Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2024
Realistic Estimation of COVID-19 Infection by Seroprevalence Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: An Experience From Korea Metropolitan Area From January to May 2022.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, leading to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because a significant proportion of the COVID-19 confirmed cases were concentrated in the capital metropolitan area of South Korea, and a large proportion of the population in the area had been adequately vaccinated against COVID-19, we conducted a seroprevalence surveillance study focusing on the residents of the capital metropolitan area in South Korea. ⋯ Seroprevalence confirmed the number of infection cases outside of PCR testing-based surveillance. Seroepidemiological surveillance can help us understand vaccine responses and detect hidden infections, thereby providing appropriate public health guidance for achieving population-level immunity.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2024
ReviewConsensus Statements on the Definition, Classification, and Diagnostic Tests for Tinnitus: A Delphi Study Conducted by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group.
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various symptoms. However, the mechanisms of tinnitus are still uncertain, and a standardized assessment of the diagnostic criteria for tinnitus is required. We aimed to reach a consensus on diagnosing tinnitus with professional experts by conducting a Delphi study with systematic review of the literature. ⋯ We used a modified Delphi method to establish a consensus-based definition, a classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. The expert panel reached agreement for several statements, with a high level of consensus. This may provide practical information for clinicians in managing tinnitus.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2024
Establishment of Safety Monitoring System for Vaccines Not Included in the National Immunization Program in Korea.
In Korea, there are no surveillance programs for vaccines that are not included in the national immunization program (NIP), and vaccine safety monitoring in the adult population is inadequate. This study aimed to establish a safety monitoring system for non-NIP vaccines in adults. ⋯ We are establishing the first safety monitoring system for selected non-NIP vaccines in Korea since September 2022 and report its progress as of July 2023. However, continuous government support is essential for its maintenance and improvement.