Vitamin D status in adults: a cross sectional study

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D has been reported to be common in different regions of the Middle East. The aim of this study is to examine vitamin D level in relation to age, sex, season, clothing and use of supplements among healthy adults. A cross-sectional study. Blood Bank, Bahrain Defense Hospital. This study was performed from February 2011 to January 2012. Vitamin D level was assessed in 500 healthy Bahrainis [250 males and 250 females]aged 15-65 years with no history of major organ diseases or any other health problems. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was determined according to the ranges of 25-hyroxyvitamin D [25[OH]D] recommended by the Institute of Medicine, USA. The mean total serum of 25[OH]D was low [22.9 +/- 10.1 nmol/L] and total serum of 25[OH] D concentrations in 49.4%, 37.0% and 13.6% of the participants were having <30.0 nmol/L [deficiency], between 30.0-50.0 nmol/L [insufficiency] and >50.0 nmol/L [optimal]. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in females 169 [67.6%] than males 78 [31.2%] p<0.0001. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among younger age group, <30 years, 139 [53%] was significantly higher than older age group, >30 years, 108 [45.4%], p<0.001. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher during October to March 121 [69.2%] than April to September 41 [12.5%], p<0.0001. In this study only 68 [13.6%] had optimal level of vitamin D suggesting an alarming vitamin D deficiency in Bahrainis. This is the first population-based study in Bahrain that indicates vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended that fortification of food with vitamin D on a national basis is necessary to overcome such low levels of vitamin D in Bahrainis

Tonsillar hamartoma

Harmatoma of the tonsil is extremely rare. Only few cases around the world were reported and a few presentations were discussed in the literature. Our case is a 46 year-old male presented with painless mass in the throat with history of persistent cough and snoring for the last 5 years. A pedunclated polyp was attached to the right tonsil which was completely removed by laser excision under local anaesthesia. The tonsillar polyp showed features of a benign tumour consistent with hamartoma

Breast disease in Bahrain defense force hospital a study of 194 cases

A retrospective study of breast disease in Bahrain Defence Force Hospital was undertaken. Study period covers all specimens taken from 1985-1991 inclusive. There were 215 specimens belonging to 207 patients. These represent 2% of the total surgical pathology material in study period. Fibrocystic disease was diagnosed in 63 patients [32%], fibroadenoma 60 [30%] and malignancy in 29 [14%]. Invasive duct carcinoma was the commonest malignancy 20 out of 29. the majority of patients with malignancy [69%] were under the age of 50 years

Leiomyoma of esophagus [a case report]

A leiomyoma of oesophagus is a rare tumour, but it is considered the commonest benign tumour involving the oesophagus. We report a case of leiomyoma of oesophagus as we believe this is the first case which as been reported in Bahrain. The clinical, radiological and pathological findings are discussed