Pulmonology / Original Article Effects of adjunctive dobutamine on outcomes among patients with septic shock: a propensity score matching analysis Sung Yoon Lim, Kyu Jin Lee, Yeonhoon Jang, Yeon Joo Lee, Ryoung-Eun Ko, Gee Young Suh, Dong Kyu Oh, Su Yeon Lee, Mi Hyeon Park, Chae-Man Lim, Sunghoon Park; on behalf of the Korean Sepsis Alliance (KSA) investigators Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):990-1001.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.432       Background/Aims: Despite some evidence supporting its utility, the role of adjunctive dobutamine in the management of septic shock remains unclear. Methods: The nationwide prospective sepsis cohort of the Korean Sepsis Alliance was analyzed. Adult patients with septic shock receiving norepinephrine..

Pulmonology / Review Clinical challenges and individualized approaches to dialysis therapy in older adults Sungmi Kim, Yu Ah Hong Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):909-926.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.147       Global population aging has substantially increased in the number of older adults who undergo kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Age-related physiological changes and functional dependence in this population lead to the multifaceted clinical and ethical challenges associated with KRT. Geriatric syndr..

Pulmonology / Review Shared decision-making for kidney replacement therapy: a comprehensive review and a proposed model Hyun Jung Shin, Seoyoung Choi, Sejoong Kim Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):890-908.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.019       Shared decision-making (SDM) enables patients to actively engage in healthcare decisions by ensuring that treatment options align with their values and preferences. The use of SDM is increasingly recognized in the context of selecting kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for patients with chronic kidney..

Pulmonology / Review Managing dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease: a comprehensive overview of evidence and recommendations Ji Yoon Kim, Suk Min Chung, Nam Hoon Kim Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):876-889.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.099       Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), making dyslipidemia management a critical component of cardiovascular risk reduction in this population. However, as the estimated glomerular filtration rate declines, distinct p..

Pulmonology / Editorial Rethinking adjunctive dobutamine in septic shock: time to individualize, not generalize Su Hwan Lee Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):861-862.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.335

Pulmonology / Original Article Predictive value of the modified ROX index for extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients Kwonhyung Hyung, Kyung-Eui Lee, Yoon Hae Ahn, Jinwoo Lee, Sang-Min Lee, Hong Yeul Lee Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(6):1002-1016.   Published online October 31, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.058       Background/Aims: Clinicians use several measures to determine whether patients will tolerate liberation from mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the modified ROX index (mROX) for extubation failure. In addition, we sought to find its role in guiding personali..

Pulmonology / Original Article The early impact of COVID-19 vaccines on major events in cardiac, pulmonary, and thromboembolic disease: a population-based study Myeong Geun Choi, Min-Ho Kim, Eun Mi Chun Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(5):801-812.   Published online August 26, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.056                      Background/Aims: Although COVID-19 vaccines reduce COVID-19 severity, various safety concerns have emerged. This study, involving a population-based cohort, used health insurance data to investigate potential vaccine-related major outcomes, including cardiac, pulmonary, and thromboembolic diseases. ..

Pulmonology / Original Article Efficacy and safety of HL-301 compared with erdosteine in acute bronchitis: a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial Ji-Yong Moon, Joon Young Choi, Youlim Kim, Hye Jung Park, Yong Bum Park, Seong Yong Lim, Kyung Hoon Min, Deog Kyeom Kim, Chin Kook Rhee, Seung Won Ra, Chang Youl Lee, Yong Il Hwang, Kwang Ha Yoo Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(5):790-800.   Published online August 26, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.314                      Background/Aims: This study evaluated the non-inferiority of HL-301 to erdosteine in terms of symptom relief and the anti- inflammatory effects in acute bronchitis patients not treated with antibiotics. Methods: In a double-blind, non-inferiority trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive eithe..

Pulmonology / Review Diagnostic approach for incidental pulmonary nodules SeungYong Park, Seoung Ju Park Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(5):710-724.   Published online August 26, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.107                 Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with poor survival outcomes. Early detection and appropriate management of incidental pulmonary nodules, frequently identified through low-dose computed tomography screening, are cr..

Pulmonology / Original Article Clinical impacts of COVID-19 on severe exacerbation and mortality in interstitial lung disease: prognosis 30 days after infection Bo-Guen Kim, Sun-Kyung Lee, Dong Won Park, Tai Sun Park, Ji-Yong Moon, Tae-Hyung Kim, Sang-Heon Kim, Ho Joo Yoon, Hyun Lee Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(4):634-644.   Published online July 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.388                      Background/Aims: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on severe exacerbation and mortality in interstitial lung disease (ILD) is unclear. In this study, we evaluate the risk of severe exacerbation and mortality in individuals with ILD following COVID-19. Methods: Using the Korean Natio..

Pulmonology / Original Article Efficacy and safety of first-line afatinib in older patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer Mi-Hyun Kim, Hayoung Seong, Soo Han Kim, Min Ki Lee, Insu Kim, Kyung Soo Hong, June Hong Ahn, Jung Seop Eom Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(4):626-633.   Published online July 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.269                 Background/Aims: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of first-line afatinib treatment in older patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study included 103 patients aged..

Pulmonology / Review Updates on lung cancer screening for early detection Se Hyun Kwak, Chi Young Kim, Sang Hoon Lee, Eun Young Kim, Eun Hye Lee, Yoon Soo Chang Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(4):546-556.   Published online July 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.008                 This review examines the current status and recent progress in lung cancer screening programs, focusing on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and emerging liquid biopsy technologies. In Korea, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program has shown promising results in reducing lung cancer mortality s..

Pulmonology / Original Article Polymyxin B-hemoperfusion in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a single-center prospective pilot study Min Jee Kim, Jiyoul Yang, Jin Woo Song Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(3):458-467.   Published online April 30, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.244              Web of Science 1    Crossref 1                      Background/Aims: Patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) typically have a poor prognosis; however, no effective treatment is available. In recent years, several retrospective studies have suggested the clinical benefits of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–..

Pulmonology / Original Article Differences in sputum microbiota based on cure status of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease Noeul Kang, Su-Young Kim, Dae Hun Kim, Byung Woo Jhun Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(3):449-457.   Published online March 25, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.209                      Background/Aims: To analyze the characteristics of the sputum microbiota of patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) based on treatment status. Methods: Twenty-eight sputum samples from 14 patients with NTM-PD, including 14 samples from the microbiologically cured group ..

Pulmonology / Editorial Polymyxin B-hemoperfusion in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a feasibility step forward Won-Il Choi Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(3):345-346.   Published online April 30, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.111

Pulmonology / Original Article Impact of tracheostomy on clinical outcomes in ventilated patients with severe pneumonia: a propensity-matched cohort study Hayoung Seong, Hyojin Jang, Wanho Yoo, Saerom Kim, Soo Han Kim, Kwangha Lee Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(2):286-298.   Published online March 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.248                      Background/Aims: Tracheostomy is a crucial intervention for severe pneumonia patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). However, debate persists regarding the influence of tracheostomy timing and performance on long-term survival outcomes. This study utilized propensity score matching..

Pulmonology / Original Article Fatty liver index and development of lung cancer: a nationwide cohort study Jihye Lim, Bongseong Kim, Kyungdo Han, Jeong Uk Lim Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(2):275-285.   Published online October 22, 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.232              Web of Science 1    Crossref 1                      Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of steatotic liver disease severity on the cumulative incidence of lung cancer utilizing data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Methods: This study examined the risk of lung cancer in the general population in conjuncti..

Pulmonology / Review Current perspectives on interstitial lung abnormalities Ju Hyun Oh, Jin Woo Song Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(2):208-218.   Published online March 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.335              Crossref 1                 Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are early indicators of interstitial lung disease, often identified incidentally via computed tomography of the chest. This review explores the diagnostic criteria for ILAs as outlined by the Fleischner Society, highlights associated risk factors, examines thei..

Pulmonology / Original Article Blood eosinophil count and treatment patterns of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in South Korea using real-world data Chin Kook Rhee, Yu-Fan Ho, Sumitra Shantakumar, Tim Holbrook, Yein Nam, Kwang‑Ha Yoo Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(1):78-91.   Published online January 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.034              Web of Science 1    Crossref 1                      Background/Aims: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management guidelines have increasingly emphasised the importance of exacerbation prevention, and the role of blood eosinophil count (BEC) as a biomarker for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) response. This study aimed to describe the distrib..

Pulmonology / Editorial Stability, variability, and treatment implications of the blood eosinophil count in Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Hyun Woo Lee Korean J Intern Med. 2025;40(1):5-6.   Published online January 1, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2024.386