Schwannoma of the appendix: A case report and review of the literature

Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon and found in 1.6 per cent of appendicectomy specimens. Schwannomas arising from the appendix are of significant rarity, with only a few previously‐reported cases. In this study, we present the case of a 31‐year‐old man who underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy and was found to have an appendiceal schwannoma. In the present study, we review the literature of this rare condition, which serves to highlight the potential for appendiceal neoplasia to occur in a macroscopically‐normal appendix. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential risk of missed appendiceal neoplasia as a sequelae of nonoperative management of suspected appendicitis.     

ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE IN THE PRIMARY PREVENTION OF ATOPY

SUMMARY Atopy development cannot yet be predicted with certainty, and primary prophylaxis has to be directed at every ‘at-risk’ infant. However, substantial progress has been made in identifying environmental factors associated with allergic disorders. The process of sensitisation to common allergens may begin in utero. The influence of adjuvants, especially passive smoking, is considerable in individuals with established atopic disease. This article examines the role of intervention during pregnancy and the first year of life in the primary prevention of atopy and suggests a number of measures based on the current evidence.     

Severity of acute hepatitis and its outcome in patients with dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital Karachi,Pakistan (South Asia)

Background  

Liver injury due to dengue viral infection is not uncommon. Acute liver injury is a severe complicating factor in dengue, predisposing to life-threatening hemorrhage, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and encephalopathy. Therefore we sought to determine the frequency of hepatitis in dengue infection and to compare the outcome (length of stay, in hospital mortality, complications) between patients of Dengue who have mild/moderate (ALT 23-300 IU/L) v/s severe acute hepatitis (ALT > 300 IU/L).     

Heparin-induced skin necrosis associated with thrombocytopenia and acquired protein C and protein S deficiency

We have described a patient with colon cancer and liver metastases who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and skin necrosis. We believe that the skin necrosis caused by the heparin/platelet factor 4 antibody was exacerbated by the acquired protein C and protein S deficiency. After the heparin was discontinued and infection treated, the skin necrosis and thrombocytopenia resolved. This case illustrates the fact that, in patients with heparin-induced skin necrosis, a search must be undertaken for an underlying pro-thrombotic state, which may precipitate the microthrombosis responsible for skin necrosis. We could not find any previous case reports of heparin-induced skin necrosis associated with isolated protein C deficiency, or combined protein C and protein S deficiency.     

A Nonsurgical Means of Fecal Diversion: The Zassi Bowel Management System

Purpose Patients with perineal burns and immobile hospitalized patients with severe excoriation from incontinence caused by excessive diarrhea pose difficult management problems, frequently requiring stoma formation. The Zassi Bowel Management System (Zassi Medical Evolutions, Fernandina Beach, Florida) multichannel intrarectal catheter was evaluated for its safety and its ability to divert feces away from perineal skin to allow wound and skin healing. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on inpatients from the Burns and Geriatric Units. Patients with previous rectal disease were excluded. Perineal skin and wound healing was measured before and after tube insertion by using the perianal disease activity index score. Data regarding patient comfort, wound contamination, dressing changes, bed linen changes, and adverse events were collected. Proctoscopy was performed before and after tube insertion. Results Twenty-two tubes were inserted in 20 patients (7 perineal burns, 13 severe perineal excoriations). Mean perianal disease activity index scores reduced from 14 to 6.4 (P < 0.0001) after tube insertion. Mean dressing changes reduced from 3.3 to 1.5 times per day (P < 0.01), and mean bed linen changes in the incontinent patients reduced from 9.3 to 1.2 times per day (P < 0.0001). Mean duration of rectal intubation was 14 days. Proctoscopy after tube removal was normal in all cases. One patient developed a superficial ulcer on the buttock from retention strapping. Conclusions The Zassi Bowel Management System tube allows diversion of feces away from the perineum for wound healing. It is safe, effective, and may help avoid stoma formation.