Concomitant occurrence of Turner syndrome and growth hormone deficiency / 소아과

Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder in phenotypic females that has characteristic physical features and presents as partial or complete absence of the second sex chromosome. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition caused by insufficient release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. The concomitant occurrence of TS and GHD is rare and has not yet been reported in Korea. Here we report 2 cases of TS and GHD. In case 1, GHD was initially diagnosed. Karyotyping was performed because of the presence of the typical phenotype and poor response to growth hormone therapy, which revealed 45,X/45,X+mar. The patient showed increased growth velocity after the growth hormone dose was increased. In case 2, a growth hormone provocation test and chromosomal analysis were performed simultaneously because of decreased growth velocity and the typical TS phenotype, which showed GHD and a mosaic karyotype of 45,X/46,XX. The patient showed spontaneous pubertal development. In female patients with short stature, it is important to perform a throughout physical examination and test for hormonal and chromosomal abnormalities because diagnostic accuracy is important for treatment and prognosis.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage in enterovirus 71-infected hand, foot, and mouth disease / 소아과

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute, mostly self-limiting infection. Patients usually recover without any sequelae. However, a few cases are life threatening, especially those caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). A 12-month-old boy was admitted to a primary hospital with high fever and vesicular lesions of the mouth, hands, and feet. After 3 days, he experienced 3 seizure episodes and was referred to our hospital. On admission, he was conscious and his chest radiograph was normal. However, 6 hours later, he suddenly lost consciousness and had developed a massive pulmonary hemorrhage that continued until his death. He experienced several more intermittent seizures, and diffuse infiltration of both lung fields was observed on chest radiography. Intravenous immunoglobulin, dexamethasone, cefotaxime, leukocyte-depleted red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, inotropics, vitamin K, and endotracheal epinephrine were administered. The patient died 9 hours after intubation, within 3 days from fever onset. EV71 subgenotype C4a was isolated retrospectively from serum and nasopharyngeal swab by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Here, we report a fatal case of EV71-associated HFMD with sudden-onset massive pulmonary hemorrhage and suspected encephalitis.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage in enterovirus 71-infected hand, foot, and mouth disease / 소아과

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute, mostly self-limiting infection. Patients usually recover without any sequelae. However, a few cases are life threatening, especially those caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). A 12-month-old boy was admitted to a primary hospital with high fever and vesicular lesions of the mouth, hands, and feet. After 3 days, he experienced 3 seizure episodes and was referred to our hospital. On admission, he was conscious and his chest radiograph was normal. However, 6 hours later, he suddenly lost consciousness and had developed a massive pulmonary hemorrhage that continued until his death. He experienced several more intermittent seizures, and diffuse infiltration of both lung fields was observed on chest radiography. Intravenous immunoglobulin, dexamethasone, cefotaxime, leukocyte-depleted red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, inotropics, vitamin K, and endotracheal epinephrine were administered. The patient died 9 hours after intubation, within 3 days from fever onset. EV71 subgenotype C4a was isolated retrospectively from serum and nasopharyngeal swab by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Here, we report a fatal case of EV71-associated HFMD with sudden-onset massive pulmonary hemorrhage and suspected encephalitis.

Change in the height of Korean children and adolescents: analysis from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey II and V / 소아과

PURPOSE: The mean adult height of Koreans has increased since nationwide anthropological measurements began in 1967. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in heights of Korean late adolescents and young adults within and between the Second and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES II and V). METHODS: Koreans aged < or =22 years with available measurements of height were enrolled from the KNHANES surveys (KNHANES II: n=3,372 [1,732 males and 1,640 females]; KNHANES V: n=6,190 [3,198 males and 2,992 females]). Differences in the height of KNHANES respondents within and between surveys were evaluated according to age and sex. RESULTS: In KNHANES II, there was no significant difference in height between males aged 17-19 years and those aged 20-22 years (174.3+/-0.5 cm vs. 174.3+/-0.6 cm, P=0.995). Females aged 20-22 years were taller than those aged 17-19 years (159.8+/-0.4 cm vs. 161.0+/-0.4 cm, P=0.017). Females aged 17-19 years were significantly taller in KNHANES V than in KNHANES II (161.2+/-0.3 cm vs. 159.8+/-0.4 cm, P=0.004). Respondents aged 20-22 years were taller in KNHANES V than in KNHANES II, although not significantly so; the difference was 0.3+/-0.8 cm in males (P=0.721) and 0.5+/-0.6 cm in females (P=0.386). CONCLUSION: Koreans appear to continue growing even in their late adolescence and early twenties. Consequently, it may be necessary to expand the reference age ranges of the Korean growth chart. Additionally, a longitudinal growth survey is needed to determine growth patterns and secular trend in height among Koreans.

Prevalence of Primary Immunodeficiency in Korea

This study represents the first epidemiological study based on the national registry of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in Korea. Patient data were collected from 23 major hospitals. A total of 152 patients with PID (under 19 yr of age), who were observed from 2001 to 2005, have been entered in this registry. The period prevalence of PID in Korea in 2005 is 11.25 per million children. The following frequencies were found: antibody deficiencies, 53.3% (n = 81), phagocytic disorders, 28.9% (n = 44); combined immunodeficiencies, 13.2% (n = 20); and T cell deficiencies, 4.6% (n = 7). Congenital agammaglobulinemia (n = 21) and selective IgA deficiency (n = 21) were the most frequently reported antibody deficiency. Other reported deficiencies were common variable immunodeficiencies (n = 16), X-linked agammaglobulinemia (n = 15), IgG subclass deficiency (n = 4). Phagocytic disorder was mostly chronic granulomatous disease. A small number of patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, hyper-IgE syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiency were also registered. Overall, the most common first manifestation was pneumonia. This study provides data that permit a more accurate estimation PID patients in Korea.

Validation study of the Dinamap ProCare 200 upper arm blood pressure monitor in children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: To validate the Dinamap ProCare 200 blood pressure (BP) monitor against a mercury sphygmomanometer in children 7 to 18 years old in accordance with the 2010 International Protocol of European Society of Hypertension (ESH-IP2) and the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol. METHODS: Forty-five children were recruited for the study. A validation procedure was performed following the protocol based on the ESH-IP2 and BHS protocols for children and adolescents. Each subject underwent 7 sequential BP measurements alternatively with a mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device by trained nurses. The results were analyzed according to the validation criteria of ESH-IP2. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) difference in the absolute BP values between test device and mercury sphygmomanometer readings was 1.85+/-1.65 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and 4.41+/-3.53 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). These results fulfilled the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criterion of a mean+/-SD below 5+/-8 mmHg for both SBP and DBP. The percentages of test device-observer mercury sphygmomanometer BP differences within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg were 96%, 100%, and 100% for SBP, and 69%, 92%, and 100% for DBP, respectively, in the part 1 analysis; both SBP and DBP passed the part 1 criteria. In the part 2 analysis, SBP passed the criteria but DBP failed. CONCLUSION: Although the Dinamap ProCare 200 BP monitor failed an adapted ESH-IP2, SBP passed. When comparing BP readings measured by oscillometers and mercury sphygmomanometers, one has to consider the differences between them, particularly in DBP, because DBP can be underestimated.

Validation study of the Dinamap ProCare 200 upper arm blood pressure monitor in children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: To validate the Dinamap ProCare 200 blood pressure (BP) monitor against a mercury sphygmomanometer in children 7 to 18 years old in accordance with the 2010 International Protocol of European Society of Hypertension (ESH-IP2) and the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol. METHODS: Forty-five children were recruited for the study. A validation procedure was performed following the protocol based on the ESH-IP2 and BHS protocols for children and adolescents. Each subject underwent 7 sequential BP measurements alternatively with a mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device by trained nurses. The results were analyzed according to the validation criteria of ESH-IP2. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) difference in the absolute BP values between test device and mercury sphygmomanometer readings was 1.85+/-1.65 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and 4.41+/-3.53 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). These results fulfilled the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criterion of a mean+/-SD below 5+/-8 mmHg for both SBP and DBP. The percentages of test device-observer mercury sphygmomanometer BP differences within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg were 96%, 100%, and 100% for SBP, and 69%, 92%, and 100% for DBP, respectively, in the part 1 analysis; both SBP and DBP passed the part 1 criteria. In the part 2 analysis, SBP passed the criteria but DBP failed. CONCLUSION: Although the Dinamap ProCare 200 BP monitor failed an adapted ESH-IP2, SBP passed. When comparing BP readings measured by oscillometers and mercury sphygmomanometers, one has to consider the differences between them, particularly in DBP, because DBP can be underestimated.

Age effects on the differences between Omron HEM 907 blood pressure monitor and manual mercury sphygmomanometer blood pressure readings

BACKGROUND: To validate Omron HEM 907 XL blood pressure monitor (test device) against auscultatory mercury sphygmomanometer in children aged 7-8 years old in accordance with International Protocol of European Society of Hypertension revised in 2010 (ESH-IP2) and British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol. METHODS: Seventy-five children and adolescents were recruited for the study. A validation procedure was performed following the protocol which was prepared on the basis of ESH-IP2 and BHS protocol for children and adolescents. Each underwent 7 sequential BP measurements alternatively with a mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. The results were analyzed according to the validation criteria of ESH-IP2. RESULTS: The mean (blood pressure [BP], +/- standard deviation [SD]) difference of absolute value between the test device and mercury sphygmomanometer readings in all the 75 subjects was 3.26 +/- 3.08 mm Hg for systolic BP and 4.11 +/- 3.50 mm Hg for diastolic BP. These results fulfilled AAMI criterion of mean +/- SD below 5 +/- 8 mm Hg for both systolic and diastolic BP. The proportion of test device-observer mercury sphygmomanometer BP differences within 5, 10 and 15 mm Hg were 81%, 96%, 99% for SBP and 72%, 93%, 99% for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respectively, in the part 1 analysis, so both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP passed the part 1 criteria. As for the part 2 analysis, SBP passed the criteria, bur DBP failed. CONCLUSIONS: Omron HEM 907 XL BP monitor failed an adapted ESH-IP2, though SBP passed. When comparing the BP readings by oscillometers with mercury sphygmomanometer, the differences between them, particularly in diastolic BP, should be taken into account, because DBP can be underestimated.

Complex febrile convulsions: A clinical study / 소아과

PURPOSE: Febrile convulsions are classified into simple or complex types, the latter being characterized by increased risk of recurrence and progression to epilepsy. This study aimed to delineate the clinical characteristics of complex febrile convulsions. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2006, 550 children were diagnosed with febrile convulsions at the Department of Pediatrics, Ilsan Paik Hospital. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comparison between simple and complex febrile convulsions, and clinical findings of complex febrile convulsions were clarified. RESULTS: Our subjects comprised a male-to-female ratio of 1.64:1; the age range was from 8 months to 8 years. Simple febrile convulsions comprised 432 cases, i.e., 4 times as many as complex febrile convulsions (118 cases). The causes of febrile illness included acute pharyngotonsillitis (357 cases, 64.9%), pneumonia (55 cases, 10.0%), acute gastroenteritis (37 cases, 6.7%), and otitis media (20 cases, 3.6%). We did not find any significant difference between simple and complex febrile convulsions in most clinical parameters such as gender, age, family history of febrile convulsions, and cause of febrile illness. Regarding subtypes of complex febrile convulsions, repeated convulsions were the most frequent (72.0%), followed by prolonged convulsions (16.9%) and focal convulsions (5.1%). CONCLUSION: We have reported here the clinical features of complex febrile convulsions. Although the results did not show any significant difference between simple and complex febrile convulsions in most clinical parameters such as gender, age, family history of febrile convulsion, and cause of febrile illness, further studies are essential to delineate complex febrile convulsions.

Analysis of Hepatobiliary Disorders from a Nationwide Survey ofDischarge Data in Korean Children and Adolescents / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: To update the epidemiologic information of hepatobiliary diseases in pediatric inpatients using cross-sectional survey data throughout the Republic of Korea. METHODS: Nationwide cross-sectional survey was obtained from the 85 residency training hospitals in Korea to gather the final diagnosis on discharge. The surveyed periods were from 2004 to 2006. All the reports regarding the diagnosis were based on ICD-10 system. In this study, we focused on hepatobiliary diseases. RESULTS: A total of 826,896 cases with discharge data were collected, of which 4,151 (5.0%) hepatobiliary cases were identified; 2,385 cases (57.4%) of hepatobiliary disease were hepatitis, which was the most common hepatobiliary disease. Other diseases included congenital hepatobiliary diseases (524 cases [12.6%]) and biliary diseases (315 cases [7.6%]). The prevalence of hepatobiliary disease according to age differed. Biliary atresia was the most common hepatobiliary disease in the neonatal period, whereas the prevalence of hepatitis increased in adolescents. The total number of hepatobiliary operations was 416 cases. With the comparison of annual data, there was no definite difference in the total number of hepatobiliary cases. The average duration of hospital stay appeared to decrease gradually. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have summarized the recent epidemiology of hepatobiliary disorders in Korean children based on discharge data. Hepatobiliary disorders in pediatric inpatient units consisted of diverse disorders with a low prevalence, so multi-center approaches should be considered to enhance the clinical and public health outcomes. To improve this nationwide survey, a new data collecting system should be developed.

A Case of a Polypoid Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndromewith Rectal Prolapse / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare disorder in children. There are few investigations about the exact incidence and effective treatment of SRUS in children. We describe a 12-year-old male patient who had rectal prolapse for 9 years, hematochezia for 7 months, and was diagnosed with polypoid solitary rectal ulcer syndrome with rectal prolapse by colonoscopy. Anorectal manometry was also performed to evaluate the cause of frequent relapses.

A Clinicostastical Analysis of Genitourinary Diseases from the Nationwide Hospital Discharge Survey

PURPOSE: The current nationally representative data on inpatient care are important to make the of the national public health policy because distributions and the prevalence of diseases among children and adolescents represent the socioeconomic status of the society. The prevalence of chronic disease is increasing now in Korea as the socioeconomic condition is improving. We analyzed a part of genitourinary tract disease of the cross-sectional hospital discharge survey data in Korea collected recently to delineate the trend of genitourinary tract diseases. METHODS: Korean nationwide hospital discharge survey for pediatric inpatients in the period from 2004 to 2006 was analyzed. Diagnoses in the data were coded using ICD-10 classification. Totally 826,896 cases were collected from the 85 training hospitals. Selected data of genitourinary tract diseases (belonging to N00-N99 by ICD-10) among 826,896 cases of final inpatients data were analyzed for this study. RESULTS: Among total patients of 826,896, diseases of the genitourinary system accounted for 4.1%. and four diagnostic categories accounted for 92.8%. These were other diseases of the urinary system (N30-39), 45.8%, disease of male genital organs (N40-51),19.1%, glomerular diseases (N00-08), 17.3%, renal tubulo-interstitial diseases (N10-16), 10.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Genitourinary tract disease in pediatric inpatient shows decreasing tendency but the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing in Korea as the socioeconomic condition is improving. For further comprehensive analysis, regular and organized nationwide survey should be performed. Development of a new data collecting system will improve the performance of such nationwide survey.

Comparison of Clinical Outcome According to the Duration of Corticosteroid Therapy in Childhood Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: a Bicentric Stud y

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of relapse or nephritis might be influenced by the duration of corticosteroid therapy in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 186 children with a diagnosis of HSP in two major hospitals in Ilsan, Korea from the years 2000 to 2003. To evaluate whether renal involvement or relapse might be influenced by the duration of corticosteroid therapy in children with HSP, one pediatric nephrologist from hospital A, maintained corticosteroid therapy for at least 2 weeks(Group A, n=94). The other from hospital B used only during the symptomatic period(Group B, n=92). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, body weight, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, serum protein and albumin levels between the two groups. The incidence of abdominal pain or arthralgia also did not differ between two groups. However, the duration of steroid therapy was significantly longer in Group A than in Group B and the cumulative dose of prednisolone was also higher in Group A than in Group B. The development of nephritis was more frequent in Group A. CONCLUSION: The longer duration of steroid use was not associated with the decreased rate of nephritis. Therefore, corticosteroids should be used carefully in a selected group of HSP children, and be tapered rapidly after control of the acute symptoms.

2007 Korean National Growth Charts: review of developmental process and an outlook / 소아과

PURPOSE: Since 1967, The Korean Pediatric Society and Korean Government have developed Korean Growth Standards every 10 years. Last version was published in 1998. During past 40 years, Korean Growth Standards were mainly descriptive charts without any systematic nor statistical standardization. With the global epidemic of obesity, many authorities such as World Health Organization (WHO) and United States' Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been changed their principles of growth charts to cope with the situations like ours. This article summarizes and reviews the whole developmental process of new 2007 Korean Growth Charts with discussion. METHODS: With the initiative of Division of Chronic Disease Surveillance in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have performed new national survey for the development of new Standards in 2005 and identified marked increase of childhood obesity and plateau of secular increment of final height in late adolescents. We have developed new Growth Standards via adapting several innovative methods, including standardization of all available raw data, which were acquired in 1997 and 2005 national survey and full application of LMS method. RESULTS: We could get new standardized charts; weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, weight-for-height, head circumference-for-age and BMI-for-age. Other non-standardized charts based on 2005 survey data were also published; waist circumference-for-age, mid-arm circumference-for-age, chest circumference-for-age and skinfold-for-age. Clinical guideline was also developed. CONCLUSION: Developmental process and results of new Korean Growth Charts are comparable with other internationally well-known Growth Standards, WHO 2006 Growth Standards and CDC Growth Charts. 2007 Korean Growth Charts are relevant especially in Korea and Korean ethnic groups.

The methodology for developing the 2007 Korean growth charts and blood pressure nomogram in Korean children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study was to provide the methods of developing the growth charts and the blood pressure nomogram among Korean children and adolescents. METHODS: The growth charts were developed based on the data from the national growth surveys for children and adolescents in 1998 and 2005. The percentile charts were developed through two stages. At the first stage, the selected empirical charts were smoothed through several fitting procedures including parametric and non-parametric methods. At the second stage, a modified LMS (lambda, mu, sigma) statistical procedure was applied to the smoothed percentile charts. The LMS procedure allowed to estimate any percentile and to calculate standard deviation units and z-scores. The charts for weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, weight-for-height and head circumference-for-age were developed by sex. Age and normalized height controlled sex-specific nomograms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were developed by a fixed effect model of general regression using the data from 2005 national growth survey. RESULTS: The significant systemic differences between the percentiles of growth charts and the empirical data were not found. The final output of the study is available from Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention homepage, http://www.cdc.go.kr/webcdc/. Blood Pressure nomogram was tabulated by height percentiles and age using the regression coefficients analyzed with regression model. CONCLUSION: 2007 growth charts and blood pressure nomogram were the first products based on the statistical modeling using the national survey data. The further study on the methodology including data collection, data cleaning and statistical modeling for representative growth charts would be needed.

Normative blood pressure references for Korean children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: It is now understood that blood pressure (BP) measurement in the routine pediatric examination is very important because of the relevance of childhood BP to pediatric health care and the development of adult essential hypertension. There hasn't been a reference table of BP for Korean children and adolescents up to now. This study was to make normative BP references and to provide criteria of hypertension for Korean children and adolescents. METHODS: BP measurements were done on 57,433 Koean children and adolescents (male: 29,443, female: 27,990), paged 7 to 20 years, in 2005. Heights and weights were measured simultaneously. Oscillometric devices, Dinamap Procare 200 (GE Inc., Milwaukee, Wi, USA), were used for the measurements. BPs were measured 2 times and mean levels were gathered for the analysis. Outliers of 2,373 subjects with overweight per height, over +3SD, were excluded for the analysis. For the BP centiles adjusted by sex, age and height, fixed modified LMS method which was adopted from the mixed effect model of 2004 Task Force in NHLBI (USA) was used. RESULTS: Normative BP tables for Korean children and adolescents adjusted for height percentiles (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th), gender (male, female) and age(7 to 18 years) were completed. Height centiles of Korean children and adolescents are available from Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention homepage, http://www.cdc.go.kr/webcdc/. Criteria of hypertension (95th, 99th percentile) and normal range of BP (50th, 90th) adjusted for height percentiles, age and gender were made. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to make normative BP tables and define hypertension for the Korean children and adolescents. Reliability and accuracy of Dinamap Procare 200 oscillometer for BP measurements remains debatable.

An overview and the future of pediatric subspecialty board certification of the Korean Pediatric Society / 소아과

Committee for pediatric subspecialty board certification of the Korean Pediatric Society (KPA) was established for the subspecialty certification and formal training programs in 2005. Pediatric allergy and pulmonology was the first pediatric subspecialty among 9 subdivisions of KPA to petition for the certification in 2006, and 7 additional subdivisions of KPA, pediatric cardiology, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, pediatric infectious diseases, neonatology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric neurology, respectively, were followed in 2007. Finally, pediatric hemato-oncology joined this program in 2008. An overview and the future of Korean pediatric subspecialties are described.

Anthropometric Changes in Korean Children and Adolescents

Anthropometric changes in infants, children, and adolescents from 1965 to 2005, during the period of 40 years, were reviewed. Those differences of adult heights were 5.3 cm from 168.9 cm to 174.2 cm in males, and 5.4 cm from 155.9 cm to 161.3 cm in females, respectively. However, the secular trends were more prominent in 13 years of age in males which was 18.6 cm, and in 12 years of age in females, 15.5 cm, which means that the age of puberty became earlier as compared to the previous generation. Looking at the changes of body weights in male and female, we can see that obesity became a serious health problem among Korean children and adolescents, particularly in males.

Prevalence and trends in obesity among Korean children and adolescents in 1997 and 2005 / 소아과

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to provide current estimates of the prevalence and examine trends of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHODS: Height and weight measurements from 183,159 (112,974 in 1997, 70,185 in 2005) children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years were obtained via the 1997 and 2005 National Growth Survey. Obesity among children and adolescents was defined as being at or above the 95th percentile of the gender-specific body mass index (BMI) for age in the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts or a BMI of 25 or higher; overweight was defined as being at or above the 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile BMI. RESULTS: In 2005, 9.7% (11.3% for boys, 8.0% for girls) of South Korean children and adolescents were obese; 19.0% (19.7% for boys, 18.2% for girls) were overweight or obese. The overall prevalence of obesity increased from 5.8% in 1997 to 9.7% in 2005 (from 6.1% in 1997 to 11.3% in 2005 for boys and from 5.5% in 1997 to 8.0% in 2005 for girls); the increasing trend was most evident in boys, especially those aged 13-18 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents increased significantly during the eight-year period from 1997 to 2005. This study suggests that we need to make a priority of developing strategies to control obesity in children and adolescents; the potential health effects of increases in obesity are of considerable public health importance.

Prevalence and trends in obesity among Korean children and adolescents in 1997 and 2005 / 소아과

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to provide current estimates of the prevalence and examine trends of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHODS: Height and weight measurements from 183,159 (112,974 in 1997, 70,185 in 2005) children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years were obtained via the 1997 and 2005 National Growth Survey. Obesity among children and adolescents was defined as being at or above the 95th percentile of the gender-specific body mass index (BMI) for age in the 2007 Korean National Growth Charts or a BMI of 25 or higher; overweight was defined as being at or above the 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile BMI. RESULTS: In 2005, 9.7% (11.3% for boys, 8.0% for girls) of South Korean children and adolescents were obese; 19.0% (19.7% for boys, 18.2% for girls) were overweight or obese. The overall prevalence of obesity increased from 5.8% in 1997 to 9.7% in 2005 (from 6.1% in 1997 to 11.3% in 2005 for boys and from 5.5% in 1997 to 8.0% in 2005 for girls); the increasing trend was most evident in boys, especially those aged 13-18 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents increased significantly during the eight-year period from 1997 to 2005. This study suggests that we need to make a priority of developing strategies to control obesity in children and adolescents; the potential health effects of increases in obesity are of considerable public health importance.