ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess the use of Midodrine among patients with orthostatic hypotension and withdrawal vasopressin in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of Midodrine and detect side effects to provide clear evidence of the efficacy and safety of the drug. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The study targeted adult patients who suffered from hypotension between January 2015 and January 2018. The data was extracted using the BESTCare system. Result: A total of 173 patients were included (55.5% male and 44.5% female). The mean age of the study participants was 67.34 ± 16.0 years. The differences in patients’ parameters before and after midodrine administration were detected and analyzed. The mean difference in hemoglobin (g/l) level was significantly changed before (94.97 ± 21.9) and after (90.84 ± 20.4) the use of Midodrine (p=0.031). However, there were no significant changes in the level of the other parameters before and after the use of Midodrine. The mean dose of Midodrine was 5.3 mg, with mean treatment duration of 41.5 days, and mean hospitalization of 28.7 days. For the medication history, 8% of patients were on betablockers (n=97), 5%were on diuretics (n=64), and 2% were on calcium channel blockers (n=19). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the administration of Midodrine does not affect patients’ hemodynamics significantly; however, it has a notable effect on decreasing hemoglobin levels.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To examine the association between hypoglycemia requiring presentation at an emergency department and patient health outcomes in terms of duration of hospital stay and mortality rate. Method: A retrospective chart review study of all patients with hypoglycemia as the primary diagnosis admitted to the emergency department and met the inclusion criteria was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) between January 2015 and March 2016. Data were collected from an electronic health records database (Best care) and medical charts and pharmacy records were reviewed. Results: A total of 51 patients were included in the study. Twenty-two patients (42.31%) were admitted because of hypoglycemia. The total mortality rate was 3.92% (2 patients). The total length of hospitalization was higher in deceased patients (4.00 ± 4.24 days) compared to that in surviving patients (1.45 ± 1.21 days). At presentation, 22 patients (44.00%) had no prior interventions; nine were hypoglycemic, while 13 were non-hypoglycemic. In contrast, five patients (10.00%) received hypoglycemic intervention prior to arrival in the ER; one was hypoglycemic, and four were non-hypoglycemic. There was a zero mortality rate among patients who received pre-arrival interventions compared to a rate of 9.09% among patients who did not receive pre-arrival interventions. The chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study shows no correlation between hypoglycemia and mortality or the total duration of hospitalization. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the incidence of hypoglycemic events and different comorbidities.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Narghile smoking may be associated with a number of unconventional practices that need to be thoroughly investigated for their potential health problems. We investigated the prevalence and pattern of unconventional practices related to narghile smoking including the use of medications, fruits, and alcohol, among a sample of café patrons. Place and Duration of Study: A few cafés at Amman, Jordan during July 2011. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey whereby a pre-prepared questionnaire was distributed to a sample of café patrons. Questionnaire included demographic information, history of tobacco use, pattern of narghile smoking including unconventional practices and lastly health awareness and attitudes towards cessation. Results: Out of 96 café patrons, 61 (63.5%) agreed to participate with 42 males and 19 females. Age range was 16-64 years (mean=27.5±9.2). About 47.5% used fruits as the narghile head and 16.4% used fruits as water tank. Equal proportions (9.5%) of the sample added either milk/soft drinks to tank or added drugs to tobacco mix or the liquid contents of the tank. Conclusion: Narghile smoking may be associated with unconventional practices like the use of psychoactive drugs and alcohol. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind this trend, and the associated potential health hazards.