A congenital mucocele of the anterior dorsal tongue.

We report on a new-born with a congenital mucocele on the anterior dorsal side of the tongue. The presentation as well as the differential diagnosis of congenital oral swellings is discussed. Because of breastfeeding problems the mucinous swelling was incised and drained two days after birth. Immediately after drainage the swelling disappeared. Congenital oral swellings are rare. Most of them are mucoceles. Post-partum treatment is surgically, but spontaneous remission has been described. High incidence of recurrence should be taken into account when (micro-)marsupialization or incision as sole treatment is performed.

Prevalence of tardive dyskinesia in Dominica: Results of a 3 year survey - Poster abstract

In Dominica, 474 outpatients seen at psychiatric clinics in the various districts were screened for tardive dyskinesia over a three-year period. A prevalence rate of 8.2 percent for both genders was found and included a significantly greater number of females, 6.4 percent. Eighty-seven percent (87 percent) of the positive patients were in the age group > 65 years and were predominantly of the Roseau district (64 percent), of lower income socio-economic status (94.8 percent) and all has been using neuroleptics for over 5 years. No patient of the entire patient population screened had used the newer neuroleptic medications, clozapine and risperidone which did not induce tardive dyskinesia. Introducing the neuroleptics without extrapyramidal side effects should greatly improve patient compliance and reduce the possibility of litigation that can occur if patients are not informed of the possible occurrence of tardive dyskinesia following the use of the present range of neuroleptic medication.(AU)

Gastro-enteritis in Dominica: from major cause of morbidity and mortality to minor primary care condition

Gastro-enteritis continues to be a major health problem in the developing world, especially in children. We studied morbidity and mortality rates of gastro-enteritis in the past 50 years in Dominica. All cases of gastro-enteritis registered during one year at the different levels of the primary health care services in the Marigot Health district were analysed. In a total district population of 8,554, 296 cases of gastro-enteritis (incidence 3,460/100,000) presented to the Casualty Department of the Marigot District Hospital and the district health centres. Of these, 143 were referred to the District Medical Officer. A total of 44 cases were admitted to the Marigot district hospital for short term observation and oral rehydration therapy. Only one child needed to be referred to the secondary level of care at the Princess Margaret Hospital. From being a major cause of morbidity and mortality, as well as a major reason for admission to hospital wards in the past 50 years, gastro-enteritis has become a minor condition which is generally treated at primary levels of health care. In addition to increased affluence and socio-economic conditions, this enormous improvement is attributed to the introduction of oral rehydration therapy and the development of easily accessible primary health care services.(AU)