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Background: Nasopharyngeal bacterial flora can cause respiratory tract diseases as well as invasive bacterial diseases. Moraxella catarrhalis colonizing in the nasopharynx is considered an important potential pathogen with an increasing production of β-lactamase. This study examined the nasopharyngeal colonization rate of M. catarrhalis and the antibiotic susceptibility of M. catarrhalis. Materials and Methods: Healthy children who visited one of the three University hospitals in the Republic of Korea or attended a day-care center around the participating hospitals were enrolled in this study. The nasopharyngeal samples were obtained by nasopharyngeal washing with normal saline and M. catarrhalis was isolated. The nasopharyngeal colonization rate of M. catarrhalis was investigated and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured for commonly used oral antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefaclor, cefixime, cefdinir, cefditoren, erythromycin and trimethoprim). Results: Three hundred and seventy-nine children aged between 6 months and years were enrolled, and the nasopharyngeal colonization rate of M. catarrhalis wa 33% (124 children). All isolated M. catarrhalis produced/β-lactamase. The MIC90 the antibiotics were as follows: amoxicillin, >16 mg/L; amoxicillin/clavulanate, 0.5 mg/L; cefaclor, 8 mg/L; cefixime, 0.125 mg/L; cefdinir, 0.25 mg/L; cefditoren, 0.25 mg/L; erythromycin, 0.5 mg/L; and trimethoprim, >16 mg/L. Conclusions: M. catarrhalis was colonized in 33% of the children aged 6 months to 5 years, and showed low MICs for amoxicillin/clavulanate and oral 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The influence of soft tissue balancing on femoral component rotation in the gap technique remains unclear. The present study therefore compared the reliability of femoral component rotation determined by rectangular and trapezoidal gaps in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a navigation-assisted gap-balancing technique. The study also determined the correlation between femoral component rotation and gap measurement. Methods: This prospective study included 99 patients (108 knees) who underwent postoperative CT after TKA with the navigation-assisted gap-balancing technique. A trapezoidal flexion or extension gap was defined as a >3 mm difference between the medial and lateral sides in 90° flexion or extension. An outlier of femoral component rotation was defined as >3° deviation from the transepicondylar axis. Results: Postoperative CT showed that the femoral component had a tendency to rotate externally, with a mean 1.88 ± 2.49° from the surgical transepicondylar axis. Outliers and mean values of femoral component rotation were similar in the trapezoidal and rectangular flexion/extension gap groups. The medial flexion gap ( r = −0.49, P = 0.007) and flexion gap differences ( r = −0.59, P = 0.027) showed statistically significant negative correlations with the femoral component rotation. Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that the femoral component rotation was independently related to the flexion gap difference ( β = −0.27, P = 0.031). Conclusion: In the gap technique, the rotation of the femoral component is affected more by the flexion gap than by the extension gap. However, neither the trapezoidal nor rectangular flexion gap influenced femoral component rotation. Level of evidence: Prospective study, Level I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This matched case-cohort retrospective study examined the effectiveness of shed blood re-transfusion in reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in computer-assisted primary cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The shed blood re-transfusion system used was the cell saver system. Data from 146 cases were analyzed (73 patients with cell saver, 73 patients without cell saver). Results: The ABT rate was similar in each group. The mean allogenic blood transfusion volume was similar for each group (CS = 214 ± 453 ml, non-CS = 288 ± 447 ml). The only factors correlated with allogenic blood transfusion use were low preoperative hemoglobin and low body mass index. Two patients in cell saver group experienced shivering after re-transfusion. Conclusion: Shed blood re-transfusion provided no blood management benefits in computer-assisted primary TKA and is therefore recommended only for selected patients with low hemoglobin levels and low body mass index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients desire less pain and faster recovery of range of knee motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While minimal invasive surgery (MIS) TKA appears to meet these needs, concerns exist regarding component malpositioning. Navigation systems can reduce the incidence of component misalignment. The present prospective randomized study compared limited medial parapatellar (LMPP) and mini-midvastus (MMV) approaches in 30 patients who had bilateral simultaneous primary TKAs. Each patient underwent LMPP on one knee and MMV on the other. Both approaches were navigation-assisted. We primarily analyzed postoperative pain (using visual analog scores), range of knee motion, and hospital for special surgery (HSS) scores in the first 6 postoperative months (i.e., the early postoperative period), and secondarily analyzed perioperative parameters and radiographic outcomes. The LMPP and MMV approaches were found to be similar in terms of pain measured at postoperative 3 days, 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months ( P = NS). Similarly, the 2 approaches were found to be similar in terms of range of motion measured at 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months ( P = NS), and in terms of HSS scores measured at 1, 3, and 6 months ( P = NS). There were also no differences between groups in terms of total blood loss, approach preferred by patients, and radiographic component positioning. The present study found that navigation-assisted MMV and navigation-assisted LMPP resulted in similar outcomes in terms of pain, ROM, HSS score, and radiologic outcomes over the first six postoperative months. We recommend the LMPP approach over the MMV approach in navigation-assisted MIS TKA because it is more familiar to surgeons and is easier to convert to the conventional approach where necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report describes a case of septic knee arthritis secondary to reactivated chronic osteomyelitis. The osteolytic lesion observed on the initial radiographs resulted in further imaging studies including CT and MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis. Based on the patient’s history, physical findings and imaging studies, we performed open debridement rather than arthroscopic surgery in order to treat the infected intraarticular knee joint and ream the femur intramedullary canal. Additionally, an antibiotic-impregnated cement rod was inserted into the medullary cavity to fill the dead space and eradicate the infection. A high index of suspicion combined with adequate comprehension of initial plain radiographs is essential for accurate diagnosis of septic knee arthritis with adjacent chronic osteomyelitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equalized rectangular extension and flexion gaps are considered desirable to ensure proper kinematics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared soft tissue balancing in TKAs performed using navigation-assisted gap-balancing (60 knees) and conventional measured resection (56 knees). The outlier of soft tissue balancing was defined as a gap difference >3 mm between the medial and lateral sides in 90° flexion and extension. Medial or lateral outliers in extension or flexion were observed in 12% (7 of 60) navigation TKAs and 25% (14 of 56) conventional TKAs ( p = 0.028). There were more outliers in flexion–extension gap difference on the medial side in the conventional (23%) than in the navigation-assisted (5%) group ( p = 0.025). However, the proportion of flexion gap difference, extension gap difference, and lateral gap difference outliers did not differ significantly between the two groups ( n.s.). Additionally, clinicoradiologic outcomes were similar for the two groups except for the postoperative mechanical axis outlier ( p = 0.012). Navigation-assisted soft tissue balancing in TKA reduced not only the postoperative alignment outlier, but also the medial gap difference and achieved a more rectangular flexion and extension gap compared with conventional TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OrthoPilot TKA navigation system (B. Braun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) offers software to optimize soft tissue balance using gap balance techniques. However, there are no studies on the reliability of the navigation-guided gap technique. The goal of this study is to establish the reliability of the navigation-guided gap technique. The investigators measured flexion and extension gap in the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint after bone resection to evaluate the reliability of navigation-guided soft tissue balancing. Gap data from 100 cases of navigation-guided total knee arthroplasty were analyzed. We defined trapezoidal gap (unsatisfactory soft tissue balance) as a gap difference > 3 mm between the medial and lateral sides in extension and a 5-mm difference in 90° of flexion. Furthermore, gap difference between flexion and extension greater than 3 mm on the medial side and 5 mm on the lateral side was also considered a trapezoidal gap. Among 100 cases, 84 showed rectangular (acceptable) gap, and 16 showed trapezoidal gap. We also evaluated the correlation between clinical results including range of motion and soft tissue balance as well as characteristics of trapezoidal gap. This study suggests that the navigation-guided gap technique is a reliable method for optimizing soft tissue balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 53‑year‑old woman developed a vaginal mass following an uncemented total hip arthroplasty. The mass was in direct communication with the hip through an acetabular medial wall defect after loosening of the acetabular component. The mass formation was caused simultaneously by changes secondary to polyethylene wear, a tiny delamination of the porous titanium mesh coating and a broken antirotational tab on the acetabular cup, all of which may have served as sources of metal particles. A careful evaluation of the patient’s history, symptoms, X‑ray findings and computed tomography scans should always be performed to ensure accurate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring the bone stock in the femoral tunnel during revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is vital for better surgical results and to avoid potential complications. The technique must be easy, effective, simple, reproducible and cost effective. We describe a new, simple and inexpensive technique of femoral tunnel bone grafting in revision ACL reconstruction using universally available materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections with Haemophilus influenzae type b have been decreasing due to widespread use of conjugate vaccines thereto, and there has been an increasing trend in the relative proportion of invasive infections by non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi). NTHi commonly colonizes the upper respiratory tract and causes recurrent infections of the adjacent organs. There is a rapid development of antibiotic resistance in NTHi strains, and therefore it is important to select appropriate antibiotics for treatment. We report a case of recurrent NTHi meningitis in a 5-year-old girl with a previous history of recurrent otitis media. The patient presented with fever accompanying recurrent vomiting, and β-lactamase-positive amoxicillin/clavulanate-resistant NTHi was isolated in cerebrospinal fluid culture. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed penicillin-binding protein 3 mutation, which is an important emerging mechanism of antibiotic resistance of NTHi. Cystic cochleovestibular malformation was also identified, which may be the predisposing condition for recurrent otitis media, and invasive NTHi infection. Acute symptoms resolved with antibiotic therapy (cefotaxime, 200 mg/kg per day). After surgical revision, the patient has been in good health without recurrence. In children with recurrent respiratory tract infections, or invasive NTHi infection, it is important to consider the presence of underlying diseases and infections due to antibiotic resistant pathogens, in order to select an appropriate antibiotic agent for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are limited population-based data regarding herpes zoster in children. Thus we conducted a multi-institutional epidemiological analysis of herpes zoster in children and comparative analysis according to their immune status. Materials and Methods: The study included 126 children under the age of 18 years who were hospitalized for herpes zoster at 8 hospitals in South Korea, between July 2009 and June 2015. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to their immune status, and medical records were reviewed. Results: There were 61 cases (48.4%) in the immunocompetent group and 65 cases (51.6%) in the immunocompromised group. Median age was older in immunocompromised group (11.4 vs. 8.6) (p<0.001). The mean duration of hospitalization was longer in immunocompromised group (11.0 vs. 6.6) (p<0.001). Patients were treated with oral or intravenous antiviral agents. A total of 12 in immunocompetent group were cured only by oral acyclovir. No treatment failure was found in both groups. Six immunocompromised patients had postherpetic neuralgia and 1 case was in immunocompetent group. In immunocompetent children, herpes zoster was likely caused by early varicella infection. There was no increase in progression of severity in both groups due to appropriate treatment. Conclusion: Early initiation of therapy is necessary for those in immunocompromised conditions. And inactivated herpes zoster vaccination may be considered in immunocompromised adolescents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile seizure (FS), which occurs in febrile children without underlying health problems, is the most common type of seizure disorder in children. The suggested pathogenesis of FS derived from several animal and human studies is multifactorial and debatable. Neuronal hyperexcitability, which develops during inflammatory responses that accompany fever, provokes seizures. However, the exact role of each inflammatory mediator (e.g., cytokines) is undefined in terms of the connection between systemic or local inflammation and the central nervous system, and the mechanisms by which cytokines increase neuronal excitability remain unclear. In contrast, the cause of fever in most children with FS is usually mild respiratory virus infection (e.g., rhinovirus, influenza virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus) rather than severe bacterial infections. In temperate regions, the major causative respiratory viruses seem to mirror seasonally prevalent respiratory viruses in the community. Therefore, vigorous efforts to identify the causative pathogen of fever may not be necessary in children with FS. Genetic factors seem to play a role in neuronal hyperexcitability, and some types of genetic variation have been identified in several genes encoding ion channels of neurons that participate in neuronal excitation. Although most children with FS have benign outcomes, some characteristics such as complex FS, febrile status epilepticus, consecutive afebrile seizures, and the presence of neurodevelopmental disabilities may require further genetic and neurologic evaluations.

Abstract Background The development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test promoted the evaluation of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) type 4, which has been rarely studied using conventional diagnostic methods. This study aimed to determine the seasonal epidemiological and clinical characteristics of all four HPIV serotypes (HPIV-1, HPIV-2, HPIV-3, and HPIV-4) during the era of PCR testing. Methods The medical records of hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with HPIV infections by a multiplex PCR test between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the seasonal distributions of each HPIV serotype. For patients with a single HPIV infection, the clinical characteristics of each HPIV serotype were evaluated and compared with one another. Results Among the 514 cases of HPIV infection, HPIV-1, HPIV-2, HPIV-3, and HPIV-4 were identified in 27.2%, 11.9%, 42.6%, and 18.3% of cases, respectively. HPIV-3 was most prevalent in spring, and the other three serotypes were most prevalent in autumn. For patients with a single HPIV infection, those infected by HPIV-1 and HPIV-3 were younger than those infected by HPIV-2 and HPIV-4 (P

During the measles epidemic in 2019, in-hospital transmission of measles contributed to more than two-thirds of measles cases in South Korea, where measles is declared eliminated. This study aimed to examine measles seropositivity among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Korea to help develop an effective measles prevention strategy for hospital settings. Measles IgG titer was tested in 1,579 HCWs working in a university-affiliated hospital and the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) immunization records of 870 HCWs were identified. The overall seropositivity was 92.0%, but the seropositivity and antibody titers were significantly low among HCWs aged 20–25 years (78.6%) and among one-dose vaccine recipients (86.7%). Among two-dose recipients, seropositivity was lower among young HCWs who received two doses during their childhood than among those who received the catch-up vaccination as part of job requirements (70.3% vs. 98.0%). Among 87 seronegative HCWs who received two-dose MMR vaccination, the seroconversion rate was 98.9%. A considerable proportion of young HCWs were potentially susceptible to measles despite receiving the two-dose vaccination during childhood because of the waning immunity against measles in a country with measles-eliminated status. Serological screening for measles of newly employed HCWs and MCV immunization of seronegative HCWs appears to be an effective prevention strategy.

Abstract In South Korea where the tuberculosis (TB) burden is intermediate, the risk of in-hospital transmission of TB remains high. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 244 inpatients diagnosed with pulmonary TB (2015–2018) to evaluate the impact of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) screening on timely isolation. TB screening was performed with smear microscopy and a polymerase chain reaction test, and the Xpert was additionally used from November 2016. Among all patients with pulmonary TB, the median time-to-isolation was significantly reduced (22.6 vs. 69.7 h; p

Background Many studies exist about remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, concern remains for development of a cyclops lesion during remnant preservation. To prevent this, a tensioning method has been suggested. Current study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction with tensioning compared to classical ACL reconstruction. Methods From January 2016 to June 2017, ACL reconstruction patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2 years postoperatively were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided in two groups: remnant preservation with tensioning (group R) and controls (group C). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm scores, and incidence of symptomatic cyclops lesions were evaluated. Radiologically, signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and size of the synovium on MRI as well as anterior instability in Telos stress radiographs were evaluated. Results A total of 64 patients were enrolled (42 in group R and 22 in group C). The IKDC score in group R (70) was better than that in group C (62; p < 0.05). One patient in group R had a cyclops lesion with clinical symptoms and arthroscopic excision was recommended. Radiologically, the SNQ, synovium area, and anterior instability on Telos radiography showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion Remnant preservation with tensioning is a good option for ACL reconstruction without the development of a cyclops lesion.

Objectives Deep neck infections (DNIs) can cause life-threatening complications, and prompt diagnosis and management are necessary. Kawasaki disease (KD) may be accompanied by deep neck inflammation; making it difficult to distinguish from DNIs. This study was performed to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of children with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation. Methods Medical records of the children diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal cellulitis or abscess using cervical computed tomography (CT) between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 47 children were diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation. Eleven (23.4%) of them were eventually diagnosed with KD, and 36 (76.6%) were diagnosed with DNIs. There were no significantly different clinical and laboratory characteristics on admission between children diagnosed with KD and DNIs; however, significantly more children with KD were febrile for ≥3 days after admission compared to those with DNIs (P=0.009). Deep neck abscesses on CT were observed in 16 children with DNIs (44.4%) and in no child with KD (P=0.009). Among the 36 children with DNIs, 30 (83.3%) were cured with antibiotic therapy only. Conclusion A quarter of children presenting with deep neck inflammation were diagnosed with KD. KD should be considered in children showing deep neck inflammation unresponsive to empirical antibiotic therapy after 3 days, especially in those presenting with deep neck cellulitis rather than deep neck abscess.

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection is characterized by recurrent infectious mononucleosis (IM)-like symptoms and an unusual pattern of anti-EBV antibodies. We report a boy with CAEBV who progressed to aggressive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) with NK cell neoplasm. A 19-year-old adolescent boy was admitted with fever and a history of recurrent IM-like symptoms following mosquito bites since the age of 6 years. His condition was diagnosed as CAEBV with atypical lymphocytosis and an unusual pattern of anti-EBV antibodies. His symptoms subsided during treatment with steroids and cyclosporine, although the EBV genome load kept increasing for several years. He was re-admitted after follow-up loss for 8 years, and his clinical and laboratory findings confirmed HLH and high titer of the EBV genome. Bone marrow analysis with flow cytometry showed hemophagocytosis with compatible NK cell neoplasm. He rapidly progressed to pulmonary infection and expired soon after. We conclude that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be a potential therapeutic modality for treating CAEBV before serious EBV manifestations.

Background: Medial meniscal posterior root tears (MMPRTs) are frequently associated with medial compartment osteoarthritis, leading to loss of meniscal hoop tension. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of concurrent MMPRT repair during high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared to HTO alone in patients with medial osteoarthritis and MMPRTs.Methods: The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies reporting on concurrent MMPRT repair during HTO. Pre- and postoperative data were pooled to investigate the treatment effects of concurrent MMPRT repair during HTO, and compare postoperative clinical, radiological, and arthroscopic outcomes including cartilage status and healing event rates according to the arthroscopic classification of MMPRT healing (complete, partial [lax or scar tissue], or failed healing) between HTO patients with and without concurrent MMPRT repair. The random-effect model was used to pool the standardized mean differences, odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and event rates.Results: Seven patient subgroups in six articles divided according to meniscal repair techniques were included in the final analysis. Concurrent MMPRT repair during HTO significantly improved the Lysholm score, while no intergroup differences were observed in the postoperative Lysholm and WOMAC scores, as well as radiological and arthroscopic outcomes. Those who underwent concurrent MMPRT repair showed a higher rate of complete meniscal healing (OR: 4.792, 95% CI, 1.95-11.79), with a pooled rate of complete meniscal healing of 0.327 (95% CI, 0.19-0.46).Conclusion: Concurrent MMPRT repair during HTO for medial osteoarthritis with MMPRTs has little benefits on the clinical, radiological, and arthroscopic outcomes during short-term follow-up. Further accumulation of evidence is needed for long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Although assessing the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines via murine model studies faces limitations, preliminary assessments have been achieved by evaluating respiratory challenge and humoral and cellular immunity. Methods: We performed a long-term intranasal respiratory challenge with reference and clinically isolated strains of Bordetella pertussis. Simultaneously, we assessed humoral and cellular immunity for evaluating the immunogenicity of a newly developed tri-component diphtheria-tetanus-aP (DTaP) vaccine. Moreover, comparative assessment was made by performing the same evaluations with a commercially available tri-component DTaP vaccine as the positive control. Results: Both groups showed significantly increased levels of antibodies against pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin, and the levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-10 were significantly increased after two doses of vaccination. Furthermore, since cross cell-mediated immune reactivity between the two vaccines was detected, the possibility of interchangeability was indirectly suggested. Although the positive control group showed significantly higher titers in antibody responses for filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin compared to the experimental group, anti-pertussis toxin antibody titers of the two groups were not significantly different and the protective efficacy against the clinical and reference strains was maintained in both groups for 18 weeks. Conclusion: The results showed inferior immunogenicity of the new DTaP vaccine compared to a commercial vaccine despite comparable cellular immunity and protective efficacy. Some efforts are necessary for improving immunogenicity against filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin before conducting human clinical trials. Keywords: Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine, Immunogenicity, Efficacy, Mice

Abstract Background Kawasaki disease (KD) is sometimes confused with urinary tract infection (UTI) because both can present with pyuria and C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation. The present study investigated the clinical and laboratory findings that can differentiate KD from UTI in febrile children with pyuria and CRP elevation. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for children with KD and those with UTI. The clinical and laboratory findings between the KD with pyuria group (n = 48) and the UTI group (n = 118) were compared. Results The KD with pyuria group had older age (P 70.0% of children in the KD with pyuria group, but

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can result from various conditions, including ulcers, neoplasms and infectious enterocolitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the fecal immunochemical transferrin test compared with the fecal Hb test in various clinical settings.Methods: A total of 1,116 clinical stool specimens submitted for fecal occult blood testing were prospectively examined using both FIT Hb and FIT Tf kits (AlfresaPharma, Japan). To verify the specificity of the two tests, stool specimens from 265 health check-up examinees were also included.Results: A review of medical records revealed that 396 patients had clinical conditions associated with GI bleeding. FIT Hb and FIT Tf results were positive in 156 (39.4%) and 137 (34.6%) cases, respectively, and an additional 194 (49.0%) cases tested positive with either FIT Hb or FIT Tf. The two tests showed a moderate strength of agreement (kappa value; 0.56). Colitis (n=71) was associated with the most GI bleedings, followed by acute gastroenteritis (n=29), GI ulcers (n=27) and GI cancers (n=15). While the first two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Tf, patients in the latter two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Hb. Notably, four of nine specimens from premature babies tested positive only on FIT Tf. The specificity of FIT Hb and FIT Tf was 100% and 99.6%, respectively.Conclusion: Concurrent use of FIT Hb and FIT Tf improved the detection rate of occult GI bleeding, especially in patients with infectious GI disease (such as colitis or gastroenteritis) and in premature babies. (Ann Clin Microbiol 2018;21:51-57)

Background and Objectives: Considering developing resistance against neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) and their adverse reactions, restricted use of NAIs and use of alternative drugs should be considered for treating influenza. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for severe influenza, their effects on non-severe influenza have rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical responses to NAI therapy and GC therapy in pediatric patients with non-severe influenza. Materials and Methods: A total of 601 pediatric patients (n = 52), NAI therapy (n = 154), GC therapy (n = 123), and Both therapies (n = 272). Results: In a multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding variables, the post-admission fever duration was not significantly different among the four patient groups. The post-admission fever duration tended to shorten with increasing age, longer pre-admission fever duration, and incidence of influenza A virus infection and lower respiratory tract infection. The type of administered treatment showed no significant effects on the post-admission fever duration in any subgroups according to patient age, pre-admission fever duration, influenza virus subtype, and clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Symptomatic treatment rather than antiviral or GC therapy seems to be sufficient for patients with non-severe influenza, although the effects of NAI therapy and GC therapy according to their administered time and dose should be further evaluated.

Although febrile seizures are the most common neurological complications of influenza, there are few studies comparing seizure characteristics and outcomes between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory virus (RV) infections. Medical records of pediatric patients presenting with seizures accompanied by fever, in whom RV infections were identified, were retrospectively reviewed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of seizures with fever due to influenza (n = 97) to those due to other RV infections (n = 113). Patients with influenza were older than those with other RV infections (p < 0.001), and 22.7% of them were aged ≥5 years. Seizure characteristics of complex febrile seizures were observed more frequently in patients with other RV infections than in those with influenza; however, the frequency of epilepsy was comparable between the two groups. For patients with influenza, children aged

A new reduced-dose tetanus–diphtheria (Td) vaccine was developed in Korea, and phase I and II clinical trials were successfully undertaken. We conducted this double-blind, randomized, multicenter phase III clinical trial to assess the immunogenicity and safety of the new Td vaccine. Methods: Healthy adolescents 11–12 years of age were enrolled and randomized to receive the new Td vaccine (study group) or a commercially available Td vaccine (control group). Blood samples were collected prior to and 4 weeks after the vaccination. Between the study and control groups, seroprotection rate, booster response, and geometric mean titer of antibodies against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were compared after the vaccination. All solicited and unsolicited adverse events and serious adverse events during the 6-week study period were monitored. Results: A total of 164 adolescents received vaccination, and 156 of them were evaluated to assess immunogenicity. The seroprotection rate and geometric mean titer for antibodies against diphtheria were significantly higher in the study group, whereas those against tetanus were significantly higher in the control group. However, all seroprotection rates against diphtheria and tetanus in the study and control groups were high: 100% against diphtheria and tetanus in the study group, and 98.7% against diphtheria and 100% against tetanus in the control group. No significant differences in the frequency of solicited and unsolicited adverse events were observed between the two vaccine groups. Conclusion: The new Td vaccine is highly immunogenic and safe, and this new Td vaccine can be effectively used for preventing diphtheria and tetanus.

Background: Vaccination for hepatitis B virus (HBV) after chemotherapy among pediatric patients with acute leukemia is still a debated issue. We investigated HBV immunity before and after chemotherapy and assessed immune response to re-vaccination after chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of children and adolescents aged

The aim of the present study is to re-evaluate the clinical application of two-times serologic immunoglobulin M (IgM) tests using microparticle agglutination assay (MAA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. A retrospective analysis of 62 children with MP pneumonia during a recent epidemic (2019–2020) was conducted. The MAA and ELISA immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG measurements were conducted twice at admission and around discharge, and MP PCR once at presentation. Diagnostic rates in each test were calculated at presentation and at discharge. The seroconverters were 39% (24/62) of patients tested by MAA and 29% (18/62) by ELISA. At presentation, the diagnostic positive rates of MAA, ELISA, and PCR tests were 61%, 71%, and 52%, respectively. After the second examination, the rates were 100% in both serologic tests. There were positive correlations between the titers of MAA and the IgM values of ELISA. The single serologic IgM or PCR tests had limitations to select patients infected with MP in the early stage. The short-term, paired IgM serologic tests during hospitalization can reduce patient-selection bias in MP infection studies.

Febrile seizure (FS) is a common benign seizure disorder of young children. Although upper respiratory tract infection is the cause of fever in most episodes of FS, studies to identify respiratory viruses using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) test have rarely been performed for children with FS. Medical records of children presenting with FS between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Respiratory viruses identified by a rapid influenza detection test and mPCR test were investigated, and their seasonal distribution and the association between viral identification and seizure characteristics were determined. A total of 607 episodes of FS were analyzed: 81.1% of cases were generalized tonic–clonic seizures, 81.5% occurred within 24 h after fever onset, and 87.3% continued for ≤5 min. Complex FS occurred in 17.5% of FS episodes, and epilepsy was diagnosed in 2.5% of tracked cases. Of the 138 mPCR tests performed in 235 hospitalized episodes of FS, 112 (81.2%) tested positive for respiratory viruses: rhinovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus, and influenza virus were most frequently identified. The identified respiratory viruses showed similar seasonal distributions as were observed in community-acquired respiratory tract infections. The identification of a specific respiratory virus was not significantly associated with seizure characteristics or the development of complex FS. In conclusion, respiratory viruses, showing similar seasonal distributions with community-acquired respiratory tract infections and no significant association with the severity and outcomes of FS, should not be rigorously tested for in children with FS.

Splenic abscess occurs very rarely in healthy children. Although typhoid fever was the leading cause of splenic abscess in the pre-antibiotic era, Salmonella spp. remain to be the major pathogens causing splenic abscess, with an increasing worldwide frequency of splenic abscess due to non-typhoidal Salmonella infection. Here, we report the case of a 12-year-old boy, who was presumably diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis on admission and eventually diagnosed with a large splenic abscess (maximum diameter, 14.5 cm) caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella. Although splenectomy has been considered in cases of large splenic abscesses, the patient was treated with antibiotics and ultrasonography-guided percutaneous drainage. A detailed physical examination and appropriate imaging studies are necessary for the early diagnosis of extra-intestinal complications of non-typhoidal Salmonella enteritis. For treatment, percutaneous drainage, rather than splenectomy, can be used in large splenic abscesses.

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a common stem cell transplantation-related complication. The incidence of early-onset hemorrhagic cystitis, which is related to the pretransplant conditioning regimen, has decreased with the concomitant use of mesna and hyperhydration. However, late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis, which is usually caused by the BK virus, continues to develop. Although the BK virus is the most common pathogenic microorganism of poststem cell transplantation late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis, pediatricians outside the hemato-oncology and nephrology specialties tend to be unfamiliar with hemorrhagic cystitis and the BK virus. Moreover, no standard guidelines for the early diagnosis and treatment of BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after stem cell transplantation have been established. Here, we briefly introduce poststem cell transplantation BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign self-limiting disease characterized by fever and lymphadenitis. The etiology and pathogenesis of KFD is unclear. However, two hypotheses have been suggested: a viral infection hypothesis and an autoimmune hypothesis. Several KFD patients with various types of autoimmune diseases have been reported, and these reports support the hypothesis for autoimmune pathogenesis of KFD. Here, we report the case of a 17-year-old female patient diagnosed with KFD and autoimmune thyroiditis. This case serves as additional evidence that the etiology of KFD is autoimmune origin.

PurposeWe phylogenetically analyzed the Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with urinary tract infection (UTI) in 2 regions of Korea. Virulence factors (VFs) and antibiotic resistance of the strains were also determined to compare the possible differences.MethodsA total of 138 E. coli strains were collected from the 2 regions; Gyeongin (78 strains) and Gyeongnam (60 strains). The phylogenetic groups were determined using the triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and multiplex PCRs were used to detect 7 VFs genes (fimH, papC, iutA, hlyA, sfa/focDE, afa/draBC, and kpsMT II). We also tested for antibiotic resistance.ResultsPhylogenetic groups, B2 (61.6%) and D (26.8%), comprised the majority of all isolated strains. Regional comparisons revealed that more B2 strains and fewer non-B2 (A+B1+D) strains were found in Gyeongnam, than in the Gyeongin region (P=0.033), and certain VFs were predominantly detected in Gyeongnam (P

Background aims. The graft-healing potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from the remnants of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) after ACL reconstruction may depend on the chronicity of the injury. The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative and phenotypic differences between MSCs isolated from ACL remnants in patients with (sub) acute and chronic tearing. Methods. Torn ACL remnants were harvested during ACL reconstruction from 41 patients, 24 with (sub)acute ACL (<6 months from injury to surgery) and 17 with chronic ACL (time interval >6 months) tears. MSCs isolated from these samples were assessed for quantitative and phenotypic differences, and the correlation between the proportion of MSCs and the chronicity of ACL tear was evaluated. Results. At passage 0, the mean proportion of MSCs (CD34-, CD44+, CD90+ and CD105+) was higher in (sub)acute than in chronic ACL tear samples (20.69% ± 7.82% versus 9.85% ± 8.01 %, P < 0.001). At passages 1 and 2, however, MSC proportions did not differ significantly in the two groups. Time interval showed a negative correlation with MSC proportion only at passage 0 (r = -0.505, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for time from injury to surgery yielding <10% freshly isolated ACL-MSCs, a percentage expected to have low tissue healing potential, was 23.5 months. Conclusions. The proportion of freshly isolated MSCs was higher in samples from patients with (sub) acute tearing than in chronic ACL tearing and negatively correlated with the time interval between trauma and surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]