Purpose: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen-induced hypotension is a clinically significant issue that remains difficult to predict.Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hypotension in patients with repeated IV acetaminophen administration. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included patients who received IV acetaminophen in the critical care unit of the Yongin Severance Hospital in 2020. All IV acetaminophen administration records for each patient were reviewed, and the blood pressure records within 2 h after IV acetaminophen administration were examined. Changes in blood pressure within 2 h of IV acetaminophen administration were monitored to identify hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg, or a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 15%. Results: There were 1547 instances of IV acetaminophen administration among 398 patients. Of these, 416 instances (26.9%) resulted in hypotension among 204 patients (51.3%). A history of IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension did not predict subsequent hypotensive episodes, and there was no consistent tendency. The use of beta-blocker [odds ratio (OR)=1.50], gastrointestinal (GI) infection (OR=1.42), and septic shock (OR=1.68) were significant risk factors for IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis of cases with beta-blocker, heart failure (OR=1.91), urinary tract infection (OR=2.16), GI infection (OR=1.83) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Severe infections, heart failure, and the use of beta-blockers are associated with IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension. However, IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension is inconsistent and depends on the patient’s condition.

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen-induced hypotension is a clinically significant issue that remains difficult to predict.Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hypotension in patients with repeated IV acetaminophen administration. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included patients who received IV acetaminophen in the critical care unit of the Yongin Severance Hospital in 2020. All IV acetaminophen administration records for each patient were reviewed, and the blood pressure records within 2 h after IV acetaminophen administration were examined. Changes in blood pressure within 2 h of IV acetaminophen administration were monitored to identify hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg, or a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 15%. Results: There were 1547 instances of IV acetaminophen administration among 398 patients. Of these, 416 instances (26.9%) resulted in hypotension among 204 patients (51.3%). A history of IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension did not predict subsequent hypotensive episodes, and there was no consistent tendency. The use of beta-blocker [odds ratio (OR)=1.50], gastrointestinal (GI) infection (OR=1.42), and septic shock (OR=1.68) were significant risk factors for IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis of cases with beta-blocker, heart failure (OR=1.91), urinary tract infection (OR=2.16), GI infection (OR=1.83) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Severe infections, heart failure, and the use of beta-blockers are associated with IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension. However, IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension is inconsistent and depends on the patient’s condition.

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen-induced hypotension is a clinically significant issue that remains difficult to predict.Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hypotension in patients with repeated IV acetaminophen administration. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included patients who received IV acetaminophen in the critical care unit of the Yongin Severance Hospital in 2020. All IV acetaminophen administration records for each patient were reviewed, and the blood pressure records within 2 h after IV acetaminophen administration were examined. Changes in blood pressure within 2 h of IV acetaminophen administration were monitored to identify hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg, or a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 15%. Results: There were 1547 instances of IV acetaminophen administration among 398 patients. Of these, 416 instances (26.9%) resulted in hypotension among 204 patients (51.3%). A history of IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension did not predict subsequent hypotensive episodes, and there was no consistent tendency. The use of beta-blocker [odds ratio (OR)=1.50], gastrointestinal (GI) infection (OR=1.42), and septic shock (OR=1.68) were significant risk factors for IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis of cases with beta-blocker, heart failure (OR=1.91), urinary tract infection (OR=2.16), GI infection (OR=1.83) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Severe infections, heart failure, and the use of beta-blockers are associated with IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension. However, IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension is inconsistent and depends on the patient’s condition.

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen-induced hypotension is a clinically significant issue that remains difficult to predict.Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hypotension in patients with repeated IV acetaminophen administration. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included patients who received IV acetaminophen in the critical care unit of the Yongin Severance Hospital in 2020. All IV acetaminophen administration records for each patient were reviewed, and the blood pressure records within 2 h after IV acetaminophen administration were examined. Changes in blood pressure within 2 h of IV acetaminophen administration were monitored to identify hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg, or a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 15%. Results: There were 1547 instances of IV acetaminophen administration among 398 patients. Of these, 416 instances (26.9%) resulted in hypotension among 204 patients (51.3%). A history of IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension did not predict subsequent hypotensive episodes, and there was no consistent tendency. The use of beta-blocker [odds ratio (OR)=1.50], gastrointestinal (GI) infection (OR=1.42), and septic shock (OR=1.68) were significant risk factors for IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis of cases with beta-blocker, heart failure (OR=1.91), urinary tract infection (OR=2.16), GI infection (OR=1.83) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Severe infections, heart failure, and the use of beta-blockers are associated with IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension. However, IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension is inconsistent and depends on the patient’s condition.

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen-induced hypotension is a clinically significant issue that remains difficult to predict.Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hypotension in patients with repeated IV acetaminophen administration. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included patients who received IV acetaminophen in the critical care unit of the Yongin Severance Hospital in 2020. All IV acetaminophen administration records for each patient were reviewed, and the blood pressure records within 2 h after IV acetaminophen administration were examined. Changes in blood pressure within 2 h of IV acetaminophen administration were monitored to identify hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg, or a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 15%. Results: There were 1547 instances of IV acetaminophen administration among 398 patients. Of these, 416 instances (26.9%) resulted in hypotension among 204 patients (51.3%). A history of IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension did not predict subsequent hypotensive episodes, and there was no consistent tendency. The use of beta-blocker [odds ratio (OR)=1.50], gastrointestinal (GI) infection (OR=1.42), and septic shock (OR=1.68) were significant risk factors for IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis of cases with beta-blocker, heart failure (OR=1.91), urinary tract infection (OR=2.16), GI infection (OR=1.83) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Severe infections, heart failure, and the use of beta-blockers are associated with IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension. However, IV acetaminophen-induced hypotension is inconsistent and depends on the patient’s condition.

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic endometritis, diagnosed using CD138 immunohistochemistry, among infertile women and to assess the association between chronic endometritis and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: In total, 266 patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility between 2019 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Of these, 136 patients with RIF and 130 non-RIF patients were included in the study. CD138 immunohistochemistry test results, blood biomarkers (including natural killer cells, white blood cells, and the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio), and data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained. If the CD138 test yielded a positive result, the patients received antibiotic treatment. Results: The overall proportion of CD138-positive patients was 32.7% (87/266). The CD138 positivity rate was not related to the number of cycles with implantation failure. In the RIF patient group, no significant associations were found between CD138 positivity and peripheral blood markers. The clinical pregnancy rates were similar between infertile women treated with antibiotics for chronic endometritis and those without chronic endometritis. Conclusion To improve the pregnancy rate in infertile patients, it may be helpful to combine CD138 testing with other laboratory tests and administer antibiotic treatment if the result is positive.

This article reports the live birth of a healthy newborn using vitrified-warmed oocytes from fertility preservation before ovarian surgery. The patient in our case underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation before laparoscopic bilateral ovarian cystectomy for endometriosis, and a total of 23 mature oocytes were vitrified. After surgery, her pathologic reports revealed a serous borderline tumor and endometrioma. Fifteen months after her second surgery of laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy and left ovarian cystectomy owing to recurrence, she had been married by then, and three of the frozen oocytes were thawed for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. These oocytes were cryopreserved for 2.5 years. All three were fertilized, and two grade-A cleavage-stage embryos were transferred.A singleton pregnancy was achieved, resulting in the delivery of a healthy baby boy at 39.3 weeks of gestation. Oocyte cryopreservation is an effective method for fertility preservation prior to ovarian surgery when ovarian function decline is predictable.

Background: Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI)-2012 reference equation is currently suggested for interpretation of spirometry results and a new local reference equation has been developed in South Korea. However, lung function profiles according to the different reference equations and their clinical relevance have not been identified in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods: Our cross-sectional study evaluated Choi’s, Korean National Health and National Examination Survey (KNHANES)-VI, and GLI-2012 reference equations. We estimated the percentages of predictive forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) and airflow limitation severity according to reference equations and analyzed their associations with patient reported outcomes (PROs): COPD assessment test (CAT) score, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C) score, and six minute walk distance (6MWD). Results: In the eligible 2,180 COPD patients, lower predicted values of FEV 1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) were found in GLI-2012 compared to Choi's and KNHANES-VI equations.GLI-2012 equation resulted in a lower proportion of patients being classified as FEV 1 < 80% or FVC < 80% compared to the other equations. However, the Z-scores of FEV 1 and FVC were similar between the KNHANES-VI and GLI-2012 equations. Three reference equations exhibited significant associations between FEV 1 (%) and patient-reported outcomes (CAT score, SGRQ-C score, and 6MWD). Conclusion GLI-2012 reference equation may not accurately reflect FEV 1 (%) in the Korean population, but the Z-score using GLI-2012 equation can be a viable option for assessing FEV 1 and airflow limitation in COPD patients. Similar to the other two equations, the GLI-2012 equation demonstrated significant associations with PROs.

Background: Female infertility is a crucial problem with significant implications for individuals and society. In this study, we explore risk factors for infertility in Korean women. Methods: A total of 986 female patients who visited six major infertility clinics in Korea were recruited from April to December 2014. Fertile age-matched controls were selected from two nationwide survey study participants. Conditional logistic regression after age-matching was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each risk factor for infertility. Results: Women with a body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 had 1.35 times higher odds of infertility (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.77), while those with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 had even higher odds (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.61–2.64) compared to women with a normal BMI (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ). Ever-smokers exhibited 4.94 times higher odds of infertility compared to never-smokers (95% CI, 3.45–8.85). Concerning alcohol consumption, women who consumed ≥ 7 glasses at a time showed 3.13 times significantly higher odds of infertility than those who consumed ≤ 4 glasses at a time (95% CI, 1.79–5.48). Lastly, women with thyroid disease demonstrated 1.44 times higher odds of infertility compared to women without thyroid disease (95% CI, 1.00–2.08). Conclusion Female infertility in Korea was associated with underweight, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and thyroid disease.

Background: As the prevalence of hypertension increases with age and the proportion of the older population is also on the rise, research on the characteristics of older hypertensive patients and the importance of frailty is necessary. This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics of older hypertension in Korea and to investigate these characteristics based on frailty status. Methods: The HOW to Optimize eLDerly systolic BP (HOWOLD-BP) is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial that aims to compare intensive (target systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≤ 130 mmHg) with standard (target SBP ≤ 140 mmHg) treatment to reduce cardiovascular events in older hypertensive Korean patients aged ≥ 65 years. Data were analyzed through a screening assessment of 2,085 patients recruited from 11 university hospitals. Demographic, functional (physical and cognitive), medical history, laboratory data, quality of life, and medication history of antihypertensive drugs were assessed. Results: The mean age was 73.2 years (standard deviation ± 5.60), and 48.0% (n = 1,001) were male. Prevalent conditions included dyslipidemia (66.5%), obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , 53.6%), and diabetes (28.9%). Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were self-reported by 1.6% (n = 33) and 1.2% (n = 24), respectively. The majority of patients were on two antihypertensive drugs (48.4%), while 27.5% (n = 574) and 20.8% (n = 433) were on 1 and 3 antihypertensive medications, respectively. Frail to pre-frail patients were older and also tended to have dependent instrumental activities of daily living, slower gait speed, weaker grip strength, lower quality of life, and lower cognitive function. The frail to pre-frail group reported more dizziness (2.6% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001) and had concerning clinical factors, including lower glomerular filtration rate, more comorbidities such as diabetes, stroke, and a history of admission. Frail to pre-frail older hypertensive patients used slightly more antihypertensive medications than robust older hypertensive patients (1.95 vs. 2.06, P = 0.003). Pre-frail to frail patients often chose beta-blockers as a third medication over diuretics. Conclusion This study described the general clinical characteristics of older hypertensive patients in Korea. Frail hypertensive patients face challenges in achieving positive clinical outcomes because of multifactorial causes: they are older, have more morbidities, decreased function, lower quality of life and cognitive function, and take more antihypertensive medications. Therefore, it is essential to comprehensively evaluate and monitor diseaserelated or drug-related adverse events more frequently during regular check-ups, which is necessary for pre-frail to frail older patients with hypertension.