Purpose: This study examines the factors influencing 30-day in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and compares them to those in adult patients. Methods: This secondary analysis used discharge data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Statistical methods included χ² tests, t-tests, the Cox proportional hazards model for calculating adjusted hazard ratios (HR), and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The study found that older age (Adjusted HR=2.40, 95% CI=2.01-2.85, p<.001) and Emergency Room admissions (Adjusted HR=2.24, 95% CI=1.94-2.59, p<.001) are significantly associated with increased mortality in elderly patients. Other contributing factors include residency area (Adjusted HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.87, p=.035), hospital setting (Adjusted HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.05-1.70, p=.017), and the number of hospital beds (Adjusted HR=1.27, 95% CI=1.11-1.46, p=.001). Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of improving community health screenings and developing respiratory infection prevention programs for elderly patients, especially those in high-risk areas.

Purpose: This study examines the factors influencing 30-day in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and compares them to those in adult patients. Methods: This secondary analysis used discharge data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Statistical methods included χ² tests, t-tests, the Cox proportional hazards model for calculating adjusted hazard ratios (HR), and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The study found that older age (Adjusted HR=2.40, 95% CI=2.01-2.85, p<.001) and Emergency Room admissions (Adjusted HR=2.24, 95% CI=1.94-2.59, p<.001) are significantly associated with increased mortality in elderly patients. Other contributing factors include residency area (Adjusted HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.87, p=.035), hospital setting (Adjusted HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.05-1.70, p=.017), and the number of hospital beds (Adjusted HR=1.27, 95% CI=1.11-1.46, p=.001). Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of improving community health screenings and developing respiratory infection prevention programs for elderly patients, especially those in high-risk areas.

Purpose: This study examines the factors influencing 30-day in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and compares them to those in adult patients. Methods: This secondary analysis used discharge data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Statistical methods included χ² tests, t-tests, the Cox proportional hazards model for calculating adjusted hazard ratios (HR), and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The study found that older age (Adjusted HR=2.40, 95% CI=2.01-2.85, p<.001) and Emergency Room admissions (Adjusted HR=2.24, 95% CI=1.94-2.59, p<.001) are significantly associated with increased mortality in elderly patients. Other contributing factors include residency area (Adjusted HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.87, p=.035), hospital setting (Adjusted HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.05-1.70, p=.017), and the number of hospital beds (Adjusted HR=1.27, 95% CI=1.11-1.46, p=.001). Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of improving community health screenings and developing respiratory infection prevention programs for elderly patients, especially those in high-risk areas.

Background: As the global population ages, medical professionals are also aging. This study investigates the status of Korean anesthesiologists over the age of 60. Methods: Anesthesiologists aged 60 and older, residing and working in Korea, were invited to participate in this study via e-mail from February to March 2021 and by mail from June to August 2021. The survey consisted of 40 questions covering 10 topics, including health status, residence, work style, and economic status. Depending on the type of question, answers were ranked on a scale of 1, 2, and 3, with the most preferred response being selected. Results: A total of 63 responses were received, resulting in a response rate of 26.5%. Among the respondents, 56 were currently practicing as anesthesiologists and reported satisfaction with their clinical practice and life status. On average, they treated 24 patients per day without experiencing significant discomfort or inconvenience in their roles as senior physicians. Twenty-four respondents acknowledged physical discomfort related to aging, and nine expressed cautions regarding age-related changes. Fifty-two respondents indicated that reeducation for advanced medical practice as anesthesiologists was necessary. Conclusions Senior anesthesiologists in Korea are primarily working in secondary and tertiary hospitals and are satisfied with their current life status. A comprehensive evaluation of reeducation programs for advanced clinical practice and retirement strategies for senior anesthesiologists is needed to address the growing number of aging physicians in the workforce.

Objective: The frequency and severity of dog bite injuries were reported to increase during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study examined the status of dog bite injuries in Korea and the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patient information was obtained from in-depth research data on patients from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The general characteristics, the situation and location at the time of the dog bite injury, severity, and the means of transport to the emergency department (ED) were evaluated, and the excess mortality ratio-adjusted injury severity score was determined to evaluate the severity. The differences between the pre-COVID pandemic (2019) and post-COVID pandemic (2020) were compared, and subgroups by age were also analyzed. Results: Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients decreased in all age groups. In contrast, the severity, especially in the under-19-year-old group, showed a slight but significant increase. In addition, dog bite injuries occurred most frequently in the home, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The severity of dog bites in those under the age of 19 was highest, which should be considered when setting more appropriate guidelines for the classification and treatment of dog-bite patients in an ED. Dog bite injuries occur most frequently during daily activity in the house. This tendency was further strengthened in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare symptoms, social support, and quality of life across different stages of survival in patients with lung cancer. Methods: The study included 145 participants: 49 in the acute survival phase (less than 2 years), 50 in the extended survival phase (2~5 years), and 46 in the lasting survival phase (> 5 years). A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess symptoms, social support, and quality of life. Analysis of covariance was used to control for demographic and disease-related variables. Results: Quality of life was significantly higher in the lasting survival stage (F=5.05, p=.008). The severity of symptoms was highest in the acute survival stage, followed by the extended survival stage, and lowest in the lasting survival stage (F=15.79, p<.001). Symptom interference with life was greater in the extended survival stage than in the lasting survival stage (F=11.11, p<.001). Social support was the lowest in the extended survival stage (F=10.03, p<.001). Notably, the extended survival stage had the highest scores for symptoms affecting daily activities, relationships, walking, and work (p<.001). Conclusion This study highlights the differences in symptoms, social support, and quality of life in patients with lung cancer across their survival stages. Tailored interventions are essential for each survival stage to improve the quality of life, with emotional and social support being critical in the extended survival phase, whereas symptom management is key in the acute phase.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare symptoms, social support, and quality of life across different stages of survival in patients with lung cancer. Methods: The study included 145 participants: 49 in the acute survival phase (less than 2 years), 50 in the extended survival phase (2~5 years), and 46 in the lasting survival phase (> 5 years). A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess symptoms, social support, and quality of life. Analysis of covariance was used to control for demographic and disease-related variables. Results: Quality of life was significantly higher in the lasting survival stage (F=5.05, p=.008). The severity of symptoms was highest in the acute survival stage, followed by the extended survival stage, and lowest in the lasting survival stage (F=15.79, p<.001). Symptom interference with life was greater in the extended survival stage than in the lasting survival stage (F=11.11, p<.001). Social support was the lowest in the extended survival stage (F=10.03, p<.001). Notably, the extended survival stage had the highest scores for symptoms affecting daily activities, relationships, walking, and work (p<.001). Conclusion This study highlights the differences in symptoms, social support, and quality of life in patients with lung cancer across their survival stages. Tailored interventions are essential for each survival stage to improve the quality of life, with emotional and social support being critical in the extended survival phase, whereas symptom management is key in the acute phase.

Objective: The frequency and severity of dog bite injuries were reported to increase during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study examined the status of dog bite injuries in Korea and the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patient information was obtained from in-depth research data on patients from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The general characteristics, the situation and location at the time of the dog bite injury, severity, and the means of transport to the emergency department (ED) were evaluated, and the excess mortality ratio-adjusted injury severity score was determined to evaluate the severity. The differences between the pre-COVID pandemic (2019) and post-COVID pandemic (2020) were compared, and subgroups by age were also analyzed. Results: Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients decreased in all age groups. In contrast, the severity, especially in the under-19-year-old group, showed a slight but significant increase. In addition, dog bite injuries occurred most frequently in the home, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The severity of dog bites in those under the age of 19 was highest, which should be considered when setting more appropriate guidelines for the classification and treatment of dog-bite patients in an ED. Dog bite injuries occur most frequently during daily activity in the house. This tendency was further strengthened in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: This study examines the factors influencing 30-day in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and compares them to those in adult patients. Methods: This secondary analysis used discharge data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Statistical methods included χ² tests, t-tests, the Cox proportional hazards model for calculating adjusted hazard ratios (HR), and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The study found that older age (Adjusted HR=2.40, 95% CI=2.01-2.85, p<.001) and Emergency Room admissions (Adjusted HR=2.24, 95% CI=1.94-2.59, p<.001) are significantly associated with increased mortality in elderly patients. Other contributing factors include residency area (Adjusted HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.87, p=.035), hospital setting (Adjusted HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.05-1.70, p=.017), and the number of hospital beds (Adjusted HR=1.27, 95% CI=1.11-1.46, p=.001). Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of improving community health screenings and developing respiratory infection prevention programs for elderly patients, especially those in high-risk areas.