DR. MARC KAMEL BOUSTANY, MD

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This study looked at how common invasive fungal disease (IFD) is in children who have received heart transplants. Out of 200 patients, 8 (or 4%) developed IFD, and certain factors like long-term central access, delayed closure of the chest after surgery, strong antibiotics, and the use of a machine called ECMO were linked to higher risk of this condition. Understanding these connections can help doctors take better care of young heart transplant patients and reduce the chances of infection after surgery. Who this helps: This helps pediatric heart transplant recipients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis has affected children with rare blood clotting disorders, like deficiencies in several important factors for blood clotting. Among the 46 patients surveyed, 72% found it hard to get the treatment they needed, and 62% identified a lack of healthcare coverage as their biggest problem. The findings highlight that these patients are struggling significantly, and it's clear that both the government and private healthcare must work together to improve their situation. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare coagulation disorders and their families.

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This study looked at how well doctors are following guidelines for prescribing antibiotics to children with sinusitis, a common condition. Researchers developed an automated system using advanced technology to analyze 300 clinical notes, and they found that the system correctly identified appropriate antibiotic prescriptions 94.7% of the time, while it correctly flagged inappropriate prescriptions 66.2% of the time. This matters because it could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which is important for preventing antibiotic resistance and ensuring better health outcomes for children. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and pediatric patients by improving antibiotic prescribing practices.

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This study looked at the health and healthcare experiences of LGBTQ adults in Lebanon, focusing on issues like access to care and health literacy. Among the 496 participants, 41.1% reported having at least one chronic condition, 15.7% had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and 37.7% faced difficulties accessing healthcare. The findings highlight the need for better healthcare policies and interventions that support LGBTQ individuals and reduce discrimination in health settings. Who this helps: This helps LGBTQ patients in Lebanon by improving their access to healthcare and overall health outcomes.

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This study focused on a rare condition called pituitary apoplexy that can occur during pregnancy. Researchers described a 26-year-old woman who experienced severe headaches, blurry vision, and dizziness at 35 weeks into her pregnancy and was treated with medication and delivered her baby via cesarean section at 36 weeks. While her pituitary gland mostly returned to normal after treatment, she continued to experience issues related to hormonal function two years later. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers dealing with pregnancy-related complications.

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This study looked at the differences in the bacteria found in newborns, especially those exposed to HIV from their mothers, within the first three days of life. Researchers took samples from 57 newborns in Botswana and found that while the type of bacteria varied from place to place on the body, there was no significant difference based on whether the mother was HIV-positive or negative. However, babies whose mothers were diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy had a microbiome more similar to those without HIV exposure than babies whose mothers were diagnosed during pregnancy, indicating that HIV exposure may affect bacterial development later on. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and parents of newborns, particularly those with mothers who are HIV-positive.

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The study looked at children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who got COVID-19 to understand their health outcomes. Among 259 children with SCD who were hospitalized, almost 50% needed extra oxygen, but they had fewer ICU admissions compared to other kids. The findings show that children with SCD face serious risks from COVID-19, emphasizing the need for vaccination to protect them. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sickle cell disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), a genetic condition that affects connective tissue, and discovered that some of these patients also had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes rapid heart rates when standing up. Out of the patients examined, several were found to have both conditions, highlighting the need for better awareness and management strategies. Recognizing this link is crucial for improving care and treatment for those affected. Who this helps: This helps patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at how often pins used to treat broken arm bones in children move out of place after surgery. They found that 5% of patients had their pins move more than 10 millimeters, which was linked to a greater chance of the fracture coming apart again. These findings help identify which children might be at higher risk for problems after surgery, allowing for better treatment plans and follow-up care. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how antibiotics are prescribed for newborns with sepsis at a hospital in Botswana. Out of 467 babies, 69% were given antibiotics, but about 10% received them in a way that didn't follow World Health Organization guidelines. Factors such as being a late-onset sepsis case or a premature baby increased the chance of inappropriate antibiotic use, with premature infants facing an 11% higher risk for every week they were underdeveloped. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers who care for newborns at risk of sepsis.

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This study looked at bacterial infections in the blood of patients with blood cancers over ten years at a hospital in Lebanon. They found that 65% of these infections were caused by Gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common, making up 45.6% of cases, and a staggering 79.6% of these bacteria were resistant to common antibiotics. This matters because many of these infections are hard to treat due to high resistance, leading to higher risks of serious complications and death, especially when certain antibiotics were used recently. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with blood cancers by guiding better treatment choices.

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This study looked at a new treatment plan for children who frequently wet the bed, known as primary nocturnal enuresis. Researchers followed 122 children over an average of more than five years and found that 87% of them stopped wetting the bed completely, with 92.7% of those who needed a lower dose of medication achieving dryness, compared to only 65% who required a higher dose. This is important because it shows that a combination of two medications can lead to better long-term results and fewer relapses for children suffering from this condition. Who this helps: This helps children with bedwetting and their parents.

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This study looked at how well magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can detect stones in the common bile duct when compared to a more invasive method called intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Out of 420 patients, the accuracy of MRCP was found to be 70%, but it often missed detecting stones. This means that MRCP is not as reliable and may not be necessary for patients who are suspected of having bile duct stones. Who this helps: This helps doctors determine which imaging tests to use for patients suspected of having bile duct stones.