Evaluation of the Impact of Antibiogram Availability and Utilization on Antibiotic Use among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health issue, exacerbated by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics without antibiograms. Implementing appropriate stewardship programs that monitor and control antibiotic use is essential to minimize resistance development and ensure optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of antibiogram availability and utilization on antibiotic use among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on whether antibiogram data and utilization influence the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing practices.

Insight into Current Practices of Community Pharmacists in Topical Corticosteroid Prescribing and Counseling: Cross-Sectional Survey Study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to treat several skin conditions, most notably atopic dermatitis. Many studies have found that patients lack knowledge about the safety, potency, and appropriate use of topical corticosteroids. This can be due to ineffective education by pharmacists and other healthcare providers.

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.

Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Topical Antibiotic Prescribing among Primary Care Providers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 20-50% of antibiotics are misused in society. In addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance, topical antibiotics have been associated with adverse effects such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and inadequate wound healing. This study investigated the appropriateness of topical antibiotic prescriptions among primary care providers in Saudi Arabia.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of acute kidney injury incidence with co-administration of piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.

Background: No studies have identified a link between acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence due to the co-administration of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (VPT) and healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. We aimed to (1) assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards AKI due to VPT co-administration among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, and (2) examine the relationship between healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes about AKI due to VPT co-administration and their practices.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2022 and April 2022.

Proof-of-Concept Study of Using Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Self-Care and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Patients on Insulin Pump Therapy.

Objective: Using supervised machine learning algorithms (SMLAs), we built models to predict the probability of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients on insulin pump therapy for meeting insulin pump self-management behavioral (IPSMB) criteria and achieving good glycemic response within 6 months.

Methods: This was a single-center retrospective chart review of 100 adult type 1 diabetes mellitus patients on insulin pump therapy (≥6 months). Three SMLAs were deployed: multivariable logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and K-nearest neighbor (k-NN); validated using repeated three-fold cross-validation.

Assessing tobramycin levels and renal function following the implantation of CaSO4 beads impregnated with tobramycin: A prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of serum tobramycin concentrations exceeding therapeutic levels after administration of calcium sulfate (CaSO4) beads containing either 240 mg or 400 mg tobramycin and 1000 mg vancomycin. This single-center, prospective. This single-center, prospective study included included Piedmont Columbus, Regional orthopedic surgery patients.

Efficacy of empiric macrolides versus fluoroquinolones in community-acquired pneumonia associated with atypical bacteria: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: It is unclear if one empiric regimen for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with atypical bacteria is superior to another. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare fluoroquinolones to macrolides in the rates of clinical failure in CAP associated with atypical pathogens.

Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy of fluoroquinolones with macrolides for CAP associated with atypical bacteria.

Exploring the perception and readiness of Pharmacists towards telepharmacy implementation; a cross sectional analysis.

Background: Amid the turbulent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, telepharmacy has shifted the paradigm of patient care by leveraging digital medicine. Government mandated lockdowns and norms of social distancing have further underscored the need for telepharmacy. Many developed and developing countries implemented such initiatives where pharmacists have provided tele-pharmacy services telecommunications.

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare syndrome resulting from the accumulation of intra-alveolar red blood cells originating most often from the alveolar capillaries and, less frequently, from precapillary arterioles or postcapillary venules. The causes of DAH can be divided into infectious and noninfectious. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans, and it is responsible for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude toward the new antibiotic dispensing law and its effect on antibiotic use in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Antibiotics resistance is a serious problem around the world, which has been increasing in the last century due to misuse of antibiotics. Recently, Saudi Arabia enforced the Executive Regulations of Health Practice Law that prohibits dispensing antibiotics without prescription.

Aim: (1) To assess the association between the knowledge and attitude toward the recent enforcement of the antibiotic restriction Law and the antibiotic use among Saudi population.

Clinical cure with ceftriaxone versus ceftaroline or ceftobiprole in the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ceftriaxone is an empirical antibiotic commonly used to treat pneumonia. However, its use to treat infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is controversial given limited evidence of its clinical efficacy. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of ceftriaxone with either ceftaroline or ceftobiprole in the treatment of pneumonia caused by MSSA.

Health Behaviors among Stroke Survivors in the United States: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Goal: The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has specific recommendations for secondary stroke prevention. The aim of this study was to compare health behaviors engagement between stroke survivors and propensity score-matched controls.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, matched case-control study using data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey.