Ventral penile papillae as a new anatomical structure: a clinical-epidemiological study among Iraqi males

Ventral Penile Papillae [VPP] are benign asymptomatic structures that are found on the skin of the ventral aspect of penile shaft of many adult males; yet, no frank record or description of them is found in the English medical literatures. To hit light on the VPP. finds their frequency among circumcised Iraqi adult males, seeks about their associations with other skin conditions, and examines the histological picture. Forty seven Iraqi circumcised adult males were included in this case descriptive, comparative study which extended between July 2007-November 2007 was conducted in Department of Dermatology-Baghdad Teaching Hospital. All 47 persons were asked about sociodemographic aspects, medical and skin conditions. They were evaluated clinically regarding different clinical aspects. Statistical data were deduced. Biopsies were done for 8 papillae from 6 persons for histological assessment. Also, 50 circumcised children under the age of 10 years were examined for the presence of these papillae as a control group. Forty seven males were enrolled the present work, their ages ranged from 14-59[29.72+10.57] years. Twenty five [53.2%] persons had VPP, while 22 [46.8%] subjects showed no papillae. Fifty circumcised children of ages ranged from 3.5.40[5.97+1.42] years, all were lacking the papillae. The papillae were asymptomatic. Shapes of papillae were distributed as follows: skin tag-like papillae were 53, 93%, dome-shaped 40.44%, while wartlike in 5.61% of these papillae. Histology was normal apart from finding of dermal encapsulated structures which simulate mechanoreceptor nerve endings, so called Meissner' corpuscles. All facts start as speculative thoughts as had been proved by the present study. Ventral penile papillae are normal anatomical and physiological structures that are present in only adult males while completely absent in children. So the age of onset lies during adulthood, The location, morphology, age of onset, and the histology of these papillae are very suggestive of their sexual stimulatory function. Still further physiological and histological studies are strongly recommended

Bacille Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy of viral warts

To assess the effectiveness of the Bacille Calmette-Guerin [BCG] vaccine in the treatment of viral warts. A single blind placebo controlled study conducted at the Department of Dermatology; Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq from March 2005 to June 2006. Two hundred patients with viral warts were enrolled in this study, and were fully assessed before therapy. The patients were divided into 2 equal matched groups. Group 1 was designed as the treatment group and received BCG vaccine in 1-3 doses with a one-month interval, while group 2 was injected with distilled water. The patients were evaluated every 2 weeks for evidence of regression of lesions. The follow up period lasted for 3 months after the last dose. A total of 154 patients completed the study: 81 patients in group I and 73 patients in group II. Thirty [39.7%] patients out of 81 patients in group I showed complete recovery. These results were significantly high [p<0.05] when compared with total response, 10 [13.7%] out of 73 patients in group II. No recurrence has been reported during the follow up period. When cases that failed to respond to placebo were treated with BCG in a similar manner to group I, there was total response in 15 [42.7%] out of 44 patients. No side effects were observed. The BCG vaccine was an effective and safe modality of treatment of viral warts

Prevalence of asymptomatic urinary tract infection among primary school children in Iraq [Hilla]

Urinary tract infections are common in infancy and childhood associated with potentially serious long term consequences of renal scarring, hypertension and chronic renal failure. To determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections among Iraqi children and some associated risk factors a cross-sectional study was conducted in Hilla province during the period from the 1st October 2001 through March 2002. Two stage-randomized samples, in the first stage a sample of schools was chosen. In the second stage 250 boys and 250 girls were chosen. The criteria used for enhanced urinalysis were Pyuria; presence of at least 10 white blood cells /mm3 by using a Neubaure counting chamber and /or Bacteriuria; presence of any bacteria /20 oil immersion field on gram stain smear. The questionnaire papers distributed to all those included in the sample. Chi-square test was used. The age range was 7-12 years. Mean +/- SD [9.36 +/- 1.39]. Prevalence of asymptomatic urinary tract infection was 6.6% but among girls was significantly higher than boys [11.2% Vs 2%] [P=0.00007]. The results of urinanylsis and cultures were positive in 28.6% of infected girls only, bacteriuria present in 46.42% of infected girls and in 80% of infected boys. Pyuria and bacteriuria present in 25% infected girls and in 20% infected boy [P>0.05].Urine culture showed E. coli in 57% of infected girls and 80% of infected boys. There was no significant difference between age groups [P>0.05]. Asymptomatic urinary tract infection is a hidden disease affecting young children and early adolescence, mainly girls 11.2%. Urine culture could be replaced by enhanced urinalysis as a screening test. We encourage the use of this test in school health program at least once per year