Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the preNST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the preNST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the preNST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the preNST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Purpose: For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. Results: A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the preNST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Conclusion Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical features according to the frequency of phototherapy and clinical risk factors on the number of phototherapy were investigated in premature births with gestation <35 weeks and birth weight < or =2,500 g. METHODS: The 186 infants with gestation <35 weeks and birth weight < or =2,500 g were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Kosin University Gospel Hospital from March 2009 to August 2010. The 171 infants were alive and had jaundice requiring phototherapy. Phototherapy was usually started to 50-70% of the maximal bilirubin level. They were divided into two groups according to the frequency of phototherapy as single phototherapy group (group I) and multiple phototherapy group (group II). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight of group I were 31.0+/-2.9 weeks and 1,596+/-485 g and those of group II were 31.1+/-2.6 weeks and 1,592+/-430 g. Compared with group I, albumin and Apgar score at 1 minute of group II were significantly higher and the day of peak bilirubin was also late. Duration of phototherapy in group II was statistically longer than that group I but duration of ventilator and aminophylline use for apnea was significantly shorter. The frequency of antibiotic use, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of group II were significantly lower than those of group I. CONCLUSIONS: The day of peak bilirubin was late and the frequency of antibiotic use, incidence of BPD, and IVH were low in group II. The aggressive phototherapy may be considered in premature births with jaundice.
Aminophylline ; Apgar Score ; Apnea ; Bilirubin ; Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Jaundice ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Phototherapy ; Pregnancy ; Premature Birth ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Ventilators, Mechanical

PURPOSE: The incidence of nosocomial infection caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) has increased in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study identified the progression of sepsis caused by GNB colonization and analyzed the risk factors associated with using periodic stool culture surveillance. METHODS: We included 86 newborns admitted to the NICU, Kosin University Gospel Hospital from October 2007 to May 2008. Three stool specimens were collected right after birth and two more were collected at 2 week intervals. The risk factors related to GNB colonization were established from each medical record and related references. RESULTS: The incidence of colonization by GNB was 22 (25.6%) per 86 neonates but none had culture-proven sepsis. The three most commonly isolated GNB were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter freundii. Approximately 89% (32/36) of isolated GNB were susceptible to amikacin. The probability of GNB colonization increased in infants who were fed a small volume during enteral feeding. In contrast, delayed enteral feeding resulted in a decreased probability for GNB colonization. CONCLUSION: Colonized GNB in the intestine was confirmed by enteric surveillance culture of newborns admitted to the NICU. However, we found no evidence of culture-proven GNB sepsis. As lower feeding volume on the colonization day is a risk factor for GNB colonization, the chance for GNB colonization should be considered when feeding intolerance is present.
Amikacin ; Citrobacter freundii ; Colon ; Cross Infection ; Enteral Nutrition ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Intestines ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis

PURPOSE: An outbreak of influenza virus is uncommon in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The clinical presentation of influenza virus infection in neonates is diverse. This study was aimed to report an outbreak of influenza A in a NICU and to investigate the clinical characteristics of influenza virus infection in neonates especially preterm infants during the 2011-2012 influenza season in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 29 patients who were evaluated by respiratory virus multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at NICU of Kosin University Gospel Hospital during the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza outbreak in Korea. RESULTS: Eleven patients (37.9%) were influenza A virus RT-PCR positive during the survey periods. They were all preterm infants and three of them had no symptoms. Eight patients had symptoms and it was fever (18%, 2/11), respiratory difficulty (72.7%, 8/11) without symptoms of upper respiratory infection, and gastrointestinal symptoms (27.3%, 3/11). The median duration of symptom was 5 days. There were differences of duration of admission at the test of respiratory RT-PCR, Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) score, use of mechanical ventilation, and use of dexamethasone before infection between influenza A virus RT-PCR positive and negative group. All 11 patients with influenza A were discharged without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms of influenza A virus infection in the preterm infants is nonspecific. Influenza A virus should be considered as a possible cause of infection in NICU during the influenza season in the community.
Dexamethasone ; Fever ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Influenza A virus ; Influenza, Human* ; Intensive Care Units ; Intensive Care, Neonatal* ; Korea* ; Medical Records ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Respiration, Artificial ; Seasons*

PURPOSE: There is an urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. Recently, developments in molecular biology have raised hopes about the possibilities of new strategies for tuberculosis diagnosis. Most of these methods have focused on the application of PCR to sputum samples from patients with suspected mycobacterial disease. We used a nested PCR to detect circuclating Mycobacterial tuberculosis DNA in blood samples from patients with suspected tuberculosis infection. We have propspectively investigated the role of blood-based PCR assay for diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. METHODS: Our PCR assay is specific for IS6110 insertion element of the M.tuberculosis complex of organisms. We used it to test peripheral blood from 179 children with suspected tuberculosis infection. Results of the PCR assay were compared with tuberculin test and contact history with pulmonary tubercosis patients. A subgroup of 16 patients has blood samples assayed serially to track the PCR signal after treatment. RESULTS: In patients with contact history, 20 out of 30 samples (66.7%) were PCR positive. In patients with tuberculin test positive, 43 out of 78 samples (61.59%) were PCR positive. However there was no significant difference between weak (10-15mm) and strong (>15mm) tuberculin responsor groups. Negative conversion of PCR signal was observed in 14.3% (1/7) of subjects after 2 months of treatment, and 71.4% (5/7) after 3 months of treatment. Positive results of PCR was not observed after BCG vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that peripheral-blood-based PCR detection for diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is technically feasible approach that has a potential important role in diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis.
Child ; Diagnosis ; DNA ; Hope ; Humans ; Molecular Biology ; Mycobacterium bovis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Sputum ; Tuberculin ; Tuberculin Test ; Tuberculosis* ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome worldwide. Although MN is commonly idiopathic, there are some secondary causes. In this article we describe the clinical courses of the patients with MN presumedly due to secondary causes. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with MN were retrospectively evaluated for possible etiologic factors as well as evaluated for their clinical courses after renal biopsy between March 1990 and December 2003 in the Dong-a University College of Medicine. RESULTS: There were 19 men and 32 women (M:F=1:1.6). The majority of the causes of secondary MN were SLE (31 cases, 60.8%) and hepatitis B (12 cases, 23.5%). The others included malignancy, hepatitis C, syphilis and MCTD. Twenty-nine of 31 cases with SLE which were treated with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide and 25 cases (86.4%) showed complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR). Three of 12 cases associated with hepatitis B (HB) were treated with prednisolone over 6 months and showed CR or PR. Three of other 12 cases associated with HB which showed positivity to HBsAg and HBeAg were treated with interferon-alpha and represented complete seroconversion of HBeAg, but rapidly progressed to chronic renal failure. CONCLUSION: In our study, the most common causes of secondary MN are SLE, HB. HBeAg may be the important predictor in the prognosis of HBV-associated MN. The effect of interferon-alpha therapy in treating secondary MN is as yet inconclusive. HBV-associated MN progresses rapidly to CRF, therefore more extended study is required in Korea, an endemic area of HB.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Cyclophosphamide ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis C ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Korea ; Lupus Nephritis ; Male ; Mixed Connective Tissue Disease ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; Prednisolone ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Syphilis