Dyssynergic Defecation in Chronically Constipated Children in Korea.

Purpose: Dyssynergic defecation (DSD) is one of the important causes of chronic constipation in children. We aimed to analyze the clinical features, diagnostic test results, and treatments for DSD in children.

Methods: Children diagnosed with DSD using fluoroscopic defecography were enrolled in this study.

Incidence of Postnatal CMV Infection among Breastfed Preterm Infants: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of breast milk-acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in preterm infants born to CMV-seropositive mothers.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the terms: ("breast feeding" or "breast milk" or "human milk" or "breast") and ("HCMV" or "cytomegalovirus") and ("infant, extremely premature" or "premature birth" or "newborn" or "neonate" or "low birth weight" or "very low birth weight" or "premature" or "preterm infant"). Studies that had information on CMV status and breast feeding were included in the meta-analysis.

Subtype classification of functional constipation in children: polyethylene glycol versus lactulose.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness, from a therapeutic perspective, of classifying the subtypes of functional childhood constipation using a colon transit time (CTT) test.

Methods: A total of 190 children were enrolled in this study, which was based on data collected from a defecation diary, a CTT test, and medical records.

Results: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was prescribed in 51.

Clinical Features of Severely Constipated Children: Comparison of Infrequent Bowel Movement and Fecal Soiling Groups.

Purpose: To compare the clinical features, diagnostic findings, and medications of children with infrequent bowel movements or fecal soiling.

Methods: This study enrolled 333 children (189 male; age range, 1 month to 18 years) diagnosed with functional constipation by Rome III or IV criteria. We classified them into 3 groups (infrequent bowel movement without fecal soiling [G3-a], infrequent bowel movement with fecal soiling [G3-b], and fecal soiling only [G3-c]) and into 2 subgroups of fecal soiling (G2-b) or not (G2-a).

Application of body composition zones in boys with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Purpose: Screening nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by body mass index (BMI) as a single surrogate measure for obesity has limitations. We suggest considering body composition zones by drawing a body composition chart composed of body composition indices, including BMI and percent body fat (PBF), to visualize the risk of NAFLD in obese children and adolescents.

Methods: Thirty-eight boys diagnosed with NAFLD were selected retrospectively from patients who visited Konkuk University Medical Center from 2006 to 2015.

Value of Fluoroscopic Defecography in Constipated Children With Abnormal Colon Transit Time Test Results.

Background/aims: Colon transit time (CTT) test is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating colon transit function. Fluoroscopic defecography (FD) is a dynamic radiologic test to assess anorectal function. The aim is to evaluate the value of FD in constipated children with abnormal CTT test results.

Interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in children with febrile seizures.

Purpose: The pathophysiology of febrile seizures remains unclear. Cytokines have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures. We compared TNF-α and IL-4 levels in patients with febrile seizure (FS) with those in controls and identified the relationship between cytokines and various other factors.

Cytokine levels in febrile seizure patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common form of childhood seizures. During infection, both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are produced. Complex interactions among immune-inflammatory process, cytokine activation, and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of FSs.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Oral and Enema Therapy Using Polyethylene Glycol 3350-Electrolyte for Disimpaction in Pediatric Constipation.

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined oral and enema therapy using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolyte solution for disimpaction in hospitalized children.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 28 children having functional constipation who received inpatient treatment between 2008 and 2016. The amount of oral PEG 3350 electrolyte solution administered was 50-70 mL/kg/d (PEG 3350, 3-4.

Kawasaki Disease with Fever and Cervical Lymphadenopathy as the Sole Initial Presentation.

Background And Objectives: Some patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) present with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy alone. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features of these unusual KD patients and determine whether this is a severe form of KD associated with increased risks of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery lesions (CALs).

Subjects And Methods: A total of 146 children with KD were reviewed retrospectively, and classified into two groups according to initial clinical features.

Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Treat Inspissated Bile Syndrome: A Case Report.

Inspissated bile syndrome (IBS) is a rare condition in which thick intraluminal bile, including bile plugs, sludge, or stones, blocks the extrahepatic bile ducts in an infant. A 5-week-old female infant was admitted for evaluation of jaundice and acholic stool. Diagnostic tests, including ultrasound sonography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and a hepatobiliary scan, were not conclusive.

Correlation between Colon Transit Time Test Value and Initial Maintenance Dose of Laxative in Children with Chronic Functional Constipation.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between colon transit time (CTT) test value and initial maintenance dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 or lactulose.

Methods: Of 415 children with chronic functional constipation, 190 were enrolled based on exclusion criteria using the CTT test, defecation diary, and clinical chart. The CTT test was performed with prior disimpaction.

Mesenteric Panniculitis in a Thirteen-Year-Old Korean Boy Treated with Prednisolone: A Case Report.

Pediatric mesenteric panniculitis is an extremely rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by chronic inflammation, fat necrosis, and fibrosis in the mesenteric adipose tissue. A previously healthy 13-year-old boy was admitted because of right upper abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed increased attenuation and enhancement in the left upper abdominal omental fat and anterior peritoneal wall thickening.

Identification of a Novel De Novo Mutation of the TAZ Gene in a Korean Patient with Barth Syndrome.

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by various types of cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, failure to thrive, skeletal myopathy, and 3-methylglutaconic aciduria. BTHS is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the tafazzin (TAZ) gene located on chromosome Xq28, leading to cardiolipin deficiency. We report a 13-month-old boy with BTHS who had a novel de novo mutation in the TAZ gene.

Colon Transit Time Test in Korean Children with Chronic Functional Constipation.

Purpose: Each ethnic group has a unique life style, including diets. Life style affects bowel movement. The aim of this study is to describe the results of colon transit time (CTT) tests in Korean children who had chronic functional constipation based on highly refined data.

Value of 24-hour Delayed Film of Barium Enema for Evaluation of Colon Transit Function in Young Children with Constipation.

Background/aims: A colon transit time test using radio-opaque markers (CTTRM) is considered the gold standard for evaluating colon transit function. A 24-hour delayed film of barium enema (BE) has been used as a supplementary method in structural evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a 24-hour delayed BE film for assessing colon transit function in young children with constipation.

Giant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a Korean infant.

Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) is a very rare disease characterized by early onset and severe clinical manifestations, including immune hemolytic anemia and hepatitis with cholestasis. The prognosis is poor despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. We report here the first case of GCH with AHA in East Asia.

Ileal Fecaloma Presenting with Small Bowel Obstruction.

A fecaloma refers to a mass of accumulated feces that is much harder than a mass associated with fecal impaction. Fecalomas are usually found in the rectosigmoid area. A 10-year-old male with chronic constipation was admitted because of increasing abdominal pain.

Diets for constipation.

Chronic constipation is a very common disease in children. Successful treatment of constipation can be achieved not only with medication but also with lifestyle changes, including a proper diet. Diets including fruits, fluids, and probiotics are good for constipation.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid for Cholestasis due to Bile Duct Paucity.

Omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to be effective in preventing and treating parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, and several mechanisms were proposed for this observation. An 8-week-old male infant with cholestasis and acholic stool was diagnosed non-syndromic intrahepatic interlobular bile duct paucity by open-wedge liver biopsy. Initially he was treated with usual supportive medical therapy, including ursodeoxycholic acid.

Recent achievements in stem cell therapy for pediatric gastrointestinal tract disease.

The field of stem cell research has been rapidly expanding. Although the clinical usefulness of research remains to be ascertained through human trials, the use of stem cells as a therapeutic option for currently disabling diseases holds fascinating potential. Many pediatric gastrointestinal tract diseases have defect in enterocytes, enteric nervous system cells, smooth muscles, and interstitial cells of Cajal.

Identification of a novel mutation in the ATP7A gene in a Korean patient with Menkes disease.

Menkes disease is an infantile-onset X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by diverse mutations in a copper-transport gene, ATP7A. Affected patients are characterized by progressive hypotonia, seizures, failure to thrive and death in early childhood. Here, we report a case of Menkes disease presented by intractable seizures and infantile spasms.

Long-term safety of PEG 4000 in children with chronic functional constipation: A biochemical perspective.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 in children with constipation, particularly the biochemical aspects of safety.

Methods: Medical records were evaluated, and 100 children, who had been taking PEG 4000 for more than 6 months, and who had been under clinical and biochemical monitoring, were enrolled. Ages; 6.

A case of pyogenic liver abscess in a 10-year-old girl.

Pyogenic liver abscesses are rare in children. In pediatric patients, altered host defences seem to play an important role. However, pyogenic liver abscess also occurs in healthy children.

Effect of fluid intake on the outcome of constipation in children: PEG 4000 versus lactulose.

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fluid intake on the outcome of treatment with osmotic laxatives, PEG 4000 and lactulose, in children with chronic constipation.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and 27 children with chronic constipation satisfying the following criteria were enrolled: (i) on stable maintenance medication for ≥ 3 months; (ii) no dosage modification or drug change between the two periods compared; (iii) no clinical events during the investigation that could affect intake or the clinical outcomes; (iv) good compliance regarding inclusion in the diaries of the frequency of bowel movements, the consistency of stools, and the amount of fluid intake. The diary covered > 25 days per visit; and (v) interval of < 3 months between the two periods compared.