University Hospital In Egypt Research Articles

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of frontline physicians in Egyptian university hospitals regarding pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever: a cross-sectional study that calls for action

BackgroundAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remain major public health issues. Although the primary and secondary prevention of RHD through appropriate management of bacterial pharyngitis and ARF are well-described in the literature, few studies address the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of developing countries. We aimed to evaluate the KAP of the frontline physicians in Egyptian university hospitals regarding pharyngitis and ARF.MethodsWe employed a cross-sectional design between September 1st, 2022, and January 31st, 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire in 21 Egyptian universities. The questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and recent guidelines and included four domains: sociodemographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharyngitis and ARF. We utilized both online (Google Forms) and paper surveys. Frontline physicians, including interns, residents, and assistant lecturers, were conveniently invited to participate. Furthermore, with the help of participating phycisians in recruiting their colleagues, we utilized the snowball method. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27 software.ResultsThe final analysis included 629 participants, of whom 372 (59.1%) were males and 257 (40.9%) had direct contact with ARF patients. Most participants (61.5%) had a fair knowledge level while 69.5% had a fair level of practice regarding ARF and pharyngitis. Higher satisfactory knowledge levels were noted regarding pharyngitis (17.1% vs. 11.3%; p-value: 0.036) and ARF (26.8% vs. 18%; p-value: 0.008) among physicians dealing directly with ARF cases compared to physicians in departments not dealing directly with ARF cases. Physicians in Cairo region universities had significantly higher levels of satisfactory knowledge about ARF compared to Delta and Upper Egypt region universities (p = 0.014). Delta region universities showed significantly lower levels of practice compared to Cairo and Upper Egypt region universities (p = 0.027). The most frequently recognized barriers against health promotion were low socioeconomic status (90.3%) and lack of adequate public education (85.8%).ConclusionsDespite the fair knowledge and practice levels towards bacterial pharyngitis and ARF among participants, many gaps were still identified that might contribute to RHD prevalence. Educational interventions should be implemented by updating the local guidelines in Egypt for diagnosis and management based on the most recent guidelines.

Analysis of clinical management and radiological affection of coronavirus disease 2019 patients under isolation: an experience from a University Hospital

Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Egypt was among the minor epidemic areas. COVID-19 has wide variations in the clinical presentation manifesting as a heterogeneous disease severity varying from mild, moderate, and severe to critical illness. Objective This study aimed to identify the potential clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics and prognosis of the COVID-19 patients obtained during the first peak of this pandemic at a University Hospital in Egypt, and to provide a reference for the pandemic management in the subsequent peaks. Patients and methods A single-center prospective study was done on patients with COVID-19 admitted to Fayoum University Hospital during the period from May to July 2020. All patients had full medical history taking, clinical examination, laboratory assessment, oxygen-saturation monitoring, chest computed tomography (CT), and reverse transcriptase-PCR testing. All the patients were treated with the treatment protocol accredited by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and accordingly disease outcome was determined. Results The study included 162 COVID-19 patients, 80 (49.4%) had mild cases, 40 (24.7%) had moderate cases, and 26 (16.0%) and 16 (9.9%) had severe and critical cases, respectively. The median CT-severity score was 10 (3.75–11.25). Significantly high serum levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin levels were observed in severe cases (P<0.01 for all) in comparison with mild/moderate cases. By comparing died cases with other severe cases, the proportion of cases with CURB 65 score (comorbidity, confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and 65 years of age or older score) more than or equal to 4, PaO2/FiO2 less than 300, hypoxemia less than 85%, higher levels of ferritin, D-dimer, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, CT severity, and consolidation score were significantly higher in died cases than other severe cases. By regression analysis, among severe cases, predictors of death were the presence of comorbidity and increased consolidation size. Conclusion All healthcare workers should understand the presentation of the disease, workup, and supportive care experienced from the first outbreak and offer an evidence-based management for succeeding outbreaks in our community.

The relationship between Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and ischemic priapism: a case-control study.

This multicentre retrospective study was conducted in 3 university hospitals in Egypt between April 2020 and June 2022. The aim was to assess the relation between Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and ischemic priapism. Forty-three ischemic priapism patients were diagnosed and divided into two groups (30 in group I with ischemic priapism only, and 13 in group II with both ischemic priapism and COVID-19). Further sub-classification of COVID-19 patients according to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection severity was done. Cavernosal aspiration was successful in 25 patients (83.3%) in group I and 12 (92.3%) in group II. Long term follow-up proved moderate to severe erectile dysfunction in 6 patients (20.0%) and 1 (7.7%) in group I and II, respectively. All those with severe erectile dysfunction were managed by distal shunt and prepared for penile prosthesis placement. The median duration of ischemic priapism was significantly longer in patients with severe erectile dysfunction [19 vs. 7 h, P = 0.01]. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding patients' age (p = 0.8), required priapism management (p = 0.4), priapism recurrence (p = 0.1), and erectile dysfunction severity (p = 0.5). Ischemic priapism in COVID-19 patients can occur not only in severe, but also in mild or even asymptomatic cases. COVID-19 did not influence the ischemic priapism treatment protocol and post-treatment erectile function. COVID-19 and ischemic priapism seem to have a coincidence relation rather than a causal.

Computed tomography benefits and cost in hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma at an Egyptian University Hospital

BackgroundTrauma is a significant cause of mortality, especially among individuals aged between 15 and 44 years, with a substantial burden falling on economically active populations. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the burden of trauma-related deaths, accounting for over 90 % globally. In Egypt, trauma rates are increasing, primarily due to road traffic crashes (RTC), affecting males disproportionately. Blunt abdominal trauma, often caused by RTC, can lead to missed intra-abdominal injuries (IAIs) due to atypical symptoms. Computed Tomography (CT) offers high sensitivity and specificity in detecting IAIs, but concerns about cost and radiation exposure exist. MethodologyThis study investigates the roles of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) and CT in managing blunt abdominal trauma. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on hemodynamically stable patients. Data included patient demographics, trauma details, healthcare decisions, costs, and outcomes. ResultsComputed tomography significantly reduced unnecessary laparotomies (12.3% vs. 24.8 %, p = 0.001), shortened hospital stays (4.83±0.71 days vs. 6.15±1.28 days, p = 0.005), and reduced ICU admissions (8 vs. 32, p = 0.023) compared to FAST alone. Overall costs were lower in the CT & FAST Group ($2055.95 vs. $3488.7, p = 0.0001), with no significant difference in missed IAIs. ConclusionThis study highlights the limitations of relying solely on FAST for IAIs and underscores the value of CT in guiding healthcare decisions. Incorporating CT led to reduced negative laparotomies, shorter hospital stays, and fewer ICU admissions. While CT incurs initial costs, its long-term benefits outweigh expenditures, particularly in LMICs. This study provides insights into optimizing diagnostic approaches for blunt abdominal trauma in low-resource settings.

Comparison of 2 Days versus 5 Days of Octreotide after Endoscopic Therapy in Preventing Early Esophageal Varices Rebleed: A Randomized Controlled Study

In esophageal varices bleeding, following the initial endoscopic hemostasis, it is recommended to administer vasoactive medications for a period of 2-5 days in order to avoid early rebleeding. Octreotide is the preferred vasoactive medication for treating variceal bleeding due to its favorable safety profile. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 2-day octreotide infusion against a 5-day octreotide infusion following endoscopic intervention in avoiding early rebleeding of esophageal varices in individuals with cirrhosis. This study was a prospective, parallel, randomised controlled experiment conducted on a cohort of 184 subjects who were recruited from the endoscopy unit of the Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department at Tanta University Hospital in Egypt. The five days rate of rebleeding was 16.85% in the 2-days group against 15.91% in the 5- days group without significant difference (P= 0.865). In cirrhotic individuals with bleeding esophageal varices, a 2-day regimen of octreotide is equally efficacious as a 5-day regimen in avoiding rebleeding over a 5-day period, following successful control of bleeding with endoscopic intervention.

Elevated liver transaminases among patients with psychiatric disorders.

Hepatocyte injury is assessed by serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase estimation. In psychiatric populations, antipsychotic drugs (AD) are culprit in hepatic dysfunction. To assess transaminitis among psychiatric patients treated by AD. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Zagazig University Hospitals in Egypt, from December 2022 to February 2023. A total of 135 adult patients aged ≥ 18 years, were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders after exclusion of patients receiving any hepatotoxic drugs, viral hepatitis, having chronic liver or kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, and pregnant females. Among the 135 patients, 104 (77.0%) were males. Their age was 32 ± 9, The most popular used class of AD was atypical AD 84 (62.2%). The overall incidence of transaminitis among patients receiving AD was 23/135 (17.04%) of patients; 13 (56.5%) were on atypical AD compared to 10 (43.5%) patients receiving combined AD, without any statistically significant difference. The use of AD in patients with psychiatric disorders is potentially safe with minimal transaminitis (<one-fold elevation). However, baseline and regular monitoring of serum aminotransferase is recommended during treatment.

Investigating the relationship between nurses' workplace behaviour and perceived levels of ethical leadership in managers.

There is increasing research interest in the relationship between ethical leadership and deviant workplace behaviour. Ethical leadership encompasses altruism, courage, ethical orientation, integrity and fairness. Examples of deviant workplace behaviours include theft, fraud, sabotage, assault, abuse, manipulation and bullying. It appears that when leaders are fair and emphasise ethical conduct, followers are less inclined to engage in deviant workplace behaviour. To investigate the relationship between nurses' self-rated levels of deviant workplace behaviour and perceived levels of ethical leadership in managers. For this descriptive correlational study, 355 nurses from one university hospital in Egypt responded to an online questionnaire comprising the Ethical Leadership Scale and the Workplace Deviance Behavior Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to explore results and examine the relationships between study variables. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between respondents' self-rated levels of deviant workplace behaviour and their perceptions of levels of ethical leadership in managers. The results appeared to confirm previous research. Nurses who feel that they are treated fairly by their managers tend to have positive attitudes towards work, colleagues and management. Ethical leadership on the part of managers is a significant determinant of nurses' behaviour in the workplace and should therefore be fostered by healthcare organisations.

Identification and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of multidrug resistant bacteria causing surgical site infections in Suez Canal University Hospitals in Egypt

Identification and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of multidrug resistant bacteria causing surgical site infections in Suez Canal University Hospitals in Egypt

The Relationship Between Nurses' Psychological Well-Being and Their Work Productivity Loss: A Descriptive Correlational Study.

Nurses play a vital role in ensuring effective patient care delivery and organizational productivity. Hence, it becomes imperative to prioritize their psychological well-being and explore how its impairment may be associated with their productivity loss. The study aims to investigate the relationship between nurses' psychological well-being and their work productivity loss by examining how nurses self-reported their own psychological well-being and work productivity loss. A descriptive correlational design was conducted at an Egyptian university hospital. A convenience sample of 400 nurses completed two tools: (a) Outcome Questionnaire-45 was used to assess the psychological well-being of nurses and (b) the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health Questionnaire was used to measure nurses' work productivity. Among the 400 surveyed nurses, 66.7% reported overall poor psychological well-being. Regarding work productivity loss, 22.8% of nurses missed an average of 974.81 work hours due to absenteeism, and 62.0% lost an average of 10,630 work hours due to presenteeism. Additionally, 75.5% experienced impaired daily living activities. Approximately 13.4% of total working hours were missed due to health problems or psychological distress. Regression analysis revealed that poor psychological well-being significantly predicts work productivity loss, accounting for 2.0% of absenteeism, 11.0% of presenteeism, 17.0% of daily activity impairment, and 9.0% of overall productivity loss, with the model being significant (p < 0.01). Nurses often experience poor psychological well-being and distress that hinder their daily activities and cause work productivity loss. Therefore, hospital management should prioritize improving nurses' physical and mental health and bolstering their self-efficacy and resilience to minimize the effects of symptom distress on productivity. Investing in nurses' well-being through managerial caring, organizational support, and fostering a supportive work environment are vital strategies for promoting quality patient care and enhancing their work productivity.

Effect of authentic leadership on Nurses’ psychological distress and turnover intention

BackgroundAt healthcare institutions, authentic leadership style has a crucial role in creating a positive work environment where nurses show higher levels of engagement and less intent to leave their jobs in environments where authentic leadership has been exhibited. AimThisstudysoughttoinvestigate authentic leadership effects on nurses’ psychological distress and their turnover intention. DesignA cross-sectional descriptive study. SettingsThe study was conducted at Kafr Elsheikh University hospitals in Egypt. ParticipantsNurses working at Kafr Elsheikh University hospitals in Egypt were enrolled (N = 285). MethodsAuthentic leadership self-assessment questionnaire, Kessler psychological distress scale, and Michaels and Spector’s (1982) 3-item scale to measure turnover intentions were used. ResultsAuthentic leadership style has a statistically significant negative relationship with psychological distress (r = -0.28), and turnover intention was found (r = -0.18) retrospectively. Whereas the results indicated that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between psychological distress and turnover intention (r = 0.52). ConclusionThis study provided additional knowledge about authentic leadership behaviors’ role in promoting psychological well-being, decreased level of nurses’ psychological distress, and their intention to leave their work.

Screening for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies among healthcare workers: A single-center study in Egypt

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global public health disaster, spreading throughout the world. In order to accurately determine the extent of the pandemic, it is important to accurately identify the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study intended to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs and examine its correlation with the demographic characteristics of the study participants prior to the implementation of the vaccination campaign. In this cross-sectional study included 431 HCWs from Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt. Their sera were screened for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a one-step novel coronavirus (COVID-19) IgM/IgG antibody test from Artron, Canada. Positive cases were then confirmed using nasal swab real-time reverse transcriptase PCR from Viasure, Spain. Of the 431 study participants, 254 (58.9%) were males and 177 (41.1%) females. The majority of participants, 262 (60.8%), were younger than 30 years old, 150 (34.8%) between 30 and 40 years old, and only 19 (4.4%) older than 40 years old. Out of the total samples, 26 (6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgM, while 19 (4.4%) tested positive for both IgM and IgG. The majority of the samples, 386 (89.6%), tested negative for both IgG and IgM. There was no association between the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and either sex or age of study participants. In conclusion, during the study period, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers at Suez Canal University Hospital in Egypt was relatively low. Additionally, there was no significant correlation observed between the prevalence of positive cases and either age or sex.

Linezolid resistance in coagulase negative Staphylococci isolates and the related genes in intensive care unit patients in a University Hospital in Egypt

Linezolid resistance in coagulase negative Staphylococci isolates and the related genes in intensive care unit patients in a University Hospital in Egypt

Body Mass Index as a Major Prognostic Contributing Factor in COVID-19: A Multicentral Egyptian Study.

Extreme body mass index (BMI) is an influential pathophysiological risk factor for serious illnesses following lower respiratory tract infection. The purpose of the current study was to examine how the BMI of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients affects their prognosis. Two hundred patients with COVID-19 admitted to Al-Azhar, Qena, Aswan, and Sohag University hospitals in Egypt were included and categorized into four groups according to their BMI. The diagnosis was made according to a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) positive result for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in swabs from upper respiratory tract. A detailed history, clinical examination, and outcomes (disease severity and complications, hospital stay, ICU admission, mortality) were recorded for all patients. SPSS version 24 software was used for data analysis. Average age of participants (19-90 years old), 92 (46%) males and 108 females (54%). ICU admission was significantly higher among underweight patients (75%) and obese patients (78.6%). The majority of underweight (62.5%) and obese (57.1%) patients had critical disease. Invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is frequently used in underweight (50%) and obese patients (42.9%) patients. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cardiac, neurological, and hematological complications, and incidence of myalgia and bed sores were most frequent among obese and overweight patients. Acute kidney injury was significantly higher among underweight patients (37.5%) and obese patients (28.6%) than among other classes (p=0.004). Frequency of endocrine complications was significantly higher in underweight patients than that in other classes (p=0.01). The majority of underweight (75%) and obese patients (50%) deteriorated and died, whereas the majority of normal-weight patients (90.3%) and overweight patients (75.8%) improved and were discharged (p< 0.001). Body mass index is a major contributing factor to the outcome of patients with COVID-19, and patients with extreme of body mass index were associated with the worst prognosis.

Detection of NCF-1 Gene Expression as a Diagnostic Tool for Autosomal Recessive Chronic Granulomatous Disease among Egyptian Children with Phagocytic Dysfunction

Abstract Background Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by functional impairment of the nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex in neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes and characterized by recurrent and severe infections, dysregulated inflammation and autoimmunity. Aim of the Work To diagnose the autosomal recessive (AR) type of CGD among a group of Egyptian pediatric patients with phagocytic dysfunction by detection of Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor-1 (NCF-1) gene expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to correlate it with other diagnostic tests. Subjects and Methods A case-control study was conducted on 15 provisionally diagnosed CGD pediatric patients (Group I) by the use of DHR test, with the stimulation index using PMA &amp;lt; 30%. They were recruited from different university hospitals in Egypt. The study also included 12 mothers of the studied patients to detect the genetic mutations in carriers, if any, (Group II) and 14 apparently healthy children as a control group (Group III). Full medical history was taken and thorough clinical examination was done. The selected groups underwent testing for phagocytic and lytic indices, measurement of NCF-1 gene expression by real time RT-PCR. Results The comparative statistics between group I and group III as regards the phagocytic index (PI) revealed a high statistical significant difference between both groups. In addition, a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards lytic index (LI) was also revealed. Correlation studies were done between fold change of NCF-1 gene expression and each of PI, LI and DHR and showed no significant statistical correlation between these parameters in the 3 studied groups. Cases with a fold change of NCF-1 gene expression less than 0.48 (cut-off value calculated by the 25th percentile fold change of the control group), are considered having defective NCF-1 gene expression. At this cut-off value 2 out of 15 CGD cases and 3 mothers out of 12 showed NCF-1 gene under-expression. Conclusion Assessment of NCF-1 gene expression which encodes p47phox by real time RT- PCR in the present study could detect defective gene expression only among two CGD children and their mother as well as two other mothers with no correlation to other studied parameters. Since CGD is a genotypically heterogeneous disease; the findings of the present study highlight the importance of molecular testing for diagnosis after screening for NADPH oxidase protein deficiency by flow cytometry.

Evaluation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Tanta University Hospitals in Egypt

Evaluation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Tanta University Hospitals in Egypt

Screening of subclinical functional hemoglobin and red blood cell abnormalities among blood donors of Fayoum University Hospital in Egypt: Are RET-He, and IRF useful screening tools?

BackgroundThe effectiveness of red cell transfusion in a given blood unit that relied on both quantity and quality of donated cells undoubtedly affects prognostic outcomes. ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the frequency of subclinical functional hemoglobin and red cell abnormalities in donated blood of Fayoum University Hospital in Egypt. Additionally, to assess the usefulness of reticulocyte mean hemoglobin content (RET-He) and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) as screening measures for such abnormalities. Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 200 volunteer blood donors who met the national standard criterion of blood donation. Complete blood count with reticulocyte parameters, serum ferritin, sickling test, G6PD assay, Mentzer index, and naked-eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility test were carried out. ResultsFunctional red cell abnormalities represented 44 % of this cohort. Out of them, 4.5 % had iron deficiency, 11 % had a positive sickling test, 19 % had G6PD deficiency, and 9.5 % had suspicious thalassemia. The sensitivity and specificity test for RET-He in selective identification of functional hemoglobin abnormalities in donated blood were 83.3 % and 61.2 %, respectively at a cutoff value of 26.9. Though there was no statistically significant effect of RET-He on the selective detection of G6PD deficiency, IRF had a statistically significant high level with a p-value of 0.04. ConclusionSubclinical functional red cell abnormalities seem to be prevalent among blood donors. Reticulocyte/ erythrocyte indices could be useful screening tools for red cell abnormalities. Further studies are required for assessing the impact of transfusing such abnormalities to neonates and other critical recipients.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Polymeric and Conventional Concrete for Sustainable Construction: A Case Study of a New Clinic at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Polymeric and Conventional Concrete for Sustainable Construction: A Case Study of a New Clinic at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt.

Invasive Candidiasis: Prevalence, Species Distribution and Trends in Antifungal Susceptibility in an Egyptian University Hospital

Invasive Candidiasis: Prevalence, Species Distribution and Trends in Antifungal Susceptibility in an Egyptian University Hospital

Therapeutic Impacts of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Risperidone on Children with Autism: A Clinical Trial.

In this research, we investigated any possible effect of receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) or risperidone on the core symptoms of autism in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial in Minia and Assiut University hospitals in Egypt with three parallel groups. One hundred and eighty children with autism, aged 5-8 years were divided into three equal groups (n=60). Group 1 (G1) received 40 sessions of HBOT within two months, group 2 (G2) received risperidone (dose: 0.25 mg per day in children weighing less than 20 kg and 0.5 mg per day in cases weighing more) for six months, and group 3 (G3) as the control group, received a placebo for six months. The assessment was done using childhood autism rating scale (CARS) and autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) at the beginning of the study (baseline) and after one year. The mean total CARS and ATEC scores significantly decreased (improved) by varying degrees in the three groups after a year of follow-up compared to the baseline scores, but the best results were found in G1, G2, and G3, respectively. Using HBOT or risperidone is effective in treating the core symptoms of autism in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but using HBOT gives better results than risperidone therapy. Non-pharmacologic therapy can be used for the treatment of the core symptoms of autism.Both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and risperidone reduce the core symptoms of autism.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy gives better effects than risperidone in reducing the core symptoms of autism. Since the long-term use of drug therapy in children with autism leads to the occurrence of side effects in addition to the difficulty in complying with the drugs for long-term use, efforts have begun to use non-traditional alternative treatments, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The current study assessed the therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and risperidone on the core symptoms of autism. The results revealed that both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and risperidone reduced the core symptoms of autism, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy gave better therapeutic results than risperidone.