Risk factors of allergic sensitization in preschool children with chronic cough

PURPOSE: Chronic cough is one of the major symptoms of asthma and allergic sensitization and may appear prior to the onset of asthma. The object of this study was to investigate the risk of allergic sensitization in preschool children with chronic cough. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 99 preschool children presenting with chronic cough but not with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, recurrent wheezing, or lower respiratory tract infection between November 2011 and July 2013. RESULTS: Fifty-four children (55%) were sensitized at least one of the following inhalant allergens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, cockroach, Alternaria alternata, dog dander, and cat epithelium. Children with allergic sensitization had a higher blood total IgE levels transformed by common logarithm (1.9+/-0.6 IU/mL vs. 1.3+/-0.5 IU/mL, P<0.001) and eosinophils (3.7%+/-2.5% vs. 2.7%+/-2.0%, P=0.043), more frequent parental history of allergy (68% vs. 48%, P=0.044) and less frequent history of breast milk feeding (68% vs. 86%, P=0.041) than those without. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the ratio of allergic sensitization may be 50% or more in preschool children with chronic cough and that parental history of allergy and formula milk feeding may be associated with allergic sensitization.

Prevalence of Voiding Dysfunction and Constipation in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

PURPOSE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with impairments in frontal inhibitory function and the catecholaminergic system. ADHD is diagnosed in 3-5% of children. Children with ADHD seem develop various forms of urinary problems such as nocturnal enuresis, dysfunctional voiding, and diurnal incontinence. However, no data exist to confirm the presence of these problems in Korean children with ADHD. We investigated the clinical findings of voiding dysfunction in children with ADHD. METHODS: Between October 2009 and March 2011, a total of 63 children (33 with ADHD, 30 with an upper respiratory infection, as a control group) were enrolled. ADHD was diagnosed using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-IV criteria. A comprehensive survey of voiding and defecation was administered. RESULTS: The patient group included 28 boys and 5 girls; the control group comprised 20 boys and 10 girls. The mean age was 9.09+/-2.8 years in the ADHD group and 8.58+/-3.1 years in the control group. Children with ADHD had a statistically significantly higher incidence of urgency (P=0.017), urge incontinence (P=0.033), and constipation (P=0.045). There was no significant difference in the incidence of straining, intermittency, holding maneuvers, or nocturnal enuresis. CONCLUSION: Children with ADHD in Korea have significantly higher rates of urgency, urge incontinence, and constipation than those without ADHD.

A Case of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Encephalitis of a Newborn Delivered by a Mother without Prenatal Screening / 대한주산의학회잡지

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a rare disease nowadays because of prenatal screening test and management. It shows progressive central nervous system manifestations affecting predominantly temporal and frontal lobes. Early diagnosis of HSV encephalitis is important since even with the early initiation of high-dose intravenous acyclovir therapy, it results in serious morbidity among survivors. A 14-day-old neonate with fever and poor oral intake was admitted via emergency department. The next day she had seizures and the brain was damaged with permanent sequelae despite of early administration of intravenous acyclovir on day 2 of admission. We report a serious case of HSV encephalitis diagnosed as type 2 HSV by polymerase chain reaction and culture of a newborn without proper prenatal screening test.