BackgroundCongenital anomalies (CAs) are structural, functional, or metabolic anomalies that originate during intrauterine life and can interfere with the body functions. In Egypt, the prevalence of CAs is increasing. The study aimed to estimate the frequency, describe the types, and identify the possible risk factors of CAs among infants attending the Pediatric University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt.MethodsA retrospective case series and a case-control study were conducted. Patients’ records for the years 2010–2015 were reviewed, and a sample of 200 infants (100 cases and 100 controls) was taken from infants presented to Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, and Genetics Clinics of the hospital. Data were collected using a record review checklist and a predesigned interviewing questionnaire.ResultsThe study revealed that congenital anomalies of the digestive system (38.0%), musculoskeletal system (32.9%), and circulatory system (11.0%) were the most common types of CAs. Males were more affected with CAs than females (63% versus 37%). The major risk factors for CAs were old-aged parents, complications during pregnancy, unprescribed medications and excessive vitamin A intake during pregnancy, exposure to chemicals and pesticides during pregnancy, and living near mobile strengthening stations.ConclusionCongenital malformations of the digestive, musculoskeletal, and circulatory systems were the most common types of CAs in the Pediatric Hospital. To prevent CAs, there is a need to restrict the prescription of medications that may have a teratogenic effect.

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SUMMARYThe fungal skin flora of a sample of 205 elderly persons in Alexandria, drawn by cluster sampling probability technique, was investigated. Pathogenic yeasts were isolated from 18-6% and 10-3% of skin and nails respectively. Candida albicans (16-1 % and 7-3 %) was prominent. A low prevalence of dermatophytes grown on agar (2-4 % from skin and 2-9 % from nails) was observed. In contrast, saprophytic filamentous fungi comprised 45-4 and 50 7 % of skin and nails samples respectively. This study showed no statistically significant effect of sociodemographic variables (sex, marital status, crowding index, and income per capita) on the skin flora. There was no statistical significant difference between elderly diabetics and nondiabetics as regards fungal skin flora.

This study showed that most healthcare workers (HCWs) followed the proper injection protocols but performed some procedures that exposed themselves and the community to the risk of needlestick injuries (NSIs) and bloodborne infections.

All burn cases admitted to the burns unit of Alexandria Main University Hospital over a period of one year were investigated. Burns were found to occur in younger age groups. There was an almost equal distribution of cases by sex, but when stratified by age, more females were found in most age groups. Most burns were domestic, with cooking being the most prevalent activity. Flame was the most common agent. Death occurred in about one-third of cases;when using logistic regression analysis, the outcome of the burn injury was significantly associated with age, sex, total surface area burnt and degree and depth of the burn