The Prevalence of Bacterial Etiologies Causing Otitis Media with Effusion among Omani Children

Objectives Our main objective was to determine the prevalence of bacterial etiologies of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) among Omani children as well as to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility to penicillins. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 28 Omani children under 5 years of age with OME. The Middle Ear Effusion (MEE) was sent for direct culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Out of 38 MEE, 8(21.1%) showed growth on direct culture. The majority of bacteria were sensitive to penicillin. 17 (44.7%) samples were positive using PCR with 5 (29.4%) of them had more than one positive pathogen. The detection rates for H. Influenzae, M. catarrhalis and S. pnemoniae were 31.6%, 18.4% and 10.5% respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of bacteria causing otitis media with effusion among Omani children was not different than the rates reported worldwide however the order of the most common ones differs slightly. Keywords: Otitis media with effusion; Bacteria; Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Role of Tracheostomy in Dealing with Penetrating Neck Trauma: A Double Edged Sword

Background Penetrating neck trauma is an injury in which platysma muscle in neck is breached. It is a life threatening emergency and it requires urgent management by securing airway and neck exploration. Tracheostomy is one of the important procedures as it secures the airway though associated with complications and morbidity in the patients. Case Presentation We present 3 cases of penetrating neck trauma. Each patient is managed by different means of securing airway depending on the site of trauma and associated laryngeal injury. Conclusion Tracheostomy in penetrating neck trauma helps in securing the airway and paves way for safe neck exploration. Minor laryngeal injuries are managed conservatively in order to avoid complications associated with tracheostomy. Tracheostomy and other means of airway management in penetrating neck trauma depend mainly on individualised approach though tracheostomy at a lower site to that of wound should be preferred in major laryngeal injuries. Keywords: Penetrating Neck Trauma; Tracheostomy; Laryngeal Injuries; Airway Management.

Extensive Surgical Emphysema Due to Fishbone Ingestion: A Rare Case Report

Aerodigestive injury due to a fishbone foreign body is a widespread emergency department case. It presents with a wide range of manifestation; however, occasionally, we come across rare complaints. Surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum is an unusual presentation described in our case report. Keywords: Fishbone; Surgical emphysema; Neck swelling; Foreign body.