Influence of Socioeconomic Status on the Presence of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Invasive Coronary Angiography.

This retrospective study investigated the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease, focusing on obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) presence and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in individuals undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Analyzing data from 9530 patients categorized by health insurance type (medical aid beneficiaries (MABs) as the low SES group; national health insurance beneficiaries (NHIBs) as the high SES group), this research explores the relationship between SES and outcomes. Despite a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the MAB group exhibited similar rates of obstructive CAD compared to the NHIB group. However, over a median 3.5-year follow-up, the MAB group experienced a higher incidence of composite cardiovascular events, including cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke, compared with the NHIB group (20.2% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, revealed independently worse clinical outcomes for the MAB group (adjusted odds ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.54; p = 0.006). Despite comparable CAD rates, this study underscores the fact that individuals with low SES encounter an elevated risk of composite cardiovascular events, emphasizing the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and heightened susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, even among those already at high risk.

Determination of Health Insurance Fee Schedule and Strengthening Policy for Health Insurance Coverage / 대한내과학회지

The resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) was introduced in Korea as a payment system in 2001. However, the health insurance fee schedule had many problems. Unbalanced insurance fee schedules still occur, and the relative value was not divided between physicians' work and practice expenses. Furthermore, malpractice fees were not included in the total RBRVS. The first refinement project of the health insurance relative value scales was conducted in 2003 and the second project started in 2010. In the first project, final relative values were calculated under budget neutrality by medical departments, and imbalances within the departments were resolved. However, imbalances still existed between departments. In the second project, final relative values were classified and computed by the type of medical treatment. The final RBRVS has been applied step by step since 2017 and the imbalance problem of the insurance fee schedule has been partially resolved. The government recently announced strengthening the plan for health insurance coverage. The current coverage rate for total medical costs by national health insurance is 63%. The purpose of this plan was to increase the coverage rate by up to 70%. The government has suggested detailed plans but there remain many controversial issues and limitations with regard to the practical aspects. Thus, further research and suggestions are needed.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME IN SURGICALLY TREATED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after surgical treatment for distal radius fracture (DRF). METHODS: This case-control study analyzed patients seen from January 2014 to January 2016. Results: In our sample of 249 patients, 4% developed CRPS. Associated factors were economic compensation via work disability (odds ratio [OR] 14.3), age (OR 9.38), associated fracture (OR 12.94), and level of impact (OR 6.46), as well as psychiatric history (OR 7.21). CONCLUSIONS: Economically-productive aged patients with a history of high-impact trauma and patients with a history of psychiatric disorders have greater risk of developing CRPS after DRF. Level of Evidence III, Case-Control Study.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento de síndrome de dor regional complexa (CRPS) após o tratamento cirúrgico da fratura distal do rádio (DRF). MÉTODOS: Este estudo de caso/controle analisou pacientes atendidos de janeiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2016. Resultados: Em nossa amostra de 249 pacientes, 4% desenvolveram CRPS. Os fatores associados foram compensação econômica (razão de chances [RC] 14,3), idade (RC 9,38), fratura associada (RC 12,94) e nível de impacto (RC 6,46), bem como história psiquiátrica (RC 7,21). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com idade produtiva e história de trauma de alto impacto e os com história de transtornos psiquiátrico têm maior risco de desenvolver CRPS depois de DRF. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de Caso Controle.

Factors associated with complex regional pain syndrome in surgically treated distal radius fracture / Fatores associados à síndrome de dor regional complexa em fratura do distal do rádio tratada cirurgicamente

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after surgical treatment for distal radius fracture (DRF). Methods: This case-control study analyzed patients seen from January 2014 to January 2016. Results: In our sample of 249 patients, 4% developed CRPS. Associated factors were economic compensation via work disability (odds ratio [OR] 14.3), age (OR 9.38), associated fracture (OR 12.94), and level of impact (OR 6.46), as well as psychiatric history (OR 7.21). Conclusions: Economically-productive aged patients with a history of high-impact trauma and patients with a history of psychiatric disorders have greater risk of developing CRPS after DRF. Level of Evidence III, Case-Control Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento de síndrome de dor regional complexa (CRPS) após o tratamento cirúrgico da fratura distal do rádio (DRF). Métodos: Este estudo de caso/controle analisou pacientes atendidos de janeiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2016. Resultados: Em nossa amostra de 249 pacientes, 4% desenvolveram CRPS. Os fatores associados foram compensação econômica (razão de chances [RC] 14,3), idade (RC 9,38), fratura associada (RC 12,94) e nível de impacto (RC 6,46), bem como história psiquiátrica (RC 7,21). Conclusões: Os pacientes com idade produtiva e história de trauma de alto impacto e os com história de transtornos psiquiátrico têm maior risco de desenvolver CRPS depois de DRF. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de Caso Controle.