Does waterpipe smoking increase the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether waterpipe smoking can be associated with the transmission of Helicobacter pylori infection or not. Materials and Methods: Between March 2018 and April 2019, 445 patients aged over 18 years old who were admitted to outpatient clinics with dyspeptic complaints were recruited for the study. Patients are divided into two groups - Group 1 is H. pylori-positive patients and Group 2 is negative. Waterpipe smoking, smoking, age, gender, and educational status were compared among groups. Results: Two hundred and sixty-one women (58%) and 184 men (42%), totally 445 patients, tested for H. pylori infection. Seventy-nine of 261 (30%) women and 60 of 184 (32%) men had H. pylori positive. One hundred and sixty-two of 445 (36%) patients were smoking cigarette and 66 of 445 (14%) patients were using waterpipe tobacco. Waterpipe smoking individuals were found to be associated with the H. pylori positivity (P < 0.001); whereas, age, gender, educational level, and smoking were not found to be statistically significant (all P > 0.05). In binary logistic regression analysis, waterpipe tobacco smoking was found to be the only independent predictor of H. pylori infection (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 5.51, confidence interval: 3.158-9.617). Conclusion: Waterpipe smoking seems to be an important risk factor for H. pylori infection and may be one of the reasons of high prevalence of H. pylori infection.

Severe Hypokalemia and Rhabdomyolysis Caused by Conn Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality. Generally being asymptomatic, muscular fatigue, paresis and arrhythmia can be seen as the severity of hypokalemia increases. Severe rhabdomyolysis and neuromuscular findings can be seen in severe hypokalemia cases. Presence of hypokalemia can be a precursor of secondary hypertension in hypertensive patients, and also should bring hyperaldosteronism into consideration. Mild hypokalemia is usually seen in primary hype-raldosteronism. However, deficient potassium levels are also seen in some cases. We have shared the case of a hypertensive patient, who presented to the emergency department with findings of rhabdomyo-lysis and neuromuscular findings secondary to severe hypokalemia. The potassium level of our patient was 1.3 mmol, and it was one of the lowest potassium levels reported up to today.

Postpartum Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease. Approximately half of the aortic dissection observed in women under 45 years old has been reported to be related to pregnancy. Herein, we present a case of type A aortic dissection diagnosed in postpartum period. A 37-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with the complaint of sudden onset of dyspnea. Arterial blood pressure was measured as 170/100 mmHg in left arm and 90/60 mmHg in right arm. With a prediagnosis of aortic dissection, thoracic and abdominal computed tomograpy was performed and type A aortic dissection extending form carotid artery to renal arterial level was detected. Operation of aortic dissection together with coronary arterial repairment and aortic valve replacement were successfully performed. Aortic dissection is not uncommon in pregnancy and furthermore it is potentially life-threatening for both mother and fetus. A high level of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment in the peripartum period.