Determining Optimal Cut-off Score for the Braden Scale on Assessment of Pressure Injury for Tertiary Hospital Inpatients / 중환자간호학회지

Purpose@#: This study aims to establish an optimal cut-off score on the Braden scale for the assessment of pressure injury to detect pressure injury risks among inpatients in a South Korean tertiary hospital. @*Methods@#: This retrospective study used electronic medical records, from January to December 2022. A total of 654 patients were included in the study. Of these, 218 inpatients with pressure injuries and 436 without pressure injuries were classified and analyzed using 1:2 Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and the generalized estimating equation was performed using SPSS Version 26 and the R Machlt package program. @*Results@#: The cut-off value on the Braden scale for distinguishing pressure injury was 17 points, and the AUC (area under the ROC curve) was 0.531 (0.484–0.579). The sensitivity was 56.6% (45.5–67.7%) and the specificity was 69.7% (66.0– 73.4%). With 17 points, the Braden scale cut-off distinguished those who had pressure injuries from those who did not at the time of admission (p ＜ .03). In the pressure injury group, the Braden score on the day of the pressure injury was 14, with significant results in all subcategories except the moisture category. @*Conclusion@#: Our findings revealed that a cut-off value of 17 was optimal for predicting the risk of pressure injuries among tertiary hospital inpatients. Future studies should evaluate the optimal cut-off values in different clinical environments. Additionally, it is necessary to conduct multicenter large sample studies to verify the effectiveness of a 17 value in PI risk assessments.

Neonatal Pneumothorax in Late Preterm and Full-Term Newborns with respiratory Distress: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose@#To evaluate the incidence rate, clinical characteristics, and perinatal outcomes of pneumothorax in late preterm and full-term newborns with respiratory distress and analyze the risk factors associated with pneumothorax. @*Methods@#Infants born at ≥34 weeks’ gestation with respiratory distress and pneumothorax admitted between February 2014 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The pneumothorax group (n=36) was matched to the control group (n=144) in a 1:4 ratio, based on gestational age and birth weight. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise selection. @*Results@#The incidence of pneumothorax during the study period was 1.36% (38/2,788). All patients were diagnosed with pneumothorax within 48 hours after birth, and increased oxygen demand was the most common symptom. The proportion of mortality and perinatal morbidity, such as intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3, was significantly higher in the pneumothorax group than in the control group. The risk factors associated with pneumothorax were the need for positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room (odds ratio [OR], 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 9.12; P=0.015) and a higher fraction of inspired oxygen to achieve an oxygen saturation of ≥90% on admission (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.09; P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#Pneumothorax should be suspected in late preterm and full-term newborns with respiratory distress within the first 3 days of life. Based on these risk factors, early diagnosis can reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Analysis of PC20-FEF25%-75% and △FVC in the methacholine bronchial provocation test

Purpose@#Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF 25%-75%) is known to sensitively reflect bronchial obstruction. Methacholine challenge test (MCT) has shown varying reduction levels of forced vital capacity (FVC) with the reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implication of provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEF 25%-75%(PC 20-FEF 25%-75%) and the percentage fall in FVC at the PC 20 dose of methacholine (△FVC). @*Methods@#A total of 194 children who visited the hospital due to respiratory symptoms and underwent MCT were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group I had both PC 20-FEV1 and PC 20-FEF 25%-75% above 16 mg/mL; group II had a PC 20-FEF 25%-75% that fell below 16 mg/mL but PC 20-FEV1 was 16 mg/mL or above; group III had a PC 20-FEV1and a PC 20-FEF 25%-75% that both fell below 16 mg/mL. @*Results@#In group II, PC 20-FEV1 was lower (P = 0.026) and the rate of change in FEV1 and FEF 25%-75% from baseline to 16 mg/mL of methacholine concentration was greater than in group I (both P< 0.001). Levels of PC 20-FEF 25%-75% were higher in group II compared to group III (P < 0.001). △FVC showed a correlation with PC 20-FEV1 (P < 0.001) only in the whole group. @*Conclusion@#In asthmatic children, PC 20-FEF 25%-75% may be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. △FVC was not associated with other parameters in either group. For subjects with a positive finding of PC 20-FEF 25%-75% and a negative finding of MCT, the progression to asthma can be suspected.

Clinical, endocrinological, and molecular features of four Korean cases of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency

Purpose@#Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the POR gene encoding an electron donor for all microsomal P450 enzymes. It is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, ambiguous genitalia, maternal virilization during pregnancy, and skeletal dysplasia. In this study, we investigated the clinical, hormonal, and molecular characteristics of patients with POR deficiency in Korea. @*Methods@#This study included four patients with POR deficiency confirmed by biochemical and molecular analysis of POR. Clinical and biochemical findings were reviewed retrospectively. Mutation analysis of POR was performed by Sanger sequencing after polymerase chain reaction amplification of all coding exons and the exon-intron boundaries. @*Results@#All patients presented with adrenal insufficiency and ambiguous genitalia regardless of their genetic sex. Two patients harbored homozygous p.R457H mutations in POR and presented with adrenal insufficiency and genital ambiguity without skeletal phenotypes. The other two patients with compound heterozygous mutations of c.[1329_1330insC];[1370G>A] (p.[I444Hfs*6];[R457H]) manifested skeletal abnormalities, such as craniosynostosis and radiohumeral synostosis, suggesting Antley-Bixler syndrome. They also had multiple congenital anomalies involving heart, kidney, and hearing ability. All patients were treated with physiologic doses of oral hydrocortisone. @*Conclusion@#We report the cases of 4 patients with POR deficiency identified by mutation analysis of POR. Although the study involved a small number of patients, the POR p.R457H mutation was the most common, suggesting founder effect in Korea. POR deficiency is rare and can be misdiagnosed as 21-hydroxylase or 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency. Therefore, molecular analysis is critical for confirmatory diagnosis.

Association between the Nutritional Status at Birth and Need for Respiratory Support on the First Day of Life

PURPOSE: Nutritional markers, such as total protein, albumin, and vitamin D have been reportedly associated with neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional markers at birth and the need for respiratory support on the first day of life. METHODS: This retrospective study included 94 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital between March and December 2017. We measured levels of nutritional markers, including serum total protein, albumin, ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), and prealbumin, from cord blood or blood sample within 24 hours after birth. Respiratory support was defined as the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, humidified high-flow nasal cannula, or mechanical ventilation on the first day of life. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight were 36.6±2.3 weeks and 2,714±575 g, respectively. Serum total protein, albumin, prealbumin, and ferritin levels at birth were significantly correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Total protein, albumin, ferritin, and 25-OHD levels were not correlated with the time to recover birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Moreover, prealbumin levels at birth were significantly lower in small-for-gestational-age infants than in appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. The need for respiratory support on the first day of life decreased 0.058- and 0.001-fold for every 1 g/dL increase in serum total protein (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004 to 0.833; P=0.036) and albumin (95% CI, 0.000 to 0.136; P=0.009) levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nutritional status at birth could be associated with the need for respiratory support on the first day of life, regardless of the Apgar score.

Association of vitamin D status at birth and respiratory outcomes in preterm infants / 소아과

No abstract available.

Iron status in small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age infants at birth / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study compared the iron statuses of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants at birth. METHODS: The clinical data of 904 newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed. Blood samples were drawn from the infants within 24 hours after birth. Serum ferritin level was used as a marker of total iron status. RESULTS: In this study, 115 SGA (GA, 36.5±2.9 weeks; birth weight [BW], 1,975±594.5 g) and 717 AGA (GA, 35.1±3.5 weeks; BW, 2,420.3±768.7 g) infants were included. The SGA infants had higher hematocrit levels (50.6%±5.8% vs. 47.7%±5.7%, P<0.05) than the AGA infants. No difference in serum ferritin level (ng/mL) was found between the groups (mean [95% confidence interval]: SGA vs. AGA infants, 139.0 [70.0–237.0] vs. 141.0 [82.5–228.5]). After adjusting for gestational age, the SGA infants had lower ferritin levels (147.1 ng/mL [116.3–178.0 ng/mL] vs. 189.4 ng/mL [178.0–200.8 ng/ mL], P<0.05). Total body iron stores were also lower in the SGA infants than in the AGA infants (185.6 [153.4–211.7] vs 202.2 [168.7–241.9], P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SGA infants had lower ferritin and total body iron stores than the AGA infants. The SGA infants affected by maternal hypertension who were born at late preterm had an additional risk of inadequate iron store. Iron deficiency should be monitored in these infants during follow-up.

A Comparison of the Results from Femoral Nerve Block Using Different Concentration of Ropivacaine after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Peripheral nerve block is one of the many options available to reduce pain after total knee arthroplasty. Among the various kinds of peripheral nerve block procedure, femoral nerve block (FNB) using ropivacaine is a very effective method for reducing pain. However, it has been known to cause weakness in the quadriceps femoris, resulting in an increased risk of fall during ambulation after surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of FNB on pain and muscle strength with different concentrations of ropivacaine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was performed on 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis who had undergone total knee arthroplasty between January 2016 and December 2016. Patients were divided to 3 groups depending on the concentration of ropivacaine: Group 1 received 0.125% ropivacaine 6 ml FNB; group 2 received 0.2% ropivacaine 6 ml FNB; group 3 received normal saline 6 ml FNB. FNB with 1% lidocaine 10 ml and 0.75% ropivacaine 10 ml was performed to all groups at 3 hours after surgery. From the day after surgery, each group of patients were injected 4 times with FNB on their own designated concentration of ropivacaine with an interval of 6 hours. The severity of pain was estimated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the strength of quadriceps femoris was measured using medical research council (MRC) grade and knee extension angle. RESULTS: VAS score in group 3 was significantly higher compared to other groups; MRC grade in group 2 was significantly lower than in other grades, and knee extension angle in group 2 was significantly lower than in other groups at 6 pm on the day of and at 6 am on the day after surgery. VAS score, MRC grade, and extension angle of all groups showed no significantly difference at other times. CONCLUSION: FNB with 0.125% ropivacaine after total knee arthroplasty shows effective reduction of pain without inducing quadriceps femoris weakness.

Experience of Patients and Families about Flexible Visiting / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand the essence of experiences of patients and family members during flexible visiting in an intensive care unit (ICU).METHODS: This is a qualitative study using interviews with open ended questions. We used Colaizzi's method of phenomenological interpretation.RESULTS: Flexible visiting in the ICU impacted the patients and their families in various ways. The following categories were extracted from the patients' experiences with flexible visiting: 1) the opportunity to feel the presence of the family and 2) the burden of unrestricted visiting. The following categories were extracted from the families' experiences with flexible visiting: 1) psychological comfort by convenience 2) being aware of health care professionals and critical care nursing in the intensive care unit, and 3) double trouble.CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that flexible visiting in the ICU affected the patients and their families positively and negatively. Therefore, nursing staff need to design psychological and social interventions that address the needs of patients and their families.

Clinical Trials for Preterm Infants' Neurodevelopment to the Norm: Erythropoietin and Nutritional Interventions

Although the incidence of severe intraventicular hemorrhage and cystic periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants has significantly decreased, approximately 10–15% of preterm survivors demonstrate cerebral palsy and 50–80% of extremely preterm infants demonstrate mild-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment. Compared to term infants, preterm infants show a higher incidence of brain damage secondary to hypoxic injury, inflammation, and malnutrition. Clinical trials have evaluated outcomes following early administration of high dose erythropoietin and nutritional interventions including early aggressive nutrition, human breast milk, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation to prevent preterm infants' neurodevelopmental impairment and improve neurodevelopmental outcome. Further studies are warranted to investigate the safety, optimal dose, timing, duration with respect to erythropoietin and nutritional interventions, and the optimization of a target population of preterm infants suited for interventions.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Adjacent Lumbar Disc Herniation after Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion by Radiologic Evaluations

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for adjacent lumbar disc herniation through radiologic evaluations. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: PELD minimizes posterior structural damage, allowing rapid rehabilitation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 45 patients who were followed up for 1 year after PELD for adjacent lumbar disc herniation from March 2014 to February 2016. The modified Macnab criteria, the modified Suezawa and Schreiber score (MSS score), and visual analogue scales for the back (VAS-B) and legs (VAS-L) were evaluated. The disc height ratio and segmental angulation change were compared before posterolateral fusion and before PELD. Moreover, spinal stenosis was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before PELD. RESULTS: Based on the modified Macnab criteria, 53.3% patients received an evaluation of at least “good,” and the mean MSS score improved from 4.77 to 6.99 at 1 year after the operation. The mean VAS-B score decreased from 7.02 to 4.67, and the mean VAS-L score decreased from 8.15 to 4.24 at 1 year after the operation. The mean disc height ratio was 87.1%, and the mean segmental angulation change was 6.5°, with a greater change in the “fair” or “poor” group, and the rate of spinal stenosis on MRI was also higher in the “fair” or “poor” group. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes of PELD, which is accompanied by degenerative changes on simple radiographic images such as disc space narrowing and increased segmental angulation or spinal stenosis on MRI, may not be satisfactory. Therefore, decisions regarding surgery should be made carefully in such cases.

Comparison of cytokine expression profiles in infants with a rhinovirus induced lower respiratory tract infection with or without wheezing: a comparison with respiratory syncytial virus / 소아과

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether infants with rhinovirus (RV) infection-induced wheezing and those with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection-induced wheezing have different cytokine profiles in the acute stage. METHODS: Of the infants with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) between September 2011 and May 2012, 88 were confirmed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and hospitalized. Systemic interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and Treg-type cytokine (IL-10) responses were examined with multiplex assay using acute phase serum samples. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients, 38 had an RV infection (RV group) and 50 had an RSV infection (RSV group). In the RV group, the IFN-γ and IL-10 concentrations were higher in the patients with than in the patients without wheezing (P=0.022 and P=0.007, respectively). In the RSV group, the differences in IFN-γ and IL-10 concentrations did not reach statistical significance between the patients with and the patients without wheezing (P=0.105 and P=0.965, respectively). The IFN-γ and IL-10 concentrations were not significantly different between the RV group with wheezing and the RSV group with wheezing (P=0.155 and P=0.801, respectively), in contrast to the significant difference between the RV group without wheezing and the RSV group without wheezing (P=0.019 and P=0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION: In comparison with RSV-induced LRTI, RV-induced LRTI combined with wheezing showed similar IFN-γ and IL-10 levels, which may have an important regulatory function.

Experience with Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, 1985-2016: A Single Regional Center Study

PURPOSE: Kidney transplantation (KT) is an ideal treatment for pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report the clinical outcomes of pediatric ESRD patients who underwent KT in a single regional center. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 60 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ESRD and underwent KT in our hospital between January 1985 and June 2016. RESULTS: A total of 60 children and adolescents (40 male, 20 female; mean age, 13.86±4.26 years) were included in this study. Six patients (10.0%) underwent KT immediately after receiving the diagnosis of ESRD, while the others underwent KT after dialysis treatment (mean period of dialysis, 368.7±4,41.8 days). The mean donor age (50 living-related [83.3%], 10 deceased [16.7%]) was 40.0±12.85 years and the male:female ratio was 1.07:1. The most common cause of ESRD was chronic glomerulonephritis. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after KT were 98%, 98%, and 96%, respectively, while the graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 93%, 86%, and 68%, respectively. Children who underwent KT before 10 years of age had better monthly growth rates than those who underwent KT later than 10 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: KT is performed less frequently in children than in adults, but causes of ESRD vary and clinical outcomes after KT greatly affect the growth and development of pediatric patients. Therefore, further analysis and monitoring of clinical progression after KT in pediatric ESRD patients are necessary.

Experience with Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, 1985-2016: A Single Regional Center Study

PURPOSE: Kidney transplantation (KT) is an ideal treatment for pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report the clinical outcomes of pediatric ESRD patients who underwent KT in a single regional center. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 60 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ESRD and underwent KT in our hospital between January 1985 and June 2016. RESULTS: A total of 60 children and adolescents (40 male, 20 female; mean age, 13.86±4.26 years) were included in this study. Six patients (10.0%) underwent KT immediately after receiving the diagnosis of ESRD, while the others underwent KT after dialysis treatment (mean period of dialysis, 368.7±4,41.8 days). The mean donor age (50 living-related [83.3%], 10 deceased [16.7%]) was 40.0±12.85 years and the male:female ratio was 1.07:1. The most common cause of ESRD was chronic glomerulonephritis. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after KT were 98%, 98%, and 96%, respectively, while the graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 93%, 86%, and 68%, respectively. Children who underwent KT before 10 years of age had better monthly growth rates than those who underwent KT later than 10 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: KT is performed less frequently in children than in adults, but causes of ESRD vary and clinical outcomes after KT greatly affect the growth and development of pediatric patients. Therefore, further analysis and monitoring of clinical progression after KT in pediatric ESRD patients are necessary.

Moderate Hemophilia B Diagnosed by Massive Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage on the First Day of Life: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in neonates is commonly associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, cow's milk protein allergy, and gastrointestinal malformation. Gastrointestinal bleeding on the first day of life, presenting as the first manifestation of a disorder, has rarely been reported associations with gastric ulceration, Salmonella infection, and allergic colitis. Hemophilia B is also a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding during the neonatal period. In the present case, a male infant developed repetitive hematemesis on the first day of life. His initial level of coagulation factor IX was 1.9%, and he was diagnosed with moderate hemophilia B. No further hematemesis or melena was observed during recombinant factor IX therapy. The infant did not have a family history of hemophilia. In conclusion, although gastrointestinal hemorrhage on the first day of life as the first manifestation of a disease is rare, infants who present with spontaneous gastrointestinal hemorrhage after birth and with unexplained prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time should be evaluated for coagulation factor deficiency regardless of whether they have any family history of hemophilia.

Severe vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants: maternal and neonatal clinical features / 소아과

PURPOSE: We investigated the vitamin D status of preterm infants to determine the incidence of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A total of 278 preterm infants delivered at Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2013 and May 2015 were enrolled. The serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) were measured at birth. We collected maternal and neonatal data such as maternal gestational diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, maternal preeclampsia, birth date, gestational age, and birth weight. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 33(+5)+/-2(+2) weeks of gestation and mean 25-OHD concentrations were 10.7+/-6.4 ng/mL. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 91.7%, and 51.1% of preterm infants were classified as having severe vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD<10 ng/mL). The serum 25-OHD concentrations did not correlate with gestational age. There were no significant differences in serum 25-OHD concentrations or incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency among early, moderate, and late preterm infants. The risk of severe vitamin D deficiency in twin preterm infants was significantly higher than that in singletons (odds ratio, 1.993; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.137-3.494, P=0.016). In the fall, the incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency decreased 0.46 times compared to that in winter (95% CI, 0.227-0.901; P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Most of preterm infants (98.9%) had vitamin D insufficiency and half of them were severely vitamin D deficient. Younger gestational age did not increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency, but gestational number was associated with severe vitamin D deficiency.

Union Rates of Autologous Bone Marrow, Local Autobone and Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Mixed Graft in Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We examined union rates and clinical outcomes to evaluate the efficacy of using autologous bone marrow along with a local autobone and biphasic calcium phosphate mixed graft with posterolateral fusion in spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In lumbar posterolateral fusion, union rates of biphasic calcium phosphate and local autobone mixed graft are low compared to union rates of autogenous iliac bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients who had lumbar posterolateral fusion with autologous bone marrow along with local autobone and biphasic calcium phosphate mixed graft between February 2013 and January 2014, we analyzed 40 patients who were available for at least one year of follow-up. There were 22 cases with spinal stenosis and 18 cases with spondylolisthesis. Bone fusion was determined along with the fusion rates based on Lenke's criteria (citation). All patients were evaluated postoperatively at one year, using 3D CT. and the clinical outcomes were assessed using Kim's method (citation). RESULTS: In spinal stenosis, bone union was observed in 19 cases out of 22 (86.4%), and in case of spondylolisthesis, bone union was observed in 16 cases out of 18 (88.9%). In spinal stenosis, the clinical outcomes were: 2 excellent, 16 good, 3 fair, and 1 poor; in other words 18 cases (81.8%) displayed good or excellent outcomes. In spondylolisthesis, 2 excellent, 12 good, 4 fair and 0 poor; in other words, 14 cases (77.8%) showed good or superior outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Posterolateral fusion using autologous bone marrow along with a local autobone and biphasic calcium phosphate mixed graft showed similar bone fusion rates to using autogenous iliac bone graft. Therefore, this method could serve as an alternative to using autogenous iliac bone graft in posterior lumbar fusion.

The Iron Status of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving Multiple Erythrocyte Transfusions during Hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: We investigated the iron status of very low birth weight infants receiving multiple erythrocyte transfusions during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: We enrolled 46 very low birth weight infants who were admitted to the Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. Serum ferritin was measured on their first day of life and weekly thereafter. We collected individual data of the frequency and volume of erythrocyte transfusion and the amount of iron intake. RESULTS: A total of 38 (82.6%) of very low birth weight infants received a mean volume of 99.3+/-93.5 mL of erythrocyte transfusions in NICU. The minimum and maximum serum ferritin levels during hospitalization were 146.2+/-114.9 ng/mL and 456.7+/-361.9 ng/mL, respectively. The total volume of erythrocyte transfusion was not correlated to maximum serum ferritin concentrations after controlling for the amount of iron intake (r=0.012, p=0.945). Non-transfused infants took significantly higher iron intake compared to infants receiving > or =100 mL/kg erythrocyte transfusion (p<0.001). Minimum and maximum serum ferritin levels of non-transfused infants were higher than those of infants receiving <100 mL/kg erythrocyte transfusions (p=0.026 and p=0.022, respectively). Infants with morbidity including bronchopulmonary dysplasia or retinopathy of prematurity received a significantly higher volume of erythrocyte transfusions compared to infants without morbidity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Very low birth weight infants undergoing multiply erythrocyte transfusions had excessive iron stores and non-transfused infants also might had a risk of iron overload during hospitalization in the NICU.

Results of Minimal Incision Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Minimal incision distal metatarsal osteotomy (MIDMO) is known to be an effective surgical procedure for mild to moderate hallux valgus. However, the result of MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus is controversial; therefore, we investigated the radiological and clinical results of MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 51 feet (48 patients) with moderate to severe hallux valgus. The mean age was 67.0 years and the mean follow-up period was 32.2 months. Radiological data of hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle on plain radiographs were analyzed. Recurrence, union, lateral translation of distal fragment and angulation were also analyzed. The clinical data were obtained using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of preoperation and last follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine a cut-off value. RESULTS: The mean hallux valgus angle measured at preoperation was 37.7o and 15.9degrees at last follow-up. The mean first intermetatarsal angle of preoperation and last follow-up were 15.2degrees and 8.3degrees. The mean distal metatarsal articular angle changed from 12.6degrees at preoperation to 7.8degrees at last follow-up. Preoperative hallux valgus angle (p=0.0051) and distal metatarsal articular angle (p=0.0078) were statistically significant factors affecting postoperative AOFAS score. Cut-off value of each was 37degrees and 13degrees, respectively. Lateral translation of distal fragment in 5 recurrent cases was 23.0% compared to 45.3% of 46 non-recurrent cases. The result was statistically significant and the cut-off value was 38%. CONCLUSION: Sufficient lateral translation over 38% in MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus patients with preoperative hallux valgus angle under 37degrees and distal metatarsal articular angle under 13degrees can lead to good clinical results without recurrence.

Comparison of Two Sedation Protocols for Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Care after Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: Midazolam/Morphine versus Remifentanil Sedation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In head and neck reconstructive surgery, the stability of vital signs is important for patient recovery and flap outcome. We aimed to determine the better sedation protocol by comparing two protocols, namaely, midazolam/morphine (MM)-based and remifentanil (RF)-based sedation protocols, in the immediate postoperative settings of head and neck reconstructive surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of patients who underwent reconstructive surgery after the ablation of head and neck cancer involving MM sedation (n=34) or RF sedation (n=28). Parameters related to vital signs, flap outcomes, occurrence of delirium, length of stay and nursing burden were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The length of stay at the intensive care unit and flap outcomes were similar in the two groups. However, blood pressure as measured by frequency of variation was more stable in the RF group than in the MM group. In addition, the number of medical calls from the attending nurse due to the fluctuation of vital signs was less in the RF group than in the MM group. CONCLUSION: RF-based sedation for the postoperative intensive care unit care after head and neck reconstructive surgery is more effective in cases where vital signs are less stable. This type of sedation may decrease the nursing burden for these patients.