• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.93-100
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• 1999

Purpose : For evaluation of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae(M. pneumoniae) pneumonia in children, we have studied the Mycoplasma indirect particle agglutination test, cold hemagglutinin test, ESR, CRP, and total white blood cell counts and it's differential count retrospectively. Methods : The total numbers of patients whom compatible with diagnostic criteria of acute M. pneumoniae peumonia were 56 cases from Jan. to Dec. 1997. The diagnostic criteria were 1) onset of fever(${\geq}38.0^{\circ}C$) and coughing were within 7 days, 2) rhonchi and/or role was audible on chest, 3) pneumonic infiltration on chest X-ray, and 4) M. pneumoniae indirect particle agglutination test titer was higher than 1:640, or initial titer was less than 1:640 but increased more than 4 folds after week. We classified the enrolled patients according to initial antibody titer, such as soup A(${\leq}1:640$) and group B(${\geq}1:320$). We compared group A and B by demographic findings, clinical symptoms and signs, and laboratory findings. Results : 1) The male and female sex ratio was 1:1.4, and average onset age was $5.8{\pm}2.96$ years. 2) The average body temperature on admission was $38.5{\pm}0.1^{\circ}C$ and productive coughing was noticed in 52 cases(93%). 3) The average total white cell counts were $10,470{\pm}877.0/mm^3$ in group B patients, which was significantly higher compared to $7,761{\pm}508.5/mm^3$ in group A(p<0.014). 4) The average value of ESR and CRP were within normal range in both group. 5) The most common site of pneumonic infiltration was right lower lobe of lung in both groups. 6) There were no correlation between antibody titer and cold hemagglutinine titer in patients and cold hemagglutination titer were less than 1:64 in 25 cases(45%). Conclusion : The clinical manifestations of pneumonia, findings of chest x-ray, and indirect particle agglutination test were useful on diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pnumonia onset within 7 days, but cold hemagglutinin test was a little diagnostic meaning.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.856-860
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• 2008

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the appearance of headache and backache following diagnostic lumbar puncture in children, focusing on the need for strict bed rest after lumbar puncture. Methods : We studied 70 two-fifteen-year-old pediatric patients who underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture from July 2005 to July 2007 at Konkuk University Hospital. We divided them into two groups. Patients in the first group (n=24) were allowed free mobility and patients in the second group (n=46) were to have strict bed rest for four hours after puncture. Data were analyzed by age, sex, number of puncture attempts, cell counts and pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), duration of bed rest, and occurrence of headache and backache. Results : The rate of complications was not significantly related to sex, age, presence of enterovirus, CSF pressure, or postural headache. The occurrence of headache was significantly correlated with white blood cell (WBC) count in CSF (P=0.043). Symptom frequency did not differ significantly between the groups. Backache was significantly related to the frequency of puncture attempts (P=0.046). Conclusion : Strict bed rest following diagnostic lumbar puncture in children does not influence headaches and backaches. These are respectively related to the WBC count on the CSF profile and the frequency of attempts. Therefore, after lumbar puncture, absolute bed rest is not necessary and patients are more comfortable with free mobility.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 2022

This study investigated the immunostimulatory effect of enzymatic porcine placental hydrolyzate (EPPH) in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated rats. This effect of EPPH prevented Cy-induced decreases in body, spleen, and thymus weights and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The numbers of immune cells, such as white blood cells, granulocytes, and lymphocytes, and mid-range absolute counts were significantly higher compared to the control group. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-12, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were notably reduced by Cy, while EPPH prevented these effects. Histopathological analysis of spleen samples revealed the protective effect of EPPH against Cy-induced immunosuppression. The findings demonstrate that EPPH can alleviate immunosuppression by cell viability, tissue damage, and regulation of the levels of cytokines. EPPH may have value as a component of immunostimulatory agents or an ingredient in functional foods.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.101-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine arterial stiffness levels as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and to identify the association between arterial stiffness and inflammatory markers, in healthy adults over 50 years old. Methods: The study population consisted of 4617 persons over the age of 50 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study, which was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Arterial stiffness was measured using baPWV. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between conventional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers, including white blood cell (WBC) counts, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). Results: After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors including sex, age, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, hypertension or diabetic medication, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase, baPWV was significantly associated with WBC counts (${\beta}$=0.158, p<0.0001), hs-CRP (${\beta}$=0.244, p=0.026), and GGT (${\beta}$=0.003, p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study shows that arterial stiffness correlates with inflammatory markers. Arterial stiffness may be used as a composite risk factor to identify persons with higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, arterial stiffness may be a marker for future cardiovascular disease and a target for prevention.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.110-116
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• 2013

Purpose: The $^{99m}Tc$-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan is used primarily for the diagnosis of renal scarring and acute pyelonephritis in children with urinary tract infections (UTI). This study aimed to evaluate clinical differences based on the positive or negative results of DMSA scans and kidney ultrasonography (US) in pediatric UTI. Method: We retrospectively reviewed 142 pediatric patients with UTI who were admitted to Myongji Hospital from January 2004 to December 2012. We performed a comparative analysis of clinical parameters such as age, sex, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, creatinine (Cr) level, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and durations of hospitalization and fever, grouped by the results of the DMSA scans and kidney US. Results: The mean age of the patients was $33.8{\pm}48.3$ months, and 78 (55%) were male. Fifty-two patients had abnormal DMSA findings, and 71 patients had abormal kidney US findings (test positive groups). In the DMSA scan positive group, there were significant differences in age, WBC counts, neutrophil counts, CRP level, BUN level, Cr level, hospitalization duration, number of abnormal findings on kidney US, and incidence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) compared with the scan negative group. The kidney US positive group had significant differences in age, neutrophil count, CRP level, BUN level, Cr level, hospitalization duration, number of abnormal findings on the DMSA scans, and more frequent VUR compared with the US negative group. Conclusion: Our data suggest that there were no major differences in clinical parameters based on the results of the DMSA scans compared with kidney US in pediatric UTI. However, as kidney US and DMSA scan were performed to predict VUR, the sensitivity and negative predictive value was increased.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.44-53
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• 1992

We compared the efficacy of each modality of treatment group in reducing the frequency of coronary artery abnormalities and changes of clinical courses in children with kawasaki disease in the children of 81 cases who were admitted in pediatric department of Yeungnam University Hospital from September 1985 to August 1990, Group A(37 cases)-aspirin alone, Group B(44 cases)-intravenous gammaglobulin(400mmg/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days, plus aspirin. We studied the frequency of echocardiographic abnormalities, the duration of fever, and changes in the total white blood cell counts, platelet counts, ESR and CRP value at 1, 2 and 3 weeks of the illness and compared the results between the two groups. The results were as follows, 1) There as no significant intergroup difference in age and sex ratio. 2) The duration of the febrile period after the initiation of the therapy was significant shorter in group B($2.5{\pm}1.2$ days) than in group A:($5.2{\pm}3.5$ days)(p<0.01). 3) No significant difference was noticed in the WBC and platelet counts in two groups as measured at admission day, 1 and 2 weeks of the illness. However, at 3weeks of illness significant difference was noted. 4) The CRP values measured at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after treatment were significantly lower in group B($2.42{\pm}1.8$, $2.00{\pm}1.2$, $1.16{\pm}1.0$) than in group A($7.22{\pm}5.3$, $5.25{\pm}3.9$, $1.85{\pm}1.2$) respectively(p<0.01). 5) In 2D- Echocardiogram, coronary artery dilataton was more frequent in Group A than in Group B at 6month of illness(p<0.01). In conclusion, intravenous gammaglobulin therapy was effective in the shortening of the duration of fever and in the antiinflammatory action and somewhat effective in prevention of coronary artery aneurysm.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.663-668
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• 2010

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon disorder with few cases reported. It usually occurs in young males and has benign self-limiting course without any apparent concomitant factor. It is seen after intrathoracic pressure changes leading to alveolar rupture. The clinical experiences of two medical centers were reviewed to aid in optimal management. Material and Method: Retrospective review between March 2003 and August 2010 with spontaneous pneumomediastinum patients was performed. Result: 24 patients were identified with a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. These 24 patients were comprised of 18 men and 6 women with mean age 18.9 years (range 10 ~ 33). The major initial complaints were chest pain (79.2%), throat pain (62.5%), and subcutaneous emphysema (41.7%). The triggering events were exercise (16.7%), coughing (12.5%) and vomiting (12.5%). No apparent triggering event was noted in 54.2% of patients. In all cases, chest radiograph and computed tomography was done. Diagnostic computed tomography was required in 25%. White blood cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) were checked, and their initial mean values were $9,790{\pm}3,240/{\mu}L$ Land $1.31{\pm}1.71mg/dL$, final mean values were $5,440{\pm}1,665/{\mu}L$ Land $0.72{\pm}0.73mg/dL$, respectively. 23 patients were admitted (average $5.0{\pm}1.8$) and the symptoms were self-limiting in all cases without complications. Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a benign condition with mild inflammatory signs that often presents with chest or throat pain. Secondary causes must be ruled out to avoid an unfavorable outcome with less invasive study. Because of very rare complications and recurrence, outpatient basis and shortened hospitalization may be feasible.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2015

Purpose: Predicting life expectancy of terminally ill cancer patients is very important. In many studies, ferritin is detected at higher levels in the sera of cancer patients, and higher ferritin level correlates with aggressiveness of disease and poor outcomes of patients. This study evaluated a prognostic role of serum ferritin levels in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: This study enrolled 65 terminally ill cancer patients from March through June 2012. We assessed routine laboratory findings including serum ferritin levels as well as demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. To examine the association between serum ferritin levels and patient's characteristics, we used Spearman's correlation analysis, Wilcoxon's rank sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriately. For multivariate analysis, Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate significance of serum ferritin levels as a prognostic factor. Results: A negative correlation between serum ferritin levels and survival time was found. After adjusting for sex, age, performance status, creatinine levels and white blood cell counts, serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with survival time. Conclusion: Even at the very end of life of terminal cancer patients, serum ferritin levels were an independent prognostic factor for survival.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the differences in clinical features and laboratory findings between group D and non-group D non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) gastroenteritis in children. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with NTS confirmed by culture study was performed. The clinical features and laboratory findings of group D and non-group D NTS were compared. Results: From 2003 to 2012, 75 cases were diagnosed as NTS at our center. The number of group D and non-group D patients was 45 and 30, respectively. The mean age was higher in group D than in non-group D patients (5.1 years vs. 3.4 years, p=0.038). Headaches were more frequently observed (p=0.046) and hematochezia was less frequently observed (p=0.017) in group D than in non-group D NTS gastroenteritis patients. A positive Widal test result was observed in 53.3% of group D and 6.7% of non-group D NTS cases (O-titer, p=0.030; H-titer, p=0.039). There were no differences in white blood cell counts, level of C-reactive protein and rate of antimicrobial resistance between group D and non-group D cases. Conclusion: The more severe clinical features such as headache, fever, and higher Widal titers were found to be indicative of group D NTS gastroenteritis. Additionally, group D NTS gastroenteritis was more commonly found in older patients. Therefore, old age, fever, headache, and a positive Widal test are more indicative of group D NTS than non-group D NTS gastroenteritis. Pathophysiological mechanisms may differ across serologic groups.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2012

Purpose: Most terminally ill cancer patients die from cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. This study evaluated a prognostic role of plasma leptin levels in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: This study enrolled 69 terminally ill cancer patients who were aged above 20 years old from July 2009 to July 2010. For univariate analysis, an association between leptin levels and patient's characteristics or other variables was examined using Spearman's correlation analysis, Wilcoxon's rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriately. For multivariable analysis, Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate a clinical significance of plasma leptin levels as a prognostic factor and to determine factors which affect the risk of death in terminally ill cancer patients. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and survival time was found. Univariate Cox's proportional hazard regression analyses also showed a moderately significant association between plasma leptin levels and survival time. However, after adjusting variables for sex, white blood cell counts, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, albumin and CRP levels, plasma leptin levels were not significantly associated with survival time. Conclusion: No significant association was found between plasma leptin levels and survival time in terminally ill cancer patients. However, this study suggested a prognostic value of plasma leptin levels in gastrointestinal cancer patients.