Prevalence of neuropathy in the diabetic foot.

Objective: To illustrate the prevalence of different types of neuropathy in diabetic patients with diabetic foot.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 229 diabetic foot patients treated at Princess Haya Hospital Hyperbaric Department, Aqaba, Jordan from January 1997 to January 2008, who were found to have different types of neuropathy. Neuropathy diagnosis was reached through investigating the patient`s history by presence of pain, and clinical neurological examination, absence of ankle reflexes, and abnormal quantitative sensory testing.

The role of computed tomography in blunt abdominal trauma.

Objective: To determine the utility of the computed tomography (CT) scan in blunt abdominal trauma and to compare it with operative findings or clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis based on existing, diagnostic CT scan reports taken during a 5 year period from 245 consecutive patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Percentages and types of trauma identified were based on CT scan findings.

Maternal smoking and breastfeeding.

A 2-month study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal smoking on breastfeeding. A total of 500 mothers were interviewed twice postpartum and information about maternal smoking and sociodemographic factors was collected. After adjustment for maternal smoking and other confounders, results suggested that smoking had a direct effect on breastfeeding.