Impact of medical crisis on the critical care system in South Korea.

Background: The ongoing medical crisis in Korea has severely impacted the operational environment of intensive care units (ICU), posing significant challenges to quality care for critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ongoing crisis on ICUs.

Methods: A survey was conducted in July 2024 among intensivists in charge of ICUs at institutions accredited by the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine for critical care.

The influence of pneumococcal positivity on clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Bacterial co-infection has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and may contribute to poor clinical outcomes when co-detected in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of pneumococcal positivity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Better Chemotherapeutic Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer in Never Smokers than in Smokers.

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is called 'smoker's disease' because it is strongly associated with smoking and most cases occur in smokers. However, it can also occur in never smokers. We investigated the clinical features of never smokers with SCLC and compared their treatment outcomes with those of smokers with SCLC.

Multi-horizon event detection for in-hospital clinical deterioration using dual-channel graph attention network.

Objective: In hospitals globally, the occurrence of clinical deterioration within the hospital setting poses a significant healthcare burden. Rapid clinical intervention becomes a crucial task in such cases. In this research, we propose an end-to-end deep learning architecture that interpolates high-dimensional sequential data for the early detection of clinical deterioration events.

Corticosteroid Therapy Duration and Dosage According to the Timing of Treatment Initiation for Post-COVID-19 Organizing Pneumonia.

COVID-19 can lead to pulmonary complications, including organizing pneumonia. Steroids are essential in treating post-COVID-19 organizing pneumonia. However, research on the clinical benefits of initiating steroid treatment early for this condition is limited.

Deficiency and dysfunctional roles of natural killer T cells in patients with ARDS.

Objective: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) presents a global health challenge, characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. However, the role of natural killer T (NKT) cells in human ARDS remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study explored the numerical and functional status of NKT cells in patients with ARDS, examining their clinical relevance and interactions with macrophages and fibroblasts during various stages of the syndrome.

The clinical characteristics associated with the ratio between the main pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameter in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: A pulmonary artery-to-aorta (PA/A) ratio of ≥1 is a reliable indicator of pulmonary hypertension and is associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and long-term mortality in patients with stable COPD. However, it is unclear whether a PA/A ratio of ≥1 is associated with mortality in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical course and mortality of patients with PA/A ratios of ≥1 who were hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD.

One-year mortality and readmission risks following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on the types of acute respiratory failure: An observational study.

Few studies have examined the risk factors associated with the type of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD based on the type of ARF. The medical charts of hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Major adverse cardiovascular events and hyperuricemia during tuberculosis treatment.

Background: Hyperuricemia is common during tuberculosis (TB) treatment, especially in association with pyrazinamide (PZA). This study investigated the relationship between major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hyperuricemia during TB treatment.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Serum KL-6 levels predict the occurrence and severity of treatment-related interstitial lung disease in lung cancer.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) as a potential biomarker for treatment-related ILD (TR-ILD) in lung cancer. We recruited patients with lung cancer in whom KL-6 was measured to differentiate between pneumonia and ILD (category 1), diagnose and assess the severity of suspicious ILD (category 2), or evaluate baseline levels before cancer treatment (category 3). Among 1,297 patients who underwent KL-6 testing, 422 had lung cancer, and TR-ILD was detected in 195 patients.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in a patient with unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis: Case report.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, but can cause a chronic pulmonary infection in some patients. Therefore, there could be host factors susceptible to this disease. A structural lung disease including damages of lungs caused by previous respiratory infection has been suggested as a host factor.

Risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with acquired hypofibrinogenemia in patients administered hemocoagulase batroxobin for hemoptysis.

Background: Hemocoagulase batroxobin is used to prevent hemostasis or bleeding in surgical and trauma patients; however, the role of batroxobin in patients with hemoptysis is not well understood. We evaluated the risk factors and prognosis of acquired hypofibrinogenemia in hemoptysis patients treated systemically with batroxobin.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of hospitalized patients who were administered batroxobin for hemoptysis.

Usefulness of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-polymerase chain reaction with bronchial washing samples in predicting discontinuation of airborne infection isolation in patients hospitalized with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective: In-hospital tuberculosis (TB) transmission remains a concern. Airborne infection isolation (AII) can be discontinued in hospitalized patients with suspected active pulmonary TB when the results of three consecutive sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears are negative. However, fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be performed in patients who may have difficulty in producing sputum samples.

Risk factors for cerebral complications in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare pulmonary disease. Although most patients with PAVMs are asymptomatic, cerebral complications associated with PAVMs are often fatal. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for cerebral complications in patients with PAVMs.

Three cases of rigid bronchoscopic removal of carinal masses: Case report.

Tracheal tumors are rare diseases. They can cause narrowing of a central airway, a severe respiratory distress, and death. The objective of this case series is to highlight the role of rigid bronchoscopy in diagnosing and treating carina masses which are difficult to remove surgically.

Altered distribution, activation and increased IL-17 production of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of innate-like T cells that are engaged in a number of diseases, but their roles in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are not fully examined yet. This study aimed to examine levels and functions of MAIT cells in patients with ARDS.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples from patients with ARDS (n=50) and healthy controls (HCs, n=50) were collected.

Life-threatening Mycobacterium intracellulare pleuritis in an immunocompetent host: Case reports.

Rationale: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-associated pleuritis is a very rare disease. Here, we describe 2 cases of life-threatening Mycobacterium intracellulare-associated pleuritis in immunocompetent hosts.

Patient Concerns: A 78-year-old man with sudden onset-onset dyspnea (case 1) and an 80-year-old man with cough, sputum and fever (case 2) presented to our emergency room.

Efficacy and dose of afatinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after failure of prior gefitinib or erlotinib treatment.

Background: We report a subgroup analysis of afatinib with respect to its efficacy, safety, and the long-term survival of patients in a Named Patient Use program at a single institution.

Methods: We analyzed 60 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had been treated with ≥1 line of platinum-based chemotherapy and had activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or disease control for ≥6 months with prior EGFR inhibitors. Afatinib was started on a daily dose of 50 mg, which was decreased according to the adverse events and tolerability.

Efficacy of an inpatient smoking cessation program at a single regional cancer center: A prospective observational study.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and a risk factor for cancer, but smoking cessation is difficult even in patients who need hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of an inpatient smoking cessation consultation program and to analyze the clinical factors associated with abstinence. In this observational study, patients received regular counseling for 6 months, and abstinence was objectively assessed via urine and exhaled carbon monoxide testing.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia without a compromised illness.

Objective: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a fatal respiratory infection, mostly associated with immunocompromised conditions. Several reports have described PCP development in patients who were not immunocompromised, but the clinical course and prognosis of PCP are not well understood. We compared the clinical characteristics and prognoses between patients with and without immunocompromised conditions who developed PCP.

Paradoxical pulmonary hemorrhage associated with hemocoagulase batroxobin in a patient with hemoptysis: A CARE-compliant case report.

Rational: Hemocoagulase, a hemostatic, is used in patients with trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or pulmonary hemorrhage or those undergoing surgery. However, paradoxical bleeding after hemocoagulase administration is not considered a clinically significant adverse effect. Here, we report a case of paradoxical pulmonary hemorrhage associated with hypofibrinogenemia after administration of the hemocoagulase batroxobin in a patient with hemoptysis.

Glutathione Peroxidase 3 as a Biomarker of Recurrence after Lung Cancer Surgery.

We aimed to examine the usefulness of serum glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) as a biomarker of lung cancer recurrence after complete resection. We prospectively collected serial serum samples at the baseline, as well as 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery from complete resection cases in 2013. GPx3 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Artificial intelligence and lung cancer treatment decision: agreement with recommendation of multidisciplinary tumor board.

Background: IBM Watson for Oncology (WFO) is a cognitive computing system helping physicians quickly identify key information in a patient's medical record, surface relevant evidence, and explore treatment options. This study assessed the possibility of using WFO for clinical treatment in lung cancer patients.

Methods: We evaluated the level of agreement between WFO and multidisciplinary team (MDT) for lung cancer.

Delayed diagnosis of lung cancer due to misdiagnosis as worsening of sarcoidosis: a case report.

Background: The concurrence of sarcoidosis and primary lung cancer is very rare. We report a very rare case with a delayed diagnosis of primary lung cancer due to its misdiagnosis as worsening of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man presented to the outpatient department for evaluation of a mass in the right hilar area with lymphadenopathies in subcarinal and both interlobar areas on chest computed tomography (CT).

Necrotizing tracheobronchitis causing airway obstruction complicated by pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza: A case report.

Rationale: Influenza is an infection caused by the influenza virus, and its symptoms are mostly mild and self-limiting. However, influenza can cause severe or fatal complications in high-risk patients. Although tracheobronchitis is one of the common complications of influenza, necrotizing tracheobronchitis is very rare.