Biomedical subjects

A Toukan

Publications and source records attributed to A Toukan.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Epidemiology of needlestick and sharp injuries at a university hospital in a developing country: a 3-year prospective study at the Jordan University Hospital, 1993 through 1995.

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of needlestick and sharp injuries in a university hospital in a developing country, Jordan. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken of all needlestick and sharp injuries among workers at the Jordan University Hospital between 1993 and 1995. Health care workers were asked to report in person to the infection-control team to verify the incident and to respond to a questionnaire. Blood was obtained from patients and health care workers immediately and from the health care workers 6 months later for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV testing. RESULTS: During the 3-year period, 248 health care workers had needlestick and sharp injuries. Of these, 34.6% were staff nurses, 19%, environmental workers, 15.7%, interns, 11.7%, residents, 8.5%, practical nurses, and 6% were technicians. The incidence density was highest for the interns followed by staff nurses and environmental workers. Of incidents, 22.6% occurred during blood drawing, 11.3% during placing intravenous lines, 8.5% during administration of medication, 11% during recapping the needle, 10.5% during needle disposal, 12.5% during garbage collection, and 5% were caused by a neglected needle. Only 117 patients were identified; 36 of 62 of these had positive results for hepatitis B surface antigen, and 8 of 13 for hepatitis C virus. CONCLUSION: Needlestick and sharp injuries occur frequently in developing countries. Safer disposal facilities and routine hepatitis B vaccine should be adopted.

Developing Countries↗

PubMed1990

Strategy for the control of hepatitis B virus infection in the Middle East and North Africa. The Middle East Regional Study Group.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV-associated diseases are prevalent in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Postnatal horizontal childhood transmission appears to be the predominant method by which high hepatitis B carrier rates are maintained. To control hepatitis B in this region, mass immunization should be initiated prior to one year of age. This effort would be most cost-beneficial when integrated into the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) and should be preceded by demonstration projects designed to gather practical data on the impact, methods and feasibility of such programmes which can subsequently be used to expand the immunization programme to other parts of the region.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Diazepam, flunitrazepam and midazolam for elective endoscopy--a comparative study.

One hundred twenty patients undergoing elective endoscopies were studied. They were allocated into three groups and accordingly they received Diazepam, Flunitrazepam and Midazolam. The effect of these drugs on the task performance of the patient's memory, anxiety and sedation level were assessed using objective tests. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were also assessed. All observations were subjected to student's t-test and chi squared assessment. We concluded that there are no major differences between the three drugs in the dosage used. However, the Midazolam group showed faster recovery, more sedation, less pain on injection than the Diazepam group. As for the cardiovascular system, there was a tendency for hypotension and tachycardia in all groups. Patients in the Midazolam group had more amnesia as compared to the other groups.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Ketamine hydrochloride as sole anesthetic for open liver biopsy.

We evaluated the use of ketamine as sole anesthetic agent for open liver biopsy, with particular reference to its effect on liver function and hepatotoxicity and its effect on cardiovascular stability and respiration. From 386 patients who underwent liver biopsy at Jordan University Hospital, 12 had open liver biopsy because of contra-indications for closed needle biopsy. The surgical procedure consisted of a small right paramedian incision allowing inspection of the liver surface and a wedge and needle biopsy. Ketamine HCl was used in a dose of 2 mg/kg I.V. with supplemental doses as necessary. No significant fluctuations in cardio-respiratory vital signs were observed. Muscle rigidity and respiratory tagging movements necessitated addition of a muscle relaxant and artificial ventilation in three patients. Six patients reported dreams, two of which were described as nightmares. There was no liver function decompensation, or significant bilirubin or transaminase elevations in the week following the biopsy. Ketamine is a safe anesthetic to use for open liver biopsy in patients with underlying liver disease, although poor muscle relaxation and nightmares may be significant side effects.

Adolescent↗