Can sarcopenia predict poor prognosis of sepsis due to acute cholecystitis?

AIM OF THE STUDY: As sepsis is a life-threatening disease, it is important to predict the prognosis in the early stages to establish treatment plans. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia, determined by the psoas muscle area, and the prognosis of sepsis due to acute cholecystitis. METHODS: This retrospective single-center observational study included adult patients with sepsis due to acute cholecystitis who visited the emergency department between January 2016 and December 2021. The area of both sides of the psoas muscle at the L3 level was measured, and the psoas muscle index (PMI) corrected by the patient's height was calculated. Sarcopenia was determined based on PMI. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 14-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients were included in this study. In this cohort, the lower quartile of PMI according to gender was set as the cut-off value to define sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was defined as PMI < 423 mm2/m2 for males and < 269 mm2/m2 for females. There were 94 patients in the sarcopenic group and 280 in the non-sarcopenic group. There was a significant association between sarcopenia and ICU admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.76), and there was also a significant association between sarcopenia and in-hospital mortality (OR, 6.40; 95%CI, 1.13-36.09). Additionally, the median LOS in the sarcopenic group (11.5 (Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2010; Kawaguchi et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2017; Ritz et al., 2021; Cox et al., 2021; Lee et al., 2018; Okada et al., 2021; Prashanthi et al., n.d.; Amini et al., 2015; Fearon et al., 2011) days) was significantly longer than the median (8 (Rosenberg, 1989, 1997; Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2010; Kawaguchi et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2017; Ritz et al., 2021) days) in the non-sarcopenic group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sepsis due to acute cholecystitis, sarcopenia was significantly associated with ICU admission, LOS, and in-hospital mortality.

Clinical factors distinguishing renal infarction from acute pyelonephritis: A randomly matched retrospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Renal infarction (RI) is rare but clinically important because the appropriate treatment depends on the time of diagnosis. RI is often misdiagnosed as acute pyelonephritis (APN) because both diseases have nonspecific symptoms such as flank pain and abdominal pain. We identified predictors for distinguishing RI from APN. METHODS: The data of patients visited the emergency department and diagnosed with RI or APN from March 2016 to May 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged under 18 years, with a history of trauma, or incomplete medical records were excluded. Using a matching ratio of 1:5, RI patients were randomly matched to APN patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that could distinguish RI from APN. In addition, we constructed a decision tree to identify patterns of risk factors and develop prediction algorithms. RESULTS: The RI and APN groups included 55 and 275 patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (OR, 6.161; p = 0.009), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR, 14.303; p = 0.021), costovertebral angle tenderness (CVAT) (OR, 0.106; p < 0.001), aspartate transaminase (AST) level > 21.50 U/L (OR, 19.820; p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) level < 19.75 mg/L (OR, 10.167; p < 0.001), and pyuria (OR, 0.037; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with RI distinguishing from APN. CONCLUSION: Male sex, AF, no CVAT, AST level > 21.50 U/L, CRP level < 19.75 mg/L, and no pyuria were significant factors that could distinguish RI from APN.

Evaluation of optimal scene time interval for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest using a deep neural network.

AIM: This study aims to develop a cardiac arrest prediction model using deep learning (CAPD) algorithm and to validate the developed algorithm by evaluating the change in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient prognosis according to the increase in scene time interval (STI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using smart advanced life support trial data collected by the National Emergency Center from January 2016 to December 2019. The smart advanced life support data were randomly partitioned into derivation and validation datasets. The performance of the CAPD model using the patient's age, sex, event witness, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administration of epinephrine, initial shockable rhythm, prehospital defibrillation, provision of advanced life support, response time interval, and STI as prediction variables for prediction of a patient's prognosis was compared with conventional machine learning methods. After fixing other values of the input data, the changes in prognosis of the patient with respect to the increase in STI was observed. RESULTS: A total of 16,992 patients were included in this study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for predicting prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and favorable neurological outcomes were 0.828 (95% confidence interval 0.826-0.830) and 0.907 (0.914-0.910), respectively. Our algorithm significantly outperformed other artificial intelligence algorithms and conventional methods. The neurological recovery rate was predicted to decrease to 1/3 of that at the beginning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation when the STI was 28 min, and the prehospital ROSC was predicted to decrease to 1/2 of its initial level when the STI was 30 min. CONCLUSION: The CAPD exhibits potential and effectiveness in identifying patients with ROSC and favorable neurological outcomes for prehospital resuscitation.

Predictors for Distinguishing Renal Infarction From Urolithiasis in the Emergency Department: A Randomly Matched Retrospective Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) clinicians may misdiagnose renal infarction (RI) as urolithiasis because RI is a rare disease with presenting symptoms similar to the symptoms of urolithiasis. However, earlier diagnosis of RI can improve patient prognosis. OBJECTIVES: We investigated potential predictors for distinguishing RI from urolithiasis based on clinical findings and laboratory results. METHODS: This randomly matched retrospective case-control study included patients who had been diagnosed with acute RI or acute urolithiasis between January 2016 and March 2020. Patients were excluded if they were aged under 18 years, had a history of trauma, or had incomplete medical records. Using a matching ratio of 1:4, RI patients were randomly matched to urolithiasis patients. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors that could distinguish RI from urolithiasis. RESULTS: In total, 48 patients were included in the RI group and 192 patients were included in the urolithiasis group. Multivariable logistic regression showed that age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 6.155; p = 0.022), atrial fibrillation (OR 18.472; p = 0.045), current smoking (OR 17.070; p = 0.001), costovertebral angle tenderness (OR 0.179; p = 0.037), aspartate aminotransferase level ≥ 27.5 U/L (OR 6.932; p = 0.009), sodium level ≥ 138.5 mEq/L (OR 0.079; p = 0.004), and hematuria (OR 0.042; p = 0.001) were significant predictors that could distinguish RI from urolithiasis. Based on these results, a nomogram was constructed. CONCLUSION: Age ≥ 65 years, atrial fibrillation, current smoking, absence of costovertebral angle tenderness, aspartate aminotransferase level ≥ 27.5 U/L, sodium level < 138.5 mEq/L, and absence of hematuria were predictors that can distinguish between RI and urolithiasis.

Identification of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest clusters using unsupervised learning.

AIM: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death, and research has identified limitations in analyzing the factors related to the incidence of cardiac arrest and the frequency of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study conducts a cluster analysis of the correlation between location-related factors and the outcome of patients with OHCA using two machine learning methods: variational autoencoder (VAE) and the Dirichlet process mixture model (DPMM). METHODS: Using the prospectively collected Smart Advanced Life Support registry in South Korea between August 2015 and December 2018, a secondary retrospective data analysis was performed on patients with OHCA with a presumed cause of cardiac arrest in adults of 18 years or older. VAE and DPMM were used to create clusters to determine groups with a common nature among those with OHCA. RESULTS: Among 5876 OHCA cases, 1510 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Decision tree-based models, which have an accuracy of 95.36%, were also used to interpret the characteristics of clusters. A total of 8 clusters that had similar spatial characteristics were identified using DPMM and VAE. Among the generated clusters, the averages of the four clusters that exhibited a high survival to discharge rate and a favorable neurological outcome were 9.6% and 6.1%, and the averages of the four clusters that exhibited a low outcome were 5.1% and 3.5% respectively. In the decision tree-based models, the most important feature that could affect the prognosis of an OHCA patient was being transferred to a higher-level emergency center. CONCLUSION: This methodology can facilitate the development of a regionalization strategy that can improve the survival rate of cardiac arrest patients in different regions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Did Not Prevent Delayed Neuropsychiatric Sequelae in a Prospective Observational Study With Propensity Score Matching in 224 Patients With Acute Carbon Monoxide Toxicity.

BACKGROUND: It is important to prevent the development of delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) in acute carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication, but no effective treatment has been clearly identified. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is one of the treatment options in acute CO poisoning; however, whether it can prevent the development of DNS is controversial. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of normobaric oxygen (NBO) and HBO in preventing DNS. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on all patients with CO poisoning admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital from 2016 to 2019. We followed-up patients to determine whether symptoms of DNS occurred at ≤6 months. We matched the propensity score to an equivalent distribution of potential covariates. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients with CO poisoning were enrolled in this study. NBO was used for 26 patients and HBO for 198 patients. DNS occurred in 40 patients. There were significant differences between the NBO and HBO groups in terms of carboxyhemoglobin, loss of consciousness, dizziness, chest pain, hospitalization, and length of hospital stay. The incidence of DNS was 19.2% in the HBO group, which was higher than the 7.7% observed in the NBO group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.18). After propensity score matching, the incidence of DNS did not differ between the NBO and HBO groups (8.3% vs. 10.4%, p > 0.99). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the incidence of DNS between groups receiving HBO and NBO in acute CO intoxication.

The difference of subcutaneous digital nerve block method efficacy according to injection location.

INTRODUCTION: Finger injuries are commonly attended to in the emergency department, and digital nerve block is a frequently performed procedure for such injuries. This study compared the efficacy levels of the subcutaneous method according to the different injection sites. METHOD: This was a simulation study for medical students who rendered medical service at the emergency department. One group performed subcutaneous injection of lidocaine at the volar side of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, while another group injected at the volar side of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The time to anesthesia was measured at 30-s intervals. Pain at the injection site was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS), while the length from the fingertip to the injection site and the circumference of the injection site were measured. RESULTS: A total of 82 participants were included, with 41 under the MCP joint group and the rest under the PIP joint group. The mean length from the fingertip to the needling point was 3.62 ±â€¯0.63 cm in the PIP joint group and 5.90 ±â€¯0.65 cm in the MCP joint group, while the mean circumference of the needling point was 4.93 ±â€¯0.51 and 5.61 ±â€¯0.58 cm, and the mean time to anesthesia was 2.55 ±â€¯1.11 and 3.79 ±â€¯1.28 min (p-value < 0.001), respectively. The median value of NRS was 4 in both groups (p-value = 0.921). Length was correlated with the time to anesthesia (p-value = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Injection into the PIP joint showed the same anesthetic effect as injection into the MCP joint, but this effect occurred faster in the former.

Clinical Guidance for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency and Critical Care Areas after Implementing Insurance Coverage in Korea.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that is widely used in the emergency and intensive care areas. In Korea, insurance coverage of ultrasound examination has been gradually expanding in accordance with measures to enhance Korean National Insurance Coverage since 2017 to 2021, and which will continue until 2021. Full coverage of health insurance for POCUS in the emergency and critical care areas was implemented in July 2019. The National Health Insurance Act classified POCUS as a single or multiple-targeted ultrasound examination (STU vs. MTU). STU scans are conducted of one organ at a time, while MTU includes scanning of multiple organs simultaneously to determine each clinical situation. POCUS can be performed even if a diagnostic ultrasound examination is conducted, based on the physician's decision. However, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service plans to monitor the prescription status of whether the POCUS and diagnostic ultrasound examinations are prescribed simultaneously and repeatedly. Additionally, MTU is allowed only in cases of trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, chest pain, and dyspnea and should be performed by a qualified physician. Although physicians should scan all parts of the chest, heart, and abdomen when they prescribe MTU, they are not required to record all findings in the medical record. Therefore, appropriate prescription, application, and recording of POCUS are needed to enhance the quality of patient care and avoid unnecessary cut of medical budget spending. The present article provides background and clinical guidance for POCUS based on the implementation of full health insurance coverage for POCUS that began in July 2019 in Korea.

Cadaver skin allograft may improve mortality rate for burns involving over 30% of total body surface area: a propensity score analysis of data from four burn centers.

Cadaver skin is used for temporary wound covering, but there is insufficient evidence regarding its clinical usefulness in patients with major burns. We aimed to analyze the effect of cadaveric skin allograft on mortality rates in patients with burns involving > 30% of total body surface area (TBSA). Our study included 1282 patients with > 30% of TBSA burned admitted to four hospitals in Korea between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016. Of these, 698 patients underwent cadaver skin allograft (cadaver group), and 584 were treated with conventional treatment (non-cadaver group). We corrected the differences between the two groups using propensity score matching, and generated 474 propensity score-matched pairs. Overall 90-day in-hospital mortality rate among all patients was 35.3% (453/1282). There was a significant difference in 90-day in-hospital mortality between the two groups for both unmatched [cadaver vs. conventional, 31.7 vs. 39.7%; difference, 8.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8-13.3] and propensity-matched groups (37.8 vs. 47.3%; difference, 9.5; 95% CI 3.2-15.8). Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between cadaver skin allograft and lower 90-day in-hospital mortality in the propensity-matched groups (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI 0.29-0.62). Patients with major burns who underwent cadaver skin allograft had a lower mortality rate compared to those who did not. Cadaver skin allograft may improve the survival of patients with major burns, especially in the early phase of injury.

Compartment syndrome in the forearm related to carbon monoxide intoxication: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most common forms of intoxication around the world. One of the complications associated with CO exposure is direct toxicity to the skeletal muscles. Though compartment syndrome induced by CO intoxication is rare, it is a well-known complication. In this study, we present a case of CO poisoning in a patient who developed compartment syndrome in his forearm. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old man was found unconscious in a motel where a briquette had burned. He was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis associated with CO poisoning. After he regained consciousness, he experienced difficulty in moving his left arm, with sensory impairment in the same arm. He was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, and an emergency fasciotomy was performed. One month later, electromyography was performed which revealed left median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerve palsy. DISCUSSION: Compartment syndrome induced by CO intoxication is rare but is a well-known complication. Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening and life-threatening condition. If untreated, the pressure in the muscle may rise, which can lead to tissue necrosis. Generally, nerve paralysis does not occur in CO poisoning. In our case, it occurred as median, ulnar, radial and musculocutaneous nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: Side effects of CO poisoning can be extant, especially for those who are unconscious since they cannot express pain, numbness, and motor weakness. It is important to not overlook compartment syndrome, to double-check whether there is swelling, change in skin color, or skin firmness in extremities, and to observe the patient closely.

Development of simulation-based learning programme for improving adherence to time-out protocol on high-risk invasive procedures outside of operating room.

The aim of this study was to develop a simulation-based time-out learning programme targeted to nurses participating in high-risk invasive procedures and to figure out the effects of application of the new programme on acceptance of nurses. This study was performed using a simulation-based learning predesign and postdesign to figure out the effects of implementation of this programme. It was targeted to 48 registered nurses working in the general ward and the emergency department in a tertiary teaching hospital. Difference between acceptance and performance rates has been figured out by using mean, standard deviation, and Wilcoxon-signed rank test. The perception survey and score sheet have been validated through content validation index, and the reliability of evaluator has been verified by using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results showed high level of acceptance of high-risk invasive procedure (P<.01). Further, improvement was consistent regardless of clinical experience, workplace, or experience in simulation-based learning. The face validity of the programme showed over 4.0 out of 5.0. This simulation-based learning programme was effective in improving the recognition of time-out protocol and has given the participants the opportunity to become proactive in cases of high-risk invasive procedures performed outside of operating room.

Assessment of emergency airway management techniques in Korea using an online registration system: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The investigators developed a Web-based online registration system to identify the current status of trauma airway management. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to identify first-pass success (FPS) rate of the intubation methods and devices that are currently used, as well as the factors that affect FPS in trauma patients. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, observational multi-center study. We obtained clinical data of intubated trauma patients in 13 academic emergency departments in Korea. After performing an intubation, each patient's data were entered into a Web-based registry. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors that affect FPS. RESULTS: The FPS rate was 80.6% in all trauma patients. The curved-blade laryngoscope was the most commonly used instrument, and was applied to 1395 patients (76.2%) during first attempt. Video laryngoscopy was applied to 341 patients (18.6%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors that affected FPS in difficult airway trauma patients were emergency physicians, senior physicians, and video laryngoscopy (odds ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.04-5.65; 1.80, 1.16-2.79; and 2.16, 1.39-3.33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians in Korea are prepared for trauma patient airway management. The backup by experienced senior physicians, and preparation and training for video laryngoscope could assist FPS for trauma patients.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis with diffuse ST elevation mimicking pericarditis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a potentially fatal disease that requires aggressive treatment, including mediastinal exploration. The inflammation associated with DNM may involve the heart, which produces acute changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). As a result, the ECG may mimic pericarditis, causing some diagnostic confusion. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this case report are to describe a case of DNM presenting electrocardiographically with pericarditis, and to discuss how to differentiate between benign viral pericarditis and DNM, and the management of these two diseases. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a previously healthy 50-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department for chest pain and presumed pericarditis. The patient presented with ST elevation on multiple leads on ECG, tenderness in the neck, widened mediastinum on the chest radiograph, and nonspecific laboratory test results. Echocardiography revealed normal ventricle function and the presence of mild pericardial effusion. The emergency physician performed contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography (CT) to rule out deep-neck infection. The CT scan showed marginal rim-enhancing abscesses in the retropharyngeal, bilateral submandibular, and anterior visceral spaces with extension into the thoracic cavity. Contrast-enhanced chest CT was performed consecutively. The final diagnosis was deep-neck infection with DNM. The patient underwent mediastinoscopy-assisted drainage and neck fasciotomy twice and received 7 weeks of therapy with intravenous meropenem. CONCLUSION: The present case highlights the importance of considering a mediastinal cause for acute ECG changes.

Association between reduced muscle mass and poor prognosis of biliary sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association between low muscle mass and the prognosis of patients with biliary sepsis, focusing on outcomes such as length of hospital stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality. This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients with biliary sepsis who visited the emergency department between January 2016 and December 2021. Low muscle mass was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI). Using computed tomography imaging, the area of both sides of the psoas muscle at the L3 level was measured, and the PMI, corrected by the patient's height was calculated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, LOS, and 14-day mortality. A total of 745 patients were included in this study. Low muscle mass was defined as a PMI < 421 mm2/m2 for males and < 268 mm2/m2 for females with the lower quartile of PMI according to sex. The cohort was classified into sarcopenic (n = 189) and non-sarcopenic (n = 556) groups. There was a significant association between low muscle mass and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-13.47; p < 0.001), while there was no significant association between low muscle mass and ICU admission. In addition, the median LOS in the sarcopenic group (10 [7-14] days) was significantly longer than the median (8 [6-11] days) in the non-sarcopenic group. Low muscle mass was significantly associated with clinical outcomes, particularly in-hospital mortality and LOS, in patients with biliary sepsis.

Accuracy of visual estimation of ejection fraction in patients with heart failure using augmented reality glasses.

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is measured to assess haemodynamic status and cardiac function. It may be difficult to accurately measure in patients with heart failure (HF) as they are often poorly echogenic. The augmented reality (AR) technology is expected to provide real-time guidance that will enable more accurate measurements. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, case-crossover simulation study was conducted to confirm the effect of AR glasses on echocardiographic interpretation in patients with HF. 22 emergency physicians participated. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A estimated the visual ejection fraction of echocardiographic video clips without the AR glasses, while group B estimated them with glasses. After a washout period, the two groups crossed over. The estimates were then compared with the ejection fraction measurements obtained by echocardiologists; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. RESULTS: The ICC with glasses (0.969, 95% CI 0.966 to 0.971) was higher than without glasses (0.705, 95% CI 0.681 to 0.727) among all participants. In the subgroup analysis, the first-year and second-year residents showed the most significant difference, with an ICC of 0.568 (95% CI 0.508 to 0.621) without glasses compared with 0.963 (95% CI 0.958 to 0.968) with glasses. For the third-year and fourth-year residents group, the ICC was 0.754 (95% CI 0.720 to 0.784) without glasses and 0.972 (95% CI 0.958 to 0.968) with glasses. Among the group of attending physicians, the ICC was 0.807 (95% CI 0.775 to 0.834) without glasses and 0.973 (95% CI 0.969 to 0.977) with glasses. CONCLUSIONS: AR glasses could be helpful in measuring LVEF and could be more helpful to those with little visual estimation experience.

The current trend of emergency airway management: a clinical review.

Airway management is a fundamental and intricate process that involves a sequence of integrated tasks. Situations requiring emergency airway management may occur in emergency department, intensive care units, and various other spaces. Emergency airway management can face a variety of challenges during preparation, intubation, and post-intubation, and may result in significant complications for the patients. Therefore, many countries are establishing step-by-step systemization and detailed guidelines, and updating the content based on the latest research. This clinical review introduces the current trends in emergency airway management, such as emergency airway management algorithms, comparison of video and direct laryngoscopy, rapid sequence intubation, pediatric airway management, pre-hospital airway management, surgical airway management, and airway management education.

Status and perception of point-of-care ultrasound education in Korean medical schools: A national cross-sectional study.

As point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly being used in clinical settings, ultrasound education is expanding into student curricula. We aimed to determine the status and awareness of POCUS education in Korean medical schools using a nationwide cross-sectional survey. In October 2021, a survey questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was distributed via e-mail to professors in the emergency medicine (EM) departments of Korean medical schools. The questionnaire encompassed 19 multiple-choice questions covering demographics, current education, perceptions, and barriers, and the final question was an open-ended inquiry seeking suggestions for POCUS education. All EM departments of the 40 medical schools responded, of which only 13 (33%) reported providing POCUS education. The implementation of POCUS education primarily occurred in the third and fourth years, with less than 4 hours of dedicated training time. Five schools offered a hands-on education. Among schools offering ultrasound education, POCUS training for trauma cases is the most common. Eight schools had designated professors responsible for POCUS education and only 2 possessed educational ultrasound devices. Of the respondents, 64% expressed the belief that POCUS education for medical students is necessary, whereas 36%, including those with neutral opinions, did not anticipate its importance. The identified barriers to POCUS education included faculty shortages (83%), infrastructure limitations (76%), training time constraints (74%), and a limited awareness of POCUS (29%). POCUS education in Korean medical schools was limited to a minority of EM departments (33%). To successfully implement POCUS education in medical curricula, it is crucial to clarify learning objectives, enhance faculty recognition, and improve the infrastructure. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing ultrasound training in medical schools to ensure the provision of high-quality POCUS education for future healthcare professionals.

Role of point-of-care ultrasound in critical care and emergency medicine: update and future perspective.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to revolutionize emergency and critical care medicine. The use of POCUS can improve patient care by providing real-time clinical information. However, appropriate usage and proper training are crucial to ensure patient safety and reliability. This article discusses the various applications of POCUS in emergency and critical care medicine, the importance of training and education, and the future of POCUS in medicine.