Endocrinol Metab.  2018 Jun;33(2):268-272. 10.3803/EnM.2018.33.2.268.

The Status and Distinct Characteristics of Endocrine Diseases in North Korean Articles Published between 2006 and 2015

• Kim KJ
• Ha S
• Lee YH
• Noh JH
• Kim SG

• KMID: 2420496
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2018.33.2.268

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Past decades of division have led to substantial differences in medical environments between South and North Korea. However, little is known about North Korea's medical status and research field, especially regarding endocrinology. In this study, we report the characteristics of North Korea's articles regarding endocrine-related diseases.
METHODS
Among the nine medical journals, articles published in Internal Medicine between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed. A total of 2,092 articles were included; among them, 96 articles were associated with endocrinology. We analyzed these articles according to the disease categories they focused on and evaluated their features.
RESULTS
Articles related to diabetes mellitus accounted for 55.2% (n=53) and those to thyroid disease accounted for 28.1% (n=27). Other disease categories, including adrenal gland (n=1), pituitary gland (n=1), and osteoporosis (n=3), comprised minor portions. Regarding diabetes mellitus, more than half the articles (n=33) focused on treatment and complications. Experimental studies were conducted with old hypoglycemic drugs or natural substances for the treatment of hyperglycemia. Regarding thyroid disease, articles related to hyperthyroidism were the most common (51.9%, n=14), followed by thyroid nodule/cancer (18.5%, n=5). Unique article features were short length, no figures, and less than five references.
CONCLUSION
North Korea's endocrinology articles mainly focused on diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. Persistent studies have been carried out in North Korea with dedication despite the poor medical environment. We hope that this study will be the beginning of mutual medical exchange and collaboration between North and South Korea.

Keyword

Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Biomedical research; Endocrinology

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Glands
Cooperative Behavior
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Diabetes Mellitus
Endocrine System Diseases*
Endocrinology
Hope
Hyperglycemia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypoglycemic Agents
Internal Medicine
Korea
Osteoporosis
Pituitary Gland
Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid Gland
Hypoglycemic Agents

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A flowchart of endocrine-related article selection.

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  Fig. 2 Distribution of articles according to manuscript format.

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  Fig. 3 Distribution of topics related to diabetes mellitus.

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