Haifa Al Awadhi

Bio: Haifa Al Awadhi is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bone disease & Bone mineral. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 5 publications receiving 4 citations.

Surgical consequences in infants with delayed diagnosis of congenital chloride diarrhea.

Abstract: Despite the usual typical presentation, congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) poses multiple diagnostic challenges. It has an incidence of 1/5000 in Saudi Arabia. CCD can mimic intestinal obstruction and result in avoidable surgical interventions. Contributing factors are abdominal distension and the watery (urine-like) diarrhea that is often interpreted as delayed passage of meconium. Surgical interventions would unnecessarily increase the morbidity. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and educating neonatologists, general pediatricians, and pediatric surgeons regarding this diagnostic entity is essential. Here we describe five such cases.

Ingested sharp foreign body presented as chronic esophageal stricture and inflammatory mediastinal mass for 113 weeks: Case report.

Abstract: Introduction Impacted foreign bodies in the esophagus have the potential to cause serious complications. Ingested sharp objects carry the risk of acute complications as: perforation, acute mediastinitis, and acute bleeding. Rarely, such foreign bodies might migrate through the esophageal wall and present as chronic esophageal foreign body. Case presentation We present a case of a 36-month-old girl presented with solid food dysphagia and regurgitation proved to be secondary to esophageal stricture after 26 months of accidental ingestion of aluminum can tab which has migrated through the wall of the upper esophagus into the mediastinum. After two trials of endoscopic treatment; she underwent thoracotomy and partial esophagectomy. Multiple trials of dilation and Mitomycin C injection were followed because of re-stricture. Conclusion Foreign body impaction or secondary stricture needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with new onset dysphagia and regurgitation. Metallic Foreign body might be even radiolucent. Practitioners should keep a high index of suspicion for a retained esophageal FB in the child with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms that do not respond to standard therapy.

Case Report on a Rare Disease in Lithuania: Congenital Chloride Diarrhea

Abstract: Congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) is a rare disease, manifesting with secretory diarrhea and life-threatening electrolyte imbalance during infancy. The early diagnosis of CCD is therefore necessary for the adequate treatment. The long-term prognosis of properly managed CCD is favorable. We present a case of complicated CCD with necrotizing enterocolitis. The child was born to nonconsanguineous parents of Lithuanian origin. CCD was suspected due to watery diarrhea, progressive hypochloremia, and high fecal chlorides. Despite oral electrolytes being prescribed, volvulus of small intestine developed requiring several surgical interventions. The clinical diagnosis of CCD was confirmed by molecular genetic testing of SLC26A3 , which revealed two Polish founder mutations in the DNA of the patient. The prevalence of CCD in Lithuanian neighbor Poland is approximately 1 in 200,000 live births. This is the first described case of CCD in Lithuania to our knowledge, leading to the suggestion that this disease may be underdiagnosed.

Approach to pediatric esophageal foreign body ingestion: An experience of 117 cases in a tertiary care center

Abstract: Background: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a frequent home accident in the pediatric population and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. We aimed to describe the problem of pediatric esophageal FB ingestion at King Abdulaziz University Hospital over 10 years regarding patient, visit, and management characteristics and identify the pediatric specialty team that was called first to the emergency department in such cases. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 117 pediatric patients admitted for esophageal FB ingestion in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2020. We used Chi-squared and one-way analysis of variance tests to determine the associations. Data on demographic and clinical variables were compared between patients with and without neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their associations were assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 4.7 ± 3.7 years, with slightly higher rates in males (57.3%). Six patients (5.1%) had a history of preexisting esophageal conditions, and five (4.3%) had previous FB ingestion. The most commonly ingested item was a coin (n = 53) and was mostly located in the upper esophagus (n = 56). Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms occurred in 78 and 29 patients, respectively. The Otolaryngology Department contributed the highest number of admissions (63.8%). Conclusion: FB ingestion is common in Saudi Arabian preschoolers. These data indicate the need for caregivers to be educated about FB ingestion. Additional investigations should emphasize addressing the consequences of FB ingestion.

Metabolic mayhem. The advantage of keeping your nose both in the books and in the nappy

Abstract: This case presentation takes you on a journey of diagnostic hurdles, covering a common neonatal presentation: abdominal distention with failure to pass meconium, followed by a presentation in infancy with metabolic, renal and electrolyte abnormalities. The article provides a systematic approach to the different clinical problems, allowing interpretation of results, making differential diagnoses and deciding on investigations and management.