• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.490-494
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• 2003

Purpose : We'd like to determine the incidence of congenital heart disease and arrhythmia in elementary school children in Busan, and to provide adequate prevention and treatment. Methods : A total of 23,802(male 12,909, female 10,893) 1st grade elementary school children living in Busan were studied. All children were 7-8 years old. We obtained their medical history by questionnaire and checked elecrocardiography(ECG). Subsequent screening tests including a 2nd ECG, chest X-ray, phonocardiogram and CBC for the students who had abnormal findings at the first screening test. The third screening test was done for students who had cardiac murmurs or abnormal ECG findings in the second screening test by echocardiogram, treadmill test and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Results : Among 23,802 children participants, 605(2.54%) had abnormal ECG findings at the first screening test. Q wave abnormality(0.58%) was observed most frequently, and complete right bundle branch block(RBBB)(0.26%), sinus tachycardia(0.24%), right axis deviation(0.22%) and ventricular premature contraction(VPC)(0.21%) followed in order. Four hundred and twenty four children participated in the second ECG screening test. Two hundred and two children(47.6%) had an abnormality such as sinus tachycardia(18.8%), VPC(17.8%), or complete RBBB(17.3%). After completing the third examination including echocardiogram, we couldn't find the students with ventricular tachycardia (VT) or SVT at the third arrhythmia screening test. Conclusion : A high incidence of arrhythmia was found in the 1st grade elementary school children in Busan despite their healthy appearances, although fatal heart diseases were not noted. Early diagnosis, adequate preventative measures and treatment will prevent and decrease the frequency of emergent situations like syncope and sudden death.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.313-318
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• 2013

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) have been used as a powerful fusion modality in nuclear medicine not only for detecting cancer but also for staging and therapy monitoring. Nevertheless, there are various causes of FDG uptake in normal and/or benign tissues. The purpose of present study was to investigate whether additional delayed imaging can improve the diagnosis to differentiate the rates of FDG uptake at axillary lymph nodes (ALN) between malignant and benign in breast cancer patients. 180 PET/CT images were obtained for 27 patients with ALN uptake. The patients who had radiotherapy and chemotherapy were excluded from the study. $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT scan at 50 min (early phase) and 90 min (delayed phase) after $^{18}F$-FDG injection were included in this retrospective study. The staging of cancers was confirmed by final clinical according to radiologic follow-up and pathologic findings. The standardized uptake value (SUV) of ALN was measured at the Syngo Acquisition Workplace by Siemens. The 27 patients included 18 malignant and 9 ALN benign groups and the 18 malignant groups were classified into the 3 groups according to number of metastatic ALN in each patient. ALNs were categorized less than or equal 3 as N1, between 4 to 9 as N2 and more than 10 as N3 group. Results are expressed as the mean${\pm}$standard deviation (S.D.) and statistically analyzed by SPSS. As a result, Retention index (RI-SUV max) in metastasis was significantly higher than that in non-metastasis about 5 fold increased. On the other hand, RI-SUV max in N group tended to decrease gradually from N1 to N3. However, we could not prove significance statistically in malignant group with ANOVA. As a consequence, RI-SUV max was good indicator for differentiating ALN positive group from node negative group in breast cancer patients. These results show that dual-time-point scan appears to be useful in distinguishing malignant from benign.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.134-145
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• 2010

Purpose: The serologic diagnosis of rotaviral infections is not commonly used in clinical practice, but is used in seroepidemiologic studies. In this study, the usefulness of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant VP6 proteins of group A rotavirus in the serodiagnosis of rotavirus infections by ELISA was evaluated. Methods: The recombinant VP6 proteins of group A rotavirus expressed in E. coli Rosetta II strain were purified and identified. One hundred sera from 22 children (4 healthy neonates, 13 healthy children, and 5 immunocompromised children) who had serial sera samples prior to and after rotavirus infections were provided by the Gyeongsang National University Hospital, a member of the National Biobank of Korea. IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies against rVP6 were analyzed by ELISA in all of the patients and Western blot analysis in 4 neonates. Results: ELISA tests using rVP6 proteins of group A rotavirus as antigen revealed that IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies increased after rotaviral infections in most neonates and healthy children. IgG antibodies also increased after rotaviral infections in most immunocompromised children without an adequate increase in IgM or IgA antibodies. Western blot analysis in four neonates revealed very early IgM antibody responses, even in the sera with low optical densities in ELISA tests. Conclusion: Our study showed that ELISA using rVP6 as an antigen is a valid diagnostic tool for seroepidemiologic studies of rotavirus infections and Western blot analysis is a sensitive test in detecting IgG, IgA, and and IgM antibodies in patients with rotavirus infections.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2011

Purpose: Early diagnosis and treatment of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is important to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the presence of pyuria, the severity, and underlying genitourinary anomalies in patients with UTI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 293 patients with febrile UTI who were admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital during the period from June, 2007 until January, 2010. We divided the patients into two groups, one with the finding of pyuria at admission, and the other without, and compared the fever duration, white blood cell counts (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral bloods, hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux and admission period. Results: Among the 293 patients with febrile UTI, 189 patients showed findings of pyuria whereas 104 patients did not. Patients with pyuria showed an increment of WBC ($14,694{\pm}485.2$ vs. $11,374{\pm}451.2/uL$, P <0.05) and CRP ($46.9{\pm}3.9$ vs $17.1{\pm}3.6$ mg/L, P <0.05) in peripheral blood sample. The presence of cortical defects (21.7 Vs 5.8%, P <0.05) and vesicoureteral reflux (15.9 Vs 6.7%, P <0.05) was also increased in patients with pyuria compared to patients without pyuria. There were no specific differences in fever duration, admission period, and hydronephrosis. Within the group with pyuria, CRP in peripheral blood sample increased proportionally with the increment of pyuria (P <0.05). Conclusion: In patients with febrile UTI, the increment of WBC in the urine sample can be a helpful predictor for increased CRP in peripheral blood and acute pyelonephritis.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2009

Purpose : This study was performed to report the diagnosis and treatment of nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year of life. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data with chart review in 7 patients who were diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year of life from 1996 to 2007. Results : Three patients had congenital nephrotic syndrome, the other 4 patients had infantile nephrotic syndrome. Their ages ranged from birth to 11 months and male to female ratio was 1 to 6. Renal biopsies were done in 6 patients. One patient had Finnish type congenital nephrotic syndrome, 2 patients had diffuse mesangial sclerosis, 2 patients had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and 1 patient had minimal change disease. Genetic analyses of NPHS2, PLCE1, and WT1 were done in 4 patients and 2 of them had WT1 mutation. Among 3 patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome, 1 patient was diagnosed as congenital nephrotic syndrome of Finnish type and the other 2 patients were diagnosed as Denys-Drash syndrome. All of the patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome died due to sepsis. Among 4 patients with infantile nephrotic syndrome, 2 patients died and 1 had remission, another patient progressed to end stage renal disease. Conclusion : Most of nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the first year was hereditary renal disease. Patients with nephrotic syndrome manifesting in the 3 month of life had poorer prognosis and needed more aggressive management including early dialysis and renal transplantation might be considered compared with infantile nephrotic syndrome. Further genotype-phenotype correlation studies are needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.626-632
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• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary embolism is underrecognized and carries a poor prognosis. Medical therapy is generally unsatisfactory and palliative. With the improvement of operative technique and postoperative management, pulmonary endarterectomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and December 2005, eleven patients were received pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients had chronic dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis was made with cardiac echocardiography, lung perfusion scan and computed tomography. Before the operation, Greenfield vena cava filter were placed in all patient except one. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for the distal-most portion of the endarterectomy procedure. More than moderate degree of tricuspid reguirgitation was repaired during operation. Result: There was no early and late death. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly after operation from $91{\pm}21$ mmHg to $40{\pm}17$ mmHg on echocardiography (p=0.001). NYHA class and tricuspid reguirgitaion were improved postoperatively. Although mild reperfusion injury in three case and postoperative delirium in one case were observed, all of them recovered without complication. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterctomy offers to patient an acceptable morbidity rate and anticipation of clinical improvement. This method is safe and effective operation for pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2009

Background: Vascular injuries to the extremities are potentially devastating and they can lead to limb loss and mortality if they are not appropriately managed. The vascular trauma caused by traffic and industrial accidents has recently increased according to the developing industry and transport system in Korea. Early recognition and treatment of these injuries are mandatory to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Material and Method: We retrospective reviewed 43 patients with vascular injuries that were due to blunt and penetrating trauma and they underwent emergency operations from January of 1998 to December of 2006. Result: There were 38 men and 5 women patients with a mean age of $42.0{\pm}16.8$ years (range: 17~77). The cause of vascular injuries were 28 traffic accidents (65%), 6 industrial accidents (14%), 6 glass injuries (14%) and 3 knife injuries (7%). The average time from admission to the operating room was $319.0{\pm}482.2$ minutes (range: 27~2,400 minutes). The average time from admission to discharge was $53.1{\pm}56.0$ days (range: 2~265 days). The anatomic injuries included the femoral artery in 16 cases (37%), the popliteal artery in 8 cases (19%), the brachial artery in 8 cases (19%), and the subclavian and axillary arteries in 7 cases (16%). The associated injuries were 23 bone fractures (53%), 18 muscle injuries (42%) 5 nerve injuries (12%) and 11 vein injuries (26%). The operation methods were 20 end to end anastomoses (46%), 16 interposition grafts (36%), 2 repairs with using patches (5%) and 5 others (12%). The number of amputations and cases of mortality were 3 cases (7%) and 4 cases (9%), respectively. Conclusion: Minimizing ischemia is an important factor for maximizing salvage of extremities. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the amputation and mortality rates.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.731-736
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• 2005

Purpose : Acute pyogenic osteomyelitis is uncommon in children. Delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment are leading to growth failure and deformation. We review the clinical manifestations and treatment of acute osteomyelitis in children according to age. Methods : A retrospective analysis was made of 32 patients who underwent antibiotic management or operation between Aug 1989 and Dec 2003 for acute pyogenic osteomyelitis in age from 0 to 15 years old. Results : The study group was composed of 21 boys and 11 girls. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age : 0-1 yr(n=6), 1-5 yr(n=11), 6-10 yr(n=8), and 11-15 yr(n=7). Nineteen cases were diagnosed in Winter. Femur was the most common infected site(37.5%). There were no predisposing factor in 17 patients, and 7 of 15 patients had trauma history. Sepsis was important predisposing factor in neonates. The chief complaints were pain, swelling and fever. S. aureus(61%) is the most common organism. Twenty-nine patients were treated with operation and concomitant antibiotics. Two cases had sequelae in follow-up period : One is avascular necrosis of femur and the other is discrepancy of leg length. Conclusion : In our review, because of poor prognosis in septic neonates, we recommend to treat actively neonatal sepsis and prevent or detect osteomyelitis early. Because most of patients were diagnosed and treated in orthopedic surgery, the rate of operation was too high. So, protocol for further evaluation and management of acute osteomyelitis in pediatric patients were needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.803-810
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• 2003

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting the final adult height and total height gain in idiopathic and organic growth hormone deficient(GHD) children after growth hormone(GH) treatment. Methods : Thirteen patients with idiopathic GHD and 22 patients with organic GHD who had been treated with GH and attained adult final height were included in this study. Factors which could affect the final adult height(FAH) and total height gain, were evaluated. Results : Height SDS(standard deviation score) at initial GH treatment in idiopathic GHD was significantly shorter than that in organic GHD($-4.13{\pm}1.28$ vs $-1.66{\pm}1.06$, P<0.001). Growth velocity during the first year of GH treatment was $9.69{\pm}3.19cm$(idiopathic GHD) and $7.87{\pm}3.65cm$(organic GHD). Height(SDS) at puberty in organic GHD was significantly greater than in idiopathic GHD ($-0.55{\pm}1.25$ vs $-2.28{\pm}0.95$, P<0.001). Final adult height(SDS) was significantly greater in organic GHD than in idiopathic GHD($0.22{\pm}1.06$ vs $-1.44{\pm}0.84$, P<0.001). In idiopathic GHD, total height gain (SDS) was most significantly correlated with midparental height minus initial height(MPH-IH)(SDS) (r=0.886, P<0.001). Total height gain(SDS) was more significantly correlated with MPH-IH(SDS) and prepubertal height gain(SDS) in idiopathic GHD(r=0.640, P=0.01, r=0.801, P<0.001). Conclusion : Final adult height was greater in organic GHD than in idiopathic GHD patients. While total height gain(SDS) was more pronounced in children with lower initial height compared to MPH, absolute final adult height was influenced by height at puberty. To improve the final adult height in children with GHD, height at onset of puberty must be increased by early diagnosis and continuous treatment with optimal doses of GH. There results should be evaluated with more patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.68-76
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• 1993

Pregnancy induced hypertension is multifaceted syndrome with variable involvement of several key organ systems, so sensitive and specific laboratory tests for predicting severity and prognosis, and early diagnosis of this disease are required. Because heme catabolism results in equimolar production of carboxyhemoglobin, iron and bilirubin, a concomittant rise of these parameters would provide confirmation of increased heme catabolism. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia may occurs in severe preeclampsia, but it is not known whether increased red cell turnover occurs with mild preeclampsia as complication. The purpose of this study was to confirm that increased heme catabolism also occurs in patients with mild preeclampsia. The analysis of data was done on 23 cases with mild preeclampsia and 35 normal pregnant women, who were admitted to Yeungnam University Hospital from October 1992 to March 1993. The results were as follows. 1. The mean antepartum serum iron concentration was significantly higher in the group with mild preeclampsia($86.5{\pm}6.1{\mu}g/dl$) than in the controls($53.2{\pm}5.3{\mu}g/dl$). 2. The mean antepartum and postpartum carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in the group with mild preeclampsia(antepartum : $2.55{\pm}0.42{\mu}g/dl$, postpartum : $1.21{\pm}0.4{\mu}g/dl$) than the controls(antepartum : $0.61{\pm}0.2{\mu}g/dl$, postpartum $0.53{\pm}0.2{\mu}g/dl$) 3. During postpartum, carboxyhemoglobin concentration in preeclampsia reduced significantly from antepartum level, but, there was no difference between antepartum and postpartum carboxyhemoglobin concentrations among controls. 4. Bilirubin concentrations were similar in both groups.