predictors of obstructive sleep apnea at a high altitude: results of a population-based study in the western region of saudi arabia

Background: The sleep disturbances are common at high altitudes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea at high altitudes

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March 2018 to June 2018 to assess the predictors of obstructive sleep apnea based on Berlin, Stop-Bang and Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaire from adult population of Taif City at an altitude of 1879 m from sea level in Saudi Arabia

Results: Of 1002 participants, the majority [614 participants, 61.3%] were males and the mean +/- SD age of participants was 30.6 +/- 10.3 years [Range 11 - 67 years]. In this study 24.9% participants were found to be at a high risk of having sleep apnea. Male gender, older age and smoking were found to be significantly associated with higher risk of sleep apnea according to Berlin, Stop-Bang and Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaire. Diseases found to be associated with a high risk of developing sleep apnea included hypertension [p<0.001], hyperlipidemia [p<0.001], diabetes [p<0.001], psychological disorders [p<0.001] and asthma [p<0.001] .On the other hand, cardiac disorders were found to have an insignificant effect on sleep apnea [p=0.076] in this study. Almost one-third of the participants [34.9%; 95% CI= 32.0% to 37.9%] were found to have an abnormal level of daytime sleepiness according to Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]. These results were comparable to the previous studies at low altitude

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the predictors of OSA at high altitudes are comparable to those at low altitudes

predictors of gastroesophageal reflux disease among university students: a cross sectional study in the western region of saudi arabia

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is one of the most common health problems that cause a financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The prevalence of GERD in Saudi Arabia is steadily increasing. There is a paucity of data regarding GERD among University students

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of GERD among male students of Taif University in the western region of Saudi Arabia in addition to determining the risk factors associated with the occurrence of GERD. Data were collected through a self-administration questionnaire. In addition, weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index [BMI] of participating students

Results: Of 464 students who participated from different colleges of the University; More than half of the male students in Taif University [53.2%, 95% CI= 48.7% to 57.8%] suffer from GERD. There was higher prevalence among smokers, overweight and obese students, those who drink plenty of soft drinks. Students with hypertension, psychiatric diseases, diabetes mellitus, asthma or irritable bowel syndrome had higher prevalence of reflux. GERD was significantly present among students with history of psychological stress

Conclusion: Special consideration should be given to raising the awareness of about gastro esophageal reflux disease among the public and its controllable risk factors. The psychological stress among University students needs to be tackled to decrease reflux among them

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy mimicking puerperal sepsis: report of a case with literature review

Puerperal pyrexia is defined as fever in a woman within 6 weeks of giving birth, which is >/=38[degree]C. We describe the clinical scenario of fever and progressive jaundice in a 32-year-old female in the postpartum period. The laboratory data showed normal leukocytic counts and all her septic screen was noncontributory. While in the hospital, her bilirubin levels progressively increased and showed a mild elevation of liver enzymes. There was no evidence of biliary obstruction. A liver biopsy clinched the diagnosis of acute fatty liver. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. It typically presents in the third trimester and can lead to multi-organ failure and death. This report highlights the importance of liver biopsy and an atypical presentation of fatty liver of pregnancy

Mantle cell lymphoma of the colon with massive splenomegaly: a case report

We describe colonoscopic features in a 77-year-old female with relapse of mantle cell lymphoma, who presented with a history of rectal bleeding of 2 months' duration. Her initial colonoscopy 3 years prior to the current presentation had revealed no gross lesions of mantle cell lymphoma; however, there was evidence of microscopic disease at that time as well. The patient had now developed classical lesions following relapse of the disease. The present case report gives the natural history of this rare tumour. The comparative colonoscopic features with a brief review of mantle cell lymphoma are presented

Courveilhier Baumgarten syndrome: a rare syndrome revisited

A 25 year old male had presented with history of abdominal distension of 20 days duration and on examination he had prominent abdominal vein and a venous hum with Ascites. He had no history of altered sensorium, melena. The clinical scenario was suggestive of Cruveilhier Baumgarten syndrome