Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2021
Comparative StudyChanging Trends in Liver Cirrhosis Etiology and Severity in Korea: the Increasing Impact of Alcohol.
Chronic hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in South Korea. However, alcoholic liver disease has shown an increasing trend. Although the clinical implications surrounding liver cirrhosis have been changing over the years, few studies have recently examined cirrhosis epidemiology. Therefore, we aimed to investigate changes in liver cirrhosis etiology and severity in Korea. ⋯ The chronic hepatitis B group exhibited improved results, whereas the alcohol group still presented poor liver functions and outcomes. Future national policies and systematic approaches addressing the incidence, prevention, and treatment of alcoholic liver cirrhosis are indispensable.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2021
The Use of Point-of-care Ultrasound in Emergency Medical Centers in Korea: a National Cross-sectional Survey.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an essential tool in emergency medicine (EM). We aimed to investigate the current status and perception of POCUS use in emergency medical centers in Korea. ⋯ This study found that most physicians currently working in emergency medical centers in Korea more frequently perform various types of ultrasound scans compared to those 10 years prior. To further promote the use of POCUS, it is important to have an appropriate number of ultrasound devices and physicians in the emergency center along with systematic POCUS education.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2021
Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 2 Infection: Korean Multicenter Study.
The advancement of treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has improved the cure rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection close to 100%. The aim of our study was to assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of DAA regimens for the treatment of patients with chronic HCV genotype 2. ⋯ In both treatment groups, SVR was high when treatment was completed. However, there was a high dropout rate in the SOF + RBV group, and the dropout analysis showed that these were patients with liver cirrhosis (LC; 43/285, 15.1%), especially those with decompensated LC (12/32, 37.5%). Therefore, an early initiation of antiviral therapy is recommended for a successful outcome before liver function declines. Furthermore, patients with decompensated LC who are considered candidates for SOF + RBV treatment should be carefully monitored to ensure that their treatment is completed, especially those with low hemoglobin and high alanine transaminase.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · May 2021
Adverse Reactions of the Second Dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers in Korea.
We conducted a prospective, mobile-based survey on the self-reported adverse reactions in healthcare workers (HCWs) who received both doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Of the 342 HCWs who completed the two-dose vaccination, 265 (77.5%) responded to the survey at least once. ⋯ We also noted a sex difference in which the frequency of adverse reactions after the second dose of the vaccine was significantly higher in females, which was not observed after the first dose. The rates of adverse reactions were lower in older age groups, and the rates and severities of the adverse reactions decreased during the 3-day period following vaccination.