Saudi Med J
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To evaluate the various skin conditions diagnosed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Dermatological disorders can occur at various levels of severity in the ICU. Skin infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and drug reactions were found to be the most prevalent conditions.
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To determine the diagnostic efficiencies of multiple diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques for hepatic fibrosis (HF) staging under the premise of high inter-examiner reliability. ⋯ Under the premise of high inter-examiner reliability, DWI and IVIM-derived stretched-exponential model parameters may help stage HF.
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To investigate the referral practices across different medical specialties and identify possible barriers to hand surgery referral. Rheumatoid hand deformities (RHDs) and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis may require surgery once deformities occur. However, in Saudi Arabia, the rate of referrals to hand surgeons remains low. ⋯ Our findings highlight discrepancies in patterns of physician referral of RHD and thumb CMC arthritis cases to hand surgeons, indicating the need for targeted interventions to improve referral rates and enhance patient outcomes.
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To analyze the fertility rate trends in the GCC countries and their association with socioeconomic factors so that policymakers may use the study findings for future healthcare plans. ⋯ The TFR is declining in GCC countries. The plausible causes include the inclination towards postponement of marriages and excessive costs of living. These trends and associations need to be evaluated by policymakers so that they identify priority areas for interventions, allocate resources and formulate developmental plans accordingly to ensure strategic progress of the region.
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To investigate the incidence rate, clinical characteristics across different age groups, antimicrobial susceptibility, and outcomes of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (E. meningoseptica) infections. ⋯ Our study provides valuable insights into E. meningoseptica infection in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of robust infection control measures. Incidence and mortality rates align with global trends. Variations in clinical characteristics across age groups highlight the importance of tailored treatments based on patient demographics and underlying comorbidities.