Attitudes and Practices of Lumbar Puncture among Students, Interns, and Residents of the Pediatric Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Oujda, Morocco

Introduction: Even though lumbar puncture (LP) represents an important tool in the diagnosis of certain neurological diseases, this procedure is little practiced by our students. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of students, interns, and residents about LP, and to assess their feelings about how this procedure is taught. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 160 participants, using an anonymous questionnaire, to evaluate the attitudes and practices of students, interns and residents in the pediatrics department concerning lumbar puncture. Results: Half of the participants had never performed LP, usually because of the risk involved or lack of confidence, while 20% had performed it more than 4 times. None of the participants had learned to perform the procedure through simulation sessions, while (42%) had learned it under the supervision of a senior physician and had not been able to perform it successfully the first time. Most participants inform the patient about the procedure before performing it. Only 44% of participants acknowledged that LP can be performed under local anesthetic. The sitting position (60%) was by far the most commonly used. Most LPs were performed for diagnostic purposes. Most participants stated that the pediatric ward and the pediatric emergency department are among the departments that perform LP most frequently, and that they would be interested in taking part in simulated lumbar puncture sessions in children in the future. Conclusion: The results of our study show that LP is perceived by students as a risky procedure that is difficult to perform. Teachers should reconsider how this technical procedure is taught, by integrating simulation on mannequins into student training.

Pediatric Hepatoblastoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction and Objective: Hepatoblastoma is the most frequent malignant embryonal liver tumor, and its incidence is increasing. Children under 3 years of age are particularly affected. The etiology is largely unknown, but a genetic predisposition exists. This case highlights the clinical and imaging characteristics and management strategies. Case Report: We report the case of an 18 months old male admitted for exploration of an abdominal mass and was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. Conclusion: Hepatoblastoma is an aggressive tumor that begins locally and eventually metastasizes to the brain, lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs. Tumor stage at presentation and resectability are the most significant prognostic factors.

Sacrococcygeal Teratoma a Rare Tumor in Children: Case Report

Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are uncommon congenital tumors that typically develop in newborns, they are rarely associated with chromosomal abnormalities or other congenital anomalies. The majority of pediatric teratomas are benign in the neonatal age group, but the risk of malignancy increases with age. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and hormonal findings, but confirmed by anatomopathological study. Treatment is primarily surgical, with the aim of achieving complete resection to prevent recurrence. We present the case of a 22-month-old child who was admitted for management of a sacrococcygeal mass and was diagnosed with an immature teratoma.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome as the Primary Presentation of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), in its secondary form, often complicates rheumatic diseases but rarely constitutes a mode of revelation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women in adulthood. MAS is a serious condition that may be the first presentation of SLE. Here, we report the case of a 4-year-old female with MAS as the primary manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this case, we outline the characteristics of a complex case of SLE that was initially accompanied with MAS, and also review the literature to discuss the clinical, biological, and therapeutic aspects of this condition.

Ecthyma Gangrenosum in Patient with Bone Marrow Aplasia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an infrequent and discernible cutaneous disease caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In situations where it is associated with septicemia in debilitated patients, the prognosis is usually unfavorable. Objective: In this case, we aim to verify risk factors, clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic characteristics of ecthyma gangrenosum and we review the literature to highlight the features of this rare condition and discuss the role of early diagnosis and treatment. Case Report: We describe the clinical case of a 4-year-old male with bone marrow aplasia who was presented with characteristic skin lesions of EG and developed sepsis later. Conclusion: EG is a cutaneous disease characterized by its aggressive nature. The presence of delayed diagnosis and therapy, along with sepsis, is closely linked to a high mortality rate. Treatment is empirically founded on an aggressive initial approach.

Extra Dural Hematoma of the Dorso-Lumbar Region in a Hemophiliac: A Rare Entity

Introduction and objective: Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder inherited as a recessive train linked to the male gender. Bleeding into the central nervous system in patients with hemophilia is an extremely dangerous condition that can be directly life-threatening, if left untreated. Extradural hematoma of the dorso-lumbar region is rare but potentially deadly disease in children. This condition can result in severe neurological deficits. We aim to discuss the clinical, radiological and progressive clinical aspects of this illness. Case report: We report the case of a 5-year-old child with severe hemophilia A treated for extradural hematoma of the dorso-lumbar region resulting from trauma. A spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural hematoma. The patient was successfully treated with intensive replacement therapy and did not require surgical intervention. Conclusion: Extradural hematoma is a rare complication of hemophilia, that needs to be looked for in children who have bleeding disorders. For the best neurological outcome, early diagnosis is crucial.