Assessment of the quality of life in patients on haemodialysis in Iraq

In Bahrain, adequate epidemiological information is lacking concerning the rate of EBV infection, which could be helpful in order to develop measures to protect against EBV infections. The aim of this study, was to investigate the trend of EBV infection in Bahrain over a 15-year period, 2001–2015. The EBV serological results of 10 560 patients with possible EBV infection were evaluated. Samples taken at the Salmaniya Medical Complex during 2001–2015 were included. The presence or absence of EBV viral capsid antigen [VCA] IgG, VCA IgM and EBV nuclear antigen [EBNA] IgG antibodies was recorded. Of the 10 560 samples, 10 333 were usable; of these, 86.1% were seropositive with an increasing trend of EBV infection over the study period. Primary EBV infection was found in 7.4% of the seropositive samples; of these, 47.3% were between 5 and 19 years. EBV reactivation was found in 11% of the seropositive samples; of these, 50% were > 25 years of age. The youngest seropositive patient was 11 months old. EBV is a common viral infection in Bahrain. Most primary infections occur between 1 and 5 years while most reactivation infections occur after the age of 25 years. Serial surveillance of EBV infection is needed in Bahrain. Measures to protect against EBV infections should be implemented

Neonatal sepsis 1991-2001: prevalent bacterial agents and antimicrobial susceptibilities in Bahrain

To investigate the organisms causing neonatal sepsis and their modifications over an extended period, to assess their changing sensitivities to antibiotics and to verify whether the policy for screening pregnant women for group B streptococci [GBS] carriage is desirable in our settings. Medical records of all infants with positive blood culture from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex between 1991 and 2001 and Bahrain Defense Force Hospital between 1999 and 2001 were reviewed. Of the 7,978 neonates in both hospitals 335 [4.19%] had culture-proven bacteremia. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated at constant rate over the 11-year period. The main agents isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus [CoNS] in 138 cases [41%], Staphylococcus aureus in 28 newborns [8%] and GBS in 26 patients [7.8%, 0.2/1,000 live births]. All of them were sensitive to penicillin G, erythromycin and clindamycin. Gram-negative bacteria were declining but Escherichia coli was isolated in 35 cases [10%]. Of special concern is the increasing percentage [5.7%] of Candida isolation. No clear trend toward increasing resistance was observed, although a major difference among the two institutions was evident. Klebsiella and Enterobacter spp. showed resistance to many of the antibiotics tested, thereby posing difficult therapeutic choices. Good quality specimens are essential to evaluate the role of CoNS. The increasing threat of fungal infection must be carefully tackled. Specifically tailored policies for GBS prevention must be defined according to the local epidemiology

Clinical profiles of infants hospitalized with acute respiratory yncial virus bronchiolitis in Bahrain

Assessment of patients with acute bronchiolitis is important for the practicing pediatricians, to determine the best management especially in view of the recent advances in this regard. Studying the clinical characteristics of hospitalized infants and young children with acute respiratory syncial virus [RSV] in Bahrain and highlighting the current management of such patients in order to revise and improve the standard of care to our affected patients Reviewing- retrospectively- the records of all RSV positive bronchiolitis patients admitted to Salmanyia Medical Complex [SMC] in the period of January 2000 to August 2003. Data included clinical profiles and the management, especially the use of nebulized bronchodilators, systemic steroids and antibiotics. Out of 235 tests done in the period of Jan 2000-August 2003, 88[37%] tested positive of which. 58 patients [66%] were admitted to SMC and are the focus of this study. 60% were males and 40% females Their age ranged from 0-24 months, 83.8% were between 0-6 months. Sepsis was documented in one patient only. Of those who had chest X-ray 50% had hyperinflation while pneumonic infiltration was found in 52.6%. The length of stay in hospital ranged between 5 and 8 days. Six patients [10%] required intensive care and intubation. Nebulized bronchodilators were used in 75.9% while systemic steroids and antibiotics were used in 37.9% and 66.4% respectively. For our infants with acute RSV bronchiolitis, we need to individualize collecting blood cultures, starting antibiotics and when to use nebulized bronchodilators and systemic steroids. A practical guideline is needed for better management of our patients, based on the best evidence, experience and the available resources.

Behcet's disease in Bahrain, clinical and HLA findings

To study the clinical features and the HLA findings of Behcet's disease in Bahrain. Method: A retrospective study of nine patients with Behcet's disease from the Salmaniya Medical Complex who were treated over a 15-year period are analysed. The male to female ratio was 3.5:1. Oral ulcers were present in all patients, genital ulcers in 88.9%, skin lesions in 66.7%, ocular involvement in 44.4%, arthritis in 44.4%, epididymitis in 57% of the males, and DVT in 22.2%. HLA B5 was positive in 66.7% of the patients. 66.7% of the cases had the HLA B5 allele. Their clinical manifestations are similar to those reported in the other Gulf countries