of Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia in Korea.
Hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) is considered a group of rare hematological diseases in Korea, primarily because of its unique ethnic characteristics and diagnostic challenges. Recently, the prevalence of HHA has increased in Korea, reflecting the increasing number of international marriages and increased awareness of the disease. In particular, the diagnosis of red blood cell (RBC) enzymopathy experienced a resurgence, given the advances in diagnostic techniques. ⋯ Recent breakthroughs in molecular genetic testing methods, particularly next-generation sequencing, are proving critical in identifying and providing insight into cases of HHA with previously unknown diagnoses. These innovative molecular genetic testing methods have now become important tools for the management and care planning of patients with HHA. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in molecular genetic testing for the diagnosis of HHA, with particular emphasis on the Korean context.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2024
Multicenter StudyImpact of COVID-19 Infection and Its Association With Previous Vaccination in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were more susceptible to poor outcomes owing to respiratory muscle weakness and immunotherapy. Several studies conducted in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic reported higher mortality in patients with MG compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with MG and to compare these parameters between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in South Korea. ⋯ This study suggests that the clinical course and prognosis of patients with MG who contracted COVID-19 during the dominance of the omicron variant of COVID-19 may be milder than those at the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccination was unavailable. Vaccination may reduce the morbidity of COVID-19 in patients with MG and effectively prevent MG deterioration induced by COVID-19 infection.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2024
Multicenter StudyImpact of Infection Prevention Programs on Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Analyzed in Multicenter Study.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for a large proportion of healthcare-associated infections and have a significant impact on morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Adherence to the recommended infection prevention practices can effectively reduce the incidence of CAUTIs. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of CAUTIs and the efficacy of prevention programs across hospitals of various sizes. ⋯ We implemented interventions to prevent CAUTIs and evaluated their outcomes. The incidence of these infections decreased in the initial phases of the intervention when adequate support and personnel were present. The rate of these infections may be reduced by implementing active interventions such as consistent monitoring and adherence to guidelines for preventing infections.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2024
Impact of Comprehensive Primary Care in Patients With Complex Chronic Diseases: Nationwide Cohort Database Analysis in Korea.
More comprehensive healthcare services should be provided to patients with complex chronic diseases to better manage their complex care needs. This study examined the effectiveness of comprehensive primary care in patients with complex chronic diseases. ⋯ This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of primary care in functional doctors' offices for patients with complex chronic diseases beyond a single chronic disease and suggests the need for policies to strengthen functional offices providing comprehensive care.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2024
Genomic Analysis of Monkeypox Virus During the 2023 Epidemic in Korea.
We aimed to characterize the genomes of monkeypox virus isolates from the Far East, providing insights into viral transmission and evolution. Genomic analysis was conducted on 8 isolates obtained from patients with monkeypox virus disease in the Republic of Korea between May 2022 and early 2023. ⋯ These genetic features were specific to Far East isolates (the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan), distinguishing them from the diverse lineages found in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. In early 2023, the prevalence of the B.1.3 lineage of monkeypox virus identified in six patients with no overseas travel history is considered as an indicator of the potential initiation of local transmission in the Republic of Korea.