Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests. Results: Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

Background: While Korea maintains a low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the number of newly diagnosed cases has been steadily rising, reaching approximately 1,000 annually in recent years. The 2022 annual report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed that women living with HIV (WLWH) constitute 6.4% of the total confirmed people living with the HIV population, totaling 1,219 individuals. Despite this, only a few studies have focused on WLWH in Korea. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of WLWH in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data by reviewing the medical records of all WLWH who visited 10 urban referral hospitals across Korea between January 2005 and May 2023. Results: A total of 443 WLWH were enrolled in this study. The predominant risk exposure was heterosexual contact, with 235 (53%) participants either married or cohabiting with a male partner at their initial clinic visit. Among the participants, 334 (77.7%) were Korean, 27 (6.1%) were Southeast Asian, and 19 (4.3%) were African. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated by 404 WLWH (91.2%). We observed 118 pregnancies in WLWH following their HIV diagnosis, resulting in 78 live births (66.1%), 18 induced abortions (15.2%), 10 pre-viable fetal losses (8.5%), and four stillbirths (3.4%). Over a cumulative follow-up duration of 3,202.1 years, the incidence rates of breast and cervical cancers were both 2.18 per 1,000 person-years. Additionally, the incidence rates of pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (above grade II), and osteoporosis were 4.67, 11.21, and 13.39 per 1,000 patient-years, respectively. Conclusion This is the first multicenter study to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of WLWH in Korea. The incidence and prevalence of diseases in women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and chronic comorbidities, are high in WLWH in Korea; therefore, further research and efforts are needed to manage these diseases.

Background: While Korea maintains a low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the number of newly diagnosed cases has been steadily rising, reaching approximately 1,000 annually in recent years. The 2022 annual report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed that women living with HIV (WLWH) constitute 6.4% of the total confirmed people living with the HIV population, totaling 1,219 individuals. Despite this, only a few studies have focused on WLWH in Korea. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of WLWH in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data by reviewing the medical records of all WLWH who visited 10 urban referral hospitals across Korea between January 2005 and May 2023. Results: A total of 443 WLWH were enrolled in this study. The predominant risk exposure was heterosexual contact, with 235 (53%) participants either married or cohabiting with a male partner at their initial clinic visit. Among the participants, 334 (77.7%) were Korean, 27 (6.1%) were Southeast Asian, and 19 (4.3%) were African. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated by 404 WLWH (91.2%). We observed 118 pregnancies in WLWH following their HIV diagnosis, resulting in 78 live births (66.1%), 18 induced abortions (15.2%), 10 pre-viable fetal losses (8.5%), and four stillbirths (3.4%). Over a cumulative follow-up duration of 3,202.1 years, the incidence rates of breast and cervical cancers were both 2.18 per 1,000 person-years. Additionally, the incidence rates of pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (above grade II), and osteoporosis were 4.67, 11.21, and 13.39 per 1,000 patient-years, respectively. Conclusion This is the first multicenter study to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of WLWH in Korea. The incidence and prevalence of diseases in women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and chronic comorbidities, are high in WLWH in Korea; therefore, further research and efforts are needed to manage these diseases.

Background: While Korea maintains a low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the number of newly diagnosed cases has been steadily rising, reaching approximately 1,000 annually in recent years. The 2022 annual report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed that women living with HIV (WLWH) constitute 6.4% of the total confirmed people living with the HIV population, totaling 1,219 individuals. Despite this, only a few studies have focused on WLWH in Korea. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of WLWH in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data by reviewing the medical records of all WLWH who visited 10 urban referral hospitals across Korea between January 2005 and May 2023. Results: A total of 443 WLWH were enrolled in this study. The predominant risk exposure was heterosexual contact, with 235 (53%) participants either married or cohabiting with a male partner at their initial clinic visit. Among the participants, 334 (77.7%) were Korean, 27 (6.1%) were Southeast Asian, and 19 (4.3%) were African. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated by 404 WLWH (91.2%). We observed 118 pregnancies in WLWH following their HIV diagnosis, resulting in 78 live births (66.1%), 18 induced abortions (15.2%), 10 pre-viable fetal losses (8.5%), and four stillbirths (3.4%). Over a cumulative follow-up duration of 3,202.1 years, the incidence rates of breast and cervical cancers were both 2.18 per 1,000 person-years. Additionally, the incidence rates of pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (above grade II), and osteoporosis were 4.67, 11.21, and 13.39 per 1,000 patient-years, respectively. Conclusion This is the first multicenter study to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of WLWH in Korea. The incidence and prevalence of diseases in women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and chronic comorbidities, are high in WLWH in Korea; therefore, further research and efforts are needed to manage these diseases.

Background: Chronic cough is a common symptom encountered by healthcare practitioners.The global prevalence of chronic cough is 9.6%, with a female predominance. The aim of our study is to reveal the sex differences in prevalence and severity of chronic cough in South Korea, stratified by age and etiology. Methods: This study included adult patients with chronic cough who were recruited from 19 respiratory centers in South Korea. Patients completed the cough numeric rating scale (NRS) and COugh Assessment Test (COAT) questionnaire to assess the severity and multidimensional impact of cough. Results: Among the 625 patients, 419 (67.0%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.03. The mean age was 49.4 years, and the median duration of cough was 12 weeks. The mean NRS and COAT scores were 5.5 ± 1.8 and 9.5 ± 3.6, respectively. Female patients were older (45.3 ± 15.4 vs. 51.6 ± 15.2, P < 0.001) and more likely to have asthma/cough variant asthma (CVA) (26.7% vs. 40.8%, P = 0.001) than male patients. There was no difference in the duration or severity of cough between sexes, regardless of the cause. The male-tofemale ratio was lower for upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), asthma/CVA, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but not for eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) or unexplained cough. The mean age of female patients was higher in UACS and asthma/CVA, but not in EB, GERD, or unexplained cough. The majority (24.2%) fell within the age category of 50s. The proportion of females with cough increased with age, with a significant rise in the 50s, 60s, and 70–89 age groups. The severity of cough decreased in the 50s, 60s, and 70–89 age groups, with no significant sex differences within the same age group. Conclusion The sex disparities in prevalence and severity of cough varied significantly depending on the age category and etiology. Understanding the specific sex-based difference could enhance comprehension of cough-related pathophysiology and treatment strategies.

Background: Minimalist transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) emphasizes early recovery. Remimazolam is a novel benzodiazepine with a short recovery time. This study hypothesized that remimazolam is non-inferior to dexmedetomidine in terms of recovery after TAVR. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, remimazolam was compared to dexmedetomidine in patients who underwent TAVR under MAC at a tertiary academic hospital between July 2020 and July 2022. The primary outcome was timely recovery after TAVR, defined as discharge from the intensive care unit within the first day following the procedure. Propensity score matching was used to compare timely recovery between remimazolam and dexmedetomidine, applying a non-inferiority margin of -10%. Results: The study included 464 patients, of whom 218 received remimazolam and 246 received dexmedetomidine. After propensity score matching, 164 patients in each group were included in the analysis. Regarding timely recovery after TAVR, remimazolam was non-inferior to dexmedetomidine (152 of 164 [92.7%] in the remimazolam group versus 153 of 164 [93.3%] in the dexmedetomidine group, risk difference [95% CI]: −0.6% [−6.7%, 5.5%]). The use of remimazolam was associated with fewer postoperative vasopressors/inotropes (21 of 164 [12.8%] vs. 39 of 164 [23.8%]) and temporary pacemakers (TPMs) (76 of 164 [46.3%] vs. 108 of 164 [65.9%]) compared to dexmedetomidine. Conclusions In patients undergoing TAVR under MAC, remimazolam was non-inferior to dexmedetomidine in terms of timely recovery. Remimazolam may be associated with better postoperative recovery profiles, including a lesser need for vasopressors/inotropes and TPMs.