Vitamin D deficiency in sickle cell disease patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a major global health problem. In sickle cell disease (SCD), VDD is highly prevalent, reaching up to 96% of populations. VDD may contribute to many of the complications of SCD.

Sonographic assessment of spleen size in Saudi patients with sickle cell disease.

Background: In patients with SCD, the spleen commonly enlarges during the first two decades of life but then undergoes autosplenectomy due to repeated attacks of vaso-occlusion and infarction. This, however, is not the case in Saudi patients with SCD, where splenomegaly sometimes persists into adult life.

Patients And Methods: Ultrasonography was used to evaluate spleen size in 363 Saudi patients with SCD (340 SCD and 23 sickle I(2)-thalassemia).

Isoxsuprine in the treatment of sickle cell painful crises: A double-blind comparative study with narcotic analgesic.

Background: Isoxsuprine is a tocolytic agent which improves erythrocyte deformability. It was accidentally found to be effective in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) painful crises. The experience with the drug in the treatment of sickle cell disease is limited.

Splenectomy for hematological diseases: The Qatif Central Hospital experience.

Background: In the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, an area known for various hemoglobinopathies, splenectomy is performed rather frequently. This study is an analysis of our experience with splenectomy performed for various hematological disorders between 1988 and 1997, outlining the indications, complications and outcome.

Patients And Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients who had splenectomy at our hospital during this period.

Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease in Saudi Arab Children in the Eastern Province.

Background: This study was conducted to define the clinical features and outcome of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective study involving patients who were 12 years or younger, admitted to Qatif Central Hospital with ACS (or developed ACS during hospitalization) between July 1992 and July 1997. Chest x-ray, CBC, cultures (blood, sputum and throat), mycoplasma titers and blood gases were performed at the onset of ACS.