Clinical Insights into Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Across Different Age Groups.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematological disorder associated with significant mortality and a range of complex complications that manifest differently across various age groups. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of SCD patients in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on variations among children, adolescents, adults, and middle-aged individuals. A multicenter retrospective cohort study included 129 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SCD between January 2018 to October 2023 and divided into 4 cohorts.

Measuring progress towards universal health coverage in 22 Middle East and North African countries.

Purpose: Monitoring progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) has become increasingly important, especially given the centrality of UHC in achieving the sustainable development goals. We sought to estimate the progress towards UHC in the 22 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

Methods: Employing the Joint World Bank and World Health Organization Framework for Monitoring UHC, we estimated the UHC index for MENA countries using both service coverage and financial protection indicators.

Exome Sequencing Revealed a Novel Splice Site Variant in the Gene Underlying Nephrotic Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a kidney disease where the patient has a classic triad of signs and symptoms including hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria (>3.5 g/24 h), and peripheral edema. In case of NS, the damaged nephrons (structural and functional unit of the kidney) filter unwanted blood contents to make urine.