Oral health and caries risk profile assessment using the Cariogram in thalassemia patients with or without splenectomy: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Splenectomy is performed in β-thalassemia cases due to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), and the consequent splenomegaly.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare oral health and the caries risk between β-thalassemia patients with or without splenectomy, using the Cariogram.

Material And Methods: In a cross-sectional study carried out in both the Maternity and Children Hospital and the King Fahad Hospital, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, interviews, salivary sampling and oral clinical examinations were performed on 60 children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major (mean age: 13 ±3 years; 65% with splenectomy).

Medical career selection among newly graduated physicians in Madinah, KSA.

Objectives: To study factors influencing medical career selection among newly graduated physicians in Al Madinah, KSA.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period from January through March 2011. The study recruited 170 interns and residents working at Al Madinah hospitals, KSA.

Association between blood lead levels and environmental exposure among Saudi schoolchildren in certain districts of Al-Madinah.

Introduction: Both occupational and environmental exposures to lead remain a serious problem in many developing and industrializing countries. When humans are exposed to high levels of lead, there is damage to almost all organs and organ systems (most importantly, the central nervous system, kidneys, and blood), which often culminates in death.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of blood lead levels (BLLs) and to identify the sources of environmental exposure and potential risk factors for elevated BLLs among Saudi schoolchildren.