SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Iraq”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Management of unstable cervical spine injuries in southern Iraq during OP TELIC.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spine fractures and dislocations are uncommon injuries that can have serious neurological consequences. These injuries require adequate stabilisation to prevent further spinal cord injury during transfer between hospitals. Evacuation often requires a combination of road ambulance, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft from military hospitals. This paper outlines the neck injuries sustained during Op Telic and discusses the need for Halo vests to be available at Role 3. METHODOLOGY: The MND(SE) Hospital databases were used to identify all casualties admitted with either a "Cervical" or "Neck" injury. The databases covered the period from 24 March 2003 until 15 April 2004. The diagnoses were categorised into minor and serious cervical spine injuries. We defined a serious cervical spine injury as either a fracture or dislocation. We looked at the discharge letters of all casualties evacuated to a Role 4 hospital to confirm whether the casualties had serious cervical spine injuries. RESULTS: Forty seven casualties were admitted and all were British except three, two Iraqi civilians and one US soldier. Thirty three casualties were returned to their unit for duty, or discharged at the airhead on return to the UK. Fourteen casualties required hospital treatment. There were five serious cervical spine injuries over the study period which included one Hangman's fracture of C2, one flexion compression injury of C5, one flexion compression injury of C7, one unifacetal dislocation and one bifacetal dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Five casualties were treated at MND(SE) Hospital for serious injuries to the cervical spine. Two patients were transferred without Halo stabilisation after failing to obtain halos in Iraq. One casualty was kept until a Halo was flown out from the UK. RECOMMENDATIONS: All unstable cervical spine fractures should be stabilised with a Halo Vest prior to transfer from Role 3. Halo Rings and Vests should be available at Role 3 facilities.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

Esterase D and superoxide dismutase polymorphisms in Iraq.

From a study of 320 individuals superoxide dismutase (SOD) variants are shown to be present in Iraq, and it is suggested that this genetic system may be useful for the study of historical population movement in the Middle East. The esterase D gene frequencies show no significant heterogeneity among the different regions of the country.

Esterases↗

PubMed1982

Chronic cor pulmonale in Iraq.

The incidence of chronic cor pulmonale in Iraq has been studied for the first time. Of the total 1,102 cardiac cases admitted to the Medical City Hospital in a 1-year period, 168 patients belonged to this group (15.25%). The most frequent cause is chronic obstructive airway disease. Smoking is thought to be an important factor in the occurrence of obstruction. Chronic and repeated infections during different phases of life are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis. Occupation and dust probably have no significant effect. Schistosomiasis and tuberculosis are rare causes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1980

Dental caries prevalence in secondary school students in Iraq.

Caries data from 952 secondary school students in Iraq representing three geographic regions were obtained and analyzed on the basis of sex, geographic, and urban-rural differences. A DMFT of 5.47 and a DFS of 6.17 were recorded for the total sample. Greater caries experience was noted in urban residents, females, and those from the Central region.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Taste preference for sweetness in urban and rural populations in Iraq.

The consumption of sweetened foods is influenced by a variety of biological, psychological, sociological, and environmental factors. On an individual level, taste preference for sweetness has been shown to have an influence on food consumption, although this may be affected by social and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to assess the taste preference for sweetness in urban and rural populations in Iraq. The hypothesis was that sweet preference and the consumption of sugar increase with urbanization. The sample was composed of 4152 individuals who were divided into urban and rural subgroups based on their place of residence. Sweet preference was assessed by means of a tested Sweet Preference Inventory. Results revealed statistically significant differences between urban and rural populations in preference for sweetness and in actual sugar consumption. Individuals from urban locations showed a much higher preference for sweetness than their rural counterparts and consumed more sugar. Within the urban population, those individuals who had lived in the city longer and who were from families with lower educational qualifications preferred the highest levels of sugar. The findings support the hypothesis that urbanization influences sweet preference and sugar consumption.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

The relationship between the need for closure and support for military action against Iraq: moderating effects of national attachment.

A variety of studies suggest that a high need for closure--that is, a desire for knowledge that is clear, stable, and unambiguous as opposed to confusing or uncertain--may be associated with greater hostility toward relevant outgroups. Using international attitudes as the context, the authors examine the hypothesis that the relationship between the need for closure and support for military action against Iraq may be moderated by identification with the national ingroup. Specifically, it is expected that this relationship will be moderated by nationalism (i.e., an aggressive form of identification based on a desire for national dominance) but not patriotism (i.e., a more neutral love of one's country). The data provided a clear pattern of support for this hypothesis and additional analyses indicated that a high need for closure reduced variability about the use of force among the highly nationalistic but not the highly patriotic.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Echelons of care and the management of wartime vascular injury: a report from the 332nd EMDG/Air Force Theater Hospital, Balad Air Base, Iraq.

The objective of this report is to provide a contemporary in-theater account on the systematic management of wartime vascular injury. Included are strategies at each echelon of care that affect the treatment of these injuries. In addition, the aim of this report is to present a modern wartime vascular registry describing rates and distribution of injury in what is now a mature military conflict. A 15-month review (September 1, 2004 through December 1, 2005) from the central level III echelon facility in Iraq (332nd EMDG/Air Force Theater Hospital) presented by the in-theater Consultants for Vascular Surgery. During this period 13 460 casualties were treated at or evacuated through our location, 3096 (23%) with battle-related injuries. Vascular injuries comprised 6.6% (N = 209) of battle-related trauma in the following distribution: extremity 79% (n = 166), neck 13% (n = 27), thoracoabdominal 8% (n = 16). Three levels (formerly echelons) of care are active in theater each with strategies that affect vascular injury management: Level 1: use of commercial tourniquets; level 2: use of temporary vascular shunts as damage control adjuncts; and level 3: definitive repair of arterial and venous injuries in theater using autologous vein. Evacuation patterns and the position of the Air Force Theater Hospital have allowed the formation of a contemporary wartime vascular registry. The rate of vascular injury appears increased compared to that of Vietnam with extremity injuries most prevalent. Effective strategies are in place at each of 3 levels of care that affect the management of vascular injury.

Blood Vessels↗

PubMed2005

Going to war does not have to hurt: preliminary findings from the British deployment to Iraq.

We carried out a brief longitudinal mental health screen of 254 members of the UK's Air Assault Brigade before and after deployment to Iraq last year. Analysis of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) scores before and after deployment revealed a lower score after deployment (mean difference=0.93, 95% CI 0.35-1.52). This indicated a highly significant relative improvement in mental health (P < 0.005). Moreover, only 9 of a larger sample of 421 (2%) exceeded cut-off criteria on the Trauma Screening Questionnaire. These findings suggest that war is not necessarily bad for psychological health.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

A method for determining the rate of major limb amputations in battle casualties: experiences of a British Field Hospital in Iraq, 2003.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of battle casualties undergoing surgery at 34 Field Hospital, the sole Coalition field hospital in Iraq during the conflict, sustained injuries to the extremities. To compare our experiences with those from previous conflicts, we report data on major limb amputations and propose a method for determining the rate of major limb amputation in a conflict setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of battle casualties admitted to the hospital was carried out based on casualty records and operating theatre logbooks. Data were collected for the period 26 March and 8 May 2003, focusing on casualties undergoing surgery for battle-injured extremities during the conflict. RESULTS: 68 (55%) casualties underwent surgery for battle injuries to extremities. Six upper and eight lower limb amputations (proximal to carpals and tarsals) were carried out from a total of 87 battle-injured limbs that had surgery, giving an overall amputation rate of 16% (14/87). CONCLUSIONS: In presenting our amputation rate of 16%, we highlight the lack of uniformity in describing 'amputation rates' between conflicts. A consistent method for quantifying amputations performed in a conflict setting could prove to be a useful tool.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMed2005

Gastroenteritis outbreak in British troops, Iraq.

Gastroenteritis affected many British military personnel during the war in Iraq. In the first month, 1,340 cases were seen; 73% of patients required hospital admission and 36% were hospital staff. In a survey of 500 hospital staff, 76% reported gastroenteritis, which was more likely in clinical workers. Investigations showed only caliciviruses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Orthopedic experience in a MASH unit in postwar Iraq.

The orthopedic experience of a U.S. Army MASH unit deployed in southern Iraq is discussed. Seventy major casualties were surgically treated in a short time span. A high percentage of extremity trauma was observed (69%). Many patients had multiple extremity involvement. The emergency wartime surgical treatment of four specific types of trauma is explored. A new algorithm is presented for the rapid evaluation of penetrating joint injuries. We summarize the current concepts of war surgery as they apply to orthopedic injuries, and add specific observations from this experience.

Hospitals, Military↗

PubMed2005

Nonhealing skin lesions in a sailor and a journalist returning from Iraq.

US health care providers who are not familiar with cutaneous leishmaniasis may now begin to encounter more patients with this challenging entity as military personnel return from rotations in Iraq or Afghanistan. Diagnosis requires a skin scraping, aspiration, or biopsy, followed by examination by an experienced microscopist or pathologist. Demonstration of the parasite DNA by PCR or culture in special media can also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Sodium stibogluconate is the mainstay of therapy, but other options for selected cases include topical thermal or cryotherapy treatment and oral triazole compounds. Assistance is available through the CDC and, for Department of Defense beneficiaries, certain military facilities.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Health effects in Army Gulf War veterans possibly exposed to chemical munitions destruction at Khamisiyah, Iraq: Part I. Morbidity associated with potential exposure.

In March 1991, U.S. troops detonated the Khamisiyah, Iraq, ammunition depot, possibly releasing two chemical warfare agents, sarin and cyclosarin. The long-term health effects associated with possible exposure to these chemical warfare agents are unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate whether possible exposure was associated with morbidity among Army Gulf War veterans using morbidity data for 5,555 Army veterans who were deployed to the Gulf region. Responses to 86 self-assessed health measures, as reported in the 1995 Department of Veterans Affairs National Health Survey of Gulf War Era Veterans, were evaluated. We found little association between potential exposure and health, after adjustment for demographic variables, and conclude that potential exposure to sarin or cyclosarin at Khamisiyah does not seem to have adversely affected self-perceived health status, as evidenced by a wide range of health measures.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Reported stressors and health care needs of active duty Navy personnel during three phases of deployment in support of the war in Iraq.

Literature has generously documented the stress of military members and their families during deployments in noncombat periods. Deployment has been shown to increase the needs of family members for health care, both physical and psychological. The purpose of this study was to describe the health care needs and perceived stressors of active duty members deployed to Iraq during the predeployment, mid-deployment, and postdeployment phases. Active duty Navy service members deployed on three aircraft carriers during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002-2003 were randomly selected to participate in an anonymous study that evaluated member well-being, adaptation, coping, anxiety, stress, and health care needs during three phases of deployment. Data were obtained from 474 Navy members in predeployment, 445 in mid-deployment, and 276 in postdeployment. Logistic regression analyses indicated that many variables predicted extreme anxiety during deployment, including mid-deployment phase, age of under 25 years, being childless, nonattendance at church, being enlisted, zero- or one-deployment history; no high school education, and being currently in counseling. Active duty members in all phases of deployment had equally disturbing levels of anxiety. All phases reported suicidal ideation at alarming rates (2.4% in predeployment, 4.9% in mid-deployment, and 3% in postdeployment). This study sheds new light on the stressors and subsequent health care needs of active duty members on carriers during war and provides valuable information for the prevention of high-risk anxieties and subsequent health risks for all service members during similar deployments.

Afghanistan↗

PubMed2005

Dental morbidity in United Kingdom Armed Forces, Iraq 2003.

The aim of this article was to review the dental morbidity experienced by U.K. Armed Forces serving in Iraq from deployment on Operation Telic in January 2003 until the end of phase 1 on May 1, 2003. U.K. Armed Forces dental teams treated 1800 emergency patients, including 135 prisoners of war. A total of 1523 of these were regular troops and 101 were reservists or Royal Fleet Auxiliary troops. This gave morbidity rates of 148 cases per 1,000 personnel per year for the Royal Navy/Royal Marines and 160 cases per 1,000 per year for the Army. Lost restorations and fractured teeth were by far the most common problems experienced, followed by pericoronitis, pulpitis, and periapical pathological conditions. Both the rates of morbidity and the types of problems experienced were very similar to those reported by other nations in previous conflicts.

Delivery of Health Care↗

PubMed2005

Protecting military convoys in Iraq: an examination of battle injuries sustained by a mechanized battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Improvised explosive devices and mines pose a formidable threat to military convoys traveling in Iraq. This study evaluated battle injuries sustained by a mechanized battalion operating against this threat. The objective was to gain insight into injury profiles and prevention. In the period examined, 32 attacks injured 120 Marines, causing 188 injuries. Upper extremity and head injuries (70%) were common, whereas lower extremity injuries (11%) were rare (as expected, given the threat and the body areas exposed). Shoulder and axilla protectors may be beneficial, but lower arm and hand injuries remain difficult to combat. Ear injury was the most common single injury type (23%). Combat earplugs may reduce ear blast injuries. Eye injuries were uncommon (0.5%), likely because of ballistic eye protection. Injury to the torso (11%) was generally mild, because of body armor vests. The majority of wounds were minor, allowing > 80% of the injured Marines to return to duty.

Blast Injuries↗

PubMed2006

Delayed drop zone evacuation: execution of the medical plan for an airborne operation into northern Iraq.

Flying directly from its home station in Vicenza, Italy, the 173rd Airborne Brigade committed itself to the invasion of Iraq on the night of March 26, 2003. Representing the establishment of a northern front, approximately 1,000 paratroopers jumped into an isolated valley on a mission to secure and to hold the Bashur airstrip. This article describes the unique challenges of medical preparation for the mission, injuries sustained on the jump, and lessons learned. Emphasis is placed on the use of a policy of delayed evacuation until clarification of diagnosis.

Air Ambulances↗

PubMed2006

Bacteria recovered from patients admitted to a deployed U.S. military hospital in Baghdad, Iraq.

The predominant bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibilities were surveyed from a deployed, military, tertiary care facility in Baghdad, Iraq, serving U.S. troops, coalition forces, and Iraqis, from August 2003 through July 2004. We included cultures of blood, wounds, sputum, and urine, for a total of 908 cultures; 176 of these were obtained from U.S. troops. The bacteria most commonly isolated from U.S. troops were coagulase-negative staphylococci, accounting for 34% of isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (26%), and streptococcal species (11%). The 732 cultures obtained from the predominantly Iraqi population were Klebsiella pneumoniae (13%), Acinetobacter baumannii (11%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%); coagulase-negative staphylococci represented 21% of these isolates. These differences in prevalence were all statistically significant, when compared in chi2 analyses (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated broad resistance among the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Acinetobacter baumannii↗