scholarly journals Socio-clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Pandemic in Anbar Governorate, Iraq

Author(s):  
Hazim Ghazzay ◽  
Raid M. Al-Ani ◽  
Mothana A. Khalil ◽  
Ahmed Faeq Hammad

Abstract Background: The pandemic COVID-19 disease has a massive impact on the whole world. There is a variation in clinical symptoms in different countries. In addition, there is a wide range of symptoms that involve most of the systems in the body including the respiratory system. However, there is no classical presentation of this devastating disease.Objective: To describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Anbar Governorate, Iraq.Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Anbar Governorate, Iraq. The study covered the period from 1st of May to 30th of June 2020. All cases were confirmed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data concerning the age, gender, residence, occupation, clinical symptoms, smoking, history of systemic diseases, and the fate of the disease were collected from patients’ records. Results: Out of 481 patients, there were 259 males (53.8%). The age ranged from 12–104 years with a mean age of 45.7 ±16.11. The majority of the subjects were in the age group 36-58 years (n=204; 42.4%), urban (n=318; 66.1%), non-healthcare worker (n=447; 92.9%), and non-smoker (n=440; 91.5%). The main complaint was fever (n=300; 64.2%). The mortality rate was 5.6% (n=27). The increasing age, male gender, and patients with a history of systemic illnesses showed an increased impact on the death rate (P-value<0.05). While residence, occupation, and smoking didn't show a statistically significant difference (P-value>0.05).Conclusion: The fatality rate was 5.6%. Fever was the main feature of the COVID-19 infection. The elderly, males, and individuals with systemic diseases showed higher mortality rate.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazim Ghazzay ◽  
Raid M. Al-Ani ◽  
Mothana A. Khalil ◽  
Ahmed Faeq Hammad

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a massive impact worldwide. Clinical symptoms vary in different countries. In addition, a wide range of symptoms involve most of the body systems including the respiratory system. However, COVID-19 has no classical presenting signs. Objective: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized and nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients in Anbar Governorate, Iraq. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Anbar Governorate, Iraq. The study covered the period from May 1 to June 30, 2020. All cases were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data concerning the age, gender, residence, occupation, clinical symptoms, smoking, history of systemic diseases, and disease fate were collected from patients’ records. Results: Of 481 patients, 259 (53.8%) were male. The patient age ranged from 12 to 104 years with a mean age of 45.7 ± 16.11. Majority of the patients aged 36–58 years (n = 204, 42.4%) and were urban dwellers (n = 318, 66.1%), non-healthcare workers (n = 447, 92.9%), and nonsmokers (n = 440, 91.5%). The chief complaint was fever (n = 300, 64.2%). The mortality rate was 5.6% (n = 27). The increasing age, male gender, and a history of systemic illnesses showed an increased effect on the mortality rate (p < 0.05). Residence, occupation, and smoking status did not show significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: The mortality rate was 5.6%. Fever was the main feature of COVID-19. Male, older individuals with systemic diseases showed higher mortality rate.


Author(s):  
Victor Tam ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Bobby Sidhu

  Background: Gym equipment surfaces are known to harbor a range of contaminants due to the wide range of community use of the equipment. Certain gym equipment undergoes daily sanitation, however many other equipment surfaces do not. This study measures the levels of contamination on certain gym equipment surfaces at an educational institute gym facility and determines the contamination levels after disinfectant wipes are applied. Methods: The method to obtain the data was determined by the use of the Hygiena Systemsure II ATP analyzer in conjunction with Hygiena Ultrasnap ATP surface swabs. Gym equipment (barbells, dumbbells, machine handles, cable attachments) and other surfaces (benches, floor mats) were swabbed subsequently after a random gym patron had used the equipment to capture an accurate representation of the cleanliness of the surfaces. Disinfectant wipes were then applied to the same area before being swabbed again to determine contamination levels after disinfection. Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the reduction of ATP levels with the use of disinfectant wipes with a p-value of 0.00001 at α=0.05. Alpha error was highly unlikely with a p-value being that low. Power was 99.9%, therefore there is a strong likelihood that we are correctly rejecting the null hypothesis. Conclusion: The study can conclude that disinfectant wipes do make a significant difference in surface cleanliness levels. Equipment that does not undergo routine cleaning such as the equipment used by the hands carry a much higher contamination rate than the body contact surfaces. Gym patrons should disinfect all body contact surfaces prior to use to reduce the risk of getting an infectious disease.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Wahdaniah Wahdaniah ◽  
Sri Tumpuk

Abstract: Routine blood examination is the earliest blood test or screening test to determine the diagnosis of an abnormality. Blood easily froze if it is outside the body and can be prevented by the addition of anticoagulants, one of which Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA). Currently available vacuum tubes containing EDTA anticoagulants in the form of K2EDTA and K3EDTA. K3EDTA is usually a salt that has better stability than other EDTA salts because it shows a pH approaching a blood pH of about 6.4. The purpose of this research is to know the difference of erythrocyte index results include MCH, MCV and MCHC using K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA. This research is a cross sectional design. This study used venous blood samples mixed with K2EDTA anticoagulant and venous blood mixed with K3EDTA anticoagulants, each of 30 samples. Data were collected and analyzed using paired different test. Based on data analysis that has been done on MCH examination, p value <0,05 then there is a significant difference between samples with K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA to erythrocyte index value. Then on the examination of MCV and MCHC obtained p value <0.05 then there is no significant difference between samples with K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA to erythrocyte index value.Abstrak: Pemeriksaan darah rutin merupakan pemeriksaan darah yang paling awal atau screening test untuk mengetahui diagnosis suatu kelainan. Darah mudah membeku jika berada diluar tubuh dan bisa dicegah dengan penambahan antikoagulan, salah satunya Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA). Dewasa ini telah tersedia tabung vakum yang sudah berisi antikoagulan EDTA dalam bentuk  K2EDTA dan  K3EDTA. K3EDTA  biasanya berupa garam yang mempunyai stabilitas yang lebih baik dari garam EDTA yang lain karena menunjukkan pH yang mendekati pH darah yaitu sekitar 6,4. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil indeks eritrosit meliputi MCH, MCV dan MCHC menggunakan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dengan desain cross sectional. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel darah vena yang dicampur dengan antikoagulan K2EDTA dan darah vena yang dicampur dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA, masing-masing sebanyak 30 sampel. Data dikumpulkan dan dianalisis menggunakan uji beda berpasangan. Berdasarkan analisis data yang telah dilakukan pada pemeriksaan MCH didapatkan nilai p < 0,05 maka ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara sampel dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA terhadap nilai indeks eritrosit. Kemudian pada pemeriksaan MCV dan MCHC didapatkan nilai p < 0,05 maka tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara sampel dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA terhadap nilai indeks eritrosit.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuyun Li ◽  
Dongming Wang ◽  
Lili Zhi ◽  
Yunmei Zhu ◽  
Lan Qiao ◽  
...  

AbstractTo describle how respiratory tract infections (RTIs) that occurred in children with allergic asthma (AA) on allergen immunotherapy (AIT) during an influenza season. Data including clinical symptoms and treatment history of children (those with AA on AIT and their siblings under 14 years old), who suffered from RTIs during an influenza season (Dec 1st, 2019–Dec 31st, 2019), were collected (by face to face interview and medical records) and analyzed. Children on AIT were divided into 2 groups: stage 1 (dose increasing stage) and stage 2 (dose maintenance stage). Their siblings were enrolled as control. During the study period, 49 children with AA on AIT (33 patients in stage 1 and 16 patients in stage 2) as well as 49 children without AA ( their siblings ) were included. There were no significant differences in occurrences of RTIs among the three groups (p > 0.05). Compared with children in the other two groups, patients with RTIs in stage 2 had less duration of coughing and needed less medicine. Children on AIT with maintenance doses had fewer symptoms and recovered quickly when they were attacked by RTIs, which suggested that AIT with dose maintenance may enhance disease resistance of the body.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan M. Ghoneim ◽  
Mohamed Elprince ◽  
Tamer Yehia M. Ali ◽  
Waleed F. Gharieb ◽  
Amal A. Ahmed

Abstract Background Depression is a serious mental health disorder that might affect women in the childbearing period. Incidences increase during pregnancy as well as after delivery. Its association with intimate partner violence (defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner) has been reported in many countries. Data about this sensitive issue are lacking in Egypt. The aim of the study was to determine the relation between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy. Methods This was a case control study conducted at the outpatient clinics in Suez Canal University hospital, from January 2019 to March 2020. The study included two groups, the study group included women exposed to violence during the current pregnancy and a control one included women with no history of violence. Both groups were recruited according to the predetermined inclusion criteria (women aged 18-45 years, continuous marital relationship, no history of depression in current or previous pregnancies, and singleton pregnancy). Women were asked to complete the Arabic validated NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (measuring four types of abuse: emotional, physical, sexual, and violence in the health care system, the last one being excluded). Depression was evaluated using the Arabic validated form of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (comprises 10 questions that represent patients’ feelings in the last 7 days). The main outcome measure was to assess the association between intimate partner violence and depression. Results We recruited 158 women in each group. Both groups were matched in their demographic characters. Although emotional violence was reported prominently among women exposed to IPV 87.9% (139/158), it was not significantly reported in depressed women (P value 0.084). Physical and sexual violence were significantly reported among depressed women (P value 0.022 and 0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference between women exposed to violence and those who were not exposed to violence in the total depression scores (13.63 ± 5.47 and 10.65 ± 5.44, respectively with a p value < 0.001). Emotional (p value < 0.001) and sexual violence (mild and severe with p value of 0.026 and 0.002 respectively) had significant roles as risk factors for depression during pregnancy in single regression and after control of other confounders. Conclusion There was a strong association between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shima Salehi ◽  
Rozita Hosseini Shamsabadi ◽  
Hassan Otukesh ◽  
Reza Shiari ◽  
Monir Sharafi

Abstract Background: Lupus is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease that involves various tissues and organs of the body. Identification of diagnostic elements to rapid identification of seronegative lupus cases is very important in order to prevent morbidity and progression of disease. This study aimed to compare clinical and laboratory findings of seropositive cases with seronegative lupus patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was performed on 43 children (17 seronegative and 26 seropositive) with lupus who were admitted to Ali Asghar Hospital during 2007-2017. Seropositive patients had anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titration >1/80, while seronegative patients had ANA titration <1/80 (at the time of disease diagnosis). Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between two groups.Results: Serositis in patients with ANA- was significantly higher than ANA+ (41.17% vs. 23.07%; p = 0.042). ANA- group had higher autoimmune disease history than ANA+ group (42.85% vs. 15.0%; p = 0.041). The family history of the disease in the ANA- group was greater than ANA+ group (50% vs. 23.52%). The percentage of hypertensive patients in ANA- group was higher than ANA+ group (52.94% vs. 26.92%; p = 0.037). Neurologic symptoms in ANA+ and ANA- groups were 38.46% and 17.64%, respectively (p = 0.043). The frequency of patients with thrombocytopenia in ANA+ group was significantly greater than ANA- group (32% vs. 12.5%; p=0.041). There was no significant difference in other clinical and laboratory findings between two groups. Conclusion: Seronegative lupus patients had higher percentage of musculoskeletal symptoms, autoimmune disease history, familial history of disease, and hypertension, while neurological and thrombocytopenia symptoms were higher in seropositive patients compared to seronegative cases. Therefore, evaluation of these factors can be helpful to diagnosis of seronegative patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. e1.10-e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Samardžić ◽  
A. Smits ◽  
V. Cossey ◽  
I. Soldatović ◽  
M. Bajčetić ◽  
...  

*presenting author, supported by ERAWEB II scholarship for postdoctoral program at the KU Leuven, Belgium (2014–2015)IntroductionVancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is frequently used for late onset sepsis (LOS) and catheter-related infection. Larger inter- and intra-patient variability, combined with a narrow therapeutic index, warrants therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, large inter-individual variability in PK parameters in neonates is documented, only partly explained by covariates such as weight, age or serum creatinine (1,2). In the current study, we focus on the potential impact of between assay differences for vancomycin (3) on the variability in its concentration in a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsVancomycin TDM observations of neonates and young infants treated with intravenous vancomycin, mainly for (suspected) LOS (ie, >72 hours after birth), in the Leuven NICU, Belgium, between June 2011 and December 2014. Our patient population, consists of (pre)term neonates, inborn or transferred, in need of specialized care related to prematurity, infections, perinatal asphyxia, congenital diseases (eg, surgery for cardiopathy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or esophageal atresia), or other diseases. Clinical characteristics at birth, as well as characteristics at the moment of TDM were extracted from the patient files. We aimed to document early vancomycin exposure, therefore only first trough levels were included. Serum vancomycin assay was performed either with a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibitionimmunoassay method (Siemens Dimension; Dade Behring, Deerfield, Illinois–PETINIA) or with an enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (Cobas c702; Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Germany–COBAS). The data were analyzed by Chi-square test, t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Linear Mix Model was used to assess significant differences between groups, when adjusting for confounding factors. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0 (IBM corp.), p-value <0.05 was significant.ResultsIn total, 564 vancomycin TDM observations, 311 assayed with PETINIA and 253 with COBAS, were included. Both cohorts had comparable clinical characteristics (median [min-max] current weight 2150 [420–5000] grams for PETINIA vs. 2120 [500–5840] grams for COBAS, and median postmenstrual age 35 [25–58] weeks for PETINIA vs. 35 [25–51] weeks for COBAS). We determined the significant difference between the vancomycin concentrations using two different immunoassays: PETINIA vs. COBAS (F=17.971; p<0.001). When adjusting for current body weight and postmenstrual age, the major covariates associated with vancomycin serum trough levels in neonates, the difference in vancomycin concentration between cohorts was statistically significant (F=17.076, p<0.001, F=18.951, p<0.001, respectively). Overall, immunoassays PETINIA and COBAS significantly differed by vancomycin concentrations when adjusting for covariates, and the mean difference for vancomycin concentration was 2.167 mg/l.ConclusionThe present study confirms the impact of assays on the variability in vancomycin concentration in neonates in a single NICU. Comparison between these two immunoassays showed a mean proportional differences >20%. Therefore, it is important to know how the vancomycin is measured when interpreting results, and particularly the transferability of vancomycin results between the laboratories has to be interpreted with caution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
Yusari Asih ◽  
I Gusti Ayu Mirah WS

<p><span>Baby Massage and Spa was a traditional effort that uses a holistic approach through comprehensive care using a combination of massage and water therapy methods that are carried out in an integrated manner to balance the body, mind, and feelings. Age 3-6 months is the right time for babies to do massage and spa. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of baby massage and spa on the growth of infants aged 3-5 months in Pringsewu District in 2018. This study uses a quasi-experimental approach with research design pre and post-test with control group design. The purposive sampling technique was taken with a sample of 30 infants as the intervention group and 30 infants as the control group. Data were processed using computerization and analyzed using the T-Test. The results showed that there were significant differences between body weight, body length and baby head circumference in the pre and post-treatment. There was no significant difference in the average increase in infant weight between babies who were carried out by baby massage and spa with babies who were not carried out by baby massage and spa with p-value 0.116. There is a significant difference in the baby's body length and head circumference performed by baby massage and spa with those not carried out by baby massage and spa with p-value 0.000. Baby Massage and Spa has a significant effect on increasing the growth of babies aged 3-5 months.</span></p><p><span> </span></p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Sumit Jeena ◽  
Jaswinder Kaur ◽  
Nishant Wadhwa

Background: Celiac disease is basically an immune-mediated enteropathic condition produced by permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible subjects. There is paucity of data in north India regarding clinical symptoms of coeliac disease, Serum IgA Anti TTG and Biopsy in pediatric population. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the correlation between clinical symptoms of coeliac disease, Serum IgA Anti TTG and Biopsy in pediatric population of northern India.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in prospective including 73 pediatric patients at Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Child Health, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India. Esophagogastroduodenoendoscopy and serum anti Ig A tissue transglutaminase were performed. The characteristic scalloping of the folds were looked for in endoscopy followed by four duodenal biopsies performed from second part of duodenum and histological grading was performed as per modified marsh system. Patients with Serum IgA anti tTG>20 U/ml were confirmed to be at risk. Complete histological work up was done including hemoglobin, RBC indices and peripheral blood smear examination. The association of clinical manifestations with disease grade was also established with correlation coefficient. All the data thus obtained was arranged in a tabulated form and analyzed using SPSS software. Probability value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant.Results: There were 4 males and 16 females with marsh grade 1 and 2 and mean age of 7.3±1.9 years. There were 5 males and 8 females with marsh grade 3a and mean age of 6.8±2.3 years. The mean weight of 18.11±3.89, height of 103.17±8.73 and BMI of 16.26±3.78 was observed amongst subjects with Marsh grade 1 and 2. The mean weight of 15.12±3.17, height of 99.28±9.19 and BMI of 15.02±3.20was observed amongst subjects with Marsh grade 3a. Diarrhoea was maximum amongst subjects with grade 3c and 4(70%) and minimum amongst Grade 1 and 2 (40%). There was a significant difference between the frequency of anemia amongst different grades as the p value was less than 0.05.Conclusion: The most common presenting signs and symptoms were diarrhea and abdominal pain. The study also concluded that the incidence of anemia increases with higher marsh grades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 891-894
Author(s):  
Shahid Ishaq ◽  
Ejaz Mazari ◽  
Fazal ur Rehman

Objectives: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common type of seizures and typically transpire in children with ages from 6 to 60 months. This study was planned to find out major clinical risk factors for seizures in febrile children who were aged 6 to 60 months. A total of 100 febrile children aged 6 to 60. Study Design: Analytical Study. Setting: Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan. Period: From 1st April 2018 to 31st December 2018. Material & Methods: Group A had 40 children with febrile seizures while group B had 60 febrile children but without seizures. Demographic features along with family history of (H/O) epilepsy as well as family history of febrile seizure, types of seizure and infection diseases were noted and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Odds ratio was calculated for various risk factors. Chi square test was applied and P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of a total of 100 children, there were 54 (54.0%) male and 46 (46.0%) female. There was no statistical difference in terms of gender between the two groups (p value = 0.566). Overall, mean age of the children was 26.02 months with standard deviation of 13.4 months. There were 28 (70.0%) children who reported with simple seizures while complex seizures were found in 12 (30.0%) cases. Statistically significant difference (p value = 0.001) was seen in terms of types of infections between the two study groups. When risk of seizures for various risk factors was calculated, family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy, and upper RTI were as 14, 7 and 3 times respectively and turned out to be the major risk factors for seizures in febrile children. Conclusions: Family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy and upper RTIs are the major risk factors related with seizures in febrile children. Measures to prevent these risk factors can decrease the burden of FS in our population.


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