Common dermatological diseases in Saudi Arabia: a literature review

Background: Over the last two decades, only few dermatology research papers have been published in Saudi Arabia provided the small number of experts -in this field -enlisted in higher education institutions. Hence a compelling need to review the recent publications and define the current prevalence, status and interventions needed

Objective: To present an overview of the common dermatological diseases, particularly eczema and dermatitis, in Saudi community as well as their effects and ways to mitigate them

Methods: Review of Randomized Controlled Trials [RCTs] researches conducted and published in Saudi Arabia

Results: Empirical findings revealed that Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common dermatological disorders among the Saudi community while Atopic Dermatitis was the most common mostly affecting children. In the meantime, Vitiligo emerged to be the most rampant pigmentary ailment, also viral warts appeared predominant covering up to 12% of the patients in the subject. On the other hand, dermatophytoses occurred commonly among the fungal conditions, while psoriasis arose as the most recurrent papulosquamous condition

Conclusion: The prevalence of dermatological disorders in Saudi Arabia is rather high with the issue being overlooked and deprioritized in favor of graver pathological conditions despite the significant social, psychological and quality of life impact on the patients. Thus, we recommended that proper education and awareness campaigns on skin diseases should be provided at all academic and social levels as one way of prevention and alleviation of skin diseased in Saudi Arabia

Role of delayed phase multi-detector row helical CT [MDH CT] in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]

This study was carried out on 36 patients: 26 men, 10 women; mean age +/- SD [45.5 +/- 6.4 and 44 +/- 5.9] years respectively with suspected HCC after ultrasonographic examination underwent MDH CT of the liver. A quadruple-phase protocol that included unenhanced, hepatic arterial, portal venous and delayed venous phases was performed. A total number of 62 biopsy-approved HCC lesions were included in this study, 58 lesions were sonographically detected, and extra 4 lesions were detected only after triphasic MDCT scanning. Images were interpreted regarding the size, homogeneity, pattern of enhancement hypervascularity and washout, capsule, abnormal internal vessels, calcifications, fat and central scar. Most of the HCCs were hypervascular [91.9%] exhibiting mosaic pattern of enhancement on the hepatic arterial and portal venous phases [82.45%, and 78.94% respectively]. Portal venous phase washout accounted for 70.17% of hypervascular HCCs, capsulated lesions accounted for 27.1%; 37.5% of these capsules were identified on the delayed venous phase only. The dual-phase MDH CT detected 57 [91.9%] out of the 62 lesions compared with the triple-phase MDH CT where 59 [95.16%] lesions were detected. 2 HCC [3.38%] were seen only in the delayed venous phase as hypo attenuating nodules

Developing an integrated organ/system curriculum with community-orientation for a new medical college in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Jazan province m located in the south-west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The province is offlicted with a wide spectrum of diseases and therefore have a special need for more health services. The Faculty of Medicine at Jazan has been following the traditional curriculum since its inception in 2001 The traditional curriculum has been criticized because of the students inability to relate what they learned in the basic sciences to medicine, thus stifling their motivation. It was felt that much of what was presented in preclinical courses was irrelevant to what the doctor really needed to know for his practice. The College therefore, decided to change to an integrated curriculum. The study wm conducted in 2004-2005 in the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University It began with a literature survey/search for relevant information and a series of meetings with experts from various institutions. A Curriculum Committee was formed and a set of guiding principles was prepared to help develop the new curriculum. A standard curriculum writing format was adopted for each module, If was decided that an independent evaluation of the new curriculum was to be done by experts -in medical education before submission for official approval There were several difficulties in the course of designing the curriculum, such as: provision of vertical integration, the lack of preparedness of faculty to teach an integrated curriculum, and .difficulties inherent in setting a truly integrated examination, Curriculum: The program designed is for 6 years and In 3 phases: pre-med [year I], organ/system [years 2 and 3], and clinical clerkship [years 4, 5, and 6], This is to be fallowed by a year of Internship. The pre-med phase aims at improving the students' English language and prepare them for the succeeding phases. The organ/ system phase includes the integrated systems and the introductory modules. The curricidum includes elective modules, early clinical training, behavioral sciences, medical ethics, biostatistics, computer practice, and research methods. The curriculum provides active methods of instruction that include: small group discussion tutorials, problem-based learning [PBL], case-study/ clinical presentations, seminars, skills practice [clinical skill lab], practical demonstration, and .student independent [earning. Methods of evaluating students include continuous and summative assessment. The new curriculum adopted by the Jazan Faculty of Medicine Is an integrated, organ/ system based, community-oriented, with early clinical skills, elective modules, and innovative methods of instructions