Stroke and high-risk TIA outcomes with reduction of treatment duration when treatment initiated in emergency rooms (SHORTER-study).

Background: Following transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, the risk of recurrent stroke can be significantly reduced with short-duration dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We wish to investigate whether 10 days of DAPT is as effective as 21 days' treatment.

Study Design: This is an open-label, randomized, parallel-group study comparing whether 10 days of DAPT treatment (ASA + clopidogrel) is non-inferior to 21 days of DAPT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or high-risk TIA.

Renal dysfunction as a predictor of acute stroke outcomes.

Objective: To explore if renal dysfunction in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be considered a risk factor for stroke outcomes.

Methods: The study population consisted of adults diagnosed with acute stroke admitted to the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2012 and 2015. Data was collected by chart review.

Neurophobia among medical students.

Objective: To assess the attitude of medical students and junior physicians toward neurology.

Methods: A self-administered, previously validated, questionnaire was distributed among 422 students and junior physicians at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from September to December 2012. In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire included demographic data and 12 statements to examine attitudes toward neurology using a Likert scale.

Cultural acceptance of robotic telestroke medicine among patients and healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Results of a pilot study.

Objective: To determine the degree of satisfaction and acceptance of stroke patients, their relatives, and healthcare providers toward using telestroke technology in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2012 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Remote Presence Robot (RPR), the RP-7i (FDA- cleared) provided by InTouch Health was used in the study.

Systemic review of the epidemiology of autism in Arab Gulf countries.

Objective: To assess the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology of autism in Arab Gulf countries, and identify gaps for future research.

Methods: PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to identify relevant articles published until the 3rd of April 2013 (date of search). The search was conducted using the electronic library of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The impact of `admit no bed` and long boarding times in the emergency department on stroke outcome.

Objectives: To examine and test the possible association between boarding time and stroke patients` outcome.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of stroke patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2007-2010. We excluded thrombolysis cases and those deemed critically ill.

Inability to walk due to scurvy: A forgotten disease.

Scurvy has become rare in modern societies, but should be considered in malnourished persons, alcoholics, and in infants on unsupplemented milk diets who present with musculoskeletal pain or a bleeding tendency. The diagnosis of scurvy can be challenging because of the rare incidence and vague and nonspecific early symptoms. We report here a case of scurvy in a young boy who presented with an inability to walk and severe musculoskeletal pain.