Abha Maternity Research Articles

Investigating colostomy-related morbidity in children following stoma formation and closure in a tertiary hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective cohort study 2024

BackgroundOverall, stoma-related morbidity affects a reported 20–38% of pediatric patients. However, determining the true incidence of major stoma-related morbidity is challenging due to limited cohort sizes in existing studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate colostomy related morbidity among children both after stoma formation and stoma closure.MethodologyThis is a retrospective cohort hospital-based study, conducted in an Abha maternity and children hospital, between August 1, 2018, and August 1, 2023, among 126 pediatric patients (aged 0–12 years) who underwent colostomy formation and subsequent closure during the study period. Data were collected from medical records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.26.ResultsThis study included a total of 126 children who underwent colostomy. (N = 37, 29.4%) of cases included in this study were emergency cases, while (N = 89, 70.6%) were elective. A variety of antibiotics were used for surgical prophylaxis, metronidazole (77%) and cefuroxime (62.7%) were the most prevalent. Oral feeding was started after 5–6 days in more than one third of cases (39.7%). Wound infection (N = 15, 11.9%) was the most reported post-operative complication, followed with bowel obstruction (N = 6, 4.8%). Emergency cases had a longer duration of hospital stay than elective cases; this difference was statistically significant (P = .04).ConclusionsMajority of patients reported no stoma related complications, while among those who reported complications, wound infection was the most reported complication, followed by bowel obstruction.

Impact of high-order repeat cesarean deliveries on early maternal complications among major placenta previa patients in Southern Saudi Arabia.

To investigate the rates and odds ratios (ORs) of early maternal complications among patients with major placenta previa (PP) who have undergone high-order repeat cesarean deliveries (HOR-CDs) in comparison to those with low-order repeat cesarean deliveries (LOR-CDs). We carried out a retrospective review of all major PP patients (n=184) who delivered through second or subsequent repeat CDs, from January 2012 to December 2021 (Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia). The patients were categorized into 2 groups: the LOR-CDs group (n=100), comprising individuals with their second and third CDs (CD2-CD3) and the HOR-CDs group (n=84), consisting of those undergoing their fourth to seventh CDs (CD4-CD7). In comparison to the LOR-CDs, the HOR-CDs group with major PP exhibited significantly higher rates and ORs of early maternal complications, including MRI-diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum (PAS, OR=2.67), transfusions of packed red blood cells (OR=2.71), moderate to severe intra-operative bleeding (OR=1.80), emergency hysterectomy (OR=2.96), urological injuries (OR=3.17), and length of post-operative hospital stay (OR=3.91). The major PP subgroup undergoing CD6-CD7 showed the highest rates and ORs for PAS diagnosis at 84.6% (OR=3.98) and emergency hysterectomy at 28.6% (OR=4.04). Among patients with major PP, undergoing more than 3 CDs is associated with a notable increase in both the rates and ORs of various early maternal complications. This trend of increasing many complications correlates directly with an ascending number of CDs.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation in the Pediatric Population and Correlation Between Family and Treatment Team Perspectives: Single-center Experience.

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of VNS therapy for seizure frequency reduction and improving quality of life (QOL) measures in children with refractory epilepsy and to evaluate the correlation between the perspectives of families and those of the treating team. This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from 2018 to 2022. A total of 21 pediatric patients who completed one year of follow-up after VNS implantation were included. Patients were aged between 2 and 14 years, with a mean age of 8.14 ± 3.92; 11 (52.4%) patients were female. Family and physician assessments were collected blinded to each other using Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) scores and QOL assessments to evaluate the correlation between the families' and treating team's perspectives on VNS outcomes. In this study involving 21 patients with intractable epilepsy, VNS showed significant efficacy in reducing the frequency of seizures. VNS significantly reduced the number of seizures per week from a baseline median of 35 to a median of 0.25 at the end of the follow-up period, representing a dramatic reduction of 99.3% (p < 0.001). The number of emergency department visits per year decreased from a baseline median of 12 to a median of 2, a reduction of 83.3% (p < 0.001), whereas the number of hospital admissions per year decreased from a baseline median of 3 to a median of 1, a 66.7% decrease (p < 0.001). The number of antiepileptic medications taken decreased from a median of 4 to 3 (p < 0.001). Notably, 28.57% of the patients achieved complete seizure freedom, and 38% exhibited significant improvement, with at least 50% reduction in seizure frequency. Importantly, none of the patients experienced an escalation in seizure frequency following VNS treatment. The family and physician assessments showed varying degrees of alignment in perceptions, with "concentration" exhibiting a significant positive correlation (r = 0.498, p = 0.022), indicating noteworthy agreement, whereas verbal communication did not show a substantial correlation (r = -0.062, p = 0.791), indicating a divergence of views. VNS is a promising and well-tolerated therapy for individuals with intractable seizures, offering clinical benefits and potential enhancements in various aspects of QOL. The varying perceptions between family and physician assessments highlight the importance of considering multiple perspectives when evaluating treatment outcomes.

Examining the Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies in Newborns: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Maternity Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Congenital anomalies, representing structural or functional abnormalities present at birth, pose a substantial global health challenge, affecting 8 million newborns annually. With 3.3 million succumbing before age five and 3.2 million facing physical or mental disability, their diverse causes necessitate comprehensive understanding for effective healthcare planning. This study explores the prevalence of congenital anomalies among newborns in the Abha Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH) in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional record-based study was conducted on newborns born between 2018 and 2022. Data were gathered in 4 months from September to December 2023. Purposive sampling was employed to select the case records of newborns with congenital anomalies after careful screening and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was acquired through a self-designed study tool, and the data were entered into Google Forms. Results: Congenital anomalies' five-year prevalence was 3.21%, and one year, in 2022, the prevalence was 4.02%. Female neonates exhibited higher anomalies (59.3%), and preterm births accounted for 39.6%, emphasizing their vulnerability. The findings indicate that consanguineous marriages are linked to 63.3% of anomalies, notably neural tube defects (25%) and congenital heart diseases (19.7%). Anomalies are not significantly associated with consanguinity or birth order, but maternal age, education, employment, and antenatal maternal medical issues are associated considerably. Conclusions: These study insights contribute to health planners planning targeted interventions and awareness programs that are crucial to mitigate risks associated with preterm births and consanguineous marriages. The promotion of 100% antenatal screening and prophylactic medication for high-risk women and couples is necessary to prevent inherited deformities. In future the Ministry of Health must plan large-group prospective research to better understand the associated risk factors that will help public health initiatives minimize congenital-associated neonatal mortality and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Characteristics of Allergic, Eosinophilic, and Overlapping Asthma Phenotypes Among Pediatric Patients with Current Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting 10%-30% of children in Saudi Arabia. Although data exist on adult asthma phenotyping and endotyping in Saudi Arabia, little is known about asthma phenotypes in Saudi children. This cross-sectional study enrolled pediatric patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma and followed in the pediatric pulmonology clinic of the Abha Maternity and Children Hospital between August 2021 and May 2023. A total of 321 children (aged 5-14 years) were analyzed. The population was classified into allergic [169 (52.6%)], eosinophilic [144 (44.9%)], and overlapping allergic and eosinophilic asthma [97 (30.2%)] phenotypes. Regarding asthma severity, 35.5%, 50.2%, and 14.3% were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Of the 321 patients in the study, 124 (38.6%) had at least one asthma exacerbation that required hospitalization. The number of reported missed school days in the previous year was 1571 days [190 (59.2%) patients reported at least one missed school day]. The factors associated with the likelihood of uncontrolled asthma for all study participants included: emergency room (ER) visit last year (OR = 3.7, 95% CI:0.6-15.9]), overlapping eosinophilic and allergic (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.8-5.9), and allergic phenotype (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.3-5.4). The level of asthma control differed significantly among the three asthma phenotypes (p = 0.037). Allergic asthma is the most prevalent asthma phenotype in this study, followed by the eosinophilic phenotype. The research has also shown that several factors predict uncontrolled asthma, including a family history of asthma, previous admission to the PICU, and previous hospitalization ever. There is, therefore, a definite need for multicenter cohort studies to better understand the phenotypes and endotypes of childhood asthma, as it could offer therapeutic and prognostic relevance.

Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Southwest Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, MIM 244400) is an inherited ciliopathy disorder characterized by recurrent sinopulmonary infections, subfertility, and laterality defects. The true incidence of PCD in Saudi Arabia is not known, but it is likely underdiagnosed due to the high prevalence of consanguineous marriages. In this study, we aim to study the clinical and genetic characteristics of PCD patients in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia to provide guidance to clinicians and researchers studying PCD. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2023 in Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital. Twenty-eight patients with clinically diagnosed PCD were recruited. The diagnosis of PCD was confirmed via whole-exome sequencing. A total of 28 patients from 20 families were identified and recruited for this study. The median age of patients was 7.5 years (IQR = 3, 13 years). The people of different sexes were evenly distributed, and 18 patients (64%) had neonatal respiratory distress (NRD). The median age of diagnosis was 5.5 years (IQR = 2, 11 years), while the age when the first symptoms appeared was 3 months old (IQR = 1, 6 months). The prevalence of a chronic wet cough, chronic rhinosinusitis, ear infections were 100% (n = 28), 78.6% (n = 22), and 67.9% (19), respectively. The most common gene in our study was DNAH5, which represented 17.9% (five out of twenty-eight) of the cases. Furthermore, the remaining pathogenic variants included: 14.3% with RSPH9 in four individuals (three families), 14.3% with DNAI2 in four individuals (two families), and 10.7% with LRRC56 in three individuals (one family). The most common findings on the chest CT scans were consolidation (seen in all patients), mucus plugging (seen in 95%), and bronchiectasis (seen in 77%). In the patients with bronchiectasis, the most commonly affected lobes were the right lower lobe (88%) and left lower lobe (76%). The patients with PCD and situs inversus were more likely to experience NRD than the patients with PCD and situs solitus. The median PICADAR score in the patients with PCD and situs inversus (median: 11.5; Q1: 10-Q3: 12.5) was significantly higher compared to those with PCD and situs solitus (median: 7.5; Q1: 5.8-Q3: 8) (U = 10.5; p < 0.001). This study provides preliminary data on the clinical and genetic characteristics of PCD patients in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. We found that DNAH5 and RSPH9 genes were the most common genes among the studied population. Furthermore, PCD should be considered for each child with early NRD and laterality defects, and further confirmatory tests are recommended. These findings also highlight the need for greater awareness of the disease in daily clinical practice to facilitate early diagnosis and avoid irreversible lung damage.

The impact of dysmenorrhea on quality of life among health care nursing staff in Abha maternity and children hospital in the year 2022

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem among women of childbearing age. It is given low priority in most parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia. Therefore, attention is needed for better prevention and management practices, and thus to improve the quality of life. This study aims to explore the impact of dysmenorrhea on the quality of life among nursing staff in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 209 nurses who are in childbearing age. The questionnaire contained information about sociodemographic factors, menstrual characteristics, presence or absence of dysmenorrhea, presence or absence of other menstruation- related symptoms, and questions to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on their quality of life. Results: 79.9% of the participants reported having moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. Regarding the other menstruation-related symptoms, more than 90% of the participants reported having abdominal pain or discomfort (95.2%), fluctuation of mood (95.2%), anger (93.3%), back pain (91.9%), and fatigue (90.9%). In addition, significant associations were found between dysmenorrhea and the following quality of life variables: wanting to cry and to be alone during menstruation; menstrual problems that affects relationship with friends, performance at work, and daily activities. Conclusions: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is high among the nursing staff in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital. Its impact on quality of life is pronounced especially on the attendance and performance at work. Adverse health problems of menstrual disturbances represent a significant occupational health challenge among the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia.

Incidence, risk factors, and maternal outcomes of major degree placenta previa: A 10-year retrospective analysis.

To determine the incidence, risk factors, and maternal outcomes of "major degree" placenta previa (PP)/placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Secondly, to compare our findings to those of previous studies on PP/PAS in Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective study that included 299 patients diagnosed with major degree PP/PAS and admitted to Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, within 10 years (January 2012-December 2021). Also, we compared our results to the outcomes of PP/PAS patients in 6 previous Saudi studies. The total number of deliveries was 54,341; PP minor and major degrees were diagnosed in 376 (0.69%) patients. Of them, 299 patients had PP major degree (79.5%). The pattern of main risk factors for major PP/PAS included: elder age, high parity, and previous cesarean deliveries. Nearly 30.5% had evidence of PAS on antenatal MRI (n=91). Approximately 68.5% (n=205) of patients were delivered <37 weeks. Of 299 patients, 29 (9.7%)patients had emergency cesarean hysterectomy. The maternal mortality rate was 0.3% (n=1). Generally, in many aspects, our results are comparable to similar Saudi studies on PP/PAS. Major degree of PP/PAS is associated with high maternal morbidity but rare mortality. Over 30 years, our patients' obstetric characteristics did not change, including both elder age and high parity. A substantial increase in the rate of cesarean deliveries is a leading cause of major PP/PAS.

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Management and Outcomes: The Experiences of Pediatric Tertiary Centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), also known as clubfoot, describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, tendons are shorter than usual. Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of pediatric tertiary centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia, regarding the management, frequency, treatment options, and outcomes of CTEV. A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with clubfoot was conducted to evaluate the number of cases, treatment options, and outcomes at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Khamis Mushait Maternity and Children Hospital. Data were extracted independently using prestructured data extraction forms. The collected data included demographic and medical information, family history, clinico-epidemiological information, risk factors, management options, and complications of clubfoot. The study included 89 children with CTEV from the target hospitals. Their ages ranged from 20 days to six years, with a mean age of 10.5 ± 14.5 months. Of these, 57 (64%) were male. CTEV was unilateral in 53 (59.5%) cases and bilateral in 36 (40.5%) cases. The majority of the cases had isolated CTEV. Nearly all cases had Ponseti casting with a tendo-Achilles tenotomy (TAT) surgical procedure. Patient follow-up ranged from one week to three years, with an average follow-up of 3.1 months. Only three (3.4%)cases experienced recurrence of deformity after management. Ponseti casting with the tendo-Achilles tenotomy approach emerged as the most commonly employed management option, demonstrating a low rate of recurrence.

Prevalence of Breech Presentation and Other Gestational/Delivery Characteristics Among Patients Born With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Introduction Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common congenital disability in newborns. The condition can range from a slight laxity in the hip joint to secondary femoral head injury, early osteoarthritis (OA), and mobility issues. There are several risk factors for DDH, including positive family history, female sex, breech presentation, and the presence of clubfoot. Early detection and treatment are crucial to avoidlong-term hip dysplasia and arthritis, which can cause difficulty in walking and discomfort. Breech presentation, in particular, is a significant risk factor for DDH, with spontaneous vaginal birth increasing the risk of hip pathology and instability compared to elective Caesarean section. However, whether breech presentation continues to be a risk factor for DDH in preterm children is unknown. Objective and methods This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of breech presentation and other gestational/delivery characteristics among newborns diagnosed with DDH.This retrospective study was conducted at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital,Abha, Saudi Arabia, over a period of six months. Data were collected from medical records of DDHcases diagnosed between 2016 and 2023. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, Washington, United States)and IBMSPSSStatistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results Most of the diagnosed children were female (86.7%), and bilateral hip dislocation (40%) was the most common presentation. X-ray was the most common diagnostic tool (48.3%), and operative management was the most common management strategy (73.3%). A positive family history of DDH was reported in more than one-third of cases. The study also analyzed the association between complications during pregnancy and various factors such as mode of delivery, presentation at delivery, gestational age at delivery, and associated maternal diseases. The difference in complication rates between women who delivered via C-section and those who delivered vaginally was insignificant (p = 0.14). Similarly, the difference in complication rates between women with breech and cephalic presentation was not statistically significant (p = 0.094). The difference in complication rates between women who delivered preterm, at term, or post-term was also not statistically significant (p = 0.578). Furthermore, the association between complications during pregnancy and pregnancy-associated maternal diseases was not statistically significant (p = 1.00). Conclusion DDH is a significant health issue in newborns, leading to long-term mobility problems and discomfort. Positive family history of DDH is a significant risk factor. Breech presentation was not significantly associated with DDH in preterm children, and no significant associations were found between complications during pregnancy and various factors. Early detection and treatment of DDH are crucial for preventing long-term complications. Family history should be considered an important risk factor, emphasizing the need for screening programs in families with a history of DDH.

Child Anxiety, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Following Orthopedic Trauma.

Many children and adolescents are exposed to different types of trauma, e.g., abuse or various disasters. Trauma can cause severe and long-term impairment and consequences, the most studied of which are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD symptoms (PTSS). PTSD is highly prevalent in clinical practice (with a frequency of about 7%) and is a debilitating consequence of trauma. The current study aimed to assess childhood injuries and their associated anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder following orthopedic trauma. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, including all pediatric patients with trauma at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital in the Seer region of Saudi Arabia, as well as pediatric patients with trauma at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital during the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Data were collected from the children's caregivers using a direct interview questionnaire to assess the children's personal data, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Children's trauma-related data were extracted from their medical records using a pre-structured data extraction sheet. A total of 100 children with trauma were included. Children ranged in age from eight to 12 years, with a mean age of 7.3 ± 3.4 years. In all, 67 (67.0%) children were males, and only 6 (6.0%) had chronic health problems. The vast majority of the children with trauma had a low-severity experience of depression and anxiety following trauma (97.1% for each), and only one child had a high-severity experience of depression and anxiety. In all, 5 (4.9%) children with trauma experienced clinically significant PTSD, and the vast majority of them showed a low likelihood of the disorder. Multiple fractures and undergoing surgery were significant predictors of developing PTSD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the current study revealed that bone trauma was frequent among children, mainly due to playing accidents. Also, a low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders and their mental consequences was estimated.

Placenta accreta spectrum in major placenta previa diagnosed only by MRI: incidence, risk factors, and maternal morbidity.

Antenatal assessment of maternal risk factors and imaging evaluation can help in diagnosis and treatment of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in major placenta previa (PP). Recent evidence suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could complement ultrasonography (US) in the PAS diagnosis. Evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and maternal morbidity related to the MRI diagnosis of PAS in major PP. A 10-year retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care hospital. We report on patients with major PP who had cesarean delivery in Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital (AMCH) over a 10-year period (2012-2021). They were evaluated with ultrasonography (US) and color Doppler for evidence of PAS. Antenatal MRI was ordered either to confirm the diagnosis (if equivocal US) or to assess the depth of invasion/extra-uterine extension (if definitive US). Risk factors for PAS in major PP and maternal complications. 299 patients RESULTS: Among 299 patients, MRI confirmed the PAS diagnosis in 91/299 (30.5%) patients. The independent risk factors for MRI diagnosis of PAS in major PP included only repeated cesarean sections and advanced maternal age. The commonest maternal morbidity in major PP with PAS was significantly excessive intraoperative bleeding. MRI may be a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of PAS in major PP; as a complement, but not substitute US. MRI may be suitable in major PP/PAS patients who are older and have repeated cesarean deliveries with equivocal results or deep/extra-uterine extension on US. Single center, small sample size, lack of complete histopathological diagnosis. None.

Ovarian Volume of Saudi Children and Adolescents in the Southern Region Based on Ultrasound Imaging.

Introduction Sonography is a non-invasive and painless technique used for assessing pelvic anatomy and disorder in children and adolescents. Ovarian growth patterns during infancy and puberty are not completely understood. No consensus exists about the normal measures and morphologic appearance of the ovaries in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study determined the pattern of ovarian and uterine sizes among Saudi girls and their correlation with age. Methods This study was conductedin the radiology department at Abha Maternity and ChildrenHospital among girls between 0-13 years. All the participants underwent transabdominal ultrasound, and we measured ovarian volume, uterine length, and endometrial thickness to correlate with chronologic age using the Chi-squared test. Results A Total of152 females were included in this study. The median agewas 72 months, with a minimum of one month and a maximum of 156 months. The Chi-squared test showed a significant correlation between age and ovarian measurement. Age was positively associated with ovarian volume, uterine length, and endometrial thickness (p<0.001). Conclusion The studyconcluded that age strongly correlated with the sizeof the uterus and ovaries, which is crucial in interpreting ultrasound measurements of the pelvic organs correctly.

Epidemiology and Pattern of Orthopedic Trauma in Children and Adolescents: Implications for Injury Prevention.

Orthopedic injuries are prevalent in children and can result in hospitalization and damage. The number of accidental injuries among children increases every year, leading to a huge burden on communities and health institutions. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological pattern of orthopedic trauma among children and adolescents in Abha, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective record-based study was carried out to investigate the epidemiological pattern of orthopedic trauma among children and adolescents treated at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital in Saudi Arabia, a traumatic center for pediatric patients. The study covered all children and adolescents treated at the hospital for orthopedic trauma. The parents of the children and adolescents were called to get their consent to participate in the study. The following data were extracted from the medical files: personal information, medical history, trauma-related details, management, hospitalization, and complications. A total of 295 children and adolescents were included. The mean ± standard deviation age was 6.8 ± 3.1 years old (range 1 month to 13 years). Of the patients, 186 (63.1%) were male. The most reported causes of traumas were fall from height (48.1%) and injury while playing (19.7%). The most affected body parts included the forearm (22.4%), head (21.7%), thigh (20%), and leg (10.8%). The vast majority of the children and adolescents (87.1%) had no complications. The current study revealed that pediatric orthopedic injuries are not rare, and there is a higher likelihood of injuries among young male children. Fall from height and play-associated injuries are the most frequent causes.

Assessment of Parental Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception About Autism Spectrum Disorders in Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects young children in social relatedness and communication besides other characteristics. A community's awareness and early intervention services in diagnosing and treating autistic children are essential for preventing the expected complications, eg language delay, social interaction, and intellectual ability. To assess the parent's knowledge and perceptions regarding autism and its associated clinical features and effects. A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all available parents aged 18 years or more living in Aseer region. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire from randomly selected parents who attended outpatient clinics at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Aseer Central Hospital. Parents' knowledge regarding autism was assessed covering general knowledge, clinical features, social effects, consequences, and curability. A total of 477 parents participated. Parents' ages ranged from 18 to 85 years. 261 (54.7%) parents were male and 216 (45.3%) were females. Nearly 65.6% of parents were university graduates and 28.3% had a secondary level of education. About 50.9% of the parents know that genetics play a major role in causing autism, 69.6% think that most children with autism have special talents or abilities, 64.2% know that delayed language development is one of the main symptoms of autism, 61.2% also know that repetitive movements of the hands and head are a common symptom of autism. About 36.9% of parents think that diagnosing a child with autism will lead to discrimination against the child, 33.3% of parents think that autism is a rare condition in this country compared to the West. The study showed that parents had poor knowledge levels regarding autism and its related clinical features, especially male parents with low levels of education. On the other hand, their perception of the disease and its frequency in the study area was satisfactory.

Clinical Presentation and Surgical Management of Five Pediatric Cases with Bronchogenic Cysts: Retrospective Case Series.

Bronchogenic cysts (BCs) refer to congenital lesions that result from primitive or abnormal foregut budding, and can be pulmonary or mediastinal. Their occurrence can take place at any point on the tracheobronchial tree, but they are usually localized in the lung parenchyma and mediastinum, and may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Bronchogenic cyst symptoms can vary, depending on the size and location of the cyst. A retrospective review of the charts of five patients with a histopathological diagnosis of bronchogenic cysts was performed between 2014 and 2020. The patients reported in this study were diagnosed and managed at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Abha, southwest Saudi Arabia. In addition, demographic information, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic information, was provided for each patient, both at discharge and after discharge. All patients had confirmed congenital bronchogenic cysts with different clinical phenotypes and radiological findings. All patients had histopathologically confirmed bronchogenic cysts with different clinical and radiological presentations. Two patients had mediastinal-located cysts; one had a laryngeal cyst; and the last two patients had infected intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts. All patients underwent complete excision and did not experience recurrence or other postoperative complications during the follow-up period. The latter two patients required lobectomies of the right middle and upper lobes. Although bronchogenic cysts are considered a rare congenital pulmonary malformation, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with unusual airway and parenchymal lung manifestations, particularly, persistent stridor, feeding difficulty, and complicated pneumonia. Surgical excision of the cyst is the gold-standard therapy for symptomatic bronchogenic cysts and is highly recommended for asymptomatic ones. Long-term follow-up studies will be required to explore any long-term complications of BCs, particularly regarding the malignancy transformation.

Radiological screening for DDH among risky infants in Abha Maternity &amp; Children Hospital from 2019-2021

Background: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal condition diagnosed in neonates. Different timings and approaches to screening for DDH are used in the orthopedic community. Objectives: To provide evidence that DDH can be screened using sonarograph at the age of 2 months to decrease the risk of misdiagnosed DDH and determine the most common method of treatment regarding the radiological screening the infants underwent. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study that targeted all infants at risk of DDH who were born between 01-01-2019 to 31-12-2020 at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital (AMCH), Abha, Saudi Arabia. Included in the study were newborns who underwent radiological screening for hip with known risk factors for DDH. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the hospital electronic system. These data included subjects' age and sex, documented ultrasonography screening, documented X-ray diagnosis of DDH, and type of treatment. Results: A total of 201 infants (101 female, 100 male) aged from one day to six months (mean age 51.46 days, standard deviation 19.21 days) were included in the study. Ultrasonography screening revealed 40 subjects (19.9%) with positive DDH findings. X-rays done at age 4 to 6 months confirmed 26 (12.9%) DDH cases. Ultrasonography correctly detected 24 (11.9%) and excluded 159 (79.1) patients with DDH. However, two cases (1.0%) were not detected by ultrasonography and were later detected by X-ray, and 16 cases (8.0%) were falsely detected as positive DDH. Twenty-five subjects (12.4%) were treated conservatively, and one subject (0.5%) was treated surgically. Twenty-four cases of DDH showed hip abnormalities on ultrasound, giving a sensitivity rate of 92%. On the other side, 159 subjects who did not have DDH were screened negative with ultrasound (specificity rate 91%). Conclusions: The present study reveals that early US screening for DDH has high sensitivity and specificity and was associated with a lower rate of invasive intervention. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and examine potential factors influencing the accuracy of US-based screening programs in Saudi Arabia. Keywords: DDH; Ultrasound; Radiological screening

Efficacy of Methotrexate Treatment, Nonsurgical Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy (EP)

Background: Methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancies is not only effective but also safe and saves fallopian tube without major side effects related to surgery. Aim: To determine the efficacy of Methotrexate for treatment of women with EP. Study design and period: retrospective observational study 1 years from July 2021 till July 2022. Setting: Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Abha Maternity and Children hospital, Aseer Region Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, in which 52 women with EP were included and were given injection methotrexate 50 mg/m2 intramuscularly. The β-hCG level was measured before treatment and then on 7th day of treatment. If β-hCG was reduced by &gt;15% of pre-treatment levels on day 7 then it was called as successful treatment. Results: The overall success rate of this regimen was 73% of patients, including 6% of those who required second dose. 27% of patients underwent surgery and were designated as treatment failures. The mean β-hCG level before treatment was significantly lower in the treatment success group than in the treatment failure group (1491.79 ± 1094.69 vs 2701.50 ± 1417.28 IU/L, p= 0.0381). Sac size was considered statistically increased in the treatment failure group, ie, 3.75 ± 0.29 (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, it can be stated that methotrexate treatment is very effective in the treatment of patients with ectopic pregnancy and can be recommended as a first-line treatment in patients with a low initial β-hCG level and a small ectopic pregnancy sac size. Keywords: ectopic pregnancy; methotrexate; operative laparoscopy; β-hCG; sac size

Impact of Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on Antenatal Care Utilization among Primigravida Women in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: By the end of 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was diagnosed in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. In Saudi Arabia, the government applied prompt preventive measures against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). COVID-19 associated restrictions have been affected the antenatal care (ANC) services that made careful surveillance of the pregnant women health requirement to protect them from COVID-19 infection. The current study was conducted to assess the COVID-19 pandemic effect on ante-natal care utilization among primigravida women in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all females with their 1st pregnancy during COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire covered pregnant females’ demographic data, medical history, COVID-19 infection history, ante-natal care visits. Final questionnaire was distributed among woman attending antenatal care clinics at primary health care centres (PHCCs) and Abha Maternity and Children Hospital clinics in Asir region during the period from December 2020 to December 2021&#x0D; Results: A total of 555 women attend to antenatal care clinics participated in the study. Primigravida women, who got pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Exact of 114 primigravida women meet the inclusion criteria. Participants’ ages ranged from 21 to more than 40 years with mean age of 24.6 ± 9.4 years old. Ante-natal care visits of 1st pregnancy women during a period of quarantine in Asir regions. Exact of 90 (78.9%) pregnant females were compliant to ANC visits during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 63 (70%) of these visits were in the private sector while 21 (23.3%) were at the governmental hospitals and 18 (6.7%) at the PHCCs.&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study revealed that pregnant primigravida females were adequately adherent for the ANC visits during COVID-19 pandemic especially those with multiple pregnancies. The most settings provided ANC visits were the private sector with reported good pregnancy outcome.

Quality of life among caregivers of epileptic children with degree of controlling seizures in Aseer region.

Epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people worldwide. Epilepsy can affect the quality of life of both the child and the caregiver leaving them unable to function in other areas of life. This quality of life is highly dependent on treatment adherence and how individuals feel about taking their medication. In our study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of medication adherence and the quality of life of caregivers of children with epilepsy. For this purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional survey at the Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital. We enrolled 133 consecutive participants and asked them to complete a questionnaire. The results showed that 37.6% of the participants forgot to take their medications, 9.8% of the participants reported that they were sometimes careless about giving their children medications and sometimes stopped giving them when the children were feeling better, 15.8% of the participants indicated that they sometimes stopped giving the medication when they felt that their children were getting worse when they took the medication., and 26.3% of the participants agreed that they only administered the medication when the children were sick. It was also found that the quality of life of the caregivers decreased when they forgot to give their children the medication and the quality of life of the caregivers increased when they continued to take the medication. In conclusion, quality of life increases as adherence to treatment increases, indicating that more intervention programs are needed to improve the adherence of epilepsy patients.