Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Background/Aims: Carbapenems are recommended for treating bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). However, this has resulted in a significant rise in the utilization of carbapenems in cases of ESBL-E infection. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with ESBL-E bacteremia treated with non-carbapenem antimicrobials. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a cohort of patients with documented ESBL-E bacteremia from January 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received non-carbapenem or carbapenem therapy. The rates of treatment failure, 30-day mortality and microbiologic failure, and the durations of hospitalization and of antimicrobial therapy were compared between the two groups. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic identification of ESBL-E were performed using the Vitek 2 system. Results: Of 118 patients with ESBL-E bacteremia, 54 received non-carbapenem drugs (non-carbapenem group [NCG]) and 64 received carbapenems (carbapenem group [CG]). Treatment failure at 30 days occurred in 16.7% of the patients in the NCG and in 18.8% in the CG (p = 0.65). The 30-day mortality rate was 14.8% in the NCG and 17.2% in the CG (p = 0.63). Extra-urinary tract infection and prior antimicrobial therapy within 30 days were risk factors for treatment failure in patients with ESBL-E bacteremia. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, challenging the prevailing preference for carbapenems in the treatment of ESBL-E bacteremia. Conclusions Non-carbapenem antimicrobials such as piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended for patients with mild ESBL-E bacteremia in South Korea.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone (160 mg/day) compared to quetiapine XR (QXR; 600 mg/day) in the treatment of acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with lurasidone 160 mg/day (n=105) or QXR 600 mg/day (n=105). Primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline to week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI-S) score. Adverse events, body measurements, and laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: Lurasidone demonstrated non-inferiority to QXR on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean±standard error change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was -26.42±2.02 and -27.33±2.01 in the lurasidone and QXR group, respectively. The mean difference score was -0.91 (95% confidence interval -6.35–4.53). The lurasidone group showed a greater reduction in PANSS total and negative subscale on week 1 and a greater reduction in end-point CGI-S score compared to the QXR group. Body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference in the lurasidone group were reduced, with significantly lower mean change compared to QXR. Endpoint changes in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels were also significantly lower. The most common adverse drug reactions with lurasidone were akathisia and nausea. Conclusion Lurasidone 160 mg/day was found to be non-inferior to QXR 600 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia with comparable efficacy and tolerability. Adverse effects of lurasidone were generally tolerable, and beneficial effects on metabolic parameters can be expected.

Background/Aims: Carbapenems are recommended for treating bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). However, this has resulted in a significant rise in the utilization of carbapenems in cases of ESBL-E infection. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with ESBL-E bacteremia treated with non-carbapenem antimicrobials. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a cohort of patients with documented ESBL-E bacteremia from January 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received non-carbapenem or carbapenem therapy. The rates of treatment failure, 30-day mortality and microbiologic failure, and the durations of hospitalization and of antimicrobial therapy were compared between the two groups. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic identification of ESBL-E were performed using the Vitek 2 system. Results: Of 118 patients with ESBL-E bacteremia, 54 received non-carbapenem drugs (non-carbapenem group [NCG]) and 64 received carbapenems (carbapenem group [CG]). Treatment failure at 30 days occurred in 16.7% of the patients in the NCG and in 18.8% in the CG (p = 0.65). The 30-day mortality rate was 14.8% in the NCG and 17.2% in the CG (p = 0.63). Extra-urinary tract infection and prior antimicrobial therapy within 30 days were risk factors for treatment failure in patients with ESBL-E bacteremia. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, challenging the prevailing preference for carbapenems in the treatment of ESBL-E bacteremia. Conclusions Non-carbapenem antimicrobials such as piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended for patients with mild ESBL-E bacteremia in South Korea.

Background/Aims: Carbapenems are recommended for treating bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). However, this has resulted in a significant rise in the utilization of carbapenems in cases of ESBL-E infection. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with ESBL-E bacteremia treated with non-carbapenem antimicrobials. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a cohort of patients with documented ESBL-E bacteremia from January 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received non-carbapenem or carbapenem therapy. The rates of treatment failure, 30-day mortality and microbiologic failure, and the durations of hospitalization and of antimicrobial therapy were compared between the two groups. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic identification of ESBL-E were performed using the Vitek 2 system. Results: Of 118 patients with ESBL-E bacteremia, 54 received non-carbapenem drugs (non-carbapenem group [NCG]) and 64 received carbapenems (carbapenem group [CG]). Treatment failure at 30 days occurred in 16.7% of the patients in the NCG and in 18.8% in the CG (p = 0.65). The 30-day mortality rate was 14.8% in the NCG and 17.2% in the CG (p = 0.63). Extra-urinary tract infection and prior antimicrobial therapy within 30 days were risk factors for treatment failure in patients with ESBL-E bacteremia. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, challenging the prevailing preference for carbapenems in the treatment of ESBL-E bacteremia. Conclusions Non-carbapenem antimicrobials such as piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended for patients with mild ESBL-E bacteremia in South Korea.

Background/Aims: Carbapenems are recommended for treating bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). However, this has resulted in a significant rise in the utilization of carbapenems in cases of ESBL-E infection. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with ESBL-E bacteremia treated with non-carbapenem antimicrobials. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a cohort of patients with documented ESBL-E bacteremia from January 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received non-carbapenem or carbapenem therapy. The rates of treatment failure, 30-day mortality and microbiologic failure, and the durations of hospitalization and of antimicrobial therapy were compared between the two groups. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic identification of ESBL-E were performed using the Vitek 2 system. Results: Of 118 patients with ESBL-E bacteremia, 54 received non-carbapenem drugs (non-carbapenem group [NCG]) and 64 received carbapenems (carbapenem group [CG]). Treatment failure at 30 days occurred in 16.7% of the patients in the NCG and in 18.8% in the CG (p = 0.65). The 30-day mortality rate was 14.8% in the NCG and 17.2% in the CG (p = 0.63). Extra-urinary tract infection and prior antimicrobial therapy within 30 days were risk factors for treatment failure in patients with ESBL-E bacteremia. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, challenging the prevailing preference for carbapenems in the treatment of ESBL-E bacteremia. Conclusions Non-carbapenem antimicrobials such as piperacillin/tazobactam are recommended for patients with mild ESBL-E bacteremia in South Korea.

Background: and Purpose: Dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), pose diagnostic challenges. This review examines the effectiveness of 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET) in differentiating these subtypes for precise treatment and management. Methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted using databases like PubMed and Embase to identify studies on the diagnostic utility of 18 F-FDG PET in dementia. The search included studies up to November 16, 2022, focusing on peer-reviewed journals and applying the goldstandard clinical diagnosis for dementia subtypes. Results: From 12,815 articles, 14 were selected for final analysis. For AD versus FTD, the sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.98) and specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.70–0.92). In the case of AD versus DLB, 18F-FDG PET showed a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.98) and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70–0.92). Lastly, when differentiating AD from non-AD dementias, the sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91) and the specificity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91). The studies mostly used case-control designs with visual and quantitative assessments. Conclusions 18 F-FDG PET exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating dementia subtypes, particularly AD, FTD, and DLB. This method, while not a standalone diagnostic tool, significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy in uncertain cases, complementing clinical assessments and structural imaging.