Acute and Critical Care

Original Articles

Epidemiology
Trends and management of acute respiratory failure in hospitalized patients: a multicenter retrospective study in South Korea: Won Jin Yang, Yong Jun Choi, Kyung Soo Chung, Ji Soo Choi, Bo Mi Jung, Jae Hwa Cho; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):171-185. Published online May 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.004728

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the leading cause of hospitalization and is associated with in-hospital mortality. This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of ARF.
Methods
We retrospectively screened patients admitted to three hospitals in South Korea between January 2018 and December 2022. We included individuals aged 18 years, diagnosed with either type 1 ARF (arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO2] <60 mm Hg) or type 2 ARF (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) >45 mm Hg) with a pH of <7.35, or diagnosed with the combined-type ARF.
Results
Among the 768,700 hospitalized patients, 33,278 (4.3%) developed ARF. The most common cause of ARF was sepsis (15,757 patients, 47.3%), and the most frequent comorbidity was malignancy (15,403 patients, 43.6%). Among ARF patients, 15,671 (47.1%) required intensive care unit transfer, while 8,980 (27.0%) experienced in-hospital mortality. Over 5 years, the proportion of ARF patients aged 80 years and older has shown a consistent annual increase (coefficient, 0.085 and Ptrend <0.001). Concurrently, the in-hospital mortality rate exhibited an upward trend, increasing from 25.5% in 2018 to 29.3% in 2022 (coefficient, 1.017 and Ptrend<0.001). Among the respiratory support methods used for patients with ARF over the 5-year period, high-flow nasal cannula usage steadily increased (coefficient, 4.137 and Ptrend<0.001), whereas the use of invasive mechanical ventilation declined (coefficient, –0.983 and Ptrend<0.001).
Conclusions
ARF frequency and in-hospital mortality rates are increasing, driven by various etiologies. Despite these trends, research on the epidemiology and individualized treatments for older patients is limited, highlighting the need for nationwide prospective multicenter studies.

Nursing
Comparison of the clinimetric properties of the two versions of the HACOR scale for predicting noninvasive ventilation failure in Brazilian patients: Matheus Pereira Nunes da Silva, Adriana Claudia Lunardi; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):322-329. Published online May 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.000175

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Abstract PDF: Background
Scales that detect noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure need to have adequate clinimetric properties to be reliable. This study aimed to compare the clinimetric properties of the Heart rate, Acidosis, Consciousness, Oxygenation, Respiratory rate (HACOR) and updated HACOR scales when applied to hypoxemic adult patients undergoing NIV. Methods: This prospective study applied the HACOR and updated HACOR scales to hypoxemic patients after one hour of NIV in an emergency department setting. A second application of the scales was performed after ten minutes to assess reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), measurement error (standard error of measurement and minimum detectable difference), ceiling and floor effects, convergent validity by correlation (Pearson’s r) with peripheral oximetry saturation (SpO2), and predictive validity (area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve) for the outcome of needing invasive mechanical ventilation. Results: Sixty patients were included in this study (59.45±17.48 years; Simplified Acute Physiology Score III, 56.1±13.95; 30% with respiratory disease and 25% with cardiovascular disease). After 1 hour of NIV, patients had a HACOR score of 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.0–5.0) and an updated HACOR score of 5 (IQR, 3.0–8.87). Clinimetric properties were adequate for both versions of the HACOR scale but were superior for the updated version, including predictive validity (ROC [95% CI], 0.78 [0.64–0.91] vs. 0.73 [0.57–0.89]) and the absence of the ceiling effect. Conclusions: Both versions of the HACOR scale demonstrated adequate clinimetric properties for predicting NIV failure, with the updated HACOR version showing superior predictive validity and no ceiling effect compared with the original version.

Nutrition
Effect of nutrition support team on 28-day mortality in Korean patients with acute respiratory failure: Inhan Lee, Junghyun Kim, Mihyun Ku, Yurim Choi, Sohyun Park, Jihyeon Bang, Joohae Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):313-321. Published online April 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.003312

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Abstract PDF: Background
Providing optimal nutrition to patients with acute respiratory failure is difficult because nutritional requirements vary according to disease severity and comorbidities. In 2021, the National Medical Center initiated a protocol for screening upon admission and regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary nutritional support team (NST), for all patients in the medical intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of routine NST monitoring and active intervention on the clinical outcomes of patients with acute respiratory failure.
Methods
Patients with acute respiratory failure requiring high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation were included. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality after ICU admission. Secondary outcomes included the supplied/target calorie ratio, supplied/target protein ratio on day 7, and complications.
Results
In total, 152 patients were included in the analysis. The patients were divided into a pre-monitoring (n=96) and post-monitoring groups (n=56). More patients in the post-monitoring group received NST intervention and had earlier initiation of enteral feeding. In survival analysis, 28-day mortality was significantly lower in post-monitoring group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24–0.74). The ratio of achievement for required calories and protein on day 7 was higher, but not significantly, in the post-monitoring group. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of complications.
Conclusions
Regular NST monitoring in the ICU could have contributed to a reduced risk of 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure.

Pulmonary
Combining reservoir mask oxygenation with high-flow nasal cannula in the treatment of hypoxemic respiratory failure among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study: Ivan Gur, Ronen Zalts, Yaniv Dotan, Khitam Hussain, Ami Neuberger, Eyal Fuchs; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):435-441. Published online November 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00451

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Concerns regarding positive-pressure-ventilation for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hypoxemia led the search for alternative oxygenation techniques. This study aimed to assess one such method, dual oxygenation, i.e., the addition of a reservoir mask (RM) on top of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC).
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, the records of all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during 2020–2022 were reviewed. Patients over the age of 18 years with hypoxemia necessitating HFNC were included. Exclusion criteria were positive-pressure-ventilation for any indication other than hypoxemic respiratory failure, transfer to another facility while still on HFNC and “do-not-intubate/resuscitate” orders. The primary outcome was mortality within 30 days from the first application of HFNC. Secondary outcomes were intubation and admission to the intensive care unit.
Results
Of 659 patients included in the final analysis, 316 were treated with dual oxygenation and 343 with HFNC alone. Propensity for treatment was estimated based on background diagnoses, laboratories and vital signs upon admission, gender and glucocorticoid dose. Inverse probability of treatment weighted regression including age, body mass index, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and respiratory rate oxygenation index showed treatment with dual oxygenation to be associated with lower 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.615; 95% confidence interval, 0.469–0.809). Differences in the secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that the addition of RM on top of HFNC may be associated with decreased mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 hypoxemia.

Pulmonary
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in the United States: Carlos R Franco Palacios, Rudiona Hoxhaj, Catlyn Thigpen, Jeffrey Jacob, Atul Bhatnagar, Asif Saberi; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):308-314. Published online August 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00115

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Abstract PDF

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some patients develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure requiring the combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
Methods
Retrospective cohort study of 127 consecutive patients requiring combined ECMO and CRRT support in intensive care units at an ECMO center in Marietta, GA, United States.
Results
Sixty and 67 patients with and without COVID-19, respectively, required ECMO-CRRT support. After adjusting for confounding variables, patients with COVID-19 had increased mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 5.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51–10.7; P<0.001) and 90 days (HR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.60–14.9; P<0.001).
Conclusions
In this retrospective study, patients with COVID-19 who required ECMO-CRRT had increased mortality when compared to patients without COVID-19.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Higher mortality in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with H1N1 influenza: implications for future pandemics
Harriet J. Caterson, Lauren Troy, Moin Ahmed, Paul Torzillo, Rebecca Davis, Stuart Duffin, Paul Forrest, Timothy Southwood, Richard Totaro, Helen Jo, Edmund Lau, Emma Gray
Respiratory Medicine.2025; 248: 108311. CrossRef
Factors associated with post-hospitalization dialysis dependence in ECMO patients who required continuous renal replacement therapy
Carlos Rodrigo Franco Palacios, Rudiona Hoxhaj, Catlyn Thigpen, Jeffrey Jacob
Renal Failure.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Infection
Evaluating the use of the respiratory-rate oxygenation index as a predictor of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen failure in COVID-19: Scott Weerasuriya, Savvas Vlachos, Ahmed Bobo, Namitha Birur Jayaprabhu, Lauren Matthews, Adam R Blackstock, Victoria Metaxa; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):31-40. Published online February 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01081

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
It can be challenging for clinicians to predict which patients with respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will fail on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen and require escalation of therapy. This study set out to evaluate the association between the respiratory rate-oxygenation index (ROX) and HFNC failure in such patients and to assess whether ROX trajectory correlates with treatment failure.
Methods
This was a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with COVID-19 requiring HFNC, conducted over a 3-month period. ROX was calculated as “pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) over the fractional inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2)/respiratory rate” for each patient at 2, 4, and 12 hours from starting HFNC. HFNC failure was defined as escalation to continuous positive airway pressure ventilation or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Time-to-event analyses were performed to account for the longitudinal data set and time-dependent variables.
Results
We included 146 patients. Ninety-three (63.7%) experienced HFNC failure, with 53 (36.3%) requiring IMV. Higher ROX values were associated with a lower subhazard of HFNC failure on time-to-HFNC failure analysis (subhazard ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–0.46; P<0.001). This remained true after controlling for informative censoring. Median ROX values changed differentially over time, increasing in the HFNC success group (0.06 per hour; 95% CI, 0.05–0.08; P<0.001) but not in the HFNC failure group (0.004 per hour; 95% CI, –0.05 to 0.08; P=0.890).
Conclusions
A higher ROX is associated with a lower risk of HFNC failure. Monitoring ROX trajectory over time may help identify patients at risk of treatment failure. This has potential clinical applications; however, future prospective studies are required.

Pulmonary
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the intensive care unit due to acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: Türkay Akbaş, Harun Güneş; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):49-56. Published online February 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01011

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Abstract PDF

Background
The study aimed to describe the clinical course, outcomes, and prognostic factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Methods
This retrospective study involved patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to COPD of any cause admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) support between December 2015 and February 2020.
Results
One hundred patients were evaluated. The main causes of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure were bronchitis, pneumonia, and heart failure. The patients’ mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 23.0±7.2, and their IMV rate was 43%. ICU, in-hospital, and 90-day mortality rates were 21%, 29%, and 39%, respectively. Non-survivors had more pneumonia, shock within the first 24 hours of admission, IMV, vasopressor use, and renal replacement therapy, along with higher APACHE II scores, lower admission albumin levels and PaO2/ FiO2 ratios, and longer ICU and hospital stays than survivors. Logistic regression analysis identified APACHE II score (odds ratio [OR], 1.157; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017–1.317; P=0.026), admission PaO2/FiO2 ratio (OR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.978–0.999; P=0.046), and vasopressor use (OR, 8.827; 95% CI, 1.650–47.215; P=0.011) as predictors of ICU mortality. APACHE II score (OR, 1.099; 95% CI, 1.021–1.182; P=0.011) and admission albumin level (OR, 0.169; 95% CI, 0.056–0.514; P=0.002) emerged as predictors of 90-day mortality.
Conclusions
APACHE II scores, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, vasopressor use, and albumin levels are significant short-term mortality predictors in severely ill COPD patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Breaking new ground: machine learning enhances survival forecasts in hypercapnic respiratory failure
Zhongxiang Liu, Bingqing Zuo, Jianyang Lin, Zhixiao Sun, Hang Hu, Yuan Yin, Shuanying Yang
Frontiers in Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Efficacy and safety of medroxyprogesterone acetate on noninvasive ventilation -treated exacerbated COPD patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
Mohsen Gholinataj Jelodar, Mohammadreza Malek-Ahmadi, Adeleh Sahebnasagh, Farhad Mohammadi, Fatemeh Saghafi
BMC Pulmonary Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
From acute phase to rehabilitation: bridging the gap and improving the pathway for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases patients (Summary of a Pulmonologists’ Audit - September-December 2024)
Michele Vitacca, Massimiliano Beccaria, Luca Bianchi, Paolo Ceruti, Maurizio Marvisi, Monia Betti, Michela Bezzi, Francesco Tursi
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Construction and validation of a nomogram prediction model for death risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by hypercapnic respiratory failure in the intensive care unit
Ye Zhang, Hao Chen, Shiyu Hu, Chengshui Chen, Wenyu Chen
Respiratory Medicine.2025; 245: 108188. CrossRef
Letter to Editor in Response to Article “Estimation of Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure Secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admitted in Tertiary Care Center” J Assoc Physicians India 2025;73(2):35–38
Madhusudan Barthwal, Sachinkumar S Dole
Journal of The Association of Physicians of India.2025; 73(8): 104. CrossRef
Role of Arterial Blood Gas in Risk Stratification of Patients With Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Iman Fatima, Jaipal Dass, Zakia Rauf Aslam, Muhammad Miraj Khan, Hassan Imtiaz, Havil Stephen Alexander Bakka, Muhammad Aqib Mazhar, Saif Abdulsattar, Areeba Zahid, Inam Rafiq
Cureus.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
RESPIRATORY SUPPORT FOR CHRONIC HYPERCAPNIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTINGS. LITERATURE REVIEW.
A.S. Serikova, I.Y. Mukatova, S.A. Baidurin, Zh.M. Urazalina
Наука и здравоохранение.2025; (4(27)): 183. CrossRef
Antibiotics in COPD exacerbations requiring mechanical ventilation: a dogma to be re-evaluated
Sebastian Osorio-Rico, Daniel Perez-Marin, John Cardeño-Sanchez
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Qi Li, Qinghong Liao, Shulei Qi, He Huang, Siyu He, Weiping Lyu, Jinxin Liang, Huan Qin, Zimeng Cheng, Fan Yu, Xue Dong, Ziming Wang, Lingfei Han, Yantao Han
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.2024; 271: 116386. CrossRef
Development and Validation of an In-Hospital Mortality Prediction Model for Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Wenjie Sun, Yeshan Li, Shuxin Tan
International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.2024; Volume 19: 1303. CrossRef
Value of diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters in assessing weaning outcomes and survival in ventilator-dependent intensive care unit patients
Liuhua Pan
American Journal of Translational Research.2024; 16(12): 7830. CrossRef
COPD Exacerbation: Why It Is Important to Avoid ICU Admission
Irene Prediletto, Gilda Giancotti, Stefano Nava
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2023; 12(10): 3369. CrossRef

Pulmonary
The role of diaphragmatic thickness measurement in weaning prediction and its comparison with rapid shallow breathing index: a single-center experience: Lokesh Kumar Lalwani, Manjunath B Govindagoudar, Pawan Kumar Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Dhruva Chaudhry; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(3):347-354. Published online July 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00108

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is commonly managed with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The majority of the time that a patient spends on IMV is in the process of weaning. Prediction of the weaning outcome is of paramount importance, as untimely/delayed extubation is associated with a high risk of mortality. Diaphragmatic ultrasonography is a promising tool in the intensive care unit, and its utility in predicting the success of weaning remains understudied.
Methods
In this prospective-observational study, we recruited 54 ARF patients on IMV, along with 50 healthy controls. During a spontaneous breathing trial, all subjects underwent diaphragmatic ultrasonography along with a rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) assessment.
Results
The mean age was 41.8±17.0 and 37.6±10.5 years among the cases and control group, respectively. Demographic variables were broadly similar in the two groups. The most common cause of ARF was obstructive airway disease. The average duration of IMV was 5.41±2.81 days. Out of 54 subjects, 45 were successfully weaned, while nine patients failed weaning. Age, body mass index, and severity of disease were similar in the successful and failed weaning patients. The sensitivity in predicting successful weaning of percent change in diaphragmatic thickness (Δtdi%) >29.71% was high (93.33%), while specificity was 66.67%. The sensitivity and specificity of mean diaphragmatic thickness (tdi) end-expiratory >0.178 cm was 60.00% and 77.78%, respectively. RSBI at 1 minute of <93.75 had an equally high sensitivity (93.33%) but a lower specificity (22.22%). Similar results were also found for RSBI measured at 5 minutes.
Conclusions
During the weaning assessment, the purpose is to minimize both premature as well as delayed extubation. We found that diaphragmatic ultrasonography, in particular Δtdi%, is better than RSBI in predicting weaning outcomes.

Citations

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Point-of-Care Ultrasound, an Integral Role in the Future of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery?
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Ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragm thickness and excursion: correlation with weaning success in trauma patients: prospective cohort study
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Review Article

Pulmonary
High-flow nasal cannula for respiratory failure in adult patients: SeungYong Park; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(4):275-285. Published online November 30, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01571

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Abstract PDF

The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been recently used in several clinical settings for oxygenation in adults. In particular, the advantages of HFNC compared with low-flow oxygen systems or non-invasive ventilation include enhanced comfort, increased humidification of secretions to facilitate expectoration, washout of nasopharyngeal dead space to improve the efficiency of ventilation, provision of a small positive end-inspiratory pressure effect, and fixed and rapid delivery of an accurate fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) by minimizing the entrainment of room air. HFNC has been successfully used in critically ill patients with several conditions, such as hypoxemic respiratory failure, hypercapneic respiratory failure (exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease), post-extubation respiratory failure, pre-intubation oxygenation, and others. However, the indications are not absolute, and much of the proven benefit remains subjective and physiologic. This review discusses the practical application and clinical uses of HFNC in adults, including its unique respiratory physiologic effects, device settings, and clinical indications.

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Clinical Practice of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in ARDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Respiratory Therapists
Mohammed Alyami, Abdulelah Aldhahir, Abdullah Alqarni, Khalid Salwi, Abdullah Sarhan, Mohammed Almeshari, Nowaf Alobaidi, Jaber Alqahtani, Rayan Siraj, Abdullah Alsulayyim, Saeed Alghamdi, Ahmed Alasimi, Omar Alqarni, Mansour Majrshi, Hassan Alwafi
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Evaluating high-flow oxygen therapy after mechanical thrombectomy under general anesthesia in acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective single-center study
Pingyou He, Xiang Bao, FengFeng Jiang, Xiaobo Liu, Wei Xu, Danfeng Yu, Lin Chen, Feng Chen
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery.2024; 243: 108359. CrossRef
A Comprehensive Review on High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy in Critical Care: Evidence-Based Insights and Future Directions
Shubham Petkar, Dnyanshree Wanjari, Vishnu Priya
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Does apneic oxygenation with nasopharyngeal cannula during intubation improve the oxygenation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure compared to the standard bag valve mask preoxygenation? An open-labeled randomized control trial
Irfan Zubair Shahul Hameed, Darpanarayan Hazra, Priya Ganesan, Abhilash Kundavaram Paul Prabhakar
Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine.2024; 24(1): 33. CrossRef
Liberation from Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines
Tae Sun Ha, Dong Kyu Oh, Hak-Jae Lee, Youjin Chang, In Seok Jeong, Yun Su Sim, Suk-Kyung Hong, Sunghoon Park, Gee Young Suh, So Young Park
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases.2024; 87(4): 415. CrossRef
High-Flow and Low-Flow Oxygen Delivery by Nasal Cannula Evaluated in Infant and Adult Airway Replicas
Mozhgan Sabz, Michelle L Noga, Warren H Finlay, Hossein Rouhani, Andrew R Martin
Respiratory Care.2024; 69(4): 438. CrossRef
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Saúl Trejo-Rosas, Ignacio Alberto Mendez-Jesus, Elizabeth Mendoza-Portillo, David Sanabría-Cordero, Miguel Russi-Hernández
Archivos de Medicina de Urgencia de México.2024; 16(3): 210. CrossRef
The Impact of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review
Ahmed M Abdelbaky, Wael G Elmasry , Ahmed H. Awad, Sarrosh Khan, Maryam Jarrahi
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in the Perioperative Setting and Procedural Sedation: A Review of Current Evidence
Lou’i Al-Husinat, Basil Jouryyeh, Ahlam Rawashdeh, Abdelrahman Alenaizat, Mohammad Abushehab, Mohammad Wasfi Amir, Zaid Al Modanat, Denise Battaglini, Gilda Cinnella
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2023; 12(20): 6685. CrossRef
Current status of treatment of acute respiratory failure in Korea
Yong Jun Choi, Jae Hwa Cho
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2022; 65(3): 124. CrossRef
Transnasal High-Flow Oxygen Therapy versus Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Treatment of COPD with Type II Respiratory Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Wei Liu, Mingli Zhu, Liuqin Xia, Xiangying Yang, Pei Huang, Yanming Sun, Ye Shen, Jianping Ma, Gang Chen
Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine.2022; 2022: 1. CrossRef
Association between timing of intubation and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Eunhye Bae, Jimyung Park, Sun Mi Choi, Jinwoo Lee, Sang-Min Lee, Hong Yeul Lee
Acute and Critical Care.2022; 37(4): 561. CrossRef
Effect of high-flow oxygen versus T-piece ventilation strategies during spontaneous breathing trials on weaning failure among patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a randomized controlled trial
Hong Yeul Lee, Jinwoo Lee, Sang-Min Lee
Critical Care.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

Pulmonary
Protecting Postextubation Respiratory Failure and Reintubation by High-Flow Nasal Cannula Compared to Low-Flow Oxygen System: Single Center Retrospective Study and Literature Review: Minhyeok Lee, Ji Hye Kim, In Beom Jeong, Ji Woong Son, Moon Jun Na, Sun Jung Kwon; Acute Crit Care. 2019;34(1):60-70. Published online February 28, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2018.00311

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Use of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) reduced postextubation respiratory failure (PERF) and reintubation rate compared to use of a low-flow oxygen system (LFOS) in low-risk patients. However, no obvious conclusion was reached for high-risk patients. Here, we sought to present the current status of HFNC use as adjunctive oxygen therapy in a clinical setting and to elucidate the nature of the protective effect following extubation.
Methods
The medical records of 855 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit of single university hospital during a period of 5.5 years were analyzed retrospectively, with only 118 patients ultimately included in the present research. The baseline characteristics of these patients and the occurrence of PERF and reintubation along with physiologic changes were analyzed.
Results
Eighty-four patients underwent HFNC, and the remaining 34 patients underwent conventional LFOS after extubation. Physicians preferred HFNC to LFOS in the face of highrisk features including old age, neurologic disease, moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a long duration of mechanical ventilation, low baseline arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and a high baseline alveolar–arterial oxygen difference. The reintubation rate at 72 hours after extubation was not different (9.5% vs. 8.8%; P=1.000). Hypoxic respiratory failure was slightly higher in the nonreintubation group than in the reintubation group (31.9% vs. 6.7%; P=0.058). Regarding physiologic effects, heart rate was only stabilized after 24 hours of extubation in the HFNC group.
Conclusions
No difference was found in the occurrence of PERF and reintubation between both groups. It is worth noting that similar PERF and reintubation ratios were shown in the HFNC group in those with certain exacerbating risk factors versus not. Caution is needed regarding delayed reintubation in the HFNC group.

Citations

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Comparison of ROX index with modified indices incorporating heart rate, flow rate, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio for early prediction of outcomes among patients initiated on post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula therapy
Smitesh Gutta, Wei Jun Dan Ong, Shanaz Matthew Sajeed, Belinda Zer Hui Chern, Monika Gulati Kansal, Faheem Ahmed Khan, Amit Kansal
European Journal of Medical Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
High-flow nasal oxygen therapy compared with conventional oxygen therapy in hospitalised patients with respiratory illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Daniel Seow, Yet H Khor, Su-Wei Khung, David M Smallwood, Yvonne Ng, Amy Pascoe, Natasha Smallwood
BMJ Open Respiratory Research.2024; 11(1): e002342. CrossRef
Predictors and outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula failure following extubation: A multicentre observational study
Amit Kansal, Shekhar Dhanvijay, Andrew Li, Jason Phua, Matthew Edward Cove, Wei Jun Dan Ong, Ser Hon Puah, Vicky Ng, Qiao Li Tan, Julipie Sumampong Manalansan, Michael Sharey Nocon Zamora, Michael Camba Vidanes, Juliet Tolentino Sahagun, Juvel Taculod, Ad
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.2021; 50(6): 467. CrossRef
Flow Field Analysis of Adult High‐Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy
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Complexity.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Article

Pulmonary
Lung Ultrasound (in the Critically Ill) Superior to CT: the Example of Lung Sliding: Daniel A. Lichtenstein; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2017;32(1):1-8. Published online February 14, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.00955

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Abstract PDF

This review article shows the potential of lung ultrasound in the critically ill (LUCI) to study lung sliding and describes the optimal equipment for its assessment. Then, it analyses the integration of lung sliding within lung ultrasound then whole body critical ultrasound. It describes the place of lung sliding in the BLUE-protocol (bedside lung ultrasound in emergency) (lung and venous ultrasound for diagnosing acute respiratory failure), the FALLS-protocol (fluid administration limited by lung sonography) (the role of lung sliding in circulatory failure), and the SESAME-protocol (sequential assessment of sonography assessing mechanism or origin of severe shock of indistinct cause) (whole body ultrasound in cardiac arrest). In the LUCIFLR project (LUCI favoring limitation of radiations), the consideration of lung sliding allows drastic reduction in irradiation and costs. In conclusion, lung sliding is proposed as a gold standard for indicating the presence of the lung at the chest wall and its correct expansion.

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David N. Briganti, Christine E. Choi, Julien Nguyen, Charles W. Lanks
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YEARS Algorithm Versus Wells’ Score: Predictive Accuracies in Pulmonary Embolism Based on the Gold Standard CT Pulmonary Angiography*
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Case Reports

Infection/Cardiology
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome following HAART Initiation in an HIV-infected Patient Being Treated for Severe Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Case Report and Literature Review: Dong Won Park, Dae Hyun Lim, Bongyoung Kim, Ji Young Yhi, Ji-Yong Moon, Sang-Heon Kim, Tae-Hyung Kim, Jang Won Shon, Ho Joo Yoon, Dong Ho Shin, Hyunjoo Pai; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):162-168. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.162

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Abstract PDF

Pnuemocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is one of leading causes of acute respiratory failure in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the mortality rate remains high in mechanically ventilated HIV patients with PJP. There are several reported cases who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for respiratory failure associated with severe PJP in HIV-infected patients. We report a patient who was newly diagnosed with HIV and PJP whose condition worsened after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation and progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous ECMO. The patient recovered from PJP and is undergoing treatment with HAART. ECMO support can be an effective life-saving salvage therapy for acute respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation following HAART in HIV-infected patients with severe PJP.

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Extracorporeal life support for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Kollengode Ramanathan, Julian K. Svasti, Graeme MacLaren
Journal of Artificial Organs.2018; 21(3): 371. CrossRef

Genetic
Lethal Hyperammonemia due to Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency in a Patient with Severe Septic Shock: Ji An Hwang, Joo Han Song, Young Seok Lee, Kyung Soo Chung, Song Yee Kim, Eun Young Kim, Ji Ye Jung, Young Ae Kang, Young Sam Kim, Joon Chang, Moo Suk Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):140-145. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.140

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Abstract PDF: Severe hyperammonemia can occur as a result of inherited or acquired liver enzyme defects in the urea cycle, among which ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common form. We report a very rare case of a 45-year-old Korean male who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to severe septic shock with acute respiratory failure caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. During his ICU stay with ventilator care, the patient suffered from marked hyperammonemia (>1,700 μg/dL) with abrupt mental change leading to life-threatening cerebral edema. Despite every effort including continuous renal replacement therapy and use of a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (extracorporeal liver support–albumin dialysis) to lower his serum ammonia level, the patient was not recovered. The lethal hyperammonemia in the patient was later proven to be a manifestation of acquired liver enzyme defect known as OTCD, which is triggered by serious catabolic conditions, such as severe septic shock with acute respiratory failure.

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.

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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

A Case of Pumpless Interventional Lung Assist Application in a Tuberculosis Destroyed Lung Patient with Severe Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure: So Hee Park, Sang Ook Ha, Jae Seok Park, Sang Bum Hong, Tae Sun Shim, Chae Man Lim, Younsuck Koh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(3):192-196.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.3.192

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Abstract PDF: Pumpless extracorporeal interventional lung assist (iLA) is a rescue therapy allowing effective carbon dioxide removals and lung protective ventilator settings. Herein, we report the use of a pumpless extracorporeal iLA in a tuberculosis destroyed lung (TDL) patient with severe hypercapnic respiratory failures. A 35-year-old male patient with TDL was intubated due to CO2 retention and altered mentality. After 11 days, Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) had developed. Despite the maximal mechanical ventilator support, his severe respiratory acidosis was not corrected. We applied the iLA for the management of refractory hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis. This case suggests that the iLA is an effective rescue therapy for TDL patients with ventilator refractory hypercapnia.

Original Article

Development of Acute Respiratory Failure on Initiation of Anti-Tuberculosis Medication in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Clinical and Radiologic Features of 8 Patients and Literature Review: Su Jin Lim, Donghoon Lew, Haa Na Song, You Eun Kim, Seung Jun Lee, Yu Ji Cho, Yi Yeong Jeong, Mi Jung Park, Kyoung Nyeo Jeon, Ho Cheol Kim, Jong Deog Lee, Young Sil Hwang; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(2):108-114.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.108

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory failure can occur paradoxically on initiation of anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients with pulmonary TB. This study is aimed to analyze the clinical features of anti-TB treatment induced acute respiratory failure.
METHODS
We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of 8 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (5 men and 3 women; mean age, 55 +/- 15.5 years) who developed acute respiratory failure following initiation of anti-TB medication and thus required mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU).
RESULTS
The interval between initiation of anti-TB medication and development of MV-requiring acute respiratory failure was 2-14 days (mean, 4.4 +/- 4.39 days), and the duration of MV was 1-18 days (mean, 7.1 +/- 7.03 days). At admission, body temperature and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were increased. Serum levels of protein, albumin and creatinine were 5.8 +/- 0.98, 2.3 +/- 0.5 and 1.8 +/- 2.58 mg/ml, respectively. Radiographs characterized both lung involvements in all patients. Consolidation with the associated nodule was noted in 7 patients, ground glass opacity in 2, and cavitary lesion in 4. Micronodular lesion in the lungs, suggesting miliary tuberculosis lesion, was noted in 1 patient. At ICU admissions, the ranges of the APACHE II and SOFA scores were 17-38 (mean, 28.2 +/- 7.26) and 6-14 (mean, 10.1 +/- 2.74). The mean lung injury score was 2.8 +/- 0.5. Overall, 6 patients died owing to septic shock and multiorgan failure.
CONCLUSIONS
On initiation of treatment for pulmonary TB, acute respiratory failure can paradoxically occur in patients with extensive lung parenchymal involvement and high mortality.

Case Reports

Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Failure Due to Aspergillus Tracheobronchitis: Yousang Ko, So Yeon Lim, Gee Young Suh, Kyeongman Jeon, Seo Goo Han; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(1):67-71.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.1.67

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Abstract PDF

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious threat and a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is an infrequent but severe form of invasive pulmonary aspergillos in which the fungal infection is entirely or predominantly confined to the tracheobronchial tree. We report an extraordinary case of acute airway obstruction and respiratory failure due to Aspergillus tracheobronchitis in an immunocompromised patient. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed extensive obstruction of both the main and lobar bronchus with yellowish nodules strongly adhered to the bronchial wall; both histologic examination and culture of these nodules revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. Even with early detection of an intraluminal growth of Aspergillus and prompt institution of antifungal therapy, the patient died of refractory hypoxemia a few days later. This report shows that Aspergillus tracheobronchitis should be considered in immunocompromised patients with suspected lung infection even when the main radiographic finding is atelectasis.

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Death due to Aspergillus Tracheobronchitis: An Autopsy Case
Tack Kune You, Byung Ha Choi, Bong Woo Lee, Young Shik Choi
Korean Journal of Legal Medicine.2018; 42(4): 164. CrossRef

A Fatal Case of Vocal Cord Dysfunction: A Case Report: Eun Ha Cho, Gi Won Cho, Soo Hoon Kwon, Sang Hyuk Im, Hye Ok Kim, Sook Hee Song, Woo Chan Choung, Suhyun Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2012;27(3):191-196.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.3.191

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Abstract PDF: Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by the paradoxical adduction of the vocal cord during inspiration, causing relapsing wheezing or stridor, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. If the patient exhibiting symptoms of asthma is not responsive to treatment, there is a need to test whether vocal cord dysfunction is complicated by asthma. Herein, we report a case of vocal cord dysfunction with acute respiratory failure in old age with underlying disease. The patient presented with resting dyspnea, an audible wheeze, and was first diagnosed with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. However, her symptoms were not controlled with medical treatment and laryngoscopy showed paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords. Sudden cardiopulmonary arrest occurred after meal on the day of laryngoscopic examination. Although successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient developed ventilator-associated pneumonia, and multiple organ failure, eventually leading to death. Because the case was fatal, a report is being issued.

A Case Report of Rapidly Progressive Empyema Caused by Pulmonary Actinomycosis: A Case Report: Seong Joon Park, Young Chel Ahn, Soo Kyung Park, Min Jung Kim, Se Hun Kang, Hang Jea Jang, Younsuck Koh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(4):249-252.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.4.249

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Abstract PDF: Pulmonary actinomycosis is an indolent and slowly progressive infectious disease, accompanied by pleural effusion and empyema in about 50% of cases. The size of the effusion is usually small, though, and it responds to appropriate antibiotics. We report a case of rapidly progressing, severe empyema leading to respiratory failure that was caused by pulmonary actinomycosis. A 57-year-old man presented with pleuritic chest pain for 5 days. The initial plain chest radiograph and CT scan showed pleural effusion. Gross pus was observed during the thoracentesis and laboratory test of pleural effusion revealed empyema. In spite of empirical antibiotics and chest tube drainage, the empyema rapidly progressed and the patient reached respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation applied and decortication via video-assisted thoracotomy was performed. Microscopic examination of both the pleural and adjacent lung biopsy specimen revealed actinomycosis.

Original Article

Physiologic Effect and Safety of Pumpless Extracorporeal Interventional Lung Assist in Korean Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure: Woo Hyun Cho, Kwangha Lee, Jin Won Huh, Chae Man Lim, Younsuck Koh, Sang Bum Hong; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(4):235-240.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.4.235

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Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Pumpless interventional lung assist (iLA) uses an extracorporeal gas exchange system without any complex blood pumping technology, and has been shown to reduce CO2 tension and permit protective lung ventilation. The feasibility and safety of iLA were demonstrated in previous studies, but there has been no experience with iLA in Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the iLA device in terms of physiologic efficacy and safety in Korean patients with acute respiratory failure.
METHODS
iLA was implemented in patients with acute respiratory failure who satisfied the predefined criteria of our study. Initiation of iLA followed an algorithm for implementation, ventilator care, and monitoring. Following insertion of arterial and venous cannulas under ultrasound guidance, the physiologic and respiratory variables and incidence of adverse events were monitored.
RESULTS
iLA was implemented in 5 patients and the duration of iLA ranged from 7 hours to 171 hours. At 24 hours after implementation, the mean changes in pH, PaCO2, and PaO2/FiO2 ranged from 7.204 to 7.393, from 68.4 mm Hg to 33 mm Hg, and from 128.7 mm Hg to 165 mm Hg, respectively. During iLA therapy, one adverse event was observed, which presented with hematochezia without hemodynamic change.
CONCLUSIONS
iLA treatment produced effective removal of carbon dioxide and allowed for protective ventilation in severe respiratory failure. An iLA system can easily be installed by percutaneous cannulation, without procedural complications, and without significant adverse events necessitating discontinuation of iLA after implementation.

Citations

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A Case of Pumpless Extracorporeal Interventional Lung Assist for Severe Respiratory Failure - A Case Report -
Young-Jae Cho, Ji Yeon Seo, Yu Jung Kim, Jae-Ho Lee, Choon-Taek Lee
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Young Seok Lee, Hyejin Joo, Jae Young Moon, Jin Won Huh, Yeon-Mok Oh, Chae-Man Lim, Younsuck Koh, Sang-Bum Hong
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2012; 27(2): 108. CrossRef

Case Reports

A Case of Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Severe Hypoxic Respiratory Failure: A Case Report: Joon Seok Choi, Hong Joon Shin, Eun Young Kim, In Jae Oh, Kyu Sik Kim, Yu Il Kim, Sung Chul Lim, Young Chul Kim, Yoo Duk Choi, Hyun Ju Seon, Yong Soo Kwon; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(1):43-47.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.1.43

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Abstract PDF: We describe here the first known case in Korea of pulmonary involvement with peripheral T cell lymphoma and the patient presented with severe hypoxic respiratory failure. A 57-yr-old man was admitted to our hospital with rapid progression of dyspnea and bilateral diffuse infiltration on a chest radiograph. He received mechanical ventilation and low dose corticosteroid treatment under the suspicion of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed large atypical lymphoid cells with positivity for CD3+. We diagnosed this patient as having a peripheral T cell lymphoma and we treated him with high dose corticosteroid. His clinical and radiologic findings rapidly improved and then he received a full dose of chemotherapy for the peripheral T cell lymphoma.

Acute Respiratory Failure from Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report: Jong Sun Park, Jae Joon Yim, Seok Chul Yang, Chul Gyu Yoo, Young Whan Kim, Sung Koo Han, Young Soo Shim, Sang Min Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2009;24(3):172-175.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2009.24.3.172

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Abstract PDF: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has traditionally been known as a disease of an immunocompromised host. We report here on a case of an immunocompetent 73-year-old male who presented with dyspnea and he was finally diagnosed as suffering with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. He died from progressive respiratory failure and secondary bacterial sepsis despite of voriconazole treatment. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in patients with atypical pneumonia that does not respond to the usual antibiotics therapy, and even if the patient does not have an obvious history of an immunosuppressive status. An early suspicion with prompt treatment is important to improve the patient outcome.

Successful Application of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for 3 Patients in Medical Intensive Care Unit: Case Report: Hye Yun Park, Eun Hae Kang, Hyo Kyoung Choi, Gee Young Suh, O Jung Kwon, Kiick Sung, Young Tak Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2007;22(2):91-95.

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Abstract PDF: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-sustaining salvage therapy applied to the patient with acute heart failure or respiratory failure which is considered curable, but uncorrectable by conventional means. Recently, accumulating data has shown the survival benefit of ECMO in patients with acute fatal cardiopulmonary decompensation. Here, we report a series of cases of successful ECMO treatment in patients with acute cardiopulmonary insufficiency. Case 1: A patient with progressive respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation after pneumonectomy was managed satisfactorily using a veno-venous ECMO. Case 2: A veno-arterial ECMO was used to support a patient with vasopressor refractory septic shock. After 5 days of treatment, the patient was successfully weaned from ECMO. Case 3: A patient in cardiac arrest after the orthopedic surgery was resuscitated using a veno-arterial ECMO. Pulmonary angiography on ECMO revealed massive pulmonary thromboembolism and embolectomy was thoroughly performed under the support of ECMO.

A Case of Respiratory Failure Caused by Gastropleural Fistula: A Case Report: Woo Hyun Cho, Dong Yup Ryu, Sung Yik Lee, Bo Hyun Kim, Yun Seong Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2005;20(2):183-186.

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Abstract PDF: Gastropleural fistula is a very rare disorder, caused by various conditions, such as trauma and postoperative complication, subphrenic abscess, malignancy, hiatal hernia. The major causes of the gastropleural fistula have changed from trauma and subphrenic abscess to postoperative complication of malignant disorders. We report a case of empyema that developed respiratory failure caused by gastropleural fistula in a middle age woman with review of related articles.

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