BACES score: a predictor of health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.

The evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is gaining importance among patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We assessed whether the BACES score reflects HRQOL and associated factors in these patients. Data were collected from the nationwide NTM-KOREA prospective cohort of patients with NTM-PD who started antibiotic treatment and included symptoms, Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) questionnaire, nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), physical activity, body composition, spirometry, handgrip strength, and 6-min walking distance.

Assessing statistical literacy in medical students and doctors: a single-centre, cross-sectional survey in South Korea.

Objective: Healthcare professionals must possess statistical literacy to provide evidence-based care and engage patients in decision-making. However, there have been concerns about healthcare professionals' inadequate understanding of health statistics. As an initial step in addressing the issue, we assessed the statistical literacy of medical students and doctors in South Korea by evaluating their comprehension of four statistical concepts: (a) single-event probability, (b) relative risk reduction, (c) positive predictive value and (d) 5-year survival rate.

Gender Disparities and Lung Cancer Screening Outcomes Among Individuals Who Have Never Smoked.

Importance: Lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked (INS) is a growing global concern, with a rapidly increasing incidence and proportion among all lung cancer cases. Particularly in East Asia, opportunistic lung cancer screening (LCS) programs targeting INS have gained popularity. However, the sex-specific outcomes and drawbacks of screening INS remain unexplored, with data predominantly focused on women.

Relationship Between Clarithromycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations and Treatment Responses in Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is a chronic lung condition with rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Macrolides like azithromycin and clarithromycin are the backbone of long-term antibiotic therapy for progressive MAC-PD. The impact of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), especially within the susceptible range, for macrolides on treatment responses remains unclear.

Change of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as prognostic biomarker for complex pulmonary disease through anti-mycobacterial treatment.

Background: It remains unclear whether erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) accurately predicts prognosis during treatment and how ESR changes.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the predictive values of ESR as a prognostic factor of complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) while on anti-mycobacterial treatment and its changes according to the treatment responses.

Design: This study is a retrospective cohort study.

Safety and risk factors for bleeding complications of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy.

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (radial EBUS) is widely used to diagnose pulmonary lesions; however, the diagnostic value of radial EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) varies, and its complications (especially the risk of bleeding) are not properly understood.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance and rate of complication of this procedure, and investigated the risk factors associated with the procedure-related bleeding events.

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Antibiotic Treatment in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: Initial Analysis of the NTM-KOREA Cohort.

Background: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as a priority in the management of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). We aimed to evaluate HRQOL and its changes after 6 months' treatment in patients with NTM-PD.

Methods: The NTM-KOREA is a nationwide prospective cohort enrolling patients initiating treatment for NTM-PD in 8 institutions across South Korea.

The factors associated with mortality and progressive disease of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the factors associated with mortality and progressive disease in NTM-LD patients. We conducted a literature search to identify the eligible studies, dated between January 1, 2007, and April 12, 2021. Forty-one studies with total 10,452 patients were included.

Efficacy of lower dose pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in real practice: a retrospective cohort study.

Background/aims: Pirfenidone slows the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We investigated its efficacy and safety in terms of dose and disease severity in real-world patients with IPF.

Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study investigated 338 patients treated with pirfenidone between July 2012 and March 2018.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of regional risk factors for critical outcomes of COVID-19 during early phase of the pandemic.

The mortality rates of COVID-19 vary across the globe. While some risk factors for poor prognosis of the disease are known, regional differences are suspected. We reviewed the risk factors for critical outcomes of COVID-19 according to the location of the infected patients, from various literature databases from January 1 through June 8, 2020.

Outcomes of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treated With Bedaquiline or Delamanid.

Background: Since 1 September 2016, bedaquiline and delamanid have been administered for the treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis after the official approval in South Korea. This study aimed to assess and compare the final treatment outcomes of patients who received bedaquiline with those of patients who received delamanid.

Methods: This is a nationwide cohort study of patients with multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in whom bedaquiline or delamanid was administered from 1 September 2016 to 28 February 2018, after receiving the official approval in South Korea.

Validation of age, PaO/FlO and plateau pressure score in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: A predictive scoring system for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, which incorporates age, PaO/FlO, and plateau pressure, APPS, was developed recently. It was validated externally in a Caucasian population but has not been studied in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to validate APPS in Korean ARDS patients.