A cross-sectional study from Qatar on the effect of influenza vaccination on the severity of COVID-19.

To assess and compare the severity of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with and without a history of influenza vaccination. In this cross-sectional study descriptive statistics were used to analyze COVID-19-related parameters, including demographics, comorbidities, and severity. Normally distributed data with mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported, while non-normally distributed data was presented with median and inter-quartile range.

The correlation between middle schoolchildren allergic symptoms and airborne particle season: A cross-sectional study.

Limited studies correlate allergic symptoms and associated outdoor biological particle exposure among schoolchildren globally.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the seasonality of symptoms of allergic diseases among middle schoolchildren and the annual variation of airborne pollen and fungal spore in a hot and humid geographical region (Qatar).During November 2017 to January 2018, a self-reported study of middle schoolchildren living in the Doha capital city of Qatar was conducted, and data gathered were evaluated in relation to the collected monthly pollen and fungal spores.

Challenges in the diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis in a diabetic with a review of literature.

Diabetes Mellitus appears to be the most common underlying condition associated with mucormycosis; a rare opportunistic fungal infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary mucormycosis may mimic pneumonia and thus pose challenges in achieving a timely diagnosis critical to successful outcomes. We present a case of a 65-year-old diabetic who presented with fever and haemoptysis that was managed as pneumonia.

The association between airborne pollen monitoring and sensitization in the hot desert climate.

Background: Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited.

Methods: The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms.

Diagnostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage in the subset of patients with negative sputum/smear and mycobacterial culture and a suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: The diagnostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with negative sputum/smear for tuberculous bacilli has been well studied. However, its value in the subset of patients with both negative sputum/smear and culture is seldom reported.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients referred for diagnostic bronchoscopy for the suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis during the period from April 1st, 2015 to March 30th, 2016, and who had negative sputum/smear and culture for tuberculous bacilli.

Medical thoracoscopy for exudative pleural effusion: an eight-year experience from a country with a young population.

Background: With the exception of areas with high prevalence of tuberculosis, medical thoracoscopy is becoming the diagnostic modality of choice for exudative pleural effusions. The aims of this study were to determine the diagnostic yield and safety of medical thoracoscopy for exudative pleural effusions and ascertain the etiology of such effusions in Qatar.

Methods: This is a retrospective-descriptive study of 407 patients who underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy for exudative pleural effusions from January, 2008 till December, 2015 at the only tertiary referral center performing this procedure in Qatar.

Characterisation of winter respiratory viral infections in patients with asthma and COPD in Qatar.

Respiratory viruses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma have not been characterised in Qatar. This study aimed to identify the most common viral strains responsible for respiratory tract infections in asthma/COPD patients (without exacerbations) in Qatar during the winter season (2008-2009). Nasal swabs from patients with asthma/COPD and respiratory symptoms were evaluated for 15 common viruses.

Indications, diagnostic yields and complications of transbronchial biopsy over 5 years in the State of Qatar.

Objectives: To review the indications, diagnostic yields and complications of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in a tertiary hospital in the State of Qatar.

Methods: A retrospective review of our records revealed 1006 adult flexible fibre optic bronchoscopies (FFB) at Hamad General Hospital, State of Qatar between January 1999 and December 2003. A total of 85 (8.

Intraabdominal pressure after full abdominoplasty in obese multiparous patients.

This study measured intraabdominal pressure in morbidly obese and multiparous patients who underwent abdominoplasty with musculoaponeurotic plication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate any potential adverse effect on pulmonary function by virtue of pulmonary function tests and measurement of peak airway pressure. The study included 43 multiparous, morbidly obese women (mean body mass index, 35.

The pattern of indoor and outdoor respiratory allergens in asthmatic adult patients in a humid and desert newly developed country.

Background: Studies have shown that allergens are very important sensitizing agents in patients with asthma. Respiratory disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are common in the State of Qatar.

Objective: To characterize the most frequent indoor and outdoor respiratory allergens involved in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis in the State of Qatar.