• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.192-204
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• 2023

This study aimed to determine the criteria for quantifying developmental defects of enamel in primary teeth in premature babies and to investigate the severity of developmental defects according to the gestational age, birth weight, systemic complications, and treatments received after preterm birth. Birth information, a history of complications, the duration of parenteral nutrition, and endotracheal intubation were investigated by retrospectively reviewing the admission and discharge records of premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. The Preterm Developmental Defects of Enamel (PDDE) index was designed by modifying the existing developmental defects of enamel index. Based on PDDE index, the evaluator scored developmental defects of enamel by classifying them as enamel hypomineralization and hypoplasia. The PDDE scores in the extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight groups were significantly higher than those in other groups. Furthermore, PDDE scores of premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, rickets, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing colitis were significantly higher than those in the control group. In addition, more than 50 days of endotracheal intubation and more than 20 days of parenteral nutrition were associated with significantly higher PDDE scores than those in the control group and were risk factors for developmental defects of enamel. This study provides basic information for identifying risk factors for developmental defects of enamel in premature babies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.828-835
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• 1996

From January 1993 to April 1995, 27 neonates (under age of 30 days underwent open heart surgery in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Dong-A Medical Center. Mean age and weight were 12.1 days(2days∼306ays) and 3.29 kg(2.6kg∼4.1 kg) respectively. Cardiac anomalies were simple complete transposition of great arteries(TGA) in 11 neonates, TGA with coarctation of aorta(COA) in 1 , total anomalous pulmonary venous connection(TAPVC) in 5, double inlet right ventricle with TAPVC in 1, interrupted aortic arch(IAA) with ventricular septal defect(VSD) in 3, pulmonary atresia(PA) with intact ventricular septum(IVS) in 3, pulmonary stenosis with IVS in 1, Taussig-Bing anomaly with IAA in 1, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome(HLHS) in 1 . Postoperative complications were myocardial and/or pulmonary edema which caused open sternum in 13 patients(54.2%), acute renal failure( RF) in 10(37.0%), Intractable low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) including weaning failure from cardiopulmonary bypass in 7(25.9%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia in 1, wound infection in 1, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in 1. Nine of 13 patients with postoperative open sternum were recovered with delayed sternal closure, and seven of 10 patients survived postoperative ARF with peritoneal dialysis. There were 8 operative deaths(29.6%): 3 in the patients with simple complete TGA, 1 In TCA with COA, 1 in PA with IVS, 1 in Taussig-Bing anomaly with IAA, 1 in DIRV with TAPVC, and 1 in HLHS. One late death occurred after arterial switch operation in simple TGA. The mosts common cause of death was low cardiac output syndrome. Our initial experience of open heart surgery in neonates showed high operative mortality and morbidity, especially in complex anomalies.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.248-254
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• 2007

Purpose : Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of RDS and BPD in the immature lung. We investigated the possible role of IL-10 and IL-12 in the cord blood of preterm newborns with RDS or BPD. Methods : Forty preterm newborns whose mothers received antenatal care at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 2003 to June 2005, and agreed to testing their cord blood samples were enrolled. The gestational ages were below 34 weeks. Cord blood level of IL-10 and IL-12 were determined by ELISA. We separated the patients into 2 groups (RDS group and non-RDS group, BPD group and non-BPD group) and compared the cytokine levels and clinical records of the groups. Results : Cord blood IL-10 level showed a significant inverse correlation with gestational age and birth weight (P=0.001, P=0.005). Preterm infants with RDS showed higher IL-10 level (1.0 vs 0.1 pg/mL; P=0.001) in the cord blood than those without RDS. The differences remained statistically significant after correction for the effect of gestational age between both preterm groups. Despite similar cord blood IL-10 levels, preterm infants with BPD showed no significant difference with those without BPD. Conclusion : Cord blood IL-10 levels are increased in preterm infants which may be due to the immuno-suppression occurring during pregnancy and to fetal immaturity because these levels are inversely correlated with the gestational age. So, Cord blood IL-10 level can be used as the predictor of RDS.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.481-487
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• 2009

Purpose : This study investigated the clinical course and prognostic factor of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) with hemodynamically significant congenital heart defects (CHDs). Methods : Medical records of 1,098 VLBWI with birth weight <1,500 g who had been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center from October 1994 to December 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The data for these patients with hemodynamically significant CHD (n=33) were compared with those without CHD (n=1,065). Results : The incidence of CHD was 3.0% (33 patients) 7 patients (21%) had CHD combined with the congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders. The most common CHD was a ventricular septal defect. The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation was higher in patients with CHD than in patients without CHD (34% vs. 20%), but there were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (${\geq}$Gr III), and periventricular leukomalacia. Cardiac surgery was performed on 13 patients (39%). Nine patients received staged operations, and 10 patients received early intervention. The overall mortality in patients who had CHD was higher than in the patients who did not have CHD (27% vs. 16%). In patients with CHD, congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders were more important factors for increased mortality (86% vs. 11%) than the degree of complexity of CHD (19% vs. 42%). Conclusion : The most important prognostic factors of VLBWI with CHD are the associated congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.197-203
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare perinatal outcomes between in vitro fertilization (IVF) twins and naturally conceived twins born to women aged 35 years or older and to provide basic information for taking care of IVF twins born to women aged 35 years or older. Methods: We reviewed the records of perinatal and neonatal outcomes in 288 IVF twins and 220 naturally conceived twins born to women aged 35 years or older between January 2001 and December 2010 at CHA Bundang Medical Center. Results: No difference was observed in the maternal ages of mothers giving birth to IVF twins and those giving birth to naturally conceived twins. Gestational ages and birth weights of IVF twins were not different from those of naturally conceived twins. Various perinatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta previa, premature amniotic membrane rupture, and need for a Cesarean section did not differ between the 2 groups. However, the 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores (P=0.019 and P=0.045, respectively) were different between the 2 groups. The incidence of early-onset sepsis was lower in the IVF twins than in the naturally conceived twins (P=0.02). However, the 2 groups did not show any difference in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and other congenital anomalies. Conclusion: The perinatal outcomes in IVF twins born to women aged 35 years or older were not significantly different from those of naturally conceived twins.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.48 no.9
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• pp.939-945
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• 2005

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to report outcome of fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g known as lower limit of viability and to evaluate treatment characteristics and short-term morbidity of their survivors. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g who were delivered at Samsung Medical Center(SMC), or transferred to neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of SMC within 24 hrs after birth between 1994 and 2004. Data for all interventions and morbidity outcome were analyzed for infants who were admitted to the NICU and were compared between NICU survivors and deaths. Results : Among 53 infants with birth weights of 400 to 499 g who were born in SMC during the study period, 8(15.1%) infants were admitted to the NICU and one was transferred to NICU from other hospital. Overall, 4(44%) of 9 survived and were discharged from the NICU. The smallest infant who survived weighed 439 grams. The least gestational age was $23^{+3}$ among the survivors. Compared with NICU deaths, NICU survivors had larger gestational age($24^{+2}{\pm}1^{+3}$ vs. $25^{+4}{\pm}2^{+3}$) and birth weight($424{\pm}17$ vs. $453{\pm}19$)(P<0.05). Median survival duration of NICU deaths was 15 days. None of NICU survivors had severe IVH, but 3(75%) had laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respectively. Conclusion : Fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g known as lower limit of viability survived successfully. Study for their long-term follow-up will be needed to define our limit of viability and indication for their active resuscitation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.339-345
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• 2002

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of chest high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) in patients with chronic coughs or persistent wheezing with normal chest X-ray finding. Methods : We reviewed the charts, chest X-rays, and HRCT findings of patients with chronic coughs or persistent wheezing of less than 2 years of age. The records were sourced from the Department of Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital covering the period from July, 1999 to June, 2000. Chronic cough was defined as a cough which was prolonged for more than 3 weeks. Results : The sample consisted of 24 patients(male 15 and female 9, mean age $4.7{\pm}3.8$ months old). Among them, 16 patients showed normal findings(66.7%) and 8 patients showed abnormal (33.3%) in simple chest X-rays. Among 16 patients who had the normal chest X-rays, 13 patients showed abnormal chest HRCT findings(81.3%) such as air space consolidation of the dependent portion(62.5%), bronchiolitis obliterans(12.5%), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia(6.3%). Conclusion : We suggest that the chest HRCT is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with chronic cough or persistent wheezing with normal chest X-ray, especially below 2 years of age.