Effect of immunotherapy in allergic bronchial asthma.

A total of 28 patients affected with bronchial asthma were given immunotherapy in the allergy clinic of King Fahd Hospital of the University. Of the 28 patients, 12 were females and 16 were males. IgE titers over 180 IU, skin tests showed positive reactions to many allergens mainly inhalant. Treatment with subcutaneous injections of immunotherapy was effective.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastropathy: a comparative endoscopic and histopathological evaluation of the effects of tenoxicam and diclofenac.

A 4-week double-blind study compared the potential for 20 mg/day tenoxicam or 100 mg/day diclofenac sodium to induce gastropathy in 36 patients with joint disease and assessed the influence of gastric colonization by Helicobacter pylori. Endoscopic assessment at the end of 4 weeks indicated that the mucosa was normal in 79% of tenoxicam-treated patients and 59% of diclofenac-treated patients. Only 5% of patients in the tenoxicam group developed severe gastroduodenitis (> 11 haemorrhages or erosions) compared with 18% in the diclofenac group. Histological evaluation indicated that 58% and 47%, respectively, of tenoxicam-treated and diclofenac-treated patients retained normal mucosa after treatment. Diclofenac treatment was discontinued in two patients, due to a duodenal ulcer or severe erosive gastritis. Overall, 5/14 patients with moderate to severe colonization with Helicobacter pylori developed severe chronic active gastritis or ulceration, compared with the 1/22 patients in whom colonization was either absent or mild (P = 0.02). Tenoxicam and diclofenac did not show major differences in terms of gastrointestinal safety, although the trends favoured tenoxicam. The presence of severe colonization of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori appears to be an important factor for development of severe gastritis or ulceration.

A study on allergic asthma patients in the allergy clinic, KFHU, Al-Khobar.

A total of 68 patients' records visiting the Allergy Clinic of King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) in Al-Khobar were reviewed. All patients were above the age of 15 years. Out of the 68 patients 37 were females while 30 were males. The record of one patient was missing and therefore, data could not be captured. IgE titres over 180 I.U. were detected in 32 patients out of 46 patients tested. Levels of Ig6, IgA + IgM were normal. Skin tests gave positive reactions to a variety of allergens mainly inhalants. These allergens are comparable to those occurring in other parts of the Kingdom. Family history of atopy was revealed in only less than 25% of patients.

Epidemiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis in two coastal regions of Saudi Arabia.

In a study of 1953 school children living in two coastal urban areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we used a questionnaire to collect details of age, sex, areas of residence, occupation, education, social class, parental history of asthma and information relating to parental smoking habit. The relative importance of those factors on the likelihood of children having bronchial asthma was assessed using logistic regression and a linear modelling analysis. The extent to which these factors affected the severity of bronchial asthma was also examined. A number of statistically significant associations between bronchial asthma and "breathlessness" (P less than 0.001), "Fathers smoker" (P less than 0.001), "usually cough" (P less than 0.001), "pets" (P less than 0.001), "Family history of allergy" (P less than 0.01), were found.

IgE level in Saudi Arabia.

IgE level was studied in Saudi patients attending the outpatient clinics or admitted into King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khober, Saudi Arabia: with diseases of allergy namely bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Over the 4 years period (1982-1986) 148 patients were studied. There were 86 (58%) males and 62 (42%) females. The age distribution showed a peak in the 20-29 age group who constituted 43% of the patients seen. IgE-level was raised in 57% of patients but was within normal limits in 43%. In Saudis IgE levels are not raised in all cases presenting with diseases of allergy.

An aerobiological survey of allergens in al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

A nationwide aerobiologic study is in progress in Saudi Arabia using Burkard 7-day volumetric spore traps to determine the major airborne allergens and their seasonal patterns. Eights months readings have been completed at Al-Khobar, an important coastal city on the Arabian Gulf. Pollen levels showed a double season. An autumnal peak reached its maximum in October rising sharply from the low summer values before falling during the short winter then rising again in springtime. Both local and imported flora were represented with chenopodiaceae, grasses and Ambrosia as the most common botanical groups, identification of the most significant individual species is still in progress. Fungal spores also show distinctive seasonal patterns. In descending rank order from the most common genera were Cladosporium, Ustilago, Alternaria, with Chaetomium and Ulocladium as consistent but minor components. Basiodiospores and Ascospores represented less than 10% of the total spore population, indicative of the dry nature of the climate. Desert dust added an important irritant to the Saudi atmosphere but a major contaminating factor to the aerobiological material being analysed.

The prevalence of allergic disorders in Saudi Arabia: preliminary analysis based on surveying 300 individuals.

Prospective surveying of 300 (150 males, and 150 females) randomly selected individuals was carried out to study the pattern and prevalence of allergic disorders in the community. The mean age was 32.8 and 26.8 years for males and females, respectively. A total of 28 participants (17 males, and 11 females) (9.3%) were found to have personal history of allergic disorders. No significant sex difference was noted in the distributions of those allergies, except for more male predominance for allergic rhinitis. The latter was seen in 7 males and only one female (p = 0.033). Prevalence of bronchial asthma was rather rare as it was identified in only 2 individuals (0.7%). More males (16) than females (2) admitted a positive family history of allergy (P = 0.0005). Most of the familial history of allergic disorders was due to bronchial asthma (11 relatives). We conclude that allergic disorders are common in our local community. However, for more detailed assessment, a larger sample that includes various age distributions and different socioeconomic classes should be screened.

On geographical variations in the normal range of joint motion.

Fifty Saudi Arabian men 30 to 40 years of age without present or previous history of injury or disease related to the lower extremities were randomly selected for measurement of the range of motion in the basic planes of hip, knee, and ankle joint. The results were compared to a similar study from Scandinavia. There was a highly significant difference in external rotation of the hip, flexion of the knee, and dorsiflexion of the ankle. Cultural differences in the activities of daily life are suggested to explain the differences in the range of motion.

The effect of plantation on increased allergic rhinitis in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

In a study done between 1982-1986, 129 patients with allergic rhinitis were followed-up in the Outpatient Department of King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar (Saudi Arabia). Eighty patients were males (62%), 49 patients were females (38%); 71% Saudis, and 29% non-Saudis. Routine laboratory investigations, IgE and skin test were performed. The commonest allergens were pollens, house dust and cat danders. We found that males were significantly more affected than females, particularly in the cases of ages between 20-30 years. Beside the known causes, other factors such as the increase of plantation and local customs are discussed.

Serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia from eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels were determined in 61 sickle cell anaemia patients of various age groups and both sexes in their steady state by nephelometry. Serum IgG was found to be consistently elevated in 46% cases of all age groups. Increase in the levels of IgA, IgM and in the complement values (C3, C4) was also observed. Although the mechanism responsible for these variations was unclear, however, this study gave an idea about the general pattern of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in sickle cell anaemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Sex distribution and common allergens of bronchial asthma in a Saudi Arabian (eastern province) population.

In a study carried out between 1982-1986, 68 asthmatic patients of different ages were followed-up in the Outpatient Department of the King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar. Fifty-two patients were Saudis (78%) while the rest were of other nationalities (22%). The sex distribution was 39 (55.9%) females and 30 males (44%). Routine and skin tests were performed; the IgE was in 70% elevated. The commonest allergens among these patients were house dust, cat danders and D. Pteronyssinus. Females were significantly more affected than males, particularly in the ages between 20-30 years. Among the multiple causes, the local ones such as customs are postulated.

Clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in Saudi patients.

A study conducted to assess the incidence and clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia revealed that the disease is uncommon in this region, only 32 cases being recorded in five years. However, the clinical manifestations of the disease are similar to those observed elsewhere.

Skin testing in an allergy affected population of Saudi Arabia.

Two hundred and ten (210) patients attending the Allergy Clinic of King Fahd Hospital, KFU, with a history of allergy related problems were tested for skin sensitivity. A total of 52 allergens were used. Only 55 patients were found to be positive to one or more of the allergens. House dust and inhalants were the most common allergens. Sixty percent (60%) of the patients had elevated IgE levels though all had evidence of allergy-related clinical disease. Clinical history appeared to be the most sensitive indicator of allergic problems. Skin testing and IgE levels were less sensitive.