Preliminary study on cryptosporidiosis in livestock from kuwait

Out of 225 fecal samples [40 of calves, 128 of lambs and 57 of goat kids] received in the Veterinary Laboratories, Kuwait, 43 [19.1%] were found to be positive for Cryptosporidium using the conventional method, modified acid-fast stain, and the immunologic technique, the immuno-chromatography assay. Calf fecal samples showed the highest infection rate [37.5%], followed by goat kids [21%] and then Lambs [12.5%]. Results obtained by conventional method were found to be consistent with those detected using the immunologic technique

Enteric protozoan parasites in stray cats in Kuwait with special references to toxoplasmosis and risk factors affecting its occurrence

In Kuwait, stray cats were surveyed for enteric protozoan infection using fecal examination and their sera were tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgG using indirect hemagglutination test [IHAT] as well as for feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV] antibodies and feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] antibodies using ELISA. Out of 240 fecal samples examined 22 [9.2%] were found to be infected with oocysts of four species of coccidian protozoa. Isopspora felis was the most predominant enteric protozoan parasite [7.1%], followed by T. gondii [2.1%], I. rivolta [1.6], Sarcocystis was only found in one case [0.4%]. Juvenile cats [>/= 6 months old] had higher infection rate with oocyst of enteric protozoa than older cats [p-value 0.001]. Sero-survey of 240 stray cats revealed that 19.6% were positive to T gondii IgG. Toxoplasma sero-positivity was observed in higher number of adults compared to young cats suggests that with age the risk of exposure to T gondii increases. While concurrent retroviral infections were not found to be associated with increased risk for developing T. gondii antibodies

Acute appendicectomy is better choice for appendicular mass

To compare the cost effectiveness, hospital stay and morbidity in each type of management of appendicular mass i.e. early surgical intervention and conservative management. A randomized comparative study. South Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital Lahore from July, 1999 to January, 2001. 40 patients were included dividing in two equal groups. Group A patients were explored early and group B patients were managed conservatively. Cost effectiveness, hospital stay and morbidity were determined in each group. Mean hospital stay was 2.85 days [2-4 days] in group A and 6.25 days [5-8 days] in group B [p value< 0.001]. Mean expenditure in group A was Rs.1255 and Rs. 2183.75 in group B [p value < 0.001]. 100% patients in group A got complete pain relief within three days while it took 7 days for 90% of patients in group B [p value<0.001]. Oral fluids were started earlier in group A as compared to group B [p value<0.05]

Misses and near misses: drug administration errors

Mistakes made during administration of drugs to patients can be lethal. In order to analyse these mishaps we need to study the particular circumstances of each accident and define the reasons behind the mistake or lapse. This paper reports the findings of a confidential pilot study designed to highlight the frequency of such unfortunate incidences and formulate recommendations applicable in our society to prevent some of these tragic outcomes. Sixty doctors and nurses from different hospitals were randomly enquired about the personal knowledge of pharmacological mistakes with which they were either closely associated or they had first hand information of the incident. All data was collected in confidence on condition of anonymity. We discovered 21 instances of drug administration errors. Dispensation of wrong drug to a patient was the commonest mistake discovered. Nurses gave majority of these injections during the night. Half the victims of these mishaps lost their lives. From this confidential inquiry, we have found that tragedies with loss of life are not infrequent in our set up: Typical scenario involved muscle relaxant given instead of narcotic analgesic by a student nurse during the night. When the mistake was not detected in time it frequently ended in tragic loss of life. It is disturbing to note that minimum basic facilities of proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation were not available in some hospitals. Recommendations: Only senior nurses / doctors should give IV injections. Conscious effort should be made to minimise the use of IV medication, drugs should be used only with proper indications when suitable oral alternatives are not feasible. The nurses' training as well as nurse patient ratio needs to be improved. Muscle relaxants should not be available outside operating rooms and critical care units. We need to set up a central confidential data-reporting centre for voluntary [anonymous

Acute vascular injuries of extremeties

Direct arterial surgery for acute vascular damage of extremities had been performed for [17] seventeen wounded patients most of them were injuried during July till the end of September 1983 evacuated to Erbil military Hospital within a period of 4- 12 hours. Eight patients were injuried by bullet and nine patients by shells. The most common vessel injuried was femoral artery, [seven cases], this coinsides with international data. The common type of injury was transection of the vessel. Constructions of vessels were made by end to end anastomosis and autogenous, reversed saphenous graft in addition to general management of the patient. Amputation was done in one patient which was delayed in evacuation. Six months to one year follow up reveals good vascularity of the limb and successful repair.this study express the adaptation of policy limb salvage even in war injuries