Noninvasive Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Infections.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between noninvasive ventilation (NIV) compared with invasive ventilation and mortality in subjects with severe acute respiratory infection.

Methods: This was a retrospective multi-center study of subjects with severe acute respiratory infection treated with ventilatory support between September 2012 and June 2018. We compared the 90-d mortality of subjects managed initially with NIV (NIV group) with those managed with invasive ventilation only (invasive ventilation group), adjusting by propensity score.

Role of community engagement in maternal health in rural Pakistan: Findings from the CLIP randomized trial.

Background: Community-based strategies to promote maternal health can help raise awareness of pregnancy danger signs and preparations for emergencies. The objective of this study was to assess change in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) and pregnant women's knowledge about pre-eclampsia as part of community engagement (CE) activities in rural Pakistan during the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial.

Methods: The CLIP Trial was a cluster randomized controlled trial that aimed to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality using CE strategies alongside mobile health-supported care by community health care providers.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice among mothers about newborn care in Sindh, Pakistan.

Background: Each year nearly 7.7 million children under five years die around the world; out of which approximately 3.1 million of the newborns die during the neonatal period and almost all these (99%) deaths occur in the developing countries.

Self-reported maternal morbidity: Results from the community level interventions for pre-eclampsia (CLIP) baseline survey in Sindh, Pakistan.

Objective: Community-based data regarding maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality are scarce in less-developed countries. The aim of the study was to collect representative community-level demographic health information to provide socio-demographic and health outcome data.

Methods: A retrospective household survey of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) living in two districts of Sindh Province, Pakistan was conducted.

Treatment of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome with a combination of lopinavir-ritonavir and interferon-β1b (MIRACLE trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: It had been more than 5 years since the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection (MERS-CoV) was recorded, but no specific treatment has been investigated in randomized clinical trials. Results from in vitro and animal studies suggest that a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon-β1b (IFN-β1b) may be effective against MERS-CoV. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of treatment with a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir and recombinant IFN-β1b provided with standard supportive care, compared to treatment with placebo provided with standard supportive care in patients with laboratory-confirmed MERS requiring hospital admission.

Outcome of patients with acute kidney injury in severe sepsis and septic shock treated with early goal-directed therapy in an intensive care unit.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is commonly caused by severe sepsis and septic shock. There is limited data regarding the incidence and outcomes of patients developing AKI treated with early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). Our aim was to observe the incidence and outcomes of patients with AKI in severe sepsis and septic shock, treated with EGDT as compared with historic controls.

Implementing a collaborative sepsis protocol on the time to antibiotics in an emergency department of a saudi hospital: quasi randomized study.

Background. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of an ED sepsis protocol on the time to antibiotics for emergency department (ED) patients with severe sepsis. Methods.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: hospital and intensive care unit outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: There is little data surrounding the survival of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are admitted to the critical care unit with exacerbation of symptoms. We conducted a study to measure the in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes of patients admitted with COPD exacerbation, and identified the related prognostic factors.

Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who were admitted to the adult ICU between January 2006 and July 2011 for COPD exacerbation in King Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia.

Impact of 6-hour sepsis resuscitation bundle compliance on hospital mortality in a saudi hospital.

Purpose. To assess the effect of improved compliance with 6-hour sepsis resuscitation bundle on mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Materials and Methods.

Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in a Saudi hospital.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors and physician's compliance to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines recommendations for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention at our hospital.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia from November 2009 to December 2009. We used the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) 2008 guidelines and Caprini's scores to assess VTE risk and to determine whether patients had received recommended prophylaxis.

Central venous catheter practice in an adult intensive care setting in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To study the standard central venous catheter (CVC) practice in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) for potential improvement.

Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study conducted in an adult ICU of the 300-bedded King Abdul- Aziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. All consecutive patients admitted over 18 months (April 2007 to September 2008) were included.

Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in a Saudi hospital.

Background: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) in order to reduce the morbidity associated with influenza in healthcare settings. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward influenza immunization among healthcare workers at our hospital, and to identify reasons for electing or declining the immunization.

Methods: Between January and February 2009, we carried out a cross-sectional study of influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs at King Abdul-Aziz Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia. Risk factors and outcome in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To study the risk factors for bacteremia caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and their outcome.

Penetrating cardiac injury by a metallic fragment.

An adult male had a penetrating injury of the chest resulting in cardiac tamponade. The injury resulted as a consequence of a detached iron piece from an iron bar in a steel mill. Emergency sternotomy and percardiotomy revealed blood in the pericardial cavity and full thickness penetration of the right ventricle.