Efficacy and safety of HL-301 compared with erdosteine in acute bronchitis: a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial.

Background/aims: This study evaluated the non-inferiority of HL-301 to erdosteine in terms of symptom relief and the anti- inflammatory effects in acute bronchitis patients not treated with antibiotics.

Methods: In a double-blind, non-inferiority trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either HL-301 (300 mg twice daily) or erdosteine (300 mg three times daily) for seven days. The primary endpoint was change in total Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) from baseline to day 7.

Factors Associated with Exertional Desaturation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The six minute walk test (6MWT) has a prognostic role in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with desaturation during the 6MWT in patients with COPD. This study utilized data from the prospective KOrea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort.

Effects of Triple Therapy on the Clinical Course of Non-Eosinophilic COPD Groups B.

Background: Although the efficacy of triple therapy in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with a history of exacerbation is well established in groups with frequent exacerbations, less research has been conducted on its use in group B. Here, we investigated the effects of triple therapy on COPD patients with low eosinophil counts in the context of the current management of group B.

Methods: Using data from the Korean COPD Subtype Study (KOCOSS), we selected patients with blood eosinophil count (BEC) less than 300 cells/μL as non-eosinophilic COPD groups.

Development of a Scoring System to Predict Suboptimal Peak Inspiratory Flow in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is a critical indicator for the successful use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs). However, resource constraints often limit the practicality of measuring PIFR prior to DPI prescription.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted across seven hospitals in Korea, including patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus plantarum GCWB1001 for respiratory health in a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

Respiratory symptoms like prolonged cough and breathlessness have increased post-COVID-19, even in those with normal chest X-rays and FEV1/FVC ratios. This study assessed the benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum GCWB1001 on such symptoms in individuals without asthma or COPD. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 126 participants aged 19-70 were included.

Clinical characteristics of pneumonia in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Limited research exists on pneumonia (PJP) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This retrospective study aimed to compare clinical features and outcomes of PJP in HD and non-HD patients.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 HD PJP cases and 40 non-HD PJP cases which were matched propensity scoring.

Effect of Hospital-to-Home Transitional Care for COPD on Patient-Centered Outcomes.

Appropriate hospital-to-home transitional care has been recognized for its positive impact on health care usage and health outcomes in patients with COPD. However, there is limited research assessing its effects on patient-centered outcomes, focusing on patient symptoms and experiences. This single-blind randomized controlled trial included subjects diagnosed with COPD at one of 2 university hospitals in South Korea.

Effect of Hospital-to-Home Transitional Care for COPD on Patient-Centered Outcomes.

Background: Appropriate hospital-to-home transitional care has been recognized for its positive impact on health care usage and health outcomes in patients with COPD. However, there is limited research assessing its effects on patient-centered outcomes, focusing on patient symptoms and experiences.

Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included subjects diagnosed with COPD at one of 2 university hospitals in South Korea.

Clinical characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with superoptimal peak inspiratory flow rate.

Characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with superoptimal peak inspiratory flow rates (PIFR) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare the characteristics between COPD patients with superoptimal PIFR and those with optimal and sub-optimal PIFR. PIFR was measured using In-Check DIAL G16 and categorized into sub-optimal (PIFR lower than that required by the patient's device), optimal, and superoptimal (peak PIFR ≥ 90 L/min).

Respiratory pathogen and clinical features of hospitalized patients in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after COVID 19 pandemic.

Respiratory infections are common causes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease (AECOPD). We explored whether the pathogens causing AECOPD and clinical features changed from before to after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. We reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized with AECOPD at four university hospitals between January 2017 and December 2018 and between January 2021 and December.

Suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate in dry-powder inhaler users for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Korea.

Background: A suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) in dry-powder inhaler (DPI) users can lead to insufficient therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few data on the prevalence of and factors associated with suboptimal PIFR in Korean patients with COPD are available.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with COPD who had been using DPIs for more than three months.

Components of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test Associated with the Exacerbation of Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

Introduction: The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) score is widely used for evaluating the health status of patients diagnosed with COPD. The aim of this study was to identify which components of the CAT are associated with exacerbations in severe COPD patients.

Methods: Using data from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS), we identified 3,440 COPD patients, among which 1,027 patients are classified as having severe COPD based on spirometry results.

Subtypes of Patients with Mild to Moderate Airflow Limitation as Predictors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation.

COPD is a heterogeneous disease, and its acute exacerbation is a major prognostic factor. We used cluster analysis to predict COPD exacerbation due to subtypes of mild-moderate airflow limitation. In all, 924 patients from the Korea COPD Subgroup Study cohort, with a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) ≥ 50% and documented age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, smoking pack-years, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, predicted post-bronchodilator FEV1, were enrolled.

When is LABA/LAMA Better than LAMA in GOLD Group B or D Patients for Reducing Acute Exacerbations of COPD?

Long-acting β-agonist (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic-antagonist (LAMA) dual therapy has been found to be more effective than LAMA monotherapy in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, among patients with group B or D COPD, the characteristics of patients for whom LABA/LAMA dual therapy is superior to LAMA monotherapy in minimizing acute exacerbations remain unknown. With data from a prospective COPD cohort, subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether LABA/LAMA dual therapy was superior to LAMA monotherapy in reducing the rate of acute exacerbations in group B and D COPD patients.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Is Associated With Decreased Exacerbation and Mortality in Patients With COPD: A Nationwide Korean Study.

Background: Poor uptake to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is still challenging around the world. There have been few nationwide studies investigating whether PR impacts patient outcomes in COPD. We investigated the change of annual PR implementation rate, medical costs, and COPD outcomes including exacerbation rates and mortality between 2015 and 2019.

Study Protocol for a Hospital-to-Home Transitional Care for Older Adults Hospitalized with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation in the airways, resulting in narrowing and obstruction of the air passages. The development of COPD is primarily attributed to long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Among individuals hospitalized for exacerbations of COPD, approximately one in five is readmitted within 30 days of discharge or encounters immediate post-discharge complications, highlighting a lack of adequate preparedness for self-management.

Incidence and outcomes of adverse drug reactions to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs and their effects on the quality of life: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Background: In tuberculosis (TB) treatment, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can interrupt treatment and decrease the quality of life (QoL). We aimed to prospectively investigate the incidence of ADRs to first-line anti-TB drugs and related outcomes and QoL.

Methods: Adult patients with TB who had been treated with first-line anti-TB drugs in five Korean hospitals were enrolled.

Effect of Sleep Disturbance on Cognitive Function in Elderly Individuals: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Many epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown significant links between the degree of sleep disturbance and severity of impairment of selective cognitive functions, including the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the sleep parameters that affect cognitive function in old age are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between sleep parameters and cognitive function in older patients.

Air Trapping and the Risk of COPD Exacerbation: Analysis From Prospective KOCOSS Cohort.

Background And Aims: Air trapping is a predictive index for a decline in lung function and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of air trapping in COPD exacerbation has rarely been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of air trapping as a continuous parameter on COPD exacerbation.

Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Smoking History as Prognostic Factors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Osimertinib.

Background: The remarkable efficacy of osimertinib in non‒small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired T790M mutation has been widely documented in clinical trials and real-world practice. However, some patients show primary resistance to this drug. Even patients who initially show a favorable response have inconsistent clinical outcomes later.

Effect of low protein intake on acute exacerbations in mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: data from the 2007-2012 KNHANES.

Background: Several researchers have reported that the amount of protein intake is associated with lung function and airflow obstruction. However, few studies have investigated the effect of low protein intake on acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of low protein intake on exacerbations in mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.