• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.439-448
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• 2002

Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) in the functional univentricular heart (UVH) is a palliative procedure for staging toward the Fontan procedure; however, it is known to be a risk factor. Material and method： The records of all 37 patients with functional UVHs who underwent surgical palliation using PAB between September 1989 and August 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. We investigated the aortic arch obstruction, the development and progression of subaortic stenosis after PAB, and risk factor of mortality according to surgical method. Result： In 37 neonates and infants with single ventricular physiology, aortic arch obstruction was combined in 7. There were 6 early deaths (16.2%) after PAB and 3 late deaths (8.1%) after Fontan operation. The actuarial overall survival including early mortality at 3 and 5 years were 80.7$\pm$6.6%, 72.2$\pm$8.2% respectively. Among 31 patients who survived PAB, 27 patients (87.1 %) could become candidates for Fontan operation； 22 patients (71.0%) completed Fontan operation with 3 deaths and 5 were waiting bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt(BCPS) or Fontan operation (follow-up mean 4.5 year, minimal 2 year). Subaortic stenosis developed in 8 patients after PAB (8/29, 27.6%)； 3 cases in the patients without arch anomaly (3/22, 13.6%) and 5 in those with arch anomaly (5/7, 71.4%). The subaortic stenosis was managed with Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure (DKS) in 6 patients without operative mortality and conal septum resection in 2 without long-term survivor. Analysis of risk factors established that aortic arch obstruction was strongly associated with subaortic stenosis (p＜0.001). The only risk factor of late mortality was Fontan procedure without staged palliation by BCPS (p=0.001). Conclusion： PAB is effective as an initial palliative step in functional UVH. And the high risk group of patients with aortic obstruction can undergo effective short-term PAB as an initial palliative step, with subsequent DKS for subaortic stenosis. This strategy, initial PAB and careful surveillance, and early relief of subaortic stenosis can maintain acceptable anatomy and hemodynamics for later Fontan procedures.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.380-386
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• 2005

Purpose : The incidence of nonphysiologic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is twice as high in East Asians as in whites. Recently, UGT1A1 mutation was found to be a risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. In congenitally-jaundiced Gunn rats, which lack expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, alternative pathways can be stimulated by inducers of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzymes. CYP1A2 plays a major role in bilirubin degradation of the alternate pathway. We studied the relationship between UGT1A1 and CYP1A2 gene polymorphism of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Koreans. Methods : Seventy-nine Korean full term neonates who had hyperbilirubinemia(serum bilirubin >12 mg/dL) without obvious causes of jaundice, were analyzed for UGT1A1 and CYP1A2 gene polymorphism; the control group was sixty-eight. We detected the polymorphism of Gly71Arg of UGT1A1 gene by direct sequencing and T2698G of CYP1A2 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) using MboII and direct sequencing. Results : Allele frequency of Gly71Arg mutation in the hyperbilirubinemia group was 32 percent, which was significantly higher than 11 percent in the control group(P<0.0001). Mutant gene frequency of T2698G was 41.8 percent in patients and 32.3 percent in the control group(P=0.015), but allele frequency was 21 percent in patients and 19 percent in the control group, which was not significantly higher(P=0.706). There was no relationship between mutations of two genes(P=0.635). Conclusion : The polymorphism of UGT1A1 gene(Gly71Arg) and CYP1A2 gene(T2698G) was detected in Korean neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Only polymorphisms of Gly71Arg in UGT1A1 were significantly higher than control group.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.288-292
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• 2011

Purpose: The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has increased in children and in neonates, and is particularly associated with frequent use of central venous catheter in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. It is known that the morbidity and mortality of MRSA infection are low in neonates, as compared with adults. The objective of this study was to examine the difference in clinical characteristics between VLBW infants that survived and those that did not, a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) of MRSA. Methods: Thirty-four VLBW infants had laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection with S. aureus. We examined the incidence, mortality and morbidity of CRBSI, and predictive factors associated with mortality. Results: Twenty-six infants had same pathogen (24 MRSA, 2 Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) in the blood and in the catheter tip. Eight infants (25.8%) died in the CRBSI and they all had MRSA blood infections. Sex ratio, gestational age, duration between blood collection and identification of pathogens, and WBC and platelet count were not significantly different between patients that died from and patients that survived CRBSI of MRSA. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in VLBW infants that died. Mean age of onset and hospital day was earlier (9.1${\pm}$6.6 vs. 26.9${\pm}$20.2; P=0.005) and shorter for patients that died (10.1${\pm}$7.0 vs. 73.0${\pm}$32.4; P=0.000). Two survivors had complications of pyogenic arthritis of the lower extremities and soft tissue infection, respectively. Conclusion: Mortality of CRBSI was likely to be high in VLBW infants and might be anticipated by CRP and early onset of disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.719-726
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• 2002

Purpose : Neonates in neonatal intensive care units(NICU) have a high risk of acquiring nosocomial infection because of their impaired host defence mechanism and invasive procedures. Nosocomial infection result in considerable morbidity and mortality among neonates. This study was carried out to survey both the epidemiology of nosocomial infection in our NICU and the annual trends of pathogens. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed culture proven nosocomial infection which occurred in our NICU from January 1995 to December 1999. The data included clinical characteristics, site of infection, pathogens, and mortality. Results : Nosocomial infection rates was 9.0 per 100 NICU admissions during the five-year period. Major sites of infection were bloodstream(32.3%), skin(18.4%), endotracheal tube(17.2%), and catheter(10.6%). The most common pathogen was S. aureus(29.9%). and the others were coagulase- negative staphylococci(CONS)(14.8%), Enterobacter(12.4%), and Candida(9.0%). During the five-year period, nosocomial infection rates increased from 9.5 to 11.6 per 100 admissions with the increase of CONS, Candida, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The infection rate of S. aureus decreased. Multiple episodes of nosocomial infection occurred in 26.1% of all nosocomial infections. Overall bloodstream infection rates were 3.6 per 100 NICU admissions during five years. CONS(29.1%) and S. aureus(27.1%) were the two most common pathogens. Increasing rates of bloodstream infection by CONS, Candida, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter baumannii were observed. Bloodstream infection related mortality was 11.9%. Conclusion : The predominant pathogens of nosocomial infection in NICU were S. aureus and CONS. Bloodstream infection, the most frequent nosocomial infection, should be a major focus of surveillance and prevention efforts in NICU.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1205-1210
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• 2008

Purpose : The development of the corpus callosum occupies the entire period of cerebral formation. The myelination pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful to evaluate neurologic development and to predict neurologic outcome in high risk infants. The thickness of the corpus callosum is believed to depend on the myelination process. It is possible to calculate the length and thickness of the corpus callosum on MRI. Thus, we can quantitatively evaluate the development of the corpus callosum. We investigated the clinical significance of measuring various portions of the corpus callosum in neonate with neurologic disorders such as hypoxic brain damage and seizure disorder. Methods : Forty-two neonates were evaluated by brain MRI. We measured the size of the genu, body, transitional zone, splenium, and length of the corpus callosum. Each measurement was divided by the total length of the corpus callosum to obtain its corrected size. The ratio of corpus callosal length and the anteroposterior diameter of the brain was also measured. Results : There was no statistical significance in the sample size of each part of the corpus callosum. However, the corrected size or the ratio of body of the corpus callosum correlated with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion : The abnormal size of the corpus callosum showed a good correlation with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. We can predict clinical neurological problems by estimation of the corpus callosum in the neonatal period.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.728-736
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• 2015

Cronobacter species (Cronobacter spp.), previously known as Enterobacter sakazakii, are gram negative food borne pathogenic bacteria. They pose a very high risk of infection to neonates and immuno-compromised individuals and can affect the human central nervous system. Consequently, survivors often suffer from severe neurological impairment including hydrocephalus, quadriplegia, and developmental delays. Cronobacter spp. were not only isolated from plant food and products such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, legume products, herbs, and spices but also from animal source foods such as milk, meat, fish, and products made from these foods. Therefore, rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. is essential for food safety. Many detection methods have been developed since the Cronobacter spp. were first reported. However, the development of more rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use detection methods for the Cronobacter spp. is required. In this review, our aim was to study and compare the available detection methods for Cronobacter spp., including culture-based, molecular biology-based, and immunology-based methods. This study will contribute to the development of new and rapid detection method for Cronobacter spp.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2010

Purpose:In recent years, Korea has showed a steady increase in the frequency of teenage birth, while the overall birth rate has declined. As the teenage birth is known as a high risk pregnancy itself, we examined perinatal complications of teenage mothers and whose neonates in aspects of medical problem, and social status and support. Methods:We examined the perinatal characteristics of teenage mothers and whose babies, who were hospitalized at Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2004 to July 2009 using medical records retrospectively. Twenty-seven teenage mothers and their 28 babies were enrolled in this study. Results:Teenage mothers were all unmarried and showed high rates of preterm labor, maternal anemia, and unexpected delivery. Among them, 11 (40.7%) were from families that were separated. Eleven mothers (40.7%) did not have any antenatal care. There were high rates of prematurity and low birth weight (60.7% and 64.3%, respectively). The complication included: respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. Fourteen babies (51.9%) were not going to be brought up by their biological parents. Conclusion:Teenage pregnancy had high rates of preterm labor and associated complications, often caused by the lack of proper antenatal care. Babies from unmarried mothers were likely to be adopted and this could be a social burden. Therefore, to reduce unplanned teenage pregnancy and births, sex education and social supports should be provided to all teenagers.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.112-120
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• 2004

Purpose : Methicillin Resistant-Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus(MR-CNS) infection has become an increasingly important cause of morbidity in NICU infants. We investigated the c linical characteristics of MR-CNS sepsis. Methods : This study included 40 neonates with MR-CNS sepsis who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University from January 1998 to July 2002. MR-CNS sepsis was defined as MR-CNS recovery from blood with clinical symptoms and signs of infection. Retrospective analyses of the medical records of patients with MR-CNS sepsis were performed. The analyses included demographic findings, clinical features, hospital courses, risk factors for infection including invasive procedures and mortality. Results : From 1998 to 2002, there were 40 cases of MR-CNS sepsis, comprising 17.7% of late onset infections in NICU of Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital. The male/female ratio was 1.5 : 1. The mean gestational age of infected babies was $32.4{\pm}4.3$ weeks at birth. And the first positive MR-CNS culture was done in the day $10.6{\pm}9.3$ after birth. Clinical symptoms such as fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, grunting, bradycardia, vomiting and diarrhea were frequent in MR-CNS. Mechanical ventilation was applied in 12 cases and catheter was inserted in 11 cases. The mortality(12.5%) directly attributable to MR-CNS sepsis was similar to other late onset infections. Conclusion : MR-CNS is a pathogen responsible for most late onset and nosocomial infections. And it will be life-threatening in high-risk neonate. Awareness of increasing infections due to MR-CNS in NICU is important not only for infection control but also placing a great limit in use of antibiotics and invasive procedures, especially in premature infants.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2011

Purpose: Recently, the incidence of preterm and low birth weight infants (LBWI) is increasing, even though the birth rate is continuously low in Korea. Despite that change, there continues to be a deficit of beds in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study is based on the 2009 Korean Statistical Information Service that examined the development of a Korean NICU service and the survival rate of preterm infants by regionally analyzing the rate of total live births, preterm infants, LBWI, and NICU beds in Korea. Methods: Data were obtained from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and Korean Statistical Information Service. We confirmed the regional total live birth rate, number of LBWI, and preterm infants and NICU numbers, and all of the results were compared to the average value to determine deficient areas of NICU beds. Results: There were 25,374 (5.7%) preterm infants and 21,954 (4.9%) LBWI in the total number of live births (444,849) in 2009, and regions of high proportion compared to the mean value were Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan. Total NICU beds totaled 1,284, and regions of high rates preterm infants and LBWI per 1 NICU bed compared to the mean value were Incheon, Daegu, Ulsan, etc. The NICU holding rate was 87.5% (1,284/1,468), which was increased from 2005. However, there were still shortages of 184 NICU beds (12.5%), especially in Gyeonggi-do, which lacked 157 beds. Conclusion: High risk neonates difficult to transfer, and they need immediate and continuous treatment. As a result, a foundation of well-balanced, national NICU regionalization is necessary. This study suggested that more NICU facilities must be implemented, and clinicians should realize the continuing deficiency of NICU beds in cities and provinces.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.567-572
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• 1999

Background: Surgical correction of the full spectrum of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula has improved over the years, but the mortality and morbidity assoiated with repair of these anomalies still remains high. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzes 27 surgically treated patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula at Dong-A University Hospital between January 1992 and March 1997. Result: There were 21 male and 6 female patients. Mean birth weight was 2.62$\pm$.385 kg(2.0~3.4 kg). Twenty- four(88.9%) had esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula, and 3(11.1%) had pure esophageal atresia. Four(14.8%) infants were allocated to Waterston risk group A, 18(66.7%) to group B, and 5(18.5%) to group C. In eighteen(66.7%) infants with associated anomalies, cardiovascular anomalies were the most common. Three had a gap length of 3.5 cm or greater(ultra-long gap) between esophageal segments, 7 had 2.0 to 3.5 cm(long gap), 8 had 1.0 to 2.0 cm(medium gap), and 9 had 1 cm or less(short gap) gap length. Among 27 neonates, 3 cases underwent staged operation, late colon interposition was done in 2, and all other 24 cases underwent primary esophageal anastomosis. Oerative mortality was 2/27(7.4%). Causes of death included acute renal failure(n=1), empyema from anastomotic leak(n=1), necrotizing enterocolitis(n=1), sepsis(n=1), insulin-dependent diabetus mellitus(n=1 . There were 4 anastomosis- related complications including stricture in 3, leakage in 1. Mortality was related to the gap length(p<.05). Conclusion: Although the complication rate associated with surgical repair of these anomalies is high, this does not always implicate the operative mortality. The overall survival can be improved by effective treatment for combined anomalies and intensive postoperatve care.