Patterns Of Clinical Presentation Research Articles

Skin Deep: Insights into Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a substantial clinical challenge due to its chronic nature and profound impact on patient's quality of life. This review offers a thorough examination of AD, covering its historical background, clinical presentation, etiology, and epidemiological patterns. By delving into the intricate histopathological aspects, it elucidates the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving AD. Additionally, it assesses the effectiveness of phototherapy and diverse treatment options in addressing this multifaceted condition. By consolidating existing knowledge, this review aims to deepen our understanding and guide future strategies for managing AD effectively.

CMV-Related Anterior Uveitis in a Mediterranean European Population: Clinical Features, Prognosis, and Long-Term Treatment Outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the spectrum of clinical features of cytomegalovirus-related anterior uveitis (CMV-AU) along with potential comorbidities, to calculate complication rates, and to determine risk factors and biomarkers affecting prognosis in a cohort of a Southern European Mediterranean population. Materials and methods It is a retrospective, multicenter case series of consecutive patients with persisting hypertensive AU, unresponsive to topical steroids therapy, and CMV-positive essays from two uveitis referral centers were collected and analyzed. Results Fifty-seven eyes of 53 patients with polymerase chain reaction-verified CMV-AU over a period of 8 years were included with a mean age of 48 ± 18. Four presentation patterns were identified: 26.3% as Posner–Schlossman-like, 31.6% as chronic AU, 19.3% as presumed herpetic uveitis, 12.3% as Fuchs uveitis syndrome-like, and 10.5% without specific initial classification. About 15.8% received oral valganciclovir, 22.8% received topical valganciclovir, and 61.4% received both, for a mean duration of treatment of 44 months. AU recurrences were observed in 23 eyes with a mean of 1.5 (±1.5) recurrences per year. The only finding significantly associated with recurrence was the presence of posterior synechiae (PS) (p = 0.034). Fewer keratic precipitates (KPs) were indicative for the need of longer treatment, and endotheliitis was strongly associated with the need for filtration surgery. Conclusion In this immunocompetent southern European population, four distinct clinical presentation patterns were further confirmed, and possible biomarkers such as PS, KPs, and endotheliitis were newly reported to influence treatment outcomes. Large-scale studies could provide a more effective customized treatment protocol.

Genomics in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A 2024 Update

Abstract: Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) remains the leading cause of Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) worldwide, with an increasing epidemiological burden. However, still, the disease awareness remains low, early diagnosis is difficult, and therapeutic management is ineffective. These might be attributed to the fact that DKD is a highly heterogeneous disease, with disparities and variability in clinical presentation and progression patterns. Besides environmental risk factors, genetic studies have emerged as a novel and promising tool in the field of DKD. Three decades ago, family studies first reported that inherited genetic factors might confer significant risk to DKD development and progression. During the past decade, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) screening the whole genome in large and multi-ethnic population-based cohorts identified genetic risk variants associated with traits defining DKD in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Herein, we aim to summarize the existing data regarding the progress in the field of genomics in DKD, present how the revolution of GWAS expanded our understanding of pathophysiologic disease mechanisms and finally, suggest potential future directions.

Role of upper airway evaluation in the multidisciplinary management of obstructive sleep apnea in children below two years of age.

Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants and young children is challenging because of its clinical heterogeneity and lack of age-specific guidelines. We report the management and treatment outcome of OSA in children below 2 years of age. Treatment decisions were based upon the pattern of upper airway (UA) obstruction, clinical presentation and OSA severity. Retrospective, non-randomized observational cohort study at a tertiary center. Children with OSA who underwent an UA evaluation (drug-induced sleep endoscopy or direct laryngoscopy) were included. We studied 100 patients, 57 boys and 43 girls, age 0.72 years (0.0-2.0) and OSA confirmed by polysomnography. Multilevel UA collapse was present in 26%, (adeno)tonsillar hypertrophy in 31% and 21% had laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia was more common in children below 6 months of age and adenotonsillar hypertrophy was observed mainly in children >1.5 year of age. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment guided by UA findings, improved OSA severity at group level with a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in obstructive apnea/hypopnea index from 10.8/h (2.1-99.1) to 1.7/h (0.0-73.0), an improvement in mean oxygen saturation from 96.9% (88.9-98.4) to 97.4% (92.3-99.0), in minimal oxygen saturation from 85.4% (37.0-96.0) to 88.8% (51.0-95.5) and oxygen desaturation index from 5.1/h (0.2-52.0) to 1.3/h (0.0-47.8). Multidisciplinary management of young children with OSA guided by the pattern of UA obstruction and OSA severity, reduces OSA severity. The pattern of UA obstruction changes in the first 2 years of life from a dynamic collapse to structural abnormalities.

Patterns of Referral and Clinical Presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children at Al Jalila Children Specialty Hospital: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is gradually gaining popularity. However, there is minimal scientific research exploring the clinical presentation of this highly complex disorder and the general understanding of such varying presentations by general practitioners and pediatric physicians. Objective: This study aims to explore the patterns of referral of patients with ASD to a tertiary hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and to understand better and analyze the general knowledge of referring physicians through their impression of the patient’s clinical presentation Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study where all the data were collected electronically from past medical records and referral documents taken from Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital (AJCH). Patients who were referred were later assessed by the neurodevelopmental specialists using the NICE Guidelines. The data were analyzed statistically and described using different statistical tools. These results were then considered in light of the local clinician's needs for diagnostic support and the possibility of developing a national screening program for ASD. Results: Within a sample of 90 referrals, 69 (76.7%) were predominantly male, 73 (81.1%) were Emirati nationals, and the majority fell within the age group of 0 to 5 years old. Of the 90 referred patients, 53 (58.9%) were diagnosed with ASD by neurodevelopmental specialists using the NICE Guidelines. Physicians were keen on picking up features of speech and language deficits, hyperactivity, and inappropriate or atypical behavior. However, they seemed hesitant and required further assessment when interpreting and reporting features revolving around social communicative skills, interaction and rapport, and evaluating patients’ ideas and imagination. Conclusion: Physicians practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are advised to assess the full range of clinical symptoms of ASD according to their respective categories as listed in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Furthermore, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has published the first edition document titled “Dubai Clinical Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children and Adolescents,” designed to align physician recognition and practice with the government's objectives toward all individuals with ASD. Their achievement aligns with the goals of our study as it will make the clinical recognition of ASD clinically more sound and prevent misdiagnosis. Finally, the authors hope that this study aids in developing a national screening program dedicated to general practitioners and pediatric physicians in providing a structured assessment for ASD, which in return will result in early intervention by neurodevelopmental specialists for further diagnosis and management, ultimately improving the quality of life of the patients and their families.

Clinical presentation and management outcome of pediatric intussusception at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

To assess the pattern of clinical presentations and factors associated with the management outcome of pediatric intussusception among children treated at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. This retrospective cross-sectional study included the medical records of 103 children treated for intussusception from 2018 to 2020. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). In total, 84 (81.6%) patients were released with a favorable outcome. Ileocolic intussusception was a positive predictor, with a nine-fold higher likelihood of a favorable outcome than other types of intussusception [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 9.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.39-21.2]. Additionally, a favorable outcome was three times more likely in patients who did than did not undergo manual reduction (AOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 3.05-5.48). Patients aged <1 year were 96% less likely to have a positive outcome than those aged >4 years (AOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.03-0.57). Most patients were discharged with favorable outcomes. Having ileocolic intussusception and undergoing manual reduction were associated with significantly more favorable outcomes of pediatric intussusception. Therefore, nonsurgical management such as hydrostatic enema and pneumatic reduction is recommended to reduce hospital discharge of patients with unfavorable outcomes.

Clinical observations in acute neurology: A historical explanation of the present.

The history of the development of acute neurologic disease as a biologic mechanism is of interest. Equally important is how it translated to the bedside and how the clinical examination differentiated itself. This paper reviews primary sources pertaining to acute neurologic conditions described mostly in the 19th and 20th century. A review of monographs, treatises, textbooks, and peer-reviewed articles was conducted. The evolution of clinical signs and syndromes associated with dynamic intracranial pathologies was predicated on the idea that animal studies informed clinicians, who then linked clinical signs to these observations. A dominant theme is that innovative technologies could trace acute processes through all their various stages, affording a complete picture of the disease process. Just as clinical descriptors of central nervous system processes evolved, the presentation of acute neuromuscular respiratory failure became better defined. Once practices incorporated these acute clinical signs, textbooks cemented their "gold standard" status with relative impunity. The practise of acute neurology and neurocritical care must find out what, historically, others were seeking but could not find. Patterns of clinical presentation in acute neurology are sufficiently recognizable to guide practise decisions. Although, the currently well-documented clinical syndromes of acute neurologic conditions (at presentation and during deterioration) have been taught for generations, practitioners have noted that they lack consistency and predictability. History also taught us that part of this improved knowledge came with designated units-a clear example of how protean systems (not always innovative neurologists or neuroscientists or technologies) shaped the history of neurology.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Patterns of Pediatric Epistaxis: A Single-Center Study.

Epistaxis, commonly known as nose bleeding, is a prevalent condition in pediatric patients, often managed either at home or in clinical settings. This study aimed to explore the differences in the management of pediatric epistaxis between home and clinical settings, focusing on gender distribution, clinical presentations, and treatment methods. A retrospective review was conducted, analyzing pediatric epistaxis cases managed both at home and in clinical settings. Data on gender distribution, clinical presentation, and treatment methods were collected and analyzed. Home remedies, first aid management, and clinical interventions like the use of nasal sprays and septoplasty were evaluated. The study found significant differences in gender distribution between home (46.2% males) and clinical settings (61% males). Recurrent nasal bleeding was more common in home settings (75%), whereas more complex cases were predominant in clinical settings. Nasal sprays containing decongestants were widely used in clinical settings (62.1%), contrasting with a preference for first aid measures at home. Surgical interventions like septoplasty were occasionally employed in clinical scenarios. The study highlights distinct approaches to managing pediatric epistaxis in home versus clinical settings. It underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies, considering the severity and frequency of epistaxis episodes. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive guidelines to assist caregivers and healthcare professionals in effective decision-making for pediatric epistaxis management. The study also emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research and education in this area.

Assessing pattern of the Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from the emergency department of tertiary care center of a low-middle-income country

BackgroundPediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) is a hyperinflammatory condition affecting multiple organs in children, often resembling incomplete Kawasaki Disease during later phases of COVID-19 infection. Data on PMIS in low-middle-income countries, particularly in emergency department settings, is limited.ObjectivesThis prospective observational study at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, aimed to determine the frequency, clinical presentation patterns, and laboratory parameters of children with PMIS visiting the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included assessing factors associated with in-hospital mortality.MethodsFrom March 2020 to September 2021, patients meeting World Health Organization PMIS criteria were enrolled. COVID-19 testing included PCR and antibody testing. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed statistically.ResultsAmong 56 PMIS patients (85.7% male, mean age 7.67 ± 4.8 years), respiratory symptoms (70%), neurological symptoms (57%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (54%) were common presentations. Signs included delayed capillary refill time (93%), low-volume pulses (89%), and hypotension (68%). COVID-19 antibodies were positive in the majority (78.6%) while PCR was positive in 18%. Risk factors for mortality included prolonged emergency department stay, and high Ferritin and Lactate Dehydrogenase levels.ConclusionPMIS affects children of all ages. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequent presentations. Elevated inflammatory markers, including LDH, Ferritin, D-dimer, and Pro-BNP, correlate with higher mortality risk.

Identification of Distinct Clinical Presentation Patterns of Food Allergies in Infancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Identification of Distinct Clinical Presentation Patterns of Food Allergies in Infancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Pattern of Clinical and Laboratory Presentation of Cerebral Malaria among Children in Nigeria.

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most lethal form of severe malaria with high case fatality rates. Overtime, there is an inherent risk in changing pattern of presentation of CM which, if the diagnosis is missed due to these changing factors, may portend a poor outcome. Variations in the pattern of clinic-laboratory presentations also make generalization difficult. This study was, therefore, set out to report the pattern of clinical and laboratory presentation of CM. This was a cross-sectional study among children aged 6 months to 14 years admitted with a diagnosis of CM as defined by the World Health Organization criteria. A pretested pro forma was filled, and detailed neurological examination and laboratory (biochemical, microbiology, and hematology) investigations were done. P <5% was considered statistically significant. Sixty-four children were recruited with a mean age of 34.9 ± 24.9 months and a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1. There were 87.5% of under-five children. Fever (96.9%) was the major presenting feature closely followed by convulsions (92.2%). Convulsions were mainly generalized (94.9%) and multiple (76.5%). Profound coma (Blantyre coma score of 0) was present in 12.5% of cases, and the leading features on examination were fever (84.4%) and pallor (75.0%). Retinal vessel whitening (48.4%) was the most common funduscopic abnormality. Metabolic acidosis (47.9%), severe anemia (14.1%), hyperglycemia (17.2%), and hypoglycemia (7.8%) were seen among the children. Few (1.6%) had hyperparasitemia and bacteremia (3.2%). Early recognition of the clinical presentation and prompt management may improve the outcome of cerebral malaria.

Association of Severity and Type of Pain with Urolithiasis in Adults: A Computed Tomography Urographic Study

Background: Urolithiasis, a prevalent urological condition, especially in areas with warm and dry climates, poses significant healthcare challenges. In Pakistan, part of the "stone-forming belt," the incidence of urolithiasis is consistent with global prevalence rates. Understanding the demographic and clinical presentation patterns is essential for improving diagnostic and treatment strategies. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic urolithiasis in adult patients and to evaluate the efficacy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting urinary tract stones and associated abnormalities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital's Radiology Department. A total of 112 adult patients aged between 18 to 70 years with symptoms indicative of urinary tract abnormalities were included using a convenience sampling technique. Siemens 64-slice MDCT was employed for diagnosis. The chi-square test and Fisher's Exact Test were utilized for statistical analysis to assess the association between urolithiasis and clinical symptoms, with p-values less than 0.05 considered significant. Results: Out of 112 patients, the prevalence of asymptomatic stones was 2.8%. Bladder stones were identified in 16 patients (14.3%) with a size range of 3-12 mm (mean 7.5 mm, S/D ratio 2.6). Ureteric stones were found in a subset of patients, with sizes ranging from 6-28 mm (mean 13.8 mm, S/D ratio 4.1). The prevalence of hydronephrosis was 39.9% for the left kidney, 26.1% for the right kidney, and 10.9% for bilateral presentation. Non-stone-related findings requiring treatment were identified in 14% of patients undergoing MDCT for renal colic. Conclusion: The study confirmed the prevalence of urolithiasis within the expected range for a high-risk geographic area. MDCT urography proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool in detecting not only urolithiasis but also other significant renal tract abnormalities. The results indicate a need for improved public health strategies, particularly for the at-risk older adult population.

How predictive of SARS-CoV-2 infection are clinical characteristics at presentation among individuals with COVID-like symptoms treated at the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

The COVID-19 pandemic has progressed rapidly, with the emergence of new virus variants that pose challenges in treating infected individuals. In Mexico, four epidemic waves have been recorded with varying disease severity. To understand the heterogeneity in clinical presentation over time and the sensitivity and specificity of signs and symptoms in identifying COVID-19 cases, an analysis of the changes in the clinical presentation of the disease was conducted. To analyze the changes in the clinical presentation of COVID-19 among 3.38 million individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) from March 2020 to October 2021 and evaluate the predictivity of signs and symptoms in identifying COVID-19 cases. A retrospective analysis of clinical presentation patterns of COVID-19 among individuals treated at IMSS was performed, contrasting the signs and symptoms among SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals with those who tested negative for the virus but had respiratory infection symptoms. The sensitivity and specificity of each sign and symptom in identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection were estimated. The set of signs and symptoms reported for COVID-19-suspected patients treated at IMSS were not highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The signs and symptoms exhibited variability based on age and epidemic wave. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.62 when grouping the five main symptoms (headache, dyspnea, fever, arthralgia, and cough). Most of the individual symptoms had ROC values close to 0.5 (16 out of 22 between 0.48 and 0.52), indicating non-specificity. The results highlight the difficulty in making a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 due to the lack of specificity of signs and symptoms. The variability of clinical presentation over time and among age groups highlights the need for further research to differentiate whether the changes are due to changes in the virus, who is becoming infected, or the population, particularly with respect to prior infection and vaccination status.

The relationship between patterns of negative life experiences and clinical presentation in a psychiatric sample.

Attempts have been made to classify the patterns of polytraumatization using a person-centered approach. However, most studies have only focused on maltreatment and interpersonal trauma and have been unable to examine various clinical symptoms. This study aimed to explore patterns of negative life experiences, including maltreatment, lifetime trauma, and recent stressful life events, and compare diverse dimensions of the clinical manifestations among the subtypes in a clinical sample. We investigated childhood maltreatment, lifetime trauma, and recent stressful events using a self-report method in 1410 psychiatric patients; we classified the patterns of lifelong negative life experiences using latent profile analysis (LPA). We used the rates of psychiatric diagnosis, the Beck Depression Inventory,the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-K),and the Multiphasic Minnesota Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Formto compare various symptom dimensions among the derived subtypes. LPA indicated a four-class solution: mild, recent stress, maltreatment, and multiple adversity group. The multiple adversity group experiencing both lifetime trauma and recent stressful life events, in addition to maltreatment, including sexual abuse, had a high rate of severe mental illness and more symptom dimensions of thought and behavior problems. However, the rates of depressive disorders and emotional/internalizing symptoms were not more than those in the other two groups (recent stress and maltreatment groups) experiencing moderate levels of lifetime trauma. There was no significant difference between the recent stress and maltreatment groups for most symptom dimensions. The findings indicate that distinct symptom profiles may be associated with the pattern of negative experiences, suggesting that negative experiences need multidimensional investigation in clinical settings.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A 12-Year Analysis at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility from North-Western Nigeria

Background: Orofacial cancers remain a serious burden in developing countries largely due to scarcity of resources in both diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to present the pattern of clinical presentation and management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral and maxillofacial region at a tertiary health care facility, Northwestern Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial regionseen in the past 12 years (January 2012 to January 2023). After obtaining ethical approval from the research and ethics committee of the institution, patients’ demographic characteristics, risk factors, sites, stage, histologic diagnosis, and treatment status were extracted from the patient's record. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 software.&#x0D; Results: A total of 233 cases (114 (76.8%) males and 54 (23.2%) females) were analyzedin the age range of 20-80 years with a mean±SD of 52.98±16.08years. Most of the patients 174(74.7%) were farmers. The onset ranged from 6 weeks to 2 years. The main complaint of the patients were pain and swelling (132 (56.7%)). Extensive or multiplesites (72 (30.9%)) constitute the majority of the SCC. Well-differentiated SCC (133 (57.1%)) was the predominant diagnosis and, the majority (86 (36.9%)) were Stage IV lesions. The male patients were found to have more advanced disease compared to females with a statistically significant difference (p= 0.000). Surgery+ referral for chemotherapy/radiotherapy (125(57.1)) was the main treatment modality.&#x0D; Conclusion: The well-differentiated SCC was thecommonest histologic subtype. Surgery and chemoradiation therapy were treatment modalities offered the patients especially with the early lesions and prompt initiation of treatment.

Spectrum of initial clinical presentations in Pakistani patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Arthritis Care Foundation lupus cohort.

The aim is to determine the pattern of initial clinical presentations of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in patients in a Pakistani lupus cohort. This is a multi-centric, retrospective, descriptive study that was done through the analysis of electronic records of patients registered with outdoor clinics of the Arthritis Care Foundation (ACF) from November 2021 to March 2023. Follow-up records of all patients diagnosed and labeled as SLE as per ACR/EULAR criteria 2019 were reviewed and only those patients whose initial presentation of SLE was documented at their incident visit (after verifying the signs and symptoms from record of their GP/referring physicians' visits) were included in the study. A total of 388 patients diagnosed with SLE were included in the study. Their data was then entered and analyzed by using SPSS 23. The qualitative data was expressed as percentages and numbers while the quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Data correlation was calculated by Chi-Square test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of our 388 patients, 360 (92.8%) were females and 28 (7.2%) were males giving a female-to-male ratio of 12:1. The mean age of our patients was 32.8 + 9.8years. Mucocutaneous manifestations were most commonly reported in our patient group by 336 (86.7%) patients. Musculoskeletal complaints were the next most common presenting feature reported by 246 (61.9%) patients followed by constitutional symptoms in 78 (20.1%) patients, and renal involvement in 42 (10.8%) patients. In our study, a majority of patients presented with mucocutaneous symptoms. It is therefore of paramount importance to suspect autoimmune diseases in patients with these system involvements.

A High Copy Number from a Pharyngeal Swab Is Not Associated with Different Presenting Features in 100 Children with Acute Adenovirus Infection from a Cluster in Italy.

Human mastadenoviruses, frequently denominated adenoviruses (HAdVs), may cause respiratory tract, gastrointestinal or, less frequently, other involvements. Epidemics of HAdV infections occur globally, in communities, and in closed or crowded settings. In our institution, a cluster of infants and children admitted for HAdV infection was recently observed. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of their presenting features and investigate the possible correlation between the HAdV copy number and the clinical picture. Two main patterns of clinical presentation were observed: 68 patients had mainly respiratory symptoms (pharyngitis n = 67, cough n = 44; tonsillar exudate n = 17; other respiratory signs n = 4) while 26 patients showed prevalent gastrointestinal involvement (diarrhea n = 26, vomiting n = 8). Patients with respiratory symptoms had a significantly higher count of WBC, PMN, and platelets, while CRP level approached statistical significance (p = 0.07) for higher values in the patients with diarrhea. In order to explore the impact of selected presenting features, the possible association between the level of CRP and the presence of pharyngeal exudate, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, duration of fever, number of neutrophils, and administration of antibiotics was analyzed. Patients falling in the tertile with more elevated CRP values had tonsillar exudate and diarrhea significantly more often, while those in the lower tertile had a 4.4-day duration fever vs. ≥5.0 days in the remaining patients. Antibiotic therapy was administered more frequently to patients with higher values of CRP (p = 0.006). The duration of hospitalization was not associated with the CRP level. The median time from the receipt of a positive HAdV PCR test result to patient discharge was 1 day in 73% of cases. The number of copies of HAdV detected via PCR ranged between 47 million and 15/μL. Falling in the highest tertile of copy number was significantly associated with pharyngitis. The 24 patients with evidence of viral coinfection had no difference in the demographics or presenting features, with the only exception being a significantly higher leukocyte count. The rapid turn-around of the results of the molecular testing of the HAdV genome on a pharyngeal swab allowed us to rapidly diagnose HAdV infection, allowing us to stop antibiotic therapy and immediately discharge the patients, with reduced discomfort for the families and more appropriate use of hospital beds. A high copy number of HAdV from a pharyngeal swab should not be taken as an indicator of worse prognosis, thus allowing for the preferential use of qualitative rather than quantitative assay.

Solid and Vascular Neck Masses in Children.

Neck masses are frequent in the pediatric population and are usually divided into congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic. Many of these lesions are cystic and are often benign. Solid masses and vascular lesions are relatively less common, and the imaging appearances can be similar. This article reviews the clinical presentation and imaging patterns of pediatric solid and vascular neck masses.

Laryngeal Tuberculosis: Current Patterns of Presentation and Management.

Laryngeal tuberculosis (TB) is the commonest granulomatous condition found in the larynx and may be primary or secondary. With the recrudescence of tuberculosis and development of multidrug resistance, the classical disease trend of laryngeal tuberculosis is changing its manifestations. The aim of our study is to describe the various patterns of presentations of laryngeal tuberculosis in the current era and consequently its changing management protocols. In this retrospective study, out of 890 patients who visited our voice and swallowing clinic in our study period, 10 were diagnosed as granulomatous conditions [1.1%] and 3 of these were confirmed cases of tuberculosis involving the larynx [0.3%]. Secondary laryngeal TB was found in 1 of our patients with a "dirty larynx picture". Primary laryngeal TB was seen in 2 patients, one patient presented with a unilateral congested vocal fold and the other with bilateral striking zone leukoplakia. The clinical pattern of presentation of laryngeal tuberculosis has changed over the years. None of the patients of primary or secondary laryngeal tuberculosis had the classical constitutional symptoms of tuberculosis. In patients with laryngeal tuberculosis along with routine TB workup, surgical excision with histopathological testing is essential for accurate diagnosis in primary laryngeal TB and the "dirty larynx" picture aids in the diagnosis of secondary laryngeal TB. The healing and vocal outcomes are good in both primary and secondary laryngeal TB, once the appropriate antitubercular regimen has been started.

Presentation pattern and survival rate of retinoblastoma following chemotherapy: a prospective study

BackgroundThis study presents the clinical pattern of presentation and survival rate of retinoblastoma, which is the most prevalent form of pediatric intraocular cancer. The aim of this study is to provide baseline information about the clinical presentation and management of retinoblastoma at ECWA Eye Hospital. Additionally, the study identifies priority areas for enhancing medical care for children diagnosed with this cancer. ECWA Eye Hospital, situated in Kano State, Nigeria, is a specialized eye center located in the North-Western region of the country.MethodsA prospective study spanning five years was conducted at ECWA Eye Hospital to investigate clinically diagnosed cases of retinoblastoma. The study took place from January 2018 to December 2022. The patients received standardized pre-medication and chemotherapy protocols for retinoblastoma. Subsequently, a five-year follow-up was conducted to monitor the patients’ progress. The collected data was analyzed, descriptive statistics were generated, and the survival rate was calculated.ResultsDuring the five-year study period, a total of 35 cases of retinoblastoma were diagnosed. The patients had an average age of 3.21 ± 1.32 years. The most common presentation patterns observed were fungating ocular mass and proptosis. Among the cases, there were 10 instances of bilateral proptosis and 25 instances of unilateral proptosis. While no patients exhibited bilateral leukocoria, eight cases of unilateral leukocoria with anterior segment seedlings were identified. The additional patterns of presentation are proptosis, leukocoria, fungating orbital mass, redness and loss of vision. The mortality rate was 80% (28 cases), while the survival rate was 20% (7 cases). Notably, all the survivors had unilateral retinoblastoma.ConclusionThe majority of cases observed at ECWA Eye Hospital involve advanced retinoblastoma. In low-resource settings where alternative treatment options are limited, chemotherapy is considered a viable treatment option. Early presentation of retinoblastoma in patients may lead to a higher survival rate when chemotherapy is administered.