Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
The Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Evaluating Disease Severity and Prognosis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients.
Several parameters are useful for assessing disease severity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is not well-defined. We aimed to evaluate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for assessing disease severity and prognosis in IPF patients. ⋯ 18F-FDG PET/CT may provide additional information on the disease severity and prognosis in IPF patients, and the SUVR may be superior to other SUV parameters.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
The Distribution of Multidrug-resistant Microorganisms and Treatment Status of Hospital-acquired Pneumonia/Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Adult Intensive Care Units: a Prospective Cohort Observational Study.
It is essential to determine the distribution of the causative microorganisms in the region and the status of local antibiotic resistance for the proper treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and causative strains of HAP/VAP, distribution of resistant bacteria, use of antibiotics, and the ensuing outcomes of patients in Korea. ⋯ In HAP/VAP patients, there was a large burden of MDR pathogens, and their associated mortality rate was high. Proper selection of empirical antibiotics was significantly associated with the patient's prognosis; however, there was a discrepancy between major pathogens and empirical antibiotic therapy.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and COVID-19 Susceptibility and Outcomes: a Korean Nationwide Cohort.
Evidence for the association between underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the risk of testing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive, and the clinical consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is controversial and scarce. We aimed to investigate the association between the presence of NAFLD and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and COVID-19-related outcomes. ⋯ Patients with pre-existing NAFLDs have a higher likelihood of testing SARS-CoV-2 positive and severe COVID-19 illness; this association was more evident in patients with NAFLD with advanced fibrosis. Our results suggest that extra attention should be given to the management of patients with NAFLD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
Fracture Risk and Its Prevention Patterns in Korean Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica: a Retrospective Cohort Study.
To evaluate the incidence of fractures and fracture risk factors in Korean patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). ⋯ The incidence rate of fractures in Korean patients with PMR was 3.93/100 PYs. Female sex, advanced age, longer follow-up duration, and increased glucocorticoid dose are risk factors for osteoporotic fracture.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2021
Practice Patterns of Korean Urologists Regarding Positive Surgical Margins after Radical Prostatectomy: a Survey and Narrative Review.
There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment with curative intent for patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs) following radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and treatment patterns of Korean urologists regarding the resection margin after RP. ⋯ The most common response was to monitor PSA levels without recommending any additional treatment when PSMs were found after RP. Through this questionnaire, we found that the perceptions and treatment patterns of Korean urologists differed considerably according to RP resection margin status. Refined research and standard practice guidelines are needed.