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.

Pregnant Women's Awareness of Periodontal Disease Effects: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background/objectives: Periodontal disease is an infection of the surrounding and supporting tissues of the teeth. Several associations have been identified for systemic conditions. This study aimed to assess the awareness of pregnant women regarding the link between premature and low-weight births with periodontal diseases.

Dermatology-Related Emergency Department Visits in Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study.

: Dermatological complaints are commonly seen in the emergency department (ED) setting and may be attributed to infectious, inflammatory, allergic, hypersensitivity, or traumatic processes, yet few studies have been carried out in Saudi Arabia addressing this topic. This study, therefore, aimed to explore this issue by investigating the most common dermatology-related ED encounters in a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and estimating the incidence of these encounters. : This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the ED of King Abdulaziz Medical City, a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Long-Term Knowledge Retention of Biochemistry Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Biochemistry is a cornerstone of medical education. Its knowledge is integral to the understanding of complex biological processes and how they are applied in several areas in health care. Also, its significance is reflected in the way it informs the practice of medicine, which can guide and help in both diagnosis and treatment.

Investigating Quality of Life, Academic Resilience, and Influential Factors in Nursing Education: A Mixed-Methods Study among Nursing Students.

Introduction: Investigating the correlation between quality of life (QoL) and academic resilience (AR) and understanding their influencing factors is crucial for adequately preparing nursing students to navigate the challenges in their future professional careers.

Objectives: This research aims to investigate the relationship between QoL and AR among nursing students. Additionally, to explore factors influencing these variables from the students' perspectives.

Comparing Thulium Fiber Versus High-Power Holmium Laser Lithotripsy Combined with the Flexible and Navigable Suction Access Sheath in Flexible Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stone Disease: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis by the Global FANS Collaborative Group.

We aim to evaluate stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) for kidney stones, using a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS), comparing thulium fiber laser (TFL) and high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (HPHL). Data from adults who underwent F-URS in 15 centers were prospectively analyzed (August 2023-January 2024). Exclusion criteria were ureteral stones, concomitant bilateral procedures, and renal abnormalities.

Observational study on the prescription practices of family and pulmonary physicians for airway clearance devices in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management.

Background: Productive cough with sputum is a prominent sign generally associated with respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airway clearance devices are an option for COPD management, but physicians' preferences for and clinical practice with them are not known.

Objective: This study aims to explore preferences for and clinical practice with airway clearance devices among physicians in Saudi Arabia.

The Impact of Intoxication on the Prognosis of High-Speed Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Tertiary Care Center Experience.

Introduction: Several studies suggest a causal link between psychoactive agents and motor vehicle accidents (MVA). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substance abuse and alcohol intoxication on the prognosis of high-speed MVA victims.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study involving adult multiple trauma cases who were admitted to the emergency department for high-speed MVA and underwent toxicological screening.

SARS-CoV-2 infection of salivary glands compromises the production of a secreted antifungal peptide with potential implications for development of oral candidiasis.

Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides considered integral components of host innate immunity, and crucial for protection against colonizing microbial species. Most notable is histatin-5 which is exclusively produced in salivary glands with uniquely potent antifungal activity against the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in salivary gland acinar cells eliciting local immune cell activation.

Electronic Sepsis Screening Among Patients Admitted to Hospital Wards: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

Importance: Sepsis screening is recommended among hospitalized patients but is supported by limited evidence of effectiveness.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of electronic sepsis screening, compared with no screening, on mortality among hospitalized ward patients.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial at 5 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, 45 wards (clusters) were randomized into 9 sequences, 5 wards each, to have sepsis screening implemented at 2-month periods.

Evidence of prostate cancer-linked virus zoonoses from biophysical genomic variations.

An ongoing double-blind examination of (mathematically) smooth functional dependences of population-based genomic distributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on quantified environmental parameters has flagged a SNP that has been associated with prostate cancer for dependence on zoonotic viruses. The SNP rs13091518 is an intergenic variant near the gene/pseudo-gene COX6CP6 on chromosome 3. The risk T allele, which is the major allele in all homeostatic populations considered, clearly demonstrates a negative adaptive force of about -0.

Association between oral loop diuretics duration before discharge and hospital readmission in acute decompensated heart failure: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

There are uncertainties when to start patients on oral loop diuretics after managing acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) before discharge. This study aims to investigate the impact of prolonging observation duration on hospital readmissions following the switch to oral loop diuretics before discharge in patients with ADHF. A multicenter retrospective study that included adult patients (>18 years) diagnosed with ADHF and discharged on oral loop diuretics in Saudi Arabia.

An Incidental Finding of Concomitant Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Concomitant medullary thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma in the thyroid gland are rare; however, the incidence is increasing. Here, we present the case of a 77-year-old male who was incidentally found to have thyroid nodules after a road traffic accident. Fine-needle aspiration revealed two inconclusive Bethesda classifications: follicular neoplasm and unsatisfactory.

Impact of obesity and diabetes on colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia is associated with liver γ‑glutamyl transferase abnormality.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global cause of death. In Saudi Arabia, it is the most common cancer among men and the third most common among women. Obesity, diabetes and CRC have become significant health concerns.

Effects of surgeon specialization on the outcome of emergency colorectal surgery.

Background: Colonic emergencies remain a major life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Unlike elective colorectal surgical procedures, a large portion of emergency colorectal surgical procedures are performed by noncolorectal surgeons (NCRS). The impact of specialization on the outcome of emergency colorectal surgery has not yet been well described.

Unraveling the Prognostic Role of t(1:19) in Pediatric Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Insights from a Saudi Nationwide Cohort.

Recurrent translocation t(1;19) (q23;p13) describes a unique cytogenetic group of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Historically, t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) has been associated with poor outcomes.

Multisociety consensus recommendations on hepatitis delta virus infection.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) prevalence data and country-specific HDV guidelines are not widely available in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. We developed consensus recommendations to guide healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers in improving HDV management and patient health outcomes in three GCC states: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. A consensus panel comprising hepatology experts (n = 6) from the three GCC societies was formed.

A retrospective analysis of tacrolimus pharmacokinetic in Saudi paediatric patients in early post-liver transplantation period.

Background: Tacrolimus is an essential immunosuppressive medication in paediatric patients' post-liver transplantation. Achieving tacrolimus target concentration in early post-transplantation is crucial to minimise the risk of acute rejection; however, this is challenging due to inter- and intra-patient variability in tacrolimus metabolism and clearance. Therefore, our study aims to describe tacrolimus trough concentration variability and pharmacokinetics in paediatric post-liver transplantation during the first two weeks post-transplantation.

Management and outcomes of pediatric optic neuritis in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study.

Background: Although pediatric optic neuritis (PON) is a rare condition, current advancements in its diagnosis, investigation, and treatment suggest that a more precise risk assessment is necessary given the history of irreversible damage and functional degeneration of the optic nerve. Additionally, after further investigations and/or new neurological events, the initial diagnosis is revised.

Aim: To report clinical profile, management and outcome of different demyelinating disease phenotypes of pediatric optic neuritis (PON) in individuals under the age of 18 years in a tertiary center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Incidental Radiological Finding of an Intravenous Needle in a Pediatric Cervical Spine.

Cases of cervical foreign bodies are considered rare, and cases of needle that have migrated into the spinal canal are fairly uncommon. The most well-documented cases are those of acupuncture needles. We present a case of an incidental finding of an intravenous needle extending posteriorly between C7 and T1 interspinous space and ending at the level of C5-C6 interspace in a 2-year-old boy.