Current Usage Status Research Articles

Orally Administered Korean Herbal Medicine Medications of Randomized Controlled Trials Published in the Journal of Korean Medicine and Related Journals: A Narrative Analysis using CONSORT-CHM 2017

Objectives: This study aims to explore the current usage status of orally administered Korean herbal medicine in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the Journal of Korean Medicine and member journals using the CONSORT-Chinese HerbalMedicine Formulas 2017 (CONSORT-CHM 2017) checklist. Methods: We searched the OASIS, RISS, and KMBASE archives as well as the websites of the Journal of Korean Medicine and 45 member journals to identify RCTs that used herbal interventions. Two independent researchers searched and categorized the RCTs and performed a quantitative evaluation by journal, study design, and target disease, as well as qualitative evaluation of the literature using CONSORT-CHM 2017.Results: After the search, 66 articles were selected. The quantitative evaluation resulted in 13 articles (19.6%) that were published in the Journal of Korean Medicine and 12 articles (18.1%) in the Journal of Internal Korean Medicine. In terms of study design, 62 articles (93.9%) were parallel, 4 articles (6%) were crossover, and 2-arm parallel study designs were the most common in 45 articles (68.2%). In terms of the study participants, physiological characteristics and mechanisms in healthy individuals were the most common in 21 studies (31.8%) and obesity in 9 studies (13.6%). In terms of assessing completeness in the CONSORT-CHM 2017 items, 29 articles were rated high, 31 were rated moderate, and 6 were rated low. Items 4a, 6a, and 7a had low reporting rates (≤ 30%), while items 2a, 2b, and 12a were completely reported in all studies.Conclusion: Future RCTs using orally administered Korean herbal medicine need to be reported completely, and the CONSORT-CHM 2017 checklist can be a helpful tool for this purpose.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Corneal Diseases.

The cornea, with its delicate structure, is vulnerable to damage from physical, chemical, and genetic factors. Corneal transplantation, including penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties, can restore the functions of the cornea in cases of severe damage. However, the process of corneal transplantation presents considerable obstacles, including a shortage of available donors, the risk of severe graft rejection, and potentially life-threatening complications. Over the past few decades, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has become a novel alternative approach to corneal regeneration. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of MSCs to differentiate into different corneal cell types, such as keratocytes, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. MSCs are considered a suitable candidate for corneal regeneration because of their promising therapeutic perspective and beneficial properties. MSCs compromise unique immunomodulation, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory properties and secrete various growth factors, thus promoting corneal reconstruction. These effects in corneal engineering are mediated by MSCs differentiating into different lineages and paracrine action via exosomes. Early studies have proven the roles of MSC-derived exosomes in corneal regeneration by reducing inflammation, inhibiting neovascularization, and angiogenesis, and by promoting cell proliferation. This review highlights the contribution of MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes, their current usage status to overcome corneal disease, and their potential to restore different corneal layers as novel therapeutic agents. It also discusses feasible future possibilities, applications, challenges, and opportunities for future research in this field.

Genistein: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer.

Genistein, a commonly occurring isoflavone, has recently gained popularity owing to its ever-expanding spectrum of pharmacological benefits. In addition to health benefits such as improved bone health and reduced postmenopausal complications owing to its phytoestrogen properties, it has been widely evaluated for its anti-cancer potential. Several studies have established the potential for its usage in the management of breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and its usage has significantly evolved from early applications in traditional systems of medicine. This review offers an insight into its current status of usage, the chemistry, and pharmacokinetics of the molecule, an exploration of its apoptotic mechanisms in cancer management, and opportunities for synergism to improve therapeutic outcomes. In addition to this, the authors have presented an overview of recent clinical trials, to offer an understanding of contemporary studies and explore prospects for a greater number of focused trials, moving forward. Advancements in the application of nanotechnology as a strategy to improve safety and efficacy have also been highlighted, with a brief discussion of results from safety and toxicology studies.

Current status of usage of ivermectin in the management of COVID.

The antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties of ivermectin make it a wonder drug with a wide range of possible applications. It works against a variety of microorganisms, including viruses. Ivermectin has a wide range of antiviral effects, according to in vivo research in animal models. Because ivermectin is involved in a range of biological processes, it could be a promising therapeutic candidate for viruses such as COVID-19 and other positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. The study aims to analyze the awareness about the current status of usage of ivermectin in management of COVID among students studying in a private dental college. A study based on questionnaire was organized among students studying in a private dental college in Tamil Nadu. The subjects were asked a series of structural questions based on the usage of ivermectin in management of COVID. The questionnaire was prepared with 10 questions. 150 individuals completed the questionnaire; all of their answers were tallied in excel and imported into SPSS. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square test was performed. Excel was used to tabulate and enter the data, and the SPSS package software was used to analyze it. The study's threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. From this study, we found that the students had limited knowledge about the usage of ivermectin for management of COVID. More studies should be conducted to widen the knowledge among the students about the current affairs of the world.

AIoT-Based Ergometer for Physical Training in Frail Elderly with Cognitive Decline: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

PurposeReduced physical activity is reported in the elderly, especially in institutional residents. Institutionalized older adults exhibit a high prevalence of frailty. In this work, we developed an artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)-based feedback assistive strengthening ergometer (AIFASE), for the physical strengthening of the elderly with intelligent assistance.MethodsWe conducted a 12-week intervention in a long-term care facility. In total, 16 participants (84.38 ± 6.0 years; 4 males and 12 females) were recruited with 1:1 randomization of exercise to control groups. The muscle strength of the lower extremities, timed up and go test (TUG), and Short-form Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) of the participants were measured. The AIFASE system allows the clinical staff to record the personal physical performance of the elderly and generates personalized exercise prescriptions accordingly. AIFASE also displays the current usage status of all ergometers and the users’ physiological conditions. The algorithms were developed to generate warning alerts when the training workload was too large by personal physiological detection. AIFASE automatically customized the exercise prescription according to the user’s exercise performance.ResultsAfter a 12-week AIFASE intervention, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the strength of the hip flexor, Semi-Tandem Stand, and Tandem Stand.ConclusionIn this study, we developed an AIoT ergometer that delivered customized physical training prescriptions to improve the physical performance of long-term care facility residents. We believe that the application of AIFASE will help improve the quality of institutional care.

Awareness on current status of usage of ritonavir in the management of covid among dental students.

Ritonavir's pharmacodynamics raise questions regarding whether medication concentrations high enough to block the SARS-CoV-2 proteases can be obtained. Ritonavir may have a therapeutic benefit at any stage of the disease, although pharmacodynamic issues and the absence of clinical benefit data among hospitalized COVID-19 patients cast doubt on this claim. To study the awareness on current status of usage of ritonavir in the management of COVID among dental students. This study, which is survey-based, involved a sample of 100 individuals and was carried out on the website Survey Planet. The study included undergraduate and graduate dental students. The dental students were given a questionnaire containing 10 questions. Their responses were gathered. The number and percentage were used to summarize the data. Dental students from Chennai showed adequate knowledge of COVID-19 in the medical environment. Postgraduate students were more aware about the current status of usage of Ritonavir for COVID-19. This study demonstrates the urgent necessity for all health-care workers to regularly implement educational interventions and training program on infection control procedures for COVID-19.

The applicability of scarcity, originality, and transaction tracking characteristics of the dermatological industry and non-fungible token.

The K-beauty industry has entered the global market and encompasses the global economy. In the future, it is necessary to recognize the need for rapid recognition and application of digital technologies such as non-fungible token (NFT) in a continuously changing and shared society. This literature review presents various examples of ways to increase the value of beauty brands according to the latest digital trends. The potential value of blockchain technology was reviewed while understanding the current usage status of NFT. As of July 2022, NFT's brand application cases can be confirmed, and comparisons and cases can be applied to how much it can contribute to the rise in the value of beauty brands in the future. The 41 references were finally selected using PRISMA flow diagram. In a rapidly changing time, the beauty industry pays attention to the NFT market that can develop economically. Therefore, the parts that various industries are preemptively trying were prepared by confirming the cases. The beauty industry should pay attention to the NFT market, which is an issue, and by creating a brand with scarcity value, it can apply economic activities in the beauty industry to the trend by releasing products that both consumers and sellers can satisfy.

Assessment of Wind Energy Potential and Current Usage status in Turkey and in the World

Among the renewable energy sources, wind energy has been the most increasing energy source in use around the world in recent years. Today, more than 100 countries in the world are producing electricity from wind energy. As the countries with the highest installed capacity of wind energy, China, the United States of America and Germany have been in the top 3 for a long time. According to the data from the year 2021, Turkey ranks 7th in Europe and 12th in the world in terms of installed wind power plant capacity. In this study, after examining the wind energy potentials and installed capacities of the other countries of the world and Turkey, their shares in the current electricity energy production and total energy consumption were examined. The conditions which would allow world consumption, including Turkey’s, to be met entirely from renewable energy sources, and the possible contribution of wind energy to these renewable sources have been estimated. Additionally, possible expected future developments in wind turbine technology are also presented.

Usage dynamics of environmental sustainability indicators for manufacturing and service systems

The lack of understanding environmental sustainability indicators from user aspects often leads to the development of useless and impractical indicators, which prevent current and future implementation of environmental sustainability indicators in companies. Existing studies have not clearly addressed relationships among current usage status, perceived utility, and future implementation of environmental sustainability indicators for companies. Accordingly, it is hard to reflect the underlying usage dynamics of environmental sustainability indicators during their development stage. This study aims to identify the usage dynamics of environmental sustainability indicators for manufacturing and service sectors in terms of utility (i.e., usefulness and practicality) and utilization (i.e., used in practice and future implementation). This study is based on survey data for the utility and utilization of 55 environmental sustainability indicators from global companies with manufacturing and service systems. Bayesian networks for the surveyed data are built to understand the causal relationships between the utility and utilization of environmental sustainability indicators depending on company characteristics (i.e., industry sector, company size, and target market location) and indicator categories (i.e., energy, water, resources, pollution, environment, and technique/process). Furthermore, the scenario-based probabilistic inferences of the Bayesian networks are analyzed to estimate changes in the present and future utilization of environmental sustainability indicators when the usefulness and practicality levels are improved. The results show that the indicator usage of the industry sectors may be characterized in two aspects: utility-based usage and experience-based usage. In the small and medium sized companies, current indicator usage affected by indicator practicality determines the future implementation of the indicators. Most major market locations have the same causal relationships of indicator usage dynamics as the large sized companies. Indicator practicality serves a main cause for the causal relationships in the usage dynamics of most indicator categories. Furthermore, the usage dynamics models show which perceived user aspects of environmental sustainability indicators should be emphasized more to result in proactive current and future indicator implementation for specific usage cases. The findings of this study provide general guidelines for the development of user-friendly environmental sustainability indicators.

Current usage status of somatostatin and its analogs and trypsin inhibitors: a real-world study of 34,654 Chinese adult patients with acute pancreatitis.

Although somatostatin and its analogs and trypsin inhibitors (TSI) are widely recommended for acute pancreatitis (AP), there is a lack of high-quality multicenter trials that validate these drug classes. We aimed to examine the current usage status of somatostatin and its analogs and TSI in Chinese adult AP patients. We conducted a retrospective study which collected information for adult patients who were diagnosed with AP from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017 at 192 hospitals in China. Subsequently, we conducted a statistical analysis of the baseline information of patients, and revealed the usage of somatostatin, octreotide, ulinastatin, and gabexate. Thereafter, we stratified AP by severity and analyzed the current status of treatment. A total of 34,654 patients were included in this study. Mean age of patients was 49.9 years and 63% were males. Fifty-five percent of mild AP patients opted to receive octreotide, while 53.66% and 64.61% of moderate AP and severe AP patients respectively opted to receive somatostatin. At treatment initiation, somatostatin was mainly prescribed for mild and moderate AP patients, which were 723 and 894 daily defined doses (i.e., defined dose per day for a drug used by every 1,000 patients). Ulinastatin was mainly prescribed for severe AP patients, with a prescription volume of 1,230 daily defined doses. The consumption of ulinastatin in later stages of severe AP treatment was significantly greater than other drugs. Somatostatin analogs and TSI are widely used as therapeutic drugs for AP treatment in China, with usage beginning at the early stages of the disease and lasting on average for 1 week. Of these drugs, somatostatin and octreotide were identified as the most commonly-used drugs, while ulinastatin was found to be widely used at the late stages of severe AP.

Current Status of Assistive Technology for AAC for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Nepal

This paper is focussed on the current status of usage of assistive technology for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for the person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Nepal. ASD is marked by core features including impaired social communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours and interest (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition: DSM 5). AAC is a specific type of assistive technology that can benefit person with autism (PWA) of all ages by promoting independence, expanding communication and increasing social interactions. The major objective of this paper is to analyse the current status of AAC assistive technology for person with autism (PWA) in Nepal. The paper first analysed the assistive technology in general and then is inclined toward the current status of its development in Nepal. The research methodology of the paper included interviews and discussion sessions. The data were further reviewed based on the reports from the relevant organizations and learning outcomes from different autism related trainings and workshops. The authors visited various organizations related to autism in Nepal, Autism Care Nepal Society (ACNS) and Special School for Disability and Rehabilitation Center (SSDRC) and carried out interviews and discussions and also participated in various autism related training sessions and workshops. The findings of this paper showed that despite the high prevalence rate of autism, there is very less progress in managing ASD in Nepal and that the usage of assistive devices is limited to low tech only.

Application of 3D Printing in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review.

Ideal surgical positioning and placement of implants during arthroplasty are crucial for long-term survival and optimal functional outcomes. Inadequate bone stock or defects, and anatomical variations can influence the outcomes. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an evolving technology that could provide patient-specific instrumentation and implants for arthroplasty, taking into account anatomical variations and defects. However, its application in this field is still not adequately studied and described. The present review was conceptualised to assess the practicality, the pros and cons and the current status of usage of 3DP in the field of hip and knee arthroplasties and joint reconstruction surgeries. A PubMed database search was conducted and a total number of 135 hits were obtained, out of which only 30 articles were relevant. These 30 studies were assessed to obtain the qualitative evidence of the applicability and the current status of 3D printing in arthroplasty. Currently, 3DP is used for preoperative planning with 3D models, to assess bone defects and anatomy, to determine the appropriate cuts and to develop patient-specific instrumentation and implants (cages, liners, tibial base plates, femoral stem). Its models can be used for teaching and training young surgeons, as well as patient education regarding the surgical complexities. The outcomes of using customised instrumentations and implants have been promising and 3D printing can evolve into routine practice in the years to come. 3D printing in arthroplasty is an evolving field with promising results; however, current evidence is insufficient to determine significant advantages that can be termed cost effective and readily available.

Current use of neuromuscular blocking agents and antagonists in Korea: a 2018 survey

BackgroundNeuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and neuromuscular monitoring in anesthetic management are integral for endotracheal intubation, better visualization of the surgical field, and prevention of residual neuromuscular blockade and pulmonary complications. Sugammadex is a drug that reduces risk of residual neuromuscular blockade, with more rapid recovery compared to anticholinesterase. The purpose of this study was to investigate current usage status of NMBAs and antagonist with neuromuscular monitoring, among anesthesiologists in Korea.MethodsAnesthesiologists working in Korea were invited to participate in an online survey via email January 2–February 28, 2018. The questionnaire consisted of 45 items, including preferred NMBAs, antagonists, neuromuscular monitoring, and complications related to the use sugammadex. A total of 174 responses were analyzed.ResultsRocuronium was a commonly used NMBA for endotracheal intubation (98%) of hospitals, and maintenance of anesthesia (83.3%) in of hospitals. Sugammadex, pyridostigmine, and neostigmine were used in 89.1%, 87.9%, and 45.4% of hospitals. Neuromuscular monitoring was employed in 79.3% of hospitals; however only 39.7% of hospitals used neuromuscular monitoring before antagonist administration. Usual dosage range of sugammadex was 2.1–4 mg/kg in 35.1% of hospitals, within 2 mg/kg in 34.5% of hospitals, and 1 vial regardless of body weight in 22.4% of hospitals. Sugammadexrelated complications were encountered by 14.9% of respondents.ConclusionsThis survey indicates several minor problems associated with the use of antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring. However, most anesthesiologists appear to have appropriate information regarding the usage of NMBAs and sugammadex.

Control of accidental discharge of radioactive materials by filtered containment venting system: A review

Abstract Radioactive materials are released from the molten core into the containment at the time of a severe accident in a nuclear power plant (NPP). Filtered containment venting system is a popular and effective safety measure installed to obstruct the uncontrolled escape of radioactive materials due to the over pressurization of the containment. Different designs of filtered containment venting system (FCVS) are available today, each being the result of extensive research and development varying in one way or the other. This paper gives an elaborate description of the different types of FCVS currently being used, the current usage status in over 17 countries and the legislations regarding it. The recent researches being carried out in this field has also been discussed in detail. This present paper focuses on the critical review of existing FCVS, reports the challenges faced by it and highlights the potential developments to overcome the difficulties.

Usage Status and Characteristics of Mobile Devices for the Geriatric Population

Objective：This study aims to investigate the current usage status and identify the needs of mobile devices in the geriatric population, thus grasping the accessibility and possibility of mobile devices which can be positively used to allow them to obtain health information and manage their mental health. Methods：All self-reported questionnaires, such as demographics, mobile phone usage, and several mental health-related scales, were completed by two elderly groups (14 males ; aged over 60, mean=73) who visited Seodaemun-gu center for dementia: 1) 54 feature phone and 2) 57 smartphone users. Results：The results revealed that they have had the need to receive health information and healthcare particularly on psychiatric disorders such as dementia, geriatric depression, and anxiety. The relation between wireless calling plan and the two groups was significant. The two groups showed a significant difference only in the Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS) score; The feature phone group had significantly higher SGDS score than the smartphone group did. Conclusion：As the elderly mobile phone users showed a high level of need for health information and healthcare via their own mobile phones, the data of this study are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of elderly-friendly mobile applications and programs.

Proposal for Comprehensive Quality Control of Heavy-Ion Medical Accelerator

Prior to the introduction of a medical apparatus based on heavy-ion medical accelerator in Korea, a study is needed on quality control in clinical operation for the safe and appropriate usage of the instrument. Data relevant for the study were obtained via information sharing sessions and visits by the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) and other related academic associations. Furthermore, investigative analysis of the European and Japanese performance evaluation guidelines for heavy ion, as well as research on relevant literature, were conducted. In addition, instrumental standards were analyzed through an investigation of the current usage status of the heavy-ion medical accelerator, and further analysis was conducted on the evaluation methods for the performance, safety, and significance of the instrument. Based on these analyses, regular quality control procedures for heavy-ion medical accelerators in hospitals and other institutes were extrapolated. It is hoped that the results of this study will facilitate hospitals that have introduced heavy-ion medical accelerators, or are considering the implementation of the instrument, in their understanding of the fundamental standards and capabilities of the treatment system, as well as in establishing and carrying out quality control procedures for clinical operations such that it will contribute to the safety of patients and the efficiency of medical practitioners.

The Potential Use of a Food-Dyeing Plant &lt;i&gt;Peristrophe bivalvis&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Merr. in Northern Vietnam

An investigation on the current usage status and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvis(L.) Merr. was conducted in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. Five varieties were collected and recorded as a source of foodstuff-dyeing and medicinal plants on indigenous knowledge of ethnic minorities in the study area, of which, three varieties were dyed purple, one red and one yellow-orange; with two varieties being used for the treatment of haemoptysis, dysentery, liver disease, kidney failure, and jaundice. Two extraction methods using organic solvents and aqueous solvent were applied to spectrophotometrically investigate the phytochemical contents ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties. Accordingly, the coloration components ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties were contributed by a complex compound of photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins, flavonoids. Also, the total phenolics, total flavonoids and effect of extraction methods, dissolved solutions (water and methanol) on these contents were assessed. Besides, screening antioxidant capacity ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarietieswas assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method which showed stronger radical inhibition of organic extractions than that of aqueous extractions. The results of determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity support the knowledge and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties as natural dyeing production for food and pharmaceutical industry.

Mhealth apps : The current status of usage and the factors of continuous use

모바일 헬스(m-health) 시장은 특히 젊은 연령층 사이에서 스마트폰과 같은 모바일 기기를 통해 건강 컨텐츠를 활용하는 양상으로 발전하면서 확장하고 있는 추세이다. 이 연구는 서울대학교 대학(원)생을 대상으로, 젊은 층의 건강 어플리케이션 사용 현황 및 지속적 사용요인을 살펴봄으로써 건강 어플리케이션의 기전을 보다 파악하여 앞으로 등장할 가능성이 높은 모바일 헬스를 활용한 건강증진 프로그램에 기초 자료를 제공할 것으로 본다. 연구 방법으로는 연구 대상자의 인구학적 특성 및 지속적 사용여부에 따른 앱 이용 성향의 차이를 분석하고, 건강 어플리케이션에 대한 지식(Knowledge), 태도(Attitude), 믿음(Belief), 실천(Practice) 수준을 비교하였다. 지속적으로 건강 어플리케이션을 사용하는 집단은 전체의 28%로, 이들의 건강 어플리케이션에 대한 지식, 태도, 믿음, 실천(KABP)에 대한 정도가 건강 어플리케이션 사용중단자에 비하여 높았다. 본 연구는 기존 선행연구들의 마케팅 차원의 서비스 만족도 및 수용도 분석에서 더 나아가, 보건학적 관점에서 건강 어플리케이션 이용 욕구를 폭넓게 분석했다는 데 그 의의가 있다

The implementation and usage of an electronic document delivery application in Korea

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the development and current usage status of dCube, the first electronic document delivery application in Korea; identify the effects of electronic document delivery; and present references to institutions that are considering the creation of similar systems.Design/methodology/approachdCube development reports, usage manuals, and interview reports with field experts who were in charge of dCube's development were collected; and statistics data from 2007 to 2012 were analyzed.FindingsdCube, an open and user‐friendly system, was developed through benchmarking of similar systems and in response to requests from member institutions. Since its development, regular mail use has decreased as dCube usage has highly increased. dCube's turn‐around time is less than one day, compared to three to four days for regular mail.Originality/valueThis study represents a thorough investigation and analysis of the development process and utility of the largest‐scale electronic document delivery application in Korea, whose openness and convenience are good models for other ILL/DDS applications.

Complications associated with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a nationwide survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy

BackgroundWith the recent widespread use of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), there have been occasional reports on complications associated with its use. Previous reviews on EBUS-TBNA have been limited to studies by skilled operators, thus the results may not always be applicable to recent clinical practice. To assess the safety of EBUS-TBNA for the staging and diagnosis of lung cancer in Japan, a nationwide survey on its current usage status and complications associated with its use was conducted by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy (JSRE).MethodsA questionnaire about EBUS-TBNA performed between January 2011 and June 2012 was mailed to 520 JSRE-accredited facilities.ResultsResponses were obtained from 455 facilities (87.5%). During the study period, EBUS-TBNA was performed in 7,345 cases in 210 facilities (46.2%) using a convex probe ultrasound bronchoscope, for 6,836 mediastinal and hilar lesions and 275 lung parenchymal lesions. Ninety complications occurred in 32 facilities. The complication rate was 1.23% (95% confidence interval, 0.97%-1.48%), with hemorrhage being the most frequent complication (50 cases, 0.68%). Infectious complications developed in 14 cases (0.19%) (Mediastinitis, 7; pneumonia, 4; pericarditis, 1; cyst infection, 1; and sepsis, 1). Pneumothorax developed in 2 cases (0.03%), one of which required tube drainage. Regarding the outcome of the cases with complications, prolonged hospitalization was observed in 14 cases, life-threatening conditions in 4, and death in 1 (severe cerebral infarction) (mortality rate, 0.01%). Breakage of the ultrasound bronchoscope occurred in 98 cases (1.33%) in 67 facilities (31.9%), and that of the puncture needle in 15 cases (0.20%) in 8 facilities (3.8%).ConclusionsAlthough the complication rate associated with EBUS-TBNA was found to be low, severe complications, including infectious complications, were observed, and the incidence of device breakage was high. Since the use of EBUS-TBNA is rapidly expanding in Japan, an educational program for its safe performance should be immediately established.