• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the natural history and perinatal outcomes of twin gestations according to chorionicity. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 monochorionic (MC) and 206 dichorionic (DC) twin gestations delivered at Il Sin Christian Hospital in Busan between January 2002 and December 2007. The incidences of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality, were evaluated. Results : MC twins had a lower gestational age (35.7 vs. 36.6 weeks, P=0.03) at birth and a higher incidence of intrauterine fetal loss (10% vs. 1.5%, P<0.001) than DC twins. The incidence of intrauterine fetal loss was higher in MC sIUGR than in DC sIUGR (19% vs. 2.5%, P=0.025) twins. The number of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; 31% vs. 16%, P=0.042), and the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (7% vs. 0%, P=0.031), and respiratory distress syndrome with surfactant treatment (27% vs. 11%, P=0.049) were higher in MC than DC twins. The incidences of sIUGR and TTS were 21 and 9% among the MC twins. The incidences of intrauterine fetal loss were higher in MC twins with TTS [6 of 9 (67%)] or sIUGR [4 of 21 (19%)] than uncomplicated MC twins (P<0.001). The frequency of admission to the NICU (P=0.001), the length of hospital stay (P=0.033), the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia (P=0.011), and intraventricular hemorrhage (P=0.007) were also higher in MC with TTS or sIUGR than in uncomplicated MC twins. Conclusion : The incidence of neonatal complications was higher in MC twins, especially those gestations complicated by TTS or sIUGR.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.158-170
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• 2020

Purpose: We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Korean children. Methods: Medical records of patients aged 2-18 years and diagnosed with CDI at a tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed. The patients were classified into three CDI groups: community-acquired (CA), community onset-health care facility-associated (CO-HCFA), and healthcare facility onset (HO). Results: The incidence of CDI increased from 1.00 to 10.01 cases per 10,000 admissions from 2009 to 2018 (P<0.001). As compared to the CA group, the HO group had a higher frequency of operation and malignancy as predisposing factors (40.4% vs. 0.0%, P=0.001; and 27.7% vs. 0.0%, P=0.027, respectively), frequency and number of previous antibiotic use (97.9% vs. 31.3%, P<0.001; and 2 vs. 0, P<0.001, respectively), and median postdiagnosis hospital stay (13 vs. 5 days, P=0.008). The CO-HCFA group had a lower median age and higher frequency of malignancy than the CA group (5 vs. 13 years, P=0.012; and 30.8% vs. 0.0%, P=0.030, respectively). As compared to the HO group, the CA group had a higher frequency of abdominal pain and hematochezia (56.3% vs. 10.6%, P=0.001; and 50.0% vs. 10.6%, P=0.002, respectively), inflammatory bowel disease (68.8% vs. 2.1%, P=0.001), and intravenous metronidazole treatment (37.5% vs. 2.1%, P=0.001). Conclusions: With the increasing incidence of pediatric CDI, awareness regarding its epidemiology and clinical characteristics is important to manage nosocomial infections.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.329-335
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• 2004

Background : The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can help to assess organ failure over time and is useful to evaluate morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of SOFA score as a descriptor of multiple organ failure in critically ill patients in a local unit hospital, and to compare with APACHE III scoring system. Methods : This study was carried out prospectively. A total of ninety one patients were included who admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) in Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital from May 1 through June 30, 2000. We excluded patients with a length of stay in the ICU less than 2 days following scheduled procedure, admissions for ECG monitoring, other department and patients transferred to other hospital. The SOFA score and APACHE III score were calculated on admission and then consecutively every 24 hours until ICU discharge. Results : The ICU mortality rate was 20%. The non-survivors had a higher SOFA score within 24 hours after admission. The number of organ failure was associated with increased mortality. The evaluation of a subgroup of 74 patients who stayed in the ICU for at least 48 hours showed that survivors and non-survivors followed a different course. In this subgroup, the total SOFA score increased in 81% of the non-survivors but in only 21% of the survivors. Conversely, the total SOFA score decreased in 48% of the survivors compared with 6% of the non-survivors. The non-survivors also had a higher APACHE III score within 24 hours and there was a correlation between SOFA score and APACHE III score. Conclusion : The SOFA score is a simple, but effective method to assess organ failure and to predict mortality in critically ill patients. Regular and repeated scoring enables patient's condition and clinical course to be monitored and better understood. The SOFA score well correlates with APACHE III score.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.132-146
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• 1998

This Study was attempted to provide the basic data necessary in the development and introduction of Home Health Nursing System by investigating the recognition and attitude level of Home Health Nursing System. The data were collected by means of questionaires presented to 74 patients who had been admitted in C general hospital in Chon Ju, from June 30, 1997. As the tool for this study, the questionares developed by Kim Yong. Soon, et al (1990) and Han Bok Hee(1993) were modified and supplemented for the aim of this study. The computer was used for data analysis. The items about the charateristics of the subjects and the attitude to the management plan of Home Health Nursing System were represented as the frequency and percentage. The standard deviation and calculation average were produced on the items related to definition, recognition, necessity, expected effect of the attitude of Home Health Nursing System and the items related to admission. The ANOVA test was .used according to the characteristics of variables to analyze the necessity and difference of Home Health Nursing System. The results of this study were as follows 1) The general characteristics of the subjects were as follows ; for sex, man, $58.1\%$ ; for age, 50-59 years, $29.7\%$ ; for the level of education, high school, $51.4\%$ ; $79.7\%$ of them were married; for the family forms, small family, $73.0\%$ ; and $68.9\%$ of them take the monthly income over 100 million won. 2) The characteristics related to admissions of the subjects were as follows ; for clinic, surgical department, $78.4\%$ ; addmission not more then 7days, $47.3\%$ ; for the operation-performance $71.6\%$ of them were experienced; for the admission route, via outpatients clinic, $54.1\%$ ; for waiting period to the admission day, 1-2 days, $71.6\%$. 3) The difficulties comming from the hospitalization were related mostly to the factor that they felt hospital life more inconvenient than home.(3.66) The reasons for the difficulties in the admission which was due to insufficient beds in the hospital was related to the concentration to the general hospital because of 'The Whole National Medical Insurance System'(4.05). 4) On the previous informations about the Home Health Nursing System, those who have heard of only the name were 42 $(56.8\%)$, and on the recognition of it, they thought that it is periodic treatment by the licenced nurses for the recovering pateints after early discharge(3.73). On the attitude about the necessity of Home Health Nursing System, they thought that it is necessary because of the increasing trend of a psychological disease by the change of environment and complexity of the social structure(4.24). On the expected effect of Home Health Nursing System, they answered that it is convinient for the family of the patient to take care of them(4.l8). 5) On the attitude to the management plan of the Home Health Nursing System, those who had intention to participate in the system in the case of systemic support were 42(56.8). In the visiting time, 'visit periodically' and 'visit when the patient needs' were $28(37.8\%)$ respectively. For the application of medical insurance, if possoble, they will use $(91.9\%)$; for the method of payment for the treatment, 'pay by the time required' was $23(31.1\%)$, for the subject of management, 'National public institute must operate' was $33(44.6\%)$. 6) The relationship between the general characteristics of the subjects and the necessity of Home Health Nursing System showed the notable difference in the age (F=3.508, P<0.05) and marrage state (F=5.402, P<.023).

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2001

Purpose : We investigated the incidence and predisposing factors of pulmonary embolism in minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS). Methods : Lung perfusion scan using 99mTC-MAA were done on 14 patients who were diagnosed to minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Group h: Five patients who had perfusion defects on scan, Group B; Nine patients who had no perfusion defect on scan. Between the two groups, the differences of platelet number, hematocrits, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, proteinuria were evaluated. Results : Five patients were found to have perfusion defect consistent with pulmonary embolism($35.7\%$). However, there were minimal or no respiratory symptoms and signs. In our laboratory studies, the mean proteinuria on admissions was $676{\pm}31\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, and $313{\pm}28\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were more severe proteinuria in group with pulmonary embolism(P<0.05). The mean platelet count at early stage of remission after steroid treatment was $746,600{\pm}280,000/mm3$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, $511,890{\pm}90,000/mm3$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were significant difference of platelet count between the two groups(P<0.01). In patients with pulmonary embolism, there were more higher and sustained increasement of platelet count. All cases of pulmonary embolism were treated with dipyridamole(5 mg/kg). In 4 cases the perfusion defects were improved in two weeks, however, one case showed persistent perfusion defect after 1 month. Conclusion : Our study suggested that pulmonry embolism might be one of tile major complications in childhood MCNS The occurrence rate was correlated with severity of proteinuria before treatment and sustained increasement of platelet counts in early remission state after steroid treatment. Therefore, the scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion study is mandatory in childhood MCNS, especially in the high risk patients, such as the patients with severe proteinuria and sustained increasement of platelet count. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001;5 : 100-8)

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.209-279
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• 2016

The Korean Mental Health Act was amended 2016 overall. This paper examines and evaluates the old Korean Mental Health Act since 1995 and the new Korean Mental Health Promotion Act 2016 from the Perspective of Human Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities. The persons with mental disabilities was separated and ruled out from society by the enactment of the Mental Health Act in 1995 and five times amendment. That has been justified and institutionally supported by medical viewpoint. The medical approach which reconsider the persons with mental disabilities as patients conceal that the aims of the involuntary admission in Mental Hospital are protection of society and the relief of the family member's duty of support for person with mental disabilities. This is institutionally supported in the 1995 Korean Mental Health Act by involuntary admission through the consent of family members as protectors. According to the old Act, the family members as protectors are authorized to consent to involuntary admission of persons with mental disabilities. Also, the psychiatrist that diagnoses the person with mental disabilities and evaluates the need for treatment by admission is not impartial in this decision. Family members as protectors may want to lighten their burden of support for the person with mental disabilities in their home by admitting them into a mental hospital, and the psychiatrist in the mental hospital can be improperly influenced by demand of hospital management. Additionally, Article 24 of the Korean Mental Health Act for the Involuntary Admission by the Consent of Family Members as Protector might violate personal liberty, as guaranteed in the Korean Constitution. The Mental Health Promotion Law was amended to reduce the scope of the persons with mental illness which are subject to forced hospitalization and to demand that a second diagnosis is made by another psychiatrist and screening by the committee concerning the legitimacy of admission in the process of the involuntary admission by the consent of family members as a method of protection. The amended Mental Health Promotion Law will contribute to reducing the number of the involuntary admissions and the inclusion of persons with mental disabilities. But if persons with mental disabilities are not providing some kind of service to the community, the amended Mental Health Promotion Law does not work for Inclusion of them.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2020

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the trauma volume and performance indicators during the first 5-year period of operation in a single regional trauma center. Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected data from the Korean Trauma Data Bank for a single regional trauma center between January 2014 and December 2018. More than 250 variables were analyzed. We calculated the predicted survival rates using the trauma and injury severity score (TRISS) method. Results: In total, there were 16,103 trauma admissions during the first 5 years; trauma activation was performed in 5,105 of these cases. Over 70% of the patients were men, and most of the admitted patients were within the age groups of 55-59 years for men and 75-79 years for women. Analyses were performed considering two patient groups: the total patient group and the group of those with severe trauma (injury severity score [ISS] >15). The median ISS, revised trauma score, and TRISS of the two groups were 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4-10), 22 (IQR 17-27), and 7.6±0.99 and 6.74±1.9, 0.95±0.13, 0.81±2.67, respectively. Of the total patient group, 801 patients (5%) died in the hospital, whereas of the group of patients with ISS >15, 526 (19.5%) died. The direct transportation of patients to the regional trauma center increased year by year. The emergency room stay time and time to entering the operating room showed a decrease until 2017; however, these parameters increased again in 2018. Conclusions: The trauma volume in the regional trauma center is appropriate, and some improvements could be observed after its establishment. However, performance indicators reveal the prematurity of the trauma center and its potential for further improvements. Moreover, the development of a national trauma system, beyond regional trauma centers, is required.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2001

Recently, numerous studies have focused on the health effects of ambient particulate pollutants. Compared to earlier studios that focused on severe air pollution episodes, recent studies are more relevant to understanding the health effects of air pollution at levels common to contemporary cities. We reviewed recent epidemiologic studies that evaluated health effects of particulate air pollution and concluded that respirable particulate air pollution is an important contributing factor to acute mortality and morbidity. We observed increased respiratory and cardiovascular deaths, increased hospital admissions and visits, and decreased lung function. We also observed increased mortality and morbidity in a Korean population. Theses health effects were observed at levels below the current Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate air pollution.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.146-151
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• 2017

Purpose: We analyzed the risk factors affecting readmission of children with pneumonia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at the Jeonju Presbyterian Medical Center from January 2007 to August 2016. We classified patients who were readmitted with pneumonia within 30 days of discharge as the readmission group and patients who were admitted with pneumonia for the first time as the first admission group. Results: Among 158 patients, the study (readmission) group included 82 patients and the control (first admission) group included 76 patients. Age, the percentage of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes, the number of admissions in the last 12 months, the associated diseases (respiratory diseases such as asthma), and the affection of the right upper lung were analyzed as risk factors for readmission. However, based on a regression analysis, only age and associated diseases were found to be significant risk factors. The rate of readmission increased with younger age. When there were associated diseases, the rate of readmission also increased. Conclusions: Young age and associated diseases were significant risk factors for readmission for patients with pediatric pneumonia. When pediatric patients are admitted with pneumonia, if they are young and/or have associated diseases, a comprehensive approach is needed to reduce the rate of readmission with careful consideration of precise examination, treatment, timing of discharge, and follow-up.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.45-63
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• 1981

This study was done to determine the relationship between the anxiety levels of hospitalized psychiatric patients and various influencing variables. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that may help hospitalized psychiatric patients to experience lower levels of anxiety in relation to changing situations and provide the basic data for a dynamic approach which is important in the field of modern psychiatric nursing that understands and analyses the meaning of patients behavior. The anxiety may produce stress, which is a common experience among all human beings. Patients may merely feel uncomfortable in the state of mild anxiety, however, the severe state could be an obstacle to treatment and recovery from disease. The anxiety of the psychiatric patient is a factor which greatly influencing the patient's behavior, so his disorderd behavior is an expression of defence or pathologically fixed behavior. According the psychiatric patient's anxiety at the time of admission is the concern of the health team. The nurse's special concern has to do with understanding and supporting the patient and meeting his individual needs by frequent close contact during the entire hospitalization period, compared to other teamembers the nurse's responsibility in this regard is greated. So this study emphasizes the necessity of creating conditions these, but above all the psychiatric nurse should create a therapeutic environment by not only regarding the patient's behavior or symptoms but understanding the meaning of them. The subjects of this study were 57 psychiatric patients selected from the K neuropsychiatric hospital located in Kunsan city. Data were collected twice from the same patients within a 24 hour period after admission and 10 days after admission. (September 18th to November 8th, 1980). The data collected method was through direct interview, and the interview time was 20 minutes for each patient. Data analysis included Item Analysis & Internal Consistency Reliability Tests, Percentages, t-test, analysis of variance and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The findings of this study were as follows. A. Test of Hypothesis a. Hypothesis 1 :“The anxiety level of psychiatric patients within 24 hours after admission will be higher than those of the same patients 10 days after admission,”was accepted. (t = 3. 15 ; p < 0.005) b. Hypothesi 2:“The more the number of admissions the higher the level of anxiety related to two categories”, was accepted. (affective anxiety: F = 5.50, p < 0.005, Somatic anxiety: F = 9.12, p <.