Head injury in the youngest age group is distinct from that occurring in older children or adults because of differences in mechanisms, injury thresholds, and the frequency with which the question of child abuse is encountered. "Shaken baby syndrome" has results in intracranial and introcular hemorrhages with no evidence of external trauma. The cause of these injuries is vigorous shaking of an infant being held by the chest, shoulders, or extremities. Severe head injuries commonly diagnosed as shaking injuries require impact to occur and that shaking alone in an otherwise normal baby is unlikely to cause the shaken baby syndrome. "Shaken impact syndrome" has the advantage of being more inclusive of verifiable impact mechanisms and of reflecting the extreme forces that appear to be necessary to produce these often devastating injuries. All clinicians must recognize the wide spectrum of injuries in child abuse to ultimate protect the victim or other children in an at-risk situation. And physicians play an important role in diagnosis, management and prevention of child abuse and shaken baby syndrome.
Adult ; Child ; Child Abuse ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Diagnosis ; Extremities ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant ; Shaken Baby Syndrome* ; Shoulder ; Thorax

Serial platelet counts performed at four day intervals on forty two healthy premature infants whose birth weights were less than 2200 grams. The forty two infants were divided into two groups: twelve premature infants weighing less than 1700 grams, and thirty prematures infants weighing over 1700 grams at birth. We evaluated the length of time for the platetet counts of the premature infants to equal that of the full-term infants. Platelet counts also were determined on ninety-nine healthy full-term infants during twenty one days of age. The platelet counts were repeated twice a day. The counts of the twenty-four healthy premature infants and the twenty-two healthy full term infants were compared using the Brecher-Cronkite method. 1) There was no significant differnce in platelet counts between twenty four healthy premature infants and twenty two healthy full-term infants obtained at birth and four hour of life by the method of Brecher-Cronkite and the error of platelet Counts was within 2.4 percent. 2) There was no significant difference in the mean platelet values between premature infants weighing less than 1700 grams(21200/mm3) and weighing over 1700 grams (21900/mm3)during first day of life. It was noted the mean platelet values of forty two premature infants were significantly lower than that of sixty eight full term infants which was 27500/mm3. 3) At nine days of life, the mean platelet values of the forty two premature infants equaled that of the sixty eight full term infants at leveles of 27500/mm3. The platelet values were increase continuously and reached peak level of 370000/mm3at the age of three weeks. Increase of platelet values in premature infants weighing less than 1700 grams at birth was delayed about one week compared with that of the infants over 1700 grams at birth.
Birth Weight ; Blood Platelets* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Parturition ; Platelet Count*

A Clinical study was made of 88 pediatric patients with miliary tuberculosis, who were admitted to the Pediatric Department of Kwangju Christian Hospital during the period of January, 1971 through December, 1980. 1) The incidence of miliary tuberculosis in children was 0.6%(88 cases) of the total pediatric admission cases(13969), and 12.5% (88 cases) of the total pediatric tuberculous patiens(705). 2) The highest incidence was found in those under the age of 3 years, comprising 63.7%(56 cases) of all cases. The sex ratio of male to female was 1.5:1, which is not significant. 3) The most prevalent season was Spring, with 34.1% (30 cases). 4) The source of infection was found within their family in 36.3% (32cases). 5) Only 14.8% (13 cases) had received BCG innoculation. 6) Predisposing factors were found in 24.9% (21 cases) and these were measles, chicken pox, pertussis, typhoid fever in decreasing order of frequency. 7) Chief complaints on admission in the order of frequency were:fever (72.7%), coughing (68.2%), general weakeness (37.5%), vomiting (35.2%). 8) Principal clinical features on admission were marked adnormal auscltatory findings (68.2%), emaciation (54.5%), adnormal neurologic sings (42.0%), cervical lymphaderopathy (39.8%) and hepatosplenmegaly (22.7%). 9) Tuberculin skin test was done in 55 cases and positive reaction was obtained in 21.8% (12 cases). 10) Hematologic findings revealed a mild degree of anemia in 52.3% of all patients and leukocytosis in 75.0%. 11) AFB smear was positive in only 19.3% (17 cases/88), and the highest positive rate was found in sputum (40.0%). 12) Tuberculous meningitis was the most most common disease associated with miliary tuberculosis. 40.9% (36 cases( of all miliary tuberculosis cases were complicated by tuberculous meningitis, with the highest incidence of 72.2% (56 cases) under the age of 3 years. 13) The usual treatment was the triple regimen of INH, PAS and SM, though PAS was replaced by EMB or Rifampin in recent cases, Corticosteroids were added in complicated cases. 14) In 21.6% (19 cases) of total cases, the clinical symptoms and the miliary density on X-ray disappeared after 3 months of treatment. 15) The mortality rate was 10.2% (9 cases/88).
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Anemia ; Causality ; Chickenpox ; Child* ; Cough ; Emaciation ; Female ; Gwangju ; Humans ; Incidence ; Leukocytosis ; Male ; Measles ; Mortality ; Mycobacterium bovis ; Rifampin ; Seasons ; Sex Ratio ; Skin Tests ; Sputum ; Tuberculin ; Tuberculosis, Meningeal ; Tuberculosis, Miliary* ; Typhoid Fever ; Vomiting ; Whooping Cough

Primary spinal cord melanoma is a rare central nervous system malignant tumor. Usually it resembles an intradural extramedullary (IDEM) nerve sheath tumor or melanoma. We experienced a patient with upper thoracic primary IDEM spinal cord melanoma who was diagnosed to be with hydrocephalus and without intracranial lesions. Initial symptoms of the patient were related to the hydrocephalus and the primary spinal cord melanoma was diagnosed eight months later. At the first operation, complete resection was impossible and the patient refused additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy. At 22 months after surgery, the patient revisited our institution with recurrent both leg weakness. Leptomeningeal dissemination was present in the whole spinal cord and only partial resection of tumor was performed. The symptoms slightly improved after surgery. Primary spinal cord melanoma is extremely rare but complete resection and additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy can prolong the disease free interval. Hydrocephalus or signs of increased intracranial pressure may be the diagnostic clue of spinal cord malignancy and progression.
Central Nervous System ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Intracranial Pressure ; Leg ; Melanoma* ; Radiotherapy ; Spinal Cord Neoplasms ; Spinal Cord* ; Spine*

OBJECTIVE: Revascularization is an effective treatment for the ischemic symptom of moyamoya disease. Indirect revascularization is also effective. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has the ability for collateral formation that is equivalent to conventional angiography. This study analyzed the results of indirect revascularization by MRA. METHODS: A total of 25 patients underwent bilateral EDAS for the management of moyamoya disease. All patients underwent MRA after surgery more than 24 months later. The collateral formation was graded as Good, Fair, and Poor. The clinical outcome was assessed as Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor. RESULTS: Good collateral formation was 32 sides of the EDAS, and fair was 18. An excellent clinical outcome was obtained in 15 patients, Good in 8, Fair in 1, and Poor in 1. There was a significant correlation between the preoperative symptom, gender, and the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: In the management of ischemic moyamoya disease, indirect revascularization has been the golden standard with remarkably low morbidity and mortality. Moreover, and MRA can replace conventional angiography in the follow-up of moyamoya patients.
Angiography ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography* ; Mortality ; Moyamoya Disease*

OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective review of 13 unstable Hangman's fractures who underwent posterior C2-3 fixation to describe clinical outcomes with a literature review. METHODS: Thirteen patients for unstable Hangman's fracture were enrolled between July 2007 and June 2010 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Concurrently, clinical outcomes were evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during preoperative and postoperative follow up period. Plain radiographs were obtained on postoperative 1day, 1week, and then at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months. CT was done at postoperative 12 months in all patients for evaluation of bone fusion. The mean period of clinical follow-up was 17 months. RESULTS: Mean age were 43 years old. Bone fusion was recognized in all cases at the final follow-up. The average preoperative VAS score for neck pain was 8.3+/-1.1, while the final follow-up VAS score was 2.07+/-0.8 (p<0.001). The average immediate postoperative NDI was 84% points and final NDI was 22% points (p<0.001). There were one case of infection and 1 case of screw loosening. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the patients with unstable Hangman's fracture, posterior C2-C3 fusions is effective and curative treatments to achieve cervical spinal stability.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Neck ; Neck Pain ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiologic result of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with allobone graft and plate augmentation, and the change of radiologic outcome between screw type and insertion angle. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of 29 patients. Segmental angle, height and screw angles were measured and followed. The fusion rate was assessed by plain radiography and CT scans. We divided the patients into two groups according to screw type and angles. Group A: fixed screw, Group B: variable screw. Interscrew angle was measured between most upper and lower screws with Cobb's methods. RESULTS: Overall fusion rate was 86.2% on plain radiography. Fusion was also assessed by CT scan and Bridwell's grading system. There was no difference in fusion and subsidence rates between two groups. Subsidence was found in 5 patients (17.2%). Segmental lordotic angle was increased from preoperative status and maximized at the immediate postoperative period and then reduced at 1 year follow up. Segmental height showed similar increase and decrease values. CONCLUSION: ACDF with allograft and plate showed favorable fusion rates, and the screw type and angle did not affect results of surgery.
Diskectomy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation, Homologous* ; Transplants

Although cavernous angioma itself is not rare, the epidural spinal localization is uncommon and makes preoperative differential diagnosis difficult. An extraordinary case of a thoracic epidural cavernous angioma in very young age, causing sudden paraplegia is presented. Only 79 cases have been reported in the literatures and among them, this kid was the youngest. A 23-month-old boy was referred to us with a 2-day history of sudden both lower limb weakness. Two days before admission, he got up at morning and was unable to stand and even to move the legs. MRI revealed an epidural mass surrounding spinal cord associated with cord compression at the level of the C5 through T3. Through posterior approach with exposure of C6 to T3 level, the hematomatous mass was removed subtotally due to intraoperative bleeding and its ventral location. After the first operation, the weakness of bilateral lower extremities was improved so as to move against the gravity. But the next day, the limb weakness was aggravated as same as preoperative status due to mass effect of new hematoma. The second operation was performed to remove the hematoma and to control the bleeding focus. Several weeks later, the limb weakness was improved and he was able to walk. The literatures about spinal cavernous angioma are reviewed.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Extremities ; Gravitation ; Hemangioma, Cavernous* ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant* ; Leg ; Lower Extremity ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Paraplegia* ; Spinal Cord

It is not a common case for neurosurgery department and the other departments to perform joint operation at the same time. Patients with severe head injury are a condition in which vital signs are unstable due to severe brain swelling and increased intracranial pressure, and emergency surgery is required. A 44-year-old man visited the trauma center with a motorcycle accident. The Glasgow Coma Scale score at the time of emergency department was 3 points, and the pupil was fixed at 6 mm on both sides. His medical history was unknown. His vital signs including blood pressure (BP), heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were stable. Associated injuries included multiple fractures of whole body. Brain computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage and severe cerebral edema. During the preparation of the craniectomy, abdominal ultrasonography performed because of decreased BP resulted in a large amount of hemoperitoneum. The bi-coronal craniectomy and splenectomy were performed simultaneously for about 4 hours. After fifty days of treatment, he was discharged with Glasgow Outcome Scale-extended 4 points and is undergoing rehabilitation. In severe polytrauma patients, active concurrent surgery is a good method to save their lives.
Adult ; Blood Pressure ; Brain ; Brain Edema ; Craniocerebral Trauma* ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Fractures, Multiple ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Head* ; Heart Rate ; Hemoperitoneum ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Pressure ; Joints ; Methods ; Motorcycles ; Multiple Trauma ; Neurosurgery ; Oxygen ; Pupil ; Rehabilitation ; Respiratory Rate ; Splenectomy* ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; Trauma Centers ; Ultrasonography ; Vital Signs

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a re-closure capacity and chronological changes of re-closure, the histologic findings are observed after skin graft on surgically induced spinal open neural tube defect(ONTD) in chick embryos. METHODS: Embryos were divided into two groups: graft and control. In the embryos of the graft, a skin fragment from another chick embryo of embryonic day 7 was grafted on the ONTD immediately after neural tube incision. Embryos were re-incubated in ovo, up to postoperative days(PODs) 3, 5, 7, 10 and sacrificed. Rate of re-closure was compared according to the group of the embryo and the observation time point. Serial changes in histological appearance were observed to investigate whether the re-closured ONTDs regain normal shape. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS and x2 test. RESULTS: On PODs 3, 5, 7, and 10, re-closure rates of the graft were 87, 60, 53 and 88%, and those of the control were 13, 0, 0 and 20%, respectively. They showed more frequent re-closure of ONTDs by the skin allograft in the graft than control. There was no statistical difference between the closure rates of adjacent POD subgroups. Some embryos of the closed groups revealed complete closure of the neural tube and there was no difference from the normal neural tube. CONCLUSION: Skin graft on the surgically induced ONTD in the embryonic period has a protective effect on the spinal cord. It is suggested that the prenatal skin graft on the lesions of fetal myelomeningocele might prevent repeated spinal cord damage.
Allografts ; Animals ; Chick Embryo* ; Embryonic Structures ; Meningomyelocele ; Neural Tube Defects* ; Neural Tube* ; Skin* ; Spinal Cord ; Transplants*