• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.956-963
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• 2008

Purpose : Indomethacin is widely used for the prophylaxis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); however, it is associated with side effects such as renal failure, intraventricular hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Intravenous ibuprofen has been shown to be as effective as indomethacin in prompting PDA closure. If treatment with oral ibuprofen is as effective as indomethacin, it would have the advantages of greater availability, simpler administration, and lower cost. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy and side effects of indomethacin with those of oral ibuprofen, vis-$\grave{a}$-vis on the pharmacological closure of PDA. Methods : As a randomized double-blind study, 34 preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome and hemodynamically significant PDA were treated with either intravenous indomethacin or oral ibuprofen. Echocardiography was performed by one cardiologist who was blind to the treatment that any given infant received. The rate of ductal closure, the need for additional drug treatment or surgical ligation, clinical outcome, and the side effects of drug treatment were compared. Results : Ductal closure occurred in 16 of 18 patients (88.9%) from the indomethacin group and in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) from the ibuprofen group (P>0.05). Three patients in the indomethacin group and four in the ibuprofen group required a second drug treatment (P>0.05). Three patients (i.e., one patient in the indomethacin group and two in the ibuprofen group) underwent surgical ligation (P>0.05). Between the two groups, there was no significant difference vis-$\grave{a}$-vis in side effects or clinical outcome. Conclusion : Compared to indomethacin, oral ibuprofen has the advantages of simpler administration and lower cost, while being as effective; in addition, there are no differences between the two drug treatments with regards to side effects or clinical outcomes. Therefore, the widespread use of oral ibuprofen should be considered in treating PDA in preterm infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.1065-1070
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• 2008

Purpose : This study aims to determine whether early closure (within 7 d) of significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with indomethacin or ligation reduces neonatal morbidity when compared with delayed closure (after 7 d). Methods : Fifty-eight extremely-low-birth-weight infants admitted to the NICU of Seoul National University Hospital from April 2005 to May 2007 with PDA were studied retrospectively. Results : The mean gestational age (GA) was $26{\pm}2weeks$ (range, 23-32 wk), and the birth weight was $782{\pm}146g$ (range, 430-990 g). The delayed closure group was associated with early GA ($25.7{\pm}1.7wk$ vs $27.1{\pm}2.0wk$, P=0.013), in vitro fertilization (IVF) (55% vs 24%, P=0.017), and the absence of preeclampsia (5% vs. 34%, P=0.013). There was no difference in ductal size between the early closure and delayed closure groups. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (95% vs 65%, P=0.012) and intraventricular hemorrhage (70% vs. 39%, P=0.027) increased in the delayed closure group. Using regression analysis adjusted for gestational age, delayed closure correlated positively with the duration of ventilator support (P=0.008), hospitalization (P=0.020), time to full enteral feeding (P<0.001), and total parenteral nutrition (P=0.010). Conclusion : Delayed closure of the hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in extremely-low-birth-weight infants is significantly related to the development of various morbidities. Thus, early closure of PDA is needed within the first week of life.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.201-206
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• 2010

Purpose: Recently, after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants, unexplained hemodynamic instabilities are reported. To determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical manifestations of hemodynamic instability after PDA ligation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study enrolled 18 VLBW infants who underwent PDA ligation from January 2002 to February 2008. Hemodynamic instability defined as unexplained cardiopulmonary dysfunction with increased dependency on mechanical ventilation and decreased blood pressure. Results: The mean gestational age and birth weight (BW) of all infants were $27^{+6}{\pm}1^{+6}$ weeks and 951${\pm}$245 g. Hemodynamic instability group (HI) included seven infants (39%) and hemodynamic stability group (HS) included 11 infants (61%). Compared to HS, HI had lower BW (1,033${\pm}$285 g vs. 821${\pm}$126 g, P=0.048) and weight on operation day (1,195${\pm}$404 g vs. 893${\pm}$151 g, P=0.042), longer hospital days (105${\pm}$29 vs. 141${\pm}$39, P=0.038), more severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), (no/mild/moderate/severe, 2/5/2/2 vs. 0/1/2/4, P=0.038) and higher preoperative $FiO_2$ (0.29${\pm}$0.06 vs. 0.38${\pm}$0.09, P=0.02). One case of mortality due to sepsis, which was not associated with ligation, was observed among HS. Conclusion: The incidence of hemodynamic instability after PDA ligation in VLBW infants was 39%. Low BW, low weight on operation day and preoperative high $FiO_2$ might be risk factors of hemodynamic instability after PDA ligation in VLBW infants. The hemodynamic instability could increase the severity of BPD and hospital days.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.320-327
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• 2011

Purpose: To determine the effect of changing practice guidelines designed to avoid hyperoxia or hypoxia in very low birth weight or very preterm infants. Methods: We analyzed a database of <1,500 g birth weight or <32 weeks of gestation infants who were born and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Chungnam National University Hospital from January 2007 to July 2010. First, we defined the relationship between arterial partial pressure of oxygen ($PaO_2$) and pulse oxygen saturation ($SpO_2$). When we evaluated 96 pairs of $PaO_2$ and $SpO_2$ measurements, oxygen saturation was 90-94% at a $PaO_2$ of 43-79 mmHg on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, according to pulse oximetry. Based on this observation, a change in practice was instituted in August 2008 with the objective of avoiding hypoxia and hyperoxia in preterm infants with targeting a $SpO_2$ 90-94% (period II). Before the change in practice, high alarms for $SpO_2$ were set at 100% and low alarms at 95% (period I). Results: Sixty-eight infants the met enrollment criteria and 38 (56%) were born during period II, after the change in $SpO_2$ targets. Demographic characteristics, except gender, were similar between the infants born in both periods. After correcting for the effect of confounding factors, the rates for mortality, severe retinopathy of prematurity, and IVH attended to be lower than those for infants in period II. No difference in the rate of patent ductus arteriosus needed to treat was observed. Conclusion: A change in the practice guidelines aimed at avoiding low oxygen saturation and hyperoxia did not increase neonatal complication rates and showed promising results, suggesting decreased mortality and improvements in short term morbidity. It is still unclear what range of oxygen saturation is appropriate for very preterm infants but the more careful saturation targeting guideline should be considered to prevent hypoxemic events and hyperoxia.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.616-621
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was undertaken to identify factors that influence 17-OHP levels in preterm infants and to suggest a reasonable follow-up schedule of screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in preterm infants. Methods : The 17-OHP concentrations in filter paper blood spots of 427 preterm infants were obtained. The effects of gestational age (GA), systemic diseases, and antenatal dexamethasone on screening and follow-up 17-OHP values were investigated. Results : The screening 17-OHP values were markedly variable (range: 0.1-143.3 ng/mL). The screening 17-OHP levels were negatively correlated with GA (r=-0.535, P<0.01). In infants with GA<32 weeks, the screening 17-OHP levels were significantly higher in sick infants or infant with hypotension than in healthy infants. The screening values of prenatal dexamethasone-treated infants had a tendency to be low. In infants with initial 17-OHP values ${\geq}20ng/mL$, the intervals until rescreening 17-OHP <10 ng/mL or serum 17-OHP <20 ng/mL were negatively correlated with GA (r=-0.541, P<0.01) and were prolonged in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P<0.01). None of the preterm infants were confirmatively diagnosed with CAH. Conclusion : The 17-OHP values of preterm infants were influenced by GA, prenatal dexamethasone, and postnatal diseases. Because the 17-OHP values of preterm infants were markedly variable, a follow-up schedule should be developed considering both 17-OHP values and clinical status.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.881-887
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• 2009

Purpose : The survival rate of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI) had increased as a result of advances in neonatal intensive care. We evaluated the changes in outcomes of VLBWI who admitted to the neonatal care unit of Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital. Methods : Retrospective review of 339 VLBWI who were born from 1st January 1997 to 31th December 2008 were performed. Outcomes including survival rate, birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), morbidities, and mortality between period I (1997- 2003) and period II (2004-2008) were compared. Results : Overall incidence of VLBWI was 2.3% and it was significantly higher in period II(3.3%). Mean BW and GA were significantly decreased in period II (P<0.001, P=0.01). The survival rate increased from period I (59.1%) to period II (74.2%). BW-specific survival rate increased in 1,000-1,249 gm and GA-specific survival rate significantly increased in 27-28 weeks and 29-30 weeks. The incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and necorotizing enterocolitis were same except patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusion : The survival rate of VLBWI was increased in period II, especially in less than 1,000 gm and below 27 weeks. This may be due to recent dramatic improvement of neonatal care. But more efforts are needed to improve outcome during initial phase and to reduce long term complication such as BPD and ROP.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2010

Purpose:In recent years, Korea has showed a steady increase in the frequency of teenage birth, while the overall birth rate has declined. As the teenage birth is known as a high risk pregnancy itself, we examined perinatal complications of teenage mothers and whose neonates in aspects of medical problem, and social status and support. Methods:We examined the perinatal characteristics of teenage mothers and whose babies, who were hospitalized at Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2004 to July 2009 using medical records retrospectively. Twenty-seven teenage mothers and their 28 babies were enrolled in this study. Results:Teenage mothers were all unmarried and showed high rates of preterm labor, maternal anemia, and unexpected delivery. Among them, 11 (40.7%) were from families that were separated. Eleven mothers (40.7%) did not have any antenatal care. There were high rates of prematurity and low birth weight (60.7% and 64.3%, respectively). The complication included: respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. Fourteen babies (51.9%) were not going to be brought up by their biological parents. Conclusion:Teenage pregnancy had high rates of preterm labor and associated complications, often caused by the lack of proper antenatal care. Babies from unmarried mothers were likely to be adopted and this could be a social burden. Therefore, to reduce unplanned teenage pregnancy and births, sex education and social supports should be provided to all teenagers.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.596-602
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• 2002

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of peripheral neutrophil count with the development of respiratory failure in preterm infants. Methods : A retrospective study was conducted from January 1993 to December 1999 on 44 preterm infants, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of St. Francisco hospital. Preterm infants(birth weight 500 to 1,350 gm) who had a complete blood count obtained within 2 hours after delivery. Patients in the lowest of neutrophil count(early neutropenia, < $1.0{\times}10^9/L$) were compared with patients in the remaining group. Results : Low neutrophil count were transient in early neutropenia group. The concentration the circulating neutrophil count rose from $0.85{\pm}0.11{\times}10^9/L$ at average of 2 hours after delivery to $5.3{\pm}2.7{\times}10^9/L$ at 24 hours after delivery in the early neutropenia group and from $3.6{\pm}1.6{\times}10^9/L$ to $5.8{\pm}3.2{\times}10^9/L$ in the non-neutropenia group during the same time period. Compare to the non-neutropenia group, the neutropenia group had a lower birth weight($1,046.50{\pm}180.76gm$ Vs $1,156.70{\pm}124.99gm$), a lower Apgar score(1 min : $3.41{\pm}1.18$ Vs $4.30{\pm}1.46$, 5 min : $5.41{\pm}0.87$ Vs $6.15{\pm}0.95$), and a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(27.27% Vs 7.0%). Patients who had early neutropenia were more likely to require mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen and hospital stay. Also, main effect factors for the two groups were birth weight(Odds ratio=5.457, 95% CI=1.551-27.525), initial peripheral blood white cells(odds ratio=8.308, 95% CI=2.054-52.699), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia(odds ratio=0.099, 95% CI=0.017-0.397). Conclusion : A low count of neutrophil in the systemic circulation of premature infants within 2 hours of birth is associated with more severe respiratory distress.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.503-509
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• 2010

Purpose : Although neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage is rare, it is associated with high mortality. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in preterm infants and to describe the clinical course, including neonatal morbidity, of infants who developed pulmonary hemorrhage. Methods : We performed a retrospective case-control study of 117 newborn infants aged less than 37 gestational weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Daegu Fatima Hospital between January 1995 and December 2008. Control group infants without pulmonary hemorrhage were matched according to the gestational age, duration of mechanical ventilation, and birth weight range (${\leq}100g$). Pulmonary hemorrhage was defined as the presence of hemorrhagic fluid in the trachea and severe respiratory decompensation. Results : Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 17 cases of very low birth weight infants (VLBW; birth weight < 1,500 g; median age, 3 days) and 22 cases of low birth weight infants (LBW; $1,500g{\leq}$ birth weight < 2,500 g; median age, 1 day). Antenatal maternal glucocorticoid treatment significantly reduced the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in VLBW infants. Low APGAR score (${\leq}3$ at 1 min) and acidosis at birth were associated with significantly high incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in LBW infants. Conclusion : Antecedent factors and timing of pulmonary hemorrhage of LBW infants were different from those of VLBW infants. The mortality rates of VLBW and LBW infants were 88.2% and 45.5%, respectively. Pulmonary hemorrhage was the principal cause of death in 66.6% VLBW infants and 40.0% LBW infants.