Acute and Critical Care

Original Article

Epidemiology
Impact of medical crisis on the critical care system in South Korea: Ye Rim Chang, Jae Hwa Cho, Joongbum Cho, Tae Sun Ha, Bo Gun Kho, Eunhye Kim, Im-kyung Kim, Dong Hyun Lee, Suk-Kyung Hong; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(3):393-401. Published online August 21, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.000575

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Background
The ongoing medical crisis in Korea has severely impacted the operational environment of intensive care units (ICU), posing significant challenges to quality care for critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ongoing crisis on ICUs.
Methods
A survey was conducted in July 2024 among intensivists in charge of ICUs at institutions accredited by the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine for critical care. The survey compared data from January 2024 (pre-crisis) and June 2024 (post-crisis) on the number ICU beds, staffing composition, work hours, and the number and roles of nurse practitioners.
Results
Among the total of 71 participating ICUs, 22 experienced a reduction in the number of operational beds, with a median decrease of six beds per unit, totaling 127 beds across these ICUs. The numbers of residents and interns decreased from an average of 2.3 to 0.1 per ICU, and the average weekly working hours of intensivists increased from 62.3 to 78.8 hours. Nurse practitioners helped fill staffing gaps, with their numbers rising from 150 to 242 across ICUs, and their scope of practice expanded accordingly.
Conclusions
The medical crisis has led to major changes in the critical care system, including staffing shortages, increased workloads, and an expanded role for nurse practitioners. This is a critical moment to foster interest and engage in active discussions aimed at creating a sustainable and resilient ICU system.

Citations

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Resident Physician Walkout and High-Incidence Cancer Operation Volumes in South Korea
Chanseok Son, Jaehun Jung, Hyejin Joo
JAMA Network Open.2026; 9(3): e260697. CrossRef
Changes in American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Distribution and Prognostic Performance During the 2024 South Korean Healthcare Crisis: A Large-Scale Retrospective Cohort Study
Chan-Sik Kim, Sang-Wook Lee
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2026; 15(11): 4261. CrossRef
Changes in Patient Characteristics and Early Clinical Outcomes Among Emergency Department–Admitted Inpatients During the 2024 Medical Workforce Crisis in South Korea
Yeon Joo Lee, Sung Woo Moon
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2026; 15(12): 4804. CrossRef
Changes in Health Care Utilization and Costs During the 2024 Medical Strike in Korea: Evidence From a Specialty-Level Analysis
Hyangmi Kim, Joon Young Kim
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
From trauma surgery to acute care surgery: a 4-year observational study at a single trauma center in Korea
Jung-Woo Woo, Jae Yool Jang, Yo Seok Cho, Hongkyung Shin, Chan Yong Park
Journal of Trauma and Injury.2025; 38(4): 382. CrossRef

Editorial

Basic Science and Research
Survival improvement through well-designed intensive care unit architecture: Dong Hyun Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):349-350. Published online May 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.001500

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Original Article

Rapid response system
Prospective external validation of a deep-learning-based early-warning system for major adverse events in general wards in South Korea: Taeyong Sim, Eun Young Cho, Ji-hyun Kim, Kyung Hyun Lee, Kwang Joon Kim, Sangchul Hahn, Eun Yeong Ha, Eunkyeong Yun, In-Cheol Kim, Sun Hyo Park, Chi-Heum Cho, Gyeong Im Yu, Byung Eun Ahn, Yeeun Jeong, Joo-Yun Won, Hochan Cho, Ki-Byung Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):197-208. Published online May 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.000525

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Acute deterioration of patients in general wards often leads to major adverse events (MAEs), including unplanned intensive care unit transfers, cardiac arrest, or death. Traditional early warning scores (EWSs) have shown limited predictive accuracy, with frequent false positives. We conducted a prospective observational external validation study of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based EWS, the VitalCare - Major Adverse Event Score (VC-MAES), at a tertiary medical center in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
Adult patients from general wards, including internal medicine (IM) and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)—the latter were rarely investigated in prior AI-based EWS studies—were included. The VC-MAES predictions were compared with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) predictions using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and logistic regression for baseline EWS values. False-positives per true positive (FPpTP) were assessed based on the power threshold.
Results
Of 6,039 encounters, 217 (3.6%) had MAEs (IM: 9.5%, OBGYN: 0.26%). Six hours prior to MAEs, the VC-MAES achieved an AUROC of 0.918 and an AUPRC of 0.352, including the OBGYN subgroup (AUROC, 0.964; AUPRC, 0.388), outperforming the NEWS (0.797 and 0.124) and MEWS (0.722 and 0.079). The FPpTP was reduced by up to 71%. Baseline VC-MAES was strongly associated with MAEs (P<0.001).
Conclusions
The VC-MAES significantly outperformed traditional EWSs in predicting adverse events in general ward patients. The robust performance and lower FPpTP suggest that broader adoption of the VC-MAES may improve clinical efficiency and resource allocation in general wards.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Clinical Context Is More Important than Data Quantity to the Performance of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Early Warning System
Taeyong Sim, Eunyoung Cho, Jihyun Kim, Ho Gwan Kim, Soo-Jeong Kim
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(13): 4444. CrossRef
Artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for patient safety in complex surgery: a review
Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Zhinya Kawa Othman, Uthman Okikiola Adebayo, Omar Kasimieh, Olalekan John Okesanya, Shuaibu Saidu Musa, Francesco Branda, Victor C. Cañezo , Edgar G. Cue, Don Eliseo Lucero Prisno III
Patient Safety in Surgery.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Letter to the Editor

Thoracic surgery
Left ventricular unloading strategies in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients: how much do we truly understand?: Jihyuk Chung, Su Yong Kim, Juhyun Lee, Yang Hyun Cho; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):357-359. Published online April 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.005064

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Original Article

Pulmonary
The feasibility and safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy without endotracheal guidance in the intensive care unit: Ji Eun Kim, Dong Hyun Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(1):101-107. Published online February 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.00906

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Abstract PDF

Background
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care units (ICUs). Although it is thought to be safe and easily performed at the bedside, PDT usually requires endotracheal guidance, such as bronchoscopy. Here, we assessed the clinical outcomes and safety of PDT conducted without endotracheal guidance.
Methods
In the ICU and coronary ICU at a tertiary hospital, PDT was routinely performed without endotracheal guidance by a single medical intensivist using the Griggs technique PDT kit (Portex Percutaneous Tracheostomy Kit). We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent PDT without endotracheal guidance.
Results
From January 1 to December 31, 2018, 78 patients underwent PDT without endotracheal guidance in the ICU and coronary ICU. The mean age of these subjects was 71.9±11.5 years, and 29 (37.2%) were female. The mean Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at 24 hours after admission was 25.9±5.8. Fifty patients (64.1%) were on mechanical ventilation during PDT. Failure of the initial PDT attempt occurred in 4 patients (5.1%). In two of them, PDT was aborted and converted to surgical tracheostomy; in the other two patients, PDT was reattempted after endotracheal reintubation, with success. Minor bleeding at the tracheostomy site requiring gauze changes was observed in five patients (6.4%). There were no airway problems requiring therapeutic interventions or procedure-related sequelae.
Conclusions
PDT without endotracheal guidance can be considered safe and feasible.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy performed by intensivists versus surgeons: A retrospective cohort study
Asaf Miller, Roee Noy, Omri Simchon, Natalia Gvozdev, Yotam Shkedy, Danny Epstein
World Journal of Surgery.2024; 48(9): 2283. CrossRef

Erratum

Pulmonary
Erratum to “Global and regional ventilation during high flow nasal cannula in patients with hypoxia”: Dong Hyun Lee, Eun Young Kim, Ga Jin Seo, Hee Jung Suh, Jin Won Huh, Sang-Bum Hong, Younsuck Koh, Chae-Man Lim; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(2):173-173. Published online May 28, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2017.00507.e1; Corrects: Acute Crit Care 2018;33(1):7

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Editorial

Ethics
Concept of care shock during intensive care unit discharge process: Dong Hyun Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(2):162-163. Published online March 3, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.00199

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Original Article

Hematology
Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Cancer Patients Admitted to Korean Intensive Care Units: Soo Jin Na, Tae Sun Ha, Younsuck Koh, Gee Young Suh, Shin Ok Koh, Chae-Man Lim, Won-Il Choi, Young-Joo Lee, Seok Chan Kim, Gyu Rak Chon, Je Hyeong Kim, Jae Yeol Kim, Jaemin Lim, Sunghoon Park, Ho Cheol Kim, Jin Hwa Lee, Ji Hyun Lee, Jisook Park, Juhee Cho, Kyeongman Jeon; Acute Crit Care. 2018;33(3):121-129. Published online August 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2018.00143

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Abstract PDF

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of critically ill cancer patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Korea.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study that analyzed prospective collected data from the Validation of Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS3) in Korean ICU (VSKI) study, which is a nationwide, multicenter, and prospective study that considered 5,063 patients from 22 ICUs in Korea over a period of 7 months. Among them, patients older than 18 years of age who were diagnosed with solid or hematologic malignancies prior to admission to the ICU were included in the present study.
Results
During the study period, a total of 1,762 cancer patients were admitted to the ICUs and 833 of them were deemed eligible for analysis. Six hundred fifty-eight (79%) had solid tumors and 175 (21%) had hematologic malignancies, respectively. Respiratory problems (30.1%) was the most common reason leading to ICU admission. Patients with hematologic malignancies had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (12 vs. 8, P<0.001) and SAPS3 (71 vs. 69, P<0.001) values and were more likely to be associated with chemotherapy, steroid therapy, and immunocompromised status versus patients with solid tumors. The use of inotropes/ vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, and/or continuous renal replacement therapy was more frequently required in hematologic malignancy patients. Mortality rates in the ICU (41.7% vs. 24.6%, P<0.001) and hospital (53.1% vs. 38.6%, P=0.002) were higher in hematologic malignancy patients than in solid tumor patients.
Conclusions
Cancer patients accounted for one-third of all patients admitted to the studied ICUs in Korea. Clinical characteristics were different according to the type of malignancy. Patients with hematologic malignancies had a worse prognosis than did patients with solid tumor.

Citations

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Impacto da enfermaria de cuidados paliativos na taxa de mortalidade padronizada da UTI do Hospital de Câncer de Mato Grosso
Manoella Almeida De Amorim, Pamella Dal Bem, Renan Name Amaral, Carlos José Alves, Gilberto Paulo Pereira Franco , Millena Abe Botof, Tamis Coelho Nunes, José Geraldo Do Amaral
Revista Sociedade Científica.2026; 9(1): 1492. CrossRef
Pronóstico del paciente crítico con cáncer en la era de la oncología de precisión
Víctor Hugo Nieto Estrada, Viviana Reyes Zambrano, Daniel Molano Franco, Margarita Tavella
Medicina Intensiva.2026; : 502526. CrossRef
Mortality-Related Risk Factors in Patients with Hematologic Neoplasm Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review
Jhon H. Quintana, Cesar David López-Vanegas, Giovanna Patricia Rivas-Tafurt, Leidy Tatiana Ordoñez-Mora, Heiler Lozada-Ramos, Jorge Enrique Daza-Arana
Current Oncology.2025; 32(3): 132. CrossRef
The critical role of timely medical emergency team activation in oncological and non-oncological patients
Kaspar F. Bachmann, Samuel J. Michimura, Luca Cioccari, Joerg C. Schefold, Anna S. Messmer, Vinaya Satyawan Tari
PLOS One.2025; 20(5): e0324831. CrossRef
Outcomes of Acute Respiratory Failure in Patients With Cancer in the United States
Kiyan Heybati, Jiawen Deng, Archis Bhandarkar, Fangwen Zhou, Cameron Zamanian, Namrata Arya, Mohamad Bydon, Philippe R. Bauer, Ognjen Gajic, Allan J. Walkey, Hemang Yadav
Mayo Clinic Proceedings.2024; 99(4): 578. CrossRef
Characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients admitted to intensive care units in cancer specialized hospitals in China
Wensheng Liu, Dongmin Zhou, Li Zhang, Mingguang Huang, Rongxi Quan, Rui Xia, Yong Ye, Guoxing Zhang, Zhuping Shen
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with solid malignancy: a retrospective cohort study
Su Yeon Lee, Jin Won Huh, Sang-Bum Hong, Chae-Man Lim, Jee Hwan Ahn
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2024; 39(6): 957. CrossRef
Intensive Care Unit Outcomes and Mortality in Elderly Oncology Patients
Arif TIMUROGLU, Selda MUSLU, Aysegul DANACI, Erce CAN URESIN, Suheyla UNVER
Turkish journal of Geriatrics.2024; 27(1): 118. CrossRef
Predictors of ICU mortality in patients with hemoblastosis and infectious complications
A.V. Lyanguzov, A.S. Luchinin, S.V. Ignatyev, I.V. Paramonov
Russian Journal of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology.2023; (1): 33. CrossRef
Etiologies and Outcome of Patients with Solid Tumors Admitted to ICU with Acute Respiratory Failure: A Secondary Analysis of the EFRAIM Study
Soraya Benguerfi, Guillaume Dumas, Marcio Soares, Anne-Pascale Meert, Ignacio Martin-Loeches, Frederic Pene, Philippe Bauer, Sangeeta Mehta, Victoria Metaxa, Gaston Burghi, Achille Kouatchet, Luca Montini, Djamel Mokart, Andry Van de Louw, Elie Azoulay, V
Respiratory Care.2023; 68(6): 740. CrossRef
Effect of the underlying malignancy on critically ill septic patient's outcome
Man‐Yee Man, Hoi‐Ping Shum, Sin‐Man Lam, Jacky Li, Wing‐Wa Yan, Mei‐Wan Yeung
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology.2022; 18(4): 473. CrossRef
Impacts of Corticosteroid Therapy at Acute Stage of Hospital-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infections
Ching-Chi Lee, Jen-Chieh Lee, Chun-Wei Chiu, Pei-Jane Tsai, Wen-Chien Ko, Yuan-Pin Hung
Infection and Drug Resistance.2022; Volume 15: 5387. CrossRef
Hospital mortality and prognostic factors in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury and cancer undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
Da Woon Kim, Geum Suk Jang, Kyoung Suk Jung, Hyuk Jae Jung, Hyo Jin Kim, Harin Rhee, Eun Young Seong, Sang Heon Song
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice.2022; 41(6): 717. CrossRef
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating Geographical Variation in Outcomes of Cancer Patients Treated in ICUs
Lama H. Nazer, Maria A. Lopez-Olivo, Anne Rain Brown, John A. Cuenca, Michael Sirimaturos, Khader Habash, Nada AlQadheeb, Heather May, Victoria Milano, Amy Taylor, Joseph L. Nates
Critical Care Explorations.2022; 4(9): e0757. CrossRef
Clinico-demographic and Outcome Predictors in Solid Tumor Patients with Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admissions: An Observational Study
Jigeeshu Divatia, Amit M Narkhede, Harish K Chaudhari, Ujwal Dhundi, Natesh Prabu Ravisankar, Satish Sarode
Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2021; 25(12): 1421. CrossRef

Case Report

CPR/Resuscitation
Acute aortic dissection developed after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: transesophageal echocardiographic observations and proposed mechanism of injury: Dong Keon Lee, Kyung Sik Kang, Yong Sung Cha, Kyoung-Chul Cha, Hyun Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Sung Oh Hwang; Acute Crit Care. 2019;34(3):228-231. Published online April 26, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2015.00633

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There has been no report about aortic dissection due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We present here a case of acute aortic dissection as a rare complication of CPR and propose the potential mechanism of injury on the basis of transesophageal echocardiographic observations. A 54-year-old man presented with cardiac arrest after choking and received 19 minutes of CPR in the emergency department. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during CPR revealed a focal separation of the intimal layer at the descending thoracic aorta without evidence of aortic dissection. After restoration of spontaneous circulation, hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade developed. Follow-up TEE to investigate the cause of cardiac tamponade revealed aortic dissection of the descending thoracic aorta. Hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade was thought to be caused by myocardial hemorrhage from CPR.

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Thoracic Aortic Rupture Post Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Patient With Previous Thoracic Aneurysm Repair
Aniekeme S Etuk, Olanrewaju F Adeniran , Bernard I Nkwocha, Nformbuh Asangmbeng, Mina Jacob
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Cardiac Arrest as an Uncommon Manifestation of Late Type A Aortic Dissection Associated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Jan Naar, Dagmar Vondrakova, Andreas Kruger, Marek Janotka, Iva Zemanova, Martin Syrucek, Petr Neuzil, Petr Ostadal
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2023; 12(16): 5318. CrossRef
Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury and Contemporary Management Strategy
Ranjan Dahal, Yogesh Acharya, Alan H. Tyroch, Debabrata Mukherjee
Angiology.2022; 73(6): 497. CrossRef
Resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) as a mechanical method for increasing the coronary perfusion pressure in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients
Dong-Hyun Jang, Dong Keon Lee, You Hwan Jo, Seung Min Park, Young Taeck Oh, Chang Woo Im
Resuscitation.2022; 179: 277. CrossRef
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Gentaro Yamasaki, Marie Sugimoto, Takeshi Kondo, Motonori Takahashi, Mai Morichika, Azumi Kuse, Kanako Nakagawa, Yasuhiro Ueno, Migiwa Asano
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology.2022; 19(3): 388. CrossRef
Intra-arrest transesophageal echocardiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Sung Oh Hwang, Woo Jin Jung, Young-Il Roh, Kyoung-Chul Cha
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine.2022; 9(4): 271. CrossRef
Intra-arrest transoesophageal echocardiographic findings and resuscitation outcomes
Woo Jin Jung, Kyoung-Chul Cha, Yong Won Kim, Yoon Seop Kim, Young-Il Roh, Sun Ju Kim, Hye Sim Kim, Sung Oh Hwang
Resuscitation.2020; 154: 31. CrossRef
Aortic Rupture as a Complication of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
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Original Articles

Pulmonary
Global and Regional Ventilation during High Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Hypoxia: Dong Hyun Lee, Eun Young Kim, Ga Jin Seo, Hee Jung Suh, Jin Won Huh, Sang-Bum Hong, Younsuck Koh, Chae-Man Lim; Acute Crit Care. 2018;33(1):7-15. Published online January 22, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2017.00507; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2021;36(2):173

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Abstract PDF

Background
High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is known to increase global ventilation volume in healthy subjects. We sought to investigate the effect of HFNC on global and regional ventilation patterns in patients with hypoxia.
Methods
Patients were randomized to receive one of two oxygen therapies in sequence: nasal cannula (NC) followed by HFNC or HFNC followed by NC. Global and regional ventilation was assessed using electric impedance tomography.
Results
Twenty-four patients participated. Global tidal variation (TV) in the lung was higher during HFNC (NC, 2,241 ± 1,381 arbitrary units (AU); HFNC, 2,543 ± 1,534 AU; P < 0.001). Regional TVs for four iso-gravitational quadrants of the lung were also all higher during HFNC than NC. The coefficient of variation for the four quadrants of the lung was 0.90 ± 0.61 during NC and 0.77 ± 0.48 during HFNC (P = 0.035). Within the four gravitational layers of the lung, regional TVs were higher in the two middle layers during HFNC when compared to NC. Regional TV values in the most ventral and dorsal layers of the lung were not higher during HFNC compared with NC. The coefficient of variation for the four gravitational layers of the lung were 1.00 ± 0.57 during NC and 0.97 ± 0.42 during HFNC (P = 0.574).
Conclusions
In patients with hypoxia, ventilation of iso-gravitational regions of the lung during HFNC was higher and more homogenized compared with NC. However, ventilation of gravitational layers increased only in the middle layers. (Clinical trials registration number: NCT02943863).

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

High-flow nasal cannulae for respiratory support in adult intensive care patients
Sharon R Lewis, Philip E Baker, Roses Parker, Andrew F Smith
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Failure of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in Pneumonia and Non-Pneumonia Sepsis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Eunhye Kim, Kyeongman Jeon, Dong Kyu Oh, Young-Jae Cho, Sang-Bum Hong, Yeon Joo Lee, Sang-Min Lee, Gee Young Suh, Mi-Hyeon Park, Chae-Man Lim, Sunghoon Park
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2021; 10(16): 3587. CrossRef
High-flow nasal cannulae for respiratory support in adult intensive care patients
Sharon R Lewis, Philip E Baker, Roses Parker, Andrew F Smith
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

Rapid response system
Rapid Response Systems Reduce In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Pilot Study and Motivation for a Nationwide Survey: Yeonhee Park, Jong-Joon Ahn, Byung Ju Kang, Young Seok Lee, Sang-Ook Ha, Jin-Soo Min, Woo-Hyun Cho, Se-Hee Na, Dong-Hyun Lee, Seung-Yong Park, Goo-Hyeon Hong, Hyun-Jung Kim, Sangwoo Shim, Jung-Hyun Kim, Seok-Jeong Lee, So-Young Park, Jae Young Moon; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2017;32(3):231-239. Published online August 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2017.00024

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Background
Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of clinical deterioration could diminish the incidence of cardiopulmonary arrest. The present study investigates outcomes with respect to cardiopulmonary arrest rates in institutions with and without rapid response systems (RRSs) and the current level of cardiopulmonary arrest rate in tertiary hospitals. Methods: This was a retrospective study based on data from 14 tertiary hospitals. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rate reports were obtained from each hospital to include the number of cardiopulmonary arrest events in adult patients in the general ward, the annual adult admission statistics, and the structure of the RRS if present. Results: Hospitals with RRSs showed a statistically significant reduction of the CPR rate between 2013 and 2015 (odds ratio [OR], 0.731; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.577 to 0.927; P = 0.009). Nevertheless, CPR rates of 2013 and 2015 did not change in hospitals without RRS (OR, 0.988; 95% CI, 0.868 to 1.124; P = 0.854). National university-affiliated hospitals showed less cardiopulmonary arrest rate than private university-affiliated in 2015 (1.92 vs. 2.40; OR, 0.800; 95% CI, 0.702 to 0.912; P = 0.001). High-volume hospitals showed lower cardiopulmonary arrest rates compared with medium-volume hospitals in 2013 (1.76 vs. 2.63; OR, 0.667; 95% CI, 0.577 to 0.772; P < 0.001) and in 2015 (1.55 vs. 3.20; OR, 0.485; 95% CI, 0.428 to 0.550; P < 0.001). Conclusions: RRSs may be a feasible option to reduce the CPR rate. The discrepancy in cardiopulmonary arrest rates suggests further research should include a nationwide survey to tease out factors involved in in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest and differences in outcomes based on hospital characteristics.

Citations

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2025 Korean Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Part 4. Adult advanced life support
Tae-Youn Kim, Gyo Jin Ahn, Kyoung-Chul Cha, Dong-Hyeok Kim, Youdong Sohn, Young Song, Gyuhong Shim, Do Kyun Kim, Yunhee Oh, Jin Wi, Chun Song Youn, Myung-Lyeol Lee, Mi Jin Lee, Byung Kook Lee, Byung Heon Lee, Jisook Lee, Chang Hee Lee, Hannah Lee, Youngbi
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine.2026; 13(Suppl 1): S32. CrossRef
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Robert Greif, Adam Cheng, Cristian Abelairas-Gómez, Katherine S. Allan, Jan Breckwoldt, Andrea Cortegiani, Aaron J. Donoghue, Kathryn J. Eastwood, Barbara Farquharson, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Tracy Kidd, Ying-Chih Ko, Kasper G. Lauridsen, Yiqun Lin, Andrew S. Lock
Circulation.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Education, Implementation, and Teams: 2025 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations
Robert Greif, Adam Cheng, Cristian Abelairas-Gómez, Katherine S. Allan, Jan Breckwoldt, Andrea Cortegiani, Aaron J. Donoghue, Kathryn J. Eastwood, Barbara Farquharson, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Tracy Kidd, Ying-Chih Ko, Kasper G. Lauridsen, Yiqun Lin, Andrew S. Lock
Resuscitation.2025; 215: 110807. CrossRef
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Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine.2021; 8(S): S26. CrossRef
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Jin Hyoung Kim, Jihye Kim, SooHyun Bae, Taehoon Lee, Jong-Joon Ahn, Byung Ju Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
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Case Report

Cardiology
Use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in a Patient with Septic Shock and Septic Cardiomyopathy Who Was Placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygen Support: Sun Hye Shin, Hyun Lee, Aeng Ja Choi, Kylie Hae Jin Chang, Gee Young Suh, Chi Ryang Chung; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):123-128. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.123

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Abstract PDF: Although shock in sepsis is usually managed successfully by conventional medical treatment, a subset of cases do not respond and may require salvage therapies such as veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support as well as an attempt to remove endotoxins. However, there are limited reports of attempts to remove endotoxins in patients with septic shock on VA ECMO support. We recently experienced a case of septic shock with severe myocardial injury whose hemodynamic improvement was unsatisfactory despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Since the cause of sepsis was acute pyelonephritis and blood cultures grew gram-negative bacilli, we additionally applied polymyxin B direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) to the ECMO circuit and were able to successfully taper off vasopressors and wean off ECMO support. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adult case in which PMX-DHP in addition to ECMO support was successfully utilized in a patient with septic shock. This case indicates that additional PMX-DHP therapy may be beneficial and technically feasible in patients with septic shock with severe myocardial injury refractory to ECMO support.

Original Article

Thoracic surgery
Blood Conservation Strategy during Cardiac Valve Surgery in Jehovah’s Witnesses: a Comparative Study with Non-Jehovah’s Witnesses: Tae Sik Kim, Jong Hyun Lee, Chan-Young Na; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):101-110. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.101

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Abstract PDF

Background:
We compared the clinical outcomes of cardiac valve surgery in adult Jehovah’s Witness patients refusing blood transfusion to those in non-Jehovah’s Witness patients without any transfusion limitations.
Methods
From 2005 to 2014, 25 Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW group) underwent cardiac valve surgery using a blood conservation strategy. Twenty-five matched control patients (non-JW group) were selected according to sex, age, operation date, and surgeon. Both groups were managed according to general guidelines of anticoagulation for valve surgery.
Results
The operative mortality rate was 4.0% in the JW group and 0% in the non-JW group (p = 1.000). There was no difference in postoperative major complications between the groups (p = 1.000). The overall survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 85.6% ± 7.9% and 85.6% ± 7.9% in the JW group, respectively, and 100.0% ± 0.0% and 66.7% ± 27.2% in the non-JW group (p = 0.313). The valve-related morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.625) and late morbidity-free survival rates (p = 0.885) were not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusions
Using a perioperative strategy for blood conservation, cardiac valve surgery without transfusion had comparable clinical outcomes in adult patients. This blood conservation strategy could be broadly applied to major surgeries with careful perioperative care.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Optimising bloodless cardiovascular surgery for Jehovah’s Witnesses and beyond
Matti Jubouri, Fatemeh Hedayat, Sakina Abrar, Sophie L. Mellor, Louise J. Brown, Amer Harky
Coronary Artery Disease.2022; 33(1): 52. CrossRef
Outcomes of perioperative management in Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing surgeries with a risk of bleeding: a retrospective, single-center, observational study
Keum Young So, Sang Hun Kim
Medical Biological Science and Engineering.2022; 5(1): 6. CrossRef

Erratum

Spontaneous Lumbar Artery Bleeding and Retroperitoneal Hematoma in a Patient Treated with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Jin Kyung Park, Sung Ho Kim, Hee Jin Kim, Duk Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(1):71-71. Published online February 29, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.1.71; Corrects: Acute Crit Care 2015;30(4):318

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PDF

Case Reports

Pulmonary
Successful Treatment with Empirical Erlotinib in a Patient with Respiratory Failure Caused by Extensive Lung Adenocarcinoma: Suk Hyeon Jeong, Sang-Won Um, Hyun Lee, Kyeongman Jeon, Kyung Jong Lee, Gee Young Suh, Man Pyo Chung, Hojoong Kim, O Jung Kwon, Yoon La Choi; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(1):44-48. Published online February 29, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.1.44

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Abstract PDF

We herein describe a 70-year-old woman who presented with respiratory failure due to extensive lung adenocarcinoma. Despite advanced disease, care in the intensive care unit with ventilator support was performed because she was a newly diagnosed patient and was considered to have the potential to recover after cancer treatment. Because prompt control of the cancer was needed to treat the respiratory failure, empirical treatment with an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor was initiated before confirmation of EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma, and the patient was successfully treated. Later, EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma was confirmed.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Lazarus effect in a patient initially empirically treated with osimertinib for EGFR L858R mutant non-small cell lung cancer with leptomeningeal disease: a case report
Shreya Bhatia, Manuel G. Cortez, Spencer Lessans, Wade T. Iams
Oncotarget.2024; 15(1): 27. CrossRef
Lung cancer with superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed by intravascular biopsy using EBUS-TBNA
Daegeun Lee, Seong Mi Moon, Dongwuk Kim, Juwon Kim, Haseong Chang, Bumhee Yang, Suk Hyeon Jeong, Kyung Jong Lee
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports.2016; 19: 177. CrossRef

Cardiology
Recurrent Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Commotio Cordis Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia: Sanghyun Lee, Hyunggoo Kang, Taeho Lim, Jaehoon Oh, Chiwon Ahn, Juncheal Lee, Changsun Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(4):349-353. Published online November 30, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.4.349

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Abstract PDF: The survival rate of commotio cordis is low, and there is often associated neurological disability if return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can be achieved. We report a case of commotio cordis treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) that demonstrated a favorable outcome. A 16-year-old female was transferred to our emergency department (ED) for collapse after being struck in the chest with a dodgeball. She has no history of heart problems. She was brought to our ED with pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ROSC was achieved with defibrillation. She was comatose at our ED and was treated with TH at a target temperature of 33°C for 24 hours. After transfer to the intensive care unit, pulseless VT occurred, and defibrillation was performed twice. She recovered to baseline neurologic status with the exception of some memory difficulties.

Vascular surgery/Nephrology
Spontaneous Lumbar Artery Bleeding and Retroperitoneal Hematoma in a Patient Treated with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Jin Kyung Park, Sung Ho Kim, Hee Jin Kim, Duk Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(4):318-322. Published online November 30, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.4.318; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2016;31(1):71

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105 Download
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Abstract PDF

Rupture of the lumbar artery is usually associated with trauma but rarely has been reported in association with anticoagulation. We present a 71-year-old man who developed spontaneous rupture of the lumbar artery leading to a retroperitoneal hematoma while receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The bleeding was confirmed by computed tomography and angiography and was controlled successfully using selective angiographic embolization. We suggest that spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding should be considered in a case of sudden decrease in hemoglobin in a CRRT patient.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Spontaneous Soft Tissue Hematomas: A Systematic Review
Lahoud Touma, Sarah Cohen, Christophe Cassinotto, Caroline Reinhold, Alan Barkun, Vi Thuy Tran, Olivier Banon, David Valenti, Benoit Gallix, Anthony Dohan
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology.2019; 42(3): 335. CrossRef
Three cases of spontaneous lumbar artery rupture in hemodialysis patients
Na Kyoung Hwang, Harin Rhee, Il Young Kim, Eun Young Seong, Dong Won Lee, Soo Bong Lee, Ihm Soo Kwak, Chang Won Kim, Sang Heon Song
Hemodialysis International.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

Cardiology
Cardiac Arrest due to Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation Triggered by Unifocal Ventricular Premature Complexes in a Silent Myocardial Infarction: Dong Hyun Lee, Seul Lee, Hyo Jin Jung, Soo Jin Kim, Jeong Min Seo, Jae Hyuk Choi, Jong Sung Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(4):331-335. Published online November 30, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.4.331

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Abstract PDF: A 51-year-old male patient was referred for a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, he was conscious and had no chest pain complaints. There was no abnormality in initial electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations. However, episodes of recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) were documented on rhythm monitoring. Each VF episode was triggered by an isolated monomorphic ventricular premature complex (VPC). Suspecting idiopathic VF, emergency radiofrequency catheter ablation was planned for the VPCs. However, when coronary angiography was performed to exclude silent ischemia, the results showed a total occlusion of the right coronary artery posterolateral branch, which is thought to supply the left ventricular inferior and septal wall. After successful reperfusion, VF episodes and the triggering VPCs disappeared. We are documenting this case to emphasize the potential for silent myocardial infarction to cause out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest even in a patient without any symptom or sign of acute coronary syndrome.

Liver/Infection
Chylous Ascites in a Patient with Sepsis Caused by Bilateral Pneumonia: Yong Dae Lee, Young Hyun Lee, Hye Sook Choi; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(3):217-221. Published online August 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.3.217

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Abstract PDF

Chylous ascites is a rare form of ascites characterized by milky peritoneal fluid rich in triglycerides due to the accumulation of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. This affliction occurs as a result of a disruption of lymph flow associated with traumatic injury or obstruction of the lymphatic system. There are various causes of chylous ascites, such as lymphatic anomalies, malignancy, cirrhosis, infection, trauma, surgery, and nephrotic syndrome. We report a rare case of an 81-year-old male with sepsis caused by bilateral pneumonia who presented with chylous ascites.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Disorders of Lymphatic Architecture and Flow in Critical Illness
Maxim Itkin, Jiri Horak, Jose L. Pascual, Cherylee W. J. Chang, Deacon Lile, Beverly Tomita, Gary Alan Bass, Stephen J. Kovach, Lewis J. Kaplan
Critical Care Medicine.2025; 53(3): e665. CrossRef
Diagnostic and management problems of chylous effusion in a patient with newly-diagnosed tuberculosis
Dicky Febrianto, Usman Hadi
Current Internal Medicine Research and Practice Surabaya Journal.2021; 2(2): 35. CrossRef

Cardiology
Life-Threatening Acute Fulminant Myocarditis Following a Coffee Diet Program: Jung Hyun Kim, Hee Kyung Kim, Kyu Hyun Han, Bo Hye Kim, Hak Su Kim, Sun Young Shin, Eun Kyung Kim, Hye Cheol Jeong, Ji Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(2):119-122. Published online May 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.119

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Abstract PDF: Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by various infectious or noninfectious triggers. Although viral infections are important causes of myocarditis, some drugs or toxins can also cause myocarditis. We report a case of life-threatening fulminant myocarditis which followed an extensive coffee diet program. Despite medical treatment, the patient was not able to maintain hemodynamic stability. She was supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and completely recovered 3 months later.

Cardiology
Successful Use of a Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator in a Patient with Chronic Heart Failure and Pneumonia: Ji Hyun Lee, Yang Hyun Cho, Gee Young Suh, Jeong Hoon Yang; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(1):52-56. Published online February 28, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.1.52

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Abstract PDF: Myocardial dysfunction can occur during severe sepsis and may accelerate in the condition of chronic decompensated heart failure. A 26-year-old female in remission from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presented with shock due to chronic heart failure combined with pneumonia. The patient was initially stabilized using a peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) with antibiotics therapy, followed by left ventricular venting due to pulmonary edema that was complicated by left ventricular distension. Here, we report the successful application of ECMO to a patient with pneumonia underlying doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Although septic conditions remained unclear indication of ECMO, it might be considered a valuable therapeutic option in patients with chronic heart failure.

Air Embolism in the Left Ventricle after the Removal of a Central Venous Catheter: Duk Song Cho, Moo Hyun Kim, Dong Hyun Lee, Hye Won Lee, Eun Bin Kim, Seok Hyun Kim, Hyo Jin Jung, Soo Jin Kim, Hyun Jeong Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(4):318-322.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.4.318

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Abstract PDF

Air embolism is a rare, potentially critical complication that can induce death. Central venous catheterization, which is commonly used for critically ill patients, is a possible cause of air embolism. We experienced a severe air embolism with abnormal air in left ventricle after CVC removal in a patient who was treated for eosinophilic pneumonia. Although the neurologic symptoms were severe, the patient was successfully treated with immediate hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the neurologic deficit was minimal.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Lethal coronary air embolism caused by the removal of a double-lumen hemodialysis catheter: a case report
Sung Ha Mun, Dong Ai An, Hyun Jung Choi, Tae Hee Kim, Jung Woo Pin, Dong Chan Ko
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology.2016; 69(3): 296. CrossRef

A Case of Functioning Paraganglioma Mimicking Anaphylactic Shock: A Case Report: Ju Young Han, Oh Hyun Lee, Gyung Eun Kim, Seung Baik Han, So Hun Kim, Moonsuk Nam, Yong Seong Kim, Seongbin Hong; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(2):152-155.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.152

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Abstract PDF: Paraganglioma is a tumor originating from the extra-adrenal chromaffin cells, and functional paraganglioma causes paroxysmal hypertension, headache and tachycardia, due to excess excretion of catecholamine. However, rarely, ARDS, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, and pulmonary edema are also seen in patients with paraganglioma and clinical manifestations are depending on the patient's intravascular volume status. Seventy one-years-old male was presented with hypotension and pulmonary edema after intravenous midazolam injection during colonoscopy under conscious sedation. The patient was initially suspected with anaphylactic shock, due to midazolam injection. However, later, he was diagnosed with paraganglioma, and blood pressure was successfully controlled with alpha adrenergic blockade. We suggest that when we encounter heart failure, pulmonary edema and shock of unknown origin, pheochromocytoma must be taken into consideration.

Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in an Infant with Acute Myocarditis: A Case Report: Ga Hyun Lee, Yeo Hyang Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(2):119-122.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.119

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Abstract PDF: A 9-month-old infant presented with cough, tachypnea, and grunting was admitted. The patient was revealed to have cardiomegaly, high NT-proBNP, and severe left ventricular dilation and dysfunction; she was subsequently diagnosed with acute myocarditis and congestive heart failure. Intravenous immunoglobulin, inotropics, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blocker were used. However, left hemiparesis suddenly developed at 30-day after treatment. Brain MRI showed high signal intensity in the right middle cerebral arterial territory on diffusion weighted brain MRI and in the left parietal lobe with gyral enhancement. Echocardiogram revealed no definite intraventricular thrombus. The patient was started on an antiplatelet agent only without anticoagulant therapy for the treatment of cerebral infarct in respect of the risk to the infant. Four years after the cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), she showed complete recovery from hemiparesis, with no more CIS. In conclusion, severe ventricular dilatation and dysfunction can lead to thromboembolic events in infants. We should keep in mind that anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents can be used in specific situations.

A Case of Anaphylactoid Reaction to Gadolinium Contrast Media and Propranolol Complicated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Case Report: Jung Hyun Kim, Kyung Ho Kim, Hye Cheol Jeong, Eun Kyung Kim, Ji Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2012;27(3):187-190.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.3.187

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Abstract PDF

Anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction is a medical emergency. In rare cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can complicate this disorder. This is a case report of an anaphylactoid reaction complicated with ARDS that was successfully treated using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A 52-year-old female patient developed sudden dyspnea immediately after she received gadolinium contrast injection and 80 mg of oral propranolol. She progressed rapidly to a state of shock and her chest radiograph showed pulmonary edema. The shock and pulmonary edema did not respond to epinephrine or steroid injection. On the next day, the permeability edema worsened and laboratory test revealed extreme hemoconcentration. The oxygenation goal was not achieved with mechanical ventilation alone, thus ECMO was applied as well. The patient showed clinical improvements on the 3rd day and was weaned from ECMO on the 4th day. She was completely recovered from shock and respiratory distress by day 5. The patient was discharged from hospital without further complications.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Extracorporeal Life Support use during Severe Anaphylaxis: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Eduardo Saadi Neto, Ronna L. Campbell, Autumn Brogan, Fernanda Bellolio, Aidan F. Mullan, Danielle Gerberi, Nguyen Ba Cuong, Alexander S. Finch
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to Gadolinium Administration
Nidhi Gupta, John Davidson, Alex Li
Journal of the Intensive Care Society.2013; 14(2): 159. CrossRef

Original Article

The Utility of Serum Procalcitonin Levels in the Management of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in the Emergency Department: Kyung Hye Park, Kang Hyun Lee, Kyoung Chul Cha, Hyun Kim, Sung Oh Hwang; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2012;27(1):10-15.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.10

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate whether obtaining serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) helps the differential diagnosis between sepsis and non-sepsis and predicts disease severity in the emergency department (ED).
METHODS
This prospective study enrolled 132 consecutive adult patients with SIRS who visited the ED. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and serum PCT levels were compared between sepsis and non-sepsis groups upon ED admission. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (MODS), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III scores were calculated, and their correlations with CRP and PCT levels were evaluated. The PCT and CRP levels were assessed to predict sepsis in terms of comparing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
RESULTS
Eighty patients were included in the sepsis group. The levels of PCT and CRP in the sepsis group were significantly higher. In the sepsis group, the initial serum PCT correlated with the SOFA and MODS scores, and this also correlated in the non-sepsis group, but CRP did not. No differences were found when the PCT and CRP ROCs were compared.
CONCLUSIONS
Correlation between PCT and severity in the non-sepsis group is considered to be clinically meaningless because of low levels. Additionally, PCT levels had similar diagnostic value for sepsis as CRP levels. PCT is recommended for prediction of severity in sepsis patients in ED, but not for differential diagnosis between sepsis and non-sepsis.

Case Report

A Case of Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Due to Subglottic Pressure Injury after Endotracheal Intubation: A Case Report: Gyu Sik Choi, Sang Hoon Kim, Jae Hyung Lee, You Lim Kim, Ji Hyun Lee, Young Woo Jang, Eun Sun Cheong, Jong Kwan Jung, Byoung Hoon Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2011;26(3):191-195.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.3.191

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Abstract PDF: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis may occur as a result of mechanical injury during neck surgery, nerve compression by endotracheal intubation or mass, trauma, and neuromuscular diseases. However, only a few cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis have occurred following short-term endotracheal intubation. We report a case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis subsequent to extubation after endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to severe pneumonia for 2 days.

Original Article

Comparison of Cervical Spine Movement by Airway Equipment during Orotracheal Intubation: A Manikin Pilot Study: Sang Hyun Lee, Hyuk Choong Choi, Hyung Goo Kang, Bo Seung Kang, Tai Ho Lim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(4):230-234.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.4.230

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
In patients with limited cervical spine movement, equipment for orotracheal intubation should achieve sufficient laryngeal exposure with the least cervical spine movement. This study was designed to compare movement of the cervical spine during the orotracheal intubation with various intubating equipment.
METHODS
Twelve emergency physicians & residents with a total experience of >50 cases of endotracheal intubation in two emergency centers were assigned to perform orotracheal intubation with four different airway devices, including the Macintosh laryngoscope (ML), DCI video laryngoscope (DCI), Airway Scope (AWS) and Levitan Scope (LS), using the same manikin (Ambu(R) airway management trainer) in random sequences. Movement of the C-spine was examined by measuring the angle formed by two lines which are parallel to the anterior surface of the C2 and C7 vertebrae bodies. The angle was measured when Cormack-Lehane grade II glottis exposure was achieved during intubation.
RESULTS
Mean cervical spine movements were 37.6 +/- 9.2degrees, 32.2 +/- 14.2degrees, 32.2 +/- 6.45degrees and 17.4 +/- 10.0degrees with the ML, DCI (p = 0.347), AWS (p = 0.094), and LS (p < 0.001), respectively, compared to that of ML. Cervical spine movement by LS was 54% less than that by ML. LS produced less cervical spine movement in comparison to DCI (p = 0.013) and AWS (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The Levitan Scope produced less movement of the cervical spine when compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope, DCI video-laryngoscope and Airway Scope during orotracheal intubation in a single airway training manikin model.

Randomized Controlled Trial

The Efficacy of Early Goal-directed Therapy in Septic Shock Patients in the Emergency Department: Severe Sepsis Campaign: Hyung Jin Shin, Kang Hyun Lee, Sung Oh Hwang, Hyun Kim, Tae Yong Shin, Sang Chul Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(2):61-70.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.2.61

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Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) has been used for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department (ED). In 2003, international management guidelines for severe sepsis and septic shock were developed under the auspices of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC); however, EGDT based on the SSC was not fully evaluated in the ED. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EGDT based on the SSC in the ED in Korea.
METHODS
We randomly assigned patients who arrived at our ED in septic shock to receive EGDT before admission to the intensive care unit between May 2007 and July 2007, and we retrospectively assigned patients in septic shock to receive standard therapy between May 2006 and July 2006. The in-hospital mortality for 24 hours and 28 days, the MODS, SAPS II, and APACHE II scores were obtained and compared between the study groups.
RESULTS
Of the 60 enrolled patients, 30 were assigned to EGDT and 30 were assigned to standard therapy. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the baseline characteristics. In-hospital mortality at 28 days was 13% in the group assigned to EGDT as compared to 40% in the group assigned to standard therapy (p = 0.020) and in-hospital mortality at 24 hours was 0% and 13%, respectively (p = 0.038).
CONCLUSIONS
EGDT provides significant benefits with respect to outcome in patients in septic shock.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Early goal-directed resuscitation for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Li-bing Jiang, Mao Zhang, Shou-yin Jiang, Yue-feng MA
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
The Prognostic Factors of Pneumonia with Septic Shock in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Jong Won Kim, Jin Joo Kim, Hyuk Jun Yang, Yong Su Lim, Jin Seong Cho, In Cheol Hwang, Sang Hyun Han
The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2015; 30(4): 258. CrossRef
Implementing a Sepsis Resuscitation Bundle Improved Clinical Outcome: A Before-and-After Study
Jeongmin Kim, Sungwon Na, Young Chul Yoo, Shin Ok Koh
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2014; 29(4): 250. CrossRef
A Case of Purulent Pericarditis Complicated byKlebsiella pneumoniaeSepsis - A Case Report -
Byeong-Ho Jeong, Seungmin Chung, Hee Jin Kwon, Kyeongman Jeon
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2013; 28(1): 51. CrossRef

Review Article

Intratracheal Pulmonary Ventilation (ITPV): Ka Young Rhee, Kook Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 1997;12(2):137-142.

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Abstract PDF: No abstract available.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Post-thoracotomy Analgesia & ICU Length of Stay: Comparison of Thoracic Epidrual Morphine Infusion and Lumbar Epidural Plus Intravenous Morphine Infusion: Seok Hwa Yoon, Jung Hyun Lee, Hee Suk Yoon, Yoon Hee Kim, Myung Hoon Na, Seung Pyung Lim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2007;22(2):77-82.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Length of stay in ICU after thoracotomy is related to postoperative pulmonary function and complication which are affected by postoperative pain. For the post-thoracotomy pain control, epidural morphine is commonly used. Although total dose-requirement for analgesia of lumbar epidural morphine is more than the thoracic, lumbar epidural morphine could be substituted the thoracic. Our study compared the effect of patient controlled analgesia using thoracic epidural morphine (TEA group) and lumbar epidural analgesia with patient controlled intravenous analgesia using morphine (LEA+IV group).
METHODS
Sixty patients were randomly assigned into one of the two groups. The epidural taps were done before the induction. In all the patients morphine 0.2 mg/ml was administered via the epidural catheter at the end of surgery. In TEA group, basal infusion rate was 0.1 mg/hr and bolus dose was 0.02 mg. In LEA+IV group, basal infusion rate of epidural morphine was 0.1 mg/hr, patient controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine started when patients arrived at ICU, and basal infusion rate of intravenous morphine was 1.0 mg/hr and bolus dose was 0.8 mg. Pain score, side effect, postoperative length of stay in ICU and hospital were observed.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between two groups in pain score, side effects, length of stay in ICU and hospital.
CONCLUSIONS
Lumbar epidural analgesia with patient controlled intravenous analgesia using morphine showed similar postoperative analgesia and length of stay in ICU and hospital compared to thoracic epidural analgesia with morphine, so that can substitute the thoracic epidural analgesia.

Original Articles

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Liver Transplant Recipients : A Matched Control Study: Ji Yeon Jeong, Sunghwan Kim, Sung Sim Bae, Chul Woo Jung, Kook Hyun Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2006;21(2):95-100.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Despite improvements in surgical technique and immunosuppression, infection following liver transplantation (LT) remains a significant problem. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcuscus (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become important nosocomial pathogens. This study was undertaken in attempt to evaluate clinical impact of VRE and MRSA in LT recipients.
METHODS
LT recipients with VRE or MRSA colonization from 2001 to 2004 were identified and matched (age, gender, United Network for Organ Sharing status, liver disease, and transplant date) to control groups without MRSA or VRE colonization. Demographics, clinical factors, length of stay, duration of the use of the mechanical ventilator, complications and survival rates were compared with matched controls.
RESULTS
Eleven patients were colonized by VRE (4.7%) and thirty patients by MRSA (13%). The common sites of VRE culture included the tip of the urinary catheter and urine. The VRE colonized group experienced more biliary complications, relaparotomies, longer length of stay at ICU and ward, and longer use of the mechanical ventilator. One year survival rate was lower in the VRE group. MRSA was commonly cultured from sputum, tip of the central venous catheter or intraarterial catheter, and blood. The MRSA group experienced more relaparotomies, pneumonia, longer stay at ICU and ward, and longer use of mechanical ventilator compared to the control. One year survival rate was lower in the MRSA group. Rejection was not associated with VRE or MRSA infection.
CONCLUSIONS
VRE or MRSA colonization is associated with higher incidence of posttransplant complications and lower survival rate than LT recipients without VRE or MRSA colonization. The patients with VRE or MRSA colonization also utilized more hospital resources.

Five-year Clinical follow-up after Revascularization for Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion: Woo Seok Park, Myung Ho Jeong, Eun Suk Shin, Ju Hyup Yum, Seung Hyun Lee, Young Joon Hong, Ock Young Park, Ju Han Kim, Weon Kim, Young Keun Ahn, Jeong Gwan Cho, Jong Chun Park, Jung Chaee Kang; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2005;20(1):32-37.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been considered as an unsuitable lesion for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of technical difficulty and low success rate. Owing to technical advances and increased operator's experience, PCI has been attempted in a large number of patients with CTO in recent years, but there are few long-term follow-up reports for PCI to CTO. METHODS: We analyzed 83 patients (59.7+/-9.2 years, 28 female) with CTO on diagnostic coronary angiogram at the Heart Center and Coronary Care Unit of Chonnam National Hospital from January 1996 to July 1997. The patients were divided into two groups according to revascularization by PCI or CABG (coronary artery bypass graft): the revascularized group (received PCI or CABG, Group I) and non-revascularized group (Group II).
RESULTS
PCI was tried in 46 patients and successful in 33 patients (71.7% of the success rate). Eleven patients (13.3%) were treated with the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and 31 (37.3%) patients were medically treated. During 5-year clinical follow-up 11 patients died [13.1%; cardiac death 6 (7.1%), non-cardiac death 5 (6.0%)] and the major adverse cardiac events occurred to 24 (28.6%) patients. Cardiac death occurred to one patient of the Group I and 5 patients of Group II (p=0.06). The mean survival time was significantly different (57.8+/-9.2 months in Group I and 50.9+/-19.5 months in Group II, p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization for CTO prolonged the mean survival time of the patients on long- term clinical follow-up.

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