Validity of Modified STOP-Bang Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a modified STOP-Bang questionnaire with different body mass index reference as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in Korean population. METHODS: The medical records of 1417 participants who underwent overnight Level I polysomnography were retrospectively analyzed. Predictive parameters were calculated for each of the 3 groups classified by obstructive sleep apnea severity with a cut-off value of 3 or 4. Responses to modified and traditional questionnaires were comparatively analyzed by receiver-operator characteristic curves and area under the receiver-operator characteristic curves. RESULTS: The optimal cut-off values of the modified and traditional questionnaires were both 3.5. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of modified STOP-Bang questionnaire for any obstructive sleep apnea group was 0.786 ± 0.018, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional questionnaire. The modified STOP-Bang questionnaire with a cut-off value ≥4 showed significantly higher sensitivity than the traditional one for any obstructive sleep apnea group. The diagnostic accuracy of the modified questionnaire was also significantly higher for the any obstructive sleep apnea group when the cut-off value was 4. CONCLUSION: The modified STOP-Bang questionnaire, with a cut-off value of 4, can be used as an alternative to the traditional screening tool for the Korean population.

Real-World Outcomes of Crizotinib in ROS1-Rearranged Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Real-world data on the use and outcomes of crizotinib in ROS1-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are limited. This study aims to analyze the real-world efficacy of crizotinib in South Korea and explore the utilization of liquid biopsies that implement next-generation sequencing (NGS) using cell-free total nucleic acids. In this prospective multicenter cohort study, 40 patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC, either starting or already on crizotinib, were enrolled. Patients had a median age of 61 years, with 32.5% presenting brain/central nervous system (CNS) metastases at treatment initiation. At the data cutoff, 48.0% were still in treatment; four continued with it even after disease progression due to the clinical benefits. The objective response rate was 70.0%, with a median duration of response of 27.8 months. The median progression-free survival was 24.1 months, while the median overall survival was not reached. Adverse events occurred in 90.0% of patients, primarily with elevated transaminases, yet these were mostly manageable. The NGS assay detected a CD74-ROS1 fusion in 2 of the 14 patients at treatment initiation and identified emerging mutations, such as ROS1 G2032R, ROS1 D2033N, and KRAS G12D, during disease progression. These findings confirm crizotinib's sustained clinical efficacy and safety in a real-world context, which was characterized by a higher elderly population and higher rates of brain/CNS metastases. The study highlights the clinical relevance of liquid biopsy for detecting resistance mechanisms, suggesting its value in personalized treatment strategies.

Next-generation sequencing using tissue specimen collected with a 1.1 mm-diameter cryoprobe in patients with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis is considered standard for lung cancer diagnosis in clinical practice. Little is known about the feasibility of NGS using tumour tissue sampled with a 1.1 mm-diameter cryoprobe. We aimed to investigate the suitability of specimens obtained by transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBC) using a 1.1 mm-diameter cryoprobe for NGS analysis. METHODS: Patients with lung cancer who underwent TBC using a 1.1 mm-diameter cryoprobe for NGS testing between October 2020 and April 2023 were enrolled. A 4.0- or 3.0 mm-diameter bronchoscope with radial probe endobronchial ultrasound and virtual bronchoscopic navigation was used to detect peripheral lung lesions. All procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Data were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients underwent TBC using a 1.1 mm cryoprobe for NGS testing, during the study period. Most patients (98%) were in the advanced stage of lung cancer (recurrent or inoperable disease of stages III or IV). The diagnostic yield of NGS for DNA and RNA sequencing was 95% each (53 of 56). Moderate bleeding was noted in three patients (5%) and none of the study patients developed life-threatening complications, such as pneumothorax or lung infection. CONCLUSION: TBC using a 1.1 mm-diameter cryoprobe is a useful and safe tool for NGS analysis, for both DNA and RNA sequencing.

Recent Advances in Adjuvant Therapy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

After the successful development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), these innovative treatment options are rapidly being applied in the adjuvant setting for early-stage NSCLC. Some adjuvants that have recently been approved include osimertinib for epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated tumors and atezolizumab and pembrolizumab for selected patients with resectable NSCLC. Numerous studies on various targeted therapies and immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy are currently ongoing in the adjuvant setting. However, several questions regarding optimal strategies for adjuvant treatment remain unanswered. The present review summarizes the available literature, focusing on recent advances and ongoing trials with targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of early-stage NSCLC.

Development of the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines: Recommendations on Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound for Diagnosing Lung Cancer - An Updated Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) accurately locates peripheral lung lesions (PLLs) during transbronchial biopsy (TBB). We performed an updated meta-analysis of the diagnostic yield of TBB for PLLs using RP-EBUS to generate recommendations for the development of the Korean Association of Lung Cancer guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (from January 2013 to December 2022), and performed a meta-analysis using R software. The diagnostic yield was evaluated by dividing the number of successful diagnoses by the total lesion number. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify related factors. RESULTS: Forty-one studies with a total of 13,133 PLLs were included. The pooled diagnostic yield of RP-EBUS was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70 to 0.75). Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies (χ2=292.38, p < 0.01, I2=86.4%). In a subgroup analysis, there was a significant difference in diagnostic yield based on RP-EBUS findings (within, adjacent to, invisible), with a risk ratio of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.23 to 1.72) between within and adjacent to, 4.20 (95% CI, 1.89 to 9.32) between within and invisible, and 2.59 (95% CI, 1.32 to 5.01) between adjacent to and invisible. There was a significant difference in diagnostic yield based on lesion size, histologic diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) bronchus sign, lesion character, and location from the hilum. The overall complication rate of TBB with RP-EBUS was 6.8% (bleeding, 4.5%; pneumothorax, 1.4%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that TBB with RP-EBUS is an accurate diagnostic tool for PLLs with good safety profiles, especially for PLLs with within orientation on RP-EBUS or positive CT bronchus sign.

Risk of loss to follow-up among tuberculosis patients in South Korea: whom should we focus on?

Introduction: In South Korea, public-private mix (PPM) has been a key strategy in national tuberculosis (TB) control program. This study aimed to identify rate of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among TB patients in nationwide PPM institutions and their risk factors. Methods: A nationwide prospective observational study including drug susceptible TB patients diagnosed from the 1st day to the 10th day of every month between July 2018 and December 2020 in PPM institutions was designed. Multivariable survival models in which death and failure were designated as events with competing risk were used to investigate risk factors for LTFU. Results: A total of 14,942 patients were included. Of them, 356 (2.4%) had an LTFU. Risk factors for LTFU were: underweight patients (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12-1.92), patients living alone (aHR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.16-1.76), heavy drinkers (aHR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.16-2.39), those with malignancy (aHR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.07-2.05), foreigners (aHR: 5.96, 95% CI: 4.51-7.89), and those with previous TB history reported as an unfavorable outcome (aHR: 4.43, 95% CI: 2.77-7.08). Effect of age on LTFU was not significant. Brief interruption of anti-TB treatment (less than two months) in current session was associated with subsequent LTFU [adjusted odds ratio: 13.09 (10.29-16.66)]. Conclusion: Identifying vulnerability of patients such as living alone, being heavy alcoholics, being foreigners or having previous TB history reported as an unfavorable outcome is required. Thorough case management for these vulnerable groups could be feasible with collaboration between public and private sectors.

Rehabilitation after Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: There is no consensus established on postoperative rehabilitation after medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair, including when and how physicians can apply range of motion (ROM) exercise, weight-bearing (WB), brace use, and return to sports (RTS). The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on postoperative rehabilitation characteristics of MMPRT repair regarding ROM, WB, brace use, and RTS. Methods: A literature search was performed using the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases. The inclusion criteria were English language, human clinical studies, and studies describing rehabilitation protocols after MMPRT repair such as ROM, WB, brace use, and RTS. Abstracts, case reports, cohort studies, controlled laboratory studies, human cadaveric or animal studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Of the 12 ROM studies, ROM was started immediately within 1 or 2 days after operation in 6 studies and after 2 to 3 weeks of knee immobilization in the rest. Of the 13 WB studies, partial weight-bearing was initiated 1 to 4 weeks after operation in 8 studies and 6 weeks in the rest. Of the 9 brace studies, patients were immobilized by a splint for 2 weeks in 3 studies, and in the rest, a brace with full extension was applied for 3 to 6 weeks after several days of splint application. Of the 7 RTS studies, RTS was allowed at 6 months in 6 studies and 5 to 7 months in 1 study. Conclusions: This systematic review revealed conservative rehabilitation protocols were more widely adapted as ROM and WB were restricted at certain degrees during postoperative periods in most protocols analyzed. However, it is impossible to identify a consensus on rehabilitation protocols as the protocols analyzed in this review were distinct each other and heterogeneous. In the future, a well-designed comparative study among different rehabilitation protocols is essential to establish a consensus.

Deaths from tuberculosis: differences between tuberculosis-related and non-tuberculosis-related deaths.

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of ill health and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The first step in developing strategies to reduce TB mortality is to identify the direct causes of death in patients with TB and the risk factors for each cause. Methods: Data on patients with TB systemically collected from the National Surveillance System of South Korea from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. We analyzed the clinical characteristics associated with TB and non-TB-related deaths, including TB-related symptoms, comorbidities, and radiographic and microbiological findings. Results: Of the total of 12,340 patients with TB, 61% were males with a mean age of 61.3 years. During the follow-up period, the overall mortality rate was 10.6%, with TB-related deaths accounting for 21.3% of all TB deaths. The median survival time in the TB-related death group was 22 days. TB-related death was associated with older age, lower body mass index (BMI), dyspnea, fever, general weakness, bilateral radiographic patterns, and acid-fast bacilli (AFB)-positive smears. Non-TB-related deaths were associated with older age, male sex, lower BMI, comorbidities of heart, liver, kidney, and central nervous system (CNS) diseases, CNS TB involvement, the presence of dyspnea, general weakness, and bilateral radiographic patterns. Conclusion: Patients with high-risk TB must be identified through cause-specific mortality analysis, and the mortality rate must be reduced through intensive monitoring of patients with a high TB burden and comorbidities.

Clinical outcomes of transbronchial cryobiopsy using a 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe for peripheral lung lesions - A prospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is a novel technique for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). We aim to evaluate the clinical outcomes of TBCB using a new 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe for the diagnosis of PLLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational pilot study on the diagnosis of PLLs (diameter ≤30 mm) by TBCB, using a 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe with radial endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS), virtual bronchoscopic navigation and fluoroscopy from December 2021 to July 2022. Primary outcome was the pathological diagnostic yield of TBCB, and secondary outcome was adverse event. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were enrolled (mean lesion size, 21 mm). TBCB was performed in 49 patients up to three times except for the one with "invisible" finding on RP-EBUS. The overall diagnostic yield of TBCB was 90% (45/50). There was no difference in the diagnostic yield between size (20 mm vs. 20-30 mm; 88% [22/25] vs. 92% [23/25]; P = 1.000), RP-EBUS findings (concentric vs. others; 97% [28/29] vs. 81% [17/21]; P = 0.148), and acute angle location (apical segment of both upper lobes vs. others; 92% [12/13] vs. 89% [33/37]; P = 1.000). The cumulative diagnostic yields of the first, second, and third TBCB were 82% (41/50), 88% (44/50), and 90% (45/50), respectively. Mild bleeding was developed in 56% (28/50), and moderate bleeding was found in 26% (13/50). CONCLUSION: TBCB using a 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe is an effective, reasonable method for the diagnosis of PLLs regardless of its size, RP-EBUS finding, and anatomical location without serious complication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.Gov (NCT05046093).

BRAF V600E Mutation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Korean Patients.

Background and Objectives: BRAF mutational status in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Korean population is poorly understood. We explored BRAF (particularly BRAF V600E) mutational status among Korean patients with NSCLC. Materials and Methods: This study included 378 patients with resected primary NSCLC who were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2017. The authors obtained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks and performed peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-clamping polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting BRAF V600, real-time PCR for detecting BRAF V600E, and immunohistochemical analyses using the mutation-specific Ventana VE1 monoclonal antibody. For positive cases in any methods mentioned above, direct Sanger sequencing was additionally performed. Results: The PNA-clamping method revealed the BRAF V600 mutation in 5 (1.3%) of the 378 patients. Among these five patients, real-time PCR, direct Sanger sequencing detected BRAF V600E mutations in three (0.8%) patients. Thus, two cases showed differences in their PNA-clamping and the others. Direct Sanger sequencing of PNA-clamping PCR product was performed for two cases showing negative results on direct Sanger sequencing; both contained BRAF mutations other than V600E. All patients harboring BRAF mutations had adenocarcinomas, and all patients with V600E mutation exhibited minor micropapillary components. Conclusions: Despite the low incidence of the BRAF mutation among Korean patients with NSCLC, lung adenocarcinoma patients with micropapillary components should be prioritized in terms of BRAF mutation testing. Immunohistochemical staining using Ventana VE1 antibody may serve as a screening examination for BRAF V600E.

Problems in the Pathologic Diagnosis of Suspected Lung Cancer.

Since the introduction of low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for patients at high risk of lung cancer, the detection rate of suspicious lung cancer has increased. In addition, there have been many advances in therapeutics targeting oncogenic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, accurate pathological diagnosis of lung cancer, including molecular diagnosis, is increasingly important. This review examines the problems in the pathological diagnosis of suspected lung cancer. For successful pathological diagnosis of lung cancer, clinicians should determine the appropriate modality of the diagnostic procedure, considering individual patient characteristics, CT findings, and the possibility of complications. Furthermore, clinicians should make efforts to obtain a sufficient amount of tissue sample using non- or less-invasive procedures for pathological diagnosis and biomarker analysis.

Should We Perform Repeated Re-biopsy for the Detection of T790M Mutation?

PURPOSE: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations have been detected in the second or third rebiopsy, even if the T790M mutation was not identified in the first rebiopsy. This meta-analysis investigated the EGFR T790M mutation detection rates and its additional advantages with repeated rebiopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched through the PubMed and EMBASE databases up to June 2022. Studies reporting rebiopsy to identify the EGFR T790M mutation in case of disease progression among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and multiple rebiopsies were included. The quality of the included studies was checked using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: Eight studies meeting the eligibility criteria, reporting 1,031 EGFR mutation-positive patients were selected. The pooled EGFR T790M mutation detection rate of the first and repeated rebiopsies were 0.442 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.411 to 0.473; I2=84%; p < 0.01) and 0.465 (95% CI, 0.400 to 0.530; I2=69%; p < 0.01), respectively. Overall, the pooled detection rate of EGFR T790M mutation was 0.545 (95% CI, 0.513 to 0.576), which increased by 10.3% with repeated rebiopsies. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis identified that repeated rebiopsy increases the detection rate of EGFR T790M mutation by 10.3%, even if EGFR T790M mutation is not detected in the first rebiopsy. Our results indicate that the spatiotemporal T790M heterogeneity can be overcome with repeated rebiopsy.

Favorable Conditions for the Detection of EGFR T790M Mutation Using Plasma Sample in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Detection of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation using plasma samples has been considered simple and non-invasive, but the relatively high false negative results lead to additional tissue sampling in some patients. Until now, the characteristics of patients who prefer liquid biopsy have not yet been established. METHODS: To evaluate the favorable conditions for the detection of T790M mutations using plasma samples, a multicenter retrospective study was performed between May 2018 and December 2021. Patients whose T790M mutation was detected in a plasma sample were classified as the plasma positive group. Study subjects with a T790M mutation not detected in a plasma sample but only in a tissue sample were grouped as the plasma false negative group. RESULTS: Plasma positive and plasma false negative groups were found in 74 and 32 patients, respectively. As a result, 40% of patients with one or two metastatic organs at the time of re-biopsy had false negative plasma sample results, and 69% of patients with three or more metastatic organs at the time of re-biopsy had positive plasma results. In multivariate analysis, three or more metastatic organs at initial diagnosis were independently associated with the detection of a T790M mutation using plasma samples. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the detection rate of a T790M mutation using plasma samples was related to the tumor burden, particularly to the number of metastatic organs.

Real-world evaluation of atezolizumab and etoposide-carboplatin as a first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite the obvious benefits of adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to platinum-etoposide chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), real-world data remain scarce. METHODS: This retrospective study included 89 patients with ES-SCLC treated with platinum-etoposide chemotherapy alone (chemo-only group; n = 48) or in combination with atezolizumab (atezolizumab group; n = 41) and compared the survival outcomes between these two groups. RESULTS: Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the atezolizumab group than in the chemo-only group (15.2 months vs. 8.5 months; p = 0.047), whereas the median progression-free survival was almost the same (5.1 months vs. 5.0 months) in both groups (p = 0.754). Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed that thoracic radiation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.223; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.092-0.537; p = 0.001) and atezolizumab administration (HR, 0.350; 95% CI, 0.184-0.668; p = 0.001) were favorable prognostic factors for OS. In the thoracic radiation subgroup, patients who received atezolizumab demonstrated favorable survival outcomes and no grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs). CONCLUSION: The addition of atezolizumab to platinum-etoposide resulted in favorable outcomes in this real-world study. Thoracic radiation was associated with improved OS and acceptable AE risk in combination with immunotherapy in patients with ES-SCLC.

Analysis of 5 years' experience of a head and neck surgeon with radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodule.

PURPOSE: This study reports the long-term efficacy, safety, complications and management of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodule performed over 5 years by a head and neck surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 287 consecutive patients who underwent RFA between March 2011 and January 2021. Pre- and postoperative thyroid nodule volumes were measured and volume reduction rate was calculated using ultrasonography (USG). Subjective symptom scores and cosmetic scores were investigated. Complications and their managements were analyzed. Complications and their management were investigated. Follow-up USG was performed at 6 and 12 months after RFA, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: The mean volume reduction was 75.2 ± 23.8 % after 6 months and 91.9 ± 14.8 % after 5 years. All of nodule volume, and the cosmetic and symptom scores, decreased significantly postoperatively, and these scores were maintained to 5 years. Minor complications occurred in 15 of 287 (5.2 %) patients; there were no major complications. Injection laryngoplasty was performed for three patients with vocal cord paralysis. Two patients underwent open thyroid surgery because of nodule regrowth. CONCLUSIONS: RFA is a safe and effective treatment without major complication for more than five years. Minor complications were managed by the head-and-neck surgeon personally.

Real-World Study of Osimertinib in Korean Patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor T790M Mutation-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE: Although osimertinib is the standard-of-care treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer, real-world evidence on the efficacy of osimertinib is not enough to reflect the complexity of the entire course of treatment. Herein, we report on the use of osimertinib in patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer who had previously received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with confirmed EGFR T790M after disease progression of prior EGFR-TKI were enrolled and administered osimertinib 80 mg daily. The primary effectiveness outcome was progression-free survival, with time-to-treatment discontinuation, treatment and adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation, and overall survival being the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 558 individuals were enrolled, and 55.2% had investigator-assessed responses. The median progression-free survival was 14.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.0 to 16.4), and the median time-to-treatment discontinuation was 15.0 months (95% CI, 14.1 to 15.9). The median overall survival was 36.7 months (95% CI, 30.9 to not reached). The benefit with osimertinib was consistent regardless of the age, sex, smoking history, and primary EGFR mutation subtype. However, hepatic metastases at the time of diagnosis, the presence of plasma EGFR T790M, and the shorter duration of prior EGFR-TKI treatment were poor predictors of osimertinib treatment. Ten patients (1.8%), including three with pneumonitis, had to discontinue osimertinib due to severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Osimertinib demonstrated its clinical effectiveness and survival benefit for EGFR T790M mutation-positive in Korean patients with no new safety signals.

The Additive Impact of Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Using a 1.1-mm Diameter Cryoprobe on Conventional Biopsy for Peripheral Lung Nodules.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) is 71%, which is lower than that of transthoracic needle biopsy. We investigated the performance and safety of sequential transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBC) using a novel 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe, after conventional TBB using RP-EBUS for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). Materials and Methods: From April 2021 to November 2021, 110 patients who underwent bronchoscopy using RP-EBUS for the diagnosis of PLL ≤ 30 mm were retrospectively included in our study. All records were followed until June 2022. RESULTS: The overall diagnostic yield of combined TBB and TBC was 79.1%, which was higher than 60.9% of TBB alone (p=0.005). The diagnostic yield of sequential TBC was 65.5%, which increased the overall diagnostic yield by 18.2%. The surface area of tissues by TBC (mean area, 18.5 mm2) was significantly larger than those of TBB by 1.5-mm forceps (3.4 mm2, p < 0.001) and 1.9-mm forceps (3.7 mm2, p=0.011). In the multivariate analysis, PLLs with the longest diameter of ≤ 22 mm were found to be related to additional diagnostic benefits from sequential TBC (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.043 to 11.775; p=0.042). Complications were found in 10.5% of the patients: pneumothorax (1.0%), infection (1.0%), and significant bleeding (8.6%). None of the patients developed any life-threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Sequential TBC with a 1.1-mm cryoprobe improved the performance of conventional TBB using RP-EBUS without serious complications.

Comparison Between Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tracheostomy and Surgical Tracheostomy in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (US-PDT) has been adapted for use in intensive care units (ICU). US-PDT is comparable to bronchoscopy-assisted tracheostomy. However, compared to surgical tracheostomy (ST), its safety and effectiveness have not been well studied. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of US-PDT compared to ST. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients who underwent US-PDT (n = 36) or ST (n = 54) between July 2019 and September 2020 were enrolled. US-PDT was performed in the ICU without a surgical assistant or bronchoscope. Data were collected retrospectively and analyzed regarding clinical characteristics, procedure times and details, complications, and mortality rate. Results: The success rate of US-PDT was 97.4% and the procedure time was shorter than ST (5.2 ± 3.1 vs. 10.5 ± 5.0 min). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and procedure details. There was no procedure-related mortality in either of the groups. Conclusions: US-PDT is time-efficient and as safe as ST. Based on our results, US-PDT may be considered a potential alternative to ST in high-risk patients and in those who cannot be transported.

Actual situation and prescribing patterns of opioids by pain physicians in South Korea.

Background: Use of opioids for chronic intractable pain is increasing globally, and their proper use can improve patients' quality of life. In contrast, opioid use disorders, such as abuse or addiction, caused by prescribing opioids, are a worldwide issue. This study aimed to understand current opioid prescribing patterns and pain physicians' experiences with opioid use in South Korea. Methods: Pain physicians in 42 university hospitals in South Korea were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires regarding opioid prescriptions. Results: A total of 69 surveys were completed. Most pain physicians started prescribing opioids at a pain score of 7/10 and aimed to reduce pain by 50%. Most physicians (73.1%) actively explained the prescribed medications and possible side effects, and 61.2% of physicians preferred the prescription interval of 4 weeks. Immediate-release opioids were the most popular treatment for breakthrough pain (92.6%). The most common side effect encountered by physicians was constipation (43.3%), followed by nausea/vomiting (34.3%). Of the physicians, 56.5% replied that addiction and misuse prevalences were less than 5%. However, the most concerning side effect was addiction (33.0%). Conclusions: The survey results showed that the prescribing patterns of pain physicians generally followed Korean guidelines. Physicians were most interested in the safety and effectiveness of opioid prescriptions. They were most concerned about respiratory depression and abuse or addiction. A significant number of physicians agreed that the NHIS regulations needed improvement for patient convenience and safe and effective treatment, though there were pros and cons of the NHIS restrictions on prescription conditions.

A Life-Threatening Infection after Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Lung Biopsy with Guide Sheath: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial lung biopsy with guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBLB) has been regarded as a reasonable diagnostic method with an acceptable diagnostic yield. In addition, EBUS-GS-TBLB is considered safer and less invasive compared to percutaneous needle biopsy and thoracoscopic surgery. However, we encountered a case of life-threatening procedure-related fatal infection, which was successfully managed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old man with a 30 pack-year smoking history was referred to our clinic with a necrotic lung mass in the right middle lobe on a chest computed tomography scan. EBUS-GS-TBLB was performed for a pathological diagnosis without immediate complications. Eight days after the procedure, the patient visited the hospital with sudden hemoptysis and severe dyspnea with fever. A chest computed tomography revealed a ruptured lung abscess and pneumonia, developed after EBUS-GS-TBLB. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and mechanical ventilation were initiated to manage refractory hypoxia. While maintaining ECMO, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed at the patient's bedside in the intensive care unit. After surgery, the patient's vital signs gradually improved, and a chest computed tomography revealed a reduction in the extent of the lung abscess. RESULTS: Although EBUS-GS-TBLB is minimally invasive and relatively safe when used for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions, pulmonary physicians should be aware of this rare but critical complication. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the careful prescription of prophylactic antibiotics before EBUS-GS-TBLB would be wise if the mass featured a necrotic, cavitary, or cystic lesion.