The Libyan journal of medicine
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Background: Telemedicine became a fundamental part of healthcare provision during COVID-19 pandemic. An evaluation of telemedicine-associated satisfaction helps the service develop more viable applications. This review evaluated the satisfaction of healthcare users and providers and their willingness to use this modality in future. ⋯ Satisfaction was high among both recipient and provider of healthcare. Telemedicine managed to provide a continued care throughout the pandemic while maintaining social distance. The current review presented commendable evidence to encourage different specialities to engage in telemedicine application.
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Multicenter Study
Factors influencing fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis: a multi-center cross-sectional study.
Fatigue has been reported to be the most common symptom experienced by patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Fatigue can lead to a reduction in their ability to engage in both routine and self-care activities, which can negatively affect their self-confidence and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the level of fatigue and the factors that affecting its level among patients receiving uHD. ⋯ The findings of this study gives a broader understanding of factors influencing fatigue among patients with HD that will help to develop strategies of more focused interventions to reduce fatigue among patients with HD.
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Aim: Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are recognized as a major public health concern worldwide. These disorders involve persistent digestive symptoms indicative of digestive tract dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A survey examining the utilisation of probiotics and medicinal plants as supplementary treatments was conducted on 160 patients with GI disorders at healthcare institutions in Saïda from March to April 2023 using questionnaires that had been previously adapted and tested for reliability with Cronbach's alpha test. ⋯ Most patients (82.91%) favoured infusion as their preferred consumption method, and approximately 85.43% believed in phytotherapy's ability to extend symptomatic relief. Conclusion: The understanding of probiotics is still in its infancy, whereas phytotherapy is more widely accepted by patients. Nonetheless, patients are open to the exploration of natural alternatives to conventional medicines.
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Observational Study
Radiographic evaluation of teeth with pulp stones and pulp canal obliteration: characteristics, and associations with dental parameters.
The study aimed to radiographically assess the characteristics of pulp stones (PS) and pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in teeth and examined their associations with various dental parameters such as caries, restorations, periodontal status, and age. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University between September 2022, and May 2023, involved 101 patients exhibiting 402 teeth with PS or PCO. Data were collected from periapical and bitewing radiographs, and analyzed by two calibrated dentists. ⋯ Around 40% of teeth with PCO showed signs of periapical changes, a finding significantly different from those with PS (p < 0.001). Pulp calcifications were significantly associated with various dental parameters, including caries presence, age, and periodontal status. The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology and aetiology of pulp calcifications.
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Biomarkers that could reliably anticipate the effectiveness of antihistamines and omalizumab in treating chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have not been conclusively identified. Our objective was to examine how eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), tryptase, D-dimer, and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) impact the response to antihistamine and omalizumab treatments in individuals with CSU. ⋯ In this study with CSU, we looked at predictors of responses to treatments. ECP can serve as a marker of poor urticaria control and may predict antihistamine refractoriness along with D-dimer.