Annals of Saudi medicine
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyA validation study comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the new Dr. KSU H1N1 RT-PCR kit with real-time RT-PCR for diagnosing influenza A (H1N1).
A new test (Dr. KSU H1N1 RT-PCR kit) was recently developed to provide a less expensive alternative to real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We report the findings of a validation study designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity and specificity, of the new kit, as compared to real-time RT-PCR. ⋯ The new test seems to provide a cost-effective alternative to real-time RT-PCR for diagnosing H1N1 influenza. However, further testing may be needed to verify the efficacy of the test in different settings and communities.
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Neurofibromatosis is a genetically-inherited disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissues and also causes cafe-au-lait spots on the skin, dysplastic abnormalities of the skin, nervous system, bones, endocrine organs and blood vessels. The two major classifications are NF-1, a generalized form, is the commonest and affects peripheral nerve tissues and NF-2, a rare central form, affects the central nervous system. An unusual finding of oral hamartomas may occur as part of NF-1 and here we presented one such rare case of oral hamartomas in a patient with Von-Recklinghausen's disease.
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Percutaneous vertebroplasty, among various other options, has become a mainstay in the management of osteoporotic and malignant vertebral fractures. The purpose of this article is to describe complications arising from the procedure, which can be classified as mild, which may include a temporary increase in pain and transient hypotension; moderate, including infection and extravasation of cement into the foraminal, epidural or dural space; and severe such as cement leakage in the paravertebral veins, leading to pulmonary embolism, cardiac perforation, cerebral embolism or even death. Vertebroplasty is not a procedure without complications. The article defines them and describes methods to minimize them.
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Ambiguous genitalia is a complex, medical and social emergency. The aim of this study is to present our experience over two decades, focusing on the pattern and clinical presentation. ⋯ Ambiguous genitalia, currently termed disorders of sex development (DSD), is not uncommon in our community. Increased awareness, a detailed history, and a careful physical examination, coupled with appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations aid in early diagnosis and avoid serious sequelae.