Saudi Med J
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To determine the current pattern of using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in diabetic nephropathy (DN), and assess physician awareness of using vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of DN. ⋯ There is a universal agreement among physicians regarding the use of ACEi and ARBs for the treatment of DN with limited awareness of the bene ts of using vitamin D. Hence, the development of specific guidelines for its use are recommended.
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Saussurea costus (S. costus) belongs to family of Asteraceae and is one of the therapeutic plants extensively used as a traditional medicine in Saudi Arabia. Constituents of this plant have the potential to be developed as bioactive molecules. Among Arabs, the prevalence of thyroid disorders ranges from 6.18 % to 47.34% and hypothyroidism has been reported to be the most prevalent. ⋯ Flavanoids and antioxidant properties of S. costus may be an important mechanism involved in supporting its medicinal use. Current data on the possible role of S. costus in thyroid disorders is lacking and the available evidence is inconclusive. This review deal with the current understanding of use and myth regarding the use of this medicinal plant in thyroid disease.
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To assess phosphate binders' usage, knowledge regarding their utilization, and adherence among hemodialysis patients in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Phosphate binders usage is frequent among hemodialysis patients in Qassim centers. Circulating phosphate level was affected by the extent of patients' knowledge of dietary control and adherence to the usage of phosphate binders. Thus, we recommend enhancing patient education in reference to high- and low- phosphate-rich diet to take wise dietary decisions, lower pill burden, and improve adherence toward the control of hyperphosphatemia.
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To translate the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) questionnaire into Arabic language and assess its validity and reliability in scoring the benefit of patients after cochlear implantation in children. ⋯ The GCBI questionnaire (Arabic version) is reliable tool to evaluate retrospectively the quality of life after an intervention in pediatric age for Arabic speaking population.
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To identify the epidemiologic profile of cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) among fasting women using oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with CVT and using OCPs from records at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2016-2017. The study participants were categorized into 2 groups (an intermittently fasting group during the holy month of Ramadan and a non-fasting group). Results: Out of 108 female patients with CVT, 36.1% were secondary to OCP, of whom 41% participants were fasting. ⋯ Dehydration (p=0.003) amongst the fasting group and protein S deficiency (p=0.027) in the non-fasting group were identified as the 2 prominent risk factors. Unfractionated heparin was the most common anticoagulant therapies used during the initiation phase for non-fasting (36.4%) and fasting groups (50%). Conclusion: All women who are using OCP should undergo formal written risk assessments for factors of CVT. Our study suggests that the negative effects of OCPs use might outweigh its benefits; thus, it should be prescribed with caution, more so in fasting patients.