https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/38962 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:30:51 GMT 2026-04-09T11:30:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/842 Title: Tuberculosis in Malta in the 21st century Authors: Ebejer, Martin J. Abstract: The World Health Organisation dedicated the 24th of March 1996 as World TB Day in a bid to promote its publicity campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the deteriorating situation as regards the treatment and control of tuberculosis. Today’s world population is about 5,700 million and TB is by far the major cause of death from infectious disease in persons over five years old. WHO estimates that one third of the world’s population, that is, about 1,900 million are already infected and we know that approximately 10% of these will develop the disease. The real concern, however, is that current drugs may become useless. Indeed, it is estimated that more than 50 million people are infected with drug-resistant strains. On a global scale, the main cause of drug resistance is poorly managed TB control programs. Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/842 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/686 Title: Pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum : a case report Authors: Said, Mario E.; Griscti-Soler, A.; Deguara, J.M. Abstract: Polypoid nasal lesions are commonly encountered in clinical practice and all should be examined histologically. The authors report a case of pleomorphic adenoma arising in the nasal septum in salivary-type tissue. The interest of this case is both in the relative rarity of the condition, and also in its being the first such report in local practice. Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/686 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/620 Title: Dr. James Barry : an enigmatic army medical doctor Authors: Savona-Ventura, Charles Abstract: In spite of marked eccentricity, Dr. Barry became notorious only after dying on 25th July 1865. The Irish newspaper Saunders’s News Letter on 14th August 1865 reported Dr. Barry’s death and revealed that the doctor was in fact a female who had masqueraded as a male throughout her life. Dr. Barry had served as a principal medical officer with the British Military in Malta for about four and a half years. An eccentric but very professionally able person, Dr. Barry joined the Army Medical Department as a hospital assistant on 5th July 1813 and subsequently practiced for the benefit of soldiers in Plymouth, South Africa, Jamaica, St. Helena and Barbados before being posted to Malta on 2nd November 1846. Through her subterfuge, Dr. James Barry had made history by being the first woman in Britain to graduate as a medical doctor and to fulfil an active army career dedicated to Medicine and the amelioration of human suffering. Whatever the reasons for the subterfuge, Barry, during her forty-six years service showed herself to be a successful doctor and administrator. Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/620 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/295 Title: Antibiotic prescribing on two medical wards at St Luke’s Hospital : what scope for improvement? Authors: Ebejer, Martin J.; Fenech, Frederick F.; Schiavone, M.; Vella, Patricia Abstract: Antibiotics are frequently prescribed drugs and form a significant part of the hospital budget. The literature suggests that prescribing is not without problems and may need constant review. We have no data relating to our hospital. This study aims to explore some aspects of antibiotic use in our setting. Records of all patients prescribed antibiotics on two medical wards over a 4 month period were analysed for indication, choice of antibiotic, outcome and cost. There were 126 patients: 54% males; 75.4%, >60 years old; 62% were admitted because of infection. Of the whole group, 8.7% received antibiotics with no evidence of infection and no indication for prophylaxis. There were 118 infections, 64% respiratory, 13.5% urinary and the rest of miscellaneous sites; 14% of infections were nosocomial. Microbiological studies were available in only 29% of infections. For 6 patients, the antibiotics prescribed were relatively contraindicated because of impaired hepatic and renal function. There was one adverse drug reaction. The total drug cost was Lm2181.79; i.v. treatment accounted for 93% of this cost and ceftazidime for 60%. There is room for improvement in the selection of antibiotics and their route of administration. The hospital microbiologists and the Antibiotic Policy should be consulted more often. Laboratory diagnosis of infection and biochemical patient monitoring are inadequate. Restricting i.v. treatment could reduce cost very substantially. Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/295 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z