Background: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory scalp disorder associated with Malassezia dysbiosis and increased sebum production. AMPamide has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects, but its clinical efficacy and microbiome-modulating effects in SD remain unclear. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and scalp microbiome changes following 4 weeks of use of an AMPamide-containing shampoo in patients with SD. Methods: In this observational study, 30 patients with SD applied an AMPamide-containing shampoo for 4 consecutive weeks. Clinical outcomes, including sebum levels and overall severity scores, were assessed. Scalp bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed to evaluate α- and β-diversity and changes in Malassezia composition. Results: Treatment resulted in significant reductions in sebum levels and clinical severity scores, particularly in erythema, dandruff, and pruritus. Bacterial community composition remained largely stable, while fungal α-diversity increased, and β-diversity analysis revealed a decrease in the ratio of Malassezia restricta to Malassezia globosa. Conclusion AMPamide-containing shampoo was associated with improved clinical symptoms and a shift toward a more balanced fungal community composition in patients with SD, supporting its potential as a non-steroidal therapeutic option for SD.

Purpose: To report a nationwide survey on neuroblastoma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2020. Methods: The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with and treated for neuroblastoma from 2005 to 2019 in 19 hospitals of KAPS members were collected. Survival and prognostic factor analyses were performed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 669 patients with neuroblastoma were registered for the study. The results were presented and discussed at the 36th annual meeting of the KAPS, which was held in Seoul on August 21, 2020. Conclusion This study provides information on patient demographics, prognostic outcomes, and comprehensive treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma.

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey. Methods: This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival. Results: The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey. Conclusion While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management in Korea.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical classifications, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients with intestinal atresia treated by the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) through three nationwide surveys. Methods: KAPS conducted 3 national surveys in 1998, 2010, and 2024 to examine the patients diagnosed with intestinal atresia. In preparation for the survey, we developed a customized case registration form to obtain data on patient sex, birth weight, gestational age, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical types, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes. Authorized KAPS members completed the case registration form. Results: The first, second, and third national surveys included 218, 222, and 236 individuals diagnosed with intestinal atresia, respectively. The male-to-female ratios were 1.5:1, 1.1:1, and 1.1:1, respectively. The first, second, and third national surveys revealed that 34.3%, 43.3%, and 53.4% of patients were born before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Additionally, 28.7%, 32.0%, and 40.7% of patients had a birth weight under 2,500 g. In the third national survey, duodenoduodenostomy was the most common procedure, performed in 70 out of 82 patients diagnosed with duodenal atresia. Resection and anastomosis were the main surgical procedures conducted in 47 out of 54 cases of jejunal atresia and 74 out of 92 cases of ileal atresia. The mortality rates in the first, second, and third national surveys were 13.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, with the lowest rate observed in the third national survey. Conclusion These national surveys offer valuable insights into the current state of intestinal atresia, including specific surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes in South Korea. For pediatric surgeons aiming to enhance their understanding of intestinal atresia and its treatment options, these surveys could be an indispensable resource and guide.

Purpose: This study provides insights into the prevalence at birth, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of gastroschisis and omphalocele in Korea over the past decade, addressing the lack of localized data despite advanced healthcare capabilities. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data from 20 pediatric surgical centers in Korea from January 2012 to December 2021, including 269 patients diagnosed with gastroschisis or omphalocele. Data variables included gender, gestational age, birth weight, associated anomalies, type of defect, surgical interventions, and outcomes. Results: The study covered 269 patients, with 80 gastroschisis and 189 omphalocele cases. Gastroschisis prevalence at birth remained stable at 2.15 per 100,000 live births, while omphalocele increased to 5.08 per 100,000. Both conditions had similar gender ratios (0.95). Gastroschisis patients had lower birth weights (2,463.90±505.50 g) and smaller head circumferences (31.97±1.86 cm) compared to omphalocele patients (2,757.65±761.24 g, 32.78±2.64 cm). Omphalocele cases had more associated anomalies, especially cardiovascular issues. Prenatal diagnosis rates were high: 93.7% for gastroschisis and 86.4% for omphalocele. About 96.3% of gastroschisis and 84.1% of omphalocele patients were born in their treatment hospitals. Gastroschisis patients underwent surgery sooner (average 3.5 days) and started feeding later (16.5 days) than omphalocele patients (average 56.5 days to surgery, 6.6 days to start feeding). Hospital stays and follow-up durations were similar, averaging around 782.6 days for gastroschisis and 800.3 days for omphalocele patients. Survival rates were 89.7% for gastroschisis and 87.1% for omphalocele. Conclusion The study highlights the need for early diagnosis, centralized care, and specialized surgical approaches to optimize outcomes for gastroschisis and omphalocele patients in Korea. Enhanced prenatal screening and surgical protocols are recommended to improve these patients' prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: Acupotomy is a modern acupuncture method that includes modern surgical methods. Since acupotomy is relatively more invasive than filiform acupuncture treatment, it is important to establish the safety profile of this practice. To justify further large-scale prospective observational studies, this preliminary study was performed to assess the feasibility of the approach and investigate the safety profile and factors potentially associated with adverse events (AEs). METHODS: This was a prospective pilot study that assessed the feasibility of a large-scale forthcoming safety study on acupotomy treatment in a real-world setting. The feasibility (call response rate, drop-out rate, response rate for each variable and recruitment per month) and safety profile (incidence, type, severity and causality of AEs, and factors potentially associated with AEs) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 28 participants joined the study from January to May 2018. A follow-up assessment was achieved in 258 (1185 treatment points) out of 261 sessions (1214 treatment points). The response rate via telephone on the day after treatment was 87.3%. There were 8 systemic AEs in all the sessions (8/258; 3.11%) and 27 local AEs on the total points treated (27/1185; 2.28%). Severe AEs did not occur. Total AE and local AE occurrence were associated with blade width and the number of needle stimulations per treatment point. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that it could be feasible to analyze the safety of acupotomy in a real-world setting. Moreover, the primary data on some relevant AEs could be determined. We are planning large-scale prospective studies based on these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0002849 (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/11487).
Humans ; Feasibility Studies ; Prospective Studies ; Pilot Projects ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Research Design ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether periodontal pocket could be satisfactorily visualized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to suggest quantitative methods for measuring periodontal pocket depth. METHODS: We acquired OCT images of periodontal pockets in a porcine model and determined the actual axial resolution for measuring the exact periodontal pocket depth using a calibration method. Quantitative measurements of periodontal pockets were performed by real axial resolution and compared with the results from manual periodontal probing. RESULTS: The average periodontal pocket depth measured by OCT was 3.10±0.15 mm, 4.11±0.17 mm, 5.09±0.17 mm, and 6.05±0.21 mm for each periodontal pocket model, respectively. These values were similar to those obtained by manual periodontal probing. CONCLUSIONS: OCT was able to visualize periodontal pockets and show attachment loss. By calculating the calibration factor to determine the accurate axial resolution, quantitative standards for measuring periodontal pocket depth can be established regardless of the position of periodontal pocket in the OCT image.
Calibration ; Gingiva ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Methods ; Periodontal Pocket* ; Tomography, Optical Coherence*

PURPOSE: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), which is frequently encountered in pediatric patients, is the leading cause of hospitalization. We aimed to identify particular cytokines that correlated with ALRI clinical characteristics. We also aimed to identify any differences in cytokines between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related ALRI and non-RSV-related ALRI. METHODS: Cytokine levels were measured in the sera sampled from 103 pediatric patients diagnosed with ALRI and admitted to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between May 2012 and April 2013. The correlations between cytokine levels and the length of hospitalization, the number of days with fever, body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation upon admission, and duration of oxygen supplementation were analyzed. RESULTS: In children with ALRI, the level of interleukin (IL)-6, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and IL-10 were correlated with a higher body temperature on admission. In addition, the IL-8 level was correlated with pulse rate and respiration rate, and IL-1β level was related with oxygen saturation on admission. In children with RSV-related ALRI, the IL-6 was correlated the with duration of fever, and the IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-8 levels were related to pulse rate and respiration rate. In addition, the increase in interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with a higher body temperature on admission and a longer duration of hospitalization in children with RSV-related ALRI. CONCLUSION: In children with ALRI, the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, G-CSF, and IP-10 were correlated with its clinical features. In children with RSV-related ALRI, the IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 level was correlated with the severity of the disease.
Body Temperature ; Child* ; Cytokines* ; Fever ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Heart Rate ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Oxygen ; Respiratory Rate ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Seoul

Traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) resulting from blunt chest injury is a very rare event. The mechanisms of traumatic VSD have been of little concern to dateuntil now, but two dominant theories have been described. In one, the rupture occurs due to acute compression of the heart; in the other, it is due to myocardial infarction of the septum. The clinical symptoms and timing of presentation are variable, so appropriate diagnosis can be difficult or delayed. Closure of traumatic VSD has been based on a combination of heart failure symptoms, hemodynamics, and defect size. Here, we present a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with a traumatic VSD following a car accident. He showed normal cardiac structure at the time of injury, but after 8 days, his repeated echocardiography revealed a VSD. He was successfully treated by surgical closure of the VSD, and has been doing well up to the present. This report suggests that the clinician should pay great close attention to the patients injured by blunt chest trauma, keeping in mind the possibility of cardiac injury.
Child ; Echocardiography ; Heart Failure ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Preschool Child ; Rupture ; Thoracic Injuries ; Thorax ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating

PURPOSE: Transcatheter closure has become an effective therapy in most patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, there are difficulties in transcatheter closure of PDA in small children. We reviewed clinical outcomes of transcatheter closure of PDA in children weighing less than 10 kg in a single center. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2009, 314 patients with PDA underwent transcatheter closure in our institute. Among them, 115 weighed less than 10 kg. All of these patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using either COOK Detachable Coil(R), PFM Nit-Occlud(R), or Amplatzer duct occluder(R). A retrospective review of the treatment results and complications was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 9.1+/-5.9 months (median, 8 months), and mean weight was 7.6+/-1.8 kg (median, 7.8 kg). The mean diameter of PDA was 3.2+/-1.4 mm (median, 3 mm). Complete occlusion occurred in 113 patients (98%). One patient was sent to surgery because of a failed attempt at device closure, and another patient had a small residual shunt after device placement. The average mean length of hospital stay was 3.0+/-3.3 days, and mean follow-up duration was 21.0+/-19.6 months. There were no major complications in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of PDA is considered safe and efficacious in infants weighing less than 10 kg. With sufficient experience and further effort, transcatheter closure of PDA can be accepted as the gold standard of treatment for this group of patients.
Catheterization ; Child ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Length of Stay ; Retrospective Studies