Vajira Medical Journal: Journal of Urban Medicine

e267005

Authors: Pathaporn Prempraphan, Manisara Puengwongtrakul

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiology of invasive candida infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a tertiary care center in Thailand over 10 years. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Participants were enrolled from all neonates diagnosed with invasive candidiasis infection (ICI) in Vajira Hospital between 2008 and 2018. Demographic data, microbiological results, and neonatal outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 9,031 neonates were admitted to the NICU. A total of 14 neonates were diagnosed with ICI, giving a prevalence of 1.5 cases per 1,000 infants admitted to the level II and III NICU. The median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight were 28.5 weeks (27.0, 31.0) and 1,053 g (850.0, 1,586.5), respectively. In all, 10 (71.4%) and 8 (57.1%) neonates had positive blood and urine cultures, respectively. All infants had negative cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Among 14 neonates diagnosed with ICI, 7 (50.0%) neonates had positive cultures for Candida albicans. The overall mortality rate of neonates with ICI was 21.4%. CONCLUSION: ICI exhibits a low incidence rate within Vajira Hospital. This occurrence is demonstrably associated with prematurity, extremely low birth weight infants, and a demonstrably high mortality rate.

e268336

Authors: Ruaywan Santiwes, Dussadee Ngernlangtawee

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD children and explore the related factors and effects of PIU in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done. ADHD and non-ADHD participants aged 7-15 years old with current internet use were enrolled. A self-report questionnaire collected child and parental demographic data, internet use, and related data. An internet addiction scale was used. RESULTS: A total of 127 participants were enrolled, including 56 ADHD participants and 71 non-ADHD participants. The rate of possible PIU and PIU (possible PIU/PIU) in the ADHD group was 60.7% and 61.5% in the non-ADHD group. In the ADHD group, internet usage time ≥ 21 hours per week was a significant related factor to possible PIU/PIU (adjusted odd ratio 27.08, 95% confidence interval 2.35 – 312.04). Male was significant related factor to possible PIU/PIU in the non-ADHD group (adjusted odd ratio 4.25, 95% confidence interval 1.25 - 14.47). School level, grade, online gaming or social media exposure, and parental internet restriction were non-significant related factors in both groups. Children with possible PIU/PIU had significantly more positive depressive symptoms than the normal internet use group (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The results indicate a higher rate of possible PIU/PIU in both groups and a significant relation with depressive symptoms. In routine practice, we should clarify this issue and provide education to families and children with or without ADHD to prevent internet related problems.

e267381

Authors: Saiwasan Buathong, Lakhanawan Charoensuk, Picha Suwannahitatorn

Opisthorchis viverrini, a major foodborne trematode, remains a major public health concern in Thailand, particularly in the northern and northeastern provinces. O. viverrini can be transferred to people and reservoir hosts through the consumption of uncooked cyprinid fish with metacercariae. Chronic infection with O. viverrini can lead to a severe condition known as cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). According to the Nationwide Hospital Admission Database, Thailand has experienced the highest incidence of CCA globally in recent years. Particularly, between 2009 and 2013, there was an incidence rate of 14.6 cases per 100,000 individuals within the population and a corresponding mortality rate (MR) of 14%. In addition, high incidence rates of CCA were reported in Khon Kaen Province from 1989 to 2018, with a rate of 36.1 per 100,000 person-years in men and 14.4 per 100,000 person-years in women. Despite the reduction in the overall prevalence of O. viverrini at the national level, several studies have indicated that the infection remains highly prevalent in some communities in the northeastern and northern regions. Some communities have demonstrated a prevalence of O. viverrini exceeding 20%, and rates reaching as high as 45.7%. Therefore, in populations with a high prevalence, programs to control this parasite should be implemented, including monitoring eating habits. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current distribution of O. viverrini in Thailand, outlining its pathophysiology, background, and preventive and control strategies. In addition, this review suggests that individuals in high-risk communities should act to eradicate liver fluke, as this is crucial for the overall health of the community.