Effect of Dexmedetomidine Addition in Erector Spinae Plane Block on Opioid Consumption after Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of adding 0.5 micrograms/kg of dexmedetomidine to 0.2% ropivacaine in erector spinae plane block in terms of 24-hour opioid consumption after lumbar spine surgeries.

Effect of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine Before Extubation on Emergence Delirium after Nasal Surgeries.

Objective: To investigate the role of single dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 mcg/kg) in reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative emergence delirium (EmD).

Study Design: A randomised controlled trial.

Appropriateness of the Emergency Referrals Made by Primary Care Clinicians: A cross-sectional review of referral notes.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of the emergency referrals made by primary care clinicians and determine the factors contributing to inappropriate referrals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilises referral notes review between October 2019 and March 2020. Patients referred to Khawla Hospital's emergency department by a primary care clinician in Muscat Governorate were randomly selected; their referral notes were reviewed by five family physicians.

The Use of Erector Spinae Plane Block Reduces Opioid Consumption and Pain Score in Postoperative Period After Hip Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a relatively new regional anesthesia block that has been used in thoracic and abdominal surgeries with variable success. ESPB can easily be administered using an ultrasound technique with a safer profile. Recently, there have been few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the role of ESPB in hip surgeries.

Effect of total fasting hours on the overall quality of recovery after surgery: An observational study.

Context: Preoperative fasting is one of the pre-requisite for patients undergoing a surgery. Despite clear instructions, patients frequently fast for extended periods before elective surgeries. Longer periods of fasting may cause discomfort, thirst, hunger, and other physiological problems.

Intravenous ketamine in gynaecological surgeries reduces pain score and opioid consumption.

Objective: To assess the effect of intravenous ketamine on postoperative pain control, opioid consumption, and the incidence of postoperative adverse events in gynaecological surgeries.

Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in July 2020 and the search was repeated in July 2021 to ensure accuracy. The review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as ID-CRD42020188637 in July 2020.

Mothers' Intention to Vaccinate Their Children Aged 5-11 Against COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Objectives: COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of infection hospitalization, and death. Despite the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, some caregivers are hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. In this study, we explored the factors that influence Omani mothers' intentions to vaccinate their 511 year-old children.

Evaluation of risk factors for unanticipated hospital admission following ambulatory surgery - An observational study.

Context: Unanticipated admissions following ambulatory surgery significantly affect hospital admission and operation room flow. Most of the factors responsible for unanticipated admission following ambulatory surgery were preventable. It is, therefore, crucial to improve patient selection criteria and to identify the risk factors for unanticipated admission during preoperative period.

The Use of Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) Block in Hip Surgeries Is Associated With a Reduction in Opioid Consumption, Less Motor Block, and Better Patient Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis.

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has been successfully utilized as an optional regional anesthesia approach to manage the pain for hip surgeries without affecting motor function. During recent years, the applications of PENG block are expanding. There is one previous review on PENG block for hip surgeries in the scientific literature and it is limited to case series and case reports only.

Can ACS-NSQIP score be used to predict postoperative mortality in Saudi population?

Background: Various scoring systems help in classifying the patient's risk preoperatively and hence to decide the best available treatment option. ACS-NSQIP score has been introduced in clinical practice for few years. This study was done to find out whether there is any difference between predicted mortality from ACS-NSQIP score and observed mortality in Saudi population.

Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Postoperative Pain Scores and Opioids Consumption in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

Quadratus lumborum block (QL) is a relatively new regional anesthesia technique that has been used in different surgeries for improved outcomes. There are few case reports and studies about its role in total hip arthroplasty with variable effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of QL block on postoperative pain control, opioid consumption, and the incidence of postoperative adverse events in total hip arthroplasty surgeries.

Depressive symptoms among primary healthcare workers during the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic in the Muscat governorate.

Background: With the unprecedented spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) are having to shoulder the increasing weight of this ongoing pandemic.

Aims: This study explored the rate and covariates of depressive symptoms among PHCWs in the Muscat governorate.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 10 May to 10 June 2020 among PHCWs working in all primary healthcares across the Muscat governorate.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Diabetes Care in Muscat Governorate: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Primary Care.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has led to health service modification and temporary disruption of the routine care provided to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary care. This was done to minimize outpatient visits, permit physical distancing, and ensure patients' and healthcare providers safety. There is no evidence that explored or measured the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes services and patients' glycemic outcome in Oman.

Reporting at Least One Adverse Effect Post-COVID-19 Vaccination From Primary Health Care in Muscat.

Introduction Vaccinations against COVID-19 were licensed with limited testing assurances to the public triggering a widespread hesitancy around expected adverse reactions. Limited data was reported from Arabian Gulf countries on vaccine adverse effects. Objectives This study looked at the rate of reporting at least one side effect post-COVID-19 vaccination and its associated factors (sociodemographic characteristics, clinical condition, and type of vaccines).

Study protocol: behaviour change intervention to promote healthy diet and physical activity in overweight/obese adults with diabetes attending health care facilities in Muscat: a cluster rendomised control trial.

Background: Healthy behavior is an essential component in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Promoting healthy lifestyle is one of the priorities of primary health care in Oman. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention in promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy diet and its implications on body mass index and glycemic control in adults with diabetes attending primary care.

Adolescent COVID-19-Associated Fatal Rhabdomyolysis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an urgent global health priority. Although most patients with COVID-19 manifest with fever and respiratory tract symptoms, COVID-19 infections may also involve other organs and extrarespiratory manifestations, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and neurological symptoms. This case describes a 16-year-old boy who presented with fever, sore throat, myalgia, and subsequently with shortness of breath.

The Use of Telephone Consultation in Primary Health Care During COVID-19 Pandemic, Oman: Perceptions from Physicians.

Introduction: To enforce physical distancing measures during COVID-19, Telephone Consultation (TC), a form of telemedicine, was initiated as an alternative technology to face to face consultation in primary health care (PHC) in Muscat, Oman. This study aims to explore the perceptions of physicians about the use of TC with respect to process of implementation; challenges and limitations; lessons learned and the way forward.

Method: This was a qualitative study using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Anaesthesia Management of a Patient with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy.

We present here, anaesthesia management of a patient having glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency who underwent thyroidectomy. The main concern is to avoid any precipitating factor which could lead to oxidative stress in these patients. There is very limited data available on anaesthesia management of thyroid surgery in such patients.

The Experiences and Perceptions of Health-Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Muscat, Oman: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: Predominantly, studies on COVID-19 report quantitative data that often miss the social implications and other determinants of health. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) in primary health care in the management of COVID-19 with respect to medical response experiences, socio-cultural and religious reforms, psychological impressions, and lessons learned.

Methods: This was a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach.

Anaesthetic Management of a Patient with Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Undergoing Laparotomy.

We report a case of left ventricular non-compaction as patient underwent laparotomy for ovarian cystectomy. Left ventricular non-compaction is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy with clinical features of heart failure, systemic thromboembolic events and arrhythmias. Perioperative management of these patients can be very challenging.

Characterization of depression among patients at urban primary healthcare centers in Oman.

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of depression among Oman adult population attending primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in Muscat Governorate in 2011.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2005 participants attending 27 different PHCs in Muscat Governorate during 2011. A Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), together with a socio-demographic and relevant clinical data questionnaire was administered.