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In this issue, 3 original articles have been published.
1. Public and Clinician Perspectives on Ventilator Withdrawal in Vegetative State Following Severe Acute Brain Injury: A Vignette Survey.
Kim MS, et al.
The study examined perspectives on mechanical ventilator withdrawal in patients in a vegetative state (VS) after severe acute brain injury (SABI). A survey of 500 individuals and 200 clinicians revealed that 79% of the general population and 83.5% of clinicians supported ventilator withdrawal two months after SABI. Support increased to 92% and 94%, respectively, three years after SABI, especially with written Advance Directives. Factors influencing attitudes included spirituality, income, religion, and experience with Advance Directives. The study concluded that legislative adjustments are needed to respect patients’ prior wishes in treatment decisions.
2. Viral, Immunologic, and Laboratory Parameters in Patients With and Without Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC).
Kim SH, et al.
The study explored the pathophysiological mechanisms of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) in adults diagnosed with COVID-19 between August 2022 and July 2023. Blood samples were collected at three intervals: within one month of diagnosis, and at 1 and 3 months post-diagnosis. Among 57 patients, 29 (51%) had PASC. The PASC group showed significantly higher nucleocapsid protein antigenemia at 3 months and elevated cytokine levels at 1 and/or 3 months post-diagnosis. This indicates prolonged immune dysregulation due to heightened antigenic stimulation. The research provides insights into PASC, aiding in understanding and managing post-acute COVID-19 complications.
3. Impact of Preanesthetic Blood Pressure Deviations on 30-Day Postoperative Mortality in Non-Cardiac Surgery Patients.
Kim SH, et al.
The study examined the impact of discrepancies between baseline blood pressure (measured a day before surgery) and preanesthetic blood pressure (measured just before anesthesia) on 30-day postoperative mortality in 60,534 adults undergoing non-cardiac surgeries. Results showed that a lower preanesthetic systolic or mean blood pressure deviating by 20 mmHg or more from baseline significantly increased the risk of 30-day mortality, especially in patients with hypertension and those aged 65 and above. Higher preanesthetic blood pressure did not significantly affect mortality risk. The study highlights the importance of considering both baseline and preanesthetic blood pressure in surgical risk assessments.
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