• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.9
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• pp.473-479
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• 2021

Background: Malnutrition has a high incidence among pediatric surgical patients and contributes to increased risks of postoperative complications and extended hospital stays. Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the influence of preoperative nutritional status on the postoperative outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital. According to the designated inclusion criteria, 75 surgical cases of both sexes were included. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered. This questionnaire included 3 main sections: demographic data and nutritional status parameters at admission and discharge. Pre- and postoperative nutritional statuses were compared. Results: According to both the subjective global nutritional assessment and STRONGKIDS score Questioner, more than 60% of patients in the upper GI patient group were at risk of malnutrition. Wasting status was most common in the upper GI patient group (67%; vs. 39.1% in the lower GI group). Underweight status was more common in the hepatobiliary and upper GI patient groups (nearly 50% for each group) than in the lower GI group (30.4%). On the other hand, stunted patients had a higher incidence of complications and a prolonged hospital stay (P=0.003 and P=0.037, respectively), while underweight lower GI patients experienced a prolonged hospital stay (P=0.02). A higher proportion of patients with preoperative anemia than those without preoperative anemia required a blood transfusion (P=0.003). Conclusion: Nutritional assessment is a crucial component of pediatric surgical patient management. Both underweight and wasting statuses were more common among hepatobiliary and upper GI patients. Postoperative complications and a long hospital stay were more common among stunted patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.12
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• pp.390-394
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• 2017

Purpose: Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is less common in pediatric patients than in adult patients. Thus, data for pediatric AVNRT patients are insufficient. Hence, we aimed to analyze the patient characteristics, treatment, and any recurrences in pediatric AVNRT patients. Methods: We reviewed the records of 50 pediatric AVNRT patients who had undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) between January 1998 and December 2016 at a single regional center. The patients were aged ${\leq}18years$. Results: Among 190 pediatric patients who underwent RFCA for tachyarrhythmia, 50 (26.3%; mean age, $13.4{\pm}2.6years$) were diagnosed as having AVNRT by electrophysiological study. Twenty-five patients (25 of 50, 50%) were male. Twenty patients (20 of 50, 40%) used beta-blockers before RFCA. All patients had no structural heart disease except 1 patient with valvular aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. RFCA was performed using the anatomic approach under fluoroscopic guidance. The most common successfully ablated region was the midseptal region (25 of 50, 50%). Slow pathway (SP) ablation and SP modulation were performed in 43 and 6 patients, respectively. Complication occurred in 1 patient with complete atrioventricular block. During follow-up, 6 patients had recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia, as confirmed by electrocardiography. Among them, 5 underwent successful ablation at the first procedure. In 1 patient, induction failed during the first procedure. Conclusion: RFCA is safe and effective in pediatric AVNRT patients. However, further research is needed for establishing the endpoints of ablation in pediatric AVNRT patients and for identifying risk factors by evaluating data on AVNRT recurrence after RFCA.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2021

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the lives of people worldwide. Little is known about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior and fears of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their families. We conducted a survey to determine the COVID-19 exposure, related perceptions, and information sources; medication compliance; and patients' and parents' behaviors, fears, and physician contact. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey of pediatric patients with IBD and their parents at one pediatric gastroenterology unit of a university medical center was performed. Results: A total of 46 pediatric patients with IBD and 44 parents completed the survey. Parents of pediatric patients with IBD had high fear of their children becoming infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. They perceived schools as the most hazardous environment, whereas the children did not. Half the pediatric patients with IBD feared infection. Patients and parents felt sufficiently informed about COVID-19. The primary source of guidance for pediatric patients was their parents (43%), followed by television and social media, whereas the parents mainly consulted internet news websites (52.2%), television, and public health institutes. Pediatric patients with IBD adhered to their prescribed medication. They also showed cautious behavior by enhancing hand hygiene (84%) and leaving the house less frequently than before. However, in-person medical visits remained favored over video consultations. Conclusion: Although parents expressed overprotective concerns, both parents and pediatric patients with IBD are coping well with the COVID-19 pandemic. IBD-relevant information should be actively conveyed.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 2001

This study was attempted to help in explore new direction about classification of the severity of the pediatric patients visiting emergency center. Data were collected from 276 patients who visited emergency center of E University Hospital during 3 months period from March 1, to May 31,1999. The results were as follows: 1. The degree of severity of the pediatric patients visiting emergency center shown ranged 0-18 and averaged .87. 2. With the respect to the severity of the pediatric patients visiting emergency center, there were statiscally significant difference in patients' visiting time(F=2.607, p=.025), disease classification(F=9.606, p=.000), consciousness level(F=71.499, p=.000), period of symptom manifestation (F=2.262, p=.030), pediatric patients protector's thinking about pediatric patients state (F=16.833, p=.000), treatment outcome (t=5.362, p=.000), duration of stay at emergency center(F=23.944, p=.000).

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2010

Objectives: By analyzing data of pediatric patients who had visited the emergency room of an oriental medical hospital, we can understand their characteristics and diseases. The purpose of this study was to introduce the excellence of Oriental medicine, to develop various treatments and to revitalize pediatric emergency care at oriental medical hospital. Methods: The study was composed of 371 pediatric patients who had visited the emergency room of the $\bigcirc\bigcirc$ university oriental hospital from January 2008 to December 2009. Results: 1. Average age of the pediatric patients was 4.28 years old, and it has showed that 1 to 3 years old patients (36.7%) were the most common age. 2. The number of pediatric patients was increased in June. According to the weekly distribution data, the number of pediatric patients who had visited on Sunday was the most (29.1%). Also, the number of pediatric patients who had visited ER for 18 to 21 hours(35.6%) were the most common. 3. The major problems of hospitalization were digestive symptoms and nervous symptoms. The nervous symptoms were the most at infancy. The musculoskeletal symptoms were the most common in adolescence. The digestive symptoms were common in other stages of development. 4. The time interval between arrival and onset; within 6 hours were the most(48.0%). Acupuncture and herbal medication treatment(75.2%) were the most common medical treatments. Most of the pediatric patients(97.3%) were discharged after medical treatments. Conclusions: Pediatric patients who had visited emergency room at the oriental medical hospital were mostly not due to acute form of serious diseases. The most common disease states that have preferred to treat with oriental medicine were dyspepsia, crying, febrile fit, and ankle sprain. We have to introduce the excellence of oriental medicine, and we need to try to develop other treatments such as magnetic acupuncture, moxa therapy, aroma therapy and revitalize pediatric emergency care at oriental medical hospital.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.300-311
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• 2022

Purpose: Dysphagia, vomiting and feeding difficulties are common symptoms, with which children present. Esophageal function testing with high resolution manometry can help in diagnosing and treating these patients. We aim to access the clinical utility of high-resolution manometry of esophagus in symptomatic pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done on all symptomatic patients who underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry between 2010 and 2019 at Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia. Manometry results were categorized based on Chicago classification. Demographic data, indication of procedure, manometric findings, and details of treatment changes were obtained and analyzed. Results: There were 62 patients with median age of 10 years (9 months-18 years). The main indication for the procedure was dysphagia (56%). Thirty-two percent of patients had a co-morbid condition, with esophageal atresia accounting for 16%. The majority (77%) of patients had abnormal manometry which included, ineffective esophageal motility in 45.2%. In esophageal atresia cohort, esophageal pressurization was seen in 50%, aperistalsis in 40% and 10% with prior fundoplication had esophago-gastric junction obstruction. Patients with esophago-gastric junction obstruction or achalasia were treated by either pneumatic dilation or Heller's myotomy. Patients with ineffective esophageal motility and rumination were treated with a trial of prokinetics/dietary texture modification and diaphragmatic breathing. Conclusion: Esophageal high-resolution manometry has a role in the evaluation of symptomatic pediatric patients. The majority of our patients had abnormal results which led to change in treatments, with either medication, surgery and/or feeding modification with resultant improvement in symptoms.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.461-472
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• 2022

Purpose: Golimumab (GLM) is an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody preparation known to be less immunogenic than infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab. Few reports on GLM in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are available. This study aimed to review the long-term durability and safety of GLM in a pediatric center. Methods: The medical records of 17 pediatric patients (eight boys and nine girls) who received GLM at the National Center for Child Health and Development were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The median age at GLM initiation was 13.9 (interquartile range 12.0-16.3) years. Fourteen patients had pancolitis, and 11 had severe disease (pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index ≥65). Ten patients were biologic-naive, and 50% achieved corticosteroid-free remission at week 54. Two patients discontinued prior anti-TNF-α agents because of adverse events during remission. Both showed responses to GLM without unfavorable events through week 54. However, the efficacy of GLM in patients who showed primary nonresponse or loss of response to IFX was limited. Four of the five patients showed non-response at week 54. Patients with severe disease had significantly lower corticosteroid-free remission rate at week 54 than those without severe disease. No severe adverse events were observed during the study period. Conclusion: GLM appears to be safe and useful for pediatric patients with UC. Patients with mild to moderate disease who responded to but had some adverse events with prior biologics may be good candidates for GLM. Its safety and low immunogenicity profile serve as favorable options for selected children with UC.

• Korean Journal of Hospice Care
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

In this thesis, Chapter I Introduction suggested the necessity of this research and defined related terms, and Chapter II defined hospice for children and examined the symptoms of pediatric cancers as well as the general characteristics of pediatric cancer patients. In particular, we surveyed the physical condition, psychological and emotional condition, financial condition, environmental aspect, educational aspect and spiritual aspect of pediatric cancer patients’ families, investigated pediatric cancer patients’ parents and siblings with regard to their understanding of the pediatric cancer patients’ death, and lastly considered spiritual care. Chapter III presented summaries and conclusions. In their developmental stage, pediatric cancer patients lack abilities to express themselves and are highly dependent on their parents, so parents who take care of cancer children have to make hard decisions and cancer children’s families are heavily burdened by the situation of preparing their children’s death and sending them away while denying their death, and for this reason they need help from specialists. That is, for pediatric cancer patients, we need highly experienced pediatricians or nurses skilful in managing young terminal patients as well as hospice counseling and family counselors for consulting on family crises. In particular, there is a keen need of child life support specialists. In addition, clergymen’s help is critical for spiritual care to ease the fear and terror of the unknown world, fear of death, etc. Moreover, in order to prevent cancer children from failing to adjust themselves to school life or peer relation after recovery, hospice service should provide cancer children with opportunities to learn school curriculums and associate with friends.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.518-526
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• 2019

Purpose: Limited means exist to assess gastrointestinal activity in pediatric patients postoperatively. Recently, myoelectric gastrointestinal activity recorded by cutaneous patches has been shown in adult patients to be predictive of clinical return of gastrointestinal function postoperatively. The aim of this case series is to demonstrate the feasibility of this system in pediatric patients and to correlate myoelectric signals with return of bowel function clinically. Methods: Pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery were recruited to have wireless patches placed on the abdomen within two hours postoperatively. Myoelectric data were transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device with a user-interface and forwarded to a cloud server where processing algorithms identified episodes of motor activity, quantified their parameters and nominally assigned them to specific gastrointestinal organs based on their frequencies. Results: Three patients (ages 5 months, 4 year, 16 year) were recruited for this study. Multiple patches were placed on the older subjects, while the youngest had a single patch due to space limitations. Rhythmic signals of the stomach, small intestine, and colon could be identified in all three subjects. Patients showed gradual increase in myoelectric intestinal and colonic activity leading up to the first recorded bowel movement. Conclusion: Measuring myoelectric intestinal activity continuously using a wireless patch system is feasible in a wide age range of pediatric patients. The increase in activity over time correlated well with the patients' return of bowel function. More studies are planned to determine if this technology can predict return of bowel function or differentiate between physiologic ileus and pathologic conditions.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.30-44
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• 2014

Objectives By analyzing data of the pediatric patients who had visited the emergency room of the oriental medical hospital, we can understand their characteristics and diseases. The purpose of this study was to introduce the excellence of the Oriental medicine, to develop various treatments, and to revitalize pediatric emergency care at the oriental medical hospital. Methods The study was composed of 334 pediatric patients who had visited the emergency room of the ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ university oriental hospital from January 2011 to December 2013. Results 1. It has showed that between 7 to 12 years old patients (27.8%) were the most common age populations. 2. The number of pediatric patients was increased during February. According to the weekly distribution data, the number of pediatric patients who had visited on Sunday was the highest (28.7%). Also, the number of pediatric patients who had visited the ER between 21 to 24 hours (29.0%) was the highest. 3. The two major reasons for inpatient hospitalization were digestive and nerve-related symptoms. Nerve-related symptoms were the most common in infants while digestive symptoms were the most common in other child development stages. 4. The duration of time interval from the onset of symptoms to the ER visit was most commonly within 6 hours (50.3%). An acupuncture and herbal medication treatment (70.1%) were the most common medical treatments. The majority of the pediatric patients (95.5%) were discharged after their medical treatments. Conclusions A serious acute illness was not the most common reason for the ER visit among the pediatric patients. The most common disease states that have preferred to be treated with the oriental medicine were dyspepsia, crying, facial palsy, and ankle sprain. We have to introduce the excellence of the oriental medicine. We also need to try developing other treatments such as magnetic acupuncture, aromatherapy, and revitalizing pediatric emergency care at the oriental medical hospital.