Prevalence of mental retardation among children in Saudi Arabia

This survey determined the prevalence and regional distribution of mental retardation among children in Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed from a population-based national survey conducted during 1996-99, in which 60,630 children aged up to 18 years were screened using IQ tests and questionnaires completed by physicians. The prevalence of mental retardation was 8.9 per 1000 children, a rate similar to that reported in other countries. Moderate or severe retardation was classified in 70.9% of these children. Of the mentally retarded children in the 0-18 years age range, 83.2% were not attending school. Special educational programmes are needed to improve the quality of life of mentally retarded children

Prevalence of overwieght and obesity in diabetic and non-diabetic Saudis

A total of 14 660 individuals were included in the study. A fasting blood sample and 2-hour post-glucose load blood sample from each participant were analysed for blood sugar. Participants were classified as diabetic or non-diabetic and as either obese [BMI > 30 kg/m2], overweight [BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2] or normal [BMI < 25 kg/m2]. The prevalence of obesity was calculated in the total sample and separately for diabetic and non-diabetic males and females. The results showed obesity and overweight in 13.05% and 27.23% of males and 20.26% and 25.20% of females respectively. The prevalence of both obesity and overweight were significantly higher among diabetics than non-diabetics. In each province, diabetics had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity than non-diabetics. Several interprovincial variations were seen. Public education on obesity and overweight and ways to decrease them are recommended in Saudi Arabia

Beta globin gene haplotypes in Egyptian sickle cell disease and B-thalassemia

This study was a collaborative investigation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The major aim of the study was to identify the beta globin gene haplotype in Egyptian sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia patients. Since the sickle cell [Hb S] gene frequency is low in Egypt, only 6 patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, 4 patients suffering from Hb S/beta [ring above]-thalassemia, 4 patients suffering from Hb S/beta[+] thalassaemia and 23 patients suffering from beta-thalassaemia major were included in this study. Blood collected in EDTA was used for the extraction of DNA. The beta-globin gene cluster was amplified using polymerase chain reaction and the DNA fragment generated were restricted with different restriction endonucleases [Xmn 1, Hind III, Hinc II and Ava II]. The fragments obtained were separated by electrophoresis and the presence [+] or absent [-] of the restriction site was determined from the size of the fragment generated. Frequency of each restriction site was calculated and beta-globin gene haplotypes were constructed. Significant differences were encountered in the frequency of the restriction sites and the beta-globin gene haplotypes in the patient groups. Over 91% of the SCA patients [11/12 chromosomes] had the Benin haplotype, while 37.5% [3/8 chromosomes] Hb S beta [ring above] and 50% S beta[+] patients [4/8 chromosomes] had this haplotype compared to 2.17% of beta-thal. major patients [1/46 chromosomes]. The pattern of beta-globin gene haplotypes in the beta-globin thal. major patients was significantly different from the SCA group. This study revealed beta-globin gene haplotypes associated with sickle cell and beta-thal. genes in Egyptians and showed significant variations

Prevalence of obesity in the Saudi population

Obesity, i.e., excessive deposition of fat in the body, is the most common nutritional disorder in the developed countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population of Saudi Arabia living in different regions of the country. A total of 14, 660 adult Saudi males and females [>14 years of age] in 35 area were screened and information on height [m] and weight [kg] was recorded during a National Project to study various aspects of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. The Body Mass Index [MBI] was calculated and the data was used to group the females as overweight [BMI=25-29.9] and obese [BMI >/= 30]. In the total Saudi population the prevalence of overweight was 27.23% and 25.20% in the males and females respectively, while the prevalence of obesity was 13.05% and 20.26% in the males and females respectively. When separated on the basis of each region, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the females in Central Province and in the males in the Western Province, while overweight was more prevalent in both the male and female population of the Central Province. The data was further analyzed depending on each area within each province and significant differences were encountered. In general, overweight was more common in the males and obesity in the females. This high prevalence of obesity is a cause for concern, since obesity is associated with several complications which increase both morbidity and mortality. Awareness programs must be initiated and nationwide control programs need to be adopted to decrease the prevalence of obesity in the Saudi population

Alpha thalassemia in Saudi Arabia: restriction endonucleases as diagnostic tools

In this study restriction endonucleases Hpal, Bgl II, EcoR I, Hind III and BamH I were used to determine the nature of the deletion type of alpha-thalassaemia in two areas of Saudi Arabia namely AI-Hafouf and Khaiber. This method was compared with the results of the haematological pattern and haemoglobin biosynthesis ratios. The homozygous [-alpha-alpha] and heterozygous alpha-thalassaemia-2 [-alpha/ alpha alpha] were found to be the most common variants of alpha-thalassaemia occurring at a frequency of 39.39% and 26.67%, respectively in AI-Hafouf and 13.11% and 1.64% in Khaiber. The deletion type of alpha-thalassaemia was found to result mainly from a rightward deletion. Though using Bgl II leftward deletion alpha-thalassaemia was found at a low prevalence in the Saudi population. The results obtained are presented and the significance of restriction endonucleases in diagnosis of alpha-thalassaemia is discussed

Haemoglobinopathies, thalassaemias and enzymopathies in Saudi Arabia

Since the first discovery of sickle cell gene in Saudi Arabia in 1963 by Lehmann and coworkers, significant progress has been made in the study of genetic red cell abnormalities that influence the stability and integrity of the red cells. The sickle cell gene, alpha- and beta-thalassaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency genes have been encountered in almost all regions of Saudi Arabia at a variable frequency. The clinical manifestations of these genes both in homozygous, heterozygous and double heterozygous cases have been investigated and a variable presentation is encountered in the population from different regions. More recently studies at the molecular level have been initiated to investigate the various globin genes using restriction endonucleases and results from the different regions show significant polymorphism in the beta-globin gene cluster producing several beta-globin gene haplotypes. In this paper we summarize the studies on haemoglobinopathies, thalassaemias and enzymopathies reported from different regions of Saudi Arabia and outline the progress made in these fields which constitute a major problem for health authorities in Saudi Arabia and pose a challenge to scientists and physicians alike

Genetic diseases in Arabia: a model for national awareness and care programme

The report of the sickle cell gene in 1963 from the eastern province of Saudi Arabia set in motion a cascade of studies of the red cell genetic disorders in the Arabian peninsula. Screening programmes supported by King Saud University, and later by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology [KACST], were initiated at the College of Medicine, Riyadh in the early 1970s. A high frequency of sickle cell disease, alpha- and beta-thalassaemias and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD] deficiency, hexokinase and glutathione reductase deficiency genes were encountered in several regions of Saudi Arabia. Studies at the national level demonstrated extensive heterogeneity both in the clinical presentation and molecular pathogenesis of these disorders. A need for better understanding, accurate diagnosis, appropriate management and prevention of these diseases induced the formation of the Sickle Cell and Allied Syndromes [SAS] Study Group in King Saud University. Consequently coordinated efforts at the national level thrived and resulted in the formation of the National Working Group composed of physicians drawn from related medical disciplines and comprised a network of three interconnected organizational levels i.e. the primary care, the regional hospitals and the National Referral and Consulting Unit. This endeavour was complemented by the designation of the Medical Biochemistry Department as the World Health Organization [WHO] Collaborating Centre for Haemoglobinopathies, Thalassaemias and Enzymopathies. A complementary proposition involving a WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office is currently planned in order to further regional interactions and integrate similar experiences. Against this background and in an attempt to improve patients' management and adoption of standardized measures for control and prevention of these disorders, a National Awareness and Care Programme was initiated. This embraces physicians, patients and family awareness strategies. We outline the steps adopted and the scheme of the programme as a model to provide comprehensive care and to lighten the burden inflicted by these genetic blood disorders on patients, their families and the National Health Service. In its totality, the national programme is coordinated with global initiatives in order to further its cause and to share experience and expertise