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BACKGROUND: Myopia, a common refractive error, is a growing global health burden influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Despite its high prevalence, studies on its prevalence and risk factors among university students are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of myopia and its associated factors among college students in Saudi Arabia's Madinah region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from February to June 2023, utilizing a survey that was distributed to college students through a social media application. RESULTS: A total of 433 university students from Al-Madinah province were enrolled in this study; 66.3% were females and 33.7% were males. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 33 years with a mean of 21.3 ± 2.0 years. The prevalence of myopia among college students in Al-Madinah and its provinces was 57.3%, and 87.9% of them had myopia in both eyes. Respondents with an electronic screen time of more than three hours and a reading distance of less than 15cm were at significant risk of myopia with p-values of 0.037 and 0.019, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant prevalence of myopia has been observed among university students in Madinah. Studying in scientific and medical fields, having eye diseases, prolonged use of digital devices, limiting daily outdoor activities to one hour, and having a reading distance of less than 15 cm significantly increased the risk of myopia. Encouraging education and screening programs for myopia prevention and control is crucial.
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Background and objective ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) refers to a group of neuromuscular lesions that can develop in the ICU. It leads to decreased physical function, increased in-ICU and in-hospital mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Given its high prevalence and significant impact on patient outcomes, it is essential to have a deeper understanding of ICU-AW. In light of this, this study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, associations, and severity of ICU-AW at a tertiary hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and to evaluate physician awareness of this condition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU of Al Madina General Hospital, Medina, KSA, from April 22 to August 22, 2022, involving patients who were 18 years or older and met the inclusion criteria (n=101). The overall muscle strength was assessed daily by using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strength. ICU-AW was identified in patients who experienced a decline in their MRC-Sum Score (MRC-SS) during their ICU stay. Results A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of ICU-AW was 16.8% (n=17), with 23.5% exhibiting significant weakness and 76.5% having severe weakness. Post hoc comparisons showed that females had a higher incidence of ICU-AW. Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant relationship between ICU-AW and the longer duration of ICU stay (p=0.001), use of mechanical ventilation (p=0.034), and low hemoglobin levels (p=0.037). Conclusions ICU-AW was observed in 16.8% (n=17) of patients in our cohort, highlighting the significance of this condition. The study revealed a noteworthy correlation between ICU-AW and female sex, extended ICU stays, mechanical ventilation, and anemia.
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Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal membranes characterized by multiple allergic symptoms. It is a widespread health problem that affects patients' ability to engage in social and physical activity, which lowers their quality of life. The pathophysiology of AR is complex and requires sensitization and the development of a specific immune response to the allergen. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a therapeutic method that induces specific immune tolerance to allergens. The objectives of this review are to demonstrate the mechanism of action of immunotherapy, explain how it alleviates clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, list the indications and contraindications of immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and identify different modalities of allergen immunotherapy, their disease-modifying effects, as well as their potential risks and benefits. The review of the literature highlights that T-cell and B-cell responses to inhaled allergens are altered by AIT, which decreases both early and late reactions to allergen exposure. To induce clinical and immunologic tolerance, especially in the pediatric age, escalating dosages of the causing allergen are administered subcutaneously or sublingually. AIT is indicated for severe persistent AR when avoidance measures and medications are inadequate to control the symptoms. To conclude, AIT is a disease-modifying therapy that is safe and effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is indicated when the symptoms are uncontrolled or when there are undesirable effects from pharmacotherapy.
