Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in candidaemia patients with and without COVID-19: a multicentre retrospective study.

Background: Invasive fungal infections have been reported as complications with significant mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of candidaemia patients with COVID-19 and to investigate the association between COVID-19 and mortality in candidaemia patients.

Methods: This retrospective study included candidaemia patients aged 18 years or older admitted to four university-affiliated tertiary hospitals in South Korea between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.

Clinical Outcomes of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) receiving immunosuppressive therapy are expected to have worse clinical outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, published studies have shown mixed results, depending on adjustment for important confounders such as age, variants, and vaccination status.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively collected the data on 7,327 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from two tertiary hospitals with government-designated COVID-19 regional centers.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of Dual Therapy with Dolutegravir Plus Darunavir/cobicistat in Treatment-Experienced Patients with HIV: A 144-Week Follow-Up.

Background: A dual regimen with dolutegravir plus cobicistat-boosted darunavir (DTG+DRV/c) is a promising alternative for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with resistance or intolerance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, especially those with a history of treatment failure.

Materials And Methods: We included all treatment-experienced patients with HIV who switched to the DTG+DRV/c regimen at a tertiary university hospital. We assessed the regimen's effectiveness, safety, and tolerability through serial laboratory data and clinical findings.

Antimicrobial Use and Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales in Korea: A Nationwide Case-Control Study With Propensity Score Matching.

Background: Nationwide research on the association between carbapenem-resistant (CREs) and antibiotic use is limited.

Methods: This nested case-control study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance claims data from April 2017 to April 2019. Based on the occurrence of CRE, hospitalized patients aged ≥ 18 years were classified into CRE (cases) and control groups.

Effect of Regdanvimab on Mortality in Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variants: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Introduction: Regdanvimab, a monoclonal antibody pharmaceutical, is the first Korean drug approved for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We analyzed the therapeutic efficacy of regdanvimab in patients with the COVID-19 delta variant infection.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients hospitalized at two Korean tertiary COVID-19 hospitals with COVID-19 delta variant infection between May 26, 2021, and January 30, 2022.

Incidence of Infections in Republic of Korea: A Prospective Study With Active Surveillance vs. National Data From Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service.

Background: Since the emergence of hypervirulent strains of , the incidence of infections (CDI) has increased significantly.

Methods: To assess the incidence of CDI in Korea, we conducted a prospective multicentre observational study from October 2020 to October 2021. Additionally, we calculated the incidence of CDI from mass data obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) from 2008 to 2020.

Characteristics of long COVID and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on long COVID 2 years following COVID-19 infection: prospective cohort study.

This prospective cohort study aimed to identify characteristics of long COVID and any potential mitigating effects of COVID-19 vaccinations in patients 24 months following COVID-19 infection. Adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 17, 2020, and March 24, 2020, were scheduled to visit the study hospital four times (6, 12, 18, and 24 months after infection) to assess their symptoms, quality of life, and mental health. Among the 235 patients, 121 (51.

Analysis of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment at the end stage of life in 2 Korean hospitals.

Objective: We evaluated the adequacy of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WLST) at the end stage of life.

Setting: The study was conducted at 2 tertiary-care referral hospitals in Daegu, Republic of Korea.

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Long COVID prevalence and impact on quality of life 2 years after acute COVID-19.

There has been an increasing interest in the long-term impact of long COVID. However, only a few studies have investigated the clinical manifestations of long COVID after 24 months of acute infection. In this study, prospective online surveys were conducted in adults previously diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Korea between February 13 and March 13, 2020, at 6, 12, and 24 months after COVID-19.

Carbapenem Use in the Last Days of Life: A Nationwide Korean Study.

The appropriate use of carbapenem is a critical concern for patient safety and public health, and is a national priority. We investigated the nationwide status of carbapenem prescription in patients within their last 14 days of life to guide judicious-use protocols from the previous study comprised of 1350 decedents. Carbapenem use was universally controlled through computerised authorisation system at all centres during the study period.

Attachment Insecurity and Stigma as Predictors of Depression and Anxiety in People Living With HIV.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether attachment insecurity, stigma, and certain demographic and medical factors predict depression and anxiety in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods: Participants were 147 PLWH who visited the outpatient infection clinic in Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH; Daegu, South Korea) between June 2020 and January 2021. We measured HIV-related stigma, attachment anxiety and avoidance, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms.

Use of Antibiotics Within the Last 14 Days of Life in Korean Patients: A Nationwide Study.

Background: 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.

Methods: This nationwide multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at 13 hospitals in South Korea from November 1 to December 31, 2018.

Correlates of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Burnout is a form of negative emotional and physical response to job stress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout among healthcare workers responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Korea and to explore correlates of burnout among healthcare workers. A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted from December 1, 2020, to January 29, 2021 on 1425 healthcare workers who worked in one of the 16 healthcare facilities designated for COVID-19 care, in public health centers, or as paramedics in Korea.

Beta-Lactam Plus Macrolide for Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Difference Between Autumn and Spring.

Background: The 2017 Korean guideline on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recommended beta-lactam plus macrolide combination therapy for patients hospitalized with severe pneumonia, and beta-lactam monotherapy for mild-to-moderate pneumonia. However, antibiotic treatment regimen for mild-to-moderate CAP has never been evaluated for Korean patients.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, study patients were selected from three evaluation periods (October 1 to December 31, 2014; April 1 to June 30, 2016; October 1 to December 31, 2017) of the National Quality Assessment Program for CAP management and the National Health Insurance data on the selected patients was extracted from 1 year before the first patient enrollment and 1 year after the last patient enrollment at each evaluation period for the analysis of risk adjustment and outcomes.

Clinical Application of a Solid-Phase Assay for SARS-CoV-2 IgG to Predict a Neutralizing Antibody Titer.

Background: To assess protective immunity among a general population against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the correlation of the commercially available solid-phase assay (SPA) for SARS-CoV-2 IgG with a neutralization assay must be investigated.

Methods: Both the neutralization assay and SPA were performed on samples of 143 recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. SARS-CoV-2 IgG was measured using two SPAs for the chemiluminescence immunoassay principle with different target proteins: nucleocapsid and spike protein (Architect i2000SR [Abbott] and Liaison XL [DiaSorin], respectively).

Kinetics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection according to sex, age, and disease severity.

Knowledge of the factors affecting the difference in kinetics and longevity of the neutralizing antibody (nAb) response to SARS-CoV-2 is necessary to properly prioritize vaccination. In the present study, from March to December 2020, of the 143 patients who recovered from COVID-19, 87 underwent study visits scheduled every 3 months. Patient demographics and blood samples were collected followed by a plaque reduction neutralization test to analyze nAb titers.

Weight Gain and Lipid Profile Changes in Koreans with Human Immunodeficiency Virus undergoing Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor-Based Regimens.

Background: This study explored the relationship between integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based anti-retroviral agents and weight gain over time, and the risk factors for weight gain in Korean people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH).

Materials And Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively in PLWHs 18 years of age or older who took one of three INSTI-based single-tablet regimens (STRs) (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/elvitegravir/cobicistat [TDF/F/EVG/c], tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/elvitegravir/cobicistat [TAF/F/EVG/c], and abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir [ABC/3TC/DTG]) for more than 2 years at three university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea from May 2014 to December 2020. Analysis was performed in the treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced groups, respectively.

The effect of the multimodal intervention including an automatic notification of catheter days on reducing central line-related bloodstream infection: a retrospective, observational, quasi-experimental study.

Background: A central venous catheter (CVC) is an important medical device, but it could be preceding infection and the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). CLABSI is a common healthcare-associated infection but results in high cost and mortality; therefore, various efforts to reduce CLABSI have been attempted.

Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, quasi-experimental study in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a single tertiary care hospital.

Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients.

While human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated wasting has declined with significant advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), weight gain and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are now becoming a problem for people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. The development of a new and more effective ART regimen has increased viral suppression and improved immunologic function recovery, leading to the extension of the lifespan of PLWH. It has recently been reported as one of the significant factors associated with weight gain, obesity, and long-term metabolic consequences in PLWH.

One Year Follow-Up of COVID-19 Related Symptoms and Patient Quality of Life: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: Globally, concerns have grown regarding the long-term effects of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term course of persistent symptoms and patient quality of life.

Materials And Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary university hospital from August 31, 2020 to March 29, 2021 with adult patients followed at 6 and 12 months after acute COVID-19 symptom onset or diagnosis.

Nosocomial outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome among healthcare workers in a single hospital in Daegu, Korea.

Background: In August 2020, 17 healthcare workers (HCWs) were simultaneously diagnosed with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) at a university hospital in Daegu, Republic of Korea.

Methods: An epidemiologic investigation using questionnaires was conducted for all suspected HCWs who had viral infection symptoms or who had the possibility of exposure to the index patient.

Results: A total of 17 HCWs infected with the SFTS virus (SFTSV) (28.

Antibacterial Effects of Recombinant Endolysins in Disinfecting Medical Equipment: A Pilot Study.

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are severe life-threatening factors. Endolysins (lysins) degrade the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan and may help control pathogens, especially MDR bacteria prevalent in hospital settings. This study was conducted to verify the potential of lysin as disinfectant to kill bacteria contaminating medical devices that cause hospital infections.