Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Risk Factors for the Occurrence and Severity of Vertebral Fractures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.
The risk of vertebral fractures is increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, whether the severity of vertebral fractures differs between IBD patients and the general population, or between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is unknown. ⋯ Vertebral fractures occur frequently and more severely in IBD patients, particularly those with CD. Therefore, we suggest monitoring of bone density, regular vitamin D supply, and reducing the use of corticosteroids to prevent vertebral fractures in IBD patients who are older, female, or have comorbidities.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Risk Factors for Sudden Death Within 2 Days After Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Korea.
We aimed to analyze the risk factors for sudden death after diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Korea and to provide evidence for informing prevention and control interventions for patients at risk of sudden death. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first study on the risk factors for sudden death after a diagnosis of COVID-19, which included age, underlying condition, vaccination status, and place of death. Additionally, individuals aged < 60 years without an underlying condition were at high risk for sudden death. However, this group has relatively low interest in health, as can be seen from the high non-vaccination rate (16.1% of the general population vs. 61.6% of the corresponding group). Therefore, there is a possibility for the presence of an uncontrolled underlying disease in this population. In addition, many sudden deaths occurred due to delayed hospital visits to continue economic activities even after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms (7 days overall vs. 10 days average for the group). In conclusion, 'continued interest in health' is a key factor in avoiding sudden death in the economically active group (under 60 years of age).
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Effectiveness of Paxlovid, an Oral Antiviral Drug, Against the Omicron BA.5 Variant in Korea: Severe Progression and Death Between July and November 2022.
Paxlovid is an oral antiviral drug that received emergency use authorization in South Korea for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on January 14, 2022. Since the onset of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, the virus has continued to evolve. The emergence of new variants has raised concerns about possible reductions in the effectiveness of vaccines and drugs. The effectiveness of Paxlovid in patients infected with the omicron variant and subvariants has not yet been determined. This study assessed the effectiveness of Paxlovid at reducing the risk of severe/critical illness or death and death in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 caused by omicron subvariant BA.5. ⋯ Paxlovid is effective at reducing the risk of death due to COVID-19 in patients with omicron BA.5 infection, especially in older patients, regardless of vaccination status. This suggests that older patients with COVID-19-related symptoms should be administered Paxlovid, regardless of their vaccination status, to reduce severity and risk of death.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Loss of Neutralizing Activity of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab (Evusheld™) Against Omicron BN.1, a Dominant Circulating Strain Following BA.5 During the Seventh Domestic Outbreak in Korea in Early 2023.
Tixagevimab/cilgavimab is a monoclonal antibody used to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 among immunocompromised hosts and maintained neutralizing activity against early omicron variants. Omicron BN.1 became a dominant circulating strain in Korea early 2023, but its susceptibility to tixagevimab/cilgavimab is unclear. ⋯ In the paired analyses, tixagevimab/cilgavimab-administered sera could not actively neutralize BN.1 (PRNT ND50 11.5 ± 2.9, P = 0.001), compared with the reserved activity against BA.5 (ND50 310.5 ± 180.4). Unlike virus-like particle assay, tixagevimab/cilgavimab was not active against BN.1 in neutralizing assay, and would not be effective in the present predominance of BA.2.75 sublineages.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Attention, Externalizing and Internalizing Problems Mediated Differently on Internet Gaming Disorder Among Children and Adolescents With a Family History of Addiction as an Adverse Childhood Experience.
This study aimed to examine the factors associated with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and the mediating role of pediatric symptoms (attention, externalizing problems and internalizing problems) in children and adolescents with a family history of addiction as an adverse childhood experience (ACE). ⋯ This study demonstrated the associations among the family history of addiction, IGD, and pediatric symptoms (attention, externalizing problems, and internalizing problems) among Korean children and adolescents. Therefore, we need to pay attention to pediatric symptoms and develop systematic alternatives to improve mental health among Korean children and adolescents with a family history of addiction as ACEs.