High frequency of low serum levels of vitamin B [12] among patients attending Jordan University Hospital

This study aimed to estimate the status of serum vitamin B[12] level in patients attending Jordan University Hospital in Amman, and to examine the relationship with demographic data, chronic illness, dietary habits, haematological parameters and symptoms related to vitamin B[12] levels. A total of 838 patients completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples; 44.6% were vitamin B[12] deficient [< 180 pg/mL] and 34.2% had hypovitaminosis [180-300 pg/mL]. Vitamin B[12] deficiency was associated with memory impairment, low meat intake and strict vegetarian [vegan] diets. The high frequency of low vitamin B[12] warrants the development of a strategy to correct this problem in Jordan

Assessing predictors of outcome in necrotizing fasciitis at Jordan University Hospital

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening infection characterized by rapidly developing necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia with subsequent gangrene of the overlying skin. Necrotizing fasciitis [NF] is increasingly being diagnosed at Jordan University Hospital [JUH] with an apparent difference in the bacteriology of this disease. The aim of this study was to examine the presentation, etiology, course of the disease, treatment, and to identify the variables that are associated with high mortality. Information on the presentation, etiology, treatment, pathology and complications in all cases diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis from January 1987 to January 1998 A total of 23 patients underwent surgical exploration for necrotizing fasciitis during the study period. Six variables identified that significantly increased the risk of death from necrotizing fasciitis: Age above 60 years, female sex, perineal location, delayed operative management, white blood cell count more than 30,000 cell per mm[3] and infection mainly with Gram negative [G-ve] bacteria species. This study suggests that necrotizing% fasciitis is a serious and potentially fatal infection particularly in old, female patients presenting with perineal infection, high WBC count, and Gram negative [G-ve] bacterial isolates. Early diagnosis, aggressive initial debridement and redebridement in addition to adequate nutritional support and antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment