• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.8
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• pp.351-356
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• 2014

Purpose: Among the many factors associated with acute intestinal mucosal infection, numerous studies have proposed the usefulness of fecal calprotectin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods: We collected 154 stool samples from 16 very low birth weight and premature newborns at the Konyang University Hospital neonatal intensive care unit or neonatal nursery. The stool samples were collected using the Calprest device, and the fecal calprotectin level was measured with the $B\ddot{U}HLMANN$ Calprotectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the NEC group than in the non-NEC group (P=0.02). There was a significant positive linear relationship between the fecal calprotectin level and number of days after birth (P=0.00) in the gestational age <26 weeks group. There was a significant negative linear relationship between the calprotectin level and number of days after birth (P=0.03) in the gestational age ${\geq}26$ weeks and <30 weeks group. There was no difference in the calprotectin levels according to the type and method of feeding between the NEC and non-NEC groups. Conclusion: Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly increased in premature infants with NEC. The fecal calprotectin test is a noninvasive, easy, and useful tool for the diagnosis of NEC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.480-483
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• 2008

Even though some authors have reported on the advantages of early total correction of complex heart disease, for low birth weight premature neonates, most surgeons prefer a multi-step approach to early total correction due to the many problems, such as the technical problems, the cardiopulmonary bypass management and etc. We report here on a successful case of early one-stage total repair of coarctation of the aorta and a ventricular septal defect in a 1,250 gram premature neonate.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.313-321
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• 2024

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the pre-NST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion: Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

• 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.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.234-238
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• 2009

Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a major problem in premature infants. We describe our experience with a neonate that was an extremely low birth weight infant with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, who was treated by repeated ventricular drainage through an Ommaya reservoir for more than two months until the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was possible. The Ommaya reservoir served as a bridge to definitive treatment. The patient required sodium supplements due to excessive salt loss from the repeated ventricular drainage procedures. Regular measurement of serum electrolytes in any infant requiring serial ventricular drainage is recommended.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.137-159
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• 2021

Long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are nutrients involved in many metabolic and physiological processes, and are referred to as n-3 LCPUFA. They have been extensively studied for their effects in human nutrition and health. This paper provides an overview on metabolism, sources, dietary intake, and status of n-3 LCPUFA. A summary of the dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFAs for different age groups as well as specific physiological conditions is provided. Evidence for n-3 LCPUFA in cardiovascular diseases, including new studies, is reviewed. Expert recommendations generally support a beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on cardiovascular health and recommend a daily intake of 500 mg as DHA and EPA, or 1-2 servings of fish per week. The role of n-3 LCPUFA on brain health, in particular neurodegenerative disorders and depression, is reviewed. The evidence for beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA on neurodegenerative disorders is non-conclusive despite mechanistic support and observational data. Hence, no definite n-3 LCPUFA expert recommendations are made. Data for the beneficial effect of n-3 LCPUFA on depression are generally compelling. Expert recommendations have been established: 200-300 mg/day for depression; up to 1-2 g/day for major depressive disorder. Recent studies support a beneficial role of n-3 LCPUFAs in reducing the risk for premature birth, with a daily intake of 600-800 mg of DHA during pregnancy. Finally, international experts recently reviewed the scientific evidence on DHA and arachidonic acid (ARA) in infant nutrition and concluded that the totality of data support that infant and follow-on formulas should provide both DHA and ARA at levels similar to those in breast milk. In conclusion, the available scientific data support that dietary recommendations for n-3 LCPUFA should be established for the general population and for subjects with specific physiological conditions.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2009

In 2008, baby formula containing melamine was found to be responsible for a large outbreak of renal failure in infants in China. A total of 294,000 infants were hospitalized, and at least 6 babies died due to ingestion of the tainted formula. Melamine contains high levels of nitrogen (>60%), which is used as an indicator of protein content. Therefore, high levels of melamine in infant formula were thought to be the result of deliberate contamination m an attempt to increase its apparent protein content. Following inspections by China's national inspection agency, assorted products from at least 22 dairy manufacturers across China were found to have varied levels of melamine (range: 0.096196.61 mg/kg). Melamine co-exposure with cyanuric acid can induce acute melamine-cyanurate crystal nephropathy, which can lead to renal failure at much lower doses than if either compound were ingested alone. However, currently, there are very few data on melamine analogues other than cyanuric acid. At an expert meeting of the WHO and FAO held to review toxicological aspects of melamine and cyanuric acid on December 14, 2008, a new tolerable daily intake (TDI) of melamine was established that could be applied to the entire population, including infants. Therefore, a risk assessment of the various theoretical melamine contamination levels in infant formula and selected representative foods (other than infant formula and sole-source nutrition products) is urgently needed for Korean babies and children up to 7 years of age. Although the undetectable level regulation for infant formula may be low enough to guarantee the safety of babies under the age of 1 year (including premature babies), the melamine standard of 2.5 ppm for foods other than baby formula could be insufficient to protect the 95th percentile population aged 1~2 years because of this demographic's high consumption of milk, yogurt, and soy milk (hazard index = 1.79). Because TDIs are chronic values intended to protect an individual over his/her lifetime, occasional modest ingestion in excess of the TDI is not likely to be a health concern. However, children aged 1~2 years may have renal systems that are comparatively more sensitive to the crystallization of melamine and its analogues. Therefore, governmental jurisdictions may need to practice more prudent management of food items that could raise the melamine exposure for this population.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.134-141
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• 2008

Purpose : This study examined the occurrence of oxygen desaturation events during nutritive sucking in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and its effects on feeding and growth outcomes until 4 months of corrected age (CA). Methods : Thirty-four premature infants with BPD free from major cardiac, gastrointestinal, respiratory anomalies were included. By reviewing medical records, clinical characteristics, feeding conditions at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA), we focused on oxygen desaturation, and short-term outcomes in 14 infants with no or mild desaturation (group A) and in 20 infants with moderate or severe desaturation (group B). Results : Group B had lower birth weight and shorter gestational age at birth, longer duration of hospitalization, was discharged at higher weeks of PMA, and needed ventilatory assist and oxygen supplementation longer than group A (P<0.05). Group B started nutritive sucking later, with a greater decrease in $SpO_2$ during sucking, being more indicative of feeding problems at 40 weeks of PMA, but not at 4 months of CA. Percent of infant needing oxygen supplementation and percent of infants with growth failure were not different between groups at 40 weeks of PMA and 4 months of CA. Body weight and growth velocity differences noted at 40 weeks of PMA became insignificant at 4 months of CA. Conclusion : The severity of desaturation during nutritive sucking in premature infants with BPD influenced the infant's feeding and growth at 40 weeks of PMA. However, it disappeared at 4 months of CA.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.233-237
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• 2006

The clinical features of the Mayer-Rokitansky-K$\ddot{u}$ster-Hauser(MRKH) syndrome include normal female secondary sex characteristics, normal genitalia, congenital absence of vagina, rudimentary or bipartite uterus, normal ovarian function and normal ovulation, 46, XX, karyotype, frequent association of renal, skeletal and other congenital anomalies. We experienced a case of a premature infant with MRKH syndrome who had imperforate anus and unilateral renal agenesis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.127-136
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• 1995

In this study, the nutritional composition of colostrum milk obtained from 22 mothers delivering perterm infants and 17 mothers delivering term infants was analyzed. The energy content of colostrum was yielded based on nitrogen, lactose, and lipid data. Preterm milk is more close the nutritional needs of the preterm infant than dose other breast milk. The results are as follows : 1) Protein concentration was significantly higher, but carbohydrate and lipid concentration were lower in preterm milk than fullterm milk. Energy content yielded from total nitrogen, lactose and lipid concentration was higher in the fullterm milk than preterm milk. 2) Calcium was higher in the preterm milk than fullterm colostrum. Phosphate was lower in fullterm milk than pretem milk. Calcium/Phosphate ratio were 2.61/1 in the preterm and 2.06/1 in the fullterm milk. Magnesium was higher in the preterm milk than fullterm milk. Zinc, Copper and Manganese concentrations were tended to lower in the preterm milk than fullterm milk.