ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aimed to compare reference anthropometric measures of Omani neonates with the international standard growth charts of the World Health Organization [WHO] in order to determine the appropriateness of these growth charts to assess the growth of Omani neonates
Methods: This cross-sectional study included all healthy full-term Omani neonates born between November 2014 and November 2015 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Birth weight, length and head circumference measurements were identified and compared to those of the 2006 WHO growth charts
Results: A total of 2,766 full-term neonates were included in the study, of which 1,401 [50.7%] were male and 1,365 [49.3%] were female. Mean birth weights for Omani males and females were 3.16 +/- 0.39 kg and 3.06 +/- 0.38 kg, respectively; these were significantly lower than the WHO standard measurements [P <0.001]. Similarly, the mean head circumferences of Omani males and females [33.8 +/- 1.27 cm and 33.3 +/- 1.26 cm, respectively] were significantly lower than those reported in the WHO growth charts [P <0.001]. In contrast, mean lengths for Omani males and females [52.0 +/- 2.62 cm and 51.4 +/- 2.64 cm, respectively] were significantly higher than the WHO standard measurements [P <0.001]
Conclusion: The WHO growth charts might not be appropriate for use with Omani neonates; possible alternatives should therefore be considered, such as national growth charts based on local data
ABSTRACT
The length of hospital stay [HS] for patients is a major concern due to its social, economic and administrative implications; this is particularly important for neonates admitted to intensive care units [ICUs]. This study aimed to determine the factors responsible for prolonged HS in surgical neonates. This retrospective study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, in Muscat, Oman. The medical records of 95 neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU who underwent general surgical procedures between July 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Mann-Whitney U and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used for non-parametric numerical and categorical variables, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was performed to find a relationship between the variables and to detect the most important factor responsible for prolonged HS. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Gestational age, birth weight, number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity were associated with prolonged HS. Furthermore, the age of neonates at first full enteral feed was associated with increased HS using both independent and multiple regression analyses. Prolonged HS can occur as a result of many factors. In this study, a number of factors were identified, including low gestational age, low birth weight, increased number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity. Additionally, neonate age at first full enteral feeds also correlated with increased HS. Further research on this topic is suggested to explore this correlation in more detail and to inform future practices
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Infant, Newborn , Intensive Care Units , Retrospective Studies , Intensive Care, Neonatal , Surgical Procedures, OperativeABSTRACT
A 72 years old lady presented with a gradually increasing abdominal mass for the last 25 years, with more rapid increase in the last 05 years. Examination revealed a large mass spanning the whole abdomen. CAT scan revealed a huge retroperitoneal tumour, with tortuous ureters passing through the tumour and three tiny nodules in the right lung field. A subtotal piecemeal excision of the tumour was done after stenting the ureters with single J stents. The excised tumour mass weighed 46 Kg. The patient had a prolonged ileus that recovered in 5 days. Histopathology revealed the mass to be dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The patient and the family were satisfied with the short-term outcome of the surgery. She was ambulating with little support and was able to manage her daily affairs