Ambiguous genitalia in neonates: a 4-year prospective study in a localized area

This study aimed to determine the possible etiology of ambiguous genitalia in 41 newborn infants at a referral hospital in Hofuf city, Saudi Arabia. In 46,XX karyotype patients [n = 14], congenital adrenal hyperplasia and general malformation disorder were the most common causes of genital ambiguity, while in 46,XY karyotype patients [n = 18], testosterone pathway biosynthetic defect was the most common cause even in conjunction with a generalized malformation disorder. In patients with abnormal karyotype [n = 3], 1 had trisomy 18 [47,XX] and died after 3 months and 2 had different types of mosaic Turner syndrome. The karyotype was undetermined in 6 patients. Positive family history of ambiguous genitalia was noted in 4 patients

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt infections in infants and children

To determine the rate and the type of ventriculoperitoneal [VP] shunt infections in infants and children admitted to King Fahad Hofuf hospital of AI-Ahsaa area at the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. From mid 2003 to end of 2006; VP shunt infection episodes were reviewed. Once infection was suspected, a cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] sample was taken and empirical antibiotics were recommended. Once infection was confirmed, VP shunt was removed and external ventricular drainage [EVD] was inserted until CSF became sterile after which a new shunt was inserted. 25.9% of patients with VP shunts had infections which represents 29.3% of the procedures. 40% of infected patients had recurrent episodes. 59.1% of infections occurred throughout the first two months following insertion. Single pathogen was isolated in each episode. Pseudomonas auerginosa represented 50% of isolated pathogens compared with 18.2% with Staphylococcus epidermidis. There is a high incidence of VP shunt infections in King Fahad Hofuf hospital when compared with other international centres. Gram negative organisms are the most common cause of the infection

Traumatic and non-traumatic coma in children in the referral hospital, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia

We determined the incidence, etiology and outcome of paediatric coma patients in King Fahad Hospital, which is the only referral centre for Al-Hasa region, Saudi Arabia. From April 1999 to March 2002, 91 children with coma [age range 28 days to 12 years] were admitted. The Glasgow Coma Scale for children was used for assessment. Neurological outcomes were categorized as intact, impairment or death. Incidence of coma was 4.77 per 100 000 population per year. Trauma [head trauma or polytrauma] was the commonest cause of coma [52.8%], followed by infection [25.3%]. Mortality was 47.2% [35.4% among traumatic cases and 60.5% among non-traumatic cases]. There was impaired outcome in 19.8% of patients [22.9% with traumatic coma and 16.3% with non-traumatic coma]

Traumatic brain injury in pediatric age group; Predictors of outcome in pediatric intensive care unit

To determine predictors for outcomes of traumatic brain injury [TBI] in infants and children younger than twelve years admitted to our pediatric intensive care units [PICU]. This is a retrospective cohort study from 2004-5, done at the PICU of King Fahad Hofuf Hospital, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. One hundred and six patients with TBI; 65 boys and 41 girls ages 12 or under, with a mean age of 5.7 years, were included. Of them, 11.3% died [Deaths group], 11% survived with neurological deficits [NDgroup], and 77% survived with no neurological deficits [NND-group]. The potential predictors for death or neurological deficits were examined. 83% of deaths had initial Glascow coma scale [GCS] of