Health Insurance Service Research Articles

Trends in nationwide incidence of uveitis in South Korea using the National Health Insurance claims database from 2010 to 2021.

To investigate the population-based incidence of uveitis and the differences between anterior and non-anterior uveitis using the comprehensive Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. We extracted data of patients who visited the clinic and were diagnosed with uveitis (based on Korean Classification of Diseases) from 2010 to 2021. The incidence of uveitis, differences between the demographics, and the underlying co-morbidities of anterior uveitis, non-anterior uveitis, and control groups were investigated. We identified 919,370 cases with uveitis (anterior: 800,132; non-anterior: 119,238). The average incidences (per 10,000 persons) of anterior and non-anterior uveitis were 13.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.9-13.0), and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.9-1.9), respectively. The incidence increased (2010: 13.0; 2019: 16.5) but decreased during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (2020: 15.5; 2021: 15.4). The non-anterior group was significantly associated with sex (female, odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, p < 0.0001), specific age range (40-69 years, p < 0.0001), high Charlson Comorbidity Index (p < 0.0001), high household income (p < 0.0001), and various immunologic diseases (antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, OR: 1.79, p < 0.0001; systemic lupus erythematosus, OR: 1.22, p < 0.0001; psoriasis, OR: 1.13, p < 0.0001; ulcerative colitis, OR: 1.11, p = 0.0013; tuberculosis, OR: 1.09, p < 0.0001; rheumatoid arthritis, OR: 1.05, p < 0.0001) compared with the anterior group. Using the NHIS database, we conducted the largest population-based epidemiological study on uveitis in South Korea to estimate its increasing incidence in the past decade (including changes during COVID-19 pandemic) as well as its anatomical distribution. Our results may be beneficial for estimating the national burden of uveitis.

Association between Home-Base Primary Care and Post-Discharge Outcomes among Older Adults in Korea

This study aimed to evaluate the association between home-based primary care (HBPC) and postdischarge outcomes in Korean older adults. HBPC was a service that provided medical care by visiting the homes of older adults with limited mobility. In this study, data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) were used, and groups with and without HBPC services were matched 1:1 through propensity score matching. Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression analysis were performed to compare the HBPC group with the control group. Overall, 1580 older adults in Korea who used HBPC services after discharge from hospital and 1580 propensity score-matched older adults who did not use HBPC services were included. For 30-day readmission, hospitalizations, and admission to long-term care hospitals or facilities after discharge, this study used a Cox proportional hazards regression model. And linear regression analysis was performed considering that the dependent variable was a continuous variable to examine the average total medical costs after discharge from acute hospital. Older adults who used HBPC services exhibited a lower risk of readmission for the same disease (risk reduction of 0.66, 95% CI 0.50, 0.87) and hospitalization (risk reduction of 0.58, 95% CI 0.46, 0.73) compared with those who did not use HBPC services. The annual average total medical cost was $4764 lower for older adults who used HBPC services than for those who did not (95% CI -6469.49,-3057.52). There was no significant difference in the risk of admission to long-term care hospitals or facilities. HBPC services had a positive effect on reducing 30-day readmission due to the same disease, hospitalization, and annual average total medical costs among older adults after discharge.

Risk of Nephrolithiasis Associated With SGLT2 Inhibitors Versus DPP4 Inhibitors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Target Trial Emulation Study.

We aim to compare the risk of nephrolithiasis among type 2 diabetes patients who initiated sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is), individually within stone never- and ever-formers. Using the 2010-2021 Korea National Health Insurance Service database, we conducted a population-based cohort study, comparing initiators of SGLT2is versus DPP4is. The primary outcome was incident nephrolithiasis. Osteoarthritis encounters served as a negative control outcome. After 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching in stone never- and ever-formers, pooled and individual hazard ratios (HRs), incidence rate difference (IRD), and 95% CIs were reported. Subgroup analyses by sex, age, thiazide co-use, and baseline cardiovascular risk were done. The 17,006 PS-matched pairs of SGLT2i and DPP4i initiators were pooled from stone never- (105,378 pairs) and ever-formers (11,628 pairs). Over a mean of 654 days, the risk of nephrolithiasis was lower in SGLT2i initiators than in DPP4i: 0.65 vs. 1.12 events per 100 person-years, HR 0.54 (95% CI, 0.50-0.57), IRD -0.46 (95% CI,-0.21 to -0.52). Among never-formers, the HR was 0.43 (95% CI, 0.39-0.48) and IRD was -0.32 (95% CI,-0.27 to -0.36). Among ever-formers, the HR was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.59-0.69) and IRD was -2.26 (95% CI,-1.77 to -2.76). Near-null associations were found for osteoarthritis encounters. Results were consistent across subgroups. We found a lower risk of nephrolithiasis associated with SGLT2is versus DPP4is in stone never- and ever-formers. Despite a greater relative risk reduction in the former, the absolute risk reduction was greater in the latter.

Association between Antibiotic Use and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in South Korea.

Several studies have revealed a possible association between antibiotic use and breast cancer in the Western population of women. However, its association with the Asian population remains unclear. Data utilized in this nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study was obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. The study population consisted of 4,097,812 women who were followed up from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of breast cancer according to cumulative days of antibiotic use and the number of antibiotic classes used. It was discovered that women who used antibiotics for more than 365 days had a higher risk of breast cancer (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.21) in comparison to those who did not use antibiotics. In addition, an association was found among women who used five or more classes of antibiotics, showing a higher risk of breast cancer (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17) compared to non-users. Furthermore, compared to antibiotic non-users, only users of cephalosporins (aHR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17) and lincosamides (aHR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.20-2.42) had a higher risk of breast cancer. These findings support epidemiological evidence that long-term use of antibiotics may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. This underscores the need for further studies to address the potential for residual confounding, confirm causation, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Association between Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Levels and Pancreatobiliary Cancer Risk in Patients with Diabetes: Evidence from the National Health Insurance Cooperation Health Checkup 2009 to 2012.

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels indicate hepatic dysfunction and have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatobiliary cancers. However, this association, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), requires elucidation. We aimed to examine the association between elevated serum GGT levels and pancreatobiliary cancer risk in patients with diabetes. Our study included data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database for 2,459,966 adults aged >20 years diagnosed with DM between 2009 and 2012. We examined the association between serum GGT levels and pancreatobiliary cancer risk, considering DM-related factors. Serum GGT levels were categorized into quartiles, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to evaluate the association between serum GGT levels and pancreatobiliary cancer risk. Over a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 21,795 patients (0.89%) were newly diagnosed with pancreatobiliary cancer. The adjusted hazard ratio for pancreatobiliary cancer in quartiles 2-4 compared with that in quartile 1 was 1.091, 1.223, and 1.554, respectively, demonstrating a significant upward trend (p<0.001). This association remained consistent across all cancer types and was independent of the DM duration or treatment regimen. Elevated serum GGT levels were independently associated with an increased risk of pancreatobiliary cancer, regardless of the duration of DM or the use of oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin. While these findings suggest the potential utility of serum GGT as a biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of pancreatobiliary cancer within the diabetic population, further research is needed to validate its clinical applicability.

Autophagy activation in response to cigarette smoke: Exploring the disparity in laryngeal cancer incidence and outcomes between sexes in South Korea

IntroductionLaryngeal cancer (LC) presents a significant health challenge globally, with smoking being a major risk factor. Interestingly, LC incidence in females is significantly lower than in males; however, female smokers are more likely to develop Reinke edema (RE) than LC. This study sought to investigate whether autophagy, a major mechanism for RE development, acts as a defense mechanism in laryngeal tissue against cigarette exposure and suppresses LC development in females who smoke. MethodsThis study analyzed the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data of South Korea to explore sex differences in LC incidence and clinical outcomes. Protein expression was compared between tissues from LC and RE patients. The changes in autophagy-related markers were analyzed after exposure to human vocal fold fibroblast (hVFF) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE). In addition, to explore the relationship between the level of autophagy-related gene expression and clinical features, female LC patients were compared with male patients through an analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). ResultsIn the NHIS data analyses, male LC patients had an 11 times higher incidence than female patients, even after adjusting for smoking and age. Additionally, female LC patients had significantly better survival rates. RE tissues exhibited increased autophagy-related protein expression compared with LC tissues. hVFFs after CSE exposure demonstrated elevated autophagy markers along with protein expression similar to RE tissue, suggesting autophagy's role in RE development over LC. The TCGA data analysis did not find a significant difference in autophagy-related gene expression, which would explain the favorable female clinical outcomes, between male and female LC patients. ConclusionsThis study implies autophagy activation by cigarette smoke is a crucial mechanism for lower LC incidence and better outcomes in females, highlighting the potential for autophagy-targeted LC prevention and treatment strategies.

Self-harm-related mental health presentations to emergency departments by children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups in South Western Sydney.

Rates of self-harm among children and young people (CYP) have been on the rise, presenting major public health concerns in Australia and worldwide. However, there is a scarcity of evidence relating to self-harm among CYP from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. To analyse the relationship between self-harm-related mental health presentations of CYP to emergency departments and CALD status in South Western Sydney (SWS), Australia. We analysed electronic medical records of mental health-related emergency department presentations by CYP aged between 10 and up to 18 years in six public hospitals in the SWS region from January 2016 to March 2022. A multilevel logistic regression model was used on these data to assess the association between self-harm-related presentations and CALD status while adjusting for covariates and individual-level clustering. Self-harm accounted for 2457 (31.5%) of the 7789 mental health-related emergency department presentations by CYP; CYP from a CALD background accounted for only 8% (n = 198) of the self-harm-related presentations. CYP from the lowest two most socioeconomic disadvantaged areas made 63% (n = 1544) of the total self-harm-related presentations. Findings of the regression models showed that CYP from a CALD background (compared with those from non-CALD backgrounds) had 19% lower odds of self-harm (adjusted odds ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-0.99). Findings of this study provide insights into the self-harm-related mental health presentations and other critical clinical features related to CYP from CALD backgrounds that could better inform health service planning and policy to manage self-harm presentations and mental health problems among CYP.

Increased risk of open angle glaucoma in patients with moyamoya disease from a nationwide population-based cohort in Korea

This nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the association between Moyamoya disease (MMD) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). In this study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, a total of 36,432 patients having diagnostic code with MMD between 2002 and 2022, and their age-, sex-matched non-MMD controls (n = 346,769) were included. We used a Cox proportional hazard model to determine the association between MMD and subsequent OAG after excluding cases with preexisting diagnosis of MMD for the initial 2-year. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses with log-rank test were performed to compare the incidence probability of OAG based on the MMD diagnosis. Cox regression analysis showed that the diagnosis of MMD was associated with increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of OAG (adjusted HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14–1.38; P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence probability of OAG was 3.7% in MMD group and 2.9% in control group at the end of the study period, and was significantly higher among MMD patients than controls consistently during the study period (P < 0.001).In conclusion, the nationwide longitudinal data of Korean population revealed a significant association between MMD and OAG. Presence of MMD may increase the risk of developing OAG.

Modification of the association between cold spells and cardiovascular disease by changes in natural gas prices: A nationwide time-series study

BackgroundAlthough the association between low ambient temperature and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well-established, the effect of winter energy prices on this association remains unknown. AimThis ecological study aimed to investigate whether changes in natural gas prices (NGP), which account for a significant portion of winter energy prices in Korea, affect the association of cold spells with hospital admissions and mortality due to CVD. MethodsData from the National Health Insurance Service and Statistics Korea were used to determine the daily number of hospital admissions and mortality rates associated with CVD. From January 2012 to February 2017, the NGP continually increased by 24.1%. From January 2012 to December 2014 the NGP continually decreased by 32.6% owing to the Korea Gas Corporation’s management decisions, independent of external socioeconomic factors. We investigated the differences in the associations between cold spells and CVD-related outcomes in price-increasing and price-decreasing periods using a Poisson regression with a distributed lag nonlinear model. Cold spells were assessed on two consecutive days at the 5th percentile of the temperature for each region. ResultsThe meteorological factors and air pollution levels were similar between the two periods. The association between cold spells and hospital admissions due to CVD was stronger during the price-increasing period than during the price-decreasing period [ratio of cumulative relative risk (RRR) = 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–2.22]. The difference in the association with mortality due to CVD between the two periods was not significant, although the point estimate remained >1 (RRR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.90–1.38). ConclusionsChanges in energy prices may modify the cold spell-related CVD risk, possibly by inducing behavioral changes to manage energy expenditure. Policymakers should take into account the potential public health implications of changes in energy prices, alongside their economic effects.

Trends in Korean Medicine Utilization for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Using National Health Insurance Service Data (2012-2022)

Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is often treated with Korean medicine (KM), but comprehensive utilization data is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the patterns of KM use for CRS using National Health Insurance Service data from 2012 to 2022.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of claims data for CRS patients (International Classification of Diseases code: J32) who visited KM institutions. We examined demographic characteristics, visiting patterns, medical costs, treatment modalities, and concurrent use of Western medicine.Results: Of 138,647 patients (52.2% male, mean age 23.8 years), 41.8% were under 10 years old. Annual patient numbers ranged from 14,595-17,242 (2012-2019), decreasing sharply from 2020. Average costs increased 5% annually. Acupuncture was the most common treatment (661,455, 50.5%). The most frequently prescribed insured herbal medicine was Hyeonggaeyeongyo-tang (48,494, 48.5%). Notably, 87.0% (120,610 patients) concurrently received Western medical treatment, indicating a prevalent integrative approach in CRS management. 77.8% received their initial diagnosis at Western institutions.Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis of KM utilization for CRS in Korea reveals significant patterns in patient demographics, treatment preferences, and integration with Western medicine. The high rate of concurrent KM and Western treatment highlights the integrative nature of CRS management in Korea, providing valuable insights for health policy and clinical practice.

Association Between Age-Related Macular Degeneration With Visual Disability and Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide Cohort Study

ObjectivesTo investigate the prospective association between the risk of dementia and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients with related visual disability (VD). DesignA nationwide population-based cohort study used authorized data provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 1,788,457 individuals aged >50 years who participated in the Korean National Health Screening Program were enrolled. MethodsFrom January 2009 to December 2019, participants were tracked for a diagnosis of dementia using registered diagnostic codes from claims data. Participants with VD were defined as those registered in a national disability registration established by the Korean government. The prospective association of AMD and related VD with new-onset dementia was investigated using a multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, income level, systemic comorbidities, psychiatric diseases, and behavioral factors. ResultsDuring the average follow-up period of 9.7 ± 2.16 years, 4260 of 21,384 participants in the AMD cohort and 137,166 of 1,662,319 participants in the control cohort were newly diagnosed with dementia, respectively. Participants diagnosed with AMD showed a higher risk of new-onset dementia than those in the control group in the fully adjusted model [hazard ratio (HR) 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.14]. The risk of dementia was higher in participants diagnosed with AMD and associated VD (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.15–1.43) compared to those without VD (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.13). Conclusions and ImplicationsA diagnosis of AMD was associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and its major subtypes. Close monitoring of cognitive function in AMD patients, especially those with VD, may help in early detection of all-cause dementia, which could reduce the socioeconomic burden and improve the quality of life of patients.

Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Statistics in Korea: Nationwide Data 2010 to 2019.

This study aimed to provide updated insights into the incidence and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Korean adults with diabetes. Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed the representative national estimates of CVD in adults with diabetes. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) decreased from 2010 to 2019 in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, an increase in the incidence of heart failure (HF) was observed during the same period. Only 4.96% of adults with diabetes and CVD achieved optimal control of all three risk factors (glycemic levels, blood pressure, and lipid control). Additionally, high-intensity statin treatment rates were 8.84% and 9.15% in individuals with IHD and ischemic stroke, respectively. Treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) was relatively low in 2019, with only 11.87%, 7.10%, and 11.05% of individuals with IHD, ischemic stroke, and HF, respectively, receiving SGLT2i treatment. Furthermore, only 1.08%, 0.79%, and 1.06% of patients with IHD, ischemic stroke, and HF, respectively, were treated with GLP-1RA. The incidence of most CVD (IHD, ischemic stroke, and PAD) decreased between 2010 and 2019, whereas the incidence of HF increased. The overall use of high-intensity statins, SGLT2i, and GLP-1RA remained low among individuals with T2DM and CVD.

Use of antipsychotic drugs during radiotherapy in adult cancer patients in Korea: a nationwide retrospective cohort study based on the national health insurance service database

BackgroundAntipsychotic drugs (APDs) are used for treating mental illnesses and are also used by cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate APD use in adult cancer patients who received radiotherapy (RT) in South Korea and assess the effects of APD use during RT on survival.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized the National Health Insurance Service database database of Korea. We included adult cancer patients who underwent RT or chemotherapy (CTx, cisplatin, or 5-Fluorouracil) between 2010 and 2020. The APDs included in the analysis were aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol, and chlorpromazine.ResultsOverall, 725,897 patients received RT, and 115,500 received concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT). Of them, 41,118 (5.6%) took APDs during RT, and 8,129 (7%) took APDs during CCRT. Overall, 27,789 (67.58%) patients who took APDs during RT were men, and 28,004 (68.2%) were aged ≥ 60 years. The most frequently used APD during RT was quetiapine (64.93%). Patients who took APDs during RT and during CCRT had higher mortality rates (HR: 3.45 and 1.72, p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to the non-APD patients. Of the patients who used APDs during RT, patients accompanying psychiatric diagnosis, taking high-dose APD, and taking APD for more than 3 months had lower mortality than patients without psychiatric diagnosis, taking low-dose APD, and taking APD for less than 3 months, respectively (HR: 0.88, 0.87 and 0.80, respectively, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOnly 5.6% of patients who underwent RT used APDs, and quetiapine was the most frequently prescribed APD during RT. The use of APD during RT may adversely affect survival. Further studies are required to elucidate the effects of APDs on cancer patients.Trial registrationThis study is retrospectively registered.

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with chronic opioid use after traumatic injury: A historical cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service sample cohort data.

Chronic opioid use (COU) after traumatic injuries is a global health concern. COU after trauma delays recovery and increases the risk of long-term drug dependence. However, the population-prevalence and factors associated with COU after traumatic injury in South Korea remain unclear. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of COU and associated risk factors in patients after trauma in South Korea. A historical cohort study using the population-representative database including 1,103,405 South Korean subjects, patients admitted due to a newly diagnosed trauma (n = 65,444) or nontraumatic etiologies (n = 338,321) from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2015, were analyzed. COU was defined as the prescription of opioid in the first 3 to 6 months from the index date. Prevalence of COU was summarized. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate association of COU with traumatic injuries, accounting for a priori sociodemographic and clinical risk factors. A total of 13.5% and 12.6% of patients were found to be chronic opioid users in the trauma and the control group, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% CI) of COU in the injured compared to the noninjured was 1.13 (1.01 to 1.16), when controlling for age group, sex, calendar year, area of residence, previous opioid use, comorbidity, surgery during the index admission and intensive care unit care. Risk factors included being aged 65 to 74 years (aOR = 2.87; 95% CI = 2.73 to 3.01), aged ≥ 75 years (aOR = 2.48; 95% CI = 2.35 to 2.62), and history of previous opioid use (aOR = 3.27; 95% CI = 3.21 to 3.34) were the most significant risk factors of COU, independent of injury. COU was prevalent both in the injured and noninjured patients, with slightly increased risk of COU in those sustaining traumatic injury compared to those who were noninjured. Further stud y to address prevalent COU in South Korea is required to avoid opioid-related harms.

Anesthetic technique and incidence of delirium after total knee or hip arthroplasty: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundThe optimal type of anesthesia for reducing postoperative delirium remains undetermined. This study aimed to assess the relationship between type of anesthesia and postoperative delirium.MethodsThis retrospective national cohort study used data collected between 2016 and 2021 from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea. Adult patients who underwent primary total hip or total knee arthroplasty under general or regional anesthesia were included. Patients with postoperative delirium were identified after arthroplasty according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision code for delirium (F05). The patients were divided into two groups: regional anesthesia (RA group) and general anesthesia (GA group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative delirium during hospitalization after total hip or knee arthroplasty.ResultsOur study sample consisted of 664,598 patients: 474,932 in the RA group and 189,666 in the GA group. After propensity score (PS) matching, 276,582 patients (138,291 in each group) were included in the final analysis. In the PS-matched cohort, the incidence of delirium following total knee or total hip arthroplasty was 2.8% (3,842/138,291) in the GA group and 2.3% (3,147/138,291) in the RA group. In logistic regression, the RA group was associated with 18% (odds ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.78, 0.86; P < 0.001) lower postoperative incidence than the GA group.ConclusionCompared to general anesthesia, regional anesthesia was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative delirium in patients who underwent total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Our findings indicate that avoiding general anesthesia may prevent delirium after lower limb surgery.

Combined Effects of Air Pollution and Changes in Physical Activity With Cardiovascular Disease in Patients WithDyslipidemia.

Sedentary behavior elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with dyslipidemia. Increasing physical activity (PA) is recommended alongside pharmacological therapy to prevent CVD, though benefits across environmental conditions are unclear. We analyzed data from 113 918 newly diagnosed patients with dyslipidemia (2009-2012) without prior CVD, sourced from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. Ambient particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10 levels were collected from the National Ambient Air Monitoring System in South Korea. Changes in PA, measured in metabolic equivalents of task-min/wk before and after dyslipidemia diagnosis, were evaluated for associations with air pollution levels and CVD risk using Cox proportional hazards regression. Patients were followed from January 1, 2013, until CVD onset, death, or December 31, 2021. Among patients exposed to low to moderate PM2.5 levels (≤25 μg/m3), increasing PA from inactive to ≥1000 metabolic equivalents of tasks-min/wk was associated with a lower risk of CVD (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.70-0.97]; P for trend=0.022). In high PM2.5 (>25 μg/m3) conditions, increasing PA from inactive and decreasing PA from ≥1000 metabolic equivalents of task-min/wk was associated with reduced (P for trend=0.010) and elevated (P for trend=0.028) CVD risks, respectively. For PM10, increased PA was linked to reduced CVD risk (P for trend=0.002) and decreased PA to elevated risk (P for trend=0.042) in low to moderate PM10 (≤50 μg/m3) conditions, though benefits diminished at high PM10 (>50 μg/m3) exposures. Promoting PA, while considering the high potential cardiovascular risk associated with air pollution, may be an effective intervention against CVD in patients with dyslipidemia.

Impact of Maternal Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Congenital Heart Disease Risk in Offspring: A National Cohort Study.

Maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection influence both maternal and fetal health. Recent studies reported increased congenital anomalies in offspring of HBV-infected mothers. This study investigated whether maternal HBV infection was associated with higher risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. With the Korean National Health Insurance Service (K-NHIS) database, this retrospective cohort study included live births from 2005 to 2019, born to women under 40. Propensity score matching with a 1:3 ratio was conducted to compare HBV-infected mother's children with HBV-uninfected mother's children while adjusting for various maternal and pregnancy-related factors. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk. Of 2,673,059 eligible participants, 263,904 children were born to HBV-infected mothers. Risk estimation in this group showed a modestly increased risk of CHD (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.09). Notably, when pregnant mothers were treated with antiviral medication, there was an indication of reduced CHD risk, although this result was not statistically significant. The highest risk of CHD was observed in children who were themselves infected with HBV. The study indicates an association between maternal HBV infection and an increased CHD risk in offspring. The findings suggest the need to re-evaluate the timing of antiviral treatment during pregnancy to align more closely with early stages of fetal cardiac development. Further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms of this association and to redefine clinical guidelines for managing HBV infection in pregnancy.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and diabetes: A population-based cohort study.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with a significant risk of arrhythmia and heart failure (HF), yet treatment options for patients with HCM have remained limited. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use and clinical outcomes among patients with concurrent HCM and diabetes in real-world settings. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCM and prescriptions for antidiabetic drugs from 2018 to 2022. After propensity matching, we compared 2063 patients who received SGLT2i with 2063 patients who did not for clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included individual outcomes of all-cause death, HF hospitalization, sudden cardiac death, and ischaemic stroke. During a median follow-up period of 3.1 years, patients with HCM on SGLT2i had a significantly lower risk of the primary outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.86]. Specifically, SGLT2i use was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.46-0.68) and fewer HF hospitalizations (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94). Additionally, SGLT2i use was linked to a decreased risk of sudden cardiac death (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33-0.77) and ischaemic stroke (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.88). Subgroup analyses by age, sex, and atrial fibrillation did not reveal any significant interactions. The use of SGLT2i was associated with a decreased risk of adverse clinical outcomes among patients with HCM with concurrent diabetes on antidiabetic drugs. This population-based cohort study examined the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and diabetes. Patients with HCM and diabetes who used SGLT2i had a significantly lower risk of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization compared with those who did not use SGLT2i.These associations were consistent across various subgroups, including sex, age, atrial fibrillation, and income levels.

Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Intellectual disability (ID) may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, evidence from longitudinal studies is scarce, particularly in Asian populations. This retrospective cohort study used representative linked data from the Korea National Disability Registration System and the National Health Insurance Service database. Adults (≥20 years) who received a national health examination in 2009 (3,385 individuals with ID and 3,463,604 individuals without ID) were included and followed until 2020. ID was identified using legal registration information. Incident DM was defined by prescription records with relevant diagnostic codes. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for DM risks in individuals with ID compared to those without ID. Over a mean follow-up of 9.8 years, incident DM occurred in 302 (8.9%) individuals with ID and 299,156 (8.4%) individuals without ID. Having ID was associated with increased DM risk (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.55). Sensitivity analysis confirmed a higher DM risk in individuals with ID (aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.56) than those with other disabilities (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.13) or no disability (reference). Stratified analysis showed higher DM risk in non-hypertensive subjects (aHR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43 to 1.86) compared to hypertensive subjects (aHR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.26; P for interaction <0.001). Adults with ID have an increased risk of developing DM, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies to promote DM prevention in this population.

The association between alpha-blockers in the treatment of BPH and heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study in South Korea.

This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between the use of α-blockers to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the development of heart failure in elderly Asian patients. An Elderly Cohort Database of the National Health Insurance Service was used to select 22,540 patients with newly diagnosed BPH between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. They were divided into two equal groups, one prescribed α-blockers and one not. They were followed up through December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of heart failure with α-blockers. In addition, α-blockers were categorized according to α1a receptor selectivity to estimate the hazard ratios for heart failure. Heart failure occurred in 283 patients in the non-user group and 74 patients in the α-blocker group, with an incidence rate of 553.4 in the non-user group and 516.8 in the α-blocker group per 100,000 person-years. Although α-blocker users had a higher hazard ratio for heart failure compared to the non-user group, this was not statistically significant (HR: α-blocker HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.87 - 1.491). Furthermore, when α-blockers were stratified by selectivity, the results were also not statistically significant (non-selective α-blocker HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.31 - 2.36). In this nationwide, population-based cohort study, treatment with α-blockers was not associated with the incidence of heart failure in patients with BPH.