Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Nov 2024
Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in 44,118 Singleton Pregnancies: Endometrial Preparation Methods for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer.
This study aimed to investigate the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of singleton deliveries following frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles using different endometrial preparation methods. ⋯ The rate of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes was higher in AC-FET compared to NC-FET, highlighting NC-FET as a valuable option owing to better maternal and fetal safety. In cases where NC-FET is not feasible, SC-FET presented as a favorable alternative, exhibiting lower miscarriage rates than NC-FET and better obstetric outcomes than AC-FET.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Nov 2024
Happiness and Its Association With Suicide Ideation and Attempt in Korea: The Roles of Socio-Environmental, Psychological, and Health-Related Factors.
The association between happiness and suicide behaviour across different gender and age groups remains unclear, with few studies identifying potential confounding or mediating factors that explain this association. We aimed 1) to examine the association of happiness with suicide ideation/attempt and 2) to assess the relative contribution of potential factors in explaining the associations in South Korea. ⋯ Unhappiness is associated with suicide ideation/attempt. Psychological factors could largely explain this association, suggesting that improving population mental health could play an important role in increasing happiness and preventing suicide behaviour.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Nov 2024
Current Status of Co-Ordering of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Testing in Korea.
We retrospectively examined current trends in ordering for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing. All claims corresponding to ESR and CRP testing for hospital visits in 2022 were obtained from a platform operated by the Health Insurance and Review Agency. The annual (2018-2022) utilization and cost of ESR and CRP, total inpatient days, and patient encounters with outpatients were retrieved. ⋯ More than 60% co-ordering claims were observed in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments. The proportion of co-orders was relatively high in inpatient setting and primary hospitals. This study indicated frequent co-ordering patterns of ESR and CRP tests, highlighting an urgent need for diagnostic stewardship programs on ESR and CRP testing in Korea.
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Making correct decisions is of paramount importance in clinical medicine and health-related disciplines. Randomized clinical trials are considered the gold-standard type of study for the assessment of the efficacy of a treatment. However, conducting a randomized clinical trial is not always possible; observational studies should be conducted, instead. ⋯ The method involves several steps including defining the outcome of interest and identifying its potential outcome predictors. Then, we need to operationalize the selected risk factors and construct a statistical model or other methods of adjustment. This will result in a more accurate (less biased) estimate of the treatment effect.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Nov 2024
Similar but Distinct Comorbidity Patterns Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis in Korean Women: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are widely recognized as significant risk factors affecting the reproductive health of women. The underlying mechanisms impacting fertility may vary, potentially leading to divergent outcomes. We aimed to examine and contrast the prevalence patterns of diseases coexisting with PCOS and endometriosis, using a large-scale nationwide insurance claims data from Asian women of reproductive age. ⋯ PCOS and endometriosis, which are prevalent gynecological disorders affecting similar age groups of women, rarely co-occur and exhibit unique comorbidity profiles. Tailored healthcare strategies that take into account these distinct patterns have the potential to enhance long-term healthcare outcomes of affected patients. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and contrasting comorbidity profiles between PCOS and endometriosis.