Incidence and Patterns of Unintentional Injuries Among Preschool Children in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of unintentional injuries and to describe the pattern of unintentional injuries among preschool children in Korea. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the records of the National Health Insurance Agency for the year 2006. Data for people with unintentional injuries (ICD code: S00~T98) were collected, and stratified random samples were selected according to age, sex and severity of injury. A questionnaire including the location, mechanism and results of the injuries was developed. The risks, location and mechanism of injuries were analyzed. RESULTS: The CIR of unintentional injuries among preschool children during the 1 year period studied was 25,991 per 100,000, and the CIR of severe injuries was 355. More injuries occurred in males, in rural areas, and in low income (medical aid) families. Most injuries occurred at home or near the home, and did so by slipping, falling and being struck. CONCLUSION: The incidence and characteristics of unintentional injuries among preschool children in Korea are affected by gender, location and income level. Establishing strategies directed towards vulnerable subgroups should contribute to a program designed to effectively prevent childhood injuries.

Comparison of Cost-Effectiveness of Propofol Using Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI) with Standard Anesthesia Regimens in Major Operations / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of propofol using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) with two currently used anesthetic regimens during major operations. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing major gynecological surgery were divided into three groups according to the period during which the surgeries were performed. Group propofol/TCI (n = 16) received 1% propofol using TCI-50% N2O, Group isoflurane (n = 14) received thiopental 5 mg/kg-isoflurane-50% N2O, and Group enflurane (n = 12) received thiopental 5 mg/kg-enflurane-50% N2O. All patients also received 2 microgram/kg of fentanyl before induction. Concentrations of propofol and volatile anesthetics were varied according to the patient's hemodynamic responses. Consumption of volatile anesthetics was measured by weighing the vaporizers by a precision weighing machine. RESULTS: Biometric data, duration of surgery and of anesthesia were similar in the three groups. Recovery from anesthesia was significantly shorter in the propofol/TCI group. Episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the recovery room were less common in propofol/TCI group. Patient satisfaction was similar in all three groups. Total (intra- and postoperative) costs were significantly higher in the propofol/TCI group. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with the standard anesthetic regimens, the use of propofol using TCI anesthesia during major operations was associated with higher costs, but did not offer any clinically significant advantages in cost-effectiveness over the standard anesthesia regimens.