Korean Mothersafe Center 10th Anniversary: Outcome and Future Prospects

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this report is to organize the history of Korean Mothersafe, a professional teratology information center. Throughout its domestic and international activities, Mothersafe has firm role to write journals and books, to provide counseling, to run educational courses on maternal and fetal toxicology, and so on. This paper delineates the achievements in last ten years and discusses the vision of Mothersafe.@*METHODS@#In order to formulate the accomplishments of Korean Mothersafe, the volume of counseling calls are carefully reviewed by their contents, counselees, and the consultation results, etc. Textbooks and journals based on the data from Mothersafe are evaluated. Other roles of the Mothersafe, such as hosting symposium and running public programs are also noted.@*RESULTS@#Korean Mothersafe provided 76,555 counseling to 45,933 expectant women and 30,622 breast-feeding women. The database has total 52,130 enrollments from 2010 to 2019. A total of 33 papers are published regarding medication, alcohol, smoking, radiation, etc. A specialized book on maternal-fetal toxicology was published and teratology part of obstetrics textbook was updated. Education programs and symposiums were held and primary care programs for expectant parents are run by Mothersafe.@*CONCLUSION@#Korean Mothersafe has contributed to safe environments for numerous pregnant and breast-feeding women regarding medication, drinking, smoking, and other hazardous substances. The huge database provided evidence for researches, textbooks and seminars, etc. Korean Mothersafe is now facing a new challenge to go forward through social dynamics with many issues regarding prevention and continuance of pregnancy, abortion, and so on.

Total and ionized serum magnesium and calcium levels during magnesium sulfate administration for preterm labor

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the association between total and ionized magnesium, and the changes in serum magnesium and calcium levels in patients with preterm labor during magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration. METHODS: The study population included 64 women who were candidates for intravenous MgSO4 treatment for preterm labor. Serial blood samples were taken and measured total magnesium (T-Mg), ionized magnesium (I-Mg), total calcium (T-Ca), and ionized calcium (I-Ca) levels every one-week interval (1st, 2nd, 3rd). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in T-Mg and I-Mg levels during MgSO4 administration (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in T-Ca and I-Ca levels during MgSO4 administration (P>0.05). Compared before and after administration of MgSO4, T-Mg and I-Mg levels and T-Ca levels were changed allow statistically significant (P 0.05). There was significant correlation between levels of I-Mg and T-Mg (I-Mg=0.395×T-Mg+0.144, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in serum Mg and Ca levels during MgSO4 administration for preterm labor. Compared to the before and after administration of MgSO4, only I-Ca levels were not substantially changed. There are significant correlations between I-Mg and T-Mg levels during administration of MgSO4 and I-Mg level seemed to have more correlation with adverse effect than T-Mg.

Isotretinoin exposure in pregnant women in Korea

OBJECTIVE: Isotretinoin is a notorious teratogen otherwise used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Some countries, including those in North America and the European Union, implemented the pregnancy prevention program (PPP); however, no PPP has yet been established in South Korea. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of pregnant women exposed to isotretinoin among the callers of the Korean Mother Safe Counseling Center. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and isotretinoin exposure of pregnant women based on the mother safe registry from April 2010 to July 2016. RESULTS: Among 22,374 callers, 650 (2.9%) pregnant women were exposed to isotretinoin. The mean age was 29.0±4.4 years in the isotretinoin-exposed group and 32.0±4.2 years in the unexposed group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the incidence of pregnancies within 30 days after isotretinoin discontinuation or during isotretinoin intake was 78.9% (513/650). The median duration of isotretinoin exposure was 18 (1–4,231) days. Furthermore, from 2011 to 2015, the incidence of isotretinoin exposure was 2.9±1.2 pregnancies per 10,000 births in South Korea. CONCLUSION: Approximately 80% of pregnant women are exposed to isotretinoin within the recommended 30 days of contraception or during pregnancy. Therefore, the PPP has to be established in South Korea.

Magnetic Resonance Enhancement Pattern as a Predictor of Cement Volume in Vertebroplasty Procedures for Osteoporotic Fractures

PURPOSE: To identify the differences between injected cement volumes during vertebroplasty procedures according to the enhancement pattern of pre-procedure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients who underwent 52 vertebroplasty procedures as well as pre-procedure contrast-enhanced spine MRI in the authors' institution were reviewed retrospectively. The 52 procedures were divided into two groups according to different enhancement patterns shown by pre-procedure MR imaging [E(+) and E(−)]. The volumes of the enhancing/non-enhancing portions of the fractured vertebral body shown by pre-procedural MR imaging were calculated and compared to the volumes of the injected cement during the vertebroplasty procedures. RESULTS: The 52 injections included 28 (56%) in Group E(+) and 24 (44%) in Group E(−). The actual volume ratio of the injected cement to the volume of the non-enhanced or enhanced region calculated based on the contrast-enhanced MRI was 0.22 ± 0.11 (cc/cm³) in the E(+) group and 0.93 ± 0.62 (cc/cm³) in the E(−) group. The average amount of injected cement was significantly different between Group E(+) and Group E(−) (P < 0.001). In addition, the ratio of the injected cement amount to the volume of the enhanced or non-enhanced portion based on the contrast-enhanced MRI in Group E(−) was significantly higher than that of Group E(+) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Different enhancement patterns shown by pre-procedure MRI can predictors of the injected cement volume during vertebroplasty procedures for osteoporotic fractures.

Periductal Stromal Sarcoma of the Breast: a Case Report

Periductal stromal sarcoma (PSS) is a type of rare malignant fibroepithelial tumor. PSS is a recently introduced diagnostic entity and there are few reports about radiological features of this tumor. Pre-operative diagnosis is difficult because it reveals similar symptoms with other benign and malignant tumors with absence of specific radiologic findings. We present a woman age 30 that underwent mammotome biopsy for a BI-RADS 4 lesion on her left breast and received histopathology diagnosis of a phyllodes tumor. Additionally, she underwent a wide excision depending on her histopathology diagnosis. Her final diagnosis was PSS. Six months later, no recurrence was detected. However, frequent follow-up is needed because PSS can develop into phyllodes tumor or entity of breast cancer.

Thiemann's Disease: a Case Report

Thiemann's disease is a form of idiopathic avascular necrosis of the immature epiphyses of the phalanges of the fingers and toes. Few cases of Thiemann's disease have been reported because the disease is rare and difficult to diagnose. To the best of our knowledge, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Thiemann's disease have not been reported. Here, we report a case of Thiemann's disease diagnosed by typical clinical symptoms and characteristic MRI findings before radiologic bony abnormalities were apparent.

Successful pregnancy and delivery of a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) during pregnancy is a rare condition. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. CAH patients has lower pregnancy rate compared to normal women. A 27-year-old nulliparous woman, a diagnosed case of 21-hydroxylase deficient simple virilising form of classic CAH visited. She got pregnant spontaneously without any trial of assisted reproductive technology. At the age of 12, she underwent clitoral resection and vaginoplasty. She took dexamethasone or prednisolone after operation. She delivered healthy singleton female baby by cesarean section. Four years later, she delivered healthy singleton female baby by repeat cesarean section. Two female babies have shown normal external genitalia. Here, we report a case of successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient with CAH.

Revaluation of measures in obstetrically underserved area

No abstract available.

Measures to address obstetrically underserved areas: limitations and future directions

Since 2015, the Support Project for Obstetrically Underserved Areas has been operating a total of 31 obstetric clinics, including 12 delivery clinics, 14 outpatient clinics, and 31 mobile clinics. However, the effectiveness of the project is being questioned due to the low birth rate in some of the hospitals that received delivery clinics through the project. Despite the support project, the number of obstetrically underserved areas is increasing as clinics ceasing their business or at least give up maternal care. This has led to the need for a discussion regarding the limits of obstetrics clinics in underserved areas that are operated by the support project itself and the direction of future improvements. The increasing number of obstetrically underserved areas that lack delivery clinics within a one-hour drive range can have grave consequences, which are not limited to maternal medical systems alone, but also towards the general deterioration of the community. Thus, it has been determined that existing problems should be addressed and the project should continue operating with the Support Project for Obstetrically Underserved Areas Act as the foundation and minimal measures for strengthening the social security system, which is essential. Additionally, aggressive policymaking by the government is thought to be needed for the sake of expanding the extremely weakened obstetric infrastructure.

Oxidative Stress Markers in the Venous Plasma of Women with Preterm Labor and Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the oxidation and antioxidation capacity in the maternal venous plasma of preterm labor with intact membranes, and premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and also to evaluate their roles in the pathophysiology of PPROM. METHODS: Seventy five women in the following categories had venous blood retrieved: (1) Group A, normal pregnancy (n=24). (2) Group B, preterm labor with intact membranes (n=25). (3) Group C, preterm premature rupture of membranes (n=26). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reaction, protein carbonyl content by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reaction, and total antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC) were measured. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Lipid peroxide levels in the venous plasma of group B and C were significantly higher than those of group A (group B: 4.59+/-0.30, group C: 5.40+/-0.22 vs. group A: 3.90+/-0.26 nmol/mg protein, P<0.05). Lipid peroxide levels in the venous plasma of group C were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05). Protein carbonyl levels in the venous plasma of group C were significantly higher than those of group A (group C: 5.68+/-0.42 vs. group A: 5.43+/-0.41 nmol/mg protein, P<0.05). There was no significant difference of protein carbonyl levels in the venous plasma between group A and B. ORAC levels in the venous plasma of group B and C were significantly lower than those of group A (group B: 117.90+/-0.48, group C: 111.68+/-1.23 vs. group A: 119.14+/-1.12 mM/mL, P<0.05). ORAC levels in the venous plasma of group C were significantly lower than those of group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the blood of the women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, the lipid peroxidation was increased and the antioxidant capacity was decreased compared to women with normal pregnancy and preterm labor with intact membranes. These results suggest that oxidative stress was increased in preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Incidentally detected ganglioneuroma during pregnancy: A case report

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor, which is included in the neuroblastomas group. It can occur anywhere along the peripheral autonomic ganglion sites, and the tumor is often incidentally detected in asymptomatic patients or may produce symptoms related to the slow growing tumor. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and the prognosis is good. We report a case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma, which was incidentally detected in the first trimester of pregnancy in a 29-year-old woman. Surgical resection of the ganglioneuroma was done at the time of cesarean section at full term without complications.

Comparison of oxidative stress markers in umbilical cord blood after vaginal and cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of the mode of delivery on the oxidant and antioxidant system in umbilical cord blood. METHODS: We performed gas analysis of umbilical venous blood and umbilical arterial blood immediately after delivery in 38 women; eighteen women had a vaginal delivery while 20 women delivered via cesarean section at over 37 weeks gestation. We examined lipid peroxide concentration by thiobarbituric acid reaction, protein carbonyl content by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reaction, and total antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. RESULTS: Lipid peroxide levels in umbilical venous blood were significantly higher in patients delivering by planned cesarean section (1.81 +/- 0.06 nmol/mg protein) than those with vaginal delivery (1.24 +/- 0.05 nmol/mg protein) (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity in umbilical venous blood was significantly higher in patients delivering by planned cesarean section (119.70 +/- 0.13 microM/microL) than those with a vaginal delivery (118.70 +/- 0.29 microM/microL) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the carbonyl content of umbilical venous blood or in the lipid peroxide, carbonyl content, and total antioxidant capacity of umbilical arterial blood. CONCLUSION: Lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant capacity in umbilical venous blood were higher in patients delivering by planned cesarean section than those with a vaginal delivery. Therefore, we propose that both the mother and neonate are exposed to higher oxidative stress during cesarean section delivery.

Significance of Gray-Level Histogram of the Uterine Cervix as a Predictor of Preterm Birth in Pregnant Women with Preterm Labor / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the value of a gray-level histogram of the cervix as a predictor of preterm birth in women who admitted for preterm labor. METHODS: Ninety-seven women who admitted Chonnam national university for preterm labor were enrolled in this prospective study. A transvaginal ultrasonography for measurement of cervical length (CL), gray-scale histogram and cervical volume was performed when patients were admitted. Anterior and posterior cervical walls and AP (anterior and posterior) difference in MGL (mean gray level between anterior and posterior) were checked. And we analyzed the relationship between the value and preterm birth. RESULTS: The overall rate of preterm birth before 37 weeks was 53.6% and after 37 weeks was 46.4%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that not only cervix length (P=0.003; odds ratio [OR], 0.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.064-0.560) but also anterior histogram (P=0.028; OR, 0.319; 95% CI, 0.115-0.884) was independent predictor of preterm birth before 37 weeks. The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were analyzed for the anterior histogram, a value of 85.9 was the best cut-off value to determine the preterm birth. The areas under the ROC curve indicate that the variable provides a prognostic value for the prediction for preterm birth. To predict a preterm birth, anterior histogram had 78.8% sensitivity and 46.7% specificity. CONCLUSION: Gray-level histogram of the uterine cervix may predict the preterm birth in pregnant women with preterm labor.

Complications Following Outside-in and Inside-out Transobturator-Tape Procedures with Concomitant Gynecologic Operations / 전남의대학술지

This study was undertaken to compare the complications of outside-in transobturator tape procedures (TOT) and inside-out transobturator tape procedures (TVT-O) with concomitant gynecologic surgery for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A retrospective review of 206 consecutive patients who underwent either TOT or TVT-O with concomitant gynecologic operations between March 2008 and February 2011 was conducted. The incidence of perioperative complications was compared. For statistical analysis, chi-squared tests were used. There were no reports of intraoperative complications such as vaginal injury or bladder perforation. Postoperative complications were noted in 23 procedures (11.2%). These included 6 cases of urinary retention (2.9%), 2 cases of vulva hematoma (1.0%), 7 cases of urinary tract infection (3.4%), 4 cases of de novo urgency (2.9%), and 4 cases of vaginal erosion (2.9%). There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two groups. Our results suggest that inside-out and outside-in procedures are simple and safe techniques that may have a low rate of complications when used with a concomitant gynecologic operation.

Analysis of High-Risk Infant Births and Their Mortality: Ten Years' Data from Chonnam National University Hospital / 전남의대학술지

Prematurity and low birth weight are major factors associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and their incidence is not decreasing despite an annual decrease in the total number of live births in Korea. The objective of this study was to establish a strategy to reduce neonatal mortality by analyzing the clinical characteristics of high-risk infant births along with their mortality and causes of death. We retrospectively surveyed the medical records of infants born at Chonnam National University Hospital and of patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 10 years from October 1999 to December 2008. Premature and low birth weight infants were almost half of the live births, and their NICU admission rate increased with increases in the numbers of outborns and multiples. Also, their mortality decreased dramatically over the past 10 years. About 60% of deaths occurred within 1 week of life, and the causes of death were mostly related to prematurity. Perinatal asphyxia was the major cause of death in infants less than 1 week old, whereas sepsis was the major cause after 4 weeks of age. The major cause of death was sepsis in premature or low birth weight infants and perinatal asphyxia in term or normal weight infants. The major cause of death was sepsis in inborns and perinatal asphyxia in outborns. Our results suggest that medical personnel training for immediate postnatal care including neonatal resuscitation, infection control, and a systematic team approach to regionalization are all needed to reduce the mortality rate.

Analysis of High-Risk Infant Births and Their Mortality: Ten Years' Data from Chonnam National University Hospital / 전남의대학술지

Prematurity and low birth weight are major factors associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and their incidence is not decreasing despite an annual decrease in the total number of live births in Korea. The objective of this study was to establish a strategy to reduce neonatal mortality by analyzing the clinical characteristics of high-risk infant births along with their mortality and causes of death. We retrospectively surveyed the medical records of infants born at Chonnam National University Hospital and of patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 10 years from October 1999 to December 2008. Premature and low birth weight infants were almost half of the live births, and their NICU admission rate increased with increases in the numbers of outborns and multiples. Also, their mortality decreased dramatically over the past 10 years. About 60% of deaths occurred within 1 week of life, and the causes of death were mostly related to prematurity. Perinatal asphyxia was the major cause of death in infants less than 1 week old, whereas sepsis was the major cause after 4 weeks of age. The major cause of death was sepsis in premature or low birth weight infants and perinatal asphyxia in term or normal weight infants. The major cause of death was sepsis in inborns and perinatal asphyxia in outborns. Our results suggest that medical personnel training for immediate postnatal care including neonatal resuscitation, infection control, and a systematic team approach to regionalization are all needed to reduce the mortality rate.

Complications Following Outside-in and Inside-out Transobturator-Tape Procedures with Concomitant Gynecologic Operations / 전남의대학술지

This study was undertaken to compare the complications of outside-in transobturator tape procedures (TOT) and inside-out transobturator tape procedures (TVT-O) with concomitant gynecologic surgery for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A retrospective review of 206 consecutive patients who underwent either TOT or TVT-O with concomitant gynecologic operations between March 2008 and February 2011 was conducted. The incidence of perioperative complications was compared. For statistical analysis, chi-squared tests were used. There were no reports of intraoperative complications such as vaginal injury or bladder perforation. Postoperative complications were noted in 23 procedures (11.2%). These included 6 cases of urinary retention (2.9%), 2 cases of vulva hematoma (1.0%), 7 cases of urinary tract infection (3.4%), 4 cases of de novo urgency (2.9%), and 4 cases of vaginal erosion (2.9%). There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two groups. Our results suggest that inside-out and outside-in procedures are simple and safe techniques that may have a low rate of complications when used with a concomitant gynecologic operation.

A Study of Maternal and Perinatal Risk Factors on Intrauterine Fetal Death / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). METHODS: We carried out a case control retrospective study, at the Chonnam National University Hospital, Korea. We included all pregnant women diagnosed as singleton IUFD in pregnancies of 28 weeks of gestation or more, admitted to the hospital from Jan 2003 to Dec 2007. There were 53 cases of singleton IUFD and 3,298 cases of singleton live birth during that period. The incidence, age distribution, and prevalent gestational weeks were analysed. The risk factors were analyzed by using odds ratio, student's t test, and Chisquare test. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS: The overall incidence of IUFD was 1.6%. The age distribution of mother with IUFD was highest in the age group of 20 year old or less (5.3%). IUFD was the most prevalent at 28-32 weeks of gestation (41.5%). Significant risk factors were maternal body weight just before delivery, weight gain during pregnancy, and abruptio placentae. The independent risk factors were weight gain during pregnancy (beta=0.002, P=0.000) and abruptio placentae (beta=-0.067, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Lower maternal body weight just before delivery, lower weight gain during pregnancy, and abruptio placentae are factors significantly associated with IUFD. Further investigations are needed to understand the complex etiology of stillbirth.

Evaluation of length, volume and gray-scale histogram of the cervix as predictors of successful induction / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Bishop score, length, volume and gray-scale histogram of the cervix has a predictive value of assessing the rate of success in trial of induction. METHODS: Forty-one nulliparous patients with its Bishop score six or less were enrolled for this prospective study. All were on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, Propess(R); Controlled Therapeutics Ltd) pessary. Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound scans of the cervix were performed on the ACCUVIX XQ (Medison) to measure length, volume, and gray-scale histogram. Bishop score was determined by digital examination. The successful induction was defined as the ability to achieve the active phase of labor corresponding to a cervical dilatation of > or =4 cm within 12 hours of removing the PGE2 pessary. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were also used to estimate an optimal cutoff point for the Bishop score, length, volume, and gray-scale histogram of the cervix. Logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The overall successful rate of labor induction was 73.2% (30/41). Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the value of anterior lip histogram was significantly associated with the successful labor induction. ROC curve for anterior lip histogram value in predicting success of induction indicated a significant relationship with successful induction. The best cutoff value was 69.4. CONCLUSION: The value of anterior lip histogram associates significantly with the prediction of successful induction in nulliparous women. But, Bishop score and other sonographic measurement of cervical length, volume, and posterior lip histogram have no predictive values for successful induction.

A Case of Intestinal Hemangioma Complicated with Thrombocytopenia (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome) in Premature Infant

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare thrombocytopenic consumptive coagulopathy associated with a giant hemangioma. We experienced a case of unexplained ascites with thrombocytopenia in a 32 week premature infant. An exploratory laparotomy was performed to determine the cause of the refractory ascites and thrombocytopenia. An intestinal hemangioma was found, but, surgical removal was not performed due to the extensive involvement. Hemangioma was confirmed by SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) and the thrombocytopenia was treated with steroid therapy. It is recommended that hemangioma of the visceral organs should be suspected when unexplained thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy persist.