Factors Associated with Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation Failure in Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress after Birth

Purpose@#We examined the factors associated with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) failure in late preterm and term infants with respiratory distress after birth. @*Methods@#A retrospective cohort study was conducted on late preterm and term infants with respiratory distress after birth from January 2015 to December 2020. The medical records of 132 infants, who received NIPPV as primary respiratory therapy before 6 hours of age, were retrospectively examined. We excluded five neonates who were either transferred to another hospital (n=2) or presented with congenital anomalies (n=3). @*Results@#The remaining 127 neonates were divided into the NIPPV success group (n=82) and NIPPV failure group (n=45). NIPPV failure was associated with birth in a community hospital, the need for a surfactant, and a high maximum respiratory severity score (RSS ≥2.5) on the first day of life. In the subgroup analysis, NIPPV failure in late preterm infants was associated with a lower gestational age, birth in a community hospital, and an RSS ≥2.5 on the first day of life. In addition, NIPPV failure in term infants was associated with birth in a community hospital, the need for a surfactant, and an RSS ≥2.5 on the first day of life. @*Conclusion@#Birth in a community hospital, the need for a surfactant, and an RSS ≥2.5 on the first day of life were significant factors associated with NIPPV failure in late preterm and term infants.

Is Less Invasive Surfactant Administration Better than INtubation-SURfactant-Extubation for Prophylactic Surfactant Replacement Therapy?

Purpose@#The study aimed to examine whether prophylactic surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) with less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) by tracheal catheterization in a group of spontaneously breathing preterm infants would improve clinical outcomes compared to prophylactic SRT with the INtubation-SURfactantExtubation (INSURE) method. @*Methods@#We compared 20 spontaneously breathing preterm infants, 25 to 29 weeks of gestation or with a birth weight of less than 1,250 g, treated with prophylactic SRT using a gastric tube (LISA group), to the 20 spontaneously breathing preterm infants matched by gestational age and birth weight, managed with prophylactic SRT via the INSURE method (INSURE group, historical control). @*Results@#The LISA group had lower rates of mechanical ventilation (MV) 72 hours after birth (P=0.019) and at any time (P=0.025), lower frequency of bradycardia during SRT (P=0.031), and lower median duration of MV than the INSURE group (P=0.038). In multivariate analysis, the LISA method was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of receiving invasive ventilation during hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 0.029; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001 to 0.938; P=0.046) and a decreased frequency of bradycardia during SRT (OR, 0.020; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.535; P=0.020) as compared to the INSURE method. @*Conclusion@#Prophylactic SRT using LISA via tracheal catheterization in preterm infants may significantly reduce exposure to MV during hospitalization and bradycardia during surfactant administration.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Late Preterm Infants between Born at 34+0 to 34+6 Weeks and at 35+0 to 36+6 Weeks of Gestation

Purpose@#We compared perinatal characteristics, clinical outcomes, and treatment between late preterm infants born at 34 weeks and 35 to 36 weeks of gestation. @*Methods@#We reviewed the medical records of 254 neonates (gestational age 34+0 to +6 weeks) who were born at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between July 1, 2013 and June 31, 2018. Late preterm infants were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (born at 34 weeks, n=88) and Group 2 (born at 35 to 36 weeks, n=162). We compared the clinical outcomes, treatment, and readmission within 12 months after birth between two groups. @*Results@#Group 1 showed higher frequencies of antenatal steroid administration, premature membrane rupture, maternal antibiotic use, and histologic chorioamnionitis. Group 1 also had significantly more medical problems such as respiratory distress, feed ing intolerance, gavage feeding, neonatal jaundice, apnea or bradycardia, and hypocalcemia. Treatment during hospital stay including respiratory support, nutritional sup port, and antibiotics use over 24 hours was also significantly higher in Group 1. In addition, delayed discharge was more frequent in Group 1. @*Conclusion@#Late preterm infants born at 34 weeks gestation had significantly higher morbidity, required more aggressive management, and more often had delayed discharge compared to those in late preterm infants born at 35 to 36 weeks’ gestation.

Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy via Tracheal Catheterization in Neonates with a Gestational Age of 30 Weeks or More Diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) is currently used as a method of surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 30 weeks. However, few studies have been conducted on MIST in neonates with a gestational age of 30 weeks or more. In this study, we compared MIST with endotracheal intubation as a rescue SRT for spontaneously breathing neonates with a gestational age of 30 weeks or more who were diagnosed with RDS. METHODS: We investigated the clinical characteristics of spontaneously breathing neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. These neonates were born at a gestational age of 30 weeks or more and were diagnosed with RDS. The neonates who were administered surfactant by MIST were categorized into the MIST group (n=16) and those who underwent endotracheal intubation were categorized into the control group (n=45). Thereafter, the clinical characteristics between the groups were compared. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the MIST group was less likely to require mechanical ventilation within 72 hours (P < 0.001). The frequency of bradycardia during SRT was also low in the MIST group (P=0.033). CONCLUSION: MIST is considered relatively feasible and safe for treating RDS for reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and decreasing the occurrence of bradycardia during surfactant administration in neonates with a gestational age of 30 weeks or more.

Comparison between Patients with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of Neonates Concomitant with Parenchymal Lung Disease and Idiopathic Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of Neonates

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics between neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of neonates (PPHN) with parenchymal lung disease (PLD) and those with idiopathic PPHN. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 67 neonates with gestational ages not lesser than 34⁺⁰ weeks who were born at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between June 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016. We excluded 10 neonates who presented with congenital anomalies (n=3), dextrocardia (n=1), triple X syndrome (n=1), death before treatment (n=1), neonatal asphyxia (n=2), and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (n=2). Neonates were categorized into 2 groups—PPHN with PLD (PLD group, those diagnosed with PLD such as respiratory distress syndrome or meconium aspiration syndrome, n=36) and idiopathic PPHN (idiopathic group, n=21). We compared the clinical characteristics, treatment, and laboratory findings between the groups. RESULTS: The PLD group neonates showed a greater requirement for positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room, higher frequency of meconium staining of amniotic fluid, and greater need for surfactant application than those belonging to the idiopathic group. In contrast, epinephrine use was more common in the idiopathic PPHN group than in the PLD group. The 1-minute Apgar score and pH observed on initial capillary blood gas analysis were lower in the PLD than in the idiopathic group. Severity scores were higher in the idiopathic than in the PLD group 4–7 days after birth. CONCLUSION: In our study, an overall simplified severity score in the first week after birth was higher in the idiopathic than in the PLD group. These results were particularly statistically significant over postnatal days 4–7.

Update of minimally invasive surfactant therapy / 소아과

To date, preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) after birth have been managed with a combination of endotracheal intubation, surfactant instillation, and mechanical ventilation. It is now recognized that noninvasive ventilation (NIV) such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants is a reasonable alternative to elective intubation after birth. Recently, a meta-analysis of large controlled trials comparing conventional methods and nasal CPAP suggested that CPAP decreased the risk of the combined outcome of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. Since then, the use of NIV as primary therapy for preterm infants has increased, but when and how to give exogenous surfactant remains unclear. Overcoming this problem, minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) allows spontaneously breathing neonates to remain on CPAP in the first week after birth. MIST has included administration of exogenous surfactant by intrapharyngeal instillation, nebulization, a laryngeal mask, and a thin catheter. In recent clinical trials, surfactant delivery via a thin catheter was found to reduce the need for subsequent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, and improves short-term respiratory outcomes. There is also growing evidence for MIST as an alternative to the INSURE (intubation-surfactant-extubation) procedure in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with RDS. In conclusion, MIST is gentle, safe, feasible, and effective in preterm infants, and is widely used for surfactant administration with noninvasive respiratory support by neonatologists. However, further studies are needed to resolve uncertainties in the MIST method, including infant selection, optimal surfactant dosage and administration method, and need for sedation.

Prognostic factors of neurological outcomes in late-preterm and term infants with perinatal asphyxia / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors of neurological outcomes, including developmental delay, cerebral palsy and epilepsy in late-preterm and term infants with perinatal asphyxia. METHODS: All late-preterm and term infants with perinatal asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic insults who admitted the neonatal intensive care unit of Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between 2006 and 2014 and were followed up for at least 2 years were included in this retrospective study. Abnormal neurological outcomes were defined as cerebral palsy, developmental delay and epilepsy. RESULTS: Of the 114 infants with perinatal asphyxia, 31 were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 83 infants, 10 died, 56 had normal outcomes, and 17 had abnormal outcomes: 14 epilepsy (82.4%), 13 cerebral palsy (76.5%), 16 developmental delay (94.1%). Abnormal outcomes were significantly more frequent in infants with later onset seizure, clinical seizure, poor electroencephalography (EEG) background activity, lower Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes and abnormal brain imaging (P<0.05). Infants with and without epilepsy showed significant differences in EEG background activity, clinical and electrographic seizures on EEG, Apgar score at 5 minutes and brain imaging findings. CONCLUSION: We should apply with long-term video EEG or amplitude integrated EEG in order to detect and management subtle clinical or electrographic seizures in neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Also, long-term, prospective studies with large number of patients are needed to evaluate more exact prognostic factors in neonates with perinatal asphyxia.

Risk Factors of Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia in Preterm Infants with Gestational Ages of Less Than 32 Weeks according to Gestational Age Group / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and identify the risk factors for cystic PVL in preterm infants with gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks according to gestational age group. METHODS: The medical records and brain imaging were reviewed for preterm infants with less than 32 weeks GA who lived more than 4 weeks and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 2009 to June 2015. We determined the incidence and the risk factors for the development of cystic PVL in preterm infants according to GA group. RESULTS: Incidence of cystic PVL was 15.1% (26/172). Multivariate analysis showed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) [P=0.006, odds ratio (OR) 5.478, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.641-18.285), oxygen uses over 28 days (P=0.025, OR 3.086, 95% CI 1.152-8.264), and NEC (P=0.042, OR 3.731, 95% CI 1.047-13.333) were independent risk factors for the developmental of cystic PVL. Subgroup analysis showed that pregnancy-induce hypertension and IVH were independent risk factors in preterm infants with GA of less than 28 weeks. Also, oxygen uses over 28 days and culture proven sepsis were independent risk factors in preterm infants with GA of 28(+0)-31(+6) weeks. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pregnancy-induce hypertension and IVH may increase the risk for the subsequent development of cystic PVL in preterm infants with GA of less than 28 weeks, and oxygen uses over 28 days and culture proven sepsis may increase in preterm infants with GA of 28(+0)-31(+6) weeks.

Risk Factors of Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia in Preterm Infants with Gestational Ages of Less Than 32 Weeks according to Gestational Age Group / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and identify the risk factors for cystic PVL in preterm infants with gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks according to gestational age group. METHODS: The medical records and brain imaging were reviewed for preterm infants with less than 32 weeks GA who lived more than 4 weeks and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 2009 to June 2015. We determined the incidence and the risk factors for the development of cystic PVL in preterm infants according to GA group. RESULTS: Incidence of cystic PVL was 15.1% (26/172). Multivariate analysis showed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) [P=0.006, odds ratio (OR) 5.478, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.641-18.285), oxygen uses over 28 days (P=0.025, OR 3.086, 95% CI 1.152-8.264), and NEC (P=0.042, OR 3.731, 95% CI 1.047-13.333) were independent risk factors for the developmental of cystic PVL. Subgroup analysis showed that pregnancy-induce hypertension and IVH were independent risk factors in preterm infants with GA of less than 28 weeks. Also, oxygen uses over 28 days and culture proven sepsis were independent risk factors in preterm infants with GA of 28(+0)-31(+6) weeks. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pregnancy-induce hypertension and IVH may increase the risk for the subsequent development of cystic PVL in preterm infants with GA of less than 28 weeks, and oxygen uses over 28 days and culture proven sepsis may increase in preterm infants with GA of 28(+0)-31(+6) weeks.

Comparisons of Clinical Characteristics Affecting Readmission between Late Preterm Infants and Moderate Preterm Infants or Full-Term Infants

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the differences in clinical characteristics that affect readmission between late and moderate preterm or full-term infants. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for 881 patients with gestational ages of ≥31⁺⁰ weeks who were born at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between1 January 2013 and 20 September 2015. The patients were categorized into three subgroups as follows moderate preterm infants: those born at 31-33 weeks' gestation (n=73), late preterm infants: those born at 34–36 weeks' gestation (n=169),and full-term infants: those born at ≥37 weeks' gestation (n=639). We compared the late and moderate preterm or full-term infants in terms of clinical characteristics that affect readmission. RESULTS: The readmission rate was 18.9% in the late preterm infants, 21.9% in the moderate preterm infants, and 16.7% in the full-term infants. The independent risk factors of readmission were gestational age in the late preterm infants, positive pressure ventilation at birth in the moderate preterm infants, and air-leak syndrome in the full-term infants. In addition, antenatal care at the first trimester of pregnancy was an independent protective factor against readmission in the full-term infants. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that gestational age may affect the readmission rate of late preterm infants.

Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy / 대한주산의학회잡지

For many years preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome have been managed with a combination of intubation and surfactant replacement therapy. It is now recognized that applying noninvasive ventilation (NIV) such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants is a reasonable alternative to early intubation after birth. Recently, nasal CPAP has shown a benefit with a small reduction in the risk of the combined outcome of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There has been an upsurge in the use of NIV as primary therapy for preterm infants, bringing with it the dilemma of when and how to give exogenous surfactant. In an effort to overcome this problem, minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) to spontaneously breathing infants, allows them to remain on CPAP in first days after birth. MIST has included administration of exogenous surfactant by brief tracheal catheterization, aerosolization, laryngeal mask, and intrapharyngeal instillation. In recent clinical trials, surfactant delivery via brief tracheal catheterization was found to reduce the need for subsequent intubation and mechanical ventilation and to improve short-term respiratory outcomes. In conclusion, MIST is gentle, safe, feasible and effective to perform in preterm infants and will also be used commonly in Korea.

Comorbid Risk Factors of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn in Infants with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

PURPOSE: Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is considered an important prognostic factor in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). The aim of this study was to determine the comorbid risk factors for PPHN in infants with MAS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 60 infants diagnosed with MAS and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 2007 to April 2013. There were 28 infants (47%) with PPHN and 32 infants (53%) without PPHN. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings within 24 hours after birth, and initial capillary blood gas analysis results were compared between infants with and without PPHN. RESULTS: Incidence of PPHN was associated with the severity of MAS (P<0.001). The PPHN group had a greater incidence of hypotension and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy within 24 hours of birth compared to the non-PPHN group. The PPHN group also had a lower initial pH. However, there was no significant difference for laboratory findings within 24 hours of birth and initial capillary blood gas analysis. In the multivariate analysis, hypotension within 24 hours of birth (P=0.046, odds ratio 11.494, 95% confidence interval 1.048-125.00) was found to be a significant comorbid factor for PPHN in infants with MAS. CONCLUSION: Infants with MAS who develop hypotension within 24 hours of birth should be closely monitored for development of PPHN.

A Case of Diffuse Cutaneous Mastocytosis in a Newborn / 대한주산의학회잡지

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare variant of mast cell disease with widespread erythema and is clinically apparent in early infancy. We report the case of a 1-day-old female neonate who presented with diffuse flush, pruritus, and extensive blistering. DCM was diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD117, which revealed mast cell infiltration. DCM is a severe and heterogeneous cutaneous disease, and is associated with mast cell mediator-related symptoms and risk of anaphylactic shock. We describe this case and provide the first literature review of neonatal onset DCM in Korea.

Oral Ibuprofen versus Intravenous Indomethacin for the Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: Ibuprofen and indomethacin has been used in treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in Korea. But, there were few reports about oral ibuprofen for the treatment of PDA. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ibuprofen versus intravenous indomethacin for the treatment of PDA in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: A retrospective study of VLBW infants treated with oral ibuprofen or intravenous indomethacin for symptomatic PDA at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between February 2002 and April 2012 was performed. RESULTS: We identified 43 infants that received oral ibuprofen and 9 infants that received intravenous indomethacin. There were no significant differences in the efficacy and safety between oral ibuprofen group and intravenous indomethacin group. There was no significant difference between the use of oral ibuprofen before 48 hours after birth and after 48 hours the efficacy and safety. CONCLUSION: In our study, oral ibuprofen appears to be as effective as intravenous indomethacin for the treatment of PDA in VLBW infants with similar complication rates.

Comparison of Clinical Manifestation and Laboratory Findings between H1N1 and Influenza B Infection / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Influenza virus is one of the most important viruses that cause the respiratory infection seasonally. In April 2009, H1N1 was detected in America and Mexico and then there was pandemic in Korea. We investigated the difference of clinical and laboratory findings between the infections of H1N1 and Influenza B. METHODS: We have retrospectively studied the patients under age of 15 years who visited Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from August 2009 to April 2010. Evaluation for influenza infection was performed by rapid antigen test or multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Complete blood count with differential counts, C-reactive protein and chest X-ray were checked. RESULTS: Enrolled patients were 2,226 in H1N1-infected group and 288 in influenza B-infected group. Seasonal variation was that H1N1 in autumn and winter but influenza B in spring. The male-to-female sex ratio was same as 1.23 in each group. The mean age of H1N1-infected group was higher than influenza B-infected group (P<0.001). Fever was developed similarly in both groups (P=0.114). However, cough, sputum, rhinorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache were more prevalent in influenza B infection compared to H1N1 infection (P<0.001). Pneumonia development and admission rate were higher in influenza B infection compared to H1N1 infection (P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although H1N1 infection spread rapidly, H1N1 caused not so severe symptoms than influenza B. Because of the possibility that influenza epidemic will develop repeatedly in the future, we need to evaluate more about different characteristics depending on the virus subtype and prepare for them.

Analyses of Clinical Characteristics and Hematologic Studies of Confirmed Infants by Extended Spectrum beta-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumonia in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organism is an important cause of infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since 1990s. The aim of this study is to investigate the differences of clinical characteristics and hematologic studies between neonates with ESBL-positive organism and those with ESBL-negative organism. METHODS: The subjects included 48 neonates admitted to NICU at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 2005 to September 2010, from whom a total of 58 Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumonia were detected. The data were categorized in 2 groups, neonates with ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative. We compared clinical characteristics and hematologic studies between two groups. RESULTS: Of 48 neonates and 53 isolates, ESBL-positive were 18 neonates and 20 isolates. Both ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative isolates were largely found in urine, each with 10 and 23. Of 20 ESBL-positive isolates, 13 (65%) and 7 (35%) were ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, respectively. ESBL-positive neonates were associated with low 1 and 5 minutes Apgar scores (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively), more uses of oxygen (56% vs. 27%; P=0.005), longer duration of oxygen uses (15.8+/-38.43 days vs. 4.3+/-12.5 days; P=0.008) and more frequent anemia (33% vs. 7%; P=0.040). CONCLUSION: ESBL-positive neonates may have more anemia and lower Apgar score at birth. We can consider the use of cabapenem earlier if infant with previous antibiotics is confirmed to be infected with ESBL-positive organisms.

Trends in Epidemiology of Neonatal Sepsis in a Tertiary Center in Korea: A 26-Year Longitudinal Analysis, 1980-2005

There were many reports of longitudinal changes in the causative organisms of neonatal sepsis in Western countries but few in Asia. We aimed to study longitudinal trends in the epidemiology of neonatal sepsis at Seoul National University Children's Hospital (SNUCH), a tertiary center in Korea, and compared the results to previous studies of Western countries. The medical records of all of the neonates who were hospitalized at SNUCH from 1996 to 2005 with positive blood cultures were reviewed. We also compared the findings to previous 16-yr (1980-1995). One hundred and forty-nine organisms were identified in 147 episodes from 134 infants. In comparison with the previous 16-yr studies, there was a decrease in the number of Escherichia coli infections (16.2% vs 8.7%: odds ratio [OR] 0.495; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.255-0.962; P = 0.035), but an increase in Staphylococcus aureus (16.6% vs 25.5%: OR 1.720; 95% CI, 1.043-2.839; P = 0.033) and fungal infections (3.3% vs 18.7%: OR 6.740; 95% CI, 2.981-15.239; P < 0.001), predominantly caused by Candida species. In conclusion, the incidence of sepsis caused by E. coli decreases, but S. aureus and fungal sepsis increases significantly. Compared with Western studies, the incidence of sepsis caused by S. aureus and fungus has remarkably increased.

Comparison of Virus-Associated Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Non-Virus Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate differences between virus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (V+NEC) and non-virus necrotizing enterocolitis (V-NEC). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 86 neonates with NEC who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Inje University Sanggye Paik hospital from July 1st, 1999 to June 30th, 2009. We divided patients into V+NEC group (n=22) and V-NEC group (n=64). We analyzed retrospectively the differences of predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and radiological findings between two groups. RESULTS: The rate of vaginal delivery in V+NEC group was higher than V-NEC group (P=0.026). The rate of abdominal distension in V+NEC was lower than V-NEC group (P=0.019). There were no differences of predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and radiological findings, disease severity, having an operation and mortality except above two factors between V+NEC group and V-NEC group. CONCLUSION: There were no differences of general characteristics, disease severity, operation rate and mortality between V+NEC group and V-NEC group.

Risk Factors for Periventricular-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Premature Infants

Periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PV-IVH) is a major cause of neurological disabilities in preterm newborns. This study aimed to determine the perinatal factors associated with PV-IVH. We conducted a retrospective case-control study from preterm infants born at < or =34 weeks of gestation and admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between June 2003 and December 2007. Neonates with no cranial sonographic data or infants transferred from other centers after three days of age were excluded. Of 1,044 eligible subjects, 59 infants with PV-IVH grade 2, 3, and 4 were allocated to the case group. The control group consisted of 118 infants without PV-IVH who were matched for gestational age and birth weight to each case of PV-IVH. At the multivariate logistic regression model, metabolic acidosis (odds ratio [OR]: 6.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-43.23) and use of inotropes (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.16-11.84) were associated with an increased risk of PV-IVH. Maternal use of antenatal corticosteroids decreases the risk of PV-IVH (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14-0.92).

Clinical characteristics of vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants and preschool children / 소아과

PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a significant public health problem that results from insufficient exposure to sunlight and inadequate vitamin D supplementation. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics of vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants. METHODS: Data of 35 infants diagnosed as vitamin D deficiency rickets at Sanggye-Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea, from March 2007 to May 2009 were reviewed. Children with plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <15 ng/mL and 15-30 ng/mL were considered to have vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-five infants (22 boys, 13 girls) were diagnosed with rickets. Mean age at diagnosis was 7.4+/-7.1 months (range: 0.1-29.8 months). Eighteen infants (51%) were vitamin D deficient and seventeen infants (49%) were insufficient. Twenty-eight of all (80%) diagnosed as subclinical rickets. Twenty-nine infants (83%) were below the age of 12months. Twenty infants (57%) had breastfed and ten infants (29%) had iron deficiency anemia. Nine of breastfed infants (45%) were vitamin D deficient and ten of their mothers were vitamin D insufficient. Overall, radiographic evidence of rickets was present in 93% of the cases. Radiographic sign of rickets was evident even in vitamin D insufficient state. CONCLUSION: It is important for the clinician to screen for subclinical vitamin D deficiency rickets in inadequately supplemented infants by pairing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with wrist radiographs. A nationwide epidemiological study of vitamin D deficiency rickets must be conducted and evidence-based national guidelines must be defined to prevent rickets.