Suppurative corneal ulceration in Bangladesh

Suppurative keratitis is an important preventable cause of blindness, particularly in the developing world. This study analyses 142 cases of suppurative keratitis referred to Chittagong Eye Infirmary, Bangladesh. Some 53.5% of cases were bacterial and 35.9% were fungal. The five most common pathogens were: Pseudomonas sp. 24%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 17%, Aspergillus sp. 13%, Fusarium sp. 7% and Curvularia sp. 6%. Gram stain and culture results were consistent in 62.6% of cases. Previous antibiotic treatment was a significant factor for failure of culture isolation and less so for Gram stain failure. On Gram stain, 55.9% of pseudomonal cases were missed, but only 2% of fungal cases were missed. Over all, Gram stain had a sensitivity of 62% and positive predictive value of 84% for bacterial cases, and 98% and 94% for fungal cases, respectively. Fungal ulcers were typically filamentous, but an antecedent history of trauma was not common. The most frequent injury was due to rice grains, but the inoculum appeared to be introduced during eye washing with contaminated water. Pseudomonal ulcers occurred most frequently in the monsoon season, and Fusarium cases were seen only in the hot, dry season.     

Significance of 'Langer's axillary arch' in axillary dissection

The axillary arch is reported to occur in 7% of the population, but in our experience has only been observed in 0.25%. The anatomical features are described and its importance in axillary dissection is indicated. In addition, its relevance to the prevention of lymphoedema and to the construction of latissimus dorsi flaps is discussed. The axillary arch should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary swellings.     

Psychiatric mental health nursing: challenge and change

. We invited Dr Peplau to provide a personal reflection on the recent history of psychiatric nursing and her thoughts on immediate challenges facing the profession. The paper is an individual scholar's commentary on the way that psychiatry has waxed and waned over the years, in relation to nursing. This historical review discovers and reports a challenge to current practice. Dr Peplau describes a professional shift that is pulling nurses toward the subordinate role observed earlier this century. The paper draws attention to how contemporary practice can be positively influenced, e.g., by giving a structure to the allocation and conduct of nurse–patient time.     

Extreme bradycardia during sleep apnea caused by myxedema

A 52-year-old man with myxedema was evaluated for anterior chest pain that was considered to be compatible with myocardial ischemia. The night after admission he developed extreme bradycardia, hypotension, and apneic episodes lasting up to 25 s. Continuous positive airway pressure and administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate prevented further episodes and relieved much of the somnolence and lethargy that had contributed to the evidence for myxedema. Alveolar hypoventilation caused by decreased sensitivity to carbon dioxide, inadequate central neural drive, peripheral muscle force, and obesity all may have contributed to the apnea. Chest pain has not recurred, and results of electrocardiography have remained normal following full thyroid hormone replacement. The early recognition of myxedema causing sleep apnea will allow specific treatment to avoid the cardiovascular risks related to prolonged apnea and will help avoid confusion with other etiologies of cardiovascular abnormalities.