In the figure 3, designation of severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was misprinted. Open bars (white) represent severe BPD, not mild BPD. Closed bars (Black) represent mild BPD, not severe BPD. Gray bars in the middle represent moderate BPD without change.

A nationwide survey was conducted to determine the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in Korea and the intercenter differences in survival and BPD rates among preterm infants. Questionnaires were sent to all registered neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The questionnaires inquired about the survival and BPD rates of very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1,500 g) infants who had been admitted to each NICU from 2007 to 2008. BPD was defined as requiring oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Almost all level III NICUs replied. During the study period, 3,841 VLBW infants were born in the NICUs that responded to the survey. The survival rate was 81% and the BPD rate was 18%. Combined outcome of BPD or death rate was 37%. The BPD rate and combined outcome of BPD or death rate varied considerably from 5% to 50% and 11% to 73%, respectively across the centers. There was no significant correlation between the survival rate and the BPD rate across the centers. In conclusion, the incidence of BPD among VLBW infants in Korea during the study period was 18%, and a considerable intercenter difference in BPD rates was noted.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/drug therapy/*epidemiology/mortality ; Demography ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Survival Rate

A clinical and hematological observation was performed on 136 newborn infants who were admitted to dept. of Pediatrics of Chosun University Hospital from Junly, 1976 to June, 1980 and were diagnosed of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The following results were obtained 1) The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in male (64.0%) was more than female. 2) The highest monthly incidence was seen in June with 23 cases. (16.9%) 3) In the observation of the gestational period, its incidence was highest in full-term neonate with 103 cases. (79.3%). The mean value of serum bilirubin was highest in postmature neonate (19.70mg%). 4) In the obseervatio of the delivery type, the mean value of serum bilirubin was highest in vacuum and forcep delivery (17.81mg%). 5) The mean value of serum bilirubin was more higher in those of low birth weight group. 6) In the distribution of peak value of serum bilirubin, a group of 10.1~20.0mg% occupied 75.7%. 7) Idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia was the most common cause of pathological hyper bilirubinemia, with 79 cases. (58.1%). In the group of blood incompathibily, visible jaundice was begun earliest and mean value of serum bilirubin was highest. 8) Sepsis among the infection was the most important factor in the cause of neonatal hyper bilirubinemia with 18 cases (51.4%). 9) The most common blood types of mother-baby in ABO blood incompatibility was O-B with 8 cases (61.5%). 10) The exchange transfusions were performed on 13 cases (9.5%) and the rate of performance was the highest in blood incompatibility.
Bilirubin ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal ; Incidence ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Jaundice* ; Male ; Pediatrics ; Sepsis ; Surgical Instruments ; Vacuum

Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a major role in coordinating stress responses. We aimed to test whether blocking endogenous CRF activity can prevent the stress-induced dilation of intercellular spaces in esophageal mucosa. Eighteen adult male rats were divided into 3 groups: 1) a non-stressed group (the non-stressed group), 2) a saline-pretreated stressed group (the stressed group), 3) and an astressin-pretreated stressed group (the astressin group). Immediately after completing the experiments according to the protocol, distal esophageal segments were obtained. Intercellular space diameters of esophageal mucosa were measured by transmission electron microscopy. Blood was sampled for the measurement of plasma cortisol levels. Mucosal intercellular spaces were significantly greater in the stressed group than in the non-stressed group. Mucosal intercellular spaces of the astressin group were significantly smaller than those of the stressed group. Plasma cortisol levels in the stressed group were significantly higher than in the non-stressed group. Pretreatment with astressin tended to decrease plasma cortisol levels. Acute stress in rats enlarges esophageal intercellular spaces, and this stress-induced alteration appears to be mediated by CRF. Our results suggest that CRF may play a role in the pathophysiology of reflux-induced symptoms or mucosal damage.
Animals ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/*antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/pharmacology ; Esophagus/anatomy & histology/*drug effects ; Extracellular Space/*drug effects ; Hydrocortisone/blood ; Male ; Mucous Membrane/anatomy & histology/*drug effects ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology ; Peptide Fragments/*pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; *Stress, Psychological/blood/physiopathology

Aortic valve replacement with aortic allograft has been considered a treatment of choice for aortic valve disease secondary to bacterial endocarditis because of its good hemodynamic performance and higher resistance to infection. The aortic root replacement technique might be superior to the subcoronary allograft implantation technique with regard to aortic regurgitation. A 46 years old male patient had acute aortic regurgitation with progressing heart failure secondary to acute bacterial endocarditis. The patient underwent emergent aortic root replacement using 20 mm aortic allograft. At operation, right coronary cusp perforation and heavy calcification of commissure between right and left coronary cusp were observed. The patient recovered well and postoperative echocardiography demonstrated no aortic regurgitation. Inflammatory signs were subsided after 8 weeks of antibiotics therapy. Medically uncontrolled acute bacterial endocarditis was treated successfully by aortic root replacement using aortic homograft.
Allografts* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aortic Valve ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Echocardiography ; Endocarditis, Bacterial* ; Heart Failure ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Transplantation, Autologous

PURPOSE: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy can decrease pulmonary vascular resistance and improve oxygenation through enhanced ventilation-perfusion matching. This study investigated therapeutic response and possible factors affecting the response to iNO in preterm infants with respiratory failure. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 17 preterm infants with respiratory failure whose birth weight were 1,250 g or less and were treated with iNO, admitted in the neonatal intensive care units at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2006 and June 2010. Infants were classified as responders if they presented a reduction of FiO2 of more than 20% during 24 hours from the beginning of the treatment, and as non-responder if not. RESULTS: Eight infants (47%) were classified as the responder group and nine infants (53%) as the non-responder group. Mean gestational age was 25.4+/-1.6 weeks in the responder group and 26.0+/-1.6 weeks in the non-responder group. Mean birth weight was 701.9+/-190.1 g in the responder group and 816.1+/-241.6 g in the non-responder group. In the responder group, infants received iNO at postnatal day 12+/-9, in the non-responder group, iNO at postnatal day 35+/-25 (P=0.02). The exposure duration to FiO2 > or =0.5 prior to iNO treatment was significantly shorter in responders than in non-responders (0.1+/-0.4 d vs. 12.6+/-16.3 d, P=0.04). The mechanical ventilation duration was shorter and the postmenstrual age and postnatal age at last extubation were earlier in responders than in non-responders (52+/-25 d vs. 120+/-67 d, P=0.03) (33.1+/-3.0 weeks vs. 45.4+/-9.5 weeks, P=0.01; 55+/-25 d vs. 125+/-59 d, P=0.01). The postmenstrual age and postnatal age at last oxygen treatment were earlier in responders than in non-responders (41.1+/-2.4 weeks vs. 49.0+/-4.5 weeks, P=0.03; 109+/-28 d vs. 158+/-36 d, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Responders during iNO treatment in preterm infants with respiratory failure had earlier postnatal age and shorter duration of the exposure to hyperoxia. The responder group resulted in good response with early iNO treatment, thus the weaning of mechanical ventilation and oxygen was earlier than the non-responder group. Further studies on effects of beginning time of iNO treatment and long-term effects, especially bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage and neurodevelopmental outcome are necessary.
Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperoxia ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Nitric Oxide ; Oxygen ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Vascular Resistance ; Weaning

OBJECTIVE: Small bowel series (SBS) may be a useful test in identifying the causes of feeding intolerance in preterm infants. Unfortunately, little is known about the safety and effectiveness of SBS in preterm infants. By scrutinizing our recent experiences in performing SBS in preterm infants, we aim to provide basic data concerning the use of SBS in preterm infants with feeding intolerance. METHODS: Between January 2005 and October 2008, SBS was done in 46 preterm infants with feeding intolerance, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Seoul national university children's hospital. We conducted a retrospective analysis of these preterm infants. RESULTS: The average gestational age and birth weight of the 46 infants were, 30(+1)+/-3(+5) weeks, 1,435+/-623 g, respectively. The mean postconceptional age when SBS was done, was 37(+2)+/-4(+2) weeks, 46.8+/-27.3days. SBS proved that 29 infants did not have mechanical obstructions and 22 of these infants had delayed bowel transit time. Eventually, 35 infants attained full feeding except those who underwent operation. SBS was done at their bedside in 15 out of 27 infants in the group less than 1.5 kg. History of NEC, meconium related ileus, and gastrointestinal operation were more frequent in the group less than 1.5 kg. The adverse effects of SBS in preterm infants included vomiting, delayed transit of the contrast media, all of which resolved in the end and there were no reports of aspiration or sepsis. CONCLUSION: Actively performing SBS test in preterm infants with feeding intolerance will promote feeding advancement by discovering the cause of feeding intolerance and subsequent management of the specific problem.
Birth Weight ; Contrast Media ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Ileus ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Meconium ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Vomiting

PURPOSE: The increased survival of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit recently has resulted in an increased frequency of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), especially with atypical forms. However, there have been few studies compairing classic and atypical BPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between these two types of BPD. METHODS: Infants with a gestational age less than 32 weeks born at the Seoul National University Hospital and Bundang Seoul National University Hospital from May 2004 to April 2007 were included. The data were categorized in 2 groups, classic and atypical BPD. We determined the incidence of BPD, and compared perinatal factors and postnatal managements between two groups. RESULTS: Among 260 study subjects, 141 (54.2%) infants had BPD. Classic BPD infants were 64 and atypical BPD infants were 77. Comparison of differences between 2 groups, classic BPD infants were associated with respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intrauterine growth restriction, more high-frequency ventilator (HFV) use, low 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores. Atypical BPD infants were associated with antenatal steroid use, maternal premature rupture of membrane and chorioamnionitis (CAM). In multivariate analysis, more HFV use was associated with classic BPD. Antenatal steroid use, clinical CAM and histological CAM were associated with atypical BPD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that antenatal factors (antenatal steroid use, clinical CAM, histological CAM) were associated with atypical BPD and postnatal factors (HFV used more) were associated with classic BPD. Further studies are needed for prevention and treatment of BPD.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Chorioamnionitis ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Membranes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pregnancy ; Rupture ; Ventilators, Mechanical

PURPOSE:Leukemoid reaction (LR) represents inflammatory reaction in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, and has been reported to relate with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This study was done to assess the relationship between perinatal characteristics and neonatal outcome of leukemoid reaction in VLBW infants. METHODS:Three hundred and seventy two VLBW infants admitted to the NICUs of SNUCH and SNUBH between June 2005 to June 2008 were studied in a retrospective case-controlled manner. Of these VLBW infants, 32 LR (+) infants were compared with 83 LR (-) infants who were matched for gestational age and birth weight with respect to perinatal and neonatal clinical characteristics. LR was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count of more than 40,000 cells/mm3 or absolute neutrophil count of more than 30.000 cells/mm3 during the first month of life. RESULTS:Of 413 VLBW infants, There was no significant difference between the LR (+) and LR (-) infants in sex, Apgar scores, maternal peripheral WBC count, the use of antenatal steroids and maternal age. Comparing with LR (-) infants, LR (+) infants had a higher positive rate for amniotic fluid culture (67% vs 11%; P< or =0.01), U. ureaplasma in amniotic fluid (52% vs 10%; P=0.01), histologic chorioamnionitis (81% vs 33%; P=0.01) and funisitis (50% vs 7%; P=0.01). The incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage and BPD showed no significant difference between LR (+) and LR (-) infants. CONCLUSION:LR during the first month of life in VLBW infants was associated with chorioamnionitis, but not with the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or other neonatal morbidities. These findings suggest that LR may be a simple reflection of transient accelerated neutrophil production induced by prenatal inflammation without significant neonatal consequences.
Amniotic Fluid ; Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Case-Control Studies ; Chorioamnionitis ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Inflammation ; Leukemoid Reaction ; Leukocytes ; Maternal Age ; Neutrophils ; Polymethacrylic Acids ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Steroids ; Ureaplasma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of the Korean Ages and Stages Questionnaire (K-ASQ) in premature infants. METHODS: Infants with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks were assessed with K-ASQ and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III) at the outpatient clinic of Seoul National University Children's Hospital between October 30, 2006 and August 1, 2010. Less than 1 standard deviation of the ASQ was defined as positive, and the results were compared with those of BSID-III. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of subjects in the study group was 28+/-2.87 weeks (median, 28.43 weeks; range, 23.57-35.86 weeks), and the mean birth weight was 1,027+/-363 g (median, 950 g; range, 480-2,870 g). The sensitivity of K-ASQ at 8 month was 0.2, and the specificity was 0.93. The sensitivity of K-ASQ at 18 months was 0.72, and the specificity was 0.94. The validity of each of the 4 matched subunits was separately compared, and it also had a high specificity and a low sensitivity. In addition, K-ASQ showed a higher sensitivity at 18 months than at 8 months. CONCLUSION: ASQ was developed to screen the general population, and its specificity has been powered. The specificity was also proven in our study. The results of this study suggest that although screening use of K-ASQ in preterm infants may have some limitations, the specificities at 8 and 18 months can be clinically implicated. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Birth Weight ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Mass Screening ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Weights and Measures