• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.135-139
• /
• 2005

Purpose : We investigated the clinical manifestations, radiographic and laboratory findings of children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia(MP) according to their age. Methods : A total of 75 children with MP who admitted to The Catholic University, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital from July 2003 to February 2004, were classified into the three age groups : the ${\leq}2$ years of age(16 children), the children between 3 and 5 years of age(35 children), and the ${\geq}6$ years and older(24 patients). The diagnosis of MP was depended on the titers of anti-mycoplasma antibody that were measured 2 times, at admission and at discharge. Results : The total duration of the fever and the length of hospitalization were not different among the age groups. Although the white blood cell(WBC) value and differential was significantly different between the groups(P<0.01), a similar number in the WBC and reduced lymphocyte proportion was observed in all age groups compared to age-matched references. The patterns of pneumonia were significantly different according to age, i.e. segmental or lobar patterns were observed in 5 cases(31.3%) in the ${\leq}2$ years old group, but 16 cases(66.6%) in the >6 years old group(P<0.01). Conclusion : Although there was no difference in clinical findings according to age in MP, the radiographic finding was more severe in older children.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by community-acquired extended-spectrum ${\beta}$-lactamase (CA-ESBL)-producing and -nonproducing bacteria. Methods: We analyzed febrile UTIs in children hospitalized at Gachon University Gil Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2013 through retrospective data collection from their medical records. Results: Among pathogens causing 374 episodes of UTIs, the proportion of ESBL-producing bacteria was 13.1% (49/374). The proportion of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. was 13.6% (48/354) and 5.0% (1/20), respectively. There was no significant difference between the CA-ESBL and CA non-ESBL groups in duration of fever ($4.2{\pm}2.7$ vs. $3.7{\pm}2.1$ days, P=0.10) and bacterial eradication rate with empirical antibiotics (100% vs. 100%). The risk of cortical defects on renal scan significantly depended on existence of vesicoureteral reflux rather than ESBL production of pathogen. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the CA-ESBL and CA non-ESBL groups in renal cortical defects and clinical outcome. Careful choice of antibiotics is important for treatment of community-acquired UTI in children.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.223-228
• /
• 2003

Purpose : We evaluated and compared clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with measles in three epidemics(1989~90, 1993~94, and 2000~01) in Daejeon, Korea. Methods : Retrospective analyses were performed using medical records of 520 patients with measles at the Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital during three epidemics. We divided the subjects into three groups, i.e., those who admitted during 1989~1990(group I, 116 patients), those during 1993~1994(group II, 127 patients), and those during 2000~2001(group III, 277 patients). We compared clinical, demographic and laboratory characteristics among these 3 groups. Results : In age distribution, ratios of under 2 years of age in three groups were 61%, 58% and 57%, respectively with no statistical differences. However there are differences in age distribution above 2 years of age, as 21% in 2~5 years of group I, 28% in 6~9 years of group II, and 21% above 10 years of group III. No statistical differences were present between 3 groups in the male to female ratio, MMR vaccination rate in above 2 years of age, duration of fever, incidence of hepatitis. Hospitalization days(P=0.019) and rate of complications(P=0.012) were longer and higher in group I than in group III. Conclusion : In three epidemics, the second peak age group(except 0~1 year) of children above 2 years of age who had mostly received MMR vaccination showed a trend for increased age with increasing time(statistical difference). This result suggest that secondary vaccine failure may have a role in each epidemics. So, if measles outbreaks is happened in the future, we will have consideration in this aspect.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.17-25
• /
• 1996

Acute pancreatitis(AP) in children is not common but can be associated with severe morbidity rates and its diagnosis is often delayed. Thus, reported mortality rates range from 0 to 78%. We have treated 26 patients with AP from 5 to 17 years of age over the past 17 years. We are intended to assess the relevance of the prognostic criteria used to assess severity of adult AP and to review the etiology, clilical presentation, diagnosis, and management of AP in children. The authors retrospectively reviewed 26 children with AP managed in Kyung Hee University Hospital from 1978 to 1995. Among 26 patients with AP, male were 12, and female were 14. And the mean age of patients was 11.8 years. In 9(34.6%), no definitive cause was identified. Common causes of AP were trauma(23.1%) and biliary tract disease(23.1%). Other etiologies were viral infection(15.4%) and post ERCP(3.8%). The presenting features were abdominal pain(92.3%), vomiting(61.5%), fever(19.2%), submandibular pain(11.5%), and abdominal mass(7.6%). Back pain was rare(3.8%). Abdominal ultrasonographic findings were abnormal in 10 of 16 patients(62.5%) and abdominal CT findings were abnormal for 9 of 9 patients(100%). Seventeen patients(65.3%) were managed conservatively, and nine patients(34.6%) required surgical treatment. There was no mortality. To evaluate the severity of disease, we used the Imrie prognostic criteria used to assess the severity in adult AP. The number of positive criteria was correlated to the duration of hospitalization(r2=0.91) but statistically insignificant(p>0.05). But, the number of positive criteria was correlated to the operative incidence(r2=0.93) and statistically significant(p<0.05). The common causes of AP in children were unknown origin(34.6%), trauma(23.1%), and biliary tract disease(23.1%). Ultrasonography and computed tomography were useful imaging tools of AP in children. The Imrie criteria used to evaluate the severity in adult AP were suspected to be valuable to assess the severity of AP in children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.58 no.6
• /
• pp.211-217
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection is a major cause of respiratory infection in school-aged children. Extrapulmonary manifestations of MP infection are common, but liver involvement has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of MP-associated hepatitis. Methods: This prospective study included 1,044 pediatric patients with MP infection diagnosed serologically with MP IgM at one medical center from January 2006 to December 2012. Eighty of these patients had elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), each greater than 50 IU/L, without any other specific liver disorder and were compared with the 964 children without liver disorders. Results: In total, 7.7% of patients with MP infection had a diagnosis of hepatitis, especially in fall and winter. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.7:1, and the mean age of the patients was 5 years and 5 months. The most common symptoms were cough, fever, and sputum. Anorexia was the most common gastrointestinal symptom, followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Mean levels of AST and ALT were 100.65 IU/L and 118.73 IU/L, respectively. Serum AST/ALT level was normalized within 7.5 days on average without complications. The mean duration of hospitalization (11.3 days) was longer for children with hepatitis than for those without hepatitis (P=0.034). Conclusion: MP-associated hepatitis is not uncommon and has a relatively good prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should be concerned about liver involvement in MP infection but avoid further unnecessary evaluation of hepatitis associated with MP.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.231-236
• /
• 2015

A 17-year-old girl presented with complaints of headache and decreasing vision of one month's duration, without any history of fever, weight loss, or any evidence of an immuno-compromised state. Her neurological examination was normal, except for papilledema. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits, except for a slightly increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). Non-contrast computerized tomography of her head revealed complex mass in left frontal lobe with a concentric, slightly hyperdense, thickened wall, and moderate perilesional edema with mass effect. Differential diagnoses considered in this case were pilocytic astrocytoma, metastasis and abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained in 3.0 Tesla (3.0T) scanner revealed a lobulated outline cystic mass in the left frontal lobe with two concentric layers of T2 hypointense wall, with T2 hyperintensity between the concentric ring. Moderate perilesional edema and mass effect were seen. Post gadolinium study showed a markedly enhancing irregular wall with some enhancing nodular solid component. No restricted diffusion was seen in this mass in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed increased lactate and lipid peaks in the central part of this mass, although some areas at the wall and perilesional T2 hyperintensity showed an increased choline peak without significant decrease in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) level. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) enhanced perfusion study showed decrease in relative cerebral blood volume at this region. These features in MRI were suggestive of brain abscess. The patient underwent craniotomy with excision of a grayish nodular lesion. Abundant acid fast bacilli (AFB) in acid fast staining, and epithelioid cell granulomas, caseation necrosis and Langhans giant cells in histopathology, were conclusive of tubercular abscess. Tubercular brain abscess is a rare manifestation that simulates malignancy and cause diagnostic dilemma. MRI along with MRS and magnetic resonance perfusion studies, are powerful tools to differentiate lesions in such equivocal cases.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.151-163
• /
• 1990

Tsutsugamushi disease is an acute febrile disease caused by Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, and which has been reported with increasing frequency through the nation since 1986. We experienced 21 cases of Tsutsugamushi disease diagnosed with serologic test occuring in Taegu city and Kyungpook province during October-November, 1989. The results of survey are as follow. 1) Of 21 cases, 12(57%) were males and 9(43%) were females, and the peak incidence was the 4th decade. 2) The outbreak was in October to November and the peak incidence was in October. 3) The most frequent symptoms were fever and chill(100%), myalgia(95%), headache(90%). Eschar and rash were observed in 18 patients(86%) and the eschar was detected in all over the body, especially thorax(33%) and lower extremity(22%). 4) Laboratory features were SGOT elevation(83%), SGPT elevation(61%), LDH elevation(67%). leukocytosis (38%). 5) Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was done m 18 patients and the antibody titer was above 1 : 320 in all patients. 6) The chloramphenicol, tetracycline or doxycycline regimens were very effective and mean duration of defervescence from iniation of therapy was 1.3 days. 7) The complication such as meningitis or shock, was not seen.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.120-126
• /
• 1994

Background : Antibiotic therapy has proven an effective method of treatment on the majority of patients with pyogenic lung abscess and infected bulla. When medical therapy has failed, pulmonary resection is the current generally recommended therapy. But nowdays complications of percutaneous tube drainage has decreased with the use of small catheter. So we evaluated the effect of percutaneous tube drainage as an alternative therapy to the pyogenic lung abscess and infected bulla refractory to medical therapy in preference ot the pulmonary resection. Method : Nine cases of the lung abscess and three cases of infected bulla which has large cavity size over 6cm, and has underlying diseases such as lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, refractory to over 1 week of antibiotics, were performed percutaneous tube drainage with All Purpose Drainage catheter(Medi-tech, Watertown, USA) under fluoroscopy. Results : All the cases except one case which complicated empyema was improved clinically. Fever was down within 4days of percutaneous tube drainage(mean : 1.9days). Mean duration of tube drainage was 9.9days. Conclusion : Percutaneous tube drainage is an effective and relatively safe procedure in the management of lung abscesses that do not response to medical therapy. We speculate this procedure should be considered as an alternative therapy for the lung abscess refractory to medical therapy in preference to the surgery. The safety and effectiveness of this procedure in infected bulla should be evaluated with an additional study.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.293-301
• /
• 1997

The tonsillitis has long been one of the most common disease in the otolaryngologic field. Peritonsillar abscess occurs when bacterial infection of the tonsil spreads to the potential peritonsillar space deep behind the tonsil, and it usually occurs in patients with recurrent tonsillitis or in those with tonsillitis who have been inadequately treated. We studied retrospectively 71 patients who had been diagnosed as acute tonsillitis and 82 patients who had been diagnosed as peritonsillar abscess and had admitted in our department of the Ulsan Dong Kang Hospital from January, 1995 to September, 1997. Especially in the bacteriologic studies, we compared acute tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess with chronic tonsillitis. The following results were obtained： 1) The sex distributions of acute tonsillitis were 47 males(66%) and 24 females(34%) cases, but 57 males(70%) and 25 females(30%) in cases of peritonsillar abscess. There were predominant in male and frequently affected in second and third decades in 53 cases(76%) of acute tonsillitis and 56 cases(68%) of peritonsillar abscess. 2) It was same found in each season. 3) The duration from onset of symptom to visit in our department was 3.92 days in cases of acute tonsillitis and 5.95 days in cases of peritonsillar abscess in average 4) The major symptoms were sore throat, swallowing difficult. And others were fever, fatigability, dysarthria, trismus, headache, otalgia. 5) Among the 71 cases of acute tonsillitis and 82 cases of peritonsillar abscess, most temperature of patients at visit were 36.6-37.5 $^{\circ}C$ in each 36 cases(51%), 57 cases(70%). 6) In each disease, 35 cases(47%), 45 cases(75%) consisted of single infection and 39 cases(53%), 15 cases(25%) consisted of mixed infection. In acute tonsillitis, 111 strains were isolated from 74 cases, the most common strain was 69 strains(62.2%) of $\alpha$-hemolytic streptococci. In the peritonsillar abscess, 77 strains were isolated from 60 cases, the most common strain was 49 strains(63.6%) of $\alpha$-hemolytic streptococci. In chronic tonsillitis, 563 strains were isolated from 382 cases, the most common strain was 334 strains(50.3%) of $\alpha$-hemolytic streptococci. 7) In acute tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess, the most common leukocyte levels were reported with 10, 000-15, 000/$\mu$L in 23 cases(32%). The CRP levels were reported with abnormal findings in 61 cases(97%), 63 cases(95%) above 0.3 in each cases.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.159-165
• /
• 2004

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of acute poststreptocaccal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) between patients who had presented with gross hematuria and those with microscopic hematuria. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, who were diagnosed from January 2000 to April 2003 were enrolled. Results: The mean age was 8.85 years and the male to female ratio was 1.1:1 Seventeen patients presented with gross hematuria at diagnosis(group A) and twenty-two patients had microscopic hematuria only(group B). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of edema, fever or history of respiratory infection and oliguria. But hypertension was more frequent in group B. Laboratory data showed decreased C3 and C4 level in group B. Spot urine protein/creatinine ratio and 24hr urine protein showed higher levels in group A. Conclusion; Patients with gross hematuria at diagnosis had lower incidence of hypertension and a higher rate of nephrotic range of proteinuna than patients with microscopic hematuria. However, no difference in the duration of admission or complication rate was observed. All patients had clinical improvement during follow-up. We conclude that gross hematuria is not a significant prognostic factor for poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.