• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.181-186
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• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of home-based exercise intensity on the aerobic capacity and 1 year re-hospitalization rate in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Forty seven patients with CHF (males 33, females 14, age $61.3{\pm}9.8years$) participated in this study. The patients were allocated randomly to 3 groups in accordance with home-based exercise intensity: no home based exercise (NHE, 40%, n=19), moderate intensity home-based exercise (MIHE, 43%, n=20), and high intensity home based exercise (HIHE, 17%, n=8). All patients completed the symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test safely at the cardiac rehabilitation hospital. Results: The NHE group significantly showed lower peak $VO_2$ and a higher $VE/VCO_2$ slope than the MIHE (p<0.05) and HIHE (p<0.01) groups. On the other hand, the NHE group did not show significant differences in the other hemodynamic responses, such as heart rate (HR) max, HR reserve, maximal systolic blood pressure (SBP), and SBP reserve. Nine out of 19 NHE patients (47%) were re-hospitalized related to heart disease and two out of 20 MIHE (10%) patients were re-hospitalized, but nobody in the HIHE group were re-hospitalized within 1 year from the CPX test. Conclusion: In patients with CHF, home-based self-exercise is one of the important factors for reducing the re-hospitalization rate. In addition, improved aerobic capacity is strongly associated with a lower re-hospitalization rate. In particular, re-hospitalized CHF patients showed significant differences in respiratory parameters and hemodynamic parameters compared to the non-re-hospitalized patients.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.84-90
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D, as a steroid hormone, has multiple effects on human body and its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and unfavorable outcomes. The present study investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its relationship with cardiometabolic parameters in patients hospitalized for HF living in the city of Recife (latitude 8° South). Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, with men and women aged 40-64 years. The HF group was recruited during hospitalization due to decompensation. A matched control group was recruited from the general endocrine clinics. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), considering deficiency when 25OHD <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L). Results: A total of 243 patients were evaluated (HF group: 161, control group: 82). Lower serum 25OHD levels were observed in the HF group (25.2±9.4 vs. 30.0±7.7ng/mL; p<0.001), as well as a higher prevalence of VDD (27.3% vs. 9.8%; prevalence ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-5.67; p=0.002). In patients with HF, VDD was associated with diabetes mellitus (65.9% vs. 41.0%; p=0.005) and female sex (65.9% vs. 44.4%; p=0.015). In the subgroup with VDD, higher values of hemoglobin A1c (7.9% [6.0-8.9] vs. 6.2% [5.7-7.9]; p=0.006) and dyslipidemia were also observed. Conclusions: We found higher rates of VDD in patients hospitalized for HF and this was associated with deleterious laboratory metabolic parameters.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.70-75
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• 2024

With advancements in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, significant changes have occurred in heart failure (HF) management. The previous Korean HF registries, namely the Korea Heart Failure Registry (KorHF-registry) and Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry (KorAHF-registry), no longer accurately reflect contemporary acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Our objective is to assess contemporary AHF patients through a nationwide registry encompassing various aspects, such as clinical characteristics, management approaches, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of individuals hospitalized for AHF in Korea. This prospective observational multicenter cohort study (KorHF III) is organized by the Korean Society of Heart Failure. We aim to prospectively enroll 7,000 or more patients hospitalized for AHF at 47 tertiary hospitals in Korea starting from March 2018. Eligible patients exhibit signs and symptoms of HF and demonstrate either lung congestion or objective evidence of structural or functional cardiac abnormalities in echocardiography, or isolated right-sided HF. Patients will be followed up for up to 5 years after enrollment in the registry to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes. KorHF III represents the nationwide AHF registry that will elucidate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of contemporary AHF patients in Korea.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.129-136
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. The Steady Movement with Innovating Leadership for Heart Failure (SMILE HF) aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute HF in South Korea. Methods: This prospective, observational multicenter cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients hospitalized for acute HF in nine university hospitals since September 2019. Enrolment of 2000 patients should be completed in 2024, and follow-up is planned through 2025. Results: Interim analysis of 1,052 consecutive patients was performed to understand the baseline characteristics. The mean age was 69±15 years; 57.6% were male. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39±15%. The prevalences of HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction were 50.9%, 15.3%, and 29.2%. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) was the most common etiology (32%), followed by tachycardia-induced CMP (12.8%) and idiopathic dilated CMP (9.5%). The prescription rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor, beta-blockers, spironolactone, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at discharge were 76.8%, 66.5%, 50.0%, and 17.5%, respectively. The post-discharge 90-day mortality and readmission rates due to HF aggravation were 2.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Our analysis reveals the current state of acute HF in South Korea. Conclusions: Our interim analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, management, and early outcomes of acute HF patients in South Korea, highlighting the current state and treatment patterns in this population.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.51-64
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was to analyze adherence to self-care behaviors and identify factors affecting the adherence behaviors among inpatients with heart failure. Methods: A total 94 hospitalized inpatients from three hospitals participated in a survey. Data were collected using structured self-reported questionnaire from November 28, 2011 to March 31, 2013 and analyzed using frequency, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The score of adherence to self-care behaviors among inpatients with heart failure was $26.02({\pm}8.84)$. Factors related to the adherence to self-care behaviors were living with spouse (t=-2.47, p=.019), functional state (t=2.18, p=.034), heart failure knowledge (r=-.49, p<.001), social support (r=-.35, p<.001), self-control (r=-.25, p=.016), and self-care confidence (r=-.24, p=.019). The factors affecting adherence to self-care behaviors were heart failure knowledge, self-care confidence, and social support. These factors explained 32% of the variance in adherence to self-care behaviors. Conclusion: The adherence to self-care behaviors with heart failure can be improved if heart failure knowledge, self-care confidence, and social support are improved. Therefore, developing a nursing intervention program for patient with heart failure that is considered these factors leads to improve quality of life and prevent readmission.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.169-177
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Acute worsening of cardiac function frequently leads to kidney dysfunction. This study aimed to identify clinical and imaging parameters associated with impaired kidney function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Data from 131 patients hospitalized with acute decompensated HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction, < 40%) were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at admission (those with preserved kidney function [GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²] and those with reduced kidney function [GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²]). Various echocardiographic parameters and perirenal fat thicknesses were assessed by computed tomography. RESULTS: There were 71 patients with preserved kidney function and 60 patients with reduced kidney function. Increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.12; p = 0.005), increased log N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.14-2.66; p = 0.010), and increased perirenal fat thickness (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.10-1.29; p < 0.001) were independently associated with reduced kidney function, even after adjusting for variable clinical and echocardiographic parameters. The optimal average perirenal fat thickness cut-off value of > 12 mm had a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 83% for kidney dysfunction prediction. CONCLUSIONS: Thick perirenal fat was independently associated with impaired kidney function in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HFrEF. Measurement of perirenal fat thickness may be a promising imaging marker for the detection of HFrEF patients who are more susceptible to kidney dysfunction.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.95-109
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Sex differences in the prognosis of heart failure (HF) have yielded inconsistent results, and data from Asian populations are even rare. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis among Korean patients with HF. Methods: A total of 5,625 Korean patients hospitalized for acute HF were analyzed using a prospective multi-center registry database. Baseline clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes including HF readmission and death were compared between sexes. Results: Women were older than men and had worse symptoms with higher N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Women had a significantly higher proportion of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality and rate of guideline-directed medical therapies in men and women. During median follow-up of 3.4 years, cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.78; p = 0.014), and composite outcomes of death and HF readmission (adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27; p = 0.030) were significantly higher in men than women. When evaluating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HFpEF separately, men were an independent risk factor of cardiovascular death in patients with HFrEF. Clinical outcome was not different between sexes in HFpEF. Conclusions: In the Korean multi-center registry, despite having better clinical characteristics, men exhibited a higher risk of all-cause mortality and readmission for HF. The main cause of these disparities was the higher cardiovascular mortality rate observed in men compared to women with HFrEF.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.192-196
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• 2011

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of hospitalization for bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants worldwide. Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (HS-CHD), as well as premature infants are at high risk for severe RSV diseases. Mortality rates for CHD patients hospitalized with RSV have been reported as about 24 times higher compared with those without RSV infection. Recently with advances in intensive care, mortality rates in CHD patients combined with RSV have decreased below 2%. The requirements of intensive care and mechanical ventilation for CHD patients with RSV infection were still higher than those without RSV infection or with non-CHD children. RSV infection has frequently threatened CHD infants with congestive heart failure, cyanosis, or with pulmonary hypertension. As a progressive RSV pneumonitis in those infants develops, the impairment of oxygen uptake, the breathing workload gradually increases and eventually causes to significant pulmonary hypertension, even after the operation. Preventing RSV infection as much as possible is very important, especially in infants with HS-CHD. A humanized monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, has effective in preventing severe RSV disease in high-risk infants, and progressive advances in supportive care including pulmonary vasodilator have dramatically decreased the mortality (<1%). Depending on the global trend, Korean Health Insurance guidelines have approved the use of palivizumab in children <1 year of age with HS-CHD since 2009. Korean data are collected for RSV prophylaxis in infants with CHD.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2024

Background and Objectives: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of reversible cardiomyopathy often preceded by mental or physical stressors and predominantly affects elderly women. Several cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to investigate the correlation of C-reactive protein (CRP) level with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and clinical outcomes in patients with TTS. Methods: The study included patients with discharge-diagnosis of Takotsubo through 2017-2022 from the cardiology department. Demographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively obtained. We investigated the relation between CRP and LVEF, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital complications, and recurrence. Results: A total of 86 patients (93% female, mean age 68.8±12.3 years) were included in the study. The median CRP level was 17.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 6.1-40.1) mg/L, and the mean LVEF was 41.5%, (IQR, 38-50%). Complications occurred in 24 (27.9%) of the patients, and the median LOS was 3 (IQR, 3-5) days. The level of CRP was associated with lower LVEF (r=-0.39, p<0.001), longer hospital stay (r=0.25, p=0.021), and recurrence. There was no correlation between CRP and in-hospital complications. In multivariate logistic regression, poor LVEF was associated with TTS recurrence (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.37; p=0.001). Using linear regression, only CRP was correlated with longer LOS and lower LVEF (p<0.001). Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized with TTS, CRP level was associated with poor LVEF and prolonged hospital stay but not with in-hospital complications. Poor LVEF was also associated with TTS recurrence.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.14-23
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic information to develop appropriate nursing guidelines for cardiac telemetry. Methods: This retrospective research was conducted to identify the current usage of cardiac telemetry and considered 1,000 patients hospitalized for telemetry. The collected data were analyzed using IBM (SPSS Statistics for Windows 21.0). Results: Four-hundred and ninety-two patients (49.2%) were diagnosed with arrhythmia and 209 (20.9%) with heart failure. Electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm changes were detected via telemetry in 464 cases. Major arrhythmias were ventricular tachycardia (183, 39.4%) and bradycardia (99, 21.3%). Interventions after detecting arrhythmia were cardioversion (16, 3.4%), defibrillation (1, 0.2%), and cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (5, 1.1%); other patients were treated conservatively with close observation (381, 82.1%). Conclusion: There was appropriate intervention in 46.4% of the considered cases with the detection of ECG changes before patient notification, which implied that cardiac telemetry could be considered for application to patients with hemodynamic instability. Clear standards and guidelines are required to determine who requires telemetry and when to end the telemetry monitoring.