Medical City Research Articles

Attitudes towards Organizational Change Strategies among Health care Professionals and Administrative Staff: An applied study in King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh

Objective This study aimed to examine employee attitudes towards organizational change (OC) and various management strategies, and to explore the relationship of these attitudes with demographic and professional factors. Additionally, the study analyzed the factors of resistance to OC. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 staff members at King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during September 2022. The questionnaire collected demographic and professional data and explored attitudes towards OC (eight items) and four specific management strategies including re-educative (six items), persuasion (six items), facilitation (six items), and power-coercive (six items). The model hypotheses that attitudes towards OC are determined by attitudes towards the various management strategies as well as by demographic and professional factors. Results We observed a broad acceptance of OC along with a strong favorability for re-educative strategy, followed by persuasive and facilitation strategies. However, the power-coercive strategy was less accepted. There were significant differences in attitudes based on demographic and professional factors, notably nationality and job category. Independent factors associated with resistance to organizational change included employee nationality (non-Saudi: OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.17 – 5.96), job category (health technicians: OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07 – 0.62), and favorable attitudes towards power-coercive (OR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.13) and facilitation strategies (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08 – 0.61). The model explained 31.3% to 42.1% of the variance in resistance to organizational change. Conclusion This study highlights general acceptance of OC among healthcare employees, especially with professional guidance and employee input. Re-educative strategies were favored, and positive attitudes towards persuasive and power-coercive strategies reduced resistance to OC. A flexible, hybrid approach tailored to demographic and professional factors appear to be judicious for effective change. Future research should explore additional factors influencing change acceptance. Keywords: Organizational Change, Management Strategies, Healthcare, Employee Attitudes, Change Management, Descriptive Cross-Sectional Design.

Evaluating ATG Induction Therapy Outcomes After Commercial Kidney Transplantation: Insights from a Tertiary Hospital Experience

Background: Kidney transplantation improves life expectancy in patients with end-stage renal disease but encounters ethical concerns, particularly in commercial transplantation, which yields worse outcomes. Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is an immunosuppressant used as an induction therapy in transplantation. This study evaluates ATG induction therapeutic outcomes in commercial kidney transplants. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on adults who underwent commercial kidney transplantation and were subsequently admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City spanning 2018 to 2023, with a follow-up period of one year. Results: A total of 70 commercial kidney transplant patients were evaluated by comparing patients who received ATG (n = 24) and those who did not (n = 46). ATG patients had elevated serum creatinine levels at admission (mean 457.5 vs. 172.6 µmol/L, p < 0.001). Over time, creatinine levels in the ATG group improved but remained higher than the non-ATG group (p < 0.001). Despite the higher early rejection rate in the ATG group, this difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.256). Elevated admission creatinine strongly predicted rejection (OR = 10.08, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated admission creatinine is a significant predictor of rejection. Although the ATG group showed a higher early rejection rate, this difference was not statistically significant. Early rejection remains a concern, particularly within the first month after transplantation.

Development and Validation of the Sun Exposure and Behavior Inventory in the Arabic Language.

Skin cancer prevalence has been increasing worldwide, particularly among Caucasian populations. Sun exposure is a significant risk factor, and some tools, such as the sun exposure and behavior inventory (SEBI), have been developed to assess sun-related behaviors. To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Arabic version of SEBI to assess its reliability and validity in measuring sun exposure behaviors. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh between May and June 2024, focusing on dermatology patients fluent in Arabic. The instrument was translated forward and backward. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis. Reliability was established by internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Arabic SEBI showed good Cronbach alpha values (0.61-0.71) across various domains. The test-retest reliability of intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.72. Furthermore, factor analysis revealed 3 main factors representing 51.2% of the variance. Discriminant validity was also significant; clear differentiation is seen between the highest and lowest quartile scores in the SEBI domains (p < .001). The Arabic-translated SEBI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing sun exposure and protective behaviors in Arabic-speaking populations.

Safety and efficacy of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of renal stones in pediatric age group

BackgroundCurrently, kidney stones are frequently observed in children and teens.ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in managing renal stones in pediatric patients.Patients and methodsThis retrospective case series study included 115 consecutive patients aged < 11 years old who underwent MPCNL at Sulaimani Teaching Hospital and Mercy Medical City, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from January 2016 to March 2021. MPCNL was done on all patients through 16–20 Fr tracts. The stone-free rate, perioperative complications, tract number, operative time, postoperative hemoglobin change, and hospitalization time were assessed.ResultsThe mean patients’ age was 6.53 ± 1.3 years, and the mean stone burden was 2.073 ± 1.03 cm2. After a single session of MPCNL, 93.25% of patients attained a complete stone clearance through a single tract in 109 patients (94%) and two tracts in 6 patients (5.2%). Hospitalization time, operative time, postoperative hemoglobin drop, and perioperative complications were 2.23 ± 0.93 days, 39.26 ± 8.22 min, 0.51 ± 0.34 g/dL, and 25.21%, respectively. No major complications (Clavien grade III and IV) were found. Most complications were minor, including Clavien grade I (n = 18, 15.6%) and II (n = 11, 9.56%), which were managed conservatively.ConclusionsMPCNL is an effective and potentially safe procedure for treating complex renal stones in pediatric patients aged < 11 years, yielding an excellent stone-free rate and acceptable complications.

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and Pro-B-natriuretic peptide evaluation in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension and end-stage kidney diseases receiving hemodialysis

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a serious condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased strain on the heart. Secondary PHT refers to cases where is Pulmonary hypertension a consequence of an underlying condition, and one such condition is ESRD. This work aimed to study the role of Alpha-1-acid Glycoprotein (AGP) &amp; Pro-B-Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in the Ddevelopment of PHT in patients under Hemodialysis. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 120 patients who visited the Al-Imamain Al-Khadhimain Medical City Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, between May 2023 and July 2023 and were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and underwent regular hemodialysis. Levels of AGP and BNP were measured, and clinical characteristics, including gender, age, hemodialysis duration, frequency of hemodialysis sessions per week, body mass index (BMI), and biochemical parameters such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, PO4, and albumin, were analyzed.Ca levels were significantly higher in the PHT group (8.12 ± 1.09 mg/dL) compared to the NPHT group (7.50 ± 1.10 mg/dL). AGP and BNP levels were significantly elevated in PHT patients (86.50 ± 16.54 ng/ml and 314.79±80.82 pg/ml; respectively) in comparison with NPHT group (41.98 ± 10.89 ng/ml and 211.87 ± 46.24 pg/ml; respectively). the results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that AGP has a significant positive effect on the odds of observing PHT, suggesting that higher AGP levels are associated with an increased likelihood of PHT.Patients with pulmonary hypertension who were receiving hemodialysis also had considerably higher levels of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and pro-B-natriuretic peptide. These biomarkers might be useful resources for detecting and keeping track of pulmonary hypertension in this patient population.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Survival Outcomes in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Insights From a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Real-world data on treatment patterns and survival outcomes in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) remain limited. This study aims to characterize treatment sequencing, duration across lines of therapy, and survival outcomes in patients with mHSPC. This single-center, retrospective, non-interventional study included men newly diagnosed with mHSPC at King Abdullah Medical City Cancer Center between 2016 and 2023. Treatment patterns, including sequencing and duration of therapy, were described. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate overall survival (OS) from mHSPC diagnosis to death or censoring at the end of follow-up. Among 102 patients, the mean age was 70 years, BMI of 26, with 53% having a performance status of 2. Comorbidities included hypertension (51%), diabetes (45%), and cardiovascular disease (20.6%). Nearly half (48%) had a Gleason score of nine, with 62.7% presenting with bone metastases. Novel hormonal therapy (NHT) was the predominant first-line treatment (86%), with abiraterone used in 43% of cases. Second- and third-line treatments were received by 34% and 13% of patients, respectively. The median durations of first-, second-, and third-line therapies were 21, 5, and 2.6 months, respectively. Median OS from diagnosis was 24 months. Despite the predominant use of novel hormonal therapy (NHT), patients in this cohort exhibited aggressive disease and poor survival outcomes. These findings highlight a critical need for more intensive and tailored treatment strategies for mHSPC.

Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patients with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a chronic and serious disease that has a wide range of effects on patients, some of which extend to family members and primary caregivers (PCs), thereby affecting their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL of PCs of patients with cancer and to investigate the sociodemographic and other factors that impact PCs’ QOL. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Princess Noura Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, and included 235 PCs. A short-form health survey—the SF-36, which includes eight domains—was used to measure the QOL of patients’ PCs. Results: The relationship between the QOL of PCs and the characteristics of patients and PCs was examined. The QOL of PCs was associated with several variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that older age, female sex, and caring for patients with hematological malignancies were independent, significant variables associated with lower PCs’ QOL, whereas PCs caring for female patients experienced a better QOL. Conclusions: These findings highlight the essential aspects of caregivers’ QOL and their influencing factors. To better understand the implications of these factors, future studies are required to demonstrate the effects of patient- and disease-related factors on PCs’ QOL.

IBC Oxford University Oral Abstract 45 - Postoperative reduced oral feeding is a risk factor for lengthened period of hospital admission and readmission post bariatric surgery

Abstract Objectives The revolution of the Laparoscopic bariatric techniques and improved postoperative recovery protocols and regimens have reduced hospital admissions, readmissions and stay; some patients continue to have prolonged admission for various reasons. This paper concentrates and explores whether postoperative oral feeding is a potential risk factor for lengthened hospitalization and readmission. Methods A prospective, double blinded, randomized investigation of 450 postoperative patients at King Hussein Hospital, King Hussein Medical City, Amman, Jordan, during the period March 2019–September 2023. Subjects (255 women and 195 men, aged 24–55, with an average of 36 years) were managed for morbid obesity, and were assigned to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) groups. Subjects with perioperative hazards and previous bariatric techniques were ruled out. Early oral feeding (oral diet tolerance include solid food and drinking minimum of 1.5 l) with clear fluid on day zero associated with balanced intravenous fluids less than 2.5 l then light hospital diet on the first day after surgery and full hospital diet (solid and fluids) in the second day after surgery were encouraged included subjects with hospital admission (3 days) and group II included subjects with (&amp;gt;3 days) readmission spanned 30days after surgery those are followed the old regimens of reduced oral feedings and full IV fluids from day zero and start clear oral fluids from day one till two weeks post operation (no balanced protocol between IV fluids and when to start clear and solid food time and regimens). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate effect induced parameters on lengthened hospital admission and readmissions. Results The average period of hospitalization was 3 (2–4) days of hospital admission (HD), more days were recorded in 150/450 (33%) subjects: 90/300 (30%) LSG, and 60/150 (40%) LRYGB (P &amp;lt; 0.005). SO, Reduced postoperative oral feeding, the old regimens, lengthened hospitalization, and increased readmission risk. Readmission incidence was 6% (27/450 readmissions): 16/300 (5%) LSG, and 11/150 (7%) LRYGB (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusion The old feeding protocols and reduced oral feeding is a risk factor for lengthened hospitalization and readmission. And the early feeding with the new feeding protocols decreases hospital stays postop and decrease re admissions.

Effect of mirabegron on lipid profile (serum cholesterol and triglyceride) in Iraqi patients with overactive bladder

Background Mirabegron is a β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) agonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder. β3-AR agonists are located in urinary bladder and adipose tissue, where they are involved in the regulation of thermogenesis and lipolysis. Objective to evaluate the effect of mirabegron on lipid profile (serum cholesterol and triglyceride) and BMI in patient with OAB. Materials and Methods In medical city complex (Ghazi AL-Hariri hospital) urology outpatient clinic, a prospective study of 40 patient diagnosed with OAB. These patient a took single dose of mirabegron 50 mg for 4 months and asses it’s the effect during this period on weight and fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Results investigation showed that there is astatically significant reduction from baseline after 2 and 4 months’ treatment with mirabegron (P-value=0.001) in fasting Sr. Triglyceride while fasting serum cholesterol level showed increase in level after 2 and 4 months of treatment. However; this increment not statically significant after 2 months(P-value=0.227) and after 4 months(P-value=0.261) BMI showed slightly reduction after 2 and 4 months’ treatment with mirabegron but also this reduction not statically significant after 2month(P-value=0.114) and after 4 months(P-value=0.562) Conclusion Mirabegron is dependable and direct drug for situation of overactive bladder (OAB) causes useful decline in level of triglyceride which responsible for cardiovascular disease.

The management of osteoporosis in hospitalized patients with fragility hip fractures in western Saudi Arabia: a real-world tertiary center experience.

Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of fragility hip fractures, and in Saudi Arabia, the high prevalence of osteoporosis and high costs highlight the need for comprehensive care. This study aimed to evaluate the management of osteoporosis in hospitalized patients with fragility hip fractures in western Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study examined medical records from individuals with fragility hip fractures at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, from 2004 to 2024. Data was collected from electronic health records, including demographics, clinical features, comorbidities, fall history, osteoporosis diagnosis, and medication usage. The study included 314 patients, with a mean age of 73years and 31.2% being between 71 and 80years old. The majority were females, with a mean BMI of 26.6kg/m2. The most common comorbidity was renal failure. The prevalence of pre-admission diagnosis of osteoporosis was 14%. Post-admission DEXA-BMD use was reported by 16.6%. Vitamin D (41.1%) and calcium (42.4%) were higher in post-admission management compared to pre-admission management. The study found that most hospitalized patients with fragility hip fractures were female, overweight, had a history of falls, and suffered from renal failure. This study opens new areas for future research that could increase our understanding of osteoporosis management.

Some endocrine hormones level associated with Chronic myelogenous leukemia patients in Al Anbar governorate

Background and Objective: Leukemias are linked to numerous immunological and endocrine alterations. Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between endocrine hormone imbalance and the onset of disease in one or both sexes. Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt the physiological homogeneity of the human body, hence impacting health and the progression of associated disorders. We want to examine the impact of changes in endocrine hormones on the immunological response of persons with leukemia. Materials and Methods: This case-control study enrolled 110 individuals, including 90 patients diagnosed with hematological malignancy, at the Medical City Department/Hematology Center in Baghdad, Iraq, from March to November 2024. Among 90 individuals diagnosed with leukemia, 70 were identified with sever chronic myeloid leukemia (CML1), whereas 20 were classed with moderate chronic myeloid leukemia (CML2) based on the disease duration. The research included 20 healthy participants as controls. Erythropoietin (EPO), homocysteine (THcy), parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and folate levels were assessed in all individuals using both ELISA and immunofluorescence test methods. Calcitonin (Cal) and ferritin were also measured. Results: The study's findings revealed a substantial increase in calcitonin (Cal) and ferritin levels (P &lt; 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Serum Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were elevated in patients diagnosed with the CML1 and CML2 groups compared to the control group (P = 0.01). Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were significantly higher (P = 0.02) in both the CML1 and CML2 groups. The difference was shown to be statistically significant. Both CML1 and CML2 patients had significantly reduced levels of B12 and VD3 in comparison to the control group (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). For Homocystine and Folate (p = 0.004, 0.001, respectively). he study's findings provide concrete evidence for the influence of hormones on the immune response in the etiology of leukemia.

A single-center experience of safety and effectiveness of adjustable intragastric balloon in patients with super obesity.

The Spatz3® Intragastric Adjustable Balloon (SAB) offers a novel approach to weight loss in super obese patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m2]. This study evaluates the safety, effectiveness, and predictors of success of SAB in this population. A retrospective study was conducted at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, involving 94 patients with SAB implantation. Weight loss metrics (%EWL, %TBWL), complications, and predictors of adverse events were analyzed. Eleven patients required early SAB removal due to severe symptoms. Complications included gastrointestinal bleeding (3.2%), gastric ulcer/erosion (27.7%), and deflation (5.3%). Significant weight loss was observed at 6 and 12 months. The mean absolute weight loss was 22.03 kg at 12 months, with %EWL of 19.27%. Early weight loss at 3 months predicted long-term success. SAB adjustments did not significantly impact outcomes. Post SAB, 57% of patients proceeded to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with rare postoperative complications (2.9%). SAB is safe and effective for patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2, achieving significant weight loss at 12 months. Early weight loss predicts long-term success, and subsequent LSG can be performed without significant complications. Further research should explore long-term outcomes and comparative analyses.

Comprehensive Acceptance Testing and Performance Evaluation of the Symbia Intevo Bold SPECT/CT System for Clinical Use

Aim: This prospective study reports the acceptance testing of the Symbia Intevo Bold SPECT/CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers), recently installed at SQCCCRC, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman, before its clinical implementation. Materials and methods: The acceptance tests were performed using a Low Energy High Resolution (LEHR) collimator and Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) as the radioactive source, following the manufacturer’s protocols. The tests included physical inspection, peaking and tuning, intrinsic and extrinsic uniformity calibration, intrinsic energy resolution, and planar spatial resolution without scatter. Key performance parameters such as full-width at half-maximum (FWHM), system sensitivity, and count rate performance were evaluated. Results: All critical acceptance tests, including intrinsic energy resolution, energy calibration (symmetric curve), and extrinsic uniformity with the LEHR collimator, were completed and met the required specifications. System sensitivity and count rate performance were within the expected ranges, confirming the system’s readiness for clinical use. Conclusion: The Symbia Intevo Bold SPECT/CT system passed all performance tests successfully. The acceptance testing validated the system’s optimal performance following international standards, ensuring its suitability for clinical operations.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Awareness Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes at Qassim University Medical City

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Awareness Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes at Qassim University Medical City

Correlation and predictive value of oxygenation and oxygen saturation indices in extremely preterm infants: a prospective study.

This study aims to evaluate the association between the Oxygenation Index (OI) and the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) in extremely preterm infants. In addition, the study seeks to determine the predictive value of these indices for mortality in the first 7 days and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). This is a prospective observational study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh between October 2023 and May 2024, involving extremely preterm infants with clinical and ventilator data collected during the first 7 days of life. The predictive capabilities of OI and OSI for mortality within the first 7 days and BPD at 36 wks. PMA were assessed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis, while associations between indices were explored through Spearman's correlation coefficient. The study included 85 infants with a mean birth weight of 856 grams (SD = 243) and a mean gestational age of 26 weeks (SD = 1.8). There was a strong positive correlation between OI and OSI overall (r = 0.848, p < 0.001, n = 85), with similar findings in both surviving (r = 0.831, p < 0.001, n = 71) and non-surviving groups (r = 0.896, p < 0.001, n = 14). Bland-Altman plots showed a mean difference of 3 between OI and OSI for all infants, with limits ranging from -4 to +8. Tighter agreement was observed in survivors with a mean difference of 2 and limit from -4 to +7, while non-survivors showed a larger mean difference of 4.5 and wider limits of agreement from -8 to +17. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for survival prediction focused on indices measured within the first 24 h, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. Additionally, the mean daily values for OI and OSI between Day 4 and Day 7 were found to be predictive of BPD at 36 wk. PMA. Measurements of OI and OSI within the first 24 h effectively predict mortality in extremely preterm infants. Additionally, daily mean values of OI and OSI from day 4 to day 7 were predictive of BPD at 36 weeks PMA. Further research is needed to refine these diagnostic thresholds to enhance neonatal care outcomes.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Ocular and Systemic Manifestations in Iraqi Patients with Behçet’s Disease

Objectives This prospective study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of ocular and systemic manifestations among Iraqi patients diagnosed with Behçet’s disease. Patients underwent comprehensive evaluations, including HLA-B51 and Pathergy tests. Methods The study enrolled patients diagnosed with Behçet’s disease, who were examined at the Ophthalmology Department of Baghdad Medical City between November 2019 and September 2022. Examinations included slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Additionally, patients underwent HLA-B51 and pathergy testing. Results Out of the 76 patients enrolled, ocular involvement was observed in 50 patients (66%). Specifically, 48% presented with anterior uveitis, 40% with vitritis, 8% with retinitis, 34% with retinal vasculitis, and 8% with papillitis. Systemic involvement was prevalent, with 100% exhibiting oral ulceration, 74% genital ulceration, 50% arthritis, 16% skin lesions, 8% venous complications (such as DVT), and 4% gastrointestinal ulceration. HLA-B51 tested positive in 54% of patients, while the pathergy test yielded positive results in 36%. Conclusion Non-granulomatous anterior uveitis (48%) and vitritis (40%) emerge as the most prevalent ocular manifestations in Iraqi patients with Behçet’s disease. Oral (100%) and genital (74%) ulceration stand out as the predominant systemic features.

Pregnancy Rate of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh

Pregnancy Rate of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh

Antimicrobial activity of chitosan against biofilm formation of klebsiella pneumonia and staphylococcus aureus associated with burn infections

The effect of chitosan on the biofilm-forming capacity of clinically isolated bacteria was investigated in this study. Chitosan (Biopolymer from Chitin) was made through a series of tests. Patients at Baghdad Medical City Hospital provided 133 clinically burn swap samples. According to the Vitik 2 test, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 19 of them and Klebsiella pneumonia in 70 of them. Five S. aureus and twenty-five Klebsiella pneumonia were able to generate biofilm when cultivated in microtiter plates. According to the results, chitosan was more successful at stopping the formation of biofilm at a dosage of 1.6 mg/ml. These results imply that this drug may be used to treat Multidrug resistance bacteria (MDR) in the future.

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis among pediatric and adult patients: a cross-sectional study at king abdulaziz medical city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease affecting people globally, with a prevalence exceeding 15%. Despite its common occurance, further research is necessary to fully understand its characteristics and risk factors, especially across different age groups.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and systemic involvement of AD in adult and pediatric patients in a tertiary care setting at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on all atopic dermatitis patients at KAMC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from medical records and the BESTCare system and analyzed with SPSS version 26.ResultsA total of 603 AD patients were collected, with 53.4% being female and 46.6% male. The mean age of the patients was 25.3 years, with 52.7% consisting of pediatric patients (< 18 years). Adult patients had higher BMI levels and a longer duration of AD, whereas pediatric patients had higher IgE levels. AD was more prevalent in childhood than in adults, and adult patients with comorbidities were more affected by AD than the general population.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study findings highlighted that atopic dermatitis is more common in pediatric patient, however it poses a great impact in adults with comorbidities. The study's findings imply that a prospective investigation is required to confirm the cause and effect of this condition, especially in adult patients with comorbidities.

Detection of Epstein–Barr Virus in Astrocytoma Grade 2 from a Group of Iraqi Patients

Background: Astrocytomas are among the most frequent brain tumors affecting both children and young adults. Objective: To analyze brain tissues with astrocytomas grades II obtained from a group of Iraqi patients for the rate of DNA detection by PCR of oncogenic Epstein- Barr virus. Materials and Methods: (75) brain tissue specimens have been enrolled from patients, which were related to patients; among them 50 patients, aged 20 to 77 years, ( 58 % males and 42% were females) had operations in neurosurgical theatres of Ghazi Al- Hariri Teaching Hospital at The Medical City Complex for astrocytoma (grade 2) and also a number of (25) patients has enrolled, aged 21 to 70 years, (56 % males and 44% were females ), whom brain tissues have histopathological examination shown neither in line of benign brain tumors nor brain cancers, and were including as the control group of the present research work. The current method was performed by using the technique of polymerase chain reaction that was done to amplify and localize of the examined DNA sequence of EBV. Results: 28% (14 out of 50) of the examined brain tissues from astrocytomas grade 2 cases were positive for EBV genome detection. The most infected brain tumor tissues with EBV- DNA are related to the age stratum (20-40 years), which accounted for 14 %, while the age strata of (41-60 years) and (61- 80 years) accounted for 12% and 2 %, respectively. The male patients accounted for 71.4 % while females accounted for 28.6 %, while positive EBV-PCR detection result in brain tissues from control patients without tumors was found in 8% of the examined tissues. Conclusion: high rate of EBV detection in this percentage of the studied astrocytoma grade 2 tissue samples can possibly considered playing in the induction of these brain tumors.