Saudi Med J
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To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) status and metabolic syndrome (MS) among Saudi patients attending King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The mean plasma Hcy level was 10.52 µmol/L, and 40% of the patients exhibited elevated Hcy status. Male patients had significantly elevated Hcy levels compared to female patients (p less than 0.001). In addition, plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with diabetes (p=0.021) and hypertension (p less than 0.001). The prevalence of MS within the study population was 51%. Homocysteine levels were associated with the presence of MS independent of demographic, anthropometric and biochemical variables (odd ratio 1.018; 95% confidence intervals 1.011 -1.047). Conclusion: Plasma Hcy levels were elevated in 40% of the MS patients. Homocysteine had weak association with the presence of MS. Additionally, it was associated with some of its components individually. This study has raised the importance of investigating the association between Hcy status and MS among a representative sample of Saudi population. Additionally, examining possible association and interaction between Hcy level and specific component of MS is suggested to be explored in future studies.
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Observational Study
Psychosocial predictors of quality of life among chronic hemodialysis patients.
To examine the association of several psychosocial disorders with quality of life (QoL) among chronic hemodialysis patients. ⋯ We report higher QoL and relatively better psychosocial profiles among current chronic hemodialysis patients than reported before. Psychosocial disorders specially anxiety can negatively impact QoL. Patients who were not cognitively impaired were more negatively affected in QOL. The findings re-emphasize the importance of the early detection and management of psychosocial disorders to improve QoL in chronic hemodialysis patients.
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To assess the existence of subclinical atherosclerosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in comparison to age, gender and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors matched controls. Methods: A cross-sectional study, 100 RA patients and 150 age, gender and CVD risk factors matched controls were recruited between June 2019 and December 2019. Detailed history, physical examination, and ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries for the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and for the presence of atheroma, had been carried out. Differences between RA and controls carotid structural changes were carried out using t-test and Chi-test. ⋯ Patients with RA showed more sub-clinical atherosclerosis with thicker cIMT at 0.60±1.4 versus 0.56±0.09 mm, (p=0.03). cIMT is a surrogate marker for the presence of atherosclerosis and a predictor for the cardiovascular disease progression. Rheumatoid arthritis patients had more carotid atherosclerotic plaque; 21 (21%) patients versus 6 (4%) healthy controls (p less than 0.001). Conclusion: Subclinical atherosclerosis is more prevalent among RA patients of the GCC than the control participants.
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Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) are frequently recognized during the perinatal period. Delayed diagnosis is reported usually within the first decade of life with diverse clinical presentations. ⋯ This phenomenon was confirmed by cystourethroscopy that showed obstructive valve. Endoscopic ablation resulted in significant improvement of his seminal parameter with successful conception.
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To translate and cross-culturally adapt a Swedish questionnaire to Arabic to assess the awareness of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia regarding the availability of an accurate and safe prenatal screening procedure. ⋯ An Arabic translated, and culturally validated questionnaire related to the attitudes, knowledge, and self-perceived probability of delivering a child with chromosomal abnormality. Conclusion: We translated and validated the NIPT questionnaire to assess the attitude and awareness of pregnant women regarding the availability of the NIPT.