Current Status of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment Among Pediatric Patients in Korea: Prescri

Background@#The treatment of pediatric patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a crucial TB control strategy. LTBI is not a reportable communicable disease, and data regarding LTBI treatment in pediatric patients in Korea are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prescription patterns and treatment completion rates among pediatric patients with LTBI in Korea by analyzing National Health reimbursement claims data. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed outpatient prescription records for pediatric patients aged 18 or younger with LTBI-related diagnostic codes from 2016 to 2020. We compared the frequency of prescriptions for the standard treatment regimen (9 months of isoniazid [9H]) and an alternative treatment regimen (3 months of isoniazid plus rifampicin [3HR]). We also assessed the treatment incompletion rates by age group, treatment regimen, treatment duration, the level of medical facility, physician’s specialty, and hospital location. We performed multivariable analysis to identify factors influencing treatment incompletion. @*Results@#Among the 11,362 patients who received LTBI treatment, 6,463 (56.9%) were prescribed the 9H regimen, while 4,899 (43.1%) received the 3HR regimen. Patients in the 3HR group were generally older than those in the 9H group. The proportion of 3HR regimen prescriptions significantly greater in the later period (2018–2020), in primary hospitals, under the management of non-pediatric specialists, and in metropolitan regions. The overall treatment incompletion rate was 39.7% (9H group: 46.9%, 3HR group: 30.3%). In the multivariable analysis, 9H regimen prescription was the strongest factor associated with treatment incompletion (adjusted odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 2.20–2.66; P < 0.001). Additionally, management in a primary hospital, a hospital’s location in a nonmetropolitan region, and management by a non-pediatric specialist were also significant risk factors for treatment incompletion. @*Conclusion@#Our study results suggest that promoting the use of 3HR regimen prescriptions could be an effective strategy to enhance treatment completion. Physicians in primary hospitals, hospitals located in non-metropolitan regions, and physicians without a pediatric specialty require increased attention when administering LTBI treatment to pediatric patients to ensure treatment completion.

Antibiotics for Pediatric Patients With Laryngotracheobronchitis in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on Administrative Data

Background@#Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global public health concern in adults and children. Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) is a common acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children, most often caused by a virus, and should not be treated with antibiotics. Reducing the usage of unnecessary antibiotics in ARI using an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is an effective measure against AMR in children.This study investigates the antibiotic prescription pattern in pediatric patients with laryngotracheobronchitis in Korea. Our results will be useful to improve the ASP. @*Methods@#The data were obtained from the government agency Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. We analyzed outpatient prescriptions issued to children ≤ 5 years of age with a first-listed diagnosis code for laryngotracheobronchitis, i.e., International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision, code J050 (croup), J040 (laryngitis), or J041 (tracheitis), during 2017–2020. For each prescription, demographic information and information about medical facilities visited (type of hospital, specialty of physician, location of hospital) were extracted. The overall antibiotic prescription rate was subsequently estimated, and multivariable analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors of antibiotic prescription. Prescribed antibiotics were described and classified into extendedspectrum penicillins, cephalosporin, and macrolides. @*Results@#Of 2,358,194 prescriptions reviewed, 829,172 (35.2%) contained antibiotics. In the multivariable analysis, management in a hospital was the strongest factor associated with antibiotic prescription (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 22.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.87–23.89; P < 0.001), followed by management in a clinic (aOR, 12.66; 95% CI, 11.83–13.54; P < 0.001) and management in a general hospital (aOR, 8.96; 95% CI, 8.37–9.59; P < 0.001). Antibiotic prescription was also significantly associated with patients who were ≤ 2 years of age, managed by a pediatric specialist, and treated at a hospital located in a non-metropolitan region. Overall, extended-spectrum penicillins were the most frequently prescribed (18.6%) antibiotics, followed by cephalosporins (9.4%) and macrolides (8.5%). @*Conclusion@#The results of our study suggest that ASPs need to focus on physicians in hospitals, clinics, general hospitals, and pediatric specialties. Providing education programs to these groups to increase awareness of AMR and appropriate antibiotics use could be effective ASP policy and may help to reduce unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics for laryngotracheobronchitis among pediatric patients and therefore potentially AMR in children in Korea.

CTLA4 expression profiles and their association with clinical outcomes of breast cancer: a systemic review

Purpose@#The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) is involved in the progression of various cancers, but its biological roles in breast cancer (BRCA) remain unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic multiomic analysis to expound on the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of CTLA4 in BRCA. @*Methods@#We assessed the effect of CTLA4 expression on BRCA using a variety of bioinformatics platforms, including Oncomine, GEPIA, UALCAN, PrognoScan database, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and R2: Kaplan-Meier scanner. @*Results@#CTLA4 was highly expressed in BRCA tumor tissue compared to normal tissue (P < 0.01). The CTLA4 messenger RNA levels in BRCA based on BRCA subtypes of Luminal, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and triple-negative BRCA were considerably higher than in normal tissues (P < 0.001). However, the overexpression of CTLA4 was associated with a better prognosis in BRCA (P < 0.001) and was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics including age, T stage, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and prediction analysis of microarray 50 (P < 0.01). The infiltration of multiple immune cells was associated with increased CTLA4 expression in BRCA (P < 0.001). CTLA4 was highly enriched in antigen binding, immunoglobulin complexes, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. @*Conclusion@#This study provides suggestive evidence of the prognostic role of CTLA4 in BRCA, which may be a therapeutic target for BRCA. Furthermore, CTLA4 may influence BRCA prognosis through antigen binding, immunoglobulin complexes, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. These findings help us understand how CTLA4 plays a role in BRCA and set the stage for more research.

Twenty-Five Year Trend Change in the Etiology of Pediatric Invasive Bacterial Infections in Korea, 1996–2020

Background@#The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has contributed to the change in the epidemiology of many infectious diseases. This study aimed to establish the pre-pandemic epidemiology of pediatric invasive bacterial infection (IBI). @*Methods@#A retrospective multicenter-based surveillance for pediatric IBIs has been maintained from 1996 to 2020 in Korea. IBIs caused by eight bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella species) in immunocompetent children > 3 months of age were collected at 29 centers. The annual trend in the proportion of IBIs by each pathogen was analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 2,195 episodes were identified during the 25-year period between 1996 and 2020. S. pneumoniae (42.4%), S. aureus (22.1%), and Salmonella species (21.0%) were common in children 3 to 59 months of age. In children ≥ 5 years of age, S. aureus (58.1%), followed by Salmonella species (14.8%) and S. pneumoniae (12.2%) were common. Excluding the year 2020, there was a trend toward a decrease in the relative proportions of S. pneumoniae (rs = −0.430, P = 0.036), H. influenzae (rs = −0.922, P 3 months of age. These findings can be used as the baseline data to navigate the trend in the epidemiology of pediatric IBI in the post COVID-19 era.

Revisiting the Role of Surgical Resection for Brain Metastasis

Brain metastasis (BM) is the most common type of brain tumor in adults. The contemporary management of BM remains challenging. Advancements in systemic cancer treatment have increased the survival of patients with cancer. Although the treatment of BM is still complicated, advances in radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery and chemotherapy, have improved treatment outcomes. Surgical resection is the traditional treatment for BM and its role in the surgical resection of BM has been well established. However, refinement of the surgical resection technique and strategy for BM is needed.Herein, we discuss the evolving role of surgery in patients with BM and the future of BM treatment.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma in elderly patients at high risk of surgical treatment

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in elderly high-risk patients with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in terms of reduction in hematoma volume and recurrence rate. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed data prospectively collected from nine patients who underwent 13 MMAE for CSDH between June 2017 and May 2022. The volume of the subdural hematoma was measured using a computer-aided volumetric analysis program. Hematoma volume changes during the follow-up period were analyzed and clinical outcomes were evaluated. @*Results@#The mean follow-up period was 160 days (range, 46−311 days). All procedures were technically successful and there were no procedure-related complications. Of the 13 MMAE, 84% (11 out of 13 hemispheres) showed mean 88% of reduction on follow-up volumetric study with eight cases of complete resolution. There was one refractory case with MMAE which had been performed multiple burr-hole trephinations, for which treatment was completed by craniotomy and meticulous resection of multiple pseudomembranes. There was no recurrent case during the follow-up period, except for refractory case. @*Conclusions@#MMAE for CSDH in selected high-risk elderly patients and relapsed patients might be effective. Despite the small cohort, our findings showed a high rate of complete resolution with no complications. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to evaluate its usefulness as a primary treatment option for CSDH.

Fibrinous pleuritis associated with Streptococcus canis in a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a small wild cat assessed as an endangered wildlife in Korea. There have been very few reports of their diseases. Herein, we describe fibrinous pleuritis caused by Streptococcus canis infection with excessive pleural effusion, hydropericardium, mild ascites, and liver fibrosis in a leopard cat. S. canis is a commensal microflora in domestic cats and often affects the upper respiratory tract inducing chronic and severe respiratory diseases. However, there is no literature regarding the S. canis in leopard cats. Therefore, we first report fibrinous pleuritis associated with an S. canis infection in a leopard cat.

Result of Multiphasic Military Personality Inventory Among Grave’s Disease in 19-Year-Old Men / 정신신체의학

Objectives@#：The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the degree of Graves’ Disease affecting mental health through the results of multiphasic military personality inventory (MPI) in 19-year-old men. @*Methods@#：We collected and analyzed the results of the MPI for 592 healthy subjects and 148 Graves’ disease patients among the 19-year-old men who visited the Military Manpower Administration from February 2008 to January 2010. @*Results@#：Among demographic characteristics, both Graves’ disease and control group are 19-year-old men. Educational level, socioeconomic status, parental relationship, and BMI were not statistically different between the two groups (χ2 =0.089, p=0.766; χ2 =5.090, p=0.278; χ 2 =5.988, p=0.112 ; t=-0.635, p=0.526). In the MPI, among validity scales, the score of the faking-good subscale was significantly lower in the Graves’ group (t=3.507, p<0.001), but in the faking-bad and infrequency subscales scores were not significantly different between two groups (t=-1.700, p=0.090; t=-0.519, p=0.604). Among the neurosis scale, anxiety, depression, somatization, and personality disor-der subscale scores were all significantly higher in Graves’ disease group (t=-3.323, p<0.001; t=-4.210, p<0.001; t=-6.202, p<0.001; t=-2.872, p<0.01). Among the psychopath scale, each score of schizophrenia and paranoia subscales were not statistically different between the two groups (t=-0.158, p=0.874; t=-0.846, p=0.398). @*Conclusions@#：According to MPI result, we can confirm that Graves’ disease patients in 19-year-old-men may appear features such as anxiety, depression, somatization and personality tendency (introversion or impulsivity) than the control group.

Survival Outcomes and Predictors for Recurrence of Surgically Treated Brain Metastasis From Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background@#There are numerous factors to consider in deciding whether to undergo surgical treatment for brain metastasis from lung cancer. Herein, we aimed to analyze the survival outcome and predictors of recurrence of surgically treated brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). @*Methods@#A total of 197 patients with brain metastasis from NSCLC who underwent microsurgery were included in this study. @*Results@#A total of 114 (57.9%) male and 83 (42.1%) female patients with a median age of 59 years (range, 27–79) was included in this study. The median follow-up period was 22.7 (range, 1–126) months. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients with brain metastasis secondary to NSCLC were 59% and 43%, respectively. The 6-month and 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of local recurrence were 80% and 73%, respectively, whereas those of distant recurrence were 84% and 63%, respectively. En-bloc resection of tumor resulted in better PFS for local recurrence (1-year PFS: 79% vs. 62%, p=0.02). Ventricular opening and direct contact between the tumor and the subarachnoid space were not associated with distal recurrence and leptomeningeal seeding. The difference in PFS of local recurrence according to adjuvant resection bed irradiation was not significant. Moreover, postoperative whole-brain irradiation did not show a significant difference in PFS of distant recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only En-bloc resection was a favorable prognostic factor for local recurrence. Contrastingly, multiple metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for distant recurrence. @*Conclusion@#En-bloc resection may reduce local recurrence after surgical resection. Ventricular opening and contact between the tumor and subarachnoid space did not show a statistically significant result for distant recurrence and leptomeningeal seeding. Multiple metastasis was only meaningful factor for distant recurrence.

Specific Detection of Acanthamoeba species using Polyclonal Peptide Antibody Targeting the Periplasmic Binding Protein of A. castellanii

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare ocular disease, but it is a painful and sight-threatening infectious disease. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are necessary to prevent serious complications. While AK is frequently diagnosis via several PCR assays or Acanthamoeba-specific antibodies, a more specific and effective diagnostic method is required. This study described the production of a polyclonal peptide antibody against the periplasmic binding protein (PBP) of A. castellanii and investigated its diagnostic potential. Western blot analysis showed that the PBP antibody specifically reacted with the cell lysates of A. castellanii. However, the PBP antibody did not interact with human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and the other 3 major causative agents of keratitis. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) results revealed the specific detection of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts by PBP antibodies when A. castellanii were co-cultured with HCE cells. PBP antibody specificity was further confirmed by co-culture of A. castellanii trophozoites with F. solani, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa via ICC. The PBP antibody specifically reacted with the trophozoites and cysts of A. polyphaga, A. hatchetti, A. culbertsoni, A. royreba, and A. healyi, thus demonstrated its genus-specific nature. These results showed that the PBP polyclonal peptide antibody of A. castellanii could specifically detect several species of Acanthamoeba, contributing to the development of an effective antibody-based AK diagnostics.

Immunogenicity and Safety of a Newly Developed Tetanus-Diphtheria Toxoid (Td) in Healthy Korean Adolescents: a Multi-center, Randomized, Doubleblind, Active-Controlled Phase 3 Trial

Background@#Although the combination tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended at adolescence in developed countries, the tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccine (Td), which is less costly, is recommended instead in some parts of the world. A new Td, BR-TD-1001, was developed by a Korean manufacturer for distribution to endemic regions and for use in the initial step of novel Tdap development. @*Methods@#This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multi-center trial, conducted in Korea, aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of BR-TD-1001. Healthy children aged 10 to 12 years were randomized 1:1 to receive either BR-TD-1001 or the control Td (Td-pur, GlaxoSmithKline). Antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. @*Results@#A total of 218 subjects (BR-TD-1001, n = 108; control, n = 110) were enrolled and included in the safety analysis. Vaccine-mediated antibody responses were similar in both groups. We confirmed the non-inferiority of BR-TD-1001 against the control, Td; 100% of both groups achieved seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between groups in the proportion of participants who demonstrated boost responses against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. The incidence of solicited local and systemic adverse events (AEs), unsolicited AEs, and serious AEs did not differ significantly between groups. @*Conclusion@#The BR-TD-1001 satisfied the immunological non-inferiority criterion against diphtheria and tetanus, with a clinically acceptable safety profile.

Developing a Framework for Pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation: a Modified Delphi Consensus Study in Korea

Background@#This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). @*Methods@#After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-bystep vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria. Two rounds of surveys were conducted for each topic, with a structured questionnaire provided via e-mail in the first round. After analyzing the responses, a meeting with the experts was held to obtain consensus on how to prioritize the population groups. @*Results@#The first objective of the vaccination strategy was maintenance of the integrity of the healthcare system and critical infrastructure, followed by reduction of morbidity and mortality and reduction of community transmission. In the initial phase, older adult residents in care homes, high-risk health and social care workers, and personal support workers who work in direct contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients would be prioritized. Expansion of vaccine supply would allow immunization of older adults not included in phase 1, followed by healthcare workers not previously included and individuals with comorbidities. Further widespread vaccine supply would ensure availability to the extended adult age groups (50–64 years old), critical workers outside the health sector, residents who cannot socially distance, and, eventually, the remaining populations. @*Conclusion@#This survey provides the much needed insight into the decision-making process for vaccine allocation at the national level. However, flexibility in adapting to strategies will be essential, as new information is constantly emerging.

Effects of School Bullying Prevention Camp on the Adolescent Perpetrators of School Violence

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a school bullying prevention camp for adolescent perpetrators of school violence. @*Methods@#A total of 95 adolescents (boys=73, girls=22) were included in this study. The changes after the program were evaluated using several self-rating scales for the assessment of the degree of depression, loneliness, impulsivity, self-esteem, and interpersonal reactivity compared with the baseline scales. @*Results@#The school bullying prevention camp significantly reduced the degree of depression severity (z=-5.874, p<0.001) and impulsivity scale (z=-3.861, p<0.001), while increasing self-esteem (z=-2.091, p=0.037). The degree of depression severity (z=-4.635, p<0.001), loneliness (z=-2.168, p=0.030), and impulsivity (z=-2.987, p=0.003) significantly reduced, whereas self-esteem significantly increased (z=-2.221, p=0.026) for male students who had no history of child abuse. However, there were no significant changes after the program for the degree of depression, loneliness, impulsivity, self-esteem, and interpersonal reactivity among female students with a history of child abuse. @*Conclusion@#The results of our study suggest that the development of diverse standardized guidance programs is necessary for teenagers with different characteristics and backgrounds. Such programs are expected to be more effective in preventing school violence.

Gender differences in adult traumatic brain injury according to the Glasgow coma scale: A multicenter descriptive study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Patients' gender, which can be one of the most important determinants of traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes, is also likely to interact with many other outcome variables of TBI. This multicenter descriptive study investigated gender differences in epidemiological, clinical, treatment, mortality, and variable characteristics in adult TBI patients.@*METHODS@#The selection criteria were defined as patients who had been diagnosed with TBI and were admitted to the hospital between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. A total of 4468 adult TBI patients were enrolled at eight University Hospitals. Based on the list of enrolled patients, the medical records of the patients were reviewed and they were registered online at each hospital. The registered patients were classified into three groups according to the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score: mild (13-15), moderate (9-12), and severe (3-8), and the differences between men and women in each group were investigated. The risk factors of moderated and severe TBI compared to mild TBI were also investigated.@*RESULTS@#The study included 3075 men and 1393 women and the proportion of total males was 68.8%. Among all the TBI patients, there were significant differences between men and women in age, past history, and GCS score. While the mild and severe TBI groups showed significant differences in age, past history, and clinical symptoms, the moderate TBI group showed significant differences in age, past history, cause of justice, and diagnosis.@*CONCLUSION@#To the best of our knowledge, this multicenter study is the first to focus on gender differences of adult patients with TBI in Korea. This study shows significant differences between men and women in many aspects of adult TBI. Therefore, gender differences should be strongly considered in TBI studies.

Developing a Framework for Pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation: a Modified Delphi Consensus Study in Korea

Background@#This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). @*Methods@#After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-bystep vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria. Two rounds of surveys were conducted for each topic, with a structured questionnaire provided via e-mail in the first round. After analyzing the responses, a meeting with the experts was held to obtain consensus on how to prioritize the population groups. @*Results@#The first objective of the vaccination strategy was maintenance of the integrity of the healthcare system and critical infrastructure, followed by reduction of morbidity and mortality and reduction of community transmission. In the initial phase, older adult residents in care homes, high-risk health and social care workers, and personal support workers who work in direct contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients would be prioritized. Expansion of vaccine supply would allow immunization of older adults not included in phase 1, followed by healthcare workers not previously included and individuals with comorbidities. Further widespread vaccine supply would ensure availability to the extended adult age groups (50–64 years old), critical workers outside the health sector, residents who cannot socially distance, and, eventually, the remaining populations. @*Conclusion@#This survey provides the much needed insight into the decision-making process for vaccine allocation at the national level. However, flexibility in adapting to strategies will be essential, as new information is constantly emerging.

Effects of School Bullying Prevention Camp on the Adolescent Perpetrators of School Violence

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a school bullying prevention camp for adolescent perpetrators of school violence. @*Methods@#A total of 95 adolescents (boys=73, girls=22) were included in this study. The changes after the program were evaluated using several self-rating scales for the assessment of the degree of depression, loneliness, impulsivity, self-esteem, and interpersonal reactivity compared with the baseline scales. @*Results@#The school bullying prevention camp significantly reduced the degree of depression severity (z=-5.874, p<0.001) and impulsivity scale (z=-3.861, p<0.001), while increasing self-esteem (z=-2.091, p=0.037). The degree of depression severity (z=-4.635, p<0.001), loneliness (z=-2.168, p=0.030), and impulsivity (z=-2.987, p=0.003) significantly reduced, whereas self-esteem significantly increased (z=-2.221, p=0.026) for male students who had no history of child abuse. However, there were no significant changes after the program for the degree of depression, loneliness, impulsivity, self-esteem, and interpersonal reactivity among female students with a history of child abuse. @*Conclusion@#The results of our study suggest that the development of diverse standardized guidance programs is necessary for teenagers with different characteristics and backgrounds. Such programs are expected to be more effective in preventing school violence.

Financial Burden of Hospitalization of Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019 under the National Health Insurance Service in Korea

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an ongoing pandemic; however, the socioeconomic burden of COVID-19 treatment in the pediatric population remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the hospitalization periods and medical costs among children with COVID-19. In total, 145 billing statements for pediatric patients receiving healthcare services because of COVID-19 from February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 were used. The study showed that individual treatment costs for children with COVID-19 are approximately USD 2,192 under the Korean National Health Insurance Service System. This study revealed the differences in cost among age groups, determined by the type of hospital wherein admission occurred, as a trend of increasing age, increasing hospitalization time, and increasing cost was observed. Tailored COVID-19 treatment strategies by age group may lower costs and increase the effectiveness of resource allocation.

Guidelines for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Response in Children and Adolescents

The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the guidelines about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for children and adolescents. Case definitions and management of COVID-19 in neonates, infants, children and adolescents are presented in this guideline. In addition, guidelines for caregiver management are also provided. In this review, we introduce the contents of the current guidelines for COVID-19 in children and adolescents in Korea.

Molecular Epidemiologic Study of a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak at a Newborn Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak at a newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).METHODS: During the outbreak, from August to September 2017, MRSA isolates collected from neonates and medical staff underwent genotyping and screened for virulence factors. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested.RESULTS: During the study period, 41 neonates were admitted at the nursery (n=27) and NICU (n=14). Of these, 7 had MRSA infections (skin infection [n=6] and sepsis [n=1]) and 4 were colonized with MRSA. Associated medical staff (n=32) were screened; three were nasal MRSA carriers. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type II, sequence type (ST) 89, spa type t375 was found to be the skin infection outbreak causing strain, with multi-drug resistance including low-level mupirocin resistance. SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, and a novel spa type designated t17879, was the cause of MRSA sepsis. Many different types of MRSA were colonized on the neonates; however, SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, spa type t664 was colonized in both neonates and a NICU nurse. All MRSA isolates from colonized infants were positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin gene.CONCLUSIONS: The strain causing an outbreak of skin infections had multi-drug resistance. Also, MRSA colonized in the neonates were found to carry the PVL toxin gene. Because different strains are present during an outbreak, molecular epidemiologic studies are important to identify the outbreak strain and colonized strains which aid in effective control and prevention of future MRSA outbreaks.

Functional Outcomes After Critical Pathway for Inpatient Rehabilitation of Total Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: To investigate functional outcomes after the application of a critical pathway for inpatient rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).METHODS: A total of 184 patients (57 males and 127 females; average age, 71.5±5.9 years) who underwent unilateral or bilateral TKA were included. The critical pathway included early, intensive individualized rehabilitation exercises. Patients completed the following performance-based physical function tests: the stair climbing test (SCT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) as well as measurement of isometric knee flexor and extensor strength of the operated knee, gait speed, and range of knee flexion and extension. Self-reported physical function and pain were measured using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively, and self-reported quality of life was measured using the EuroQoL 5 dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire. These evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS: Performance-based and self-reported physical function and quality of life measures improved nonlinearly over time. Specifically, the 6WMT, TUG, gait speed, WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-function, VAS, and EQ-5D scores showed a significant improvement at 1-month post-TKA, whereas SCT, peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors, and WOMAC-stiffness scores showed gradual, but substantial, improvements over 3 months. There were between-group differences (unilateral and bilateral TKA groups) in the time course of the SCT, 6MWT, TUG, VAS, WOAMC-stiffness, and WOMAC-function results.CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent critical pathway rehabilitation after TKA showed significant improvements in functional measurements during the first 3 months post-surgery.