• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.12
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• pp.837-842
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• 2007

Background: Closure of the ductus arteriosus is often delayed in premature infants, which creates a hemodynamically significant left to right shunt that exerts an adverse effect on the normal development and growth of these babies. We reviewed out experience on surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus via axillary minithoracotomy in premature infants. Material and Method: From April 2002 to October 2006, 20 premature infants whose gestation was under 37 weeks underwent surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus as a result of complications or contra-indications for the use of indomethacin. Their mean gestational age was 28.8+3.4 weeks, ranging from 25+3 to 34+6 weeks, and the average age at operation was $15.6{\pm}6.3$ days. The mean body weight at operation was $1,174{\pm}416\;g$, ranging from 680 to 2,100g; 16 infants were under 1,500 and 9 infants were under 1,000 g. The procedures were performed in the newborn intensive care unit via $2{\sim}3\;cm$ long axillary minithoracotomy with the infant in the lateral position with left arm abduction. The mean size of the patent ductus arteriosus was $3.8{\pm}0.3\;mm$. For the most part, the ductus was closed with clips; 2 infants in whom the ductus was ruptured while dissection was being performed underwent ductal division. Result: Ten of twelve infants who had been ventilator dependent preoperatively could be successfully weaned from the ventilator at a mean duration of 9.7 days after the operation. There was no procedure-related complication or death. Two infants eventually died of the conditions not related to the operation; one from sepsis at postoperative 131 days and the other from pneumonia at postoperative 41 days, respectively. Conclusion: Surgical closure of the patent ductus arteriosus improved the hemodynamic instability and so promoted the successful growth and normal development of premature infants. Considering the low surgical risk along with the reduced invasiveness, early and aggressive surgical intervention is highly recommended.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.12
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• pp.1296-1300
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• 2006

Purpose : We studied the usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubinometers in follow-up of bilirubin levels during phototherapy in neonatal jaundice patients. Methods : Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) was measured twice per day on 90 neonatal jaundice patients without risk factors of jaundice by transcutaneous bilirubinometer JM-103(Minolta/Hill-Rom Air-shields, Japan). TcB was measured simultaneously on the patched-forehead (TcB-PF), patchedchest(TcB-PC), unpatched-forehead (TcB-UF) and unpatched-chest (TcB-UC) of infants with neonatal jaundice. Plasma bilirubin (PB) was measured by American Optical bilirubinometer (American Optical Co, Buffalo, USA) within 30 minutes after transcutaneous bilirubinometer measurement. Each TcB was compared with PB. Results : In the study group, the mean gestational age was $38.6{\pm}1.3wk$, the mean birthweight was $3,207.0{\pm}472.1g$, the mean age at start of phototherapy was $4.9{\pm}0.9days$ and the mean duration of phototherapy was $1.3{\pm}0.6days$. The correlation between TcB and PB level was observed. The correlation between TcB of the patched part (TcB-PF, TcB-PC) and PB was more significant than that of the unpatched part (TcB-UF, TcB-UC) and PB. The most significant correlation was between PB and TcB-PC. Conclusion : TcB was useful in the follow-up of jaundice during phototherapy as well the screening of jaundice in neonatal jaundice patients. TcB of patched-chest area was the most reliable site in transcutaneous bilirubinometer examination in neonatal jaundice patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.372-376
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• 2008

Purpose : To identify clinical characteristics of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in neonatal period and early infancy and provide information in clinical practice. Methods : Twelve neonates and young infants (<6 months) who were infected by respiratory syncytial virus and required mechanical ventilation between March 2005 and July 2007 were enrolled. Diagnosis of RSV infection was made based on the positive results by rapid antigen immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction. Results : There were four premature infants, of whom three were near-term. Birth weight of subject patients was $2.8{\pm}0.6kg$, gestational age was $37{\pm}2weeks$ and the age at the time of admission was $35{\pm}15days$. Nine of them showed apnea and in five patients, apnea itself was an indication for mechanical ventilation. In seven of the apneic patients, apnea was the first manifestation of RSV infection. In three of these seven apneic patients, apnea preceded definite respiratory distress signs or typical stethoscopic findings by 1-3 days. Mean duration of mechanical ventilation was $3{\pm}2days$, and mean duration of stay in intensive care unit was $6{\pm}2days$. Conclusion : RSV is a major cause of severe respiratory tract infection in term or near-term infant younger than 2 months. For apnea could be the first manifestation of the RSV infection, high level of suspicion is required in practice of neonates or young infants who show any upper respiratory infection symptoms during RSV season.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.159-176
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• 1998

In effort to conduct comparative study on the caregiving environment of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) in both U. S and Korea, this study was been conducted first in the U.S. Purpose : The purpose of this study is to identify the physical environment and direct caregiving practices to lowbirth weight infants in NICU in the US. It also aims to examine the NICU outcome status and behavioral reponses of lowbirth weight infants. Methods : A study design using descriptive and inferential statistics was been conducted through an observational, field method. A sample of 15 preform infants admitted to NICU were recruited for the study. The subjects were those with birth weight between 1,000 gm to 1,500 gm, born at the gestation period of 27 to 33 weeks, and without any chromosomal or other genetic anomalies, major congenital infections, or maternal illness. Thirty minutes observation(three times of ten minutes of continuous observation)of the infant's behavior and physiological status, and an four-hour observation of the physical environment and direct care giving procedures were been conducted on the 3rd and 10th day after birth, and on the day of discharge from the NICU or at 34weeks postconception. The data to be collected were in four areas : the demograghic characteristics of the infants, the physical environment and care giving procedures, the frequency of the infant's designated behavior and physiological response, and NICU outcome variables. A descriptive analysis and Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson r were been applied according to variable characteristics. Results : 1. Mother's mean age was 29.47. The sample consisted of 6 males and 9 females. Mean gestational ages were 29.17 weeks. Mean birth weight was 1236.33g. Mean Apgar scores at one minute were 6.6, and 7.8 at five minutes. 2. The location for the incubator was in the distance from the light, X-ray screens and nursing station, in proximity to side-lamp, telephone and faucet on the third day after birth. The location for the incubator was in the distance from the light and radio on the tenth day and in proximity to nursing station on the day of dischage from the NICU or at 34weeks postconception. 3. Nesting was the most applying aids to the infants. And foot roll, shielding and plastic frame were frequently using by nurses for facilitating well modulated restful posture. 4. There were statistically significant changes in the patterns of physical environment included locating the infant's incubator and bedding, specific aids to self regulation on the 3rd and 10th day after birth, and on the day of discharge from the NICU or at 34weeks postconception. 5. Statistically significant changes were not appeared in the patterns of direct caregiving procedure to the infants included stress inducing or reducing manipulations on the 3rd and 10th day after birth, and on the day of discharge from the NICU or at 34weeks postconception. 6. The stress response of the infants in NICU were significantly reduced as the infants grow older. 7. There were not statistically significant correlation between the physical envronment and the stress responses of the infants in NICU. 8. There were statistically significant correlation between the direct caregiving procedure to the infants and the stress response of the infants in NICU in the second and third observation on the day three. 9. Average weight gain per day from birth to discharge was 38.73g, number of days in the hospital was 42.60, number of days before bottle feeding was 3.6. Postconception age starting bottle feed ing was 31/sup +5/ weeks. Number of days on mechanical ventilator was average 7.64, 11.42 was an average number of days of oxygen need. Conclusion : It, thus, appears that to minimize the sensorymotor stimulation for the low birthweight preterm infant in NICU, manipulation of care giving practices to the babies whatever the stress inducing or reducing procedures, have to be limited in the immediate early stage after birth. And it needed to be reexamine to identify the appropriate and specific physical environment and the patterns of direct caregiving to the low birthweight preform infant as the infants grow older in NICU.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.138-146
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• 2007

Purpose: Ischemic enterocolitis (IEC) is the total or partial infarction of the intestine in the absence of occlusion of a major mesenteric blood vessel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of IEC in children. Methods: A clinical analysis of 6 patients with IEC who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at Pusan National University Hospital, between 1996 and 2005 was conducted retrospectively. Patients were diagnosed with IEC based on clinical characteristics, including radiologic, endoscopic, histopathologic, and intraoperative findings. Results: Four boys and 2 girls between the age of 6 weeks and 6 years were included in this study. Most of the patients were born at term and had a birth weight that was appropriate for their gestational age. The major symptoms of IEC observed included hematochezia or hematemesis (5 cases), vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or irritability (4 cases), as well as abdominal distension and fever (3 cases). IEC occurred in thecolon in 5 cases (2 descending colon, 1 descending and sigmoid colon, 1 sigmoid colon, 1 whole colon) and the duodenal bulb and gastric antrum in 1 case each. The type of the lesions observed includedulcera, which were found in 3 cases, perforation, which was pbserved in 2 cases, necrotic patches, which were observed in 2 cases, stricture, which was observedin 1 cases, and massive membranous desquamation of the epithelium, which was observed in 1 case. Two of the patients received surgical treatment and the remaining four were treated conservatively. None of the patients died. Conclusion: The presentation of IEC varies, and the findings of this study will be helpful in managing patients with IEC.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.224-231
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• 2010

Purpose: Hospital readmissions have recently increased due to early hospital discharge and increased trends in breast-feeding. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia can lead to fatal permanent neurological sequelae without appropriate management. Early detection and intervention are critical. We evaluated the clinical features, risk factors, and brain MRI findings of Korean newborns with idiopathic nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia to determine the optimal management policy. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of 79 newborns with idiopathic nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia was performed at the NICU of the Kyungpook National University Hospital from January 2006 to September 2009. All patients were 35 or more weeks of gestation, and their peak level of serum total bilirubin was more than 20 mg/dL. Results: The mean gestational age was $38^{+3}{\pm}1^{+4}$ weeks, and the mean age on admission was 8.8$\pm$4.0 days. The mean body weight (3,105$\pm$479 g) was decreased by 2.8$\pm$6.4 percent compared to the mean birth weight (3,174$\pm$406 g). There were no statistically significant differences for the peak serum bilirubin level or the duration and effects of phototherapy between the patients with and without risk factors, which included: breastfeeding, cephalohematoma, subdural hemorrhage, and/or ABO incompatibility. Patients were grouped according to change of body weight. Group I consisted of patients that gained weight compared to birth weight, and group II of patients that lost weight compared to birth weight. There were significant differences in the peak serum total bilirubin level between the two groups. Thirty nine patients had brain MRI evaluation; 21 patients had bilateral symmetric signal intensity increases in the globus pallidus compared to adjacent corticospinal tract and putamen on T1-weighted images. Conclusion: Bilirubin encephalopathy is preventable with early screening and proper management. Parents require instruction on feeding practices and follow-up to prevent complications from idiopathic nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.104-110
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• 2011

Purpose: The unique nutrient requirements of premature infants necessitate knowledge of the composition of human milk produced by mothers of such infants. We investigated longitudinal changes in iron concentration of preterm human milk and compared to those observed in human milk of mothers of 1-week old term infants to determine optimal iron supplementation guidelines when preterm infants are nourished exclusively by breast feeding. Methods: Human milk samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum from 103 mothers who delivered infants of gestational age <34 weeks or weighing <1,800 g. Term human milk samples were collected at 1 week postpartum from 24 mothers. Results: There were no significant differences in the iron concentrations of preterm human milk obtained at 2 to 8 weeks postpartum (36.3${\pm}$23.1 to 45.8${\pm}$26.0 $\mu$g/dL), but these concentrations were higher than those noted at 1 week in preterm (23.1${\pm}$14.6 $\mu$g/ dL) and term (25.2${\pm}$7.55 $\mu$g/dL) infants. The iron concentration in preterm human milk obtained at corrected term age (42.2${\pm}$19.4 $\mu$g/dL) was significantly higher than that of mature term human milk (25.2${\pm}$7.55 $\mu$g/dL). Conclusion: The concentration of iron in preterm human milk was consistently low during the first 3 months of lactation. Supplementation with iron of at least 2 mg/kg/day should be considered for preterm infants who are exclusively breastfed and who have low body iron stores, to meet the minimum enteral iron requirements recommended by AAP-CON (2004).

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.97-118
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to compare the nurses' perceptions with the women's about the women's needs in premature labor and to find out how to accomplish effective nursing intervention for the women to cope with their crises in premature labor. The objects of this study consisted of 33 hospitalized mothers in post partum because of premature labor, who were delivered of new born, in four university hospitals, a general hospital and a lower general hospital which has a neonatal intensive care unit in Seoul during 17 days(Oct. 4, 1994 to Oct. 20, 1994) and 32 nurses who have worked at delivery rooms in the hospitals above for 6 months or more, accomplishing nursing intervention. The results of this investigation were as follows : 1) General characteristics of women : Their mean age was 29.4 years(SD 4.37) and the mean of their gestational periods 3 days over 34 weeks(SD 2.48). Most of them were the married(93.9%) and held high school degree or more(93.9%). And some of them were the deligious(68.7%), multiparae(59.4%) and had their jobs(21.2%). The also had hospitalized experience due to premature labor(51.5%), experienced in premature delivery(33.3%), the prental care(78.6%), cesearean section(63.6%), and pregnancies less than twice(62.5%). The most mothers were included in 34 weeks and a day to 37 weeks(60.6%). It was also confirmed that most of the sustaining presences in labor were their husbands(81.2%). 2) General characteristics of nurses : Their mean age was 27.6 years(SD 4.50), and their carrier with the service on the average 6 months over 3 years long(SD 3.63). Numbers of them were staff nurses(84.4%), maiden ladies(71.9%), graduated from junior colleges of nursing(71.9%), and had no experiences in delivery(78.1%).Besides, none of them had experiences in premature labor. 3) The whole mean of needs perceived by pregnant women was identified as 3.086 points and the degree of their perception was given much weight in order of interdependence need(3.14), self concept need(3.11), physical physiologic need(3.09), and role function need(2.74). So it was proved that they regarded interdependence need as being the most important need in crises caused premature labor. 4) The whole mean of needs felt by the nurses was 3.092 points and the degree of their feelings was given much weigh in order of physical physiologic need(3.22), self concept need(3.15), interdependence need(3.06) and role function need(2.75). So it was ascertained that they felt physical physiologic need the most important, differing from the women in it. 5) There were few differences on the degrees of the perceptions that the nurses and the women showed on each of the four parts. 6) On each part of the questionnaires, it was examined that the women felt the need for the fetus to be the most important generally while the nurses perceived the need with the women to be more important than that. 7) The primiparae(40.6%) felt role function need be more important than multiparae(59.4%) (p<0.05), and the women from universities and above(39.4%) perceived self concept need to be more important than those holding the high school degrees and below(60.6%). (p<0.05) 8) The nurses having experience in delivery(21.9%) perceived interdependence need and role function need to be more important than important than those having no experiences(78.1%). (p<0.05) So far most of the nurses have concentrated their efforts on nursing for safety for the women in premature labor hospitalized in delivery rooms. But the women are not satisfied with just it because of having perceived the need for the fetus more important above all. In nursing for the future, therefore, every nurse caring for the women should offer them all the informations that they will want for their fetuses to adapt them to the crises effectively, understanding such their needs and making most of honest and simple terms for them, I insist. Through this study, I'm sure that inquiring into the need of women in premature labor minetely will show the way of more effective nursing interventions in clinic. And I suggest that the various kinds of studies about the more objects be done for the generalization of the results of this study in the future.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.310-314
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• 2009

Purpose : Pneumothorax is an important factor responsible for increased mortality and morbidity in neonates. Here, we compared the clinical findings and prognosis for neonatal pneumothorax induced by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and pneumonia. Methods : Between January 2001 and December 2005, 80 patients with neonatal pneumothorax induced by RDS and pneumonia and admitted to the NICU of Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University, were enrolled. They were assigned to the RDS group (30 cases) or the pneumonia group (50 cases). Admission records for gestational age, onset day of life, rate of ventilatory care and thoracostomy, and prognosis were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed for both groups. Results : The mean gestation age was significantly shorter in the RDS group (32.3 weeks) than in the pneumonia group (38.1 weeks) (P<0.001), and the mean onset day of life were later in the RDS group (4.6 days) than in the pneumonia group (1.8 days) (P<0.05). Rates of ventilatory care and thoracostomy were higher for the RDS group than for the pneumonia group (100% vs. 44%, and 66.7% vs. 48%, respectively). Total mortality rates and pneumothorax specific mortality rates were higher for the RDS group than for the pneumonia group (46.7% vs. 18%, P<0.01 and 33.3% vs. 16%, P<0.05, respectively). After logistic regression analysis, preterm significantly increased the mortality rate (OR 7.44, 95% CI: 1.99-27.86, P<0.005), but bilateral involvement (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.82-1.67, P>0.5) and the RDS group itself (OR 1.70, 95% CI: 0.52-5.54, P>0.3) did not increase mortality rates significantly. Conclusion : Our study suggests that neonatal pneumothorax in the RDS group tends to have a later onset, higher mortality rate, and needs a higher rate of thoracostomy than the pneumonia group. However, after logistic analysis, only preterm significantly and independently increased the mortality rate.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.64-74
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• 2010

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis for the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants according to the extent and site of the PVL. Methods : The medical records of infants (under 36 weeks of gestational age) delivered from January 1999 to December 2008 were reviewed. Twenty-five preterm infants with were PVL were diagnosed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an addition 50preterm infants with no brain lesions were enrolled in this study. The perinatal and neonatal risk factors for the development of PVL was determine in these infants. Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Indices (MDI, PDI) were assessed by a clinical psychologist using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. We compared the differences of the clinical characteristics and prognosis according to brain MRI findings. Results : Maternal fever, young maternal age, extended oxygen use, hypotension within the first week of birth, use of inotropics within the first week of birth, and respiratory distress syndrome were the risk factors associated with PVL (P <0.05). In the multivariate analysis, maternal fever and extended oxygen use were statistically significant independent risk factors (P <0.05). The mean MDI and PDI scores of the PVL group (74.4$\pm$ 27.8 and 58.0$\pm$17.7) were significantly lower than those of the control group (103.5$\pm$8.9 and 101.7$\pm$16.1, P <0.05). Conclusion : Maternal fever and extended oxygen use were independent risk factors for PVL. We should pay attention to infants who had the risk factors and follow them up closely by brain imaging study and Bayley Scales of Infant Development II.