Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Transitional Circulation Period

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the transitional period from fetal to neonatal life, there are dramatic changes in the newborn circulation. Among these changes, the left ventricular diastolic function can be easily assessed by Doppler measurement of the mitral inflow. However, there are many physiologic and hemodynamic factors responsible for the mitral inflow. This study was designed to evaluate several parameters that represent the left ventricular function during the transitional circulation period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen normal full-term infants were studied by serial two-dimensional, Doppler and color flow echocardiography within 24 hours before and after birth, between 2 days and 6 days after birth and between 7 days and 30 days after birth). RESULTS: One day after birth, the mitral valve (MV) E velocity and E/A increased (37.9+/-7.5 vs. 60.3+/-9.0 and 0.8+/-0.1 vs. 1.1+/-0.1, p<0.01, respectively), but the MV A velocity, the velocity of propagation (Vp), the LV isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), the corrected IVRT and the tissue Doppler ventricular septum e' and s' did not change. Although Vp/E and a' decreased (1.2+/-0.3 vs. 0.7+/-0.2 and 8.2+/-1.8 vs. 6.5+/-1.7, p<0.05, respectively), the E/e' and the systolic and diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocities increased after birth (6.3+/-1.9 vs. 11.6+/-2.9, and 26.1+/-6.7 vs. 64.5+/-9.6, and 20.9+/-4.1 vs. 63.5+/-17.2, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased preload plays a key role for the increased MV E/A ratio after birth. Other unknown factors (and possibly including pericardial restriction) may be also responsible for left ventricular diastolic function.

Clinical Characteristics of Neonatal Seizures / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: Neonatal seizures are major morbidities of various neurological insults in neonates and have the predictive value for neurodevelopmental outcome. Nevertheless, it is difficult to detect seizures in this period and to verify underlying causes. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of neonatal seizures and proved the role of brain MRI in detection of underlying neurological insults. METHODS:Twenty-four patients(M:F=7:17) with neonatal seizures are recruited among 1,157 neonates born between Mar. 2004 and Jan. 2005. Seizure types are classified based upon Volpe's criteria. Retrospective reviews of medical records and interictal electroencephalograms are performed. RESULTS:Subtle seizure is the most common seizure type(9 patients:37.5%). In 4 patients, two types of seizures are noted. Among 20 patients with brain ultrasound, thirteen patients show normal findings. In contrast, out of 16 patients with brain MRI, fourteen patients have abnormal findings. Among 13 patients with normal brain ultrasound, seven patients have abnormal findings in brain MRI. Abnormal background activities of interictal electroencephalograms are noted in twenty one patients(87.5%). Subsequent seizures are detected in 3 patients. CONCLUSION:Clinical features of neonatal seizures are variable, and more than two types of seizures can be noted in one patient. Background activity of the electroencephalogram may help in diagnosis of neonatal seizures and Brain MRI should be considered in detection of underlying cause.

A Case of Vascular Ring Associated with Tracheitis Due to Type b Haemophilus influenzae

Vascular ring, originating from abnormal regression of the aortic arch during fetal life, can cause prolonged and recurrent respiratory symptoms and dysphagia when the diagnosis is delayed. We report a 4 month old girl with vascular ring, who had been treated for persistent respiratory symptoms including stridor, wheezing, and dyspnea soon after birth. Initially her respiratory symptoms were thought to be due to bronchiolitis, for which respiratory syncytial virus was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. Her clinical course was again complicated with tracheitis and pneumonia due to Haemophilus influenzae type b. The possibility of anatomical anomaly was investigated when it was felt to be difficult to insert a suction catheter deep down through a endotracheal tube which was placed for adequate ventilatory management. A three-dimensional chest CT revealed a vascular ring consisting of a double aortic arch. For 5 months following surgery, her respiratory symptoms have slowly been improving. She developed another episode of pneumonia which was milder than the one which occurred before the surgery.

A Clinical Study on Varicella zoster Virus Infection, Relating Factors and Treatment in Pediatric Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: We performed this study to contribute to the prevention and treatment of Varicella zoster virus infection in pediatric cancer patients through understanding of VZV infection, acyclovir efficacy and varicella vaccination. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by reviewing chart from January 1988 to January 2001. RESULTS: The diseases among 19 cases were leukemia. 12 cases were solid tumors. Fourteen of leukemic patients were in maintenance chemotherapy, two in off chemotherapy, one in remission state, and two in the intensification when infected by VZV. There were 25 males and 6 females. The average age was 5.1 +/- 1.9 years in the chicken pox(CP) group and 6.5 +/- 3.1 years in the herpes zoster(HZ) group. The mean time of acyclovir treatment was 9.0 +/- 2.4 days and 9.4 +/- 2.9 days, respectively. Acyclovir was very effective. However, 2 patients showed slight increase of ALT/ AST. The HZ group had a more varicella infection history than the CP group. In the CP group, four patients had a history of varicella vaccination. In the HZ group, one patient of two who were without an infection history had a vaccination history. CONCLUSIONS: The most common therapeutic phase when infected was maintenance therapy. The prevalence of CP was higher in a lower age group than the HZ group and the mean time of acyclovir treatment was 9.2 days. All patients were cured. Despite a higher infection history in the HZ group, because of the history of varicella vaccination, we concluded that varicella vaccination can not prevent VZV infection. However, further investigation is necessary for the effect of vaccination on the manifestation.

A Case of Jejuno-jejunal Intussusception in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in two thirds of children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and intussusception is by far the most common abdominal complication. Intussusception in HSP almost originates in the small bowel, which is in contrast with idiopathic intussusception. Earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment of intra-abdominal complications can reduce the mortality and ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice in evaluation the bowel manifestations of HSP. We report a case of jejuno-jejunal intussusception associated with HSP in a 5-year-old boy who presented with diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting after a few days of HSP onset. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated intussusception in the jejunum with well defined target appearance because of the thickened intussusceptum, which disappeared on the computerized tomographic examination checked approximately 24 hours later. A brief review of literature was made.