Soo Young Pi

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Pulmonary Sequestration in Neonates: Long-term Follow-up Results

The purposes of this study are to describe experience with the safety and long-term efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of pulmonary sequestration in neonates and to introduce a new technique of embolization by an umbilical-artery route. TAE was performed in five neonates, via the femoral artery in one and the umbilical artery in four. Complete regression was achieved in four cases and partial regression (>90%) was obtained in one. TAE is a safe and effective alternative therapeutic modality for the treatment of pulmonary sequestration. The umbilical artery represents a preferable route for performing embolization in neonates.

Clinical Outcomes in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Colonized Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: Methicillin-resistent Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization can persist for prolonged periods, and patient-related factors are associated with persistent carriage in adults. However, such knowledge is lacking among neonates. Objectives: To better understand the outcome of MRSA-colonized neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we prospectively followed all colonized neonates until decolonization over 39 months and determined the incidence, duration of colonization, clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with prolonged carriage of MRSA. Methods: Nasal and inguinal cultures were obtained from all newly admitted neonates following an outbreak of MRSA. Weekly and 1–2 monthly cultures were obtained from all hospitalized and discharged neonates colonized with MRSA, respectively, until 2 consecutive cultures were negative. Results: 152 of 1,456 (10.4%) neonates became colonized. The mean time to acquire MRSA colonization was 17.1 ± 40.7 (range 1–471) days. The median time to decolonization was 36 days. About 20% of decolonized patients had been colonized for a prolonged period of ≧160 days. 47.5% of colonized patients were sent home colonized, and none with prolonged carriage developed MRSA-related infections in the following 6 months in contrast to 6 infants (3.9%) who developed MRSA sepsis during hospitalization. The only risk factor associated with prolonged carriage was the concurrent colonization of both the inguinal and nasal areas on admission. Conclusion:Nearly all neonates with acquired colonization became decolonized either prior to or after discharge from NICU. A significant percentage failed to decolonize prior to hospital discharge, but almost all decolonized by 30 months in the community without evidence of systemic or local infections.

Sonographic windsock sign of a duodenal web.

Abstract. We report a neonate with a duodenal web demonstrating the windsock appearance on US. In neonates, duodenal web is rare and its windsock appearance is also rarely seen. The windsock sign of duodenal web has been a well-known finding on upper gastrointestinal series. The corresponding windsock appearance may be demonstrated on US. Duodenal web can, therefore, be accurately diagnosed by identifying the sonographic windsock sign even in neonates.

Fetus-in-fetu in the scrotal sac of a newborn infant: imaging, surgical and pathological findings

Abstract. We report a case of fetus-in-fetu located in the scrotal sac of a newborn male infant. Plain radiography (including specimen radiography), ultrasonography and MRI clearly demonstrated vertebral column, ribs, skull, pelvic bones, femurs and a portion of tibiae and humeri. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination.

Transfusion-related Cytomegalovirus Infection Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants in an Endemic Area

This study investigated the incidence of acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) given CMV seropositive blood, and sought to determine whether filtering and irradiation of blood products could help prevent CMV infection and the time required to clear passively-derived anti-CMV IgG among 80 VLBWI transfused with filtered-irradiated blood, 20 VLBWI transfused with nonfiltered-nonirradiated blood and 26 nontransfused VLBWI. CMV IgG and IgM values were obtained from all blood products prior to transfusions, and from VLBWI at birth until the infants became seronegative. Urine was obtained for CMV culture at birth and every 3-4 weeks until 12 weeks after the final transfusion. The incidence of CMV IgG seropositivity among the 126 infants at birth and the blood products given were 96% and 95%, respectively. The incidence of acquired CMV infection was 4/100 (4%) in the transfused group: 2/80 (2.5%) and 2/20 (10%) in the filtered-irradiated and nonfiltered-nonirradiated transfusion groups, respectively. Approximately 9-10 months elapsed to clear passively acquired CMV IgG. The irradiation and filtering of the blood products did not seem to decrease the transfusion-related CMV infection rate in Korea among VLBWI, however, further validation is recommended in a larger cohort of infants.