Morbidity pattern of pre-school children in Derna- Libya [2007]

To assess the current health status and morbidity pattern among preschool children at Derna, Libya during 2007. This study was conducted in all the three kindergartens in Derna between [15/10/2007 and 15/11/2007], the total number of children was 770. In addition, 1000 children [3-5 years old] presented to outpatient paediatric clinic- Derna between [1/6/2007 and 31/12/207] were included in the study. General examination and assessment of all body systems [Eye, ENT, teeth, skin, chest, CNS, abdomen and cardiovascular systems were examined and evaluated]. As regards morbidity pattern in kindergartens in Derna [287 morbidity cases of total 770 children], dental cares was highly frequent at 28.7%. As regards children [3-5 years old] presented to outpatient paediatric clinic- Derna, the mean value of weight was 14.6 +/- 2.7 Kg, height was 109 +/- 5.4 cm. head circumference was 48.7 +/- 8.6 cm, hemoglobin was 10.8 +/- 1.48 gm/dl and total leukocytes was 7.1 +/- 2.4/1000 cc. Fever represented 52.2%, diarrhea 28.2%, colic 23.8%, rash or itching 22.3%, cough, wheeze, rhinitis 19.6%, enuresis 19.6% and poor appetite 13.0% of cases. Respiratory tract infections represented 44.4%, gastroenteritis 22.2%, dental caries 22%, normal for follow up 13.3%, UTI 8.9%, Colic 6.7%, others 4.4% of cases. Results of the present study proved the need of intervention to prevent morbidity conditions as education about dental health, good hygiene and proper nutrition and must be early detection of these cases with early intervention as squint and error of refraction to prevent complication

Driveway motor vehicle and bicycle injuries in children at Alwahda Hospital, Derna-Libya [2005-2006]

To describe the frequency, nature and outcome of driveway injuries in children. A retrospective study of driveway-related injuries in children less than 16 years of age admitted to Alwahda Hospital, Derna-Libya, from January 2005 to December 2006, and deaths reported. Circumstances of injury; type and number of injuries were identified. A total number of 104 children were admitted to Alwahda Hospital with driveway-related injuries [2005-2006], representing 17.3% of all with motor vehicle injuries. Fourteen deaths representing 13.5% of cases were reported. Males were 85 [81.7%] and females were 19 [18.3%]. Head injuries represented 41.3% [43/104] of cases followed by extremities 31.7% [33/104] then extremities with multiple injuries - 16.3% [17/104]. Sprain or contusions represented 43.3% [45/104] of cases, open wound 26.9% [28/104] and fractures 20.2% [21/104]. Cars were involved in 79% of all injuries, light commercial vehicles or bicycles were involved in 21%. About 75% of injuries occurred in the afternoon or night, and 45% of injuries took place in the summer months. Driveway injuries in children account for a significant proportion of paediatric pedestrian motor vehicle injuries and deaths in Derna. Prevention represents the only effective approach to reducing deaths from this cause