RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinitis is when the nasal passages become inflamed and irritated, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip that last for at least 12 weeks. While various medical treatments are available for chronic rhinitis, studies have shown that patients often do not comply with the treatment or report that it is ineffective. Cryotherapy for the nasal mucosa is a surgical option that has shown promise for these patients, with acceptable side effects. AIM: Our goal is to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy as a treatment for chronic rhinitis. METHODS: We searched four electronic databases for relevant studies. Data were extracted from the included studies after screening procedures. Using the random effect model, we calculated the pooled mean difference (MD) for our continuous outcomes and pooled proportions for categorical outcomes. The I2 test was used to detect heterogenicity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 2, while observational studies and single-arm studies were assessed using the National Institutes of Health's tools. RESULTS: Our study comprised 21 studies; eighteen were eligible for analysis, with 1663 patients with chronic rhinitis. All of our assessed outcomes showed improvement with cryotherapy from their baseline status. Our pooled MDs for Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS), Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were as follows: ( - 3.58, 95% CI [ - 3.80, - 3.37], p < 0.001), ( - 1.48, 95% CI [ - 1.68, - 1.27], p < 0.001), and ( - 26.65, 95% CI [ - 33.98, - 19.31], p < 0.001), respectively. Regarding nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, cryotherapy showed effectiveness in 61% and 52% of patients in the complete relief subgroup and 26% and 34% in the < 50%-relief subgroup, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed significant improvement in our measured outcomes as rTNSS, RQLQ, and NOSE scores compared to the baseline state, demonstrating the cryotherapy's efficacy. This improvement was consistent in all subsequent follow-up periods. However, we need more high-quality RCTs for stronger evidence to be generalized.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases. There are no recently published data on the prevalence of epilepsy in school children in Northern Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and to show some of its risk factors in school children and adolescents (6-18 years) in Turaif city, Northern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turaif city, over a 6-month period, from July 2016 to January 2017. It included pupils aged 6 to18 years in all primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Turaif city. Multi-stage sampling was employed. A designated structured questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient's history, clinical examination, investigations and medications. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Chi-Squared test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 1,230 children, 66 (5.5%) had epilepsy; 68.2% of them were males and 31.8% females (p=0.000). Consanguinity between parents plays a significant role where 59.1% of cases had parents who were cousins (p=0.000). Family history also had a significant effect as 68.2% of cases had epilepsy cases in their families (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy prevalence among school children (6-18 years) in Turaif city is higher in males than females. Consanguinity and positive family history are important factors. Decision makers must take effective steps to limit the causes and risk factors of the problem.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall hernias are a very common surgical condition affecting all ages and both sexes. The main risk factors of hernias include pregnancy, weight lifting, constipation, and weight gain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of abdominal hernias, their causes, treatment and complications among both sexes of the Arar population (Saudi Arabia). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,567 adults living in Arar city in 2017. Data was collected by personal interview via questionnaire translated into Arabic, and general and local examination. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using descriptive statistics and Chi Square test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of abdominal hernias was 11.7%, hernias were more prevalent in females than in males (63.4% vs. 36.6%), the most common cases were para-umbilical 33.9%, inguinal 27.3%, and umbilical in 20.8% of the cases, 51.9% were obese, 53.6% had previous abdominal surgery, 19.1% had previous abdominal trauma, 28.4% had positive family history of hernia and 39.9% were grand multipara. Hernias were significantly affected by sex, obesity, previous abdominal surgery, previous abdominal trauma, positive family history of hernias and being grand multipara (p<0.05). Treatment of hernias was surgical in 47.5% and conservative in 47.0%, complications occurred in 20.2% and 25.1% were recurrent after treatment. CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall hernias are a common clinical presentation in Arar, KSA. Abdominal hernias are more common in women than men, there is an obvious relationship between obesity and hernias. Early diagnosis, easily accessible health facilities and health education are important to prevent complications. New modality of treatment should be adopted as the standard choice of care to prevent recurrence.
