Hearing loss and kidney dysfunction: finding a unifying diagnosis.

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects small caliber vessels, with renal and lung compromise. Diagnosis can be challenging; timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent devastating complication, particularly renal failure. We present a case of a patient with microscopic polyangiitis presented with renal and pulmonary involvements with concomitant sensorineural hearing loss.

Future options for the management of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.

The lack of health care infrastructure and prevalence of infectious disease in Nigeria exacerbate the growing problem of diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease. Nigeria should place more emphasis on chronic kidney disease education, screening, and prevention; propagation of acceptance of peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis; subsidization of renal replacement costs; and advancement of the national renal transplantation program.

Survival pattern of hemodialysis patients in Kumasi, Ghana: a summary of forty patients initiated on hemodialysis at a new hemodialysis unit.

To evaluate the survival pattern of hemodialysis patients at a dialysis unit in Kumasi, Ghana, through a retrospective (observational) study. Patients who were placed on hemodialysis at the dialysis unit at Komfo Anokye teaching hospital from October 25, 2006 to December 2007. The patients were followed from initiation of dialysis until December 31, 2007.

Acute sinusitis in adults. Difficult to diagnose, essential to treat.

Acute sinusitis is difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis depends on obtaining a complete history and physical examination in addition to use of radiographic diagnostic aids and, if necessary, sinus aspiration. Once the diagnosis is made, empirical treatment with antibiotic agents and adjunctive measures should be started.

Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the cervix: a report of 32 cases.

Papillary carcinomas of the uterine cervix with transitional or squamous differentiation are rare tumors that often resemble transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary tract. We reviewed 32 such cases of papillary cervical carcinoma and divided them into three groups: 1) predominantly (> 90%) squamous (nine cases), 2) mixed squamous and transitional (16 cases), and 3) predominantly transitional (seven cases). Overall, the patients ranged in age from 22 to 93 years (mean 50), and the most common clinical presentation was abnormal bleeding (15 patients) and an abnormal Papanicolaou smear (nine patients).

Guillain-Barré syndrome. A severe case calling for intensive treatment.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a relatively common disease with a low mortality rate. Early recognition and institution of treatment lead to a more favorable outcome, especially in more severe cases. Because the patient's condition may deteriorate rapidly, it is crucial to keep the patient in the hospital until his or her condition is confirmed to be stable.