The impact of Hydroxyurea on the rates of Vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia: a single-center study.

Background: Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) are acute and common painful complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), and are the main reason behind the frequent emergency department visits among SCD patients. Hydroxyurea (HU) is an old and commonly used medication that demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the risk of VOCs and the incidence of hospitalization. Although multiple studies have examined the impact of HU on the rates of VOCs, few have explored its effectiveness among SCD patients in Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence of cerebral venous thrombosis with the use of oral contraceptive pills during the Holy month of Ramadan.

To identify the epidemiologic profile of cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) among fasting women using oral contraceptive pills  (OCPs) during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with CVT and using OCPs from records at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2016-2017. The study participants were categorized into 2 groups (an intermittently fasting group during the holy month of Ramadan and a non-fasting group).

Intracerebral Hematoma Morphologic Appearance on Noncontrast Computed Tomography Predicts Significant Hematoma Expansion.

Background And Purpose: Hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The computed tomography (CT) angiographic spot sign is highly predictive of expansion, but other morphological features of intracerebral hemorrhage such as fluid levels, density heterogeneity, and margin irregularity may also predict expansion, particularly in centres where CT angiography is not readily available.

Methods: Baseline noncontrast CT scans from patients enrolled in the Predicting Hematoma Growth and Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Contrast Bolus CT (PREDICT) study were assessed for the presence of fluid levels and degree of density heterogeneity and margin irregularity using previously validated scales.

Heparin dosing is associated with diffusion weighted imaging lesion load following aneurysm coiling.

Background And Purpose: Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) may be used to evaluate post-coiling ischemia. Heparinization protocols for cerebral aneurysm coiling procedures differ among operators and centers, with little literature surrounding its effect on DWI lesions. The goal of this study was to determine which factors, including heparinization protocols, may affect DWI lesion load post-coiling.