Complementary and alternative medicine use and its association with medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) has been embedded in populations for decades. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of their usage among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their association with adherence to conventional therapies.

Methods: In this cross sectional, survey-based study, IBD patients' (n=226) adherence and compliance were evaluated using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8.

The Saudi Gastroenterology Association guidelines for quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.

The quality and safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy varies considerably across regions and facilities worldwide. In this field, quality management has traditionally focused on individual performance of endoscopists, with most indicators addressing process measures and limited evidence of improvement in health outcomes. Indicators of quality can be classified according to their nature and sequence.

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis-Balloon Angioplasty Versus Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) may arise from a variety of conditions and result in major morbidity and mortality. In some patients, pharmacologic therapy may help, but more often in advanced stages, mechanical treatment must be considered. Transcatheter approaches, both balloon angioplasty (BA) and stent implantation, have been applied.

Hepatic fibrosis changes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who respond to direct-acting antivirals.

Background: Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can potentially slow or reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Studies of fibrosis changes after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are limited.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the impact of DAAs on fibrosis in HCV treatment responders.

Retrograde Transseptal Pulmonary Vein Transcatheter Plug Closure for Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) may manifest with bleeding or embolic events necessitating intervention. Transcatheter coil embolization through the pulmonary artery (PA) is an established approach. We present a case of recurrent PAVMs despite numerous PA coil embolizations.

Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation With Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids: An Acute Presentation.

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare disease with an unknown etiology which most commonly results in subacute diplopia and ataxia. Diagnosis is achieved through a triad of the following findings: lymphocytic pleocytosis with increased CD4+ T cells on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis; perivascular punctate and curvilinear hemorrhages in the pons, medulla, or cerebellum on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast; and the cessation of symptoms after the initiation of corticosteroids. Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old male who presented with non-specific signs and symptoms, including diffuse weakness in all limbs, ataxia, and slurred speech.

Iatrogenic Withdrawal Syndrome in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome.

Objectives: Critically ill children and neonates routinely receive opioids and benzodiazepines for analgesia and sedation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Prolonged opioid therapy often leads to tolerance and is associated with iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS) when opioids and benzodiazepines are weaned or discontinued. Our aim is to study the incidence, risk factors and outcome of IWS following use of a withdrawal protocol on pediatric patients after cardiac surgery.

An Unusual Case of Subacute Appendicitis and Intestinal Spirochetosis.

Intestinal spirochetosis is a gastrointestinal infection with vague and inconsistent symptoms. It similarly presents multiple gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and appendicitis. We present a case of a 27-year-old female with intestinal spirochetosis who was later found to have subacute appendicitis.

Triple A Multisystem Disorder: Allgrove Syndrome.

Allgrove syndrome (AS), also known as triple A syndrome, is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by a triad of alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) resistant adrenal insufficiency. We present a case of a 16-year-old male presenting with the classic triad and a homozygous mutation in the Aladin WD Repeat Nucleoporin (AAAS gene). Genetic analysis and detection of AAAS gene mutation is the cornerstone of diagnosis.

A Case of Fluorosis: Fluoride-Induced Osteopetrosis.

There are multiple etiologies of increased bone density, including osteopetrosis and fluorosis. Osteopetrosis can either be a malignant autosomal recessive condition found in children or a benign autosomal dominant adult variant; both of which are characterized by decreased bone resorption. In contrast, fluorosis is characterized by increased bone formation secondary to chronic fluoride intoxication, but with a similar clinical manifestations to osteopetrosis.

A Case Report of a Candida auris Infection in Saudi Arabia.

is a relatively new species of the genus that is rapidly spreading in healthcare institutions across the globe. It is exceedingly difficult to identify with standard laboratory procedures and is challenging to treat due to its resistance to most antifungals. Moreover, it quickly colonizes on the surfaces in hospitals and ICUs and causes repeated infections, despite regular hospital disinfection.

Under the skin: Exploring 2-month-olds' thermal reactions in different social interactions with mother and stranger.

Physiological adaptations to external stressors can reveal socio-cognitive health in infancy. With the use of thermal imaging and behavioural analyses, the current study examined the arousal markers accompanying infants' interactions with a familiar and an unfamiliar person. To address the current research question, the mother and a complete stranger interacted with 2 to 3 month-old infants (N= 10, 2 boys)in three different conditions: Neutral, Play, and Compliment.