ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: questions remain unclear about the association of smoking status and the development of acute pancreatitis [AP]. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore this association
Materials and Methods: a computerized literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE through October 15, 2016. We also searched the reference lists of pertinent articles. We used a rand om-effects model to calculate the summary relative risks [SRRs] and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals [CIs]
Results: a total of 8 observational studies [4 case control and 4 prospective cohort/nested case control studies] were identified. Compared with never smokers, the summary RR estimates were 1.49 [95% CI, 1.29-1.78] forever smokers, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.42-2.21] for current smokers, and 1.19 [95% CI, 1.11-1.52] for former smokers. Smoking is found to be a potential risk factor for alcohol use, idiopathic factors and drugs related AP, but not for gallstone related AP, in the ever and current smokers. A dose response effect of tobacco use on the risk was ascertained: current smokers had a 40% [95% CI, 30%-50%] increased risk of AP for every additional 10 cigarettes per day
Conclusion: the current analysis suggests that smokers have an elevated risk of AP development. Further studies, however, are warranted before definitive conclusions can be drawn
ABSTRACT
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding [AUB] influences 20-30% of women sooner or later in their regenerative years and regularly cause women to look for urgent or emergent care
Purpose: To describe the population of women seeking urgent medical attention for abnormal uterine bleeding [AUB], in terms of symptoms, medical history, and clinical examination findings; and to determine characteristics associated with anaemia in this population
Materials and Methods: We implemented a retrospective cohort study of patients comprehended in King Abdulaziz Hospital Emergency Room for abnormal uterine bleeding from November 2016 to May 2017 [n=126]. Data collected included demographic factors, laboratory and radiologic findings, clinical history, and physical examination findings. We calculated pervasiveness ratios for moderate to severe anaemia [defined as haemoglobin less than 10 g/dL] and sensitivity and specificity of clinical characteristics for recognizing women with anaemia
Results: The median age of patients was 33 years [range 14-68 years]. Nearly half [47.6%] had a concurrent medical condition which could affect their treatment options and 15 had moderate to severe anaemia. The only factors related with moderate to severe anaemia were having both tachycardia and hypotension; duration of bleeding more than 7 days: and haemoglobin of less than 10 g/dL in the previous year
Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients looking for urgent medical care for abnormal uterine bleeding had potential contraindications for the mainstays of treatment. Clinical symptoms and bleeding history were poorly predictive for moderate to severe anaemia in this population of women