Pediculosis Is a Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

Pediculosis capitis is obligate ectoparasite that lives and feeds on host blood, affecting commonly children. Lice are transmitted easily and respond to topical treatment with good personal hygiene. Chronic infestation can lead to different complications such as bacterial infection dermatitis and anaemia. Haematological complications are not reported frequently. We report a case series of five patients presented with a clear manifestation of anaemia with heavy lice infestation. Laboratory evaluation revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia (red blood cell indices) with low serum iron levels and other causes that were excluded. All patients who were admitted received blood transfusions. There was not a possible explanation for this severe anaemia other than head lice.

Foreign Body Ingestion: A Common Presentation Among Pediatric Age Group in the City of AlAhsa Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background Foreign body ingestion is a prevalent issue among children and presents considerable morbidity and mortality rates. Due to children's increased accessibility to electronic toys and equipment, foreign body ingestion has become a common reason for presenting to pediatric emergency departments worldwide. In this context, this research aims to determine the prevalence of foreign body ingestion among children in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This observational retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Maternity and Children Hospital, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, from 2017 to 2021. The study included children (less than 14 years old) who presented to the emergency department with a history of foreign body ingestion. The biographical data, clinical presentation, type of foreign body, and X-ray findings were documented. Results A total of 91 cases of foreign body ingestion or aspiration in children under 14 years of age were included. Approximately half of the patients were under the age of three, and 62.2% of them were male, while 37.8% were female. The clinical presentation revealed that only 24% were symptomatic. Coins were the most commonly ingested foreign bodies (28.9%), followed by metallic objects (20%), and batteries were the least frequently ingested foreign bodies, recorded in eight cases. Conclusion Early detection and treatment of foreign body ingestion is crucial to prevent consequences. In this study, the most frequent foreign bodies detected were coins among children up to three years old. Raising parents' awareness about the prevention of foreign body ingestion is an important step toward reducing its incidence.