Survival Rate Changes in Neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and its Contributing Factors

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate survival rate changes after the introduction of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy, and to identify the factors that influence these changes in neonates with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at a single center. A total of 48 neonates were divided into two groups based on the time of admission, i.e., into period I (P1; n=17; before the introduction of iNO therapy) and period II (P2; n=31; after the introduction of iNO therapy). Survival rates of the 48 neonates showed a tendency to increase from 53% during P1 to 77% during P2, but without a statistical significance, but a significant difference was found between survival rates during the two periods after adjusting for initial clinical characteristics, when the postoperative survival rate increased significantly from 69% for P1 to 100% for P2. The mean duration of preoperative respiratory management was significantly longer for P2 than for P1. Seven of 12 patients who received preoperative iNO therapy due to persistent pulmonary hypertension or refractory preductal hypoxemia in P2 survived after operation. We speculate that a management strategy based on iNO therapy and delayed operation, rather than differences between the initial clinical characteristics of the two study groups, might partially contribute to the observed improvements in postoperative and overall survival rates in neonates with CDH.

Clinical Characteristics and Predisposing Factors in Full-term and Preterm Neonates with Necrotizing Enterocolitis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and predisposing factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), primarily a disease of the premature, in between term and preterm groups. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 36 neonates with NEC (> or =modified Bell's staging criteria IIa) who were admitted to the NICU of Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2004. 20 full and 16 preterm neonates were compared in regard to demographics, clinical characteristics and predisposing factors. RESULTS: 29/36 neonates(80.6%) were outborn. Mean gestational age and birth weight were 38.5+/-0.9 weeks and 3, 010+/-490 g, term and 31.4+/-3.4 weeks and 1, 460+/-750 g, in preterm respectively group. Mean age at diagnosis was 17.3+/-13.5 days in term versus 20.8+/-19.6 days in preterm group. Abdominal distension was the most common finding in both groups and diarrhea was significantly more common in term group. Congenital heart disease, intrauterine growth retardation, bacterial infection were found in 75.0% of term group. The rates of surgical intervention and complication were higher in preterms, however, mortality rate was higher in term group. Congenital heart disease, especially the presence of complex heart disease with poor systemic perfusion or heart failure, was associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSION: Diarrhea was more common in term group. Neonates with predisposing factors for NEC, especially in term neonates with congenital heart disease, should be followed closely for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

The Efficacy of Fetal Ultrasonography and Postnatal Abdominal Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Abdominal Mass

PURPOSE: Most neonatal abdominal masses are benign in nature, but early detection and management is important to avoid the development of complications. So, we studied the causes of neonatal abdominal masses and the efficacy of ultrasonography for early detection and diagnosis. METHODS: We reviewed 36 newborn infants with abdominal masses who had been admitted to the nursery and Neonatal Intensive Cave Unit of Seoul National University Children' s Hospital from Jan. 1, 1989 to Dec. 31, 1995. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 38 weeks and the male to female ratio was 22 : 14. All masses were benign and the most common etiology was hydronephrosis (41.7%). The following etiologies were multicystic dysplastic kidney, polycystic kidney, ovarian cyst, hemangioendothelioma, teratoma, meconium peritonitis, mesenteric cyst and intestinal duplication cyst. All except one were detected before the first 48hours, and among them, 32 cases (88.9%) detected antenatally. All patients except one who died shortly after birth, were examined by abdominal ultrasonography, and 31 of 35 masses (88.6%) had the same diagnosis of ultrasonography. Five cases had associated abnormalities in the opposite kidney and other organs. CONCLUSION: The most common etiology of neonatal abdominal masses was hydronephrosis and majority of masses originated from genitourinary system. Most abdominal masses were detected antenatally and abdominal ultrasonography was an efficient method for the diagnosis of neonatal abdominal masses.

Pheochromocytoma in Children

We Reviewed 10 hypertensive children with pheochromocytoma retrospectively and the following results were obtained. 1) Out of 10 patients, 7 were male and 3 female. Age ranged from 5.5 years to 13.8 years and their median age was 9.9 years. 2) They complained of sweating, lethargy, headache. or chest pain and so on. Hypertension were noticed in all patients. Heart murmurs were detected in 7 patients and hypertensive retinopathy in 70%. 3) The three cases arised at extraadrenal gland and bilaterality was seen in 3 patients. In the view of diagnosis, abdominal sonography, computerized tomography and urine VMA test revealed the sensitivity of 100%. But MIBG scan showed 60% in sensitivity. 4) Waiting for operation, their hypertension were controlled by adrenergic blockers or calcium channel blockers. They received tumorectomy successfully except one who was in hypertensive state after operation and followed up through OPD. In conclusion high suspicion for the existence of pheochromocytoma from the clinical manifestations should be entertained in any pediatric patients and biochemical and imaging studies were mandatory. Furthermore, for the accurate localization of tumors, several imaging studies should be collaborated.

A prospective study of totally implanted venous access system in 19 children with cancer

A totally implanted venous access system was inserted in 19 children with cancer. The devices were utilized for the administration of antineoplastic drugs, parenteral fluids, antibiotics, and blood products. Total duration of implantation was 4,046 days for 23 implanted system (range 7-445 days). Complications included cather infection (0.247/100 catheter days), occlusion (0.692/100 catheter days), and dislodgement of needle (0.643/100 catheter days). There were major complications that necessitated removal of catheters, including systemic infections (0.09/100 catheter days) and complete occlusions (0.09/100 catheter days). The system was thought to be safe and convenient in chemotherapy, and permitted full physical activity.

Four cases of massive infiterating congenital cystic hygroma managed by bleomycin sclerosing therapy

No abstract available.