Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcomes. Prompt occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm at an early stage is crucial to prevent rebleeding, which can result in even higher mortality and more severe disabilities. The most critical initial decision in SAH management is the choice of treatment method with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline to select the optimal initial treatment in patients with SAH. We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer two population, intervention, comparison, outcome questions comparing clipping and coiling. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcome and mortality. We included six randomized control trials (RCTs) and 58 observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that coiling improved functional outcomes compared to clipping (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.97). No significant mortality difference was observed in RCTs (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91–2.09), but non-RCTs favored clipping for reduced mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.86). However, it is difficult to generalize these findings to all clinical situations, as patients with SAH have a highly variable clinical course. Final treatment decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s status, including aneurysm location, morphology, and the expertise available at the treatment center. Such decisions are best made by specialists such as a board-certified physician and should be explained to the patient and their caregivers, along with the rationale for selecting the most appropriate treatment at the given hospital. Korea has many certified endovascular neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular surgeons, and certified cerebrovascular centers. Proper selection of the most suitable treatment method by certified physicians and centers would greatly benefit patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.

Accurate and early identification of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) in emergency settings is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the efficient allocation of medical resources. This clinical practice guideline systematically reviews domestic and international literature and conducts meta-analyses to evaluate the utility and diagnostic accuracy of stroke assessment tools used in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). We developed a guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of diagnostic EMS assessment tools for diagnosing stroke and LVO. Overall, 70 non-randomized control studies were selected for this study. A meta-analysis was conducted with a subgroup analysis to distinguish between patients with stroke and those with LVO. EMS tools demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing stroke. In the prehospital setting, using validated EMS stroke assessment tools is recommended for the early identification of stroke and LVO. Upon hospital arrival, stroke specialists should conduct further evaluation and triage to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management. Delays in diagnosing LVO are frequently unacceptable. While experts advocate for the use of EMS assessment tools to facilitate early identification of LVO, these tools alone lack adequate sensitivity. Therefore, further diagnostic evaluations and consultation with stroke specialists upon hospital arrival are recommended.

The mothership (MS) model, where patients are directly transferred to a thrombectomy-capable center, and the drip-and-ship (DS) model, where thrombolysis is initiated at the nearest primary stroke center before transfer for thrombectomy, are the primary transport modes for patients with stroke. We aimed to establish guidelines for selecting the appropriate transfer strategy based on emergent large vessel occlusion (LVO). We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer three Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions comparing MS and DS models. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcomes, mortality, and successful recanalization. Twenty-six non-randomized controlled studies showed that the MS model improved good functional outcomes by approximately 14% compared with the DS model (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.30). Fifteen studies reported that mortality in the MS and DS models showed no significant differences (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84–1.11). Twenty-four studies revealed no significant difference in successful recanalization between the MS and DS models (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68–1.10). The MS model should be considered first to improve the functional outcome of patients with LVO. However, if thrombectomy cannot be performed immediately after thrombolysis, or if a thrombectomy-enabled hospital is not nearby, the DS model should be considered by stroke specialists depending on transportation time and regional factors. We suggest a mixed approach with the DS model based on specific circumstances or regions to ensure the optimum treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Appropriate transport for patients with LVO improves the prognosis of AIS.

Delirium is a common but serious complication in critically ill patients. Family visitation has been shown to reduce delirium; however, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, intensive care units (ICUs) restricted regular visitation to prevent the spread of infection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between visitation policies and incidence of delirium in the ICUs. Methods: This was a retrospective before-and-after study conducted in medical and surgical ICUs at a tertiary hospital. Adult patients admitted to an ICU during one of two periods were included: before the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2017 to May 2019) with regular visitation and during the pandemic (June 2020 to May 2022) with prohibited visitation. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. The primary outcome was association between delirium incidence and visitation policy. Results: Totals of 1,566 patients from the pre-COVID-19 period and 1,404 patients from the COVID-19 period were analyzed. The incidence of delirium was higher during the COVID-19 period (48.1% vs. 38.4%, P<0.001). After adjusting for relevant variables, the restricted visitation policy during COVID-19 remained a risk factor for delirium (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13–1.65; P=0.001). Conclusions: Complete restriction of ICU visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in delirium incidence. These findings suggest the importance of visitation policies on patient outcomes and suggest the need for alternative strategies, such as video visitation, to mitigate the adverse effects of visitation restrictions during pandemics.

Background: While enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) is associated with worse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, the relationship between the number of days of EFI and mortality outcomes remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock at a tertiary referral center. EFI was defined as the presence of vomiting, abdominal distension, pain, diarrhea, or radiographic evidence of ileus. EFI status was assessed daily, and we evaluated the prognostic impact of total number of EFI days during the first 3 days of enteral feeding on clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 94 patients were included in the analysis, with 77 (81.9%) experiencing EFI. During the first 3 days of enteral feeding, 25 patients (26.6%) experienced EFI for 1 day, 22 patients (23.4%) experienced EFI for 2 days, and 30 patients (31.9%) experienced EFI for all 3 days. The total number of EFI days was identified as an independent risk factor of 90-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.400; 95% CI 1.021–1.919). Higher total EFI days was significantly associated with increased ICU mortality (P for trend=0.036), in-hospital mortality (P for trend=0.007), 30-day mortality (P for trend=0.004), and 90-day mortality (P for trend=0.006). Conclusions An increase in the total number of EFI days was significantly associated with mortality outcomes in patients with septic shock, suggesting that EFI may serve as a useful indicator for predicting outcomes in this population.

Background/Aims: Risk factors for progression to critical illness in hospital-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain unknown. Here, we assessed the incidence and risk factors for progression to critical illness and determined their effects on clinical outcomes in patients with hospital-acquired COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients admitted to the tertiary hospital between January 2020 and June 2022 with confirmed hospital-acquired COVID-19. The primary outcome was the progression to critical illness of hospital- acquired COVID-19. Patients were stratified into high-, intermediate-, or low-risk groups by the number of risk factors for progression to critical illness. Results: In total, 204 patients were included and 37 (18.1%) progressed to critical illness. In the multivariable logistic analysis, patients with preexisting respiratory disease (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.04–15.18), preexisting cardiovascular disease (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.11–11.27), immunocompromised status (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.11–9.16), higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.28–1.96), and higher clinical frailty scale (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.62–4.13) showed significantly increased risk of progression to critical illness. As the risk of the groups increased, patients were significantly more likely to progress to critical illness and had higher 28-day mortality. Conclusions Among patients with hospital-acquired COVID-19, preexisting respiratory disease, preexisting cardiovascular disease, immunocompromised status, and higher clinical frailty scale and SOFA scores at baseline were risk factors for progression to critical illness. Patients with these risk factors must be prioritized and appropriately isolated or treated in a timely manner, especially in pandemic settings.

The efficacy of previously developed respiratory barrier enclosures to limit healthcare workers’ exposure to aerosols from COVID-19 patients remains unclear; in addition, the design of these devices is unsuitable for transportation or other emergency procedures. Therefore, we developed a novel negative pressure respiratory isolator to improve protection from patient-generated aerosols and evaluated its protective effect in conversion to systemic isolator. Methods This in vitro study simulated droplets by nebulizing 1% glycerol + 99% ethanol solution. We performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and converted a respiratory barrier enclosure into a systemic isolator with a respiratory barrier as well as a respiratory barrier with negative pressure generator (NPG), which were compared with control and room air. During the procedure, particles were counted for 30 seconds and the count was repeated 10 times. Results During CPR, the total number of particles in the respiratory barrier with NPG (280,529; interquartile range [IQR], 205,263–359,195; P=0.970) was similar to that in the control (308,789; IQR, 175,056–473,276). Using NPG with a respiratory barrier reduced the number of particles to 27,524 (IQR, 26,703– 28,905; P=0.001). Particle number during conversion of the respiratory barrier into a systemic isolator was also lower than in the control (25,845; IQR, 19,391– 29,772; P=0.001). Conclusion The novel isolator was converted to a systemic isolator without air leakage. The aerosol-blocking effect of the isolator was quantified using a particle counter during CPR. Further studies comparing the barrier effect of isolators within various pressure differentials are warranted.

Background: Prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) is associated with an increased risk of hospital-acquired conditions and worse outcomes. We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study to determine whether prolonged hospitalization before developing sepsis has a negative impact on its prognosis. Methods: We analyzed data from 19 tertiary referral or university-affiliated hospitals between September 2019 and December 2020. Adult patients with confirmed sepsis during hospitalization were included. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. The patients were divided into two groups according to their LOS before the diagnosis of sepsis: early- (< 5 days) and late-onset groups (≥ 5 days). Conditional multivariable logistic regression for propensity score matched-pair analysis was employed to assess the association between lateonset sepsis and the primary outcome. Results: A total of 1,395 patients were included (median age, 68.0 years; women, 36.3%).The early- and late-onset sepsis groups comprised 668 (47.9%) and 727 (52.1%) patients.Propensity score-matched analysis showed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in the late-onset group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69–5.34).The same trend was observed in the entire study population (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.37–2.50).When patients were divided into LOS quartile groups, an increasing trend of mortality risk was observed in the higher quartiles (Pfor trend < 0.001). Conclusion Extended LOS before developing sepsis is associated with higher in-hospital mortality. More careful management is required when sepsis occurs in patients hospitalized for ≥ 5 days.

Objective: With the increase in the elderly population worldwide, there has been a corresponding increase in the proportion of elderly patients who visit the emergency department (ED). Therefore, research on the elderly not only aids in the treatment of diseases but also assists in the efficient utilization of limited medical resources. Respiratory symptoms are one of the most common and sometimes life-threatening symptoms in elderly patients. Knowing the factors that can predict the prognosis in advance can help with rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2020 at an ED in an urban area. Patients with respiratory symptoms who were treated in the critical care area of the ED were reviewed. The ED clinical data were compared with the outcomes in the ED. Results: A total of 750 patients were screened, of which 703 were elderly patients. Many clinical factors showed variations between the elderly and non-elderly patients. Oxygen volume, elevated lactate level, elevated troponin level, hypocalcemia, and hypothermia were related with ED death or ICU admission among the elderly. Conclusion We identified several clinical factors with respect to elderly ED patients with respiratory symptoms that were related to the clinical outcomes and can be used for decision-making and prediction of poor outcomes.

Objective: Emergency medical system reform is an important part of the 4th Emergency Medical Care 5-year plan in Korea, published in 2023. However, little is known about the current emergency department (ED) utilization status of local emergency medical agencies (EMAs). We sought to compare the ED utilization code between the emergency medical centers (EMCs) (n=58) and the local EMAs (n=152) based on parameters such as the admission rate or transfer rate in patients with a critical illness. Methods: Consecutive emergency patients registered on the National Emergency Department Information System from January 2022 to December 2022 were included in this study and their records were analyzed. The study included critically ill patients who were defined as having a critical illness code. Results: Among 590,878 (EMC of 450,007; local EMA of 140,871) critical illness code patients, the admission rate was 76.2% for EMCs and 52.9% for local EMAs. Of the critical illness code patients who visited local EMAs, 89.4% were Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) grade 3-5 patients. The hospitalization volume of critical illness code patients in the local EMAs was 74,571, mostly major trauma (47.5%) and ischemic stroke (11.5%). If KTAS grade 1 or 2 patients could not be transferred to the local EMAs, the EMCs covered up to 14,989 ED patients and 74,571 admitted patients additionally. Conclusion If the local EMAs maintain their current roles in the areas of major trauma and ischemic stroke, and take charge of the admission of patients with critical illness codes transferred from the EMC after emergency treatment, then the local EMAs can still maintain their functions even after the proposed emergency medical system reform.