Measles outbreaks in the Kyeongin area of the Republic of Korea, 2013-2014: A single-center experience in a country of measles elimination

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection.@*METHODS@#In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measles cases were analyzed with regard to age, sex, immunization status, transmission routes and molecular genotyping of measles virus. Eighteen measles patients who admitted in isolation ward were set apart to investigate clinical findings and its correlation with laboratory characteristics. Retrospective analysis of cases was conducted in this study.@*RESULTS@#Of the 24 pediatric patients, 23 (95.8%) had not received any measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Sixteen of the patients (66.7%) were aged <12 months. The suspicious index case of a girl aged 34 months was not vaccinated with MCV1 and got measles after a trip to Philippines, and molecular genotype was revealed as B3. Measles outbreaks in the community such as a restaurant were followed by this one imported case. According to analysis of 18 patients admitted in isolation ward, the median level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.38 mg/dL and that of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1200 IU/L. All of the 18 patients had LDH levels above the normal range. Age correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.528, P = 0.024) and LDH (ρ = 0.501, P = 0.034). The duration of fever was correlated with the duration of fever before rash (ρ = 0.898, P < 0.01). The duration of hospitalization was correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.586, P = 0.011). The white blood cell counts were correlated with the levels of LDH (ρ = 0.505, P = 0.033), aspartate aminotransferase (ρ = 0.507, P = 0.032), and alanine aminotransferase (ρ = 0.481, P = 0.043).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Early weaning of maternally derived measles antibodies therefore vaccination of MCV1 at a young age from 9 months to 12 months should be considered in situations of early exposure. Furthermore, there is a call for consideration of scheduling an earlier age for the first dose of MMR vaccine in Europe. It is necessary for Korea to investigate the duration of the presence and quantitative analysis of maternal measles antibodies in infants and to reconsider the timing of MCV1.

Measles outbreaks in the Kyeongin area of the Republic of Korea, 2013–2014: A single-center experience in a country of measles elimination

Objective To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection. Methods In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measles cases were analyzed with regard to age, sex, immunization status, transmission routes and molecular genotyping of measles virus. Eighteen measles patients who admitted in isolation ward were set apart to investigate clinical findings and its correlation with laboratory characteristics. Retrospective analysis of cases was conducted in this study. Results Of the 24 pediatric patients, 23 (95.8%) had not received any measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Sixteen of the patients (66.7%) were aged <12 months. The suspicious index case of a girl aged 34 months was not vaccinated with MCV1 and got measles after a trip to Philippines, and molecular genotype was revealed as B3. Measles outbreaks in the community such as a restaurant were followed by this one imported case. According to analysis of 18 patients admitted in isolation ward, the median level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.38 mg/dL and that of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1200 IU/L. All of the 18 patients had LDH levels above the normal range. Age correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.528, P = 0.024) and LDH (ρ = 0.501, P = 0.034). The duration of fever was correlated with the duration of fever before rash (ρ = 0.898, P < 0.01). The duration of hospitalization was correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.586, P = 0.011). The white blood cell counts were correlated with the levels of LDH (ρ = 0.505, P = 0.033), aspartate aminotransferase (ρ = 0.507, P = 0.032), and alanine aminotransferase (ρ = 0.481, P = 0.043). Conclusions Early weaning of maternally derived measles antibodies therefore vaccination of MCV1 at a young age from 9 months to 12 months should be considered in situations of early exposure. Furthermore, there is a call for consideration of scheduling an earlier age for the first dose of MMR vaccine in Europe. It is necessary for Korea to investigate the duration of the presence and quantitative analysis of maternal measles antibodies in infants and to reconsider the timing of MCV1.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura: ultrasonography of scrotal and penile involvement

Testicular or scrotal involvement has been reported in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), but there are very few reports on penile involvement. We report the initial and follow-up ultrasonographic findings of scrotal and penile involvement of HSP in a 5-year-old boy. On ultrasonography, scrotal soft tissue thickening and epididymal swelling with increased vascularity were noted, and on the penis, a focal mass-like lesion appeared on the dorsal surface of the distal penis, having a hypoechoic mass-like appearance without visible vascular flow on a Doppler study. After 2 days of treatment, follow-up ultrasonography showed normal scrotum and penis with a resolved soft tissue mass-like lesion. Therefore, we think that HSP ultrasonographic findings involving the scrotum and penis might help to diagnose scrotal and penile involvement in a case of HSP and to avoid unnecessary medication and/or surgical procedures.

Clinical differences according to radiological patterns in childhood Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the difference of clinical characteristics of pneumonia in children caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, according to their chest radiographic patterns. METHODS: We analyzed medical records of 921 children who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Buchon Hospital due to M. pneumoniae pneumonia from January 2008 to December 2011. Enrolled children were divided into 2 groups by radiological patterns: lobar/lobular pneumonia group (group 1) and broncho/interstitial pneumonia group (group 2). RESULTS: The number of patients in group 1 was 295 (32%) and in group 2, 626 (68%). Lobar/lobular pneumonia occurred in older children compared to broncho/interstitial pneumonia (mean age, 6.4 years vs. 4.2 years; P=0.00). Group 1 had significantly longer durations of fever and hospitalization than group 2. The frequency of pleural effusion was significantly higher in group 1. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were higher in group 1. Coinfections with respiratory viruses were more frequent in group 2. The history of allergic diseases were more common in group 2 (P=0.006). In 2011, lobar/lobular pneumonia was more frequent and the duration of fever was longer compared with 2008-2010. CONCLUSION: In M. pneumoniae pneumonia, patients with lobar/lobular pneumonia were more older and had more severe clinical features and laboratory findings. Because there was an outbreak with severe clinical course in 2011, we wonder that the outbreak was related to the macrolide resistant M. pneumoniae. Careful attention about clinical course and consequences of patients with lobar/lobular pneumonia is required.

A Case of Tuberculous Enteritis with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis in a 12-Year-Old Girl / 소아감염

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is presented with nonspecific and variable clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and weight loss. Diagnosis of tuberculous enteritis may be missed or confused with many other chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as the Crohn disease and intestinal neoplasms. The diagnosis should be based on careful clinical evaluations, such as extra-intestinal signs and colonoscopic and histologic findings. Newer techniques such as PCR tests from the specimens through colonoscopic biopsy may be helpful to confirm diagnosis of tuberculous enteritis. The treatment regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis are generally effective for tuberculous enteritis as well. If not treated early, the prognosis of intestinal tuberculosis is poor. We report a case of tuberculous enteritis diagnosed by colonoscopic biopsy and TB PCR which was presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, intermittent fever and weight loss in a 12-year-old girl with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was treated successfully with antituberculosis agents for 11 months without any complications.

Immunogenicity and Protective Effectiveness of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study / 소아감염

PURPOSE: This study aimed to study the antibody response of Japanese encephalitis vaccination in children using different kinds of vaccines (inactivated vaccine, live attenuated vaccine or interchanged) and evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccines to provide the basis of efficient immunization schedule of Japanese encephalitis. METHODS: Measurement of the neutralization antibody (NTAb) titers following Japanese encephalitis vaccination using different vaccines for 170 children, 2-6 year of age, who visited six university hospitals and are confirmed by immunization records. RESULTS: Among 170 children who were given primary immunization on Japanese encephalitis, 103 children were given inactivated vaccine, 64 children were given live attenuated vaccine and 3 children were given interchangeably. NTAb titers were more than 1:10 in all children of three groups. The geographic mean antibody titer was 322 in inactivated vaccine group and 266 in live attenuated vaccine group. However, there was no significant difference between two groups. In both groups, the NTAb titer showed the peak at 1-4 months after the third immunization and declined. The NTAb titers of three children who were given two kinds of vaccines alternately were 1:135, 1:632, and 1:2511, respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study in children younger than 6 years old, there is no significant difference in effectiveness between inactivated and live attenuated vaccines. However, further studies for the changes of antibody titers for a longer period of time on larger population are required.

Orbit Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images of Bilateral Dacryocele

In this study, we present a case of bilateral dacryocele with orbit magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Otherwise healthy, full term, 46-day-old boy was referred for the evaluation of bilateral orbital mass with both eye discharge. External examination revealed palpable bluish mass on both medial canthus. On orbit MRI images, bilateral cystic masses were visible in his both nasolacrimal duct on T2 weighted MRI images with fluid level on left side. The size of masses had decreased after 3 days of diagnosis. There are only few previous articles describing on MRI findings of dacryocele, especially in bilateral cases. Therefore, we are here to present orbit MRI images of bilateral dacryocele that may be valuable to clinicians interested in congenital nasolacrimal anomalies.

A case of cytomegalovirus-negative Menetrier's disease with eosinophilia in a child / 소아과

Menetrier's disease is a rare form of acquired gastropathy characterized by giant rugal folds in the stomach and protein-losing gastropathy. Children with Menetrier's disease tend to follow a benign self-limited course with symptoms typically completely resolving within 2 to 10 weeks in contrast to the chronic course in adults. A 9-year-old girl presented with a history of gradually worsening abdominal distension, increasing body weight, and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Physical examination on admission indicated periorbital swelling, pitting edema in both the legs, and abdominal distension with mild diffuse tenderness and shifting dullness. Laboratory tests on admission showed hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and peripheral eosinophilia. The test result for anticytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M was negative. Increased fecal alpha 1 anti-trypsin excretion was observed. Radiological findings showed massive ascites and pleural effusion in both the lungs. On gastroscopy, large gastric folds, erythema, erosion, and exudation were noted in the body and fundus of the stomach. Microscopic findings showed infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in the gastric mucosa. Her symptoms improved with conservative treatment from day 7 of hospitalization and resolved completely.

Characteristics of Pneumothorax in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: The development of postnatal pneumothorax and its common causes and clinical aspects were studied to promote early diagnosis and proper management. METHODS: A retrospective study of neonates who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from 2001 to 2010 was performed. Term neonates were divided into a spontaneous pneumothorax group and a secondary pneumothorax group. The secondary group was divided into term and preterm groups. RESULTS: Of 4,414 inpatients, 57 (1.3%) were diagnosed with pneumothorax. Of term newborn patients, 28 (80%) had a secondary pneumothorax, and seven (20%) had a spontaneous pneumothorax. No differences were observed for gender, birth weight, resuscitation, or duration of admission between the spontaneous and control groups. The duration of treatment with a thoracostomy (20 patients, 57%) was longer in the spontaneous group (5.4+/-2.9 days vs. 2.7+/-2.0 days) than that in the control group. Patients with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) developed a pneumothorax 22.8 hours after surfactant treatment, whereas patients with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), pneumonia, and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) developed pneumothorax after 16.6 hours. Of 50 patients with a secondary pneumothorax, 19 (38%) had RDS, 11 (22%) had MAS, 7 (14%) had TTN, and six (12%) had pneumonia. Among term newborns, 42.9% were treated only with 100% oxygen. Among preterm newborns, 72.6% and 27.3% needed a thoracostomy or ventilator care, respectively. CONCLUSION: A pneumothorax is likely to develop when pulmonary disease occurs in neonates. Therefore, it is important to carefully identify pneumothorax and provide appropriate treatment.

Cutaneous Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Brain Infarction

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies, usually anti-Ro/SSA or anti-La/SSB antibodies, and less commonly U1-ribonucleoprotein. NLE usually involves a single organ, but multiple organ involvement has also been reported. Manifestations of NLE may include cutaneous lesions, congenital heart block, hematological diseases (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia), hepatic diseases (hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, cholestasis), and neurological diseases. Neurological involvement is very rare in infants with NLE. Here, we report a 2-day-old female neonate, born to a clinically asymptomatic mother, presenting with cutaneous lupus lesions and brain infarction as a neurological disease.

A case of gastric trichobezoar causing psychiatric problems / 소아과

Trichobezoar is characterized by the accumulation of hair in the gastrointestinal tract and usually occurs in those who have trichotillomania, other psychiatric disorders, or neurologic problems. Trichobezoar typically presents as gastric obstruction, including abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. A 9-year-old girl visited our clinic with the complaint of abdominal discomfort and vomiting. A review of her medical history revealed that she had trichophagia since the age of 5, and she felt that her parents had been strict with her. She underwent gastrotomy, during which a large trichobezoar was removed. This case highlights the importance of psychiatric and comprehensive approaches in patients with trichobezoar.

A Clinical Study of Lobar/Lobular Pneumonia in Children / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and etiological organisms associated with lobar/lobular pneumonia in Korean children. METHODS: Children hospitalized due to radiographically confirmed lobar/lobular pneumonia were evaluated prospectively between June 2006 and May 2008. Anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM/IgG (at admission and follow-up), blood cultures, throat swabs for bacterial detection or sputum culture, respiratory viruses (Respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus and Influenza A/B) antigen testing, and urinary antigen testing for S. pneumoniae were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-eight immunocompetent children (mean age, 5.9 years) were enrolled. The age distribution showed a peak frequency at 2-6 years of age (<2 years, 8.7%; 2-6 years, 60.8%; 7-10 years, 22.6%; 11-15 years, 8.0%). Typical respiratory organisms were identified in 64.9% of cases. Identified organisms were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (50.7%), bacteria in (5.9%), viruses (2.1%) and mixed infection (5.9%). Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most commonly identified organism in all age groups. The majority (88.9%) of bacterial pneumonias including mixed infection were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumonia was the most frequent at 5-6 years of age, but bacterial pneumonia was most frequent at 1-2 years of age. Lobar/lobular pneumonia began to increase from August and showed peak incidence in November and December. The levels of WBC, ESR, and CRP more significantly elevated in those with bacterial pneumonia than in children with mycoplasma pneumonia. Pleural effusion was present in 18.1% of cases. In these cases, the duration of fever and hospitalization was prolonged, and the ESR and CRP levels were significantly higher, than those without pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most common organism causing lobar/lobular pneumonia in children. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequent causative organism at 5-6 years of age. On the other hand, bacterial pneumonia was more common at 1-2 years of age. Thus, age may be a significant factor for the diagnosis and treatment of lobar/lobular pneumonia in children.

Nutrition requirements in child and adolescent athletes / 소아과

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents prefer undertaking physical exercise to overcome overweight or obesity. Children and adolescents are in the growth stage and require adequate nutrient supply. More calories and nutrients are required especially when they are engaged in physical exercise. Exercise is the only means to increase lean body mass and decrease body fat, but adequate nutrient supply is also essential. Lack of adequate nutrient supply causes muscle mass loss, menstruation irregularity, reduced bone density, fatigue, or frequent injury in children undertaking physical exercise. Here, I have introduced some guidelines on the nutrient requirement for child and adolescent athletes.

A study on the incidence of anemia according to feeding patterns and the status of weaning diet / 소아과

PURPOSE: Iron-deficiency anemia remains the most common nutritional deficiency in young infants. This study aimed to survey the actual condition of feeding patterns and weaning diet and to study the association between these factors and the prevalence of anemia in infants aged over 9 months. METHODS: We studied 171 infants aged 9-24 months who were hospitalized in the general ward with mild to moderate acute illnesses. The mothers answered a questionnaire about the feeding patterns and the status of the weaning diet of their infants. The infants were divided into three groups: infants who were exclusively breast-fed, those who had been given mixed feeding, and artificial milk feeders. RESULTS: The incidence of anemia was significantly higher in exclusively breast-fed infants (23/68, 33.8%) than in the infants with mixed feeding (11/62, 17.7%) and artificial milk feeders (5/41, 12.1%). The mothers' awareness about the state of their infants' weaning diet was not related to the presence of anemia in the exclusively breast-fed infants. About 70% of the infants had started the weaning diet before age 6 months in all three groups, without any difference according to feeding patterns. CONCLUSION: The incidence of anemia was significantly higher in the breast-fed group than in the other infants. Many mothers of breast-fed infants with anemia also believed that their infants were taking sufficient weaning foods. Therefore, further education of the mothers about iron-rich weaning foods and the importance of iron intake during infancy is needed to prevent anemia, especially in breast-fed infants.

A study on the clinical courses, sigmoidoscopic and histologic findings of allergic proctocolitis / 소아과

PURPOSE: Allergic proctocolitis is a major cause of bloody stool in early infancy. This study was aimed at ascertaining the clinical courses, sigmoidoscopic and histologic findings of allergic proctocolitis. We also analyzed the relationship between peripheral eosinophilia, the age at symptom onset, and sigmoidoscopic and histologic findings. METHODS: We reviewed 25 infants retrospectively who had sigmoidoscopy and biopsy performed with a clinical diagnosis of allergic proctocolitis from April 2003 to April 2007. RESULTS: The mean age at symptom onset was 15.2+/-13.2 weeks. Fourteen infants (56.0%) were breast fed, one (4.0%) was formula fed, six (24.0%) were on combined formula, and four (16.0%) were on a weaning diet. Peripheral eosinophilia (> or =250/mm3) was seen in eighteen infants (75.0%), but total serum IgE was increased only in six (24.0%). Sigmoidoscopic findings were variable from normal (8.0%), erythema or edema (20.0%), lymphoid hyperplasia (8.0%), erosion (12.0%), hemorrhage and ulcer (4.0%) to lymphoid hyperplasia with erosion, hemorrhage, or ulcer (48.0%). Histologic findings showed focal infiltration of eosinophils in lamina propria (96.0%) and crypt epithelium (96.0%). In twenty four infants (96.0%), the number of eosinophils in mucosa was increased by a more than 60/10 high power field. There was a negative correlation between peripheral eosinophilia and the age at symptom onset. Among the twelve breast fed infants, bloody stool disappeared in ten (83.0%) with a maternal elimination diet of major food groups, but two improved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Allergic proctocolitis should be considered as one of the major causes of bloody stool in healthy appearing infants. To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to perform sigmoidoscopy and biopsy but histologic findings are more informative than sigmoidoscopic findings. Peripheral eosinophilia was prominent in the infants with an early onset of symptoms. Most infants experienced benign courses and recovered with the elimination of causative foods but did not need exclusive food restrictions.

Meconium Obstruction Syndrome in Two Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Ileal obstruction by meconium in premature and low birth weight infants is an unique clinical entity, and it is differentiated from other types of meconium obstruction not associated with cystic fibrosis. Markedly premature infants may present with intestinal obstruction symptoms resembling those of necrotizing enterocolitis, and perforation secondary to inspissated meconium. Between 2001 and 2006, two extremely low birth weight infants were treated for intestinal obstruction secondary to inspissated meconium. They were successfully treated with gastrografin enemas. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management resulted in a beneficial patient outcome.

Staphylococcal Infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: Staphylococcal bacteremia is a major problem in the neonatal intensive care unit. But, there is little data on staphylococcal bacteremia in the neonatal intensive care unit in Korea. We searched for patterns of staphylococcal infection in neonatal intensive care units. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on infants who had staphylococcal bacteremia and were in the neonatal intensive care unit between 2001, February and 2007, May. RESULTS: A total of 48 cases were reviewed (mean gestational age 31 wks [23-40], mean birth weight 1689 g [510-3,920]). The vast majority of cases were coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) (30 cases, 62.5%). Staphylococcus aureus caused 36.1% of staphylococcal bacteremia (17 cases). Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal aureus (MRSA) (14 cases) caused 77.7% of staphylococcal aureus bacteremia. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters were placed in situ in most patients (MSSA: 75%, MRSA: 88.2%, CoNS: 62.1%). Most of the staphylococcal bacteremia in patients were hospital-acquired (81%). Fifteen cases increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (31%). (Mean CRP : MSSA 1.07 mg/dL, MRSA 3.64 mg/dL, CoNS 0.54 mg/dL). Exclusively MRSA had focal complications (osteomyelitis/arthritis: 3 cases). Vancomycin was used in 47.4% in MRSA and 52.6% in CoNS. Four patients (8.3%) died, but all were not directly attributable. CONCLUSION: The staphylococcal bacteremia was generally observed to be a hospital- acquired infection in the neonatal intensive care unit. MRSA caused more elevation of CRP levels and focal complication. To know exactly that what the pattern of staphylococcal bacteremia in Korea is, more research is needed in other neonatal intensive care unit.

Treatment of Congenital Chylothorax in a Premature Infant using Octreotide

Chylothorax, defined as escape of chyle from the thoracic duct into the thoracic cavity, is the most common cause of pleural effusion during the neonatal period. The use of octreotide, a synthetic analogue of the somatostatin, for the treatment of congenital idiopathic chylothorax, has not been previously reported in Korea. We report here a case of idiopathic congenital chylothrax successfully treated with octreotide in a premature infant who showed no response to conservative therapies.

Comparison of Clinical Manifestations of Rotaviral Gastroenteritis between Neonates and Infants / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate rotavirus infection by comparing the clinical characteristics in neonates and infants. METHODS: We enrolled 104 neonates and 250 infants wiht gastroenteritis and a rotazyme test positive reaction at the Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital from February 2001 to January 2003. RESULTS: The seasonal peaks of infection in infants occurred from February to June. However, in neonates, it occurred from October to December due to nursery outbreaks. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever and convulsions were significant symptoms in infants; however, metabolic acidosis with dehydration, jaundice, irritability, apnea, bloody stool, gastric residual, grunting, poor oral intake, lethargy as well as fever and diarrhea were more common in the neonates. Upper respiratory infection, pneumonia and bronchitis were present in the infants; however, necrotizing enterocolitis was more commonly observed in the in neonates. Among the patients with rotaviral infection, formula feeding was more popular than breast milk feeding in both the neonates and infants; however, this finding was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus can be a significant pathogen in neonates as well as infants. Neonates suffering from fever, poor oral intake, lethargy and apnea should be investigated for rotaviral infection. A new vaccine, rotaviral specific immunoglobulin and treatment guidelines are needed for eradicating rotavirus infection. Further studies on isolation, infection pathway, immune response and treatment of rotavirus are needed.

Clinical Outcome and Long Term Follow-up of Chronic Functional Constipation in Children / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long term outcome and the factors contributing to treatment outcome for chronic functional constipation in children. METHODS: Sixty three children were enrolled who had chronic functional constipation and could be followed by telephone contact. They were treated at the Bucheon Soonchunhyang Hospital for more than 1 month and observed from March 2001 to June 2005. We analyzed the clinical features, symptoms and signs, as well as the course and results of treatment. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 35 (55.6%) : 28 (44.4%). The mean age at the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 21.1+/-23.5 (1.9~84.0) months and 47.1+/-34.2 (6.9~138.0) months, respectively. The mean defecation frequency before treatment was 3.2+/-2.3 (0.5~10.0) times per week. The symptoms associated with constipation were as follows: soiling 34 (54.0%) which was more common in males than females, large stools in 30 (47.6%), decreased bowel movements less than three times a week in 20 (31.7%), straining during defecation in 19 (30.2%) and retentive posturing 19 (30.2%). The mean duration of follow-up was 34.2+/-14.6 (3.6~60.0) months and 44 (69.8%) patients had their symptoms resolve ("success") and 19 (30.2%) were not resloved ("fail") from the constipation. The time for recovery from soiling, straining during defecation and retentive posturing after treatment was 4.3+/-2.4 (1.0~36.0), 5.0+/-1.4 (0.8~36.0) and 5.0+/-3.1 (1.0~36.0) months, respectively. A relapse of the constipation occurred in 15 (23.8%) patients, 9 (60%) boys and 6 (40%) girls. The time to relapse after cessation of treatment was 2.9+/-1.9 (1.0~6.0) months and the only risk factor associated with relapse was the initial duration of treatment. CONCLUSION: Most of the patients had resolution of symptoms within five months after treatment; relapse occurred within three months after the interruption of treatment. The duration of treatment was important for recovery and for the prevention of relapse in the constipated children. Thus a long term maintenance of therapy and follow-up is necessary for chronic functional constipation in children.