Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a contemporary classification of liver disease linked to metabolic dysfunction. It is recognized as the main form of chronic liver disease and significantly contributes to liver-related morbidity and mortality rates. The epidemiology of MASLD is affected by ethnic background, sex, age, and environmental factors. South Korea is one of the countries that has experienced rapid urbanization. Geographical differences also play a crucial role in the prevalence and progression of the disease. Consequently, it is essential to investigate the prevalence of MASLD; its associated risk factors, particularly in relation to liver fibrosis; and the effectiveness of non-invasive screening techniques within the Korean population. Methods: This review describes the prevalence of MASLD, the risk factors related to MASLD with liver fibrosis, and the non-invasive screening approaches suitable for the Korean general population. Results: This review underscores the rising incidence and implications of MASLD in South Korea. Notably, among younger demographics, there is a swift increase in both the prevalence of MASLD and its associated risk factors, indicating that MASLD is poised to become a significant public health concern. Non-invasive testing methods are increasingly utilized within at-risk groups to determine the presence of advanced fibrosis. Conclusions: Addressing these complex liver diseases necessitates not only ongoing monitoring of MASLD epidemiological patterns but also a unified approach to care that integrates medical interventions with lifestyle changes.

Mikyoung Park, M.D., Ph.D., Jihyang Lim, M.D., Ph.D., Ari Ahn, M.D., Ph.D., Eun-Jee Oh, M.D., Ph.D., Jaewoo Song, M.D., Ph.D., Kyeong-Hee Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Jin-Yeong Han, M.D., Ph.D., Hyun-Woo Choi, M.D., Ph.D., Joo-Heon Park, M.D., Kyung-Hwa Shin, M.D., Ph.D., Hyerim Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Miyoung Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Sang-Hyun Hwang, M.D., Ph.D., Hyun-Young Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Duck Cho, M.D., Ph.D., and Eun-Suk Kang, M.D., Ph.D.. Ann Lab Med 2024;44:222-34. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2023.0298

Young Eun Lee, M.S., Ha Jin Lim, M.D., Ju Heon Park, M.D., Hye Ran Kim, Ph.D., Min-Gu Kang, M.D., Ph.D., Young Kuk Cho, Ph.D., Jong Hee Shin, M.D., Ph.D., and Myung Geun Shin, M.D., Ph.D.. Ann Lab Med 2022;42:585-9. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2022.42.5.585

This study aimed to describe the latest 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status of the South Korean population aged ≥ 20 years using 25(OH)D concentrations measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and to determine the factors associated with total 25(OH)D concentrations. This cross-sectional, retrospective study consecutively selected 119,335 subjects with a median age of 57 (20–101) years who underwent health checkups among 13 Korean cities during 2017–2022. The total 25(OH)D concentration was 54.5 ± 24.0 nmol/L (mean ± SD). The 7.6%, 47.5%, and 82.9% of participants had 25(OH)D less than 25, 50, and 75 nmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) was higher in females than in males (8.9% vs. 6.1%) and varied between age groups, decreasing in older subjects. Those aged 20–29 years had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (23.0% in females and 20.1% in males), which also varied between cities. In the adjusted model, female sex, older age, summer and autumn seasons, lower body mass index (<25 kg/m²), and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (<1 mg/L) were associated with higher total 25(OH)D concentrations. This study could provide an exact understanding of the status of vitamin D and help devise strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency among the Korean population.

Background: Timely recognition of sepsis remains a critical clinical challenge, particularly in cancer patients, who are at higher risk due to immunosuppression. Monocyte distribution width (MDW) has emerged as a biomarker with potential utility in the early detection of sepsis. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 1167 patients who presented to the emergency department of a cancer specialty hospital in Republic of Korea. Patients were classified according to Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 criteria, and the diagnostic performance of MDW was compared with conventional biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on malignancy status, leukopenia, and initial signs of infection. Additionally, turnaround times (TATs) were compared among the biomarkers. Results: MDW demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to or exceeding that of CRP and PCT for identifying sepsis and infection across both Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 criteria. In the context of diagnosing sepsis using the Sepsis-3 criteria, MDW yielded the highest area under the curve (0.869), sensitivity (91.0%), and negative predictive value (98%). Notably, in cancer patients, MDW maintained strong diagnostic reliability. It also demonstrated high diagnostic capability in patients with leukopenia or presenting with initial signs of infection. Moreover, the TAT was significantly shorter for MDW (median 59 min) than for CRP (105 min) or PCT (111 min). Conclusions: MDW is a rapid and accessible biomarker with demonstrated value for early sepsis detection in emergency settings. Its balanced diagnostic profile and consistent performance across diverse patient subgroups support its integration into routine clinical workflows, especially as part of multimodal sepsis screening strategies.

Ha Jin Lim, M.D., Jun Hyung Lee, M.D., Young Eun Lee, M.S., Hee-Jo Baek, M.D., Hoon Kook, M.D., Ju Heon Park, M.D., Seung Yeob Lee, M.D., Hyun-Woo Choi, M.D., Hyun-Jung Choi, M.D., Seung-Jung Kee, M.D., Jong Hee Shin, M.D., and Myung Geun Shin, M.D.. Ann Lab Med 2021;41:443-6. https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2021.41.4.443