• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.779-784
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• 2006

Several studies about hospital malnutrition have been reported that about more than 40% of hospitalized patients are having nutritional risk factors and hospital malnutrition presents a high prevalence. People in a more severe nutritional status ended up with a longer length of hospital stay and higher hospital cost. Nutrition screening tools identify individuals who are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished and who may benefit from nutritional support. For the early detection and treatment of malnourished hospital patients , few valid screening instruments fur Koreans exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a simple, reliable and valid malnutrition screening tool that could be used at hospital admission to identify adult patients at risk of malnutrition using medical electrical record data. Two hundred and one patients of the university affiliated medical center were assessed on nutritional status and classified as well nourished, moderately or severely malnourished by a Patient-Generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) being chosen as the 'gold standard' for defining malnutrition. The combination of nutrition screening questions with the highest sensitivity and specificity at prediction PG-SGA was termed the nutrition screening index (NSI). Odd ratio, and binary logistic regression were used to predict the best nutritional status predictors. Based on regression coefficient score, albumin less than 3.5 g/dl, body mass index (BMI) less than $18.5kg/m^2$, total lymphocyte count less than 900 and age over 65 were determined as the best set of NSI. By using best nutritional predictors receiver operating characteristic curve with the area under the curve, sensitivity and 1-specificity were analyzed to determine the best optimal cut-off point to decide normal or abnormal in nutritional status. Therefore simple and beneficial NSI was developed for identifying patients with severe malnutrition. Using NSI, nutritional information of the severe malnutrition patient should be shared with physicians and they should be cared for by clinical dietitians to improve their nutritional status.

• Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.295-302
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• 2018

Purpose: It is thought that Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is more prevalent and causes more severe pneumonia in school-age children and young adults than in preschool children; however, recent studies suggest that the infection may be underdiagnosed and more severe in preschool children. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and the risk factors of refractory MPP (RMPP) by age. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 353 children admitted due to MPP from January 2015 to December 2016. Demographics, clinical information, laboratory data and radiological findings were collected from all patients in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the age of 6 years. Also, both preschool (< 6 years old) and school-age (${\geq}6$ years old) children were divided into RMPP and non-RMPP patients. Results: Total febrile days, febrile days before admission and the duration of macrolide antibiotic therapy were significantly longer in school-age children than in preschool children. School-age children had significantly greater risk of lobar consolidation (P=0.036), pleural effusion (P=0.001) and extrapulmonary complications (P=0.019). Necrotizing pneumonia and bronchiolitis obliterans tended to occur more frequently in preschool children than in school-age children. In both preschool and school-age children, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly higher in RMPP patients than in non-RMPP patients. In preschool children, LDH > 722 IU/L (odds ratio [OR], 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-6.50) and ferritin > 177 ng/mL (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 1.61-19.49) were significant risk factors for RMPP, while LDH > 645 IU/L (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.64-10.97) and ferritin > 166 ng/mL (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.59-22.32) were so in school-age children. Conclusion: Clinical features of MPP were significantly different between preschool and school-age children. LDH and ferritin may be significant factors of RMPP in preschool and school-age children.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate incidence of delirium in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to analyze associated risk factors. Methods: The participants were 95 patients, newborn to 18 years, who were admitted to the PICU. The instruments used were the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), and the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium. Data analysis was performed using the descriptive, $x^2$ test, t-test, and logistic regression analyses. Results: The incidence of delirium in children admitted to the PICU was 42.1%. There were significant differences according to age ($x^2=14.10$, p=.007), admission type ($x^2=7.40$, p=.007), use of physical restraints ($x^2=26.11$, p<.001), RASS score ($x^2=14.80$, p=.001), need for oxygen ($x^2=5.31$, p=.021), use of a mechanical device ($x^2=9.97$, p=.041), feeding ($x^2=7.85$, p=.005), and the presence of familiar objects ($x^2=29.21$, p<.001). Factors associated with the diagnosis of delirium were the use of physical restraint (odds ratio [OR]=13.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]=4.16~45.95, p<.001) and the presence of familiar objects (OR=0.09, 95% CI=0.03~0.30, p=.002). Conclusion: Periodic delirium assessments and intervention should be actively performed. The use of restraints should be minimized if possible. The caregiver should surround the child with familiar objects and ensure a friendly hospital environment that is appropriate for the child.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2019

Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is patchy or diffuse ischemic destruction of the renal cortex caused by significantly reduced renal arterial perfusion. It is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is associated with high mortality. Here, we review the case of RCN in a 15-year-old boy who developed AKI. A 15-year-old boy was referred to our hospital from a local hospital due to a sharp decrease in his renal function. He presented with acute flank pain, nausea with vomiting, and oliguria for the past two days. He had taken a single dose of antihistamine for nasal congestion. At our hospital, his peak blood pressure was 148/83 mmHg and he had a high body mass index of $32.9kg/m^2$. The laboratory data showed a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 28.4 mg/dL, a creatinine of 4.26 mg/dL, and a glomerular filtration rate estimated from the serum cystatin C of $20.2mL/min/1.73m^2$. Proteinuria (spot urine protein to creatinine ratio 1.66) with pyuria was observed. Kidney sonography showed parenchymal swelling and increased renal echogenicity. Due to rapidly progressing nephritis, steroid pulse therapy (750 mg/IV) was done on the second day of his admission and the patient showed complete recovery with normal renal function. However, the kidney biopsy findings revealed renal cortical hemorrhagic necrosis. Multifocal, relatively well-circumscribed, hemorrhagic necrotic areas (about 25%) were detected in the tubulointerstitium. Although RCN is an unusual cause of AKI, especially in children, pediatricians should consider the possibility of RCN when evaluating patients with rapidly decreasing renal function.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.616-623
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• 2018

Objective: The shock index (SI), as a trauma triage tool, is a capable clinical indicator of hemodynamic instability and hypovolemic shock, but the conception of SI is contradictory to shock. The reverse shock index (RSI) was introduced recently, but its utility has not been sufficiently proven. Methods: This study examined the RSI utility by evaluating the procedures performed at an emergency department (ED) and the associated outcomes when the RSI is used alone or in combination with the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS). This was a retrospective study conducted by including data of 4,789 adult trauma patients for a year. The clinical variables, procedures performed on patients, and outcomes were investigated. The median RSI was 0.9 in the RSI<1 group. Results: Patients in the RSI<1 group had a higher odds of requiring procedures at the ED and for experiencing worse outcomes: intubation (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-13.1; P<0.001), chest tube insertion (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 0.4-111.84; P<0.001), use of emergency drugs (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5-8.5; P<0.001), circulatory support (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.3-12.9; P<0.001), intensive care unit admission (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.8-6.8; P<0.001), and mortality during the ED stay (OR, 20.4; 95% CI, 5.5-75.7; P<0.001). In the group with KTAS 1-3, trends similar to those in the RSI<1 group were observed. Patients with RSI<1 had more severe injuries and poorer outcomes than those with $RSI{\geq}1$, regardless of whether the RSI was used alone or in combination with KTAS. Conclusion: RSI can provide an appropriate triage with concurrent KTAS use.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2021

Objective : Several studies have reported inconsistent findings among countries on whether off-hour hospital presentation is associated with worse outcome in patients with acute stroke. However, its association is yet not clear and has not been thoroughly studied in Korea. We assessed nationwide administrative data to verify off-hour effect in different subtypes of acute stroke in Korea. Methods : We respectively analyzed the nationwide administrative data of National Emergency Department Information System in Korea; 7144 of ischemic stroke (IS), 2424 of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 1482 of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), respectively. "Off-hour hospital presentation" was defined as weekends, holidays, and any times except 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality in different subtypes of acute stroke. We adjusted for covariates to influence the primary outcome using binary logistic regression model and Cox's proportional hazard model. Results : In subjects with IS, off-hour hospital presentation was associated with unfavorable outcome (24.6% off hours vs. 20.9% working hours, p<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (5.3% off hours vs. 3.9% working hours, p=0.004), even after adjustment for compounding variables (hazard ratio [HR], 1.244; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.106-1.400; HR, 1.402; 95% CI, 1.124-1.747, respectively). Off-hours had significantly more elderly ≥65 years (35.4% off hours vs. 32.1% working hours, p=0.029) and significantly more frequent intensive care unit admission (32.5% off hours vs. 29.9% working hours, p=0.017) than working hours. However, off-hour hospital presentation was not related to poor short-term outcome in subjects with ICH and SAH. Conclusion : This study indicates that off-hour hospital presentation may lead to poor short-term morbidity and mortality in patients with IS, but not in patients with ICH and SAH in Korea. Excessive death seems to be ascribed to old age or the higher severity of medical conditions apart from that of stroke during off hours.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.136-144
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• 2021

Background: Zinc is known for modulating antiviral and antibacterial immunity and regulating inflammatory response. This study aimed to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for studies comparing zinc supplement group versus control group for clinical outcomes of COVID-19 up to November 3, 2020. The search results were updated on February 9, 2021. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.4 software. Results: Total 4 studies were included in this systematic review. The zinc administered group had a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.53-0.75, p<0.001), with significantly higher discharge rate (OR 1.32, 95% Cl 1.15-1.52, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the intensive care unit admission rate (OR 1.07, 95% Cl 0.26-4.48, p=0.92), mechanical ventilation rate (OR 0.80, 95% Cl 0.45-1.41, p=0.44), and length of hospital stay (mean difference 0.75, 95% Cl -0.64 to 2.13, p=0.29) between the two groups. Conclusion: The meta-analysis of zinc administration showed positive clinical effects on the discharge rate and mortality of COVID-19 hospitalized patients. However, large-scale randomized controlled trial should be conducted for zinc to be considered as one of the adjuvant treatments.

• Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.211-218
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• 2018

Objective This study aimed to determine whether simultaneous decreases in the serum levels of cell adhesion molecules (intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1], and E-selectin) and S100 proteins within the first 24 hours after the return of spontaneous circulation were associated with good neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors. Methods This retrospective observational study was based on prospectively collected data from a single emergency intensive care unit (ICU). Twenty-nine out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who were admitted to the ICU for post-resuscitation care were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 24 hours after ICU admission. According to the 6-month cerebral performance category (CPC) scale, the patients were divided into good (CPC 1 and 2, n=12) and poor (CPC 3 to 5, n=17) outcome groups. Results No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the serum levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and S100 at 0 and 24 hours. A simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of VCAM-1 and S100 as well as E-selectin and S100 was associated with good neurological outcomes. When other variables were adjusted, a simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of VCAM-1 and S100 was independently associated with good neurological outcomes (odds ratio, 9.285; 95% confidence interval, 1.073 to 80.318; P=0.043). Conclusion A simultaneous decrease in the serum levels of soluble VCAM-1 and S100 within the first 24 hours after the return of spontaneous circulation was associated with a good neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2022

Background: We evaluated the long-term effects of domiciliary noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of COPD with NIPPV for longer than 1 year. Mortality rates were the primary outcome in this meta-analysis. The eight trials included in this study comprised data from 913 patients. Results: The mortality rates for the NIPPV and control groups were 29% (118/414) and 36% (151/419), suggesting a statistically significant difference (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.95). Mortality rates were reduced with NIPPV in four trials that included stable COPD patients. There was no difference in admission, acute exacerbation and quality of life between the NIPPV and control groups. There was no significant difference in withdrawal rates between the two groups (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72-1.36; p=0.94). Conclusion: Maintaining long-term nocturnal NIPPV for more than 1 year, especially in patients with stable COPD, decreased the mortality rate, without increasing the withdrawal rate compared with long-term oxygen treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.4
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• pp.349-357
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• 2022

Background: The most consistently identified mortality determinants for the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection are aging, male sex, cardiovascular/respiratory diseases, and cancer. They were determined from heterogeneous cohorts that included patients with different disease severity and previous conditions. The main goal of this study was to determine if activities of daily living (ADL) dependence measured by Barthel's index could be a predictor for COVID-19 mortality. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with a consecutive sample of 340 COVID-19 patients representing patients from all over the northern region of Portugal from October 2020 to March 2021. Mortality risk factors were determined after controlling for demographics, ADL dependence, admission time, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, and delay-time for diagnosis. Central tendency measures were used to analyze continuous variables and absolute numbers (proportions) for categorical variables. For univariable analysis, we used t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test as appropriate (α=0.05). Multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression. IBM SPSS version 27 statistical software was used for data analysis. Results: The cohort included 340 patients (55.3% females) with a mean age of 80.6±11.0 years. The mortality rate was 19.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that aging, ADL dependence, pneumonia, and dementia were associated with mortality and that dyslipidemia and obesity were associated with survival. In multivariable analysis, dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.71) was independently associated with survival. Age ≥86 years (pooled OR, 2.239; 95% CI, 1.100-4.559), pneumonia (pooled OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.362-6.606), and ADL dependence (pooled OR, 6.296; 95% CI, 1.795-22.088) were significantly related to mortality (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 82.1%; p<0.001). Conclusion: ADL dependence, aging, and pneumonia are three main predictors for COVID-19 mortality in an elderly population.