Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of both the presence and size of posterior subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage (PS-GMH), considered a mild form of hemorrhage, on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 extremely preterm infants, assessing their initial and term-equivalent age (TEA) cranial ultrasound (cUS) examinations from 2016 to 2021. Infants were classified based on the presence and size (small/large) of PS-GMH. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18-24 months were analyzed in 135 infants. Results: PS-GMH was identified in 86.9% (192/221) of the infants, with 13.5% (26/192) exhibiting large PS-GMH. Among the 135 infants who were followed up, those with PS-GMH were found to have younger gestational ages (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis (P=0.016) than those without PS-GMH. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade II intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial cUS (P=0.003) and ventriculomegaly at TEA cUS (P=0.026) across the groups with no PS-GMH, small PS-GMH, and large PS-GMH. The large PS-GMH group exhibited a higher occurrence of grade II IVH than the small PS-GMH group (P=0.006). However, ventriculomegaly incidence did not significantly vary with PS-GMH status. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were also not significantly different across PS-GMH statuses. The adjusted odds ratios for any neurodevelopmental impairment, compared to the no PS-GMH group, were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 7.26; P=0.471) for all PS-GMH, 1.61 (95% CI, 0.37 to 6.93; P=0.526) for small PS-GMH, and 3.84 (95% CI, 0.62 to 24.00; P=0.150) for large PS-GMH. Conclusion PS-GMH was frequently observed in extremely preterm infants; however, it did not independently predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of both the presence and size of posterior subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage (PS-GMH), considered a mild form of hemorrhage, on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 extremely preterm infants, assessing their initial and term-equivalent age (TEA) cranial ultrasound (cUS) examinations from 2016 to 2021. Infants were classified based on the presence and size (small/large) of PS-GMH. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18-24 months were analyzed in 135 infants. Results: PS-GMH was identified in 86.9% (192/221) of the infants, with 13.5% (26/192) exhibiting large PS-GMH. Among the 135 infants who were followed up, those with PS-GMH were found to have younger gestational ages (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis (P=0.016) than those without PS-GMH. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade II intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial cUS (P=0.003) and ventriculomegaly at TEA cUS (P=0.026) across the groups with no PS-GMH, small PS-GMH, and large PS-GMH. The large PS-GMH group exhibited a higher occurrence of grade II IVH than the small PS-GMH group (P=0.006). However, ventriculomegaly incidence did not significantly vary with PS-GMH status. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were also not significantly different across PS-GMH statuses. The adjusted odds ratios for any neurodevelopmental impairment, compared to the no PS-GMH group, were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 7.26; P=0.471) for all PS-GMH, 1.61 (95% CI, 0.37 to 6.93; P=0.526) for small PS-GMH, and 3.84 (95% CI, 0.62 to 24.00; P=0.150) for large PS-GMH. Conclusion PS-GMH was frequently observed in extremely preterm infants; however, it did not independently predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of both the presence and size of posterior subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage (PS-GMH), considered a mild form of hemorrhage, on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 extremely preterm infants, assessing their initial and term-equivalent age (TEA) cranial ultrasound (cUS) examinations from 2016 to 2021. Infants were classified based on the presence and size (small/large) of PS-GMH. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18-24 months were analyzed in 135 infants. Results: PS-GMH was identified in 86.9% (192/221) of the infants, with 13.5% (26/192) exhibiting large PS-GMH. Among the 135 infants who were followed up, those with PS-GMH were found to have younger gestational ages (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis (P=0.016) than those without PS-GMH. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade II intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial cUS (P=0.003) and ventriculomegaly at TEA cUS (P=0.026) across the groups with no PS-GMH, small PS-GMH, and large PS-GMH. The large PS-GMH group exhibited a higher occurrence of grade II IVH than the small PS-GMH group (P=0.006). However, ventriculomegaly incidence did not significantly vary with PS-GMH status. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were also not significantly different across PS-GMH statuses. The adjusted odds ratios for any neurodevelopmental impairment, compared to the no PS-GMH group, were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 7.26; P=0.471) for all PS-GMH, 1.61 (95% CI, 0.37 to 6.93; P=0.526) for small PS-GMH, and 3.84 (95% CI, 0.62 to 24.00; P=0.150) for large PS-GMH. Conclusion PS-GMH was frequently observed in extremely preterm infants; however, it did not independently predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of both the presence and size of posterior subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage (PS-GMH), considered a mild form of hemorrhage, on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 extremely preterm infants, assessing their initial and term-equivalent age (TEA) cranial ultrasound (cUS) examinations from 2016 to 2021. Infants were classified based on the presence and size (small/large) of PS-GMH. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18-24 months were analyzed in 135 infants. Results: PS-GMH was identified in 86.9% (192/221) of the infants, with 13.5% (26/192) exhibiting large PS-GMH. Among the 135 infants who were followed up, those with PS-GMH were found to have younger gestational ages (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis (P=0.016) than those without PS-GMH. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade II intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial cUS (P=0.003) and ventriculomegaly at TEA cUS (P=0.026) across the groups with no PS-GMH, small PS-GMH, and large PS-GMH. The large PS-GMH group exhibited a higher occurrence of grade II IVH than the small PS-GMH group (P=0.006). However, ventriculomegaly incidence did not significantly vary with PS-GMH status. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were also not significantly different across PS-GMH statuses. The adjusted odds ratios for any neurodevelopmental impairment, compared to the no PS-GMH group, were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 7.26; P=0.471) for all PS-GMH, 1.61 (95% CI, 0.37 to 6.93; P=0.526) for small PS-GMH, and 3.84 (95% CI, 0.62 to 24.00; P=0.150) for large PS-GMH. Conclusion PS-GMH was frequently observed in extremely preterm infants; however, it did not independently predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of both the presence and size of posterior subependymal germinal matrix hemorrhage (PS-GMH), considered a mild form of hemorrhage, on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 extremely preterm infants, assessing their initial and term-equivalent age (TEA) cranial ultrasound (cUS) examinations from 2016 to 2021. Infants were classified based on the presence and size (small/large) of PS-GMH. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18-24 months were analyzed in 135 infants. Results: PS-GMH was identified in 86.9% (192/221) of the infants, with 13.5% (26/192) exhibiting large PS-GMH. Among the 135 infants who were followed up, those with PS-GMH were found to have younger gestational ages (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis (P=0.016) than those without PS-GMH. Significant differences were observed in the incidence of grade II intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial cUS (P=0.003) and ventriculomegaly at TEA cUS (P=0.026) across the groups with no PS-GMH, small PS-GMH, and large PS-GMH. The large PS-GMH group exhibited a higher occurrence of grade II IVH than the small PS-GMH group (P=0.006). However, ventriculomegaly incidence did not significantly vary with PS-GMH status. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were also not significantly different across PS-GMH statuses. The adjusted odds ratios for any neurodevelopmental impairment, compared to the no PS-GMH group, were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 7.26; P=0.471) for all PS-GMH, 1.61 (95% CI, 0.37 to 6.93; P=0.526) for small PS-GMH, and 3.84 (95% CI, 0.62 to 24.00; P=0.150) for large PS-GMH. Conclusion PS-GMH was frequently observed in extremely preterm infants; however, it did not independently predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are communal environments for patients with chronic diseases or older adults, making them particularly susceptible to significant harm during infectious disease outbreaks. Nonetheless, LTCFs have historically been subject to less stringent infection prevention and control (IPC) mandates. This study aimed to assess the current state of LTCFs and to develop an IPC system tailored for these facilities following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an online survey of 11,366 LTCFs in Korea from December 30, 2022 to January 20, 2023, to evaluate the components of IPC in LTCFs. The infectious diseases targeted for IPC included COVID-19, influenza, and scabies. Additionally, we compared institution-based and home-based long-term care insurance facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 3,537 (31.1%) LTCFs responded to the survey, comprising 1,819 (51.4%) institution-based and 1,718 (48.6%) home-based facilities. A majority (87.4%, 2,376/2,720) of these facilities experienced COVID-19 outbreaks. However, only 42.2% of home-based facilities, in contrast to 90.6% of institution-based facilities, were equipped to manage concurrent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, while 92.1% of institution-based facilities were capable of managing influenza, only 50.5% of home-based facilities could do the same. The incidence of scabies was significantly higher in institution-based facilities than in home-based ones (26.1 vs. 4.3%). Additionally, 88.7% of institution-based facilities managed scabies cases effectively, compared to only 42.1% of home-based facilities. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the LTCFs had a basic capacity to respond to infectious diseases. However, there were differences in response capabilities between institution-based facilities and home-based facilities.

Malrotation and midgut volvulus are surgical emergencies that commonly occur within the first month of life. The classic symptom is acute bilious vomiting, while nonspecific symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain may be present in older children. Malrotation can be associated with duodenal obstruction caused by an abnormal peritoneal fibrous band or congenital anomalies, such as an annular pancreas or a preduodenal portal vein. Volvulus can lead to bowel ischemia and a life-threatening condition, thus prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Diagnosis can be made through upper gastrointestinal series, ultrasonography, and CT, with ultrasonography being preferred as a screening tool due to its rapid and accurate diagnosis, without radiation exposure, in children. This pictorial essay discusses the key imaging findings and diagnostic approaches for malrotation and midgut volvulus, as well as diagnostic pitfalls based on actual cases.

MRI plays a crucial role in bone marrow (BM) assessment, and has very high sensitivity in diagnosing marrow disorders. However, for radiologists who may not frequently encounter pediatric imaging, distinguishing pathologic BM lesion from normal BM can be challenging.Conditions involving the BM in pediatric patients, such as leukemia and metastatic neuroblastoma, often manifest with diverse musculoskeletal symptoms and may be diagnosed using musculoskeletal MRI examinations. Accurate interpretation of pediatric MRI requires not only an understanding of the normal composition of BM but also an awareness of agerelated developmental changes in the marrow and familiarity with conditions that commonly involve pediatric BM. We aim to describe the composition of normal BM and outline the normal and abnormal MRI findings in pediatric BM. Additionally, we aim to present clinical cases of malignant BM disorders including leukemia, neuroblastoma metastasis, and other malignant BM disorders.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of new nurses’ critical thinking disposition and safety climate on medication safety competence. Methods: The subjects of this study were 141 new nurses working in a tertiary general hospital in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from May 23 to June 30, 2024 and were analyzed using SPSS Statistics/WIN 28.0, including descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Medication safety competence was significantly related to critical thinking disposition (r=.53, p<.001) and safety climate (r=.46, p<.001). Critical thinking disposition (β=.38, p<.001), safety climate (β=.29, p<.001), and clinical experience (β=.28, p<.001) were factors influencing medication safety competence among new nurses and the explanatory power of the model was explained 37.0%. Conclusion Critical thinking disposition, safety climate, and clinical experience affected new nurses’ medication safety competence. Therefore, enhancing critical thinking disposition and fostering a safety-oriented organizational culture can be essential for improving the medication safety competence of new nurses.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of new nurses’ critical thinking disposition and safety climate on medication safety competence. Methods: The subjects of this study were 141 new nurses working in a tertiary general hospital in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from May 23 to June 30, 2024 and were analyzed using SPSS Statistics/WIN 28.0, including descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Medication safety competence was significantly related to critical thinking disposition (r=.53, p<.001) and safety climate (r=.46, p<.001). Critical thinking disposition (β=.38, p<.001), safety climate (β=.29, p<.001), and clinical experience (β=.28, p<.001) were factors influencing medication safety competence among new nurses and the explanatory power of the model was explained 37.0%. Conclusion Critical thinking disposition, safety climate, and clinical experience affected new nurses’ medication safety competence. Therefore, enhancing critical thinking disposition and fostering a safety-oriented organizational culture can be essential for improving the medication safety competence of new nurses.