Effects of Ponderal Index on Neonatal Mortality and Morbidities in Extremely Premature Infants

Background@#To evaluate how intrauterine stress affects extremely premature infants in terms of intrauterine growth restriction. We hypothesized that extremely premature infants with mildly-low ponderal index (MPI) would have better neonatal outcomes. @*Methods@#We selected 2,721 subjects of 23 to 28 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2015 from Korean Neonatal Network database. They were divided into 4 groups based on ponderal index (PI) percentile; PI ≤ 3rd as severely-low PI (SPI, n = 82), 3rd 90th as high PI (HPI, n = 270). @*Results@#The mortality in MPI and API groups was comparable (16.3% vs. 16.9%). It was significantly lower than that in the SPI and HPI groups (30.5% and 24.9%, respectively;P = 0.001). The MPI and API groups had better neonatal morbidities compared with the SPI and/or HPI groups, while the MPI group (8.2%) showed a lower incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the other groups (SPI, 21.3%; API, 15.0%; HPI, 19.7%, respectively; P = 0.004). The MPI group had a trend of a bottom in neonatal mortality and morbidities in extremely premature infants. @*Conclusion@#The MPI and API groups had lower mortality, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death, pulmonary hypertension and neonatal seizure rates than the SPI and/or HPI groups, while the MPI group showed a lower incidence of severe IVH than the other groups. We speculate that the lower incidence of neonatal morbidities and mortality in the MPI group indicating mild intrauterine stress might accelerate fetal maturation resulting in better outcomes in extremely premature infants.

Evaluation of the association between pollen count and the outbreak of allergic disease

PURPOSE: This study focused on the evaluation of the relation between pollen concentration and the outbreak of allergic disease (symptom index), and this outcome would be necessary to upgrade risk grade for the pollen forecasting system. METHODS: Airborne particles carrying allergens, such as pollen, were collected daily at the Seoul and Guri area by using 7-day Burkard samplers for 6 years. A total of 596 Subjects were recruited from Hanyang University Seoul Hospital (n=144 for spring, n=139 for autumn), and Hanyang University Guri Hospital (n=157 for spring, n=156 for autumn). Symptom index was evaluated and recorded by phone calling to study subjects daily or asking questionnaire when they visit outpatient clinic every week. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using correlation coefficients and regression models with time series graph. RESULTS: Two peak seasons of pollen concentration were May and September in Korea. In skin prick tests, the sensitization rate to ragweed pollen was gradually increased in children. In the same period, sensitization rates to airborne pollen, especially oak, birch for spring, and Japanese hop for autumn were increased annually. There was a significantly relationship between symptom index of allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations in this study. Especially symptom index was significantly correlated to the concentration of oak pollen of day 1 in spring and to the concentration of Japanese hop pollen of day 0 in autumn. CONCLUSION: Sensitization rates to pollens increased annually. There is a significant relationship between allergy symptom index and pollen concentration. There remains to confirm the Korean own risk grade of pollen allergy.

A Hypervascular Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in the Mediastinum Resected Completely Following Embolization of the Feeding Vessels / 임상소아혈액종양

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare tumors of intermediate malignant potential that can occur anywhere in the body. We describe an interesting case of a hypervascular IMT in the mediastinum that could be resected completely following embolization of the feeding vessels. A 17-month-old girl with complaints of cough and fever for 3 months was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large mass in the right hemithorax that shifted the mediastinum to the left. Primary excision was considered but not performed because there was very active capsule wall bleeding due to the hypervascular tumor. After embolization of the feeding vessels, successful complete resection was carried out. Approximately 6 weeks after the operation, follow-up CT scan showed no evidence of recurrent disease. Preoperative embolization is a good option for performing complete resection of hypervascular IMTs that could reduce the recurrence rate.

A Hypervascular Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in the Mediastinum Resected Completely Following Embolization of the Feeding Vessels / 임상소아혈액종양

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare tumors of intermediate malignant potential that can occur anywhere in the body. We describe an interesting case of a hypervascular IMT in the mediastinum that could be resected completely following embolization of the feeding vessels. A 17-month-old girl with complaints of cough and fever for 3 months was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large mass in the right hemithorax that shifted the mediastinum to the left. Primary excision was considered but not performed because there was very active capsule wall bleeding due to the hypervascular tumor. After embolization of the feeding vessels, successful complete resection was carried out. Approximately 6 weeks after the operation, follow-up CT scan showed no evidence of recurrent disease. Preoperative embolization is a good option for performing complete resection of hypervascular IMTs that could reduce the recurrence rate.