In This Issue on 18-November-2024

Yoo SH, et al. This paper presents unprecedented prospective research findings on hanging deaths in South Korea, with only one other similar study existing globally. This study investigated diagnostic markers for confirming suicidal hanging-associated deaths. It compared hemorrhages at the periosteal-clavicular origin of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles among 211 suicidal hanging cases, 50 control cases, and cases of manual and ligature strangulation. Hemorrhages were observed in 84.4% of hanging cases, particularly in complete suspension hangings. Control cases showed minimal hemorrhages, not in the periosteum. Manual and ligature strangulation cases had SCM hemorrhages within muscle tissue. The study concluded that periosteal-clavicular hemorrhage is a significant marker for suicidal hanging, with a statistically significant association between hanging type and hemorrhage occurrence. Further studies are needed for validation.

Lee YH, et al. The study examined the link between happiness and suicide ideation/attempt using data from the Korea Community Health Survey 2021. Unhappiness was linked to suicide ideation/attempt across all sexes and age groups, with stronger associations in younger adults, especially females aged 20–59. Psychological factors were the most significant in explaining this link, while socio-environmental factors were more relevant for those aged 40–59, and health-related factors for those aged 60 and above. Improving mental health could help prevent suicide behavior.

Park H, et al. The study analyzed health insurance data of 157,662 Korean women aged 15–45 to examine the prevalence patterns of diseases coexisting with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. PCOS was linked to a wider range of metabolic disorders and symptoms, while endometriosis was more associated with benign neoplasms and pain-related symptoms. Both conditions showed significant associations with infertility and glaucoma. The study concluded that tailored healthcare strategies considering these distinct patterns could improve long-term outcomes for affected patients. Further research is needed.

Park K, et al. The study analyzed trends in ordering erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests from 2018 to 2022. Data showed a gradual increase in ESR and CRP tests over five years, except for a slight decrease in 2020. Co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests was common, particularly in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments, with 46.64% of claims involving both tests. The study highlights the need for diagnostic stewardship programs to manage ESR and CRP testing in Korea.

Habibzadeh F, et al. This review deals with the method of risk adjustment. Correct decision-making is crucial in clinical medicine. While randomized clinical trials are ideal for assessing treatment efficacy, they aren’t always feasible. Observational studies, though prone to bias due to variable differences, use risk adjustment methods to achieve unbiased treatment effect measures by defining outcomes, identifying predictors, and constructing statistical models.