Molecular diagnosis of fragile X syndrome using methylation sensitive techniques in a cohort of patients with intellectual disability.

Background: Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, is caused by expansion of CGG trinucleotide repeat at the 5' untranslated region of the FMR1 gene at Xq27. In affected individuals, the CGG repeat expansion leads to hypermethylation and the gene is transcriptionally inactive. Our aim was to identify fragile X syndrome among children with intellectual disability in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding cultural competence in a multicultural nursing workforce: registered nurses' experience in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: In Saudi Arabia, the health system is mainly staffed by expatriate nurses from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Given the potential risks this situation poses for patient care, it is important to understand how cultural diversity can be effectively managed in this multicultural environment. The purpose of this study was to explore notions of cultural competence with non-Saudi Arabian nurses working in a major hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Pegylated versus standard interferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C genotype 4: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: Treatment of hepatitis C genotype 4 (HCV-G4) with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) has not been adequately studied and is considered to be challenging. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of 48 weeks of combined PEG IFN plus ribavirin (RBV) compared to standard interferon (IFN) plus RBV. The outcome of interest is sustained virological response (SVR).

Labyrinthotomy or vestibulotomy in anatomic and congenital variations of the oval window and facial nerve.

Objective: To present the results of our experience with labyrinthotomy or vestibulotomy in cases where the oval window is blocked by the facial nerve and in the presence of bilateral congenital agenesis of the oval window, respectively.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of the records of the patients operated in two different centers.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2012, 5 ears of 4 patients who were operated on in two different clinics with a presumptive diagnosis of otosclerosis were included in the study.

Efficacy and safety of treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in renal transplant recipients.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal transplant recipients.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of post renal transplant patients who were positive for anti-HCV and HCV-RNA, and who have received treatment with combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin between October 2003 and December 2008. Only patients with stable graft function and absence of evidence of cirrhosis and who received the therapy for continuous 48 wk were included.

Impact of a diabetic foot care education program on lower limb amputation rate.

Background: Diabetic foot complications are a leading cause of lower extremity amputation. With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the Arab world, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the rate of amputation will rise significantly. A diabetic foot care program was implemented at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2002.

Intensive insulin therapy versus conventional insulin therapy for critically ill trauma patients admitted to ICU.

Purpose: The objective of our study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of IIT in reducing mortality and morbidity in critically ill trauma patients admitted to ICU.

Method And Material: Nested cohort study within a Randomized Controlled Trial. All trauma patients with GCS < or = 9 included in the original trial were included in this study.

The history of renal transplantation in the Arab world: a view from Saudi Arabia.

The first successful renal transplantation in the Arab world took place in Jordan in 1972. Surprisingly, the kidney transplanted was from a non-heart-beating deceased donor. Many Arab countries followed suit, starting their transplantation programs in the 1970s and 1980s, but all were from living related donors.