Congenital heart defects in Down syndrome patients from western Saudi Arabia

To characterize congenital heart defects in individuals with Down syndrome [DS] in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, and compare with studies from other regions of Saudi Arabia and with international figures. We conducted a prospective study including all patients attending the DS clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between October 2007 and October 2011. All patients underwent full history and physical evaluations, dysmorphologic assessment, chromosomal studies, and echocardiography. A total of 130 individuals [59% males and 41% females] with ages ranging between 0-33 years [mean=5 +/- 4.9] were included. Most individuals [90.9%] had trisomy 21 due to non-disjunction, 5.05% due to Robertsonian translocation, and 4% had mosaicism. Congenital heart defects were found in 86.8% of patients. The majority 71/92 [77%] showed combined cardiac defects, while 21/92 [23%] of DS patients had isolated congenital heart defects [CHD]. The most frequent CHDs detected in this study were: patent ductus arteriosis in 44/92 [47.8%], atrial septal defect in 38/92 [41.3%], trivial tricuspid regurge in 31/92 [33.7%], ventricular septal defect in 27/92 [29.3%], and patent foramen oval in 26/92 [28.3%]. We found a higher incidence of CHDs among DS individuals from the Western Region, compared to national and international figures. We detected more combined CHD and a different pattern of distribution

Knowledge regarding the national premarital screening program among university students in western Saudi Arabia

To explore the knowledge of university students in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia, regarding the national premarital screening [PMS] program. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 800 students at King Abdulaziz University [KAU], Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the first semester of the academic year 2005-2006. This included questions regarding socio-demographic data, personal history of hereditary disease, or premarital screening, knowledge on hereditary diseases, and on the national PMS program. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 13. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Eighty-five percent of the students believed that gene mutations may lead to hereditary disorders, and 84% of the respondents believed that consanguinity can increase the risk for genetic diseases. Fifty-six percent were aware that hereditary disease could affect any body system. Less than one-third of the students knew which disorders are tested for by the PMS, and 54% of the students thought that PMS detects all hereditary diseases. Only 35% knew what a non-compatible test result meant, while 59% believed that a compatible result meant freedom from all hereditary diseases. Most of the students at KAU have good general knowledge concerning hereditary diseases, but had inadequate knowledge in relation to the national PMS program. The majority did not know which diseases were tested for, and what the test result meant. Public education regarding the disorders tested for, and the implication of screening is essential for the success of the premarital program

Pattern of infant feeding at a University Hospital in western Saudi Arabia

To analyze the pattern of breastfeeding in mothers, identify causes of failure to breastfeed, initiate, and sustain breastfeeding practices at a University Hospital in Western Saudi Arabia. Prospective interviews with mothers of infants seen consecutively during routine well baby clinic visits were conducted in the year October 2001 through to September 2002 using structured 18 item questionnaires. This study was carried out at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One hundred and twenty-eight interviews were conducted. Of the study groups 106 [83%] were breastfeeding. Of the mothers who came from low income families and no university education the figure was 90 [70%]. Only 72 [56%] mothers had some form of health education regarding infant feed and most of the education came from relatives. Fourteen [10.9%] mothers reported encouragement to breastfeeding by medical personnel. Early discharge home from the newborn nursery at less than 24 hours age was significantly associated with success in establishing breastfeeding [p<0.047]. Breastfeeding rates were 90% for infants in the first 6 months of life, but dropped to 72% afterwards. The reasons given for switching to formula feeding, in the order of frequency: inadequate milk supply [50%], working mothers [12.7%] and life style [10%]. Mothers who were breast feeding were significantly more satisfied with their feeding practice than those whom were bottle feeding [p<0.05]. The most significant factor precluding initiation of breastfeeding was late discharge from the nursery, while the most common obstacle to sustaining breastfeeding was the misconception of mothers regarding adequacy of milk supply. Intervention targeted at adoption of baby friendly nursery atmospheres and promotions of health education are economically feasible in the community