Evaluation of the role of bedside lung ultrasound versus chest x-ray in critically ill patients

Background: Although chest X-ray is the main imaging approach in many settings, many limitations for it exist. Ultrasound has quite similar performances to CT with many advantages. Methods: From January 2017 till May 2018, a prospective cohort study conducted in emergency ICU at Zagazig university hospitals including 124 critically ill patients older than 18 years with respiratory distress, cough, fever, or hypoxemia. We excluded from the study pregnant females, patients with massive chest wall emphysema or hematoma, morbidly obese and finally patients with risk of transportation. All patients underwent thorough physical examination, history, laboratory investigations & Chest radiology (X-rays, chest ultrasound & CT). We measured the sensitivity and specificity of chest ultrasound and chest X-rays in comparison with CT with measurement of the learning curve of chest US. Results: 124 patients were assessed for eligibility. 24 patients were excluded for different causes and 100 patients (69 males & 31 females) completed the study with mean age of 49.22±11.52 years. Regarding all study population, whatever diagnosis, sensitivity and specificity of chest ultrasound and chest X-rays were 91.4%, 98.3% and 61.7%, 96.2% respectively. Concordance of the results of ultrasound with results of X-rays and clinical diagnosis increased sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy to highly comparable results with chest computed tomography. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of chest ultrasound increased with time and with number of patients. Conclusions: Chest ultrasound is reliable, quick, bedside, low-cost, non-invasive, non-ionizing, more accurate, and easily educated for early detection of chest diseases and their follow up

Age at Menarche among School Girls in Sokoto; Northern Nigeria

Background/Objectives: Menarche; the first menstrual period; is influenced by many factors including socio-economic status and rural or urban dwelling. The aims of the study were to compare the age at menarche between rural and urban girls and evaluate the anthropometric indices at menarche. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of rural secondary school girls and urban school girls. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on their age at menarche and other relevant data. Their weights and heights were measured using computerized scales and calibrated walls. Results: Two hundred and twenty eight (228) rural girls and four hundred and eighty (480) urban girls that had attained menarche within a year were studied. Mean age at menarche for all the girls was 15.26 years. Mean menarcheal age for the rural and urban girls were 15.32 years and 15.20 years; respectively. Mean weight and height were 47.6 kg and 156.76 cm; respectively for the rural girls and 48.12 kg and 156.8 cm; respectively for the urban girls. There was no significance difference in age of menarche among the groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: The mean age at menarche for the school girls is 15.26 years. There was no difference in menarcheal age between the rural and urban school girls. Further longitudinal studies to compare rural school girls and urban school girls in private schools are required

Assessment of Existing Practices in the Operating Theatre in the Khartoum North Teaching Hospital; Sudan

This study; assessing existing practices in the operating theatre regarding hand washing; disinfection and sterilisation; was conducted at Khartoum North Teaching Hospital. As far as we know; this is the first study of its kind since the inauguration of the hospital in 1950. A total of 55 health personnel working in the operating theatre participated in the study. These included nurses and environmental service personnel (housekeepers and sterilisation and disinfection personnel). Knowledge and practice were evaluated using multiple choice and direct interview questions. Operation theatre sterilisation and disinfection practices were monitored using checklists modified from World Health Organization recommendations. A marked lack of knowledge and defective attitudes and practices were observed among a large number of personnel. It was observed that 51of the nurses were 46 years of age or older and that two-thirds had only a primary and intermediate school level education. The study recommends the upgrading of the operating theatres and additional training and education of staff. Theatres should be provided with facilities for proper disinfection and waste disposal. Qualified nurses should be employed. We also recommend the establishment of an infection control committee. The role of the committee would include the planning and execution of hygiene policies. In addition; planning and organising training courses in infection control should be seen as a priority