Qatif Central Hospital Research Articles

The prevalence of polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy among middle-aged vs. older patients in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is a growing concern among middle-aged and older patients, posing potential risks and challenges in healthcare management. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy among populations of middle-aged vs. older patients and identify its associated common comorbidities and prescribed medications in Qatif Central Hospital (QCH), Saudi Arabia. Patients aged 40 years or older who presented to an outpatient medical care clinic at QCH, Saudi Arabia, between 1 January and 31 December 2021 were included, and their comorbidities, prescribed medications, and recent clinical laboratory test results were collected. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score was calculated to predict the risk of mortality. Logistic regression was used to compute the association between the prevalence of polypharmacy and patient characteristics. The results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A total of 14,081 patients were included; 31% of the cohort comprised older patients, and 66% of the cohort was identified with polypharmacy. The majority of the polymedicated patients were presented to an internal medicine care unit (34%). The prevalence of polypharmacy was positively associated with CCI (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 3.3-3.6), having a disease related to the musculoskeletal system (MSD) (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 3.8-4.7), and alimentary tract and metabolism (ATM) (OR = 3.8, 95% CI 3.4-4.2). Conversely, the prevalence of polypharmacy was negatively associated with age (OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.89-0.91) and patients with cardiovascular diseases (OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.7). Polypharmacy is still an ongoing concern. Patients, particularly those with diseases related to MSD or ATM, should be considered for reviewing prescriptions by pharmacists to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and future consequences of polypharmacy.

Cardiac Complications in Trisomy 21 Patients in a Secondary Hospital: A Descriptive Study.

This retrospective study addresses the intersection of Down syndrome (DS) and congenital heart defects (CHD), including the prevalence and characteristics of CHD in trisomy 21 patients at a secondary hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study investigated the electronic medical records retrieved from the Qatif Central Hospital database, specifically targeting individuals diagnosed with DS (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code Q90.9) between March 2012 and March 2022. The primary aim was to detect cardiac anomalies diagnosed via echocardiography performed at the hospital, along with subsequent follow-up assessments and documented patient outcomes. Among the 161 patients reviewed, the study revealed a significant prevalence of diagnosed heart defects through echocardiograms, constituting approximately 72.7%. Notably, patent ductus arteriosus was the most common condition, found in 29.81% of cases, followed by atrial septal defect (27.95%) and atrioventricular septal defect (17.39%). Among the study participants, 22.98% required surgical intervention. Unfortunately, mortality impacted 32.3% of individuals, while the majority (60.87%) remained alive. In addition, a small percentage (6.83%) discontinued follow-up within our center. This study contributes significant data on cardiac anomalies in DS patients in Saudi Arabia, highlighting a high prevalence of CHD with specific patterns of anomalies. The need for early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and ongoing management is evident. These findings provide a foundation for improving clinical practices and shaping public health policies tailored to the needs of this population in Saudi Arabia and similar regions.

IN TELEHEALTH, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CAN TRIAGE ORTHOPEDIC WAITING LISTS: PILOT STUDY

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons for long waiting lists in orthopedic screening clinics in terms of duration and quantity, as well as to examine physical therapy visibility as an alternative form of management to improve the patient journey according to individual current needs through Telehealth. Background:In public hospitals, there is typically a significant waiting period for outpatient orthopedic appointments with specialists. Subsequently, patients often face another waiting period if surgery is deemed necessary. Unfortunately, individuals with greater medical urgency are seldom given priority, which can lead to heightened morbidity for those who have to wait. Furthermore, alternative care options are generally unavailable during this waiting period. Methods:The current study implemented a telephone triage method executedby two physiotherapists to evaluate new patients on the waiting list of an orthopedic screening clinic. The research took place at Qatif Central Hospital in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, spanning from October to December 2021. Telephone triage involves remotely assessing patients over the phone to determine the nature of their condition and determine if physical therapy could serve as a viable alternative treatment option. To ensure consistency in evaluations, the physiotherapists utilized a standardized instrument consisting of a predetermined set of questions and prompts. Results: It was found that 66% of participants experienced a three-month waiting period for their appointments. Additionally, the study revealed a significant number of referrals originating from primary health centers (81%),withknee osteoarthritis being the most commonly diagnosed condition (45%). Another notable finding is that 72% of cases were considered suitable for physical therapy as an alternative treatment option. Conclusion: Integrating physiotherapists into telephone triage for orthopedic outpatient appointments presents a valuable chance to address and prioritize lengthy waiting lists for orthopedic services. This approach offers cost-effectiveness and substantial benefits for institutions facing challenges in managing their orthopedic waiting lists.

A Nursing Care Model for Surge Capacity Management in Intensive Care Units During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience From Qatif Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a surge of critically ill patients requiring intensive care. This posed challenges for healthcare systems in managing increased ICU bed demands with limited resources. Methods A retrospective qualitative review of institutional documents and plans was conducted. Key strategies related to ICU bed expansion, nursing staff classification and training, clinical supervision, and performance evaluation were analyzed. Results Qatif Central Hospital increased ICU beds from 20 to 50 by converting other clinical areas. Nursing staff were categorized based on critical care experience, and additional training was provided to non-ICU nurses. A preceptor-led nursing care model with staff responsibilities was implemented. Periodic evaluations ensured continued competence. Conclusion The nursing care model at Qatif Central Hospital effectively facilitated ICU surge capacity while maintaining care quality. The model offers a viable framework for other healthcare institutions facing similar challenges. However, the study is limited by its retrospective design and focus on a single institution.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Service Barriers among Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia.

The burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) is high in Saudi Arabia, with a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with SCD. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with SCD attending hematology clinics at Qatif Central Hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included subsections to collect information from participants, including sociodemographic attributes, SCD characteristics, HRQoL based on SF-36, and opinions regarding barriers to service. Among 272 SCD patients, the highest mean score of HRQoL was observed in the social functioning (SF) domain (65.0±23.4), whereas the lowest score was observed in the role limitations due to physical health (RP) domain (47.2±40.4). The mean score for participants' opinions regarding service provision was 19.27±4.68 (min-max:10-30), and only 24.6% had a positive opinion regarding the accessibility of service provision. A total of 38.6% of the respondents acknowledged shortcomings in the services offered by healthcare staff, and 43% identified weaknesses in communication with healthcare staff. Moreover, 40.1% agreed about feeling stigmatized about their condition. SCD patients who were <40 years old, males, had a university degree, had health insurance, waited <15 minutes before receiving health care, and had positive opinions regarding service provision were more likely to have better HRQoL scores. Adults with SCD exhibited low HRQoL in general, and different factors were related to low HRQoL scores. Counselling, empowerment, and improvement of doctor-patient communication are important strategies to improve healthcare provision, and consequently, HRQoL among adults with SCD.

Acceptance, Advocacy, and Perception of Health Care Providers on COVID-19 Vaccine: Comparing Early Stage of COVID-19 Vaccination with Latter Stage in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Vaccination of healthcare providers has recently gained focused attention of public health officials. As HCPs have direct contact with the population, and HCPs significantly influence the population, this study aimed to compare the acceptance rate, advocacy rate, and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine among HCPs in two time periods. In this repeated cross-sectional study, different HCPs were assessed in two periods ten months apart, i.e., November to December 2020 and September to October 2021, which were before and after COVID-19 vaccine approval by authorities. The study was conducted in Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. There were 609 respondents: 236 participants in the first period and 373 participants in the second period. Only 13 participants did not get the COVID-19 vaccine. There was around a 40% difference in the acceptance rate between the two study periods; the latter period was higher at 94.7%. Furthermore, 24.1% was the difference between the willingness to advocate the COVID-19 vaccine for others; the first period had a lower percentage (60.1%). Overall, results of the study showed that vaccine hesitancy, as well as the willingness to advocate for the vaccine, were improved between the pre-vaccine approval period and post-vaccine approval period, showing that the efforts made by the government improved COVID-19 acceptance and advocacy among HCPs. However, vaccine hesitancy is not a new issue, and for a better understanding of HCPs' beliefs, a qualitative study is needed.

Neurological Complications in Children with Sickle Cell Disease at Qatif Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Neurological Complications in Children with Sickle Cell Disease at Qatif Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Hospitalizations for sickle cell disease in Qatif central hospital pediatric population

Hospitalizations for sickle cell disease in Qatif central hospital pediatric population

The GA2LEN survey for chronic rhinosinusitis prevalence studies: Arabic translation, cultural adaptation, and validation

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that significantly impacts quality of life. Its prevalence varies between different geographical areas. This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the EPOS criteria in the GA2LEN questionnaire to use it as a tool to estimate the prevalence of CRS in Arab countries. Methods: This is multicentric cross-sectional validation study. The original English EPOS criteria used in the GA2LEN survey (four main questions and two additional questions) were translated into Arabic. The study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital – Riyadh and Qatif Central Hospital – Qatif in the period between October 2020 and August 2021. Groups of CRS and non-CRS patients were selected randomly from databases of the hospital and asked to participate in the study through phone calls. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated for the Arabic questionnaire. Results: Of 200 subjects contacted to complete the questionnaire, 128 agreed to participate and completed the survey. The Arabic version of the GA2LEN questionnaire was found to be reliable with high sensitivity and specificity. The reliability of the questionnaire increased when we added the question, “Has a doctor ever told you that you have chronic sinusitis?” to the main four questions. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 93.9%, 59.6%, 71.25%, and 90.2%, respectively. Conclusions: The Arabic version of the EPOS criteria in the GA2LEN questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for epidemiological studies to estimate the prevalence of CRS.

The Endonasal Endoscopic Approach to Different Sinonasal Fungal Balls.

Background Fungal ball sinusitis is a sinonasal fungus ball that usually affects immunocompetent adults with female predominance. The most affected sinus is the maxillary sinus. Aspergillus species is the most typically found fungus. Computed tomography (CT) scan is the gold standard tool in order to diagnose fungal ball sinusitis. The ultimate method for a fungal ball is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which has a high success rate and a low morbidity rate. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the various clinical presentations of fungal ball sinusitis including isolated maxillary sinus, sphenoid sinus, simultaneous occurrence of maxillary and sphenoid fungal ball, and post endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery fungal ball with various age groups. Also, this study aims to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in such cases. Patients and Methods. A retrospective study that was carried in the otorhinolaryngology department of two hospitals: King Fahad Specialist Hospital and Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted on a total of 16 patients who were diagnosed with paranasal sinuses fungal ball in an 11-year period from January 2008 and November 2019. Results Out of 16 patients with paranasal sinuses fungal ball, 11 cases were female and 5 males, with age ranging between 16 and 46 years. Results showed eight isolated sphenoid (50%), six isolated maxillary fungal ball (38%), one simultaneous occurrence of the sphenoid and maxillary fungal ball (6%), and one post endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma (6%). CT scan was performed for all 16 cases which is the standard tool for the diagnosis of the fungal ball. Conclusion Fungal ball may present with variety of symptoms but most commonly with postnasal discharge (PND), headache, and facial pain. CT sinuses is the diagnostic radiological modality to confirm the diagnosis. The FESS functional endoscopic sinus surgery is the gold safe approach for patients with fungal ball to manage their symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and removal of disease with no morbidities.

Clinical otorhinolaryngological presentation of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter study.

Objectives:To assess the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) symptoms, including their prevalence, severity, and early presentations among coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients in the Saudi population.Methods:This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 positive patients at 3 COVID-19 centres; Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, ALKhobar, Qatif Central Hospital, AlQatif, and Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The validated survey consisted of sociodemographic data, general symptoms of COVID-19, and ORL manifestations.Results:A total of 1734 COVID-19 positive patients were included in the study (mean age: 37.7±11.6 years). Most of the cases were mild (51.8%), followed by moderate (45.6%), and severe (2.6%) cases. Approximately 33.7% were asymptomatic. Severity of symptoms was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.017), higher age-group (p=0.04), and smoking (p<0.001). The most common initial ORL presentations were sore throat (20.9%), anosmia (15.5%), hyposmia (10%), and loss of taste (11.4%). Overall, 79.5% showed ORL symptoms as the initial presenting symptoms for COVID-19, with anosmia and sore throat being the most common symptoms.Conclusion:This study confirmed the prevalence of ORL symptoms among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, these symptoms could also be considered for early detection of COVID-19 as they might appear prior to other symptoms.

Distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in a Saudi Arabian hospital during the 2015-2020 period.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. HCV genotypes and subtypes are important predictors of disease progression and antiviral treatment response. To our knowledge, there had been limited studies of HCV genotypes in Qatif, Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the distribution of HCV genotypes in Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective study of adult patients with HCV infection between January 2015 and December 2020. Only patients with documented HCV genotyping were included. A total of 356 HCVinfected patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in further analysis. Of those patients, 179 (50.3%) were males, and most were Saudi (N=347, 97.5%). The median age was 60 years, and 191 (53.7%) were 50-69 years of age. Genotype 2 was present in 118 (33.1%) of the patients, followed by genotype 4 in 92 (25.8%), genotype 1B in 62 (17.4%), and genotype 1A in 37 (10.4%). The study showed that HCV genotype 2 is the predominant variant among chronic HCV patients in the study population. Monitoring the epidemiology of HCV genotypes may provide guidance in treatment decisions.

Trans-septal quilting suture versus intranasal silicone splint for preventing complications post endoscopic septoplasty

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Septoplasty is a common procedure in the field of otolaryngology for treatment of septal deviations. Intranasal splints and trans-septal quilting suture are commonly utilized to prevent post-operative complications. The silicone splint is a quick and simple technique to aid in cartilage support; however, it can cause discomfort. Trans-septal quilting suture is more available, well-tolerated and can help in mucosal tear closure, though is time-consuming. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intranasal silicone splints versus quilting suture in the prevention of post endoscopic septoplasty complications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a retrospective COHORT study comprised of patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty between January 2017 and December 2019 at Qatif central hospital. The patients were assigned into two groups: group S, who received intranasal splints and group Q, who received trans-septal quilting suturing. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for evaluation of post-operative visits and post-operative nasal endoscopic video recordings from the image archive software were evaluated to document complications. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The study included 65 patients, of whom 41 were in group S and 24 were in group Q. None of the patients had major bleeding, local infection or mucosal synechia. There was a higher complication rate in terms of mucosal crustation, septal hematoma and perforation among group S; however, the difference was not statistically significant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; We conclude that trans-septal quilting suture and intranasal silicone splints are both equally effective in preventing complications following septoplasty.&lt;/p&gt;

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome Presenting with Abdominal Pain: A Case Report

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemi vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal mass secondary to hemi-hematometrocolpos. We report an emergency presentation of this syndrome during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Qatif Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia, April 2020. An 11-year-old Saudi girl presented to the emergency room with three months history of cyclical lower abdominal pain. The pain was progressive, continuous and not relieved by analgesics. Abdominal examination revealed a tender abdominal mass mainly in the left iliac fossa, Ultrasound evaluation showed two uterine bodies. The left uterus was distended with complex fluid. Pelvic MRI findings consistent with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome were found with uterine didelphys and left sided hematometra resulting from obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral agenesis of the left kidney. Resection of the vaginal septum and drainage of hematometra was done. The patient recovered with normal cyclical menstruation. Cyclical or continuous lower abdominal pain with or without amenorrhea is the usual presentation of HWW syndrome during adolescence. Diagnosis is made by ultrasonography and MRI. Early diagnosis and accurate management can provide pain relief, prevent future complications, and preserve fertility.

Assess the Causes of Absenteeism Among Nurses Working in Hospitals, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: The largest groups of health care providers in the country are nurses; they delivered the high percentage of health care. Despite the fact that being the largest group of health providers, the nursing workforce has experienced an acute shortage affecting the delivery of health care. Saudi Arabia is challenged with a chronic shortage of qualified Saudi nurses, accompanied by high rates of absenteeism due to uncertain causes. Aim: This study aims to assess the causes of absenteeism among nurses working in General hospital, and to compare it with other nurses working in psychiatric hospital in Eastern region, Saudi Arabia. Method: Descriptive study design was utilized to conduct in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A survey containing an adapted (PES) Practice Environment Scale of Nursing Work Index with where distributed to three hospitals: Erada complex for Mental Health at Al-Dammam, the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Hospital in Al-Ahsa, and Qatif Central Hospital and Dammam Medical Tower. 257 nurses participated on this survey. Result: There was a significant difference in absenteeism between Prince Saud Bin Jalwi (mean =2.94, SD = .885) and Qatif Central Hospital (mean = 2.34, SD = 1.073). Among the reasons of absenteeism, majority is having health problem, stress working, and (47 % ) personal and family problem (60 % ) no cooperative from supervisor, working different shift without weekend off. And no supportive and appreciate from head of department. Conclusion: Nurses were found to have lack of commitment to their present job/work and are extremely dissatisfied in the administrative section. Since majority of the respondents answered they have never been absent for a month, thus considering their level of satisfaction and commitment scale, developing a motivation strategy, to make employees feel that their work is valued and creating flexibility by providing a flextime.

The Relationship between ABO Blood Group Type and the COVID-19 Susceptibility in Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To investigate the association between the ABO blood group and the COVID-19 susceptibility. Material &amp; Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study. It included all hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients in Qatif central hospital, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Results: Our sample consists of 72 patients, we found a percentage distribution of 23.62%, 33.33%, 9.72%, and 33.33% for blood groups A, B, AB and O, respectively. Our results showed significantly increased risk for AB blood groups and significantly lower risk for the O blood group. Although there was a higher percentage distribution of the B blood group among COVID-19 patients as compared to the blood donors’ groups, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: patients with AB blood group have higher susceptibility while patients with O blood group have lower susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Our study has limitations and further studies are needed.

Sensitivity and specificity of cerebrospinal fluid glucose measurement by an amperometric glucometer.

Objectives:To provide more data regarding the role of an amperometric glucometer in diagnosing meningitis.Methods:This is a prospective study conducted at the Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia between March 2017 and September 2018. We measured glucose concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood using a central laboratory and amperometric glucometer (AG). We compared CSF/blood glucose ratios obtained in a central laboratory from clinical bedside examination with a glucometer, and calculated the sensitivity and specificity for detecting cases of meningitis.Results:A total of 101 patients with clinical suspicion of meningitis were recruited for CSF sampling. Of 101 CSF samples, 61 (60%) were suggestive of meningitis. Of 101 samples, 47 had hypoglycorrhachia identified by a standard laboratory, and 17% of them were also detected by AG. The correlation between CSF/blood glucose by AG and laboratory ratios was substantial (r=0.894, p<0.01, 95% CI: 0.805-0.983). The AG sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 55% in pediatric cases, while in neonates the sensitivity was 86% and the specificity was 26%.Conclusion:Amperometric glucometers can be used to detect hypoglycorrhachia accurately. This point-of-care testing tool is easily accessible and can be used by health care providers for cases suspected of meningitis.

The Relationship between ABO Blood Group Type and the COVID-19 Susceptibility in Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: It has been found that the viral infection is linked to the ABO blood group. Limited studies investigated the relationship of the ABO blood group and susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Objective: To investigate the association between the ABO blood group and the COVID-19 susceptibility. Material & Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study. It included all hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients in Qatif central hospital, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. We included both genders and people who are older than 14 years of age. The study was conducted in the period between 15th March, and 15th April, 2020. Results: Our sample consists of 72 patients; we found a percentage distribution of 23.62%, 33.33%, 9.72%, and 33.33% for blood groups A, B, AB and O, respectively. Our results showed significantly increased risk for AB blood groups (P < 0.05) and significantly lower risk for the O blood group (P < 0.05). Although there was a higher percentage distribution of the B blood group among COVID-19 patients as compared to the blood donors’ groups, this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the risk of COVID-19 in blood group A with a distribution of 23.60% in blood donors’ group, and 23.62% in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that among confirmed COVID-19 patients, patients with AB blood group have higher susceptibility while patients with O blood group have lower susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Our study has limitations and further studies are needed.

Psychological and Mental Health among Isolated Hospitalized Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Patients, Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Descriptive Study

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and quarantine as preventive measures have been implemented. Isolation is often a bad experience for isolated people and it could affect the psychological and mental health. Objectives: To study the impact of isolation on the psychological and mental health of isolated hospitalized suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. Material & Methods: A single-center cohort, descriptive survey involving isolated confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in Qatif central hospital, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between March 22 and April 18, 2020. Information was collected through an online Arabic-language questionnaire. Our sample included both male and female. Anxiety and depression symptoms during hospitalization were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: A total of 52 questionnaires were returned completed. The majority of the respondents were females (65.4%). Most of the participants were less than 60 years of age (90.4%). Three patients were known to have previous mental illness. About two-thirds of the participants were isolated in shared rooms. The duration of isolation was less than 10 days in 72.3% of our sample. Borderline and abnormal scores for depression and anxiety were observed in about 38.4%, and 17.3% of patients, respectively. Three patients had both abnormal depression and anxiety scores. Conclusion: Isolation for contagious infections such as COVID-19 could cause severe psychological health problems, though this was not supported by our study due to the small sample size. Further studies are needed to address this important issue which results from isolation during infectious outbreaks.

Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball, a Tertiary Hospital Experience

Objective: To present the different clinical manifestations and diagnostic strategies of isolated sphenoid sinus fungal ball (SSFB), in order to prevent delayed diagnosis and providing early management. Method: This study is a retrospective clinical study, conducted between January 2008 and November 2019. It was done in the ENT department of two institutes: King Fahad specialist Hospital and Qatif Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Only patients with sole involvement of fungal ball in the sphenoid sinus were included. Conclusions: The incidence of isolated sphenoid fungal ball is rare. However, it's clinically important because untreated SSFB can cause significant complications. The clinical features of SSFB are ambiguous and nonspecific which make its diagnosis more difficult. Post-nasal discharge and headache refractory to the medical management are the most common symptoms of isolated sphenoid sinus lesion. CT scan is still the cornerstone of radiological diagnosis of SSFB. Endoscopic sphenoidotomy and removal of fungal debris is the standard care of management. Post-operatively, the majority of patient had good results with no complication and recurrence.