Aiming for pediatric medical care that citizens can feel at ease

Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital
Pediatrics and Neonatology Director
Keigo Hamahata

Our Pediatrics department provides acute medical care for children in Kobe City 24 hours a day. We focus on highly specialized medical care in each field of Pediatrics and provide team medical care centered on specialists.

There are two to three outpatient clinics from Monday to Friday, with general outpatient and specialized outpatient clinics in the morning, specialized outpatient clinics in the afternoon, health checkups for infants, and various vaccinations for high-risk children.

At the Emergency and Critical Care Center, Pediatrics are on duty 24 hours a day, including nights and holidays, to accept emergency pediatric patients and provide emergency treatment.We also have a dedicated telephone line, the "Pediatrics Hotline," which allows us to connect with local medical institutions at any time and accept referrals.

The Department of Neonatology operates a neonatal center consisting of a 9-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a 12-bed Neonatal Treatment and Recovery Room (GCU), and together with the obstetrics and maternal-fetal intensive care unit (MFICU) constitutes a comprehensive perinatal maternal and child medical center, striving to provide regional perinatal medical care in Kobe City medical area. We work in cooperation with other specialized departments to provide neonatal medical care for births with high risks to mothers and children, such as premature labor, abnormal pregnancy and delivery, and pregnancies with various maternal medical and surgical complications.

ward

Pediatric Ward

The West Ward on the 3rd floor has 25 pediatric beds as a mixed ward with adult women, and is composed mainly of single rooms, allowing for the isolation of children who need to be isolated due to infection or children with weakened immune systems who need to be prevented from infection. A playroom and kids' garden have been installed to provide a comfortable living environment. For painful procedures, sufficient analgesic and sedative treatments are provided, and nurses take measures such as "preparation" and "distraction" to reduce pain.

NICU/GCU

NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. doctor and nursing staff provide 24-hour care and treatment for babies born before their due date due to threatened premature labor or premature rupture of membranes, as well as babies born with congenital abnormalities. Newborns' pulse rates, respiratory rates, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels are constantly monitored, and treatment is provided while closely monitoring the baby's condition. GCU stands for Neonatal Treatment and Recovery Unit, and is where babies whose condition has stabilized through treatment in the NICU continue to receive treatment and recovery care.

Ward rounds and nursing meetings

Medical treatment is based on team medicine that emphasizes collaboration between multiple professions, not just between doctor. Every morning from 8:00, Pediatrics staff hold an inpatient case conference to confirm treatment plans, and then all staff members make rounds on the pediatric ward. In the afternoon, all staff members make rounds on the ward again from 4:00 pm to share treatment progress.
After the morning and evening rounds, we hold joint meetings with the nursing staff to confirm progress and treatment policies and share information about the day's treatment.

Simulation Training

By conducting simulation training assuming an emergency medical condition using a patient model every week, we are repeatedly training so that we can respond appropriately to various situations. We also hold regular training sessions with ward staff so that we can respond to sudden changes in the ward.

conference

In addition to weekly admission and discharge conferences, if an unforeseen situation occurs within the ward, we hold impromptu conferences to allow staff to reflect on the situation, with the goal of enabling each profession to work together to respond flexibly to sudden situations.

Medical record

Departmental statistics

Clinical Metrics Page

Main diseases/treatments

Pediatric allergy/immune disease

We provide medical treatment for bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders.

food challenge test
We conduct oral food challenge tests to diagnose food allergies and evaluate safe intake levels. We aim to "eliminate the minimum necessary amount" by conducting approximately 150 food challenge tests per year. A nutritionist provides information during the oral food challenge test to ensure continued intake at home. We are also involved in creating clinical manuals and guidelines in collaboration with specialized facilities in Japan.
Disease Guidance
Regular medication treatment and care are important for allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. Our hospital employs nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists who are certified as PAEs (pediatric allergy educators). A multidisciplinary team, including doctor, works together to explain the disease to children and their parents, and provides guidance on skin care and inhaled medications. When patients are hospitalized for an acute asthma exacerbation, we provide detailed guidance that focuses not only on acute treatment but also on chronic treatment, and many patients have commented that they were glad they were hospitalized. We also actively provide skin care guidance during hospitalization, and we often hear happy comments such as, "My skin has cleared up since being hospitalized."
allergen immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that can fundamentally "cure" allergies. Treating environmental allergens such as dust mites and cedars is extremely useful in treating bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. In addition to "sublingual immunotherapy," which involves taking tablets every day, our hospital is also actively working on "subcutaneous immunotherapy," which involves regular subcutaneous injections, and we select the appropriate treatment for each patient.
Biologics

Recently, the use of biological agents (drugs using proteins produced by living organisms) has become more common in the field of pediatric allergies. We have also used biological agents at our hospital to treat severe bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis, and have achieved therapeutic results.

Allergy Conference

We regularly hold conferences with doctor from the allergy team and with other professionals. Our Dermatology also participate, and we discuss treatment plans, share the latest knowledge, and improve the quality of medical care.

Medical Cooperation

We also accept many medical professionals, regardless of academic affiliation, who want to learn about allergy treatment. As Hyogo Prefecture base hospital for allergy disease control, we hold training sessions and are deeply involved in planning and implementing strategies for equalizing allergy treatment in Hyogo Prefecture.

Orthostatic intolerance/sleep disorder

As the birthrate continues to decline, orthostatic intolerance is on the rise. This disruption to sleep rhythms leads to school absenteeism, making it a major social problem. At our hospital, we provide a "Life Cycle Improvement Program" for children with orthostatic intolerance and sleep disorders, aiming to reestablish their daily rhythms during a two-week hospital stay.

childhood infections

In the field of infectious diseases, we pay close attention to the appropriate use of antibiotics and strive to provide sufficient treatment. We treat a variety of infectious diseases, including respiratory infections, digestive infections, meningitis, streptococcal infections, suppurative osteomyelitis/arthritis, sepsis, and fever of unknown origin. We also accept patients who require isolation. Regarding COVID-19, we admitted 216 cases to our hospital in the four years before it was classified as a Category 5 infectious disease.

cardiovascular disease

We provide medical care for Kawasaki disease (and cardiac complications), detailed examination of heart murmurs and abnormal electrocardiograms, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. We also perform genetic testing for potentially fatal arrhythmias such as long QT syndrome.

endocrine disease

We provide medical care for diabetes, growth hormone deficiency dwarfism, diabetes insipidus, various thyroid dysfunctions, precocious puberty, etc. In cases where growth hormone deficiency, adrenal insufficiency, or precocious puberty is suspected, we perform endocrine loading tests.

Neonatal diseases

The NICU and GCU provide treatment for the following illnesses:

Low birth weight

A baby born weighing less than 2500g is called a low birth weight baby. Babies born with low birth weight have unstable body temperature and nutritional status, and they need to be carefully monitored after birth.

Premature infants

Babies born before 37 weeks are called premature babies. The earlier the baby's gestational age (number of weeks in the womb), the more immature the baby is and the more intensive care he or she will need.

Neonatal respiratory disease

Babies begin breathing using their own lungs for the first time after coming out of their mother's womb. Babies may not be able to adapt to this change and may develop various breathing disorders.

Neonatal asphyxia

A baby born with poor breathing and cardiac function, lack of oxygen and blood supply to the baby's body, and in a lethargic state is called neonatal asphyxia. If a baby is born with severe neonatal asphyxia, treatment (brain hypothermia therapy) may be performed to protect the brain and prevent aftereffects as much as possible.

clinical research

Notice Regarding Implementation of Clinical Research

Pediatrics Department is currently conducting the following clinical research. These studies will use data (information) obtained from patients' daily medical care. If you would like more information about the research plans and content, or if you have any other questions, please contact us at the "Contact Information" form. If you object to your data being used in research, you can always opt out of the use of your information or its provision to other research institutions.

Research subject name Explanatory text
(PDF)
A retrospective observational study of pediatric patients with anaphylaxis transported by doctor car PDF
Development of a method for predicting the results of oral food challenge tests using the benchmark dose method and investigation of the usability of a diagnostic support application

 

PDF
Examination of clinical usefulness of novel allergen components in the diagnosis of nut allergy PDF
National Survey of Clinical Information on Autoinflammatory Diseases Diagnosed in Japan PDF
Comparison of treatment outcomes between moderate-dose aspirin and no aspirin in the initial treatment of Kawasaki disease: a retrospective observational study PDF
Examination of the role of IgD/IgG4 antibodies in food allergy PDF
Fact-finding survey of gamma globulin administration for blood type incompatibility jaundice PDF
Observational study on the relationship between therapeutic effect and immune response in subcutaneous immunotherapy in children PDF
Research Project of the Sudden Death Investigation Committee of the Council for Measures against Heart Disease and Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Young People (Chairman: Masaru Yamakawa Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital)  
A multicenter observational study on the capsular serotype distribution and drug susceptibility of pneumococcus strains isolated from pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) patients PDF
National Surveillance of Group B Streptococcal Infections in Children  
A study to identify genetic mutations in cases of congenital metabolic disorders and then conduct follow-up surveys  

news

Introduction of our department for doctor and those who aspire to become doctor

* This content is intended for doctor people to deepen their understanding of this medical institution, and is not intended for advertising or advertising for the general public. Nice to meet you, Kobe City Medical Center General HospitalPediatrics Satoru Tsuruta ( My name is Satoru Tsuruta).
In our department, we focus on highly specialized medical care in each field, and provide team medical care with an emphasis on cooperation with each profession, mainly specialists. This time, we would like to introduce our efforts. Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems with medical treatment or if you are considering referral to a patient in charge of your doctor.

Satoru Tsuruta
Pediatrics Director

About our Pediatrics

Our hospital is a Pediatrics-bed general hospital located in Port Island, south of Kobe City.
It has a Pediatrics ward with 29 beds and a neonatal center (NICU 9 beds, GCU 12 beds), and the annual number of hospitalizations is about 1,500 general children and 300 sick newborns. With 13 staff members in the Pediatrics and Neonatology and 5 Senior Resident, we have a system of 18 people that can handle pediatric emergencies and NICUs 24 hours a day.

小児救急にも積極的に取り組んでおり、地域の先生とホットラインで直接ご相談いただける体制をとっており、24時間365日受け入れ可能となっています。
具体的な利用方法につきましては当院地域医療連携センター(代表:078-302-4321)までご連絡ください。
(※ホットラインは地域の医療機関の先生方と当院小児科医との直接の連絡用となっており、患者さんやその家族からのご相談には対応していません)

In addition, we are also focusing on the education of young people, and we provide guidance and education according to our own Pediatrics Senior Resident training program so that they can acquire sufficient knowledge and skills as Pediatrician.

Due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus, Pediatrics nationwide are facing many problems such as delays in vaccination and checkup schedules, as well as an increase in domestic abuse due to long-term self-restraint and movement restrictions.
Our hospital accepts a large number of patients with COVID-19, mainly adults, but we are responding with due consideration to infection control so that general patients can visit us with peace of mind. In addition, we would like to work together with local governments and other pediatric medical institutions to prevent pediatric medical care from being distorted. Pediatrics is a clinical department that provides comprehensive medical care to patients in the target age group.
In addition, we have been introduced to our department's Senior Resident Pediatrician training program by young specialists, so Junior Resident who aim to become Pediatrician should definitely consider our department's program. Hospital tours are also very welcome, so we are waiting for you to contact us.

Allergy Department Focusing on Patient Guidance

In today's world, where half of the population is said to have some kind of allergy, learning how to deal with allergies in childhood has a major impact on the patient's life later on. Our hospital contributes to regional allergy treatment as a Hyogo Prefecture allergic disease medical base hospital.
Because it is an acute care hospital, inpatients often have asthma exacerbation and anaphylaxis, but all allergic diseases can be treated. We are multi-disciplinary and focus on patient guidance, and we are trying to steadily perform standard treatment according to clinical practice guidelines.

For food allergies, an oral food challenge test is performed from infancy, and the minimum necessary elimination guidance is given, with the aim of canceling the elimination as soon as possible. We can handle everything from mild to severe, so please feel free to introduce us. Especially if you need complete removal at the time of the 1st birthday, please introduce us.

Patients with poorly controlled asthma and atopic dermatitis, including those with poor adherence, are repeatedly educated so that they can self-manage their disease. Introduction of biologics is also possible.
For patients who cannot continue sublingual immunotherapy due to strong side effects, allergen immunotherapy is introduced by devising introduction or subcutaneous method, so there are patients who are suffering from allergic diseases. If so, please feel free to introduce yourself.

Also, please introduce patients who have trouble concentrating on their studies or have trouble sleeping due to allergic rhinitis. Basically, we will refer patients who have stabilized to some extent in reverse.

From early diagnosis to prognostic follow-up, the cardiology department

In 1972, school heart screening was started in Kobe City. Since the introduction of simultaneous examinations, our department has worked in cooperation with the Kobe City Board of Education and the Hyogo Prefecture Preventive Medicine Association to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of heart disease, and has focused on preventing sudden deaths under school management. rice field. Currently, we diagnose and manage approximately 50 people selected for secondary examinations each year.

In addition to school examinations, detailed examination of the causes of chest pain, palpitations, syncope, etc. is an important opportunity for diagnosing fatal heart disease. In addition to echocardiography, treadmill testing, and 24-hour electrocardiography, our department strives to improve diagnostic performance with long-term Holter electrocardiography that can record for one week. In addition, for hereditary arrhythmia and familial dyslipidemia, we actively carry out genetic testing with the cooperation of specialized institutions, and strive to search for undiagnosed patients in the family as well as the management and treatment of patients.

Cardiac disease, which is the cause of sudden young death, can be avoided or relieved by appropriate management, such as exercise restriction and medication, promotion of CPR and AED activation by improving the school system, and installation of AED at home. In our department, we have experienced 5 cases of ventricular fibrillation without sequelae during preventive intervention after examination. Even if the symptoms are seemingly trivial, such as mild chest pain or short-lived heart palpitations, it will be a diagnostic opportunity before the event occurs, so please introduce us. Kawasaki disease patients are referred from a wide range of areas, mainly in Kobe City, and 50 to 60 people are hospitalized annually. The first gamma globulin is administered on average 5.0 sick days, and steroids are used in combination in consideration of sick days and refractory risk.
For coronary artery complications, which is the most important outcome of Kawasaki disease, we have a system that allows us to quickly evaluate and start treatment without delay even if we are hospitalized on holidays or at night.
In accordance with the "Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular sequelae of Kawasaki disease", for all cases, at admission, around 10 days of illness, when necessary, at discharge, at 1 and 2 months after onset, and up to 5 years after onset. An echocardiographic evaluation is performed annually by a cardiologist.

Even in incomplete or suspected cases of Kawasaki disease with only 2-3 main symptoms and spontaneous resolution of fever, multiple coronary artery evaluations are performed. Please refer for the purpose of echocardiographic evaluation, even if there is a failure case, suspected case, or mild case that does not require treatment.

Neonatal department for all high-risk cases

The neonatal center of our hospital is a neonatal center consisting of 9 NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) beds and 12 GCU (Neonatal Recovery Unit) beds. As a member of the Hyogo Prefecture Perinatal Medical Network, we mainly support the transportation of mothers and newborns from obstetric facilities in the Kobe City medical area. Located in a general hospital with an emergency medical center, it forms a comprehensive perinatal medical center together with obstetrics and MFICU (maternal-fetal intensive care unit). We are working on neonatal medicine, which is an extension of maternal-fetal medicine, for infants born from high-risk births from mothers with complications (cardiovascular disease, immune-blood disease, renal disease, infectious disease, etc.).

In addition, we also support children born from mothers who are difficult to accept at other hospitals, such as medical high-risk cases where both mothers or parents have mental illness, social high-risk cases such as young births and undocked pregnant women. I'm here. At our general perinatal center, approximately 800 women are delivered annually, of which approximately 300 newborns are admitted to the neonatal center (approximately 20 newborns are transported annually).

About our Pediatrician training program

In our department, the Senior Resident is the attending physician, and conducts medical treatment independently. In addition, you can gain a lot of experience based on a wealth of cases in the general outpatient department and the emergency department. In particular, the emergency outpatient department of our hospital is an ER type emergency medical care, and we are blessed with opportunities to treat a variety of cases from the first to the third. While receiving guidance from the staff teachers, the days I get a lot of experience and learning are my sustenance.

In addition to clinical practice, we regularly hold lectures from staff doctors, lectures by Senior Resident, emergency pediatric disease simulations, reading circles, etc., so that we can apply what we have learned to our daily practice. We also hold joint study sessions with Hyogo Prefecture Prefectural Children's Hospital and Hyogo Prefecture Amagasaki General Medical Center.

The lectures given by the Senior Resident are a place where you can summarize your own experiences and output what you have learned, and you can feel that your knowledge of the disease and pathology is firmly established.
This year has been a turbulent year due to the new corona infection, but it has been a year that I can never forget for the rest of my life.
If you are interested in training in our department, please come and visit us. We look forward to working with you!

message to teachers

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, academic conferences and research meetings have been canceled and online, so unfortunately there are fewer opportunities to talk directly with local teachers. In the self-restraint mood, it is becoming difficult for parents who are worried about childcare to consult with their teachers at ease. Under these circumstances, we believe that it is necessary to actively cooperate with local medical institutions and health and welfare institutions more than ever in order to prevent pediatric medical care from settling back. Thank you for your cooperation.