Ewha Medical Journal

"Incidence"

Original article

[English]

Global, regional, and national burden of motor neuron diseases, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021: Jung-Hyun Park, Dong Keon Yon, Min-Seo Kim, Yoonkyung Chang, Somin Park, GBD 2021 Motor Neuron Diseases Collaborators, Jae Il Shin, Tae-Jin Song; Ewha Med J 2026;49(4):e31. Published online October 20, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2026.01480

Purpose
Healthcare planning and resource allocation require accurate estimates of the burden of motor neuron diseases (MNDs). This study evaluated the global impact of MNDs from 1990 to 2021 as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021.
Methods
GBD 2021 data were used to assess the global burden of MNDs from 1990 to 2021 in terms of prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and deaths. The relationship between MND burden and the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) was also examined.
Results
Globally, MNDs accounted for 272,732 prevalent cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 236,195–313,676), 64,178 incident cases (95% UI, 58,506–70,270), 1,040,566 DALYs (95% UI, 963,064–1,123,956), and 39,082 deaths (95% UI, 35,757–42,433) in 2021. The corresponding age-standardized rates per 100,000 people were 3.31 (95% UI, 2.86–3.80) for prevalence, 0.46 (95% UI, 0.42–0.49) for mortality, and 12.17 (95% UI, 11.24–13.15) for DALYs. From 1990 to 2021, the numbers of prevalent and incident cases increased, but their age-standardized rates decreased by 1.36% and 4.69%, respectively. By contrast, the age-standardized mortality rate increased by 19.84%. MND burden was generally higher in regions with a high SDI, although rates in high-income Asia Pacific were relatively low compared with those in regions with similar SDI values.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the absolute burden of MNDs increased, age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates declined slightly, and mortality-related burden increased. These trends underscore the need for evidence-based national and global healthcare planning. Geographic variation in MND burden may reflect regional differences in the roles of sociodemographic and genetic factors.

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Review article

[English]

Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review: Kyung-Hwa Park; Ewha Med J 2024;47(3):e37. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e37

Abstract
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Infectious spondylitis, an infection of the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, or paraspinal tissues, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review examines the clinical approach and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea. The incidence of pyogenic spondylitis has increased, primarily due to the aging population, more frequent use of invasive procedures, and higher prevalence of immunocompromising conditions. Conversely, tuberculous spondylitis has declined, reflecting shifts in population demographics and medical practices. Staphylococcus aureus remains the predominant causative agent in pyogenic cases, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary pathogen in tuberculous spondylitis. The diagnosis is contingent upon clinical suspicion, inflammatory markers, imaging studies, and microbiological identification. MRI is the preferred imaging modality, offering high sensitivity and specificity. Blood cultures and tissue biopsy are instrumental in isolating the causative organism and determining its antibiotic susceptibility. Treatment involves antimicrobial therapy, spinal immobilization, and vigilant monitoring for complications. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases involving neurological deficits, abscesses, or spinal instability. The prognosis for infectious spondylitis varies. Long-term complications, including chronic pain, neurological deficits, and spinal deformities, may arise and can meaningfully impact quality of life. Mortality is considerable and is influenced by comorbidities and disease severity. The risk of recurrence, particularly within the first year after treatment, is a concern. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research and education in refining diagnostic and treatment strategies for infectious spondylitis. As this condition becomes more common, these efforts offer hope for improving patient care and reducing the burden of this severe spinal infection.

Citations

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