ABSTRACT
Introduction Gout, a chronic inflammatory joint disease, is increasingly prevalent worldwide, mainly affecting men, young females, and post-menopausal women. This study aims to investigate gout epidemiology in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, addressing the dearth of localized data on prevalence, risk factors, and management practices. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, covering 116 patients from March 2016 to November 2017. Data encompassed demographics, clinical presentations, and biochemical markers relevant to gout. Results Among 116 patients, 41 (35.3%) were diagnosed with gout, with males exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence than females (43.9% vs. 24%). Significant associations were found between gout prevalence and residency, occupational status, education level, clinical presentations (podagra, arthralgia/arthritis), and biochemical markers. Conclusion This study enriches global knowledge by providing localized insights into gout's epidemiology and highlighting demographic influences and clinical presentations specific to the Saudi context. The findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches in gout management, considering regional variations in prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations.
ABSTRACT
Key Clinical Message: F-MF is a rare non-classic variant of MF. In the case of hair loss, this should be a diagnostic consideration. The essence of the diagnosis of F-MF is a careful medical history, physical examination, and a combination of immunohistological and molecular analyses (Cureus. 2022; 14:e21231, Ann Saudi Med. 2012; 32:283, Oman Med J. 2012; 27:134, Int J Dermatol. 2016; 55:1396, Saudi Med J. 2018; 39:994 and Case Rep Oncol. 2018; 11:436). Abstract: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with multiple subtypes. Follicular MF (F-MF) is a non-classic variant of MF. Histological features entail folliculotropism and damage of the epithelium lining of the hair follicles with or without mucin deposition. A 52-year-old male patient complained of recurrent skin lesions on the scalp over 8 months. The lesions appeared suddenly, enlarged over time, and became itchy. A skin punch biopsy was performed. Histological features included mucin deposits in the epithelium of the hair follicles and dense, predominantly perifollicular atypical lymphocytes infiltrating the follicular epithelium. The lymphoid cells were composed of CD3-positive T cells (CD4/CD8-positive T cells) with a shift in favor of the former. The case was diagnosed as F-MF on an immunohistological basis. The diagnosis of F-MF is often difficult for dermatologists and dermatopathologists alike. Not only clinicopathological correlations but also immunohistochemical and molecular analysis are required.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Asthma is a prevalent and persistent condition affecting the respiratory system, defined by the presence of fluctuating and reversible symptoms associated with the restriction of airflow, heightened sensitivity of the bronchial tubes, and inflammation within the airways. Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of this chronic illness, making it one of the most often seen conditions in the country. A popular therapeutic approach within the realm of complementary and alternative medicine for individuals with asthma is the use of herbal medications. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these medicines in treating asthma is often supported by inadequate data. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and perception of parents toward the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of asthma in their children in the Najran Region. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the participants received an electronic self-administered survey via social media channels. The survey instrument comprises a set of questions that have been gathered from prior studies that have comparable research aims. The questionnaire sheet will contain three parts. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The sample and outcome variables were summarized using the descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Data were analyzed by type of provider as appropriate, and the Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the observed data; the paired sample t-test was used to test the difference between the means of the pretest and post-test. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the respondents personally suffer from asthma, while 85.0% do not. Additionally, 25.7% of the respondents indicated that one of their children suffers from asthma, while 74.3% stated that their children do not suffer from asthma. The data also show that the statement "Asthma symptoms are dry cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing" received a 51.4% "Strongly Agree" response, 37.9% "Agree," 9.3% "Neutral," 0.9% "Disagree," and 0.5% "Strongly Disagree." The majority of respondents (51.4%) reported obtaining information about asthma from doctors. A notable portion of respondents (35.5%) reported using herbs or folk medicines to treat asthma in their children. A substantial portion of respondents (44.9%) reported not using medicinal herbs at all. Despite this, 41.6% of respondents expressed belief in the idea of taking herbs as a treatment. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude, and perception of parents toward the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of asthma in their children are multifaceted and influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and policies that align with the beliefs and practices of the community.
