Respiratory health of a population of welders

The aim was to identify respiratory symptoms and respiratory function of welders in comparison to a "nonexposed group". Information was collected by means of a questionnaire completed during an interview, and spirometry of all subjects. This study involved 41 welders and 41 comparable nonexposed group. Sixteen [39%] welders reported bringing up phlegm from the chest first thing in the morning, compared with seven individuals [17.1%] in the nonexposed group. The difference is significant [Chi-square = 3.87 odds ratio [OR] 3.11 [1.0-9.9], P = 0.0182]. Eleven welders had chronic bronchitis, which they had experienced most days for as long as 3 months, compared with one person in the nonexposed group. The difference was statistically significant, and OR was 1.7 [95% confidence interval 1.19-2.53]. On the other hand, the difference in cough, shortness of breath and lung function was statistically insignificant when the welders were compared with the nonexposed group. This study showed more respiratory complaints, particularly chronic bronchitis, among welders compared with the nonexposed group, which is believed to be the result of welding emissions. Spirometry showed no impairment in lung function in both the welders and the nonexposed group

Incidence of influenza A H1N1 2009 infection in Eastern Saudi Arabian hospitals

To describe the clinical and epidemiologic features of pandemic influenza A [H1N1] cases. This study was conducted in Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization [SAMSO] facilities in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Electronic medical records for H1N1 infected patients who visited SAMSO between June and October 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected patients, and sent to the Ministry of Health [MOH] Regional Laboratory in Dammam, KSA to confirm the diagnosis. A total of 587 cases were diagnosed with H1N1 given an incidence rate of 3.5 per 1000. Most of the infected cases were outpatients. The study showed that H1N1 was more common in the younger age group [median age; 22 years], and in female dependents at all ages, which differs from that reported by other researchers. Influenza A H1N1 was more common in the younger age group and in female dependents, and it was more severe among pregnant women. In addition, obesity did not affect the frequency of H1N1 infection

Repetitive strain injury

Repetitive strain injury is a group of musculoskeletal disorders affecting muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. These disorders could be attributed to occupational causes; however non-occupational causes should be excluded. The management of these cases required a multidisciplinary team approach