Annals of Saudi medicine
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Sep 2011
Case ReportsPrimary sternal tuberculous ulcer with dissemination to the bone marrow: a clinical rarity.
Primary tubercular osteomyelitis of the sternum with dissemination to bone marrow is a rarely described entity even in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. Delayed presentations can be in the form of sinus formation, spontaneous fracture of the sternum, extrasternal spread, and sepsis. Diagnosis can be made by CT of the chest wall and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of aspirate from the lesion or by tissue biopsy. ⋯ CT showed erosion of part of the sternal bone. Diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology and by bone marrow trephine biopsy. During the follow-up period of 3 months, the patient showed a satisfactory response to treatment.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Sep 2011
Prevalence and causes of visual impairment among Saudi adults attending primary health care centers in northern Saudi Arabia.
Few studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to estimate the prevalence of visual impairment and its causes. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of visual impairment, and identify its causes and associated factors among the adult population attending primary health care (PHC) centers in Aljouf province, in northern Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Prevalence of visual impairment in the study population from the Aljouf area is high. It is recommended that regular checks of visual acuity be conducted for all Saudis of age 50+ years, who attend the PHC centers.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Sep 2011
Caudal epidural block in children and infants: retrospective analysis of 2088 cases.
Regional anesthesia is usually preferred as caudal block via the epidural space. However, the number of large-scale studies including pediatric caudal blocks is small. The objective of this study was to evaluate complications and side effects of local anesthetics and adjuvant drugs. ⋯ We conclude that caudal epidural blocks are a safe and effective method for subumbilical day-case pediatric surgeries when performed by anesthetists.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Sep 2011
Human metapneumovirus and human coronavirus infection and pathogenicity in Saudi children hospitalized with acute respiratory illness.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and the Netherlands human coronavirus (HCoV-NL63) have been isolated from children with respiratory tract infection. The prevalence of these viruses has not been reported from Saudi Arabia. We sought to determine whether hMPV and HCoV-NL63 are responsible for acute respiratory illness and also to determine clinical features and severity of illness in the hospitalized pediatric patient population. ⋯ hMPV and HCoV-NL63 are important causes of acute respiratory illness among hospitalized Saudi children. hMPV infection in the lower respiratory tract is associated with morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. HCoV-NL63 may cause severe lower respiratory disease with underlying conditions.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Sep 2011
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill obstetric patients: a ten-year review.
Pregnancy and delivery can involve complications that necessitate admission to critical care facilities. The objective of our study was to assess the incidence, indications, and outcomes of obstetric patients requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care hospital, in Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The overall mortality was low. A team approach facilitated the application of optimal care to these patients. Obstetric patients had better outcomes than those predicted by the APACHE II scores. Appropriate antenatal care is important for preventing obstetric complications.