• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.10
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• pp.1090-1095
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• 2005

Purpose : In the case of serious respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) or relapse of clinical appearances after single treatment, we obtained more effective results with multiple-dose surfactant replacement therapy. We carried out this investigation for comparing and observing clinical progress between single-dose(group S) and multiple-dose(group M) pulmonary surfactant treatment group of neonatal RDS. Methods : We investigated 48 neonates who were diagnosed as RDS and treated with pulmonary surfactant(PS) replacement therapy in NICU of Kyunghee University hospital from January 2002 to March 2004, then we compared and verified clinical progress of 32 neonates in group S with that of 16 neonates in group M. Results : There were no significant statistical differences in average birth weights, average gestational periods, initial pH values of birth, whether operation of resuscitation at that time of birth was made or not, whether prenatal steroid prescription for mother, RDS classification standardized by Bomsel, and ventilation index(VI) before instillation of PS of two groups. However, there was significant statistical difference in a/A $PO_2$(P<0.05). We could observe changes of VI and a/A $PO_2$ within 72 hours have been continuously improved at group S rather than group M. In spite of relapses, group M changed for the better after second dose. There were also no significant differences between the two groups in duration of ventilator therapy, mortality within 28 days after birth, intraventricular hemorrhage by complication, retinopathy of premature, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung diseases, sepsis, and DIC. Conclusion : In these relapse cases, as there were no significant differences in the mortality rate and the occurence of complication between group S and group M, the requirement of multiple-dose PS replacement therapy which brought improvement of prognosis was emphasized.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.1194-1199
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• 2003

Purpose : To determine the change in the limit of viability in fetal infants and the incidence of major complications in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) at Samsung Medical Center(SMC). Methods : Sevety-three infants weighing less than 800 g at birth and 117 infants born earlier than 27 weeks gestational age, who were admitted to NICU at SMC between November 1994 and December 2002, were enrolled. Their medical records were reviewed with a focus on the survival and major complications, including chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. The limit of viability in fetal infants was defined as the birth weight or gestational age at which a 50% survival rate is reached and the incidence of major complications were compared by period(period I : Nov. 1994-Dec. 1998, period II : Jan. 1999-Dec. 2002). Results : The limit of viability in fetal infants was markedly lowered from birth weight range of 800-900 g or gestational age range of $26^{+0}-26^{+6}$ weeks in period I to birth weight range of 600-700 g or gestational age range of $24^{+0}-24^{+6}$ weeks in period II. The incidence rates of major complications at the limit of viability were all less than 50% in period II. There was no definite trend toward increased incidence of major complications as birth weight get smaller and gestational age get younger. Conclusion : Our results indicate that at present, fetal infants whose body weight is over 600 g, or whose gestational age is over 24 weeks should be resuscitated vigorously. The risk of major complications at this birth weight or gestational age seems to be not greater than that at a bigger birth weight or an older gestational age.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2003

Purpose : To examine various neonatal outcomes and perinatal factors resulting from assisted reproduction compared to that of spontaneous conception. Methods : This is a retrospective study. The control cases were all twins of spontaneous conception born between periods from January 1995 to June 2000. The study cases were identified from twins conceived by assisted reproduction in the same time peried. A total of 460 sets of twins consisted of 250 twins of spontaneous conception and 156 twins of assisted reproduction were studied. The primary outcomes were neonatal morbidity and mortality and the secondary outcomes were perinatal factors including number, length and cost of hospitalization for the delivery. Results : No differences were seen in various neonatal factors including gestational age, birth weight and incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage and the length of hospitalizations. Lower one minute and five minute Apgar scores and frequently encountered electrolyte abnormalities were observed in neonates of assisted reproduction. In general, the second twin of assisted reproduction had increased incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis than the first twin. Increased frequencies of preterm labor, hospitalization and elective cesarean section were seen among mothers who underwent artifical conception. However, overall hospital costs in terms of mothers hospitalization for the delivery and neonates hospitalization did not show differences. Conclusion : Assisted reproduction twins had similar neonatal morbidities, mortalities and perinatal morbidities compared to those born by spontaneous conception.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.956-963
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• 2008

Purpose : Indomethacin is widely used for the prophylaxis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); however, it is associated with side effects such as renal failure, intraventricular hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Intravenous ibuprofen has been shown to be as effective as indomethacin in prompting PDA closure. If treatment with oral ibuprofen is as effective as indomethacin, it would have the advantages of greater availability, simpler administration, and lower cost. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy and side effects of indomethacin with those of oral ibuprofen, vis-$\grave{a}$-vis on the pharmacological closure of PDA. Methods : As a randomized double-blind study, 34 preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome and hemodynamically significant PDA were treated with either intravenous indomethacin or oral ibuprofen. Echocardiography was performed by one cardiologist who was blind to the treatment that any given infant received. The rate of ductal closure, the need for additional drug treatment or surgical ligation, clinical outcome, and the side effects of drug treatment were compared. Results : Ductal closure occurred in 16 of 18 patients (88.9%) from the indomethacin group and in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) from the ibuprofen group (P>0.05). Three patients in the indomethacin group and four in the ibuprofen group required a second drug treatment (P>0.05). Three patients (i.e., one patient in the indomethacin group and two in the ibuprofen group) underwent surgical ligation (P>0.05). Between the two groups, there was no significant difference vis-$\grave{a}$-vis in side effects or clinical outcome. Conclusion : Compared to indomethacin, oral ibuprofen has the advantages of simpler administration and lower cost, while being as effective; in addition, there are no differences between the two drug treatments with regards to side effects or clinical outcomes. Therefore, the widespread use of oral ibuprofen should be considered in treating PDA in preterm infants.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2008

Purpose : This study determined the prenatal and postnatal factors associated with complications and prognosis in premature infants with leukemoid reaction. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of premature infants with gestational ages <37 weeks and low birth weights (<2,500 g) who were admitted immediately after birth to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital between June 2005 and July 2006. A leukemoid reaction was defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >30,000/$mm^3$. The infants who had leukemoid reaction comprised the study group, while the remainder of infants made up the control group. The relationships between maternal and neonatal variables and ANC were studied. Results : Leukemoid reaction was detected in 3.1% of the study infants (8 of 252). Factors more frequently associated with infants with leukemoid reaction were as follows: maternal chorioamnionitis, high levels of maternal and infant C-reactive protein, gestational age <37 weeks, birth weight <2,500 g, low Apgar score, prolonged ventilator support, and a high incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, there were no significant differences with respect to the antenatal usage of steroids, the incidences of patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and mortality between the two groups. Conclusion : Leukemoid reaction in premature infants was associated with chorioamnionitis and high levels of serum C-reactive protein in mothers and infants, and BPD in infants. These findings suggest that leukemoid reaction is secondary to inflammation caused by infection.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2007

Purpose : We performed this study to determine the incidence of acute renal failure(ARF) in birth asphyxia and to correlate the severity of asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and ARF in asphyxiated neonates. Methods : Data was retrospectively collected from the medical records of 33 patients with neonatal asphyxia and of 33 neonates with no asphyxia. On the basis the 5-minute Apgar score, the asphyxiated neonates were further grouped into mild(6 or 7), moderate(4 or 5), and severe asphyxia(3 or less). Asphyxiated neonates with HIE were staged by the Sarnat and Sarnat scoring system. We compared serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, electrolytes, and urine output on day 3 of life and the incidence and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH) between each group. Results : ARF occurred in 8(24.2%) asphyxiated neonates. Of these, 3(37.5%) were oliguric, while 1(10.0%) patient with mild asphyxia, 2(18.2%) of moderate asphyxia, and 5(41.7%) with of severe asphyxia had ARF(P>0.05). One(25%) patient with stage I HIE, 4(50%) with stage II HIE, and 3(75%) of HIE with stage III HIE developed ARF(P<0.01). There was no statistical correlation between the severity of asphyxia and HIE stage. One(7.7%) patient with grade 1 IVE, 0(0.0%) with grade 2 IVH, 2(66.7%) with grade 3 IVH, and 2(100.0%) with grade 4 IVH had ARF(P<0.01). Mortality was higher in asphyxiated neonates with ARF(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the oliguric and non-oliguric renal failure. Conclusion : We found that the greater the degree of HIE, the higher was the incidence of ARF. Asphyxiated neonates with ARF had a poorer prognosis.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.76-81
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• 2011

Purpose: The object of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early total parenteral nutrition with early amino acid in extremely low birth weight infant (ELBWI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all ELBWIs who were born and admitted to Samsung Medical Center from January 2003 to December 2003 and January 2009 to December 2009 and alive at the time of discharge. Data for nutritional status and morbidities were compared between period 1 (2003, n=22), in which parenteral nutritional support was started gradually over several days and period 2 (2009, n=38), in which parenteral nutrition with amino acid was started as soon as possible after birth. Results: Compared to period 1, birth weight and Apgar score were lower in period 2. The intake amount of glucose, amino acid and total calorie was higher and the level of blood urea nitrogen was increased more from 7th day to 14th day after birth in period 2 when compared than period 1. The weight gain velocity was faster at 7th and 14th postnatal day in period 2. There were no differences in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (${\geq}$ Gr III) between two periods but, the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) was significantly lower in period 2. Conclusion: Early initiation of total parenteral nutrition with early amino acid in ELBWIs was beneficial at weight gain with lowering catabolism and increasing anabolism. And it could be related with reducing the incidence of PVL.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.966-971
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• 2003

Purpose : It is now well established that infection and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain damage. The loss of neutrophils from systemic circulation is an associated finding in injury mediated by granulocyte. Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) caused by ischemia is the principal form of brain injury in premature infants. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the low neutrophil count is associated with periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) in premature infants. Methods : Retrospective review of medical records was undertaken. Subjects were premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1,500 gm, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Kyungpook University Hospital. A complete blood count of peripheral blood was done within the 1st hour of life. Neutropenia was defined as absolute neutrophil count < $1,500/mm^3$, PVL as increased periventricular echodensities followed by cyst formation on ultrasonography or corresponding signs on brain MRI. Results : Thirteen infants out of a total population of 37 revealed neutropenia. Respiratory distress syndrome and requirement for respiratory support were not different between infants with neutropenia( neutropenia group) and infants without neutropenia(control group). Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and grade 3 and 4 IVH were more frequent in neutropenia group(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant increase of PVL in neutropenia group. The neutrophil count was $18,760.0{\pm}10,266.1/mm^3$, $7,272.0{\pm}7,435.0/mm^3$ infants with PVL and $11,131.7{\pm}3,386.5/mm^3$, $2,407.5{\pm}1,933.1/mm^3$ in infants without PVL, respectively. The frequency of mechanical ventilation and artificial surfactant therapy was higher in infants with PVL compared with infants without PVL, but statistical analysis was not performed due to small number of subjects. Conclusion : A low number of neutrophils in the systemic circulation was not associated with an increased risk of PVL in premature infants.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the natural history and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations according to chorionicity. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 monochorionic (MC) and 206 dichorionic (DC) twin gestations delivered at Il Sin Christian Hospital in Busan between January 2002 and December 2007. The incidences of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality, were evaluated. Results : MC twins had a lower gestational age (35.7 vs. 36.6 weeks, P=0.03) at birth and a higher incidence of intrauterine fetal loss (10% vs. 1.5%, P<0.001) than DC twins. The incidence of intrauterine fetal loss was higher in MC sIUGR than in DC sIUGR (19% vs. 2.5%, P=0.025) twins. The number of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; 31% vs. 16%, P=0.042), and the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (7% vs. 0%, P=0.031), and respiratory distress syndrome with surfactant treatment (27% vs. 11%, P=0.049) were higher in MC than DC twins. The incidences of sIUGR and TTS were 21 and 9% among the MC twins. The incidences of intrauterine fetal loss were higher in MC twins with TTS [6 of 9 (67%)] or sIUGR [4 of 21 (19%)] than uncomplicated MC twins (P<0.001). The frequency of admission to the NICU (P=0.001), the length of hospital stay (P=0.033), the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia (P=0.011), and intraventricular hemorrhage (P=0.007) were also higher in MC with TTS or sIUGR than in uncomplicated MC twins. Conclusion : The incidence of neonatal complications was higher in MC twins, especially those gestations complicated by TTS or sIUGR.