A Questionnaire on Using Informed Consents of Parents or Guardians in Vaccination of Children

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the parents' or guardians' compliance of obtaining individual informed consent before vaccination and the possible problems of using informed consent. METHODS: One hundred and twelve children were randomly selected among 2,820 children who visited Samsung Cheil Hospital during July 2002. A questionnaire about using informed consent of vaccination was given to all parents or guardians of these children. RESULTS: Most of the responders were mothers(80.4%). As for the places of vaccination, 87(77.7%) persons vaccinated their children at general hospitals. In response to a request for informed consent of vaccination, 73(65.2%) complied well with requests every time. In subscribing to informed consent, 62(55.4%) were pleased, 40(35.7%) stated it was necessary despite in inconveniance. Because of dislike of subscribing to informed consent(55), 33(60%) persons stated that it was difficult to subscribe to informed consent during the inconveniant time of nursing baby. Eighty(71.4%) found it useful to read informed consent for an understanding of potential negative reactions. Being informed of potential negative reactions, 105(93.8%) stated that they would vaccinate their children despite of the potential of a worrisome negative reaction. In dealing with negative reaction, 77(68.8%) said that they would contact a hospital, 32(28.6%) said that they would care for their children at home. Eleven(9.8 %) experienced negative reactions after vaccination. CONCLUSION: Compliance of parents to informed consent was relatively good. Parents or guardians should receive relevant information and the aim of informed consent also should be adequately understood.

Clinical Features of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus(CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection with diverse clinical features according to the age of hosts. This study was done to evaluate clinical manifestations and complications in congenital CMV infection. METHODS: Between October 2000 and September 2001, 10 cases of congenital CMV infection were diagnosed by urine culture within 2 weeks after birth. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings were collected from maternal and newborn hospital records. RESULTS: There were 7 males and 3 females. Average gestational age was 38+0 weeks(34+2-41+1), average birth weight was 2462+/-598.2g(1670-3360) and 5 cases were small for gestational age. Average head circumference was 31.9+/-1.8cm(29-34.3). There were 4 cases of microcephaly, 6 cases of petechiae, 3 cases of leukocytopenia, 6 cases of thrombocytopenia. There was no case showing hepatomegaly, hepatic dysfunction, or pathologic jaundice. 4 cases showed physiologic jaundice. IgM level was elevated in 5 out of 9 cases. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was positive in 7 cases. All cases showed germinal matrix hemorrhage and septated cysts on cranial ultrasonography. 1 case showed cerebral calcification. 1 case showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss on brainstem auditory evoked potentials(BAEP). There was no case showing chorioretinitis on fundoscopy. CONCLUSION: There were diverse clinical manifestations in CMV infection in neonates. All cases showed germinal matrix hemorrhage and septated cysts. When we find these findings, we should consider the possibility of CMV infection. One patient developed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, so its early detection and follow-up might be necessary.