• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2005

Purpose : This study was peformed to study normative blood pressure data in full-term neonates that may be used to facilitate Identification of neonatal hypertension.Methods : 383 newborns born in our hospital from May 2003 to January 2004 were enrolled in this study Using an oscillometric device(BP-88 NEXT, COLIN Corp.), their blood pressures were measured more than one time within a week after birth. According to each clinical variable such as sex, delivery mode, birth weight, gestational age and presence of maternal disease or perinatal problems, we divided the population into groups and calculated the mean blood pressures of each group. We compared mean blood pressures between the divided groups according to each clinical variable statistically.Results : Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the Population was 70.8$\pm$ 10.9 mmHg and 43.4 $\pm$ 8.0 mmHg, respectively. There was no satistically significant difference in blood pressure according to clinical variables. Mean systolic pressure showed positive correlation with birth weight and gestational age(r=0.1420, 0.03130).Conclusion : Our results are almost in agreement with Zubrow's data from 695 newborns in U.S.A, 1995. Our data may be helpful for early detection and management of neonatal hypertension, thereby maintaining renal function ,and preventing possible complications of renal disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.836-846
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• 2002

Purpose : With the development of neonatal intensive care and the increased use of systemic antibiotics, candida sepsis has become one of the most important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate and its associated risk factors. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 28 cases with candida sepsis who were admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of Chonnam University Hospital from July 1995 to June 2001. Twenty-nine patients without candida sepsis were enrolled for the control group to verify the risk factors. Results : The overall incidence of candida sepsis was 0.61% for all NICU admissions and 3.68% for all very low birth weight infants with the gradual increase of the annual prevalance rate over time. The endotracheal intubation, percutaneous central vein catheter(PCVC), umbilical vein catheter, total parenteral nutrition, intralipid and dopamine were more applied than the control group (P<0.01 for all). The durations of mechanical ventilator care, central catheter appliance, nothing per os, and admission were also significantly longer than the control group(P<0.01 for all). Ampicillin/ sulbactam, ceftazidime, amikacin, netilmicin, teicoplanin and imipenem/cilastatin were significantly more used than the control group(P<0.05). The durations of ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftazidime, netilmicin and imipenem/cilastatin administration were also proved to be significant as the risk factors(P<0.01). Conclusion : The average annual prevalence rate of candida sepsis in NICU for six years was 0.61% with gradual increasing tendency over time. The elimination of the above risk factors is important in decreasing neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with candida sepsis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.11
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• pp.1187-1192
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• 2005

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobuin (IVIG) administration in fullterm neonates having clinically suspected neonatal sepsis. Methods : Forty full-term neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with clinically suspected neonatal sepsis, who had at least two positive diagnostic criteria were enrolled. Twenty neonates were enrolled into the IVIG arm and 20 in the placebo arm. Neonates with a gestational age of less than 36 weeks and those with any major congenital malformation were excluded. The neonates were randomized to receive 1 g/kg of IVIG or equivalent amount of normal saline. The treatments including antibiotics and supportive care were administered. Results : The neonates in the therapy and placebo groups were comparable in terms of birth weight, gestational age, sex distribution, duration of antibiotics therapy and admission, elevation of serum IgG level, mortality rate, change of CBC, and serum level of acute phase reactants etc. Conclusion : Serum IgG values increased significantly 5 days after administration of IVIG in the IVIG-treated group and decreased significantly 5 days after administration of normal saline in the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference in the duration of antibiotics therapy and admission, or of mortality between the IVIG-treated and placebo groups. No adverse reactions to the IVIG infusions were noted during the study. Our preliminary observations suggest that the administration of 1 g/kg IVIG to neonates had some effect on augmentation of humural immune status in neonates with clinically suspected sepsis. But further study is needed to verify the benefit of IVIG infusion to neonatal sepsis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2003

Purpose : To examine various neonatal outcomes and perinatal factors resulting from assisted reproduction compared to that of spontaneous conception. Methods : This is a retrospective study. The control cases were all twins of spontaneous conception born between periods from January 1995 to June 2000. The study cases were identified from twins conceived by assisted reproduction in the same time peried. A total of 460 sets of twins consisted of 250 twins of spontaneous conception and 156 twins of assisted reproduction were studied. The primary outcomes were neonatal morbidity and mortality and the secondary outcomes were perinatal factors including number, length and cost of hospitalization for the delivery. Results : No differences were seen in various neonatal factors including gestational age, birth weight and incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage and the length of hospitalizations. Lower one minute and five minute Apgar scores and frequently encountered electrolyte abnormalities were observed in neonates of assisted reproduction. In general, the second twin of assisted reproduction had increased incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis than the first twin. Increased frequencies of preterm labor, hospitalization and elective cesarean section were seen among mothers who underwent artifical conception. However, overall hospital costs in terms of mothers hospitalization for the delivery and neonates hospitalization did not show differences. Conclusion : Assisted reproduction twins had similar neonatal morbidities, mortalities and perinatal morbidities compared to those born by spontaneous conception.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2010

Purpose:In recent years, Korea has showed a steady increase in the frequency of teenage birth, while the overall birth rate has declined. As the teenage birth is known as a high risk pregnancy itself, we examined perinatal complications of teenage mothers and whose neonates in aspects of medical problem, and social status and support. Methods:We examined the perinatal characteristics of teenage mothers and whose babies, who were hospitalized at Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2004 to July 2009 using medical records retrospectively. Twenty-seven teenage mothers and their 28 babies were enrolled in this study. Results:Teenage mothers were all unmarried and showed high rates of preterm labor, maternal anemia, and unexpected delivery. Among them, 11 (40.7%) were from families that were separated. Eleven mothers (40.7%) did not have any antenatal care. There were high rates of prematurity and low birth weight (60.7% and 64.3%, respectively). The complication included: respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. Fourteen babies (51.9%) were not going to be brought up by their biological parents. Conclusion:Teenage pregnancy had high rates of preterm labor and associated complications, often caused by the lack of proper antenatal care. Babies from unmarried mothers were likely to be adopted and this could be a social burden. Therefore, to reduce unplanned teenage pregnancy and births, sex education and social supports should be provided to all teenagers.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.9 no.1_2
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• pp.29-41
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• 1982

This retrospective clinical study was done based under the delivery records of 146 cases of twin pregnancies in Yonsei University, Severance Hospital and Wonju Christian Hospital from 1977 through 1980 with particular interest in the second twins. Clinical factors, Apgar scores related to neonatal prognosis, and perinatal mortality rate were statistically analyzed and the following results were obtained. The mean - birthweight for A (first) twins was 2,377 grams and for B (second) twins 2,296 grams. In comparison of the percentage of low-birth-weight (less than 2,500 grams) infants, there were more small B twins, but the difference was statistically not significant. Because there were no significant statistical differences in birth weight-grouping between A and B twins, they could be compared with the comprehensive Apgar scores, but this method was also shown to be statistically not significant. In comparison of the percentage of breech deliveries in A and B twins, the percentage was more than three times in B twin (A twin, 7.5 per cent; B twin, 24.0 per cent), and the difference was statistically very significant (p < 0.0005). There were no significant statistical differences between the Apgar scores of A and B twins in reference to the manner of delivery. According to the manner of delivery of B twins, spontaneous vertex delivery and total breech extraction revealed higher infant mortality rate than others. B twins presented by the vertex in 88 cases (61.0 per cent), by the breech in 55 cases (37.0 per cent), and by the shoulder in 3 cases (2.0 per cent). And this therefore disclosed no significant statistical differences in Apgar scores in relation to the presentation. The duration of labor appeared to have no clear correlation with the Apgar scores and the perinatal mortality of A and B twins. The delivery interval between A and B twins was 11.9 minutes on an. averge, varying from 3 to 65 minutes. The length of this interval was not found to have any significant effect on the Apgar scores and the perinatal mortality rate of B twin.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.444-450
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• 2014

Background: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early surgical ligation (within 15 days of age) over late surgical ligation (after 15 days of age) by a comparative analysis of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants undergoing surgical correction for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) over the course of 6 years in our hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all the medical records in the neonatal intensive care unit at Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, from March 2007 to May 2013, to identify VLBW infants (<1,500 g) who underwent surgical PDA ligation. Results: The gestational age (GA) in the late ligation (LL) group was significantly younger than in the early ligation (EL) group (p=0.010). The other baseline characteristics and preoperative conditions did not differ significantly between the two groups. The intubation period before surgery (p<0.001) and the age at surgery (p<0.001) were significantly different. The postoperative clinical outcomes of the study patients, including major morbidity and mortality, are summarized. There were no significant differences in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, or mortality between the EL and the LL groups. However, the LL group was significantly associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (p=0.037) and with a prolonged duration of the total parenteral nutrition (p=0.046) after adjusting for GA. Conclusion: Early surgical ligation for the treatment of PDA that failed to close after medical treatment or in cases contraindicated for medical treatment might be desirable to reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and to alleviate feeding intolerance in preterm infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.1080-1084
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• 2003

Purpose : To compare perinatal characteristics, clinical courses, and overall morbidity between respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) with patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) and RDS without PDA in neonates. Methods : Eighty-three neonates who were diagnosed and treated for RDS in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2002 were included in this study. RDS was complicated with PDA(group A) in 17 patients and not complicated in 66(group B). PDA was diagnosed by echocardiogram in neonates with congestive heart failure symptom, cardiac murmur or chest X-ray findings of cardiomegaly or pulmonary edema. A retrospective study was undertaken of the perinatal characteristics and overall morbidity in group A and group B. Results : The birth weight and gestational periods of group A were less compared with group B. There was more perinatal asphyxia in group A. Incidence of overall morbidity such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage and death was higher in group A. Intravenous indomethacin was administered in 17 PDA infants. Conclusion : The perinatal characteristics in the two groups showed a significant difference. Incidence of overall morbidity in the two groups showed significant differences, however, there is no simple conclusion to draw because we didn't do multifactorial analyses to rule out other many risk factors affecting morbidity, such as gestational weeks or birth weight.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.56-60
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• 2009

Purpose : This study aimed to test whether rotavirus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (RV+NEC) produced different clinical findings or outcomes from those of non-rotavirus necrotizing enterocolitis (RV-NEC). Methods : Eight patients from the RV+NEC group and 22 patients from the RV-NEC group diagnosed with modified Bell stage II or higher NEC were selected for this study. Fecal specimens from all infants were tested for rotavirus infection using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Clinical, radiographic, and clinical outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. Results : RV+NEC infants had a significantly higher birth weight and were born at a significantly higher gestational age ($33.5{\pm}3.3$ weeks vs. $29.3{\pm}4.4$ weeks; P=0.01). There were no differences in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia, mural gas, and pneumoperitoneum between the 2 groups. However, portal vein gas was more common in the RV+NEC group (88% vs. 9%; P<0.01). Neither the incidence of Bell stage III (or higher) NEC nor surgical intervention differed between the two groups. The number of complications and mortality rates were also similar. Conclusion : Rotavirus-associated NEC occurs in infants with a higher birth weight and those born at a greater gestational age. However, the severity of the condition and the resulting outcomes did not differ from those for infants affected by non-rotavirus NEC.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2004

Purpose: Besides interferencence of esophageal motor function by the nasogastric tube, a decline of the positive gastro-esophageal pressure gradient caused by intermittent positive pressure ventilation seems to have a major role in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GER and associated risk factors in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. Methods: Twenty four hour esophageal pH monitorings were performed using a antimony electrode on 11 mechanically ventilated preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Pusan National University Hospital. We evaluated the following reflux parameters; reflux index, reflux episodes/hour, reflux episodes ${\geq}5min/hour$, duration of longest episode, and percent episodes ${\geq}5min$. Patients were considered to have significant GER if more than 2 among 5 parameters were satisfied. Results: The mean gestational age of the patients was 30.9 weeks, mean birth weight was 1,568 g, and mean age at the time of pH monitoring was 2.8 days. Significant GER was detected in 4 patients (36.4%). There was no relationship between the incidence of GER and gestational age, birth weight, postnatal age, or the ventilator settings. Conclusion: The incidence of GER in mechanically ventilated preterm infants was similar, compared with other previous studies. Associated risk factors of GER in these patients were not detected. Therefore, mechanical ventilation in preterm infants does not seem to be the high risk factor of GER.