• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1294-1317
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• 2023

Background: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) is a common complication in severe COVID-19 cases, often associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome or mechanical ventilation. Patients with PCPF frequently experience a decline in their quality of life due to persistent COVID-19 sequelae, including cough and chest pain. However, there is currently no established standard treatment, and the efficacy of existing medications remains uncertain. Case Report: A 65-year-old female patient presenting with cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue due to PCPF received Korean medicine treatment for 25 days. Symptom evaluation utilized the modified Medical Research Council scale, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, and the Numeral Rating Scale. Quality of life and functional status were assessed using the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level. The extent of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed by comparing chest computed tomography (chest CT) scans before and after hospitalization. Following treatment, the patient demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in clinical symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and decreased fibrotic lesions on CT scans. Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean medicine treatment may be effective in improving clinical symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea caused by PCPF, while also enhancing post-COVID-19 quality of life and ameliorating pulmonary fibrotic lesions.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.11
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• pp.953-963
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• 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an infectious disease with multiple severe symptoms, such as fever over 37.5℃, cough, dyspnea, and pneumonia. In our research, microRNAs (miRNAs) binding to the genome sequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2 were identified by bioinformatic tools. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-196a-1-3p) were found to commonly bind to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. We also identified miRNAs that bind to receptor proteins, such as ACE2, ADAM17, and TMPRSS2, which are important for understanding the infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. The expression patterns of those miRNAs were examined in hamster lung samples infected by SARS-CoV-2. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, hsa-miR-140-3p, and hsa-miR-422a) showed differential expression patterns in lung tissues before and after infection. Especially, hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p showed a large difference in expression, indicating that they may potentially be diagnostic biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2024

The consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are particularly severe in older adults with a disproportionate number of severe and fatal outcomes. Therefore, this integrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics, management approaches, and prognosis of older patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Common clinical presentations in older patients include fever, cough, and dyspnea. Additionally, preexisting comorbidities, especially diabetes and pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, were frequently observed and associated with adverse outcomes. Management strategies varied, however, early diagnosis, vigilant monitoring, and multidisciplinary care were identified as key factors for enhancing patient outcomes. Nonetheless, the prognosis remains guarded for older patients, with increased rates of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. However, timely therapeutic interventions, especially antiviral and supportive treatments, have demonstrated some efficacy in mitigating the severe consequences in this age group. In conclusion, while older adults remain highly susceptible to severe outcomes from COVID-19, early intervention, rigorous monitoring, and comprehensive care can play a pivotal role in improving their clinical outcomes.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify symptom cluster experienced by patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on gefitinib treatment. In addition, this study assessed the patterns in severity of the symptom cluster and differences in quality of life (QOL) and function among subgroups by the severity of symptom cluster. Methods: This study was conducted as a secondary analysis of symptoms of 72 patients from a mother study. Factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters measured with EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 symptom related items. Results: Three symptom clusters were identified: cluster 1 was comprised of fatigue, anorexia and dysphagia; cluster 2 of dyspnea, cough and insomnia; and cluster 3 of pain, constipation and nausea/vomiting. These three symptom clusters were improved one week after gefitinib administration. The group with more severe symptom clusters showed significantly lower QOL and function than the group with less severe symptom clusters. Conclusion: Since symptom clusters experienced by the patients with advanced NSCLC influenced on the QOL and function, it is important for nurses to understand and observe their symptom clusters. In addition, there is an necessity to develop nursing interventions to effectively care patients with the symptom clusters.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.238-243
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• 1996

Aspiration of foreign bodies into the tracheobronchial tree is unusual in adults and it may result in Proximal airway obstruction and acute life-threatening asphyxia. It can be diagnosed by history of aspiration or visualizing the foreign body by chest roentgenogram or bronchoscopy. But it is rarely considered in adults with subacute or chronic respiratory symptoms without a definite history which suggests an aspiration. A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to productive cough for two months and dyspnea which aggravated since the day before admission. Chest X-ray showed Pneumonic infiltration on left upper lobe and right lower lobe. Despite several days of conventional therapy, the patient complained of severe dyspnea and wheezing. We performed chest CT to rule out endobronchial stenosis, and it revealed the narrowing of left main stem bronchus compatible with endobronchial tuberculosis. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy for confirmation disclosed a $3.2{\times}0.7{\times}0.2$cm sized foreign body located longitudinally at the left main stem bronchus. We removed it with alligator forcep and it proved In be a piece of artificial denture. The patient remembered losing it while severe coughing on the day before admission. The microscopic examination of bronchial washing fluid revealed numerous acid fast bacilli. After removal of the foreign body, the patient showed marked improvement in symptom and pulmonary function test. Here we report a case of Pulmonary aspiration of foreign body which is confused with endobronchial tuberculosis with a review of the literature.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.99-103
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• 2008

Purpose: Chlorine gas is a common irritant that usually causes mild respiratory symptoms. One severe symptom, RADS (Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome), is not well known to physicians. We analyzed the clinical features of chlorine gas exposure. Methods: We prospectively collected 25 cases of chlorine gas exposure near our emergency center on January 10th, 2007, and analyzed demographic data, event-to-ER interval, symptoms, and laboratory results based on medical records. Results: Only 2 patients out of 25 were admitted because of severe symptoms, the rest were discharged without complications. Sixty percent of them visited the ER within 12 h of exposure. The most common symptoms were chest discomfort (60%), headache (40%), nausea (40%), throat irritation (26%), and cough (32%). Two out of eight dyspnea cases showed abnormal pulmonary function, but only one case was diagnosed as RADS. Conclusion: Most symptoms after chlorine gas exposure can be treated conservatively. However, patients with chlorine exposure should be followed up long term for delayed complications.

• Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
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• v.95 no.6
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• pp.340-344
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• 2018

Purpose: Traumatic lumbar hernia is rare, thus making diagnosis and proper treatment challenging. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations and proper management strategies of traumatic lumbar hernias. Methods: The medical records of patients with traumatic lumbar hernia treated at Gachon University Gil Hospital from March 2006 to February 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: We included 5 men and 4 women (mean age, 55 years; range, 23-71 years). In 8 patients, most injuries were caused by motor vehicle collisions, including those wherein a pedestrian was struck (5 cases of car accidents, 2 falls, and 1 involving penetrating materials); in 1 patient, the probable cause was severe cough. Eight patients underwent hernia repair surgery (5 open and 3 laparoscopic), and a prosthetic mesh was used in 7 patients. Hernia repairs were elective in 7 patients; emergency hernia repair was performed with right hemicolectomy in 1 patient. No severe complication or recurrence was observed. Only 2 patients had mild complications, such as postoperative seroma. Conclusion: Traumatic lumbar hernia is a relatively rare injury of the posteriolateral abdominal wall. Lumbar hernia should be suspected in patients with high-energy injuries of the torso, and all such patients should undergo abdominopelvic computed tomography. After diagnosis, hernia repair can be electively performed without complications in most cases.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.153-156
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• 2020

A 14-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 6.8 kg, presented with chief complaints of severe cough, dyspnea, anorexia, and exercise intolerance. It had the characteristics of a blood clot, the evidence of mitral regurgitation, a high left atrial/aortic root ratio, and pericardial effusion with a left atrial rupture due to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) was strongly suspected. Traditional therapy (pimobendan, furosemide, enalapril, and spironolactone) for heart failure with MMVD was provided twice a day orally, and partial pericardiectomy was performed for pericardial effusion. The medical prescriptions for MMVD were continued, and the patient's heart disease was well-controlled. However, it suddenly died 3 months after the operation.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.81-85
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• 2006

Community acquired pneumonia(CAP) is the most prevalent disease among pneumonia patients and progressed to severe pneumonia. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate antibiotic regimens according to guidelines of Infectious Disease Society of America. From January to October 2005, chart review of 50 patients with CAP was peformed in terms of microbiology and laboratory data of each regimen. Temperature, WBC count, ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase of each patient were examined for liver toxicity. In three patients received levofloxacin appeared to have normalized temperature and improved cough. The patients who received cefmetazole -aminoglycoside appeared to have worsen LFT(Liver function test). Many patients in flomoxef-aminoglycoside group received mechanical ventilation because of the basis diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In conclusion, antibiotic therapy for the treatment of CAP should be selected according to tolerance, bacteria and severity of disease.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.159-162
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• 2018

An 11-year-old, castrated male dog presented with a 3-month history of cough and depression. Auscultation revealed systolic murmur and thoracic radiographs showing enlargement of both the atrium and left ventricle. Echocardiography showed thickened mitral valve and moderate-to-severe left atrial enlargement. Additionally, M-mode echocardiography showed symmetric left ventricular wall thickening and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, while Doppler imaging revealed high velocity turbulent flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. Based on echocardiography, this case was diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. After 5 months, the dog was clinically static in radiography and echocardiography.