A Case of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome in an Omani Woman.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is the triad of iron-deficiency anemia, esophageal webs and dysphagia. This article discusses the first reported case of PVS from Oman. A female patient in her 40s presented with a one-year history of dysphagia and odynophagia and a known background of untreated iron-deficiency anemia. After an elaborate workup, a diagnosis of PVS was made following visualization of the esophageal web with barium swallow study and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). A prompt and accurate diagnosis of PVS, although rare, is crucial, given that it is, at times, a precancerous condition. The treatment with iron therapy is the cornerstone of management, and it corrects the anemia as well as the dysphagia. If dysphagia persists, endoscopic dilation can be carried out.

Emergent "Bloody Diarrhea" Associated with the Use of Oral Cefdinir in Young Children: A Brief Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Cefdinir is an extended-spectrum, third-generation, oral cephalosporin widely used in pediatric population to treat common bacterial infections, including otitis media and streptococcal pharyngitis. It is considered a safe and well-tolerated alternative to penicillin and macrolides. CASE REPORT: This report describes a case series of 3 infants presenting to the emergency department for evaluation of "bloody diarrhea." The parents noticed red stools when their children were started on oral cefdinir when they were previously receiving iron-containing preparations. Reddish-colored heme-negative stools observed in all cases were due to the interaction of the drug with supplemental iron or iron-containing formula feeds. This adverse effect was reversible on discontinuation of cefdinir. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Red stools due to cefdinir is an underreported benign adverse drug reaction with fewer than 10 cases described in the literature. Thorough history taking with an appropriate focus on diet and drug history are essential to avoid parental anxiety, unnecessary patient workup, and economic burden to the caregivers in these cases. Awareness of this unusual adverse effect among emergency physicians could prevent further inconvenience for already overburdened health systems.

Body Image Perceptions and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Medical Students in Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine body image perceptions and body image dissatisfaction and their relationship with body mass index (BMI) among medical students in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, Sohar, Oman, between September and December 2019. The data (including self-reported weight and height) were collected through a questionnaire-based survey. Body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Results: A total of 351 medical students (response rate: 70.2%) participated in the study with a mean age of 21.6 ± 2.2 years and a mean BMI of 22.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Most students were within normal ranges of BMI (63%), 12% were underweight and 25% overweight/obese. Approximately, 66% of students perceived their body image correctly; students at both BMI extremes were more accurate about their body image perceptions. Body image dissatisfaction was high (80%) among the respondents with 73.5% of those dissatisfied desiring to be thinner. The association between self-reported BMI with perceived BMI and body image dissatisfaction was significant (P <0.001). Only 18.2% of students felt 'attractive'. The association between body image perception and body image dissatisfaction was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: A high degree of body image dissatisfaction and incorrect body image perceptions exists among medical students. There is an increased desire to be thinner and the majority of this study's participants feel unattractive. There is a need to foster healthy body image perceptions among students of health sciences as they are the future in healthcare and can influence the health beliefs in our society.