RESUMO
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is a heterogeneous condition that contains steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], in the nonexistence of significant alcohol consumption, reaching 30% of the populace. The most common risk features are: age, ethnicity, gender, obesity, drugs, diabetes mellitus [DM], insulin resistance [IR], predisposition, metabolic syndrome [MS], and polycystic ovary syndrome
Materials and Methods: Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were evaluated, with medical and epidemiological data collected after informed consent at King Abdulaziz Hospital
Results: Of the 124 patients evaluated, 75.8% were women, and 88 were aged between 49 and 70 years and had no symptoms. Ultrasonography results showed steatosis in 84%. NASH was diagnosed in 75 patients of the sample. 42 patients underwent liver biopsy, of which 36% had cirrhosis, 1 had liver cancer, and 1 pure steatosis [5% each]. Risk factors were found in 70% of patients with metabolic syndrome, 87% with increased waist circumference, 63% with dyslipidemia, 61% [n=76] with high blood pressure [HBP], 28% with DM, 52% physically inactive, and 44% with insulin resistance [IR] [HOMA> 3.5]. There was an association between IR and NASH [p=0.011], IR and obesity [p=0.031], IR and MS [p=0.007], and MS and steatosis on medical ultrasound [USG] [p=0.012]
Conclusion: The results indicated that the most frequent risk factors were MS and its variables: increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia and HBP. This highlights the significance of metabolic control in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and confirms its role as the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome
RESUMO
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. It can affect many organs such as skin, joints, brain, kidneys and other organs
Objectives: to evaluate the knowledge toward Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] among citizens in Al-Dammam city
Methods: a questionnaire-based quantitative cross-sectional study which focuses on determining the knowledge of Systemic lupus erythematosus in Al-Dammam city
Results: 240 participants filled the surveys, 130 participants [54%] have no idea about SLE. The majority of respondents had no clear idea regarding treatment and complications of the disease. 32% respondents had idea that SLE is more prevalent among females. In fact, this disorder is reported more prevalent in women
Conclusion: this study indicated that the public have low awareness with some misconception regarding the SLE. The awareness campaigns are needed to increase the awareness about SLE which will be helpful to educate the public about its symptoms and methods of treatments