Implementing the Golden Hour Protocol to Improve the Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Infants

Purpose@#Since premature infants are sensitive to the changes in blood glucose levels and body temperature, maintaining these parameters is important to avoid the risk of infections. The authors implemented the Golden Hour protocol (GHP) that aims to close the final incubator within one hour of birth by implementing early treatment steps for premature infants after birth, such as maintaining body temperature, securing airway, and rapidly administering glucose fluid and prophylactic antibiotics by securing breathing and rapid blood vessels. This study investigated the effect of GHP application on the short- and long-term clinical outcomes. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records between 2017 and 2018 before GHP application and between 2019 and 2020 after GHP application in preterm infants aged 24 weeks or older and those aged less than 33 weeks who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. @*Results@#Overall, 117 GHP patients and 81 patients without GHP were compared and analyzed. Peripheral vascularization time and prophylactic antibiotic administration time were shortened in the GHP-treated group (P=0.007 and P=0.008). In the short-term results, the GHP-treated group showed reduced hypothermia upon arrival at the neonatal intensive care unit (P=0.002), and the blood glucose level at 1 hour of hospitalization was higher (P=0.012). Furthermore, the incidence of neonatal necrotizing enteritis decreased (P=0.043). As a long-term result, the incidence of BPD was reduced (P=0.004). @*Conclusion@#We confirmed that applying GHP improved short- and long-term clinical outcomes in premature infants aged <33 weeks age of gestation, and we expect to improve the treatment quality by actively using it for postnatal treatment.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants without Severe Brain Lesions and Impact of Postnatal Steroid Use: A Single-Center Korean Study

Purpose@#We used the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID)-III to analyze the incidence and risk factors of developmental delay in very-low-birth-weight infants without severe brain lesions. We further examined the correlation between the cumulative dexamethasone dose and developmental assessment results. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data of preterm infants (birth weight <1,500 g) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between January 2014 to December 2020. The BSID-III scores obtained between the corrected ages of 12 and 24 months and after 24 months were analyzed. Developmental delay was defined as a composite score of <85 for the cognition, language, and motor domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses of developmental delay risk factors and developmental changes from the first to second BSID-III were performed. Correlations between the accumulated dexamethasone dose used for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and the first and second test scores were analyzed. @*Results@#Seventy-one and thirty-six infants completed the first and second tests, respectively. In both tests, developmental delay was most commonly observed in the language domain (26.8%, 47.2%). In multivariate analysis, mild BPD was identified as a developmental delay risk factor (P<0.05), whereas prenatal steroid use reduced the developmental delay risk (P<0.05). All domain scores were lower in the second test than in the first test. The cognition and language domain scores in the second test decreased with increasing cumulative dexamethasone doses. @*Conclusion@#Very-low-birth-weight infants typically experience language delay, which can persist as they age.

A Rare Case of Oligodendroglioma in Sacrococcygeal Mature Teratoma Diagnosed in Preterm Infant

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common congenital tumor in neonates, and is reported in approximately 1/35,000 to 1/40,000 live births. Oligodendroglioma is a rare central nervous system tumor that is usually found in the cerebral hemisphere of young and middle aged adults. When associated with a teratoma, it is mainly identified in ovarian teratoma in adolescents and adults. We describe a rare case of a preterm infant with oligodendroglioma in a mature sacrococcygeal teratoma. The male neonate was born at a gestational age of 30 weeks with a protruding mass in the sacrococcygeal region. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a sacrococcygeal teratoma of approximately 11 cm comprising fat components and skeletal structure, that extended from the anterior part of the sacrum to the abdominal cavity. Radical resection was performed at 36 days of age. Macroscopically, the resected intra-abdominal mass had the characteristics of a cystic lesion, and the intrapelvic mass was a predominantly solid mixed cystic-solid lesion. Histologically, this solid lesion in the intrapelvic mass was composed of mature glial tissue, which comprised as a proliferation of monotonous cells with small and round nuclei, surrounded by a perinuclear halo (“fried egg” appearance). Additionally, these cells were immunohistochemically positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma in sacrococcygeal mature teratoma. After the treatment, no recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and no additional intervention was required. However, the patient is undergoing treatment for voiding dysfunction caused by a neurogenic bladder.

Perinatal Prognostic Factors for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Korean Single-Center Study

Purpose@#This study aimed to identify prognostic factors based on treatment outcomes for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at a single-center and to identify factors that may improve these outcomes. @*Methods@#Thirty-five neonates diagnosed with CDH between January 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postnatal factors were correlated and analyzed with postnatal clinical outcomes to determine the prognostic factors. Highest oxygenation index (OI) within 24 hours of birth was also calculated. Treatment strategy and outcome analysis of published literatures were also performed. @*Results@#Overall survival rate of this cohort was 60%. Four patients were unable to undergo anesthesia and/or surgery. Three patients who commenced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) post-surgery were non-survivors. Compared to the survivor group, the non-survivor group had a significantly higher occurrence of pneumothorax on the first day, need for high-frequency ventilator and inhaled nitric oxide use, and high OI within the first 24 hours. The non-survivor group showed an early trend towards the surgery timing and a greater number of patch closures. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.878 with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 92.9% at an OI cutoff value of 7.75. @*Conclusion@#OI within 24 hours is a valuable predictor of survival. It is expected that the application of ECMO based on OI monitoring may help improve the opportunity for surgical repair, as well as the prognosis of CDH patients.

Congenital Syphilis in Neonate: A Single Center Study for 10 Years

Purpose@#Syphilis infections are becoming more prevalent in the Republic of Korea, and inadequately treated syphilis can lead to congenital syphilis (CS) in newborns. This study aimed to analyze the clinical manifestations of syphilis in mothers and newborns and to make suggestions to improve disease prognosis. @*Methods@#This single-center study was performed between August 2009 and August 2019 and included 29 newborns with CS. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card test, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS), morbidity, and treatment regimen of all the syphilis-affected mothers and their newborns. @*Results@#At the time of delivery, mean maternal age was 29.0±6.1 years old, and newborn gestational age was 38.0 weeks. In cases when syphilis was confirmed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the newborn with CS had morbidity (p=0.004). The mean RPR titer was related to morbidity (p= 0.036). Positive results of FTA-ABS IgM (p<0.001) and pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (p= 0.020) also increase morbidity. The most common symptoms were desquamation and skin rash, followed by hepatomegaly, neurodevelopmental disability, and bone abnormalities. The highest number of CS cases per 1,000 live births in this hospital was in 2014. @*Conclusion@#CS is a preventable and treatable disease if physicians detect symptoms and provide appropriate treatment through RPR examinations during every trimester. General practitioners should be widely trained on various aspects including early detection, formal treatment, and regular follow-up. Additionally, medical services should be provided for the entire childbearing population regardless of the socioeconomic status.

Congenital Syphilis in Neonate: A Single Center Study for 10 Years

Purpose@#Syphilis infections are becoming more prevalent in the Republic of Korea, and inadequately treated syphilis can lead to congenital syphilis (CS) in newborns. This study aimed to analyze the clinical manifestations of syphilis in mothers and newborns and to make suggestions to improve disease prognosis. @*Methods@#This single-center study was performed between August 2009 and August 2019 and included 29 newborns with CS. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card test, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS), morbidity, and treatment regimen of all the syphilis-affected mothers and their newborns. @*Results@#At the time of delivery, mean maternal age was 29.0±6.1 years old, and newborn gestational age was 38.0 weeks. In cases when syphilis was confirmed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the newborn with CS had morbidity (p=0.004). The mean RPR titer was related to morbidity (p= 0.036). Positive results of FTA-ABS IgM (p<0.001) and pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (p= 0.020) also increase morbidity. The most common symptoms were desquamation and skin rash, followed by hepatomegaly, neurodevelopmental disability, and bone abnormalities. The highest number of CS cases per 1,000 live births in this hospital was in 2014. @*Conclusion@#CS is a preventable and treatable disease if physicians detect symptoms and provide appropriate treatment through RPR examinations during every trimester. General practitioners should be widely trained on various aspects including early detection, formal treatment, and regular follow-up. Additionally, medical services should be provided for the entire childbearing population regardless of the socioeconomic status.

Newly Diagnosed Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome Presenting with Rectal Polyposis in a Male Pediatric Patient: A Case Report / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Outcome of High Dose Ampicillin-Sulbactam and Colistin Combination Therapy for Treating Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: a Pilot Study

Purpose@#This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high dose ampicillin-sulbactam and colistin combination therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in the pediatric intensive care unit of Pusan National University Children's Hospital. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 17 pediatric patients with VAP caused by CRAB from June 2017 to August 2018. Ten (58.8%) patients were treated with high dose ampicillin-sulbactam and colistin combination therapy (combination therapy group), whereas 7 were treated with colistin only or with various combinations with or without colistin (other antibiotics group). Clinical and bacteriological outcomes were compared between the groups. @*Results@#The mean duration of fever after antibiotic use was 1.30±1.70 days in the combination therapy group and 1.71±1.49 days in the other antibiotics group. The mean duration of days for negative conversion of endotracheal aspirate bacterial culture afterantibiotic therapy was 3.40±1.71 days in the combination therapy group and 11.80±8.86 days in the other antibiotics group. The mortality rate within 30 days of antibiotic therapy was 1/10 (10%) in the combination therapy group and 3/7 (42.9%) in the other antibiotics group. @*Conclusions@#High dose ampicillin-sulbactam and colistin combination therapy as early antibiotic treatment in VAP caused by CRAB in children could improve clinical outcomes.

Survey on the consumer preference for the internet health information of the patients' online community members / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to obtain basic data required to plan and develop consumer-centered internet health information site for Korean population. METHODS: An internet survey was conducted on 5 internet patient community sites between 23 January and 5 February, 2007. A total of 958 surveys were completed and included in the study. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, and stepwise logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 12.0. RESULTS: According to our logistic regression analysis, the more internet usage, foreign country residents, members of breast cancer internet community, any workers except sales, and higher level of necessity/usefulness/reliability showed a higher Odds ratio for frequency of internet health information usage. Educational status, frequency of using internet, importance, necessity, usefulness, reliability of internet health information (p<.001), income, and satisfaction of internet health information (p<.05) were statistically significant in the frequency of internet health information usage. CONCLUSION: Above characteristics should be considered for planning to develop consumer-centered internet health information portals.

Prediction of Perceived Health Status on Job Stress and Family Stress with Middle School Teachers / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship among job stress, family stress and perceived health status of middle school teachers and to present basic information about promoting health and coping with stress. METHOD: Participants(N=547) was recruited in B city from November 2005 to December 2005. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression. RESULTS: The degree of job stress of the middle school teachers was 54.47 out of a total score of 88; that of family stress was 46.57 out of a total score of 96; and that of perceived health status was 78.59 out of the perfect score 100. There was a significantly negative relationship between job stress and perceived health status (r=-.274, p<.001), and family stress and perceived health status(r=-.408, p<.001). However, there was a positive relationship between job stress and family stress(r=.298, p<.001).Family stress, gender, charging subject, job stress, charging grade and number of family member was 27.1% of the variance in perceived health status of middle school teachers. CONCLUSION: Family stress has the most important impact on perceived health status with middle school teachers. Based on the finding, we could conclude that both job stress and family stress management shouldbe required to improve perceived health status.

The Preliminary Study on Music' Movement Program developed for Stroke Patients / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This research with one group pre-post design was carried out to test the practical feasibility to administrate the Music' Movement program developed for the stroke patients. SUBJECTS: 12 stroke survivors at J Public Health Center in Seoul. were participated in. The average age was 68 years old. the ratio of sex was almost 5.8 :4.2, the duration of was almost over 1 year. METHOD: Music' Movement program was conducted for 2 hours x 1day x 6 weeks. The contents of Music' Movement program were consisted of the preparatory activities, main activities and the wrap up activities. The preparatory activities are ice braking, greeting, explanation of the aims of music' movement program, and introduction of stroke disease and ROM exercise. The main activities are the body motions with singing and playing musical instruments. The wrap up activities are stretching and joints and discussion of home activities. Data Collection: The outcome variables are muscle strength, finger pinch power, ROMs. flexibility, depression, and life satisfaction. Depression was measured by CES-D(Kim, I. J., 1999), life satisfaction by ladder scale(McDowell & Newell. 1996), and ADL state (Holbrook & Skilbeck, 1983). Data Analysis: SPSS/PC 10.0 for Window was used. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to analyze outcome measures. The level of statistical significance was set at p .05. RESULTS: This program was effective to decrease the depression level of subjects(p .05). The muscle strength, hand grip power, ROMs, life satisfaction. and rehabilitation state of the subjects were slightly increased but no significant differences were found between the pre and post test. Additionally every patient replied that they were very satisfied and expressed their appreciation for this program very much. Of course they strongly want to continue to participate in and meet the peer group again. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, the practical feasibility of Music' Movement program can be supported. Therefore, this Music Movement program can be examined with the quasi-experimental design with control group and ongoing reviews. After that, this program would be applied in public health centers, medical institutes, and welfare centers for the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

The Need for Rehabilitation Day Care Program Service of Stroke Survivor's Family / 재활간호학회지

This study was carried out to find out the basic data required to plan and develop Rehabilitation Day Care Program for the stroke survivor's family in Korea. The subjects comprised of 92 stroke survivor's family who discharged from 4 hospitals in Seoul during the past 2 years. The data were collected from August 3. 1998 to September 18, 1998, through interviews with questionnaires about general characteristics, activities of daily living, depression and service need of rehabilitation day care program at the outpatient clinics by trained nursing graduates. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, and Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS/WIN 10.0 program. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The mean score of the general need of rehabilitation day care program of stroke survivor's family was 3.10(range 1-4). The highest need among the service categories of the rehabilitation day care program was self-care and restorative activities category(3.30). and health services referral category, recreation category, psychosocial activities category in order. The needs of each category are as follows. In the health services referral category, the need for dental examination and medical examination were highest, followed by the need for physical therapy and occupational therapy. In the psychosocial activities category, the need for family counselling was highest. In the self-care and restorative activities category, the need for ROM exercise training was highest, followed by bowel training, and ambulation training. 2. The need of family for rehabilitation day care program service displayed a correlation with the level of education. ADL. and the level of depression. and a reverse correlation with age, illness intrusiveness, depression, knowledge. subject and object burden and relationship with stroke survivors. 3. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed following results. For the need for rehabilitation day care program service. 22.6% of the variance was initially explained by level of family's knowledge about caring method for stroke survivors, 8.8% was the level of subjective burden and 5.4% was relationship with stroke survivors. In conclusion, above characteristics should be considered to develop stroke survivors' rehabilitation day care program.

The Need for Rehabilitation Day Care Program Service of Stroke Survivors / 재활간호학회지

This study was carried out to obtain basic data required to plan and develop Rehabilitation Day Care Program for the stroke survivors at home in Korea. The subjects comprised of 118 stroke survivors who discharged from 4 hospitals in Seoul during the past 2 years. The data were collected from August 3, 1998 to September 18, 1998, through interviews with questionnaires about general characteristics, activities of daily living, depression and service need of rehabilitation day care program at the outpatient clinics by trained nursing graduates. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, and Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS/WIN program. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The mean score of the general need of rehabilitation day care program of stroke survivors was 2.78(range 1-4). The highest need among the service categories of the rehabilitation day care program was self-care and restorative activities category, and health services referral category, recreation category, psychosocial activities category in order. The needs of each category are as follows ; 1) In the health services referral category, the need for speech therapy was highest, followed by the need for physical therapy and occupational therapy. 2) In the psychosocial activities category, the need for self-help group was highest. 3) In the self-care and restorative activities category, the need for bathing was highest, followed by bowel training, and ambulation training. 4) The need for the recreation category was 2.62. 2. Among the need for the effect related to the utilization of day care program, the need for survivors' physical and psychological well-being was highest and was followed by the need for caregiver's physical and psychological wellbeing. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed following results; 1. The need for rehabilitation day care program service displayed a correlation with the level of education, ADL, and the level of depression, and a reverse correlation with age. 2. The need for the effect related to the utilization of rehabilitation day care program displayed a correlation with the level of education, ADL, and the level of depression. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed following results; 1. For the need for rehabilitation day care program service, 28.4% of the variance was initially explained by one variable, level of depression. The level of depression plus two variables, survivors' age and ADL, explained 34.2% of the variance in the need for rehabilitation day care program service. 2. For the need for the effect related to the utilization of rehabiJitation day care program, 12.4% of the variance was initially explained by one variable, level of depression. The level of depression plus one variable, level of education, explained 20.4% of the variance in the need for the effect related to the utilization of rehabilitation day care program. In conclusion, above characteristics should be considered when we are planning to develop stroke survivors' rehabilitation day care program.