Prevalence of preventable causes of low vision in different ages and genders

Much of the vision loss from age-related eye disease can be prevented. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of preventable causes of low vision. In this study, files of 204 patients were evaluated. Low vision was defined as best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye between 20/70 to 20/200. Diagnosis of anterior and posterior segment disease was based on the eye examination that performed with Topcon slit-lamp biomicroscope and direct and indirect ophthalmoscope examination. The prevalence of preventable causes of low was respectively: diabetic retinopathy, in 33 patients [16.18%], glaucoma in 6 patients [2.94%], and amblyopia in 2 patients [1%]. The majority of cases have treatable and/or preventable causes; reduction of low vision or blindness can be achieved by appropriate screening strategies

Effect of tight swaddling on pulmonary functions in infants under mechanical ventilation

Swaddling is a common baby care practice, there are some benefits and some complications. The aim of this study is to see the effect of tight swaddling on pulmonary functions in infants under mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary functions were studied before and after tight swaddling in fifteen patients in the intensive care unit at Babylon Maternity and Children Hospital while they were on ventilator from January 2006 till January 2007 and the results were checked statistically by Paired t-test. The commonest diseases linked to the study were apnoea and birth asphyxia. Expiratory minute volume and expiratory tidal volume were the most commonly affected pulmonary functions by tight swaddling.The statistical difference was highly significant, [p<0.001]. Oxygen saturation was not significantly affected, [p>0.05].Tight swaddling has its deleterious effects on pulmonary functions

Vitamin D deficiency in rheumatology clinic practice in Qatar

In order to assess the prevalence of vitamin-D deficiency in patients attending the rheumatology outpatient clinic at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, 360 consecutive patients [97 percent female] were tested for fasting levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium,, phosphorus, albumin and alkaline phosphatase. Two hundred and three patients [56 percent] showed vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml from the results obtained it is concluded that levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase are of limited value in predicting vitamin-D status. The difficulty of skin synthesis in heavily-robed women is discussed and it is concluded that hypovitaminosis D is frequent in such women and that routine assays of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone and vitamin D supplementation would be beneficial

Pachydermoperiostosis: report of two cases

We report two patients with pachydermoperiostosis. Both patients presented with pain and swelling of the large joints, characteristic facial features, clubbing and enlargement of distal parts of the extremities

Datura stramonium [Jimsonweed] poisoning in Babylon city, Iraq

Datura stramonium poisoning is reported to be a relatively common problem. The aim of this study is to alert doctors and parents about this poisoning and its danger. Twenty one patients who presented to the emergency department at Babylon Maternity and Children's Hospital with features of intoxication with Datura seeds, were studied after treatment. Variables of the patients and their mothers, clinical features, and treatment were studied. The commonest age was 1-2 years [42.8%]. Males were affected more than females [71.4%]. The most frequent clinical features were, tachycardia [100%], agitation [95.2%], dilated pupils [81%], and flushing [76.1%]. Neostigmine was used for treatment and no deaths were reported. Datura stramonium poisoning is a common problem in Babylon city especially in infants. It carries a good prognosis