ABSTRACT
Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by venous malformations predominantly affecting the skin and gastrointestinal tract, commonly the small bowel. Small bowel gastrointestinal bleeding is often the presenting complaint and is difficult to diagnose and treat. Push enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, and intraoperative enteroscopy are techniques described for the localization and management of small bowel bleeding. We present the case of a 68-year-old male with BRBNS who presented with symptomatic anemia and melena. Initial endoscopic evaluations identified intraluminal vascular blebs, which were injected; however, bleeding continued, prompting intraoperative enteroscopy. During the procedure, multiple small bowel vascular malformations consistent with BRBNS were identified. Cyanoacrylate glue was used endoscopically to treat active bleeding sites. The patient developed a rare postoperative complication of small bowel ischemia and obstruction secondary to cyanoacrylate glue, necessitating surgical resection. Small bowel bleeding in BRBNS poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Intraoperative enteroscopy together with cyanoacrylate glue offers a valuable approach to localization and intervention. While cyanoacrylate glue is generally considered safe, rare complications, including ischemic events, have been reported. This case highlights the utility of intraoperative enteroscopy and endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue in managing small bowel bleeding associated with BRBNS. While effective, clinicians must be vigilant regarding potential complications, including ischemic events, associated with endoscopic hemostatic agents.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: To determine the proportion of Tongan children with missed opportunities for immunisations and estimate the impact of missed opportunities on delayed immunisation. METHODS: A retrospective audit of 133 children, conducted in two Pacific primary care clinics in Auckland. Children were eligible if born in 1999 and if the clinic was their usual source of primary care. Primary care computer data files up to December 31st 2001 were reviewed. A missed opportunity was defined as a doctor visit at which an immunisation was due but not given. An immunisation was defined as given only if the date of administration was recorded. An immunisation was delayed if not received within 30 days of first being due. RESULTS: Seven percent of children were delayed for the six week, 67% for the three month, 72% for the five month, and 65% for the 15 month immunisations. Thirty four percent of children had at least one missed opportunity for immunisation. Most missed opportunities occurred in acute care visits, and contraindications to immunisation were almost never present. Having a missed opportunity was associated with an increased risk of delay of the six week (OR = 48.75, 95% CI 6.82, 998.16), five month (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.03) and 15 month (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.04) immunisations but not the three month immunisation (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.33, 3.45). CONCLUSION: Missed opportunities are frequent and are associated with an increased risk of delayed immunisation. They are likely to contribute to New Zealand's poor immunisation coverage and the excess burden of vaccine preventable disease experienced by Pacific children in New Zealand.
