PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships among mother's perception of her own newborn, her caring-confidence level, and her child-rearing attitude; and to provide data for developing effective nursing education programs on maternal newborn care. METHOD: Explorative survey questionnaires were completed by 159 married mothers of newborns from November 2003 to March 2004. Data were analyzed using SPSS/Win 10.0 by t-test and Pearson's Correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean scores of the mother's perception of her own newborn, her caring-confidence level, and her child-rearing attitude were .26, 3.13, and 3.43 respectively. There was a positive correlation between mother's perception of her own newborn and her child-rearing attitude. There was a significant correlation between mothers caring-confidence level and her child-rearing attitude. Score of caring-confidence was significantly different depending on the availability of helper and history of delivery. CONCLUSION: Availability of helper and history of delivery significantly affected mothers caring-confidence. This in turn, along with mothers perception of her own newborn, enhanced mothers child-rearing attitude. Thus, an effective education for mothers should include these factors.
Education ; Education, Nursing ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Mothers* ; Child Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Mid-arm circumference and mid-arm circumference/head circumference ratio(MAC/HC) were measured in 207 AGA(appropriate for gestational age) infants delivered at 26 to 42 weeks of gestation from January 1990 to December 1993 in Yeungnam University Hospital, Taegu, Korea. There were linear relationships between MACs and MAC/HC ratios and gestational age(MAC : y=03181x -2.2069, r=0.81, p<0.001 ; MAC/HC ratio : y=0.049x+0.1128, r=0.62, ; < 0.001). Using standard curves of MAC and MAC/HC ratio according to the gestational age, measurement of MAC or MAC/HC ratio can be a noninvasive, simple method to evaluate the intrauterine growth of newborn infants and the nutritional status of growing premature infants.
Daegu ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn* ; Infant, Premature ; Korea ; Methods ; Nutritional Status* ; Pregnancy

The recent availability of recombinant human erythropoietin has opened new perspectives in the management of a variety of anemias. Clinical trials have been initiated in several countries using different approaches and methodology. We randomly assigned twelve premature infants(gestational age < 32 week) at high risk of requiring erythrocyte transfusion for anemia of prematurity with either subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin or a placebo. Treatment with rHuEPO was initiated at a dose of 100 units/kg day for 3 days a week. All patients were given supplemental oral iron therapy at a dose of 3 mg/kg per day, as tolerated and oral vitamin E at a dose of 25 units per day. Treated and control babies did not differ with respect to weight, hematocrit, overall mean reticulocyte count or rate of growth respectively. However, reticulocyte counts increased earlier in patients given rHuEPO. We conclude that rHuEPO administration is safe and feasible at the dose studied.
Anemia* ; Erythrocyte Transfusion ; Erythropoietin* ; Hematocrit ; Humans* ; Iron ; Pilot Projects* ; Reticulocyte Count ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins

PURPOSE: A nationwide survey was conducted to investigate the most common causative organisms in neonatal sepsis in Korea. METHODS: By reviewing medical records of newborn infants who were confirmed as neonatal sepsis by isolating organisms from blood culture during a one year study period from January to December in 1997, data for causative organisms, risk factors, accompanying focal infections and combinations of antibiotics were collected. RESULTS: 112,351 neonates were born at 55 hospitals in 1997 and 30,767 neonates were admitted to the neonatal units. During this period, 1,175 episodes of neonatal sepsis were recorded in 1,116 neonates. The male to female ratio was 1.17:1. 424 cases(36%) were born prematurely. The main pathogens of early-onset sepsis were coagulase negative Staphylococcus(CONS, 19.3%), S. aureus (16.1%), S. epidermidis(16.1%) and Gram negative bacilli(19.2%) including Pseudomonas(5.9%), Klebsiella(3.9%), E. coli(3.9%), Enterobacter spp(3.5%), Acinetobacter(2.0%). Only six cases of group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus were isolated. Common obstetric factors were premature rupture of membranes(17.3%), maternal leukocytosis(14.6%), fetal tachycardia(10.2%), chorioamnionitis(3.1%) and maternal fever(3.1%). The main pathogens of late-onset sepsis were S. aureus (20.3%), S. epidermidis(18.9%) and CONS(13.7%). Frequent focal infections accompanying sepsis were arthritis(12.8%), meningitis(7.0%), pneumonia(5.4%) and urinary tract infection(3.1%). The most common combination of antibiotics used in early and late neonatal sepsis was ampicillin and gentamicin. When a nosocomial infection was suspected, a combination of vancomycin and cefotaxime was used most frequently. CONCLUSION: S. aureus and S. epidermidis were the most common pathogens in the neonatal sepsis.
Ampicillin ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Cefotaxime ; Coagulase ; Cross Infection ; Enterobacter ; Female ; Focal Infection ; Gentamicins ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Korea* ; Male ; Medical Records ; Risk Factors ; Rupture ; Sepsis* ; Streptococcus ; Urinary Tract ; Vancomycin

A nationwide survey was conducted to investigate the annual occurrence rate of neonatal sepsis, maternal risk factor in neonatal sepsis, localized infection in neonate, causative organism in nosocomial infection and the most common causative organism in neonatal sepsis in Korea. Clinical and bacteriological data were collected from thirty seven neonatal units through retrospective review of the medical records of the newborn infants who were confirmed as neonatal sepsis by isolating organisms from blood culture during one year study period from January to December in 1997. 78,463 neonates were born at 37 hospital in 1997 and 20,869 neonates were admitted to the neonatal units. During this period, 772 episodes of neonatal sepsis were recorded in 517 neonates. The occurrence rate of neonatal sepsis was 0.73%(0~2.95%). Male to female ratio was 1.15:1 and 303 cases(42.1%) were born prematurely. The main pathogens of early onset sepsis were S. aureus(20%), S. epidermidis(14.4%) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus( 14.4%). Gram negative bacilli including Enterobacter spp (7.2%), E.coli(5.1%), Klepsiella(4.5%), Pseudomonas(3.7%) Enterobacter faecium(3.6%) constitute 24.1%. Only two cases of group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus were isolated. Common obstetric factors were PROM(21.1%), difficulty delivery(18.7%), fetal tachycardia(5.3%), chorioamnionitis(4.9%), maternal fever(4.7%). The main pathogens of late-onset sepsis were S. aureus(22.3%), S. epidermidis(20.4%) and CONS(9.9%). There were 6 cases (1.0%) of Candida sepsis. Frequent focal infections accompanying sepsis were pneumonia(26.1%), urinary tract infection(10.5%), meningitis(8.2%), and arthritis(3.6%). S. epidermidis(22.0%) and S. aureus(21.7%) were also the most common pathogens in 373 nosocomial infection.
Candida ; Coagulase ; Cross Infection ; Enterobacter ; Female ; Focal Infection ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Korea ; Male ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis* ; Streptococcus ; Urinary Tract

PURPOSE: Leptin is a highly hydrophilic 16-kDa protein which is produced in the adipose tissue and participates in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between umbilical cord blood leptin concentration and intrauterine growth. METHODS: Ninety-seven full-term newborn infants who were born in Yeungnam University Hospital from July to August 1998 were included in the study. They were divided into 3 groups related to birth weight : appropriate for gestational age(AGA) group(n=73), large for gestational age(LGA) group(n=17), small for gestational age(SGA) group(n=7). Birth weight, head circumference, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm circumference to head circumference ratio, Ponderal index, and BMI were measured at birth. Maternal body weight and placental weight were measured. Leptin concentrations of cord blood and maternal serum were measured by a RIA method, and testosterone, estradiol, insulin, c-peptide, glucose, white blood cell, hemoglobin, platelet count of cord blood were also measured. RESULTS: Leptin concentration in cord blood was positively correlated to birth weight and body length. Leptin concentrations(microgram/L) in cord blood were significantly different among groups(10.1+/-1.1 in LGA group, 8.7+/-0.9 in AGA group, 1.7+/-0.1 in SGA group). There was a statistically significant difference in leptin concentration of cord blood between female and male infants(11.6+/-1.9, versus 6.7+/-0.9). There was no significant correlations between leptin concentration of cord blood and placental weights or maternal leptin concentration. Therefore leptin concentration of cord blood can not inflect maternal leptin concentration but intrauterine fetal growth. CONCLUSION: Leptin in cord blood might originate mainly from fetal adipose tissue rather than the placenta, and may be related to fetal growth.
Adipose Tissue ; Birth Weight ; Body Weight ; C-Peptide ; Eating ; Energy Metabolism ; Estradiol ; Female ; Fetal Blood* ; Fetal Development* ; Glucose ; Head ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Insulin ; Leptin* ; Leukocytes ; Male ; Parturition ; Placenta ; Platelet Count ; Testosterone ; Weights and Measures

PURPOSE: Foreign body aspiration in the tracheobronchial tree is a common medical emergency in children and represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed to analyze the clinical spectrum of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children and to evaluate the causes of late diagnoses. METHODS: A total of 108 patients with foreign body aspiration were recruited in the last 10 years, who had a flexible or rigid bronchoscopic examination. The age, sex, symptoms, causes of aspiration, radiologic findings, and clinical courses were investigated retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the elapsed time from aspiration to a definite diagnosis as early (< or =24 hours after aspiration) and late diagnoses (>24 hours after aspiration). The two groups were compared for clinical courses, radiologic findings, and the duration of admission of early- and late-diagnosed foreign body aspiration. RESULTS: Approximately 80% of the patients were less than 24 months of age and the most common symptoms were the sudden onset of a cough. Hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema (52.8%) and normal chest radiographs (19.4%) were the most frequent radiologic findings. Plain chest radiographies revealed visible foreign bodies in 7.4% of all patients with foreign body aspiration. Nuts were the most common foreign bodies aspirated. Sudden onset of a persistent cough and fever were predominant in the late-diagnosed group.(P<0.05) CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that clinical suspicion upon interviewing is enough to indicate bronchoscopy. The best way to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with foreign body aspiration is to promote public prevention polices.
Bronchoscopy ; Child ; Cough ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Diagnosis* ; Emergencies ; Emphysema ; Fever ; Foreign Bodies* ; Humans ; Mortality ; Nuts ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Retrospective Studies ; Thorax

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical effects of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) as an adjunct to radioiodine (RI) treatment of a differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical response rates of DTC patients treated with RI after thyroid hormone withdrawal and compared with those after rhTSH stimulation. METHOD: We included the patients treated with RI for locally recurrent DTC from February 1, 2002 to August 31, 2005 and followed with diagnostic studies at our hospital. Forty totally (or near totally) thyroidectomized adults were included in this study. Nine patients underwent RI treatment after rhTSH stimulation while euthyoid on L-thyroxine (LT4), and 31 patients were treated with RI after thyroid hormone withdrawal. The clinical response was defined as >25% decrease in serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level on LT4 3 months after the RI treatment. RESULTS: In each group, serum Tg levels were significantly decreased 3 months after the RI treatment. And we found that 77.8 and 71.0% of those prepared by rhTSH and LT4 withdrawal, respectively, had clinical responses 3 months after the RI treatment by our criteria and there was no significant difference in response rates between two groups (P=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: Given the biases that exist in retrospective studies, at the current time we cannot recommend the routine use of rhTSH to prepare RI treatment of DTC. However, our study provided preliminary evidence that rhTSH effectively aided RI treatment of DTC at least to an equivalent degree as LT4 withdrawal.
Adult ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Humans* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyrotropin ; Thyrotropin Alfa ; Thyroxine

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical effects of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) as an adjunct to radioiodine (RI) treatment of a differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical response rates of DTC patients treated with RI after thyroid hormone withdrawal and compared with those after rhTSH stimulation. METHOD: We included the patients treated with RI for locally recurrent DTC from February 1, 2002 to August 31, 2005 and followed with diagnostic studies at our hospital. Forty totally (or near totally) thyroidectomized adults were included in this study. Nine patients underwent RI treatment after rhTSH stimulation while euthyoid on L-thyroxine (LT4), and 31 patients were treated with RI after thyroid hormone withdrawal. The clinical response was defined as >25% decrease in serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level on LT4 3 months after the RI treatment. RESULTS: In each group, serum Tg levels were significantly decreased 3 months after the RI treatment. And we found that 77.8 and 71.0% of those prepared by rhTSH and LT4 withdrawal, respectively, had clinical responses 3 months after the RI treatment by our criteria and there was no significant difference in response rates between two groups (P=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: Given the biases that exist in retrospective studies, at the current time we cannot recommend the routine use of rhTSH to prepare RI treatment of DTC. However, our study provided preliminary evidence that rhTSH effectively aided RI treatment of DTC at least to an equivalent degree as LT4 withdrawal.
Adult ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Humans* ; Retrospective Studies* ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyrotropin ; Thyrotropin Alfa ; Thyroxine

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antenatal ambroxol administration to the mothers who were imminent preterm delivery on preventing the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Forty-two preterm newborn infants who were delivered at Yeungnam University Hospital from January 1996 to December 1997 were divided into two groups, twenty-one ambroxol-treated group and twenty-one control group. Six cases of respiratory distress syndromes developed from 21 ambroxol-treated infants. but thirteen cases of RDS developed from 21 control infants. It indicated significant reduction of occurrence of RDS by antenatal administration of ambroxol (p<0.05). There were no differences in the occurrence of adverse effects of ambroxol in mothers between two groups, ambroxol-treated and control groups. There was also no difference between pre- and post-treatment hematologic and biochemical parameters in ambroxol-treated group. In conclusion, when premature delivery is expected, administration of ambroxol before delivery enhances lung maturation in premature newborn infants and prevents the occurrence of respiratory distress syndromes without significant adverse effects.
Ambroxol* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung ; Mothers ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn*