Journal List > J Korean Med Sci > v.39(10) > 1516086508

Yoo: In This Issue on 18-March-2024
In this issue, 6 original articles have been published.

1. Cost-Utility Analysis for Colorectal Cancer Screening According to the Initiating Age of National Cancer Screening Program in Korea.

Suh M, et al.
This study aimed to determine the most cost-effective approach for colorectal cancer screening in Korea using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), focusing on the age to start screening. The 2-year interval strategy starting at age 45-80 was found to be the most cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses identified transition rates and discount rates as crucial factors. The study supports the 2015 recommendation to increase the screening initiation age, offering insights for Korea's national cancer screening system development.

2. Characteristics According to Frailty Status Among Older Korean Patients With Hypertension.

Kim KI, et al.
This prospective study addresses the increasing prevalence of hypertension in the aging population and emphasizes the significance of frailty among older hypertensive patients in Korea. Frail to pre-frail patients exhibited characteristics of advanced age, dependency in activities, slower gait, weaker grip strength, lower quality of life, and cognitive decline. They showed more dizziness and had clinical factors like lower glomerular filtration rate and comorbidities. Frail hypertensive patients face challenges in achieving positive outcomes, requiring comprehensive evaluation and frequent monitoring for adverse events.

3. Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent.

Lee JH, et al.
This study compared transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA) for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs). After propensity score matching, TRA showed lower use of the two-stent strategy and in-hospital adverse outcomes, mainly due to fewer access site complications. At the 5-year follow-up, TRA and TFA exhibited similar device-oriented composite outcomes. The results suggest TRA's potential safety advantage in bifurcation PCI with second-generation DESs, making it a preferred access choice despite differences in treatment strategy.

4. Effect of Temperature Variation on the Incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Kim MH, et al.
This study examined the association between temperature changes and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence in Korea using data from the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea Meteorological Administration. From 2005 through 2014, the AMI rate showed a decreasing trend. Monthly AMI events were highest in December and March and lowest in August. Seasonal distribution revealed higher rates in spring and winter. The highest AMI incidence occurred with an 8-10°C temperature difference in each season. Additionally, AMI incidence tended to increase with decreasing mean temperature and increasing mean daily temperature difference. The findings suggest a correlation between modest daily temperature variations and increased AMI risk, emphasizing the importance of daily temperature fluctuations over mean daily temperature.

5. Nationwide Study of the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in Korea.

Gu KM, et al.
This study aimed to address knowledge gaps on hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) using South Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data (2010-2021). Patients, mostly males with a mean age of 52, commonly had asthma as a comorbidity. Treatment initiation was associated with female gender, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bronchoscopy. Prednisone was the primary systemic steroid, and azathioprine was the most used second-line immunosuppressant. The study contributes valuable insights into HP incidence, diagnosis, and treatment in South Korea.

6. Risk Factors for Infertility in Korean Women.

Park SK, et al.
This study investigates risk factors for female infertility in Korean women using data from 986 patients in six infertility clinics and age-matched controls from nationwide surveys. The results highlight associations between female infertility in Korea and underweight, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and thyroid diseases.
Readers should also refer to the editorial response for this article.

Notes

Disclosure: The author has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

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