Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Mar 2023
Observational StudyIncreased Prehospital Emergency Medical Service Time Interval and Nontransport Rate of Patients With Fever Using Emergency Medical Services Before and After COVID-19 in Busan, Korea.
In Korea, patients with fever have been preemptively isolated to isolation beds in the emergency department (ED) since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. However, isolation beds were not always available, and transport delays or failure (nontransport), especially for infants, were reported in the media. Few studies have focused on delays and failure in transporting fever patients to the ED. Therefore, this study aimed to examine and compare the emergency medical service (EMS) time interval and nontransport rate of patients with fever using EMSs before and after COVID-19. ⋯ After the emergence of COVID-19, in Busan, the EMS time interval of fever patients was delayed, and approximately 20% of fever patients were not transported. However, infants with fever had shorter EMS time intervals and higher nontransport rates than the overall study population. A comprehensive approach, including prehospital and hospital ED flow improvements, is required beyond increasing the number of isolation beds.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Mar 2023
Multicenter StudyClinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children With SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the Delta and Omicron Variant-Dominant Periods in Korea.
Data on the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant infection are limited. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection before and after omicron variant dominance in Korea. ⋯ Compared with the delta period, the proportions of young children and patients with complex comorbidities were higher during the omicron period in Korea. Patients with complex chronic diseases, especially neurologic diseases, had a high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 in the two distinct variant-dominant periods.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Mar 2023
Multicenter StudyUse of Antibiotics Within the Last 14 Days of Life in Korean Patients: A Nationwide Study.
Antimicrobial prescriptions for serious chronic or acute illness nearing its end stages raise concerns about the potential for futile use, adverse events, increased multidrug-resistant organisms, and significant patient and social cost burdens. This study investigated the nationwide situation of how antibiotics are prescribed to patients during the last 14 days of life to guide future actions. ⋯ A considerable number of antimicrobial agents are administered to patients with chronic or acute illnesses nearing their end-of-life, a high proportion of which are prescribed inappropriately. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist, in addition to an antimicrobial stewardship program, may be necessary to induce the optimal use of antibiotics.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Mar 2023
Multicenter Study Observational StudyAssociation Between Air Pollution and Viral Infection in Severe Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Respiratory pathogen infections and air pollution are main causes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Air pollution has a direct effect on the airway epithelial barrier and the immune system, which can have an influence on infection. However, studies on the relationship between respiratory infections and air pollutants in severe AECOPD are limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between air pollution and respiratory pathogen in severe AECOPD. ⋯ Air pollution may make COPD patients more susceptible to respiratory viral infections, especially influenza virus A. Thus, on days with poor air quality, COPD patients need to be more careful about respiratory infections.