Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
The Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Emergency Medical Service: An Analysis of Patient Transportations and Time Intervals.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system in South Korea. The study focused on the differences in EMS time intervals following the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly for patients with fever. ⋯ The study findings highlight the significant impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the EMS system and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring to evaluate the burden on the EMS system.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Discordance in Secular Trends of Bone Mineral Density Measurements in Different Ages of Postmenopausal Women.
Age-adjusted bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women decreases in developed countries whereas incidence of osteoporotic fracture decreases or remains stable. We investigated secular trends of bone density from 2008 to 2017 among different age groups of postmenopausal women. ⋯ BMD in younger postmenopausal women has decreased considerably but has increased or plateaued in elderly women. This discordance of BMD trends among different age groups may contribute to decreased incidence of osteoporotic fracture despite a recent declining BMD trend in postmenopausal women.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
ReviewExcluding Participants With Mycobacteria Infections From Clinical Trials: A Critical Consideration in Evaluating the Efficacy of BCG Against COVID-19.
In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, has been investigated for its potential to prevent COVID-19 with conflicting outcomes. Currently, over 50 clinical trials have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of BCG in preventing COVID-19, but the results have shown considerable variations. After scrutinizing the data, it was discovered that some trials had enrolled individuals with active TB, latent TB infection, or a history of TB. ⋯ In this study, we explore the potential consequences of including these participants in clinical trials, including impaired host immunity, immune exhaustion, and the potential masking of the BCG vaccine's protective efficacy against COVID-19 by persistent mycobacterial infections. We also put forth several suggestions for future clinical trials. Our study underscores the criticality of excluding individuals with active or latent TB from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of BCG in preventing COVID-19.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Multicenter Study Observational StudyEffectiveness and Adverse Events of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Versus Molnupiravir for COVID-19 in Outpatient Setting: Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.
In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and adverse reactions of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in high-risk outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ The rates of hospitalization and death were low and not significantly different between high-risk patients who received either nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir. Although adverse events were more frequent with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir than with molnupiravir, none were severe. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can be safely used to treat COVID-19, while molnupiravir could be considered as an alternative treatment option for high-risk groups.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Community-Acquired Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Highly Vaccinated Population: Analysis by Serotypes, Vaccination Status, and Underlying Medical Conditions.
Targeted risk population has been highly vaccinated against pneumococcal diseases in South Korea. Despite this, the pneumococcal serotype distribution is evolving, which impedes efficient roll-out of vaccines. ⋯ Serotype 3 and 19A were still the most common serotypes of pCAP in South Korea despite the national immunization program of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine in children and PPSV23 in old adults. PPSV23 vaccination might reduce the risk of mortality in patients with pCAP.