Neonatologist-Performed Cranial Ultrasonography in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Cranial ultrasound (CUS) is an initial screening imaging tool used to evaluate the neonatal brain. It is an accessible, inexpensive, and harmless technique that can be used at bedside as frequently as required. Timely focused CUS in the neonatal care unit can play a major role in the diagnosis, follow-up, and management of brain damage. Despite the increasing use of point-of-care ultrasonography by intensive care physicians, neonatologist-performed CUS remains unusual. This review aims to provide an overview of neonatal CUS to neonatologists, focusing on the optimal settings, standard planes of the brain, and main pathologies in preterm infants. Adding Doppler studies allows evaluation of the patency of intracranial arteries and veins, flow velocities, and indices. This may provide an opportunity for earlier targeted circulatory support to prevent brain injury and improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

A satisfaction survey of toxicological laboratory: Survey of regional and local emergency medical centers

Purpose@#The purpose of this study is to find out the current status of toxicology laboratory operated by six locations nationwide and to investigate the satisfaction of emergency medical professionals who working at local and regional emergency medical centers. @*Methods@#This survey was conducted prospective. It was conducted on 665 emergency medical professionals working at regional and regional emergency medical centers across the South Korea. Among them, the analysis was conducted with data that 510 emergency medical professionals who respond to this survey. The questionnaire was conducted on an online basis for a month. To ensure statistical significance, consider a dropout rate of 10% based on a minimum response recovery rate of 70%. 506 people were selected for the survey. @*Results@#According to a survey on the status of addiction analysis room usage, the average monthly usage of addiction test rooms among respondents were 406 cases.71.0 cases (17.4%) of toxicology laboratory in Seoul and 71 cases (17.4%) in Gwangju. 32 cases (7.8%), 118 cases (29.0%) requested by toxicology laboratory in Busan, and the toxicology laboratory in Daegu. Eighty two cases (20.1%), Daejeon area 25 cases (6.1%), Wonju area toxicology laboratory was 78 (19.6%). According to a survey on the satisfaction of the addiction analysis room,Seoul (4.9±2.71) and Gwangju (4.8±2.52) showed high satisfaction. @*Conclusion@#Due to the limited operation time of the four addiction analysis rooms currently in operation, the satisfaction level of addiction analysis by emergency medical professionals in the area is low due to the delay until the result is notified.

Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Children at a Single Center from 2002 to 2016

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Korean children. METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from the medical records of the patients with S. aureus bacteremia ≤18 years of age in Gil Medical Center from 2002 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 212 SAB cases were detected. The annual incidence of SAB from 2002 to 2016 ranged from 0.77 to 1.95 per 1,000 patients hospitalized. The neonate group (<28 days of age) and the pediatric group (28–18 years of age) were 51.4% (n=109) and 48.6% (n=103), respectively. According to the origin of infection, there were 93 cases (43.9%) of community-associated (CA)-SAB and 119 cases (56.1%) of healthcare-associated (HA)-SAB. The rates of HA-SAB among the neonate group and among the pediatric group were 64.2% and 47.6%, respectively (P=0.015). There was no difference in complications between CA-SAB and HA-SAB, but mortality was higher in HA-SAB. The proportion of methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) was the highest in neonates (88.1%), decreased with age, and was 36.4%–37.5% among children aged ≥5 years. The MRSA proportion was 72.2%, showing no consistent trend over the period. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of SAB and the proportion of MRSA in SAB remained constant in the recent 15 years in children. Judicious decision of antimicrobial agents for treatment considering the patient's age and the origin of infection is necessary.

Comparison of etiology and clinical presentation between children with laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis and croup

PURPOSE: Croup, a common childhood respiratory illness with various severities, has many unanswered questions. Laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis (LTBP) is a disease entity considered to be an extension of croup to the lower respiratory tract. The object of this study was to compare epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and viral etiologic spectrum between croup and LTBP. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with croup at Gachon University Gil Hospital from January 2010 to April 2016 were recruited. LTBP was defined as pneumonia confirmed on radiographs of patients with croup. Clinical findings and demographic data were reviewed of patients whose nasopharyngeal swabs were done for viral analysis. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients with only croup and 63 patients with LTBP were included. Croup was found to be significantly associated with parainfluenza virus type 1 (P=0.006). LTBP was related to parainfluenza virus type 3, respiratory syncytial virus, and human bocavirus (P=0.001, P=0.030, and P=0.019, respectively). The duration of fever was longer in patients with LTBP than in those with croup (3.87±1.85 days vs. 2.86±1.80 days, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Specific etiologic viruses might be associated with the progression from croup to LTBP. Pronged fever is also associated with progression from croup to LTBP.

Serotype Distribution of Invasive Group B Streptococcal Diseases in Infants at Two University Hospitals in Korea

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at analyzing the serotypes of group B streptococcus (GBS) isolated from Korean infants with invasive disease and evaluating their association with disease manifestation. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from invasive GBS infections at Gachon University Gil Medical Center from January 2006 to June 2012 and at Samsung Medical Center from April 2010 to November 2012. Serotypes were determined by slide agglutination test. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were identified, which included 22 full-term infants and 15 preterm infants. Fifteen cases (40.5%) were early-onset, 19 (51.4%) was late-onset, and three (8.1%) was very late-onset. Early-onset diseases among preterm infants were higher than those among full-term infants (60.0% [9/15] vs. 27.3% [6/22], P =0.17). The most common manifestation was bacteremia (70.3%), followed by meningitis and septic arthritis. Among 24 isolates retrievable for serotyping, serotype III (41.7%) was most common, followed by V (16.7%), Ia, Ib, and II (12.5%, respectively), and non-typeable (4.2%). Serotype III was more common in isolates from full-term infants (10/22) than from preterm infants (0/15), whereas serotype V was more common in isolates from preterm infants (4/15) than from full-term infants (0/22) (P =0.002). No penicillin-resistant strain was detected, and resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were both 64.9%. CONCLUSIONS: GBS is an important pathogen in both preterm and full-term infants, and serotype distribution of GBS causing invasive diseases can differ between preterm and full-term infants. It is necessary to monitor the nationwide epidemiology of GBS diseases, including in preterm infants, in order to prepare preventive measures without underestimating early-onset diseases.

Significance of Lupus Anticoagulant in Children with Prolonged Prothrombin Time/activated Partial Thromboplastin Time / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: The prolongation of prothrombin time (PT)/activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in vitro occurs from various causes and lupus anticoagulant (LA) is one of them. This study was performed to investigate the association between prolonged PT/aPTT and LA in children.METHODS: This study included 66 subjects, who showed prolonged PT/aPTT on routine examination and screening test prior to an invasive procedure. LA was investigated in subjects with only PT prolongation, only aPTT prolongation, and PT/aPTT prolongation. The aPTT prolongation subjects were subdivided into more prolonged (≥60 sec) and less prolonged (39.6≤aPTT<60 sec). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of LA in PT or aPTT prolongation was evaluated by ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve.RESULTS: The frequency of LA positivity was 60.6% in PT or aPTT prolongation subjects. The frequency and titer of LA were higher in the order of prolonged PT group, prolonged aPTT group, and prolonged PT/aPTT (P<0.01). The frequency and titer of LA were higher in more prolonged aPTT group than less prolonged group (P<0.01). The accuracy of sensitivity and specificity of LA in cases with PT prolongation was low (area under the ROC curve was 0.68), however, was high (0.89) in cases with aPTT prolongation. The sensitivity and specificity of LA in predicting aPTT prolongation time of more than 42.9 sec were 0.83 and 1.00, respectively.CONCLUSION: PT was less affected than aPTT by LA and aPTT prolongation could more accurately predict LA existence. A large portion of PT or aPTT prolongation found in children without obvious past or family history of bleeding, especially accompanying infectious disease, might be associated with LA.

Significance of Lupus Anticoagulant in Children with Prolonged Prothrombin Time/activated Partial Thromboplastin Time / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: The prolongation of prothrombin time (PT)/activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in vitro occurs from various causes and lupus anticoagulant (LA) is one of them. This study was performed to investigate the association between prolonged PT/aPTT and LA in children. METHODS: This study included 66 subjects, who showed prolonged PT/aPTT on routine examination and screening test prior to an invasive procedure. LA was investigated in subjects with only PT prolongation, only aPTT prolongation, and PT/aPTT prolongation. The aPTT prolongation subjects were subdivided into more prolonged (≥60 sec) and less prolonged (39.6≤aPTT<60 sec). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of LA in PT or aPTT prolongation was evaluated by ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve. RESULTS: The frequency of LA positivity was 60.6% in PT or aPTT prolongation subjects. The frequency and titer of LA were higher in the order of prolonged PT group, prolonged aPTT group, and prolonged PT/aPTT (P<0.01). The frequency and titer of LA were higher in more prolonged aPTT group than less prolonged group (P<0.01). The accuracy of sensitivity and specificity of LA in cases with PT prolongation was low (area under the ROC curve was 0.68), however, was high (0.89) in cases with aPTT prolongation. The sensitivity and specificity of LA in predicting aPTT prolongation time of more than 42.9 sec were 0.83 and 1.00, respectively. CONCLUSION: PT was less affected than aPTT by LA and aPTT prolongation could more accurately predict LA existence. A large portion of PT or aPTT prolongation found in children without obvious past or family history of bleeding, especially accompanying infectious disease, might be associated with LA.

Hepatitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Korean children: a prospective study / 소아과

PURPOSE: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection is a major cause of respiratory infection in school-aged children. Extrapulmonary manifestations of MP infection are common, but liver involvement has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of MP-associated hepatitis. METHODS: This prospective study included 1,044 pediatric patients with MP infection diagnosed serologically with MP IgM at one medical center from January 2006 to December 2012. Eighty of these patients had elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), each greater than 50 IU/L, without any other specific liver disorder and were compared with the 964 children without liver disorders. RESULTS: In total, 7.7% of patients with MP infection had a diagnosis of hepatitis, especially in fall and winter. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.7:1, and the mean age of the patients was 5 years and 5 months. The most common symptoms were cough, fever, and sputum. Anorexia was the most common gastrointestinal symptom, followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Mean levels of AST and ALT were 100.65 IU/L and 118.73 IU/L, respectively. Serum AST/ALT level was normalized within 7.5 days on average without complications. The mean duration of hospitalization (11.3 days) was longer for children with hepatitis than for those without hepatitis (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: MP-associated hepatitis is not uncommon and has a relatively good prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should be concerned about liver involvement in MP infection but avoid further unnecessary evaluation of hepatitis associated with MP.

Clinical presentations of Chlamydia pneumoniae in children hospitalized for acute respiratory infections: a comparison to Mycoplasma pneumonia

PURPOSE: Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common intracellular bacterial pathogen and plays an important role in acute respiratory infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical presentations of C. pneumoniae in children with acute respiratory infections. METHODS: We examined the medical records of pediatric patients (age<18 years) admitted with acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae to Gachon University Gil Medical Center between March 1, 2011 and August 31, 2014. We compared the clinical features of C. pneumoniae infection with that of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. RESULTS: We confirmed acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae in 110 patients out of 2,156 patients (5.1%) admitted with acute respiratory infections. The mean age was 37.2+/-30.1 months. More than half of them (54.5%) had coinfection. C. pneumoniae infection had mild and subacute courses. The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 8.5+/-13.8 days. There were remarkable seasonal variations and prevalence was higher in December and April (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Although rhinorrhea and pharyngeal injection were more common in C. pneumoniae infection (P<0.05), clinical signs and symptoms were similar between C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. Extrapulmonary manifestations such as skin lesion, Gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatitis, and neurologic symptoms were common (41.0%) in C. pneumoniae infection and, had similar incidence in M. pneumoniae infection. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae is an important infectious agent of acute respiratory infections in children. Clinical pictures of C. pneumoniae are similar to M. pneumoniae, even in extrapulmonary manifestations. C. pneumoniae should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of acute respiratory infection in children.

The Impact of Fluid Therapy Strategies on Nonoliguric Hyperkalemia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in the incidence and clinical characteristics of nonoliguric hyperkalemia (NOHK), together with plasma potassium levels, according to the fluid therapy strategies for extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs) during the first few days of life. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled ELBWIs. We analyzed the occurrence of NOHK, plasma potassium levels, other biochemical data, and fluid balances according to historically controlled strategies such as conventional limited-volume supply and low-dose calcium supplementation (P1), increased-volume supply and high-dose calcium supplementation (P2), and early aggressive nutrition (EAN) and high-dose calcium supplementation (P3). RESULTS: The incidence of NOHK and the plasma potassium levels in P2 (127 ELBWIs) were not different from those in P1 (39 ELBWIs). However, arrhythmia and fatality significantly decreased in P2 compared to those in P1. In P3 (68 ELBWIs), the incidence of NOHK after 24 h and the plasma potassium levels after 36 h of life were significantly reduced compared to those in P1 and P2. Neither arrhythmia nor fatality developed in P3. CONCLUSION: EAN combined with high-dose calcium supplementation could be a potential strategy for the prevention of NOHK along with consequent arrhythmia and fatality in ELBWIs.

Clinical Features of Late-onset Circulatory Collapse in Preterm Infants / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the clinical features of late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) in preterm infants. METHODS: The records of preterm infants with a gestational age of <33 weeks who were admitted to a single neonatal intensive care unit and survived more than 72 hrs between March 2006 and August 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the total of 659 patients, 44 (6.7%) were diagnosed with LCC. Their mean gestational age was 26.0+/-1.9 weeks and their median birth weight 830 g. The median time of onset of LCC was 16.5 postnatal days. The patients exhibited oliguria that responded to hydrocortisone but not to hydration or catecholamines. Other clinical features of LCC were hypotension (73%), hyponatremia (52%), and hyperkalemia (34%). These abnormalities resolved in sequence: oliguria resolved first, after a median of 2.2 hrs, followed by hypotension after a median of 3.0 hrs, and the serum Na level became normal after 12.9 hrs. The incidence of LCC increased as the gestational age and/or birth weight decreased. A total of 26 patients (59%) developed LCC within 2 weeks after the initiation of levothyroxine therapy. CONCLUSION: LCC in preterm infants was a relatively reversible condition but could be associated with severe morbidity. We therefore recommend the implementation of careful measures for early detection and prompt management of LCC, particularly after stressful events.

Correction: Clinical Features of Symptomatic Meckel's Diverticulum in Children: Comparison of Scintigraphic and Non-scintigraphic Diagnosis / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

The name "Sung Min Kim" should be "Seong Min Kim" and "Yoon Mi Kim" should be "Yun Mi Kim".

The Clinico-Pathologic Features and Significance of Preoperative CA 125 in Patients Who Had an Operation for Ovarian Tumors / 대한폐경학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to confirm the clinical and histopathologic findings of ovarian tumors and determine the malignancy before operation. It will attribute to early diagnosis, determining direction of treatment and improving prognosis of malignant ovarian tumor. METHODS: Seven hundred sixty-five patients who had an operation for ovarian tumors in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Gachon University Gil Medical Center from April 2007 to December 2009 were enrolled as subjects. A retrospective analysis of age, parity, menopausal status, preoperative CA 125, histology, ultrasound, and treatment method was done. RESULTS: 1. Among benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cyst (211 cases, 30.1%) was most common and had the highest preoperative CA 125 (76.07 U/mL). 2. Among borderline ovarian tumors, mucinous type (16 cases, 62.5%) was most common, but preoperative CA 125 was higher in serous type (144.38 U/mL) than mucinous type (82.59 U/mL). 3. Among malignant ovarian tumors, serous adenocarcinoma (14 cases, 29.8%) was most common, and undifferentiated carcinoma had the highest preoperative CA 125 (500.0 U/mL). 4. The preoperative CA 125 showed a tendency to increase in relation to stage in malignant ovarian tumors. 5. Age, preoperative CA 125, menopausal status and ultrasound finding were identified as discriminating factors for malignancy and relative risk of them were 7.19, 7.90, 5.56 and 61.43, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using the combination of age, menopausal status, preoperative CA 125 and ultrasound to diagnose ovarian tumors before the operation will be a help to early diagnosis and determining the treatment and improve prognosis.

Clinical Features of Symptomatic Meckel's Diverticulum in Children: Comparison of Scintigraphic and Non-scintigraphic Diagnosis / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) has various clinical manifestations, and diagnosis or selectection of proper diagnostic tools is not easy. This study was conducted in order to assess the clinical differences of MD diagnosed by scintigraphic and non-scintigraphic methods and to find the proper diagnostic tools. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review ofthe clinical, surgical, radiologic, and pathologic findings of 34 children with symptomatic MD, who were admitted to Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Inha University Hospital, and The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital between January 2000 and December 2012. The patients were evaluated according to scintigraphic (12 cases; group 1) and non-scintigraphic (22 cases; group 2) diagnosis. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 7.5 : 1. The most frequent chief complaint was lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in group 1 and nonspecific abdominal pain in group 2, respectively. The most frequent pre-operative diagnosis was MD in both groups. Red blood cell (RBC) index was significantly lower in group 1. MD was located at 7 cm to 85 cm from the ileocecal valve. Four patients in group 1 had ectopic gastric tissues causing lower GI bleeding. The most frequent treatment modality was diverticulectomy in group 1 and ileal resection in group 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: To diagnose MD might be delayed unless proper diagnostic tools are considered. It is important to understand indications of scintigraphic and non-scintigraphic methods according to clinical and hematologic features of MD. Scintigraphy would be weighed in patients with anemia as well as GI symptoms.

The Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Courses of Pediatric Patients Hospitalized with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) and Seasonal Influenza from 2009 to 2011 / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Pandemic influenza viruses have caused significant morbidity and mortality. Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) was detected in April 2009 and caused worldwide outbreak. We investigated the differences in clinical characteristics and courses between pandemic and seasonal influenzas. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients, (< or =18 years) with influenza hospitalized to Gachon University Gil Medical Center from the 1 April 2009 to the 31 August 2011. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-six patients with pandemic influenza and 118 patients with seasonal influenza were included. Age, sex, and proportion of underlying diseases were similar between the two groups. Hypoxemia, shortness of breath, and tachypnea were more common in pandemic influenza.(P<0.05) Oxygen supplementation and radiologically confirmed pneumonia were more common in pandemic influenza.(P<0.005) However, there were no significant differences in the mean duration of hospitalization, proportion of patients admitted to the intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. CONCLUSION: Pandemic influenza caused more frequently lower respiratory tract infection and pneumonia. However, the courses of pandemic influenza were not different from those of seasonal influenza; probably, due to the effects of several factors, including antiviral therapy.

Using the High Frequency Ventilation during Neonatal Transport

PURPOSE: To present and evaluate a system of high-frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFOV) during intra-/inter-hospital neonate transport. METHODS: The system includes a charged HFOV (SOPHIE, Fritz Stephan GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany), an incubator, and E-oxygen/air-cylinders with connections to the HFOV. The test lung was evaluated at the high and medium ventilator settings used for infants to determine the operating time of HFOV. The time required to exhaust the gas supply was checked, and the HFOV was operated until the low-battery alarm sounded to determine the operating time of the batteries. RESULTS: The batteries provided electrical power for at least 60 mins, and the oxygen and air-cylinders lasted at least 20 mins. The system has been used frequently for the intra-hospital transport, from delivery rooms to ICU and from ICU for surgery. The system has been used twice for the inter-hospital transport of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension to another hospital 45 km away (one hour distance). In one case, the ambulance's electrical power supply failed, causing the system failure during the last 5 mins of transport. However, with the complete check and simulation of the system and the ambulance bulk oxygen/electric supply, the second patient was transported successfully in stable condition. CONCLUSION: The system was useful for intra-/inter-hospital transport of the neonates on HFOV. For the transport time of 60 mins, fully charged HFOV, 2 E-oxygen-cylinders, and 3 E-air-cylinders seemed to be sufficient. H-oxygen-cylinder and ambulance electrical power supply should also be provided for safe and efficient transport between hospitals.

Initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia with a Cooling Fan for an Asphyxiated Newborn

Induced hypothermia for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy results in a significant decrease in mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. For optimal neuroprotection following perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), therapy should begin within 6 hrs of the insult and continue for > or =72 hrs. We report on a baby with HI who underwent therapeutic hypothermia that was initiated with a cooling fan, as the whole-body cooling machine was in use for another patient. Although overcooling occurred, the method was successful. For effective and safe brain hypothermic therapy (BHT), a purpose-built cooling machine is recommended. The adherence to standard protocol is required for every BHT, as clearly defined by protocols similar to those used in published trials.

New Modes of Ventilation for Neonates

Many premature infants require mechanical ventilatory support and oxygen supply. Because they have immature lungs, these ventilator supports contribute to the development of ventilator induced lung injury, which causes the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in large portion. Recent meta-analysis reported that the volume-targeted ventilation reduced the development of BPD and death. Non-invasive ventilator support also can reduce the adverse effects associated with intubation and mechanical ventilatory support. The technological advancements, including microprocessors, enhance the development of new devices with new modes of ventilatory support. A lot of limits and demerits of conventional ventilatory support obviously inspired the thoughts of new modes of ventilatory support. In this article, new modes of ventilatory support for neonates, as well as conventional modes, are introduced in the hope of adopting strategies with evidences efficiently.

Clinical Usefulness of Point-of-care Test Chemistry Analyzer in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: Point-of-care tests (POCTs) have the potential to significantly influence management of neonates. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of the POCT chemistry analyzer in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: Blood samples of neonates admitted to the NICU were tested using a POCT chemistry analyzer (Piccolo Xpress Chemistry Analyzer, Abaxis, Union City, CA, USA) and a central laboratory chemical analyzer (Chemistry analyzer 7600-110, Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) from March to September, 2010. Correlation of 15 analytes between the POCT and the central laboratory machine was evaluated. For consistency of the POCT, three consecutive samplings were performed. Differences among the three tests were recorded. The causes of performance errors were checked through log files. RESULTS: One hundred of 112 pairs of tests for accuracy performed in 54 neonates showed a high correlation between the two machines. Twelve performance errors occurred during the 112 tests. The most common error was insufficient sample error. Eighteen triplet tests performed in 18 patients for consistency revealed a difference range of 3-10%, which was considered to be acceptable. No error occurred during the 54 tests. CONCLUSION: The POCT is capable of analyzing multiple analytes with a minimal amount of whole blood in a short time. The few performance errors noted presently are likely preventable. This POCT is concluded to be suitable for use as a simple and rapid diagnostic method in the NICU with a minimal amount of blood collected in a less invasive manner.

Pattern of Hospital-Associated Infections in Children Admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital / 소아감염

PURPOSE: Hospital associated infection (HAI) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms has been recognized as an important issue in the world, especially in critically ill patients such as the patients admitted in the intensive care unit. There are fewer papers about MDR-HAI in pediatric patients compared to adult patients. In this study, we investigated the incidence and associated factors of MDR-HAI in children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 135 children who were admitted in ICU for at least 3 days between January 2009 and December 2010. HAI cases were divided into MDR-HAI group and non-MDR-HAI group. Clinical characteristics and various associated factors were compared between those groups. RESULTS: In 39 patients, 45 cases of ICU-related HAI were developed. ICU-related HAI incidence was 47.7 per 1000 patient-days. Thirty-six cases (80.0%) were MDR-HAI. Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated more commonly in MDR-HAI group. And the followings were found more frequently in MDR-HAI group than non-MDR-HAI group: medical condition as an indication for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheterization and previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Among the risk factors, previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was the independent risk factor for MDR-HAI. CONCLUSION: ICU-related HAI incidence was higher than previously reported. Previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was the independent risk factor for MDR-HAI. To investigate the characteristics of MDR-HAI in children admitted in ICU, further studies with a larger sample size over a longer period of time are warranted.