Saudi Med J
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To assess the yield of Papanicolaou tests (pap smears), including the characteristics of abnormal pap smears. Methods: In this record-based cross-sectional study, we reviewed pap smears of patients seen at the Family Medicine clinics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center from January 2002 to January 2017. All women between the ages of 21 and 65 were included. Study-specific case report form was developed to capture patient demographics, pap smear histopathology (Bethesda III System), human papilloma virus polymerase chain reaction (HPV PCR), and the parity status. Results: A total of 3346 patients were included; 2.2% had abnormal pap smear. ⋯ Human papilloma virus infection was detected in 6.5% and all other infections were identified in 9.2% of all screened Pap smears. Conclusion: Pap smears remain an effective tool for cervical cancer screening. Low yields of pap smears compared to other developed countries could be attributed to lower risk factors for cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia. Routine screening especially among high risk women is strongly recommended.
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To validate the web weight gain-based WINROP (weight, insulin-like growth factor I, neonatal, retinopathy of prematurity [ROP]) algorithm retrospectively to identify type 1 ROP in a Saudi cohort of premature infants. Methods: The records of preterm infants (greater than 23 and less than 32 weeks gestation) born between August 2013 and October 2018, were reviewed. Birth weight, gestational age, and weekly weight measurements of the premature infants were entered online. Based on weekly weight gain, the WINROP algorithm alerted clinicians whether infants were at high-risk for vision‑threatening type 1 ROP. ⋯ The specificity of the algorithm was 31.5%. Positive predictive values was 10.5% and negative was 100%. Conclusion: The general WINROP sensitivity in identifying type 1 ROP was 100% similar to that reported in developed countries; however, its specificity was low at 31.5%. Tweaking of the algorithm based on the population may increase the specificity and promote the practical utility of this non-invasive screening tool for ophthalmologists and neonatologists in this population.
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To provide more data regarding the role of an amperometric glucometer in diagnosing meningitis. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at the Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia between March 2017 and September 2018. We measured glucose concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood using a central laboratory and amperometric glucometer (AG). We compared CSF/blood glucose ratios obtained in a central laboratory from clinical bedside examination with a glucometer, and calculated the sensitivity and specificity for detecting cases of meningitis. Results: A total of 101 patients with clinical suspicion of meningitis were recruited for CSF sampling. ⋯ The correlation between CSF/blood glucose by AG and laboratory ratios was substantial (r=0.894, p less than 0.01, 95% CI: 0.805-0.983). The AG sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 55% in pediatric cases, while in neonates the sensitivity was 86% and the specificity was 26%. Conclusion: Amperometric glucometers can be used to detect hypoglycorrhachia accurately. This point-of-care testing tool is easily accessible and can be used by health care providers for cases suspected of meningitis.
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To analyze healthcare workers experiences in dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: An anonymous open web-based survey study was conducted among healthcare workers from the March 2020 to April 2020. A total of 24 relevant questions were asked based on participants' characteristics, obligations, and preparedness in healthcare workers in the event of COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Approximately 1036 healthcare workers participated in this study with high response rate. Out of all the participants, 70% were women, 52% belonged to the 26-34 year age range, 50% were nurses, 33.7% were clinicians, 74.3% agreed to work overtime, 93.1% understand why they should stay past their shift end, 97.7% thought that preventing illness among healthcare workers and providing safety to family members, nearly 94% thought that personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees will enhance their willingness to report to work. Approximately 89.3% express a desire for incentives and financial support for family members. Conclusion: We recommend that providing PPE, reducing psychological stress, financial support and safety to family members of healthcare workers will increase the willingness to report to work.
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To determine the knowledge of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians and factors influencing implementation of the catch-up vaccination program in PHC clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 136 general and family physicians between October 2018 and August 2019 in PHC clinics. A self-administered questionnaire related to knowledge, practices, and factors affecting their practices regarding vaccination was given to participants. Their responses were assessed for level of knowledge, practices regarding the vaccination program, and factors affecting their practices, and then compared between family and general physicians. Results: The majority of physicians (60%) surveyed had good knowledge of the catch-up vaccination program and no significant difference was observed between family and general physicians. ⋯ A statistically significant difference was observed between family and general physicians related to attending educational lectures and seeing children younger than 5 years. General physicians were more involved in the vaccination program. Conclusion: The overall knowledge and practices of the catch-up vaccination program was satisfactory among PHC physicians. However, a lack of family physicians' involvement in the vaccination program was observed that needs to be addressed in their training program.