ABSTRACT
Cutaneous Legionella infection is rare and primarily seen in immunosuppressed patients. Herein, we present a case of cutaneous and pulmonary legionellosis presenting with fever and erythematous subcutaneous nodules in a neonate with severe combined immunodeficiency. This case underscores the importance of considering this diagnosis and highlights the use of modern testing modalities to promptly diagnose and treat infections in immunocompromised patients.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used to manage many inflammatory skin conditions. Nevertheless, retinopathy continues to be its most significant adverse effect. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends baseline ophthalmologic screening in the first year of HCQ treatment. However, a recent study found an inadequate awareness of the recommendations. Furthermore, limited data are available regarding the implementation of the recommendations among dermatologists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess dermatologists' adherence to recommendations pertaining to their current practice regarding HCQ toxicity detection. METHODS: A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed between February 2 and May 4, 2018, among members of the Saudi Society of Dermatology. The questionnaire comprised demographic-related questions and questions pertaining to each physician's routine practice about the follow-up of HCQ-treated patients. RESULTS: A total of 76 dermatologists completed the questionnaire. We achieved a response rate of 62.54%. More than half (43/76, 56%) of the dermatologists were male. Furthermore, more than half (41/76, 53%) of them reported treating 1 to 3 patients with HCQ during the last year. Furthermore, two-thirds (47/76, 61%) of them reported screening patients before initiating HCQ treatment. Regarding follow-up recommendations, 59% (45/76) of dermatologists reported yearly after starting treatment for no-risk patients, whereas 94% (72/76) reported "yearly within 5 years of treatment" for at-risk patients. Data were considered significant at P<.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS, version 20 (IBM). CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia are not well informed about some aspects of the latest recommendations regarding screening for HCQ toxicity in terms of tests, follow-up timing, cessation of the drug, and causative agents. Therefore, we recommend conducting more studies in Saudi Arabia to determine the adherence of more physicians to the AAO recommendations. Furthermore, patient education regarding HCQ toxicity and increased patient awareness are recommended for effective and safe HCQ use.
ABSTRACT
Bone marrow transplantation is the definitive treatment of severe aplastic anemia; however, with the absence of this option, combined immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A is used as a first-line therapy. This case report highlights the possible delay in response to ATG protocol in treating aplastic anemia.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess Quality of Life, job satisfaction and their related factors among nurses working in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 268 nurses, 2014/2015. A validated, confidential data collection sheet was utilized. It contained the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Job Descriptive Index/Job in General (JDI/JIG) scales. RESULTS: The majority of nurses (83.5%) perceived their general QOL as very good and good. Age, marital status, having children, nationality, income, education, residence, working experience, department and shift time were associated with QOL domains (p < 0.05). Similarly, working experience, income, shifts, working in inpatient and surgical departments were associated with job satisfaction. Positive correlations were found between job satisfaction and different QOL domains, and between different JDI/JIG subscales together. CONCLUSION: Improvement of the modifiable factors as nurses' income and shift time is needed for better QOL and job satisfaction.
