Kosin Medical Journal

Bong-Joon Kim

4 Articles

Early effects of PCSK9 inhibitors: evolocumab versus alirocumab: Su-Hyun Bae, Bong-Joon Kim, Soo-Jin Kim, Sung-Il Im, Hyun-Su Kim, Jung-Ho Heo; Kosin Med J. 2025;40(1):49-54. Published online March 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.24.145

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
The significance of risk modification in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is well recognized; however, the optimal timing for adminstering PCSK9 inhibitors remains unclear. Additionally, the lipid-lowering efficacy of evolocumab and alirocumab has not been fully established. This study evaluated the lipid-lowering effects of these two PCSK9 inhibitors.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with ACS, including unstable angina, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, who were treated with a PCSK9 inhibitor (evolocumab or alirocumab) during hospitalization for ACS between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were assessed, and changes in LDL-C levels during the acute and subacute phases after PCSK9 inhibitor administration were compared between the evolocumab and alirocumab groups.
Results
Among 80 patients diagnosed with ACS, 36 received evolocumab, while 44 were treated with alirocumab. The mean baseline LDL-C level was 123 mg/dL in the evolocumab group and 128 mg/dL in the alirocumab group (p=0.456). In the subacute phase, the mean follow-up LDL-C levels were 47.05 mg/dL in the evolocumab group and 49.5 mg/dL in the alirocumab group (p=0.585). The mean percentage reduction in LDL-C levels during the subacute phase was 60.41% in the evolocumab group and 58.51% in the alirocumab group (p=0.431). These differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
No significant differences were observed between evolocumab and alirocumab. LDL-C levels exhibited a similar trend, characterized by a rapid decline in the acute phase, followed by a slight rebound in the subacute phase.

Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection and acute bacterial pericarditis: a case report: Su Hyun Bae, Song-Hyun Lee, Joon-Young Choi, Bong-Joon Kim, Soo-Jin Kim, Sung-Il Im, Hyun-Su Kim, Jung-Ho Heo; Kosin Med J. 2023;38(2):134-137. Published online August 16, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.22.021

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: We experienced a case of disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection with bacterial pericarditis that progressed to septic shock and multiorgan failure despite pericardiocentesis and surgical removal of the original abscess with intensive antibiotic therapy. We report this case because of the patient’s very rare and remarkable echocardiographic findings and highly turbid pericardial effusion.

Role of biomarkers in the heart failure clinic: Bong-Joon Kim, Jae-Hyeong Park; Kosin Med J. 2022;37(1):4-17. Published online March 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.22.019

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Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular disease that has a complex pathophysiology. Because it is the final stage of many cardiovascular diseases, proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for prolonging patients’ survival and improving their well-being. Several biomarkers have been identified in HF, and their roles in diagnosis and prognostication have been widely investigated. Among them, natriuretic peptides are key for diagnosing HF, predicting its prognosis, and monitoring the effectiveness of HF treatment. Moreover, natriuretic peptides can also be used to treat HF. In addition to natriuretic peptides, several other biomarkers were included in the most recent HF management guidelines. Thus, we reviewed the role of the biomarkers included in these guidelines and discussed future perspectives.

Citations

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Impact of Pharmacotherapy Optimization on Health-related Quality of Life in a Long-term Follow-up Program for Patients with Heart Failure
Rasa Paleckiene, Diana Zaliaduonyte, Jurate Macijauskiene
Open Medicine Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

The role of the interatrial shunt device in the treatment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: experience from the REDUCE LAP-HF studies: Bong-Joon Kim; Received October 12, 2024 Accepted December 11, 2024 Published online February 17, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.24.150 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by increased left ventricular filling pressure and elevated left atrial pressure. Despite advances in medical treatments, the management of HFpEF patients is often challenging due to multiple comorbidities, leading to polypharmacy and associated side effects. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for procedural or device-based therapies in HFpEF management. Over the past decade, the transcatheter interatrial shunt device (IASD), designed to create a passage between the left atrium and the right atrium, has emerged as a novel therapeutic option. The IASD offers potential benefits by reducing left atrial pressure at rest and during exercise. The efficacy and safety of the IASD were demonstrated in the REDUCE LAP-HF (Reduce Left Atrial Pressure in Patients with Heart Failure) study series. Furthermore, IASD has been shown to support positive cardiac remodeling. With the availability of more data, appropriate indications for the use of IASDs are becoming more evident, and criteria for patient selection in future studies are needed.

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