Optimizing epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of gastric acid suppressants.

Background: The introduction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, their efficacy can be compromised by concurrent use of gastric acid suppressants (GASs), such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). This study aimed to update the evidence on the impact of GASs on the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients on EGFR-TKI treatment.

Timing dilemma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy with varied timing, including 7, 10 and 14 days.

Objective: To analyse the effects of tracheostomy timing on COVID-19 outcomes by comparing mortality rates at different time points (7, 10 and 14 days).

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from 31 August 2023 to 6 September 2023.

Endobronchial valves for emphysema and persistent air-leak: 10-year experience in an Asian country.

Background: Endobronchial valve (EBV) therapy, a validated method for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) in severe emphysema, has been explored for persistent air-leak (PAL) management. However, its effectiveness and safety in the Asian population require further real-world evaluation. In this study, we assessed the outcomes of treatment with EBV within this demographic.

Factors associated with increased diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: an observational single center study.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an innovative tool for diagnosing mediastinal diseases. We investigated the factors affecting the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA and evaluated whether the effects of these factors (number of biopsies, core tissue acquisition rate, and diameter and volume of tissue) vary depending on computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET)/CT results.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed lung cancer patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA at Korea University Ansan Hospital (January 2019-December 2022).

Seven-day and In-hospital Mortality According to Left and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Septic Shock.

Background And Objectives: The prognostic implications of septic cardiomyopathy have not been clearly demonstrated. We evaluated serial changes in left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function in patients with septic shock and their prognostic value on 7-day and in-hospital mortality.

Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 48 hours of the diagnosis of septic shock and 7 days after the initial evaluation.

Satisfactory outcome with activated clotting time <160 seconds in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can have severely altered physiology, including that of the coagulation pathway. This could complicate the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) management. We aimed to show that targeting an activated clotting time (ACT) < 160 seconds does not affect the complication rates in these patients.

Associations between Phosphate Concentrations and Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation.

Phosphate concentrations change continuously throughout hospitalization; however, it is unclear which available phosphate measures are most clinically important for predicting hospital mortality. Therefore, we investigated phosphate concentrations in association with hospital mortality following admission to the intensive care unit. We retrospectively enrolled all adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Predictive Role of Lung Injury Prediction Score in the Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Korea.

Purpose: Early recognition and therapeutic intervention are important in patients at high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The lung injury prediction score (LIPS) has been used to predict ARDS development; however, it was developed based on the previous definition of ARDS. We investigated the predictive role of LIPS in ARDS development according to its Berlin definition in the Korean population.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Relationship Between Low Socioeconomic Status and Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a strong determinant in the development of various diseases. We evaluated the relationship between SES and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by using a community-based cohort data.

Patients And Methods: Four-year follow-up data of 6341 adults (aged ≥ 40 years), who underwent serial pulmonary function test were analyzed.

Factors Associated With Failure of High-Flow Nasal Cannula.

Background: The use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is rapidly increasing without clear indications, creating the potential for overuse or misuse and the accompanying risk of adverse events. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with HFNC failure by examining the current clinical practice of HFNC.

Methods: From July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, in 5 university-affiliated hospitals in the Republic of Korea, a total of 1,161 admitted adult subjects who had HFNC administered were retrospectively enrolled and their medical records were reviewed.

Association between Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and Mortality in Patients with Septic Shock.

Background: The impact of myocardial damage on the prognosis of patients with septic shock is not clearly elucidated because complex hemodynamic changes in sepsis obscure the direct relationship. We evaluated left ventricular (LV) conditions that reflect myocardial damage independently from hemodynamic changes in septic shock and their influence on the prognosis of patients.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 208 adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent echocardiography within 7 days from the diagnosis of septic shock.

Experiences of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment for the North Korean Refugees.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in immigrants. We aimed to investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment for North Korean Refugees (NKR) compared to South Koreans Contacts (SKC).

Methods: TB close contacts in a closed facility of SKC and NKR who underwent LTBI screening in a settlement support center for NKR were analyzed retrospectively.