Possible Hematological Changes Associated with Acute Gastroenteritis among Kindergarten Children in Gaza.

BACKGROUND: Gastroenteritis is considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing countries. It is a major childhood problem in Gaza and one of the most common etiologic agents of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). AIM: This study was conducted to investigate possible changes in blood parameters that are associated with gastroenteritis infection among kindergarten children in Gaza. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional case-control study was performed including kindergarten children suffering from gastroenteritis and matched healthy control group. Types of etiological agents were identified using standard microbiological and serological procedures. Blood samples were collected for estimation of complete blood count and for determination of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation. Independent sample t-test was used for comparisons and performed using SPSS software version 17(Chicago Illinois USA). RESULTS: The prevalence of enteric pathogens among cases (88.5% [85/96]) was significantly higher than in asymptomatic controls (11.1% [6/54]). The most common enteric pathogens isolated were Entamoeba histolytica (28% [42/91]) and Giardia lamblia (26.7% [40/91]). Blood tests revealed that 21.8% (21/96) of cases and 14.8% (8/54) of controls had IDA, which were not significantly different. Meanwhile, a significant difference was found between the TIBC and hemoglobin in cases compared to controls. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that gastroenteritis infection could be considered as a common health problem in kindergarten children in Gaza, and it is possibly associated with changes in hemoglobin concentration and TIBC.

Possible risk factors associated with burn wound colonization in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals, Palestine.

The epidemiological pattern and risk factors of burns and burn infections varies widely in different parts of the world. This study aims to determine the epidemiologic pattern of burn injuries and possible risk factors associated with burn infections in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals. A total of 118 patients were included in the study. The data collected included: patient age and gender, the causes, site, degree, and TBSA of the burns, as well as surgical operations, length of hospital stay, and microbiological profile of samples collected from patients, the environment, and from health care staff. Pediatric and adult patients accounted for 72% and 28% respectively. 58.5% of all patients were male and 41.5% were female. The most common etiological factors in children were scalding, while in adults these were open fire and flammable liquids. The mean TBSA was 12% with a range from 1-90%. Second and third degree burns accounted for 78% and 22% respectively. The area of the body most often affected was the torso (39%), followed by the lower limb (29.7%), and upper limb (17.8%). The predominant microorganisms isolated from burn wounds were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Staphylococcus spp. The study showed the highest risk groups to be children and males, and enabled us to identify possible risk factors that can help in future efforts toward prevention and minimizing nosocomial infections in burn units of Gaza strip hospitals.

Le profil épidémiologique et les facteurs de risque des brûlures et des infections de brûlures varient considérablement dans différentes parties du monde. Cette étude vise à déterminer le profil épidémiologique des brûlures et des facteurs de risque possibles associés aux infections de brûlures dans les unités de soins aux brûlés dans les hôpitaux de la bande de Gaza. Un total de 118 patients ont été inclus dans l'étude. Les données recueillies comprennent: l'âge et le sexe du patient, les causes, le site, et le degré TBSA des brûlures, ainsi que les opérations chirurgicales, la durée du séjour à l'hôpital, le profil microbiologique des échantillons prélevés sur les patients, sur l'environnement et sur le personnel de soins de santé. Les patients pédiatriques et adultes représentaient 72% et 28% respectivement. 58,5% des patients étaient des hommes et 41,5% étaient des femmes. Les facteurs étiologiques les plus courants chez les enfants ont été échaudage, tandis que chez les adultes s'agissait feu ouvert et liquides inflammables. Le TBSA moyenne était de 12% avec un intervalle de 1% à 90%. Les brûlures au deuxième et troisième degré représentaient 78% et 22% respectivement. La zone du corps la plus souvent touchée était la torse (39%), suivi par le membre inférieur (29,7%), et du membre supérieur (17,8%). Les micro-organismes prédominants isolés des brûlures étaient Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. et Staphylococcus spp. Selon cette étude, les groupes les plus à risque seraient les enfants et les hommes. En plus, cette étude nous a permis d'identifier les facteurs de risque possibles, et ces informations peuvent aider dans les efforts futurs vers la prévention et la réduction des infections nosocomiales dans les unités de soins aux brûlés de la bande de Gaza.

Possible health effects of liquefied petroleum gas on workers at filling and distribution stations of Gaza governorates.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is widely used in the Gaza Strip for domestic purposes, in agriculture and industry and, illegally, in cars. This study aimed to identify possible health effects on workers exposed to LPG in Gaza governorates. Data were collected by a questionnaire interview, and haematological and biochemical analyses of venous blood samples were made from 30 workers at filling and distribution stations and 30 apparently healthy controls. Statistically significant differences were found in all self-reported health-related complaints among LPG workers versus controls. LPG workers had significantly higher values of red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit mean corpuscular haemoglobin and platelet counts. They also had significantly higher values of kidney function tests (urea, creatinine and uric acid) and liver function enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). LPG workers at Gaza Strip petroleum stations are at higher risk for health-related symptoms and clinical abnormalities.

Possible health effects of liquefied petroleum gas on workers at filling and distribution stations of Gaza governorates

Liquefied petroleum gas [LPG] is widely used in the Gaza Strip for domestic purposes, in agriculture and industry and, illegally, in cars. This study aimed to identify possible health effects on workers exposed to LPG in Gaza governorates. Data were collected by a questionnaire interview, and haematological and biochemical analyses of venous blood samples were made from 30 workers at filling and distribution stations and 30 apparently healthy controls. Statistically significant differences were found in all self-reported healthrelated complaints among LPG workers versus controls. LPG workers had significantly higher values of red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit mean corpuscular haemoglobin and platelet counts. They also had significantly higher values of kidney function tests [urea, creatinine and uric acid] and liver function enzyme activities [aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase]. LPG workers at Gaza Strip petroleum stations are at higher risk for health-related symptoms and clinical abnormalities