Improving Patients’ Perception of the Quality of Nursing Services and Nurses’ Perception of Nursing Rounds through Purposeful and Timely Nursing Rounds / 간호행정학회지

Purpose@#This descriptive study aimed to identify the effects of purposeful and timely nursing rounds on patients' perception of the quality of nursing services and nurses' perception of nursing rounds. @*Methods@#Intentional nursing rounds were conducted by communicating patients’ questions on pain, position, pump, potty, and possessions. A total of 144 nurses and 149 patients participated, and data were collected using self-report questionnaires. The independent t-test, x 2 test, and Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test were used to analyze the data with SPSS version 24.0. @*Results@#Although intentional nursing rounds improved the nurses’ perception of nursing rounds, there was no significant difference. The nurses’ benefit had the lowest score (3.36), and the benefit of communication with patients had the highest score (3.79).Intentional nursing rounds significantly improved the patients’ perception of the quality of nursing services in the intervention group. Among the factors of empathy (Z=4.98, p<.001) related to the quality of nursing services as perceived by the patient, assurance (Z=5.50, p<.001), reliability (Z=4.43, p<.001), and responsiveness (Z=5.02, p<.001) significantly increased. @*Conclusion@#Intentional nursing rounds positively affected patients’ perception of the quality of nursing service. It is important to improve intentional nursing rounds to enhance nurses’ perceptions of them.

Clinical Practice Patterns of Hypertensive Disease in Pregnancy among Korean Obstetricians

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. @*Methods@#From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. @*Conclusion@#Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.

Clinical Practice Patterns of Hypertensive Disease in Pregnancy among Korean Obstetricians

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. @*Methods@#From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. @*Conclusion@#Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.

The Isolated Oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid is an indicator of normal placental function and is essential for normal fetal lung maturation. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is the most preferred method of amniotic fluid measurement in pregnancy although single deepest pocket (SDP) is also used. To measure AFI, the examiner divides the uterus into four equal quadrants. AFI is the sum of deepest pocket from each quadrant. The normal AFI ranges between 5~24 cm while any value above 24 cm is considered as hydramnios and that below 5 cm is indicated as oligohydramnios. An adequate volume of amniotic fluid is critical to allow normal fetal movement and growth, while also cushioning the fetus and umbilical cord. Regardless of the etiology, oligohydramnios may inhibit these processes and may lead to fetal deformation, umbilical cord compression, and death in some instances. Oligohydramnios can be due to underproduction, loss, or sometimes, isolated. Isolated oligohydramnios has been found to be responsive maternal hydration and is neither a malformation of the urinary system in the fetus, nor a rupture of amnion and due to genetic cause. The author would like to introduce a way to increase amniotic fluid volume in isolated oligohydramnios which is expect to improve the perinatal outcomes.

Medical Concerns of Induced Abortion and Contraception

No abstract available.

Analysis of Spontaneous Preterm Labor and Birth and Its Major Causes Using Artificial Neural Network

No abstract available.

Positive culture rate and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum

OBJECTIVE: To assess positive culture rate and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) in symptomatic general population and pregnant women admitted with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who have undergone culture test and antimicrobial susceptibilities at our center from January 2017 to April 2018. Patients with positive culture for MH, UU, or both were included in this study. RESULTS: There were 200 patients who were eligible for enrollment. Of these patients, 34 (17%) were pregnant women and 166 (83%) were non-pregnant women. Of these 200 patients, positive culture results were as follows: MH only, n=10 (5%); UU only, n=58 (29%); and both MH and UU, n=36 (18%). Susceptibilities of MH only to doxycycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin were 100%, 10%, 40%, and 0%, respectively. Susceptibilities of UU only to doxycycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin were 94.8%, 87.9%, 5.2%, and 81%, respectively. Susceptibilities of both MH and UU to doxycycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin were 97.2%, 5.6%, 11.1%, and 11.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: UU only was the leading causative pathogen for genitourinary infection in our study. MH only accounted for about one sixth of UU only infections. Doxycycline was still the best antibiotics as most patients with MH only, UU only, or both MH and UU positive culture showed susceptibility. For ciprofloxacin, less than 12% of those with UU only and both MH and UU culture positive results showed susceptibility.

Women with Endometriosis, Especially Those Who Conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology, Have Increased Risk of Placenta Previa: Meta-analyses

BACKGROUND: Many women with endometriosis have become pregnant through assisted reproductive technology (ART), and have often experienced placenta previa (PP) during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess the association between women with endometriosis, especially those who conceived with ART, and the risk of PP. METHODS: Two reviewers independently determined studies that were considered suitable for meta-analyses published in various medicine-related databases from March 1, 2004 through July 31, 2017 without language restrictions. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with a combined sample size of 21,930 women. Of these 21,930 pregnancies, 6,256 had endometriosis (endometriosis) and 15,674 had no endometriosis. Four of these studies included 8,161 women who conceived with ART, 1,640 of whom had endometriosis (endometriosis + ART), and 6,521 of whom did not have endometriosis. Meta-analyses were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effect analysis according to heterogeneity of studies. RESULTS: These meta-analyses showed women with endometriosis (endometriosis) have an increased risk of PP (OR, 4.038; 95% CI, 2.291–7.116; P = 0.000). These results showed women who conceived with ART (endometriosis + ART), have a substantially increased risk of PP (OR, 5.543; 95% CI, 1.659–18.523; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: These meta-analyses demonstrate women with endometriosis have an increased risk of PP.

Use of progesterone as a preventive medicine and nifedipine as a treatment of preterm labor

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and occurs in 5% to 15% of all pregnancies. Therefore, its prevention is a major opportunity to reduce medical costs and to promote public health in all countries. Preterm birth is a broad great obstetric syndrome that arises from a wide variety of causes. Although many therapeutic agents are used for premature labor, most of them have serious maternal side effects, and they are ineffective in cases when labor has already begun. Therefore, the authors would like to introduce progesterone, as a treatment to prevent preterm labor. We also investigated whether nifedipine, which is used to treat preterm labor, could prevent preterm labor. We are eager to find more effective and easier-to-use drugs to prevent preterm labor in the future.

Use of progesterone as a preventive medicine and nifedipine as a treatment of preterm labor

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and occurs in 5% to 15% of all pregnancies. Therefore, its prevention is a major opportunity to reduce medical costs and to promote public health in all countries. Preterm birth is a broad great obstetric syndrome that arises from a wide variety of causes. Although many therapeutic agents are used for premature labor, most of them have serious maternal side effects, and they are ineffective in cases when labor has already begun. Therefore, the authors would like to introduce progesterone, as a treatment to prevent preterm labor. We also investigated whether nifedipine, which is used to treat preterm labor, could prevent preterm labor. We are eager to find more effective and easier-to-use drugs to prevent preterm labor in the future.

Distribution of Cold Receptor Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8-Immunopositive Axons in the Mouse Dental Pulp and Periodontal Tissue

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) plays a crucial role in innocuous cool sensation, acute cold pain and cold-induced hyperalgesia during pathologic conditions. To help understand TRPM8-mediated cold perception in the dental pulp and periodontal tissues, we examined the distribution of TRPM8-immunopositive (+) axons in molar and incisor pulp and periodontal tissues using transgenic mice expressing a genetically encoded axonal tracer in TRPM8+ neurons. In the radicular pulp of the molar teeth, a small number of TRPM8+ axons were observed. TRPM8+ axons branched frequently and extensively in the core of coronal pulp, forming a network in the peripheral pulp. Some TRPM8+ axons ascended between odontoblasts and were observed in the dentinal tubule. TRPM8+ axons were linear-shaped in the radicular pulp, whereas many TRPM8+ axons showed portions shaped like beads connected with thin axonal stands at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8 was densely expressed in the bead portions. In the incisor pulp, TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed in the core of the coronal pulp and rarely observed at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed and showed a linear shape rather than a bead-like appearance in the periodontal ligament and lamina propria of the gingival tissue. These findings, showing differential distribution of TRPM8+ axons between radicular and coronal portions of the molar pulp, between incisor and molar pulp, and between dental pulp and periodontal tissues, may reflect differential cold sensitivity in these regions.

Four Consecutive Recurrent Abortions in Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is characterized by most cases in which platelet counts exceed 1 million/µL. ET is usually no symptoms during non-pregnancy, but arterial and venous thrombosis and hemorrhage may develop in pregnancy. Pregnancy in these patients is associated with many complications in both pregnant women and fetuses such as recurrent abortion, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. In these patients, aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and interferon alpha (INF-α) are recommended during pregnancy. We report a case of four consecutive abortions despite being treated with INF-α, low dose aspirin, and LMWH in patient with ET.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Following Meningitis in Pregnancy

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-neuroradiological entity characterized by headache, vomiting, mental change, and seizures as well as images suggesting leptomeningeal edema involving in most cases posterior regions of the brain, as proven by magnetic resonance imaging. PRES occurred in association with severe infection, autoimmune disease, post-chemotherapy, and preeclampsia-eclampsia. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. While PRES is usually reversible, the early recognition and treatment of this syndrome is important to prevent permanent neurological disorders. The treatment is elimination of causal factors. We report a rare case of PRES after meningitis during pregnancy being treated with medical and rehabilitation treatment.

Acute Sheehan's Syndrome Associated with Postpartum Hemorrhage

Sheehan's syndrome is postpartum hypopituitarism due to the necrosis of the pituitary gland. Usually, it is the result of severe hypotension caused by massive hemorrhage during or after delivery. A 40-year-old woman who had been performed cesarean section delivery was complicated by hemorrhage due to uterine atony. After transfusion and hysterectomy, she is gradually recovering her general condition. On 16th day after operation, she visited emergency room in critical condition with nausea, vomiting, and general weakness and laboratory finding was hyponatremia. So, we medicated her with hydrocortisone and thyroxine. Sheehan's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyponatremia in the early postpartum period.

Trends in Evidence-based Nursing Research in South Korea / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the current status of research related to evidence-based nursing and to suggest directions for the future of evidence-based nursing practice, education and research. METHODS: A search was done of 20 research publications, including domestic nursing journals, nursing master's theses and doctoral dissertations before November 2016. Finally, 183 studies were selected. The selected papers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ² test with the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: Most of papers examined in this study were journal articles (80.9%). Meta-analysis (35.0%) was the most common study design. Methodological characteristics were as follows: before 2010 about 5% were documents that suggested Priori' design, generation of PICO, search strategy, quality assessment and description of quality assessment outcome, but after 2011, these designs increased to 30.8%, 73.1%, 41.0%, 91.0% and 65.4%, respectively. The most frequent topics for evidence-based nursing implementation were evidence-based nursing readiness (16 papers). Highest frequency topics in systematic reviews and meta-analysis were studies that confirmed the intervention effect of exercise programs. The highest frequency topics in guideline were temperature control. CONCLUSION: Researchers' perceptions to improve research methodological quality and education to strengthen the research capability are necessary.

Fetal Axillary Cystic Lymphangioma Detected by Prenatal Ultrasonography

Fetal cystic lymphangioma, commonly called hygroma, is formed by multiple cysts ranging from few millimeters to several centimeters in size. Fetal cystic lymphangioma is a rare developmental congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system. Most are found in the neck and axilla, rarely in the retroperitoneum, abdominal viscera, limbs, bones, and cervico-mediastinal area. The prenatal diagnosis of cystic hygroma by ultrasound guidance is commonly localized in the nuchal region. We report a case of rare fetal axillary hygroma that was diagnosed at 27 weeks of gestation and delivered at 37 weeks of gestation.

A Case of Granular Cell Tumor of the Clitoris in a Postmenopausal Woman

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare soft tissue tumor that derived from Schwann cells. Most are benign, less than 2% are malignant and, in the malignant cases, the prognosis of survival is poor. Most of these tumors are less than 3 cm in size, and they are more common in black women. The disease usually occurs in the 40s to the 60s and occurs after menopause, but there are few cases reported in adolescence. A 45-year-old woman visited the outpatient clinic with a solid mass that developed 2 years ago and present to date on the left side of the clitoris. After complete resection, pathologic examination proved to be a granular cell. The patient has been living without recurrence for one year. We report the first case of the GCT of the clitoris in postmenopausal woman in Korea with a brief review of the literature.

Primiparous singleton women with endometriosis have an increased risk of preterm birth: Meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the association between women with endometriosis and risk of preterm birth. METHODS: Two reviewers independently determined all prospective cohort study, retrospective cohort study, large population based cohort study, retrospective secondary analysis, and double blinded, multicentric, observational and cohort study, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial published using PubMed, Medline, Korea Education and Research Information Service, and Scopus from March 1994 through February 2016 without language restrictions comparing obstetric outcomes women with endometriosis and women without endometriosis. The meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Six studies met inclusion criteria, including 50,472 women. Among 50,472 pregnancies, 39,659 had endometriosis and 10,813 had no endometriosis. Meta-analyses were estimated with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using random effect analysis according to heterogeneity of studies. RESULTS: Data from six effect sizes from six studies involving 50,472 patients were enrolled. These meta-analyses showed women with endometriosis have an increased risk of preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.473; 95% confidence interval, 1.216 to 1.785). CONCLUSION: These meta-analyses demonstrate women with endometriosis at pregnancy have an increased risk of preterm birth. Therefore, it is worthy for obstetrics to increase the careful inspection in women with endometriosis during pregnancy.

Meigs' Syndrome with Elevated Cancer Antigen 125

Meigs' syndrome is a fibroma associated with ascites and/or pleural effusion and several cases have been reported in association with elevated serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 level. We report here on a 72-year-old woman who presented with palpable huge pelvic mass. Abdomen and pelvic computed tomography showed a heterogenous huge pelvic mass measuring 210×110 mm with large amount of ascites. No pleural effusion was detected on chest X-ray. CA 125 level was 327 IU/mL. The patient underwent laparotomy during which a mass measuring 210×110 mm was detected in her right ovary with 1,000 mL of ascites. Histology showed ovarian fibroma. We performed total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Postmenopausal woman with ovarian tumor, ascites, and elevated CA 125 may indicate malignant ovarian tumor, but Meigs' syndrome must be considered as differential diagnosis.

Folic acid alone or multivitamin containing folic acid intake during pregnancy and the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia through meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of folic acid and multivitamin use during pregnancy on the risk of developing of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. METHODS: Two reviewers independently determined all prospective cohort study, retrospective cohort study, large population based cohort study, retrospective secondary analysis, and double blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial published using PubMed Medline database, KERIS (Korea Education and Research Information Service), Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials comparing before conception throughout pregnancy intake oral multivitamin containing folic acid or folic acid alone. Meta-analyses were estimated with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effect analysis according to heterogeneity of studies. RESULTS: Data from six effect sizes from six studies involving 201,661 patients were enrolled. These meta-analyses showed multivitamin containing folic acid or folic acid alone was not significantly effective in reducing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia incidence (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.03) than the placebo. And the difference of effective sizes of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension according to two dependent variables, multivitamin and folic acid were not significant, respectively (point estimate, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.96). CONCLUSION: These meta-analyses demonstrate multivitamin containing folic acid or folic acid alone was not significantly effective in reducing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia incidence.