Center In Riyadh Research Articles

The Prevalence and Predictors of Improper Sharps Collection Practices Among People With Diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Diabetes treatment requires the use of medical sharps for glycemic control. Improper sharps collection and disposal poses substantial threats to people with diabetes (PWD), health care professionals, the environment, and public health. To identify the prevalence and predictors of improper sharps collection practices among PWD in Saudi Arabia. We surveyed 288 PWD at King Saud University Diabetes Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September to October 2021. We asked questions about demographics, diabetes history, sharps collection practices, and prior education on proper sharps collection practices. We defined "proper sharps collection" as: using a designated sharps disposal container or homemade sealed container to collect sharps. Of the PWD surveyed, 60% were women, 54% were ≥35 years old, and 53% had type 1 diabetes. Most respondents (80% and 72%) reported improper collection of needles and lancets, respectively. Approximately, 56% of needle users and 61% of lancet users reported that they had never received instructions on safe sharps disposal. Receiving education on safe sharps disposal practices was associated with a 66% reduction in the risk of improper sharps collection practices (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.34 [0.16-0.68]) after adjusting for age, gender, type and duration of diabetes, income, education, and nationality of the study participants. Among those who improperly dispose their needles, 67% thought their sharps collection practices were appropriate. Our findings highlight the high prevalence of unsafe sharps collection practices among PWD in Saudi Arabia, and how prior education on safe sharps collection practices can help address this environmental and public health threat. Policies to reduce diabetes-related waste, unify the approach to proper sharps collection and disposal, and promote safe disposal education are needed to achieve a sustainable and safe waste management system.

تصميم بيئة تدريب إلكترونية قائمة على نظرية العقل وأثرها على تحسين مستوى الوظائف التنفيذية لدى الطلاب من ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد

This study aimed to measure the effect of designing an electronic training environment based on the theory of mind on improving the level of executive functions for students with autism spectrum disorder by identifying the appropriate executive functions for them, identifying the appropriate educational design for that environment, and measuring its effect on improving the level of executive functions in those students. The study adopted the quasi-experimental approach with a single-group experimental design in the pre- and post-applications. The study population consisted of students with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in a development center in Riyadh. The study sample consisted of (5) students who were selected intentionally based on the convergence of their scores on the Binet Intelligence Scale and the Gilliam Autism Severity Scale so that they would be within the category of those with autism spectrum disorder to a mild degree and with normal intelligence scores between 85-115 on the Stanford-Binet scale, and their ages ranged between 8-14 years. The researcher used a scale for executive functions for children with autism spectrum disorder prepared by Mustafa Aref (2020) and standardized it in the Saudi environment. The study reached a number of results, the most prominent of which are: There is a very significant effect of using the electronic training environment based on the theory of mind on improving the level of all executive functions among these students, as there are statistically significant differences at the significance level (0.05) between the average ranks of the sample members in the pre- and post-application of the executive functions scale in favor of the post-application. Therefore, the study recommended expanding the scope of using electronic training environments based on the theory of mind in teaching students with autism spectrum disorder; given the proven positive effect on developing the level of their executive functions.

The Impact of Age Differences and Injury Severity on Pedestrian Traffic Crashes: An Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

Background/Objectives: The incidence of pedestrian traffic injuries is an escalating concern for public health worldwide. Particularly in fast-developing nations, such as Saudi Arabia, these injuries form a significant portion of trauma-related healthcare challenges. This study aims to explore age-specific differences in trends, seasonal variations, and the overall impact of pedestrian traffic injuries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on injury characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods: The study conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Saudi Trauma Registry (STAR) covering the period between August 2017 and December 2022. It employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression analyses to explore demographic trends, characteristics of injuries, and hospital-based outcomes. Results: This study analyzed data from 1062 pedestrian injury cases, revealing key demographic and clinical patterns. Most incidents occurred on weekdays (71.9%) and during nighttime hours (63.3%), with seasonal peaks observed from April to June (30.4%). The lower extremities (27.5%) and head (21.3%) were the most frequently injured body regions. ICU admissions were more common among individuals aged 30-40, females, and those with head or chest trauma, while higher in-hospital mortality was associated with patients over 60 years old, transport by private or police vehicles, and extended ICU and hospital stays. Approximately 25.6% of cases required ICU care, with an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 4.9%. Conclusions: This study provides an in-depth analysis of pedestrian traffic injuries treated at a trauma center in Riyadh, highlighting significant demographic, temporal, and clinical patterns. Understanding these trends is essential for optimizing resource allocation and improving emergency care outcomes. Furthermore, the identified age-specific risk factors and seasonal variations underscore the critical need for targeted interventions and policy enhancements to improve road safety and reduce the burden of pedestrian injuries.

Association Between Oral Health Complaints and Nutritional Status among Patients with Cancer: A Study Utilising the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form.

Oral health problems in patients with cancer can substantially affect their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and overall nutritional well-being. This study investigated the relationship between nutritional status and self-reported oral health complaints in patients with cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer at the King Saud University Medical City Oncology Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients' nutritional status was assessed using the mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF), and self-reported oral health problems were documented. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression. This study included 200 participants who completed both the MNA-SF assessment and self-reported their oral health complaints. Common oral health problems included xerostomia (81%), bleeding gums (60.5%), toothaches (35%), and mouth ulcers (24%). Malnourished individuals reported higher rates of all oral complaints, with 54% of them experiencing bleeding gums, 50% reporting toothaches, and 54% experiencing speech problems. Notably, 71% of malnourished patients reported mouth ulcers (P 0.05). Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) between xerostomia and the 'At risk of malnutrition' group, with an odds ratio of 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.411-2.449). In the 'Malnourished' category, mouth ulcers showed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) with an odds ratio of 1.402 (95% CI: 0.409-4.800). Our findings highlighted statistically significant correlations between nutritional status, as assessed using the MNA-SF, and oral health complaints in patients with cancer. Well-nourished individuals reported fewer oral complaints, whereas malnourished patients reported a higher prevalence of oral health issues.

Predictive Factors for Peritoneal Metastases in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study Conducted at a Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing nationally, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Late-stage diagnosis, particularly with peritoneal metastasis (PM), is associated with poor outcomes despite advancements in treatment. PM poses a challenge owing to the lack of standardized treatment, although cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) shows promise in improving survival rates. This study aimed to document the incidence and risk factors for patients presenting with PM following CRC. Materials and methods This retrospective chart review study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia. Patients of all ages and genders who underwent surgical resection for CRC from January 2016 to December 2021 were included. Patients with PM at primary index surgery, distant organ metastasis to the lung or liver, or other types of cancer were excluded. The data was analyzed via SPSS Statistics version 27.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2020. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact tests. Results Among 565 patients with CRC, 65 patients (11.5%) developed PM. Tumor characteristics such as T4 stage, mucinous tumors, elevated CEA, and the presence of ovarian metastasis at primary resection were independent factors for peritoneal recurrence. However, in univariate and multivariate associations, the presence of ovarian metastasis, mucinous tumors, postoperative CEA levels exceeding 5 ng/ml, and perforation are significant risk factors for PM development post-surgery, with hazard ratios of 6.457 (CI 2.481-16.801) and 4.057 (2.029-8.115), respectively. Conclusion Mucinous tumors and ovarian metastasis are significant risk factors for PM development, emphasizing the importance of early identification for tailored treatment strategies such as CRSand HIPEC.

Misconceptions About E-cigarettes Among Healthcare Workers at Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As e-cigarettes become increasingly popular, especially among youth, addressing the misinformation surrounding their use is crucial. This study aims to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge of the risks associated with e-cigarettes, ultimately improving patient education and public health outcomes. To assess health workers' awareness of misconceptions surrounding e-cigarette use and the implications of this awareness on their personal use and professional practices Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the primary healthcare centers of Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess healthcare professionals' awareness of e-cigarette misconceptions. Utilizing a convenience sampling technique, the target sample size was 246 participants, and the actual participants were208, ensuring robust representation. Eligible participants include PSMMC healthcare providers currently working in PHC settings, while those from other departments or institutions will be excluded. Data was collected through a structured online questionnaire covering demographic information, personal e-cigarette usage, awareness of health impacts, addictive potential, and regulations related to e-cigarettes. The study included a total of 208 participants, with the majority (150 participants, 72.1%) aged between 25 and 35 years. The group was predominantly male (108 participants, 51.9%) and Saudi nationals (147 participants, 70.7%). Additionally, 108 participants (51.9%) were married, and half were specializing in family medicine. While only 35 (16.8%) personally use e-cigarettes, 124 (59.6%) know someone who does, and social media is the primary information source for 127 (61.06%) participants. A strong majority (185,88.9%) believe e-cigarettes are harmful, and 164 (78.8%) recognize the potential harm to bystanders from e-cigarette aerosol. The views on e-cigarettes being less harmful than traditional cigarettes are mixed, with 64 (30.8%) in agreement, while 136 (65.4%) acknowledge their addictive nature. There is widespread support for regulating e-cigarettes like tobacco products (150, 72.1%) and prohibiting their use for individuals under 18 (164, 78.8%). Statistical analysis shows a significant association between the specialty of family medicine and the belief in the health risks of e-cigarettes (p=0.029), indicating the need for targeted education and policy measures. Despite participants' relatively good knowledge of e-cigarettes and their health implications, a significant number of misconceptions persist. This highlights the need for ongoing education and training programs tailored for healthcare professionals to address gaps in understanding and ensure they are equipped with accurate information.

Postoperative Compliance With Follow-Up Among Photorefractive Keratectomy Patients in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Refractive error is a condition that results when the eye fails to concentrate light rays from objects onto the retinal plane, resulting in blurry images. And it accounts for about 47% of all cases of vision impairment in high-income and developed countries. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted among patients who underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) Medical Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from patients aged 18 years or older with a stable refractive error and normal corneal topography. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of two hundred patients who underwent PRK were analyzed (male 44.5% {89} vs female 55.5% {111}). The most common age group was 18 to 30 years (81.5%, 163). The recommended four follow-ups post photorefractive keratectomy were recorded, and 100% (200) were in compliance with the first follow-up. In univariate analysis, increasing age and being an employee were the factors influencing compliance to follow-up. However, in multivariate regression analysis, being employed was the only significant independent predictor associated with follow-up compliance. Being not informed and busy schedules were recognized as the most important barriers to follow-up compliance. Conclusion Compliance with follow-up visits post-PRK was less than desired. However, employed patients may exhibit a better attitude toward follow-up visits than the rest. Hence, more efforts are required to educate patients about the importance of follow-ups, which may enhance their follow-up compliance.

Impact of Order Restrictions on Hemoglobin A1c Requests at Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of policy intervention on the physician ordering of HbA1c for the patients seen at the primary health care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included patients over the age of 18 for whom HbA1c tests were ordered before and after the policy restrictions were implemented at the three main Primary Health Care Centers under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) in Riyadh, between October 2020 and August 2023. Several data management steps and restrictions were carried out to identify the patients seen before and after the intervention and controlled for the confounders. The outcome variable was inappropriate testing, and early testing was defined based on standard cutoffs of HbA1c, diabetic control, and patient history. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for early testing. Among 16,290 participants, the mean age was 50 ± 16 years, with a predominance of females (66.5%). Approximately 22.3% of participants were diabetic, and the mean HbA1c level was 6.2 ± 1.55%. About 89.6% of tests were deemed inappropriate based on criteria for glycemic control, diabetic status, and duration of testing. Policy restrictions led to a 70.3% reduction in the odds of early testing (OR = 0.297, 95% CI: 0.246-0.358, p < 0.001). Each unit increase in HbA1c decreased the odds of early testing by 1.517 (OR = 0.219, 95% CI: 0.193-0.249, p < 0.001). Additionally, younger participants were more likely to undergo early testing, with odds decreasing by 3% for each additional year of age (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.966-0.974, p < 0.001). We conclude that policy restriction alone might not be effective in reducing the burden of early testing. The early testing tendency was less in the post-intervention period. However, early testing was a common practice in both pre- and post-intervention phases. As physicians are the ones ordering the tests, deeper insight is needed from the physician's perspective.

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Outcomes and characteristics of traumatic cardiac arrest in a level 1 Trauma Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics and outcomes of adult traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) patients treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a center notably impacted by traumatic injuries. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort chart review study designed to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of adult traumatic cardiac arrest in a level 1 trauma center, including all patients aged above 14 years, who were involved in in-hospital traumatic cardiac arrest between 2017 and 2023. Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study, with a majority being males (96.7%). The average age was 30.74 years, with 58.2% under 30 years. Further, 52.2% of the patients were Saudi nationals. And 82.4% of patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 upon arrival. In 81.5% of cases, the initial rhythm observed was pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Returning of spontaneous circulation was noted in 67.8% of cases. Conclusion: This study underscores the incidence and outcomes of TCA in Saudi Arabia, identifying male gender and motor vehicle accidents as key risk factors. The majority of cases involved individuals under 30 years of age, with the best survival rates seen in those aged 30 to 50 years. The study noted a 58% rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the emergency department, contrasting with a low 5% 30-day survival rate. Further research is essential to clarify the factors affecting survival in TCA cases.

Coexisting autoimmune disorders among patients with inflammatory bowel disease at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Approximately 25% of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) concurrently experience immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), while the overall prevalence of these conditions in the general population is 5-7%. Individuals with IBD and concurrent IMIDs tend to have a more aggressive disease profile. We aimed to assess the prevalence of coexisting autoimmune disorders among patients with IBD and their association with inflammatory bowel disease type. In this cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we examined 875 patients with IBD (530 with Crohn's disease and 345 with ulcerative colitis). Patient demographics, disease types, treatment modalities, and co-occurring autoimmune conditions were analyzed using statistical and regression analyses. Overall, 21.7%, 19.4%, and 25.2% of the patients had IMIDs, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, respectively. Patients with ulcerative colitis had higher rates of hepatic autoimmune conditions (9.6%) and endocrine autoimmune diseases (4.1% vs 1.3%; P = 0.010) than those with Crohn's disease (4.5%; P = 0.003). Regression analysis revealed significant associations between hepatic (P = 0.012) and endocrine autoimmune diseases (P = 0.018) with ulcerative colitis diagnosis, although the model's predictive accuracy was moderate (overall, 63%; specificity, 95%; sensitivity, 14%). Our study highlights the significant co-occurrence of autoimmune diseases with IBD, particularly the distinct autoimmune profiles of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Identifying the specific ulcerative colitis-associated autoimmune comorbidities could guide personalized therapeutic strategies and inform future research on the pathophysiological relationship between these conditions.

Application of hypertension clinical guidelines among family medicine doctors in primary health care centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Background: Effective management of hypertension relies on adherence to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) among healthcare providers. However, adherence to hypertension CPGs and the factors influencing it among primary care physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, remain poorly understood. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, application, and determinants of adherence to hypertension CPGs among primary care physicians working in Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) and its affiliated primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive sample of 211 primary care physicians was enrolled, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension CPGs, and barriers to guideline application. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The demographic profile of participants revealed a comprehensive representation of age, marital status, nationality, job title, qualification, and years of practice. The majority of participants demonstrated acceptable levels of knowledge (76.3%) and application (89.1%) of hypertension CPGs. However, barriers related to patient nonadherence to lifestyle modifications and medications were reported, highlighting challenges in implementing guideline recommendations in clinical practice. Significant associations were found between nationality, job title, qualification, and adherence to CPGs, with non-Saudi nationality and junior physicians exhibiting higher rates of unacceptable knowledge and application. Moreover, differences in adherence were observed among physicians following different hypertension CPGs. Conclusion: While primary care physicians in Riyadh demonstrate a strong foundation in evidence-based hypertension management, addressing barriers and disparities in adherence to CPGs requires targeted interventions and collaborative efforts. Promoting a culture of evidence-based practice, enhancing patient education and engagement strategies, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are essential steps toward improving hypertension control and prevention in the region.

Patterns and Outcomes of Pediatric Uveitis in a University-Based Tertiary Referral Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the patterns and outcomes of pediatric uveitis. Methods Retrospective review of patients with uveitis in pediatric age group. Results A total of 184 patients (335 eyes) were included. There were 96 (52.2%) boys and 88 (47.8%) girls, with a mean age of 12.8 ± 3.4 years at presentation. Panuveitis was most common (55.2%), followed by anterior uveitis (29.6%), intermediate uveitis (12.2%) and posterior uveitis (3%). Uveitis was non-granulomatous in 71% and non-infectious in 94.6% of the eyes. The most identifiable specific diagnoses were Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease (21.2%), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (6.5%), sarcoidosis (4.3%), and presumed tuberculous uveitis (3.3%). After 1-year follow-up, 85.4% of the eyes achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Conclusions The most common anatomic diagnosis was panuveitis. VKH disease was the most frequently diagnosed entity.

Effects of surgeon specialization on the outcome of emergency colorectal surgery.

Colonic emergencies remain a major life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Unlike elective colorectal surgical procedures, a large portion of emergency colorectal surgical procedures are performed by noncolorectal surgeons (NCRS). The impact of specialization on the outcome of emergency colorectal surgery has not yet been well described. The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of surgeon specialization on the outcomes of emergency colorectal surgeries. A retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between July 2008 to July 2020. Patients underwent emergency colorectal surgeries and met study inclusion criteria were identified and grouped according to the specialty of the primary surgeon: colorectal surgeons [CRS] or NCRS. Relevant study data was obtained from patient medical files. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association between the surgeons' specialty and outcomes. Of 219 included patients, there were 126 men [57.5%] and 93 women [42.4%]. Of all population 128 patients [58%] were operated on by CRS while 91 patients [42%] were operated on by NCRS. Most common procedure performed by CRS was left hemicolectomy [n=45, 67.2%] while the most common procedure performed by NCRS was right hemicolectomy [n=26, 51%]. The most common reason for surgery was malignant pathologies [n=129, 58.9%]. Patients who had their surgeries performed by a CRS had a significant decrease in 30-day mortality [odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 95% CI: 0.065-0.834]. Reoperation also decreased in this group [OR 0.413, 95% CI: 0.179-0.956]. Moreover, both hospital length of stay and ICU length of stay decreased CRS compared with the NCRS [OR 0.636, 95% CI: 0.465-0.869, and OR 0.385, 95% CI: 0.235-0.63, respectively]. Specialization in colorectal surgery has a significant influence on morbidity and mortality after emergency operations. These findings may in improving emergency services and support remodeling the referral system in the institutions.

Prevalence of hyperlipidemia in psoriatic arthritis patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

To estimate the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the relationship between PsA and hyperlipidemia. This retrospective study examined medical records of PsA patients from January 2010 to May 2023 at 2 medical centers in Riyadh. Patients over 18 years old with a lipid profile were included. Hyperlipidemia cases were determined using Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines and European Association of Preventive Cardiology definitions based on lipid profile results. A total of 141 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in patients with PsA was 40.7% at diagnosis, and 28.7% at the last visit. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was significantly higher in males than females (56% versus [vs] 29.4%, p<0.005). While not statistically significant, among patients who received a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD), 31.6% had hyperlipidemia at the last visit, compared to 20% of those who did not receive it (p=0.317). Among patients who received conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARD), 30% had hyperlipidemia at the last visit, compared to 25.8% of those who did not it (p=0.813). The prevalence rates of hyperlipidemia at the first visit and the last visit were found to be statistically significant among patients who have comorbidities other than PsA (7.6 vs. 17.3%, p=0.004). The study results are comparable to those of other studies showing no significant effect of PsA on the lipid profile. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in PsA patients appears similar to that of the general population in Saudi Arabia, based on indirect comparison.

Dermatology-Related Emergency Department Visits in Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study.

Background/Objectives: Dermatological complaints are commonly seen in the emergency department (ED) setting and may be attributed to infectious, inflammatory, allergic, hypersensitivity, or traumatic processes, yet few studies have been carried out in Saudi Arabia addressing this topic. This study, therefore, aimed to explore this issue by investigating the most common dermatology-related ED encounters in a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and estimating the incidence of these encounters. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the ED of King Abdulaziz Medical City, a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data included all patients with dermatology-related ED visits during the period of 2022-2023. Demographic information including, for example, age and sex was collected. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) was used for the classification of diagnoses. Results: A total of 11,443 patients were included in the study, with male patients making up the majority (54.9%). The mean age upon diagnosis was 22.4 ± 23.2 years. More than half of the patients (55.3%) were diagnosed during childhood (<18), while proportions of older ages declined gradually. Average monthly presentations ranged from 400 to 560. Rash and non-specific skin eruptions (16%), cellulitis (13.6%), and urticaria (12.2%) were the most frequent dermatological emergencies. Conclusions: This study examined the dermatological conditions commonly seen in the emergency department. The findings highlighted a range of dermatology diseases that are typically seen in the ED. Addressing these prevalent disorders in the future will enhance ER physicians' understanding and management of such common dermatological problems.

Corneal Curvature of the Saudi Population in Relation to Age, Gender, Refractive Errors, and Central Corneal Thickness.

Corneal curvature (CC) is a crucial ocular optical system parameter, indicating the shape of the cornea expressed in radii. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CC, age, gender, refractive errors, and central corneal thickness (CCT) in Saudi Arabia, a field lacking in research. Data were gathered from Imam Medical Center in Riyadh and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in this randomized, hospital-based, retrospective analysis. Patients sent to the refractive surgery clinic for a laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) evaluation provided a total of 1,005 eyes for the study. Patients with stable refractions in all groups and those between the ages of 17 and 57 with no history of systemic illness, eye operations, or ocular pathology were included in the research, as were all groups with stable refractions. An ultrasound pachymeter was used to assess the CC and CCT. This study showed a mean CC of 42.93+/-1.4 at a mean age of 28.93+/-7.09. We found a significant negative, weak correlation between mean CC and CCT. Gender was not significantly associated with CC in myopic and hyperopic patients, while in patients with astigmatism, females were observed to have a significantly higher mean CC compared to males. A significant difference in the mean CC was observed across different refractive errors, and patients with astigmatism had the highest CC, followed by myopic and hyperopic patients.

Proteomic Profiling of COVID-19 Patients Sera: Differential Expression with Varying Disease Stage and Potential Biomarkers.

Background/Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 is one of the viruses that caused worldwide health issues. This effect is mainly due to the wide range of disease prognoses it can cause. The aim of this study is to determine protein profiles that can be used as potential biomarkers for patients' stratification, as well as potential targets for drug development. Methods: Eighty peripheral blood samples were collected from heathy as well as SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted at a major tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A label-free quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted on the extracted sera. Protein-protein interactions and functional annotations of identified proteins were performed using the STRING. Results: In total, two-hundred-eighty-eight proteins were dysregulated among all four categories. Dysregulated proteins were mainly involved in the network map of SARS-CoV-2, immune responses, complement activation, and lipid transport. Compared to healthy subjects, the most common upregulated protein in all three categories were CRP, LGALS3BP, SAA2, as well as others involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathways such as ZAP70 and IGLL1. Notably, we found fifteen proteins that significantly discriminate between healthy/recovered subjects and moderate/under medication patients, among which are the SERPINA7, HSPD1 and TTC41P proteins. These proteins were also significantly downregulated in under medication versus moderate patients. Conclusions: Our results emphasize the possible association of specific proteins with the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and their potential use as disease biomarkers and drug targets. Our study also gave insights about specific proteins that are likely increased upon infection but are likely restored post recovery.

Characteristics of ocular-related emergency department visits: Five-years data from a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ocular emergencies (OE) include ocular trauma, infections, retinal detachment, and uveitis. Due to the limited number of studies describing ocular emergencies requiring Emergency Department (ED) visits in Saudi Arabia, there is a need for further studies addressing this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and describe the incidence, clinical presentation, and causes of ocular-related ED visits at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was a retrospective cohort study. Medical records were reviewed for all patients (all age groups) patients presenting at the ED from 1 January 2019 to 31 October 2023 where data for patients with any ocular emergency was extracted using an Excel sheet. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Baseline information was described using frequencies and proportions. Types of Ocular emergencies were described using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and presented using frequencies and proportions. The distribution of ocular emergencies across months and age groups was expressed using chart figures. A total of 15,321 ocular-related ED visits were included in this study. Almost 51% of patients were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.5 ± 22.1 years. More than half of the patients (51.0%) were diagnosed during childhood (<18 years), while proportions of older ages declined gradually. Average presentations of ocular emergencies in a single month ranged from 200 to 400. Conjunctival disorders including conjunctivitis (29.8%) were the most frequent ocular emergencies. The findings of this study showed that ocular emergencies are more prevalent in younger patients (aged <18 years), more commonly due to conjunctivitis. This highlights the need for policymakers to assess the causes of such emergency in this population and implement prevention strategies. Moreover, an average of 200 to 400 emergency visits per month are ocular-related. This finding could help policymakers understand the burden of ocular emergencies on the ED and the pressure that could add to the ED staff to provide appropriate care for these patients.

The incidence and risk factors of post-transplant diabetes mellitus in living donor kidney transplantation patients: a retrospective study

BackgroundPost-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a well-known complication of kidney transplantation that significantly impacts recipient morbidity and mortality. Over the recent years, the incidence of PTDM has increased considerably worldwide. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for PTDM in living donor kidney transplantation patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary transplant center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and data were extracted between February 2016 and March 2022. Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent renal transplant with at least one year of post-transplant follow-up were included in the analysis, and their medical records were comprehensively reviewed. Patients < 18 years of age, history of diabetes mellitus, other organ transplants, or those who underwent transplantation outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were excluded from the study.ResultsThe study included 247 living donor kidney transplant patients, with a mean age of 39.5 ± 14.6 years. 17.0% of the patients were diagnosed with PTDM. Patient age and fasting glucose levels at 6-months and 12-months after transplantation were found to be significant risk factors for the development of PTDM.ConclusionAn increased occurrence of PTDM emphasizes the importance of identifying high-risk patients prior to transplantation and implementing early interventions to prevent potential complications that could affect graft and patient survival.