• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.201-206
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• 1994

Down syndrome is one of the major chromosomal anomalies in Korea. To decrease incidence of Down syndrome, antenatal diagnosis is essential. At present, antenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome is done by karyotyping from chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, and cordocentsis. All these methods have some problems such as a risk of abortion, a long waiting time, difficulties in sampling, and so on. The aim of study was to confirm that PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction) using D21S11 primer could be a diagnostic tool for Down syndrome. PCR using D21S11 primers with $^{32}P$ labeling at 5' end was done in 21 cases of DNA from 21 Trisomy and 20 cases of DNA from normal karyotype. PCR product was running for 10 hours on the 6% polyacrylamide gel under 1,000 V or for 8 hours under 1,500 V. After X-ray film exposure, it was read by densitometry. Normal group showed 1: 1 band or single band. 21 Trisomy group showed 1.3-2: 1 band or 2.3 times of density compared to normal single band or 3 bands. This method gave the result within 24 hours. It can be an useful diagnostic tool to detect 21 Trisomy antenatally, especially in late pregnancy, and in preimplantation diagnosis.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2011

Purpose: Cytogenetic analysis of spontaneous abortions (SABs) provides valuable information to establish the causes of fetal loss, information that is essential to provide accurate reproductive and genetic counseling couples. Such analysis also provides information on the frequencies and types of chromosomal abnormalities and associated risks of recurrence. However, there have only been a few reports of chromosomal abnormalities in small samples of SABs in the Korean population. Here, we report the incidence and spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities for cases of 470 SAB in Korea. Material and Methods: Between 2005 and 2010, a total of 470 products of conception (POC) resulting from SABs were submitted to our laboratory for cytogenetic analysis from various medical sites in Korea. The incidences and types of specific chromosomal abnormalities were determined. The abnormalities were distinguished by gestational age at the time of SAB and by maternal age. Results: The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in POCs was 54.3% (255/470), including 228 (89.3%) numerical and 27 (10.7%: 3 balanced and 24 unbalanced) structural abnormalities. Among the numerical abnormalities, trisomy was predominant (67.0%), followed by monosomy X (12.5%), polyploidy (8.2%), triple X (0.8%), and autosomal monosomy (0.8%). The overall sex ratio (male: female) among the 470 POCs with normal and abnormal karyotypes were 0.58 and 0.65, respectively. Trisomies were identified for each autosome, with the exceptions of 1, 3, and 19. Among the 171 autosomal trisomies, trisomy 16 was the most common (19.9%), followed by trisomy 22 (13.5%), trisomy 21 (12.3 %), trisomy 15 (9.9%), and trisomies 18 and 13 (5.3%). The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities decreased with gestational age and increased with maternal age, but only because of increases in trisomies and complex abnormalities. Conclusions: We have presented a large collection of cytogenetic data for SABs collected during the past 6 years and provided a database for prenatal genetic counseling of parents who have experienced SABs in Korea.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.603-606
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• 2009

The Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is the nonrandom association of micrognathia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis, leading to respiratory and feeding difficulties that appear neurogenic rather than mechanical in causation. Genetic determinants are thought to underlie this functional and morphological entity, based on the existence of Mendelian syndromes with PRS. Here, we demonstrate the association of PRS with trisomy 8p due to duplication of a segment as the karyotype 46,XX,dup(8)(p21.3p23.1) and confirm the additional materials as chromosome 8 via whole chromosome paint probes. Our observation supports the hypothesis regarding a genetic basis for nonsyndromic PRS, strengthens the possible genetic association with isolated cleft palate, and provides a candidate PRS locus in chromosomal region 8(p21.3p23.1).

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.199-210
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• 1997

A study has been carried out to elucidate the cytogenetic characteristics of Down's syndrome in Korea. This study includes 877 cases which were diagnosed as Down's syndrome by the chromosomal analyses at the Cytogenetic Laboratory, Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Seoul National University for 13 years from January, 1984 to December, 1996. 1. 83.6% of cases were diagnosed under 1 year of age and 10.9% were between 1 and 4 years old. The overall sex ratio was 3 to 2 (male to female). 2. The most frequent indication for cytogenetic analyses was suspicion of Down's syndrome. The next were growth retardation, congenital heart diseases, congenital anomalies. 3. 88.4% of cases had free trisomy 21. In 6.5%, there was translocation, mostly Robertsonian t(14;21) or t(21;21). 3.9% of cases were mosaics mostly with one normal cell line. 4. Karyotyping was also performed in 204 parents of patients. 6 parents (2.9%) were seen to be translocation carriers of Down's syndrome. We find the unique features of Down's syndrome in Korea that the incidences of free trisomy 21 is relatively lower and that translocation is higher than western countries.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.56-62
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• 2014

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of increased fetal nuchal translucency (NT), to aid in prenatal counseling and management in our practice. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent first trimester fetal karyotyping using chorionic villi sampling (CVS) and second trimester level II sonography for a fetal NT thickness ${\geq}3.0mm$ between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days' gestation, at Gyeongsang National University Hospital. Pediatric medical records and a telephone interview were used to follow-up live-born children. Exclusion criteria included incomplete data and CVS for other indications. Results: Seventy cases met the inclusion criteria (median NT thickness, 4.7 mm; range, 3.0-16.1 mm). Twenty-nine cases (41.4%) were aneuploid. The prevalence of chromosomal defects increased with NT thickness: NT 3.0-3.4 mm, 16.7%; NT 3.5-4.4 mm, 27.3%; NT 4.5-5.4 mm, 66.7%; NT 5.5-6.4 mm, 37.5%; NT ${\geq}6.5mm$, 62.5%. The most common karyotype abnormality was trisomy 18 (n=12), followed by trisomy 21 (n=9). In chromosomally normal fetuses (n=41), fetal death occurred in 2 cases (4.9%), and structural malformations were found in 11 cases (26.8%). In chromosomally and anatomically normal fetuses (n=28), one child had neurodevelopmental delay (3.6%). Twenty-eight infants who had a prenatal increased NT were alive and well at follow-up (40%). Conclusion: Outcomes of increased fetal NT might help inform prenatal counseling and management. The high prevalence of chromosomal defects associated with increased fetal NT implies that CVS should be performed in the first trimester, particularly considering the stress associated with an uncertain diagnosis.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.125-130
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• 2008

Propose: To analyze the indications and cytogenetic results of midtrimester amniocentesis. Material and Methods: This study reviewed 2,523 cases of midtrimester prenatal genetic amniocentesis performed at MizMedi Hospital between January 2000 and December 2007. Results: The most frequent indication for midtrimester amniocentesis was advanced maternal age (45.9%), followed by positive serum markers (29.9%). Chromosomal aberrations were diagnosed in 110 cases (4.4%), for which numerical aberration accounted for 38 cases (34.5%), structural aberration accounted for 65 cases (59.1%), and mosaicism accounted for 7 cases (6.4%). Among the autosomal aberrations, there were 20 cases of trisomy 21 and 8 cases of trisomy 18. With respect to structural aberrations, there were 14 cases of reciprocal translocation and 8 cases of robertsonian translocation. The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations according to the indication were highest in individuals with a family history of chromosome abnormality 14.0% (8/57) followed by previous congenital anomaly 5.9% (2/34). Conclusion: Midtrimester amniocentesis is an effective tool for prenatal diagnosis. Indications such as advanced maternal age, maternal serum markers, and ultrasound are important for predicting abnormal fetal karyotypes.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.72-78
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• 2018

Purpose: Physicians' attitudes may have a strong influence on women's decision regarding prenatal screening options. The aim of this study is to assess the physicians' attitudes toward prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in South Korea. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed and collected at several obstetrics-gynecological conferences and meetings. The questionnaire included 31 multiple choice and 5 fill-in-the-blank questions. Seven questions requested physicians' demographic information, 17 questions requested information about the NIPT with cell-free fetal DNA, and 12 questions requested information about general prenatal screening practices. Results: Of the 203 obstetricians that completed the survey. In contrast with professional guidelines recommending the universal offering of aneuploidy screening, only 53.7% answered that prenatal aneuploidy testing (screening and/or invasive diagnostic testing) should be offered to all pregnant women. Physicians tended to have positive attitudes toward the clinical application of NIPT as both primary and secondary screening methods for patients at high-risk for fetal trisomy. However, for patients at average-risk for fetal trisomy, physicians tended to have positive attitudes only as a secondary screening method. Physicians with more knowledge about NIPT were found to tend to inform their patients that the detection rate of NIPT is higher. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate expert opinion on prenatal screening in South Korea. Education of physicians is essential to ensure responsible patient counseling, informed consent, and appropriate management after NIPT.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.470-474
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• 2019

Congenital absent sternum is a rare birth defect that requires early intervention for optimal long-term outcomes. Descriptions of the repair of absent sternum are limited to case reports, and no preferred method for management has been described. Herein, we describe the use of porcine acellular dermal matrix to reconstruct the sternum of an infant with sternal infection following attempted repair using synthetic mesh. The patient was a full-term male with trisomy 21, agenesis of corpus callosum, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, right-sided aortic arch, and congenital absence of sternum with no sternal bars. Following removal of the infected synthetic mesh, negative pressure wound therapy with instillation was used to manage the open wound and provide direct antibiotic therapy. When blood C-reactive protein levels declined to ${\leq}2mg/L$, the sternum was reconstructed using porcine acellular dermal matrix. At 21 months postoperative, the patient demonstrated no respiratory issues. Physical examination and computed tomography imaging identified good approximation of the clavicular heads and sternal cleft and forward curvature of the ribs. This case illustrates the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy and acellular dermal matrix for the reconstruction of absent sternum in the context of infected sternal surgical site previously repaired with synthetic mesh.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.59-63
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• 1998

Between 1988-1998, cytogenetic analyses were performed for 1,476 couples and 162 women with recurrent abortions. We applied GTG-banding, high resolution-banding and FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) techniques in this study. The frequency of balanced translocations was 3.6% (112/3114). Of them, 74 cases (2.38%) were reciprocal translocations and 38 (1.22%) were robertsonian translocations. Chromosome aberrations were more frequent in women (80 cases) than in men (32 cases). No phenotypical abnormalities were found in all carriers who had experienced recurrent spontaneous abortions or experienced giving birth to malformed offsprings. Prenatal cytogenetic analyses were carried out on 40 subsequent pregnancies for carrier couples with balanced translocation. The fetal karyotypes showed that 13 cases (32.5%) were normal, 25 (62.5%) were balanced translocations, and two (6%) were unbalanced translocations. It is believed that the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion is higher than that of the normal population. Most of the fetal samples showed normal karyotypes or balanced translocations matching that of one of their parents. Although the incidence of chromosomal imbalance in the fetuses was relatively low in prenatal cytogenetic analysis, individuals with balanced translocations are predisposed to giving birth to malformed offsprings with partial trisomy or monosomy. Therefore, we recommend the cytogenetic and the prenatal cytogenetic analysis for those who experiences recurrent abortion as well as in case they become pregnant, to prevent the birth of offsprings with chromosomal abnormalities.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.10-14
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• 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) associated with chromosomal abnormalities. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of POI patients with chromosomal abnormalities diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2017. The definition of POI is based on hypergonadotropinism of 40 or greater in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements at age 40 years or less. FSH was measured twice at least 4 weeks apart. Karyotyping using peripheral blood for chromosomal testing was conducted in all patients diagnosed with POI. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and genetic causes of patients who were diagnosed with POI. Results: Forty patients were diagnosed with POI including 9 (22.5%) with identified chromosomal abnormalities. The mean age at diagnosis was $23.1{\pm}7.8years$ (ranging between 14 and 39). Three patients did not experience menarche. The presenting complaints were short stature in one case, one case of amenorrhea with ambiguous external genitals, one case of infertility, and six related to menstruation such as oligomenorrhea or irregular rhythm. Turner syndrome was diagnosed in four cases, Xq deletion in one case, trisomy X in two cases, and 46,XY disorder of sexual development in two other patients. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with POI carrying the same type of chromosomal abnormality manifest different phenotypes. The management protocol also needs to be changed depending on the diagnosis. A karyotype is indicated for accurate diagnosis and proper management of POI in patients, with or without stigmata of chromosomal abnormalities.