Publications by authors named "Rahaf Alqahtani"

Metabolic syndrome (MBS) and periodontitis are distinct conditions with overlapping and unique risk factors. Periodontitis is a chronic destructive disease of the periodontium, driven by alterations in the host immune-inflammatory response to virulent periodontal pathogens. MBS is characterized by various abnormalities, including visceral abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia (low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and high triglyceride (TG) levels), hypertension, and hyperglycemia.

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Background: Septic shock is associated with systemic inflammatory response, hemodynamic instability, impaired sympathetic control, and the development of multiorgan dysfunction that requires vasopressor or inotropic support. The regulation of immune function in sepsis is complex and varies over time. However, activating Beta-2 receptors and blocking Beta-1 receptors reduces the proinflammatory response by influencing cytokine production.

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Background: Recent guidelines recommend using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as first-line agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Research is currently investigating the use of Apixaban in underweight patients, with some results suggesting altered pharmacokinetics, decreased drug absorption, and potential overdosing in this population. This study examined the effectiveness and safety of standard Apixaban dosing in adult patients with atrial NVAF weighing less than 50 kg.

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Background: Dexamethasone usually recommended for patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to reduce short-term mortality. However, it is uncertain if another corticosteroid, such as methylprednisolone, may be utilized to obtain better clinical outcome. This study assessed dexamethasone's clinical and safety outcomes compared to methylprednisolone.

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The use of tocilizumab for the management of COVID-19 emerged since it modulates inflammatory markers by blocking interleukin 6 receptors. Concerns regarding higher thrombosis risk while using tocilizumab were raised in the literature. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tocilizumab therapy and the development of thromboembolic events in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the safety and feasibility of different VTE prophylactic treatments in critically ill burn patients admitted to the ICU.
  • Conducted as a pilot randomized controlled trial, patients received either high-dose or standard-dose enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin, with various outcomes related to bleeding assessed.
  • Results showed a low recruitment rate but high consent rate, with some instances of bleeding, indicating no major safety issues with the prophylaxis options tested.
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The use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may have a potential benefit. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ESAs on the clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted from 01-03-2020 to 31-07-2021.

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Materials like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are commonly used for vital teeth bleaching. However, there have been concerns regarding their effect on composite-to-bleached enamel bonding strength. The study investigated the impact of organic and antioxidant agents on composite bond strength in bleached enamel with different dental adhesive solvents.

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Background: Midodrine has been used in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting to reduce the time to vasopressor discontinuation. The limited data supporting midodrine use have led to variability in the pattern of initiation and discontinuation of midodrine.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of 2 midodrine discontinuation regimens during weaning vasopressors in critically ill patients.

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Article Synopsis
  • Atrial fibrillation (Afib) in critically ill COVID-19 patients is linked to increased in-hospital mortality and longer stays in intensive care.
  • A multicenter study from March 2020 to July 2021 found that patients with new-onset Afib had significantly higher odds of dying in the hospital, but no difference in 30-day mortality.
  • The study highlights that new-onset Afib leads to prolonged mechanical ventilation and hospitalizations while also resulting in fewer complications compared to those without Afib.
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Background: Aspirin is widely used as a cardioprotective agent due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. The literature has assessed and evaluated its role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, no data are available regarding its role in COVID-19 critically ill patients.

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Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease affecting patients' quality of life (QoL) and may cause depression. Recent studies reported that the prevalence of depression in patients with HF is 21.5%.

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Introduction: Ibuprofen disappeared from the pharmacy shelves during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a while later, information circulated that ibuprofen should be avoided as it could worsen COVID-19 symptoms. The aim of our study was to assess the association of acute and chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with worse COVID-19 outcomes.

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