Childhood hemolytic uremic syndrome in Jordan

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [HUS] is the most common cause of Acute Kidney Injury [AKI] in the developed countries. It consists of Microoangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia [MAHA], AKI and thrombocytopenia. To review the outcome of childhood Diarrhea-associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [D+HUS] presenting to the pediatric department at Jordan University Hospital [JUH]. In this retrospective study war reviewed the medical rectors of children presenting to JUH between January 1977 and January 2008 with D+HUS. There were 21 patients [15 girls and 6 boys]. Age ranged from 6 months to 11 years. 8 children [38%] had Entamoeba histolytica infection. 57% needed peritoneal dialysis. Central nervous system manifestations included drowsiness in 8 patients [38.1%], limb weakness in 2 patients [9.5%], seizures in 9 patients [43%], irritability 3 patients [14%], transient blindness in 2 patients [9.5%], and uremic encephalopathy in 1 patient [4.8%]. Complete recovery in 11 patients [52.4%], chronic kidney disease in 6 patients [28.6%], central nervous system deficit in 2 patients, and death in 2 patients [9.5%]. There was no correlation between the outcome and the presence of leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, severity of renal failure, hyponatremia, or hypertension [p<0.05]. Our data highlights the importance of D+HUS in the pediatric age group. In addition, it emphasizes its manifestations, complications, and outcome

Dilated cardiomyopathy with entamoeba histolytica associated hemolytic uremic syndrome in a child: a case report with review of the literature

This research aims at reporting an unusual 16 month old female who developed dilated cardiomyopathy and type IV renal tubular acidosis during the course of diarrhea positive Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [D+ HUS] following Entamoeba histolytica infection. D+ HUS with cardiomyopathy and Entamoeba histolytica is rare. Associated Type IV RTA has not been described in the literature

Familiarity, knowledge, and attitudes towards epilepsy among attendees of a family clinic in Amman, Jordan

To investigate the present familiarity, knowledge, and attitudes of Jordanians towards epilepsy. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted over a 6-month period, from April 2006 to October 2006 at the family clinic of Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. A face-to-face questionnaire interview was conducted with 600 non-epileptic adults who visited the clinic during the study period. The sample matched the overall Jordanian population for literacy rate, however, included a higher proportion of females, and consequently findings may be taken as being only moderately representative of the Jordanian population. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents had heard about epilepsy, 47.3% knew someone with epilepsy, and 39.7% had witnessed a seizure. The major source of knowledge was word of mouth; knowledge about causes and treatment were far below the results reported in western countries. In addition, negative attitudes were present with regard to marriage and employment of epileptic patients [86.8% objected to marriage and 50.8% objected to employment]. Eighty-three percent of respondents admitted that their knowledge of epilepsy was not satisfactory and were willing to learn more about epilepsy. The television was believed to be the most efficient and preferred way to disseminate knowledge about epilepsy. Although this study does not represent the whole Jordanian population, however, it demonstrated lack of knowledge and emphasized the extent of negative as well as positive attitudes towards epilepsy in Jordan