Prevalence of abnormal pap smears in the western region of Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2022.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of abnormal Pap smears and their quality metrics in a tertiary health-care facility in the western region of Saudi Arabia and to share our data with other researchers in Saudi Arabia to potentially establish benchmark data based on a Saudi population. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out by the Department of Pathology at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Pap smear statistics for 14,376 Pap smears of both conventional and liquid-based cytology (LBC) between 2010 and 2022. Results: The prevalence of abnormal Pap smears of both conventional and LBC was 3.05% (438 Pap smears). The percentages of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were 0.08% and 0.02%, respectively, and the ratio of atypical squamous cells (ASCs) to squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) (ASC/SIL) was 2.61. Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal Pap smears and the ASC/SIL ratio were consistent with the international benchmark data provided by the College of American Pathologists for each preparation type and within the range of the data provided by published studies, highlighting the need for greater focus on glandular abnormalities.

New-Onset Lichen Planus Induced by the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine distribution continues to expand; however, increased cutaneous reactions have been reported. Several recent studies suggest a link between COVID-19 vaccination and the development of various cutaneous complications. Lichen planus is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory dermatological illness with an unclear etiology. In this case report, we assessed the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer) and lichen planus diagnosis and evaluated the link between additional doses of the vaccine and disease progression. Methods: Complete clinical, laboratory, and histopathological assessment of a patient was performed with ethical and privacy considerations. Written informed consent for all clinical data, images, and publication was obtained from the patient. Results: New-onset lichen planus appeared 48 hours after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The symptoms worsened following the second dose. The patient responded gradually to topical corticosteroids, and lichen planus was controlled within 21 days. Conclusion: Our case significantly contributes to the literature by highlighting that additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine can contribute to disease progression. Therefore, reporting the patient's condition associated with COVID-19 vaccination should be considered. Future studies should be performed to investigate the combined onset of lichen planus and multisystem COVID-19 vaccine-related complications.

Knowledge and Awareness Among Parents of Pediatric Patients Regarding the Complications of Recurrent Adenotonsillitis and Its Surgical Treatment.

Background Given that parents act as both decision-makers and caregivers for their children, focusing on their experiences in managing their child's complex postoperative recovery is important. Objective To evaluate the parents' awareness regarding adenotonsillar diseases and post-adenotonsillectomy complications in their children. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving parents and guardians of pediatric patients aged 1-14 years scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy according to Paradise Criteria at Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah. A well-constructed, self-administered questionnaire, including questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and those assessing the knowledge of parents/guardians regarding adenotonsillar diseases and post-adenotonsillectomy complications, was distributed to all participants. Results This study included 294 parents (mean ± standard deviation of age, 33.0 ± 6.9 years; range, 18 and 55 years), more than half of whom were males (153, 52%). Overall, 127 parents (43.2%) had a poor level of knowledge regarding the complications of recurrent adenotonsillitis and its surgical treatment. University/postgraduate parents were more knowledgeable than lower educated parents (p < 0.001). Participants with a family history of recurrent adenotonsillectomy were more knowledgeable than those who had no such history (p < 0.001 ). Conclusion The parents/guardians of children scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy had insufficient knowledge regarding the complications of recurrent adenotonsillitis and its surgical treatment, necessitating health education among such a demographic.