PURPOSE:The incidence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH) is 1/5,000- 1/20,000 births and thus the importance of the neonatal screening test is being emphasized. However, the reference value for the term and preterm infants has not yet been established and false positive values are frequent due the immature hypothalamic-adrenal axis of the preterm infants or the stress-induced adrenal dysfunction. Therefore, we analyzed the 17-hydroxyprogesterone(17-OHP) concentration in terms of gestational age, birth weight, and postnatal state to establish the reference range for the Korean term and preterm infants. METHODS:We analyzed the results of the CAH screening test retrospectively, which was performed on 737 neonates(624 fullterm neonates, 113 premature neonates) born between January 1998 through July 1998 in Inje University College of Medicine Sanggye Paik Hospital. Mean gestational age and birth weight of infants were 38.2+/-2.6 weeks and 3,116+/-674kg respectively. 17-OHP screening test was performed on 4.9+/-3.8days after birth by obtaining blood samples from the heelstick of neonates. 17-OHP concentration was measured by the ELISA kit(ICN Co.) and repeated the procedure if the result was higher than 35ng/ml. RESULTS: 1) 17-OHP concentration of the preterm infants was significantly higher than that of the fullterm infants(19.1+/-12.3ng/ml vs 11.7+/-7.8ng/ml, P=0.001). 17-OHP concentration was inversely proportional to gestational age. 2)17-OHP concentration was inversely proportional to birth weight(r=0.22, P>0.01). 17-OHP concentration according to birth weight was as follows.:below 1,500g was 26.7+/-11.7ng/ml, 1,500 to 2,000g was 18.0+/-13.9ng/ml, 2,001 to 2,500g was 17.9+/-10.5ng/ml, 2,501 to 3,000g was 12.1+/-7.9ng/ml, 3,001 to 3,500g was 11.5+/-8.1ng/ml, above 3,500g was 11.4+/-7.5ng/ml. There was a significant decline in the 17-OHP concentration as the birth weight increased. 3) 17-OHP concentration was gradually decreased as sampling date increased. 4) The gender of the infants did not influence the 17-OHP concentration(male 13.0+/-9.1 vs female 12.7+/-9.0). 5)17-OHP concentration were significantly higher in sick preterm infants than healthy preterm infants. 6)Six cases, whose 17-OHP concentration were greater than 35ng/ml, were all preterm and low birth weight infants. Reexamination after one week showed the value within normal range. No CAH cases were diagnosed in the study. CONCLUSION: 17-OHP concentration was inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight. Therefore, reference ranges of 17-OHP concentration should be subdivided according to gestational age and birth weight. Further research about perinatal risk factors affecting the 17-OHP concentration will be required.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone* ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Birth Weight ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Mass Screening ; Neonatal Screening ; Parturition ; Reference Values ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

To understand better the complex natural course of HBV infection, the expression patterns of HBcAg and HBsAg in the liver of 51 inactive serum HBsAg carriers (24 CPH and 27 NPD) were studied by immunohistochemical methods. The inactive serum HBsAg carriers were devided into 3 groups by the following expression patterns of serum HBeAg/anti-HBe status and tissue HBcAg and HBsAg. Pattern A (18 cases) : HBeAg+, cHBcAg+ (94.4%), mHBsAg+ (61.1%), pATTERN B (14 cases) : anti-HBe+, nHBcAg+, cHBsAg+, Pattern C (19 cases) : anti-HBe+, HBcAg-, cHBsAg+ (89.5%). There were no significant differences between CPH and NPD, lthough the core free pattern was more common in the latter. The cHBcAg was expressed in 17 of 18 (94.4%) HBeAg seropositive cases but only one of 33 cases with serum anti-HBe, suggesting that the cHBcAg is intimately related to HBeAg. Since the inactive HBsAg carriers also expressed cHBcAg and/or mHBsAg, the necro-inflammatory activity of HBV infected liver is assumed to depend on the host immune response rather than their presence alone

PURPOSE: In the treatrnent of respiratory distress syndrome, Infants are often exposed to hyperoxia. It can generate oxygen free radical, damage to lung and bronchi, and inactivate pulmonary surfactant(PS). Antioxidant therapy in animal and human models has been tried to overcome this detrimental effects. We hypothesized that the addition of oxygen free radical such as hydrogen peroxide(H) could compromise surface active properties(SAP) of PS and that further addition of antioxidant such as catalaseR(CAT, Sigma chemical, St. Louis) could recover SAP. METHODS: We prepared combinations of mixtures with SurfactenR(S-TA, Tokyo Tanabe, Japan), H202 and CAT. 1)0.625mgPL(phospholipids)/ml or 1.25mgPL/ml S - TA and H202 were mixed to the final concentrations of 0.1 and 1mM H respectively, and incubated at 37C for one hour. 2) 0.625mgPL/rnl S - TA, H202 and CAT 10U were mixed to the final concentrations of lmM H202, and incubated at 37 degree C for one hour. We used Pulsating Bubble Surfactometer (Electronetics, NY) measure in vitro minimum and maximum surface tensions(ST) and area-surface tension relationship. RESULTS: 1) For 0.625mgPL/ml S-TA and 1mM H mixture minimum. ST after 5 min of pulsation increased significantly(P=0.007) and the area-surface tension curve was deformed. But they were comparable to control levels for 1.25mgPL/ml S-TA. 2) When CAT was added to 0.625mgPL/ml S-TA and 1mM H mixture, the resultant minimum ST after 5 min of pulsation dropped to the control levels with recovery of hysteresis curve(P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: PS could be inactivated by addition of high concentrations of H but SAP can be recovered either by increasing PS concentration or by further addition of antioxidant CAT. Therefore, we suggest that in case of suspected surfactant inactivation an increase in surfactant concentration or administration of antioxidant must be considered.
Animals ; Bronchi ; Catalase* ; Cats ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide* ; Hydrogen* ; Hyperoxia ; Infant ; Lung ; Oxygen

No abstract available.
Neutrophils*

The number of Kupffer cells was evaluated in hepatocellular carcinomas, including 18 primary lesions, 3 tumor emboli within the portal vein radicles and 4 metastatic lesions and in non-neoplastic liver adjacent to the primary lesions, to persue the origin of Kupffer cells dwelling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinomas of the sinusoidal(trabecular) type were carefully selected, and excluded were those carcinomas which showed inflammation or other changes evoking inflammation. The immunohistochemical stains for CD 68 and lysozyme were done to identify Kupffer cells and to draw the mean Kupffer cell number per high power microscopic field of each lesion. Kupffer cell was most numerous in primary lesions followed by tumor emboli and still fewer in metastatic lesions. The Kupffer cell number in the primary lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma was in turn smaller than that of the adjacent non-neoplastic liver. The results suggest that, during the early neoplastic transformation, sinusoids of the non-neoplastic liver could creep into the carcinomatous tissue accompanying Kupffer cells.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Neoplasm Metastasis

PURPOSE: Antenatal steroid(ANS) therapy in premature infants is an effective therapeutic strategy in reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and patent ductus arteriosus. For premature infants to gain improved survival, adequate weight loss during early postnatal days and maintenance of electrolyte balance is important, however, it is uncertain that ANS affect them. We hypothesized that ANS augment fluid and electrolyte balance and dinical outcome of very low birth weight(VLBW) who had received restricted fluid regimen. METHODS: Mechanically ventilated VLBW infants who survived over 30 days were selected. We reviewed medical records to compare weight loss, urine output, electrolyte concentration, blood pressure during five days of life and clinical outcome between premature infants who received ANS(n=15) and who were not(n=58). RESULTS: Gestational age, birth weight were similar between two groups. Volume of administered fluid, urine output, and initial weight loss during first five days of life were similar, however, weight loss on postnatal day five were lower in study group than control group(p=.039). Blood pressure, serum sodium concentration, serum potassium concentration, and urine specific gravity were similar between two groups. Incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was lower in study group(20%) than control group(48%)(p=.041), however, incidence of sepsis were greater in study group(33%) than control group(7%)(p=.029). CONDUSION: ANS did not affect fluid and electrolyte balance of very low birth weight(VLBW) infants who had received restricted fluid regimen. ANS decreased the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in this population, however, increased the incidence of sepsis.
Birth Weight ; Blood Pressure ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant* ; Infant, Low Birth Weight* ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Potassium ; Sepsis ; Sodium ; Specific Gravity ; Water-Electrolyte Balance* ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: Carnitine plays a key role in the oxidation of fatty acids by facilitating their transport. As very low birth weight(VLBW) infants receiving total parenteral nutrition(TPN) with limited oral intake are likely to be carnitine-deficient state, they require exogenous supplementation of carnitine, however, effects of it remains controversial. To demonstrate effects of parenteral camitine supplementation on fat metabolism, weight gain and clinical outcome. We analyzed plasma levels of biochemical markers, changes of weight, and incidence of complications in 23 VLBW infants receiving TPN. METHOD: We randomly assigned 23 VLBW infants(<32 wks of gestational age) receiving TPN to carnitine-supplemented(100mg/kg per day) group(n=10) and control(n=13). Plasma total (TC), free(FC), and acyl carnitine(AC) levels and serum cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels were measured before and 2 weeks after carnitine supplementation. RESULT: Decrements in TC for 2 weeks were significantly lower in carnitine group(41.6umol/l->32.3umol/l) than control group(46.3umol/l->25.2umol/l)(p<0.05). Changes of FC and AC were similar in both groups. Levels of cholesterol and triglyreride were similar in both groups. Days of regaining birth weight were faster in carnitine group than control group(15.3+/-3.4 vs 20. 8+/-11.1 days)(p<0.05). Rate of weight gain for two weeks were significantly faster than carnitine group than control group(p<0.05). No significant differences in clinical outcome were found. CONCLUSIONS: Carnitine supplementation in VLBW infants receiving TPN has an supportive nutritional regimen in that it reduces decrement in carnitine level and facilitate weight gain.
Biomarkers ; Birth Weight ; Carnitine* ; Cholesterol ; Fatty Acids ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant* ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight* ; Metabolism ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Parturition ; Plasma ; Triglycerides ; Weight Gain

PURPOSE: To examine the cardiac function, incidence and natural history of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) and the association of side effects with CH after pulse dexamethasone therapy in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Twelve infants, gestational age 28.6+/-1.6(26-31)weeks, birth weight 1243+/-186 (1010- 1620)g, received a pulse course of dexamethasone, starting at 0.5mg/kg/d for three days and readministered ten days thereafter at a median of 19 days of age. Serial echocardiographic measurement of septal thickness(ST), left ventricular(LV) posterior wall thickness(PWT), LV diameter(LVD), LV length(LVL), LV mass, ejection fraction(EF) and acceleration time to right ventricular ejection time ratio(AT/RVET) were taken before, and 4, 11 days after starting dexamethasone. For infants diagnosed as CH, echocardiography was performed weekly until the parameters were normalized. Side effects of dexamethasone such as leukocytosis, hypertension, hyperglycemia and insulin therapy were recorded and compared. RESULTS: CH occurred in 5 of 12 infants(47%). ST, PWD, and AT/RVET increased significantly at 4 days and 11 days after starting dexamethasone than baseline. LVD decreased significantly at 4 days and 11 days after the administration of dexamethasone than before. Other parameter such as LVL, LV mass and EF were not changed and the evidence of left ventricular outflow obstruction was not observed. The incidence of hyperglycemia and insulin therapy were higher in CH group than in no CH group(p<0.05). Five infants with CH recovered until five weeks after starting dexamethasone on serial echocardiography, CONCLUSION: Infants receiving a pulse course of dexamethasone developed evidence of septal hypertrophy, thickened left ventricular wall and impaired filling of left ventricle immediately after starting dexamethasone but always resolved within five weeks Serial echocardiography is not probably routinely required in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia receiving pulse dexamethasone therapy.
Acceleration ; Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia* ; Cardiomegaly ; Dexamethasone* ; Echocardiography ; Gestational Age ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Hypertension ; Hypertrophy ; Incidence ; Infant* ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Insulin ; Leukocytosis ; Natural History ; Ventricular Outflow Obstruction

So far, most research studying the causality of autism has focused on neurobiological or psychological aspects. However, most studies have dealt with only proximal causality of autism, and there is little research on its ultimate causality. 'Evolutionary perspective', which has received attention recently in various academic fields, suggests several theories regarding the ultimate causality of autism. We reviewed different theories on the evolution of autism, and discussed both the merits and the limitations of the theories.
Autistic Disorder*

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation is a valvular heart disease that produce complex hemodynamic alternations and myocardial dysfunction occurs subclinically, so result in a high incidence of left ventricular dysfunction that might affect postoperative result. In order to assess preoperative factors affecting the outcome of mitral valve replacement in patients with chronic mitral regurgitaion, we evaluated prognostic factors from preoperative clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings in 71 patients with chronic mitral regurgitation who received mitral valve replacement. METHODS: From 1985 to 1994, 71 patients with chronic mitral regurgitation, who received mitral valve replacement, were included in this study. The patients were defined as group I who had improved symptom and / or decreased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension after operation, and group II who had persistent symptom and / or over 60mm of left ventricular end-diastolic dimension after operation. RESULTS: 1) In clinical findings, preoperative systolic blood pressure was higher in Group I patients(p<0.05). 2) Hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen level were not significantly different in both groups. 3) In echocardigraphic findings, left atrial dimension, left ventricular end-systolic / end-diastolic dimension, and left ventricular volume index of Group II were much higher than those of Group I patients(p<0.05). 4) In the discriminant analysis, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, age, NYHA functional class, and left ventricular mass index were defined as important prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: According to the above results, preoperative age, NYHA functional class are significant prognostic factors in clinical and laboratory findings. And left atrial dimension, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, left ventricular volume index, and left ventricular mass index are significant prognostic factors in echocardiographic findings.
Blood Pressure ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Creatinine ; Echocardiography ; Heart Valve Diseases ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency* ; Mitral Valve* ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left