Publications by authors named "Abdurhman S Alarfaj"

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among Saudi patients with SLE and the general population and considered factors associated with such outcomes were taken into consideration.

Methods: This is a cohort study evaluating the period prevalence of MACE from 2020 to 2023. The study used two datasets, namely the Saudi national prospective cohort for SLE patients and the Prospective Urban-Rural Epidemiology Study Saudi subcohort (PURE-Saudi) for the general population.

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Introduction/objective: The patient activation measure (PAM) is considered a reliable tool for measuring patient activation. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature regarding the use of PAM -13 in rheumatology patients and to compare PAM scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following two different practices at a single institution with previously published studies.

Methods: The study consisted of a systematic review of articles reporting the PAM-13 in patients with RA, followed by a cross-sectional study evaluating PAM scores between standard rheumatology clinics and specialized rheumatology clinics (SRCs).

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Background: Few Saudi studies have examined adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving intravenous (IV) originator biologics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, types, and predictors of ADRs following long-term IV originator biologic use in patients with RA.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included adult patients with RA who received IV originator biologics between 2015 and 2020.

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Introduction: Cutaneous vasculitis occurs in a sizable minority of patients with Sjogren syndrome. In addition, their response to different modalities of therapy is variable.

Case Description: We present a case of a 66-year-old female with Sjogren syndrome cutaneous vasculitis in whom combination treatment with Rituximab and Azathioprine failed to show a favorable response.

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Article Synopsis
  • Calcification around the shoulder joint typically occurs in the rotator cuff tendons, but this report details an unusual case of extensive calcification of the shoulder joint capsule in an 86-year-old man with Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The patient, who had been treated with Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine, experienced worsening shoulder pain and stiffness despite the addition of adalimumab, leading to MRI findings of severe arthritis with significant capsular calcification.
  • This unique case suggests that long-standing inflammation, along with factors like Diabetes Mellitus and genetic predisposition, may contribute to such calcification, and treatment options include various therapies tailored to manage symptoms and reduce calcification size.
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Objectives: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is highly prevalent. The relationship of these remedies with disease therapy are not fully studied. We aimed to explore the relationship between different anti-rheumatic drug therapy and CAM use in RA patients.

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Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) formerly called Wegener's granulomatosis is a chronic necrotizing granulomatous inflammatory disease with systemic vasculitis involving the upper and lower respiratory tract, and kidneys. The typical histopathology is that of necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with palisading histiocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. We report a case of a 57-year-old lady presenting with left eye swelling, left ear pain and discharge, but with no pulmonary or renal symptoms.

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Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC) has been and still used for treatment of severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease occurring predominantly in women. IV CYC has been shown to predispose patients to ovarian failure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We studied the impact of prior IV CYC treatment on ovarian function and pregnancy in our SLE patients, in terms of amenorrhea, fertility, and pregnancy outcome over a 26-year period.

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Aim: The aim of this study is to document adverse drug reactions (ARDs) of methotrexate (MTX) in Saudi patients.

Methods: Cross sectional study of adult patients on MTX, attending rheumatology drug monitoring clinics in a university hospital, over a period of 24 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were sought by patient interview, files review and laboratory abnormalities.

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Nickel sensitization is a growing problem and the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether nickel chloride can induce autoimmunity and cutaneous sclerosis in immunosensitive rats. Nickel chloride, in a dose of 4.

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Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the pattern of radiographic changes in the hands and feet of rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi patients.

Methods: The radiographs of hands and feet of rheumatoid arthritis patients attending rheumatology outpatient clinics of King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the period extending from March to June 2001, were examined and reported for the presence of osteopenia, joint space narrowing, and erosions.

Results: Fifty-six rheumatoid arthritis patients were studied.

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Objective: To investigate the effects of diclofenac alone or when combined with alpha-tocopherol on the oxidative activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) patients.

Methods: The study was carried out at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the period 1999 to 2000. Twelve healthy controls and 12 osteoarthritic patients were recruited to the study.

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Objective: To find out the effect of combining allopurinol with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.

Methods: The study was carried out at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the period 1999 to 2000. Male wistar rats were randomly divided into 12-16 rats in each group.

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Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in Al-Qaseem province in central Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 through to the end of February 1995, a house-to-house survey was conducted in Al-Qaseem province and included 5,894 adults asking regarding musculoskeletal pain.

Results: We obtained a response from 5,823 (98.

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Objective: To find out the relationship between radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, generalized OA and serum cholesterol.

Methods: Over a period of 7 months from September 1998 through to March 1999, 246 patients attending 14 primary care clinics in Northern Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for different non-musculoskeletal complaints were recruited in the study. Their knees, hands and wrists were radiographed.

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Objective: To describe the radiographic cervical spine changes in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Methods: Forty-nine patients (37 females and 12 males) diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between June 1998 and June 2000, were studied for their radiographic cervical spine changes. Their mean age at disease onset was 41.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of clinical osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in Al-Qaseem, a central province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: A house to house survey of randomly selected inhabitants of Al-Qaseem, KSA was conducted. A total of 10,406 persons were interviewed of whom 5,894 were above the age of 16 years.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of back pain in the adult population of Al-Qaseem Central Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to find associated features and factors.

Methods: A house-to-house survey covering 1,000 household in the towns and villages of Al-Qaseem province was carried out over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 until the end of February 1995. A total of 5,894 adults, aged 16 years and above, were questioned by trained staff regarding back pain, and the demographic data in addition to general, medical and social history.

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Objective: To estimate the prevalence of mouth and genital ulceration in the community and its relationship to rheumatic diseases.

Methods: A house to house survey was carried out over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 to February 1995, on 5,894 individuals utilizing detailed questionnaires on symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases and associated symptoms including history of mouth, genital ulcers, eye symptoms, and skin changes. After the initial phase, a 2nd phase was completed by trained nurses and paramedical staff, the purpose of which was to explore in detail, the history of those responding positively to any of the questions in phase one.

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Objective: To determine the association between obesity and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and generalized OA.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of patients attending 14 primary clinics for a variety of medical complaints was conducted. They were consented, interviewed, examined and radiographed for the presence of knee and generalized OA.

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We studied the radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands in 300 patients (167 male, 133 female) attending 14 primary care facilities for a variety of medical conditions. Radiographic OA was seen in 30.3% of males and 36.

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Objective: Although systemic lupus erythematosus of varying severity has been seen in our clinics, there is no information regarding the prevalence of the disease among Saudi nationals. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Al-Qaseem region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A community survey of towns and villages in the Al-Qaseem area of central Saudi Arabia was conducted in 3 phases to determine the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in the region.

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