Hemodynamic Variations Associated with Ramadan Fasting among Saudi Stroke’s Patients

Background: It was reported that intermittent fasting has several health benefits. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the hemodynamic variations associated with Ramadan fasting among Saudi Stroke patients. Methodology: Information referring to 61 stroke patients were retrospectively retrieved from King Khalid hospital, Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. Data relating to patients attended during the period from April 2019 to June 2019. The sample involved two months (Shaban and Ramadan) a full coverage sample. Results: Out of 61 study subjects, 26 patients were fasting during stroke happening and 35 patients were non-fasting. Out of the 61 patients, 35 (57.4%) were females and 26 (42.6%) were males. With the fasting month, hypertension was co-occurrence in 23/49 (47%) fasting patients, hence, it occurred in 26/49 (53%) among non-fasting patients, the risk of hypertension during Ramadan compared to nonfasting month; the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI): RR (95%CI)=1.1908 (0.9374 to 1.5128). Conclusion: Ramadan Fasting has some beneficial effects influencing stroke including incidence and severity reduction. Stroke associated hemodynamic variants, which were more apparent among women, were perceived to decline during fasting.

Saudi Parents Perceptions towards Some Child Abuse and Neglect Related Factors

Background: The impact of childhood abuse and neglect may remain beyond adulthood. This study aimed to assess Saudi parent’s perceptions towards some child abuse and neglect related factors. Methodology: This was a descriptive study involved a cross-sectional survey of 400 Saudi parents. The sample was collected during Feb 2019 to Feb 2020. All responded parents were at the age of 20 years or older. Results: When manipulating parent’s gender and perception towards child abuse associated factors, fathers were more aware of child abuse and neglect related factors than mothers. Conclusion: Saudi parent’s perceptions towards child abuse and neglect related factors are high. Mothers, particularly younger ones need more efforts to improve their awareness towards some child abuse and neglect related factors.

Association between Physical Activity and Some Comorbidity in a Series of Saudi Volunteers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to appraise the association between Physical Activity and T2DM, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and other comorbidities in a series of Saudi volunteers. Methodology: The present study investigated 304 healthy Saudi volunteers for reported chronic illness and the status of physical activity. Results: Out of the 144 individuals, 62/144 (43%) were males and 82/144 (57%) were females. About 64/304 (21%), 75/304 (24.7%), and 21/304 (7%) of the participants practicing physical activity for one hour, 2-5 hours, and ≥ 6 hours, in this order. Conclusion: PA rates are relatively lower among Saudi people in Northern Saudi Arabia. PA was found to be an effective factor in reducing diverse comorbidities including hypertension, T2DM, hypercholesterolemia, CVDs, asthma, and other comorbidities.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Vitamin D Deficiency in Ha’il Region: A Community-Based Study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency represents a major health problem in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Knowledge and attitude towards vitamin D deficiency in Ha’il Region (Northern Saudi Arabia). Methodology: A total of 500 Saudi volunteers living in the city of Ha’il and surrounding towns were included during the period from January 2020 to March 2020. Adults aged 15 years or older were randomly selected regardless of gender, occupation or marital status. Results: Out of the 500 study subjects, 214 (42.8%) did previous vitamin D testing (72/207 (34.8%) males and 142/293 (48.5%) were females). Females were significantly better for testing their vitamin D status than males (p=0.0032). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Ha’il Region. Although there is a relatively higher awareness level towards vitamin D sources, vitamin D testing, as well as knowledge about vitamin D deficiency-related disorders are poor among Saudi living in Ha’il Region.

Assessment of Saudi people’s Knowledge about Hypothyroidism Treatment Usage

Background: As adjusting the treatment dose for hypothyroidism based on several factors requiring continuousrigorous assessment, the current study aimed to assess of Saudi people’s knowledge about hypothyroidismtreatment usage. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, piloted in Hail Region, Northern Saudi Arabia. Inthis study, 900 respondents were randomly involved in the study irrespective of their age, sex, or otherdemographical characteristics. Results: The present study investigated 900 participants of whom 272/900(30.2%)were patients with hypothyroidism. Of the 900 participants, 730/900 (81%) were females and 170/900 (19%) weremales, giving males’ females’ ration of 1.00: 4.29. of the 272 patients with hypothyroidism, 250/730 (34%) werefemales and 22/170 (13%) were males. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is prevalent in Northern Saudi Arabia.Raising community awareness towards hypothyroidism is essential for better control of the diseases. Healthcareproviders should inspire their patients to adjust the treatment does as prescribed without cessation.

Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding: Assessing the Merit of Some Risk Factors in a Series of Saudi Patients

Background: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is a commonly encountered problem due to several risk factors. This study aimed to assess the burden of post-tonsillectomy bleeding and its possible hematological risk factors in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a retrospective study involved a series of 311 patients who attended with evidencebased indications of tonsillectomy and subsequently underwent surgical removal of the tonsils, with or without adenoidectomy (adeno/tonsillectomy). All of the patients underwent bipolar diathermy surgical techniques. Results: Out of the 311 patients, 67.5% underwent tonsillectomy and 32.5% underwent adenotonsillectomy. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding was experienced in 5.8% patients, 6.9% were males and 4% were females. The males’ risk (relative risk (RR)) of Post-tonsillectomy bleeding and the 95% confidence interval 95% CI): RR (95% CI)=1.7011 (0.6220 to 4.6521), p=0.3007. Conclusion: The prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding is relatively higher in Saudi Arabia than the reported values in most studies. Factors such as post-operative infection, use of bipolar diathermy technique, and pain might be incriminated in the reported cases of postoperative bleeding in the current study.

Insight of Saudi Women towards Breast Self-Examination in Qurayyat, Northern Saudi Arabia

Background: Implementing early detection’s sustainable programs of breast cancer is fundamental for better disease management. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the insight of Saudi women towards Breast self-examination (BSE) in Qurayyat, Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This descriptive study included 620 Saudi volunteers living in the city of Qurayyat, Northern Saudi Arabia. Women who denied to participate in the breast self-examination workshop were included for perception assessment. Results: A previous BSE was experienced by 217/620 (35%). “Previous knowledge about BSE”, (response=536) good knowledge 217 (40%), poor knowledge 208 (39%), know nothing 111 (21%). Conclusion: There is relatively lower knowledge regarding BSE and its related factors in Northern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Northern women have positive attitudes towards health education and training on BSE.

Expression of CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 Tumor Markers in Different Types of Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Thyroid disorders represent a major problem in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the northern part of the country. The objective of the current study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 in a series of Saudi patients with thyroid carcinoma in Northern Saudi Arabia (Hail) region. Methodology: This is a retrospective study, investigated 50 formalin-fixed paraffin wax tissue blocks with a confirmed diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma from Northern Saudi Arabia. Immunohistochemistry demonstration was for CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 markers applying Avidin-Biotin method. Results: Out of the 50 patients, 45(90%) were females and 5(10%) were males, aged 13-70 years old with a mean age of 43 years. CK19 was positively expressed in 74% of the thyroid carcinoma. Positive CD56 expression was demonstrated in 45.7%, 58.3%, and 100% of the papillary, follicular and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, correspondingly. Positive Galectin-3 expression was demonstrated in 71.4%, 58.3%, and 100% of the papillary, follicular and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, correspondingly. Conclusion: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid cancer in Northern Saudi Arabia. Females represent more than 90% of the cases of the thyroid carcinoma in Northern Saudi Arabia. CK19, CD56, and Gal-3 are useful for the assessment of thyroid carcinoma.

IBS Associated Demographical and Economic Factors in Northern Saudi Arabia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the association of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with demographical and economic factors in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Data about IBS was obtained from 946 Saudi volunteers. IBS was ascertained using Rome IV criteria. Each questionnaire was filled by a medical student during an active interview. Results: The prevalence rates of IBS with continuous symptoms and intermittent symptoms were 12% and 34%, respectively. IBS was significantly predominant among females (RR (95% CI)=1.1775(1.0182 to 1.3618), p=0.0276). IBS was significantly among relatively younger adults (21-40 years) (RR (95% CI)=1.6203 (1.3425 to 1.9556), p<0.0001). Conclusion: IBS associated symptoms are prevalent in Northern Saudi Arabia. IBS was significantly associated with females’ gender and younger age.

Etiology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Saudi Arabia

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing each year worldwide due to the increase of its etiological factors. Several conditions have been linked to the evolution of the CKD including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, overweight/obesity, etc. CKD can lead to more harmful conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CKD starts with mild kidney damage as stage 1 and progress without treatment to stage 5 (end-stage CKD), which eventually results in kidney failure. The epidemiology of the CKD depends strongly on socio-economic status and comorbidities. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the common etiological factors in Saudi Arabia in light of the available literature from Saudi Arabia. The review mainly focused on the studies devoted to the CKD from Saudi Arabia published up to March 2019. The studies were identified through searches of the Medline database, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using the keywords: chronic kidney disease with DM, hypertension, obesity, glomerulonephritis, nephritis, renal failure, and Saudi Arabia. Only papers in the English language were included.

Incidence of Metachronous Inguinal Hernia among Children under One Year of Age in Pediatric Surgery

Background: Pediatric inguinal hernia is one of the frequent causes of childhood morbidity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia in pediatric patients aged ≤ 12 months, in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: In the present study, records of a series of 90 pediatric patients (aged ≤ 12 months) were presented with inguinal hernia and have subsequently undergone inguinal hernia repair. Results: About 2/30 (6.6%) with left side hernia were found with subsequent right side metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) occurrence. One out of the two 1/2 (50%) was found at the age of 2 months, the other one 1/2 (50%) was at the age of 6 months. The 3/54 (5.5%) with right inguinal hernia developed a contralateral hernia, of whom 2/3 (66.6%) were found at the age of 12 months, and one 1/3 (33.3%) was at the age of 2 months. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that there is a relatively higher incidence of contralateral inguinal hernia if the initial presentation was on the left side, which necessitates a close follow up for those patients; however, there is not enough evidence to support routine exploration of the contralateral groin surgically.

Knowledge and Perceptions Toward Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Control in Saudi Arabia

Background: CKD is prevalent in most parts of the world. CKD can be prevented and controlled by controlling its underlinecauses. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge and perception toward CKD preventionand control in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study which included 783 apparently healthySaudi volunteers, their ages ranged from 20 to 65 years with the mean age of 37 years. A purposeful questionnaire wasdesigned and used for obtaining data about the CKD. Results: Out of 783 contributors, 232(29.6%) were males and551(70.4%) were females, giving males' females' ratio of 1.00: 2.37. On asking the participants the question of “whethercontinuous doing renal function test for at risk individuals can reduce the burden of CKD,” about 85% agreed, and 15%disagreed. On asking the participants the question of “whether controlling HTN can reduce the burden of CKD,” about30.6% agreed and 69.3% disagreed. On asking the participants the question of “whether controlling DM can reduce theburden of CKD,” about 54.7% agreed and 45.3% disagreed. Conclusion: There was a relatively high positive attitude andknowledge toward CKD prevention and control among the educated Saudi population. Further efforts to promote healthknowledge, particularly among less educated section has been needed in order to increase the chances of CKD preventionand control.

Epidemiology and Patterns of Leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the patterns of leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted in King Khalid hospital, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) including records of leukemia from 2008 to 2016. Results: The overall Crude Incidence Rate (CIR) of leukemia was 7.45 per 100.000 person-year, including patients diagnosed with different patterns of leukemia in Northern Saudi Arabia. The mean age of patients was 45.4 years with a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 107 years old. Around 43 (59%) were males and 30 (41%) were females. Conclusion: The incidence rates of leukemia are relatively higher in Northern Saudi Arabia, with an increase of all subtype.

Cytological changes in oral epithelium due to Sudanese homemade alcoholic beverages

Introduction and Objective : The aim of this study was to assess the cytological changes in oral epithelium that might be induced by Sudanese homemade alcoholic beverages. Material and methods: Oral Exfoliative Cytology (OEFC) was applied to a case control study to assess the presence and severity of oral epithelial atypia (ET) in 300 subjects (150 alcohol abuse individuals (cases); 150 non-alcohol abuse individuals (controls)). All cases were using homemade alcoholic drinks, locally known as, Aragee, Marisa and others. Five patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs) were included as internal controls. Results: ET was detected in 7 subjects and was not observed in the remaining 293. All the 7 subjects with cytological atypia were cases. Cytological atypia were identified among those using Aragee, Marisa, and Aragee & Marisa together, representing 53%, 28.6%, 18%.4, respectively. Cytological atypia was found in all the 5 control cases with OSCCs. For the cytological atypia among alcohol abuse individuals, the adjusted OR and the 95% CI were found to be 5 (4.34-5.84) and P = 0.008. Inflammatory cells infiltrates were identified among 21 (14%) of the cases and only 12 (8%) of the controls and the adjusted OR and the 95% CI were found to be 5 (2.51-11.21) and P = 0.009. Conclusion: In view of these findings, Sudanese homemade alcoholic beverages cause oral epithelial atypical changes, which lead to oral precancerous and cancerous lesions. OEFC is a useful procedure for detection and assessment of oral ET.

Accuracy of oral exfoliative cytology in Sudanese patients undergoing oral biopsy

Introduction: Early detection of a premalignant or malignant oral lesions promises to improve the survival and the morbidity of patients suffering from these conditions. Oral exfoliative cytology (OEC) is a non-invasive method that is well accepted by the patient, and is therefore, suitable for screening at-risk population for early diagnosis of oral cancer. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of OEC in the detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Material and methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, cytological scrapes from buccal mucosa were obtained from 100 individuals, of whom 50 were patients with oral lesions ascertained as "cases" and 50 were clinically healthy volunteers ascertained as "controls". All patients with oral lesions were also subjected to oral biopsy and histological examination. Results: Out of 50 cases studied, histopathology showed the presence of: Oral squamous cell carcinoma OSCC (n = 28), leukoplakia (n = 8), dysplasia (n = 3), and benign normal lesions (n = 11). In cytology, a specificity of 100%, sensitivity of 93% and accuracy of 92% were obtained for OSCC. Leukoplakia gave a specificity of 100%, a sensitivity of 87.5%, and an accuracy of 95%. Conclusion: Despite the small number of cases in this study, OEC is a useful method for detecting oral premalignant and malignant lesions. OEC can detect a number of pathological conditions that require management.