Estimation of insulin resistance in non-diabetic normotensive Saudi adults by QUICKI, HOMA-IR and modified QUICKI: a comparative study

Identification of insulin resistance [IR] in the general population is important for developing strategies to reduce the prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]. We used the original and a modified version of the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI, M-QUICKI], and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] to divide non-diabetic normotensive adults into high-[HIR] and low-insulin-resistant [LIR] subgroups to investigate similarities and differences in their characteristics. Three hundred fifty-seven healthy adults aged 18-50 years were recruited randomly from health centers in Jeddah in a cross-sectional study design. Anthropometric and demographic information was taken. Insulin, glucose, lipid profile and free fatty acid were determined in fasting blood samples. M-QUICKI, HOMA-IR and QUICKI were calculated. Reported cut-off points were used to identify HIR subjects, who were then matched for age and sex to others in the study population, resulting in 3 HIR and 3 LIR subgroups. Two hundred nine subjects satisfied the selection criteria. M-QUICKI correlated significantly [P=.01] with HOMA-IR and QUICKI values. Increased adiposity was the common characteristic of the three HIR subgroups. HIR subgroups identified using M-QUICKI [97 subjects] and HOMA [25 subjects], but not QUICKI [135 subjects], had statistically different biochemical characteristics compared to corresponding LIR sub-groups. Adiposity, but not sex, is a risk factor for IR in the studied population. Further studies are needed to choose the most appropriate index for detecting IR in community-based surveys

Causes of hospitalization of pilgrims during the Hajj period of the islamic year 1423 [2003]

Approximately 2 to 3 million pilgrims perform Hajj every year. Planning for health care requires knowledge of the pattern of diseases, complications, and outcome of pilgrims who require hospitalization during the Hajj period. In a cross-sectional study we compiled data on all patients admitted to 1487 beds in four hospitals in Mena [793 beds] and three hospitals in Arafat [694 beds] from the seventh to the thirteenth day of the Hajj season of the Islamic year 1423, corresponding to 8 to 14 February 2003. Of 808 patients hospitalized, most [79%] were older than 40 years. There was no sex preponderance. A total of 575 [71.2%] patients were admitted to medical wards, 105 [13.0%] to surgical wards, and 76 [9.4%] to intensive care units. Most patients [84.8%] had one acute medical problem. Pneumonia [19.7%], ischemic heart disease [12.3%], and trauma [9.4%] were the most common admitting diagnoses. More than one third [39%] had co-morbid conditions. A total of 644 [79.7%] patients were discharged from the hospital in stable condition to continue therapy in their residential camps, 140 [17.3%] were transferred to other hospitals in Makkah for specialized services or further care, 19 [2.3%] were discharged against medical advice, and 5 [0.7%] patients died. This study provided information on the most common causes of hospitalization, pattern of diseases, and required medical services for pilgrims in Hajj. It is hoped that this data will be of help to health sector planners and officials to provide optimal and cost-effective health care services to pilgrims in Hajj

prevalence of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in patients with diabetes mellitus

To study the prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones in patients with diabetes mellitus [DM] and to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of asymptomatic gallstones among diabetics. In a cross-sectional study design, 511 patients [294 with DM and 217 without DM] were ultrasonically screened for the presence or absence of asymptomatic gallbladder stones and information on risk factors was obtained. The prevalence of asymptomatic gallstones among patients with diabetes mellitus was 11.9% compared to 3.2% among non-diabetics [p<0.001]. Among diabetics increasing age and female gender were found to be risk factors for developing gallbladder stones. Diabetes mellitus per se is a risk factor for the development of gallbladder stones in Saudi patients

Health profile of Balhareth Area in Taif region

To describe demographic, socio-economic, environmental factors and general health status of one of the rural and semi-urban areas around Taif city at the western province of the Kingdom. Methodology: A cross sectional multipurpose survey for 2 weeks composed of household and school surveys using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and physical and dental examinations. 340 houses and 14 schools were surveyed. A higher percentage of young age population was found. Findings indicated a high illiteracy rate especially among females. Environmental status of the area was not optimum with a need for better services. Maternal data indicated a high fertility rate with high rate of unattended deliveries. Breast feeding was a common practice and children pattern of feeding was satisfactory. School survey revealed a lower weight and height compared to NCHS population and a high rate of dental caries. The area was not underprivileged and did not show specific endemic disease pattern. Improvements in the areas of sanitation, female education and school dental education is recommended based on the findings