Laboratory approaches in desensitization for ABO-incompatible transplantation.

ABO-incompatible transplantation, once considered contraindicated due to the risk of hyperacute rejection, has become a viable option owing to advances in immunosuppression and desensitization methods. Accurate measurement and effective reduction of anti-ABO isoagglutinin titers are essential for the success of ABO-incompatible transplantation. This review summarizes the principles of hemagglutination and the measurement of isoagglutinin titers, highlighting variables that influence agglutination sensitivity.

Impact of obesity on palpation-guided distal radial access for coronary procedures: subgroup analysis of the multicenter, prospective KODRA registry.

Background: There is limited data on the impact of body mass index (BMI) on distal radial access (DRA). Using a large-scale prospective registry, the influence of obesity on DRA outcomes was evaluated, including cannulation and complications.

Methods: Using data from the prospective, multicenter KODRA (Korean Prospective Registry for Evaluation the Safety and Efficacy of Distal Radial Approach) registry data, 4,638 patients who planned palpation-guided distal radial artery puncture were enrolled into two groups, both with body mass index (BMI) information available: obese (n = 2,205; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and non-obese (n = 2,433).

Characteristics and management of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korea compared with other high-income Asian countries and regions.

Background: This study investigated the characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods: We conducted a subgroup analysis of a multinational observational study. Data from 271 mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean ICUs were analyzed for demographics, ventilation practices, and mortality, and were compared with those of 327 patients from other high-income Asian countries.

Familial predisposition to flap necrosis after palatoplasty: a case report of two siblings with bilateral cleft palate.

Mucoperiosteal flap necrosis is a rare but serious complication following cleft palate repair, often resulting in the formation of oronasal fistulas. Although several factors-such as excessive flap tension, pedicle injury, infection, and hematoma-have been implicated in its pathogenesis, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we report two nonsyndromic siblings with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate, both of whom developed anterior mucoperiosteal flap necrosis on postoperative day 5 after primary palatoplasty performed with a same two-flap technique incorporating a vomer flap.

Establishing consensus recommendations for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in South Korea: A modified Delphi study.

Purpose: Consensus is lacking among South Korean urologists on the appropriate treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). A modified, Delphi-based consensus on managing mHSPC patients was developed to support clinical decision-making.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-six questions on mHSPC treatment were developed by an expert committee (five urologists).

The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival outcomes subsequent to radical cystectomy in pathological T0 bladder cancer patients: A multicenter large-scale analysis.

Purpose: After radical cystectomy (RC), the pathologic complete response (pT0) among muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is considered a favorable oncological result. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) among the pT0 patients using a large-scale multicenter study.

Materials And Methods: This study included 3,972 patients who underwent RC at 11 tertiary medical centers.

Idiopathic epiretinal membrane area changes in eyes with good vision and the association with visual function.

Purpose: To evaluate idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) area changes and the association with visual function in patients with good vision, using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO).

Methods: The medical records of patients with iERM with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/25 and a follow-up period ≥ 2 years were reviewed retrospectively. BCVA, metamorphopsia, fundus images using cSLO, and optical coherence tomography images were obtained at baseline and every 6 months.

Temporal modulation of antiplatelet therapy in high-risk patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention: the TAILORED-CHIP randomized clinical trial.

Background And Aims: Limited data exist on optimal antiplatelet strategies for high-risk patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tailored antiplatelet treatment with temporal modulation of the intensity of platelet inhibition in patients undergoing complex high-risk PCI.

Methods: We randomly assigned 2018 patients with high-risk anatomical or clinical characteristics undergoing complex PCI to a tailored antiplatelet strategy with early escalation (low-dose ticagrelor at 60 mg twice daily plus aspirin <6 months) and late de-escalation (clopidogrel monotherapy >6 months) or dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel plus aspirin for 12 months).

Splenic hamartoma mimicking angiosarcoma: A case report.

Background: Primary splenic lesions are rare and often detected incidentally through imaging, biopsy, or autopsy, typically without distinct clinical symptoms. Although imaging can help differentiate benign from malignant lesions, splenic hamartomas, and angiosarcomas may exhibit overlapping features, making diagnosis challenging. This report presents a case of splenic hamartoma suspected to be an angiosarcoma based on preoperative imaging.

Challenges in Diagnosing Pediatric Monteggia Fractures: Role of Clinical Experience and Imaging.

: Monteggia fracture-dislocations are rare but critical injuries in children. Accurate early diagnosis is essential to avoid long-term complications; however, such injuries are frequently missed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Monteggia fractures among physicians of varying specialties and experience levels and to identify factors influencing diagnostic performance.

Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) as a Serum Biomarker for Fibrotic Ovarian Aging: A Clinical Validation Study Based on Translational Transcriptomic Targets.

Chronological age is an imprecise proxy for reproductive capacity, necessitating biomarkers that reflect the underlying pathophysiology of the ovary. Fibrotic remodeling of the ovarian stroma is a key hallmark of biological ovarian aging, yet it cannot be assessed by current clinical tools. This study aimed to identify and validate a novel serum biomarker for fibrotic ovarian aging by applying supervised machine learning (ML) to human ovarian transcriptomic data.

Genomic Insights into Innate Resistance in Early-Stage EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Next-Generation Sequencing Data.

Purpose: Comprehensive genomic profiling of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations remains limited. This study aimed to investigate genomic profiles of early- and advanced-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC and identify potential innate resistance mechanisms to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed genomic profiles of patients with early-stage (IA-IIIA) and advanced-stage (IIIB-IV) EGFR-mutant NSCLC from the Lung Cancer NGS registry.

Barriers and opportunities in biobank utilization: insights from a 3-year repeated cross-sectional survey of the Female Breast and Genital Disease with Microbiome Biobank Network in South Korea.

Background: This study aimed to document the patterns, challenges, and opportunities for biobank utilization within the Female Breast and Genital Disease with Microbiome Biobank Network (FDMNet) in South Korea. Annual surveys (2022-2024) assessed researcher awareness, utilization patterns, barriers to access, research requirements, and interest in microbiome research.

Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to staff members at five university hospitals participating in FDMNet.

Canonical correlations among symptom clusters, symptom experience, and symptom cluster management in male patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) experience multiple symptoms; however, the symptom clusters they experience remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify symptom clusters in male patients with NMIBC and examine their associations with symptom experience (uncertainty and grit) and symptom cluster management (health behaviour).

Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed data collected using questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews from 100 patients with NMIBC diagnosed after transurethral resection of bladder tumours between June and October 2024 at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city in South Korea.

Technological Advances and Medical Applications of Implantable Electronic Devices: From the Heart, Brain, and Skin to Gastrointestinal Organs.

Implantable electronic devices are driving innovation in modern medical technology and have significantly improved patients' quality of life. This review comprehensively analyzes the latest technological trends in implantable electronic devices used in major organs, including the heart, brain, and skin. Additionally, it explores the potential for application in the gastrointestinal system, particularly in the field of biliary stents, in which development has been limited.

Association Between Intraocular Pressure and Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Korea.

Background: Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, has been linked to increased IOP. This study investigated the relationship between IOP and metabolic syndrome risk factors in an adult Korean population.

Early Oral Refeeding in Patients with Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/aims: To assess the safety and efficacy of early oral refeeding (ERF) versus delayed refeeding (DRF) in patients with mild post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods: Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the ERF or DRF group. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the ERF or DRF group.

Integrating MRI Volume and Plasma p-Tau217 for Amyloid Risk Stratification in Early-Stage Alzheimer Disease.

Background And Objectives: Identifying β-amyloid (Aβ) positivity is crucial for selecting candidates for Aβ-targeted therapies in early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD). While Aβ PET is accurate, its high cost limits routine use. Plasma p-tau217 testing offers a less invasive option but also incurs additional costs.

Fractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery as a Primary Treatment for Large Brain Metastases.

Background: To assess the effectiveness of fractionated Gamma Knife radiosurgery (fGKS) as a primary treatment for newly diagnosed large (> 10 cm³) brain metastases.

Methods: Ninety-three patients with newly diagnosed large brain metastases, comprising 99 lesions, who underwent fGKS were included in this retrospective study. Tumor and edema volumes were measured using follow-up magnetic resonance imaging for longitudinal analysis.

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to liver abscess: a retrospective study of clinical course, treatment pattern, and prognosis.

Aim: To report the demographic and systemic characteristics of patients, clinical progression of endophthalmitis, and the efficacy of various treatment strategies, with a focus on identifying key factors for preserving vision in eyes with endogenous endophthalmitis due to () liver abscess.

Methods: In this single-center, retrospective case series of 18 patients with endogenous endophthalmitis due to liver abscess were analyzed. Ophthalmologic features of endophthalmitis at early, intermediate and advanced stages were obtained from eyes with endophthalmitis of different severities.

Efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life in transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib maintenance therapy: a study of the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party (KMMWP-174 study).

Not available.

TSH Cut-Offs and Recurrence Risk in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the risk of recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), stratified by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk of recurrence, according to variable thyrotropin (TSH) cut-offs (0.1, 0.5, and 2.