No abstract

Aboriginal patients made up half the numbers admitted, but only 13% of the population. More Aboriginal adults died than non-Aboriginal adults, but no child died. Heavy alcohol use, chronic lung disease and diabetes mellitus were the commonest risk factors for Aborigines (alcohol, chronic lung disease and cancer for non-Aboriginal subjects). S. pneumoniae, followed by Haemophilus influenzae were the most common pathogens found. Both were sensitive to amoxycillin. The yield of definite pathogens was low. Staphylococcal and melioidosis pneumonia were confined to Aboriginal patients. Chlamydia, legionella and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were not identified.

A substantial proportion of all patients admitted to a pediatric hospital during winter represent a potential source of infection, and strict infection control measures should be enacted to limit the spread of these infections.

A case of a simultaneously discovered arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and a meningioma is presented. A review of the literature revealed only four similar cases, but there have been 30 reports of other intracranial tumors in association with AVM. The possible mechanisms of this rare association are discussed.

A substantial proportion of all patients admitted to a pediatric hospital during winter represent a potential source of infection, and strict infection control measures should be enacted to limit the spread of these infections.