• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.376-384
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the influence of a breastfeeding coaching program (BCP) for mothers of late preterm infants (LPIs) on the breastfeeding rate and neonatal morbidity within 1 month after discharge. Methods: This was a non-randomized quasi-experimental study with a time series design. The participants were 40 LPIs and their mothers who were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Nineteen LPIs were assigned to the control group, and 21 to the experimental group. The mothers of the LPIs in the experimental group received the BCP once on the discharge day and then once a week for 1 month. Neonatal morbidity was defined as an outpatient department or emergency room visit due to an LPI's health problem. Results: The breastfeeding rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group at the fourth week after discharge (χ²=7.17, p=.028). Five and two LPIs in the control group and the experimental group, respectively, visited a hospital due to neonatal jaundice. Neonatal morbidity was not significantly different between the two groups (χ²=1.95, p=.164). Conclusion: The BCP was useful for improving the breastfeeding rates of LPIs and may have potential to reduce neonatal morbidity.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.128-137
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• 2018

Purpose: To investigate factors that may affect the method of feeding among preterm infants at 4 weeks after discharge. Methods: This study included 222 mother-infant dyads born before a gestational age of 37 weeks. The feeding method and general medical characteristics of the participants were assessed at 4 weeks after discharge using a structured questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine which factors were associated with breastfeeding at home. Results: Of the 222 infants who qualified for the study, 71 (32.9%) continued to receive breastmilk at 4 weeks post-discharge. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that breastfeeding at 4 weeks post-discharge was associated with higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, vaginal delivery (experience), direct breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks, and breastmilk consumption in the NICU. The following factors were associated with mixed feeding at 4 weeks post-discharge: being employed, having higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, and direct breastfeeding in the NICU. Conclusion: NICU nurses should provide opportunities for direct breastfeeding during hospitalization and support breastfeeding to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy. These factors may help to ensure the continuation of breastfeeding after discharge. Moreover, factors that affect breastfeeding should be considered when providing interventions.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1132-1138
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• 1995

From 1991 to 1994, we experienced 24 cases of neonatal pneumothorax who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit[NICU , Chosun University Hospital. The Following results were obtained.1 The incidence of neonatal pneumothorax was 0.70%, and there were 8 spontaneous pneumothoraces and 16 secondary pneumothoraces. 2 The clinical manifestation of neonatal pneumothorax was as followed. Male infant was dominant[M:F=2:1 , the onset was within 24 hours in the majority[83% , and the right side[62% was more frequent than the left side. The gestation duration and birth weight show no correlation with underlying neonatal pneumothorax. The pulmonary diseases were meconium aspiration syndrome and hyaline membrane disease, and the incidence of those was 58%. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurred earlier than hyaline membrane disease. Symptoms and signs were tachypnea[46% , cyanosis[21% , irritability[13% , chest retraction[8% and apnea[8% .3 The treatments performed were oxygen therapy[17% , thoracentesis[4% and closed thoracostomy with underwater seal drainage[79% . The Mean duration of air leakage was 11.7 hours, and the mean drainage time was 4.35$\pm$1.3day. 4 The overall hospital mortality was 33%, and the rate of complication was 46%. The complications were metabolic acidosis, atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumonia. We concluded that the prognosis was related to the underlying pulmonary disease.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.190-198
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the paternal stress and nursing support as perceived by fathers of high risk infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Methods: The study participants included 88 fathers of high risk infants in NICUs. Their parental stress and nursing support were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Results: The parental stress level of the fathers was 3.57 of a possible 5. Among the parental stress items, 'Relationship with infant and parental role' had the highest scores. The perceived nursing support level was a relatively high, 3.90 on a 5-point scale. The lowest score was for the item 'showed concern about my well-being.' The parental stress was lower in fathers with low income, higher in fathers in nuclear families and when the infants' condition was serious. Conclusion: The findings indicate that fathers of high risk infants experience intense parental stress. Thus when designing care to provide support for these fathers and their infants, it is necessary to encourage the fathers' engagement, provide information on how to respond to the baby, and include supportive care to the fathers.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.377-384
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a breastfeeding coaching program for mothers on growth and neonatal jaundice in late preterm infants (LPIs). Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study (non-randomized intervention) with a time-series design. The study was conducted among 40 LPIs who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital in Daegu, South Korea. In the order of admission, the first 21 infants were assigned to the experimental group, and 19 were assigned to the control group. The intervention program consisted of home- based and web-based practical breastfeeding support education for mothers across a total of 5 sessions. Infant growth was measured using body weight, length, and head circumference, and neonatal jaundice was assessed using transcutaneous bilirubin levels. Results: The likelihood of breastfeeding for infants in the experimental group at 4 weeks after discharge was the same as on the day of discharge, whereas it steadily decreased in the control group. There were significant differences in head circumference between the groups. However, weight, length, and transcutaneous bilirubin levels did not show a significant group-time interaction. Conclusion: A formal breastfeeding coaching program should be considered in clinical settings and at home within the first few weeks postpartum.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.182-187
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• 2022

We frequently encounter newborn infants with thrombocytosis in the neonatal intensive care unit. However, neonatal thrombocytosis is not yet fully understood. Thrombocytosis is more frequently identified in newborns and young infants, notably more often in those younger than 2 years than in older children or adults. The production of megakaryocytes (megakaryopoiesis) and platelets (thrombopoiesis) is mainly regulated by thrombopoietin (TPO). Increased TPO levels during infection or inflammation can stimulate megakaryopoiesis, resulting in thrombopoiesis. TPO concentrations are higher in newborn infants than in adults. Levels increase after birth, peak on the second day after birth, and start decreasing at 1 month of age. Initial platelet counts at birth increase with gestational age. Thus, preterm infants have lower initial platelet counts at birth than late-preterm or term infants. Postnatal thrombocytosis is more frequently observed in preterm infants than in term infants. A high TPO concentration and low TPO receptor expression on platelets leading to elevated plasma-free TPO, increased sensitivity of megakaryocyte precursor cells to TPO, a decreased red blood cell count, and immaturity of platelet regulation are speculated to induce thrombocytosis in preterm infants. Thrombocytosis in newborn infants is considered a reactive process (secondary thrombocytosis) following infection, acute/chronic inflammation, or anemia. Thrombocytosis in newborn infants is benign, resolves spontaneously, and, unlike in adults, is rarely associated with hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.325-336
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• 2021

The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is a formidable challenge for infants, parents, and healthcare professionals. Although data from the Middle East are scarce, experts consider FGIDs a prevalent condition in everyday clinical practice. The new Rome IV criteria revisited the definitions from a clinical perspective to provide a practical and consistent diagnostic protocol for FGIDs. However, the treatment practices for functional disorders vary considerably among Middle Eastern countries, often resulting in mismanagement with unnecessary investigations and treatments. In addition, the role of various treatment modalities, including probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, in FGIDs requires further discussion and evaluation. During a consensus meeting, a locally relevant approach for treating common FGIDs such as infant regurgitation, infant colic, and functional constipation was discussed and approved by regional experts. The participants suggested a simplified treatment plan and protocol for general pediatricians and other primary care physicians managing FGIDs. This easy-to-follow standardized protocol will help streamline the initial management of this complex disorder in the Middle East region and even globally.

• 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.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.87-95
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the point prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors during early postpartum in mother of preterm infants. Methods: Participants were 101 women, 2-3 weeks after delivery whose preterm babies were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. Data were collected from June 2010 to January 2011. The instruments included 'Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale', 'Prenatal depression', 'Subjective health status of infant', 'Medical staff support', and 'Husband support'. Collected data were analyzed using t-test, ${\chi}^2$-test, and multiple logistic regression with SPSS/WIN version 18.0. Results: The point prevalence was 86.1% that postpartum depression occurred during the early postpartum period in mothers of preterm infants. Three significant predictors of postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants were identified; 'Type of delivery (OR, 5.57; 95% CI, 1.25-24.77)', 'Subjective health status of infant (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.70)', and 'Medical staff support (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97)'. Conclusion: The results indicate that postpartum mothers should be screened for postpartum depression early in the postpartum period and that, medical personnel should pay particular attention to mothers with a caesarean section and should help mothers of preterm babies to develop positive perceptions of their babies.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.226-231
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• 2020

Background: Probiotics and prebiotics have strain-specific effects on the host. Synbiotics, a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, are proposed to have more beneficial effects on the host than either agent has alone. Purpose: We performed a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium together with oligosaccharides and lactoferrin on the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or sepsis in very low birth weight neonates. Methods: Neonates with a gestational age ≤32 weeks and birth weight ≤1,500 g were enrolled. The study group received a combination of synbiotics and lactoferrin, whereas the control group received 1 mL of distilled water as placebo starting with the first feed until discharge. The outcome measures were the incidence of NEC stage ≥2 or late-onset cultureproven sepsis and NEC stage ≥2 or death. Results: Mean birth weight and gestational age of the study (n=104) and the control (n=104) groups were 1,197±235 g vs. 1,151±269 g and 29±1.9 vs. 28±2.2 weeks, respectively (P>0.05). Neither the incidence of NEC stage ≥2 or death, nor the incidence of NEC stage ≥2 or late-onset culture-proven sepsis differed between the study and control groups (5.8% vs. 5.9%, P=1; 26% vs. 21.2%, P=0.51). The only significant difference was the incidence of all stages of NEC (1.9% vs. 10.6%, P=0.019). Conclusion: The combination of synbiotics and lactoferrin did not reduce NEC severity, sepsis, or mortality.