The bilateral scrotal flap: Anatomical study and it's use for the management of inflammatory granulomas following custom-made injections.

INTRODUCTION: The management of 10 cases of penile inflammatory granulomas following a subcutaneous injection of non-absorbable substance for the purpose of penile augmentation is presented. We subsequently used the bilateral scrotal flaps to cover the post-excision skin defect. A simple decision aid chart outlining the management of penile foreign body injections is proposed. METHODS: A total of 10 patients were included in this study. All required surgical management by penile degloving, followed by complete excision of the inflammatory granuloma and overlying skin. The dissection of 14 cadavers was carried out to study the blood supply to the anterior scrotal flap. Penile reconstruction was then performed using a bilateral scrotal flap in all but two cases. Post-operatively, the patients were followed up for a 1 year period. RESULTS: We obtained good results in terms of the aesthetic outcome with all of our ten patients with the area covered having similar color to penile skin. There were no major post-operative complications. There were two minor complications involving wound healing. Sensory function was maintained and no penile shortening or curvatures were noted, in addition all patients were satisfied with both the shape and function of the penis. CONCLUSION: Although much rarer, penile augmentation related complications are still seen in western countries. The treating doctor should be aware of its management. We had achieved acceptable outcomes in our experience with the bilateral scrotal flap. We believe it is a good and simple option for soft tissue coverage of the penis in cases following the complete inflammatory granuloma excision. It can achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional results for this group of patients.

[Hetero-digital toe flap according to the « spare-part ¼ concept taken from a duplicated toe for the treatment of a cutaneous flessum of an associated clinodactyly]. / Lambeau hétéro-digital selon le principe du « doigt banque ¼ prélevé chez un orteil dupliqué pour le traitement d'un flessum cutané d'une clinodactylie associée.

INTRODUCTION: The correction of cutaneous deficiency encountered in clinodactyly is an important aspect of its treatment. The use of the skin lining of an adjacent duplicated toe as a « spare-part ¼ flap may be of interest in providing good quality tissue. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a child with complete duplication of the 5th toe associated with clinodactyly. The use of a heterodactyl flap taken from the amputated toe allows the release of a plantar cutaneous flange of the preserved toe. DISCUSSION: The concept of « spare-part ¼ flap is mainly used in hand surgery in traumatic lesions of the fingers. Its application in the treatment of clinodactyly on the occasion of the regularization of a polydactyly is also interesting because some fingers or toes are intended to be amputated to render a classical anatomy of five-toed foot. It is necessary for the realization of this type of flap on malformative toes to verify the existence of a distinct viable pedicle of the amputated toe, which can be done only intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: The surgery for congenital malformations of the toes requires perfect management of the skin capital. The use of a « spare-part ¼ toe flap taken from the toe to be amputated is a viable solution for the treatment of a cutaneous flessum encountered in a clinodactyly of the adjacent finger.

Characterization of aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter Baumannii isolates from burn wound colonization.

Clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii have a tendency to develop antimicrobial resistance against commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents, including aminoglycoside agents, particularly in hospitalized patients worldwide. Resistance mechanisms of the bacterium to aminoglycosides are diverse and commonly involve production of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and efflux systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of gene encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and expression level of adeB efflux gene in A. baumannii isolates recovered from burn wound colonization. A total of 47 clinical isolates of A. baumannii were obtained from burned patients admitted to the Burns Teaching Hospital, Tehran, in 2018. Standard antimicrobial susceptibility screening was performed to determine resistance pattern. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to determine aminoglycoside-modifying genes ACC(6'), aph(3')-Via, aph(3')-IIb, aadA1, aphA1 and aph6. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was also carried out to quantify the expression level of the adeB gene. According to the results of the present study, the acc(6') was the predominant aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene (80.9%), followed by aph(3')-via, aph6, aph(3')-IIb and aphA1, which was detected in 59.6%, 42.6%, 14.9% and 14.9% of isolates, respectively. None of the A. baumannii isolates harboured the aadA1 gene. The up regulation of adeB gene expression was observed in 63.8% of strains. Moreover, we indicated that there is a relationship between adeB expression and high resistance to gentamicin. Our results revealed that aminoglycoside resistance could be explained by the production of one or a combination of known aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes rather than overexpression of adeB.

Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) est de plus en plus fréquemment isolé de prélèvements cliniques de par le monde. Il est très susceptible de développer des résistances aux antibiotiques, parmi lesquels les aminosides, en particulier dans les hôpitaux. Les mécanismes sont variables, le plus souvent enzymatiques ou par efflux. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les fréquences des gènes codant pour des enzymes modifiant les aminosides et le niveau d'expression du gène de pompe d'efflux adeB chez 47 AB isolés de zones brûlées dans le CTB du CHU de Téhéran. Les gènes codant pour AAC(6'), aph(3')-Via, aph(3') IIb, aadA1, aphA1 et aph6 ont été recherchés par PCR. Le niveau d'expression du gène adeB a été étudié par PCR semi-quantitative : aac(6') était le gène le plus fréquemment retrouvé (80,9%), suivi par aph(3')-Via (59,6%), aph6 (42,6%), aph(3') IIb (14,9%) et aphA1 (14,9%). Nous n'avons pas mis en évidence aadA1. Une surexpression de adeB a été observée chez 63,8 % des souches, reliée à une résistance élevée à la gentamicine. Ces résultats montrent que la résistance de AB aux aminosides est plus d'origine enzymatique que liée à un efflux.

Abdominoplasty with simultaneous laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair: A practical approach to preserve the umbilical vascularization.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical necrosis is a well-known complication of abdominoplasty, the risk of this complication can be increased when an associated umbilical hernia requires further dissection in peri-umbilical region, potentially leading to umbilical devascularisation. Multiple minimally invasive open techniques were described to avoid this problem. The combined approach of abdominoplasty with laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is one promising solution to avoid devascularising the umbilicus. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent concomitant abdominoplasty with laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair from 2007 to 2017 was carried out. All patients were followed up and evaluated for complications, including the incidence of umbilical skin necrosis. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were included in this study. The average operative duration was 3.3hours with an average hospital stay of 2.5 days. No cases of postoperative umbilical necrosis were encountered. A mean follow-up period was 2.4 years showed no cases of hernia or rectus abdominis diastasis recurrence. Minor complications included 4 cases of dehiscence, one hematoma. There was no major complications. CONCLUSION: The concomitant use of laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair and abdominoplasty is a feasible approach to reduce the risks of umbilical devascularization. Especially in larger hernias and in patients with higher risk of recurrence.

Mutation and Efflux System are Responsible for Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae / Las mutaciones y el sistema de eflujo son responsables de la resistencia a la ciprofloxacina en la Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT The main mechanism of quinolone resistance in Klebsiella (K) pneumoniae is caused by mutation of porin-related proteins and efflux pumps. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant K pneumoniae in burns patients and to understand the role of the AcrAB multidrug efflux system on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin. For this reason, 52 K pneumoniae samples were collected from burns patients and evaluated for the mechanism of ciprofloxacin resistance. The results demonstrated that 40 isolates of K pneumoniae were ciprofloxacin-resistant and 35 showed the mutation on gyrA locus. By inhibition of the efflux system, the MIC yield showed a significant decrease. Therefore, it could be concluded that the high rate of mutation on the gyrA locus in combination with quinolone resistance was responsible for ciprofloxacin resistance and by inhibition of AcrA, the resistance rate showed a significant decrease in K pneumoniae isolated from burns patients.

RESUMEN El principal mecanismo de resistencia a la quinolona en las Klebsiella (K) Pneumoniae tiene como causa la mutación de las porinas y las bombas de eflujo. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo investigar la prevalencia de las K pneumoniae resistentes a la ciprofloxacina en pacientes con quemaduras, así como entender el papel del sistema de eflujo multidroga AcrAB en la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) de la ciprofloxacina. Por esta razón, se recogieron 52 muestras de K pneumoniae de pacientes con quemaduras, a fin de evaluar el mecanismo de resistencia a la ciprofloxacina. Los resultados mostraron que 40 aislados de K pneumoniae eran resistentes a la ciprofloxacina y 35 mostraron la mutación en el locus gyrA. Con la inhibición del sistema de eflujo, el rendimiento de CIM tuvo una disminución significativa. Por lo tanto, se pudo concluir que la alta tasa de mutación en el locus gyrA en combinación con la resistencia a la quinolona era responsable de la resistencia a la ciprofloxacina, y por la inhibición de AcrA, la tasa de resistencia mostró una disminución significativa en las K pneumoniae aisladas de los pacientes con quemaduras.

Triple flap technique for vulvar reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Perineal defects are encountered ever more frequently, in the treatment of vulvar cancers or abdominoperineal resection. The surgical treatment of vulvar cancer leads to significant skin defect. The aim of the reconstruction is not to provide volume but rather to resurface perineum. We propose a new solution to cover the extensive skin defect remaining after excision. METHODS: We report 3 patients who underwent large excision for vulvar cancer, with lymph node dissection. For reconstruction, we performed 3 advancement flaps. Two V-Y flaps cantered on the infra-gluteal folds and based on pudendal perforator arteries were used to cover the postero-lateral parts of the defect. The third advancement flap from the superior aspect of the defect was a Y-V Mons pubis flap. RESULTS: The defects were successfully covered by the 3 flap technique. The first patient suffered a non-union that slowly healed by secondary intention. For the other cases, we used the same technique, but applied negative pressure wound therapy on the sutures, with excellent results. CONCLUSION: The 3 flap technique is a simple and reliable method and the donor site morbidity is minimal. It can be realised without changing the position of the patient after tumour excision, and does not require delicate perforator dissection. This surgical option can be easily applied, allowing better management of these cases.

[Fasciocutaneous flap reliable by deep femoral artery perforator for the treatment of ischial pressure ulcers]. / Lambeau fasciocutané sous fessier fiabilisé par une perforante de l'artère fémorale profonde en reconstruction d'escarre ischiatique.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of pressure ulcers in the paraplegic or quadriplegic population is marked by the high risk of recurrence in the long-term. In the current era of perforator flaps, newer reconstructive options are available for the management of pressure ulcers, decreasing the need to use the classically described muscular or musculocutaneous locoregional flaps. The coverage of ischial sores described in this article by a pedicled flap based on a deep femoral artery perforator, appears to be an effective first-line reconstructive option for the management of limited size pressure ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A number of fifteen paraplegic or quadriplegic patients having at least one ischial bed sore with underlying osteomyelitis were included in this series. The approximate location of the deep femoral artery perforator was initially identified using the "The Atlas of the perforator arteries of the skin, the trunk and limbs", which was confirmed, with the use of a Doppler device. A fasciocutaneous transposition flap was elevated, with the pivot point based on the cutaneous bridge centered on the perforator, and then transposed to cover the area of tissue loss. The donor site was closed primarily. RESULTS: A total of fifteen patients were operated from November 2015 to November 2016. The series comprised of 16 first presentations of a stage 4 pressure ulcers associated with underlying osteomyelitis that were subsequently reconstructed by the pedicled deep femoral artery perforator flap. The healing rate and functional results were both satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Fasciocutaneous flap reliable by deep femoral artery perforator appears to have a promising role in the treatment of ischial pressure sores. It is an attractive option to spare the use of musculocutaneous flaps in the area. Thus this flap could be used as a first-line option to cover ischial pressure ulcers of limited size.

Echocardiographic Pulmonary Hypertension Predicts Post-transplantation Renal Allograft Failure.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension in the setting of renal transplantation has been associated with early allograft dysfunction and increased mortality, but this relationship has not been extensively studied. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent their first renal transplantation in the years 2003-2009 and had pre-transplantation echocardiograms. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as right ventricular systolic pressure ≥40 mm Hg in the absence of left-sided valvular disease and/or left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50%. Eighty-two of 205 patients (40%) met the inclusion criteria. The relationship between pulmonary hypertension and death-censored allograft failure (hemodialysis dependence or retransplantation) and serum creatinine was assessed with the use of Cox hazard regression and generalized mixed models. RESULTS: The presence of pulmonary hypertension was associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of death-censored allograft failure (95% confidence interval, 1.20-7.32; P = .02). Failure rates were 19% at 24 months and 51% at 96 months for those with pulmonary hypertension versus 7% at 24 months and 20% at 86 months for those without pulmonary hypertension (P = .01). Among those without graft failure, there was an increase in creatinine levels after transplantation (P = .01). Effect estimates were unchanged by adjustment for multiple covariates and when pulmonary hypertension was defined as right ventricular systolic pressure ≥36 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension before renal transplantation carries a 3-fold increased risk of death-censored allograft failure. The relationship between the pulmonary circulation and renal allograft failure warrants further study.

Anatomy and Aesthetics of the Labia Minora: The Ideal Vulva?

Female genital cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more widespread both in the field of plastic and gynaecological surgery. The increased demand for vulvar surgery is spurred by the belief that the vulva is abnormal in appearance. What is normal in terms of labial anatomy? Labia minora enlargement or hypertrophy remains a clinical diagnosis which is poorly defined as it could be considered a variation of the normal anatomy. Enlarged labia minora can cause functional, aesthetic and psychosocial problems. In reality, given the wide variety of vulvar morphology among people, it is a very subjective issue to define the "normal" vulva. The spread of nudity in the general media plays a major role in creating an artificial image and standards with regard to the ideal form. Physicians should be aware that the patient's self-perception of the normal or ideal vulva is highly influenced by the arguably distorted image related to our socio-psychological environment, as presented to us by the general media and internet. As physicians, we have to educate our patients on the variation of vulvar anatomy and the potential risks of these surgeries. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

PFGE genotyping and molecular characterization of Campylobacter spp. isolated from chicken meat.

A total of 70 samples were collected from chicken meat obtained from 10 markets in Tehran, Iran from which 39 Campylobacter coli were isolated. Among 10 antibiotics used, maximum resistance was seen to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (SXT) (97.36%), nalidixic acid (94.8%), ciprofloxacin (87.7%), streptomycin (89.72%), and tetracycline (97.4%). No resistance was to gentamycin was observed. None of the Campylobacter strains under study harbored integron, suggesting the involvement of other resistance mechanisms in emergence of multi drug resistance (MDR) phenotype among the isolates. Two major types (A and B) and 15 subtypes (A1-A8 and B1-B7) were identified. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis demonstrated a high degree of homogeneity while the majority of the isolates shared identical or very similar PFGE genotypes. Isolates with identical genotypes differed in their resistance profile, although all of them assigned to MDR phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey from Iran characterizing Campylobacter isolates from poultry, which adds to our knowledge the epidemiological linkage of Campylobacter isolates with MDR properties from different sources and emphasizes the need for cautious use of antimicrobials in different fields of food production chain.

Antimicrobial resistance pattern and genetic correlation in Enterococcus faecium isolated from healthy volunteers.

Enterococci are known as a cause of nosocomial infections and this aptitude is intensified by the growth of antibiotic resistance. In the present study, Enterococcus faecium isolates from healthy volunteers were considered to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles and genetic correlation. A total 91 normal flora isolates of enterococci were included in this study. Identification of Enterococcus genus and species were done by biochemical and PCR methods, respectively. Sensitivity for 10 antibiotics was determined and genetic relatedness of all isolates was assessed using Repetitive Element Palindromic PCR (REP-PCR) followed by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) on the representative patterns. None of the isolates were resistant to teicoplanin, vancomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, linezolid, chloramphenicol, ampicillin and high-level gentamicin. On the other hand, the resistance rate was detected in 30.7%, 23%, and 3.29% of isolates for erythromycin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The results of PFGE showed 19 (61.5% of our isolates) common types (CT) and 35 (38.5%) single types (ST) amongst the isolates. This is the first study to describe antibiotic resistance pattern and genetic relationship among normal flora enterococci in Iran. This study showed no prevalence of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and high degrees of diversity among normal flora isolates by genotyping using PFGE.

Prevalence of high-level gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in an Iranian hospital.

This study was designed to determine the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of enterococcal strains isolated from patients admitted to an Iranian Hospital. Enterococcal strains were isolated from the burn patients. All strains were screened for genes encoding resistance to aminoglycoside [aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia, aph (3'), ant (4')], resistance to vancomycin (vanA, vanB), resistance to tetracycline (tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO), and resistance to erythromycin (ermA, ermB, ermC) by PCR and multiplex PCR-based methods. Genetic diversity was evaluated via Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR. All enterococcal isolates showed complete sensitivity to vancomycin with MIC ≤ 0.5µg/ml. Resistance to gentamicin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin or quinopristin-dalfopristin was detected, whilst more than 96.2% of isolates were high-level gentamicinresistant (HLGR) and multiple drug resistant. The most prevalent aminoglycoside resistance gene was aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia, that was found in 96.2% (26/27) of the isolates. The most prevalent tetracycline resistance genes were tetM, found in 85.1% (23/27) followed by tetL and tetO found in 7.4% (2/27) of the isolates. The ermA and ermB genes were detected in 33.3% (9/27) and 44.4% (12/27) of the isolates respectively. RAPD-PCR analysis yielded 17 distinct profiles among 27 investigated isolates. One cluster of isolates shared the same RAPD pattern, while 16 isolates had unique RAPD pattern. Our study showed that during the examination time period one RAPD genotype was the common type and was disseminated among patients in the burn unit. Interestingly, most of these strains had an identical or very similar antibiotic and gene resistance pattern.

Suicidal behavior by burns among women in two bordering provinces in Iran.

The objective of the study was to describe epidemiologic features of suicidal behavior by burns among women in two bordering provinces in Iran. A prospective hospital-based study of all suicidal behaviors by burns among women was carried out in the Iranian provinces of Khorasan (which borders Afghanistan) and Ilam (which borders Iraq) in 2006. These two provinces suffered from war and economic instability with high rates of poverty and unemployment. Data were obtained from patients, family members, and/or significant others through interviews during the course of hospitalization. Of 181 hospitalized patients, 130 (71.8%) were female, representing a hospital separation rate of 5.4 per 100,000 person-year (P-Y). The rate of suicidal behavior involving burns among the rural population was higher than that in the urban population (6.3 vs. 4.7 per 100,000 P-Y, P = 0.09). The median age of the patients was 23 years old, with a mean (±SD) of 27.9 (±14.3) years old. Approximately 68.5% of women were married. Quarrels with "a family member, spouse, a relative, or a friend" (marital plus other conflicts) was identified as the most common precipitating factor (88.5%) in attempting suicide. More than one third of women were abused (physically and/or verbally) by family members (i.e. spouse, father-in-law). Case fatality rate in this study was 52.3% (68/130). Suicide by burns is still a socio-epidemiological problem in Iran, particularly among young, married women in rural areas. Social and economic conditions, as well as violence against women, play a major role in the high rate of suicide by burns. The findings of this study highlight the need for the implementation of a well-organized approach to reduce the rate of suicide by burns among the most vulnerable populations in Iran.

L'objectif de l'étude était de décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques de comportements suicidaires par brûlures chez les femmes dans deux provinces frontalières de l'Iran. Une étude prospective en milieu hospitalier de tous les phénomènes suicidaires par brûlures chez les femmes a été réalisée dans les provinces iraniennes du Khorasan (qui borde l'Afghanistan) et Ilam (frontalière de l'Irak) en 2006. Ces deux provinces ont souffert de la guerre et de l'instabilité économique avec des taux élevés de pauvreté et de chômage. Les données ont été obtenues à partir de patients, membres de la famille et / ou d' autres au cours de l'hospitalisation. Sur les 181 patients hospitalisés, 130 (71,8%) étaient des femmes et environ 68,5% d'entre elles étaient mariées. Le taux de comportement suicidaire par brûlures chez la population rurale était supérieur à celui de la population urbaine. L'âge médian des patients était de 23 ans, avec une moyenne (± SD) de 27,9 (± 14,3) ans. Les querelles avec «un membre de la famille ou un ami¼ ont été identifiées comme le facteur le plus déterminant (88,5%) dans une tentative de suicide. Plus d'un tiers des femmes ont été victimes de violence (physique et / ou verbale) par les membres de la famille. Le taux de létalité dans cette étude était de 52,3% (68/130).Le suicide par brûlure est toujours un problème socio-épidémiologique en Iran, en particulier chez les jeunes femmes mariées dans les zones rurales. Les conditions sociales et économiques, ainsi que la violence contre les femmes, jouent un rôle majeur dans le taux élevé de suicide par brûlures. Les résultats de cette étude soulignent la nécessité de la mise en oeuvre d'une approche bien organisée pour réduire le taux de suicide par brûlures chez les populations les plus vulnérables en Iran.

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the gram-negative bacteria isolated from septicemia in Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The choice of antimicrobial treatment for septicemia is often empirical and based on the knowledge of local anti-microbial activity patterns of the most common bacteria causing such bloodstream infections. The current study aimed to study the prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing septicemia and their antimicrobial resistant profiles in hospital admitted patients. METHODS: This cross sectional study done at Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. We examined 168 bacterial strains isolated from 186 clinically diagnosed septicemia cases refereed at Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. Over a period of twelve months from July 2010 to 2011 July. 11446 blood samples from patients of clinically suggestive septicemia were evaluated. RESULTS: Bacterial strains were isolated from 910 (7.95%) of blood cultures. Gram-negative bacteria identified were Pseudomonas species (20.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.86%), Salmonella spp (1.09%), Acinetobacter naumannii (8.13%), Escherichia coli (4.06%), Klebsiella spp (5.16%). Gram-negative pathogens were more than gram positive in bloodstream infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, USA) guidelines against: amikacin ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxiclav, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefoperazone tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin. Resistanc to different antibiotics in the most important isolated bacteria were: 32.1%, 10.8%, 87.8%, 96%, 39.1%, 35.2, 49.4%, 69%, 80.02%, 22%, 59%, 30.1% respectively, for Pseudomonas spp, 32%, 3.7%, 84.2%, 83.2%, 80.1%, 75.4%, 44.8%, 45.2%, 33.3%, 19%, 34.1, 11.5% respectively for Acinetobacter species. DISCUSSION: Resistant to majority of the antimicrobial agents for several pathogens implicated in bloodstream infections, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria, can make complication in treatment of infection cause by them.

KPC-producer gram negative bacteria among burned infants in Motahari Hospital, Tehran: first report from Iran.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Klebsiella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC) among burn infants in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic detection of these KPC among isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella spp. A cross-sectional study was performed (February to September 2011) at a tertiary burn hospital in Tehran, Iran. Sixty-four strains were isolated from 20 patients. Strain and genus of isolates were confirmed, antibiotic susceptibility testing was implemented, and KPC determined by Modified Hodge Test. Fifteen of 36 strains (six Pseudomonas aeruginosa, six Acinetobacter baumannii, and three Klebsiella pneumoniae) were resistant to imipenem. Ten strains of 36 Gram negative isolates were resistant to all tested antibiotics except for Colistin. Thirteen of 15 resistant imipenem strains were confirmed as KPC-producer bacteria that isolated from nine patients. Six of 36 isolated strains were extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria, of which four strains were both KPC and ESBL. A high percentage of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains in our centre with positive KPC have created a major challenge in terms of mortality and morbidity. The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing an effective infection control strategy to prevent and decrease the prevalence of KPC-producing organisms.

Phenotypic screening of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase and metallo-ß-lactamase in multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected burns.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections, especially in immunocompromised patients such as burn patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is potentially resistant to different broad-spectrum antibiotics due to its ability to produce extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL). In the present 6 month study, 220 strains of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from male and female burn patients who had been hospitalized for at least one week in Motahari Hospital in Tehran. These strains were screened by the disc diffusion and double disc methods to determine the capacity of producing ESBL and MBL. Of all strains, 18% were ESBL-positive, resulting in a significant inhibition zone (≥5 mm) with cefotaxime and ceftazidime plus clavulanic acid discs when compared to the plain cefotaxime or ceftazidime discs. 38% of the strains were MBL-positive, showing at least 7 mm difference between the inhibition zone around the imipenem discs alone in comparison with imipenem plus EDTA discs, and at least 5 mm difference between the inhibition zone around imipenem plus EDTA discs and EDTA discs alone. In the light of our results, the rapidly spreading resistance among bacterial populations due to the extensive use of antibiotics is a matter of concern for the optimal treatment of patients, particularly in burn wards, and the determination of ESBL and MBL production of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains is essential.

Nosocomial infections among burn patients in Teheran, Iran: a decade later.

The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of nosocomial infections among burn patients in a tertiary burn care centre in Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional study was carried out during a 6-month period from August 2010 to January 2011 at Motahari Burn and Reconstruction Center in Tehran. Of 155 patients, 677 samples of wound and blood were taken for culture during the course of hospitalization. The rate of positive culture during the 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 4(th) week of hospitalization were 76.3%, 99.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. On the 2(nd), 3(rd), and 4(th) week of hospitalization, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common pathogen followed by Acinetobacter, while the culture positive rate for Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcus spp. significantly decreased (P < 0.001). In this study, 70 patients out of 155 (45.2%) had at least one Acinetobacter positive culture. Our results showed that P. aeruginosa is still the leading cause of nosocomial infections. Additionally, Acinetobacter has appeared as an emerging nosocomial pathogen, and should be considered as a serious risk. We believe that changes in burn wounds' bacterial colonization over time require consistent assessment and monitoring of these changes in any burn center.

Anatomical basis of dimple creation - A new technique: Our experience of 100 cases.

BACKGROUND: Cheek dimples are usually considered as an attractive feature of facial beauty. Unfortunately, not all beautiful girls have dimples. Literature on dimple creation surgery is sparse. AIMS: We used a new and simple technique for dimple creation, passing a transcutaneous bolster stitch after scraping off the dermis of all mucomuscular attachments. Our aim was to analyse the positive and negative findings of this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used this procedure in creation of 100 dimples under local anaesthesia as a daycare procedure and analysed the results. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This procedure is safe, reliable and easily reproducible. As no tissue is excised, chances of bleeding and haematoma formation are negligible. With this procedure, the patient satisfaction rate is very high, and patients seen long time after surgery continue to be pleased with their surgically created dimples.

A case of complete renal duplex with h-shaped ureter.

We present a case of complete renal duplex with H-shaped double ureter opening into the bladder with 2 separate orifices. It is an extremely rare variety of renal duplex which was reported only once in the literature. Fifty-four-year-old male presented to our department with right renal pain. Noncontrast CT revealed stone midthird right ureter with duplex right kidney. Retrograde ureteropyelography and ureteroscopy revealed this rare anomaly.