Integration of a recent infection testing algorithm into HIV surveillance in Ireland: improving HIV knowledge to target prevention.

Recent infection testing algorithms (RITA) for HIV combine serological assays with epidemiological data to determine likely recent infections, indicators of ongoing transmission. In 2016, we integrated RITA into national HIV surveillance in Ireland to better inform HIV prevention interventions. We determined the avidity index (AI) of new HIV diagnoses and linked the results with data captured in the national infectious disease reporting system. RITA classified a diagnosis as recent based on an AI < 1.5, unless epidemiological criteria (CD4 count <200 cells/mm3; viral load <400 copies/ml; the presence of AIDS-defining illness; prior antiretroviral therapy use) indicated a potential false-recent result. Of 508 diagnoses in 2016, we linked 448 (88.1%) to an avidity test result. RITA classified 12.5% of diagnoses as recent, with the highest proportion (26.3%) amongst people who inject drugs. On multivariable logistic regression recent infection was more likely with a concurrent sexually transmitted infection (aOR 2.59; 95% CI 1.04-6.45). Data were incomplete for at least one RITA criterion in 48% of cases. The study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating RITA into routine surveillance and showed some ongoing HIV transmission. To improve the interpretation of RITA, further efforts are required to improve completeness of the required epidemiological data.

The Burden of Severe Lactational Mastitis in Ireland from 2006 to 2015

This aim of this paper is to describe the trends in the burden of severe lactational mastitis among women in Ireland through an analysis of postnatal mastitis hospital admission rates from 2006 to 2015. Data on all postnatal hospitalisations with principal diagnosis of mastitis were extracted from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry system. Trends in annual admission rates per 10,000 live births were analysed using non-parametric trend tests. The overall admission rate for lactational mastitis was 24.4/10,000 live births. There was a significant increase in admission rates from 22.7/10,000 in 2006, to 30.9/10,000 in 2015 (Mann Kendall Trend: t=0.64; Sen's slope=1.46, p=0.01). Ireland has a high hospital admission rate for lactational mastitis, despite very low breastfeeding rates. These two factors may be linked, with low breastfeeding prevalence possibly contributing to low levels of expertise in the management of mastitis, leading to higher complication rates. This is an important area for future research.

Using electronic mail to improve MMR uptake amongst third level students.

This study assessed the usefulness of email in informing third level students about special MMR clinics being provided on campus during a mumps outbreak in the North West of Ireland. Email messages were sent directly to students, informing them of the clinics, inviting them to make a clinic appointment by email and providing details of walk-in clinics. At the clinics, all 177 attendees were asked to fill out a questionnaire and the response rate was 89% (n=158). Regarding the main sources of information about the vaccination clinics, email was selected by 117 (74%) students, word-of-mouth by 27 (17%), posters/leaflets by 8 (5%), and other sources by 6 (4%). Use of email as a source of information was rated as very good/excellent by 115 (73%), as good by 35 (22%) and poor/fair by 8 (5%). This study demonstrates that email is a useful and acceptable way of informing third level students about immunisation clinics in an outbreak situation.

Ruptured S1-S2 disc presenting with S2 radiculopathy.

We report the case of a 61-year-old man in whom numbness developed on the right side of the penis, scrotum, and perineum after he jumped into a swimming pool. Magnetic resonance imaging and a computed tomographic scan disclosed a lesion at S1-S2 impinging on the right S2 nerve root. At surgery, ruptured disc material originating in an area normally occupied by the fixed fibrocartilaginous plate was identified and excised. Postoperatively, the numbness resolved. We discuss a possible cause of the rupturing of the sacral disc and recommended treatment by laminectomy and excision, as in other cases of ruptured disc at other levels of the spinal column.

Spontaneous migration of a bullet in the spinal subarachnoid space causing delayed radicular symptoms.

The authors report a case of a gunshot wound to the left lower quadrant of the abdomen in a patient who initially was neurologically intact. The bullet had lodged at the T-11, T-12 level in the spinal canal. After an exploratory laparotomy, the patient developed severe low back pain radiating to his left lower extremity and an incomplete footdrop. Repeat x-ray films and a myelogram showed that the bullet had migrated to the L-4, L-5 level on the left. Bullet emboli and delayed sequelae of gunshot wounds to the spine are discussed.

Tetraplegia secondary to cervical sarcoidosis. Case report.

This is the report of a case of vertebral sarcoidosis causing collapse of cervical vertebrae with resulting tetraplegia. The patient was successfully treated by decompression and subsequent anterior removal of the invaded three vertebral bodies, followed by an autologous bone graft.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy.

The role of percutaneous lumbar discectomy as an adjunct in the treatment of herniated lumbar discs has become increasingly recognized. This article discusses its history, indications, techniques, and results.

Vertebral sarcoidosis with paravertebral ossification.

A young black male with sarcoidosis developed quadriplegia after a fall. Roentgenograms of the spine revealed extensive lytic and scierotic changes with paravertebral bony bridges simulating ankylosing spondylitis. He recovered on corticosteroid therapy after laminectomy and cervical fusion. Review of the literature suggests that this case of vertebral sarcoidosis is the most severe yet reported and the first with paravertebral ossification.