A retrospective analysis of the frequency of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the intensive care unit at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an extremely serious and potentially fatal condition that can develop in patients taking heparin-based medications, such as unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The incidence and risk factors for HIT in critically ill patients, however, are not well defined.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data on HIT test results, route of heparin administration, age, sex, heparin type (UFH or LMWH), and date of illness from patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and regular nursing floor (non-ICU) at our hospital between January 2011 and December 2014.

Perception of the Risk of Stroke and the Risks and Benefits of Oral Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To assess the perception of the risk of stroke and the risks and benefits of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Patients And Methods: Consecutive patients with chronic AF who presented for an outpatient cardiology visit or were admitted to a noncritical care cardiology ward service from September 15 through December 20, 2017, were invited to participate in this survey. Participants were asked to estimate their stroke risk without OAC and bleeding risk with OAC using a quantitative risk scale.

Hypocalcemia in a Saudi intensive care unit.

Objective: Hypocalcemia has been a common abnormality in the West, seen in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). It has also been linked with disease severity. We undertook this study to determine the frequency of hypocalcemia in patients admitted to the intensive care unit.