PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak at a newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).METHODS: During the outbreak, from August to September 2017, MRSA isolates collected from neonates and medical staff underwent genotyping and screened for virulence factors. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested.RESULTS: During the study period, 41 neonates were admitted at the nursery (n=27) and NICU (n=14). Of these, 7 had MRSA infections (skin infection [n=6] and sepsis [n=1]) and 4 were colonized with MRSA. Associated medical staff (n=32) were screened; three were nasal MRSA carriers. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type II, sequence type (ST) 89, spa type t375 was found to be the skin infection outbreak causing strain, with multi-drug resistance including low-level mupirocin resistance. SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, and a novel spa type designated t17879, was the cause of MRSA sepsis. Many different types of MRSA were colonized on the neonates; however, SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, spa type t664 was colonized in both neonates and a NICU nurse. All MRSA isolates from colonized infants were positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin gene.CONCLUSIONS: The strain causing an outbreak of skin infections had multi-drug resistance. Also, MRSA colonized in the neonates were found to carry the PVL toxin gene. Because different strains are present during an outbreak, molecular epidemiologic studies are important to identify the outbreak strain and colonized strains which aid in effective control and prevention of future MRSA outbreaks.
Colon ; Disease Outbreaks ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Leukocidins ; Medical Staff ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Mupirocin ; Nurseries ; Sepsis ; Skin ; Virulence Factors

PURPOSE: Food allergies are adverse immune reactions to food. Despite their importance, there have only been a few studies conducted on situations that may cause food allergies in Korean children. This study aims to obtain basic data that are necessary to provide information on food allergies to both patients and caregivers. METHODS: In this study, a survey was conducted on 97 caregivers of patients below 18 years old. The patients' situation upon occurrence of food allergy was examined by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 89.7% of the patients were at 6 years of age or younger. The most common allergens were eggs (37%) and milk (28%) in a total of 163 cases, including multiple responses. Skin symptoms were most common (77.8%). At the time of occurrence, 85% of the patients were with their parents. As for the exposure place, house was 65%, followed by restaurant (16%), nursery (7%), and relative's or neighbor's house (4%). Exclusive of unknown cases, the most common reason of exposure was the caregiver giving the food to the patient for reconfirmation (13.6%). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the understanding of food allergies based on this research will assist in the management of patients with food allergies.
Allergens ; Caregivers* ; Child ; Education ; Eggs ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Milk ; Nurseries ; Ovum ; Parents ; Restaurants ; Skin

This study compared the Center for Children's Foodservice Management in 2012, 2014, and 2016 using big data and opinion mining. The data on the Center for Children's Foodservice Management were collected from the portal site, Naver, from January 1 to December 31 in 2012, 2014, & 2016 and analyzed by keyword frequency analysis, influx route analysis of data, polarity analysis via opinion mining, and positive and negative keyword analysis by polarity analysis. The results showed that nursery had the highest rank every year and education supported by Center for Children's Foodservice Management has increased significantly. The influx of data has increased through the influx route analysis of data. Blog and cafée, which have a considerable amount of information by the mother should be helpful for use as public relations and participation recruitment paths. By polarity analysis using opinion mining, the positive image of the Center for Children's Foodservice Management was increased. Therefore, the Center for Children's Foodservice Management was well-suited to the purpose and the interests of the people has been increasing steadily. In the near future, the Center for Children's Foodservice Management is expected have good recognition if various programs to participate with family are developed and advertised.
Education ; Humans ; Mining* ; Mothers ; Nurseries ; Public Relations

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether late preterm twin neonates have a more favorable perinatal outcome than singleton late preterm neonates. METHODS: We studied 401 late preterm births between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation, from January 2011 to December 2014 in our institution. We compared the maternal and neonatal characteristics and perinatal outcomes between singleton and twin pregnancies. Perinatal outcomes included Apgar score, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery, duration of NICU stay, and the rate of composite morbidity (antibiotic use, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, respiratory support, and respiratory distress syndrome). RESULTS: A total of 289 neonates were in the singleton group and 112 in the twin group. The twin group showed smaller mean birth weight despite of longer gestational age at delivery. In addition, there were significant differences in the indication of delivery and cesarean section rate between the 2 groups. Overall, the risk of composite morbidity was similar between 2 groups (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 2.4). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that late preterm twins do not show a more favorable outcome than singleton late preterm births.
Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Hypocalcemia ; Hypoglycemia ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Nurseries ; Perinatal Care ; Phototherapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Premature Birth* ; Twins*

BACKGROUND: The introduction of rotavirus vaccines has decreased the prevalence of rotavirus infections and might have changed the distribution of rotavirus genotypes. However, neonates are not eligible for vaccination and, therefore, are at risk for rotavirus infection while in the hospital nursery or neonatal intensive care unit. Our aim was to evaluate the shift of genotypes of group A rotavirus strains among neonates cared for in two geographically distant hospitals in Korea. METHODS: Analysis of rotavirus P and G genotypes was performed for 63 neonates (27 neonates in Seoul and 36 neonates in Busan) admitted to two hospitals between 2011 and 2013. RESULTS: Among the 63 tested neonates less than one month of age, 61 (96.8%) were infected with genotype G4P[6]. CONCLUSION: This study identified G4P[6] as the most frequently isolated genotypes among neonates in Korea; therefore, prevention of the G4P[6] genotype should be considered for neonates.
Genotype* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Korea ; Nurseries ; Nurseries, Hospital ; Prevalence* ; Rotavirus Infections ; Rotavirus Vaccines ; Rotavirus* ; Seoul ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND: In view of the increasing prevalence of food allergies, there has been an associated increase in frequency of situations requiring an emergency response for anaphylaxis at the home, childcare facilities and educational institutions. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the situation of adrenaline auto-injector administration in nursery/kindergarten/school, we carried out a questionnaire survey on pediatric physicians in Western Japan. METHODS: In 2015, self-reported questionnaires were mailed to 421 physicians who are members of the West Japan Research Society Pediatric Clinical Allergy and Shikoku Research Society Pediatric Clinical Allergy. RESULTS: The response rate was 44% (185 physicians) where 160 physicians had a prescription registration for the adrenaline auto-injector. In the past year, 1,330 patients were prescribed the adrenaline auto-injector where 83 patients (6% of the prescribed patients) actually administered the adrenaline auto-injector, of which 14 patients (17% of the administered patients) self-administered the adrenaline auto-injector. “Guardians” at the nursery/kindergarten and elementary school were found to have administered the adrenaline auto-injector the most. Among 117 adrenaline auto-injector prescription-registered physicians, 79% had experienced nonadministration of adrenaline auto-injector at nursery/kindergarten/school when anaphylaxis has occurred. The most frequent reason cited for not administering the adrenaline auto-injector was “hesitation about the timing of administration.” CONCLUSION: If the adrenaline auto-injector was administered after the guardian arrived at the nursery/kindergarten/school, it may lead to delayed treatment of anaphylaxis in which symptoms develop in minutes. Education and cooperation among physicians and nursery/kindergarten/school staff will reduce the number of children suffering unfortunate outcomes due to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis ; Child ; Education ; Emergencies ; Epinephrine ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Japan ; Nurseries ; Postal Service ; Prescriptions ; Prevalence

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the effect of direct practice of newborn health assessment on nursing student's clinical competence and self-efficacy and to propose effective strategies for clinical education on newborn care. METHODS: Design was a nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental study. The direct practice program was composed of a lecture, demonstration, drill and feedback using a manikin, and repeated direct practice regarding newborn health assessment. Participants were 65 student nurses taking the pediatric nursing practicum in the nursery room at M hospital. The experimental group (n=33) participated in the direct practice program for newborn health assessment and the control group (n=32) received the traditional practice method. Nursing clinical competence was assessed by two nurse investigators and structured questionnaires were used to measure self-efficacy. RESULTS: The experimental group's clinical competence was significantly higher than that of the control group (t=-4.82, p=.000). However no significant difference was found between the two groups for self-efficacy (t=1.264, p=.211). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the direct practice program is effective in improving nursing student's clinical competence, but it was not effective in increasing self-efficacy. Direct practice in various clinical education settings is recommended and longitudinal effects be evaluated.
Clinical Competence* ; Education ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Manikins ; Nurseries ; Nursing* ; Pediatric Nursing ; Research Personnel

PURPOSE: In some countries with high smoking prevalence, smoke-free legislation has only been implemented in specific public places, as opposed to a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public places. The purpose of this study was to provide valid data on second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure that reflect the consequences of incomplete smoke-free legislation, and provide a rationale for expanding this legislation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indoor and outdoor environmental exposure (fine particulate matter [PM2.5], air nicotine, and dust 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone [NNK]) was monitored in 35 public places where smoking is prohibited by law in Goyang, Republic of Korea. Biomarkers of SHS exposure (urinary cotinine, hair nicotine, and urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) were measured in 37 non-smoking employees. Geometric means and standard deviations were used in comparison of each measure. RESULTS: Considerable exposure of SHS was detected at all indoor monitoring sites (PM2.5, 95.5 mug/m3 in private educational institutions; air nicotine, 0.77 mug/m3 in large buildings; and dust NNK, 160.3 pg/mg in large buildings); environmental measures were higher in private or closed locations, such as restrooms. Outdoor measures of SHS exposure were lowest in nurseries and highest in government buildings. Biochemical measures revealed a pattern of SHS exposure by monitoring site, and were highest in private educational institutions. CONCLUSION: The evidence of SHS exposure in legislative smoke-free places in Korea suggests that incomplete smoke free legislation and lack of enforcement of it might not protect people from exposure to smoke. Therefore, active steps should be taken toward a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public places and its enforcement.
Biological Markers ; Cotinine ; Dust ; Environmental Exposure ; Environmental Health ; Hair ; Health Policy ; Jurisprudence ; Korea ; Nicotine ; Nurseries ; Particulate Matter ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

Neonatology in pediatrics became a part of medical school curricula in Korea in 1954-1959. Specific treatments and procedures in the neonatal field were adopted around this period, for example, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and the exchange transfusion procedure were established in 1950-1960. Usage of an infant incubator was implemented along with the establishment in 1960. The trend of separation between a premature infant care unit and newborn nursery room enabled the specialized treatment of high-risk infants in the 1970s. Assisted ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure and phototherapy was initiated in 1978. The recent concept of a neonatal intensive care unit was established in 1980, and it made so-called neonatal intensive care such as mechanical ventilation and intensive monitoring available. The Korean Society of Neonatology was founded in 1993. The usage of pulmonary surfactant in the 1990s, accelerated the improvement of respiratory distress syndrome survival, and it resulted in the nationwide opening of neonatal intensive care unit in hospitals. The high frequency ventilator and inhaled nitric oxide were introduced in the 2000s. The Korean Neonatal Network was commenced as a nationwide systemic database for very low birth weight infant registry in 2010. Accordingly, the history of Korean neonatology can be summarized as 50 years in total, and 35 years in a narrow sense. During this era, neonatal care in Korea has improved remarkably and has achieved a great survival rate for high-risk neonates, preterm infants, and micro-premies. In this review, we intend to provide an overview of the history, efforts, and outcomes of Korean neonatology activity that have led to these achievements.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ; Curriculum ; Humans ; Incubators, Infant ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Korea* ; Neonatology* ; Nitric Oxide ; Nurseries ; Oxygen ; Pediatrics ; Phototherapy ; Pulmonary Surfactants ; Respiration, Artificial ; Schools, Medical ; Survival Rate ; Ventilation ; Ventilators, Mechanical

PURPOSE: We performed an analysis of the RSV outbreak in a postpartum center in Gyeongsangbukdo to provide preliminary data for health and hygiene management of postpartum care centers. METHODS: All of 22 newborns who were transferred to our hospital from a postpartum care center from December 2014 to January 2015 showed positive for RSV by viral culture and enrolled in the study group. To identify early symptoms in RSV infected newborn in the nursery 31 infants (1 month to 24 month of age) who were hospitalized in our hospital due to RSV infection during the same period were selected as control group and clinical symptoms were compared with the study group. A retrospective study was also performed on the newborns who were cared and not transferred to our hospital in the postpartum care center, as well as the facilities offered by the center. RESULTS: All of 22 neonatal patients who were transferred to our hospital had early symptoms of rhinorrhea and cough compared to control group. Rhinorrhea appeared 4.2±2.0 days before the admission, and cough occurred 1.0±1.1 days after rhinorrhea. The level of infection control specified by the law for general facilities relating to postpartum care centers was applied to the postpartum center, RSV infection was not controlled. Strict hand washing, individual equipment such as stethoscopes and exclusion of visitors with respiratory symptoms were done and infected neonates were segregated in separate air circulation system and cared by nurse-infant ratios from 1:1 to 1:2 depending on the needs of the individual neonates. Additional transmission was not observed after transfer to our hospital CONCLUSION: Neonates with cough and rhinorrhea were initial symptom for RSV infection in the postpartum center and should be evaluated for RSV infection during high risk season. Current guideline or support for infection control in postpartum center should be reevaluated for RSV infection control.
Cough ; Disease Outbreaks ; Gyeongsangbuk-do* ; Hand Disinfection ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infection Control ; Jurisprudence ; Nurseries ; Postnatal Care* ; Postpartum Period* ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Stethoscopes