A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Self-Prescribed Aspirin Use for Prevention of Adverse Ischemic Vascular Events Among Moderate-Risk Individuals: A Single Center Study.

Introduction Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence against the use of aspirin for primary prophylaxis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the arguably unwarranted use of aspirin has increased over the years, which may or may not be based on any specific medical advice, and merely self-prescribed. Aim This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unwarranted aspirin use among moderate-risk individuals for the primary prevention of adverse vascular events in Saudi Arabia. Patient and method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients who presented to the emergency room (ER) due to suspected cardiac diseases. The data were collected from the patients who visited ER in King Fahad Hospital, Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked about their socio-demographic characteristics, aspirin use habits, and their comorbidities. Results Of the 100 patients, 35% were aged more than 60 years old. The overall use of aspirin was 78%. The prevalence of aspirin use was significantly more common among the older age group (53.8%), those with associated chronic diseases, such as diabetes (59%) and hypertension (75.6%) and those with a previous history of hospitalization due to stroke or a cardiac event (66.7%). Conclusion The use of aspirin among patients who are at moderate risk of cardiovascular events was widely prevalent, but their unwarranted use was low. Older patients with chronic diseases who believed in its great benefit and tended to ignore its complications are the most common users of aspirin. More research is recommended to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with unwarranted use of aspirin in patients with CVD in our region.

Use of Potassium Hydroxide in Dermatology Daily Practice: A Local Study From Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an inorganic keratolytic test. It is considered one of the most worldwide methods used in the dermatological field with reasonable reliability and sensitivity. One of its major uses is in identifying fungal elements in the skin, hair, nails, and different body secretions. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of KOH usage in different hospitals in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we aimed to identify the dermatological conditions in which KOH is being used and practiced by physicians. Methods This was an anonymous questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that was distributed and carried out among dermatologists in Al-Ahsa city in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 30 dermatologists completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 29 to 59 years old with a mean age of 39.5 ± 11.4 years old. 14 (46.7%) dermatologists reported that the KOH test is available in their clinic. Using KOH once a day was reported among 14.3% while 21.4% used it once a week. The most reported condition for KOH use was hair dermatophytes (100%). Conclusion There is a clear lack of usage and availability of KOH in clinics. The shortage of availability of diagnostic tools, including KOH might affect the diagnosis of several diseases and may cause a waste of resources, wrong prescriptions, and patient's burden.