Aims: The aims of this study were identification of the causative organisms, uropathogens’ resistance, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing bacteria in primary and recurrent urinary tract infection. Study Design: A retrospective study included Omani children, less than 14 years, with any documented urinary tract infection. Place and Duration of Study: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between September 2008 and August 2012. Methodology: Comparison was made between both groups using Chi-squared (χ2) test as appropriate. Results: The first group included 175 children with first attack of urinary tract infection. Escherichia coli was the leading pathogen (69%), Klebsiella pneumonia (17%; P<0.001), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing bacteria (3%). 230 isolated uropathogens from 74 patients with recurrent urinary tract infection. The most common isolated pathogen was Escherichia coli 187 (81.3%; P<0.001), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia 12 (5.1%), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing bacteria (7%; P=0.042). Overall resistance to parenteral antibiotics was less evident than oral antibiotics, with least resistance to Meropenem and Imipenem (1% each). Higher resistance was found in recurrent urinary tract infection to Augmentin, Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone, and Cefotaxime. Oral Nitrofurantoin showed least resistance in first and recurrent urinary tract infection, but increased in non- Escherichia coli uropathogens. Conclusion: Escherichia coli and ESBL were more common in recurrent urinary tract infection, while Klebsiella pneumonia were found more in first urinary tract infection. Meropenem, Imipenem, Amikacin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam can be used cautiously and selectively, while Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone cannot be used in both groups. Our report shows high resistance rates to Ampicillin, Cefuroxime, and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. First-generation cephalosporin is not recommended for use as empiric therapy. We recommend the use of Ciprofloxacin and Nitrofurantoin as empiric treatment in both groups, with close monitoring of clinical response. Indeed, a larger scale multicenter national and regional studies are recommended in Oman and gulf region.

Nocardia asteroides is a rare pathogen in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. We report on a 13-year-old female with Nocardia asteroides peritonitis complicated by an intra-abdominal abscess. Linezolid was administered intravenously for 3 months and followed by oral therapy for an additional 5 months with close monitoring for adverse effects. The patient was discharged after 3 months of hospitalization on hemodialysis. The diagnosis and management of such cases can be problematic due to the slow growth and difficulty of identifying Nocardia species. The optimal duration of treatment for Nocardia peritonitis is not known. Linezolid can be used for prolonged periods in cases of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant cases with close monitoring for adverse effects.

IgA nephropathy and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis are common forms of primary glomerulonephritis in children. This paper reports a 5-year-old Omani boy who had a chance occurrence of these two different glomerular diseases. Our patient presented with clinical features of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and then developed recurrent macroscopic hematuria, polyarthritis, bloody diarrhea, and erythematous swelling of the penis. Renal biopsy revealed diffuse mesangial hypercellularity, with focal glomerular sclerosis, fibrous crescents, and mesangial IgA and C3 deposits, consistent with IgA nephropathy. The clinical features and differential diagnosis are outlined.

Child maltreatment (CM) is common worldwide, and can take many forms. It may even endanger the child's life, especially when younger children are the victims. CM affects the child's quality of life and consequently leads to long term issues to be dealt with by the child, family and community. This case series discusses six children who have been subjected to CM, and diagnosed by the child protection team of the departments of Child Health and Behavioural Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman. The aim of this case series is to increase the level of awareness of CM among Oman's medical professionals and to highlight the difficulties encountered in diagnosing and providing optimal care for these children. Although treatment is provided in Oman's health care system, it is clear that there are gaps in the existing system which affect the quality of child protection services provided to the children and their families.

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