Nosocomial infections in a neonatal intensive care unit in south-western Saudi Arabia

A cohort study measured the occurrence and risk factors of nosocomial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit of Abha general hospital, Saudi Arabia. Of 401 neonates who stayed at least 48 hours in the unit, 77 developed infections, a period prevalence of 19.2% and an incidence of 13.7 infections per 1000 patient-days. The most frequent infections were: pneumonia [50.0%], primary bloodstream [40.9%] and skin and soft tissues [6.5%]. In logistic regression analysis, mechanical ventilation [OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.39-5.19] and total parenteral nutrition [OR = 5.62, 95% CI: 2.78-11.35] were identified as significant risk factors. Neonates suffering from nosocomial infections had more than 3 times the risk of dying compared to neonates free of infection

Minocycline hydrochloride [MINOCIN] in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea, in Zaria, Nigeria

Therapeutic trial of Minocycline hydrochloride [Minocin] in 13 male patients with uncomplicated acute gonorrhoea attending the special treatment clinic of A.B.U. teaching hospital, Zaria, was carried out, using a total dose of 900 mg [200 mg at the start followed by 100 mg 12 hourly for 4 days]. It is the first reported trial with this drug in Nigeria. Two of the patients got reinfected and were dropped from the trial. One failed, and ten representing 91%, were cured. It is suggested that a repeat trial in a larger population should be carried out, preferably with the 300 mg single dose, which with no doubt will be the most convenient regimen for both the patient and the doctor in our present local setting