A Prospective Study of Etiology of Childhood Acute Bacterial Meningitis, Turkey

Vaccines to prevent bacterial meningitis in this region must provide reliable protection against serogroup W-135

Epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in primary school students at a central village of Ordu province

Blastocystis spp. is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans and its pathogenicity is still controversial. The epidemiology of this parasite varies depending on the socio-cultural, socio-economic and geographic circumstances. In this study, Blastocystis spp. was investigated in stool samples of a Primary School students in a Central Village in Ordu province who did not have any intestinal complaints. Before starting work, we were granted permission from National Education Directorate and the School Board. Blastocystis spp. was investigated in Primary School Students stool samples by direct microscopy and Trichrome staining. The stool samples which showed any form of Blastocystis spp. were evaluated as microscopically positive regardless of the number per microscope field. Eighty and 85 of the 165 students participating in working were male and female, respectively. As a result of the microscopic investigation, 45 (27.3%) students were identified as positive. Eighteen of the positive students (40%) were male and 27 (60%) were female. Direct microscopic inspection, sedimentation and permanent staining are routine methods used in diagnosis of Blastocystis spp. This study also evaluated trichrome staining for each stool samples. In our research, this parasite was identified in 27.3% of asymptomatic Primary School students stool samples. This suggests the parasite is relatively common in the region. Blastocystis spp. infects via the fecal-oral route. As a result, we presented recommendations for the enhancing personal hygiene, social education and the provision of water treatment for the students to protect themselves from infection with Blastocystis spp. [Med-Science 2019; 8(1.000): 77-80

Duodenal duplication cyst extending into the posterior mediastinum

INTRODUCTION: Duodenal duplication is a rare congenital malformation. Although more frequent in childhood, it is rarely observed in adulthood. Preoperative diagnosis can be difficult

Duodenal duplication cyst extending into the posterior mediastinum

Introduction: Duodenal duplication is a rare congenital malformation. Although more frequent in childhood, it is rarely observed in adulthood. Preoperative diagnosis can be difficult. Presentation of case: We report a case of 42 year-old woman with duodenal duplication cyst situated in the posterior mediastinum, who was misdiagnosed even after a primary surgery. Detailed diagnostic workup and a second operation was done. Discussion: This article discusses the incidence of duodenal duplications, their types and clinical presentations, the radiologic and diagnostic features with different therapeutic options. Conclusion: Duodenal and the other intestinal duplication cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral contrast enhanced intrathoracic lesions in thorocoabdominal computerised tomography imaging

A Rare Case of Pediatric Bullous Spontaneous Acute Urticaria

Objective: Acute spontaneous bullous urticaria is an extremely rare entity, and there are few reports with blister formation in acute urticaria patients. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: We present a 2-year-old girl who was admitted for bullous spontaneous acute urticaria; the underlying reason for this was not detected. Nikolsky's sign and Darier's sign were negative. Lesions were not compatible with erythema multiforme. However, biopsy was not allowed to be performed. Because of this, the underlying pathogenesis could not be clarified. The patient recovered by a short course of antihistamine and systemic steroid treatment, and the lesions did not recur during a 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Short-term systemic steroid in addition to oral antihistamines resulted in prompt recovery in a patient with acute urticaria complicated by bullae. (c) 2018 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, BaselWoSScopu

Characteristics of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Turkey: Results From the Turkish League Against Rheumatism Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry

WOS: 000352060500003Objectives: This study investigates the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey, and attempts to identify strategies for the prevention, treatment, and support of RA. Patients and methods: A total of 2,359 patients (1,966 females, 393 males; mean age 51.6 +/- 12.5 years; range 18 to 75 years) with RA from 36 centers across Turkey, who were recorded in the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) RA Registry between September 2007 and March 2011, were evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded. Disease activity, functional status, and radiographic damage were measured using the Disease Activity Score 28, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and van der Heijde modified Sharp scoring method. Results: The mean duration of academic education received was 5.2 +/- 3.8 years, and 74.6% of the patients were homemakers. Non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were used by 91.0% of the patients, while 10.2% used biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The mean Disease Activity Score 28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Sharp scores were 4.0 +/- 1.4, 0.38 +/- 0.37, and 31.2 +/- 57.1, respectively. Of the patients, 17.8% were in remission and 14.1% had low disease activity rates, while 42.7% and 25.5% had moderate and high disease activity rates. Conclusion: The majority of patients with RA in Turkey are middle-aged homemakers. Despite the high rates of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs use, the majority of patients had moderate and high disease activity. These findings indicate that treatment needs of RA patients are not met sufficiently.Wyeth/Pfizer CompanyWyethThe authors express their gratitude to all members of TLAR RA Study Group for their cooperation and to Wyeth/Pfizer Company for the sponsorship