Trends of trauma team physicians toward patients with bleeding in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Trauma poses a significant health burden in Saudi Arabia, with high rates of morbidity and mortality rates. We evaluated the trends among trauma team (TT) physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding their awareness and referral practices for percutaneous endovascular arterial embolization (EAE) in bleeding patients.

Methods: A 13-question survey developed by consultants from various specialties assessed the knowledge of TT physicians regarding decision-making and appropriate approaches for managing traumatic bleeding.

Characterizing headache patients admitted from the emergency department: a retrospective study.

Background: Headaches are a common complaint in emergency department (ED) presentations, but the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients admitted with headaches remain understudied. This retrospective study aims to investigate patients admitted with a chief complaint of headache.

Methods: The study examined the triage database of our ED from 01/01/2020 to 31/12/2022 to identify patients admitted to either the wards or intensive care unit (ICU) with headache as their primary complaint.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prehospital Plasma Administration for Hemorrhagic Shock.

Introduction: Hemorrhagic shock demands swift intervention. Management involves the rapid infusion of blood products to restore circulation and uphold tissue perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prehospital plasma administration in trauma patients, comparing outcomes with normal saline.

Meta-Analysis Investigating Optimal Timing of Chemoprophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism in Operatively Managed Blunt Spinal Injuries.

Background: Blunt spinal injuries (BSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Management typically involves stabilization of the spinal column and may include chemoprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention. The optimal timing of chemoprophylaxis initiation in operatively managed BSI patients remains debated.

Comparing short-axis versus long-axis ultrasound-guided techniques for internal jugular vein cannulation: A meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and safety.

Introduction: Central venous access plays a crucial role in various clinical settings, and ultrasound guidance has become increasingly popular for improving its safety and success rates. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short-axis (SAX) and long-axis (LAX) ultrasound-guided techniques for internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation in terms of first needle pass success rate, number of cannulation attempts, access time, guidewire insertion time, posterior IJV wall puncture, arterial puncture, haematoma and catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SAX and LAX techniques for IJV cannulation on adults were included.

Should routine pulmonary function tests be performed in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery?

Background: It is controversial whether pulmonary function testing should be performed routinely in cardiac surgery patients. The aim of our study was to focus on patients who have congestive heart failure, caused by left ventricular dysfunction or left-sided heart valve disease, and study the prognostic value of performing preoperative pulmonary function testing on their postoperative outcomes.

Methods: This is a retrospective propensity score matched study that included 366 patients with congestive heart failure who underwent cardiac surgery and had preoperative pulmonary function test.

Effects of Thermocycling with Two Different Curing Techniques on Enamel Micro-Cracks Formation, Debonding, and Failure Modes of Ceramic Brackets: An In Vitro Study.

Despite the rise in popularity of ceramic braces for adults, the risk of enamel microcracks (EMCs) upon removal remains a significant drawback for both dental professionals and patients. Our study aimed to assess the effects of thermocycling, pre-curing, and co-curing techniques with different bonding agents on the enamel surface of teeth after the removal of ceramic brackets. We also examined the incidence, quantity, length, and direction of EMCs on tooth surfaces.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Undergoing Open-heart Surgeries: Single Center Experience.

Background: Incidence and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) among neonates who underwent open-heart surgery are not well highlighted in the literature. We aim to assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of AKI among neonates undergoing open-heart surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study between 2016 and 2021 for all neonates requiring open heart surgery.

Video Game Addiction and its Relationship with Sleep Quality among Medical Students.

Background: Although many health problems, including sleep disorders, have been associated with video gaming, further studies are required to establish the validity of these connections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gaming addiction among medical students and its association with poor sleep quality, which may be reflected in academic performance.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2023 among medical students at the institution under study.

Risk Factor Predictors for Developing Epilepsy in Cerebral Palsy Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is a major cause of childhood motor impairment worldwide. The prevalence of CP related to preterm births has increased consistently. Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intra- or periventricular haemorrhage, cerebral dysgenesis and intracranial infections are among the factors contributing to CP onset.

Chyle and Bile Leak Following Open Cholecystectomy: A Rare Complication.

Gallstone disease is extremely common and frequently and safely treated by cholecystectomy. Chyle leak is a rare but significant side effect of many abdominal surgeries with rarely reported post-cholecystectomy. In this case, we report a 78-year-old lady with multiple comorbidities and symptomatic gallstones who underwent open cholecystectomy complicated by bile and chyle leak, which was successfully managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting for bile leak and conservative management for the chyle leak, which included drainage, low-fat diet, and octreotide.

Evaluation of Serial Procalcitonin Levels for the Optimization of Antibiotic Use in Non-Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been used as a biomarker to guide antibiotic therapy in various patient populations. However, its role in optimizing antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients has not been well studied to date. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the use of serial PCT monitoring as an antimicrobial stewardship tool for COVID-19 patients.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Pilgrims During the 2023 Hajj Season: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage, brings together over two million pilgrims in the city of Makkah to participate in a series of rituals. Given the physically demanding nature of the Hajj, pilgrims are susceptible to musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and exhaustion. MSK pain and injuries are frequent occurrences among pilgrims, necessitating an assessment of the scope of this issue.

Cupping Therapy as a Potential Complimentary Treatment for Meniere's Disease: A Case Report.

Meniere's disease is defined by the presence of three essential symptoms: episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss. The mainstay of its management constitutes lifestyle modification and medical and surgical therapies. Cupping therapy is an ancient treatment that is still widely used especially in the Middle East, Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Prevalence of Acute Tonsillitis and Its Association With Oral Hygiene Among the Population of Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction  Dental surfaces have dense bacterial deposits, and poor oral hygiene can exacerbate bacterial infections, causing acute tonsillitis. The study aims to quantify acute tonsillitis prevalence and assess its association with oral hygiene practices. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of acute tonsillitis and its association with oral hygiene was conducted among adults aged 20 and above in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence of depression among subjects practicing aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise: a cross-sectional study.

Background: As already proven in the literature, exercise positively affects mental health. However, the question regarding which type of exercise and what limit and time are sufficient to gain the maximum benefit still exists. The current study attempts to answer this question by comparing aerobic and anaerobic exercise in terms of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their relationship with two different exercise categories.

Paramedics' Success and Complications in Prehospital Pediatric Intubation: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Prehospital pediatric intubation is a potentially life-saving procedure in which paramedics are relied upon. However, due to the anatomical nature of pediatrics and associated adverse events, it is more challenging compared to adult intubation. In this study, the knowledge and attitude of paramedics was assessed by measuring their overall success rate and associated complications.

HPV Vaccine Uptake, Willingness to Receive, and Causes of Vaccine Hesitancy: A National Study Conducted in Saudi Arabia Among Female Healthcare Professionals.

Background: Epidemiological evidence has shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent cause of sexually transmitted infection, and vaccination is an essential measure to prevent associated diseases and complications. This study aimed to assess the HPV vaccine uptake and its associated factors as well as HPV vaccine hesitancy by female healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study involved female HCWs in Saudi Arabia between July and October 2022.

Risk factors for acute chest syndrome among children with sickle cell anemia hospitalized for vaso-occlusive crises.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a globally prevalent inherited condition, with acute chest syndrome (ACS) being one of its most severe complications. ACS frequently leads to hospitalization, requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and can even result in death. This study aimed to discern the early indicators of impending ACS in children with SCA who were initially hospitalized due to painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC).

Synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass graft: Four case reports.

Background: One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is stroke. The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%. Carotid stenosis (CS) is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.

A Case of Traumatic Diaphragm Rupture: A Differential Diagnosis Not to Be Missed.

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare condition with clinical stigmata that overlaps with a similarly fatal condition such as tension pneumothorax. Although the former is much rarer, early differentiation between a ruptured diaphragm and a tension pneumothorax is crucial to avoid incorrect interventions. In this case, we present a middle-aged male construction worker who fell from the roof of a two-story building and presented to our emergency department with a clinical presentation similar to that of tension pneumothorax.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Closed Colorectal Surgical Incisions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The utilization of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in lowering the incidence of infections in closed colorectal surgical incisions has not been thoroughly established, and recent trials have had conflicting results. This meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the findings of available trial data and carefully evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in colorectal surgery. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were combed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared negative pressure wound therapy to standard dressing in closed wounds of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Solitary Osteochondroma at Unusual Sites: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Osteochondromas (OCs) are bone lesions composed of cartilaginous and medullary bone capped with hyaline cartilage. OCs result from the separation of epiphyseal growth plate cartilage, pushing through the periosteal bone cuff. They commonly appear as pedunculated or sessile masses in the metaphysis of long bones and are the most common benign bone tumors.