Journal of Korean medical science
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jun 2020
Mycophenolic Acid Trough Concentration and Dose Are Associated with Hematologic Abnormalities but Not Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients.
Little is known regarding the safe fixed dose of mycophenolic acid (MPA) for preventing biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We investigated the correlation of MPA trough concentration (MPA C₀) and dose with renal transplant outcomes and adverse events. ⋯ Either a higher MPA C₀ or dose is associated with an increased risk of cytopenia, but neither a lower MPA C₀ nor dose is associated with BPAR within the first year of transplantation. Hence, a reduced MPA dose with TAC and corticosteroids might be safe in terms of reducing hematologic abnormalities without causing rejection.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jun 2020
Gap between Perceived eHealth Literacy and Ability to Use Online Cancer-Related Information.
The effective evaluation of health information available online is an important skill. However, consumers' self-perceptions of their eHealth literacy levels do not reflect their actual capabilities. The goal of this experimental study of online search behavior is to identify differences between self-perceived eHealth literacy and actual ability to use the accuracy of cancer information available online. ⋯ There is a gap between perceived eHealth literacy and the actual ability to use online cancer-related information. To fundamentally improve eHealth literacy, it is important to evaluate the actual abilities concerning each eHealth literacy component and to provide customized education.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jun 2020
Social Distancing and Transmission-reducing Practices during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease and 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Outbreaks in Korea.
The absence of effective antiviral medications and vaccines increased the focus on non-pharmaceutical preventive behaviors for mitigating against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To examine the current status of non-pharmaceutical preventive behaviors practiced during the COVID-19 outbreak and factors affecting behavioral activities, we compared to the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Korea. ⋯ The study findings suggest markedly increased proportions of non-pharmaceutical behavioral practices evenly across all subgroups during the two different novel virus outbreaks in Korea. Strategic interventions are needed to attempt based on preventive behavior works.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jun 2020
Risk Factors for Mortality and Respiratory Support in Elderly Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 in Korea.
The mortality risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is higher in patients with older age, and many elderly patients are reported to require advanced respiratory support. ⋯ Patients aged ≥ 80 years had a high risk of requiring MV/HFNC, and mortality among those severe patients was very high. Severe initial presentation and laboratory abnormalities, especially high CRP, were identified as risk factors for mortality and severe hospital course.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jun 2020
Relationship between Clinical Features of Diabetic Retinopathy and Systemic Factors in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type II Diabetes Mellitus.
We investigated the relationship between clinical features of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and systemic factors in patients with newly diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ⋯ In patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, 10.53% have DR at initial ophthalmologic examination and high HbA1C, FPG, UACR and urine microalbumin levels. These factors are significantly positively correlated with DR severity. Therefore, more careful fundus examination is needed for newly diagnosed T2DM patients with high HbA1C, FPG, UACR, and urine microalbumin levels.