Clinically Amyopathic Dermatomyositis With Rapid Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosed in a Patient on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) is characterized by skin manifestations with minimal to no muscle involvement. It is a unique subset of dermatomyositis, which may create a diagnostic challenge due to its vague presentation. Establishing the diagnosis is crucial as CADM is highly associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), and patients who suffer from thereof have an abysmal prognosis. Herein, we described a case of a 46-year-old male who presented with a history of skin rash and then started to experience shortness of breath. His respiratory symptoms were progressing swiftly and affected his daily life activities. The initial blood tests were normal, but his chest imaging revealed fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. The patient required intubation due to a critical respiratory condition, and later, he needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). While the patient was connected to an ECMO machine, a bedside open lung biopsy (BOLB) was performed, and the results were in keeping with RP-ILD and CADM. The patient was started on cyclophosphamide without a response, and his chest computed tomography showed acute respiratory distress syndrome. His hospital course was complicated with pneumonia, severe kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis, and candidemia, which resulted in the patient's death.

Knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Saudi Arabia population: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic affecting millions worldwide. Since February 2020, new cases are reported in Saudi Arabia, and regulations have been imposed to control the spread of the disease and raise awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Kingdom's residents toward coronavirus disease 19 during the early stages of the pandemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 2071 participants who were recruited from various cities in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was shared through social media, which contained questions about demographic data, general knowledge of coronavirus disease 19, and participants' attitudes. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 34 ± 12.4 years. Most of the participants agreed that coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic and is more serious than seasonal influenza. More than 90% believed that handwashing and social distancing are effective in preventing disease transmission. No significant results were observed when comparing the knowledge of high-risk participants and the normal population. More than half of the cohort were strictly compliant with curfew regulations, handwashing, and face mask. Around 80% of the population is following coronavirus disease 19 news and information through official authorities' press releases. CONCLUSION: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia residents showed decent knowledge of coronavirus disease 19. Nevertheless, some information needs emphasizing and proper education. Frequent communication between healthcare authorities and the public is highly recommended.

Leclercia adecarboxylata Bacteremia without a Focus in a Non-Immunosuppressed Patient.

BACKGROUND Leclercia adecarboxylata is a gram-negative rod, which is normally found in water and food. It is an emerging pathogen that affects immunocompromised patients, including patients with hematological malignancies or those receiving chemotherapy. Generally, L. adecarboxylata is considered a low-virulence pathogen with an excellent susceptibility profile, but some strains may be resistant to multiple antibiotics, such as b-lactams. Moreover, L. adecarboxylata is usually isolated as a part of polymicrobial cultures in immunocompetent individuals, but there have been cases where it was the only isolate. CASE REPORT A 74-year-old woman who was non-immunosuppressed and had multiple comorbidities was admitted with acute decompensated heart failure due to pneumonia. She was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics including amoxicillin-clavulanate and ciprofloxacin for pneumonia, but her infection worsened, and she had cardiopulmonary arrest. After resuscitation, she was stable for several days but suddenly became confused and hypotensive. The septic screen showed L. adecarboxylata bacteremia without a clear source, which was treated successfully with meropenem for 14 days. After the meropenem course, the patient developed diarrhea and was found to have severe Clostridium difficile infection. She did not respond to oral vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole and died. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrated an infection in a non-immunosuppressed individual by an organism that is considered an opportunistic pathogen, mainly affecting immunocompromised patients. The patient's blood culture grew L. adecarboxylata, which was sensitive to all antibiotics but resolved with meropenem treatment. Owing to increasing L. adecarboxylata infections, we recommend further studies to understand the organism's pathogenesis, risk factors, and resistance pattern.

COVID-19-Related Knowledge and Practices Among Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers are at the front line against COVID-19. The risk of transmission decreases with adequate knowledge of infection prevention methods. However, health care workers reportedly lack a proper attitude and knowledge of different viral outbreaks. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care workers in Saudi Arabia toward COVID-19. Assessment of these parameters may help researchers focus on areas that require improvement. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 563 participants recruited from multiple cities in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was shared via social media applications, which contained questions to health care workers about general information regarding COVID-19 and standard practices. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 30.7 (SD 8) years. Approximately 8.3% (47/563) of the health care workers were isolated as suspected cases of COVID-19, and 0.9% (n=5) were found positive. The majority agreed that social distancing, face masks, and hand washing are effective methods for preventing disease transmission. However, only 63.7% (n=359) knew the correct duration of hand washing. Almost 70% (n=394) strictly adhered to hand hygiene practices, but less than half complied with the practice of wearing a face mask. Significant differences in health care workers' attitudes were observed on the basis of their city of residence, their adherence to COVID-19 practices, and their compliance with the use of a face mask. Among the health care workers, 27.2% (n=153) declared that they will isolate themselves at home and take influenza medication if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of health care workers in Saudi Arabia presented acceptable levels of general knowledge on COVID-19, but they lack awareness in some crucial details that may prevent disease spread. Intense courses and competency assessments are highly recommended. Prevention of disease progression is the only option for the time being.

Ibuprofen-induced Anaphylactic Shock in Adult Saudi Patient.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most prescribed medications globally. They act through inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes. In contrast to other NSAIDs, anaphylaxis due to ibuprofen is quite rare, especially in adults. The management of anaphylaxis depends on early recognition of the symptoms, administering epinephrine, and avoidance of the causing allergen. Here, we report a case of a 23-year-old female who presented with anaphylactic shock after ingesting ibuprofen.

Safety & Efficacy of Cyclic Zoledronic Acid Therapy on Pediatric Secondary Osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased tendency to develop fractures. Osteoporosis in children and adolescents is a rare disease usually secondary to Medical conditions or medications given to children. The condition affects normal bone growth and development and carries with it multiple morbidities (physical and psychological) if not corrected promptly. This study aims to share our experience with Zoledronic Acid Therapy in Pediatric patients with secondary osteoporosis. METHOD: A retrospective study which included 46 patients aged 3 to 18 years. All patients received specific doses of Zoledronic acid and were followed up at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical and laboratory data were collected for each patient from their files. Adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: The use of Zoledronic Acid in children and adolescents appears to be statically significant reduce fracture rate (p=0.005), bone turnover markers (Osteocalcin p= 0.003, CTX p= 0.008) and pain frequency in symptomatic individuals (p=0.000). Careful selection of cases is required to provide maximum benefits compared to risks associated with therapy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Zoledronic acid has positive effects on clinical outcome and bone marker level as well as quality of life for Pediatric patients with Osteoporosis and their families, with no long-term side effects.