King Abdulaziz University Research Articles

Awareness and attitudes towards eye donation among medical and allied health students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Many national studies in Saudi Arabia have revealed a lack of knowledge about eye donation. The current study assessed awareness and attitudes towards eye donation among health faculty students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It aims to increase their awareness as future healthcare providers are expected to raise general awareness to attain more local corneal donations. A cross-sectional study including 1,060 health faculty students was conducted at King Abdulaziz University. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that covered participants' demographics, academic year, knowledge, and attitudes regarding eye donation. Thirty-five percent of students had heard about eye donation, with the most common sources of information being social media (29%) and health workers (24%). Most respondents, 61% (n = 643), indicated willingness to donate their eyes after death. Of these respondents, 93% (n = 986), 6.8% (n = 72), and 0.2% (n = 2) had poor, fair, and good knowledge levels, respectively. A total of 66% (n = 696) and 34% (n = 364) had negative and positive attitudes, respectively. Students in this study showed low levels of knowledge and negative attitudes about eye donation. Students should be adequately educated about the significance of eye donation.

Variables that predict hospital stay and the outcome of Fournier gangrene at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe aggressive nature of Fournier gangrene and the associated health issues can result in a more complex clinical course and potentially a longer hospital stay. This study aimed to assess factors that affect the length of hospital stay (LHS) and its relation to the outcome of Fournier gangrene patients.MethodsA retrospective study was performed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia, on patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between 2017 and 2023. Data about length of hospital stay (LHS), age, BMI, clinical and surgical data and outcome was obtained.ResultsThe mean age of the studied patients was 59.23 ± 11.19 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.69 ± 7.99 kg/m2, and the mean duration of symptoms was 10.27 ± 9.16 days. The most common presenting symptoms were swelling or induration (64%), 88% had comorbidities with diabetes mellitus (DM) (84%), and 76% had uncontrolled DM. of patients, 24% had a poly-microbial infection, with E. coli being the most common (52%). The mean length of hospital stay (LHS) was 54.56 ± 54.57 days, and 24% of patients had an LHS of more than 50 days. Longer LHS (> 50 days) was associated with patients who did not receive a compatible initial antibiotic, whereas shorter LHS was associated with patients who received Impenem or a combination of vancomycin and meropenem as alternative antibiotics following incompatibility. Reconstruction patients had significantly longer LHS and a higher mean temperature. However, none of the studied variables were found to be predictors of long LHS in the multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionKnowledge of the values that predict LHS allows for patient-centered treatment and may be useful in predicting more radical treatments or the need for additional treatment in high-risk patients. Future multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the needed variables and predictors of long LHS.

Trends and patterns of orthognathic surgery in Saudi Arabia: a visualized bibliometric analysis of research output

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of orthognathic surgery research from Saudi Arabia between 1994 and 2024 in the Web of Science database. The goal was to evaluate Saudi Arabia's influence in the field and implications worldwide. Relevant keywords were used without year restrictions to search for articles. Biblioshiny and VOS viewer were used to analyse and visualize the bibliometric data, including total citations, h-index, and number of papers. The results show that Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its orthognathic surgery research production over time, especially in 2021 and 2023. King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University emerged as the leading institutions in number of papers. The most cited work was an expert review on using artificial intelligence for orthodontic diagnosis and planning orthognathic surgeries. This represents meaningful progress in combining technology with orthognathic surgery. Alhammad, Alnofaie, and Al-Sebaei were identified as the most productive individual authors, each authoring around three papers. The bibliographic analysis highlights the need for increased cooperation between Saudi institutions to boost research outputs and advance the application of new technologies in orthognathic surgery. The study serves as a foundation for further developing orthognathic surgery research in Saudi Arabia, which remains one of the few developing nations showing promising potential for growth in this area.

Measurement of Nasal Skin Thickness and Body Mass Index in Preoperative Rhinoplasty Patients Utilizing Computed Tomography Scanning and Ultrasound Techniques: A Prospective Comparative Study.

One of the most important indicators of rhinoplasty success is nasal skin thickness. Nasal thickness can lead to irregularities over the osseocartilaginous framework among patients with thin nasal skin and difficulty making tip work changes in patients with thick nasal skin. This study aimed to compare different objective methods. These include computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) techniques, and report the relationship between nasal skin thickness and body mass index (BMI). A prospective cross-sectional study that included all patients at the rhinoplasty clinic (King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between December 2022 and March 2023. Age, sex, and Fitzpatrick skin type were collected from the patients' histories and physical examinations. Body mass index was calculated for the subjects. The study sample included 29 patients. The median age of the patients was 25 years (interquartile range: 20-32 y). Most of the included patients were Saudi (89.7%, n = 26). Females represented 62.1% of the study sample. The average BMI was 25.6 ± 4.95 kg/m 2 . The highest correlation was observed between the US and CT tip ( r = 0.544, P < 0.01) and rhinion ( r = 0.525, P < 0.01) measurements. Body mass index was not associated with any US or CT measurements when BMI was used as a continuous or ordinal variable. The correlation between the US and CT measurements was highest for rhinoin and tip measurements, whereas supratip measurements were not correlated ( r = -0.029, P = 0.88). The correlation between mid-dorsum and nasion measurements was low (~0.3). The correlation between nasal skin thickness using CT and US varies depending on the nasal point and location. Body mass index was not associated with nasal skin thickness.

Professionalism among family medicine residents at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) recently proposed the Saudi Meds Family Medicine (FM) 2020 program, which is based on CanMEDS-FM 2017 and includes a number of competencies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the professionalism of FM residents who follow the modified curriculum of the SCHS. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah among FM residents from year 1 to year 3 and postgraduates from the FM residency program of both genders. For data collection, a structured self-administered web-based questionnaire adapted from CanMEDS was used. A total of 45 FM residents responded, with the majority (73.3%) between the ages of 20 and 30 (77.8%), and 62.2% females. In terms of patient professionalism, 93.3% frequently/always demonstrated appropriate professional behavior and relationships in all aspects of practice; 62.2% frequently/always demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of practice. In terms of professionalism and societal commitment, 80% frequently/always demonstrated accountability to patients, society, and the profession by responding to societal expectations of physicians, and 86.6% frequently/always demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality improvement. In terms of professional commitment, 88.9% frequently/always fulfil and adhere to professional and ethical codes, standards of practice, and laws governing practice. In terms of self-commitment, it was discovered that 86.6% frequently/always demonstrated self-awareness and managed influences on personal well-being and professional performance. The majority (80%) managed personal and professional demands for a sustainable practice throughout the physician lifecycle, and 86.7% frequently/always promoted a culture that recognizes, supports, and effectively responds to colleagues in need. FM residents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, demonstrated acceptable levels of dedication to patients, society, profession, and self, indicating a high level of professionalism.

Characteristic Phenotypes of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients in a Single Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia and the Effectiveness of the Treatment: A Retrospective Record Review

Abstract Objective: This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of individuals diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) at a single tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in a single tertiary center at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes from patients with sJIA between January 2012 and December 2022 and diagnosed before the age of 14 years were collected at diagnosis, at 3 months, and at 12 months intervals. Results: Out of 21 patients, 52% were female, with an average age at diagnosis of 6 years. The majority (73%) presented with fever, arthritis, and rash. Initial treatment involved steroids (59%), methotrexate (24%), and tocilizumab. Three months posttreatment, 73% showed improvement, and five patients had active disease. After 1 year, 5 out of 15 patients persisted with symptoms, necessitating additional treatments. The average follow-up duration was 50 months, with 73% achieving remission, but one patient died due to an allergic reaction to tocilizumab. Conclusions: The study highlights the heterogeneity of sJIA at presentations. The disparities in treatment reflect evolving guidelines and medications availability. The study emphasizes the importance of a national registry as well as the development of local recommendations.

The Effectiveness of a Psychoeducation Program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Developing Emotional Regulation Skills and improving Psychological Adjustment among University Students in Jeddah

The Effectiveness of a Psychoeducation Program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Developing Emotional Regulation Skills and improving Psychological Adjustment among University Students in Jeddah

Accuracy of ultrasound in predicting thyroid malignancy: a comparative analysis of the ACR TI-RADS and ATA risk stratification systems.

Thyroid nodules are very common in clinical practice, and ultrasound has long been used as a screening tool for their evaluation. Several risk assessment systems based on ultrasonography have been developed to stratify the risk of malignancy and determine the need for fine-needle aspiration in thyroid nodules, including the American Thyroid Association (ATA) system and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the ATA and ACR TI-RADS systems in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules based on the nodules' final histopathology reports. We performed a retrospective review of medical records to identify patients who underwent thyroid surgery at King Abdulaziz University from 2017 to 2022. The ultrasound features of the nodules with confirmed histopathology (benign versus malignant) were evaluated. Both ATA and ACR TI-RADS scores were documented. The analysis included 191 patients who underwent thyroid surgery and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Hemithyroidectomy was performed in 22.5% of the patients, and total thyroidectomy was performed in 77.0% of them. In all, 91 patients (47.6%) were found to have malignant nodules on histopathology. We then compared the histopathology reports with the preoperative ultrasonographic risk scores. The estimated sensitivity and specificity in identifying malignant nodules were, respectively, 52% and 80% with the ATA system and 51.6% and 90% with the ACR TI-RADS system. Both ATA and ACR TI-RADS risk stratification systems are valuable tools for assessing the malignancy risk in thyroid nodules. In our study, the ACR TI-RADS system had superior specificity compared with the ATA system in predicting malignancy among high-risk lesions.

Evaluating Night-Eating Syndrome in bariatric surgery patients: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNight-Eating Syndrome (NES) is a complex eating disorder that has gained recognition in the context of bariatric surgery. However, its prevalence and associated factors in this specific patient population remain understudied, particularly in the Saudi Arabian context.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from June to November 2022. Adult patients who had undergone bariatric surgery with a postoperative follow-up of 6 months were included. NES was assessed using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ).ResultsA total of 154 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 11.4 years. The mean BMI before surgery was 44.8 ± 8.2 kg/m2, which reduced to 28.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2 post-surgery. Of these, 52 patients (33.8%) met the criteria for NES based on NEQ scores. The prevalence of NES was significantly higher among female patients, with 35 out of 83 females (42.2%) compared to 17 out of 71 males (23.9%) experiencing NES. While NES was not significantly associated with age, nationality, diet adherence, BMI, or surgery type, chronic diseases—particularly diabetes—emerged as significant risk factors for NES in post-bariatric surgery patients.ConclusionNES is a prevalent concern among post-bariatric surgery patients, with distinct associations with gender and chronic diseases, particularly diabetes. This study provides valuable insights into NES prevalence and its risk factors in the Saudi Arabian context, highlighting the importance of addressing eating disorders within the framework of bariatric surgery care.

Physicians’ experiences with reporting domestic violence against women: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundDomestic violence, including violence against women, is a global public health concern with significant implications for women’s health and well-being. Despite its prevalence, healthcare providers often face barriers when reporting cases of domestic violence. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of reporting domestic violence against women by physicians and to explore the barriers to reporting.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to physicians from various specialties. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic information, physicians’ experiences with domestic violence cases, and barriers to reporting.ResultsThe study included 400 physicians. Approximately 39.8% of physicians reported encountering cases of domestic violence, with 33.0% documenting such cases. Reporting rates varied among occupational levels, with specialists (50.85%) and consultants (38.78%) reporting more frequently than general practitioners (16.67%) and residents (28.93%). Physicians with over 10 years of experience were more likely to report (49.40%, p = 0.001). Among the various categories of barriers examined, a lower score in physician-related barriers was the only category significantly associated with higher reporting rates (p < 0.01). However, health administration- and victim-related barriers were not significant factors in reporting.ConclusionThis study highlights variations in reporting rates among medical specialties and underscores the positive impact of physician experience on reporting domestic violence cases. Addressing physician-related barriers and promoting a reporting culture are crucial steps toward combating domestic violence in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare providers play a vital role in identifying and addressing this public health issue.

A retrospective study on the delay in three different timescales of CT simulation among patients with pediatric cancer in a tertiary hospital.

Patients with pediatric cancer receive radiotherapy to cure several types of cancer, requiring computed tomography simulation (CT sim) for precise treatment. However, there is currently no suitable framework to reduce the inherent delays in CT sim. The present study aimed to identify the underlying causes of the delays in CT sim regarding three different time periods (duration of patient admission to CT sim, diagnosis to treatment and CT sim to treatment) among patients with pediatric cancer. A total of 58 patients with pediatric cancer who received radiation therapy under anesthesia at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) between 2016 and 2021 (60 months) were included in the current study. The underlying cause of delays regarding three separate time periods was determined according to patient type, diagnosis, therapy type and year of diagnosis. The CT sim processing time averaged 73 days and was received by patients after 28.96±28.5 days. The major delays in terms of frequency and length of duration between different time points such as patient admission and CT sim, interval between diagnosis and treatment, and duration between CT sim and therapy were (mean±SD) 37.13±29.9, 58.08±24.9 and 28.15±7.9 days, respectively. Machine availability, instability of the patients' medical condition and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) caused 66.6% of the delays. In conclusion, outpatients may experience CT sim delays. Machine availability, conditions of patients and IMRT treatment were the major reasons to cause the delay in CT sim. Strategies should be employed to prevent CT sim delays and improve patient experience.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections in Pediatric Patients Hospitalized at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections (MDRIs) constitute a major global threat due to increased patient morbidity/mortality and hospital stay/healthcare costs. A few studies from KSA, including our locality, addressed antimicrobial resistance in pediatric patients. This study was performed to recognize the incidence and clinical/microbiologic features of MDRIs in hospitalized pediatric patients. A retrospective cross-sectional study included pediatric patients < 18 years, admitted to King Abdulaziz University Hospital, between October 2021 and November 2022, with confirmed positive cultures of bacteria isolated from blood/body fluids. Patients' medical files provided the required data. MDR organisms (MDROs) were identified in 12.8% of the total cultures. The incidence of MDRIs was relatively high, as it was detected in 42% of patients and in 54.3% of positive bacterial cultures especially among critically ill patients admitted to the NICU and PICU. Pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia was the main type of infection in 37.8% of patients with MDROs. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common significantly isolated MDRO in 39.5% of MDR cultures. Interestingly, a low weight for (no need for their as terminology weight for age is standard and well-known) was the only significant risk factor associated with MDROs (p = 0.02). Mortality was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in patients with MDROs (32.4%) than in patients without MDROs (3.9%). Patients who died including 85.7% of patients with MDROs had significantly longer durations of admission, more cultures, and utilized a larger number of antibiotics than the surviving patients (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). This study provided a comprehensive update on the seriously alarming problem of MDROs, and its impacts on pediatric patients. The detected findings are crucial and are a helpful guide to decid for implementing effective strategies to mitigate MDROs.

Factors affecting graft healing in laryngotracheal reconstruction: a retrospective single-center experience.

To examine the factors that affect graft healing after laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR). We conducted a retrospective chart review at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January-2008 and October-2023. We included all patients who underwent LTR and required anterior and/or posterior graft placement, while those who underwent procedures without graft placement and those with incomplete information were excluded. Forty-nine patients were analyzed. Most patients were pediatric (65.3%), male (65.3%), had no coexisting comorbidities (55.1%), and harbored grade 3-4 stenosis (59.2%). Thirty patients (61.2%) underwent open surgery. Various graft complications occurred including infection (n = 1, 2%), dehiscence (n = 3, 6.1%), scar (n = 6, 12.2%), and granulation (n = 29, 59.2%). Only 15 patients (30.65%) achieved the composite status of "healthy" graft. Among 43 patients who had postoperative cultures, positive results for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were observed in 10 and four patients, respectively. Open surgery and double-stage procedure were significantly associated with higher rates of granulation tissue formation. Pediatric-age group had significantly higher rate of complete epithelization compared to adult-age group. A significantly greater proportion of patients who had unhealthy grafts had open surgery. The rate of double-stage LTR was significantly higher in unhealthy grafts compared to healthy grafts. Prolonged stent duration was linked to various graft-related complications. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed no statistically significant correlations between various factors and postoperative graft-related complications. Open surgery, double-stage procedure, pediatric age group, and stent duration were not significant risk factors associated with postoperative graft-related complications during LTR in multivariate analysis.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Trichosporonosis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

Fungal infections, especially those caused have emerged as a significant medical concern over the past three decades, particularly among immunocompromised patients. However, recent studies have highlighted the increasing prevalence of fungal infections resembling yeast other than Candida, such as trichosporonosis, especially among immunosuppressed individuals worldwide. Trichosporon has been identified as a significant contributor to superficial and invasive infections. Invasive trichosporonosis, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients, poses a significant threat with high mortality rates. The current study aimed to explore the clinical epidemiology of Trichosporon spp at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective study aimed to assess the clinical epidemiology of Trichosporon spp. infections in microbiology cultures obtained from KAUH in Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed data from patients over a five-year period, focusing on demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics. This study encompassed 21 participants, categorized into four distinct age groups. Moreover, this study indicated T. asahii as the predominant species isolated, accounting for 90.5% of infections, followed by T. mucoides (9.5%). ICU hospitalization, diabetes mellitus, taking immunosuppressive drugs, and antifungal drugs, and the use of invasive medical equipment were identified as prominent risk factors for trichosporonosis. Urinary tract infections were the most common clinical presentation, particularly among male and elderly patients. Mortality rates were high, especially among older individuals. This study contributes valuable epidemiological insights into trichosporonosis, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive strategies in healthcare settings. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment approaches and infection control measures, ultimately reducing the burden of Trichosporon infections on patient outcomes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH).

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant global health concern, with its incidence doubling over the past three decades. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) pose a major threat to CKD patients, surpassing the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease. While previous studies worldwide have shed light on this association, limited research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia regarding this burden. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the prevalence and risk factors of CVD in CKD patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2017 and 2022. A six-year retrospective review of medical records at KAUH was conducted, including 465 non-end-stage CKD patients aged 30 to 79. Data, including demographics, clinical information, and laboratory results, were collected and statistically analyzed to investigate the association between variables. Out of 465 CKD patients, 262 (56.3%) were diagnosed with CVD, with congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease being the most common types. The majority were male 259 (55.7%), non-Saudi 278 (59.8%), and aged 60 years and older 291 (62.6%). Hypertension 394 (84.7%) and diabetes mellitus 336 (72.3%) were prevalent comorbidities. Severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, proteinuria, diabetes mellitus, and higher BMI were identified as significant risk factors for CVD in CKD patients. This research contributes valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of CVD in CKD patients in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. The identified risk factors provide a basis for developing targeted preventive strategies to mitigate this population's CVD burden.

Caprini versus Padua venous thromboembolism risk assessment scores: A comparative study in hospitalized patients at a tertiary center.

To assess and compare the Caprini and Padua risk assessment models (RAMs) for predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients. We retrospectively reviewed 28 VTE and 450 non-VTE patients hospitalized at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2019. Their baseline medical, demographic, and radiological reports were recorded. We compared Caprini scores (defined at admission) and Padua scores (calculated retrospectively) for their ability to predict VTE. A cumulative risk score was created by adding the individual scores for each risk factor. We also analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the RAM scores. Major differences in risk factors were shown between patients with and without VTE. Previous VTE was significantly associated with a higher risk of VTE (28.6%), as was reduced mobility (57.1%), acute infection (25%), high Caprini score (50%), and high Padua score (64.3%, p<0.05). The sensitivity of the Caprini score (96%) was higher than that of the Padua score (64.3%), as was the specificity (92.1% vs. 46.9%), positive predictive value (93% vs. 7%), and accuracy (94.1% vs. 47.9%). The specificity of the Caprini score was higher than that of the Padua score in Critical Care, Gynecology/Obstetrics, and Surgical departments. The Caprini RAM showed the lowest level of specificity in the medical department. The Caprini RAM demonstrated higher sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy than did the Padua RAM and thus distinguished low and high VTE risk in hospitalized patients.

Etiologies and Seizure Outcome of Neonatal Seizures: A Tertiary University Hospital Experience

Context: Despite the vast developments in medical sciences in recent decades, seizures remain a common occurrence among neonates, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess and analyze the presentation and outcome of neonates who were previously exposed to seizures. Subjects and Methods: Following a retrospective research design, this study included 50 cases of neonatal seizures (29 males and 21 females), who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the hospital records and included all visits between January 2022 and December 2022. Results: The most common types of neonatal seizures were clonic and myoclonic seizures (44% and 28%, respectively). Apgar score at 5 min was &lt;7 in 30% of cases. The main diagnosis was hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in 28 children (56%), and central nervous system (CNS) infection in 18 children (36%). Children with neonatal seizures mainly received phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, or levetiracetam (48%, 46%, and 36%, respectively). Mechanical ventilation was applied to 20 children (40%). A total of 15 children (30%) had developmental delays, being global delay in 7 children (14%), or motor in 8 children (16%), while 6 children died (12%). Seizures could be controlled in 37 children (74%). Children who presented early (during the 1st week of life) and those who had Apgar scores &lt;7 at 5 min had significantly worse outcomes, with higher case fatality and less seizure control than those who had Apgar scores of 7–10 (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Seizures are a common occurrence among neonates, especially males during the 1st week of their lives. HIE and CNS infections are the main diagnoses. The most administered medications are phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, and levetiracetam. Children who present during their 1st week of life and those who have 5-min Apgar scores &lt;7 have significantly higher case fatality and less seizure control.

Rate and Causes of 30-day Unplanned Readmission/Return Following Head and Neck Surgery at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia.

Identifying and targeting common preventable causes of 30-day hospital readmissions could help improve survival rates and reduce the healthcare burden. To determine the rate and causes of unplanned hospital return/readmission to the Outpatient Department (OPD) or Emergency Department (ED) within 30 days after discharge following head and neck surgery (HNS) at a tertiary hospital in Western Saudi Arabia. This retrospective study included all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who had undergone HNS at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2015 and December 2022 and returned to the OPD or ED within 30 days of being discharged. Of 1041 patients who had undergone HNS, 84 (8.1%) returned to the hospital within 30 days after discharge: 63 (6.1%) to the OPD and 21 (2.0%) to the ED. A total of 9 (0.9%) patients were readmitted as inpatients, most commonly for infections (33.3%) and neurological symptoms, including weakness and seizures (22.2%). For OPD visits, common causes were wound swelling (25.4%) and neurological symptoms (17.5%). For ED returns, frequent causes were neurological symptoms (23.8%) and surgical site bleeding (19.1%). Readmission was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission during the primary hospital stay (P = 0.003) and higher preoperative baseline health burdens when examined using the American Society of Anesthesiology score (P = 0.022), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (P = 0.007), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (P = 0.006). The rate of 30-day unplanned hospital return following head and neck surgery was 6.1% and 2.0% through the OPD and the ED, respectively; 0.9% were readmitted as inpatients. Common causes of return included wound swelling, infections, bleeding, and neurological symptoms.

&lt;b&gt; Field Training Challenges Encountered by Female Students of Special Education Department, College of Education, King Abdulaziz University: A Students' Perspective&lt;/b&gt;

يهدف هذا البحث إلى : التعرف على مشكلات التدريب الميداني التي تواجه طالبات كلية التربية قسم التربية الخاصة في جامعة الملك عبد العزيز من وجهة نظر الطالبات.وقد استعمل الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي،واشتمل البحث على المحاور التالية : إن الطالبات يواجهن مشكلات في مجال المعلم المتعاون بشكل عام ,أما الطالبات الملتحقات في مساري صعوبات التعلم والإعاقة العقلية فهي أكثر مشكلات فيما يتعلق ببعد خطة الدرس .

Impact of Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors on Quality of Life Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an essential surgical management modality for patients with coronary artery disease. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become important because of the significant decrease in the mortality rate associated with CABG. We aimed to explore the factors that affect the quality of life after CABG. This study used a descriptive correlational design to assess the determinants of HRQoL using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Patients who underwent CABG at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between March 2015 and December 2021 were enrolled in this study. Overall, 275 participants were eligible for our study, of which 84 were found to be valid for analysis. Phone contacts were made directly with the patient after briefly explaining the study. Scores and clinical data were investigated using multivariable linear regression analysis. Subscales of role limitations due to physical issues had the lowest mean scores, followed by vitality and general health (57.4 ± 44.7; 60.4 ± 25.6; 64.1 ± 22.6), respectively. However, social functioning (78.9 ± 29.0) and pain (75.1 ± 29.9) had the highest scores of all subscales. A history of congestive heart failure (CHF) was independently associated with lower scores for physical role limitations (p = 0.021), vitality (p = 0.001), general health (p< 0.001), and mental health (p = 0.011). Lower mental health scores were also predicted by being a widow (p = 0.030), whereas lower general health scores were predicted by being unemployed (p = 0.001) and having a peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (p = 0.043). Additionally, the development of postoperative complications was an independent predictor of lower physical functioning (p = 0.028) and vitality (p = 0.043). Regarding the number of grafts, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cross-clamp time, no significant impact was found on any of the SF-36 subscales (p> 0.05). The postoperative decline in HRQoL was attributed to comorbidities such as CHFand PVD, postoperative complications including bleeding and wound infection, as well as unemployment and widowed status. Therefore, choosing the appropriate patients for surgery and post-discharge follow-up may enhance HRQoL.