Study of rheumatic fever among school children in Alexandria during 1995-1999

Acute rheumatic fever continues to be a major health problem in economically developing and developed counties. The present study aimed to identify the incidence of rheumatic fever [RF and its complications among school students in Alexandria governorate [Egypt] during the years 1995-1999. The incidence of RF showed a decrease trend ranging from 189/100000 in 1995 to 93/10,000 in 1999; Rheumatic arthritis was the main presentation observed. Mitral regurgitation was the most common valvular lesion, followed by combined mitral and aortic regurgitation. Isolated aortic regurgitation was the least frequent lesion. Surgical intervention was done for no more than 2% of all cases

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation versus Roller ball ablation in treating premenopausal menorrhagia

To determine whether thermal balloon endometrial ablation can replace Roller ball ablation in treating premenopausal menorrhagia resistant to hormonal therapy. 57 premenopausal women complaining of abnormal uterine bleeding in the form of menorrhagia were enrolled in the study and were divided into 2 groups; group I included 27 women who had thermal balloon endometrial ablation while group II consisted of 30 women who had Roller ball ablation. No medication was used to suppress the endometrium in preparation for ablation in either group. Both procedures were performed under general anesthesia with pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics. All women were followed up for a period 12 months. Both groups were comparable in age, parity and body mass index. The improvement reported in the menstrual pattern after both procedures was not statistically different between both groups [p > 0.05]. Duration of ablation including the time for general anesthesia was significantly higher in group II [p < 0.05]. No significant difference was found in the intra and postoperative complications between the groups except vaginal discharge [p < 0.05]; this was a common postoperative complaint for all women [100%] in group II with a duration lasting between 9-19 days. Only 13 patient [54%] in group I complained of a serosanguious discharge for a period of 5-7 -days. No blood transfusion was required in either group. No fluid overload occurred in any case in group II. Thermal balloon endometrial ablation seems to be safe and effective alternative to Roller ball endometrial ablation in treating premenopausal menorrhagia resistant to hormonal therapy