• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.97-110
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• 2013

Purpose: This study sought to identify how initiating breastfeeding soon after birth affected breastfeeding practice. Methods: The subjects were mothers and newborns in Seoul's S. University Hospital maternity unit who elected to breastfeed. They were divided into an experimental group, which practiced an "early latching-on program" (latching-on within 30 minutes after birth), and a control group, which did not. Both groups' daily frequencies of breastfeeding and supplementary-glucose or bottle feeding were recorded. Results: The correlation between socio-demographic and medical characteristics and the breastfeeding rate was examined; 3 variables showed statistical significance: neonatal health anomaly, Apgar score after 1 minute, and Apgar score after 5 minutes. The difference in breastfeeding rates between the two groups was clear: the experimental group's rate was 1.93, while the control group's was 3.76 (t-statistic difference: 14.865), with the experimental group's rate during hospitalization being twice that of the control group (73.3% and 32.6%, respectively). Multiple regression analysis assessing the influence of the latching-on program yielded a t-statistic of -4.735 and a p-value of .000, indicating statistical significance. Conclusion: An early latching-on program's positive effect on the breastfeeding practice of mother's of newborns was demonstrated. Therefore, an early latching-on program could be a practical and effective nursing intervention for after mothers give birth.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2016

Congenital myotonic dystrophy (CMD) which is transmitted in an autosomal-dominant manner, can also be observed in newborns born to asymptomatic parents who have a myotonic dystrophy type 1 or premutation allele, especially from the mother. A mother with myotonic dystrophy could be subfertile and the pregnancy could be complicated with the risk of a preterm birth. Newborns with CMD may demonstrate symptoms such as hypotonia and poor motor activity, as well as respiratory and feeding difficulties. Additionally, CMD has a high mortality rate at birth. Detection of the signs and symptoms during pregnancy is helpful for a prenatal diagnosis of CMD in cases where the family history is not known.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.138-148
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• 2003

Morning sickness during pregnancy is a very common functional problem with different kinds of symptom, but little data are available concerning the nutrition intervention program fur pregnant women in local area. A total of 152 pregnant women who had experienced morning sickness were surveyed to investigate the relationships between morning sickness, nutrient intakes and pregnancy outcome. The results showed that prevalent symptoms were nausea (68.4%), heartburn (59.2%), morning sickness (48.7%), vomiting (42.1%), and constipation (44.7%). The onset of the symptom occurred during the first 3 months (9.3 $\pm$ 2.3 weeks) ; 21.1% of the subjects was experienced two symptom at the same time. This significantly correlated with vomiting (p < 0.01), nausea (p < 0.001), morning sickness (p < 0.001), and heartburn (p < 0.01) with pregnancy weight. There were also correlations between the four symptoms and nutrient intakes. Mean birth weight of 21 newborns was 3.06 $\pm$ 0.42 kg, and the one and five minutes of Apgar scores were 7.74 $\pm$ 0.99 and 8.84 $\pm$ 0.69, respectively. There were negative correlations between vomiting and pregnancy outcomes (p < 0.05). Our data support that morning sickness, especially vomiting during pregnancy is associated with Apgar score and body weight of newborn. (Korean J Community Nutrition 8(2) : 138~148, 2003)

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.196-201
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• 2018

Umbilical venous catheterization (UVC) is a common practice in intensive neonatal care. However, a malpositioned UVC and its prolonged use may lead to various problems, including mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications in various organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart. Congenital chylous ascites is characterized by abnormally high levels of triglycerides in the peritoneal fluid of newborns, which originate from refluxed lymph within the abdominal cavity. Herein, we report a case of an UVC complication presenting as chyloperitoneum simulating congenital chylous ascites in a preterm neonate that resulted from total parenteral nutrition (TPN) extravasation from a malpositioned UVC. Biochemical analysis of intraperitoneal chylous fluid and TPN infusate could help confirm the origin of chyloperitoneum. This case suggests that TPN extravasation from UVC should be considered when chyloperitoneum develops in newborns with an indwelling catheter. UVC positions must also be carefully monitored at regular intervals to recognize associated complications early, particularly in cases with an inevitably malpositioned catheter related to the anatomy of the vessel course.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.1098-1102
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• 2022

The placenta is a captivating multifunctional organ of fetal origin and plays an essential role during pregnancy by intimately connecting mother and baby. This study explicates placental pathology and information about 25 placentas collected from the mothers infected with novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). So far, congenital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be remarkably uncommon in spite of many cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Out of the 25 placental tissue samples collected, none has shown gene expression of SARS-CoV-2 when confirmed by RT-PCR. At the same time, nasal and throat swab samples collected from newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers correspondingly tested negative by RT-PCR. The shielding properties of placental barriers against viral infections from mothers to newborns remains a mystery. Major histopathological findings have been recorded as choriodecidual tissue with necrosis, intramural fibrin deposition, chorionic villi with fibrosis, and calcification. Moreover, although recent findings are insufficient to prove direct placental transmission of COVID-19, the abundance of angiotensin-converting enzymes-2 (ACE-2) on the placental surface could potentially contribute to unpleasant outcomes during pregnancy as SARS-CoV-2 gains access to human cells via ACE-2. Finally, the significance of these findings is vague and needs further study.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to implement safe and suitable kangaroo mother care with healthy mothers and newborns immediately after childbirth. In addition, it aimed to assess its effects on maternal attachment, maternal role confidence, and maternal role satisfaction. Research design, data and methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used with pre and posttests. A total of 58 participants were selected by convenience sampling through public notifications at a women's hospital. The control group performed routine care without providing kangaroo contact, and a posttest was performed four weeks after the pretest. The experimental group comprised healthy mothers who had given birth by cesarean section. They performed kangaroo mother care twice a day (60 min each) for four weeks for their newborns after the protocol was validated by an expert. Results: The results showed significantly higher maternal attachment, maternal role confidence, and maternal role satisfaction in mothers who participated in kangaroo mother care than those who did not. Our findings suggested that kangaroo mother care has a positive effect on the enhancement of maternal attachment and facilitation of maternal role confidence and satisfaction. Conclusions: Thus, the expansion and implementation of kangaroo mother care are necessary to promote healthier mother-child relationships.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.754-759
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• 2008

Purpose : Abnormal activation patterns of Th1/Th2-cells have been suggested to increase the prevalence of allergic diseases. Prevention is regarded as an important corner stone in the management of allergic diseases. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between cord blood levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 in preterm newborns and the development of allergic respiratory diseases in infancy Methods : Forty-six preterm newborns born at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 2003 and July 2005, were enrolled for this study, and consent was obtained to test their cord blood samples. Clinical history was obtained from the hospital records. Cord blood was obtained at birth and kept frozen until it was tested. The levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results : All infants were followed-up for a median of $16.0months{\pm}13.2d$ (range, 12.0 to 36.0 months). Eighteen infants who developed wheezing showed lower cord blood levels of IL-12 ($366.60{\pm}140.40$ vs $435.09{\pm}91.20pg/mL$, P=0.009). Cord blood levels of IL-4 and IL-10 showed no significant difference between the two groups. Four newborns who later developed asthma, and infants with asthma showed lower IL-12 level in the cord blood than other groups. Conclusion : Lower concentration of cord blood levels of IL-12 in newborns who later developed wheezing and asthma suggested that they had abnormal activation patterns of Th1/Th2-cells at the time of birth, and cord blood IL-12 level can be used as a predictor of allergic respiratory diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.93-98
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• 2006

Purpose : Ghrelin stimulates the secretion of growth hormone and other pituitary hormones, and has orexigenic effects. It may have a physiologic role in fetal and neonatal growth. Leptin secreted by the adipocytes reflects fat mass in infants as well as adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of cord blood ghrelin and leptin levels to body weight(BW), body mass index(BMI), insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) levels in appropriate for gestational age(AGA) newborns. Methods : Sixty healthy AGA newborns(31 males and 29 females, gestational age[GA] 34-42 weeks) were included in this study, whose BW and BMI were measured at delivery. Umbilical cord venous blood samples were withdrawn, and ghrelin and leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Cord blood IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were determined by immunoradiometric assay. Results : The mean levels of ghrelin were inversely correlated with BW(r=-0.29, P<0.05) and GA (r=-0.28, P<0.05), but were not affected by gender. The mean levels of leptin levels showed positive correlation with BW(r=0.44, P<0.01), GA(r=0.36, P<0.01), and BMI(r=0.28, P<0.05). The leptin levels of females were higher than those of males. There was no gender difference in leptin levels in neonates under GA 37 weeks. However, the leptin levels of females were higher than those of males (P<0.01) in newborns with GA 37 weeks or over. There was no correlation between ghrelin and leptin levels. Ghrelin and leptin levels showed no relations to cord blood IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels. Conclusion : These data suggest that cord blood ghrelin may have an inverse correlation with BW in AGA newborns, and leptin levels are positively correlated with BW and fat mass. Further study of ghrelin concentrations in cord blood is necessary to elucidate the physiological and pathological roles of ghrelin during the fetal and neonatal periods.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.746-752
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• 2007

Purpose : Total hydroperoxide (TH), free radical-mediated oxidation product can be used as a measure of free radical injury. The aim of the present study was to see if preterm newborns are at increased risk for oxidative stress compared with term newborns, and to determine whether oxidative stress during postnatal first 1 week is associated with clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Methods : Serum TH levels of preterm infants (n=39) were compared with those of term infants (n=24) on the postnatal day 1. Among the preterm infants, serum TH levels of uncomplicated group (n=23) were also compared with those of complicated group (n=16) who developed oxygen radical related diseases on the postnatal day 1 and 7. Retrospective analysis was performed to find out risk factors for oxygen radical injuries based on birth history, laboratory data, neuroimaging findings and clinical progress in two preterm groups. Results : Serum TH levels on postnatal day 1 were higher in the preterm infant group than the term infant group. Serum TH levels on postnatal day 1 in the complicated preterm infant group were significantly higher compared with uncomplicated group, but there was no significant difference in serum TH levels on postnatal day 7. Also, there was no significant difference in serum TH levels between uncomplicated preterm infants and term infants. Serum TH level on postnatal day 1 was independently associated with higher morbidity after adjusting for gestational age, Apgar score (5 min), arterial blood gas analysis. Conclusion : Complicated preterm newborns are at increased risk for oxidative stress compared with uncomplicated newborns and term newborns. Oxidative injury during the prenatal or postnatal day 1 is associated with adverse outcomes in preterm infants. Elevated TH levels on postnatal day 1 may have a value to predict clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.55-81
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• 2000

This study examined nursing care in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by reviewing nursing activities for the newborns. Through direct observation, time used for nursing care according to the nursing activity, shift, day of the week, and position of the nurses was measured. This study was done on November 15, 21, 24, 1999 at a university medical center hospital and included eight nurses and 179 newborns as the study subjects. The data were collected from the medical records, and by using a nursing activity record for the NICU, and a nursing activity time record for the NICU. The first step in the data collection process was to develop a list of nursing activities which was done through a literature review, examination of medical affairs and duty records. Content validity was measured by a panel of three professors who were experienced clinicians. In the second step two pre-training sessions were held with three sophomore student nurses who then measured the time for each nursing activity using a stopwatch. The data were analyzed using frequencies for nursing activities, averages, percentages and ANOVA for differences between shift and between days of the week, and percentages and t-test for differences according to position of the nurse. The results are as follows: 1) The total number of activities was 156, direct or indirect nursing activities. Direct nursing activity classified according to physical, educational, emotional/social/economic/spiritual needs. There were 109 direct nursing activities in 16 fields. 2) The order of nursing activities, according to time required, was record keeping, nutritional care, measurement/observation, medication, hygiene care, examination and specimen collection, and checking supplies, and according to frequency, measurement/ examination, record keeping, nutrition care, hygiene care, elimination care and medication. 3) According to shift, direct care during the night shift at 313.4 minutes was the longest time and indirect nursing care during the night shift at 252.2 minutes was the highest time. 4) For days of the week, Monday had the highest time for direct care 275.8 minutes (34.6%) and Wednessday had the highest time for indirect nursing care 269.6 minutes (36.1%). 5) For nursing time according to position of nurse, general nurses had the highest for direct care (330.7 minutes), nurse managers for indirect nursing activities (239.0 minutes) and general nurses for individual private time (63.9 minutes). The results of this study show that the major nursing time consuming activities included record keeping, nutrition care and measurement/examination. For newborns, time needs to be allowed for care to be sensitive, sophisticated and specialized rather than concentrated on indirect nursing tasks such as record keeping. Therefore, it is imperative to develop computerized systems that support a systematic approach to record keeping which is more efficient. Moreover, nursing needs according to shift, day or position of nurse can be utilized in assessing nursing resources through a computerized process.