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Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of the small intestine. Evidence shows that it is effective in the diagnosis of occult bleeding and superficial lesions that are not radiographicallyobserved. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of the common gastrointestinal disorders.Methods: A retrospective chart review of a total of 326 candidates who have met the inclusion criteria and who underwent VCE from the period from January 2006 till December 2018.Results: The main indication for Video Capsule Endoscopy was small bowel overt gastrointestinal bleeding with 106 cases (32.6%) followed by iron deficiency anemia with 104 cases (32%). Capsule retention rate was observed in 11 cases (3.4%) 4 of which were crohn抯 disease patients (22.2%). Overall diagnostic yield was 36%, 64% for overt gastrointestinal bleeding and 41% for occult gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common reported positive finding was Angiodysplasia in 19.9% of cases, followed by ulcers in 13.8% of cases, followed by polyps in 8.3% of cases and erosions in 8% of cases.Conclusions: Video capsule endoscopy proved to be an essential diagnostic tool in gastrointestinal bleeding. Advantages of VCE include; less labor, higher resolution examination of mucosa, relative safety, and noninvasiveness. On the other hand, it does not offer intervention capabilities when compared with enteroscopy and its interpretation was sometimes difficult and time consuming. Risk of capsule retention remains significant especially in patients suffering from crohn抯 disease.
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Background:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer incidence worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, it is ranked first most common cancer in males and second most common in females. CRC is an ideal for prevention because of the high incidence rate and the relative slow progression into an adenocarcinoma. Primary health care (PHC) setting is the ideal place where CRC screening should take place. This study was intended to evaluate awareness, knowledge and attitude towards CRC screening.Methods:A survey was performed among PHC physicians in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. An electronic questionnaire adopted from the national cancer institute was formulated. Demographic data, specialty, qualifications, years of experience, knowledge and attitudes towards CRC screening, and perceived barriers regarding CRC screening were obtained.Results:A total of 94 physicians were recruited. 39.4% from the sample are females, and 60.6% are males. 99% of physicians agree that colorectal cancer screeningis needed when age appropriate. However, 68% were very compliant in CRC screening in clinical practice. Only 52% of physicians were familiar with national CRC cancer screening guidelines. 53% of physicians scored correct on the age appropriate to initiateCRC screening for average risk patients.Conclusions:More efforts should be given to improve knowledge of primary healthcare providers regarding CRC prevention. More funding and planning are needed to provide primary health care providers with the required tools and systems in order to make CRC prevention more efficient.
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Background:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially reported as a culprit for many unexplained cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. Since then, COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended as a protective measure of this pandemic. This study aimed to measure the safety profile of theCOVID-19 vaccine among Qassim University members.Methods:This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted among Qassim University members, Saudi Arabia. A pre-specified questionnaire was distributed among prospective members of the campus using an online survey. Participants who were vaccinated by either one or two doses were the subjects of this study. Consent was sought from the participants or next of kin and the data collection were lasted for over three months.Results:The 604 respondents were able to recruit (51.7% males versus 48.3% females). 55.6% of respondents were in the younger age group (age ?25 years). The most commonly received vaccine was Pfizer (67.3%) while the most common side effect was local pain at the site of injection (89.4%) and tiredness (76.7%). Females were significantly more being associated with having COVID-19 vaccine side effects, while complained about fever was significantly higher in the AstraZeneca vaccine (p<0.001).Conclusions:Our findings were consistent with literatures, our study finds local pain at the site of injection, tiredness, muscle pain, headache and fever as the most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine had a greater impact on female respondents than their male counterparts.