How are children with medical complexity being identified in epidemiological studies?A systematic review

Background There are different definitions to identify/classify children with medical complexity(CMC).We aimed to investigate and describe the definitions used to classify CMC in epidemiological studies.Methods PubMed,SciELO,LILACS,and EMBASE were searched from 2015 to 2020(last updated September 15th,2020)for original studies that presented the definition used to classify/identify CMC in the scientific research method.We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology.From the included studies,the following were identified:first author,year of publication,design,population,study period,the definition of CMC used,limitations,and strengths.Results Nine hundred and sixty-seven records were identified in the searched databases,and 42 met the inclusion criteria.Of the 42 studies included,the four most frequent definitions used in the articles included in this review were classification of CMC into nine diagnostic categories based on the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision(ICD-9)(35.7%,15 articles);update of the previous classification for ICD-10 codes with the inclusion of other conditions in the definition(21.4%,nine articles);definition based on a medical complexity algorithm for classification(16.7%,seven articles);and a risk rating system(7.1%,three articles).Conclusions CMC definitions using diagnostic codes were more frequent.However,several limitations were found in its uses.Our research highlighted the need to improve health information systems to accurately characterize the CMC population and promote the provision of comprehensive care.

Unveiling the impact:COVID-19's influence on bacterial resistance in the Kingdom of Bahrain

BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat,and understanding local trends in bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has introduced additional complexities,potentially influencing these patterns.AIM To analyze trends in bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex from 2018 to 2023,with a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends.METHODS A retrospective analysis of microbiological data was conducted,covering the period from 2018 to 2023.The study included key bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli(E.coli),Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus,among others.The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of these isolates were assessed using standard laboratory methods.To contextualize the findings,the findings were compared with similar studies from other regions,including China,India,Romania,Saudi Arabia,the United Arab Emirates,Malaysia,and United States.RESULTS The study revealed fluctuating trends in the prevalence of bacterial isolates,with notable changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.For example,a significant increase in the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was observed during the pandemic years,while the prevalence of E.coli showed a more variable pattern.Antibiotic resistance rates varied among the different pathogens,with a concerning rise in resistance to commonly used antibiotics,particularly among Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli.Additionally,the study identified an alarming increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant(MDR)strains,especially within Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli isolates.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these trends was evident,with shifts in the frequency,resistance patterns,and the emergence of MDR bacteria among several key pathogens.CONCLUSION This study highlights the dynamic nature of bacterial isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at Salmaniya Medical Complex,particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and effective anti-microbial stewardship programs to combat the evolving threat of antibiotic resistance.Further research and policy initiatives are required to address the identified challenges and improve patient outcomes in the face of these ongoing challenges.

Clinical Variants, Rates of Post-Operative Recurrence and Malignant Transformation of Sino-Nasal Inverted Papilloma

Background: Inverted Papilloma (IP) is the most common benign neoplasms arising from the mucosal lining of the of the Sino-Nasal tract with single or multifocal attachment sites. The high propensity to recur, local aggressive behavior and possibility of malignant transformation attract considerable interest. Objective: To assess the factors affecting Sino-nasal IP, malignant transformation rate, and post-operative recurrence rate. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on all cases diagnosed as Sino-Nasal Papilloma between January 2010 and December 2020 at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. Data gathered from medical records were analyzed using SPSS. A total of 49 Sino-Nasal Papilloma cases were recorded of which 37 were IP. Factors affecting Sino-Nasal IPs are presented. Results: Sino-Nasal IP was recorded in 37 cases, composed of 28 males and 9 females with first presentation average age of 45.86 years. These involved 20 cases in the left side, 14 in the right side and 3 were bilateral. Recurrence in males and females was found to be 35.7% and 33%, respectively, with an average of 12.6 months. The symptoms include nasal blockage (97.3%), epistaxis and postnasal drip (13.5% each), headache (8.1%) and hyposmia and rhinorrhea (5.4%, each). The main recurrence was at stage T2 (60.5%), while in smokers (26.7%) and non-smokers (50%). Malignant transformation occurred in one patient only (2.6%). Conclusion: IP is the most common type of SNP with male predominance. The recurrence rate is high with an average of a year and the malignant transformation occurred in 2.6 % of the cases.