Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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To investigate the association between obesity and airway inflammation and spirometric parameters in local children. ⋯ Increased airway inflammation as revealed by exhaled nitric oxide concentration was found in obese non-asthmatic children. Weight-for-height z-score as an indicator of childhood obesity correlated with exhaled nitric oxide concentration and spirometric parameters in children without asthma. Nonetheless, concomitant obesity does not influence exhaled nitric oxide concentration in asthmatic children. Further studies are needed to identify the pathophysiologic mechanisms for such associations.
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Cat-scratch disease is a clinical syndrome that usually presents as a self-limiting illness featuring regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and small skin lesions in association with a cat scratch or bite. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bartonella henselae, which commonly affects children and young adults. ⋯ It can present with a wide spectrum of ocular diseases including neuroretinitis, Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome, and other forms of intra-ocular inflammation. This case report describes cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis in a 10-year-old girl who presented with typical signs, including optic disc swelling and a macular star, preceded by pyrexia of unknown origin and cervical lymphadenopathy.
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We report the first fatality caused by novel influenza A (H1N1) infection despite having the diagnosis confirmed and being given antiviral treatment after hospitalisation. This patient was also the first with influenza A (H1N1) to be supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Hong Kong. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective means of supporting patients with refractory hypoxaemia on high mechanical ventilatory support, it is labour-intensive and technically demanding. We also discuss the challenges faced when managing this case.