Association of Ultrasonography With Final Histopathology in Diagnosing Thyroid Malignancy: A Single-Institute Retrospective Study.

Background Thyroid nodules are well-defined regions of aberrant echogenicity within the thyroid parenchyma that are radiologically distinct from the normal thyroid gland. The most common incidental finding in imaging scans that include the neck is a thyroid nodule. Rarely are thyroid nodules cancerous, as the majority are benign. Aim The current study aims to assess the concordance between ultrasound (US) of thyroid nodules and final histopathology results to identify the different types of detected thyroid lesions. Methodology A retrospective study reviewed the medical files of all patients presenting to the Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, with suspected thyroid nodules from April 2018 to January 2020. Data were extracted using pre-structured proforma to avoid inconsistency. Data extracted included patient demographic, swelling laterality, size, and US and histopathological findings. Results In the present study, 47 samples had a mean age of 44.27 (SD = ±13.5) years, 85.1% were of the female gender, the majority (85.1%) had multiple nodules, 38.3% were with Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) TR4 US score, and the median size of the nodule on US was 3 cm with a range of 0.6 to 14 cm. The study showed that 10% of TR1 samples were lymphocytic in histopathology, 66.7% of TR3 samples were benign multinodular goiter in histopathology, and 55.6% of samples of TR4 were malignant in histopathology. Conclusions The current study showed that the malignancy rate of the examined nodules was not uncommon both by US and histopathology, where papillary carcinoma was the most detected malignancy. The study showed a satisfactory agreement rate between TI-RADS classification by US sonography and histopathological reporting, where TR4 and TR5 by the US were mainly categorized as pre-malignant/malignant lesions by histopathology.

Computer vision syndrome: Symptoms, risk factors, and practices.

Background: According to computer vision syndrome (CVS). Due to constant use of computers by the students, it has become one of the growing health risks associated with technology (cell phones and tablets). CVS is a combination of eye and vision disorders associated with activities that affect near vision and is experienced in relation to or during the use of computers. The main aim of the study was to find the risk factors of CVS, its symptoms, and other factors associated with CVS. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data was collected using a purposely constructed E-questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic items and items related to the usage of E-devices and the symptoms of eye problems. After data collection, data was coded and entered in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) ver. 20 software for analyses. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) were computed. To measure the significant differences, Chi-square test was used at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean (SD) age of 400 respondents was 22.5 (11.5) years. We computed the internal consistency, and the overall Cronbach alpha was 0.81. Also, 40% of the respondents were females, while 60% were males. Results showed that 20% of the respondents had multiple symptoms of eye problems, while 9% had no symptoms, 9% had eye pain, 8% had dryness of eye, and 6% had watering of eyes and redness of eye symptoms. The rest of the symptoms was found in less than 5% of the respondents. Conclusion: This worldwide issue requires immediate attention. Long-term computer use has been linked to significant visual impairments, particularly in people who use computers and similar gadgets for extended periods of time.

Association of Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules With Final Histopathology in Diagnosing Thyroid Malignancy: A Single Institute Retrospective Study.

Background Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the gold standard for detecting thyroid nodules. It is a cost-efficient approach that affords prompt and accurate evaluation. It is crucial in deciding to treat patients with suspected malignancy of thyroid nodules that might have thyroid surgery. According to findings in cytology, patients may be observed when the cytology is benign, and surgery can be performed if the cytology is malignant, which leads to a reduction in the incidence of unneeded surgery. Aim The current study aims to assess the concordance between FNAC of thyroid nodules with final histopathology and identify the different types of detected thyroid lesions. Methodology A retrospective record-based study reviewed the medical files of all patients presenting to the Armed Forces Hospital, Southern region, with suspected thyroid nodules from April 2018 to January 2020. Data were extracted using pre-structured data extraction sheet to avoid inconsistency. Data extracted included patients' demographic data, swelling laterality, size, ultrasound, and histopathological findings.  Results The baseline characteristics of studied samples in the present study: Forty-seven samples had a mean age of 44.27 (SD=±13.5) years, and 85.1% were female gender. The study showed that 12.5% of benign samples were lymphocytic in histopathology, 25% suspicious for follicular neoplasm samples were benign multi-nodular goiter in histopathology, and all 100% of samples suspicious for malignancy were malignant in final histopathology. Conclusions The current study showed that the malignancy rate of the examined nodules was not uncommon in FNAC and histopathology. Where papillary carcinoma was the most detected malignancy, the diagnosis of malignancy using FNAC is a cost-efficient approach that affords prompt and accurate evaluation. Once diagnosed, these cases should be subjected to surgery.

Are Saudis Equipped to Provide Adequate First Aid to Someone Having a Seizure?

Background and aim Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with a huge impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the individuals affected. Unwanted behavioral practices regarding epilepsy emergencies result in poor management, costly clinical interventions, and frequent unnecessary visits to the emergency departments. We aimed at conducting a large-scale investigation of behavioral practices, beliefs, and perceptions regarding epilepsy first aid measures among the Saudi public. Methods This is a descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of the general public residing in the Southwestern region of Aseer in Saudi Arabia. Results The study included 1230 participants. There were about 70.4% shows good knowledge about epilepsy and 74.2% with good knowledge about epilepsy first-aid. About 87.1% reported that they know what epilepsy really is, and nearly 38.1% know somebody diagnosed with epilepsy. Only 25.4 sought doctors for epilepsy-related knowledge. About 16.7% thought spirit possession to be the aetiology for epilepsy and about 14.1% believed that evil eye was the cause. In terms of the adjusted impact for background factors on epilepsy knowledge, high education, attending seminars, or getting information from doctors was associated with a better knowledge score. However, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge. Conclusion We uncovered in our present investigation the upward trend for behavioral practices regarding epilepsy during the last few years among the Saudi public. We noted that behavioral practices and knowledge levels about epilepsy were far better among highly educated graduates. One concerning finding is the huge reliance on media for information about epilepsy. The media may not be the ideal channel for the dissemination of health-wise information about epilepsy. Our study results showed that there was a very low level of first-hand experience of knowing some acquaintances living with epilepsy, likely because of stigma. Spirit possession and evil-eye beliefs are embedded in the Saudi culture. It was notable that 25% and 19% of minorities reported getting information about epilepsy from doctors and seminars, respectively. These were the two groups with the highest adjustable knowledge score though. Knowledge about first aid for epilepsy was satisfactory in several aspects. Sadly, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge than other categories of employment. Public healthcare facilities should be more proactive. Health education should be provided to the general public using simple and understandable language to help improve knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy and all related chronic illnesses.

The Association Between Physical Activity Level and Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single Centre Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and aim Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease that results in degeneration of the joint cartilage. Many studies demonstrate the risk factors and complications of knee osteoarthritis, but how physical activity impacts the osteoarthritis severity needs to be studied. The study aimed to assess the impact and association of physical activity level with the severity of knee osteoarthritis among patients attending a single center in the Aseer region, southwest Saudi Arabia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all patients clinically diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the Aseer region from June 2021 to September 2021. Data was collected using a pre-structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire included patients' socio-demographic data and clinical data on knee osteoarthritis. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The severity of knee osteoarthritis was assessed using the index of severity for osteoarthritis of the knee. Results Out of 473 patients clinically diagnosed with knee OA, only 145 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients' ages ranged from 35 years to 71 years, with a mean age of 44.3 (±12.9) years. A total of 122 (84.1%) patients were females. Sixty-five (44.8%) patients complained of knee OA for less than two years, 46 (31.7%) for two to five years, and 34 (23.4%) were diagnosed for more than five years. A total of 96 (66.2%) had a low level of physical activity, 32 (22.1%) had a moderate level of physical activity, while 17 (11.7%) had a high level of physical activity. Thirty-eight (26.2%) cases complained of extremely severe knee OA, 37 (25.5%) had very severe knee OA, 28 (19.3%) complained of severe knee OA, 36 (24.9%) had mild to moderate knee OA, while six (4.1%) had minimal knee OA. There was a significant beneficial effect of physical activity on the severity of knee OA. Conclusion The study revealed that physical activity, especially at high levels, was associated with lower knee OA severity which means a beneficial effect. Most of the patients included in the study had severe to extremely severe knee OA with low physical activity levels.

Patterns of Urinary Incontinence Among Women in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Urinary incontinence among women is a widespread clinical condition that is frequently associated with marked physical, social, and psychological adverse impact that significantly worsens their quality of life. This study is conducted to identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence and associated risk factors among Saudi women in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods Following a cross-sectional design, 1,964 healthy non-pregnant females aged above 13 years attending primary healthcare centers in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia were included. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used, which included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, questions related to voiding habits, and the validated Arabic version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Results Almost half of the participants (47.5%) had urinary incontinence, of which 26.8% was slight, 16.3% was moderate, and 4.3% was severe. About 15.2% used to leak urine once a week or less, 3.6% used to leak two to three times a week, and 5.6% leaked daily. The leaked amount of urine was small in 26% of participants, while it was moderate and large in 8% and 1.4% of participants, respectively. Leaking urine moderately affected the daily life of 21.9% of participants, while it severely affected 14.7% of participants. Their grades of urinary incontinence differed significantly according to their age group, with the highest prevalence of severe incontinence among those aged 50 years or more (p < 0.001). Grades of urinary incontinence also differed significantly according to participants' marital status, with those married or widowed having the highest prevalence of severe incontinence (8.5% and 19%, respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, its grades differed significantly according to participants' number of pregnancies, with severe incontinence being highest among those with twice gravidity or three times or more (8.3% and 7.9%, respectively; p = 0.004). Grades of urinary incontinence also differed significantly according to the presence of associated diabetes mellitus and renal/urinary tract diseases (p = 0.001 for both). Conclusions Urinary incontinence is common among Saudi females. Older age, multiparty, and menopause are significant risk factors for urinary incontinence.

Assessment of Dry Eye Syndrome Among Contact Lens Users in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Patients with contact lens-associated dry eye (CLADE) disease had different symptoms, such as dryness, foreign body sensation, eye strain, and blurred vision. In addition, CLADE is characterized by end-of-day pain. The degradation of the ocular surface as a result of extended dryness or employment with a visual display terminal (VDT) causes these symptoms. Because these symptoms worsen as the day progresses, practitioners should evaluate contact lens wearers at the end of the day to identify symptomatic patients. Aim To assess dry eye syndrome among contact lens users in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, targeting all accessible contact lens users in the Asir region, South of Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 individuals received the study survey. Data were collected from participants using an online pre-structured questionnaire. The authors initiated the study tool with the help of a comprehensive review of similar articles in the literature and consulting specialized experts, including an ophthalmologist and Arabic translator, to ensure the accuracy of the questionnaire's translation process. The questionnaire covered the following data: participants' socio-demographic data, contact lens use and frequency of use, dry eyes symptoms (DESs) questions, Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results Out of 405 respondents, only 201 contact lens users in the Asir region were included in the study, with a participation rate of 80.4%. Respondents' ages ranged from 18 to 50 years with a mean age of 24.3 ± 12.8 years old. A total of 122 (60.7%) contact lens users had eye disease, including myopia among 94 (77%), hyperopia among 8 (6.6%), and 20 (16.4%) had other eye diseases. A total of 91% of the study participants felt dry eyes two weeks before study time, 88.1% experienced burning sensation, and 82.6% complained of red-eye. A total of 131 (65.2%) contact lens users had non-dry eyes, 41 (20.4%) had mild dry eyes, 20 (10%) had moderate dry eyes, and 9 (4.5%) had severe dry eyes. A total of 48.8% of those who used lenses daily had dry eyes compared to 25% of those who used lenses annually (P = 0.049). Conclusions In conclusion, the current study showed that nearly one out of three contact lens users in the Asir region experienced contact lens-related dry eye syndrome mainly with a moderate degree. A higher dry eye syndrome rate is estimated among those who reported a higher frequency of contact lens use and others with a history of eye diseases.

The Assessment of the Prevalence and Disability Severity of Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that causes chronic demyelination over time and may lead to physical disability. MS-related pain may be musculoskeletal, paroxysmal, or persistently neurogenic in nature. The most common type of pain is musculoskeletal discomfort, which is typically brought on by muscle weakening, stiffness, and generalized imbalance as the condition progresses. Pain often manifests after prolonged immobilization of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Aim We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among MS patients in Saudi Arabia. Methodology A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with confirmed MS in Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in the study during the duration from April 2022 to May 2022. Data were collected using an electronic collection tool. The study tool was checked to ensure the content validity and clarity of the Arabic and English versions. Results A total of 360 MS patients were included. Patients' ages ranged from 18 to 65 years with a mean age of 34.9±13.2 years old. Exactly 229 (63.6%) patients were females. A total of 104 (28.9%) patients complained of relapsing-remitting MS, 34 (9.4%) complained of primary progressive MS, and 16 (4.4%) complained of secondary progressive MS. A total of 138 (38.3%) patients had the disease for less than five years, and 14 (3.9%) had the disease for more than 21 years. Exactly 124 (34.4%) MS patients complained of high disability due to MSP, while 236 (65.6%) had low disability. Conclusions This study demonstrates that one out of each three patients with MS complained of pain with high disability associated with pain. Old age, comorbidities, long disease duration, and a family history of MS were significant determinants of associated disability severity.