The Prevalence of feeding disorders in healthy infants and children under 3 years of age based on a questionnaire study

Introduction and purpose Depending on the source, feeding disorders are common reasons to visit a pediatrician - reported in 2-60% of generally healthy children. This study was designed in order to assess the incidence of feeding difficulties in a group of healthy children aged 6-36 months from the Łódź region and to identify factors that may be related to feeding disorders. Material and method The research tool of this study was a questionnaire designed by the authors which consisted of 4 personal data questions, 9 questions about the perinatal and neonatal period, 36 feeding questions, 10 questions about child development and weight gain, 10 questions about previous medical history, 30 questions about symptoms, 8 questions about misbehavior during feeding and 14 sociodemographic questions. Results 215 parents completed questionnaires. However, 10 of them were rejected because those participants met the exclusion criteria. Finally, 205 children were enrolled in the study. The difficulties in feeding were confirmed by the parents of 66 participants. Children with feeding difficulties were more often attended to specialist ambulatories, had been diagnosed with food allergies, and underwent speech therapy and rehabilitation. Additionally, the analysis showed that feeding disorders in mothers and the occurrence of stressful situations in the family were more frequent in children whose parents reported feeding difficulties. Conclusions The incidence of feeding difficulties, in the group of healthy children aged 6-36 months from the Łódź region, was higher than reported in other studies. Therefore there is an urgent need to educate parents on feeding recommendations to modify eating behaviors and overcome feeding disorders, followed by some practical advice on appropriate diet adjustment

Dental awareness and oral health of pregnant women in Poland

Objectives: The level of dental awareness of a pregnant woman affects the sanitary condition of her own teeth and the health of the child to be born. Poor oral health is considered to be a probable risk factor for the pre-term birth or low birth weight. The aim of this work was to assess the level of oral health knowledge that determines oral health condition of pregnant women in Poland. Material and Methods: Empirical data were obtained from the National Monitoring of Oral Health and Its Determinants, financed by the Ministry of Health. This socio-epidemiological study assessed oral health status and dental health awareness, which affects that status. Study subjects included 1380 pregnant women at the age ranging from 15 to 44, randomly-selected from urban and rural environments. Dental health status was recorded in the clinical examination sheets supplied by the World Health Organization, and the socio-medical data were recorded in the questionnaire interview sheets. Results: Almost 3/4 of the pregnant women evaluated their dental health as unsatisfactory or poor. Over 60% of the pregnant women rated their knowledge and practical skills concerning care of their own teeth and of the child to be born as limited, inadequate or none. Only 40% of the pregnant women provided right answers to the questions about dental issues. Conclusions: Low oral health awareness results in poor oral health status of the study subjects. A statistical pregnant woman has a total of 13 teeth showing the symptoms of tooth decay or caries. Over 70% of the pregnant women developed gingivitis or periodontitis. There is an urgent need in Poland to make the European principle of treating pregnant women as a dentally vulnerable group obligatory

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Branchial Cleft Cysts Based on the Material from the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University in Łódź and Literature Review

Cervical branchial cleft cysts are relatively common tumors of the neck that should be distinguished from an epidermoid cyst, hygroma, hemangioma, lymphangioma, lymphadenitis, and metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Infected cysts might be misdiagnosed as a recurrent abscess. The aim of the study was to present current views concerning diagnosis and treatment of cervical branchial cleft cysts. Material and methods. Data and histopathological results obtained from 49 patients (18 women and 31 men) admitted to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, due to lateral cervical cysts during the period between 2005 and 2009 were subject to retrospective analysis. Results. Most patients were in their third decade of life. The clinical examination showed a painless, slowly growing tumor on the lateral surface of the neck, more often on the right side, and in 30 cases with a concomitant infection. Initial diagnosis on the basis of the clinical examination, radiology and biopsy was confirmed in 48/49 cases (98%). All patients were subject to surgical treatment. During the 3 to 7 year follow-up period recurrence was not observed. Conclusions. Initial diagnosis of a cervical branchial cleft cyst on the basis of the clinical examination should always be confirmed by means of ultrasonography. In case of suspicion of a coexisting infection, fine-needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound control is recommended. If there is concern that the lateral neck lesion is not a branchial cyst or its dimension is large, computed tomography of the neck or magnetic resonance should be performed. Complete excision of the tumor under general anesthesia is the treatment of choice, being associated with the low risk of local postoperative complication

The Prevalence of feeding disorders in healthy infants and children under 3 years of age based on a questionnaire study

Introduction and purpose Depending on the source, feeding disorders are common reasons to visit a pediatrician - reported in 2-60% of generally healthy children. This study was designed in order to assess the incidence of feeding difficulties in a group of healthy children aged 6-36 months from the Łódź region and to identify factors that may be related to feeding disorders. Material and method The research tool of this study was a questionnaire designed by the authors which consisted of 4 personal data questions, 9 questions about the perinatal and neonatal period, 36 feeding questions, 10 questions about child development and weight gain, 10 questions about previous medical history, 30 questions about symptoms, 8 questions about misbehavior during feeding and 14 sociodemographic questions. Results 215 parents completed questionnaires. However, 10 of them were rejected because those participants met the exclusion criteria. Finally, 205 children were enrolled in the study. The difficulties in feeding were confirmed by the parents of 66 participants. Children with feeding difficulties were more often attended to specialist ambulatories, had been diagnosed with food allergies, and underwent speech therapy and rehabilitation. Additionally, the analysis showed that feeding disorders in mothers and the occurrence of stressful situations in the family were more frequent in children whose parents reported feeding difficulties. Conclusions The incidence of feeding difficulties, in the group of healthy children aged 6-36 months from the Łódź region, was higher than reported in other studies. Therefore there is an urgent need to educate parents on feeding recommendations to modify eating behaviors and overcome feeding disorders, followed by some practical advice on appropriate diet adjustment

The Hospital Environment as a Potential Source for <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Transmission Based on Spore Detection Surveys Conducted at Paediatric Oncology and Gastroenterology Units

Clostridioides difficile is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium widely present in the hospital environment due to its ability to generate spores. The transfer of spores to patients through the hands of medical personnel is one of the most frequent paths of C. difficile transmission. In paediatric patients burdened with a serious primary illness requiring long-term hospitalisation and antibiotic therapy, C. difficile may be a significant risk factor for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The goal of the study was to assess the state of hospital environments as a potential source of C. difficile spores and to establish the share of hyperepidemic strains at the two paediatric units. The survey for C. difficile was conducted with a C. diff Banana BrothTM medium, used to detect spores and to recover vegetative forms of the bacteria. Environmental samples (n = 86) and swabs from the clothing of medical personnel (n = 14) were collected at two units of a paediatric hospital, where the cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea with a C. difficile aetiology constitute a significant clinical problem. In 17 samples, a change in the broth’s colour was observed, indicating the presence of spores. Out of seven samples, C. difficile strains were cultured. The pathogenic isolates of C. difficile were obtained from swabs collected from elements of beds, a toilet, a door handle and a doctor’s uniform. In our study, we indicated points of increased risk of pathogen transmission, which could constitute a source of infection. The clothing of medical personnel may be a dangerous carrier of pathogenic spores. Periodical surveys of hospital environments with the use of specialist microbiological mediums successfully indicate the direction of corrective actions to be undertaken by the medical facility in order to increase patient safety

Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic

The incidence of accidents at work among paramedics in the years 2001–2013 based on the register of one selected hospital

Background: Paramedics are exposed to a number of factors that may have a direct or indirect impact on the risk of an accident at work. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of accidents at work among paramedics as well as to discuss risk factors and measures to prevent such cases. Material and Methods: The data on accidents at work were obtained from unpublished internal hospital documentation. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In the years 2001–2013 there were 40 events, including 6 collective accidents, in which 41 paramedics of the emergency department were injured. On average, around 3 accidents involving paramedics occurred each year. The accidents happened most frequently in the evening and at night and in the winter months (statistically insignificant relationship). Incorrect behavior of the paramedics was the most common cause of an accident (75.6%) and musculoskeletal injuries (75%) most frequently of upper and lower limbs (55%) were the most common effects of an accident. In none of the cases safety regulations were breached by employees or employer. Conclusions: Accidents among paramedics can be prevented by changing the interior design of and the medical equipment installation in the rear cabin of the ambulance, conducting regular training to upgrade the skills of paramedics and enriching their knowledge about health and safety in their widest meaning. Med Pr 2016;67(2):213–22

<i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Infections among Pediatric Patients Hospitalized at an Oncology Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Poland

Background and Objectives: Gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Clostridioides difficile bacteria are diagnosed in pediatric patients with increasing frequency. Children treated at pediatric units are a group of patients at high risk of this infection; therefore, appropriate differential diagnostics and an individual approach to every case are of particular importance. The goal of the study was to assess the clinical parameters of patients with a confirmed CD infection and colonization. Materials and Methods: Every positive case was subjected to a retrospective analysis based on medical history and an infection notification note. Results: Positive results were obtained for 30 patients, among whom the results of 18 patients were considered to justify the diagnosis of an infection. In the remaining patients, treatment was not initiated in only three cases. Cases were detected where treatment was initiated despite the lack of sufficient clinical evidence. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there are many factors that result in a high risk of the occurrence of CDI in oncology patients, such as antibiotic therapy, multiple hospitalizations, and myelosuppression

Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland

(1) Background: An analysis of work-related sharp injuries in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) based at a selected hospital in Central Poland by presenting the frequency of accidents, injury rates, and identifying circumstances of Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSI) and giving Post-Exposure Procedures (PEP). (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical documentation regarding work-related NSSI at a district hospital located in central Poland; over the period 2010&ndash;2017. The study group included HCWs who had an accident while on duty. (3) Results: Most injuries were reported by nurses and staff over 40, on the morning shift. The most common injuries were using a needle. The most exposed part of the body were fingers. The average annual injury rates were: 1.22/100 Nurses; 2.02/100 doctors; 1.34/100 hospital beds; and 8.59/100,000 inpatient days. The rates for 3-year periods, after the implementation of legal regulations were higher than before. Conclusion: Injuries rates are more reliable for comparison than frequency. Legislation on the need to register injuries seems to be necessary. In the supervision of work safety of personnel, reliable reporting of all injuries by the respective HCWs plays a key role

A randomised comparison between Cobra PLA and classic laryngeal mask airway and laryngeal tube during mechanical ventilation for general anaesthesia

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare ventilation parameters during mechanical ventilation using Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), Laryngeal Tube (LT), and Peri-Laryngeal Airway Cobra (PLA).METHODS: In a prospective, randomised controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgery were divided into three subgroups. The settings of controlled ventilation were: oxygen 50%, air 50%, sevoflurane 1.5–2.0%, TV 7 mL kg–1, RR 10 breath min–1, inspiratory/expiratory ratio 1:2 and FGF 3 L min–1. The number of attempts, time taken to insert the device, airway pressure (peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure), air leak (inspiratory and expiratory volume difference), and dynamic compliance were measured. The timepoints for collecting data were after successful insertion of the device, and after ten, 20, 30 and 50 mins of ventilation. The presence of visible blood traces, patients’ assessment of their throat soreness, dysphonia and dysphagia were noted postoperatively.RESULTS: The success rates at first insertion were 90% and 80% and 90%, while time for insertion was 5 sec and 21.94 sec and 5.24 sec in the Cobra PLA, LMA and LT groups respectively. Ventilation pressures during procedure were highest in the LT group, where compliance was lowest compared to the Cobra PLA and LMA groups. The air leak was similar in all the groups. 30% vs. 40% vs. 10% of devices had positive blood traces; 20% vs. 40% vs. 30% of patients suffered from a sore throat; and 30% vs. 30% and 30% of patients suffered from dysphagia in the Cobra PLA, LMA and LT groups respectively.CONCLUSION: The differences were small, but Cobra PLA seemed to be slightly superior in terms of the measured parameters.BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare ventilation parameters during mechanical ventilation using Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), Laryngeal Tube (LT), and Peri-Laryngeal Airway Cobra (PLA).METHODS: In a prospective, randomised controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgery were divided into three subgroups. The settings of controlled ventilation were: oxygen 50%, air 50%, sevoflurane 1.5–2.0%, TV 7 mL kg–1, RR 10 breath min–1, inspiratory/expiratory ratio 1:2 and FGF 3 L min–1. The number of attempts, time taken to insert the device, airway pressure (peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure), air leak (inspiratory and expiratory volume difference), and dynamic compliance were measured. The timepoints for collecting data were after successful insertion of the device, and after ten, 20, 30 and 50 mins of ventilation. The presence of visible blood traces, patients’ assessment of their throat soreness, dysphonia and dysphagia were noted postoperatively.RESULTS: The success rates at first insertion were 90% and 80% and 90%, while time for insertion was 5 sec and 21.94 sec and 5.24 sec in the Cobra PLA, LMA and LT groups respectively. Ventilation pressures during procedure were highest in the LT group, where compliance was lowest compared to the Cobra PLA and LMA groups. The air leak was similar in all the groups. 30% vs. 40% vs. 10% of devices had positive blood traces; 20% vs. 40% vs. 30% of patients suffered from a sore throat; and 30% vs. 30% and 30% of patients suffered from dysphagia in the Cobra PLA, LMA and LT groups respectively.CONCLUSION: The differences were small, but Cobra PLA seemed to be slightly superior in terms of the measured parameters.