• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.120-128
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• 2003

Purpose: Recently, while the authors were experiencing that the epidemic period of rotaviral infection happened more in the early spring, we tried to find out how the outbreaks of rotaviral infection are changing in detail depending on the weather condition since it has something to do with the climate factors and PM10. Methods: Fourteen hundreds seventy nine patients who were proved to be positive to rotavirus were chosen among children less than 5 years old from January 1995 to June 2003. Among various climate factors, monthly average temperature, humidity, rainfall and PM10 were selected. Results: Rotaviral infection was most active in 2002 as 309 (20.9%) patients. It has been the spring that is the most active period of rotaviral infection since 2000. The temperature (RR=0.9423, CI=0.933424~0.951163), rainfall (RR=1.0024, CI=1.001523~1.003228) and PM10 (RR=1.0123, CI=1.009385~1.015248) were significantly associated with the monthly distribution of rotaviral infection. Conclusion: Through this study we determined that the epidemic period of rotaviral infection is changed to spring, which is different from the usual seasonal periods such as late fall or winter as reported in previous articles. As increased PM10 which could give serious influence to the human body, and changing pattern of climate factors such as monthly average temperature and rainfall have something to do with the rotaviral infection, we suppose that further study concerning this result is required in the aspects of epidemiology, biology and atmospheric science.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2003

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the gastroduodenal pathology and Helicobacter pylori infection in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: One hundred and seven pediatric patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were undergone endoscopy at the Gyeongsang National University Hospital from June 1990 to April 1991. Histopathologic examination was done by H & E staining of gastric antral biopsy specimen and gastritis was defined according to the Sydney System. Tissue H. pylori status was evaluated with the urease test using Christensen's urea broth and H & E or Warthin-Starry silver staining of gastric antral biopsy specimen. IgG Immunoblotting were also performed to detect specific anti-H. pylori antibody in these patients. Results: The reasons for endoscopy were recurrent abdominal pain, acute abdominal pain, sallow face, hunger pain, and frequent nausea. Variable degrees of gastric mucosal hyperemia were found in most of the patients. Gastric hemorrhagic spots, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, duodenal erosion, and hemorrhagic duodenitis were rare endoscopic findings. Histologic chronic gastritis was found in 88% of 107 patients. Histologic chronic duodenitis was observed in all 99 patients whose tissue were available. Gastric tissue H. pylori was positive in 57% of 107 patients by one of the ureasetest, H & E staining and Warthin-Starry silver staining. However, gastric tissue H. pylori detection rate was lower in the younger age groups. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were detectable in 96% of 107 patients. Conclusion: Chronic gastroduodenitis and anti-H. pylori IgG antibody were ubiquitous in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2011

Purpose: Recently, the incidence of acute hepatitis A has increased nationwide and is related to a low rate of IgG anti-HAV production. To establish effective measures for preventing hepatitis A virus infection, an epidemiologic study on the seroprevalence of anti-HAV is needed. Thus, we investigated the seroprevalence of IgG anti-HAV in children living in Gwangju and Jeonnam. Methods: IgG anti-HAV levels were measured in a total of 1,435 patients who visited Chosun University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2009. Results: The overall seropositve rate was 40.8% (586/1,435). The seropositive rates were 41% among children under the age of 1 year, 49.9% for children 1~5 years old, 51.1% among individuals 5~10 years old, 12.9% for individuals 10~15 years old, and 8.2% for subjects over 15 years old. There was no significant difference between genders in any group. The seropositive rates in Gwangju and Jeonnam were 57.3% and 32.9% for children under the age of 1 year, 52.5% and 44.3% for children 1~5 years old, 60.2% and 33.9% among children 5~10 years old, 14.1% and 9.7% for children 10~15 years old, and 10.8% and 4.2% for individuals over 15 years old. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the low rates of IgG anti-HAV, particularly among subjects over 10 years old, which suggests the possibility of increasing clinical HAV infection rates among adults in the near future. We should actively prevent the spread of hepatitis A virus. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis A virus transmission among persons at risk for infection. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for children who have low IgG anti-HAV seropositive rates.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: We previously reported that concurrent reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis. However, the incidence of concurrent reactivation was not accurate because the detection of EBV reactivation was based on serologic methods. Therefore, we studied the effects of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-proven EBV reactivation, thus a more precise concurrence, on acute HAV infection in children. Methods: PCR were conducted in 34 patients, who had enrolled previous study and diagnosed with acute HAV infection between January 2008 and June 2010. Their medical records were reviewed. Results: Among 34 patients with acute HAV infection, 12 patients (35.3%) had EBV reactivation which was proven using serologic and molecular biologic techniques. There were significant differences in the peak levels of AST and ALT between the reactivated and non-reactivated groups (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The duration of full recovery from hepatitis was more prolonged in the reactivated group (p<0.001). Clinical parameters, such as serum protein (p<0.001) and albumin concentrations (p<0.001), atypical lymphocyte count (p=0.001), prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR, p<0.001), and splenomegaly (p<0.001), showed significant differences. The clinical features in the reactivated sub-group >10 years of age revealed more liver dysfunction compared to the non-reactivated sub-group. A comparison with a previous study was performed. Conclusion: PCR-proven reactivation of latent EBV in children with HAV infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis, especially in older children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2011

Purpose: Mecnoium obstruction in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI), which delays enteral feeding and is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction, can be diagnosed and treated with hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast enema. The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical findings of meconium obstruction, the improvement of small bowel obstruction after contrast enema, and the complications related to the enema. Methods: Hypersolmolar water-soluble contrast enemas were performed in 14 VLBWIs with meconium obstruction. Clinical findings, radiologic findings, feeding intolerance, effectiveness, and complications of enemas were observed. Also, clinical findings related to meconium obstruction were compared with 18 VLBWIs without meconium obstruction. Results: 1) Fourteen VLBWIs with meconium obstruction had significantly lower 5 minutes Apgar scores than 18 VLBWIs without meconium obstruction (p<0.05). Moreover, the day of last meconium passing, and the day of the first trial and full enteral feeding were delayed significantly. 2) A total of 18 enemas were performed in the 14 infants. The contrast medium passed the ileocecal valve and reached the terminal ileus in 12 enemas. Of the 12 enemas, 11 were successful, but 1 infant underwent an ileotomy, even though the contrast medium reached the terminal ileum. 3) Intestinal obstruction was not relieved in three of five infants, in whom the contrast medium failed to pass the ileocecal valve. Obstruction was relieved after repeated enemas in which the contrast medium reached the terminal ileum. 4) No complications associated with water-soluble contrast enemas were observed. Conclusion: Hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast enema is considered to be safe and therapeutic for meconium obstruction in VLBWIs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.150-159
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• 2008

Purpose: To assess the relationship between lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and laboratory results of 109 subjects (7~15 years of age) who visited our pediatric obesity clinic between January 2004 and December 2007. They completed the parent- and self-report questionnaire developed by the Committee on Nutrition of the Korean Pediatric Society to assess lifestyle. The metabolic syndrome was defined as having 3 or more of the following metabolic risk factors: obesity, hypertension, serum triglycerides ${\geq}$110 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol ${\leq}$40 mg/dL, fasting glucose ${\geq}$110 mg/dL, and insulin ${\geq}20{\mu}IU/mL$. Results: All subjects had at least 1 risk factor (obesity). Sixty-three percent of subjects had 2 or more risk factors, 32% of subjects had 3 or more risk factors, and 10% had 4 or more metabolic risk factors. Hypertriglyceridemia (36%), hypertension (32%), hyperinsulinemia (24%), and HDL-hypocholesterolemia (20%) were observed. Fasting blood glucose levels were normal in all subjects. Hypertension was significantly associated with an unbalanced diet and hyperinsulinemia was significantly associated with parental obesity (p<0.05). Those who ate after 8 PM were at a risk of hypertension (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0~6.1). Those who did not have a preference for exercise were at a risk of hyperinsulinemia (odds ratio, 10.4; 95% CI, 2~54.1). Those who watched TV for ${\geq}$3 hours/day were at a risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.2∼18.8). Conclusion: Lifestyle, such as eating late, no preference for exercise, and TV watching ${\geq}$3 hours/day, were related to metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was designed to characterize the nutritional status and assess obesity to determine the relationship between obesity and serum lipid profiles in 6~7 year old children. Methods: In 2007, we surveyed 483 children (233 boys and 250 girls) aged 6~7 years. The total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and HDL-cholesterol were measured in the fasting state. Dietary information was obtained by a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 9.9%. There was no significant difference between genders. The mean caloric intake was 1,781 kcal in boys and 1,640 kcal in girls. The prevalence of excessive calories was 33% in boys and 30% in girls. The prevalence of a total cholesterol ${\geq}$200 mg/dL was 8.4%, TG ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 5.0%, LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg/dL was 3.1%, and HDL-cholesterol <35 mg/dL was 4.4%. The prevalence of hypertension was 2.1%. There was no significant difference between genders. The systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels and LDL-cholesterol were significantly related to an increased obesity index (p<0.05). The mean caloric intake and nutritive component were not related to the obesity index. The obesity group was compared to the control group: for triglycerides ${\geq}$130 mg/dL the odds ratio was 4.08; for LDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$130 mg the odds ratio was 2.85; for a TC/HDL-cholesterol ${\geq}$4.0 the odds ratio was 1.16. The BMI and triglyceride levels in the group with hypertension were higher than control group (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between the BMI and blood pressure as well as the LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05). The BMI was not correlated with the mean caloric intake or nutrition. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in 6~7 year old children was significantly related to an increased obesity index. The management of obesity in 6~7 year old children should include a reduction in the risk for hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of early low-dose iron supplementation in term breast-fed infants. Methods: Eighty-seven healthy term infants were divided into 3 groups: A, formula-fed; B, breast-fed only; S, breast-fed with iron supplementation (5 mg/day from 2 months of age). We measured ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation rate (TFSAT), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW) at birth, 6 months of age, and 12 months of age. Results: 1) At 6 months of age, ferritin, iron, TFSAT, and Hb in Group B were the lowest among the 3 groups, whereas TIBC and RDW were the highest. The incidences of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Group B were 33% and 30%, respectively, significantly higher than those seen in Groups A (5% and 8%, respectively) and S (7% and 5%, respectively). 2) At 12 months of age, ferritin, TFSAT, Hb, MCV, and MCH in Group B were the lowest among the 3 groups, whereas TIBC and RDW were the highest. Iron and Hct did not differ among the 3 groups. The incidences of ID and IDA in Group B were 64% and 50%, respectively, again significantly higher than those seen in Groups A (4% and 3%, respectively) and S (9% and 7%, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalences of ID and IDA were higher in breast-fed infants than in formula-fed infants, even at 6 months of age. Early and low-dose iron supplementation in breast-fed infants improved iron status and lowered the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in early infancy.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.179-186
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• 2008

Purpose: Feeding problems are common for typically developing children and have negative effects on physical, behavioral, and cognitive development. The purpose of the current study was to examine factors related to childhood feeding problems for typically developing children via parental reports. Methods: The feeding questionnaire developed by the authors and the Childhood Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI) were administered to 796 parents of children who recruited from 2 pediatric outpatient clinics (n=379) and community (n=417). Problem eaters (PE) were identified by parental report and frequency analysis was conducted for types of feeding problems and its severity, problem behaviors during mealtime, the feeding methods of the parents, and the need for treatment. Results: The CEBI scores were significantly different between the PE and non-problem eaters (NPE), which suggests that the parental reports were reliable. The younger children had more feeding problems than the older children. The most frequent and severe feeding problems were selective eating and longer mealtimes across all age groups. One-half of the children had more than one problem behaviors during mealtime. Most parents of PE used ineffective methods to deal with children's behaviors during meal time, such as cajoling, which was related to their increased level of stress. Many parents reported their children need professional help for the feeding problems. Conclusion: Feeding problems are prevalent among children, especially younger children. Children with feeding problems showed a number of problem behaviors during mealtime and parental coping methods appeared to be ineffective. The need for treatment was considerable, thus the characteristics of this population must be acknowledged for providing proper treatment and advice.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2008

Purpose: Children with esophagitis express a variety of nonspecific symptoms and signs depending on their age, and diagnosis is limited because gastrointestinal endoscopy (GFS) and biopsy are difficult to perform. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of esophagitis in children with upper abdominal pain, to determine the necessity of esophageal biopsy, and to evaluate the associated risk factors. Methods: We reviewed 266 pediatric patients with upper abdominal pain who underwent history-taking, physical examination, and GFS with esophageal and gastric biopsies between January 2006 and December 2007. Esophagitis was confirmed on biopsy. We analyzed the risk factors for histologic esophagitis and the necessity of esophageal biopsy. Results: The prevalence of esophagitis was 19.9% (53/266 patients). The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic diagnosis were 41.5% and 77%. Of 53 patients with histologic esophagitis, reflux esophagitis was seen in 50 patients, eosinophilic esophagitis was seen in 2 patients, and esophageal candidiasis was seen in 1 patient. Vomiting was a significant factor in patients under 8 yr of age (p<0.05). H. pylori infection was documented in 41.5% of patients with histologic esophagitis, compared with 58.5% of patients not infected with H. pylori (p<0.05). The possibility of histologic esophagitis was higher in patients with H. pylori infection (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2544 to 4.8286) and in those who visited in the spring (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2544 to 4.8286). Conclusion: We believe esophageal tissue biopsy should be performed in pediatric patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who are undergoing GFS and stomach tissue biopsy, especially preschoolers and H. pylori-infected children in the spring.