• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.208-214
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• 2004

Purpose: The prognosis of neonates with cholestasis is not clear. Some factors, such as high peak bilirubin levels and liver histologic findings have been claimed to affect the prognosis adversely. Our study aims to define which factors influence the prognosis of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis. Methods: Retrospective reviews of the medical records were performed in 32 cases with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis, who were admitted to Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital from July 1995 to July 2002. Neonates were classified into 2 groups according to the duration of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels more or less than 6 months. The data, such as biochemical, histopathologic and radiologic findings, were compared in both groups. Biochemical data included mean peak level of serum ALT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Histologic parameters related to lobular architecture, fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration and degenerative features of hepatocytes were arbitrary estimated on a scale of 1 to 3. Results: There were 19 males and 13 females, whose mean age was 48 days (14~77 days). The peak serum ALT levels were higher in the poor outcome group. Ductular proliferation and portoportal bridging were more severe in the poor outcome group. But the degree of multinucleated hepatocytes, hepatocellular swelling and canalicular plug did not appear to be significantly related to the long-term outcome. The DISIDA scintigraphy by visualization time of gall bladder and intestine was not useful in predicting outcome of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis. Conclusion: Neonates who have intrahepatic cholestasis with high serum ALT levels, severe ductular proliferation and portoportal bridging in the liver biopsy specimen should be carefully followed up because they may have a poor prognosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.178-182
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• 2003

Purpose : Brain tumors are the second most common tumor in childhood, and medulloblastomas comprise 15-25% of brain tumors. The well known prognostic factors are age at diagnosis, stage of disease, and extent of surgical excision. In this study, we analysed the prognostic factors in patients who received chemotherapy after excision. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 61 patients who received chemotherapy among the 94 patients who were diagnosed and treated between Jan 1985 and Sep 2001 in the Department of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery at Severance Hospital. Results : Among the total survival rate of patients who underwent chemotherapy, the 3-yr progression-free survival rate was $66.5{\pm}6.3%$ and the 15-yr progression-free survival rate was $60.3{\pm}6.7%$. The progression-free survival rate for patients with age at diagnosis over 3 yrs old and under 3 yrs old, was $64.5{\pm}7.7%$ and $48.2{\pm}12.9%$ respectively and there was no statistically significant difference. The survival rate of the high vs low risk group by staging was $72.7{\pm}10.5%$ and $54.6{\pm}8.3%$ respectively, and there was no significant difference. The survival rate of patients with total removal vs subtotal removal was $65.8{\pm}11.8%$ and $56.8{\pm}8.2%$ respectively, showing no statistical difference. Conclusion : The reason there is no difference in survival rate according to the traditional prognostic factors is that chemotherapy has improved not only the total survival rate but also the survival rate in patients with poor traditional prognostic factors. So, sufficient removal of tumor followed by proper chemotherapy and radiotherapy is an important factor which influences the survival rate of medulloblastoma patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.540-547
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• 2006

Background : Vital stability and right side heart failure are major prognostic factors of acute pulmonary thromboembolism. While it is important to recognize right side heart failure, it is often difficult in real practice. Recently, several studies have described early diagnostic tools for detecting right side heart failure including echocardiography and biochemical markers. This study, we evaluated the prognostic role of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in an acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Methods : Thirty-four patients with a diagnosis of acute pulmonary thromboembolism were enrolled in the study. The BNP levels were measured and echocardiography was performed at the Emergency Department. Data on the prognostic factors including ventilatory support, vital stability, pulmonary artery pressure, degree of tricuspid valve regurgitation, complications and death was collected from the patients' medical records. The patients with an acute pulmonary thromboembolism were divided into two groups based on the vital stability and the BNP level and the cutoff values and prognostic factors of the two groups were compared. Results : The predictors of the vital stability that influence the prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism were the BNP level, ventilatory support and death. The plasma BNP levels showed a strong correlation with the vital stability, ventilatory support, thrombolytic therapy and death. When the BNP cutoff level was set to 377.5 pg/dl in a ROC curve, the sensitivity and the specificity for differentiating between the groups with stable or unstable vital signs was 100% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion : This study indicates that a measurement of the plasma BNP levels may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with an acute pulmonary thrombo-embolism.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.523-531
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• 2006

Background : Cervical tuberculous lymphadenopathy is a very common disease with a similar incidence to pulmonary tuberculosis. Dendritic cells play a role of initial antigen presentation of this illness. Nevertheless, the precise role of these antigen-presenting cells according to the clinical features in unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical implication of dendritic cell infiltration in the cervical lymph nodes. Methods : A review of the clinical characteristics was carried out retrospectively based on the clinical records and radiography. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the available histology specimens of 72 cases using the S-100b polyclonal antibody for dendritic cells. The number of dendritic cells with tuberculous granuloma were determined. A $X^2$ test, unpaired T test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. Results : Thirty percent of subjects had previous or concurrent pulmonary TB. Twenty one percent of cases showed a positive reaction on the AFB stain. Within a granuloma, the number of infiltrated dendritic cells was $113.0{\pm}7.0$. The incidence of fever and cough decreased with increasing infiltration of dendritic cells Multivariate regression analysis showed that the infiltration of dendritic cells could significantly contribute to fever. Conclusion : Overall, dendritic cells can control a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and modulate the immune response, as well as resolve the clinical manifestations of TB lymphadenopathy.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2009

This study was conducted to assess the effects of diet food containing Jerusalem artichoke's inulin, lotus leaf, and herb on weight and body fat. Participants in this study were selected based on the following criteria: BMI over $25kg/m^2$, body fat percentage higher than 25%, abdominal obesity level of 0.85 measured by body composition measurement unit (ZEUS 9.9 PLUS, Korea) total 24 female and male university students over 20 of age were assigned to two different groups: control group and diet group and the study was carried out for 30 days. When we measured what the tester's body weight and height, we used an automatic measure machin which is called IMI-1000 from Immanuel company and when we measured what the hip and wist circumference, we used a tape measure. When we measured body mss index (BMI), body Int, body mass, lean mass, waist/hip ratio (WHB), obesity index, we used a ZEUS9.9 PLUS-Korea which is based on bioelectrical impedance analysis, The food intake was checked by means of diet record method to be input into CAN program in order to analyze nutrient intake. Our findings indicated that the diet group, as compared to the control group, lost weight of approximately 2.5 kg and showed statistically significant difference. In addition the level of body Int, muscle, abdominal obesity, obesity, waist and bottom measurement all showed significant decrease after study period. However, there was no big difference in body fat percentage because both body fat level and muscle level dropped together, Putting all these together, diet food in this study containing Jerusalem artichoke's inulin, lotus leaf powder, and herbs powder including nettle, eucalyptus was found to be effective in significant reduction of weight and body fat and obesity-related body indicators. Also, it is considered that this diet food has potential to prevent and improve effectively obesity from abnormal fat accumulation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2002

Background : The detection and early elimination of the causes for acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) at the initial stage can result in a more favorable prognosis. Miliary tuberculosis as a cause of the ARDS is quite rare. A diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis is difficult due to the diversity of radiological patterns and non-specific clinical finfings, and low sensitivity of sputum examinations for acid-fast bacilli(AFBs). An analysis of the clinical data is the first step in diagnosing these unusual, rare cases. Materials and Methods : In this study the clinical features, laboratory data, radiological findings and diagnostic methods were analyzed in 9 cases with an initial presentation of ARDS due to miliary tuberculosis. The ARDS was defined by the definition of the American-Europian consensus conference 1992. Results : The mean age of the patients was $67{\pm}18$ years (F:M=7:2). The chief complaints were dyspnea(5/9), coughing (3/9) and fever(5/9). On a physical examination, fine or coarse crackles were noted(6/9). The ARDS developed on average 6.7 days after the initial respiratory symptoms. The mean $PaO_2/FiO_2$ of the patients was $133.5{\pm}53.4$, the number of cases with a WBC<5000/$mm^3$ was 4 out of 9 cases. A platelet count<70,000/$mm^3$ was observed in 2 out of 9 cases, and the serum albumin level was $2.6{\pm}0.6$ g/dL. The initial simple chest PA showed ground glass appearances and consolidation in all cases, However, the miliary nodular densities were observed in only 4 out of the 9 cases. HRCT revealed alveolar densities and a consolidation in 5 out of 6 cases, and miliary nodules in 5 out of 6 cases, The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made by a liver biopsy (4/4, 100% sensitivity), a bone marrow biopsy (1/2, 50% sensitivity), and an open lung biopsy (1/1), the sputum AFB was positive in only 2 out of 9 cases. The patient was treated with INH, RFP, EMB, PZA, and steroids. The survival rate was 55.5%. Conclusion : Miliary tuberculosis should be considered as one of the causes for ARDS in areas where there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis. The chief complaints of the patients on admission are dyspnea, fever and coughing without any specific riskfactors. A liver biopsy is particularly useful in ARDS patients with mechanical ventilation to determine the causes of the ARDS if miliary tuberculosis is suspected as being the underlying disease.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2014

Purpose: To analyze the clinical features and treatment outcome of Langerhans' cell histocytosis. Materials and Methods: From August 1996 to June 2013, 28 patients who histologically proven with LCH were analyzed of medical records, radiography, pathologic character retrospectively. Results: A total of 28 cases of LCH including 22 child has been reported. Onset age was 0.6 to 51 years old, occurred in the average age was 14.8 years. Follow-up period was 6 months to 134 months average was 44.6 months. The M:F ratio was 2.5:1. The initial symptoms was pain in 18 cases, 5 cases of pathologic fracture, 3 case of palpable mass, 1 case of discovered by accident in radiography, 1 case of torticollis. In radiological examination osteolysis was seen all cases, 7 cases showed a periosteal reaction, 1 case showed soft tissue extension. Clinical type of all cases were eosinophilic granuloma. 25 cases were classified as unifocal disease and 3 cases were multifocal single systemic diseases. In all cases, incisional biopsy was performed. After histologic confirmed, 14 cases was treated with curettage or surgical excision of the lesion and the other 14 cases were followed up without treatment. There is no death during follow up period. 11 cases has no radiological improvement after 3-6 months observation, intralesional steroid injection was performed. Conclusion: Patients with LCH who has rapid systemic onset is very rare, so if you meet the young children who suspected LCH, you shoulder avoid the examination which cause excessive radiation exposure to the young patient. In order to confirm the diagnosis of disease, biopsy is needed. Close observation after confirmed by histological method will bring the satisfactory results. But the patients who had pathologic fracture or wide bone destruction already may need curettage and bone grafting to lesion or internal fixation. The lesion which has no radiological improvement after 3-6 months observation or appear with pain interferes daily life may need local steroid injection as a good treatment.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.328-336
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• 2011

Purpose: An association between very low birth weight infants(VLBWI) and hearing loss has long been recognized. Early identification and intervention for hearing loss benefits language and speech/cognitive development. We investigated the risk factors and clinical outcomes of hearing loss among VLBWI. Methods: We analyzed the results of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing of VLBWI. These infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between December 2008 and February 2011. A follow-up was conducted subsequently. Results: ABR evaluations were performed on 65 infants, and 31 showed abnormal results (47.7%). Among the 31 infants, 10 were classified with moderate/severe/profound hearing loss (15.4%). The infants with abnormal ABR had a higher incidence of low birth weight, prolonged ventilator care, cumulative dose of furosemide, and the lowest $PaO_2$ (P<0.05). Those with moderate/severe/profound hearing loss had a higher incidence of low Apgar scores at 5 minutes (odds ratio[OR],0.34; 95% confidence interval[CI],0.13-0.89), prolonged ventilator care (OR,1.06; 95% CI,1.01-1.12), and mild hearing loss compared to those without profound hearing loss. Follow-up evaluations on eight infants with ABR reveled improvements 5.6${\pm}$3.9 months later. One infant, who had profound hearing loss in both ears, used a hearing aid. Conclusion: Factors influencing hearing loss at the first VLBWI hearing screening test included lower Apgar scores at 5 min and prolonged use of a ventilator. Most VLBWI with hearing losses were expected to recover after several months of follow-up.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2011

Purpose: The objectives were to identify the characteristics of neonates with hydrops fetalis, and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: A retrospective review of AMC (Asan Medical Center) dataset was performed from January 1990 to June 2009. The characteristics of 71 patients with hydrops fetalis were investigated and they were divided into two groups: the survived group and the expired group. Various perinatal and neonatal factors in two groups were compared to find out risk factors associated with mortality based on univariate analysis, followed by multiple regression analyses (SPSS version 18.0). Results: Of those 71 neonates (average gestational age: 33 weeks, birth weight: 2.6 kg), 38 survived, 33 died, resulting in overall mortality rate of 46.5%. The most common etiology was idiopathic followed by chylothorax, cardiac anomalies, twin-to-twin transfusion, meconium peritonitis, cardiac arrythmias, and congenital infections. Factors that were associated independently with mortality in logistic regression analyses were low 5-minutes Apgar score, hyaline membrane disease and delayed in achieving 50th percentile ideal body weight for appropriate gestational age by 10 days. Conclusion: In this study, 5-minutes Apgar score, hyaline membrane disease and delayed in achieving 50th percentile ideal body weight for appropriate gestational age by 10 days were significant risk factors associated with mortality in hydrops fetalis. Therefore, the risk of death among neonates with hydrops fetalis depends on the illness immediately after birth and severity of hydrops fetalis. Informations from this study may prove useful in prediction of prognosis to neonates with hydrops fetalis.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.265-271
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• 2011

Purpose: Extended spectrum $\beta$-lactamase (ESBL) producing organism is an important cause of infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since 1990s. The aim of this study is to investigate the differences of clinical characteristics and hematologic studies between neonates with ESBL-positive organism and those with ESBL-negative organism. Methods: The subjects included 48 neonates admitted to NICU at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from January 2005 to September 2010, from whom a total of 58 Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumonia were detected. The data were categorized in 2 groups, neonates with ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative. We compared clinical characteristics and hematologic studies between two groups. Results: Of 48 neonates and 53 isolates, ESBL-positive were 18 neonates and 20 isolates. Both ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative isolates were largely found in urine, each with 10 and 23. Of 20 ESBL-positive isolates, 13 (65%) and 7 (35%) were ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, respectively. ESBL-positive neonates were associated with low 1 and 5 minutes Apgar scores (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively), more uses of oxygen (56% vs. 27%; P=0.005), longer duration of oxygen uses (15.8${\pm}$38.43 days vs. 4.3${\pm}$12.5 days; P=0.008) and more frequent anemia (33% vs. 7%; P=0.040). Conclusion: ESBL-positive neonates may have more anemia and lower Apgar score at birth. We can consider the use of cabapenem earlier if infant with previous antibiotics is confirmed to be infected with ESBL-positive organisms.