Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy incidence and risk factors in north western Saudi Arabia

To find the incidence, early outcome and the associated risk factors of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy[HIE] in Madina Al-Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and compare it with other centers. Also, to find out whether any of these risk factors are preventable. We conducted a case controlled study of HIE in Madina Maternity and Children's Hospital, Madina Al-Munawara, KSA over a one-year-period, from June 1995 to May 1996. All the inborn term babies without major congenital malformations that developed HIE were included in the study. A term baby born next to the index case was taken as a control for each case. Data was collected for possible risk factors. The incidence of risk factors in the 2 groups was analyzed and compared statistically. A total of 70 cases of HIE were recorded in the study period giving an incidence of 5.5 cases per 1000 term births. This incidence is lower compared to many developing countries and comparable to other centers. Among the maternal factors, being a primigravida, with no antenatal care, presence of pregnancy induced hypertension, and complications of pregnancy were significantly higher in the study population. Similarly, the frequency of prolonged 2nd stage of labor, antepartum hemorrhage, delivery by emergency cesarean section [CS] or the use of instruments was significantly higher in the study group. Babies suffering from intrauterine growth retardation and male sex were also at significantly higher risk. The average hospital stay of the cases was 12 days. Twelve cases of severe HIE died before discharge from the hospital giving an overall mortality rate of 17.1%. The incidence of HIE and birth asphyxia reported in different studies varies widely. The incidence in our hospital is much lower than reported in many studies from developing countries. The important associated risk factors includes being a primigravida mother, lack of antenatal care, pregnancy induced hypertension, prolonged 2nd stage of labor, delivery by use of instruments or emergency CS and intrauterine growth retardation. Improvement in antenatal care and intra-partum monitoring can decrease the incidence of HIE. The threshold for intervention in cases with fetal distress needs to be lower

Rheumatic fever: experience in madina Al-Munawara

Acute rheumatic fever [ARF] and rheumatic heart disease [RHD] continue to be a major problem in the developing countries. A press study was carried out to find the magnitude and clinical pattern of rheumatic fever in the region of Madina Al-Munawara and the usefulness of echocardiography in the diagnosis and evaluation of rheumatic fever. All new cases of ARF and RHD admitted to Madina Hospital from February 1995 to August 1996 were included in the study. A total of 73 children under 14 years of age were included in the study. All the cases were assessed by a thorough clinical examination, chest x-ray, ECG and conventional M and B mode, and color Doppler echocardiography. Diagnosis of ARF was made strictly on modified Jones criteria. Males and females were almost equally affected. Of the 73 cases, 64 were admitted with ARF while 9 were cases of established [RHD]. Thirteen [20%] cases with ARF were admitted with recurrence. One of these patients was on regular four-weekly penicillin prophylaxis but others took either no or irregular prophylaxis. The majority of our cases [56%] were less than 10 years of age. Most cases were from urban/suburban population. Arthritis was the most common clinical manifestation, being present in 62% of the cases with ARF, and followed closely by carditis in 59% of the cases. Echocardiographic evidence of carditis was seen in as much as 75% cases. Rheumatic chorea was the presenting feature in 14% of cases. Rheumatic nodules and erythema marginatum were rare. Mitral regurgitation was the most common valvular lesion. Auscultation was found less sensitive than echocardiography in detecting valvular lesions. In conclusion, rheumatic fever continues to be a serious clinical problem in the Madina region of Saudi Arabia, and the high recurrence rate can be decreased by penicillin prophylaxis. Echocardiography can diagnose many cases of subclinical carditis and valvular lesions