• Proceedings of the Zoological Society Korea Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.204.2-205
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• 2001

No Abstract, See Full Text

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.7
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• pp.298-302
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• 2016

Purpose: Recent reports showed that plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) could be a useful biomarker of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) unresponsiveness and coronary artery lesion (CAL) development in Kawasaki disease (KD). The levels of these peptides are critically influenced by age; hence, the normal range and upper limits for infants and children are different. We performed an age-adjusted analysis of plasma NT-proBNP level to validate its clinical use in the diagnosis of KD. Methods: The data of 131 patients with KD were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups-group I (high NT-proBNP group) and group II (normal NT-proBNP group)-comprising patients with NT-proBNP concentrations higher and lower than the 95th percentile of the reference value, respectively. We compared the laboratory data, responsiveness to IVIG, and the risk of CAL in both groups. Results: Group I showed significantly higher white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, C-reactive protein level, aspartate aminotransferase level, and troponin-I level than group II (P<0.05). The risk of CAL was also significantly higher in group I (odds ratio, 5.78; P=0.012). IVIG unresponsiveness in group I was three times that in group II (odds ratio, 3.35; P= 0.005). Conclusion: Age-adjusted analysis of plasma NT-proBNP level could be helpful in predicting IVIG unresponsiveness and risk of CAL development in patients with KD.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.29-38
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of $Taegye(KI_3)$ acupuncture and acupuncture with twirling method on the blood pressure, cardiomegalic index, plasma levels of renin and atrial natriuretic peptide in hypertensive RAT induced by two kidney one clip (2KIC). Methods : This study was conducted on one control group and four experimental groups. Control group that had no treatment, Tail group that took tail acupuncture, K-0 group that took $KI_3$ acupuncture, K-6 group that took $KI_3$ acupuncture with 6 turns of twirling method, K-9 group that took $KI_3$ acupuncture with 9 turns of twirling method. Results : Blood pressure was decreased significantly after $KI_3$ acupuncture. Cardiomegalic index decreased significantly after $KI_3$ acupuncture. Plasma levels of renin was decreased significantly after $KI_3$ acupuncture and acupuncture with 9 turns of twirling method Ⅳ. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide was increased significantly after $KI_3$ acupuncture. Conclusions : These results suggest that blood pressure was decreased significantly after $KI_3$ acupuncture in hypertensive RAT induced by two kidney one clip (2K1C).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.165-175
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• 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare Taebaek(SP3) Sinmun(HT7), Daedon(LR 1) Yongcheon(KI1) on the Blood Pressure in Hypertensive RAT induced by 2K1C. Methods : This experiments was to investigate the effects of Herbal-Acupuncture at Taebaek(SP3) Sinmun(HT7), Daedon(LR1) Yongcheon(KIl) on the Blood Pressure, Cardiomegalic index, plasma levels of renin, plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP), serum levels of potassium, and serum levels of aldosterone in Hypertensive RAT induced by 2KlC. Results : The results were as follows. I. Blood Pressure was decreased significantly after Herbal-Acupuncture of Taebaek(SP3) Sinmun(HT7), Daedon(LR1) Yongcheon(KI1). II. Cardiomegalic index was decreased significantly after Herbal-Acupuncture of Daedon(LRl) Yongcheon(KI1). III. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) was increased significantly after Herbal-Acupuncture of Taebaek(SP3) Sinmun(HT7), Daedon(LRl) Yongcheon(KIl). IV. Plasma levels of renin was decreased significantly after Herbal-Acupuncture of Taebaek(SP3) Sinmun(HT7), Daedon(LRl) Yongcheon(KI1). Conclusion : These results suggest that Blood pressure was decreased significantly after Herbal-Acupuncture of Daedon(LRl) Yongcheon(KI1) in Hypertensive RAT induced by 2K1C.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.11
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• pp.489-495
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• 2014

Purpose: The aims of this study were to document our single-center experience with pediatric acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) and to investigate its clinical features and short-term outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children <18 years old who were diagnosed with AFM between October 2008 and February 2013. Data about patient demographics, initial symptoms, investigation results, management, and outcomes between survivors and nonsurvivors were collected. Results: Seventeen of 21 patients (80.9%) with myocarditis were diagnosed with AFM. Eleven patients (64.7%) survived to discharge, and 6 (35.3%) died. Electrocardiography on admission revealed dysrhythmia in 10 patients (58.8%); of these, all 7 patients with a complete atrioventricular block survived. Fractional shortening upon admission was significantly different between the survivors (16%) and nonsurvivors (8.5%) (P=0.01). Of the serial biochemical markers, only the initial brain natriuretic peptide (P=0.03) and peak blood urea nitrogen levels (P=0.02) were significantly different. Of 17 patients, 4 (23.5%) required medical treatment only. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed in 13 patients (76.5%); the survival rate in these patients was 53.8%. ECMO support was initiated >24 hours after admission in 4 of the 13 patients (30.7%), and 3 of those 4 patients (75%) died. Conclusion: AFM outcomes may be associated with complete atrioventricular block upon hospital admission, left ventricular fractional shortening at admission, time from admission to the initiation of ECMO support, initial brain natriuretic peptide level, and peak blood urea nitrogen level.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.11
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• pp.484-488
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• 2014

Purpose: Chronic upper airway obstruction causes hypoxemic pulmonary vasoconstriction, which may lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate RV function in children with ATH. Methods: Twenty-one children (male/female, 15/6; mean age, $92.3{\pm}39.0$ months; age range, 4-15 years) with ATH and 21 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were included in this study. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV myocardial performance index were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Further, the plasma level of N-terminal of probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an indicator of RV function, was determined. Results: The snoring-tiredness during daytime-observed apnea-high blood pressure (STOP) questionnaire was completed by the patients' parents, and loud snoring was noted in the ATH group. The plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the controls ($66.44{\pm}37.63pg/mL$ vs. $27.85{\pm}8.89pg/mL$, P=0.001). The echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: We were unable to confirm the significance of echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction in the management of children with ATH. However, the plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the control, suggesting that chronic airway obstruction in children may carry a risk for cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, more patients should be examined using transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, pediatricians and otolaryngologists should consider cardiologic aspects during the management of children with severe ATH.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.12-16
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• 2018

Purpose: To differentiate adenoviral pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) from acute Kawasaki disease (KD) using laboratory tests before results of virus-real time polymerase chain reaction and ophthalmologic examination are obtained. Methods: Baseline patient characteristics and laboratory measurements were compared between 40 patients with adenovirus infection and 123 patients with KD. Results: The patients with adenovirus infection were generally older than those with KD (median: 3.9 years vs. 2 years, P=0.000). White blood cell and, platelet count, and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels showed significant differences between the 2 groups, but the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels did not ($6.8{\pm}3.0mg/dL$ vs. $8.3{\pm}5.8mg/dL$, P=0.126). In the adenovirus infection group, the CRP levels were <1, <3, <10, and ${\geq}10mg/dL$ in 2 (5%), 3 (7.5%), 30 (75%), and 5 patients (12.5%), respectively. The cutoff NT-proBNP level was 265 pg/mL. Discrepancy was defined as CRP and NT-proBNP levels of ${\geq}3$ or <3 mg/dL, and <265 or ${\geq}265pg/mL$, respectively. Among the 35 patients with adenovirus infection whose CRP levels were ${\geq}3mg/dL$, 29 (82.9%) showed a discrepancy. Conversely, of the 103 patients with KD whose CRP levels were ${\geq}3mg/dL$, 83 (80.6%) showed no discrepancy. Between the groups, a significant difference in discrepancy rate was observed (P=0.000). None of the patients with adenovirus infection had CRP and NT-proBNP levels of <3 mg/dL and ${\geq}265pg/mL$, respectively. Conclusion: With a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 80.6%, CRP and NT-proBNP levels may differentiate between adenoviral PCF and acute KD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.10
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• pp.374-379
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• 2015

Purpose: Incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) is frequently associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Delayed diagnosis leads to increasing risk of coronary artery aneurysm. Anterior uveitis is an important ocular signs of KD. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in laboratory findings, including echocardiographic measurements, clinical characteristics such as fever duration and treatment responses between KD patients with and those without uveitis. Methods: We conducted a prospective study with 110 KD patients from January 2008 to June 2013. The study group (n=32, KD with uveitis) was compared with the control group (n=78, KD without uveitis). Laboratory data were obtained from each patient including complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count, and level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum total protein, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP). Echocardiographic measurements and intravenous immunoglobulin responses were compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of uveitis was 29.0%. Neutrophil counts and patient age were higher in the uveitis group than in the control group. ESR and CRP level were slightly increased in the uveitis group compared with the control group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant. No significant differences in coronary arterial complication and treatment responses were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Uveitis is an important ocular sign in the diagnosis of incomplete KD. It is significantly associated with patient age and neutrophil count.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.5
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• pp.555-563
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• 1998

The renal function is under regulatory influence of central nervous system (CNS), in which various neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems take part. However, a possible role of central GABA-benzodiazepine system on the central regulation of renal function has not been explored. This study was undertaken to delineate the renal effects of diazepam. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine agonist, administered into a lateral ventricle (icv) of the rabbit brain in doses ranging from 10 to 100 ${\mu}g/kg,$ elicited dose-related diuresis and natriuresis along with improved renal hemodynamics. However, when given intravenously, 100 ${\mu}g/kg$ diazepam did not produce any significant changes in all parameters of renal function and systemic blood pressure. Diazepam, 100 ${\mu}g/kg$ icv, transiently decreased the renal nerve activity (RNA), which recovered after 3 min. The plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased 7-fold, the peak coinciding with the natriuresis and diuresis. Muscimol, a GABAergic agonist, 1.0 ${\mu}g/kg$ given icv, elicited marked antidiuresis and antinatriuresis, accompanied by decreases in systemic blood pressure and renal hemodynamics. When icv 0.3 ${\mu}g/kg$ muscimol was given 3 min prior to 30 ${\mu}g/kg$ of diazepam icv, urinary flow and Na excretion rates did not change significantly, while systemic hypotension was produced. These results indicate that icv diazepam may bring about natriuresis and diuresis by influencing the central regulation of renal function, and that the renal effects are related to the increased plasma ANP levels, not to the decreased renal nerve activity, and suggest that the effects may not be mediated by the activation of central GABAergic system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2003

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to compare Xingjian(LR2) Shaofu(HT8) with Dadun(LR1) Shaofu(HT8) on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive RAT induced by Two Kidney One Clip(2KIC). Methods : This experiments was to investigate the effects of LR2 HT8(originated from ${\ll}$Classic on Difficulty${\gg}$ Shi Ze Xie Qi Zi), LR1 HT8(originated from ${\ll}$Ling Shu${\gg}$ Sheng Ze Xie Zhi) acupuncture on the blood pressure, cardiomegalic index, and plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in hypertensive rat induced by 2K1C. Results: 1. Blood pressure was decreased significantly after third acupuncture of LR2 HT8. 2. Blood pressure was decreased significantly after acupuncture of LR2 HT8, but was increased after LR2 HT8. 3. Cardiomegalic index was not changed after acupuncture of LR2-HT8 and LR1-HT8 4. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide was increased significantly after acupuncture of LR2 HT8 but LR1 HT8 was not changed.