• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.439-445
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• 2013

Purpose: Previous studies suggest that the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in cord blood may show an inverse association with respiratory tract infections (RTI) during childhood. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of 25(OH)D concentrations in cord blood on infant RTI in a Korean birth cohort. Methods: The levels of 25(OH)D in cord blood obtained from 525 Korean newborns in the prospective COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases were examined. The primary outcome variable of interest was the prevalence of RTI at 6-month follow-up, as diagnosed by pediatricians and pediatric allergy and pulmonology specialists. RTI included acute nasopharyngitis, rhinosinusitis, otitis media, croup, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Results: The median concentration of 25(OH)D in cord blood was 32.0 nmol/L (interquartile range, 21.4 to 53.2). One hundred and eighty neonates (34.3%) showed 25(OH)D concentrations less than 25.0 nmol/L, 292 (55.6%) showed 25(OH)D concentrations of 25.0-74.9 nmol/L, and 53 (10.1%) showed concentrations of ${\geq}75.0$ nmol/L. Adjusting for the season of birth, multivitamin intake during pregnancy, and exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy, 25(OH)D concentrations showed an inverse association with the risk of acquiring acute nasopharyngitis by 6 months of age (P for trend=0.0004). Conclusion: The results show that 89.9% of healthy newborns in Korea are born with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (55.6% and 34.3%, respectively). Cord blood vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in healthy neonates is associated with an increased risk of acute nasopharyngitis by 6 months of age. More time spent outdoors and more intensified vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women may be needed to prevent the onset of acute nasopharyngitis in infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.886-893
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• 2005

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in children less than 5 years of age. Recent immunohistochemistry findings suggest that many vascular growth factors play a role in the formation of the coronary artery lesions. Active remodeling of the coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease continues in the form of intimal proliferation and neoangiogenesis for several years after the onset of the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) and corticosteroid have been used in the treatment of Kawasaki disease but the exact mechanism is not clear. We have investigated that IVIG and corticosteroid inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro on Matrigel assay. Methods : Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were cultured and seeded on Matrigel coated 24 well plates in medium with or without the following agents : VEGF, VEGF plus IVIG, VEGF plus VEGF antibody, VEGF plus methylprednisolone, VEGF, IVIG plus methylprednisolone for 18 hours. The total length of tube structures in each photograph was quantified. Results : IVIG significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs. The inhibitory effect of IVIG was also reversible. In the meantime, VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs into capillary like structures on Matrigel, which was inhibited by VEGF antibody in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, IVIG and methylprednisolone inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation of HUVECs. IVIG was more effective in inhibition than methylprednisolone alone. Conclusion : We revealed that VEGF induced the differentiation of HUVECs and this effect was inhibited by IVIG and methylprednisolone.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.389-409
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• 1999

This study was carried out to identify the differences between nursing needs and levels of satisfaction of postpartum women during the early postpartum period. The goal of this study was to obtain needed to develope the nursing quality for postpartum women. The subjects were 87 postpartum women who had vaginal delivery at 2 general hospital and 2 maternity hospital in the Ulsan City. The period for the data collection was from June 1 to 29, 1999. The data was gathered using an 98 items questionnaire which was a modified version of a questionnaire the developed by Y. J. Chun. Results found are as follows : 1. The general characteristics of the subjects : The majority of subjects were 25-29 yrs. (57.5%), high school and college graduates(96.5%), unemployed(75.9%), middle ranged economics(93.1%), had no religion(43.7%), male baby(52.9%), birth weight 3-3.5Kg(49.4%), wanted pregnancy(96.6%), no abortion history(50.6%), had antenatal care(89.7%), had prenatal education(32.2%), postnatal education(42.5%), intended breast feeding (46.0%), had resonable self confidence about self(20.7%), infant care(36.8%) and nuclear family pattern(82.3%). 2. The level of nursing needs of overall nursing care(3.93) and the levels of satisfaction(3.86) was relatively high. The nursing needs by category of nursing care, the highest need was in the emotional and psychological care(4.09), and the lowest need was in physical need(3.73). The satisfactions by category of nursing care, the highest satisfaction was in emotional and psychological care(4.11) and the lowest satisfaction was in education in self care(3.64). The significant differences between nursing needs and satisfactions were found on education in infant care(p=.005), and education in self care(p=.020). 3. Among items of physical care, 'accurate medication and treatment(4.21)', 'control of postpartum hemorrhage(4.13)', 'pain control and care of episiotomy wound (4.12)' and 'regular observation of postpartum conditions(4.09)' showed high nursing needs. 'Accurate medication and treatment(4.31)', 'regular observation of postpartum condition(4.24)', 'control of postpartum hemorrhage(4.22)' and 'pain control and care of episiotomy wound(4.12)' showed high satisfaction levels. 4. Among items of emotional and psychological care, 'personal treatment(4.32)', kind and faithful care(4.30)', 'detailed explanation on the treatment or nursing care(4.25)', 'adequate draping during the care and treatment(4.23)' and detailed explanation on a doubt(4.13)', showed high nursing needs, 'personal treatment(4.52)', 'kind and faithful care(4.45)', 'detailed explanation on a doubt(4.24)', 'detailed explanation on the treatment or nursing care(4.21)' and 'adequate draping during the care and treatment(4.18)' showed high satisfaction of nursing care. Difference between the level of nursing needs and satisfaction was significant except item of 'early contacts with their baby and breast feeding'. 5. Among items of environmental care, the highest level of need and satisfaction were on the items of 'neat bedding and clothes(4.05, 4.21)' and 'room cleansing or care of room(4.01, 4.28)'. Differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction were 'room cleansing of care of room'. 6. Among items of educational needs on self care, 'sitz bath method(4.22)', 'high risk symptoms to immediate clinic visits(4.13)', 'the timing of tub bath(4.05)' and 'good secretion of breast milk(4.03)', showed high nursing needs, 'sitz bath method(4.22)' showed high satisfaction of nursing care. Differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction were 'the timing of hair shampoo', 'the timing of tub bath', ' the method of pad change', 'postpartum exercise', 'good secretion of breast milk', 'maintenance of breast figure', 'contraindicated drugs in postpartum women', 'kegel exercise' and 'breast self examination'. 7. Among items of educational needs on infant care, 'immunization of infants(4.36)', 'symptoms of sickness to immediate clinic visits(4.28)'. 'safety and emergency care(4.28)', 'umbilical care(4.26)', 'feeding times and intervals(4.24)', 'normal growth and development of infant(4.24)' and 'infection control(4.22)', showed high level of nursing care, 'immunization of infants(4.21)', 'feeding times and intervals(4.17)', were high satisfaction items showed significant differences between the level of nursing care and satisfaction. 8. Relationship between nursing needs and levels of satisfaction among postpartum women were as follows : 1) Physical area : There were no significant differences in the level of nursing needs, but satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'working mothers', 'baby's weights', 'baby's sex', 'planning of feeding' and 'routes of receiving postpartum informations'. 2) Emotional and psychological area : The level of nursing needs were significantly different in the area of 'confidence in self care'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'baby's sex', 'baby's weights', 'the confidence of infant care' and 'working mother'. 3) Environment area : There were on significant differences in the level of nursing needs, but satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'maternal age' and 'baby's weights'. 4) Education in self care : The level of nursing needs were significantly different among 'parity history' and 'type of family formation'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'working mother', 'baby's sex', 'antenatal care', 'postpartum education', 'planning of feeding', 'routes of receiving postpartum informations'. 5) Education in infant care area : The level of nursing needs were significantly different among 'parity history'. Satisfaction levels were significantly different among 'baby's sex', 'receiving postpartum education or not' and 'working mother'.

• 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.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.15-25
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• 1982

It was undertake to investigate the factors involved in the micro thrombus formation in the plasma from the patients with cerebrovascular disease(CVD) and the in vitro actions of sodium nitroprusside on the platelet aggregate formation. 1) The microthrombus formation in the plasma from CVD was significantly enhanced, in comparison with that from the healthy volunteers. 2) Both lipid peroxide and cathepsin D in the plasma from CVD were higher than those levels from the healthy volunteers. 3) Whereas the platelets from healthy individuals showed less aggregation activity in response to ADP in the second phase those from CVD revealed the enhanced aggregating response to ADP. 4) When the bovine basilar artery, rabbit aorta and human umbilical artery were pretreated with $K^+-free$ PSS, ouabain, 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid(13-HPLA) and cadmium they markedly enhanced the platelet aggregability respectively. 5) Platelet aggregation induced by $K^+-free$ PSS-treated bovine basilar artery was decreased by sodium nitroprusside in a dose-dependent manner, but not by either hydralazine. 6) Both dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 8-bromo cyclic GMP had the inhibitory action on the platelet aggregation. However, the latter had more prominent action than former. The antiaggregating effect by sodium nitroprusside was antagonized by pretreatment with methylene blue, but not by hemoglobin. These results provide the evidences for the therapeutic use of sodium nitroprusside in the emergency of cerebrovascular disease and in remains the further study of the clinical therapy with it.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.27-37
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• 1990

The extrafetal transfer of $Li^{+}$ in amniotic fluid was studied in 45 pregnant rabbits. LiCl solution was administered either intravenously to mother or directly into the amniotic sac and monitored the appearance and disappearance of $Li^{+}$ in the amniotic fluid, then calculated the transfer rate of $Li^{+}$ of extrafetal origin. To study the transplacental $Li^{+}$ transfer, a solution of 150 mM LiCl was infused continuously via maternal vein (initial dose: 0.7 mmol/kg, maintaining dose: 0.03 mmol/kg/min) and the $Li^{+}$ concentration was measured in maternal blood and amniotic fluid after 60 and 120 minutes of infusion. Change in the volume of aminotic fluid was determined by Congo red dilution method at the same time. Effects of duration of gestation was not considered in this study. Extrafetal transport of $Li^{+}$ into the amniotic fluid was estimated by comparing the $Li^{+}$ concentration and volume of amniotic fluid determined before and after ligating the placental vessels. Extrafetal $Li^{+}$ transport from the amniotic fluid was determined by observing the time dependent disappearance of $Li^{+}$ and Congo red in amniotic fluid after injecting 0.5 ml solution of 15 mM or 90 mM LiCl and 50 mg/ml Congo red. Following are the results obtained: 1) During infusion of LiCl through maternal vein the ratio of the aminotic $Li^{+}$/maternal plasma $Li^{+}$ increased significantly along with the increment of fetal weight. 2) The volume of amniotic fluid of larger fetuses than 20.5 gm increased significantly during administration of LiCl while that of smaller fetuses did not change. 3) After umbilical cord ligation the $Li^{+}$ concentration of amniotic fluid of larger fetuses than 20.5 gm was decreased to $59.9{\pm}10.3%$ and $56.9{\pm}42.9%$ $(mean{\pm}S.D.)$ of those of control group after 60 and 120 minutes of LiCl infusion respectively. In amniotic fluid of smaller fetuses than 20.5 gm, there was no significant difference between control and ligation groups. 4) The disappearance rate of Congo red in the amniotic fluid was $45.2{\pm}8.2%/hr$. 5) The disappearance rate of $Li^{+}$ after intraamniotic injection of LiCl depended on the amount injected. On injecting $7.5\;{\mu}mol$ LiCl, $Li^{+}$ disappeared rapidly from the amniotic fluid and the rates after 60 min and 90 min were $97.0{\pm}2.8,\;98.5{\pm}2.0%$ respectively. On injecting $45\;{\mu}mol$ LiCl, the rates were $56.0{\pm}15.4,\;78.9{\pm}14.5%$ at 60 and 90 min. 6) From the above results it was concluded: a) $Li^{+}$ transfer into the amniotic fluid increased along with the fetal growth and one half of $Li^{+}$ influx is through the extrafetal route even after the maturation of fetal kidney. b) One half of the $Li^{+}$ transfer from the amniotic fluid was through swallowing of fetus, while the remaining half was transfered rapidly through amniotic membrane, which was concentration limited.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.495-503
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• 1999

Background: We tested the technical feasibility of fetal cardiac bypass and collected baseline data on the fetal hemodynamics and placental functions related to the cardiopulmonary bypass in the fetal lamb model. Material and Method: Eleven fetuses at 120 to 150 days of gestation were subjected to bypass via trans-sternal approach with a 12 G pulmonary arterial cannula and 14 to 18 F venous cannula for 30 minutes. All ewes received general anesthesia with ketamine. In all the fetuses, no anesthetic agents were used except muscle relaxant. Eight served as a group in which placenta was excluded from the extracorporeal circulation by clamping the umbilical cord during the bypass(the oxygenator group) and in the remaining three, the placenta worked as the only source of oxygen supply(the placenta group). Observations were made every 10 minute during a 30-minute bypass and 30-minute post bypass period. No prostaglandin inhibitors were used both in ewes and in fetuses. Result: Weights of the fetuses ranged from 1.9 to 5.2 kg. In the oxygenator group, means of arterial pressure, PaO2, atrial pressure, heart rate, and bypass flow rate ranged 69.8 to 82.6 mmHg, 201.7 to 220.9 mmHg, 4.1 to 4.3 mmHg, 169 to 182/min, and 140.3 to 164.0 ml/kg/min, respectively during bypass, but rapid deterioration of the fetal cardiac functions and the placental gas exchange was observed after the cessation of bypass. In the placenta group, means of arterial pressure decreased from 44.7 to 14.4 mmHg and means of PaCO2 increased from 61.9 to 129.6 mmHg during bypass. Flow rate was suboptimal(74.3 to 97.0 ml/kg/min) during bypass. All hearts fibrillated immediately after the discontinuation of bypass. Conclusion: In this study, the technical feasibility of fetal cardiopulmonary bypass was confirmed in the fetal lamb model. However, further studies with modifications of the bypass including an addition of prostaglandin inhibitor, an application of the total spinal anesthesia on the fetus, a creation of more concise bypass circuit, and a use of active pump are mandatory to improve the outcome.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.36-48
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• 2010

Purpose : In children on anticancer chemotherapy, bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We investigated febrile episodes and bloodstream infections in pediatric cancer patients to guide proper selection of empiric antibiotics for febrile pediatric hemato-oncologic patients. Methods : All febrile episodes treated in the division of hematology-oncology, the department of pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, between July 2005 and June 2008 were reviewed. Episodes with and without bloodstream infections were compared. Results : Forty cases (18.9%, 25 patients) of BSI occurred in 212 febrile episodes (63 patients). Thirty-seven cases (23.6%, 22 patients) of BSI occurred in 157 febrile episodes with neutropenia (54 patients). Microorganisms identified in BSI corresponded to 23 gram-positive bacteria (51.2%), 20 gram-negative bacteria (44.5%), and 2 fungi (4.4%). Rates of BSI between those who had received umbilical cord blood transplantation and those who had received transplantation from other source were significantly different (55.0% vs. 7.7%, P =0.001). No differences in mortality rate were observed among organisms in BSI patients. For febrile episodes the rate of BSI was higher among those with Chemoport than those with Hickman catheter (P =0.029) and gram-positive pathogens were more likely to be associated with Chemoport (P =0.001). Conclusion : The study showed the rate of BSI, distribution of pathogens with regard to neutropenia, transplantation, central venous catheters, and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens in order to help guide in the choice of optimal empiric antibiotics in pediatric febrile neutropenic hemato-oncologic patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.173-177
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• 2010

Purpose : Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that causes nosocomial infection in NICU. It contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality with variable complications. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with complicated MRSA bacteremia in neonates. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 44 neonates with positive blood culture for MRSA who were admitted to the NICU of Pusan National University Hospital from January 2002 to December 2007. We compared various factors of the complicated and uncomplicated MRSA bacteremia cases. Results : Of the 44 neonates, 31 were male and 13, female. The mean gestational age and birth weight were $33.2{\pm}4.9$ weeks and $1,859.9{\pm}962.2g$, respectively. Twenty-one of infants were treated with a mechanical ventilator during a mean of $8.8{\pm}13.8$ days. There were 13 cases of complicated and 31 cases of uncomplicated MRSA bacteremia. Between the 2 groups, we compared the following variables: gestational age, birth weight, ventilator use, umbilical catheter use and central catheter insertion, $O_2$ inhalation, first oral feeding day after birth, underlying disease, transfusion, and initial vancomycin use. The underlying disease and transfusion were the risk factors related to complicated MRSA bacteremia. Conclusion : Complicated MRSA bacteremia is related to underlying disease and transfusion. Since this was a retrospective study with a small sample size, it offered limited capacity to compare complicated and uncomplicated MRSA bacteremia. A prospective study with a larger population is needed to determine the exact characteristics of MRSA bacteremia in NICU.

• The Korean Nurse
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.64-78
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• 1990

The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of gravidas' knowledge of infant care activity, and to identify the factors influencing the difference of gravidas' knowledge. The subjects of this study consisted of 159 gravida visited 2 general hospitals, 2 OB/GY clinics and 2 midwives' clinics in J city for anenatal care. The data were collected from December 1 to 30, J.989. The instrument used for this study was true false type question which was developed by investigator through literature review. Data were analyzed by percentage, mean, t-test and ANOVA on significant difference with SPSS program. The results of this study were, summarized as follow: 1) The degree of gravidas' knowledge of infant care activity was 36.75, the degree of gravidas' know ledge of physical care activicy was 16.70, and the degree of gravidas' knowledge of psychosocial care activity was 20.00. 2) Among the physical care activity knowledge items, the diaper should be changed whenever it is soiled, $\lceil$shortly after feeding is over, bathing is bad$\rfloor$, $\lceil$gently patted or stroked on the back when bubbling$\rfloor$, $\lceil$10 minutes time in bathing is appropriate$\rfloor$, $\lceil$infant is crying whenever he is hungry per 3-4 hours$\rfloor$, and "room humidity controled 60 percent, more or less> were over a' percentage of 80 of right answer. Among the physical care, accivity knowledge items. $\lceil$a reason for burping was the air' he has swallowed will rise to the top of his stomach and be eructated$\rfloor$, $\lceil$burping is advisable after the feeding$\rfloor$, $\lceil$dressing of umbilical area is not necessary$\rfloor$, $\lceil$the thermometer should not be boiled for disinfection$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is important chat the infant grasp the whole nipple within his mouth$\rfloor$, $\lceil$using alcohol sponge is bad whenever diaper is soiled", and $\lceil$when temperature is taken by the rectal method, infant legs shoud be grasped firmly_! were less than a percentage of 60 of right answer. 3) Among the psychosocial care activity knowledge items, $\lceil$it is nice, mother smile at bady frequently$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is nice, mother praise a bady frequently$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is nice, mother express bady's behavior$\rfloor$, $\lceil$talk frequently to the bady, the bady :should not be disturbed while feeding$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is nice, mother see a baby face to face , $\lceil$it is nice, mother concentrate one's attention on her baby while playing$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is nice, mother pat one's baby while he is feeding$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is advisable, the baby is allowed to touch mother's breast while he is feeding$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is advisable to stop feeding, if the baby protrudes one's tongue or cries while feeding$\rfloor$, $\lceil$baby is able to hear, see and smell$\rfloor$, $\lceil$it is nice, mother Concentrate one's attention on her baby while feeding$\rfloor$, and $\lceil$it is not advisable for mother to scold baby while he is crying out> were over a percentage of 80 of right answer. Among the psychosocial care activity knowledge items, $\lceil$Using' baby talks is bad when mother talks to baby> and $\lceil$it is nice, mother soothes the baby as soon as possible when he is crying I were less than a percentage of 60 of right answer. 4) There was statistically significant relationship between the degree of gravidas' knowledge of infant care activity and the demographic variables of gravida such as the age(p<0.01) and education level(p<0.01). From these results, it may be concluded that gravidas' knowledge of infant care activity is moderate level, and gravidas' knowledge of psychosocial care activity is greater than that of physical care activity. Also prenatal nursing educations should focus on subjects who have lower percentage of right answer in infant care activity knowledge items.dge items.