Long Term Follow-up Study of Patients with Kawasaki Disease

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term prognosis of patients with Kawasaki disease in Korea, and discuss the need for long-term follow-up. METHODS: The subjects were 48 patients among 354 who had been hospitalized due to Kawasaki disease, and who consented to echocardiography and exercise challenge testing. The mean duration from the onset of disease to follow-up testing after rehospitalization was 11.6 years (8.2-17.0). Patients without coronary artery aneurysms at the initial presentation of the disease were classified in group 1, and patients with small aneurysms were in group 2. Test abnormalities and differences between the two groups were analyzed. RESULT: There were no significant differences in the results of follow-up echocardiography and exercise challenge testing between the two groups. Although no abnormal findings were noted at follow-up in most patients, a 9-year-old boy in group 2 showed coronary artery dilation. The exercise test indicated normal results in both groups, and echocardiography results were also normal in 100% of cases in group 1 and 93.3% of cases in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: As some patients with coronary aneurysms showed coronary artery dilation, we believe that long-term follow-up may be selectively required in patients with coronary artery complications.

A Comparison of Clinical Manifestations of Patients with Tsutsugamushi Disease between Children and Adults / 소아감염

PURPOSE: We compared the clinical manifestations of patients with tsutsugamushi disease between children and adults. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2012, 768 patients diagnosed with tsutsugamushi disease were retrospectively reviewed, and the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and complications were compared between children and adults. RESULTS: No patterns of annual increases in the number of patients were noted in both children and adults. The higher incidences occurred in October and November respectively. By gender, male outnumbered female in children, but the opposite trend was seen in adults. By residential area, the urban distribution of children was higher than that of adults. Rashes (P=0.001) and eschar (P=0.004) were more common in children, while myalgia was more common in adults. Children had a high prevalence of anemia (P=0.041), and low incidence rates of thrombocytopenia, abnormal liver and renal function. Children yielded better results in the duration of their hospital stay and the incidence of complications (P<0.001). A comparison of the therapeutic effects of doxycycline and macrolide antibiotics, which was performed only on the children, did not reveal any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Compared to adults, children had higher incidence rates of male patients and more often suffered from rashes and eschar. Children yielded better results in the laboratory findings and duration of the hospital stay and complications. Therefore, when children are suspected to have tsutsugamushi disease, especially during its peak occurrence period, detailed physical examination and serological test should be performed to ensure a prompt diagnosis, and the use of macrolide antibiotics, which have fewer side effects, is expected to yield the same therapeutic effects.

Common Features of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Epileptic Disorder in Childhood and Early Adolescence / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: We conduct this study to investigate the common features between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) and epileptic patients compared to normal control. METHODS: Epileptic patients were recruited from the department of pediatic in Jesus Hospital. ADHD patients were recruited from the department of neuropsychiatry in Jesus Hospital. We excluded mental retardation or brain organic pathology. We use ADHD Diagnostic System and Korean-Child Behavior Checklist(K-CBCL) to assess features of ADHD. Electroencephalogram(EEG) of ADHD, epileptic patients and normal control were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Compared to normal control group, inattention, reaction time deviation were increased in both ADHD and epilepsy group. EEG abnormalities(control 13.8%, epilepsy 97.1%, ADHD 40%) in three groups were reported. CONCLUSION: There are common features of ADHD and epileptic patients.

A study on the toilet training and influencing factors / 소아과

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the ideal age for initiating toilet training and investigate the factors influencing the training. METHODS: The study population comprised 1,370 children aged 2-6 years, who visited the pediatric clinics in Jeonju, Iksan, and Gunsan. Their parents were given questionnaires in order to gather data about the types of diapers used, ages when toilet training was initiated and completed for each day and night, its adverse effects, and the educational level and employment and economic status of the mothers. RESULTS: The toilet training initiation age was low for those living in the country, having an elder sibling(s), and using cloth diapers, and for those whose mothers were employed and had a low economic status. The training completion age was 22.9 months when the training was initiated before the age of 18 months; this was lower than the training completion ages of 25.9 and 31.0 months when the training was initiated at the age of 18-24 months and after 25 months, respectively. However, the required durations in these cases were 8.4, 5.6, and 3.8 months, respectively. Encopresis and refusal occurred more often when the training was initiated before the age of 18 months than when initiated after this age. CONCLUSION: Toilet training should begin at least after the age of 18 months considering the developmental status of infants. It is recommended for the future researchers to develop specific guidelines regarding toilet training.

Isolated Splenic Vein Thrombosis Associated with Acute Pancreatitis / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Pancreatic disease is the most frequent cause of isolated splenic vein thrombosis. Splenic vein thrombosis causes a localized form of portal hypertension known as sinistral or left-sided portal hypertension. Splenic vein thrombosis may be complicated by the formation of gastric varices, with the potential of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Whereas splenectomy is considered to be the treatment of choice for symptomatic splenic vein thrombosis, the role of splenectomy in the patient with asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis remains controversial. We report a rare case of acute pancreatitis complicated by isolated asymptomatic splenic vein thrombosis. Recognition of this disease entity is important because the risk of secondary variceal bleeding, while uncommon, can be life-threatening.

Predictors of Meningitis in Febrile Infants Aged 3 Months or Younger / 소아감염

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to identify useful predictors for diagnosing bacterial meningitis and performing CSF studies in febrile infants three months or younger. METHODS:Six hundred and fifty two febrile infants with a rectal temperature > or =38.0 degreesC presented from January 2003 to April 2008 and were retrospectively studied. The total white blood cell count (WBC), band count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood cultures were performed on admission. The clinical variables associated with bacterial meningitis were analyzed. RESULTS:In patients with bacterial meningitis, the clinical variables including CRP (P= 0.036), band count (P=0.037), ANC (P=0.036) and age (P=0.001) were significantly different. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.969 for CRP, 0.946 for the band count, 0.765 for the ANC and 0.235 for age. A CRP cutoff point of 8 mg/dL was determined to maximize both the sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity 83%, specificity 95%, likelihood ratio 16.6). A CRP concentration of or =9 mg/dL increased the clinical suspicion of bacterial meningitis and the need for CSF evaluation.

A study on the effects of sleep position and of body weight on motor development / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study investigated how gross motor and fine motor development are influenced by sleep position. METHODS: From December, 2003 to September, 2005, for a year and 9 months, 800 children aged from 3 months to 16 months, who visited the Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju, Korea were surveyed for motor development scale, sleep position and body weight. RESULTS: The sleep position came in order:79.3 percent of supine position, 10.0 percent prone position and 10.7 percent side position. Gross motor scale and fine motor scale were not connected with sex. The prone position indicated remarkable increase on gross motor scale from 5-6 months, but stayed the same after 7 months. Fine motor scale was not related to age and sleep position. Gross motor scale and fine motor scale were higher on group weighing more than under average weight group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that prone position did not influence gross motor scale after 7 months, affecting children of 5-6 months only. Hence, It is not recommended to use the prone position for a baby's fast gross motor development.

Immunogenicity and safety of enhanced-inactivated poliovaccine(eIPV) in healthy Korean infants / 소아과

PURPOSE: We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of eIPV(Imovax Polio(R)) in a group of healthy Korean infants on a three-dose primary vaccination. METHODS: Eighty one healthy infants aged 8-10 weeks were enrolled, and 79(male 42, female 37) completed the study. Three doses of eIPV were injected intramuscularly at 2, 4 and 6 months of age as of primary vaccination. Most subjects received concomitant vaccines such as DTaP and/or Hib at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Immediate reactions were monitored for 30 minutes after each injection. Local and systemic events were recorded for 72 hours following each immunization by parents/ guardians. Poliovirus specific neutralizing antibodies were measured using enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) at prior to and 1 month after the third dose. An antibody titer of 1:8 or higher was considered seroprotective. Geometric mean titers(GMTs) to each poliovirus type antigen were also measured. RESULTS: One month after the third dose of eIPV, all infants(100 percent) were seroprotective. The geometric mean titers(GMTs) were 1,532(95 percent CI : 1,312-1,788) in type 1 and 835(95 percent CI : 684-1,018) in type 2 and 846(95 percent CI : 692-1,035) in type 3. Overall, local reactions were observed in 10 percent of infants and systemic reactions in 26.2 percent of infants. All reactions were observed within 3 days after vaccination and resolved without treatment. CONCLUSION: eIPV(Imovax Polio(R)) is a well-tolerated and highly immunogenic vaccine. It can be administered either alone or simultaneously with other routine vaccines to Korean infants.

A study for headaches and backaches occurrence after diagnostic lumbar puncture in children / 소아과

PURPOSE: Our goals were to determine the frequency of headaches and backaches occurring as a side effect following lumbar puncture in children, and to investigate various factors that might influence the frequency of headaches and backaches. METHODS: From October 2004 to February 2006, we enrolled 148 patients aged 2 to 15 years who received diagnostic lumbar puncture at the Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju, Korea. Patient data were collected for age, sex, number of puncture attempts, volume of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF), bevel orientation of puncture needle, cell count in CSF, periods of absolute bed rest, and the frequency and duration of headaches and backaches. RESULTS: Headaches occurred in 8 patients and backaches occurred in 40 patients. Headaches were found both to occur significantly more frequently in patients over age 10 and to last longer when the bevel orientation of the puncture needle was inserted toward the cranium rather than laterally. Backaches lasted longer in males than in females. The other factors evaluated showed no relationship at all to the frequency and duration of headaches and backaches. CONCLUSION: Following lumbar puncture, headaches were common in patients over age 10, and lasted longer when the bevel orientation was toward the cranium. Backaches lasted longer in males than in females. In light of these findings, we recommend taking special care when performing lumbar puncture for CSF examination in patients over age 10.

A study on cow's milk and nursing method in relation to iron deficiency / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study investigated the breast-feeding period, the milk bottle-using period, the age of cow's milk, introduced and the amount of cow's milk consumed in relation to anemia. METHODS: Over the course of three years, 930 children(12 months to 36 months) who went to the Presbyterian Medical Center, Chonju, Korea were tested for anemia and their parents were surveyed for a history of their children's milk consumption. RESULTS: Anemia appeared more likely between 30 months and 36 months, however, iron-deficiency anemia appeared more likely between 18 months and 23 months. Anemia, low serum ferritin levels and iron-deficiency anemia appeared more likely in children breast fed less than 6 months and greater than 12 months. Although there were survey reports of side effects with cow's milk, including constipation, diarrhea and skin rash, the milk bottle-using period, age of cow's milk introduced and amount of cow's milk consumed had no connection with anemia, serum ferritin levels and iron-deficiency anemia. CONCLUSION: The data showed no correlation between the cow's milk, milk bottle-using period and iron deficiency. But the data revealed that iron deficiency anemia is more likely in children who are breast fed for less than 6 months and over 12 months, so we suggest careful attention during this period to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

CSF Examination in the First Febrile Seizure / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study was launched to classify subjects of the CSF examination and improve early diagnosis of meningitis and its treatment in children who have had a first febrile seizure. METHODS: From March 1995 to September 2003, children aged 3 months to 5 years who had had treatment for febrile seizure were analyzed as to their age at first seizure, type of seizure, CSF examination, and prevalence of meningitis. RESULTS:The largest age group distribution among the 780 children was 356(45.6%) children who were under 18 months. One hundred ninteen(15.3%) patients received the CSF examination, and out of those 68(19.1%) were less than 18 months old. Twenty five(3.2%) children were diagnosed with meningitis; those less than 18 months old were 15(4.2%). Two(0.2%) were diagnosed as bacterial meningitis. Out of 780 patients 599(76.8%) were simple febrile seizure patients. Out of 32(5.3%) who received the CSF examination, nine were diagnosed as meningitis. In complex febrile seizure, 86(52.1 %) out of 165(21.2%) received CSF examinations and 16(9.7%) of those were diagnosed as meningitis. Thus, there was a higher prevalence of meningitis in children presenting complex febrile seizure. CONCLUSION: To diagnose meningitis with the CSF examination in the first febrile seizure, the patient's general condition, such as clinical symptoms and types of seizure, are more important than the ages of the patients. We suggest that experienced physicians should be concerned with doing an early diagnosis of meningitis and thus reduce the number of CSF examinations of children with febrile seizures.

A Study of the Effects and Risks of Baby-walkers on Motor Development in Human Infants

PURPOSE: Baby-walkers are used by many parents because of the convenience they provide in keeping children occupied, quiet, happy, and in stimulating ambulation. But, these devices have more risks than benefits. Therefore, we performed a study to evaluate the effects of baby-walkers on motor development of human infants according to the hours used in a day, total duration(months), and types of injuries associated with the walkers, and to establish effective methods. METHODS: 1,045 questionnaires were filled out by parents who had a baby whose aged between 8 months and 15 months that visited local pediatric clinics and medical centers in Chonju and Iksan from May 1, 2002 to July 31, 2002. They were analyzed in a control group that didn't use baby- walkers, a low-user group that used baby-walkers less than 2 hours a day and a high-user group that used them more than 2 hours a day. RESULTS: The mean age of the 1,045 babies whose parents responded to the question investigation was 12.6+/-2.4 months. The number of babies who used the baby- walkers were 811(77.6%). Crawling and walking alone were delayed in the high-user group. The parents who knew the side effects of the baby-walkers totalled 392(48.3%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that many parents didn't know the effects of baby-walkers on motor development in their infants and the risks associated with baby-walkers. Therefore, we should educate parents on the risks of baby-walkers and recommend reducing the use of baby-walkers.

Selection of High Risk Group According to Risk Factors of Recurrent Febrile Seizures / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: Febrile seizure affects 2 to 5% of children, but 30 to 40% of the children who already had febrile seizure experience another febrile seizure. We researched to define a high risk group of recurrent febrile seizures through investigating several risk factors. METHODS: We evaluated 342 patients who were admitted to our hospital or treated in the emergency room for their first febrile seizure from March, 1995 to August, 2001. We assessed various risk factors, such as age, the type of seizure, body temperature, serum sodium concentration, sex, neurologic abnormalities, and family history of febrile seizure or epilepsy. RESULTS: Age at the first febrile seizure(< or =18 months) and family history of febrile seizure were significant risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizure. The study showed that 21.9% of the children who had none of these risk factors, 36.4% of the children who had one, and 57.1% of the children who had both factors had recurrent febrile seizures. Thus, the recurrence rates clearly increase as the number of these factors increase. CONCLUSION: Two major risk factors for recurrent febrile seizures were identified:early onset(< or =18 months) and family history of febrile seizure. The risk of recurrent febrile seizures increased with the number of these risk factors increased. Consequently, children with both risk factors were considered to belong to a high risk group of recurrent febrile seizures.

A Study of the Misinformed Methods of Childcare

PURPOSE: An inexperienced mother depends on the recommendation by an experienced person on how to bring up her child. Therefore, we performed a study to evaluate the wrong methods of childcare and to establish effective childcare counselling. METHODS: Two thousand eighty questionnaires filled out by mothers who visited local pediatric clinics and medical centers in Chonbuk, from March 2001 to April 2001, were analyzed according to the distribution of location, age of infant, maternal age and the question of each field. RESULTS: Many mothers have been known to squeeze the breast causing hypertrophy of the neonate. Most infants are placed on their side or supine for sleep. The most common reason for stopping breast feeding was insufficient amount of breast milk. The appropriate age to start whole cow's milk is after the first year of life. The main food used for weaning was commercial baby food. The main oral hydration solution for diarrhea has been boiled water. The main reasons for using a pacifier were to help the mother. The most common reason to use herbs was for the prevention of disease. The use of infant walkers has been widespread among infants and young children. The most common reason was to keep the infant quiet and happy. Most mothers did not use car safety seats for young children. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that many mothers were misinformed concerning childcare, so pediatricians should make more efforts and perform more studies to establish rational methods of childcare.

A Study on the Field and Future Course of Child Care Counselling Using Personal Computer Communication

PURPOSE: Nowadays, concern about the care of one's offspring has been increasing due to increased active participation of wornen in society and having fewer children than in the past. Therefore, we performed a study to evaluate the rnajor fields of child care counselling and establish effective child care counselling. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2,754 cases of child care counselling about sex ratio, distribution of age, major fields of concern and major questions of each field using personal computer communication from April 1994 to March 1999. RESULTS: Sex distribution was usually unknown. The most frequent questions concerned the infantile period, especially less than 6 months of age. Nutrition, digestive system, development and psychology were the major fields of child care counsellng. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the major period of child care counselling was during the infantile period, and there was a major concern about nutrition, development and psychology. But, more efforts and studies are needed to establish effective child care counselling.

A Survey of Breast-Feeding in Jeon-ju City Area

PURPOSE: While the rate of breast-feeding has been rising recently in many countries, it has been gradually falling in Korea. Accordingly, we took a survey in Jeon-ju to discover the actual state of breast-feeding and find a solution. METHODS: Eight hundred and sixty-four questionnaires of filled out by mothers who visited the seven local pediatric clinics and the clinic of pediatric department in the Presbyterian Medical Center(PMC) in Jeon-ju from January 1998 to June 1998 were analysed by ANOVA, cross analysis, frequency analysis and correlation analysis using SPSS program. RESULTS: In the case of six-months-old babies, the breast-feeding rate was 35.6%. The breast-feeding rate was higher when it came to a normal delivery, and was also related to the inperiority of infant birth order and lack of maternal academic background(P<0.05). The main reasons to switch from successful breast-feeding to formula-feeding before 6 months of age were insufficient breast-milk(49.3%). The survey shows the best thing for a infant's health is breast milk (86.0%). CONCLUSION: In order to increase the rate of breast-feeding, it's essential to educate people in school and it is necessary to create a hospital environment in which mothers can easily begin breast-feeding as soon as possible after delivery.

A Clinical Study of Febrile Convulsion and Factors Related to Recurrence

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors of recurrence after their first febrile convulsions. And to evaluate effect of anticonvulsant therapy with recurrent febrile convulsion infants and children. METHODS: We have studied the relationship of their clinical pictures and factors related to the risk of recurrence of 178 patients with primary or recurrent febrile convulsion, who were admitted to department of pediatrics, or visited to emergency room, chonju presbyterian medical center from january 1983 to december 1992. The 178 patients were followed up and consisted of the 97 patients with primary febrile convulsion and the others 81 patients with recurrent febrile convulsions. RESULTS: 1) In sex distribution, the boys(59%) outnumbered the girls(41%) and the ratio was 1.4:1. 2) 95% of overall patients were occurred febrile convulsion under 5 year-old and recurrent rate was 45.5%. In recurrent cases, the first episode under the 12 months was 50.6%(p<0.005). 3) There were family history of febrile convulsion in 28.4% of recurrent cases, compared to 10.9% of primary cases(p<0.001). 4) There was no significant difference with duration and type of convulsion in both groups. 5) Small proportion of 27 children were prescribed anticonvulsants (phenobarbital), but it's not reduced the recurrence and epilepsy significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factor of recurrent febrile convulsion were the first episode under 12 month and familial history of febrile convulsion.

Neurosonographic Abnormality; Periventricular Echodensities and Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Usefulness in Predicting Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Very-Low-Birth-Weight, Preterm Infants

Serial neurosonographic examinations are routinely performed at frequent intervals during nursery course of all preterm infants of very low-birth-weight who are admitted to the intensive care nursery of Presbyterian Medical Center from November 1, 1990 to July 30, 1992. After discharge, the following survivors who had received periodic, serial scanning by meas of cranial ultrasonography were longitudinally observed in an interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental follow-up program to a mean corrected age of 13 months. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed by means of Vojta's postural reaction and other neurological examinations. The results are as follows: 1) The incidence of PV-IVH in the study was 79%. 2) According to Papile's grading system of PV-IVH, gradel was 20%, gradell was 46%, gradelll was 19%, and grade IV was 13%. 3) The risk factors associated with PV-IVH were birth weight, gestational age, apgar score, ventilator care, RDS, and sepsis. 4) The mortality of PV-IVH was 20% for gradel, 19% for gradell, 44% for gradelll, and 67% for grade lV. 5) According to relationship between PV-IVH and neurodevelopmental outcome, in two of the four subjects with grade lll PV-IVH, moderate/severe CCD was developed. 6) According to relationship between PVE with cysts and nuerodevelopmental outcome, moderate/severe PVE with periventricular cysts larger than 3mm in diameter was associated with development of severe CCD.