RESUMEN
Recurrent chest infections can present diagnostic challenges, especially when the underlying cause remains elusive despite initial evaluations and treatments. This case report details the clinical journey of a patient experiencing recurrent chest infections over several months, during which conventional diagnostic approaches initially failed to provide lasting relief. Here, we present the case of a 16-month-old female child who had been experiencing recurrent chest infections since the age of 10 months, ultimately diagnosed as a case of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (PAPVR).
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Influenza is a highly contagious disease that causes severe illness each year. Data in the United Arab Emirates are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To study the seasonality, morbidity, mortality rate, and comorbidities associated with confirmed influenza infection in a tertiary hospital in Al-Ain city, UAE. METHODS: Retrospective study, from 2012 to 2017, of the electronic medical records in Tawam hospital, of children up to 15 years of age with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. RESULTS: There were 1392 children, with the highest number in 2017 (n = 461, 33%). The incidence peaked between October and March. The infection was more common between 1 and 11 years of age (n = 948, 68%). The overall prevalence of influenza A (n = 1144, 82%) was higher than influenza B (n = 276, 19.8%). One-third of the patients required admission. The commonest underlying comorbidity was asthma (n = 170, 12%). The two commonest complications were pneumonia (n = 165, 12%) and acute otitis media (n = 82, 6%). CONCLUSION: Our findings serve as a benchmark for comparison with reports from other countries and need to be considered when reviewing the national vaccination program.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hyponatraemia occurs during bronchiolitis, sometimes with neurological manifestations. The prevalence of the latter differs widely and little is known about the time of occurrence and associated factors. This study was undertaken to investigate these complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational chart review of a cohort of 233 infants under 2 years of age admitted with bronchiolitis to a teaching hospital in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: Hyponatraemia (serum sodium <135 mmol/L) occurred in 105 infants (45%, 95% CI 38-51). Hyponatraemia was present on admission in 84 infants (80%) with 90% of cases occurring within 6 days of the onset of illness. It was mild (130-135) in 100 infants (95%) and severe (<130) in five (5%). It was not significantly associated with age, duration of illness before admission, viral aetiology, white cell count or serum C-reactive protein concentrations, or the volume of administered intravenous fluid or use of 0.18% sodium chloride (NaCl). Neurological manifestations occurred in a 29-day-old child with a serum sodium level of 123 mmol/L while receiving two-thirds intravenous maintenance fluids (0.18% NaCl). His developmental milestones remained normal on follow-up to the age of 5 years. CONCLUSION: Hyponatraemia is common in infants with bronchiolitis and occurs in the majority within 6 days of onset of symptoms. There was a significant association between the presence of fever (>38°C) on admission and the duration of hospitalisation.