• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.227-233
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• 2009

Purpose : Growth hormone (GH) replacement after retesting is necessary because impairment of body composition and cardiovascular health has been more severe in adult patients with persistent GH deficiency (GHD) from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the factors for persistent GHD and define a highly probable group of persistent GHD in young adults with childhood-onset GHD. Methods : GHD was reassessed by insulin tolerance test (ITT) in 55 adult patients (39 males, 16 females) with childhood-onset GHD. Twelve patients presented with idiopathic GHD and 43 patients presented with organic GHD caused by tumors involving the hypothalamus-pituitary (H-P) region (n=33), other brain tumors (n=3), meningitis (n=3), leukemia (n=2) and others (n=2). Results : Forty-nine (89.1%) of 55 patients had persistent GHD. IGF-I was positively correlated with log of peak GH (r=0.57, P<0.001). There was no difference in the proportion of persistent GHD between idiopathic and organic GHD. The percentage of patients with persistent GHD was 40%, 80%, and 95.6% for patients with zero, one, two or more additional pituitary hormone deficiencies (PHDs), respectively (P=0.002). The probability of persistent GHD was higher in patients with diseases involving the H-P region (P=0.003). GHD persisted in 15 of 18 patients treated with cranial irradiation. Conclusion : We suggest that the probability of persistent GHD in adulthood was high in patients with 2 or more additional PHDs, and diseases involving the H-P region.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.312-316
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• 2006

Purpose : Growth hormone(GH) has been recognized as an effective treatment for short children born small for their gestational ages(SGA), and nowadays it has been widely used for the treatment of short children born SGA. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of GH treatment for the children born SGA. Methods : The study population was made of 40 short children born SGA with GH-treated(n=26) and untreated control group(n=14). In order to evaluate the effect of GH treatment, the changes in standard deviation scores(SDS) of the GH-treated group were compared to the changes in SDS before and after treatment from the control group in the same period. Results : There were no differences between the GH-treated group and the control group in gestational age, birth weight, chronological age, target height and the period of follow-up observation; however, the GH-treated group had lower height SDS($-3.3{\pm}0.9$) than the control group($-2.4{\pm}0.4$) before treatment(P<0.05). The GH-treated group had gained $1.2{\pm}1.0$ height SDS during GH treatment while the control group had gained $0.5{\pm}0.6$ height SDS. In the GH treatment group, HDL-cholesterol increased from $48.5{\pm}9.9mg/dL$ to $56.1{\pm}8.7mg/dL$(P<0.05) and LDL-cholesterol decreased from $88.1{\pm}23.3mg/dL$ to $76.4{\pm}19.4mg/dL$(P<0.05) after treatment. There were no changes in total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid and fasting blood sugar. IGF-I increased from $224.9{\pm}191.3{\mu}g/L$ to $443.2{\pm}152.5{\mu}g/L$(P<0.05) and IGFBP-3 also increased from $3.7{\pm}1.3mg/L$ to $5.6{\pm}1.2mg/L$(P<0.05). Conclusion : We conclude that growth hormone treatment is effective in the treatment of short children born SGA.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.487-491
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• 2008

Purpose : Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection can cause wheezing in non-asthmatic children, the mechanisms of this symptom remain unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and is also known to be elevated in cases of chronic pulmonary disease such as asthma. We hypothesized that VEGF may increase in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia and wheezing. Methods : Nine patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia were enlisted from children admitted to Korea University Hospital. They had had more than one episode of wheezing during the illness, which was confirmed by a physician; they comprised the wheezer group. The individuals with M. pneumoniae pneumonia without wheezing were 63 in number, and they comprised the non-wheezer group. Patients with a history of asthma or who had received asthma medications were excluded. Serum concentrations of VEGF, total IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were measured. Results : The serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the wheezer group ($mean{\pm}SD$; $650.2{\pm}417.9pg/mL$) than in the non-wheezer group ($376.5{\pm}356.2pg/mL$, P=0.049). M. pneumoniae antibody (1:1,380 vs. 1:596, P=0.048) and serum total IgE (591.8 IU/mL vs. 162.2 IU/mL, P=0.032) were higher in the wheezer group than in the non-wheezer group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of serum ECP concentration or blood eosinophil count. Conclusion : In the presence of wheezing, serum VEGF concentrations were higher in the children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. This finding suggests that VEGF may associate with wheeze-related symptoms in children with acute M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.594-602
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• 2009

Purpose : Transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ reportedly increases neuronal survival by inhibiting the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in astrocytes and protecting neurons after excitotoxic injury. However, the neuroprotective mechanism of $TGF-{\beta}1$ on hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in neonatal rats is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine whether $TGF-{\beta}1$ has neuroprotective effects via a NO-mediated mechanism and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulation on perinatal HI brain injury. Methods : Cortical cells were cultured using 19-day-pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with $TGF-{\beta}1$ (1, 5, or 10 ng/mL) and incubated in a 1% O2 incubator for hypoxia. Seven-day-old SD rat pups were subjected to left carotid occlusion followed by 2 h of hypoxic exposure (7.5% $O_2$). $TGF-{\beta}1$ (0.5 ng/kg) was administered intracerebrally to the rats 30 min before HI brain injury. The expressions of NOS and NMDA receptors were measured. Results : In the in vitro model, the expressions of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) increased in the hypoxic group and decreased in the 1 ng/mL $TGF-{\beta}1-treated$ group. In the in vivo model, the expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) decreased in the hypoxia group and increased in the $TGF-{\beta}1$-treated group. The expressions of eNOS and nNOS were reversed compared with the expression of iNOS. The expressions of all NMDA receptor subunits decreased in hypoxia group and increased in the $TGF-{\beta}1$-treated group except NR2C. Conclusion : The administration of $TGF-{\beta}1$ could significantly protect against perinatal HI brain injury via some parts of the NO-mediated or excitotoxic mechanism.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.646-653
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• 2002

Purpose : The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children has been increasing worldwide recently, which is thought to be related to the increasing prevalence of obesity. We investigated to evaluate the incidence and the characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and also analysed the relationship between intrauterine growth retardation and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods : We investigated 25 children diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus between March 1990 and December 2000. The analysis was performed retrospectively with medical records based on the clinical characteristics and laborotory findings. Results : Incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children has been increasing since 1990. We demonstrated an increase in the percentage of type 2 diabetes mellitus children from 5.3% in 1990 to 21.0% in 2000. Sixty eight percent of patients(17/25) were classified as obese group. Initial symptoms at first visit were polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia 48%(12/25), asymptomatic glycosuria 40% (10/25), weight loss 8%(2/25) and obesity 4%(1/25). The mean age at diagnosis was $12.9{\pm}1.8$ years. 64%(16/25) of patients had positive family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Autoanti-bodies were positive in 18.1%(4/22) of patients. Twenty eight percent (7/25) of patients had an associated disease and two patients had fatty liver in association with obesity. Treatment consisted of diet, exercise, education and oral hypoglycemic agents. Three patients were treated with insulin as well as oral hypoglycemic agents because of poor blood glucose control. Long-term diabetic complications occurred in 4 patients. Intrauterine growth retardtion was found in 34.6%(9/25); 88.9% (8/9) of these patients were non-obese group. Conclusion : The increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children is thought to be related to the increasing prevalence of obesity. The non-obese group of patients might be associated with intrauterine growth retardation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.54-69
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• 2023

Purpose: Proteins are major components of the body and essential nutrients for proper growth and development. However, studies on protein intake in children and adolescents are insufficient. A few previous studies have reported the relationship with growth indicators, but results vary depending on the source of protein. Therefore, the current study investigates the relationship between protein intake and overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Korea. Methods: Based on the 2014-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 5,567 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years, who participated in a 24-hour dietary recall with information on height and weight, were included in this study. Protein intake was estimated as percentage of total energy (% of energy) and was classified into animal and plant protein according to the food source. Overweight and obesity were defined using the 2017 pediatric and adolescent growth chart. Results: Total protein intake of the subjects was estimated as 14.5% of total energy (animal protein 8.3% and plant protein 6.3%). The group with the highest total protein intake had a higher odds ratio (OR) of overweight/obesity than those with the least protein intake (OR, 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.67, p for trend = 0.003). When classified by food source, the group with the highest animal protein intake had a significantly higher OR of overweight/obesity than subjects with the lowest intake (OR, 1.30, 95% CI, 1.05-1.61, p for trend = 0.016). However, plant protein was not significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a high intake of animal protein in children and adolescents increases the risk of being overweight and obese. In order to develop normal growth and prevent obesity in the future, it is necessary to determine an appropriate protein intake level through nutrition education programs and prospective studies on balanced protein intake.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2000

Purpose: Pregnancy in transplanted mother is considered as a high-risk pregnancy, and significant incidences of prematurity and low-birthweight(LBW) infants have been reported. The objective of this study is to examine the outcome of pregnancy in transplanted mothers and to evaluate the current growth status in their children. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 54 pregnancies in 40 kidney recipients until June 1999. Outcomes of pregnancy were reviewed and assessment of the current growth status in children was performed. Results: 54 pregnancies in 40 recipients were identified; 22 ended in termination of pregnancy because of unwanted pregnancy or therapeutic purposes. And of the other 32, 29 livebirths resulted in 28 recipients. The mean age of conception was $30.3{\pm}3.8$ years, with a mean interval from transplantation to conception of $35.9{\pm}23.2$ months. All patients were maintained on immunosuppressive regimens. Incidence of drug-treated hypertension(HTN) prior to pregancy was $52\%$, HTN during pregnancy, $48\%$; preeclampsia, $41\%$; urinary tract infection, $48\%$; oligohydramnios $4\%$; and no rejection during pregnancy and up to 3month post delivery. Of the 29 liveborn infants, prematurity(<37wk) occurred in $52\%$, LBW(<2500g) in $62\%$, VLBW(<1500g) in $7\%$ and $48\%$ born intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR). Mean gestational age was $36.3{\pm}3.0\;wk$; a mean birthweight, $2.23{\pm}0.6\;kg$; a mean birth-height, $45.1{\pm}3.6cm$. Current mean height standard deviation score (height SDS) was $0.29{\pm}0.91$ and mean weight SDS was $0.62{\pm}1.34$. Only one child($4\%$) under 1 year of age was below 10 percentile in height. Most of children had no medical problems except for 4 children; cleft palate(1), tuberous sclerosis(1), essential hematuria(1), and one child expired due to sepsis. Conclusion: This study showed similar incidence of premaure birth($57\%$) and low birth weight infants($62\%$), but lower incidence of spontaneous abortion($5.6\%$) was observed and compared to other studies. Postnatal growth in majority of children($96\%$) achieved catch-up growth before 1 year. Present study supports a more optimistic view of pregnancy in renal transplant mother and normal growth in their children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.855-861
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• 2002

Purpose : Thymus size can be affected by several factors and perinatal diseases can be estimated by its size. The purpose of this study was to search for a relationship between cardiothymic/thoracic(CT/T) ratio and perinatal diseases such as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) and intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR) by measuring the width of the cardiothymic shadow at the level of the carina and dividing it by the width of the thorax at the costophrenic angles. Methods : A clinical study was conducted on newborn infants with RDS(n=51), IUGR(n=27), and premature rupture of membranes(PROM, n=48), who were admitted at NICU of Catholic University of Daegu from June 2000 to Oct. 2001. CT/T ratio was measured within six hrs of age, at 2-3 days of age, and at 5-7 days of age. Results : CT/T ratios of RDS group, IUGR group, and PROM group were $0.46{\pm}0.07$, $0.32{\pm}0.04$. $0.36{\pm}0.06$, respectively. CT/T ratios of RDS group within 6hrs of age, at 2-3 days of age, and at 5-7 days of age were $0.43{\pm}0.07$, $0.34{\pm}0.06$, $0.25{\pm}0.04$, respectively. There were statistically significances among the RDS group, the IUGR group, and the PROM group and in the RDS group at different times. Regression for gestational age among three groups was not statistically significant but correlation for gestational age in the entire groups was statistically significant. CT/T ratio between normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and c-section among three groups was not statistically significant. CT/T ratios with dexamethasone-treated group and untreated group was not statistically significant. Conclusion : We concluded that thymus size differed significantly in the perinatal diseases such as RDS and IUGR, and so can be used as an early diagnostic tool for perinatal diseases.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.97-110
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• 1973

The goal of modern nursing is to provide comprehensive nursing care to patients. If comprehensive nursing care to children (within the hospital setting) is to be provided, consideration of the stage of growth and development of the child is especially important. From clinical observation, it appeared that nurses often disregarded individual requirements of children in giving nursing care. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to show that comprehensive nursing care which is based on an understanding of the growth and development of the child contributes to both the child and the mother's adaptability to the child's hospitalization. Method: Sixty children, three to three year of age, hospitalized at the Yonsei University Pediatric Ward ware studied. From April 1, 1973 to May 5, 1973, children admitted to the hospital were assigned to either an experimental or a compare groups. There were 30 children in each group. The sex and age of the children in each group was similar. In both groups were more male than female children. In the experimental group, each mother stayed with hot child continuously during his hospitalization. In the compare groups, the mother or some other member of the family stayed with the child. Each day on the child's admission the investigator visited the ward from 1-2 P.M. to 9-10 P.M., in order to provide comprehensive care for the experimental -group. The assistance given the nurses by the investigator was in the form of conferences regarding care and in giving direct care to the child and his mother. The compare group of children received nursing care as usually provided by the hospital. The instruments used to obtain the data for analysis were as follows: 1. The fear and anxiety reaction of the child was recorded by observation of the investigator for four areas: 1) separation from parent and relatives 2) reaction to Doctor and Nurse with white gowns 3) reaction to nursing care 4) reaction to injection and tests, etc. 2. Regression in area of eating, sleeping, and elimination were recorded by the investigator by questioning the mother and by observation. 3. Adaptability to the hospitalization was recorded by direct questioning of the children for areas of emotional and social adjustment. For children older than 3 years of age or children not seriously ill, using the simple I. Q. test this was possible for only 35 of the total 60 children. Result: 1. 55 percents of the total 60 children had been prepared by their parents for hospitalization. The children who had received prior preparation accepted hospitalization more readily than those who had received no preparation. (χ²=4.6 Ρ<0.05) 2. On admission 31.7 percent of the children expressed verbal fear of their discase or treatment. 25 percent felt that the disease was due to their mistake. 3. There was a significant difference in the reaction of the child to separation from the parent or relatives between the two groups. The experimental groups showed less anxiety due to separation than the compare group. (χ²=4.34 Ρ<0.05) In both groups there was less anxiety due to separation among school age (6-12 years) children than among preschool age (3-5 years) children. (χ²=9.22 Ρ<0.05) 4. More than half of the children in both groups reacted with fear and avoidance to doctor and/or nurses wearing white gowns. (χ²=0.06 Ρ<0.05) 5. The experimental group reacted more favorably to nursing in general than the compare group. (χ²=4.8 Ρ<0.05) 6. There was no difference in the fear and refused reaction to special tests and/or such as X-rays and injections, etc. between the groups. (χ²=3.77 Ρ<0.05) 7. More children in the compare group showed regressive tendencies in eating, sleeping, and elimination habits than in experimental groups. (χ²=2.3 Ρ<0.05 χ²=3.88 Ρ<0.05 χ²=4.9 Ρ<0.05) 8. There was a significant difference in the adaptability to hospitalization between the two groups. The experimental groups adapted more readily. (χ²=2.02 Ρ<0.05) 9. For children who had higher I.Q. s the adaptability to hospitalization was better regardless of the group. (χ²=5.03 Ρ<0.05) However, because of the small number of cases (60), this finding cannot be extrapolated without further verification. The date demonstrates that there was a greater adaptability to hospitalization by the child when comprehensive nursing care was given. By planning care and applying knowledge of growth and development to meet, nurses are in a position to prevent some of the psychological trauma associated with hospitalization.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.665-671
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• 2006

Purpose : To study the effects of growth hormone(GH) treatment on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in children with idiopathic short stature(ISS). Methods : Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after GH treatment(0.6-0.7 IU/kg/week) in 20 patients with ISS. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment(HOMA). Results : During OGTT, the mean blood glucose level did not show any significant changes after GH treatment. However, mean blood insulin levels of fasting and 30 minutes of OGTT showed significant increases after GH treatment, accompanying significant increases of insulin resistance. There was no difference in change of glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance before and after GH treatment between two groups of body mass indices(BMI) of 25< and >25. There also was no significant difference between two groups of with and without family histories of diabetes mellitus (DM). There was no case of newly developed impaired glucose tolerance, fasting glucose tolerance, nor newly developed DM. Conclusion : GH treatment with doses of 0.6-0.7 IU/kg/week for mean 9.6 months in patients with ISS did not show any significant changes in blood glucose levels during OGTT. However, GH treatments induced considerably higher fasting insulin levels compared to pretreatment, resulting in statistically higher insulin resistance. Higher BMI and family history of DM did not induce any significant changes in glucose, insulin level and insulin resistance after GH treatment than the other groups.