Saudi Med J
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To analyze predictors of death in elderly patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: A record-based study carried out between January 2016 and January 2018 at The central province in Saudi Arabia. All elderly patients (greater than 75 years) with definite diagnosis of ACS were retrospectively included. Demographic data, echocardiographic, and angiographic parameters were reported. Results: A total of 179 patients were enrolled, 129 (72%) were male. ⋯ In addition we found that ejection fraction was lower in death group (30.2%±10.7) vs. (36.5%±1.1) in survivors, p=0.017); STEMI was more common in death group (90.5%) vs. (52.5%) in survivors, p=0.001); similarly, the prevalence of 3VD was higher in death group (38.1%) vs. (20.9%) in survivors, p=0.018). Importantly, PCI was not significantly different between death and survival groups (40% vs. 53.8%, p=0.177). A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that predictors of death were: age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.214; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.122-1.384; p less than 0.0001), intubation (HR, 10.106; 95% CI, 9.844-10.792; p less than 0.0001), and raised creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) (HR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.002-1.013; p=0.04) predicted in hospital death. Conclusion: Older age, mechanical ventilation and raised CK-MB can significantly predict death in elderly patients (greater than 75-year-old) diagnosed with ACS; nevertheless, PCI showed no survival benefits.
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To assess the mass casualty incident (MCI) preparedness of pre-hospital care providers in Saudi Arabia and to identify and highlight their strengths and weaknesses when responding to MCIs. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted between January 2017 and 2018 and included all Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) general administration branches in 13 regions in Saudi Arabia. The modified version of the emergency medical specialists (EMS) incident response and readiness assessment (EIRRA) tool was used in this study. Results: The Makkah region has the largest number of ambulances and medics vehicles, followed by Riyadh. Makkah and Al Madinah Al Munawarah obtained a median score of 4 and showed substantial preparedness for MCIs. ⋯ In addition, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the overall median scores and the number of physicians (r=0.656 and p=0.015). Conclusion: The SRCA showed substantial preparedness in Makkah and Al Madinah Al Munawarah. The SRCA were highly prepared to face MCIs.
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To compare the occurrence of gastric insufflation during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, using facemask ventilation with different ventilation volumes. ⋯ Facemask ventilation with a ventilation volume of 8 ml/kg seems to have adequate preoxygenation and avoid excessive gastric insufflation during anesthesia induction in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
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To identify the knowledge and attitudes of medical students at Jazan University towards hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: This cross-sectional study involved all medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between October 2018 and February 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire that has been used in a previous study conducted at Mayo Medical School, Minnesota, USA. Results: Out of 800 students, 744 completed the questionnaire (the response rate was 93%). Sixty-seven students (9%) were already registered in the Saudi stem cell donor registry (SSCDR). ⋯ However, the students who registered in SSCDR had better knowledge and attitudes towards HSCT than the unregistered. Long-term side effects of HSCT were the most common concern of the participants. However, time commitment was the major concern of the registered students.
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To describe causes of blindness and visual impairment (VI) in children in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A record-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical records of patients aged 2 to 16 years who were following up in the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinics, Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia between September and December 2018 were reviewed. Causes of vision loss according to visual acuity (VA) with best correction were recorded. Blindness was defined as VA less than 20/400, VI as VA from 20/400 to 20/60, and visual loss as VA of ≤20/60. ⋯ Genetic or congenital causes are major factors causing blindness. Most causes are treatable and preventable, emphasizing on early detection and treatment of those causes.