Epidemiology and Outcomes of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1): Multicenter Tertiary Experience.

Purpose: The aim of this manuscript was to assess the epidemiology and clinical features of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) based on the newly published revised NF-1 diagnostic criteria and to evaluate complications of NF-1 including neurodevelopmental disorders. Patients and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) healthcare organization branches including four tertiary hospitals and 51 primary health care centers in different regions in Saudi Arabia. This study included all patients diagnosed with NF1 using the revised NIH diagnostic criteria published in 2021 that were registered at the electronic medical records (EMR) from 2015 to 2021. Results: A total of 184 patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria and were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 11 years (IQR: 4.00-20.25). The most encountered diagnostic criteria in this study were Café-au-lait macules (85.3%), and (42.9%) were found to have two or more neurofibromas with plexiform neurofibroma being the most common subtype (23.36%), approximately (36.4%) of the patient with optic pathway glioma. Nearby (26.6%) of the patients displayed different type of tumors. Iris Lisch nodules were presented in 36.4% of patients at a median age of 12 years (IQR: 9.0-21.8). Cardiovascular abnormality was encountered in 9.8% of the patients. Around 27.7% of the patients reported headache and 11.4% of the patient suffered from different type of epilepsy. Besides, 10.5% of the patients had intellectual disability, 33.8% suffered from communication disorders, and 4.9% patients had ADHD. Conclusion: The results of this study will enable practitioners to adopt a more holistic approach and prioritize numerous attributes, which they can subsequently incorporate into their therapeutic methodologies. Furthermore, the identification of these attributes will facilitate an expeditious and accurate diagnosis. Hence, the implementation of intervention during its nascent phase may result in a more advantageous consequence.

The consumption pattern and perception of using artificial sweeteners among the public in Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Obesity and weight gain have become major problems worldwide. Thus, several forms of alternative intense sweeteners are extensively used, offering a non-caloric sweet taste. To the best of our knowledge, no research has studied either the consumption pattern or the perception of using artificial sweeteners in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Our research aimed to study the usage pattern of such artificial sweeteners in the Tabuk region and estimate the knowledge of and attitudes toward their usage among the population. Methods: A cross-sectional study promoted on multiple social media platforms and face-to-face interviews in different malls and hospitals in the Tabuk region. We grouped the participants into two major groups: the users and the non-users of artificial sweeteners. Each group has been subdivided into a healthy subgroup and those with a medical record subgroup. Participants' characteristics and their choice of sweeteners were analyzed using bivariate analysis. The age, gender, and education level of the participants were adjusted using binary logistic regression in order to adjust for potential confounders. Results: A total of 2,760 participants were included in our study. We found that more than 59% of the participants that were over 45 years old were non-hospitalized non-hospitalized diseased irrespective of their usage of artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, females, graduates, diabetics were significantly high irrespective of their subgroup. Moreover, Steviana® is the most commonly used artificial sweetener. In addition, healthy participants showed a greater perception of the usage and adverse effects of artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, bivariate analysis using logistic regression revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) with confounders such as gender, age, and education level. Conclusion: Educational programs and nutritional advice for the safe consumption and the daily permissible doses of artificial sweeteners are essential and should be directed specifically at females.

Jacquet erosive diaper dermatitis in a child with COVID-19.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several reports around the world indicated that the novel coronavirus could be associated with specific dermatologic manifestations. Among earlier articles, encountered features included erythematous maculopapular exanthems, chilblains-like acral skin lesions, vesicular, and urticarial rashes. We describe the first case of Jacquet erosive diaper dermatitis in a 17-month-old girl with a confirmed COVID-19 infection. This article may serve to expand the knowledge of the diverse clinical features of COVID-19 infection, particularly among the pediatric population.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of patients with mycosis fungoides: A single tertiary center retrospective analysis in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the distinctive clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes of MF in a Saudi population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all MF cases diagnosed clinically with pathological confirmation at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh from January 2016 to July 2022. Variables include demographical, clinical, and pathological MF traits and disease outcomes. RESULTS: A sum of 73 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 44 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1.The mean duration between cutaneous manifestations and MF diagnosis was 33 months (2.7 years). Classic MF was the most common variant (60.3%), followed by hypopigmented MF (20.5%). Most patients (82.2%) had early-stage MF (IA, IB, and IIA). Patients who had CD4+/CD8+ with CD8 predominance had a favorable disease course (p=0.029). Topical corticosteroids were the most frequently prescribed treatment (79.5%). Three patients (4.1%) died from MF. The disease-specific survival rate for advanced-stage MF was 84.6%, which was significantly lower compared to early-stage MF (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Among the Saudi population, MF has an earlier onset and slightly higher prevalence in females. Hypopigmented MF is more prevalent in this ethnic group. Immunohistochemical staining of CD4+/CD8+ with CD8 predominance may elucidate a favorable disease course.

Nondisclosure of Medical Related Information by Persons with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus to Their Healthcare Providers: Do Different Patterns Exist?

Purpose: The doctor-patient relationship is often challenged by complex communication issues and nondisclosure of important related medical information, especially in diabetes management. Very little information is known about diabetic patient nondisclosure to their doctors. The present study evaluated the prevalence of nondisclosure of information by persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to healthcare providers and its associated factors among the Saudi population, as well as the differences between persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted at King Saud University Medical City, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 285 participants were included in the study (155 [54.4%] and 130 [45.6%] type 1 and 2 diabetic patients, respectively). Having an unhealthy diet (25.3%, n = 72), not regularly exercising (23.5%, n = 67), hiding some glucose readings (23.2%, n = 65), and not following instructions for weight loss (22.8%, n = 44) were the most common types of nondisclosed information among diabetic patients. The nondisclosure of information was significantly higher among type 2 patients (29.2%) than type 1 diabetic patients (18.7%) in terms of not participating in regular exercise (p = 0.018). Similarly, the nondisclosure of information was significantly higher among persons with type 1 diabetes compared to persons with type 2 diabetes in terms of hiding some glucose readings (p < 0.001) and not disclosing hyperglycemia (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Nondisclosure of important related medical information among diabetic patients to their healthcare providers is prevalent among the Saudi population. Furthermore, the types and causes of nondisclosed information differ among persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The circadian preference to operate electively among surgeons: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The circadian rhythm is unique to each individual. The time of the day when an individual is most productive is determined by several factors associated with circadian rhythm. Some evidence suggests that late-night surgeries are associated with a better prognosis and a lower rate of complications than those performed at other times of the day. However, the impact of surgeons' preferred operating time on patients remains unclear. Objective: The present study is the first to examine at what time of the day surgeons prefer to operate. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study involved 15 items designed to interrogate surgeons' preferred time of day to operate. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to the consultants of different surgical specialties after explaining the purpose of the study and obtaining their consent to participate. Results: A total of 226 surgeons participated in this study, of which 192 (85%) were men. Most (25.2%) consultants were general surgeons. The weekly workload for most (66.4%) surgeons was 41-60 h. The surgeons indicated their preference to operate in the early (11.9%) or late morning (71.2%), early (15.0%) and late (1.3%) afternoon, and evening (0.4%). The key determinant of their preference was the availability of hospital resources (36.3%). Men and women tended to prefer operating in the early morning and afternoon and late afternoon, respectively. Conclusions: In the present study, most surgeons preferred to operate between 8 am and 12 noon (late morning), and their preference was determined by the availability of hospital resources.

Public Awareness of Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Saudi Arabia.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first reported in 1997. Since then, the number of reported cases has been increasing, and patients' knowledge and perceptions about this condition are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the public knowledge and perceptions toward BIA-ALCL and its association with cosmetic/reconstructive breast implants in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, online survey-based study, women aged 18-60 years in Saudi Arabia were the target population on social media platforms. Questions included data on demographics, experience of implants, and knowledge and concerns regarding BIA-ALCL. RESULTS: A total of 543 women participated in this study, with a mean age of 34 years. Only 1.9% had breast implants due to cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, whereas 9.8% expressed their desire of having implants in the future. More than half (57.3%) of the respondents had never heard of BIA-ALCL in comparison with 21.7% who had an established background. After reading the highlights on BIA-ALCL, 60% of the women with breast implants still wanted to keep their implants and 42.5% of the ones who desired breast implants would still aim to have them. Almost all the sample stated that BIA-ALCL should be included in the written consent. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of Saudi women have not heard of BIA-ALCL, and report that it is an important part of the surgical consultation and informed consent. Our role as plastic surgeons is to raise the awareness of BIA-ALCL through social media and health care settings to maximize the safety of women with breast implants.

Perception of Cosmetic Procedures among Saudis during COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The fast spread of the virus has led to a significant reduction in the numbers of elective procedures especially cosmetic interventions. Although many measures have been carried out to offload the health care system, it is unclear whether these changes had an effect on general population perception toward undergoing cosmetic procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of Saudis toward undergoing a cosmetic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: An online survey consisting of two parts was used, with a series of questions about cosmetic procedures, in general, and cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular. The survey included Saudis (age 18 to 60 years) with access to social media. RESULTS: A total of 563 respondents participated in this survey. The vast majority were women (86.9%) and were between 18 and 24 years old (38.7%). Some 27.4% considered a cosmetic procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, only 11.9% underwent any. In the majority of the participants (86%), the pandemic did not change their minds about having a cosmetic procedure. About 49.7% agreed that fear of contracting the virus would be a factor for not undergoing a cosmetic procedure during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Clear differences in the engagement and perception of cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic exist among Saudis. More studies are needed to explore the effects of pandemics on aesthetic practice and to find ways to perform elective procedures in a safe way.