Bone mass measurement using quantitative ultrasound in healthy Saudi women. A cross-sectional screening

To study the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in healthy Saudi women, a community-based screening was carried out. Three thousand and two hundred sixty-nine women in the young women in peak bone mass [PBM] age group and 3131 in the postmenopausal age [PMA] group were screened using Achilles Insight [GE, USA]. Subjects included in the study were healthy and residents of eastern province. The screening was conducted between January 2006 and December 2007. The study took place in King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the PBM age group, 2090 [63.9%] were normal, 791 [24.2%] were osteopenic and 388 [11.9%] were osteoporotic. Osteopenia was more common in single urban women compared to those who were married and living in rural areas [p<0.01 and p<0.001]. Women with college education had significantly normal bone mass than women with less than high school education [p<0.01]. In the PMA, 948 [30.3%] were osteopenic and 720 [23%] were osteoporotic. Osteopenic was more common in women in urban areas as compared to industrial and the rural areas [p<0.01]. Those women whose education was less than primary had significantly more osteoporosis when compared to women with college education [p<0.001]. In the PBM, 11.9% were osteoporotic and in PMA group 23% were osteoporotic. Factors that influenced the risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis included level of education, number of children, and place of living

Medical laboratory technology program at King Faisal University: a 10-year experience

This paper documents the evolution of the Medical Laboratory Technology [MLT] program established in 1989 [1408/1409 H] at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University. The rationale, objectives, the general outline of the program as well as methods of instruction and evaluation are discussed. The internship period and future plans are a/so addressed Two hundred and seven [270] students had been enrolled in the program since its inception until September 2000. Ten batches [138 graduates] have already successfully graduated. One hundred and fifteen [83.3% graduated technologists are employed in the different health sectors and educational institutions in the Kingdom

future of the curriculum of allied [applied] health sciences in Saudi Arabia

Despite the dearth of allied health professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], the demand for them has increased. Like any other geographic location, KSA, has its own pattern of diseases. Therefore, the curriculum of the health professionals should be appropriately designed to meet the health needs of hospitals and clinics. To demonstrate that changes in the curriculum of Allied [Applied,] Health Sciences in KSA are necessary, and how these changes should be implemented. This paper also recommends that these changes must: [1] be based on the current needs of the community, [2] satisfy the health requirements of the Saudi community as well as the realities of its health practices. The Allied Health Colleges must: [1] undertake a long-term review of the curriculum, [2] ensure that the curriculum reform is continuous, [3] target faculty development, [4] target student evaluation

Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant mothers and new-born infants in eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoa of worldwide distribution. In immunocompetent adults, it is usually the cause of asymptomatic infection. However, infection during pregnancy poses a special risk because of the teratogenic effect of toxoplasma. Determine the sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborn infants in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Eastern Province. In this hospital-based study. sera from 175 pregnant females were screened for toxoplasma IgG and 1gM. Results and A very low number [N = I/175, 0.57%] of pregnant mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, although many [N = 69/175, 39.4%] were recorded with inactive toxoplasmosis during pregnancy Delivery was normal in all cases except for a small number [N = I/175. 0.57%] of newborns [as recorded from cord blood] who were positive for toxoplasmosis

Hydatidiform mole: a study of 90 cases

To determine the incidence, epidemiology, complications and management of Hydatidiform mole [HM] at the King Fahd Hospital of the University [KFHU]. Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective study was conducted covering a period of 15 years from.May 1983 to May 1998. There were 90 cases of hydatidiform mole. The details of maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, tumor behavior, management and complication were studied. There were 40,700 deliveries during the study period giving an incidence of hydatidiform mole [HM] of 2.2/1000 deliveries. The most common clinical feature was vaginal bleeding which was noted in 81 [90%] cases. Fifty-six [62%] cases had uterus larger than dates, while in 12 [13%] cases, the uterine size was smaller than dates. Ovarian enlargement was noted in 24 [27%] cases. Complications in the form of hemorrhage occurred in 19 [21%] cases and 9 [10%] cases were complicated by cated by sepsis. The complications were more common in patients presenting late to the hospital. There were 6 [6.7%] cases of invasive mole and 3 [3.3%] cases of choriocarcinoma during the follow-ups of the study group. On the basis of this study, the incidence of hydatidiform mole is comparable to the incidence in some oriental countries. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of HM will probably result in the decrease of complications found in this study