Neonatal group A streptococcal meningitis: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Group A streptococcus is a rare cause of neonatal meningitis. A review of MEDLINE database since1966 revealed only 15 documented cases of group A streptococcal meningitis in neonates. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 28 days old male neonate presented with a history of irritability, fever, and focal seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and culture confirmed the diagnosis of group A streptococcal meningitis. The clinical course was complicated by the development of brain abscess. The patient made full recovery following a surgical drainage of the abscess and a 6-week total course of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Although it is an uncommon organism, clinician should always consider group A streptococcal infection and its potential complications in the differential diagnosis and management of neonatal meningitis

A dramatic decline in university hospital admissions of acute rheumatic fever in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia

AbstractBackgroundsAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequel, chronic valvular heart disease are the most important causes for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide and mainly in developing countries. However, the incidence of ARF has declined in developed countries during the second half of 20th century.Material and methodsThe case files of all patients admitted as new cases of ARF over ∼11 years and 8 months, both in pediatric and medical departments of a university hospital located in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia were reviewed. The demographic and clinical data and the frequency of the new cases were compared with the data that have been published by us 10 years ago from the same hospital during a similar period of time (11 years and 8 months).ResultsIn the current study there was a significant decline in the frequency of admission of cases of ARF as compared to our previous study during a similar period of time, with a frequency rate of 12 cases per 100.000 hospitalizations versus 45 cases per 100.000 hospitalizations, respectively, P<0.001. Dyspnea and chest pain as clinical features of acute rheumatic carditis (ARC) were less frequent in the current study as compared to the previous study (35% versus 44%, P=0.02 and 10% versus 28.6%, P=0.031). The subgroup analysis revealed also a decreased frequency of the clinical features of ARC in pediatric age group in the current study as compared to our previous study.ConclusionThere is a significant decline in the frequency of new hospital admissions due to ARF. This decline was associated with similar decline in the frequency of the manifestations of ARC especially in pediatric age group (1–12 years)

Case report: Restrictive cardiomyopathy presenting with complete thromboembolism occlusion of the terminal part of the abdominal aorta in a preadolescent Saudi girl

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare disease in children, accounting for &lt;5% of all pediatric cardiomyopathies. It may be idiopathic or may be a secondary to a systemic disease. The disease is characterized by normal systolic function with impaired ventricular filling caused by stiff ventricular walls. Children with RCM often present with symptoms of exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, weakness, and chest discomfort. Thromboembolism events are an unusual presentation of RCM. We are reporting a preadolescent female from the eastern province of Saudi Arabia who presented with sudden right lower limb swelling, paresthesia, and pain caused by a complete occlusion of the terminal part of the abdominal aorta and both common iliac arteries. Echocardiography revealed dilated atria, normal ventricle dimensions and two floating thrombi in the left atrium. The patient was successfully managed with an anticoagulant, surgical thrombectomy and cardiac transplantation

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery: A rare cause of myocardial infarction in children

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from pulmonary artery is a rare congenital heart anomaly. It presents predominantly in infancy with clinical features of myocardial ischemia and/or congestive heart failure. It poses a clinical diagnostic challenge to family physicians and pediatricians as it may present in a way similar to common pediatric conditions such as infantile colic, food intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux, and bronchiolitis. Awareness of this condition is essential for prompt diagnosis and referral to a cardiac center for early surgical intervention and improved prognosis. This article reviews this rare but serious disease in children

Kawasaki disease: A university hospital experience

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology; it is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. KD is poorly understood in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Objective: To examine the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of KD in children diagnosed and treated at a tertiary care hospital in eastern province of the KSA. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 35 patients admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of KD was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, KSA, from 1992 to 2012. Demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment, and patient outcome were analyzed. Results: The incidence was 7.4 per 100,000 children under five. The male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. The median age at diagnosis was 15 months, and the diagnosis was made after a mean of 8.1 days of fever. A seasonal peak during the winter-spring months was observed. Thirty-two patients (91%) had classical presentation of KD. Conjunctivitis, changes in the oropharynx, and a polymorphous rash were the most common manifestations. Cardiac involvement was detected in 51%, with coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) noted in 34%. Patients were treated with immunoglobulin and aspirin. The CAA regressed in all patients but one by 12 months. This one child still had persistent aneurysms at 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the basic clinical and epidemiological features associated with KD, in the KSA, were similar to those reported from regions in other parts of the world. A nationwide survey, however, is necessary to investigate the overall incidence, potential risk factors, and magnitude of KD disease in the KSA

Rosai-Dorfman Disease Complicated by Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in a Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder that commonly presents with a massive lymphadenopathy and a variety of constitutional symptoms. Severe hemolytic anemia is an infrequent complication of this disease. Although the etiology of the condition is unknown, infectious agents including viruses have been implicated. We describe a 2-year-old female child who presented with fever, pallor, and generalized lymphadenopathy complicated by the development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. A review of the literature of this condition is also provided

The use of laryngeal mask airway during transesophageal echocardiography in pediatric patients

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the cardiac lab is usually performed in pediatric patients under general anesthesia with an endotracheal intubation (ET). This study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an alternative to ET to maintain pediatric airway during the general anesthesia for TEE. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 pediatric patients undergoing TEE in the cardiac lab were randomized to have their airway maintained during the procedure with either LMA (LMA group) or ET (ET group). Hemodynamic, respiratory parameters, time to extubation, recovery time, the incidence of complication and operator satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no differences between both groups in hemodynamic and respiratory parameters. Laryngeal spasm was reported in one patient in the LMA group and two patients in the ET group. TEE operators were equally satisfied with the procedure in groups. The time to extubation was shorter in the LMA group (P < 0.01). The mean recovery time was also significantly shorter in the LMA than in the ET group (44 ± 8 min and 59 ± 11 min, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The LMA is safe and effective in securing the airway of children undergoing diagnostic TEE