comparison between the presentation of confirmed influenza A/H1N1/2009 virus infection and influenza-like illness among children admitted at Queen Alia military hospital

To describe the clinical characteristics of children who were hospitalized with respiratory infections during the year 2009 at Queen Alia Military Hospital in Amman and to compare features of confirmed influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 virus infections with features of Influenza-like illness. Hospitalized children under the age of 14 years with respiratory infections during the year 2009, with influenza A/H1N1/ virus infection were studied. All were tested with Real Time - Polymerase-Chain-Reaction [RT-PCR] assay for Influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 virus and chest radiography was done on admission. All were treated with Oseltamivir on admission till the laboratory results were available. During the study period, there were 77 admissions with respiratory infection. Only one death occurred. Forty-four [57%] were males, 44 had positive RT-PCR for influenza A/H1N1/2009 virus and 33[43%] tested negative and were considered, to have influenza-like illness. Comparing patients who had confirmed influenza A/H1N1/2009, to those with influenza-like illness, revealed that the mean age was 51 months versus 42 months. Underlying medical conditions were present in 70% versus 48% [p<0.001]. Chest radiographic findings were consistent with pneumonia in 100% versus 27% [p<0.001]. All patients had fever on admission. Dyspnoea was observed in 57% versus 33% [p<0.005]. Cough was seen in 91% versus 89% [p>0.05]. Vomiting affected 25% versus 18% [p>0.05]. Diarrhea occurred in 34% versus 21% [p>0.05]. Three patients had hematuria and one had croup, all were in the positively tested group. The patient that died had neurological disability and was tested positive for the infection. Influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 caused significant illness requiring hospitalization. When compared to patients with influenza-like illness, patients with influenza A/H1N1/2009 infections, were older, significantly more patients had dyspnoea, radiologically confirmed pneumonia and an underlying medical condition. Gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in patients with confirmed influenza A/H1N1/ 2009 infection, but the difference was not statistically significant

Cystic adenomatoid malformation: Unusual cause of neonatal respiratory distress

Cystic adenomatoid malformation is a unilateral hamartomatous lesion that generally presents as marked respiratory distress within the first days of life. This disorder account for 95% of cases of congenital cystic lung disease. We report on a newborn male baby, a product of normal vaginal delivery following uneventful, full term pregnancy born to a healthy, multigravida Jordanian mother. The baby was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit immediately after delivery with respiratory distress. Chest ultrasound revealed a multicystic fluid filled mass lesion in the right lower lobe consistent with the diagnosis of adenomatoid malformation later confirmed by histopathology. The baby underwent surgical excision of the mass lesion that was confined to the right lower lobe. The baby did very well postoperatively and was discharged home in good condition; he is now two years old healthy, asympytomatic and growing normally. Evidence indicates long term prognosis, depending on the amount of normal lung tissue left after surgical resection, is generally good