Effects of COVID-19 on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar.

Introduction: The unprecedented impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had profound implications on the ASD community, including disrupting daily life, increasing stress and emotional dysregulation in autistic children, and worsening individual and family well-being.

Methods: This study used quantitative and qualitative survey data from parents in Qatar (n=271), to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic children and their families in Qatar. The questionnaire was a combination of open-ended (qualitative) and closed-ended (quantitative) questions to explore patterns in the experiences of the different families, as well as to contrive themes.

Development and validation of an Arabic language eye-tracking paradigm for the early screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in Qatar.

Abnormal eye gaze is a hallmark characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary aim of the present research was to develop an Arabic version of an objective measure of ASD, the "autism index" (AI), based on eye gaze tracking to social and nonsocial stimuli validated initially in the United States. The initial phase of this study included the translation of English language eye-tracking stimuli into stimuli appropriate for an Arabic-speaking culture.

Effect of a ketogenic diet on decrease of seizures in refractory epilepsy among children (infancy to 14 years old) in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Refractory (intractable/pharmaco-resistant) epilepsy in children is considered if disabling seizures continue despite appropriate trials of two anti-seizure drugs, either alone or in combination. Ketogenic diets are used as a treatment option in many countries for children with refractory seizures; however, few patients have tried it in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the exposure to a ketogenic diet and its effect in decreasing seizure frequency in infants and children up to 14 years who had refractory epilepsy and assessed factors that could improve the outcome of seizures.

Consanguinity as a Risk Factor for Autism.

Purpose: Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) continue to be a focus of research worldwide. Consanguinity, the cultural practice of marrying within a family, is common in cultures and societies of the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. Consanguinity has been investigated as a risk factor for ASD in a limited number of studies, with mixed results.

Compartment syndrome secondary to intra-operative IV methylene blue extravasation to detect ureteral injury.

Compartment syndrome of the extremities is a rare but potentially devastating condition. We herein report a case of a 53-year old female with an unusual case of hand compartment syndrome and fasciitis secondary to methylene blue (MB) extravasation to detect urinary tract injury intraoperatively. This was recognized immediately and fasciotomy was performed.