Design of a Model to Structure Longitudinal Data for Medical Education Based on the I-E-O Model / 의학교육논단

The purpose of this study was to establish a model for constructing longitudinal data for medical school, and to structure cohort and longitudinal data using data from Yonsei University College of Medicine (YUCM) according to the established input-environment-output (I-E-O) model. The study was conducted according to the following procedure. First, the data that YUCM has collected was reviewed through data analysis and interviews with the person in charge of each questionnaire. Second, the opinions of experts on the validity of the I-E-O model were collected through the first expert consultation, and as a result, a model was established for each stage of medical education based on the I-E-O model. Finally, in order to further materialize and refine the previously established model for each stage of medical education, secondary expert consultation was conducted. As a result, the survey areas and time period for collecting longitudinal data were organized according to the model for each stage of medical education, and an example of the YUCM cohort constructed according to the established model for each stage of medical education was presented. The results derived from this study constitute a basic step toward building data from universities in longitudinal form, and if longitudinal data are actually constructed through this method, they could be used as an important basis for determining major policies or reorganizing the curricula of universities. These research results have implications in terms of the management and utilization of existing survey data, the composition of cohorts, and longitudinal studies for many medical schools that are conducting surveys in various areas targeting students, such as lecture evaluation and satisfaction surveys.

Research Models of the Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery across the Blood–Brain Barrier

Brain diseases and damages come in many forms such as neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, and stroke. Millions of people currently suffer from neurological diseases worldwide. While Challenges of current diagnosis and treatment for neurological diseases are the drug delivery to the central nervous system. The Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) limits the drug from reaching the targeted site thus showing poor effects. Nanoparticles that have advantage of the assembly at the nanoscale of available biomaterials can provide a delivery platform with potential to raising brain levels of either imaging therapeutic drugs or imaging. Therefore, successful modeling of the BBB is another crucial factor for the development of nanodrugs. In this review, we analyze the in vitro and in vivo findings achieved in various models, and outlook future development of nanodrugs for the successful treatment of brain diseases and damages.

Medical Educators’ Response to Changes in Medical Education due to COVID‐19 / 의학교육논단

To analyze medical professors’ evaluation of their online education experiences in an attempt to support faculty members and indicate the future direction of medical education. Faculty members who taught online in the first semester of 2020 at Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea were surveyed. The results of the survey were analyzed in June 2020. There were 88 respondents (35.1% of 251): 59 professors (67.0%), 16 associate professors (18.2%), and 13 assistant professors (14.8%). Their specialties lay in basic medicine (25.0%), clinical medicine (65.9%), and research and special purposes (9.1%). Sixteen participants (18.2%) had previous experience in online lectures; 23 (26.1%) reported that preparation time for online lectures was the same as before; 65 (73.9%) reported that the preparation time had increased; 38 (43.2%) faced difficulties in preparation and lecturing online, and among them 16 (42.1%) indicated inadequate interaction with students; 11 (28.9%) needed extra preparation time; and 11 (28.9%) attributed their difficulties to technical issues with the online platform. Participants’ satisfaction with online lectures was low (p<0.001). In the free response question on overall experience with online education, 38.3% mentioned the need for an instructional design that allows students to actively participate and interact with professors, 29.5% mentioned the need for the establishment of an information & communications technology system, and 17.0% mentioned the necessity of faculty development. To prepare for the current pandemic and more in the long term, an appropriate educational support system must be constructed, and a learner-centered instructional design that enables wider interactions and active learning is needed.

Development and Implementation of a Learning Community in the Curriculum for Undergraduate Medical Students / 의학교육논단

Learning communities in medical education have demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of students’ learning, professional development, and wellness. Despite these strengths and the widespread adoption of learning communities in US medical schools, there has been little interest in medical learning communities in Korea. In this context, the present study examined the development and implementation of the Yonsei Medical Learning Community (YMLC) and analyzed its outcomes and areas of improvement. The Yonsei University College of Medicine has operated a learning community as part of the undergraduate medical education curriculum since 2014. The YMLC is the first program of its type in Korea. The overall structure of the YMLC consists of four distinct communities (pillars), which are named after four distinguished alumni, and each pillar is organized into five learning community classes. Each class is vertically integrated across students in different medical school years, and one faculty advisor is matched to about 30 students. As the YMLC focuses on fostering reflective practice in students and providing them with opportunities to build teamwork and experience social relatedness, two educational approaches have been adopted: reflective writing and mentoring and community activities. In this study, we obtained and analyzed second-year students’ feedback on the YMLC curriculum and identified its achievements, merits, and areas that need improvement. The results have shown that over 75% and 60% of respondents reported satisfaction with reflective writing and mentoring and community activities, respectively. The educational activities of the learning community helped students regularly reflect on their learning and progress and establish close relationships with faculty advisors. However, several areas of improvement regarding content, format, and logistical issues were also identified. The present findings may provide valuable information for other institutions to develop learning communities relevant to their own context.

Comparison of Image Quality and Semi-quantitative Measurements with Digital PET/CT and Standard PET/CT from Different Vendors / 대한핵의학회잡지

Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate the concordance and equivalence of results between the newly acquired digital PET/ CT(dPET) and the standard PET/CT (sPET) to investigate possible differences in visual and semi-quantitative analyses. @*Methods@#A total of 30 participants were enrolled and underwent a single 18F-FDG injection followed by dual PET/CT scans, by a dPET scan, and immediately after by the sPET scan or vice versa. Two readers reviewed overall image quality using a 5-point scale and counted the number of suggestive 18F-FDG avid lesions. The SUV values were measured in the background organs and in hypermetabolic target lesions. Additionally, we objectively evaluated image quality using the liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). @*Results@#The dPET identified 4 additional 18F-FDG avid lesions in 3 of 30 participants with improved visual image quality. The standard deviations of SUV of the background organs were significantly lower with Digital PET than with sPET, and dPET could acquire images with better SNR (11.13 ± 2.01 vs. 8.71 ± 1.32, P < 0.001). The reliability of SUV values between scanners showed excellent agreement. Bland-Altman plot analysis of 81 lesions showed an acceptable agreement between scanners for most of the SUVmax and SUVpeak values. No relationship between the SUV values and time delays of dual PET/CT acquisition was found. @*Conclusions@#The dPET provides improved image quality and lesion detectability than the sPET. The semi-quantitative values of the two PET/CT systems of different vendors are comparable. This pilot study will be an important basis for possible interchangeable use of either system in clinical practice.

Prognostic Value of Restaging F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to Predict 3-Year Post-Recurrence Survival in Patients with Recurrent Gastric Cancer after Curative Resection

Objective@#The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) measured while restaging with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/ CT) to predict the 3-year post-recurrence survival (PRS) in patients with recurrent gastric cancer after curative surgical resection. @*Materials and Methods@#In total, 47 patients with recurrent gastric cancer after curative resection who underwent restaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. For the semiquantitative analysis, SUVmax was measured over the visually discernable 18F-FDG-avid recurrent lesions. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to predict the 3-year PRS. Differences in 3-year PRS were assessed with the Kaplan–Meier analysis. @*Results@#Thirty-nine of the 47 patients (83%) expired within 3 years after recurrence in the median follow-up period of 30.3 months. In the multivariate analysis, SUVmax (p = 0.012), weight loss (p = 0.025), and neutrophil count (p = 0.006) were significant prognostic factors for 3-year PRS. The Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significantly poor 3-year PRS in patients with SUVmax > 5.1 than in those with SUVmax ≤ 5.1 (3-year PRS rate, 3.5% vs. 38.9%, p < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#High SUVmax on restaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT is a poor prognostic factor for 3-year PRS. It may strengthen the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in further stratifying the prognosis of recurrent gastric cancer.

Social Cognitive Theory and Medical Education: How Social Interactions Can Inform Learning / 의학교육논단

The structures and processes of medical education have changed little since the publication of Flexner’s report, which stressed the scientific orientation of medical education and the curricular structure of 2 years of formal knowledge education and 2 years of clinical experience. However, the previous perspectives on medical education are facing challenges, and these call for new pedagogy and theories on which to base medical education practice. Considering that social dimensions of learning have been emphasized in practice, perspectives that integrate these aspects are needed. Among the various learning theories, social cognitive theory refers to the theoretical framework which contends that learning occurs within interactions with others and environments. From a social cognitive standpoint, learning through observation is a critical component in human functioning. Indeed, observational learning has particular significance in medical education in that it provides the context for which the importance and meaning of role models can be understood. In addition, as theoretical constructs such as self-efficacy and outcome expectations allow us to establish an effective learning environment, exploring the concepts of the theory could be beneficial to medical education practice. In this context, the present review article aims to provide a glimpse of the fundamental assumptions and theoretical concepts of social cognitive theory and discusses the implications the theory has on teaching and learning. Further, a review of previous studies could help explain how the theory has informed medical education practice. Finally, the author will conclude with the implications and limitations of applying social cognitive theory in medical education.

Prenatal nursing intervention studies published in Korean nursing journals: a scoping review

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to describe prenatal nursing intervention studies on pregnant women and their families published in Korean nursing journals to identify research trends and to analyze the characteristics of intervention studies. @*Methods@#This scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We identified a research question and searched six domestic electronic databases for relevant articles. Forty-five references that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally selected. We extracted the data using an analytic framework, and then collated and summarized the characteristics of the intervention studies. @*Results@#The most frequently used research designs were non-randomized controlled trials (91.1%), and only a few studies applied a specific theoretical framework (26.1%). The participants were mainly pregnant women only (64.4%) during the third trimester (51.1%) of pregnancy. Prenatal education was the most common type of intervention (48.9%), followed by complementary therapy (37.8%) and psychosocial support programs (13.3%). The most commonly used outcome variables were drawn from the psychological domain (44.5%), although distinct types of outcome variables—especially from the psychological and physical domains—were used to measure the effectiveness of different types of prenatal interventions. @*Conclusion@#This review suggests that further prenatal nursing intervention studies in Korea should expand the study participants to include pregnant women’s family members, high-risk and vulnerable groups, and women throughout entire pregnancy. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop integrative prenatal nursing interventions that promote family support and participation by facilitating partnerships among women, families, and nurses before, during, and after pregnancy.

Ultrasonography of Pediatric Superficial Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions

Ultrasonography (US) is usually the first imaging examination performed to evaluate palpable or visible superficial soft tissue lesions that are common in children. Although clinical assessments, such as age at presentation, clinical course, and overlying skin discoloration, are important for the differentiation of pediatric soft tissue lesions, US allows a specific diagnosis of some typical benign lesions and helps in guiding further investigation since it provides detailed information about the lesion location, characterization including solid versus cystic, vascularity, and compressibility. Therefore, sufficient knowledge of the normal anatomy, proper ultrasonographic techniques, and the imaging findings of common and uncommon soft tissue lesions in children are crucial for accurate assessment and management of patients. In this article, we review the techniques and imaging findings focusing on the ultrasonographic features of a variety of superficial soft tissue lesions detected in children.

Possible Association of the Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 46 Gene (USP46) with Affective Temperamental Traits in Healthy Korean Volunteers

OBJECTIVE: Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 46 gene (USP46) polymorphisms is part of ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is responsible for dynamic cellular processes such as the regulation of cell cycle. USP46 has been reported to be associated with major depressive disorder. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of USP46 polymorphisms with affective temperamental traits in healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 557 Korean healthy volunteers were recruited, and 545 subjects (328 male, 217 female) were included in the final analysis. The DNA of the subjects was isolated from saliva samples. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs346005, rs2244291 in USP46 were genotyped. Affective temperaments were assessed using the Korean version of Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). RESULTS: A significant association was found between rs346005 genotypes and TEMPS-A only in male subjects. In particular, subjects with the CC genotype of rs346005 showed a more depressive temperament than subjects with AA or CA genotypes in males. For rs2244291, there were no associations between the rs2244291 genotypes and TEMPS-A scores. CONCLUSION: Some affective temperaments may serve as a genetic predisposing factors for affective disorders, such as depressive disorder, via vulnerability genes related to the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

Relationship between Mothers' Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Attitudes toward Preventing Cervical Cancer in Their Pubertal Daughters / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between a mother's diagnosis of cervical cancer and attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention in their daughters. Their intention to recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their daughters, their confidence in 8 methods for cervical cancer prevention with their daughters, and their negative emotions about the assumption of their daughter's HPV infection.METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from the study of maternal health beliefs about preventing cervical cancer. The study sample were women who reported whether ever diagnosed with cervical cancer, who had pubertal daughters (n=1,578). Data were analyzed by cross-tabulation analysis, Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and logistic regression.RESULTS: Mothers diagnosed with cervical cancer were more confident in using methods to prevent cervical cancer in their daughters (Z=−4.42, p<.001) and were more likely to feel negative emotions about the assumption of their daughters' HPV infection (Z=−2.44, p=.015) than mothers who were not diagnosed. Significant factors influencing their intention to recommend the HPV vaccination to their daughters were the mother's confidence in preventing cervical cancer in their daughters (odds ratio [OR], 1.003; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002–1.004) and their negative emotions about the assumption of their daughters' HPV infection (OR,1.016; 95% CI, 1.004–1.028).CONCLUSION: For the early prevention of cervical cancer in pubertal daughters, the education of their mothers should include interventions to increase confidence in preventing cervical cancer in their daughters and sensitivity of HPV infection toward daughters.

Effects of Virtual Reality Horse Riding Simulator Training Using a Head-Mounted Display on Balance and Gait Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Pilot Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three-dimensional virtual reality horse riding simulator training using a head-mounted display on gait and balance in children with cerebral palsy.METHODS: Ten children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to the horse riding simulator (HRS) group (n=5) or the horse riding simulator with virtual reality (HRSVR) group (n=5). To evaluate balance, center of gravity (COG) sway velocity and total sway distance of each group were assessed using the Wii balance board, and gait speed and stride length of each group were assessed using a gait analysis system.RESULTS: Intra-group comparisons between pre- and post-intervention measures revealed that there were significant changes in all gait and balance variables such as stride length, gait velocity, COG sway velocity and COG sway distance in the HRSVR group (p<0.05). In the HRS group, there were significant changes in all variables except stride length (p<0.05). In addition, inter-group comparisons showed significant differences between the two groups in stride length, gait velocity and COG sway distance except COG sway velocity (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that horse riding simulator training combined with 3D virtual reality can be a new positive therapeutic approach for improving functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.

Comparison of Awareness about Alcohol Use during Pregnancy among Female College Students by Drinking Levels: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy and factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy by drinking levels.METHODS: Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 359 female college students were recruited. Measurements were Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables related awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy, Korean Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, knowledge about alcohol use during pregnancy, and socio-demographic factors. Main variables were compared by drinking levels. The factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were identified using hierarchical regression analysis.RESULTS: Non-problematic alcohol behavior group (n=185) had higher the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy than problematic alcohol behavior group (n=174) (t=3.13, p=.002). The significant TPB variables influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were that attitudes (β =−.44, p<.001), subjective norms (β =.14, p=.026), and perceived behavior control (β =.19, p=.002) in non-problematic alcohol behavior group, whereas the corresponding variables in the problematic alcohol behavior group were attitudes (β =−.51, p<.001) and subjective norms (β =.21, p=.006).CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy for the female college students having problematic alcohol behavior. The following strategies are recommended for them; decreasing acceptable attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy and reinforcing the influence of social pressure toward to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Comparison of Awareness about Alcohol Use during Pregnancy among Female College Students by Drinking Levels: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to examine the awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy and factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy by drinking levels. @*Methods@#Utilizing a comparative descriptive design, a total of 359 female college students were recruited. Measurements were Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables related awareness of alcohol use during pregnancy, Korean Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, knowledge about alcohol use during pregnancy, and socio-demographic factors. Main variables were compared by drinking levels. The factors influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were identified using hierarchical regression analysis. @*Results@#Non-problematic alcohol behavior group (n=185) had higher the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy than problematic alcohol behavior group (n=174) (t=3.13, p=.002). The significant TPB variables influencing the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy were that attitudes (β =−.44, p<.001), subjective norms (β =.14, p=.026), and perceived behavior control (β =.19, p=.002) in non-problematic alcohol behavior group, whereas the corresponding variables in the problematic alcohol behavior group were attitudes (β =−.51, p<.001) and subjective norms (β =.21, p=.006). @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to increase the intention to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy for the female college students having problematic alcohol behavior. The following strategies are recommended for them; decreasing acceptable attitudes toward alcohol use during pregnancy and reinforcing the influence of social pressure toward to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Association of Traumatic Events, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Sexual Autonomy among Female University Students of North Korean Defectors / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: To determine associations of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with sexual autonomy and identify factors influencing sexual autonomy among female university students of North Korean defectors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed with a total of 103 female students who completed a structured online self-report survey from January 7 to March 31, 2018. This study was conducted using questionnaires on interpersonal trauma scale, the Traumatic Scale for North Korean Refugees (TSNKR), and sexual autonomy measurement for college students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression with SPSS WIN 23.0 program. RESULTS: Traumatic events, PTSD, and sexual autonomy scores were 3.96±3.07, 31.47±10.75, and 52.66±6.89, respectively. PTSD was positively correlated with traumatic events (r=.22, p=.030). Sexual autonomy was inversely correlated with PTSD (r=−.25, p=.010). Contraceptive use, PTSD, and voluntary sexual debut explained 26% of sexual autonomy of participants. CONCLUSION: To improve sexual autonomy of young women from North Korea, reproductive intervention programs including contraception, sexual assertiveness training, and psychoeducation to reduce PTSD need to be developed and implemented.

Nurse's Perception of Cancer Treatment during Pregnancy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the nurses' perceptions of the anticipated problems (including concern, anxiety etc.) of pregnant women that are diagnosed or treated with cancer using the Korean version of the Cancer and Pregnancy Questionnaire (CPQ) tool. METHODS: Data were collected from 475 clinical nurses working in hospitals using a questionnaire that included 40 items (consisting of 5 subscales) of the Korean version of the CPQ and 2 items of nursing confidence. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. The characteristics of the nurses were calculated as a percentage and mean with standard deviations. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the sub-domains of the Korean CPQ tool and the characteristics of the nurse. RESULTS: Nurses were most concerned about child health, cancer, and treatment of the women receiving cancer treatment during pregnancy; cancer treatment may be harmful to unborn child (6.20±1.00), will have a physical abnormality (6.08±1.06), have brain damaged or mental disability (6.07±1.04) and the extent of the physical exhaustion (6.12±0.88). CONCLUSION: Nurses need a more accurate understanding of the anxiety and stress of women about birth results and outcomes due to cancer treatment during pregnancy. They should be prepared to develop confidence in treatment for these patients.

Genetic features associated with ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE: In intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), genetic characteristics on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG)-PET scans are not yet clarified. If specific genetic characteristics were found to be related to FDG uptake in iCCA, we can predict molecular features based on the FDG uptake patterns and to distinguish different types of treatments. In this purpose, we analyzed RNA sequencing in iCCA patients to evaluate gene expression signatures associated with FDG uptake patterns. METHODS: We performed RNA sequencing of 22 cases iCCA who underwent preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG-PET, and analyzed the clinical and molecular features according to the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax). Genes and biological pathway which are associated with SUVmax were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with SUVmax higher than 9.0 (n = 9) had poorer disease-free survival than those with lower SUVmax (n = 13, P = 0.035). Genes related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, phosphorylation and cell cycle were significantly correlated with SUVmax (r ≥ 0.5). RRM2, which is related to the toxicity of Gemcitabine was positively correlated with SUVmax, and SLC27A2 which is associated with Cisplastin response was negatively correlated with SUVmax. According to the pathway analysis, cell cycle, cell division, hypoxia, inflammatory, and metabolism-related pathways were enriched in high SUVmax patients. CONCLUSION: The genomic features of gene expression and pathways can be predicted by FDG uptake features in iCCA. Patients with high FDG uptake have enriched cell cycle, metabolism and hypoxic pathways, which may lead to a more rational targeted treatment approach.

Use of dapagliflozin in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are effective for overweight diabetic patients through the induction of glucosuria. However, SGLT2 inhibitors are not recommended for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) because they may aggravate renal function and thus become less effective in controlling blood glucose in this patient population. We suggest that adequate hydration would be helpful to prevent the side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic patients with advanced CKD. In this study, we review five cases of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, specifically with dapagliflozin, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in patients with advanced CKD. The patients experienced dramatic weight reduction, improved glucose control, and further benefits without aggravation of renal function.

Necrotic Bone Involvement in an Adult Afflicted with B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Mimicking Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

A 41-year-old female presented with complaint of left hip and buttock pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multi-focal bone marrow signal intensity changes in left iliac bone, sacrum and femur with an area of necrosis. The primary radiological differential diagnosis was multi-focal tuberculous osteomyelitis. Subsequent pelvic bone biopsy and bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with extensive necrosis, which is infrequent in leukemia. When musculoskeletal symptoms precede peripheral blood abnormalities and MRI scanning reveals multi-focal necrotic lesions rather than diffuse signal change, it can be difficult to identify and/or advance leukemia as differential diagnosis.

Diagnostic accuracy of urinary biomarkers in infants younger than 3 months with urinary tract infection / 소아과

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urinary biomarkers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and β-2 microglobulin (uB2MG), in early detection of urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants aged < 3 months with fever. METHODS: A total of 422 infants aged < 3 months (male:female=267:155; mean age, 56.4 days), who were admitted for fever, were retrospectively included in this study. We compared uNGAL and uB2MG between the UTI and non-UTI groups at the time of admission. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) of uNGAL and uB2MG for use in diagnosing UTI were assessed. RESULTS: Among 422 patients, 102 (24.2%) were diagnosed with UTI. Levels of uNGAL were higher in the UTI group than in the non-UTI group (366.6 ng/mL vs. 26.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Levels of uB2MG were not different between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that uNGAL was an independent predictive factor for UTI (P=0.033). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90.2%, 92.5%, and 91.9% for uNGAL, and 48.0%, 43.8%, and 44.8% for uB2MG, respectively. AUC of uNGAL was 0.942 and that of uB2MG was 0.407. CONCLUSION: Accuracy of uNGAL in the diagnosis of UTI is high in febrile infants aged < 3 months. uNGAL can help in the early diagnosis and treatment of UTI in infants.