Saudi Med J
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Comparative Study
Socioeconomic determinants of inequality and self-reported morbidity among adolescents in a developing country.
Studies about health inequalities among adolescents have been conducted principally in developed countries. Although adolescents represent 15% of the Mexican population, no studies are available in this specific age group on health inequalities. In this study, we assess differences in the perception of morbidity severity among adolescent students, as well as their association with selected socioeconomic characteristics. ⋯ Morbidity reporting rates are higher than expected in this population. Moderate reporting levels are found among social groups, especially when health problems were perceived as moderately severe, suggesting the importance of socioeconomic factors as determinants. Further studies should conducted using different kinds of health indicators in this age group.
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Blood stream infection (BSI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. This study aims to describe the clinical, microbiological characteristics and outcome of BSI in pediatric patients. ⋯ Bloodstream infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Risk factors for hospital acquired infection include: prematurity, prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, indwelling catheterization, mechanical ventilation and prior antimicrobial therapy.
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Case Reports
Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis.
Life threatening inflammatory swelling of the epiglottic and supraglottic regions secondary to a foreign body in the vallecula is an unusual occurrence. Upper airway obstruction is potentially a life threatening sequela. We present a unique case of acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis secondary to foreign body in the vallecula, which gradually improved after emergency endotracheal intubation for respiratory arrest, followed by intensive conservative management with intravenous antibiotics, cortisone and intravenous fluids. This case emphasizes that a foreign body in the vallecula presenting with severe dysphagia should be taken seriously as it may lead to life threatening complications.
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Review Case Reports
Pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma. Bilateral pulmonary nodules associated with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
We report a case of a 30-year-old female who had been treated periodically with steroids for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITP over the last 10 years. Recently, during the course of investigation, she was found to have incidental asymptomatic multiple pulmonary nodules on chest CT. ⋯ The remaining 2 nodules regressed on increasing her dose of steroids. The case is discussed with emphasis on the histological and radiological differential diagnosis, in addition to including ITP among the spectrum of immunologic conditions associated with PHG.