Saudi Med J
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The hospitalization and mortality rates incurred from acute childhood asthma continue to rise in the past decade. The purpose of this study is to examine the outcome, morbidity and the management of children admitted with acute asthma to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and compare it with those described in the literature. ⋯ We conclude that the mortality and morbidity in children with severe asthma, who require PICU admissions are minimal, provided optimal early use of bronchodilators and intravenous steroids. Using this approach, it could also be possible to avoid mechanical ventilation and shorten the duration of hospital admission.
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Thrombolytic therapy is a standard treatment for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Early administration of these agents is crucial for the outcome of management. This audit was conducted to evaluate the time between arrival to emergency department (ED) and the administration of thrombolysis (door to needle time). ⋯ The door to needle time was relatively similar to other centers. The delay in administering thrombolytic therapy should be reduced to a target of <70 minutes from onset of symptoms. Delay in presentation to the hospital was more important and factors contributing to this delay should be looked for and corrected. Another audit is needed to evaluate the implementation of these recommendations.
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A prospective study to investigate the effect of passive smoking on birth weight of infants born to women at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Passive maternal smoking was associated with a decrease in birth weight and an increase in small for gestation age infants. A dose-response relationship between passive maternal smoking and birth weight was not seen.
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Internal fixation devices are commonly used in the surgical treatment of many orthopedic conditions. Their prolonged presence, however, has been associated with potential complications. Many surgeons advocate the routine removal of internal fixation in the pediatric age group. In this report we present our experience with removal of internal fixation in pediatric patients and evaluate the benefits and difficulties of doing so. ⋯ Our experience supports the indication for timely removal of internal fixation devices in the pediatric population. When carried out on a routine basis it can avoid the difficulties associated with the late removal of implants.
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The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and imaging features of Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome (SJMS) in 9 adults. ⋯ Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome has a diverse manifestations in adults and can mimic other pulmonary disorders, which may lead to incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate therapy. The course is generally a stable one.